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mundane no longer has a place

Simplicity

Discovering John 14: The Fourth Week

by Caroline on category , , , ,

John 14:22


This concept, the manifestation of God, is almost incomprehensible. Even those literally sitting at His feet could not understand. But He promises to reveal Himself to those who love Him. What if we claim this? Expect it to be true. Spend our moments looking to see God. He is all around us; He is in us. Are we missing seeing Him because we don’t believe Him when He promises to show Himself to those who believe? The mark of a disciple of Jesus: they see Him when the world doesn’t. They hear Him when the world can’t. He offers us the gift of this fulfilled promise every single day. But, seeing only from the fleshly perspective, Judas, much like us, is trying to wrap his mind around a differentiation between the kingdom of God and the world. Jesus was talking about another differentiation: those filled with the presence of God, able to experience Him, and those only filled with the knowledge of Him. Jesus keeps giving us clues about how to be in the group of those who experience the presence of God.

John 14:23


Actions overflowing the state of the heart. God‘s law reveals sin in our nature; it is up to us to choose to fall in love with Jesus and follow His commands out of love and respect. Jesus doesn’t command us to do anything—He gives us His truth, His words of life, and patiently waits. No command. No law. No doctrine. Just His words of Truth. And when we reach out to His nail-scarred hands, we are flooded with the love of the Father. Once we feel that love, joy, and peace, we long to abide in Him, as Jesus did. Accepting grace opens us up for Almighty God and His Holy Son to dwell in us through the person of the Holy Spirit! His power enables us to keep His commands, creating a beautiful cycle of dependence on Him. From this place, we live out our faith through actions and, in doing so, see more of Him and are filled more fully with Him.

John 14:24


Those who don’t keep His teachings don’t truly love Him. Jesus did not say this with judgment, persuasion, or condemnation; He was stating truth from the Father. As Jesus’ followers, we are called to speak the truth of God’s Word into the darkness. But we are called to do more than speak the truth; He calls us to walk after His teachings. It’s so different than just following the letter of the law. It is possible to follow the law with an uncircumcised heart; the test of our devotion comes in obeying His teachings. By our own power, this is impossible; our flesh will always get in the way, but through the power of God living in us—Jesus’ teachings become a way of life. The new life He builds in us.“ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples…” John 13:35.

John 14:25


The Presence of the Holy One. Learning to acknowledge His presence, to open myself up to it, to request it, and crave it… How many times a day does He try to reveal His Presence while we are distracted? He still speaks, but we can only receive in stillness, with outstretched hands and open hearts. Judas missed this conversation in the upper room. He had already left the Presence of Jesus to pursue his agenda. Too many times in the past, I’ve left the room like Judas. I was pursuing my life, unaware I was missing an intimate conversation with my Lord. Ignorant of His Presence, while He was waiting for me, I rushed out the door… I see things differently now, and I’ve chosen to stay in the upper room. To listen to all I can, soak it up, let it sink into my soul. Through simplifying life, I’ve made space to hear Jesus speak and discover His presence. When I took a break from the self-induced chaos consuming me, I found True Life buried underneath it all. We must make space for the Presence of God. We can’t hear His words if we aren’t present with Him. When was the last time you were present with Jesus?

John 14:26


I love how Jesus introduced us to the characteristics of the Presence of God—Comforter, Advocate, Helper (depending on the version), and Spirit of Truth before giving us this name, Holy Spirit. I think so often we do the opposite. We know the name, Holy Spirit, and use it interchangeably with Holy Ghost. We build our opinions based on this, never really understanding this beautiful life-changing gift Jesus asked of God on our behalf, and He becomes so vague, just a concept. I’ve spent time developing a relationship with God the Father and Jesus, His Son, and have overlooked this One of the Three. The One that makes God’s Presence in the here and now possible! This is our life source! The Holy Spirit is the Presence of God. This realization has completely changed the way I am reading the scriptures. Jesus is describing here that having the Holy Spirit is to always have His Presence abiding in us. We must follow Jesus’ instructions on how to receive His Presence within to understand His Word; His Presence is to be our only guide and interpreter of scripture (John 16:13). We cannot leave the interpretation of God’s Word up to our church, parents, friends, and teachers (Mark 7:6-9). Through time alone in His Presence, we are to uncover and develop our beliefs and standards.… According to Jesus, He is to be our only Teacher. We must slow down enough to learn His voice and to hear it; otherwise, Satan will keep us blind as we go through the motions (Matthew 13:15-17).

