Guest post: Teen reflections, loving your enemies!

There was a question brought to me that asked “What do you find difficult that Jesus teaches to stand by or follow?

This question made me think, because often as humans, even if we are Christian, we sin all the time and follow worldly desires, even while reading the Bible and Jesus’ teachings.

One thing I find very difficult is following Bible teachings while also going and doing what you say and know is wrong. It can also be hard to believe some of the Lord’s teachings and agree with them or understand them. One teaching that I find difficult to understand or agree with is loving your enemies.

Now growing up most of us are told to love our enemies and forgive them because Jesus does the same thing for us. But as a teenager that can be very hard, people are backstabbing and cruel, and even though we all make mistakes, some just seem like they aren’t worth forgiving. People gossip, say rude things, judge each other, do things to make you feel bad, or not trust them.

While we can judge someone else for doing that, we have probably done the same thing to Jesus. You may be wondering how do we forgive the people we hate? The Bible tells us to forgive those we hate, but it can be hard.

In the Bible “Luke 6:27,28, 35” it summarizes that: 1) we should love our enemies and bless people who hurt us or mistreat us. We must love and pray for our enemies. Jesus calls us to pray for those who we hate and to love them. Kill them with kindness.

2) Another thing it says is to pray for those who do us dirty. In verse 35 it explains to do good to our enemies and lend to them. Kind of like the verse to treat others how you want to be treated. But it’s true, even if we have been told that our whole life.

Jesus rewards those who do as he says and treats everyone with love and kindness, even when it’s hard.

I think one thing we have to remember is how much Jesus loves us and did for us, and remember we are sinners as well. We also need to remind ourselves that Jesus did the same for all of us, and we are all created by him.

The people we love, the people we hate, every nation, and every creation was made by God and we need to respect the Lords creation. Genesis 2:15 talks about how we are to love and care for Gods creation, not destroy it. As it may be implying to just nature and earth, it is implying to humans as well, because we are Gods creation too.

From my perspective, I’ve been hurt or stabbed in the back by people, but I have probably also done the same, and the same way I can feel about other people, they can also feel about me. I believe this can draw a lot of people away from God, “who wants to love their enemies when we have every reason to hate them and get revenge?”

We can never do this on our own with our sinly nature, we need to ask for Gods help and strength. And put the past behind us or our thoughts of anything to harm another human whether or not we want to.

– Anonymous

———————————————————————

Wisdom comes from the Holy Spirit, when we say aloud “I am a sinner needing Jesus to save me from my sin, He brings grace and mercy! I believe in Jesus! When we declare we want the Lord to be the authority in our life and ask the Holy Spirit to pour His wisdom into our minds, hearts, and souls. We need you Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!” We can be filled with wisdom despite our age.

Thank you Jesus for your love, wisdom, and guidance! Amen!

Photo credit by Pexels.com

Pray

Our world is unstable. There are forces hell bent on destroying people and the chosen ones of God, Israel. This has been the case since the beginning of time. The spiritual warfare has become obvious as we look at the events in Israel.

In Psalm 83, war against Gods’ chosen was described. Time has not changed things, however the words expressed remind us that the Lord will have the last word.

Psalm 83:1-4,12-18 NLT
O God, do not be silent! Do not be deaf. Do not be quiet, O God. [2] Don’t you hear the uproar of your enemies? Don’t you see that your arrogant enemies are rising up? [3] They devise crafty schemes against your people; they conspire against your precious ones. [4] “Come,” they say, “let us wipe out Israel as a nation. We will destroy the very memory of its existence.” [12] for they said, “Let us seize for our own use these pasturelands of God!” [13] O my God, scatter them like tumbleweed, like chaff before the wind! [14] As a fire burns a forest and as a flame sets mountains ablaze, [15] chase them with your fierce storm; terrify them with your tempest. [16] Utterly disgrace them until they submit to your name, O LORD. [17] Let them be ashamed and terrified forever. Let them die in disgrace. [18] Then they will learn that you alone are called the LORD, that you alone are the Most High, supreme over all the earth.

God created each person to make a difference, to love and be loved. Sometimes it can feel as if there is only evil in this world. The enemy wants to steal, kill and destroy God’s children.

John 10:6-16 NLT
Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn’t understand what he meant, [7] so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. [8] All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. [9] Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. [10] The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. [11] “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. [12] A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. [13] The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep. [14] “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, [15] just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. [16] I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.

