“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:10-13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We are in an era where everyone is in battle mode daily. The pandemic has heightened the sense of fight. It has taken us beyond the normal daily tasks of life and existence to a new level of struggling and functioning.

Many feel alone. Many are depressed. Relationships are strained. We are struggling in numerous ways. Sickness and death not only seem prominent- but just to make a simple run to the grocery store can be a challenge. If you didn’t think or feel like you were battling in life, you definitely know that you are now!

We are all fighting some type of battle. What many may not recognize – those battles are spiritual. They are against what verse 12 says are “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” That means that the physical person or that situation you are focusing on is not the struggle you actually should focus. We are to fight spiritually.

How do we fight to at the least stand our ground spiritually?

This question points us to the part of 6th chapter of Ephesians where Paul told them that they can at the least stand by putting on the whole armor of God.

First let’s consider the concept of standing…

Standing has significance. When standing, it is not a time of rest. You are fully aware and awake to what is going on around you. You physically are upright and in an erect and upright position. You are exerting energy, thus burning more calories. There is effort and action to continue standing and to keep on your armor. Standing also shows you are still in the battle. It shows you are resilient and strong. You are still vital.

I Corinthians 15:58 states, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” While standing you can abound! This means you are dominant and powerful.

So, how do we stand in the battle?

“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth…” Ephesians 6:14 says. Paul urges us to put on the belt of truth. It is through that truth, that base, that we are set aside – or in other words – known to others. John 17:16-17 states, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” Everything hinges on the Word of God. Thus, it hinges on truth and us relying on the truth of God’s Word.

From what I understand, the belt soldiers donned/girded was utilized to sturdy the “core” or mid-region of the body. We know that our core area of our body is essential to stand physically. If you core is not strong or supported you cannot walk or stand so the belt is essential. Just as weight lifters and construction workers utilize a belt for their core, we need our spiritual belt.

The belt had to be there to support the breastplate which Paul states next as necessary for battle. That breastplate was so heavy that warriors needed that belt to gird/support it. The belt steadies and strengthens the body. Thus, truth or the Word gives strength and steadies the believer.

The next piece of armor, the breastplate represents righteousness and protects the chest and heart. It was a heavy and thick piece of equipment. Webster’s Dictionary defines righteousness as,”acting in accord with divine or moral law” Due to that fact, we were “made free from sin, (and) ye became the servants of righteousness.” Romans‬ ‭6:18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Doing the right thing is not always easy. There are times it causes us to be vulnerable. Even though James 1:22 urges us to, “be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves,” the heart needs protecting . The Word states in Proverbs 4:23, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” The heart holds our life. Thus, righteousness – doing or thinking the things God would have us do – helps us to keep our heart shielded.

Since Paul instructed us how to protect our core and chest – he next taught it’s necessary to walk in peace. We need to have it with us always. Footwear at that time was tied and secured with strap to feet and legs. We have to put it on our feet. It doesn’t come naturally. As scripture states, “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” Whatever direction or path God has us should be in peace and cause peace – even if battling. Our presence should create peace and we should enter in peace even in chaotic circumstances.

We sometimes don’t walk or or attempt to stand in places that are peaceful. We are told to above all take “the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” We should deal with life with faith – as Philippians states – “the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” Holding up our faith in front of us blocks all the negative messages intentionally thrown our way or that we may hear. Feedback from the world can kill hopes and dreams! Faith let’s us know that “all things are possible.”

The next piece of armor is the helmet. “And take the helmet of salvation…” In other words actively protect your mind and thoughts by the knowledge of deliverance. In Philippians 4:8 Paul urges us to think on “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise.” Ephesians 4:14 says “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;”

Surprisingly, there is only one tool given that is not defending our body. It is a tool is used actively in battle. It is “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” The Word of God is described in Hebrews 4:12 as “quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” When utilized/spoken/studied – it dispels myths, gives faith and kills our enemy’s schemes.

We can’t forget Paul’s final instruction in Ephesians 6! That instruction is – that we pray. He tells us to pray “always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” We are told to, “pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Prayer keeps us in communication with God. It’s a two-way conversation and He guides us through the battles we face.

I’m going to let Paul encourage us a little further through scripture to close this devotional out;

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:16-18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:58‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Please continue to battle and having done all to at least stand…

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John‬ ‭3:16-17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians‬ ‭2:1-8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I am amazed by people who can give to the detriment of themselves out of love. I know this happened with God sacrificing His Son, but are there people who possess this character trait in our selfish “look out for myself” environment.

