Deliver Us from Evil

 

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8

This is not the meditation I intended to write for you during this Holy season.  It's not the meditation I want to write.  But with evil spreading like a cancer throughout the world, I think I must write these strong words, at least this once.  We must recognize our enemy.

Be vigilant, my brothers and sisters.

A horrible and unimaginable slaughter happened on Friday.  Twenty innocent six and seven year old children were murdered in their classrooms.  Six of their teachers and caregivers were slaughtered along with them.  A mother died at the hands of her son.  And the murderer took his own life.  Hundreds of children and families were terrorized, scarred for life, and a community is devastated.  We are in shock.

As our hearts break, so let any illusions shatter that we might have about the existence of evil.  Evil is amongst us.

As Christians, we know that Satan is the god of this world and he claims authority over it.  (See John 14:30; 2 Corinthians 4:4)  We know that he comes to kill, steal, and destroy.  Anyone or anything that causes such death and destruction has the devil's mark on it.  Satan's signature.  He is the guilty one.  Evil exits in this world, but we are not without hope.

Jesus prayed to His Father for us who believe in Him.  Read His words.

"I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  I pray not that thou should take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil."  John 17:14-15

He asked God to keep us from the evil.  In the garden of Gethsemane, knowing what He would endure, He knew we would face the problem of evil. 

Jesus taught us to pray, succint and powerful words.  See Matthew 6:9-13 for our Lord's prayer.

. . . and deliver us from evil, He said.

Jesus did not pray that we would be taken out of this world.  On the contrary.  He said, "Go".  (See Matthew 28: 16-20)  He sent us out into the world with the Great Commission.  He wants us to be His body here, doing the Father's will until He returns.

But He encouraged us and expects us to encourage one another.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God; trust also in me.  In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be
where I am."  John 14:1-3

Thank you Jesus for that promise.

The Apostle Paul, who would suffer great evil and died a martyr's death for the cause of Christ, wrote these words.

"We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.  According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.  For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And so we will be with the Lord forever.  Therefore encourage each other with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4: 14-18

One day those of us who believe will be reunited with those who have gone before, and evil will be no more.

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor cryng, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Revelation 21:4

Our hearts break for those suffering families in Newtown, Connecticut.  But not only for those there.  But there, and there, and there. . . everywhere in the world where Satan leaves his signature. 

I ask you to pray for God's mercy for those who suffer and for the world.  Care for one another and encourage each other, and pray often, Lord deliver us from evil.  Jesus Christ alone can heal the broken hearts and restore lives.  He alone is the answer to the problem of evil in this world.

 

Please forgive me for being lengthy, but this has been burning in my heart all weekend. God be with you and yours.

 

(All highlighted words are linked to an online bible if you want to read more of the referenced Scriptures.)

Every Good and Perfect Gift

Unopened gifts--courtesy of Google

My Daddy, who passed away nine years ago, had a curious habit. He wouldn't open his Christmas and birthday gifts. Daddy's birthday was the day after Christmas.  His Christmas and birthday gifts were usually rolled into one. Sometimes he might open one, and he seemed to enjoy that, but usually he'd take his little stack of gifts and set them aside, like he was saving them for later.  It wasn't unusual for me to see the gifts still unopened months later.

I'd see the gift I'd wrapped and think how I had wanted him to have those warm pyjamas or new slippers or new handkerchiefs. So, sometimes, I'd take the gift and say, "Daddy, you haven't opened your presents yet? Can I open this one for you?

"All right," he'd say, "but you really didn't need to give me anything."

I'd unwrap the gift and give it to him, and he seemed happy to have it.  But he would always add, "You really didn't have to give me anything."

I don't know why Daddy wouldn't open the gifts he received. It's true he was the least materialistic of anyone I've ever known.  But, I really wish he would have enjoyed the gifts more. After all, they were gifts I wanted him to have.

I think we are sometimes like that about the gifts God wants us to have.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave...." (John 3:16)

How many gifts has He made available to us that we haven't yet opened?

For God so loved the world, that He gave. . .

His only begotten son, Jesus Christ

Everlasting life

Peace (John 14:27)

Every good and perfect gift (James 1:17)

And we have to open His gifts for ourselves.  No one can do it for us.

Wisdom, knowledge, joy (Ecclesiastes 2:26)

Sleep (Psalm 127:2)

Keys to the kingdom (Matthew 16:19)

Power over evil (Luke 10:19)

Living water (John 4:10)

We even have the promise "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and he shall give you the desires of your heart," Psalm 37:4.

Let's receive the gifts God has for us today and every day with the joy and excitement of a child on Christmas morning. 

