Week 5 - Totally Off Guard

1 Peter 5:8

Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

I grew up in a comparatively rough neighborhood for the rural northern plains.  Drugs were readily available and violent crimes such as rape and even murder were part of my neighborhood's legacy.  Still, the day I was attacked while out for a walk took me totally off guard.

It was the beginning of another beautiful summer day when I was approached by the neighborhood paper boy. We knew each other well.  We had played softball together for years.  His mother often watched my sister and me while my parents worked.  We had pretty much grown up together.  So you can imagine my surprise when he approached me armed with a rolled up newspaper in each hand and began to beat the living tar out of me!  From the way I felt by the time he had finished with me, I would have to say it must have been a Sunday.

Fortunately the attack was short lived and aside from several scrapes and bruises, I'd recover.  As for my pride, well that took the longest to heal.  I felt so humiliated and ashamed.  It was as if I thought it was all somehow my own fault.  As if somehow I should have seen it coming.  What's worse is that even to this day, I have no idea why he attacked me.

In 1 Peter 5:8 we are told of another enemy.  Satan is described in this passage as a roaring lion seeking someone to devour, someone like you and I.  How much do you know about this formidable foe?  Will you be prepared the next time he attacks?  Here are some facts you should know.  He has never been equal to or more powerful than God.  He was created by God along with the other angels.  Pride was his downfall.  Even though he may be "prince of this world", it is only by divine, permissive will and to accomplish God's own purposes.  He is not

Omnipresent like God; he can only be in one place at one time.  He is the father of every deception; it is his primary tool against believers along with doubt, shame, fear and blame.  His main objective is to make the clean feel unclean.  You see, he already knows there's nothing he can do about our eternal destiny.  Christ made the way for us by His sacrifice on the cross and the matter was settled the moment we believed.  So what does he have to gain by attacking us?  He can destroy our testimony and prevent us from reaching out to others for Christ.  In our daily walk, we need to stay focused on the truth, put on the full armor of God and seek God's help.  If we can do that, we will never be caught totally off guard.

~Up Close and Personal~

Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation? 

Have you ever been caught off guard by the evil acts of someone you viewed as basically a good person? 

So often, we try to view life in black in white.  We don’t expect someone who appears to be kind and good to be capable of causing us any harm.  On the flip side of that, we often judge others unfairly if their appearance doesn’t fit our idea of what a good person should look like.  If Satan’s primary tool is deception, we may have to dig a little deeper than outward appearances to have discernment in our relationships.  Matthew 7:16 states “By their fruit you will recognize them.  Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?”  This is a clear indication that whatever is in someone’s heart, is reflected in how they choose to live and the fruits of their labor. 

Does it make you uncomfortable to learn about the enemy and his ways?

Our goal here is to gain an understanding of the truth.  It is necessary in order to protect ourselves from the enemy’s attacks.  Since he is the master of all deception, we certainly don’t want to make his job any easier. Understanding who he is and his tactics will not only protect us from others with ill intent, it will prevent us from allowing Satan to use us to hurt others. 

~Name It~

Read 1 Peter 5:8 aloud.

What are we advised to do in this scripture?

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert.  While it is true that Satan has no power over you of his own.  Our ignorance to his schemes could lead us to unknowingly giving him the power he seeks.  The last thing we want to do is cooperate with him!  It’s also important to understand that as we draw nearer to God and seek to do His will, we become more of a target for the enemy because he has more to lose from the effective life of a person who loves and serves God. 

How is Satan described in the second portion of this scripture?

Just as a lion on the hunt will single out the weak, he will pursue you when you are at your weakest.  This truth is not meant to fill you with fear.  It is meant to help you understand the importance of maintaining a close relationship with your Father in Heaven.  He will provide us all the protection we need.

~Claim It~

Dear Heavenly Father, as I look back over my life, I can see how many times Satan has hit his mark with me.  I have struggled with so much false shame.  Father, I pray that you would help me see the truth in all things.  Help me understand who I am.  Allow me to see through Satan’s lies.  Help me to trust you and your word.  Give me discernment in all my relationships so that they will honor and glorify you. 

