Sad about Saddam

Saddam Hussein is to my generation what Adolf Hitler was to many generations ago. He was a ruthless dictator who did not despise the killing of his own people all in the name of power. We've all heard the accounts of his brutal rule over the years and cheered with the Iraqis when he was found hiding in a hole. He was tried and found guilty for crimes against humanity.

Last Thursday I sat with my mouth opened and in shock at the news that he would be hanged as a result of his crimes. Now, I am not prepared to debate the death penalty here, but I could not believe a government trying to establish legitimacy, respect, and a democracy would hang someone--let alone its former ruler!

I'm not sure why it bothered me as much as it did. I was at dinner last Friday with some friends, and I remember in the midst of the fun time I was having wondering if he had been hanged yet and what was going on through his mind. Whether or not he deserved death is up for debate, but what I do know is that I am outraged that ANY human being die a disgraceful death as this. Did you see the images on T.V? I'm not saying he didn't deserve to die, but there is a dignity all human beings deserve...even horrible, evil people. Consider this...

Saddam Hussein was created in the imago dei--the image of God.

All human beings bear the image of God. Scripture reveals this truth early in Genesis at the creation of man and woman. Sanctity of life is important because though all people may not know it, they bear the image of their Creator. (That is why I am an advocate against abortion and stem-cell research which destroys embryos.) So as an image bearer, I can't help but to wonder if Saddam died in a just manner? I don't know all the answers, but I do have a lot of questions.

What do you think about the manner in which Saddam Hussein died?

Despite all of the political jargon being discussed in the media, one thing I do know is that God loves all people of all nations...even those who denounce His Son. Saddam died a sad death. His last words were uttered in allegiance to Allah, declaring him as the one "true" god. Perhaps that is what I am even more sad about...he died not knowing Christ. I wonder, did anyone ever present the gospel to Saddam? Did he know of Christ's sacrifice for him? Did he know of God's love?

Well, I guess I will never know the answers to those questions. I think my saddness for Saddam really translates into a saddness for the world. We live in a fallen, broken world marred by the effects of sin. Sin is horrible. God has opened my eyes to its ugliness and the beauty of the Cross of Christ. God's desire is that none would perish, but have everlasting life through His Son Jesus Christ.

My prayer is that my saddness would move me to share the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world in 2007. We all know people who need to hear of God's love. I pray we as believers would answer God's call as the prophet Isaiah:

I heard the voice of the Lord say,

"Whom will I send?

Who will go on our behalf?"

I answered,

"Here am I. Send me."

Isa. 6:8

A Lot of Love

Well, another Christmas is almost gone. I can't believe I celebrated my 26th Christmas, and I never grow tired of all the festivities. It is cold here in Dallas, so thankfully it felt like Christmas this year! I saw on the news tonight in 1983 when I was three years old it was a record low of 3 degrees! Now that's cold! My mom says she remembers that Christmas and that our whole family, including the dog slept in the same bed to stay warm.

We had a good time opening gifts, eating, and visiting with family. I watched my two young cousins play with their toys and it became a very nostalgic moment for me. I remember being young and being so excited about all the toys--those were the days! How fleeting they are...

I don't get toys anymore for Christmas. These days I'm just about as excited to get practical gifts as I was about the toys back in the day: socks, PJ's, make-up, lotions, etc. I asked my dear friend what he got for Christmas, and he said, "A lot of love!"

That is what Christmas is about--a lot of love!

In fact, with the birth of Jesus love came down...

What is sad to me is that many people today have celebrated this day without knowing the true meaning of Christmas...love did not just come down for me or for you, but for the world! The power of God's love through the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas should move us to sharing the gospel message with the lost.

My personal prayer and challenge is to pray earnestly for ONE person I know who does not know Christ to entrust Him as their Lord & Savior in hopes that they may know by Christmas 2007 that they have been given a lot of love.

O Christmas Tree, Poor Christmas Tree...

Ok, enough already with the Christmas/holiday bickering. This society has gone way too far with what to call this season. The latest on the news regarding a Jewish Rabbi complaining in an airport about some Christmas trees just about makes me want to scream! First, let's get it straight America, the Christmas tree does not hold any biblical reference! Nor does it have anything to do with Christ's birth. There were no Christmas trees present in the Nativity! The Christmas tree, though it may have some Christian symbolism probably sits in the homes of more nonbelievers. Therefore, what is the BIG deal? Seriously, some people need to stop being so sensitive!

Check out this site about the history of the Christmas tree.

In the meantime, Merry Christmas!!!

