Don't Let Satan Win

Divide and conquer. Divide and conquer. That has been Satan's tactic down through the ages. Wherever there is confusion, disillusionment, conflict, Satan is there to make things worse than they need to be.
Recently, in the church where I attend, decisions were made that have mystified many in the congregation. Rumors and misinformation have spread quickly. Many have been hurt and many are considering leaving our church. Satan must be dancing with glee (if the Devil can feel joy). This is the perfect opportunity for Satan and his minions to split the church.
We are in the process of calling a new minister. Satan must be very afraid that the church might start growing again. He will use every bit of dissatisfaction and every piece of bitterness to worm his way into the hearts and minds of our members.
I Peter 5:6-9 warns us, ^"And God will exalt you in due time, if you humble yourselves under his mighty hand by casting all your cares on him because he cares for you. Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering"
Don't let Satan devour you. Don't let this trial become a tool in the Devil's workshop. Stand firm in your faith. Pray for guidance. Pray for wisdom. Pray for peace. Don't let Satan win. 

Beating the Blues

For no apparent reason I was feeling 'down' last night. It seemed I was such a failure in so many areas of my life: money, men, dieting. I took my eyes off Jesus for just one moment and all the cares of the world come crashing down. It can happen to any of us ... at any time.
Give Satan an inch and he'll take a mile, as the saying goes. He can turn even good things into despair. He is always lurking ... waiting for a minute of weakness to rob us of our joy.
I'm so glad that God gives us refreshment from sleep and a new outlook each morning. What a wonderful, dependable promise in Lamentations 3:22-23, "The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning."
Today's devotion in Jesus Calling gave me this to think about: "I (God) can fit everything into a pattern for good, including the things you wish were different. Start with where you are at this point in time and space, accepting that this is where I intend you to be." What great news. God has put be where He wants me to be. I can thank Him for all the things he provides: a safe home, a reliable car, food to eat, friends who care, a wonderful church to attend, my precious pets, on and on, too many to name. God is good.
Psalm 42:11 asks, "Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for once again I will praise him, since his presence saves me and he is my God."
The blues can catch any of us unawares. But praise God that He won't leave us in our depression. If we look for Him, we will find Him anew every morning. Focusing again on Him and His power will beat those blues.