Stand up, on fire: All in, All Flame!

The world is not depressed because of the circumstances of their present, they are depressed because we as Christians do not actually live the hope we "believe" and instead live like we're depressed, in poverty, and groveling at death's door as if there is only hope there.  May we stand up, as we are called, to the hope that is in this life with Christ, because we have the Holy Spirit in us, and we are victors!

John Wesley said it this way, "Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn." We are to be the light of Christ, the city on a hill (Matthew 5:14).

Don't you enjoy talking to someone else who is enthusiastic about life?  And why would we realistically not be?  When we have the power in us of The One who created the world, and we are connected in relationship with that creator, we are unstoppable.  I love a good fellowship fire; literally and figuratively.  Whether we are actually enjoying the warmth of a fire, or enjoying the warmth of shared testimony and encouragement, being surrounded by people who are choosing to experience God, continuing to press in to His promises despite circumstances; it is life-giving.

Here's what Satan doesn't want you to know: The moment you gave your life to Christ, you became a target.  You're in a spiritual war.  The apostle Paul didn't mince words: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12).”

So how did I go from submitting relationships to this- Satan's lies and combating them?  Because Satan also knows that we were created for relationship, and in relationship he can most easily confuse us, speak deception, speak through  and to those God put in our lives and wreak havoc on many.  But God also has a plan in relationships, and when we are strong in His Word (Ephesians 5), we can see His Truth, no matter how Satan tries to twist what a loved one says to us.  Further, we are able to easily deflect the words of someone we don't know well enough to be so easily impacted by what they've said.

In spiritual battle, Satan's primary weapon isn't a pitchfork—it's deception. Scripture calls him "the father of lies" (John 8:44) and warns he "masquerades as an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14).  Satan continues to whisper doubts to us, masquerading as half truths or worldly truths:

• "God has forgotten about you."
• "You're too broken for God to use."
• "No one would miss you if you were gone."
• "This pain will never end."
• "What if God didn't really create, what about evolution, or was it really 6 days?"
• "He didn't really say you were a part of His plan... that was for someone else..."
• "You can't trust what they said... do you remember their history?"

These aren't random thoughts— and no matter how historically accurate they may seem, they're not truths-- they're strategic attacks that Satan uses to try and destroy us, not only in times of crisis but every day.

Satan takes God's promises, twists them, and gives us a reason to be afraid.  He will try to poke holes in your testimony, convince you that other's testimony is fake, and will try to render even the greatest disciple a liar.  We are all human, and in Christ, saints!  We are a threat to Satan!  Hold that position! Trust what He says, and when you hear a word from another, ask God what He says about it!  If you need some help, or a little head start, here's a great link:  "20 Lies Satan Tells Us" by Rob Trahan.   https://hopenation.org/20-lies-satan-tells-us/

Satan can take even the glory of victory, and inflict fear.  Marianne Williamson says it this way-and again, don't get caught up on her journey- it's about the truth here in:

Try your own searches, ask God to lead you.  You too will see the theme of the whole of the Sacred Scriptures we call the Bible is  faith, hope, and love.  A simple reading of Hebrews, and a deeper dive into the scripture references within that short book, will reveal to you how God never gives up on the human race: He'll never give up on you!  God does not accept ultimate defeat: He has defeated every stronghold that may lay ahead of you.  HE will not surrender to those negative emotions that we call depression and despair, and He has given you His Word that you would not either.

I love the picture in Isaiah 6:1, where the prophet Isaiah describes his vision of God, "The train of his robe filled the temple". When a king conquered another kingdom, the train of the conquered king was sewn into the victor's robe.  Drawing on imagery from earthly kings with long robes, emphasizes the immense glory, authority, and presence of God, the King who has every victory: past, present and future, whose robe is so vast that the hem of His robe extends to and fills the entire temple, demonstrating His supreme sovereignty and majesty.  And He is your King and mine, your Heavenly Father and mine!  He stands for you.

When a king conquered another kingdom, the train of the conquered king was sewn into the victor's robe.  The King we serve has every victory: past, present and future, whose robe is so vast that the hem of His robe extends to and fills the entire temple, is your King and mine, your Heavenly Father and mine!  He stands for you!

Pray with me, "Lord, You have every victory, and I step into this day in Your victory.  To do Your will.  To experience the glory of Your presence.  Thank you Jesus! Amen!"