My mother is one of those people. She has hope and love in a manner which I view as “beyond hope!” A hope so beyond, that she loves and sacrifices to her own detriment, that others may be better or hopefully do better.

Although I recognize I may have inherited scant traces of this trait, I can’t imagine going to the extent I have seen her go for our family. Out of faith and love she pours, hoping for change. She gives and then gives more. I’m not even sure she’s seen positive results. She sacrifices and more is taken or demanded with seemingly no appreciation or acknowledgment of the extent of her actions.

I want to acknowledge her… I want to honor her. (I feel like I have fussed at her out of love all week long. She needs to know I understand, but out of my love for her I still need to speak up.)

She is my living example of what God did for us. She sacrifices, out of love, in hope that others may live. She gives in hope that others may change. In my mind, my Mom is the epitome of “let this mind be in you, which is also in Christ Jesus.” She gives so much in many different ways to save those she loves.

She doesn’t shout from the rooftops her sacrifice. Quietly, and if she could secretly from me, she devotes herself to the improvement of others. She hopes in others. She believes in others.

That’s love…

For God so loved us…

I believe it is only through faith in God that we are able to acquire this type of faith to love as God does. His sacrifice was not easy, but it had to be done for the sake of world. He did it because He loves us – He believes in the best for us – for He is love.

We are challenged to “let this mind be in us which is also in Christ Jesus.” What type of mind are we asked to acquire?

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others”

Scripture states we are to be likeminded, having the same love and being on one accord with Christ. We should be looking out for one another.

God sent His Son because He knew we would mess up. He knew we wouldn’t always or ever get things right. He loved and loves us so much He sent and then sacrificed His son for some stiff-necked fickle people who like the Israelites, others, and us – have no clue and often disregard the love shown.

Just as God sacrificed and sacrifices, we too are called to lift and support others around us – even when they are taking advantage. We’re given the task of assisting even when it is difficult because we can’t see progress.

A friend of mine advised me as I unloaded my frustration – “Daph, have you ever considered – that is what makes your mother happy – that those actions to stabilize are what she really wants to do.” That could be her calling…

I woke this morning and read the opening scriptures. I think I am beginning to understand. Smile 🙂 – I’m not sure whether I’ll stop fussing or she will stop giving, but I am prayerfully going to attempt to understand.

This was written over 11 years ago and then a few years later printed in my book, I Give You Jesus…The Greatest Gift. Thought I would share again. It’s one of my favorites and reminds me the type of friend I strive to be.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. Mark 2:5

Tuesday night, I attended a church service in Maryland while visiting my girlfriend where her Pastor of Reid Temple, Rev. Dr. Lee P. Washington , spoke on the topic “When Jesus is in the house” from Mark 2. He recounted the events of Jesus healing a man of palsy and how powerful it is when Jesus is in the House of God…

That sermon made my mind focus on the four friends that man had. So much so it’s Saturday night and I’m still in awe of what lengths His friends went to and what the results were.

Imagine, a man is paralyzed – can’t move. He’s heard about this man, Jesus. He’s heard that Jesus is able to make the blind see, to help the lame walk. His friends are so passionate about him receiving healing that they carry – yes carry – their friend to where this man is.

They finally reach their destination and the house where Jesus is located and it is crowded. The people are so pressed into this house to the point where no one else can enter. His friends devise a plan to get closer. This plan takes drastic measures for drastic times. They decide to make an opening in the roof to lower their friend to where the Healer was. I’m sure it took time and precision to do so – but they successfully lowered him.

This action definitely caught Jesus’ attention. Scripture states as above, “When Jesus saw their faith…”

Now truly place yourself as the paralyzed man in the scripture. Let me make it a little easier for you to imagine. I see being paralyzed as a state which could be more than just physical. It could be mental, emotional, or spiritual. You could be currently “stuck” in a place where there is no movement, no growth, no mobility.

Do you have at least four friends that you can turn to and talk? Four friends that are passionate for you and the Will of God in your life? Four friends that will carry you in prayer, make sure you are covered in scripture, and go that extra mile to make sure that you are in the house where Jesus is? Do you have friends that make sure you are focused and on point? Friends that will help to plot and plan for your success? Friends that bring the Spirit of God with them any time they approach you…

Then there’s the flip side of the coin – are you that friend? You know, that friend in someone else’s life who prays without ceasing. Are you that friend who sees the move of God in a person’s life and does as directed by the Spirit to see its fruition? You encourage, you rebuke, you chastise out of love. You go out of your way because you know all things work together and that He that has begun a good thing will continue to perform it. You ultimately know deep down that God will get the Glory out of your friend’s current paralyzed state in the end. You can’t wait to see what God does due to your faith…because He’s done it in the past.

