A Personal Money Manifesto - Part Three

Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV) ¹¹  I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹²  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Money connects into our lives in several ways. The last two weeks I have described two: in our work and in worry. Our work (and it’s connection to money) either honors or dishonors God in our lives. Worry (specifically as it relates to money) is a sin (of idolatry) that displaces our confidence and trust in God, treating Him as weak and unable to take care of us and to fulfill His promises to us in Christ. Either one of these can consume us and interfere greatly with our walk with God.

WANTS - This third part of my personal money manifesto deals with another challenge to right thinking about money in my life: wants. Since I wrote a check-in about this not too long ago (January 24), I want to reference that here. I wrote about the “want book” (Sears catalog) I grew up with, learning to desire many things (most of which were not needs). Here is an excerpt from that Check-In…

“I want things. We are drawn to desire things. I think it’s pretty normal, and I don’t believe it is necessarily ‘wrong’ to want something. The problem is whether or not that wanted thing is in any way in conflict with God’s purpose or plan for me (and for my money). For example, in my life right now I have a want for a particular house (with a specific street address) in South Carolina. I do not believe that it is wrong to want a house. I have never owned one because a parsonage of some sort has always been supplied to me in the churches where I have served. Over the years I have been saving and I hope to be able to buy a home someday. But it is not as simple as just wanting this house. For one thing, it is not for sale. For another thing, if it did go on the market, it might end up being with a price beyond what I could pay or should pay (or try to pay). It’s a modest home by MDI standards. But that’s not the point. While wanting something is not necessarily wrong, we all know it can become wrong if it is not tempered by, or surrendered to, the will of God. For example, if something bad had to happen to the current occupants of the house (who are unknown to me), I would NOT want the house. Or if purchasing the house was a step of bad judgment (risky or foolish in some way), I would not want the want to overtake the wisdom that would serve me better.”

            As I write this eight months later, God has provided Joanne and me with a home to transition (I don’t use the word “retire”) to when we leave First Baptist. After much prayer and hard work – with a fair amount of patience as well – we found a home within three miles of our daughter’s family. We have tried to be very careful and wise with the resources God has provided to us, and to Him we give all the glory and honor. It was worth it to wait on Him and not to be careless in putting our wants above Him. We believe He has met our need as we move forward into a new phase of our lives. And for this we are very grateful.

            Of course, a want doesn’t have to be as big as a house. It can be as small as a toy or an article of clothing that we just “have to have”. What I am constantly learning (and needing to learn more) is that God is the final decision maker about what I really “have to have”. Being submissive to this truth helps me avoid sin and deal with temptation in a much more successful way. And God’s grace and the filling of His Spirit make it possible.

Therefore…

-          I will seek to surrender my wants (each and every one – big or small) to my Father’s will.

-          I will seek and expect joy in the Lord in whatever His will is for me.

-          I will seek to be a good steward of the resources God blesses me with, managing (budgeting and directing) them toward the meeting of needs and turning off the impulse-to-buy “switch” within me.

-          I will seek to pray about everything – especially in the area of my spending and seek the advice and counsel of godly men and women as well.

-          I will seek to simplify my life, endeavoring to diminish the things around me (and the purchase of more) that have little significance or may reflect a materialistic bent in me.

-          I will seek to think eternally about the things I spend (or want to spend) my money on.

-          I will seek to avoid becoming a victim of my credit card, and if it begins to get out of control, I will destroy it before it destroys me (Romans 13:8).

Would you add anything to my list?

May the Lord help us, His disciples, to shorten our list of wants and lengthen our list of “Thy will be done”s. And as we constantly turn our wants over to Him, may we become satisfied and happy with His provision.

