If you have children you certainly recognize the phrase, “I
said, ‘No!’”. It starts coming on about the age of seven to
ten months for most children and lasts until you pass away or they do!! Ha, ha,
ha!
I have to admit that watching my little great nephew (11
months old) work his way around the house and every piece of furniture in it
has been somewhat of a tiring journey recently. But, it has also provided me with much
amusing entertainment at times. How
quickly we see the sin nature emerge. We say "no" and he does it anyway. We say "no" and pop his little hand
and he cries and does it again when we look away. Sometimes
when he is getting his little hand popped for the second time, I sense a look
on his face that says to me, “Auntie Vickie, ‘I do not understand my own
actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate’". Romans 7:15 (ESV) Unfortunately for him, I happen to know we haven't covered Romans yet in his Little Children's
Bible, so he couldn't possibly be mimicking Paul's words at this stage of
life. Pop!
While on that subject, don't you just feel like Paul did at
times? You keep doing things you don't
want to do, but the things you hate. In this day and time, I spend a lot of energy
with counselee's on the struggles of the Spirit and the Flesh. In fact, I just finished an hour conversation
with a college student on the topic. I
cannot express enough to young people and adults alike the importance of
understanding the role spiritual warfare plays in our life. We cannot ignore it or we will be defeated by
it! When you became a believer you
joined the army! The army of God. If there is an army there is an enemy! If there is an enemy, there is a cause. That cause would be the battle for the souls
of men regarding ‘eternal life’ and ‘spiritual growth’. If there is a battle, there will be weapons
.......we as believers in Christ MUST be more than ever aware of the truth of
God's word from Ephesians 6:10-20
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 may 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.
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.
When God as a parent tells us as His children "No,
don't do that," He has equipped us to have victory over the struggle
through Christ our Salvation, our Righteousness, the Living Word, Faith and
Prayer! Remember, He didn't tell us we
wouldn't struggle! He told us we have the Victory!!!!!!
North East Asia Update....
Details are all coming together with North East Asia
trip. We are in process of solidifying
the team in the next couple of weeks so please pray for us as we do so. Our theme for the retreat will be "He Sees"
from Psalm 33: 13 "The LORD looks down from heaven; He sees all the
children of man"
Again, I ask you to be prayerful before the LORD regarding
giving to this trip. Support of a
missionary for this trip is up $100 dollars above our normal need. So, it takes $600 dollars to sponsor just one
missionary to attend the four day, three night conference at no charge to
them. Yes, that is a lot of money. But
we serve a really BIG GOD and it all belongs to Him along with this ministry so
I know He will do it! I also know He
uses us to accomplish His ways so be obedient to give if He is leading!
Love you All
so MUCH.........
His,
Vickie
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