So what can we do in action at this time? We can love others as God loves us. We can pray for Israel and all people who are persecuted for loving their Creator God and His promises.

1 John 4:7-19 MSG
My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn’t know the first thing about God, because God is love-so you can’t know him if you don’t love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about-not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with God. [11-12] My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us-perfect love! [13-16] This is how we know we’re living steadily and deeply in him, and he in us: He’s given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit. Also, we’ve seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world. Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God’s Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we’ve embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God. [17-18] God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day-our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life-fear of death, fear of judgment-is one not yet fully formed in love. [19] We, though, are going to love-love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.

God loves His people, first the People of Israel, then the rest of us, Gentiles, were blessed with His love and inheritance.

Jeremiah 31:7 AMP
For thus says the LORD, “Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, And shout for the first and foremost of the nations [the chosen people, Israel]; Proclaim, give praise and say, ‘O LORD save Your people, The remnant of Israel!’

The Lord alone is the Most High, supreme over all the earth!

God is love and when we love like Him the world will be at peace.

Isaiah 40:1 ASV
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.

Photo credit by Pexels.com

Harmony

What is harmony? Merriam-Websters’ dictionary defines harmony as agreement, in one accord, tranquility. It is also a tuneful sound, melody.

In the 60s, “give peace a chance” was a common slogan. Somehow the struggle continues in 2023 and yet we still find ourselves with discord and conflict. It’s not only a war of nations but a war of words.

Being human, we have our own opinions on life, respect, politics and maybe even love. The other person is broken and perhaps as hard headed as you.

We can let our pride over being right get in the way of conflict resolution. We can close our eyes to obvious self destructive words or actions we may speak or receive from another. We can have past patterns of relationships cause unhealthy insight. We can choose to remain stuck in our opinions and sadly miss opportunities for growth in love, in our faith in God, in the potential for a better community of truth.

Lately, I find myself seeking wisdom from the Bible for healthy relationships. This is one of the best, concise instructions for harmony.

Scripture Tools to apply in all relationships:

Romans 12:9-18 NLT
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. [10] Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. [11] Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. [12] Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. [13] When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. [14] Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. [15] Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. [16] Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! [17] Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. [18] Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

May you ponder on how you may reflect these examples in your relationships and community and as a result live in more harmony as you grow more in love like Jesus.

Be humble and willing to live as peacefully as possible. Give the situation or person (in prayer) to God.

Matthew 6:8 NLT
Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!

The words and actions we spread to others matter to either build up and encourage or to curse and tear down another human, created in the image of God. Choose wisely!We will all be held accountable for the words we speak and the actions we give.

James 3:7-18 MSG
This is scary: You can tame a tiger, but you can’t tame a tongue—it’s never been done. The tongue runs wild, a wanton killer. With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image. Curses and blessings out of the same mouth! [10-12] My friends, this can’t go on. A spring doesn’t gush fresh water one day and brackish the next, does it? Apple trees don’t bear strawberries, do they? Raspberry bushes don’t bear apples, do they? You’re not going to dip into a polluted mud hole and get a cup of clear, cool water, are you? [13-16] Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn’t wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn’t wisdom. It’s the furthest thing from wisdom—it’s animal cunning, devilish plotting. Whenever you’re trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others’ throats. [17-18] Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.

Don’t be afraid to make the necessary changes as you trust God with the challenges in your life. Some times we have to speak other times we have to leave and let God bring truth to the situation. He sees you and the conflicts! He is for you!

Father God, we pray for Your perfect harmony in our own lives and with those whose lives intersect our lives. We want to live lives of musical tranquility and bring more of Your Light to the world. It can begin with each of us!

Proverbs 29:25 NLT
Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety.

Photo credit pexels.com

Gossip: it’s a Jungle out there!

Do you ever reflect on your own middle or high school experiences? Peer pressure, finding your squad of similar minded teens was a process. You felt exposed, insecure and yet your mom or dad would encourage hopeful surprises at school.

I don’t believe any of us would like to go back to the jungle of hormones, posturing by others and unfortunate gossip or lies from the most insecure; the mouthy or physically challenging bully!

One time in that jungle was enough. The strategies to navigate the lions, tigers and panthers came with time, testing of others intentions, and giving peace a chance.

In this day and age, the social media addition to peer formation extends the aggravation of FOMO ( fear of missing out) or joy of finding those amazing, compassionate, supportive girls and guys that help mold you into who God knows you are.