NEXT WEEK – Money and Waste

1 Timothy 6:6-10 (NIV) ⁶  But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. ⁸  But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. ⁹  People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)  Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

Philippians 4:19 (NIV)  And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

PRAYER:  Father, please give me strength to stand against all of the temptations around me, particularly the strong tendency toward materialism which leads me to value things more than I value you. Please forgive me for my proneness to overvalue the shiny, the expensive, the cutest, the latest, and the most popular, things. Lead me always to contentment. Thank you.  In the name of Jesus, AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!    

Scott

A Personal Money Manifesto - Part Two

Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV) ⁸  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. ⁹  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Last week I shared about the connection between work and money in our lives. I indicated that work – as it relates to money - can have a positive or negative impact in our lives: it can be God-glorifying or sinful. Today I move on to another experience in our lives that relates to money, and this one is negative, and results in sin in our lives. Yet it is a common part of life and can easily slip into taking control of our lives.

WORRY – There are many things that can occupy the mind of a worrier: my relationships, my appearance, my abilities (or lack of), what people think of me, the safety and well-being of my children or other loved ones, my health, death, possible loss, what I’m going to say (in a conversation or speaking before a group), and so on. Just yesterday morning I found an empty bottle of tequila under the apple tree in front of my house. It makes me wonder who was around my house overnight and exactly when. Should I keep my windows open at night? What if someone is coming up to the house? What’s going on? It would be easy to escalate my emotions and experience the power of worry taking over. What’s the problem with that? The problem is that worry – in whatever shape, form or extent it takes – displaces my trust in God. This is what makes worry a sin – it becomes more prominent than my faith in the Lord. Worry is the inverse of faith. It cannot survive in the mind and heart of a person who is exercising faith. Worry proclaims that God is not strong enough or caring enough to watch over me and keep me. Most of us would be loath to say that we believe that God is weak. But that is exactly what we do when we worry.

At or near the top of every list I found of common worries people experience is something related to money, and it is usually about having enough, paying bills, and having money in the future. Most people worry about some aspect of money in their lives. Those with a lot of money in investments will worry about how well they do… or don’t do. Those who have experienced want in their lives will often worry about not having enough again. Those who have emergency costs will worry about how everything is going to get paid. Students who borrow a great deal of money for college will worry about if they will ever be able to pay it back. Will the economy collapse? Will I lose my job (income)? Will my identity be stolen? Will I ever be able to afford a house? Will I ever be able to enjoy life and feel like I have gotten ahead? What will happen if my spouse divorces me or dies? Could I ever become homeless? These are just a few possibilities on a much larger list. And they will have power and influence over us if there is not a greater power and influence, and that is the character and the Word of God, who is Lord over all, and who is completely worthy of my trust and confidence.

Therefore…

-          I will set my mind on the things of the Lord (Colossians 3:1-2), knowing that He alone (and what honors Him) is eternal. This will also help me avoid wasting time on worrying about money.

-          I will seek first His kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33), knowing that God will take care of everything that is a “thing” in this world.

-          I will seek confidence in God even when I have financial trouble or difficulty (Romans 8:28).

-          I will seek contentment in all circumstances (Philippians 4:11-13).

-          I will seek to daily express confidence (to God in prayer) that my life is in His hands.

-          I will seek to enjoy and focus on the blessings that I have, for worry will produce and ungrateful heart within me (Colossians 3:15, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Hebrews 12:28).

-          I will seek advice from wise and godly people.

-          I will pay my debts, and avoid debt that I cannot pay off (Romans 13:8)

-          I will guard my health (sleep, proper eating, exercise) when money issues cause stress and strain (Matthew 6:25-32).

-          I will seek to talk calmly about money rather than fight about it with my spouse , parent, or child (Colossians 4:6, 1 Timothy 4:12).

-          I will seek to avoid solving my problems (with worry) with alcohol or any other substance or practice that is harmful to my mind, body, or relationship (with God or others).

-          I will seek to focus on today and avoid letting the future and its potential troubles overwhelm me. (Matthew 6:34).

-          I will seek to pray regularly and entrust my relationship with money to the Lord and make it subject to Him.

