A Plan for Each Day...

Several years ago, when I was seeking the Lord to break areas of addiction in my life, this verse became my theme song. 

"Blessed be the Lord my Rock,
Who trains my hands for war,
And my fingers for battle..."
Psalm 144:1

Jesus was calling me to meet with Him every morning and get that day's "battle plan." HE was the One training me to break the enemy's grip on my life and He would never tell me to do something that His Spirit wouldn't enable me to do. 

Many days when I came to the Lord to get that special directive, I'd get the same nudge of the Spirit to do the same thing He had told me to do the day before. The quicker I was to obey and respond...He would move me onto the next step. Little did I know that I was learning to hear His voice daily. Little did I know that the devil was being defeated...by my every advance. It also taught me how to maintain my freedom when absolute freedom came.

Did I not come some mornings? Sure. Did I come and then not listen? Sure. But, did I stop coming even when I bombed out? He never revoked His invitation to meet with Him.

What do you need freedom from? Pornography, gossip, anger, gambling, substance abuse....the list could go on and on. Surely there are many facets to experiencing true freedom in Christ, but getting a daily battle plan from the Lord's heart to yours is probably... the sweetest.

photo: kvtes

Are We...Giving Place...to Something?

Are you ready for a short, little verse...(with a big punch)?

"nor give place to the devil."
Ephesians 4:27

The original Greek word used for “place” here is “topos.” You know…my Big Fat Greek Wedding...a lot of our English words are derived from Greek. It is the same root word that means topography, geography, or location. Paul is advising here not to give ground to our adversary. Paul is telling us, don’t give the devil an inch, because he wants and will take a mile…if we let him.

Where is this “place?” Usually it is the realm of our soul: our hearts and minds; our thoughts and emotions. When we allow the enemy entry to places we shouldn’t…well…it is a bummer. He loves to take ground and set up a stronghold. In other words, this darkness can get a strong hold on us in the form of our thoughts, our actions, addictions, and behaviors we can’t seem to break no matter how hard we try.

But…enough talk about the evil one and let’s talk about the overwhelming love and power of the One and Only. He came to destroy every…EVERY…work of the devil (1 John 3:8). Jesus came to literally untie every knot the enemy has worked into our lives. And, best of all Jesus REALLY wants us to be free…AND…it is never …too late.

So…don’t give up. Keep looking up. Seek Spirit-filled help. Seek the Lord and let His Word bring healing (Psalm 107:20). Freedom may come in an instant or you may gain ground back one inch at a time over a period of time. Yet…Deliverance is yours in Jesus’ Name.

I am living proof.