John 14:27


Isn’t this what we’re all searching for? Unexplainable peace. But we can’t receive this kind of peace by handing over everything we are white-knuckling to a stranger. To receive this kind of peace, we must know and fully trust the One to whom we are handing our troubles. When we accept these words of Jesus, in every moment and circumstance, life changes. When we are filled with the Presence of God, moments of peace flood us when we least expect. Jesus promises peace, but we have to do our part. We can’t cling to control and expect to receive His peace; we can’t have both. This kind of peace only comes from full release.

John 14:28

Jesus is teaching us a heavenly, eternal perspective. If you truly love Me, you will be glad and see beyond the physical and into the spiritual. In the spiritual, where My death is necessary to defeat the enemy! In the spiritual, where you will experience My Presence through the Holy Spirit, forever. Trust me. He always asks us to take our faith one step further, one layer deeper than we can comprehend. He keeps calling us to see from His perspective, to show our love for Him by truly trusting Him and learning from Him how to be a reflection of the Father. Jesus knew what they were getting ready to endure, yet He told them to rejoice—because He knew the heavenly perspective. What if we trusted Him enough to be joyful in all circumstances? Trusting and fulfilling the Father’s Will in all things (1 Thessalonians 5:18, 19).

Learning to Abide

Through reading and reflecting on these words of Jesus in John 14 daily, I hope you are beginning to uncover for yourself what it means to abide—discovering what it means to experience life in the Presence of God. Jesus’ words were not meant only for His disciples walking Jerusalem with Him. He has extended the same invitation to us through the power of His Spirit living in us (John 13:35, 15:8, and 17:20). It’s up to us to be open, Ephphatha, and receive.

Starting Now


If you haven’t started yet, it’s not too late! I suggest reading all of John 14 daily and then reflecting on one verse a day starting on day one today and moving through a day at a time for the next 31 days. You can follow these links to my blog posts from the previous two weeks.

Discovering John 14: The First Week

Discovering John 14: The Second Week

Discovering John 14: The Third Week

Connecting

And I would love to hear what you are discovering as we go! Feel free to share in the comments here or on Instagram, where I am doing daily posts.

Good News!

by Caroline on category , , , , , , ,

Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.

Helen Keller

We’re hosting another Good News Party!

We will use John 14 as a jumping-off point to talk about how we can allow these words of Jesus to become real in our lives. To explore together how we can learn to let go of our fear, worry, anxiety, and need for control and overcome them by claiming His promises of peace and joy in our everyday lives!

We would love to have you join us this Saturday beginning @ 10:15!

Email me at discoveringsunrise@yahoo.com for details and directions

Good News!

by Caroline on category , , , , , , , 
"And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!"

 Romans 10:15 NLT

Unsettled

I woke up solving tomorrow’s problems and re-living yesterday’s mistakes. Feeling unsettled, I listened to a meditation titled, Be Still My Anxious Heart, attempting to redirect my focus and focus my perspective as I stretched my awakening body. As the words of Jesus, recorded in John 14, filled my ears, I felt my Lord speak to my soul. “Let not your heart be troubled….” I needed this today….” Believe in God, believe also in Me.” I knew I needed more, so settling in with my blanket and coffee, I opened my Bible to John 14:1. “Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in Elohim, believe also in Me.” As I read the verses, letting each sink in, I felt the weight I had picked up that morning lift. 

Connecting

For months, there have been two words that God has been establishing in my heart. Ephphatha—discovering openness (Mark 7:34) and Abide—discovering God’s Presence in our everyday lives (John 14:17). These concepts grew more profound as I realized this chapter in John brought both together. 

