Today's Passage: Matthew 26:57-63
Memory Verse: Same
Thursday April 1, 2010
Blessings Friends & Lifers! As we get closer to the observance of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, I grow more and more sensitive to what Christ went through on that faithful weekend. Let me ask you something. What is the defense for something you're guilty of?
Jesus was arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin where several people testified falsely against Him. Later, Caiaphas, the high priest (I know right?), asked Jesus if He was the Christ. Jesus simply answered "It is as you said". They then began to beat and mock Him as they pronounced Him to be killed. Wow! If you were being accused of something you didn't do this defense would be easy. If were being called someone you weren't, you'd have no problem speaking up for yourself. But when's the last time someone accused you of being a christian.....and you were guilty? If so, what was the evidence that led to your conviction? Was it you who loved the widow? Was it you who blessed the children? Who prays every morning for the expansion of the kingdom of God? You? Who gives their time to service to the ministry and community? You? If you were on trial (like Jesus) for living righteously, would you be found guilty?
God places us in particular situations for a purpose. He puts us in the midst of our unsaved friends and family members for a reason. The reason is He wants us to be salt and light. He wants us to be the example of love and holiness He intended "them" to be. But when they charge us with being a christian, or a "goody 2-shoes", or a person who thinks they're all that, we give in to the pressure with statements like "nah man, I'm just like you". Then we proceed to talk like they talk and do what they do to appease them. God says we were on trial for being christians and pleaded NOT guilty. You know it's true. In fact, Peter, one of Jesus' disciples was the first to do it.
Our challenge today is to do a better job of standing up, and standing out. Jesus wasn't afraid to be who He was. My eyes fill with tears when I think of how He wasn't too embarrased or scared to keep it real for me in the face of His adversaries. I would've deserved His turning away from me. But He stayed. He stayed to say I'm guilty of being love, being hope, and being light. So find a way to show your faith. And when the doubters come in with their persecution, let them know how much you'll always love Jesus. Trust me, they like that kinda stuff!!!
Prayer:
Thank You Jesus for saving me. Without Your blood, I would not have a right to be free from my sin. I believe You died for me, and was resurrected by God. Therefore, You are my Savior and the source of my life. I will praise Your name forever....Amen!
H.U.M.P. Day!!!
Wednesday March 31, 2010
Blessings, Friends & Lifers! As we observe this Resurrection Sunday version of H.U.M.P. (His Ultimate Mission & Purpose) Day, let us be reminded of the fact that we live (have covenant w/God) because Jesus lives (conquered the grave). Jesus took away the sting of death; giving us the privilege of eternal life with God (1 Cor. 15:55-57)
We must understand that death is NOT the image you get of the cold, breathless corpse. That, my friends, is simply a "transition". It is the inevitable journey from natural to spiritual, temporal to eternal, and corruptible to incorruptible. We will all have to take that journey one day. However, the true definition (or description if you will) of death is "eternal seperation from God". That's a journey you don't have to take. So I leave you with 2 questions today: (1) Do you want to die? and....(2) Are you dead already?
Your mission is to share the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ with someone who may not know Him...
Blessings, Friends & Lifers! As we observe this Resurrection Sunday version of H.U.M.P. (His Ultimate Mission & Purpose) Day, let us be reminded of the fact that we live (have covenant w/God) because Jesus lives (conquered the grave). Jesus took away the sting of death; giving us the privilege of eternal life with God (1 Cor. 15:55-57)
We must understand that death is NOT the image you get of the cold, breathless corpse. That, my friends, is simply a "transition". It is the inevitable journey from natural to spiritual, temporal to eternal, and corruptible to incorruptible. We will all have to take that journey one day. However, the true definition (or description if you will) of death is "eternal seperation from God". That's a journey you don't have to take. So I leave you with 2 questions today: (1) Do you want to die? and....(2) Are you dead already?
Your mission is to share the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ with someone who may not know Him...
The Passover Lamb
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Today's Passage:Exodus 12:1-13
Memory Verses: Ex. 12:13; Ps.91:7-8
Today marks the Jewish celebration of the Passover, during which the children of Israel saw God's mighty hand deliver them from the bondage of Egypt. His instructions to them were to sacrifice a lamb without blemish, to be used for covering the doorposts of every household that the lamb represented. In this way, when the death angel visited Egypt, he would "pass over" their houses and only strike the houses of the Egyptians.
