Beneath every rock and around every corner . . .

I've been praying for just the right subject matter for tonight's blog. Thanks Ellen Kennedy for planting the seed with your FB post today.

It seems more and more --- I suppose because of all the evil things happening with alarming frequency around the world --- our spiritual leaders seem bent on warning us of the evil one. This is the crux of my writing. The very thing I think God has called me to do. To warn the unknowing about the powers of evil and to point them to Christ. God has allowed me to answer this call with Christian fiction. 

I write Christian fiction, because Satan is almost as interested in Christians as he is the unsaved. He may not be able to lure them into his kingdom, but he can make them worthless to God's kingdom.

Christians around the world are called to spread the good news that Jesus Christ is Lord!

Thank you, Lord, for the committed people who devote their time and effort  - sometimes their very lives - to promote You. It is, after all, all about You. We sing a song in our church "It's all about You." We are only the joyful recipients of Your grace. And thank you, Lord, that someone cared enough about me to pray for me until I finally reached out to You.

God has an arch enemy. Satan. He's not strong enough to hurt God . . . but he's certainly strong enough to hurt the ones God loves (that would be us) if we're not prepared. And what prepares us for his attack? It's all in God's word. Gotta love the Scriptures!

The danger: For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 NAS.

More danger:  "Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 1st Peter 5:8 NAS.

If you ever find yourself rationalizing a sin, beware! You know the old line we sometimes use . . . "Surely God wouldn't hold it against me if I . . . " Stop right there. If in your heart you know what you're about to do is wrong, you can be assured . . . God does mind. He won't stop loving you, but yes, He minds.

Just as he minded when Eve listened to the words of the serpent: "Surely, you will not die." Evil forces are hiding beneath every rock and around every corner, and Satan will say whatever he needs to say to turn you from God's will.

So, here's the good news: To continue the message in Ephesians 6, Verse 13 says "Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm." Verses 14 through 17 list the armor of God: truth, righteousness, the Gospel, and salvation.

More good news: Simply put in the 4th chapter of James, Verse 7: "Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

And that's "a wrap." Four easy-to-remember words to keep you safe from the wiles of the devil:

"Submit therefore to God."

Wow!  We make it so complicated. God makes it so simple!