This is how we fight our battles

God has provided us with tools to fight our battles. It is up to us to learn those tools daily. When a battle hits we must be able to pull that tool like it is second nature. So well versed in it that it is just part of us. If we are not in the word daily then how can we expect to be able to use it when we need it? Staying in the word even when life is going our way helps us to stay trained up and proactive instead of only getting in the word as a reactive response. I would rather win the battle in the early phase instead of having to be knocked down first. It may look like I’m surrounded but I’m surrounded by You! This is how we fight our battles!

Fight with your heart for a change

I love this excerpt from To Kill a Mockingbird, but these days I would replace head with heart. Not everyone who comes at you has a problem with you. Many times the problem is within themselves and when you choose not to fight but to love like Jesus then you start to make a difference. You plant a seed in their heart and you give yourself freedom. Freedom from drama, anger, and regret of words you said. Replacing a habit of fighting back with a habit of love will allow God to move more in your life and others. Stop looking at how much they hurt “me” and look for how much they have been hurt. When you walk in strong confidence with God and allow Him to declare your value then what others say doesn’t sting so hard. And when it does sting, you know where to take it so you can release it quick and get back to your Father’s business.

Protecting God

I am a very protective person. Once I care about you, I got your back. Someone swings on you then Im swinging on them. That has always been my nature. Let me tell you my downfall on this characteristic of mine. When I hear someone speak bad about God, Jesus, or my faith….I want to swing. I get mad more than concerned. Show me someone that is on the fence and Ill come running to try to love them over to the Savior’s side. Show me someone that is all the way over the other side and I am MAD. At THEM. I have been praying for guidance on this and God has finally shown me that I am trying to protect Him. Can you imagine that? Little ol me trying to protect God? Yall, this is the mindset that starts religious wars. And I dont want that. Even though I have learned to bite my tongue, my heart still fills with anger. Anger in the heart always finds a way out. People against God dont need my anger, and God certainly does not need my protection.

Lord,
Thank You for showing me where I need to love more and put my anger down. Please help us all to see where we can be a light in the darkness, even in the darkest of places. Please remind us that our reactions can be seeds planted of good in Your favor. In Christ Name, Amen

2 Timothy 2:23-26

Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

Matthew 5:43-48

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? …