It was extremely important for the Israelites to follow God's instructions to the letter, especially the one about the lamb being spotless. It had to be the purest possible lamb that each household could find. In order to be protected from the plague that would wipe out the firstborn of the Egyptians, God would accept only the best sacrifice from His people.
Isn't it just like our God to supercede Himself by providing another opportunity, years later, for not only a nation, but an entire world, to be set free from the oppression of the enemy? In order to have the death angel "pass over" us, all we have to do is receive the Spotless Lamb, unblemished by the sin that runs in our blood, into our hearts. He has already been approved by the God of the Universe, Who loved us enough to give up His only Son so we can legally walk out of satan's grasp.
If you've already given your life to Christ, this is your reminder to celebrate the awesomeness of our deliverance through Him, our Spotless Passover Lamb. But if you're reading this, and you've never understood what all the fuss was about some prophet being killed 2,000 years ago, here's the answer to that question. What did we gain? The blood that was shed on the cross doesn't get plastered on a physical door; this time, it's a transfusion that replaces the sin-contaminated blood given to us by our ancestors, Adam and Eve. And because of that blood, we are now heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ Himself.
Everytime God sees that blood inside of us, He has the legal right to shield us from the plagues afflicted by the enemy's angels of destruction. Today, if you don't know this Christ, ask Him to come and live inside your heart today. But if you do, please don't spend another moment burdened down with sadness and pain that He already paid for with His precious blood. Walk in the freedom that is freely given to you. Just as the Pharaoh of Egypt had to let the children of Israel go, satan has to take his hands off of you and everything that's yours. All because of Jesus, our very own Passover Lamb.
Prayer: Father, I can only live out the rest of my days in service and gratitude to You for giving me Your very best. Thank You for thinking of me when He was on the cross. May my life be a fraction of the sacrifice to You that He was for me. I love You forever. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage:Exodus 12:1-13
Memory Verses: Ex. 12:13; Ps.91:7-8
Today marks the Jewish celebration of the Passover, during which the children of Israel saw God's mighty hand deliver them from the bondage of Egypt. His instructions to them were to sacrifice a lamb without blemish, to be used for covering the doorposts of every household that the lamb represented. In this way, when the death angel visited Egypt, he would "pass over" their houses and only strike the houses of the Egyptians.
It was extremely important for the Israelites to follow God's instructions to the letter, especially the one about the lamb being spotless. It had to be the purest possible lamb that each household could find. In order to be protected from the plague that would wipe out the firstborn of the Egyptians, God would accept only the best sacrifice from His people.
Isn't it just like our God to supercede Himself by providing another opportunity, years later, for not only a nation, but an entire world, to be set free from the oppression of the enemy? In order to have the death angel "pass over" us, all we have to do is receive the Spotless Lamb, unblemished by the sin that runs in our blood, into our hearts. He has already been approved by the God of the Universe, Who loved us enough to give up His only Son so we can legally walk out of satan's grasp.
If you've already given your life to Christ, this is your reminder to celebrate the awesomeness of our deliverance through Him, our Spotless Passover Lamb. But if you're reading this, and you've never understood what all the fuss was about some prophet being killed 2,000 years ago, here's the answer to that question. What did we gain? The blood that was shed on the cross doesn't get plastered on a physical door; this time, it's a transfusion that replaces the sin-contaminated blood given to us by our ancestors, Adam and Eve. And because of that blood, we are now heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ Himself.
Everytime God sees that blood inside of us, He has the legal right to shield us from the plagues afflicted by the enemy's angels of destruction. Today, if you don't know this Christ, ask Him to come and live inside your heart today. But if you do, please don't spend another moment burdened down with sadness and pain that He already paid for with His precious blood. Walk in the freedom that is freely given to you. Just as the Pharaoh of Egypt had to let the children of Israel go, satan has to take his hands off of you and everything that's yours. All because of Jesus, our very own Passover Lamb.
Prayer: Father, I can only live out the rest of my days in service and gratitude to You for giving me Your very best. Thank You for thinking of me when He was on the cross. May my life be a fraction of the sacrifice to You that He was for me. I love You forever. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Resurrection Week!!!
Today's Passage: Matthew 10:5-8
Memory Verse: Matthew 26:14-16
Monday March 29, 2010
Blessings Friends & Lifers! As you know, this is the week we begin to focus our attention on the crucifixion and resurrection of our Savior. We'll discuss certain aspects of that time in our devotions this week.
