Starting today I'm changing the name and the direction of my blog. Henceforth is will be known as "Mean and Green". I'll be writing on, and answering questions about, the wild killer frogs of New Zealand.
APRIL FOOL!
(May all your April Fool jokes be kind ones!)
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Is the Devil on Your Case?
Satan has a favorite pastime.
What is it, you ask? Keeping those who need the Lord in bondage? Well, he likes that. Wrecking marriages and desecrating families? That's fun for him, too. Tempting the weak with drink, money, or power? He finds all these things most enjoyable.
But what is his favorite pastime?
Well, of course, I can't speak for him, but it would seem he gets his greatest enjoyment from tormenting Christians. It aggravates him that we've gotten away. It burns him up that we're out of his reach. We're his arch enemies.
And what could be more satisfying to the one who is the epitome of evil than to torture his enemies?
So, how can he reach us if we belong to the Lord? By convincing us we're mistaken. We're not really saved. That night you fell to your knees and gave your heart to Jesus? Satan will tell you it was just an emotional experience. You weren't saved. What would the Lord of all creation want with the likes of you, anyway?
If the devil's on your case bad, it probably means you're doing something right.
But go ahead. Don't hesitate to tell God again that you love Him and want to spend eternity with Him. Assure Him once more that you believe Jesus is His son, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. And that He died and rose again to ascend to Heaven, where He sits at the right hand of God. Renew your vows to Him. Make Him Lord in your life again.
(God doesn't care how many times you rededicate yourself, although He probably looks down on us with considerable pity that we're so insecure.)
Then be sure to give the Prince of Lies a good swift kick in the rear as he departs. And steel yourself for his next try. Because he'll never give up . . . until he takes that big swim in the lake of fire.
The battle is real . . .
What is it, you ask? Keeping those who need the Lord in bondage? Well, he likes that. Wrecking marriages and desecrating families? That's fun for him, too. Tempting the weak with drink, money, or power? He finds all these things most enjoyable.
But what is his favorite pastime?
Well, of course, I can't speak for him, but it would seem he gets his greatest enjoyment from tormenting Christians. It aggravates him that we've gotten away. It burns him up that we're out of his reach. We're his arch enemies.
And what could be more satisfying to the one who is the epitome of evil than to torture his enemies?
So, how can he reach us if we belong to the Lord? By convincing us we're mistaken. We're not really saved. That night you fell to your knees and gave your heart to Jesus? Satan will tell you it was just an emotional experience. You weren't saved. What would the Lord of all creation want with the likes of you, anyway?
If the devil's on your case bad, it probably means you're doing something right.
But go ahead. Don't hesitate to tell God again that you love Him and want to spend eternity with Him. Assure Him once more that you believe Jesus is His son, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. And that He died and rose again to ascend to Heaven, where He sits at the right hand of God. Renew your vows to Him. Make Him Lord in your life again.
(God doesn't care how many times you rededicate yourself, although He probably looks down on us with considerable pity that we're so insecure.)
Then be sure to give the Prince of Lies a good swift kick in the rear as he departs. And steel yourself for his next try. Because he'll never give up . . . until he takes that big swim in the lake of fire.
The battle is real . . .
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Old Aphorisms That Should Be Trashed, Part 1
"Let your conscience be your guide." NOT!
It's been a bad day. Look the other way. Let someone else do his share.
Yes, Satan works 24/7 to sear over our conscience. On any given day, he may have had some degree of success. Sure, we'll get back with the Lord and clear things up . . . but what about the decisions we make while we're still partially "disabled?"
Then there's the old "I'm not hurting anyone but myself" line. Excuse me, but have we considered Jesus? Are we sure our actions aren't hurting Him?
We're in a battle for our very souls, and God has given us the blueprint to follow. No, the old axiom should be "Let the Word be your guide."
Because, the battle is real.
It's been a bad day. Look the other way. Let someone else do his share.
Yes, Satan works 24/7 to sear over our conscience. On any given day, he may have had some degree of success. Sure, we'll get back with the Lord and clear things up . . . but what about the decisions we make while we're still partially "disabled?"
Then there's the old "I'm not hurting anyone but myself" line. Excuse me, but have we considered Jesus? Are we sure our actions aren't hurting Him?
