Small Seed for 12-10-14

Put On Your Armor.  

^“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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. 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 11-17 (NIV)

Examine each piece of armor. Which piece do you need to focus on right now? For me, I think boots of “readiness” are what I need. I need to be ready to do what God calls me to do. I need to be ready to step in at the drop of a hat to help someone, not be too busy or wrapped up in myself. 

Do you think about struggles and trials in your life as coming from evil. How can God’s armor help? 

Prayer focus: Pray that God helps you change and to make wise decisions.

Action Step: Show love in some way to another person. Suggestion: Give a Starbuck’s gift card to a store clerk or cashier and tell him/her that you just wanted to show God’s love to him/her.

Small Seed for 12-9-14

This Is A War Zone.

“Then the dragon was angry with the woman, and went off to make war on the rest of her children, those who keep the commandments of God and hold the testimony of Jesus.” Revelation 12:17 (NSRV)

Do you sometimes feel like you are at war with Satan? This year has been one of spiritual growth and maturity for me and I have been under several spiritual attacks. Perhaps, in the past, I was attacked, but didn’t recognize them for what they were. God has been teaching me about how the devil attacks and how to recognize them.

We are in a war. Are you in the battle? Are you effective in fighting him off? When have you noticed attacks?  

For me, it’s  happened as I have moved out strongly in the way God wanted me too.  Satan's thrown disapproval from a close friend my way. He’s whispered doubt to me, so that I thought I was having a panic attack. He’s tried to separate the Church through trials. But, no. he’s not going to win. I’m aware and vigilant. We are at war and he can’t win.

Prayer focus: Evil in the world
 

Action Step: Show love in some way to another person. Suggestion: Write a love note to your spouse and leave it under his/her pillow.

Small Seed for 12-8-14

Build Up The Weak (and the Difficult?)

“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” Romans 15:1-3 (NIV)

What does this Scripture mean to you? To me, it means not giving up on people. They may act nasty. They may treat us badly, but they need Christ as much as we do. 

I should pursue them as Christ pursued me, loving them, treating them as the Lord treats me. It’s hard, but that’s what we should do…even with difficult people.

Prayer focus: Difficult People in your life
 

Action Step: Show love in some way to another person. Suggestion: Leave a very generous tip the next time you go out eat with a note that says, “I was blessed today by your service. Thank you.”