So Sneaky


Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Let’s ponder war strategy for a moment. How do opposing sides attack each other?

Quietly. A sneak attack, surprising the enemy.

Plans are top secret. Spies infiltrate.

When the other side doesn’t expect you, it’s way easier to win.

D-Day even had rumors of other attacks, alternate landings, confusing the enemy.

Even though thousands of precious soldiers died that day, they won because the enemy was surprised.

If the Nazis had known, D-Day would have been a disaster. And our world today would likely look way different.

Shifting our attention to the enemy of our souls, it’s no different.

Do you honestly think the enemy will announce himself with large banners, shouting his presence to attack?

When someone is robbed at gun point, does the robber allow the victim to get ready to respond?

When an arsonist seeks to set fire to a property, do they call the owner, informing them of impending doom?

It’s absurd. Attacks are meant for harm. Understandable and necessary in war, but cruel in life.

We are living in a spiritual battle. And we must be ready. At all times, because the enemy will not announce himself.

He will come in quietly, swinging at your most vulnerable parts for fatal blows.

Be assured he watches you. Has known you for your whole life.

He knows your weaknesses. Where to strike you so it hurts real bad.

Are you prone to people pleasing? You’ll bend over backwards so others like you.

Rejection? His lies will confirm untruths still lying dormant in your brain.

Perfection? Same thing. You’ll feel less than every time.

Stand up. Take back your ground, given to you by God’s authority dwelling in you.

Romans 8:11 reminds us “if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you”.

God’s life in you. His power. His authority.

God is the victor. He has already won the war. And the enemy knows it.

He’s here to kill, steal, and destroy relationships, reputations, and lives. Yours, mine, and our family’s.

Don’t let him. Be ready. 1 Corinthians 16:13 says, “Be on guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong”.

God will stand with you, silencing the enemy’s accusations.

Dress for battle as Ephesians 6 describes.

Lift yourself and your family to God each day, asking for his protection, filling you with himself in your mind, body, soul, and spirit.

Don’t sit down in your soul anymore.

Stand and fight with God, whose power will slay the enemy to his knees.

Photos by stefan kroegerCatherine MerlinJonathan Kemper, & Nik Shuliahin  on Unsplash

Freedom Walk

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Romans 8:11

Are you as free as you can be?

As Christians, we profess to be free from death, sin, and the grave.

Free from eternal damnation.

And yes, that would be correct.

As a Christian, you have placed your trust in Jesus, and He has paid the penalty for your sin.

So, yes, technically, you are free from all of the above.

But what about freedom as we step upon this earth?

Are you walking as if you are free?

Just because you are free from the penalty of sin, does not mean you are free from its effects.

Do you feel pitiful and ugly when someone ignores you?

Do you feel a rush of anger when someone wrongs you?

Do you feel sarcastic while belittling someone who doesn’t understand you right away?

Do you put others down, lifting yourself up instead?

Do you put your needs first, serving your number one above all else?

Do you refuse to look at life through the lens of another, wanting your way instead?

How are you at listening?

Or, gasp, asking for forgiveness when you are wrong?

How are you at even admitting you are wrong?

Do you help others before asked?

Leave the room better than before you walked in?

When we do not clothe ourselves with the fruits of the spirit, walking as Jesus did, we are not free.

When we jump to satisfy ourselves over others, we are not free.

When we listen to lies in our head, we are not free.

When we become defeated in our many mistakes, we are not free.

Only with the power of God, can we break the chains that bind us.

Speak Jesus’ name over what binds you.

Over your flesh that speaks louder than your spirit.

Cancel the enemy’s assignments and send it to the dry desert.

Ask Jesus to cover you with His wisdom, power, strength, and joy.

And remember, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you.

That, my friends, is freedom.

Photos by Michael BaccinRikke HembreAnita Austvika, & Olivia Snow on Unsplash

God’s Power

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:11

As our thoughts are focused on Jesus this Easter weekend, let’s think a moment on God’s power.

God created all things.

God (Jesus) lived on earth as a human.

Folks, He never sinned.

Even when hungry, He never snapped.

Even when tired, He still blessed others.

Even knowing how He was about to die, He still did.

For you and for me.

He allowed Himself to carry our sinful burdens to die in our place.

But He didn’t stay there.

He rose from the dead, conquering sin and death once and for all.

He healed.

He set people free physically, mentally, and spiritually.

And He’s sitting at the right hand of God Almighty, interceding for us each day.

That’s power.

Real God power, not fake movie power like Marvel or DC (sorry folks!).

But that same real power from God lives in us as Christians.

Romans 8:11 says so.

It says if God dwells in us (through the Holy Spirit), then God will give His life to our bodies as He lives within us.

God, who raised Jesus from the dead, will live within you.

I want that life surging through my veins.

How about you?

Ask Him.

Continue asking Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit.

Stop dragging your feet around in misery.

Stop focusing on all of the crud life has thrown your way.

Stop listening to Satan’s lies you know deep down are not true.

And focus on God.

He raised Jesus from the dead.

And He can raise you to life here on earth just the same.

But you must choose to rise up from your grave of sin, death, and destruction.

Fling off the dirty rags of self.

With God’s power, you will be set free to live for Him on earth.

Today, declare Jesus lives in me and I choose to focus on Him.

Hallelujah, He is risen.

He is risen indeed!

Photos by Timothy Eberly, & Yannick Pulver on Unsplash

Unbelievable Power

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.   And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.  Romans 8:11

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He will give life.

To you.

Right now.

So here’s a question:

Why is any Christian walking around defeated?

Full of self pity or poor me?

Why do we let anger drag us down to the pit?

Why do we allow worry to fill our brains with dread?

Why do we become overwhelmed with life?

Because we forget.

We forget whose we are.

Are you wandering aimlessly through life, cowering at every arrow thrown your way?

Or…

Are you walking with purpose in every step, deflecting arrows whenever they fly?

The same power that raised Jesus from the dead.

That’s unbelievable power.

And it lives in you.

Stand taller and be bold.

Don’t let annoyances steal your joy.

  Repeat to yourself: “None of these things move me……!” 

God’s power in you is to be used for His glory.

Pray for others.

Serve others.

Show God’s love to the world.

His power will shine through you if you just ask.

And there’s plenty to go around.

Photos by Jackson David, Guillaume de Germain , & David Banning on Unsplash