Mario Andretti, the professional racecar driver, regularly raced at speeds over 200 miles an hour. When asked for a racing tip, he quipped, “Don’t look at the wall.” His point was that a driver’s car follows what the driver is focused on. Where you look is where you go. If you keep looking at the wall, you’ll crash into it.
In his letter to the church in Philippi, Paul was urging the impressionable believers to keep their focus on Christ. Paul longed for them to flourish in the faith, not to crash into walls of false teaching. In chapter 2, Paul warned the church against legalism, a deception that rejected the sufficiency of Christ’s righteousness that comes from God through faith. Then and now, legalistic thinking insists that it’s a person’s best efforts and striving that make them right with God and with other people. I crash into a wall of legalism when I assume God merely tolerates me instead of remembering that He deeply delights in me as His beloved daughter. I crash when I’m critical and judge others for not meeting my personal expectations and preferences.
In chapter 3, Paul warned against another danger. While speeding away from the wall of legalism, some may over-correct and ricochet into the wall of licentiousness. This deception insists on throwing off moral restraint in hopes of satisfying all appetites and desires. “Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is their shame,” said Paul (Philippians 3:19). Licentiousness says “anything goes,” that if it feels good, you should do it. I crash into a wall of licentiousness when I pridefully believe that I’m above temptation and fail to recognize my need for God’s good boundaries. I crash when I foolishly allow my desires to drive me to do things that hurt myself and hurt others.
At the root of all legalism and licentiousness is a worship of self above all else. Paul is, in essence, warning, “Don’t look at the wall!” Where you look is where you go. When we focus on ourselves, it’s not long before we crash. But this does not need to rule us. We can stand firm in the Lord as we remember that our true citizenship, our true allegiance, is in heaven with God (v.20). May the Lord capture our hearts and affections, enabling us to focus on Him, worshiping Him alone. The One who made us is also the only One who can save us. Only He truly satisfies our deepest longings and desires, and only He can safely lead us home.
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103 thoughts on "Stand Firm in the Lord"
The Lord is good to us!!
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Donna I can’t see your original post but happy 50th anniversary! What a blessing. I pray you can enjoy it. Thank you to everyone who prayed for me last week for my work meeting, I thought it went well but heard after that others may not have shared that same opinion? I have another one tomorrow, please pray for peace and wisdom and that this project can move forward on the right path. It has the potential to help so many people.
Thank you TRACI for the spark you brought up today. To follow up, the Lord has revealed to me many parallel connections, between the characters of the Bible and today’s political figures, that God’s children are not blind to provide legal access by wrong voting. Amen to RHONDA J, please vote. I feel so prompted and highly urged to share, in such a time like this, before the presidential election. So this is what God has revealed and impressed on me to notice two characters in the Bible. Jezebel means “unhusbanded” or “impure”, she has no connection to God, for God is the husband and the head. She is a woman the Scriptures regarded as evil, scheming, shameless and immoral. Jezebel resorts to murder when her control is threatened. Jezebel represents a spirit of control, manipulation, and rebellion against God that seeks to undermine the prophetic voice (Elijah generation), to utterly destroy godly authority, and to establish a counterfeit spiritual authority rooted in idolatry and deception. Ahab represents weak and compromised people, often leadership characterized by passivity, spiritual negligence and an inability to stand for righteousness. He as king, allowed Jezebel to dominate, leading the nation to idolatry and corruption. He tolerates her, and fails to uphold truth and righteousness. So, the politicians of today’s time have been the people of old, that Scriptures have revealed, don’t you see? May every person come out and vote, and NOT for Jezebel/ Ahab administration please. I pray the Lord will reveal truth in your heart, and grant you the unwavering courage to do what’s pleasing and just in HIS sight, in a time like this. “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family WILL perish. And who knows but that you have come… to your position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14).
Politics should be off this forum, please. Thank you.
Mercy is sharing her heart and I think we all agree that we are free to do so. It doesn’t mean we have to agree what she is sharing, but this forum should be open to ALL opinions. No one is being forced to follow or adhere to what anyone is saying. If something is said that is offensive, then one should move on from the comment.
Thank you Laura. I might have ruffled some feathers, but oh well. I appreciate you.❤️
I agree with Laura. Let’s not shut the mouths of our sisters, whether or not we agree with what is said. This is a safe space. If something is triggering, we are here to pray for one another, too. It’s OK to disagree. God bless everyone, whatever side they land. Jesus is still King over all. ❤️
Well said Michelle.
Personally I don’t always feel the comment section is a safe place.
