Be alert

The enemy works in cycles. When he sees that we are doing well on aspects of our spiritual walk, he decides to attack a different weakness/struggle in our lives.

The word of God warns us, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8)

The Gate is Narrow

When we decide to follow Christ our life will not be easier. Declaring that we will place our trust and faith in Jesus initiates a process that will expose addictions, self destructive habits and down-spiral-patterns of the thoughts we rehearse in our minds.
When we start to rid ourselves of the destructive behavior we will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms that will tempt us to go back to the comfortable mindsets that have kept us trapped in these addictions.

Jesus points us to enter through the narrow gate.
For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction. (Matthew 7:13)

When driving on a  road that is narrow we make sure to be on alert. A one way street requires precaution because there is limited room on the road and we feel a sense of responsibility to conduct our vehicle in extra safe manners.
When entering a place with a narrow gate, everyone enters in orderly fashion and rules are followed (Example; airport terminal designated gates).

The same sense of responsibility and high alert is what Jesus is teaching us to have towards our thoughts, behavior, attitude, actions and our hearts.

Most actions that walk us into the path of destruction do not happen on accident. They begin in the heart; 

(Matthew 5:28) But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

• Our thoughts can deceive us and lead to thinking of things far from reality.
• Having bad behavior and a negative attitude can lead to shame- if we act before thinking and/or analyzing a situation. 
• Shame shouldn't separate us from God, but it usually leaves us feeling unworthy of approaching in prayer or praise. 
• The word of God says; guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flows the spring of life Proverbs 4:23- when feelings of shame, remorse, anger, bitterness, jealousy or any other feeling not in accordance with the spirit of God enters our heart, we need to follow the 4 Steps out of the Funk (see Blog)  1. Invite 2. Examine 3.Analyze 4.Find your way back 

A prayer for HELP

"If your adversary cannot defeat you he will distract you". I have heard this multiple times on a pulpit on multiple sermons, but I'm living it right now. In prayer I verbally communicate with an exposed heart and spirit to my Father those thoughts and feelings that are challenging me. I'm pleading for HELP and calling on Jesus.

I have noticed how easy it is to spiral into old thoughts that I had not been thinking. These thoughts tempt my behavior and my attitude. Shame attacks my spirit, but in prayer I am declaring that I'm not going to give in or give up. In prayer I declare that my eyes are fixed on Jesus.

I'm guarding my heart from the lies whispered in my mind. I'm guarding my heart because negative thoughts eventually will take me to that wide gate where the broad way will lead me to self- destruction (Matthew 7:13)  . 

I leave you with advise from the apostle Paul: (Philippians 4:8)

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.