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Are You AWOL?

Last week’s post addressed the importance of location during times of battle. I continued pulling the thread of location and soon found myself returning time and time again to the word AWOL. I knew the term, but…

I did some research and discovered AWOL is an acronym for Away Without Leave. It’s a military term describing a soldier who is not where he is supposed to be.

Unfortunately, I know what it’s like to be AWOL as a Jesus-follower. I also know I don’t like the consequences of being AWOL.

When I’m AWOL, I’m isolated, vulnerable, and unreliable.

Isolation makes me vulnerable to the enemy, but it also prevents me from being a reliable friend.

Read what it says in Ecclesiastes about friends.

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NLT)

Now read what it says in Proverbs.

“A friend shows his friendship at all times —
    it is for adversity that [such] a brother is born.” Proverbs 17:17 (CJB)

Both of these Scriptures tell us a friend is close by, aware of what is happening in our lives, and available to help. In Hebrews, we’re told to “not forsake the gathering.” Why? Read a little further in Ecclesiastes and see what it says.

“A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT)

Those of us who are Jesus-followers are two (us and Holy Spirit). When you and I are together, we are three; Holy Spirit, you, and me! A cord of three strands.

How about you? What has God taught you about the dangers of isolating yourself from other Jesus-followers?

Something I found interesting: Someone who is AWOL is NOT a deserter.

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Location, Location, Location!

George and I have visited a lot of Battlefields during our forty-two plus years of marriage, and I can tell you the location of the battle and the positioning of those on the battlefield play a huge role in the outcome of the battle.

The same is true in spiritual battles. I need to be in the right place at the right time. How? It’s guaranteed if I’m walking by Holy Spirit.

Another important thing I’ve learned about location is it will not always be comfortable, but if Holy Spirit takes me there it is definitely beneficial.

Jesus was led by Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted (Matthew 4:1, Mark 1:12-13 & Luke 4:1-2).

Temptation does not come from God, but temptation is used by Him to expose our desires (James 1:14). Thankfully, God promises to always provide us with a way of escape (1st Corinthians 10:13).

Temptation is a place of spiritual battle; a crossroad of decision.

Will I do what is right according to God, me, or someone else? What I choose reveals the depth of my faith in that particular area of my life. Sometimes I learn from defeat and sometimes I learn through victory.

God doesn’t do this to crush me, but to show me where I’m still operating in my own strength and power instead of His. Wow! That’s a very gentle and guiding love, right?!

He’s leading me to a location of learning. A place that causes me to worship Him and celebrate His strength in me.

Or a place that causes me to recognize my need for Him. He presents me with a new perspective of what I previously thought was not a place of weakness (2nd Corinthians 12:9), so I can become strong in Him and stand firm when faced with similar temptations/battles.

Another important thing I’ve learned about location is what happens when I’m not where I’m supposed to be. King David did not go where kings go during times of battle and found himself in a place of temptation that led to adultery and murder (2 Samuel 1:1).

I find myself in the wrong place when my confidence is in myself (1st Corinthians 10:12). I’m giving myself God’s position of Lordship when I don’t follow His lead; basically, I’m saying I know better than He does!

I’ve not murdered anyone but I’ve most definitely found myself justifying my choices and surrendering to temptation in the heat of battle. What did I learn?

I want to be in the best place possible when it comes to battle time, so I’m going to continue to practice following Holy Spirit’s lead.

“Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” Galatians 5:25 (NLT)

How about you? Share a time when you experienced the joy of being in the right location and how it led you to trust the LORD and stand firm in the face of our enemy.

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Neglect and Defeat!

The new year is here and everyone’s talking about reasons to choose healthy habits, so…

Here’s what I’ve learned about how taking care of myself physically impacts my ability to stand firm when the enemy attacks (Ephesians 6:10-18).

My self-control is weakened when I don’t get proper amounts of exercise, nourishment, and rest. Look at what the Bible says about the importance of self-control.

