Controversy, Turmoil and Strife

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If we want to know what is expected of us as we walk through life, the scripture for today is pretty clear. It is easy to get pulled into what the world expects of us instead of what a holy God commands that we be.

If we spend any time outside our home as part of the workforce of this country, it will not be long until we see what “goes about like a roaring lion, devouring” really means.

We can take solace in the reality that a relationship with Christ, enables us to recognize activity around us that is not godly. We have eyes that help us discern when we are near people who have a goal to destroy our peace.

We have to be very careful that we do not allow the behaviors of others take our peace. When we leave the safety of our homes and enter the world, it can feel like a game of roulette. Dodging the arrows of the enemy can seem like a fulltime job. Scripture tells us that the rain falls on the just and the unjust alike. The believer can be caught up in the darkness of the world just standing in a crowd, driving down the highway, or in the workplace. If we wear the armor provided,  we can be assured of one thing.  Though we may be weary at the end of the day, we will return back to our safe place with more knowledge about the working of evil in our world, than when we entered it. On the other hand, God forbid, that we are taken in an event that we had no control over, we know whose face we will be looking into. Either way, we win.

~Thought For Today~

We are not expected to cure, all the things that bring our fellow citizens controversy, turmoil and strife. The thing we must overcome, is thinking that we are responsible for their problems, and behavior. They will try to convince us that their problem is somehow created by us, but that is false.

Every evil darkness we experience began, when two people…not one, but two people, disobeyed God. They decided to listen to a voice other than the voice of the one who gave them life. A false voice. A voice that convinced them that they were somehow being short-changed. They were missing out. So a decision was made that allowed evil to enter the world. When Adam and Eve were forced out the gate they brought evil with them. God did not cause their fall. They did. Yet they tried to blame someone else. Adam blamed “that woman You gave me.” Seems like He was blaming God by saying that. Eve blames the serpent. We are responsible for our own behavior. It all started in the garden.

We hear many political excuses for what is happening in our country, but there is really only one reason. Sin. Until we deal with sin, we are going to have evil acts and bad behavior. There will be evil acts until Jesus comes back and the earth is purged of what ails it. Sin.

What can we do about discord, unrest, and meanness in others? We can walk as God has directed us. Put on our armor before going out into the world everyday. Read His word. Our Bible is our operations manual for world walking. But, the most important thing we can do for those caught in the enemies net, is pray for them. Not short, quick, “help them Lord” prayers. This problem can only be helped with interceding, spiritual warfare prayers for God to intervene in their lives.

~Scripture For Today~

Proverbs 6:16-19

16 There are six things which the Lord hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: 17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, 19 A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers. (NASB)

~Prayer For Today~

Hello Father! We see this morning that evil knows no boundaries. It will step onto holy ground, hear Your word and still go forward destroying the lives of people who love You, pray to You and desire to lead others to You. We pray this morning for the innocent, the families who are burdened with grief this morning. We pray for the soul that desires to harm others. We pray for those who wake up and plot evil. Intervene in their lives as only You can do. We pray that we let nothing stop us from worshipping in Your house, praying in Your name and following the rules of engagement You have provided in Your word. Forgive us of our sins. Forgive us for any part we play in causing discord, controversy, turmoil and strife. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

  ©2015 Kathy Ledbetter. All Rights Reserved.

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