My blog inspiration for this day is slow in coming, Soon the creative juices start to flow. It starts with an annoying, over-sized, buzzing horse fly that overflew his bounds since the night before. I attempt tactical warfare — swatting and spraying \u2013 but the beast lives on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then, while sitting at my desk, he has the nerve to land on me. I think: \u201cThis is one of satan\u2019s little imps on assignment to steal my joy and annoy me!\u201d He, obviously, doesn\u2019t know I am in \u201cbeast-mode\u201d after all the faith-filled injections of God\u2019s Word as I write my blogs. I grab my trusty flying insect spray and nail him. He is down for the count! Victory!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, it is time to head out for a 9:30 am appointment to take my car in for body work. Oh. This is one that I didn\u2019t blog about. I am so transparent with my life that my readers know just about every one of my days and its activities. Someone must have backed into me or fronted into me, because I have a big dent\/gash on my front right side. Ugh! I never even noticed it until I washed my car and was drying it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I get to the body shop and hand my little \u201cjewel\u201d over to them. A rental car company picked me up to get the car I\u2019ve rented. But, alas, I forgot to get my gate code tag and toll tag in my car and must go back to get it. At the rental car business, they insist I take the Infinity X80 SUV. I get in it and, yes, it\u2019s plush, but big enough for a baseball team. I turn around and ask for a slimmer, smaller vehicle and I\u2019m on my merry way!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, then I realize I left my USB cord in my car and have to go back to the body shop to get it. Finally, I\u2019m back at home and I sit down for my morning devotion and prayer time and I get a heaven-to-earth revelation. I remember our \u201cfirst line of defense\u201d when annoyances and troubles come. Jesus used it for those who approached Him for healing or help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark 5 — the story of Jairus, a synagogue leader, who came to Jesus begging Him to come and heal his dying daughter. After the interruption of a crowd and a woman with an issue of blood for 12 years who was healed as she touched the hem of His garment, Jairus and Jesus were on their way again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But Jairus was met by people who said: \u201cDon\u2019t bother the Teacher \u2013 your daughter is dead!\u201d Before Jairus could say a word, Jesus abruptly said: \u201cDo not fear \u2013 only believe!\u201d The first line of defense. The little girl was healed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An “aha” hits me. My enemy is like (not is) a roaring lion seeking who he can devour. He is out to annoy me and steal my joy and eat up my peace. I am writing this blog in the late afternoon AFTER my devotion. AFTER my sweet prayer time. AFTER hearing God\u2019s voice: \u201cYou are more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If I had fueled up on God’s powerful octane (His Word) and suited up in my full armor of God, maybe I wouldn’t have encountered so many detours, but on the other hand, maybe I would have encountered them anyway. God is still working on me and sometimes He lets a little dart from the enemy target me. It wakes me up to “soldier” up!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each day is an opportunity to apply our “first line of defense” John 14:27 ointment. \u201cPeace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How annoying our arch-enemy can be. But, when we use the right plan of attack on him, he and all his tactics to \u201csteal, kill and destroy\u201d (John 10:10) will be swatted and lamblasted out of our lives. Remember. Jesus and I told you so: “Do not fear; only believe!”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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