life is full of choices.
seems simple enough, right? kind of a common sense statement. but let's think about this for a minute.
we make choices every day.
some of them are "simple" choices and part of our daily routine;
others are much more difficult.
some are spur of the moment;
some are very well thought-out over time through prayer, seeking wise counsel, processing information, etc.
some choices are outward and obvious,
while others are personal and unnoticed.
but it's our choices regarding what we BELIEVE which shapes us into who we are and who we become (regardless of whether or not our "truths" actually line up with THE Truth – God's Truth).
what we choose to believe in our minds and hearts determines everything about us.
it determines….
how we think
how we make decisions
how we react to our circumstances
how we speak to one another
how we act towards one another
how we view ourselves
how we view our sin
how we view God
….and so on….
it determines literally EVERYTHING.
what you are choosing to believe?
this question is crucial.
believing the enemy leads to death.
he says that you are unworthy, unloved, forgotten, weak, insecure, alone, a failure, hopeless.
if you’ve been believing him (and I think the vast majority of us have at some point), I'm here to tell you these statements are complete LIES and are NOT from God in any way, shape, or form.
the enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). he wants nothing more than to drive you away from the light and into darkness using fear, coupled with your greatest weaknesses. he prowls around looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). he's most threatened by those filled with the LIFE found in Jesus. he’s threatened by that which is GOOD and PURE. and the spiritual warfare around those who act as bright lights in this world is more real than we can fathom in our human minds.
but luckily, he doesn't stand a chance against our God! Jesus alone gets the victory! He has already won!!!
I want to seriously urge every single one of you (and myself) to CHOOSE to believe the Truths we've been given in Christ. Stand firm against the enemy and his schemes. Choose life. Choose freedom. Choose Jesus.
Be challenged to continuously grow in faith and be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2). Stop focusing on your circumstances and the people around you. Instead, pay attention to how you react to them, because out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). Position yourself to be constantly reminded of God’s Truth regarding His faithfulness, grace, peace, mercy, and love. He is sovereign over us; trust Him! Show love and respect to everyone you encounter, grow in humility, and strive to become more and more like Christ every day in everything you do.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."
~Ephesians 6:10-13 (NIV)