                                                      Opening Gifts on Christmas morning

Blessings to you today.  Today I celebrate a bit of a milestone for this blog.  I've been here on Write Moments with God for six months today.  Thank you all for your support, your visits, and comments.  I appreciate you so very much.  You're the reason I keep coming back.   May God's grace be with you.

God's Gift of Love and the announcement of this month's book winner

Cinnabon recipe can be found on The Girl Who Ate Everything

This morning I don't have an earthy story to share as I usually do about a God moment in my life. I hope you'll excuse me. I've been contemplating God's love, and I want to spend time in that.  If only I could, I'd serve it up to you this morning warm and sweet like a freshly baked cinnamon roll.

During this Advent season, we contemplate God's love to prepare our hearts for the celebration of the birth of God's son Jesus.  God's greatest gift of love.  To think that God would send the Christ child to earth is astounding.  I've tried to wrap my mind around that love, like we wrap up a newborn baby in warm thick blankets. 

Some years ago during a time when God was wrapping me in His love, its transforming and transcending power, I wrote a poem.  I'll share it with you today,  even though words cannot express it.

Love is the link
The binding force
Transcending the physical
Even life and death
Binding man to man
And God to man
Elevating man to the highest and noblest of human experiences
Nourishing the soul
Extending beyond the flesh and this world
Allowing man but a glimpse
Of the glory which shall be revealed
"For God is love" (1 John 4:8b).

Our finite human minds cannot comprehend it, and mere words cannot express it.  God has to reveal it to our souls. 

The Apostle Paul prayed for all who believe in Christ Jesus.  He prayed that God would reveal to us the greatness of God's love.

"That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God" (Ephesians 3:17-19).

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).

                                                             Photo courtesy of Aaron Barton

I join my prayer to Paul's and pray that God will reveal His love for you during this Christmas season.  I pray that will be a marvelous gift you receive this Christmas.

Thank you so much for visiting Write Moments with God.  I enjoy hearing from you, so feel free to leave your comments below or write to me at writemoments@gmail.com.

* * *



And now for the announcement of our book give-away.  Jason Timmerman is the winner of a copy of New Sheets--Thirty Days to Refine You into the Woman You Can Be.  Jason wanted a copy of this book for a special person in his life.  Congratulations Jason. Thank you for being a supporter of this blog.

On behalf of Cindy Sproles and myself, thank you all so very much for your great response to her story.  It was a delight to read your kind comments, words of encouragement, and insights. 

Be sure to come again to meet another Christian author next month and participate in the book give-away.  Blessings to you. 

Let Patience Have Her Perfect Work

Waiting for the Green Light--Google image

 

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4

I left my house on time for work praising God for His incredible timing.  I was thanking Him for some answers to prayer wherein I had specifically asked for His perfect timing, and He had clearly come through for me.  I was reminiscing, awed by how faithfully He had answered my prayers. 

As I proceeded on my way, an overloaded dump truck pulled onto the two-lane highway in front of me.  I came up behind it rather quickly due to the fact that it was moving as slow as a turtle.  It barely made a bleep on my mind's radar screen; I was so engrossed praising God.  When it dawned on me that this truck was not going to exceed 45 miles per hour,  I looked for a chance to get around it, pass, and travel on my way, in my own good time.  But alas, that opportunity never came.  I felt tension rising.  (Blame it on original sin and my fallen emotions!)  I became impatient.  The flow of praise stopped, and a monologue aimed at the rear of the truck took its place.

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41

I followed this lumbering truck for at least eight miles on the two lane highway on which I travel back and forth to school each day.  As I sat behind it at the traffic light at the intersection nearest my destination, I realized the irony of the situation. 

I had been praising God for His incredible timing (which was probably a bit silly since God is always on time), and I allowed my impatience with a slow moving truck to stop the praise.  That praise was wonderful.  I needed it.  God desires my praise.  God deserves my praise. Might He have been giving me a few extra minutes so I could praise Him a little longer on my way to work?  And I had squandered an opportunity to rejoice.

When the light changed, the truck moved on, I turned left and just as quickly the impatience was gone.  I thought of it with regret.  With less than two miles to go, God had my attention. . . again . . . and I realized, I have quite a ways to go.  And it will all be in God's good and perfect time.

Let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, lacking nothing.  James 1:4

 

Marissa Nicole Photography

 Climbing the steps

 

 May God's mercy and grace be with you.  Thank you for visiting Write Moments with God, and please come again.  I greatly appreciate all comments, so please feel free to share any thoughts below, or write me at writemoments@gmail.com. 

