Wednesday, May 29, 2013

What To Do Daily To Win

Does it ever seem like life keeps moving forward with new challenges, day after day? And sometimes, some of the old challenges come back around just to say hello? I guess I do expect new challenges, although it would be nice for them to be somewhat limited. But somehow I thought that old challenges would disappear never to be seen again. In reality, most of them do, and they probably all do eventually. So what is the point? Well, if this daily challenge is around us, then there must be a reason. I think that is the point. We are here learning to battle and learning to be the servants of our Lord. The good news is, He is our Lord and gives us the ability to win every day.

In 1 Thessalonians 5 Paul encourages us not to be partakers of the darkness, to slip away from the light. I do not think he refers to some major transgression, although that would certainly be true as well. I think he is giving us a daily list of what to do to overcome the enemy in spiritual battle. In verses 13b-22 we get a good idea of what we are to be doing. Be at peace, warn the unruly, comfort those that struggle, take care of the weak, be patient with everyone and do good to all, rejoice always, and pray without ceasing. If we do these things we will not quench the Spirit by despising prophecies, we will test all things and hold to only what is good by abstaining from evil. that last point is worth repeating.

Perhaps the best warfare, the best way to do only what is good, is to resist and abstain from evil.

Prayer
Father, You alone are the King of the universe. We rejoice today and every day in the works You are doing in and through us in the earth. Please help us to refrain and abstain from evil. Please give us the power through Your Spirit to cast down every evil thing that rises up against You and Your will for us and this earth. And come quickly, Lord Jesus. In Jesus name. Amen.