“And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever.” John 14:16 KJV. The Comforter to abide with me. I love the designation Jesus uses here. Not only is Jesus teaching me to abide in Him, but I am also learning to remain open so His Spirit, His Comfort, can abide within me. This verse connects Abide to Ephphatha.

I penned my thoughts as this discovery became real that morning, “It’s all connected. Beautifully connected. Father, your freedom floods my soul in the darkness this morning. Your peace covers me like the soft pink rolling over the night sky—the words of Your Holy Son spoken to me. ‘Peace I leave with you…not as the world giveth…Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’ John 14:27 KJV”

 My initial contemplation of, What if I read these words daily and take them to heart? Became, I am going to begin every day with these words for a month. As I flipped back through the chapter, I noted that John 14 has 31 verses. Perfect.

Sharing

It’s been seven weeks since I began reading John 14 daily. Each day after reading the chapter, I spend time on the subsequent verse, treasure-hunting for the application for that day. Reading John 14 daily affected me so positively, that when I completed the 31 days, I added John 15 to my daily reading. I have filled pages with so many thoughts and discoveries. I want to share the realness of this discovery with everyone I know; the peace and freedom I have felt from resting at Jesus’ feet. We don’t have to do life alone!

Celebrating

Part of Ephphatha that God is planting in my heart is to open our home to be a place where others can join us in excavating life applications from God’s Word and sharing discoveries. So, we are throwing a Good News Party on October 15th beginning at 10:15am!

Weather permitting, we will gather outside under the trees, and around a campfire. We want to provide a place where we can learn from each other and encourage each other as we discover how to get into God’s presence, remain open, and abide in everyday life. With so much pressing in on all of us daily, we want to provide a respite, a place to reset and recharge. A place to discover or be reminded we have Good News to celebrate! We would love to have you join us this Saturday! Please contact me for details at discoveringsunrise@yahoo.com. 

I am learning that the best adventures begin when I step out into the unknown places where I feel Him leading. Therefore, I choose to obey when God tells my heart to throw a party with an open invitation. (John 14:31)

I look forward to sharing this adventure with all of you! 

Perspective 🎶

Making Space for Purpose

by Caroline on category , , , , , , ,

We must continually remind ourselves of the purpose of life. We are not destined to happiness, nor to health, but to holiness.

Oswald Chambers

As I began the daily devotional of My Utmost for His Highest, that opening line seized me. Oswald Chambers, goes on to write, “Today we have far too many desires and interests, and our lives are being consumed and wasted by them. Many of them may be right, noble, and good, and may later be fulfilled, but in the meantime God must cause their importance to us to decrease. The only thing that truly matters is whether a person will accept the God who will make him holy. At all costs, a person must have the right relationship with God.”

Six years ago this week, my journey into minimalism began. As my husband spent the week in the boundary waters, I spent the week discovering the excess in our home. I was unaware real life was waiting for me underneath it all. I had no expectation of uncovering peace, purpose, and freedom; all I knew was something had to change. 

Reevaluating

My husband is there again, and I have spent the week remembering and analyzing. Although I have experienced so many benefits from minimalism, I have allowed one obstacle to remain. Unreviewed sentimental items. These things taunt me each time I walk through the garage. Things, taking up mental space, creating clutter, and keeping me from moving forward. Things, creating a disturbance, holding me back from the freedom I know awaits.

It’s not having sentimental items that bothers me, it is that they are un-curated. This unintentionally goes against everything I believe in. These things keeps me from beginning meaningful projects, because I feel I need to address them, before moving on. So this week I have resolved not to accommodate anything in my home without intention. Having a home completely free of clutter is not the end game. The purpose, is to free up time and space. To create a place where we can follow our passions and experience meaningful activities and contribution, unencumbered by stuff.

Digging Deeper

Determining what is worth keeping requires careful review of every card, letter, photograph, item. Reading the words and internalizing the sentiment takes time and effort. Intentionality, simple but far from easy. 

So much self discovery in determining what is worth holding onto.  Evaluating whether or not to keep something, requires knowing the purpose for keeping it. I have to ask myself,  “Is this worth my time and energy to store/scan/manage?” Finding the balance as I reflect that years have passed and those times have merged into a beautiful present.