 

*****PLUS, It's not too late to leave a comment on the previous blog post about author and speaker, Cindy Sproles.  You will qualify to be included in the BOOK GIVE-AWAY. ******************

 







Cindy Sproles, Featured Author, plus Monthly Book Give-Away

Christian author and speaker, Cindy Sproles

It's time again for our guest author and monthly book give-away.  It is my pleasure to introduce Cindy Sproles to you today.  I've recently become familiar with Cindy's writing through ChristianDevotions.us.  Cindy is co-founder and executive editor of this 501c3 non-profit ministry. Cindy is the co-author of the successful He Said, She Said devotions and is the co-host of the nationally syndicated BlogTalk Radio show, Christians Devotions Speak UP!  She is a contributor to CBN.com and is director of Writer ADVANCE! Boot Camp Writers Conference. I recently read her new book, New Sheets. I was touched by its relevance and candor.  I believe almost every woman can find encouragement there.  So, I've asked Cindy to tell us about herself and her writing.  And I'm giving away a copy of her book.

Tell us about your new release, New Sheets--Thirty Days to Refine You into the Woman You Can Be. 

New Sheets is a thirty-day devotional/inspirational book.  It was a project I thought of years ago.  Every time I picked up a pen to write it, I found I hadn't matured enough to write it with authority and hindsight.  I came up with the idea in 1984.  I'd gone through a divorce, and moved back to Tennessee with a broken heart and two boys under the age of three. I had no car, no money, and no job.  It took years to look through the rough times and find the good.  But I came at it with the mindset, "God has a plan.  I'm gonna learn."

I kept a journal for a while just to help me through, then one night as I turned down the comforter, ready to crawl into bed, I realized I was still sleeping with the memories of the man who'd divorced me, sleeping on the same sheets I'd slept on with him.  It was time for something new.  A new start.

I couldn't afford a shopping spree.  I could barely afford groceries, but I literally saved quarters in a mason jar until I had enough money to go to Wal-Mart to buy new sheets.  I found some brown and pink paisley ones in the bottom of the sale bin.  New.  Crisp.  Wrinkle-free.  And when I put them on the bed, it was like a new page in my life. 

So after that, every new turn in my life, I bought a new set of sheets. Each new set marked a time in my life when God stoked the fire under me, hung me over the flames and refined me like silver. By the time I hit my 50s I could look over the prior thrity years and say with confidence. . . "I've matured.  Refined.  Learned."  Hence the book.  To this day, I send new sheets to friends who have gone through major devastating life changes.

Tell us about your family.

We're a combined family.  After my divorce, I never imagined I'd remarry.  I struggled with the scriptural side of divorce.  But God sent me Tim.  He took my children (one of them disabled) and me and loved us as though we had always been his.  We have four boys between us, aged 32 and 31 years old.  We're looking forward to our first grandbaby.  We live in the mountains of East Tennessee.  There is never a day that passes I do not praise God for my family.  We are blessed.

You mentioned a special ministry where your heart lies.

There is an organization called Hope House that helps young, unwed moms choose life for their babies.  They help with housing, parenting skills, job training, teach Biblical principals, and so much more.  Our lives and hearts have been touched by the work these folks do.  With every sale of New Sheets, a portion of the money goes to Hope House for the women and the babies they help.

Do you have any closing advice for us?

If I had words of wisdom to offer it would simply be to live by the words of the Apostle Paul.  "Rejoice in the Lord always.  Rejoice in all things". All of us occasionally hit the river and bounce like a skipping rock.  The bounces hurt, but when we manage through them and the skid comes--what a ride.  Learning to rejoice in every situation takes skill and faith.  That's where God refines us.  Those are my words of wisdom.  That and this:  Buy yourself a set of new sheets when the storm is over.  It's a fresh start.  New Sheets. . . new day. . . new start.

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.  Philippians 4:4

 Now, for an opportunity to receive a copy of Cindy's devotional, New Sheets.

At least ten readers must comment and share in order for there to be a book give-away. So come on everyone. Join in. Follow these easy steps to qualify for the random drawing.

1. Leave a comment on this blog.  (Include your name and email address if you want to be included in the drawing. I will use your address to contact you if you win.) I love to read your comments.  Cindy will comment as well.

2. Share this blog post on Facebook so your friends will read about it and visit too, or tweet it, or mention the book give-away on your own blog. If you do not have a facebook, or a blog, become a follower of this site.

Complete these steps by 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 8th. A winner will be announced here on Monday, December 10th, so be sure to check back to see if you've won.

Thank you for supporting my writing by reading and commenting on this blog.  You are a blessing to me.  Please come again.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.Philippians 1:6.

God be with you.

Be Content with What You Have--You'll Save Money

Vietnamese persimmons courtesy of Jeanne Henriques

Be careful to guard  yourselves against every kind of greed, because a person's life doesn't consist of the amount of possessions he has.  Luke 12:15 ISV

Black Friday deals!  Cyber Monday savings!  They all involve spending our hard earned money.  (Although often it's plastic money.)  And getting more things.  I haven't shopped on the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday) for twenty-two years, but I do confess I love shopping on the internet. I get caught up in those cyber sales!  Free Shipping! calls my name.  I get excited just hearing the UPS truck at Christmas time.  But, on a more serious note, let me offer this mediatation for our consideration.

