I just don’t want to be the guy that shows up in heaven and goes, Really? You are this beautiful, this wonderful, this extravagant, this extraordinary, and I spent the days of my life on earth consumed with bills, success, and social status trying to please men? Judah Smith

Yesterday, our men’s group was talking about a series they are doing and how profound the impact has been on each one of them. One man stood before our congregation saying “Men, we are in a real battle whether you believe it or not!” You have a real enemy that wants to destroy your family, your relationships and all that is of real value to you. He went on to say that self made, self- sufficient ways are not of God, they are of man.

This got me thinking about religion and all the leaders that have fallen from grace- We see christians mistreating other christians, we see leaders having affairs, the bible being misinterpreted and misrepresented. We see scandal after sandal so, we tell ourselves “that guy” is just another self-righteous hypocrite talking more religious non-sense. How can I believe anything when it comes to what God says because he has never been there for me? Perhaps, you have felt this way one time or many times. It is so disheartening when we see someone we looked up to at one point or another and feel deep disappointment now. Our hope is lost when we don’t see God working in our life. We hear he is good but do we really believe it for ourselves? Do we doubt who God truly is? We have lost sight and now have decided to lean on what we know best, ourselves. It feels safe there. That is where we choose to live.

Acceptance is defined as a state of being desired or wanted. Belonging, having worth.

For us humans, it could be our husbands, wives, friends, parents, lover, mistress, job….So if we are looking here, then what happens when one or more leave the scene in someway or another? As we all know our life here on earth, biblically speaking is like a midst. Our human bodies are actually just vessels but our spirits do live on. We are spiritual beings having a human experience not human beings having a spiritual experience. So, if we except that as truth- that there is a heaven and hell and we will be in one of those places…. Could it also be true that we do have a real enemy, Satan?

Scripture is clear when it says…. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 

If the devil wants to harm you, don’t you think part of his plan is to deceive? He wants to see people fall from grace, he wants to see your loved ones let you down, he DOES NOT want your foundation to lie in Christ alone, so he shows you up close and personal.

I used to get so wrapped up in this nonsense myself. I would see some injustice and think if this is what growing in God is, I want no part of it. I was foolish to say or think such a thing but at the time, it was how I felt. However, my relationship now with God does not depend on humans. Once, I decided to start educating myself in God’s word, something began to change. I began to absorb real truth and then the most beautiful thing happened… God worked on my heart…

Once a man was asked, “what did you gain by regularly praying to God?” The man replied, nothing…. but let me tell you what I lost: Anger, ego, greed, depression, insecurity, control, and the fear of death. Sometimes the answer to our prayers is not gaining but losing; which ultimately is the gain.

It’s time for all of us to realize we don’t know if we have tomorrow or even another hour. If we want to build a solid foundation, we must start with Jesus. Do you love your family? Do you love yourself? Then start with the one who holds the whole world up, in the palm of his hand which includes yours. God will give you discernment and wisdom. He will show you sound doctrine if you allow him access. I believe fully what was said at my church yesterday… WE ARE IN A BATTLE! Your safe place is not in yourself, it is in God.

Get your armor out and put it on. ( word of God) Allow God to turn you into the warrior you are. The power lies in us because we are made in His image. Don’t allow disappointment, wounds or hurts to stop you from going to your safe place- Christ

The old saying don’t put all your eggs in one basket is not real truth… the real truth is that all your eggs should be in one basket and that basket is Christ.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked but the Lords unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in Him