-          I will seek to live simply, believing that the more I have, the greater my temptation to worry will be. So I will trust God to provide for my needs and not be consumed by my wants.

Would you add anything to my list?

I seek these things in response to God’s grace to me in Jesus, as a means to trust Him in practical ways. Disciples do not live in bondage to worry, but follow the One who has saved them fully and completely by His great work on the cross. So I surrender my worry to His Lordship of my life, including my attitudes about money.

NEXT WEEK – Money and Wants

Matthew 6:25-27 (NIV) ²⁵  "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? ²⁶  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) ⁶  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 37:25 (NIV)  I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.

Philippians 4:19 (NIV)  And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

PRAYER:  Father, may my faith in you be strong. Remind me daily of you trustworthiness and your love for me. Remind me that my life is in your hands and that you are Jehovah-Jireh… my Provider. And thank you.  In the name of Jesus, AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!    

Scott

A Personal Money Manifesto

Matthew 6:33 (NIV)  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

In reflecting on the sermon I preached on Sunday, a number of thoughts have come to my mind concerning my relationship with money and all that it represents in life. Judas Iscariot, a disciple of Jesus who saw and heard everything Jesus did, ended up turning away from Jesus for the sake of his first love: money. And in the end his affection for money led to his destruction. He was not the last person who was ensnared and destroyed by money. As I’ve thought about his part in the Story, there are five things that I have considered in relationship of money and my own life. The following “manifesto” is an attempt to consolidate some of these thoughts in a personal way. This is my own response and is not intended to point a finger at anyone but myself. I share it with you because you may be able to identify with some or all of it. The five things are concepts that relate to money (what I think about it, how I use it, how it affects me, and what spiritual value it has). Each one is encapsulated in a single word that begins with the letter W – Work, Worry, Wants, Waste, and Worship. I will take them one week at time.

WORK – is a blessing and a gift from God that pre-dates the breaking of this world by sin (Genesis 2:2,15). It is part of a creation of God that is described as good. But work has been corrupted like everything else because sin entered the world. And work is one of the things that Christ is redeeming in the cross and in the establishing of His kingdom. Work is not inherently evil, but it can be made to be so. Work is not opposed to the things of God, but it can be made to be so, and whenever and wherever it does not bring glory to God it becomes an idol in my life. Work is the means for creating wealth, but it is loaded with dangers that can harm my relationship with God. Therefore…

-          I will seek to do all my work as unto the Lord… for His purposes and as a means of serving Him (Colossians 3:22-24). This includes the work I get paid to do and the work I don’t (like washing dishes or raking leaves).

-          I will seek to do my work with excellence, diligence, and faithfulness (Proverbs 22:29).

-          I will seek to work so as not to be a burden upon others - whether government, church or family. I recognize that as long as I am able, I am financially accountable for myself and work is one of the ways that God provides for me (Deuteronomy 8:18, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, 2 Thessalonians 3:8-13).

-          I will seek to keep a proper, godly perspective on my work. I do not want my work to come between myself and God. I do not want it to rob me of time for worship and devotion, time for growth in fellowship and service, and time for my family. I do not wish to be a “work-a-holic” who obsesses over the making of money. Nor do I wish to be lazy and dependent upon others (Proverbs 6:6, 10:5, 20:13, 21:25, 24:30-31, 31:13,27, Ecclesiastes 10:18).

-          I will seek to serve my family’s needs through my work. My work is one of God’s means for caring for my family (1 Timothy 5:8).

-          I will seek to see my work as one of God’s means for meeting people’s needs in the world, insofar as my work is part of a greater system through which God blesses people (as participants in various kinds of work of their own and also as direct recipients of benefits that my work provides in their time of need).

-          I will seek legitimate work… work that is ethically and morally approved of by God and by the principles of His Word (Proverbs 21:6, Jeremiah 17:11, 22:13, Acts 16:16-20).

-          I will seek to enjoy my work, and/or to find ways to please God in it.