In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

Week 4 - Singing to the Cows

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

When I was a child one of the things I enjoyed doing was singing to the cows on our friend's farm.  Okay, by now you've probably figured out that I was a weird child.  Nonetheless, I would perch myself up on the top rail of the fence and sing my heart out.  I was curious to see if I could evoke a positive response from them.  You might say it was an experiment in the power of love and tenderness.  Sadly, for the most part, the cows were unaffected by my presence.  Sure, they showed interest at first.  But once they figured out there was no food or water to back up my "sermon" on love, they eventually wandered off.

Looking back now, I have to wonder.  If I had really wanted to show them love and tenderness, why didn't I come down from my perch and walk beside them?  I could have offered them a tuft of fresh grass to nibble on or ran my hand across their backs. 

Fear!  Fear is what kept me up on that fence.  After all, these animals were massive beside my small frame.  They could be very unpredictable, even mean at times.  Not to mention what I'd have had to walk through just to get alongside one of them.

So what were the results of my experiment?  I learned that to truly show the power of love we need to get down off our fences.  We can sing until the cows come home; sorry, I couldn't resist; but if we don't get down in the mud and meet some real needs, all we're really doing is making a whole lot of noise.  And yes, there will still be some fear.  But God is with you.  He would not send you out in the world to do His will without equipping you to accomplish it as is demonstrated in Ephesians 2:10. 

~Up Close and Personal~

Have you ever let fear stop you from offering a gesture of love and kindness to someone in need?

Did it ever occur to you that the very opportunity you avoided out of fear was one God had predestined you to fulfill?

Isn't that what Ephesians 2:10 states?  Let's examine this passage phrase by phrase. 

"For we are God’s workmanship" - workmanship means something made or produced; the quality imparted to something in the process of making.  So essentially, we are created by God in a specific way, with specific qualities and/or abilities.   

"created in Christ Jesus to do good works" - once we are in Christ Jesus, part of our purpose is to glorify Him through doing good works.  Now, it's important to note that good works follow accepting Christ as our savior.  They are not a means to gain salvation.  Salvation is a free gift of grace offered to us by our Heavenly Father.  Good works are also not a means to retain salvation.  Once you accept Christ as your Savior, you are sealed with the Holy Spirit.  Nothing can take your newfound position in Christ away from you.  Nothing!

"which God prepared in advance for us to do."- prepared in advance.  Picture it this way.  The Omniscient God, who has complete knowledge and understanding of all things past, present and future, prepared opportunities and purposes for you to fulfill within your lifetime. 

Put it all together, and you have an amazing truth!  It was as if God scanned the future, saw a need and created you for just that purpose!  When I think back now at all the times I chose my actions based on my own fears rather than trusting God and fulfilling His destiny for me, it breaks my heart!  Can you think of any missed opportunities you had to glorify God and share His love?

Have you ever noticed that actions speak louder than words?  This is especially true when your goal is to share God's love and truth.  Maybe we each need to ask ourselves "Am I really making a difference, or am I just singing to the cows?"

~Name It~

Read Ephesians 2:10 aloud.

Are you ready to embrace all that God has planned for you? 

Would your life be more fulfilling if you accepted God's purpose for you?  Perhaps you've been asking yourself "Why am I even here?" 

You are an amazing child of God!  One of His most treasured creations.  Your destiny awaits you!  Let's ask God to lead you to it!

~Claim It~

Dear Heavenly Father, this is such an amazing truth to me!  I've often struggled to believe that you would ever choose to use someone like me.  I feel so honored and blessed!  Please forgive me for all the times I let fear and doubt stop me from fulfilling your calling for me.  Lord, I pray that you would help me trust you so that my fears no longer keep me from my destiny to glorify you!  Father, I know this is not something I can do on my own.  I gladly accept your help!  Thank You for showing me my role and my purpose for your kingdom!  Thank You for Your perfect plan for my life!

