Distractions
The theme for this past week for me has been on the topic of distractions. Distractions can come from anywhere and any one. However, there are some distractions that are more noticeable than others. There are some disturbances that are right in front of your face, and others that are quite subtle in nature. Some examples of obvious distractions are: social media, family drama, your own stalling and procrastination habits. Other examples that are not so obvious would be: Black Lives' Matter movement, LGBTQ movement, constant feed of negative news, overturning of old abortion laws, witchcraft movies, and the like to name a few. 2 Corinthians 10: 3-4, NASB and Ephesians 6: 10-12, NASB both tell us what and whom we're fighting---and that is Satan. Please don't tell me that this isn't a spiritual battle, when the word of the Lord clearly tells me it is.
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly"- John 10:10, NASB. The church is being divided and we don't even recognize it, allowing politics to sneak its' way into the house of God. We've lost our focus and want to immediately blame the devil, but dare not look at who first allowed the infiltration. If anyone is to blame, it would be us the church. We have gotten lazy and complacent in our faith and in our warfare...me included, but it's time to put a stop to this and take this warfare seriously before it is too late. Paul, in Ephesians 6: 13-18 NASB, tells us how to fight against the forces of darkness. Take your place in this warfare if you're willing, and if not, then step aside for the ones who are. God is looking for those who will stand on His promises, His word as truth, and not bow down to the widened pathway but to the narrow. Who are His willing participants?
"Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you"-James 4: 7, NASB. Here is another scripture that comes to mind. If we are willing to die to our flesh and embrace the Holy Spirit's guidance, then and only then, will we be able to fully resist the devil and walk in the calling of our lives. God has called each and everyone of us to do something special and unique for His kingdom, but He doesn't want baggage you've acquired along the way, because this baggage is a mighty hindrance to where He's taking you. I can't carry all these distractions with me on God's walk, because eventually, it'll be harder and harder for me to see the pathway.
Concerning this topic of discussion, I was lead to John 15: 1-11, NASB about abiding in the Vine of Jesus Christ. If we were to abide and stay constantly in the presence of Christ, would these disturbances really be an issue? Of course not! Not with the word of the Lord and His presence constantly with us. The issue is our awareness of His presence. Do we take Him everywhere we go, or is He left behind at home or the church building; the only place prayer resides in some of our lives? If we are to live in Christ, He is to be taken with us everywhere we go, leaving the distractions minimal to none.
**Please pray with me: Thank you Lord for never leaving nor forsaking me; for always staying by my side even when I do not notice you're there. Father, I come asking that you remove any distractions from my life. I know what I am asking Lord, for this can include close relatives or things that I might hold near and dear to me. I bind, rebuke, and cast down any strongholds that are trying to keep me down and further away from Your call on my life. I declare to you Lord that I am ready to take this journey with you, not looking left to right or behind me, but only deciding to look forward and up to you. Forgive me Lord for allowing people and things to come before you. I know I'm not perfect and you know I'm not perfect, but I'm willing to try by giving you my all. In Jesus' Name-Amen.**
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