I agree
I’m proudly voting for the one you refer to as “Jezebel.” Please don’t feel compelled to pray for me and please keep your politics to yourself. Thanks.
Bless you Bethany.
I was reading this chapter in Titus today, and I was very encouraged by Paul’s boldness. “For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled” (Titus 1:10-15). Then I realized I was off by a chapter:) But nonetheless, precious words, worthy of sharing, worthy of praise from the reproach that Paul urged Titus to do. Paul is not people pleasing, but God pleasing, what an admirable attribute. Joining you in prayers shes. Praying you have a good day filled with thankfulness to the Lord. Be blessed dear sisters.
Donna I will be praying for you as you go on your anniversary trip. 50 years, wow happy anniversary!! Praying God’s hand on your health, especially those hurting muscles. Just take it slow, and stop to rest whenever needed. ❤
Hey Shes. One wall?! I’ve many, many walls I can fixate upon, but shouldn’t. The worldly stuff, know what I mean. Focusing on them causes me to spin sideways, out of control, careening in confusion. Lord Jesus Christ, help save me from myself! Please take control of that proverbial wheel. I pray to center myself more concretely ( in the right sense !) on You.
Also, I believe Annie F. Downs coined the phrase: “Our emotions may get to ride, but they don’t get to drive”!
Amen, the worries of life is a real deadly trap, “but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful”. Simple living and helps. Godliness and contentment is true gain- i try to focus on that, the rest is just noise.
Me too! I don’t want to let my emotions drive.
With all the busy-ness, mind-clutter, outside expectations, world problems, internal expecations… there is only one thing we have to do: cling to Jesus. Stand firm in Him. I know the wait seems long, but the process will be so much more peaceful if you remember just this one thing: cling to Jesus
Amen! Yes! So easy and simple, yet so challenging and hard.
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“I crash into a wall of legalism when I assume God merely tolerates me instead of remembering that He deeply delights in me as His beloved daughter. I crash when I’m critical and judge others for not meeting my personal expectations and preferences.” This is what I needed to hear this morning. I have felt quite emotional lately and I think part of what I’ve been missing is the remebrance that God delights in me. I am His. I have been blaming my feelings on others, my husband mostly,for not meeting the needs that I believe he and others should be meeting. May I delight in God’s love and let that be the lens that shapes my perspective today.
That’s so good Shar!! I think we all do that…unmet expectations..for OUR high standards. We need to watch that.
I don’t mean to bring up politics, but Romans made me think of our politicians. Not just those today, but even back to Obama. Smooth talk caused so much racial division. It is amazing when you read the Bible and can see so clearly the relation to people today. Even in the play Hamilton there was corruption. It is disappointing.
You are so right, Traci! ❤ In fact, smooth talk/glowing words started with the serpent in the garden and we know who he was looking out for.
“18 Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people.” NLT
Also, how a play on words turns sin into sounding like something else! We need to have eyes to see, and ears to listen through the filter of Christ! May the scales fall off more eyes. It’s NOT our opinions, that is just that, but what God’s word said. Christians need to not only stand on truth, but vote on truth!
I’d say it probably goes back to Adams and Jefferson, but we are lucky enough to be too young to remember. And while I believe that we should not be speaking of specific candidates in this forum, I do believe that we who are American citizens do have a civic duty to vote in the upcoming elections, and to consider the character of the candidates we vote for. Not necessarily their words, not their promises (because even if they want to, they can’t always fulfill those promises), but their character, their tone, how they treat others, especially those who are not powerful. Do they speak life, kindness, and joy, or cruelty, anger, and threats? We are citizens of heaven, but we are also the salt of the earth, called to preserve it. And for our sisters here who are not American citizens, I ask your prayers for our nation, that we may wield our great power and influence well for the good of all nations.
Ah, Dear Sisters…Pray we remember what James said in 1:19…“You know this, my beloved brothers & sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger (NASB).
Amen. Joining in prayers for the godly government to arise amongst intense chaos and turmoil, despite the false prophet of social media and many smearing campaigns sowing seeds of confusion, deep hatred and division. May the Lord come through to bring up what satan has tried so hard to kill, steal and destroy, again and again, that mercy and grace be bestowed on the US nation, and the effect of it on the global landscape.
Amen!! We need to be praying. May I suggest intercessors for America.org. Actually there were three hours of global prayer for America on Sunday.
Our citizenship is in heaven!
Sisters, I have a request for prayers. I am leaving for a trip overseas to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary this year. I have been having some physical problems lately and am worried about the long flight and also all the walking we will be doing. I don’t know what is going on but the muscles are not happy. I have auto-immune issues so that isn’t helping. I am leaving Friday and am trying so hard to let anxiety get the better of me. Thank you.