We arise today knowing that we are disciples of Jesus Christ. We are His followers. We are the people who took up our crosses to follow Him. Do you remember where you were when He found you? Do you remember what you were doing? If you were like Matthew, He found you while you were cheating, stealing, or being unfair to someone. If you were like Peter or Andrew, He found you wasting away at work; with no real purpose or destiny. Some of us He found in adultery, and some in other sins or trangressions. But the end result is the same. You are a disciple. Which means in one meeting, He changed our lives forever and we now desire to live for Him.
Now I have a question for you. Of the original disciples, which one are you most like? Is it John? Peter? James? Matthew? Or Judas? Would you believe we often start our day wanting to be like John, but by the end of the day we become like Judas? How so? Let's go to the word. Matthew 10:5-8 reveals one of Jesus' first commands to the disciples. He said not to go in the way of the gentiles (world), not to go in the city of the samaritans (unbeliever), but go after the lost of Israel. He said preach saying "the kingdom of heaven is at hand", heal the lepers (sick), raise the dead, and cast out demons. Whew! What a day...! There's hardly any time for me and what I want. When are we going to shop, eat, or watch Sportscenter? What about what "I" need? See, living the life of a disciple is not easy. That's why starting the day like "John" and finishing like "Judas" is a common occurrence. When Jesus wouldn't be what Judas wanted Him to be, he had to make a choice. Instead of waiting and following, Judas chose to replace Jesus with instant gratification (Matt 26:14-16). So I ask again, which disciple do you resemble most?
I challenge you today to stay focused. Don't let thoughts of "self" overtake you. Don't allow them to get you off the path of discipleship. John was the disciple who was after Jesus' heart and you should be too. Anytime we misinterpret Jesus' place in our lives we set ourselves up to betray him for a temporary reward that's only going to lead to our destruction. Jesus is our Savior and our Lord. We owe it to Him to stay faithful!!!
Prayer:
Today Lord I become aware of who I am in comparison to who You are. I realize I must follow you in every aspect of my life. I will keep my mind on You and the plans You have for me. Forgive me for times I've allowed myself to be distracted by my own desires. I'm Yours forever and ever, in Jesus' Name...Amen!
Memory Verse: Matthew 26:14-16
Monday March 29, 2010
Blessings Friends & Lifers! As you know, this is the week we begin to focus our attention on the crucifixion and resurrection of our Savior. We'll discuss certain aspects of that time in our devotions this week.
We arise today knowing that we are disciples of Jesus Christ. We are His followers. We are the people who took up our crosses to follow Him. Do you remember where you were when He found you? Do you remember what you were doing? If you were like Matthew, He found you while you were cheating, stealing, or being unfair to someone. If you were like Peter or Andrew, He found you wasting away at work; with no real purpose or destiny. Some of us He found in adultery, and some in other sins or trangressions. But the end result is the same. You are a disciple. Which means in one meeting, He changed our lives forever and we now desire to live for Him.
Now I have a question for you. Of the original disciples, which one are you most like? Is it John? Peter? James? Matthew? Or Judas? Would you believe we often start our day wanting to be like John, but by the end of the day we become like Judas? How so? Let's go to the word. Matthew 10:5-8 reveals one of Jesus' first commands to the disciples. He said not to go in the way of the gentiles (world), not to go in the city of the samaritans (unbeliever), but go after the lost of Israel. He said preach saying "the kingdom of heaven is at hand", heal the lepers (sick), raise the dead, and cast out demons. Whew! What a day...! There's hardly any time for me and what I want. When are we going to shop, eat, or watch Sportscenter? What about what "I" need? See, living the life of a disciple is not easy. That's why starting the day like "John" and finishing like "Judas" is a common occurrence. When Jesus wouldn't be what Judas wanted Him to be, he had to make a choice. Instead of waiting and following, Judas chose to replace Jesus with instant gratification (Matt 26:14-16). So I ask again, which disciple do you resemble most?
I challenge you today to stay focused. Don't let thoughts of "self" overtake you. Don't allow them to get you off the path of discipleship. John was the disciple who was after Jesus' heart and you should be too. Anytime we misinterpret Jesus' place in our lives we set ourselves up to betray him for a temporary reward that's only going to lead to our destruction. Jesus is our Savior and our Lord. We owe it to Him to stay faithful!!!