But, as I recover those words from boxes, I remember. I don’t want to forget the words of affirmation from my parents building a strong and sturdy foundation. I don’t want to forget the nervous excitement of that first note, high-school banter, from the man who now steadily walks by my side as life unfolds. The joy, the pain, the heart swelling and overwhelmed with love and affection; the emotions associated with reading those words. I realize it’s not the words, but the person, who had an overflowing in the soul and had to express it, that I want to remember.

As life moves forward, I don’t need those written words to tell me how they feel, I have life experiences to reveal this. It’s in doing life together, roots grow deeper. Although I know I don’t need these things to connect me to my past, I chose to keep a few, the ones that still make me smile when I read them. Why? Because I have a meaningful relationship with the one who wrote them. 

Remembering

I read John 14 last week, and I’ve read it again every day since. I realize reading these words of Christ over and over are like rereading a love letter. The words an expression of love, hope and promise for the life I can build on Him, anticipation of something more. Like the words from those I love, these words of Jesus hold so much meaning because of my relationship with Him. His words are alive and relevant because I choose to experience life with Him. I believe Him when He says in verse 6, that He is “the way, the truth, and the life.” Reading these words again and again, to remember.

I don’t want to forget the chaos and clutter where now there is calm and peace. My life has changed so much in the last six years. Gratitude floods over me as I acknowledge my God who loved me too much to let me just exist. I am filled with praise as He keeps me stirred and restless, with a peaceful anticipation of what comes next. As I pursue living with intention, I am reminded over and over, that it’s only in letting go of the past that I can move forward and flourish.

This week I have found renewed purpose. A reminder of the importance of questioning the purpose of everything I allow to remain; allowing only things that supplement my life, not distract from it. I must ask with everything, “Does this move me toward my purpose or hold me back?”

Sunrise

by Caroline on category , , , 
All you see is gray, darkness lingering at the crust of the earth
Another hopeless day of "drudging through the drudgery" without purpose
A sigh escapes your heavy heart.

All you see is pink, pushing through shades of lavender as the darkness ebbs away
The sun's rays, no longer held captive to the horizon
Another day to be alive, moments no longer lost to monotony
A deep inhale and praise escapes from your soul.

Which direction will you choose to face at sunrise? 

Be inspired to choose joy as you listen here

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Stepping Out of the Cyclone

by Caroline on category , , , ,

“In the rush to return to normal, use this time to consider which parts of normal are worth rushing back to.”

Dave Hollis

Reflection

Before the first bands of light crept into the black sky on Saturday morning, I immersed myself into the lyrics of the song, “Something Heavenly” by Santus Real. As I reflectively went back in time, I began to write…

Eight years ago today, something shifted within me. Eight years ago today I also awoke in the darkness, but in contrast, today I awoke in peace. That morning the sound of the weather alert, wind and rain, and a sense of urgency to take shelter, broke the sleepy silence; in that moment something inside me stirred. As I hunched in my basement, beneath a roaring train, holding my 5-year-old to my chest, I knew what really mattered.

I see now, the restoration of our home is only a glimpse of the renovation God has done in my heart—renovation leading to restoration. That morning, as the tornado stripped away our roof, my heart’s first layer also became exposed. The realization struck me, we aren’t meant to live, tucked neatly within our four walls and behind picket fences; with the chaos hidden inside. I have since, removed layer, after layer, after layer, of my life, I am now on the other side of the destruction. We have removed not only physical possessions, but also expectations, commitments, debt, and consumerism. I have surrounded myself with what really matters, and what remains, is peace.

Urgency

How do I portray this? My heart aches to share what I have discovered. I see it around me, many in the cyclonic life; the swirling around of everything, except for what truly matters. Let it fall apart. Let the roof come off of your house. I would do it all again in a second. Be willing to be exposed, and real. It’s underneath it all where we are alive. All of these things we think are life are only a semblance that we have constructed. Overfilled schedule and lives are tearing families apart. In a rush to create life, we are losing it! Our society has it all wrong. They tell us- go, go, go– do, do, do –work, work, work – and this becomes a shell of life.

