Thursday 5/20/21 – Surrender

Ever feel like you’re a double agent? I sure did. I’d live in and of the world all week long, go to church and get some inspiration for a moment, be reminded of something good but would not dwell on it, I would not let it work on me too much. As soon as I was out of “Kingdom living” I would slowly (sometimes faster than others) spiral back down to not only living in the world but of the world. There is a fantastic song called “Start Right Here” by Casting Crowns (not to mention their song “Slow Fade”) that causes Holy Spirit juice to flow. Allow me to explain, as Holy Spirit juice has become normal in my house but I think that this is the first time I’ve mentioned it on this platform. I believe that being in touch with the Holy Spirit causes emotions which usually invoke tears and sometimes I cry so much that it doesn’t even make sense to try and wipe them away so I’ve deemed it Holy Spirit juice and just let it soak in, for the most part. Back to “Start Right Here,” one of the verses states “what if the church on Sunday was still the church on Monday too?” This has hit me hard and caused me to dwell on living in the world, not of the world. As followers of Jesus, we are supposed to look different. You may have to, like I’ve had to, ask for God to remove the fear of man from your life. I’m learning that the only way for me to live in this world and not of it is to #1. Surrender to my Heavenly Father, which surrenders me from satan’s army (he doesn’t like that and for good reason). #2 Put on the full armor of God so we can stand a chance to defend ourselves from the devil’s attacks on our lives (I think that a very basic way to start and continue is to say the Lords Prayer). #3 Shoot specific flaming prayer arrows at the enemy (develop a daily specific prayer using the outline of the way Jesus taught us to pray). #4 When the enemy is stunned that you’re fighting back with the Holy Spirit, fortify you and your portion of the army that God has entrusted to your care. #5 Stand up and go where you’re being led, to wake up others that can surrender and wake up from the spell the enemy places on our lives to keep us sleeping and far away from the Truth. I think it may be as simple as 1, 2, 3… Defend. Fortify. Expand. -A humble warrior in God’s army

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” -Ephesians 6:10-20 ESV

Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil for Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever, Amen. -The Lords Prayer

Thank You Lord Jesus for continually revealing Yourself to me. Thank You for coming alongside me and helping, at times I feel You taking over and sharing Your profound insights with me. Thank You Lord, praise You Lord, bless You Lord Jesus, Amen.