Good vs. Evil

I had a little epiphany this morning while I was doing the dishes from breakfast. You know, one of those times where the Holy Spirit spoke something into my heart and it was like a light bulb went off inside my head. To back track, recently my friends and family have been under attack in a major way. I'm not gonna go into specifics, but let's just say that the devil is working overtime trying to hurt God's people and His church. We are standing on Gods promise to never forsake us and we know that He will work everything out for our good and for His glory. This morning I felt the Lord tell me that the difference between good and evil is that evil never rests!!! It hit me like a ton of bricks... Now don't start analyzing and think I'm off my rocker here. I'm in no way saying that God takes breaks and rests or that He isn't always there working things out on our behalf. It's not God who takes breaks, it's His people who do! That's right, stop and think of all the times that you've skipped church to watch you favorite team play on Sunday. Think of all the times you were too "busy" to read your bible or pray. Think of all the times you felt that nudge from God to help someone in need and simply said "I'm too busy!" Now you see where I'm coming from. 1Peter 5:8 tells us how the devil walks around like a roaring lion seeking to devour us. The devil never takes a break, but he loves it when we do. When we decide to chill and not read The Word, or relax instead of talking to God, or when we turn our back on those in need so that it won't inconvenience us, we have openly given the devil space to take advantage of. We all get tired and we all feel down from time to time. But these are the times to cling to our Savior with the most fervent devotion so that He can give us rest and peace that passes all understanding. We as Gods people have to take a stand and not rest on our faith. We have to take the enemy on head long everyday and be ready to serve the Lord at all costs. Don't let the enemy get a victory today by your inaction or because you want to take a break. Thank God that He never takes a break and is there for us whenever we need Him!!! Psalm 13:5-6 New Living Translation (NLT) 5 But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. 6 I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me.

Strength...

I don't have to worry about anything anymore! God is with me and He's here to strengthen me in every situation. I recently was invited to a bachelor party for a friend of mine from work. I was extremely nervous about going because I didn't want to go any place that might be in direct conflict with my core values and beliefs. Plus the fact I know that I have an addiction to alcohol and therefore have no business being in a bar or tavern. I decided to go and bring a fellow coworker who is a Christian with me. We all had a blast and it was a great witness to our coworkers to see us go out with them, not drink, and have a good time while sipping on diet coke!!! Was it difficult being in that setting? Sure it was. I spent most of the time in my former club life in a bar or ice house with my buddies. Was the urge to drink overwhelming? NO. Honestly I prayed that God would help me to have no desire to drink and He absolutely came through. It's like I told a coworker who is constantly ribbing me for being a "Jesus Freak", if I drink one beer or go to a strip club with you guys in your eyes and the eyes of everyone we work with I'm a hypocrite. He agreed that it would look bad. I'm not saying that a Christian can't have a drink every now and then, but in this setting they wanted to see if I was strong enough to stick to my guns and my faith. The impact of all those guys going back to work and telling everyone how much fun they had with the us, "Jesus Freaks" who didn't drink, has been awesome. God will strengthen you in every situation and will work them out for His good and your good. You have the ability to be strengthened in any situation. All you have to do is ask! Psalm 16:8 New Living Translation (NLT) 8 I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.