In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

Week 3 - Some Assembly Required

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

Have you ever found yourself camped out on the middle of the living room floor for hours trying to assemble something you just purchased?  Maybe it was a bike for your child or a bookshelf for your home office?  If you're like many people, one of the first things you do is toss the instruction booklet aside.  After all, how complicated can it be?  But, like many frustrated consumers, you soon realize it's going to take a bit more thought and time than you anticipated before the finished product finally emerges.  As for the left over kickstand or that decorative piece of molding, well, you didn't really want those features in the first place, right?  I mean really, who does the manufacturer think he's dealing with?  Some amateur?  Yes, they designed the product and yes, they would know how best to assemble it.  But shouldn't I still be able to do things MY way?  After all, I paid for it, right?  Sound familiar?  Unfortunately this scenario plays out in many other areas of our lives. 

The book of Genesis details how God created Earth and all its inhabitants.  You might say God is the ultimate manufacturer!  And like any great manufacturer, he developed a very comprehensive instruction manual for his creation, that being the Bible.  In it you will find all the information you need to live the life you were created to live. 

Now, we can insist on doing things our way; God gives us that choice.  But why?  Why would we ever want anything less than the best for ourselves and our loved ones?  Don't you think that the one who created us would know what was best for us?  Still, how many devoted Christians go days, months or even years without ever reading God's word?  Beloved child of God, hear me on this one!  This is one instruction booklet you can't afford to toss aside!  You can't follow the Lord if you don't know the way.  Take time to read and absorb God's word.  It will be one of the greatest blessings you will ever experience!  "And the truth shall set you free".

~Up Close and Personal~

Can you think of a time in your life where you insisted on doing things your way only to realize later that you had ignored some valuable advice?

Have you ever found comfort and direction when you turned to scripture? 

Many people seek help from God's word when they are facing difficult times.  There are excellent resources available that lead us to the exact scripture we need based on our struggles.  If we need courage, these resources may lead us to 2 Kings 6:16.  If it's comfort we seek, we may be directed to turn to Matthew 11:28.  And although this practice affords us great help in some of our most difficult times, we may be missing out.  God has so much more in store for you!  His plans for you are better than you can even imagine.  In order to tap into all that our loving Father has waiting for us, we need to read His word on a consistent basis.  Do you struggle to devote regular time for reading God's word?  If you do, why do you think it's so difficult?

Did you know that reading God's word is a lot like drinking water?  At first it can be very difficult; maybe even unpleasant.  You may even question if you're doing yourself any good.  But if you persist, before long you develop an ever increasing thirst.  So much so, that missing out on just one glass of water or one day of reading leaves you feeling parched and depleted.  And as time goes on, the benefits to feeding your soul regularly with God's word will amaze you!  Wouldn't it stand to reason that if getting into God's word in a crisis is life-saving, then getting into His word every day would be life-preserving?  I mean really, who couldn't use a little preventative maintenance every now and then?

~Name It~

Read Psalm 119:105 aloud.

What is the promise in this scripture?

God's word lights our way.  It directs us in which way we should go.  So, the One who created it all, who loves us unconditionally and who always seeks what's best for us has given us written instructions on how we should live.  Maybe the question isn't why should we read God's word.  Maybe the question is why in the world wouldn't we?

~Claim It~

Dear Father, thank you so much for your word!  I pray that you would help me make reading it a priority in my life.  I can see now that I have been missing out on so much of what you lovingly offer me.  Create in me a thirst to know you.  Fill me with a renewed passion to study your word and help me apply it to my everyday life.  Forgive me when I insist on doing things my way.  Extend your loving grace to me when I fail to seek my answers from you. 

In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Week 2 - Respond in Love

Psalm 37:8

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret-it leads only to evil.

Proverbs 15:1

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

One of the activities I loved as a child was horseback riding.  Whenever my sister, our friends and I decided to go, we always drew straws to see who would have to bridle Pearl.  Pearl, named for her beautiful pearly white coat, was an older, very stubborn horse.  If you didn't approach her just right, you were in for a fight!