The enemy uses these challenging times to destroy us and our kids, but we, as parents, can be diligent in prayer over their day. Prayer breaks through into the battle of good and evil. It is power in the name of Jesus! When we show our kids how we go to the only source of truth in prayer and praise, we bring His truth to action. We can use the same coping techniques as big kids ourselves!

We can allow the kids to vent as we drive a country road or travel into the mountains for slice of cherry pie. ( This has been my go-to peaceful drive.) Time spent together brings a great listener, not providing solutions unless asked and we can remind our teens they are loved and treasured.

As the kids get older, we can’t be their rescuer, we have to lead them to deepen their own faith in God. we have to train them to seek Him!

Scripture is the power of God in His Words. Ephesians 6 reminds us to put on the full armor of God, including the Sword of the Spirit; Scripture, the Word of God is the key weapon.

Ephesians 6:10-18 MSG
And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no weekend war that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. [13-18] Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

So whether you are single, married, with kids or not, don’t give up like you may have in middle or high school. This world may have unkindness and gossip meant to destroy you, however, you can open your mindset, heart to His love and let Him give you the tools to be brave and strong! March on your army of kids, family and friends may just join you with Jesus!

Psalm 31:19-24 MSG
What a stack of blessing you have piled up for those who worship you, Ready and waiting for all who run to you to escape an unkind world. You hide them safely away from the opposition. As you slam the door on those oily, mocking faces, you silence the poisonous gossip. Blessed God! His love is the wonder of the world. Trapped by a siege, I panicked. “Out of sight, out of mind,” I said. But you heard me say it, you heard and listened. [23] Love God, all you saints; God takes care of all who stay close to him, But he pays back in full those arrogant enough to go it alone. [24] Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon.

Photo credit by pixels.com

Wild flower

The biggest misconception of guys and girls is the need to stand out. Each one of us is a beautiful masterpiece. Seeing ourselves the way God made us; absolutely wonderfully is the best way for us to stay stable in the world. The world would tell us we should add some thing in order to be supposedly perfect.

The thing is, God doesn’t make junk. He makes beautifully unique guys and girls absolutely wonderfully. We don’t want to look like each other. We want to look unique!

Some days we may feel tired, weary or let comparison make us feel like we are flawed physically. God wants us to remember we’re awesome the way we are!!

Carrie Underwood has an older song “Nobody ever told you”. The lyrics remind you just to be who you are no extra make up because you’re beautiful just as you are.

Nobody ever told you Carrie Underwood

Interestingly, God’s word reminds us to be content with who we are, and at the right time, God will promote you. Isn’t it amazing this wisdom is in the Bible!

1 Peter 5:4-7 MSG
When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he’ll see that you’ve done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for—God has had it with the proud, But takes delight in just plain people. [6-7] So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.

So live carefree, before God, He cares for you! Run or dance like a wild flower, and be free! You are a diamond, You are amazing just as you are!

Photo credit by Pexels.com

What do you really need?

Have you ever thought of yourself as thinking too deeply? Maybe you feel like you have the right interpretation for people or for situations and yet maybe in the confusion of daily life you realize it really is simpler than your harebrained ideas.

The truth is, the Lord has the whole world in His hands! The Lord has you in His hands. He molded you and needs you to give Him the reins of your life over to Him. Will you?

I just heard this song by Brian Fowler, “What I really need”. The message in the lyrics is so simple. What we really need is God! We don’t necessarily need answers to questions we need his Presence. We need time spent with him. We must actively pursue a relationship with Jesus then clarity will happen.

What I really need by Bryan Fowler

Instead of the mindless battle in our mind, which tends to make things more complicated. I need help, you need help, we need Jesus!

What we really need is hope! Not hope in anything of this world, but hope and faith in God, the Creator of all things, to complete the work He started in us and in this world.

So what are you doing to deepen your relationship with Jesus or maybe for the first time to seek Jesus! Seek the Holy Spirit, your Creator God, the Father of all things!

Forget time spent with social media, trying to keep up with appearances and turn to Jesus. Stop wasting time when all you really need is him.

Photo by pexels.com

Comparison destroys

We are living in the land of FOMO, the fear of missing out can cause a person to miss out on the good moments of the day. Fear of missing out is a trap, just as comparison is a trap. Gratitude for what we have and who we are is a gift. You may be a child, teen, young adult, or seasoned adult, the struggle is real!