-          I will seek honorable relationships with my employer, my coworkers, and with those whom I serve through my work (1 Corinthians 4:12-13).

-          I will seek to be thoroughly honest in my workplace, truly earning my pay and treating the property of others with respect. I want to be trustworthy (Genesis 39:6, 2 Kings 12:15, Proverbs 11:1, 13:11).

-          I will seek to do everything I can to make my work God-centered, and to prevent any aspect of it from becoming a form of idolatry through which I worship money, myself, or anyone or anything other than Jesus Christ.

What would you add to my list? It certainly has room to grow and encompass other aspects of work as it relates to money and to God.

I seek these things in response to God’s grace to me in Jesus, and not as a means to gain His love or acceptance. My understanding of and approach to work is a form of discipleship – following the One who has saved me fully and completely by His great work on the cross. My work is just one means by which I acknowledge His Lordship of my life, including my attitudes about money.

NEXT WEEK – Money and Worry

Matthew 6:24 (NIV)  "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

Proverbs 22:29 (NIV)  Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.

Deuteronomy 8:18 (NIV)  But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.

PRAYER:  Father, let me glorify you in the course of my work. It is easy to become discouraged in the workplace world, but I know you are there just as you are present in every place at all times. Help me to keep my eyes focused upon you in and through every aspect of my work. Thank you.  In the name of Jesus, AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!    

Scott

Magnify

Psalm 19:1-6 (NIV) ¹  The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. ²  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. ³  There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. ⁴  Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, ⁵  which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. ⁶  It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.

I was privileged last week to speak at Baptist Youth Camp’s first week of Junior Camp. Twice a day I shared with 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th graders messages related to the one-word theme: “Magnify”. My messages covered the greatest magnifier of God, the Father: Jesus Christ His Son… Creation… and the Word of God. My last message was about another very important magnifier: US! These young people were very good listeners, especially as my messages don’t always make it all the way to their level of understanding or attention span. My favorite message was about how Creation – just by virtue of what it is – magnifies God 24/7, and has been ever since God created it. Creation (outside humanity) has no rational motivation or guidance to magnify God. It just does what it was designed to do: constantly and unquestioningly. Though it also has become subject to the Fall (the entrance of sin into the world), Creation is still so much steadier than I am. It inspires me to behold its Lord with reverence and awe – even though it is itself messed up. A few days before camp I had been riding a carriage road on Paradise Hill. While stopped to take a drink, I looked up at the leaves of a large oak tree. The thought struck me that God knows the design and pattern and size of every single leaf on that branch… on that tree… on every tree in the park… even every tree in the world. In those moments my heart was lifted up to magnify the Lord. The leaves did not make God any bigger than He is by His very nature, but they enlarged my vision and helped me to worship. I have had many such experiences in God’s world. A slowed or stopped look at Creation will begin to produce wonder at the works of our God. Things like busyness and digital “stuff” (electronics) and unbelief keep people from experiencing these wonders.

During this talk I showed a video of a portion of a message once given by Louis Giglio at a Passion conference, called “If the Earth Were a Golf Ball”. You can find it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D37UtbViKRw. The longer version of the message is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAzCP8SEKwc. In this message Louis shares a perspective on the size of the earth compared to a number of stars in the vastness of the universe. The sizes and numbers are staggering. When you think of these things and realize that it all came into being when God merely spoke the word, it gives you a better adjusted view of - and perspective on - God.

Take some time to get away from human activity and distraction. Get into Creation for a closer look. Ponder the things that God has done. You will begin to worship. Your perception of God’s majesty and magnificence will grow appreciably… and that is a good thing.

Psalm 97:6 (NIV)  The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.

Psalm 40:5 (NIV)  Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.

Psalm 111:2-4 (NIV) ²  Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them. ³  Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever. ⁴  He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate.

Psalm 147:4-5 (NIV) ⁴  He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. ⁵  Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.