We're in a battle for our very souls, and God has given us the blueprint to follow. No, the old axiom should be "Let the Word be your guide."
Because, the battle is real.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
An Excerpt from Handful of Demons
“What’d I tell you, Aunt Casey? He’s sincere. I know he is. He’s so sweet . . . and he’s a hunk too. You just gotta give him another chance."
“I don’t know, Megan.” Casey stared out the window at the narrow stream of chattering people strolling over from the main building.
Father, I don’t know what to do. Seems like every time I turn around Edward has a different personality. I’m too tired to deal with it anymore. I wish I could come home to You. Everything’s happening too fast. I don’t have time to think.
The approaching people froze where they were. A bird in flight hung in the air as though from a wire, wings extended.
Casey gaped. She turned to look at Megan. She was staring at her through blank eyes. Her mouth open as though she were speaking. Her hands behind her head to adjust her ponytail. Still as a stone. Like a childhood game of statue.
Silence. No conversation from the next room. The ceiling fan stopped short overhead. The second hand on the clock was stuck between two little marks.
A soft breeze ruffled Casey’s hair and the smell of wild clover and honeysuckle hung in the air. She jerked her head around frantically. “What’s happening, Lord?”
I’m giving you time to think.
“I don’t know, Megan.” Casey stared out the window at the narrow stream of chattering people strolling over from the main building.
Father, I don’t know what to do. Seems like every time I turn around Edward has a different personality. I’m too tired to deal with it anymore. I wish I could come home to You. Everything’s happening too fast. I don’t have time to think.
The approaching people froze where they were. A bird in flight hung in the air as though from a wire, wings extended.
Casey gaped. She turned to look at Megan. She was staring at her through blank eyes. Her mouth open as though she were speaking. Her hands behind her head to adjust her ponytail. Still as a stone. Like a childhood game of statue.
Silence. No conversation from the next room. The ceiling fan stopped short overhead. The second hand on the clock was stuck between two little marks.
A soft breeze ruffled Casey’s hair and the smell of wild clover and honeysuckle hung in the air. She jerked her head around frantically. “What’s happening, Lord?”
I’m giving you time to think.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
2012 - A Year for Goal-Setting
So far, 2012 has been a year of goal-setting-and-goal meeting. I made the deadline with "Whom He May Devour" and sent it off into cyber-land. Now it's a case of hurry up and wait. But that's okay. I can use a little time off.
Did I say time off? No such thing . . . not in 2012. September 2012 is the slated publishing date of "Handful of Demons", and I'm hitting it hard working with two wonderful ladies on interior design and cover design. It's one of those situations where whatever needs to be done, there's something else that has to be done first. But with their gentle guidance, I think I'll make it through.
Speaking of goals, I set one for myself to lose 10 pounds. It's not going as fast as I'd hoped, but I'm getting closer. At least I'm going the right direction.
Satan raises his ugly head from time to time and tells me I should be sitting on the porch in a rocking chair enjoying life. "You've earned it," he says in a cajoling voice. "Yeah, yeah," I say back to him. "Wouldn't you just be tickled pink if we all sat back and stopped spreading the bad word about you and your plans for us?"
Christians can't afford to take it easy. Not in this world. We'll get plenty of rest in the next. For now, we need to be out there talking about Jesus and exposing Satan for what he is.
The battle is real . . .
Did I say time off? No such thing . . . not in 2012. September 2012 is the slated publishing date of "Handful of Demons", and I'm hitting it hard working with two wonderful ladies on interior design and cover design. It's one of those situations where whatever needs to be done, there's something else that has to be done first. But with their gentle guidance, I think I'll make it through.
Speaking of goals, I set one for myself to lose 10 pounds. It's not going as fast as I'd hoped, but I'm getting closer. At least I'm going the right direction.
Satan raises his ugly head from time to time and tells me I should be sitting on the porch in a rocking chair enjoying life. "You've earned it," he says in a cajoling voice. "Yeah, yeah," I say back to him. "Wouldn't you just be tickled pink if we all sat back and stopped spreading the bad word about you and your plans for us?"
Christians can't afford to take it easy. Not in this world. We'll get plenty of rest in the next. For now, we need to be out there talking about Jesus and exposing Satan for what he is.