Friends…How many of us have them? How many of us are them? Let us pray…

👉🏽👉🏽 Be ready
👉🏽👉🏽 Be anticipating
👉🏽👉🏽 Be expecting
that whatever comes your way today God already knows and has an answer – He wants to guide – we just need to stay connected, pause, ask, and listen.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11-13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Yesterday, while in “Cousin Bible Study,” we talked about how God lines things up. We discussed the story of Esther and how God lined all the different actions up to have the glory at the end. We talked about the fact that God wasn’t even acknowledged in the writing, but you can see His hand in it throughout the entire story.

Well, I have a testimony today!

It snowed last night. When it snows a “single girl homeowner” has to have a plan. She considers – who can shovel my driveway? I have no significant other and my nephew is indisposed at the moment. (Thank God I have a garage, so I don’t have to clean off the car!) I prayed as we studied and as Priscilla Shirer wrote in our study anticipated, readied, and expected God to work on my situation.

After our bible study ended last night, I got up and peered outside. My first indication He was working it out – the street and my neighbors’ driveways were covered with snow. The heavy winds blew snow off my driveway down to the sidewalk. My driveway was ONLY wet! GLORY!!

I praised God and then asked – “Please if You have mercy, let me wake to no snow on driveway in the morning.” GLORY!! I woke to no snow and a little trace of ice.

So late morning I decided to sprinkle ice melt on driveway and shovel the snow off the sidewalk. Next issue, I didn’t have the strength to take lid off of ice melt! I paused and prayed in my garage – “Lord, I admit I don’t know my neighbors as well as I did in the past. Please let me see a male neighbor I know that can help me.”

GLORY! I step out the garage- look down the street and saw a neighbor I haven’t seen or talked to in a while. We were really close friends until he married and I guess we both decided to not be as close. Anyway, I shouted down the street that I needed help opening the ice melt. He tussled with the container and he opened it. GOTTA GIVE GOD SOME PRAISE!!

Then, while I spread the ice melt and went to clear my sidewalk, my new next door neighbor came and said – “I have a guy that shovels mine, I can get him to shovel yours too!” HALLELUJAH!! Glory to God! The concept of staying prayerful/connected and letting/allowing God to guide and the He will connect IS REAL! We just need to be aware and pay attention. His Word is true! His character and actions haven’t changed!

“Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:30-36‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I tend to go “all in.”

Relationships, friendships, ministry, work, projects- at times I “jump in” with reckless abandonment. So much so, I act at times without regard to my own heart. Deep down inside I have an unbelievable expectation that everyone responds and acts the same way as I do and will treat me in return the same. The truth is they don’t. As my wise Dad told me in my early 20’s, “Everybody isn’t you.”

I care not to give my real life examples. Trust that I make myself vulnerable by choice in certain situations because I respond when people I care about need assistance or when there are causes that I feel need to be championed. I confess, I’m not always correct or have made the right decisions. I don’t always listen to God, but He knows my personality leans in this direction.

According to scripture this concept is evident, when led we should be challenged to go “all in” with all our relationships and projects – good or bad. It grows us.

As a trait that is common for me, I recognize that “all in” puts me in very vulnerable faith situations. Sometimes it seems I don’t necessarily fair well. People believe they have taken advantage of me or have gotten over. At times, people think they can treat or talk to me in any kind of way. With projects, I have not always been appreciated or acknowledged for all that I have poured into the effort. Matter of fact there have been situations where I’ve been attacked in one way or another- personally and professionally. I attempt to be fully aware of circumstances surrounding me and positions I am led – sometimes by God and I admit, sometimes by me.

Yes, the degree of vulnerability each Believer places themselves is a prayerful task. It should be examined closely. I know scripture says to give without regard, but God also instructs us to guard our hearts. He instructs us to watch as well as pray and to pray without ceasing. In addition there are instances where individuals are clearly and unequivocally trying to take advantage of you or you are up against a Goliath-like foe. If we are careful to listen, God gives us the wisdom not to cast our pearls before the swine less they turn to try to “rend” or as in David’s case with Goliath – He will give you the right tools to handle situations.