Tender Warrior

I can hear it in the sound of your voice
the silence in your eyes
It is in the expression on your face
the exhale of your lungs

I can hear it with your every word
the heaviness of your heart
It is in the tears you do not hide
the frustrations of life

I can hear it in your prayers to God
the desire to be close
It is in the quiet of night
the thoughts of those you love

Stand strong tender warrior
your strength is from above
The Lord believes in you
and so do I.

Stand strong tender warrior
your humble heart is worth more than gold
The Lord cares deeply
and your joy shall return.

Stand strong tender warrior
your God is a Mighty Fortress
The Lord won't let you go
and your'e in good Hands.

Stand strong tender warrior...

Let us Break Bread...

There is just something about good food and good conversation that go together nicely! I had a great weekend doing both a lot of talking and a lot of eating. I truly believe there is something special about gathering around a dinner table that lends itself to good conversation--no television, no ringing cell phones, no interuptions, just good ole fashion conversing! As a poor seminarian, it is also a blessing when people invite me to dinner. I not only see that as an opportunity to fellowship, but as God's provision for a meal! Amen!

I started thinking about the Biblical and spiritual implications of eating and fellowship and immediately I see images of Christ and the Last Supper and the Great Wedding Banquet that will take place in the eschaton. Just think, when Christ comes back for His Bride (the Church), we are going to have one large pot-luck (Isaiah 25:6-7)!

The first century Christians in the book of Acts left us a great example. These Christians were devoted to fellowship, the breaking of bread, and one other important element: prayer. Take a look at this account of the Christians in the book of Acts:

They were devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer...Every day they continued to gather together by common consent in the temple courts, breaking bread from house to house, sharing their food with glad and humble hearts, praising God and having the good will of all the people.
Acts 2:42, 46-47

How often do we 21st century Christians experience all three of these: fellowship, food, and prayer? I think probably not too often, but we sure do need it. This weekend when I experienced this, it truly warmed my heart and ministered to my soul because I experienced all three. Before leaving my friends Chawn and Julie's house after a great meal and fellowship, they offered to pray before we concluded our night together. What a blessing!

This just reminded me that the next time I get together to break bread with friends or family to remember fellowship and prayer as a part of that time. As we all eagerly approach Thanksgiving next month, let us consider how we can minister to others even before that day by fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer.

Images from New Orleans

A Silent Prayer

Remember images like these from Hurricane Katrina in August 2005? Seems just like yesterday the catastrophe hit New Orleans. However, if I were one of these people in the picture, I imagine it would feel like one of the longest years of my life.

I remember watching the news for weeks after the hurricane hit and having a deep desire to want to go and do something to help. I wanted so badly to do my part as an American, as a human being, and as a Christian for the victims of Katrina.

Well, I had no idea one year later that silent prayer would be answered. I leave for a mini-mission trip to New Orleans tomorrow! I'm so excited, and so humbled to be a part of the reorganization and clean-up of New Orleans. We're going to be working with Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organization, and going down the the French Quarters District to do some street evangelism!

Should be a weekend of fun, serving, and good fellowship. Please pray for God to be glorified, safe travels, and for lives to be touched by the outpouring of people who desire to minister as Christ's hands and feet in New Orleans.

I promise to update on Monday when I return!

Ladies, lament!

This weekend I had an opportunity to team-teach a ladies only class with my friend/DTS professor Sandra Glahn at the annual Breaking Free Singles' Conference at OCBF. Our topic was a real discussion regarding one thing we all have in common whether single or married: the problem of pain and uncontentment.

Although Sandi has been married for over 27 years, she too has experienced her share of pain. I like how she put it,

"We're not running a suffering olympics here...we all have real pain."

The crux of our message consisted of encouraging the women in the audience to lament their pain as an offering of sacrificial praise, which is pleasing and acceptable to the Lord. However, as Sandi taught us in the class: before worship comes an acknowledgement of pain.

How many of us have been taught that principle?

Unfortunately in the church we sometimes feel as if it is 'ungodly' to complain or be real with God, when in fact, there are numerous accounts throughout scripture showing just the opposite. For example, some of the most popular psalms are the ones of lament. A lament is a cry, a complaint, a groan. In the Psalms of Lament, it begins with an acknowledgement of pain, but ends with a confession of trust in the Lord--returning to what is true of God's character.

Earlier this year I wrote a personal Psalm of Lament. You can read it here. I encourage you too to write your own personal lament to the Lord. I found it to be healing for me and it truly ministered to my heart the head knowledge I had of the goodness of God.

