Ever been spooked out by a spirit? Come with me to Branson, MO, home of "The Promise," a magnificent musicale on the life of Christ. Now follow me--keep one eye on Christ, unmistakably the central figure of the drama! But the OTHER eye? Keep it on the devil--try not to go cross-eyed, but you're about to learn an incredible truth. Watch the actor in black, in brilliant ballet form, who portrays a startling image of the evil one, lurking "behind the scenes," writhing with snake-like movements to enter the hearts and minds of critical characters in the play. He's behind Peter, Judas, the religious leaders, and even Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Always there, always lurking, silent and evil in presence and spirit--and suddenly you realize: he's behind YOU too, in your REAL life, waiting and watching and trying to make you fret, fail and fall. He's real, an evil spirit--and it doesn't take TWO eyes to see that!
We've seen and heard him prowling around for a long time. He showed up in the Garden of Eden--and he'll be in YOUR garden too--if you let him, hassling and harrassing, sleuthing and slithering around in his notorious ways. His spirit pervades our world--and we draw back in horror from TV shows, video games, movies--and real life drama totally inhumane and demonic. He's here all right--but hold on--he's not in charge! God is--and He's sent His Holy Spirit into our world and into our hearts to counteract the forces of evil. Come--there's a HOLY Spirit wanting to lead us to the Well--and HE'S not scary. He loves us and will lead us to Christ!
A Helping Word...or
Two!
The Spirit Who Guides--that I might KNOW!
Now there's a "guide" out there, a "spirit-guide" who would like to tell you what to do and where to go. He's dark and evil, "cool" in today's trendy world of "spirituality," but watch out! It's "another" spirit, not that of your beloved Lord. Misguided dabblers in the "new age" philosophy follow this guide all the time--and he leads straight to hell. Follow him NOT--God has a better idea!
Meet the Heavenly Guide, the divine director of our pathway through life. He's there, from the moment you receive Christ as Savior, to lead and guide you into paths of righteousness. He knows the Father's mind--and He knows how to implant the Father's will and mind in your own heart, so you too will know the Father's plan. We make it such a mystery; we get so very frustrated to "know the Will of God," when it is simply walking with our heavenly Guide. His Spirit witnesses with our spirit when the decision is right--or wrong; when the direction is right--or wrong. He's our Heavenly Helper--and He's REAL--the true Spirit of the Living God.
The Spirit Who Provides--that I might DO!
Now there's another spirit "out there" who can provide plenty of power. Power to kill, to steal, to destroy--and he'll do it--if you let him. He'll give you power to fail your commitment to holy living, to flee your commitment to your spouse, and to forsake your commitment to God--if you let him! And he'll send you straight to hell. Follow him NOT--God has a better idea!
Meet the Heavenly Power-giver, the dynamic Spirit of God, with all power to destroy the works of the devil and to DO "exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or think." He'll help you to pray--to intercede for lost humanity. He'll help you to praise--to worship and love your Lord. And He'll help you to perform--to do, through you, the mighty works of God. There's power to serve, and it's found in the enabling power of the third Person of the Trinity. He's our Heavenly Helper--and He's REAL--the true Spirit of the Living God!
The Spirit Who Abides--that I might BE!
Now there's another spirit out there who wants you to BE too--just "visualize it," or maybe "meditate on it," and you will realize your true, inner spirituality--why you can BE god! It's cool--try it and see! DON'T! He'll send you straight to hell. Follow him NOT--God has a better idea!
Meet the Heavenly Abider, the indwelling Spirit of God who will make you what God wants you to be. It's called the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23), and it's available to every Christian believer. It's not humanly attainable--but it's worth reaching for. It's the fruit of a sanctified, Spirit-filled life--love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and self-control. Fruit that causes you to become more and more in the image of Jesus Christ. Does it happen overnight? No way--it takes a lifetime, but it's a lifetime of constant communion and tactful training by the Holy Spirit who abides and desires that YOU abide--that you simply BE even more than you KNOW and DO. He's our Heavenly Helper--and He's REAL--the true Spirit of the Living God.
Devil--you lose! Slither and sleuth around this world and around God's people all you want--God's got His almighty eye on you. You'll go so far and no farther. Your defeat and doom was proclaimed at the Cross of Christ and the Empty Tomb! You can roar like a lion in the night; you can pretend you're an angel of light, but the Spirit of God knows who you are--one day you will be bound and thrown into the pit of everlasting hell to disturb God's saints no more. Your evil spirit may pervade this world but it doesn't win--for we've read the end of the Book! "And HE shall reign forever and ever...of HIS Kingdom there shall be no end!"
...and that's just a word or two from my heart to yours!
"Lord, there's "another spirit" that's been bothering me--and I refuse that spirit in Your Name. I need the power of the Holy Spirit in my life--to guide me into Your perfect Will; to give me the ability to serve You, and to help me be what You want me to be. In myself, I cannot do it--but through You, I can do all things. Thank You for Your blessed Holy Spirit who lives within me-- may I be aware of His presence this week. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Need some extra rest and refreshment? Visit Songs of Praise below and let the lovely music fill your soul with His peace and joy!
A place to enjoy other devotionals!
I'm blessed with a wonderful "virtual web family," many close friends who not only help to keep me sane and smiling, but write wonderful devotionals. Enjoy their spiritual insights--and their sites as well!
Most of the music playing at Peggie's Place originates from Songs of Praise.
Visit their great Web site to hear beautiful tunes by many talented artists. CDs are available.
Celebrating God's goodness . . .. . . 14 million and counting!
Note: Counter keeps a running total of "page views" for the
entire site. --It jogs around the world and around the clock--to find
YOU!
This Christian home has been visited a zillion times
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STILL room for one more--YOU! The Christian Counter scans the entire site--and there's plenty of chocolate for everyone--so enjoy!
Please note that while I strongly adhere to major tenets of the
evangelical Christian faith, I may not personally agree with every specific doctrinal belief set forth in other
Christian pages. I do want to provide a diversity of links and resource material
for the entire Body of Christ to enjoy, and trust you will view it as such.
A safety tip: Internet links and material may include other links and/or material which do not reflect my Christian views or yours. Please choose wisely and use with discretion! And if you find an ugly spider hiding in a dark corner,
you may smash it with a broom from my BROOM
CLOSET--I hate offensive stuff too!
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A Hurting
Word...