I was amazed at the Message Bible’s translation- of the initial passage above from Luke-

“To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:27-30‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Let those situations bring out the best in you. This is an opportunity to live out the servant life. Live generously is a clear directive.

Although I have a strong dose of this trait, I haven’t mastered it completely. I’m know in every situation in my life I don’t always excel. This passage in the Message Bible goes on to say-

“Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.

“I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:31-36‬ ‭MSG‬‬

This way of living requires a prayerful close relationship and walk with God otherwise there is potential to become a “doormat – that is a person that people think they can take advantage. It requires discernment to know when to guard your heart and when you are being faithfully led to give generously. Praying without ceasing is definitely needed to be aware if God pivots your direction in His next instruction. (A pivot like God gave Abraham when told to sacrifice his son.)

Be challenged to prayerfully “go all in!” Give without looking for the return. Pour into that project even though you may not get a raise or rich. Take your sling shot like David and go up against the Goliath. In the end you won’t regret that you did.

That sounds like a promise…

In these unprecedented times of pandemic and stress, we are all fighting our own battles or assisting with battles of others. These issues and situations can be overwhelming, cause fear and much apprehension. Then to complicate matters, if like me, you are fighting numerous battles on many fronts..

I woke this morning and began to pray. God brought to mind the account of David versus Goliath. It yields many nuggets that believers can learn and rely while battling the “Goliath’s” in our lives.

When reading 1 Samuel 17, it opens describing details of the ongoing stalemate of the Philistines and Israel on separate mountains with a valley between them.

What’s most striking is the description of the major challenger to Israel – Goliath! He was tall and overbearing. The appearance of him seemed to strike fear. He was armed, protected and dangerous. He was a loudmouth and a bully and he openly and boldly threatened the army of Israel.

We too are threatened! Our personal issues and situations at times seem looming. They reverberate in our minds so loud that they often direct our thought process. We can’t think or see straight. It demands attention as a bully in our lives would. It has the potential to consume us – to leave us scared to move in fear. Our problems dare us to meet them in the valley to single us out assuming it will overtake us totally.

Thank and praise God we have the example of David in scripture!

David was prepped by God for this battle in the past. In David’s years as a shepherd, I’m sure he perfected his skills with a slingshot against predators of his herd. I’m sure that simple tool helped him fight off threats of various types. For practical reasons he acquired and probably became an expert at a skill which would be utilized for a greater task later.

God has prepped us with skills and talents to battle. You have been groomed with skills to win. What tools or talents do you possess to aid you in your battle? If you don’t know – pray and seek for it. God will reveal how He has prepped you for the current struggle. The skill is there. Use it!

Yes! Use what you have…David used what he had. Others viewing and knowing the type of battle he faced attempted to give David what they thought he needed to fight the foe. Traditional armor was provided for him. It was awkward on David. His small stature couldn’t bear it. David took it off knowing it wasn’t for him to use. He pulled out his personal equipment and went to get the five stones to arm it.

The armor seemed like good advice. “I would do it this way,” or “This worked for me,” are often what we hear when about to go into battle. We receive all kinds of advice when in challenging situations. Sure, we should listen and at times yield to wisdom. Ultimately though, we are better off when we listen and yield to God and His leading over other people’s thoughts and opinions. That takes effort – prayer time and alone time discerning God’s voice and leading. In Priscilla Schrier’s book – Discerning the Voice of God – she talks about utilizing the 5 M’s:

The Five Ms of Correctly Hearing God

1. Look for the message of the Spirit.
2. Live in the mode of prayer.
3. Search out the model of Scripture.
4. Submit to the ministry of Eli (wisdom).
5. Expect the mercy of confirmation.

(page 33, “Discerning the Voice of God, Priscilla Shirer). I won’t get into each specific point at the moment, but I can say in the last few weeks since discovering this guidance I do believe my listening skills have improved.

My next observation is startling to me. The battle met David. It started off as a regular day. His Dad asked him to provide provisions for his brothers on the frontline of the battle which looked bleak. He was only doing what he was asked to do. God placed him there like Ruth “for such a time as this.” Although others were there and had been there for a while, it became apparent it was David’s battle to fight. He was the one anointed by God to handle it. He was the one to go into the valley to battle.

This is a subtle reminder to always be prayed up to handle what may come your way during the day. A simple task may turn into an opportunity to be a witness or battle on God’s behalf.