I discovered soul guidance, hidden in Isaiah 30:15, where God tells His people that it is “in quietness and trust ” (NIV) where strength is found. In the King James Version He says, “In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.” Over and over again He urges us to stop; “…but you would have none of it”, He says. Although He discouraged their constant motion, they still said, let’s get our horses, let’s fight, let’s run, let’s go…. and like so long ago, He is still longing for us to stop and find our strength.

Stillness

If we clear the chaos even for just a moment, we will hear Him say, your strength, your sanity, your life, is right here with Me. Right here, in the quiet place. But this quiet place, we must create. Quiet and stillness won’t just happen like the inevitable silence that comes immediately after the passing of a tornado. Creating silence feels scary, I know, I’ve been there, but it’s necessary to begin cleaning up.

You can’t begin restoration in the middle of the cyclone of life. First, the roof, your first layer, must be torn off. And then, when the silence ensues, you have a choice to pause for a moment and decide, is where I’ve been worth rushing back to? Sit in that silence a little while and listen to your soul. Is it time for a shift in direction? Time for a cleanout, a cleanup, or a major renovation? This choice is yours, and it’s worth considering.

Movement

So, embrace the chaos of your life, and use it as a warning signal; alerting that that you can’t go on this way. Get in the driver’s seat and be intentional with your time and energy. Life is going to just keep happening, with or without your input; but with intentionality you can end up where you thrive. Surviving may be part of the process, but it’s not the end-point. Be brave enough to live, and start forging your path through the destruction toward what really matters.

Be Inspired – “Say I Won’t” by MercyMe

What if Your Story Didn’t Stay Hidden?

by Caroline on category , , , ,

All I know is I was blind, but now I see…

Heart open and torn, able to feel joy and pain; where I once was numb.

Presence, stillness, and peace; where rushing and worry resided.

Conviction where indifference stood.

Life changed. My life, completely altered.

Tossed and anchorless, controlled by waves of circumstance, emotion, reactivity; now grounded.

Once slave to debt and consumerism; to obligation- to more, more, more…where now there is contentment.

I was living my own death sentence; His death for me in vain.

His beautiful gift of salvation, I accept; with my face to the ground, muddy tears confessing, His blood washing away what used to be!

I accept, hope eternal raised from the dead; I’ve been set free! I feel the freedom, sweet release, I’m bound no more, His saving grace.

Like the blind man, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

I was blind, but now I see!

No turning back…no turning back. 

"When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!' Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, 'Son of David, have mercy on me!' Jesus stopped and said, 'Call him.' So they called to the blind man, 'Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you.' Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. 'What do you want me to do for you?' Jesus asked him. The blind man said,  'Rabbi, I want to see.' 'Go,' said Jesus, 'your faith has healed you.' Immediately he received his sight and follwed Jesus along the road." Mark 10:47-52 NIV

When Jesus asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” will you have an answer?

What’s your story?

Rest

by Caroline on category , , , 
“And these are they which are sown among the thorns; such as hear the word, and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.” Mark 4:18,19 KJV


June 30, 2020

I've been feeling choked lately. I've lost my balance, life swirling merciless around me. Although I know better, this lack of intentionality is still my default. And, the father of darkness knows that for me, this is all it takes. A couple of days of overwhelm, stack nicely on top of sleep deprivation, and the cycle of loss of control builds. Focus lost and meaningless stuff and tasks are given undue importance, all because I took my eyes off of my Rock, my Anchor. I began to be tossed and feel choked. I know I'm not living my best life; and this realization, potentiates the cycle of frustration. I begin losing precious moments to worry, anxiety welling up, and as the furry builds, so do mishaps, and Satan chuckles, and I scream, "Get out of here Satan! You're done here!" and I try to call him out of his scheme, but I quickly slip right back, and as feelings of utter overwhelm strangle me, I hear Jesus say, "Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." And I choose rest—a reset. I will walk away from the created chaos, and I will sink into His embrace and sleep. Knowing that tomorrow, what is truly important will remain, but for a time, I claim peace and rest.


