The House You're Building

They deliberately forgot that the Lord...2 Peter 3:5 My husband just came back from a trip to the store.  He, like many others, had some last minute gifts to get.  He was describing people in the parking lot, circling around, trying to find a space close to the store.  Long lines waiting to make a purchase; he said you could smell the stress in the air.   We can relate to that feeling of anxiety as even the most proactive of us get in situations where we've take on too much or circumstances wheel us out of control.   While reading this morning, I came across a phrase in 2 Peter that made me pause (those are always good because then  you know God is saying something to you...).  They deliberately forgot-sometimes our lack of focus is intentional.  We actually choose to go through live with the wrong perspective.  The truth is too painful.  What's interesting is in our attempts to avoid pain, we remain stuck in it els...

2 Timothy 2:9 But the word of God cannot be chained. What are you fearful of?  What enslaves you?  What chokes out your freedom and vitality.  In a sense, this has held you captive to destructive behavior patterns.   You long for freedom.  Where do you turn? The word of God is waiting, for it cannot be chained, restrained, held back, stifled, or cast aside.  It bears fruit and accomplished the purpose for why it was sent (Isaiah 55:11).  It is a light in the dark and will illuminate your healing and way (Psalm 119:105).  We must return to the word of the Lord to find freedom. During the Christmas season, we are reminded that the word is not just the life-giving words but the Son sent to dwell among us.   14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, "This was he of whom I said...

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and suppli...