“A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.” Proverbs 25:28 (NLT)

Studies show exercise releases hormones that help with stress. I try to swim three days a week to control my glucose. I feel better when I exercise, and I definitely sleep better. Unfortunately, I find it is far too easy to let other people and things interrupt my swim time. Feel free to occasionally ask if I’m still swimming; it’ll keep me diligent if I think you’re going to ask.

Food is the body’s fuel. I truly believe God wants us to enjoy the foods we eat (why else would He give us taste buds), but I’ve learned not all foods are beneficial. I must eat the right foods, in the right amounts, if I want my body to function as God intended.

Lack of sleep leaves me irritable, easily frustrated, and stressed over things that don’t usually bother me. I finally set an alarm on my phone, so I will go to bed on time.

Sleep is only one part of rest. Rest also means including margin in my life. This is not an easy thing for me, and presses me to practice better time management.

Rest refreshes me physically, emotionally, and mentally. Better self-care helps me practice self-control.

Taking care of myself makes it easier for me to accomplish the things God created me to do (Ephesians 2:10), while not falling prey to my enemy (1st Peter 5:8).

How about you? Have you ever found yourself more vulnerable to the enemy’s schemes after neglecting your physical health? What are some of the practical ways you take care of your physical health?

Check out some of the benefits of rest here: https://www.eomega.org/article/4-surprising-benefits-of-rest

Check out some of the benefits of exercise here: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-benefits-of-exercise

Check out some of the benefits of eating healthy foods here: https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/5-benefits-proper-nutrition-3664.html

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Happy New Year!

I recently read a familiar passage, but one sentence grabbed me by the heart like never before. It’s a simple sentence, but it’s still bouncing around in there and won’t let go.

“Christ’s love controls us.” 2 Corinthians 5:14a (NLT)

I want Christ’s love to control me. All the time. In every circumstance. In every relationship. Every thought. Every action. Every word!

So, my commitment for 2020 is to practice living under the control of Christ’s love.

I have no idea how this will look or what it will require, but I pray I will not resist the changes or challenges.

LORD, please help me surrender my control with bold confidence, a joyful heart, and a steadfast spirit.

How about you? What is it you want to practice in 2020?

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Merry Christmas!

The lights are my favorite Christmas decoration! The lights on a tree brighten an entire room, and I never tire of riding through neighborhoods looking at all the outdoor displays.

This year we oohed and aahed our way through the Norfolk Botanical Gardens Light Show with our son and his children. It was an enchanted wonderland.

Jesus is the Light of the world and He said all of His followers are too (John 8:12 & Matthew 5:14).

“In the beginning the Word already existed.
    The Word was with God,
    and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
God created everything through him,
    and nothing was created except through him.
The Word gave life to everything that was created,
    and his life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness,
    and the darkness can never extinguish it.

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” John 1:1-5 & 14 (NLT)

Underlined is my emphasis.

This is late posting, but I had a great time celebrating Jesus yesterday. I hope you did too! And I’m praying we will continue to celebrate Jesus every day! May we truly receive all the life our second birth brings (John 3:3-8). May we never settle for less than the freedom and fullness of life Jesus paid so much to give us (John 3:16-17, John 10:10 & Galatians 5:1). And may we willingly let go of anything that prevents us from taking hold of and following Him full tilt (Hebrews 12:1-3).

Merry Christmas Sweet Friend!

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Friend or Foe?

I learned something new when The Littles were earning their Junior Ranger badges. I’ve been there before, but somehow missed the horror of friendly fire experienced during that first Civil War battle.

Prior to the Manassas battle, both confederate and union troops were American troops. That meant their uniforms didn’t help identify them as friend or foe. For example, cadets from VMI were fighting on both sides of the field and wearing the same uniforms. And all their flags were very similar. Therefore, the enemy was hard to recognize, and allies were mistaken as the enemy.

Taken in the Manassas Battlefield Museum by George.
Taken in the Manassas Battle field Museum by George.