The enemy knows if he can build discontent in our life he could take our eyes off of Jesus and his plan and purpose. It’s always our choice. Whose voice, whose words cycle through our mind? What we give attention to becomes our self-talk. Who we listen to is always a choice.

This is why it’s so important to check in with God and memorize His words of truth. So when you have those times of insecurity, the Lord’s words come to your mind, instead of the lies of the enemy.

When you look in the mirror, what do you see; a woman or man created in the image of God, or is your vision distorted by the words of another?

Filter everything through what God says about you and your vision will become clear. God’s mission for your life will become clear regardless of the babbling people around you who don’t support God’s plan. Over time and with the support of Godly influencers the negative words will seem ridiculously easy to ignore. Find Courage in God alone!

1 Peter 5:6-7 MSG
So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.

The Message version of the Bible seems to paint a picture of the goodness of God! The words of truth are profound and stand the test of time. Meditate and read these words aloud. Take in the truth so it can push out the negative self-talk. Consider rewriting these scriptures on your own post-it note to declare every morning.

Psalm 34:1-10 MSG
I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise. [2] I live and breathe God; if things aren’t going well, hear this and be happy: [3] Join me in spreading the news; together let’s get the word out. [4] God met me more than halfway, he freed me from my anxious fears. [5] Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him. [6] When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot. [7] God’s angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray. [8] Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see—how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. [9] Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness. [10] Young lions on the prowl get hungry, but God-seekers are full of God.

Life is for living not comparing ourselves. Did you know God made you perfectly just as you are? Your body is proportioned just right, your life is in His hands. Seek Him for the best instruction, take off the blinders of human communications that do not align with His truth, and see yourself as He sees you, perfect as you are.

I’ve witnessed it by Passion featuring Melody Malone is powerful declaration. Bask in it!Praise Him!!

You are set apart for great things, go to the One who created all things beautiful including you!!!

Photo by fatma kaya on Pexels.com

Weights

Do you feel the weight of worry, fear, anxiety, or sadness lately? This weight may cause you to feel unable to slip out of bed or to take the steps of boldly moving into your day. Perhaps concerns over family or friends, are weighing you down.

We can’t trust in our own strength but instead trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Have you started your physical workouts of weight lifting or exercise only to compare yourself to another person in your real /imaginary gym? Stop looking around at others journeys, focus on the workout God is developing in you.

We are called to cast our burdens on the Lord! He wants us to let Him carry our heavy loads. But do we hand off our life challenges to Him?

In order to be strong in the Lord and gain the personal relationship with Jesus, we must share our load with Him.

I’m finding balance is an important tool in the daily steps of life. Jesus words regarding balances and weights are powerful. Our muscles physically, our mind spiritually and emotionally will grow as we take the time to grow with God.

Meditate on His scripture, speak them aloud there is more impact to hear your own voice speak God’s truth:

2 Timothy 1:7 AMP
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].

Proverbs 11:1 ESV
A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight.

Proverbs 16:11 ESV
A just balance and scales are the LORD’s; all the weights in the bag are his work.

1 Peter 5:8 AMP
Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.

Each of these scriptures reminds me and perhaps maybe you, to let Him carry the heaviest things in life, seek Him to guide you to an abundant life of exercises in faith and nutritional stability.

Take every thought captive it is the only way to become strong in God!

Joshua 1:9 NLT
This is my command-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Remembering His truth as solutions for our weighty trials, we must fight with the weapons from God so we can destroy the setups of the enemy. Look up Ephesians 6 for the full armor of God, put it on daily.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 GNT
It is true that we live in the world, but we do not fight from worldly motives. [4] The weapons we use in our fight are not the world’s weapons but God’s powerful weapons, which we use to destroy strongholds. We destroy false arguments; [5] we pull down every proud obstacle that is raised against the knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey Christ.

Sound minds come to those who put in the effort for the best end result; sound mind, body and soul can be the reward with Jesus as your spotter! Let Him bring His protective hand to you.

Open the Sails

Stepping into a sailboat and getting ready to sail an ocean is not in my comfort zone. There is something about gale-force winds, waves as high as houses, unpredictable weather patterns, and hurricanes that make me shudder.

In sailing, there are times to Trim the sails (pull them in), and times to Ease the sails (let the sails out). Luffing is when the whole sail is flogging, or let out too much and is flapping in the wind not being effective. There needs to be a confident, wise Captain at the wheel directing the crew or the boat may sink.

