True Freedom

There are so many things I feel led to talk about.

One thing at a time, Ericka.

Okay, so let's talk about something weird (by American standards). 

The spiritual realm.

So, here's (a paraphrase) of what I've been reading in The Bondage Breaker that has a whole smattering of truth piled up on it like a plate at Thanksgiving:

The spiritual realm is all around us, but just like, say, germs and our immune system, as followers of Jesus, we shouldn't waste our time becoming obsessed with it.

My great-grandmother used to wash her arms up to her elbows. Not (mentally) healthy, right?

Instead, we know what to do. Paul outlines in Ephesians how we're to be vigilant, active in putting on the full armor of God. 

This means we stay in the Word, keep praying, remain faithful, and as God fights our battles, we partner with Him in keeping sober-minded (and yes, you can have a glass of wine every now and then unless you're personally convicted not to do so...don't even get me started on how "sober" in this context is not aptly understood in some circles...but I digress).

When we know who we are in Jesus and that Christ already defeated death (and the Adversary, for that matter), we then know everything Satan tries to tell us or make us believe is A BIG OL' FAT LIE!

And we'll never have true freedom if we are frightened by Satan's schemes. That is a trick of the devil. 

Instead? Breathe.

Know that He is the Lord your God who goes before you. He won't let you perish in the hands of something that will one day no longer exist.

And keep your mind protected. Maybe don't watch so many horror films, you know? Maybe read a good wholesome book (I recommend anything by Charles Dickens) or make a goal of seeing a good friend every other week.

And pray. Prayer is talking to Jesus. That's it. It's telling Him how beautiful and wonderful He is. It's acknowledging the awesomeness of God. It's bringing the fear in your heart that begins to bubble at the feet of our Savior. And it's receiving His peace in a world that knows nothing of it. 

Keep going, friends. And man, I shouldn't have mentioned Thanksgiving because all I can think of now is turkey and stuffing and gelled cranberry sauce someone geniusly put inside of a metal can.

Sixteen days and counting!