I am looking to my Savior to help with the fear and the pain. Lifting each of you in prayer and thanksgiving today. Hope all in the path of the hurricane are safe.
Donna, praying that you can enjoy your trip without any physical ailments. Make great memories! ❤️
I know that feeling well Donna! With my back issues, I really don’t even like to travel anymore! But 50 years! Wow, that is worth a nice, beautiful trip! Prayers for everything to cooperate!
Praying for you Donna! And Congratulations on 50 years!❤️
Donna, I join in prayer for decreased pain and anxiety so you can get lost in the mkments of making memories for a lifetime as you celebrate this blessed achievement. HAPPY 50th ANNIVERSARY!!! ❤
Happy 50th Anniversary Donna and congratulations!
Praying for peace, comfort and relaxing of your muscles as you prepare to leave and during your trip allowing you to enjoy making beautiful memories. ❤️
Happy 50th anniversary Donna! Wow! Praying for you that your muscles will cooperate and you will have no anxiety about this trip. Favor and goodness to you from take off to back home again. Enjoy and make lots of good memories.❤️
Traveling Mercies, Dear Donna.
Pray He gives you peace of mind … body & spirit!
Joining in prayer that you will have a wonderful trip and celebration without pain!
I’m praying right now Donna. ❤️
“But our citizenship is in heaven.” How often do I fail to remember this? This world is not my home – heaven is and I eagerly await my forever home.
Randy Alcorn in his book – Heaven, brings to light the fact that we believers tend to forget that heaven is our home and we are headed there. He explained that when we are planning a trip – a vacation of sorts, we spend months, sometimes years planning out ever detail. We decide what we’ll pack in our suitcases, what we’ll do while we’re there, etc. etc. We are so ready for our trip of a lifetime! Yet…our greatest trip we’ll ever take is going to heaven. How often do I (we) think about that? What am I doing to prepare for that trip? Have I carefully thought and planned? …Of course it looks a little different planning for heaven. But how will we be “clothed”? Will we be ready to meet our Lord? Will we have done all to prepare?…Just some things to ponder.
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I try and remember each day that today could be the day that I meet Jesus, either meet Him in the air or in heaven and I so want to be ready!
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“…stand firm in the Lord, dear friends…” this song comes to mind:
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Cornerstone (by Hillsong)
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust in Jesus name
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust in Jesus name
Christ alone, Cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Saviour’s love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all
When darkness seems to hide His face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
My anchor holds within the veil
Christ alone, Cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Saviour’s love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all
He is Lord, Lord of all
Christ alone, Cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Saviour’s love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all, yeah
Christ alone, Cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Saviour’s love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all
When He shall come with trumpet sound
Oh may I then in Him be found
Dressed in His righteousness alone
Faultless stand before the throne
Christ alone, Cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Saviour’s love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all
Christ alone, Cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Saviour’s love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all
Christ alone, Cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Saviour’s love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all
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Have a blessed day ladies! I haven’t had a chance to read the comments yet, but will come back to it.
Praying for you all! ❤️
So good, yes, and Amen!! Love Cornerstone!
I really like thinking about heaven this way! It is our greatest “trip”. We need to prepare daily.
Such truth! That is one of my favorite songs that we sing at church! ❤
GM She’s!
“Standing Firm in the Lord” yes, and Amen!! Keep me standing on the rock..building my faith strongly in You alone Lord! It seems easy, and it is in a way, but it takes diligence and discipline- staying in the word daily, praying, connecting with elders, an eagerness to know Him—growing that relationship! So when the winds blow, false teachers come, pride seeps in- we are ready for correction and the word buried in us is a truth that leads us back, lifting our eyes to the Lord! It’s like when Peter walks on water, and the fear of the waves start to literally overtake him–But he lifts his eyes to Jesus and begins to steady. I want a steady, strong on the rock relationship with Jesus! I think I have it…but will I have it when the crushing waves come?! I know I have you She’s to guide me back! We shall praise in the Storm, regardless of the situation! God knows where we are, and what we need!
The metaphor she shared today instantly made me think of the days of riding my horse in the arena jumping the fences. We learned right from the start of you didn’t keep your eyes beyond the jump and squeeze your legs, the horse doesn’t go that way! They either stop, or they go quickly to the side…..and guess where you go? lol. Yes…thud to the ground! It doesn’t take long to learn the listen! So shall I remember that today! I don’t want to hit the ground, it hurts!