Prayer:
Today Lord I become aware of who I am in comparison to who You are. I realize I must follow you in every aspect of my life. I will keep my mind on You and the plans You have for me. Forgive me for times I've allowed myself to be distracted by my own desires. I'm Yours forever and ever, in Jesus' Name...Amen!
Why Do You Praise Him?
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Today's Passage:Matthew 21:1-11
Memory Verses: Psalm 100:4-5
You probably know the story well. One week before Jesus was crucified, He made history in Jerusalem. He entered the city in much the same way as a king did in that day who had just returned from defeating and conquering the lands of his enemies. Finally, after more than three years of doing his earthly ministry in almost a secret manner, He decides to reveal Himself as who He really was: the King of all kings.
And the people ate it up. They received Him like the king He professed to be, lining the streets with palm branches and even the clothes off their backs. They shouted at the top of their lungs: "Hosanna! Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord!"...As often as I've read this story, I've always wondered why it was so easy for those same ones who paid honor to our Lord to turn their backs on Him in the matter of a few short days.
Then I noticed a line in that passage that had escaped me before. It said the city was moved, and wondered, "Who is this?" (v. 10). This gave me a new perspective on the mindset of the people who were adoring Jesus that day. Most of them didn't have a clue who He was. They simply happened to be in an exciting place on an ordinary day. As a result of this, when the Jews realized that He wasn't going to march up to the governors and demand to be politically recognized as a Jewish king, they demanded that He be put to death. And so, the ones who just went along with the praise without even knowing Him must have been the very ones who went along with the condemnation. After all, to them, He was just another Jew who never did anything special for them.
Which brings me to my question: why do YOU praise Him? When the praise team asks everyone to lift their hands and worship, or shout unto God with a voice of triumph, do you do it just to go along? Or do you see a series of images flashing through your mind's eye of all the times He's brought you out, lifted you out of the traps the enemy is constantly setting for you, and reassured you of His presence in the midst of trouble?
This morning, as you get ready to go into the service, don't wait until the praise team invites you to praise our Lord. Enter His gates with thanksgiving on your lips. Thank Him for everything -- especially for the price He paid for saving you. And if you're going through an especially trying season in your life, let your praise, combined with the praise of your sisters and brothers in Christ, transport you into His presence to be filled and healed. For the Lord is good, and His mercy endures forever. From this day forward, may you never just be a bystander again.
Prayer: Father, I am so very grateful for the extreme measures you took to set me free. Today and everyday,let my praise be as abounding and freely flowing as Your love, mercy and grace towards me. I love You now and always, and will worship Your Son forever. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage:Matthew 21:1-11
Memory Verses: Psalm 100:4-5
You probably know the story well. One week before Jesus was crucified, He made history in Jerusalem. He entered the city in much the same way as a king did in that day who had just returned from defeating and conquering the lands of his enemies. Finally, after more than three years of doing his earthly ministry in almost a secret manner, He decides to reveal Himself as who He really was: the King of all kings.
And the people ate it up. They received Him like the king He professed to be, lining the streets with palm branches and even the clothes off their backs. They shouted at the top of their lungs: "Hosanna! Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord!"...As often as I've read this story, I've always wondered why it was so easy for those same ones who paid honor to our Lord to turn their backs on Him in the matter of a few short days.
Then I noticed a line in that passage that had escaped me before. It said the city was moved, and wondered, "Who is this?" (v. 10). This gave me a new perspective on the mindset of the people who were adoring Jesus that day. Most of them didn't have a clue who He was. They simply happened to be in an exciting place on an ordinary day. As a result of this, when the Jews realized that He wasn't going to march up to the governors and demand to be politically recognized as a Jewish king, they demanded that He be put to death. And so, the ones who just went along with the praise without even knowing Him must have been the very ones who went along with the condemnation. After all, to them, He was just another Jew who never did anything special for them.
Which brings me to my question: why do YOU praise Him? When the praise team asks everyone to lift their hands and worship, or shout unto God with a voice of triumph, do you do it just to go along? Or do you see a series of images flashing through your mind's eye of all the times He's brought you out, lifted you out of the traps the enemy is constantly setting for you, and reassured you of His presence in the midst of trouble?