Once David recognized it was his battle – he owned it! His older brother attempted to discount him, but he moved forward asking questions and surveying the issues. We need to “own” what is ours…accept the responsibility and follow through.

Well David’s brother did have a valid point – David didn’t look like he was “the one.” Saul, the leader thought David was inexperienced for the task. He thought David was too young. Remember he was the smallest of his siblings. He didn’t look the part. Goliath was huge and terrifying. He loomed over all others and was threatening.

We often do not think we fit into or look like the role for which God has prepared us. We probably don’t look like we can handle the challenge to others. God knew David like He knew Jeremiah – before he was even formed in his momma’s belly. He uniquely created us. He knows us. He knew we would face specific issues that are ours to own.

Speaking of owning the issue- David stepped up. He didn’t listen to the negative noise or chatter around him. He relied on who God said he was and what God had given him. He possessed a bold faith which stood on God’s promises. He did not boast on himself or his ability. He only spoke of God’s ability. He knew God would guide him through the battle. He praised the living God that prepped and equipped him for victory.

Oh yeah, the biggest thing – David knew there would be victory before there even was. He knew the Living God was with him assuring his triumph. We too can claim the same!

This is another piece written over 10 to 15 years ago. It was first published in a pamphlet of devotionals from various people I and a friend pulled together called Encouraging Words. When pulling together my book, I Give You Jesus, The Greatest Gift, it became a part of the chapter entitled, “The Gift of Dealing with the Everyday Grind.” I place on my blog because it still ministers to me. It ministered to me today like I wasn’t the one who wrote it. May you be now blessed too...

By Daphne Evans

I don’t know about you but – I know God has a purpose and a plan for my life.

Lately I’ve noticed though, there have been distractions.  There have been family distractions, major health distractions that have thrown me for a loop, and irritating people who tend to “jump on my last nerve” distractions.  They exist.  We all have them – things that take our minds off of what it is we’re supposed to be concentrating about, focusing on or going toward…

I have caught myself concentrating on distractions instead of what God says.  Funny we do that, because we know and have been taught since lil’ babes that God’s Word can form earth and sea, create light and dark, move mountains and make wet land dry…  So, why can’t the Word speak to my disturbing distractions?  Why can’t His Word help me to see beyond the distraction to see and concentrate on Him and what He wants done or even what He’s doing? 

The bible gives several clear examples of people with distractions and how they triumphed over them.  There’s Paul who even with his thorn in his side ministered to the Gentiles and wrote tons of books in the New Testament.  There’s David, “the apple of God’s eye” who was distracted on numerous times – by enemies, by Giants, by lions and by Bathsheba.   Then there’s the popular story of Mary and Martha who had the very bodily presence of God right with them and Martha had to run around instead of doing what God honored the most – just sitting at His feet and taking in every Word He said. 

Even Jesus could have been distracted – by the Pharisees, by the crowds, by even his own family.  He was not.  He dealt with them and swiftly went back and focused on the purpose and plan for which He was sent on earth.   He also gave us the example of “stealing” away to pray and talk to God to refresh and refocus, especially after ministering to many.

I urge each of you to join me in saying or even shouting if you need to – “This is yet but a distraction!”  (Where two or three are gathered together there’s power!! Smile – even through email)  Let me give my real life examples –

See, I’m in process of leading a large project at work uniting nine child care centers to create three play spaces in a homeless shelter for families and children!

My health issues are – “yet but a distraction!” (Are you saying it with me?)

I’m in prayer about what direction to take our Christian Education and Fellowship Ministry and more specifically our Sunday School at church!

Those folks that irritate me at work and in the neighborhood are – “yet but a distraction!”  (yeah, you’ve got it now! J) 

I’m currently seeking God for how to personally respond to current family issues…

And then someone in my family or someone around my family does something incredibly foolish.  At that particular moment they are “yet but a distraction!”  They are there to attempt to discourage me from believing, speaking and walking in the Victory that God has proclaimed!

We all have them.  They are the reality we look at or the situation we deal with every day in faith.  Sometimes those distractions are a part of the growth process in order to get to or through to the larger goal.   If you need to unite with me in prayer about yours, email and I’ll pray with and for yours too…

Remember though, they are “yet but distractions” that can be overcome so that you can come into the fullness of God’s purpose and plan for your life!  What is needed?  We need to pray, study and renew the mind constantly!  Bring all thoughts under subjection and then begin to go forward with what God has placed within your heart…

This piece was written at the beginning of 2009. I published in my book, I Give You Jesus the Greatest Gift. I read today on January 1, 2021 and thought I should share…I did add a line or two.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

New Year’s Day is a time of new beginnings. It’s a point in time when most assess the last year and set goals/resolutions for the next.  Losing weight, finding a better job, starting to attend church more, letting things go and taking tasks on seems the talk on everyone’s lips.  This process, which can happen anytime of the year, seems to be more prevalent January 1st. 

