Thinking about your teachings gives me better understanding than my teachers and obeying your laws makes me wiser that those who have lived a long time. I obey your word instead of following a way that leads to trouble.” (Psalm 119:99-101)
Satan, that sly old serpent, would deceive and beguile… but, the knowledge to defeat him is in God’s word—the Bible. If I don’t meditate daily in God’s word, I don’t and won’t know how to defeat Satan! It’s kind of like baking a cake with the oven turned to broil rather than bake. I did that once, accidentally. All the ingredients were there, and all were fresh. I got distracted and punched the wrong button. The cake did not turn out right, due to my careless lack of knowledge. I had allowed Satan to distract me.
Some of you are hurting because you’ve allowed Satan to distract you. You are too busy to take time to meditate in God’s word for His daily peace… You are overwhelmed or frustrated by worldly thinking or work. Just as we need a drink of water to refresh us, so we need the “living water” from our Bibles for a quick “picker upper”.
REST. In today’s world we need to learn it’s ok to say no. Just because a thing seems good doesn’t mean we can be in two different places at the same time. A phone call for help may distract you and your cake may burn.
That call to cancel a commitment may get your immediate attention and end with a burned birthday cake. Yes, frustration! God did not give me a job too hard for me. He said my burden would be light and yoked easy to Jesus.
God is our first priority; family is our second. Then all this “other stuff” that sounds and looks good but comes suddenly pressing on us may be Satan’s constant attempt to get us off into wrong thinking or direction. All the technology, tweets, texts, robo-calls, and TV alerts can make life too, too much. We must see that Jesus gives us choices of good and evil.
How do I discern? Revelation and difference come by asking for revelation from His Word… pausing… resting… and listening to His still small voice. “You have been my teacher, and I won’t reject Your instructions. Your teachings are sweeter than honey. They give me understanding and make me hate all lies. Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk.” (Psalm 119:102-105) Lord, I must get Your words into my head, heart, and spirit to get understanding.
All my life a key ingredient to wellbeing is taking time alone with God. I find my strength in Jesus and take His example… I go off to be alone with Father God.
When worldly things start pressing in and seem overwhelming, that’s my cue. I need to go off to be alone with God for refreshing, re-dedication and fellowship. When I don’t, I fail… am stressed… make mistakes.
Receive the simple joy of being with you with your Heavenly Father! Thank you, Father for loving us. Thank you for Jesus and your Holy Spirit. Because of Jesus sacrifice, we are forgiven. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we can do greater things. It is Thanksgiving month, then Christmas. Friends, please join me as I commit to KEEP priorities to spend time alone with God and so be available to serve when needed!