This morning, as you get ready to go into the service, don't wait until the praise team invites you to praise our Lord. Enter His gates with thanksgiving on your lips. Thank Him for everything -- especially for the price He paid for saving you. And if you're going through an especially trying season in your life, let your praise, combined with the praise of your sisters and brothers in Christ, transport you into His presence to be filled and healed. For the Lord is good, and His mercy endures forever. From this day forward, may you never just be a bystander again.
Prayer: Father, I am so very grateful for the extreme measures you took to set me free. Today and everyday,let my praise be as abounding and freely flowing as Your love, mercy and grace towards me. I love You now and always, and will worship Your Son forever. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
It's In The Garden
Today's Passage:Genesis 2:8-10
Memory Verse:John 19:41-42
Saturday March 27, 2010
Blessings, Friends and Lifers! I pray you're on the verge of a restful weekend that culminates with high praise to God on Sunday. Anyway, do any of you have a garden? Do you have a "green thumb"? My answer to those questions are no and no. But lately I've been on a spiritual quest to break down the significance of a garden.
First, the origin of any garden is "purpose". If one wanted a garden, what would be the reason? Would you use it to beautify your lawn, or feed your family, or to bring income to your household? If you try to plant a garden without a purpose you won't have the commitment and dedication it takes to see it through to harvest time. Secondly, a garden has to be in a good "position". Planting a garden in a place where there's not enough sun or shade can be detrimental to its health. Then you have to have good "ground/soil". Without this, you don't have anything. You'll be putting seed into a ground that won't yield anything. The soil you use has to be soft and ready to recieve seed for growing.
God used a garden in two significant areas of the bible. In the beginning, he put Adam & Eve in a garden. Genesis 2 said God's garden was in Eden. In that garden, He made every tree to grow that was pleasant to the sight and good for food. He also put a river in the middle that parted into four riverheads. The whole purpose for this garden was to provide nourishment for Adam and a place of visitation for Him. But Adam & Eve disobeyed God in that garden. Sin was introduced, and they both had to endure being separated from God. Now flash forward to John 19:41. It says, "Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no-one had been laid. So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews' Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby".
I love the way God finds a way to put things back the way He intended. His intent was to have God and man together in the beauty of a garden. After the devil used Adam and Eve to mess up the plan, God restored His plan with Jesus (the Lamb who was slain from the foundation of the world.
Our challenge today is to recognize that, because of what Jesus did, we are now God's individual gardens, planted with the purpose of being used produce after our own kind for His kingdom. When you feel the pruning hand of the Master Gardener, which may sometimes be a painful process, embrace it and count it all joy. Know that the beautiful fruit that is produced through you will bless and provide nourishment for others for generations to come.
Prayer: Father, I yield myself to Your workmanship today. You make ALL things beautiful in their time, so I have no doubt that You have found a way to take the messy, twisted vines my life used to be and turn them into the breathtaking, organized and useful fruit that people will see and enjoy. I love You and live to ever bring You glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Memory Verse:John 19:41-42
Saturday March 27, 2010
Blessings, Friends and Lifers! I pray you're on the verge of a restful weekend that culminates with high praise to God on Sunday. Anyway, do any of you have a garden? Do you have a "green thumb"? My answer to those questions are no and no. But lately I've been on a spiritual quest to break down the significance of a garden.
First, the origin of any garden is "purpose". If one wanted a garden, what would be the reason? Would you use it to beautify your lawn, or feed your family, or to bring income to your household? If you try to plant a garden without a purpose you won't have the commitment and dedication it takes to see it through to harvest time. Secondly, a garden has to be in a good "position". Planting a garden in a place where there's not enough sun or shade can be detrimental to its health. Then you have to have good "ground/soil". Without this, you don't have anything. You'll be putting seed into a ground that won't yield anything. The soil you use has to be soft and ready to recieve seed for growing.
God used a garden in two significant areas of the bible. In the beginning, he put Adam & Eve in a garden. Genesis 2 said God's garden was in Eden. In that garden, He made every tree to grow that was pleasant to the sight and good for food. He also put a river in the middle that parted into four riverheads. The whole purpose for this garden was to provide nourishment for Adam and a place of visitation for Him. But Adam & Eve disobeyed God in that garden. Sin was introduced, and they both had to endure being separated from God. Now flash forward to John 19:41. It says, "Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no-one had been laid. So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews' Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby".
I love the way God finds a way to put things back the way He intended. His intent was to have God and man together in the beauty of a garden. After the devil used Adam and Eve to mess up the plan, God restored His plan with Jesus (the Lamb who was slain from the foundation of the world.