There’s a spiritual lesson in this. I must be very careful in the heat of battle or I will mistake those Jesus came to save as my enemy (John 3:16-17).

“Finally, build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of his mighty power. Put on all the armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil’s evil tricks. For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age. So put on God’s armor now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy’s attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground.” Ephesians 6:1-13 (GNT)

Underlined is my emphasis.

I must not mistake people as the enemy! People who persecute me because I’m a Jesus-follower are not the enemy. They’re lost people in need of God’s grace and hope.

This is not an easy truth to remember in the thick of battle! But I’m convinced the enemy wants me to forget so I will hurt those I’m meant to love on God’s behalf.

God’s word is very specific about how I’m to respond to people who persecute me, how I can overcome evil, and the reward He has for those who are faithful to obey His word (Matthew 5:10-12 & 43-48, Romans 12:17-21 & 1st Peter 3:13-17).

How about you? Is there someone persecuting you? Are you struggling to remember that person is not your enemy? If so, share a first name in the comments section; I will pray with you for that person, and for your ability to remain strong in the LORD and His mighty power.

FYI: Although your email is required for leaving a comment, it is not captured. It’s only a security feature.

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Stand Firm!

Our sons and two older grands spent the day hiking on a nearby section of the Appalachian Trail on Black Friday. Meanwhile, George and I took our daughter and three youngest grandchildren (AKA: The Littles) to the Manassas Battlefield National Park.

The Littles earned Junior Ranger Badges by completing specific activities/requirements as we watched films, toured the museum, explored the grounds, and participated in a Ranger led ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­program.

One of the things they learned was how General Jackson got his nickname, Stonewall Jackson. It was during the First Battle of Manassas; General Bee was heard referring to him as a stone wall. Why? Jackson stood firm on the field of battle when facing the enemy.

Taken by George at Manassas Battlefield November 2019

Talk of Stonewall Jackson has me thinking about the terrible truth that every single Jesus-follower has an enemy. The Bible is clear about this. He is real and his intent is the destruction of every life the LORD died to save (1st Peter 5:8 & John 10:10a).

This is not the typical enemy. This enemy is unseen! And he’s continually strategizing ways to implement his plans to steal, kill, and destroy lives. Read what Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus.

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.” Ephesians 6:1-13 (NLT)

I want to remain steadfast while the battle rages all around me.

And…

I want to be found standing firm after the battle is over.

There is way too much to learn about standing firm in just one post, so let’s focus on one truth today and continue unpacking our battle gear in the next few weeks. Standing firm requires us to be strong in the LORD and His mighty power.

Whew! I don’t know about you, but that’s a great relief for me. It’s not my strength or power, but the LORD’s that will see me through every battle. I can choose to do the right thing every time! How? His strength and power are mine and will overcome every fear, temptation, and complacent area I surrender to Him.

Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” Romans 10:11 (NASB)

When I choose to believe His way is right, good, and able to succeed (Romans 12:2), I will live by His strength and power and stand firm through every battle.

How about you? Share a Scripture that encourages you to stand firm in your faith even as the battle rages all around you.

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Which Way Should I Go?

I may be wrong, but I believe everyone wants to make the best possible choices in life. The thing is, we don’t really know how to make those best choices apart from our Maker. He created us and He knows what will bring us benefit and what will wreak havoc and harm. So how do we find our way to making beneficial choices? The Bible, tells us Jesus is the way (John 10:1-18, John 14:6)

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12 (NLT)

I’ve underlined what jumped out at me. I want to go the way that leads to life, but this verse tells me I must follow Jesus in order to know the way. So how do I follow Jesus?

I’m no expert, but I’m learning by baby steps. I need to read His word, the Bible, so I will recognize Him when He speaks to me (John 10:1-18). No, I’ve never heard Him speak to me audibly, but I’ve clearly heard Him in my spirit. I’ve also recognized His leading in the circumstances of my life, and in the words of those around me. He’s even used people who don’t follow Him to nudge me in the right direction. And I have His Holy Spirit living in me (He lives in every Jesus-follower) helping me understand what I read in the Bible, God’s word (John 16:5-15).