The battle is real . . .
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Thirteen Days and Counting
"The Devil Made Me Do It" is nearly finished. That's good. The deadline for entry is only 13 days off, and it still needs considerable editing!
However, I've changed the name. Dee felt "The Devil Made Me Do It" was too frivolous. That phrase is usually used in a joking manner. True. So, the tentative new title is "Whom He May Devour", since this book is anything but frivolous.
And Satan is anything but frivolous. He roams the earth seeking whom he may devour. It's my prayer that the novels I write might bring an awareness that the devil and his demons are not fictional characters made up to keep children in line. They are very real, very present, and very scriptural.
The battle is real.
However, I've changed the name. Dee felt "The Devil Made Me Do It" was too frivolous. That phrase is usually used in a joking manner. True. So, the tentative new title is "Whom He May Devour", since this book is anything but frivolous.
And Satan is anything but frivolous. He roams the earth seeking whom he may devour. It's my prayer that the novels I write might bring an awareness that the devil and his demons are not fictional characters made up to keep children in line. They are very real, very present, and very scriptural.
The battle is real.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Excuses, excuses.
I'm sorry.
I spend a lot of time apologizing these days.
I'm sorry I don't write in my blog twice a week, like I promised I would.
I'm sorry my cooking has been reduced to frozen dinners, heated in the microwave.
I'm sorry it was almost time for bed before I got around to making the bed.
Call who? Was I supposed to do that? I'm sorry.
Bear with me, my friends. I'm going to get my act together one of these days. To those of you who check every few days to see if anything has been written . . . bless you. There is a special place for you in Heaven.
You see, my last post "The 'Debil' Made Me Do It" set something off in my brain, and the first thing I knew, another plot was born, and crying for attention. I'm about 1/3 finished with "The Devil Made Me Do It", a novel about a big-time television evangelist gone wrong. Need to finish it by February 15. Writing's fun. Deadlines . . . not so much!
I spend a lot of time apologizing these days.
I'm sorry I don't write in my blog twice a week, like I promised I would.
I'm sorry my cooking has been reduced to frozen dinners, heated in the microwave.
I'm sorry it was almost time for bed before I got around to making the bed.
Call who? Was I supposed to do that? I'm sorry.
Bear with me, my friends. I'm going to get my act together one of these days. To those of you who check every few days to see if anything has been written . . . bless you. There is a special place for you in Heaven.
You see, my last post "The 'Debil' Made Me Do It" set something off in my brain, and the first thing I knew, another plot was born, and crying for attention. I'm about 1/3 finished with "The Devil Made Me Do It", a novel about a big-time television evangelist gone wrong. Need to finish it by February 15. Writing's fun. Deadlines . . . not so much!
Monday, January 2, 2012
The "Debil" Made Me Do It!
Remember Flip Wilson? Pretty funny routine. But, truth be known, the devil doesn't make us do anything. All he can do is make suggestions. Recall Jesus' exchange with Satan after forty days in the wilderness. Satan had all sorts of suggestions for how Jesus could bring glory to Himself. But Jesus resisted him.
And that's what He asks of us. "Resist the devil and he will flee from you." But the "debil" relentlessly makes suggestions on how we can glorify ourselves, and oftentimes, we simply can't resist. We jump on his bandwagon like "a duck on a June bug" as my mother used to say.
It's always been my belief that ALL sin stems from self-love. Self centeredness, if you will. Bringing out our self-centeredness is Satan's specialty. Which is why the Word implores us to "die to self."
To make my point, let's start with gossip. People lift themselves up by putting others down. At the same time making themselves feel important by knowing something that someone else didn't know. People steal to enrich themselves (with the notable exception of Robin Hood :-). People murder either for financial gain, or because it serves some other purpose of enrichment. Always the perpetrator is looking to make some sort of personal gain, with no thought to others. Even if it's only to rid themselves of a nuisance.
A grudge is a form of self-love. Clinging to anger because in some way the holder of the grudge has been wronged. And this is unacceptable to self.
Some lie to keep their own precious selves in good stead. Or to improve their situation in some manner. Others cheat to make themselves look better, or gain a prize or some sort. There is corruption in high places as a result of self-interest. Elected officials or trusted employees thinking only of the "Big I."
