Near the end of September 2016, Bobbi got a small white
envelope from our daughter, Allena (at school in Circleville, OH). The index
card letter inside read:
“Hi Mama
I’ve had this bracelet for awhile now. I have one, and I
wanted us to have matching ones. I hope it reminds you to always put God first.
This song came on while I was writing this. You should
listen to ‘Arms That Hold the Universe’ by 33Miles.”[i]
“Why
am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God. I will
praise Him again – my Savior and my God….” (Psalm 42:5-6, NLT)
Also enclosed in the envelope was a pink rubber bracelet
with the phrase “I AM SECOND” on it in white lettering. The attached product tag
said this:
“Peace, purpose, happiness –Everyone is looking for
something, some kind of satisfaction. But what if life is not about you? What
if life is about something bigger, Someone bigger? What if you live Second?
Join the movement, and find out what it means to be “Second.”
CAUTION:
This product may cause conversations with complete strangers. [An] explanation
of Second will be required. Watch the films at iamsecond.com.”
I have discovered two main lessons about myself in my
Christian walk. The first is when I am emotionally (or physically) worn-out, I
tend to stop fighting Satan (and give in to his demands).
Sometimes temptation comes in the form of hunger,
exhaustion, or boredom (when I am at my weakest). Often I give in with open
welcoming arms without a hint of resistance. (The Devil always makes sure to
condemn me for my poor Christianity afterward (and instigates me to give into your
selfish desires before). The Father of Lies (John 8:44) makes this losing proposition
either way.
Second, when I try to control something that the Heavenly
Father should be in control of; I tend to jumble it all up by inadvertently
causing chaos for myself (and anyone else involved).
I want to be in control (and it upsets me) when I have to
pass it over to the Almighty (or anyone else). Trying to be in control constantly
is an exercise in futility that causes you to be rather jaded as you believe
that you are the only one with the perfect solution.
Here are a few insights from both the scriptures (and
other knowledgeable individuals) that may be able to aid you in your spiritual
warfare against the evil forces of darkness.
At least, they will get you thinking in a Heavenly
direction. God has given you all the power you need to be a conqueror (in your
personal life):
1.
“My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My
strength comes to its own in your weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, MSG)
4.
“After all, we don’t want to unwittingly give
Satan an opening for yet more mischief – we’re not oblivious to his sly ways.” (2 Corinthians 2:11, MSG)
6.
“Those who live to satisfy their own sinful
nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live
to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.” (Galatians 6:8, NLT) [ii]
7.
"The devil divides the world between atheism and
superstition." (C.S. Lewis)[iii]
 |
| Bobbi modeling bracelet |
[i] VERSE ONE
I know it seems like this could be the darkest day
you’ve known
But believe you me, the God of strength will never let
you go
He will overcome, I know
And the arms that hold the universe are holding you
tonight
You can rest inside, it’s gonna be alright
And the voice that calmed the raging sea is calling you
His child
So be still and know He’s in control
He will never let go
Through many dangers, toils, and snares you have
already come
His grace has brought you safe this far, His grace will
lead you home
CHORUS
You can hope, you can rise, you can stand
He’s still got the whole world in His hands
You can hope, you can rise, you can stand
He’s still got the whole world, the whole world in His
hands
[ii] This blog topic was suggested by my wife, Bobbi.
[iii] "The devil
divides the world between denial in the
existence of God and unreasonable beliefs
held by a faith in God."
No comments:
Post a Comment