PRAYER:  Father, slow me down to appreciate what you have made and thus lead me to understand what the word “awesome” really means. Then may my view of myself shrink as you are magnified. Oh, to realize that you would even take notice of me – let alone love me – is beyond all joy and wonder. You are magnificent in all your ways. Thank you for Jesus, who has opened my eyes to see you and know you. Considering that you are infinite, I know so little. Yet you have revealed yourself in Jesus and in your Word. Please let me “join with all nature in manifold witness to thy great faithfulness, mercy and love”. In the name of Jesus, AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!    

Scott

"Fine!"

James 5:16 (NIV)  Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Some people grow up in homes/settings where there is an unwritten curriculum. It’s a short, simple curriculum about what to communicate to others. No matter what the situation… no matter what your experience… no matter what you are feeling… when asked how you are doing, always say, “Fine!” And the second part of the curriculum is… whenever possible – as much as possible – always smile when you say, “Fine!”

You see, you would never want anyone to know that there was anything wrong in your life or with your life, because everything is supposed to be fine. You would not want anyone to think less of you, or look down on you, or make you the object of gossip or some other inappropriate form of conversation. You wouldn’t want anyone to know that you are not strong all the time, not smart about everything, don’t always know what to do or say, aren’t in full control of your emotions or actions, You wouldn’t want anyone to know that you had failed (or were failing) at something, that you’ve made tons of mistakes in your relationships, parenting, and personal decisions. You wouldn’t want people to get the wrong idea about you, so you show only certain things: the things you don’t mind people knowing/seeing. These are typically good things - in your mind - things that communicate that you really are doing just fine.

On Sunday morning in worship, six people very briefly communicated something to the rest of us that said, “I’m not fine.” That was a very powerful moment, even though it came and went very quickly. These folks were helping us become acquainted with a new ministry starting in our church that is designed to encourage people with hurts, hang-ups, and habits that contribute to their lives not being “fine”. The moment was powerful because it was a dose of reality. Though it is not the only time in the week, Sunday morning (at church) is one of the biggest smiling “I’m fine!” times in our lives. There either isn’t the time or the inclination to drop the masks that we wear. Because if we do, who knows what will happen? Someone might be shocked. Someone might be disappointed. Someone might be sad or hurt. Our reasons for feeling “fine” usually have more to do with us and our fear of embarrassment or rejection, but we certainly wouldn’t want to make someone else feel bad either.

Whatever our reasons for the limited “I’m fine” vocabulary, we hold back. I think that’s why those who shared on Sunday – and what they said - felt so powerful. It was fresh air in a stale room, life amidst death, reality in the midst of pretend, openness in a place where we tend to be comfortably closed. If I had to pick a word that described what happened and the difference I felt, it would be “vulnerability”. A few people for a brief time made themselves vulnerable, and my heart began to sing. I believe we are attracted to vulnerable people, ultimately because that’s what we would like to be. To be “vulnerable” is to be… “capable of or susceptible to being wounded or hurt”. So vulnerability communicates “I’m not fine!” It prefers the truth to being safe. It prefers honesty and transparency, even when it is accompanied by fear of being misunderstood or mistreated or undervalued.

One reason (of many) that Christ has given us the Church is that we might love one another. We do this by caring, by listening, by encouraging, by giving grace, by forgiving and accepting, and by praying for others who are vulnerable before us. I’m thankful for the examples on Sunday, and I pray for blessings on this ministry. But I also pray that the Holy Spirit will open up the floodgates of our hearts to one another, and for all the grace that the Lord will pour out to us in our brokenness, pain, weakness, foolishness, confusion, poor decisions, misbehaviors, and sheer stupidity. May we be givers and sharers of this same grace when our brothers and sisters let us know “I’m not fine”.