The word that has been ringing in my ear this end of year is – RECONCILIATION!  First and foremost, what is most important is our reconciliation with God and then moving onto our reconciliation with one another.  It is through our relationship with God only that we can truly love one another.

Let me explain further…

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled  In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: Colossians 1:20-22

Although you may have accepted Christ’s life, death and resurrection and are saved already, the process goes further.  Jesus not only died for the sins of your past.   He also died for those sins you are presently committing in addition to those which you will commit in the future.  We’re constantly cleaning the cup!  Jesus himself warned the Pharisees in the book of Matthew 23:26, “Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.”  The New Year is a time to reflect – what are the things that are hindering my relationship with God?

A good place to start to repair our relationship is to really apply the First and Great Commandment and then move onto the second.  The first is – to love God with your heart, soul and mind and the second to love one another.

Loving God does not only mean attending church every Sunday or starting to go to bible study -although, that’s a good place to start to improve your relationship and get to know Him.  Loving God means putting Him first in everything you do.  It means that in every situation and circumstance of your life admiring, appreciating and being in awe of God and his ways that you want to be like Him. In John 14:15 Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”  It is a process of actually saying and following exactly what would Jesus do.  And then when you fall short, which we do at times, it means going back to apologize to God, ask for forgiveness and changing your ways.  It is through that process of forgiveness that we are put in right standing or reconciled to God. 

What happens next?  Then since we admire the fact He’s done that for us, we are to do the same for others as the second command states.  Love them so much that we can reconcile/forgive them as God forgives us.

I joked with a friend of mine January 1^st while talking about my resolution to love God and love people more.  I said, “I know loving the ‘folk’ ain’t easy all the time.”  And then her wise father added – “But you gotta love um anyway as Jesus would.”  Love them when they despitefully use you.  Love them through all the heartache and headache.  Love them like God loved you enough to sacrifice His only Son…that’s the least we can do. Doesn’t mean to be a doormat as some may think…God loves us so much that He chastises us too to set us on a correct path.

In the New Year do a new thing as a “new creature” – love God and love people even more… Happy New Year!  Many Blessings!!  Love yall!  Daphne

“The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry?

All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40:6-8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

What I’ve heard is correct. The only thing constant is change.

Ok, I love when the puzzle pieces fit together nicely or even the fact I can view all and manipulate them to complete a picture which is on the box beside me.

Being a creature of habit that likes to be in control- change creates major havoc and anxiety for me. I like consistency and repetition. I like change that I personally have orchestrated or designed. I don’t mind when in my own volition change happens in my life.

Smile – I think I just went too far for those reading. Let me bring this back…

God is wanting me to cry out! “Things in life will change but, God’s Word and Promises won’t!”

Actually, He’s emphasizing and manifesting this in my life, so I’m crying out!

Life is changing for me. My parents, who have cared for me all my life, now need me to care for them. This is major change for me and them. Roles have reversed.

These days I find myself refereeing an argument between them over a tissue box. Even more serious, I had to retrieve and take home the only man in my life I’ve been able to rely, because he’d been lost for an hour in an area he taught me to know. The morning after while writing this piece I tried to rationalize the incident by telling myself, “Well it was rainy and dark…” I really can’t rationalize though. As they say, the writing is on the wall.

Two days later after starting this devotional, he suffered a stroke. Although God is healing him – he can now walk with walker – my Dad still needs more assistance than my mother can give. My life is changing and so is theirs.

I can’t control these situations. They aren’t my routine or consistent. All i can do is stand on the fact…

“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”

All I have to lean on are God’s exceeding and precious promises for me and for them. I’m prayerfully coming to grips with the fact that changes in life are inevitable, but my God never changes.

God has them and me in the palm of His hand – and no man is able to pluck us out. (John 10:28-29). In Isaiah 46:4-3 God speaks about the fact that He will keep His own into their old age.

As instructed I’m crying out…for not only me- for my parents and for you too!

Things will happen. Change will come. God will protect and provide through changes. His Word will stand!

Amen!