But here’s where it can get a little tricky. I’ve discovered I must check what I think He’s leading me to say or do against His word. If the two do not agree, I’m wrong. His way for me will never contradict His word.

Your word is a lamp to guide me
    and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 (GNT)

I need to know His word (Psalm 119:11). Then I’m not always scrambling to find His way. If I read His word regularly, I will learn it, I will quickly recognize what is not truth, and the way I think will be transformed (Romans 12:2).

I’m also learning to trust His word beyond my own understanding of it (Proverbs 3:5-6). I do not think the way He thinks (Isaiah 55:8-9). Which brings me full circle…

If I’m going to walk in the light of Jesus, I must go the way He goes. I must do what His word says is right, and continue following Him even when my mind screams His way makes no sense. He is the light; staying close to Him helps me see with better clarity.

One more thing. During those times when I’m unsure, I can trust God’s plan and time. Sometimes He stops. Those are times of waiting. Waiting is not sitting idle; waiting is a time for continuing to do the last thing He showed me to do.

Times of waiting and serving build my confidence in Him and my ability to serve Him well, while giving me time to practice what I’ve learned. Serving while I wait renews my strength and my spirit (Isaiah 40:31). Serving while I wait prepares me for the next portion of my journey with Him.

How about you? Are you a Jesus-follower? If you are, please share some of the ways you’ve learned to recognize Him and His direction for you. If you’re not…

Today is a great day to become a Jesus-follower. I’ve included a link below to give you more information on how to get started. Please let me know if you make that choice. I want to celebrate with you!

https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic

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Expectations Create Struggle

I’ve been learning my expectations put limits on God. Yes! I know He is able to do much more than I can think or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Yet, I somehow find myself thinking I’ve figured out His plan and the direction He’s going.

When the unexpected happens, I look at the circumstance and question how God could possibly intend “this” for my or anyone else’s good. Which is another way of saying I struggle in my faith when things go differently than I think they should.

Yes! I know and believe God is sovereign, good, and loving. But when I’m focused on what I expect and circumstances don’t look good from my perspective, I find myself challenged.

I’m learning my expectations are influenced by my perspective, and when my perspective is not aligned with God’s, I encounter surprise, hurt, fear, struggle, _______.

God is gently teaching me to surrender my expectations and seek His perspective in every circumstance; to remember His thoughts and ways are not mine (Isaiah 55:8-10).

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NLT)

Look at the last sentence in the CJB version of that verse.

“so that you will know what God wants and will agree that what he wants is good, satisfying and able to succeed.”

I’m far from mastering this concept, but I’m learning to quickly check my perspective and get it realigned with God’s. How? By allowing His word to transform the way I think and learn more of Him in the process.

How about you? Have you been surprised by the things of this life only to realize God was working through it to bring blessing and benefit? Share one thing you learned through your experience.

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He Holds Our Hand!

I chose to believe God’s word is true over fifty years ago, but I find my faith is challenged every time there is a divergence between what I want and what God’s word says is good and right.

Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 (CEV)

Faith is choosing to believe without visible proof, but it is not a one time decision. Why? Because every choice we make reveals what we believe about God, Jesus, the Bible, and even who we are as Christ-followers.

The following is one of my favorite Bible verses. I love the promise of God’s presence when we stumble in our walk of faith.

Though they stumble, they will never fall,
    for the Lord holds them by the hand.” Psalm 37:24 (NLT)

When we take that first step of faith and call out to God (Romans 10:9-10), He doesn’t just save us and leave us. No! He comes alongside us, takes our hand, and never lets us fall!

How about you? Do you believe God’s word, the Bible, is true. If so, how does it make you feel to know God will never let you fall?

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