          Materialism is “a preoccupation with or stress on material rather than intellectual or spiritual things,” according to Webster’s Dictionary. Materialism has been a spiritual concern for centuries, even before Ralph WaldoEmerson spoke out against materialism 200 years ago. Much of the way we think is shaped by the culture in which we find ourselves.

          Who can dispute that our society has become steeped in materialism.  We are practically programmed to want all the newest technology and gadgets, the most comfortable and stylish homes, cars, clothes, and the most exotic, luxurious vacations.  You name it!  We work to afford the highest standard of living we can possibly attain for ourselves and our families, but when is enough, enough?  I ask myself that question.

          Jesus’ parable of the rich man is a parable for our times. This man had so 

many possessions that he built bigger barns to hold them all—just like we buy bigger homes 

or put the extra in storage.

          Self-satisfied, he said to himself: Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry. The parable continues: But God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have  provided?” (Luke12:19-20NKJV)

          God calls the man a fool. This is a  warning to us not to  lose sight of the condition of our souls.

          How do we guard ourselves and resist the temptation to become preoccupied with 

things?

 

          Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome, Do not be conformed to this world, but 

continually be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may be

able to determine what God’s will is—what is proper, pleasing, and perfect  

(Romans12:2).

 

          Do you think that being immersed in materialism might hinder our availability to the 

things of God?



                                               Daughter Melanie's cute kitty Roscoe

I Am Satisfied with Jesus



My mother-in-law's tongue plant flourishing on my deck this summer.

 



The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.  Psalm 34:15

I want to share this story about a kindness the Lord did for me many years ago when I was a recently divorced, struggling single parent.  I needed to make a big purchase.  The heating and air conditioning system for the house had broken beyond repair and I had to purchase a new system.  I had no money and no credit  (because I had been a stay at home mom).  I don't remember how I heard about Doc Savage Heating and Air, but I remember the journey in search of the business. This was before Mapquest or gadgets guided the way. It seemed so far away from my home, located in south Augusta, on the other side of town, in unfamilar neighborhoods.  I felt vulnerable and unsure of myself.

 

I had prayed for fair treatment, and that the owner would sell me a unit without a down payment, with monthly payments same as cash.  I was unused to doing business, and I knew the best I could do would be modest monthly payments.  I asked God for His favor.  As I drove the twelve miles, I began to sing an uncommon old hymn that I hadn't heard for years.  I sang it over and over with all my heart.  Here are the words.  I'd like to know if you are familar with this song.

 

Satisfied with Jesus by B.B. McKinney

 

 I am satisfied with Jesus,
He has done so much for me:
He has suffered to redeem me,
He has died to set me free.

Chorus
I am satisfied, I am satisfied,
I am satisfied with Jesus,
But the question comes to me,
As I think of Calvary,
Is my Master satisfied with me?

He is with me in my trials,
Best of friends of all is He;
I can always count on Jesus,
Can He always count on me?

 

Chorus
I am satisfied, I am satisfied,
I am satisfied with Jesus,
But the question comes to me,
As I think of Calvary,
Is my Master satisfied with me?

I remember driving down the dirt road to the little rustic building.  I entered the quiet shop and introduced myself to the only person I saw.  The receptionist said she would tell Mr. Doc Savage that I was there.  As I stepped aside from the window, I noticed a picture on the wall.  Framed there was a page torn from an old  hymnal.  The name of the hymn--"I am satisfied".  The very song I sang on the way to the shop.

Along with my astonishment, joy arose in my heart.  Gone were my doubts and fears, and perfect peace and confidence filled my heart.  I did purchase a unit (I've bought a second unit from them and still do business with them.)  The owner kindly gave me monthly payments, same as cash, as if it were the most natural thing for him to do.

God knew this man.  Apparently, we all knew the same song.  And of course, God knew I'd see that song on the wall of his shop.  He had directed my path, even though I hadn't realized it at the time, and He gave me special confirmation with a song that He was looking out for me.

 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths.  Proverbs 3: 5-6

 

I am so thankful that He watches out for me, and He cares about the things that concern me.  The everyday moments of my life.  And yes, I am satisfied with Jesus.
 

                                              Have you ever seen this particular plant bloom?
                               Very old plant, practically an heirloom, first time I've seen it bloom
 

 As we celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States, I'd like to wish you and your loved ones a very happy Thanksgiving.  I pray God blesses you today.  Thank you for visiting Write Moments with God.  I appreciate you and hope you will come again.