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!

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.