How's your walk today? Are you walking in victory or defeat? Hold your head up. Did you take time for breakfast (of your spirit) this morning to get the strength you need to face the fiery darts of today? Remember, it's they that "wait upon the Lord that shall renew their strength," and every day you need renewed strength to face the schemes of the enemy.
Imagine those on the front lines for us in Iraq and Afghanistan. They don't have time to dwell on yesterday's victories or defeats, because their enemies are not resting. No one rests until the war is over. Today, they have to fight for their lives afresh and so do you.
"Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs - he wants to please his commanding officer." 2 Timothy 2:3, 4. One of the major strategies that Satan uses to distract us is one of busyness to take our eyes off of what is important. We all have to contend against this assault. Life comes at us fast. Richard Foster in his insightful book, "Celebration of Discipline," (I highly recommend everyone who wants to grow in their walk with Christ to read this book,) quotes a monk who once said, the busier his day, the more time he has to spend in the morning to hear from God. In our culture today we do the opposite and that's why at the end of the day we feel so defeated. The more hectic your schedule, the heavier your work load, the more nourishment you need to see you through. Wouldn't you agree?
Remember, you are not alone. No trial, "no temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." (1 Cor. 10:13)
Hebrews 11 recounts numerous saints that have fought the good fight before us. Hebrews 12:1-2 says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Verse 3, "Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Be encouraged. You are not alone.
Take a break to recoup and rebuild your strength if you failed to do so this morning or simply need more strength to face the rest of the day. Take a spiritual lunch break or 15 minute break to regroup (pray) and sharpen your sword to fight the remaining battles of the day. Don't be deceived. Be ever watchful. Your enemy is on the prowl. But smile; square your shoulders, lift your chin in faith, pray, sing or hum a song of praise and recall the Word of the Lord that you've hidden in your heart. You must make a conscious effort to employ these weapons of the spirit. Now charge!
Hi Beverly,
ReplyDeleteThis is my first visit to your blog; I find this post encouraging. Too often, busyness becomes the overriding reason to delay, postpone or conveniently put off spending time with God; I know because it happens to me. It takes practice to have a disciplined approach and to successfully implement it.
For me, I use the first hour of my day as a time for prayer, study and meditiation. Others may prefer mid-morning, noon, afternoon or evening but I enjoy the early morning just before the rising of the sun. It is quiet and peaceful for me.
I believe that no matter when the time is used, the important element is that one uses it; having the understanding that I need to be refreshed and empowered to face the challenges in my life.
Thanks for sharing the words of encouragement. I look forward to reading more of what you share on the topics of Christianity, faith and discipleship.
Blessings and peace.
MTJ
Beverly,
ReplyDeleteThank you for this good message - it was just what I needed to hear today. My sons have had an unexpected "hardship" present itself to them today. They are quite discouraged. And any time my sons are upset - well, it also affects Mom. This post was just so inspiring. I don't know what I'd do without my daily time reading my Bible, and speaking to the Lord. And what ENCOURAGEMENT there is in knowing that JESUS understands it all.
NOW CHARGE!! (Loved this!)
GOD BLESS!
What I'm finding through this blogging experience is that we're encouraging each other. I think that's pretty cool. Isn't God awesome! Thank you guys for being an encouragement to me as well.
ReplyDeleteHi Beverly -
ReplyDeleteThank you - this piece ministered...
You reminded, "hold your head up," "recoup,"
and "square your shoulders." Yes, helpful indeed...
Hi Beverly,
ReplyDeleteI love how you weaved 2 timothy 2:3-4 in to your opening paragraph. No, I did not take time for my spiritual breakfast this morning. I am so exhausted today from lack of sleep. I barely got out of bed this morning. And when I did, I rushed to get dressed and get to work. Interesting, though, what the monk said. The busier his day, the more time he has to spend with the Lord. I have to remember that. Because the day will go a lot more smoother if we spend some time with Him fortifying ourselves and resting in his promises. I prayed for the Lord to make me as surefooted as a deer today. So far I'm getting through it. :-)
And yes we must be on guard against the schemes of the devil. He is so crafty. Thanks for a great post as usual. Amen!
That's what we're here for, to link arms and hold each other up. Each of us has different strengths and minister differently to the body of Christ, but each is important.
ReplyDeleteLove you guys!