Hoping we don’t get too much impact from this hurricane, but we are preparing for surges and wind. Praying for those more north that might get more impact! We will praise in the Storm, I love my paradise and will take the storms with it! :)
Yes! This!
“I want a steady, strong, on-the-Rock relationship with Jesus!”
I think that’s exactly why we are all here!
Praying you don’t get hit hard by the storm…Steve’s sister lives in Ft Myers.
Oh that’s where we are! If you ever come to visit…we could meet in person!!
Praying for y’all!!! ❤
Haha “thud to the ground” reminds me of the first time I rode a horse, I knew nothing about riding and of course the horse knew that. He took off running and I went “thud to the ground”. Your post touches me this morning, standing firm in the faith when the waves crash over can be tough. You have to keep your eyes on God. I’m reading Warrior Put Your Boots On that you suggested. Whoa! Makes you stop in your tracks and think. Love it! Praying for you and everyone in the hurricane’s path. Love you❤️
Haha.
I am glad you got the book..it really opened my eyes to how important it is to STAND proud and strong with all the political noise and division!! (It was written in 2016!) We have to KNOW the truth and keep our eyes on Jesus! And know how to say it. My class loved it!
I just ordered it this morning on Rhonda’s suggestion for my book club!
Yay Laura!! I know YOU will love it, hopefully the others will, but it is a call to be warriors and vocal! Some like to just be quite, and not stir the pot! So it definitely makes good discussion!! We had t-shirts made that have the front of the book on them!
Any updates on your daughter? Things going well? Continued prayers!
Philippians 4’1 (Warren Wiersbe):
“beloved and longed-for.
Paul reveals his deep affection for the Philippian believers. The Gr. term for “longed-for” refers to the deep pain of separation from loved ones. my joy and crown. Paul did not derive his joy from circumstances, but from his fellow believers in Philippi (cf. 1 Thess. 2:19, 20; 3:9). The Gr. term for “crown” refers to the laurel wreath received by an athlete for winning a contest (1 Cor. 9:25) or by a person honored by his peers at a banquet as a symbol of success or a fruitful life. The Philippian believers were proof that Paul’s efforts were successful (cf. 1 Cor. 9:2). stand fast. This Gr. word was often used to describe a soldier standing at his post; here it is a military command (cf. 1:27) which is the dominant expression of vv. 1–9.”
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Sisters, I have to run but look forward to reading your insights later. Prayers for all in the path of Helene in the US!
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PATTI SAULS, this is an exceptional devo as always! I thank you!!! ❤
Thank you Cee Gee for the added explanations!
Have a blessed day! ❤
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Christ is sufficient, not me, myself and I.
Lord, posture my heart to a humble obedience, a wisdom of You that guides, directs and a life that bears the good fruit, that rightly brings honors and glory to You and a gaze that doesn’t stray.
Amen! Love that!
Amen! ❤
Yes! Amen!
Father that I keep my eyes on you! In Jesus name, Amen
In Christ alone my hope is found….My comforter, my all in all…For every sin on Him was laid…For I AM HIS and HE is mine….!!!!! Happy Wednesday sweeties!!!
Now that song will be running through my head all day. ❤️ Thank you, Mari!
Grateful to have a morning to join you all here and in the Word. What a great reminder to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, and that He is the only One who can satisfy the desires of my heart <3. Love to all and lifting up the prayer requests!
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What a beautiful metaphor all through…what you look to either will keep you steady or will cause you to crash. We must always have our eyes UP.
Yes, Erica. Someone in the She community once said…”Glance at our problems. Gaze upon Him”.
Help me to keep my heart and mind on you Lord. Amen
Also praying for the safety of all of us in the path of Helene (hurricane and TS) praying for me to give all my fear and worry to God.
Praying for you Cat and for all those in the area of the storm. Thanks for the reminder, these devos really help and are so appropriate!❤️
Praying for your safety and for all those in the storms path, and that God would calm your anxious heart. ❤
Continuing to pray for the lost, reinforced when I read 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
7 … when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power
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Lord, praying that all would come to know You. And let me not be deceived by Your enemies and their tactics, but instead to pray for them while keeping a safe distance.
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I feel that compromise is one of the sneakiest and most effective tactics of the enemy, along with the human tendency for greed and feelings of being deserving. Lord, I’m asking for wisdom to see your enemies and these tactics before they take hold in my life, remembering to put on Your armor for daily protection.