Our challenge today is to recognize that, because of what Jesus did, we are now God's individual gardens, planted with the purpose of being used produce after our own kind for His kingdom. When you feel the pruning hand of the Master Gardener, which may sometimes be a painful process, embrace it and count it all joy. Know that the beautiful fruit that is produced through you will bless and provide nourishment for others for generations to come.
Prayer: Father, I yield myself to Your workmanship today. You make ALL things beautiful in their time, so I have no doubt that You have found a way to take the messy, twisted vines my life used to be and turn them into the breathtaking, organized and useful fruit that people will see and enjoy. I love You and live to ever bring You glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
No Strings Attached!
Friday,March 26, 2010
Today's Passage: Proverbs 9:1-6;10-18
Memory Verse: John 10:10
On any given day, you can find hundreds of offers in your inbox on the website that provides you free e-mail access. "You have been chosen to receive $100." Or, "You have won $1,000 from this or that store." All you need to do is type in your e-mail address or your zip code. Lured by the word we all like to hear, "free", you timidly send a signal to the computer through a click of your mouse that lets them know you have accepted their offer.
Then, like a bird that's been baited into a trap, you find that you've just been re-routed to a whole new page that asks for more personal information, and most of all, a commitment to give them permission to deduct money from your credit card. The entire time, that trap had been set for you, although you hoped it would be different than the last ten times this happened to you.
Our Christian walk is very similar to this scenario. Outside of Christ, everything that's offered to us is packaged in shiny wrapping paper, attempting to lure us into a situation that would ultimately lead to destruction in some area of our lives. Even though our minds know this, sometimes it seems as if we just have to give in to the "click" of the button of whatever the temptation is.
In times of hardship in our lives, it's extremely important for us to guard our hearts so as not to open ourselves up to being lured by the enemy. For example, if you're feeling lonely or unloved, that is not the time to be alone in a potentially compromising position with a person who is not your spouse. Another example of this is when your finances are tight. If you're already having financial problems, why would you give in to accepting a loan? This is obviously another trap set by the enemy to ensure you never become financially free.
The challenge we face daily is walking under the umbrella and in the counsel of the All-Wise God. He loves us unconditionally, and places demands on us that are only for our good. I pray that today you will find it in your heart to hear His Voice alone, for only there will you be safe from the enemy's traps -- no strings attached.
Prayer: Father, I can't thank You enough that You saved me from the enemy's snare. I will hear You daily, watching at the posts of Your Spirit of Wisdom. The voice of the stranger I will never follow again. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: Proverbs 9:1-6;10-18
Memory Verse: John 10:10
On any given day, you can find hundreds of offers in your inbox on the website that provides you free e-mail access. "You have been chosen to receive $100." Or, "You have won $1,000 from this or that store." All you need to do is type in your e-mail address or your zip code. Lured by the word we all like to hear, "free", you timidly send a signal to the computer through a click of your mouse that lets them know you have accepted their offer.
Then, like a bird that's been baited into a trap, you find that you've just been re-routed to a whole new page that asks for more personal information, and most of all, a commitment to give them permission to deduct money from your credit card. The entire time, that trap had been set for you, although you hoped it would be different than the last ten times this happened to you.
Our Christian walk is very similar to this scenario. Outside of Christ, everything that's offered to us is packaged in shiny wrapping paper, attempting to lure us into a situation that would ultimately lead to destruction in some area of our lives. Even though our minds know this, sometimes it seems as if we just have to give in to the "click" of the button of whatever the temptation is.
In times of hardship in our lives, it's extremely important for us to guard our hearts so as not to open ourselves up to being lured by the enemy. For example, if you're feeling lonely or unloved, that is not the time to be alone in a potentially compromising position with a person who is not your spouse. Another example of this is when your finances are tight. If you're already having financial problems, why would you give in to accepting a loan? This is obviously another trap set by the enemy to ensure you never become financially free.
The challenge we face daily is walking under the umbrella and in the counsel of the All-Wise God. He loves us unconditionally, and places demands on us that are only for our good. I pray that today you will find it in your heart to hear His Voice alone, for only there will you be safe from the enemy's traps -- no strings attached.
Prayer: Father, I can't thank You enough that You saved me from the enemy's snare. I will hear You daily, watching at the posts of Your Spirit of Wisdom. The voice of the stranger I will never follow again. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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