Unfaithful spouses are concerned only with their own pleasure. They're able to close their eyes to vows and hearts broken in order to be satisfied.
A few years back, one of Satan's favorite axioms became a popular saying, "If it feels good, do it!"
All around us there are dupes of the devil, who believe his lies that they will be glorified (or satisfied) if they follow his suggestions. And you know what? Lots of times, they are! Temporarily. Too bad they didn't read to the end of The Book.
The battle is real!
If you disagree and know a sin that doesn't originate with self-love, I'd like to hear your comment.
And that's what He asks of us. "Resist the devil and he will flee from you." But the "debil" relentlessly makes suggestions on how we can glorify ourselves, and oftentimes, we simply can't resist. We jump on his bandwagon like "a duck on a June bug" as my mother used to say.
It's always been my belief that ALL sin stems from self-love. Self centeredness, if you will. Bringing out our self-centeredness is Satan's specialty. Which is why the Word implores us to "die to self."
To make my point, let's start with gossip. People lift themselves up by putting others down. At the same time making themselves feel important by knowing something that someone else didn't know. People steal to enrich themselves (with the notable exception of Robin Hood :-). People murder either for financial gain, or because it serves some other purpose of enrichment. Always the perpetrator is looking to make some sort of personal gain, with no thought to others. Even if it's only to rid themselves of a nuisance.
A grudge is a form of self-love. Clinging to anger because in some way the holder of the grudge has been wronged. And this is unacceptable to self.
Some lie to keep their own precious selves in good stead. Or to improve their situation in some manner. Others cheat to make themselves look better, or gain a prize or some sort. There is corruption in high places as a result of self-interest. Elected officials or trusted employees thinking only of the "Big I."
Unfaithful spouses are concerned only with their own pleasure. They're able to close their eyes to vows and hearts broken in order to be satisfied.
A few years back, one of Satan's favorite axioms became a popular saying, "If it feels good, do it!"
All around us there are dupes of the devil, who believe his lies that they will be glorified (or satisfied) if they follow his suggestions. And you know what? Lots of times, they are! Temporarily. Too bad they didn't read to the end of The Book.
The battle is real!
If you disagree and know a sin that doesn't originate with self-love, I'd like to hear your comment.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Blessings in the Name of Jesus!
Merry Christmas!
In this season of love, I don't wish to talk about the wiles of the devil. For unto us this day a Savior is born.
"God rest ye merry gentlemen. Let nothing you dismay. Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day. To save us all from Satan's call, when we have gone astray!"
Wow!
Yet, complications and stress seem to multiply, the closer we get to Christmas.
A very wise friend, and minister in spiritual warfare, taught from the pulpit, DON'T GO TO SEED ON DEMONS. In other words, they are out there, and they are out to get you, but don't give the devil credit for the hard times that you bring on yourself.
Late for work consistently because of heavy traffic or detours? Don't blame Satan. Leave the house earlier.
Can't find your car keys, glasses, or checkbook? Don't blame Satan. Have one particular place where you keep them, and don't deviate.
Your computer gives you fits? (I'm bad about giving demons credit on this one.) Don't blame Satan. Learn more about the operation of your technological gadgets. Accept the fact that these things are going to happen. And be prepared for the worst your gadgets can deal out.
Last minute Christmas shopping have you stressed? Hmm. If all of us would do as my mother did . . . totally no stress. She bought presents all throughout the year. It solved both the time and money problems.
She should have drummed that into my head a little harder, because Dee and I have been the proverbial chickens with our heads cut off for the last several weeks. It seems to get worse every Christmas season. So we've come to an agreement. We'll not let Satan - or ourselves - deal us misery and stress during this most wonderful time of the year. Next year, and every year thereafter, we are going to prepare ahead of time for Christmas, so the entire month of December we'll be able to visit, travel, and enjoy our friends and family. (And each other) Henceforth, I'm going to be "taking off" the entire month of December. Yay!
Friends, I pray for safety, peace, joy, and love to each and every one of you. May you have a wonderful and joyous Christmas Season.
Blessings in the Name of Jesus!
In this season of love, I don't wish to talk about the wiles of the devil. For unto us this day a Savior is born.
