Before I start I want to send out a very BIG thank you to a couple of our very best friends; Jose and Cata- your encouragement and leadership make so many things possible in our lives. A few months back as a couple they decided to lead a small group of military families in bible study each and every week- although Jose wasn't sure he was cut out to lead the group he felt in his heart that it was important. I am so very thankful that he didn't let his fear stop him, because each and every week they prepare such a wonderful Bible study for all of these families. Every member of our group is now apart of our family (and it just keeps growing!), we are truly blessed.
With all that being said, this weeks lesson was eye-opening and its just too wonderful not to be shared. Our group is in the second week of a new study called "Twisting the Truth" by Andy Stanley (I very highly recommend it).
All Is Not As It Seems-
When we sit back and think about the world around us it can quite simply be overwhelming and frustrating at the same time. To me its almost impossible to watch the news anymore because things taking place around us are so evil and absolutely unbelievable. Sometimes stories will pop up that are too much to wrap your mind around- what explanation could their be to justify their actions? The only way that any of it can be justified is the devil- 'the schemer and deceiver,' as the book states.
The devil may not sneak into our own personal lives like he does with these people we hear about on the news, but he sure can make his way into our lives when we least expect it. I mean this is why he is so very good at it; his schemes and deceptions can start out as something very small and it unravels into something we never could of imagined happening in our lives. Think back in your own personal life- have you ever told a lie and it eventually turned into something that ruined friendships? What made you tell that lie in the first place? This question is very tricky for most of us because many of us have a list of reasons why we told the lie- we justify our actions. This is just simply the devil continuing his schemes and deceptions. We told that original lie because the devil worked his way into our life within a split second- we don't want to be labeled as liars so we continue with lie (once again the devil is winning) until we ruin a friendship or any type of relationship.
One verse in our study this week that really touched me was Ephesians 6:12, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." From this day forward for the rest of my life I believe that this is a verse that I will have to remind myself of daily. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood. Wow! When I am angry or frustrated with people in my life- I instantly become mad at them. Paul says that this surely isn't who we should be struggling with and blaming. The blame belongs to spiritual forces of evil- not your husband, not your friend, not your sister or brother, not your parents- not anyone except the forces of evil. Its always important to remember this; It's not just what you see.
How do we keep the devil from working his way into our lives- turn to Ephesians 6:10-18 and remind yourself of these verses often.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.
Now truly think about how you can protect yourself from twisted thinking.
No comments:
Post a Comment