On one particular occasion, my sister, a fiery red head with a short fuse, was the lucky one to take on this near impossible task.  After several failed attempts, we could see her patience was wearing thin.  Finally, in an outburst of frustration and anger, she slammed the bridle down on the ground and turned to stomp away.  Not to be outdone, Pearl also turned a complete 180 degrees and using both hind legs, kicked my sister squarely in the rear end, sending her soaring!  She looked like a baseball player diving for home plate in a World Series game!

Fortunately, the only thing my sister injured was her pride.  In fact, the rest of us bore the brunt of the scrapes and bruises when we fell off the fence we were perched atop.  We were laughing so hard, we simply couldn't control ourselves! 

~Up Close and Personal~

Most of us probably don't have to deal with a stubborn animal like Pearl in our day to day lives, but we can encounter other people that test our limits.  Often we can react to others in a way that only makes matters worse.  When was the last time your temper got away from you?

Who was involved and what were the circumstances?

 

Looking back, did your reaction help or hurt the situation?

God's word encourages us to respond in a better way.  In fact, one of His greatest commandments to us is to love one another.  This is second only to His command to love Him.  If you search the scriptures for this commandment, you will also note what it doesn't say.  It doesn't say love one another only when you agree with them.  It doesn't say love one another only when they make you happy.  Do you see where I'm going with this? 

My challenge for you today is to choose God's way and respond in love rather than reacting in anger.  How is that possible?  Forgive me if this next statement offends you.  I believe it's impossible on our own!  Sure we may find some success for a time.  Maybe we count to ten?  Maybe we leave the situation to regain our composure?  These are both great methods that have served me well.  However, the only way I can somewhat consistently respond in love to the difficult people and situations in my life is to lean on God for His help.  And therein lays a magnificent truth about our Heavenly Father.  Whatever He asks of you, whatever He commands, He is fully aware of just how much help we need to carry out His wishes.  And not only is He ready and willing to assist us, it is His delight! 

Are you facing a difficult situation right now?  Is there someone in your life right now that you are having difficulty tolerating, let alone loving?  Maybe it's time to stop counting to ten and start counting on Him?  Share your struggle with Him.  Offer it to Him in prayer and seek the help we all desperately need.

~Name It~

Read Psalm 37:8; Proverbs 15:1 aloud.

What is the promise included in Psalm 37:8?

Psalm 37:8 promises that if we do not cease from anger and wrath; if we continue to fret or worry; it will lead us to do evil.  I do not believe this text is referring to the momentary anger we may feel when the initial incident occurs.  That reaction is only natural.  I believe this text is referring to our propensity to dwell on the incident well past the initial injury.  Have you ever noticed how much worse a situation seems once you retell it to another?  With each recollection, our anger grows.  If we dwell on it long enough, what began as a relatively minor infraction can balloon into a relationship destroying monster.  It can lead us to behave in a way we may think is justified, but in truth is evil.  Can you think of a situation in your own life that you dwelt on for so long that your anger consumed you? 

What are the promises included in Proverbs 15:1?

 

If we are gentle in speech, it will turn away wrath.  If we speak harshly, it will stir up anger.  I believe these promises are relating to our initial reaction in the heat of the moment.  If we can choose to respond with kindness in spite of how we may be feeling, we will help diffuse the situation.  If we choose to respond based solely on our emotions, we will only make matters much worse.  We don't have to be a slave to our emotions.  We can choose what we know is right no matter how we may feel.   We can pray for God's help to do just that.

~Claim It~

Dear Heavenly Father, as I encounter difficult people in my day to day life, help me remember your unfailing love for me.  Help me choose to do what's right no matter how I may be feeling.  Help me trust that absolutely nothing happens in my life without you first allowing it.  Help me see each difficult situation as an opportunity to build character and to demonstrate my obedience and love to you.  Help me see beyond the emotions of the moment and to focus on the lasting effects my words and actions will have.  Help me to forgive and prevent me from harboring anger and bitterness.  Give me the compassion and patience to respond in love. 

In Your heavenly name I pray, Amen.