"God rest ye merry gentlemen. Let nothing you dismay. Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day. To save us all from Satan's call, when we have gone astray!"
Wow!
Yet, complications and stress seem to multiply, the closer we get to Christmas.
A very wise friend, and minister in spiritual warfare, taught from the pulpit, DON'T GO TO SEED ON DEMONS. In other words, they are out there, and they are out to get you, but don't give the devil credit for the hard times that you bring on yourself.
Late for work consistently because of heavy traffic or detours? Don't blame Satan. Leave the house earlier.
Can't find your car keys, glasses, or checkbook? Don't blame Satan. Have one particular place where you keep them, and don't deviate.
Your computer gives you fits? (I'm bad about giving demons credit on this one.) Don't blame Satan. Learn more about the operation of your technological gadgets. Accept the fact that these things are going to happen. And be prepared for the worst your gadgets can deal out.
Last minute Christmas shopping have you stressed? Hmm. If all of us would do as my mother did . . . totally no stress. She bought presents all throughout the year. It solved both the time and money problems.
She should have drummed that into my head a little harder, because Dee and I have been the proverbial chickens with our heads cut off for the last several weeks. It seems to get worse every Christmas season. So we've come to an agreement. We'll not let Satan - or ourselves - deal us misery and stress during this most wonderful time of the year. Next year, and every year thereafter, we are going to prepare ahead of time for Christmas, so the entire month of December we'll be able to visit, travel, and enjoy our friends and family. (And each other) Henceforth, I'm going to be "taking off" the entire month of December. Yay!
Friends, I pray for safety, peace, joy, and love to each and every one of you. May you have a wonderful and joyous Christmas Season.
Blessings in the Name of Jesus!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
And the Battle is Tough
The title of this blog—THE BATTLE IS REAL—was borrowed from a song written by a very dear pastor friend of ours - author of many, many powerful songs of praise and worship - Gary Lanier. Gary and his wife, Valleta are anointed ministers of the Gospel, serving the King in many capacities. (check out thelaniercompany.com)
The words go like this: The battle is real. The battle is tough. But the children of God, will never give up . . .
Perhaps I should dwell a while on the second line . . . the battle is tough. We're fighting hard. But guess who else is putting his all into the battle. None other than Satan, himself. He's the adversary, and a potent one at that.
He roams the earth, seeking whom he may devour.
There is but one secret to winning the battle with Satan. The undeniable knowledge that he's already beaten. He knows it. For him to win the victory in our lives, he has to keep us from finding it out. He has to keep us from learning the truth that Jesus has already won. And prevent us from trusting in Jesus.
In spite of the undeniable knowledge that Jesus is victorious - which is deeply ingrained in my heart and soul - Satan still manages to win a small skirmish in my life from time to time. If it were not so, I'd never worry, never get stressed out . . . never get depressed. I'd always remember that God's in control.
That's a big order when Satan's imps are chopping away at all sides, and it looks like your man-made fortress is getting ready to collapse. Dee came up with a handy little slogan. When you are overwhelmed by the things of the world, don't think . . . thank!
Thank the Lord for who He is and what He represents in your life . . . VICTORY over Satan.
The words go like this: The battle is real. The battle is tough. But the children of God, will never give up . . .
Perhaps I should dwell a while on the second line . . . the battle is tough. We're fighting hard. But guess who else is putting his all into the battle. None other than Satan, himself. He's the adversary, and a potent one at that.
He roams the earth, seeking whom he may devour.
There is but one secret to winning the battle with Satan. The undeniable knowledge that he's already beaten. He knows it. For him to win the victory in our lives, he has to keep us from finding it out. He has to keep us from learning the truth that Jesus has already won. And prevent us from trusting in Jesus.
In spite of the undeniable knowledge that Jesus is victorious - which is deeply ingrained in my heart and soul - Satan still manages to win a small skirmish in my life from time to time. If it were not so, I'd never worry, never get stressed out . . . never get depressed. I'd always remember that God's in control.
That's a big order when Satan's imps are chopping away at all sides, and it looks like your man-made fortress is getting ready to collapse. Dee came up with a handy little slogan. When you are overwhelmed by the things of the world, don't think . . . thank!
Thank the Lord for who He is and what He represents in your life . . . VICTORY over Satan.
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