Life can feel like the same chaotic unstable adventure. We have moments when we follow the captain (Jesus) and life seems to be on calm water and the sunrises are beautiful!

Our lives have times of great joy, like when we were young, we may have learned “Jesus loves Me” as a children’s song. We may have been blessed with parents, or grandparents that sat with us at bedtime reading from the Bible, stories of David and the giant Goliath. Maybe we had a friend who asked us to go to a church kids’ event or summer Christian camp.

Maybe you are new to the beautiful message of Jesus, who died a sinners death for all of us, He is the bridge between God and each of His children, US! He intercedes for us to His Father after we have accepted Him as Savior and allow the Holy Spirit to guide our lives. Today can be a life-transforming day to seek HIM as Lord of our lives!

We may have accepted Jesus as Savior in the past, and we meant the action to believe Jesus can help us and loves us. But then life happened, and things around us were not as clear, perhaps there was division in family, brokenness, divorce, mental health, or violence and we put aside the idea that we were loved by Jesus! Human beings in our lives may have been disappointing and we are living in doubt of His love.

Even David wrote in Psalm 51 of his struggles with life and staying connected to God. David still called out to His Father God for advice as you will read here.

Psalm 51:10 NLT Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.

Psalm 51:11- 15 NLT Do not banish me from your Presence;
    and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. ¹²Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
    and make me willing to obey you. ¹³Then I will teach your ways to rebels,
    and they will return to you. ¹⁴Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves;
    then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness. ¹⁵Unseal my lips, O Lord,
    that my mouth may praise you.

David Leonard released a new song, Light a Fire, it is such a powerful message of hope and restoration found in the Jesus of our youth, He is a God who restores the broken and brings New Life from the ashes of the past. Enjoy this amazing song!

Let today be the day, you step into the boat with Jesus. Let Him calm the waves and direct the storm. Awake your soul. Set Sail with Him (Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit) as the captain of your ship. Open the sails and let Him direct the course of your life. The waves may be choppy at times but you are no longer alone.

Identity at war

Only a slight glance at current media or news reels will show us that the world would say our identity is in crisis. Our Identities are in crisis when we forget who created us in His image and we forfeit the plans and purposes He had for us at our creation.

There are many voices vying for our attention. The Enemy of our souls, the devil wants to take our identity and our purpose before we can make a difference for God‘s kingdom. He was dethroned when he was thrown out of Heaven.

Lucifer, the most beautiful angel was thrown out of heaven because he wanted to be bigger than God and he took along with him a portion of the angels who believe the same things.That began a battle of good and evil, the enemy was jealous of Adam and Eve and their relationship with God.

The serpent in the garden brought doubt to the minds of Adam and Eve at the tree of knowledge.

We have a similar struggle and the enemy knows the details of our greatest insecurities. Who’s voice are you listening to?

We get to choose just like Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. Again, I say whose voice are we listening to? Do we want to believe our identity in the devil who wants to detour God‘s plan for our lives or do we want to believe the One who created us beautifully and perfectly in his image and has our lives in the palm of His hand?

Psalm 139:17-18 NLT
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! [18] I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!

I am so grateful for amazing women who share their God given wisdom and prophetic gifts such as Jane Hamon.

“We were created to be like God! He put His nature inside us so we could be His ambassadors, His representatives on planet earth. Everything He is was deposited into us in seed form. Tom likes to say His DNA was put into us—His Divine Nature Attributes. So when the devil came to Eve and said “God doesn’t want you to be like Him,” he perpetrated spiritual identity theft. Eve forgot that she already was like Him. Her true identity was that she was made in the image of God! She was created to be His daughter, His friend and His companion. This is why Jesus came to earth: to reconcile us to God, our Father, and to remind us who we really are. Demons will always try to separate us from our Father’s love by getting us to question who God is, what He says in His Word and whom He has created us to be. Excerpt From: Discernment by
Jane Hamon

We are given free will to choose who we will serve, the enemy or God? Knowledge brings wisdom, the wisdom found when we meditate on what the Lord says and we seek His wisdom first, can change the trajectory of our lives.

We must decide as individuals who we listen to, and we must share the wisdom of the Word of God with our kids and others.

Our kids are counting on our willingness to teach them the best wisdom for their lives presently and for eternity. We can’t give up that role to anyone in community.

Go to the one who created you and all nature! He is the Rock on which we must build our foundation of truth and identity!