Anytime we in the Body of Christ receive an opportunity to minster to others, share our sufferings, our triumphs, and perhaps even our current battles, it is an honor. After the class a young woman came up to me with tears in her eyes grateful for the invitation to lament to the Lord. Praise God!

I believe that young woman, and I pray others present in that room heard the message:

"Ladies, lament!"

If you are interested, here are the notes from Friday's class.

Calling all Singles!

My home church, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship is hosting their annual conference for singles entiltled Breaking Free: Putting the Pieces Back Together.

The conference will take place this Friday & Saturday, September 15th and 16th. There are a plethora of workshops to attend and suit all singles. If you would like more information click here.

We are planning on serving over 2,000 singles in the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex area this weekend. Please be praying for a smooth conference and for singles to experience freedom in the season God has called them to right now!

I'll keep you posted on how the event turns out!

Quote of the Day!

"One of Christianity's greatest gifts to all who follow Jesus is the opportunity to experience genuine community with other believers. We're united by our acceptance into God's family, our common purpose in loving Christ and others, and our mission to build Christ's Kingdom for His glory. In the community of the Body of Christ, we find acceptance in spite of our imperfections and encouragement in spite of our failures. And we also extend that acceptance and encouragement to other believers in practical ways. This is God's plan for His Body, the Church, that we cultivate redemptive relationships with others who are following Jesus with us. When we do, our joy becomes more full, our lives more blessed, and our corporate witness more effective."

Andy McQuitty, Pastor of Irving Bible Fellowship

Testing Time

In the day to day intricacies of life, I am finding the Lord sanctifying me. Whether it is sitting in rush hour traffic, standing in long lines, bumping my 'funny bone,' or through relationships. These are all tests, some come in the form of pop-quizzes (like bumping my 'funny bone'), but neveretheless, one thing God is after is the revelation of my character and His work of sanctification in me. Sometimes I pass the tests, and other times I don't.

Now, just what is progressive sanctification?

Progressive sanctification involves human responsiveness to God's Word and the work of the Holy Spirit.

You see, we have a choice to either ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit or to submit ourselves to it. I believe we serve a God who is in constant pursuit of our hearts in order to grow us toward Christ-likeness. Therefore, He continues to bring along tests or pop-quizzes to reveal to us the areas in which we have not been responsive to God's Word or work of the Holy Spirit.

All day God has been speaking to me in regards to an area where He is desiring to sanctify me. I finally just looked up and said, "Yes, Lord. I will allow you room to do your work." I am encouraged because I realize that God's work of sanctification is ultimately for my eternal glorification. He is preparing me in everything for eternity...even my character! Praise God!

I pray that you too would be encouraged as you experience those testing times from God.

"But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold."

Plan B Not A Good One

I do not pretend to know all of the scientific details of the highly controversial drug Plan B, aka "the morning after pill," but I think the FDA has made a mistake today by making this drug available over-the-counter to girls as young as 18. I mean think about...if an 18 year old girl is not responsible enough to legally drink an alcoholic beverage, why is she responsible enough to take Plan B?

I teach high school and I am exposed to young girls and boys. I've had many conversations with youth regarding sex and unwanted pregnancies. And for the most part, sex is viewed as casual to them. I believe the approval of making this drug will send the wrong message not only to youth, but to everyone. I believe we are perpetuating the problem here. Check out this press release from the organization Concerned Women for America.

The problem does not lie solely in taking the emergency contraception, but why one is needing emergency contraception in the first place?

My fear is that women will begin to abuse this drug and use it as a form of abortion due to making a poor decision. Again, I'm not so much concerned with the actual taking of the drug as I am the reasons why people get themselves into "emergency contraception" scenarios. In saying that I do not want to appear judgmental or demeaning. We all have made poor decisions in life, and much of life consists of learning from our poor choices. All I am saying is that the debate is a much deeper one. There are enormous implications for a society which sells "the morning after pill" over-the-counter. And there are enormous implications for the Church and how to do ministry within this context. We must search answers to this debate through God's Word.

I type this with a humble prayer that I am never in a situation where I feel as if I need to resort to a "Plan B." Of course, we know as Christians there are no plan B's with God. His Providence and Sovereignty are always at work-even in a situation with someone who thinks they need a "plan B".

It is a complicated issue, but one we as Christians need to engage ourselves in, striving to see it in a spiritual perspective.