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CATHY MCVEY – ❤️ praising the Lord that you are in remission
CAROLINE BRIDGES – praying that you will be gentle and kind with yourself rather than hard, and for wisdom about fitting into society. I’m probably old enough to be your grandmother:) and still clearly remember not fitting in, and over time realizing that a lot of the people who were setting the standard for fitting in … it was like the Wizard of Oz, all smoke and mirrors to cover their own insecurities. Be confident in yourself, keeping your eyes on Jesus. ❤️
CEE GEE – ❤️ yesterday’s comment
MICHELLE P – agreeing with other sisters’ comments to hold your head high regarding your jobs. You fill a need that blesses so many, and bless them even more by praying for them. You are loved and appreciated!! ❤️❤️
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Praying for those of us in the path of the storm brewing, expected to ramp up in intensity today and hit tomorrow. I know RHONDA J and others know the feeling of the wait.
Amen on compromising. Seems like this is a lot of that happens today in the Christian world, especially. (Sad, crying emoji)
Thank you ❤️ Searching !!! Amen!
I have been in the waiting so I understand the stay or go decision and how many supplies to stock. We lived on the coast of South Carolina for 7 years between Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Our son still lives there. Know that you and your loved ones are in my prayers! Live your comment, too! .❤
Praying for you and the others in the path of the storm Searching.
How are your feeling?
Are you on social media on the Facebook SRT She’s page?
Thank you for your prayers for me and the encouragement and peace they give me. ❤️
❤️ praying for safety and peace as you wait for the hurricane. This seems to be a crazy hurricane season. I can’t imagine the anxiety of the wait.
Thank you, Patti Sauls. Needed this. Been feeling low and know that I need to refocus away from myself and turn to the One who can bring joy, comfort, direction, and abundant life. The analogy of the wall was truly helpful. Have a blessed day, sisters.
Praying God lifts your spirits today, Anna. ❤
LORD, help me to focus on You and Your will. May Your Word lead me (Psalm 119:105). May I fast from pleasing myself and feast on pleasing You by running to You when I feel pulled in different directions. Thank You for showing me where my heart needs to go. Amen. —
May God continue to bless and be near to you, dear Shes.
Thank you. That is exactly the prayer I needed this morning, too!
Great verse! ❤
Good to see you, Colleen! ❤
“May the Lord capture our hearts and affections, enabling us to focus on Him, worshiping Him alone.”
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Indeed may it be so, PATTI.
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MERCY – how is Emma doing with school? Are you keeping her with the male teacher?
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HERSH – how are your daughter’s feet?
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BRANDI – any updates on Aven Grace?
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CATHERINE MCVEY – is Lisa responding well to the antibiotics?
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Praying for your requests, too.
Great sentence Kelly…Lord capture our hearts and affections…
Thanks Kelly. Lisa is on daily IV antibiotics. She isn’t feeling well at all. The surgeon and infectious disease doctor said last night there is a 50/50 chance of needing to go back to surgery. Thank you for your continued prayers.
Hi Kelly, thanks for checking in. She is doing all right. I spoke with the principal twice to switch but she was a tough cookie and said no no no, with all the technical reasonings. There is something unsettling in my spirit but i just can’t pinpoint what it is. Idk what else to do other than pray :(
I must have missed something with this!? Is Emma your daughter, and having problems at school?
From John Blase, He Reads Truth-
The language the apostle Paul used indicates that waffling in my allegiance to Christ equates to being an “enemy of the cross.” That’s rather harsh, isn’t it? But you see, far from some war between rival countries, you and I live in enemy territory, in a daily struggle for our hearts and minds. This calls for standing firm in the Lord each day, living acutely aware of “those who cause dissensions, for such people do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites. They deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting with smooth talk and flattering words.”
I like how he reiterates what Paul says. We need to be all in for Jesus. The Bible says that those who just hang out in the middle and are lukewarm will be spit out. Wow!
Lord, please help me to be all in for You. Please remind me to search the Scriptures like the Bereans did (Acts 17:10-12) so that I can know what is good and true.
Have a blessed day, sisters. I’m keeping you all in prayer. God is greater than all of our sorrows. Amen
Amen!
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Amen! ❤
Amen! “All in for Jesus” I like that!❤
It’s definitely easier said than done… I’ll be lying If I said, I couldn’t relate to everything that was said… it’s definitely a daily battle to humble myself at times.
Alexis, you are not alone. I think we all struggle to give it to God sometimes. Thankfully, He knows, and He is patient.
Have a blessed day. ❤️
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Alexis you are so right. It’s easy to give it to God but it’s harder to leave it there. I tend to want to take it back and help Him. He doesn’t need my help! ❤️
Yes, so true!