Watch out for Snakes

Special reader give away

The peace of the morning spent relaxing on the back deck was suddenly interrupted by an unexpected event. A threat rose against us which required immediate action. A snake had hidden itself beneath the gardenia bush in the flower bed nearest the deck striking at, but missing, our little dog.
Snakes are not unusual on our property as much of our two acres remains heavily wooded. I have an uneasy treaty with them. They are allowed to remain unharmed as long as they remain in the woods and pose no danger to us. The snake in my flower bed had violated that accord on two points. It was near our back door and it was a poisonous copper head. Action was necessary.  Unfortunately, the blade on my shovel was dull and though justice was carried out, it wasn’t swift. I fought against the enemy valiantly for many hours-okay maybe minutes-before he was finally vanquished. Had my blade been prepared the enemy would have been defeated instantly.
We may not all have literal snakes posing dangers in our world but we most assuredly have snakes in our lives. There is a great enemy who comes against us as slippery as any serpent. He comes against us with defeated talk, temptations, insecurities and fears. He attacks us with distortions and untruths seeking to doubt, distort or deny God’s power and sovereignty. When our blade is sharp from quality time spent in the Word and in God’s presence, he is easily dispatched. When it is dull, like my shovel blade, the fight is prolonged and damage can easily be done. There is no doubt that he is already defeated in the final battle but in the interim he can cause damage if we are not prepared to fight.  
Our children are just as at risk as we are ourselves. We can help them keep their sword blade sharpened by reading the Bible together, memorizing scripture, discussing Christian issues, and praying together. The more readily the Word comes to mind, the more easily the enemy can be crushed.  

Special reader giveaway- (now closed)
In honor of back to school, one reader will receive a set of DaySprings Back to School collection of binder, notebook, folder and spiral notebook. They have reminders of faith on the front and inside have scripture references to help them through their day at school. To enter the giveaway, simply post a comment listing your favorite class when you were in school along with your email. A winner will be chosen by random and notified via email.  

UPDATE:
And the winner is Louette De Jäger! Congratulations.

What it Takes to See in the Dark

In the quite hours of my early morning run, stars sparkle brightly against the ebony sky. They keep me company as I endure my C25K (couch to 5k) training and assure me that, though most people in their right mind are still asleep, I am not alone in the darkness.

They come in many different types and sizes, from small brown Dwarfs to large red and blue Supergiants. Their pasts are varied; some are young while others old and dying. Some are nearer while others farther away. Yet, despite the differences they all shine light in dark places.

Christians have many differences, too. Our past and paths may vary greatly. Some of us are young in the faith while others of us have lived a lifetime with Christ. We are poor, rich, educated, uneducated, healthy and ill. Though diverse, we share a common trait. Having accepted Christ as Savior we have a light living within us. And with that gift comes the ability to shine light into dark places in our world
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But sometimes, caught up in the process of everyday life, we lose sight of our capacity.  When we do, those around us have no choice but to wander around in the darkness that surrounds them. It’s not hard to shine our light, it just takes intentionality.

Smile and be friendly:
We have the greatest gift in the entire world, yet many of us go around, as sourpuss Christians, miserable and unhappy. Put a smile on your face wherever you are. People should want to know why, in spite of circumstances, there is joy within us.

Those who look to Him for help wil be radiant with joy. (Psalm 34:5a)

 
Lend a hand:
While it is true we can’t solve every problem or meet every need, we can help someone somewhere. If there is a need, try to fill it. If there is work to be done, roll up your sleeves and do it. And when someone needs help, lend them a hand.

Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. (Gal. 6:2)


Demonstrate forgiveness:
It’s human nature to want to hold a grudge, to gaze at the memory of the offense over and over as if it were a precious jewel. But it’s not Jesus’ way. Our own great debt has been wiped away. Do the same for the small ones—in comparison—due you.

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (Eph. 4:32)

 
Don’t hide your faith:
We don’t keep what is most important to us secret from those around us, why do we hide our faith? While we should never use a bullhorn to shout it into people’s faces, neither should it come as a surprise. Be an authentic Christian in all that you do.

I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart; I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power.(Psalm 40:10a)


The world around us lives in shadow. It is only we, filled with God’s light, that have the ability to shine light into that darkness and assure them that they are not alone. On who and where will you shine light today?  



Message for the Journey:
Just as stars once pointed the way to the babe lying in a manger, let your life shine light into the darkness of men’s hearts and steer them to Jesus. 



“You are the light of the world…let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
(Matt. 5:14a,16)