God's Curriculum on Faith

This summer I took an Old Testament History class and my professor would repeat a saying to us in helping us understand the faithfulness of God tothe Israelites throughout history:

"What God has done in the past is a picture of what He will do in the future."

Dozens of times God proved to be all His children needed, and that He would fight their battles for them. All they had to do was look back and remember His faithfulness of yesterday in order to trust Him for tomorrow.

It was only a week ago I laid in my bed worrying and wondering,

"How will I pay for fall tuition?"

I became anxious at the thought of my outstanding balance. However, the Holy Spirit prompted me to remember how God provided in the past and to trust Him for the future. His mercies never fail...they are new every morning--Great is Thy Faithfulness! (Lamentations 3:23)

Only two days ago I found a posting on the DTS job board for a part-time Spanish teaching position. It fit my schedule perfectly, is close to my house, and would be great experience for me considering I'm studying Christian Education. I immediately inquired, filled out an application, and scheduled an interview for today.

Giving all praises and glory to God from whom all blessings flow...He provided-again!! This was an answer to my prayers! I will be teaching at Plano Christian Academy! I am very excited about this opportunity to teach within a Christian context. I am an experienced teacher, but now I will have to polish and refine my philosophy of teaching Spanish beginning and ending with God...and to the glory of God!

Maybe you can help me out?

How do you suppose one should teach Spanish within a Christian context?

What things should I include in my instruction that will bring God glory?

How do Christ and the Bible stay in the center of a philosophy of teaching Spanish?

Post some comments & help me out!! I would love to hear from you. Also, I would like to encourage and repeat to you what I heard repeated numerous times in class this summer:

"What God has done in the past is a picture of what He will do in the future."

Viva el South Padre!

I'm back from South Padre Island, Texas! My friend Natasha and I had a wonderful time getting away from the busyness of day to day life here in Dallas. The weather the first day was incredible: 84 degrees! We immediately put our bags down, put our bathing suits on, and headed for the beach. There was a persistent breeze off the ocean and for a while we just laid there amazed by the breeze. Living in Dallas we have not felt the wind blowing in a while! It was a great treat...thank you, Lord!

Natasha and I made a quick observation upon arriving on the island: Se habla mucho espanol en Padre!
Translation: Spanish is spoken a lot in Padre!

South Padre lies at the southernmost tip of Texas about 10-15 miles from Mexico, so many of the Mexican nationals go to Padre to vacation. Good thing God has given me the gift of speaking in Spanish, because there were many times where it came in handy!

Everything there had a Spanish flare. Natasha and I caught the Latin fever! In fact, the first night we went to a popular spot called Louie's Backyard where we danced (gasp!!!) the night away to Salsay y Merengue, and the latest Latin music called Regaton (a mixture of salsa and reggae). Latinos sure do know how to throw a party! It was great fun and offered us an opportunity to be emmursed into a different culture than our own.

Another fun highlight of our trip was dolphin watching. We got on a double-decker boat and went out in the ocean to watch the dolphins. The water was a beautiful sea-green color and we were fortunate to see several dolphins and some baby dolphins too! However, I started to feel quesy from the boat ride so I had to sit down and concentrate on NOT throwing up! I don't think a cruise would be my cup of tea either.

We spent our last day entirely on the beach. We ate lunch, slept, talked, slept, and ate. It was nice to take a nap. I do not take naps often, so it was a beautiful thing! Although I got sun burned...I should have fallen asleep under the umbrella instead of the sun! Now my sunburn has turned to a nice golden tan...I look 100% Latina now! (I think that was my goal! Remember I have Latin fever right now!)

Natasha and I were sad to leave, but as they say, "All good things must come to an end." Of course, the trip would not be as memorable without Continental Airlines losing my suitcase! Yep, that's right! I got to Dallas and no maleta! Big ups to Continental though because they were able to trace my suitcase (it was in H-town) and deliver it to my doorstep at 4 a.m.! As one friend reminded me, "Better late than never!" Thank you, Jesus!

So, now it's back to reality. No more ocean, no more cool breeze, no more dolphins, and no more naps (well, on the beach anyway)! That's ok, I suppose.

Hay mucho trabajo aqui en Dallas!! (There is much work to do here in Dallas!)

Do you not know...?

This weekend was our annual women's conference at my church. The name of the conference every year is Desperate for Jesus. I like that title a lot. It is a reminder of where I want my desperation to lie--in Christ alone. You see, many are desperate, but for the wrong things: money, a Friday night date, clothes, the perfect job, etc.