John 13:34 (NIV) ³⁴  "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

Matthew 9:12-13 (NIV) ¹²  On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. ¹³  But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

1 Timothy 1:15 (NIV)  Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst.

1 Timothy 1:15 (MSG)  Here's a word you can take to heart and depend on: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. I'm proof—Public Sinner Number One—

Psalm 51:17 (NIV)  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

PRAYER:  Father, thank you for the way that even my brokenness can bring you glory. Thank you for your grace to me, and that your grace gives me something to share – a testimony of your power and goodness to me, a sinner. Your grace is more than enough for everything in my life that really isn’t “fine”. Thank you for that. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!    

Scott

Someone to Devour

1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)  Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Sunday was a beautiful day and Joanne and I decided to go out for a walk. We usually walk for about an hour and we usually walk in town. Now that the park is open, however, we decided to find a carriage path. We didn’t get started until about 3:45, but it was nice so we headed out around Eagle Lake and decided to walk toward Aunt Betty’s Pond. About half-way down the hill (behind Park Headquarters) I asked Joanne if she was in a hurry to get home. She said, “No,” so I suggested we do the whole loop. I’ve done it on my bike many times but have never walked it before. The distance wasn’t a problem, but as the afternoon waned we noticed that we were being joined on our walk by many friendly mosquitoes. As their numbers grew our pace quickened. There was virtually no breeze to keep them away and we hadn’t thought about putting anything on to repel bugs. So with a good 45-60 minutes left we fought the good fight – Joanne swatting with hands and me with my cap – sort of like a horse with his tail. It could have been much worse. They could have been joined by black flies. But it was just the mosquitoes who wanted our company so much. At one point we started jogging in order to escape their relentless, behind-the-head pursuit. They can be very persistent. It’s amazing how many phantom landings (on your body) you feel when they are around, not to mention the genuine ones. Though we did not get many “bites”, we were very glad to finally get back to the car and head home.

Mosquitoes are part of the creation that surrounds us. And, like all living creatures, they would rather survive than not. For them to do so, they need blood from a host. When I looked for synonyms for “mosquito” I found “leech, parasite, tick, vampire”… not a very pleasant group of words. I don’t know many people who would say they like mosquitoes. Such a small creature, but so annoying. And so determined! The high-pitched sound mosquitoes make pales in comparison to the roar of a lion, but it can still drive you crazy. As we made our way through them and got home I thought of Peter’s words “looking for someone to devour”. That felt certainly true with regard to these small creatures. They do not give up. They have no malice or emotion… just a desire to live.

For the most part, mosquitoes – while being annoying – are pretty much harmless, though the diseases they spread can be very serious. But compared to a lion, there is much less to fear. Peter compares the devil to a lion… a hungry lion who cleverly prowls for its victims. To “prowl” is to “move around restlessly and stealthily, especially in search of or as if in search of prey”. This is why Peter cautions alertness. Joanne and I just “walked into it” unthinking, and paid a very small price. To do so with a lion would be the height of foolishness. In a similar way, to ignore the existence and efforts of the enemy of our souls and those who serve him is a foolish thing to do. But it is also foolish to obsess over it in fear. C.S. Lewis’ well known quote from The Screwtape Letters is apropos:  “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight.” We have an enemy. But we have a Savior who is greater… a Savior who has defeated our enemy and delivers us daily. A great part of being “alert” is staying close to our Savior and being filled with the Holy Spirit and with the Word of God. Let us encourage one another with the Word of God and pray for each other faithfully.

1 John 4:4 (KJV)  Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)  No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Psalm 63:7-10 (NIV) ⁷  Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. ⁸  My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. ⁹  They who seek my life will be destroyed; they will go down to the depths of the earth. ¹⁰  They will be given over to the sword and become food for jackals.

Matthew 6:13 (NIV)  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'

PRAYER:  Father, thank you for your gracious protection and your oversight of my soul. You have delivered me from the enemy of my soul through the riches of your grace. You protect me each day and you watch over me. Thank you for brothers and sisters in Christ who help me, for your Word which guides me, for your Spirit who fills me. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!    

Scott