Gloom, Dispair, and a Kick in the Teeth

That's what Satan got from our most awesome God today. I don't understand all I have experienced this past week, but I know Satan was defeated in an important battle today.

First, I don't believe in bad luck, or good luck, or luck period. I believe that some days we are being tested, some days we are being rewarded for passing a test. I believe that God does indeed discipline us for wrongdoings, and blesses us beyond measure for making the right choices and honoring Him with our words and deeds.

Second, I know that there is a war going on that we simply can not see. Ephesians 6:10-12 “A final word: Be strong with the Lord’s mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms." This teaches some crucial truths: (1) We can only be strong in the Lord’s power, (2) It is God’s armor that protects us, (3) Our battle is against spiritual forces of evil in the world.

Third, intercession in prayer is powerful in this battle. I know because I have experienced it in an awesome way this week. I want to especially thank a lady that God has brought into my life. She is not even a member of our church, yet I understand she came to stand in my office this past week to pray for me, telling Donna only that she felt as though she was supposed to come by and pray for me. I have felt the presence of God is such a powerful way this week, yet my heart has been heavy as I have felt the battle all around.

Today the chains were lifted and I feel free again! It has been as different as night and day! I had the best nights sleep, the kids woke up happy, Mandy has felt good and passed some tests at school she had been stressing over, my pastor made me his HERO OF THE WEEK, and I got to spend some quality time with some friends today talking about what God is doing in my life and ministry! I'm about to go spend some time with the Praise Team as we hang out together and play some music with Mike Jewell, who we just learned plays bass guitar!
Also, God gave me some incredible ideas about some neat things to do in our traditional service and children's choir with some different instruments.

I know soon there will be another trial, or another test. I'm actually looking forward to it so I can brag on MY GOD a little bit more! He did the hard part, He Died.... Kicked the Devil in the teeth.... then came back to life. Now all I have to do is what He says......
"Be strong with the Lord’s mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil."

I feel as though Elisha has prayed over me as he did the young servant man...... 2 Kings 6:16-17 "And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha." See, all that servant could see was the visible battle, God allowed him to see the spiritual battlefield as well.

Fear Not..... Stand Firm..... He's got everything under control!

Later