This year's key note speaker was author, Beth Moore. Wow...she was phenomenal! I found it to be very refreshing to hear the Word of God being preached and proclaimed by a woman! It truly did my soul well! The Word of God states in Titus 2 women should teach women. Unfortunately, it does not happen often. There is something about another woman publicly confessing to other women the foils and follies of her life, and how God has transformed them!

Through three different messages, Beth Moore reminded the women present (4,000 by the way) of many of God's truths we tend to so easily forget. I found them to be encouraging and want to share them with you. Read them as if for the first time!

Do you not know...?

1. Your body is the temple of God? (I Corinthians 6:19-20)
2. You are not stuck with the weaknesses of your personality? (2 Peter 1:3,4)
3. God reverenced your conception? (Psalm 139:13,14)
4. The Word of God is living and active? (Hebrews 4:12)
5. God is good and His lovingkindness is everlasting? (2 Chronicles 7:3)
6. When one unites with God, they become one with Him in Spirit? (I Corinthians 6:17)

What beautiful truths I had forgotten. God desires to illuminate Himself to us and reveal who we are in Him...if only we would open His Word and dive in. After this weekend, I realized how much I'm really not desperate for Jesus. Unfortunately, I allow other things to become a priority for me, or I just become complacent in my walk. However, I came to see just how dry I was because I had not been steadfast in spending quality time with the Lord.

What a gracious God we serve...this weekend God sent me some reminders and gave me a fire to want to know Him more. The 6 things I listed above are things that I knew...but I had forgotten.

What do you not know...?

What truths has God revealed to you or reminded you of?

I pray we would all be desperate for Jesus, seeking Him with our whole hearts, and allowing Christ to answer all of our questions to, "Do you not know?"

Lost and Found

It never ceases to amaze me. I am always losing something. The most recent article I "lost" was my wallet. I couldn't find it on Monday morning and went into panic mode because I rembered having it, yet I couldn't seem to retrace my steps back and find it. I looked under the bed, in my bed, in my car, my purses, the trash can...and no wallet.

I was afraid that someone might have picked it up. They would have been disappointed though because I had about $.50 in change in there, but my social security card was in my wallet, along with my American Express card. So, I called to check if there had been any charges made to my account, and there had not been...thank you, Lord! As I was telling my friend Kanika about my "missing wallet" and my social security card MIA as well, she gently reminded me,

"Now, you know you aren't supposed to carry your social security card, right?"

Of course I knew that, "But where am I supposed to put it?"

Now, Kanika is smart, but this was a genious piece of advice I had never considered: "Put your social security card with your passport."

"Oh." I was speechless. I really had never considered that option. I just put it in my wallet because I didn't know where to put it. I'm a little slow, I know...

Another piece of advice given by a friend who worked in the banking industry: to avoid consumer ID fraud, you can put a "fraud alert" on your credit. This way anytime credit is attempted, you will be notified. This alert can be placed for 90 days, 1 year, or 7 years.

Tuesday morning as I was rushing out of the house (as usual), I went to put something in my bag, and lo and behold: my wallet. So, I did not have to put a fraud alert on my credit, nor did I cancel any of my credit cards. Thank you, Lord!

What was lost became found...

When things like this happen, I just look up and say, "Ok, Lord...what does this mean? What is the spiritual application here?" Everytime I ask that question, the Holy Spirit is faithful to teach me something about the character of God.

Consider with me Luke 19:10, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."

After Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden, all of "you know what" broke lose and paradise was lost. Pure fellowship with God was broken, and has been since sin's advent into the world. Yet, we serve a God who did not leave us to be lost forever.

In Luke 19:10 we see Jesus' mission defined: to seek the lost in order that they may be found. However, in order to be found, one must know they are lost. Romans 3:23 states that all have sinned, and it is our sin that makes us lost and in desperate need to be found.

Are you lost?

Do you need to be found?

Here are a couple of verses to lead you to be found by God:

John 3:16
Romans 6:23
Romans 10:9

Posting this with a prayer for the lost to be found...

A Sunday Afternoon

Yesterday I went to Six Flags over Texas amuesment park. It was a last minute, spontaneous decision to go. The temp here was 105 and for some insane reason I decided to brave the heat and just go!

I must say, I did have fun on the rides, but this morning my body paid for it. I woke up feeling like I had run a marathon...two times in a row! Wow...and I had a killer headache. It really felt like a hangover! What a horrible feeling many subject themselves to every weekend! So, I decided today I am just way too old for Six Flags!

Despite the extreme heat and a Six Flags hangover, it was the company of good friends which made the trip worth while.

Friends, indeed are a blessing we should not take for granted. It is when we can look outside of the discomfort of our circumstances we can find joy there. Believe me, the heat was miserable yesterday, but at least I was there with friends who love me and care for me. Even in the midst of the heat, we had a good time and were able to laugh our heads off!

I'd Rather...

...be in South Padre Island, Texas where this picture was taken.

On July 28th I will be! I'm going to South Padre with my friend Natasha, but until then, I have to be here. The problem is, I see how good it looks to be in Padre and want to be there, but I can't skip the next 18 days to get there.

I think much of life is the same way. We don't understand why we're here instead of there. We compile our lists of what we'd rather be...instead of what is!

For example:

1. I'd rather be a size __ than a size ___...
2. I'd rather live in that house instead of this house...
3. I'd rather eat this tonight instead of that...
4. I'd rather work in that job than this job...
5. I'd rather be married than single...
6. I'd rather have a new pair of shoes than wear some old ones...

And the list goes on...

When is enough? Much of life, I've discovered in my 26 years consists of learning how to be content with what you have been portioned and learning how to wait patiently. So while I'd rather be in South Padre, I have to wait until it comes. I must learn how to be content right here, right now. I can drive myslef crazy in the wait or I can rest in it. Either way, surely there is something the Lord will teach me or show me between now and July 28? I will have to wait for that too!

In the meantime, I truly want to be able to say:

"I'd rather be...here, because here is all I am promised."

Still Thirsty?

I have a confession to make—I am addicted to Diet Coke. My addiction started three years ago, and I haven’t been able to shake the habit since. It’s gotten so bad that if I do not have one by noon, I will get a headache. So, everyday I go and get a fountain Diet Coke to get my fix.

Although I enjoy my Diet Coke, one thing I have noticed when I get to the end of the drink is this—I’m still thirsty! Though pleasurable at the moment, the Diet Coke does not quench my thirst.

So why is it whenever I know water will quench my thirst I turn to Diet Coke instead?

I think the spiritual life for the Christian can be similar. We know nothing is able to quench our thirst like Christ, yet repeatedly we run in search of something else to fulfill our needs. We must honestly examine what fountain we are drinking from. What are you looking to or waiting on to quench your thirst?

Look at the conversation between the Samaritan woman and Jesus at the well:

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst…The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” John 4:14-15 (NIV)

Isn’t that they way you feel sometimes too? Are you like me and tired of having to keep drawing from a fountain which leaves you parched? Christ offers Himself as the Living Water, a Fountain which never runs dry. Other people or things may offer momentary relief, but it will never satisfy that which we truly thirst for, which is only found when we come to the Fountain.

My prayer for you and for me is that we would drink deeply from Christ with the promise He gives us to never be thirsty again.

But in the meantime, does this mean I have to give up Diet Coke?

The Bark of the Enemy

Every time I go walking in my neighborhood I take the same route. Whenever I walk by the house on the corner of my street, two dogs bark ferociously at me. The first several times it would startle me and I would jump in my skin! I cannot remember one time walking by there and the dogs not barking wildly at me. It does not startle me anymore though. In fact, I expect it. If they did not bark at me, I would think something was wrong with them. Afterall, they are dogs--and dogs bark!

Today was different though. As I walked by the house, they went to town barking their heads off at me as usual, but today I made a spiritual connection with the familiar barks.

I believe Satan is much like those barking dogs.

Satan, like those dogs does the same thing repeatedly to tempt us. Think about what is a temptation for you? Satan knows yours and my weaknesses, and these are the areas where he barks and growls at us. The first time he tempts you and he barks, it may startle you. The next time, you may jump, but eventually, you and I must come to a point in our spiritual lives where we can recognize the bark of the enemy. Better yet, we must come to an understanding of ourselves! The addage goes, "Every man should know his limitations." This is true, however, I believe:

Every man should know his temptations.

Having this knowledge allows one to be on guard for the schemes of the enemy. As I walk closer to the house on the corner, I prepare my mind and heart for the barking dogs. I know they may bark and growl at me behind the fence, but one thing now brings me comfort--they cannot touch me!

My friend, that is great news! Satan will bark and he will growl. However, being a child of God automatically guarantees you and I protection from the enemy. We must remember everything belongs to our God-even Satan. So, get ready for the barking, but do not be surprised when it comes. Satan is cunning, but he does not operate outside of the sovereign will of our Lord.

I would like to encourage you to prepare your hearts and minds in order to discern the bark of the enemy.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me." Psalm 23:4