July 7, 2020

The sound of the dogs barking stirs me from a restful sleep. Begrudgingly I get up to check on them. Shuffling back to bed, I anticipated no less than my return to slumber. But, as my head hits the pillow I suddenly feel utter darkness. Never before have I felt darkness; the weight of it consumes me and I am pushed back into my bed. Engulfed, I attempt to break free, but the pressure, the weight around my neck, is choking me and I realize I can’t breathe. In my mind I know,  I just have to say Jesus' name to break free. And I push, and I fight, and I struggle, and with what feels like one last gasp I whisper Jesus and immediately I am released. The engulfing darkness gone. I sit up, catching my breath and I feel utter peace. A deep, tranquil peace. I have no remaining fear. I had never felt darkness and light like this- the immediate contrast from one extreme to the other could not be mistaken.

Read On

Nameless

by Caroline on category , 
In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul. Psalm 94:19 KJV

It was a crisp morning, the kind that draws you outside, if wrapped in a soft blanket accompanied by a warm cup of coffee. As I settled in and began reading, the heading caught my attention, “A Rich Man’s Questions.” I had always just read on without pausing to deliberate like I did that day.

Luke 18:18 begins with “A certain leader,” asking Jesus, “What must I do to have life forever?” and Jesus responds, “You know the commands,” fully aware that this man knew Jewish law by heart. The nameless ruler responds, contemplating how he’d pursued the religion since he was a boy. Pride swells in his heart, life forever, most certainly assured. “There is still one more thing I need you to do,” the sound of Jesus voice breaks into his reflection. “Sell everything you have and give it to the poor. . . then come follow me.” And the man remains nameless. Too attached to what he holds tightly in clenched fists.

How different his story could have been. But he chose to hold on and remain nameless. I don’t know if this is a literal calling for each of us, but I do know Jesus is speaking about priorities. He wants to be our everything. It’s so much easier to latch on to a doctrine, a set of religious beliefs, in an attempt to find eternal life. It’s so much easier to find security in jobs, money, family, and things, staying just busy enough, to avoid asking the hard questions. It’s so much easier to pass blame and judgment in an attempt to avoid self-examination. But Jesus tells us this is not where we find our authentic life.

In this world of “making a name for yourself,” Jesus waits in anticipation to give us a name, an identity. When we find our identity in Him, we begin to see ourselves differently; no longer focusing on our weaknesses, failures, and flaws. When we find our identity in Him, we begin to see others differently; no longer focusing on status, or color, or sexual orientation, or political party, or religion. We recognize a Child of God. When we stop focusing on our differences and let go of preconceived notions and ideas, we find freedom. When we are willing to let go of anything that gets in the way of spending time with Him, we find our purpose and peace. When He calls me, “Child of God,”. . . “the things of earth grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace. . .”

Another reminder that it is in letting go we find life, life forever. This realization leaves me to question, are the things of earth worth remaining nameless? 

Subtle Victories

by Caroline on category , ,

Much of what is sacred is hidden in the ordinary, everyday moments of our lives. To see something of the sacred in those moments takes slowing down so we can live our lives more reflectively.

Ken Gire
July 4 2019

It feels like one of those days. . . I woke up grumpy, human. A series of petty events rolling into a morning, knowing this is not how I want to spend my day with those that I love. I’m on the porch, a second cup of coffee, Bible open, looking for my reset. Wouldn’t the Father of all that is Evil, love to see me waste this day? Wrapped up in discontent, focused on imperfection. His victories are subtle, when we throw away our greatest gift; time- breath- fleeting moments. Today he will not be victorious.

God speaks to us in the whisper of our hearts, in the stillness. We can see His majesty as lightning crackles and dances across the night sky. And we feel Him in the warmth of sunbeams caressing our skin as they stream down from heaven. But, it’s in the silence we experience Him, learn the tones of His voice. Satan, always ready to pounce on an opportunity, has made it his objective to steal our silence. If he can keep us from being still, he has a victory. If our to-do list, full of well-intended activities and obligations, keeps us just busy enough, we won’t even realize what we are missing. It’s all connected. Too much to do, too little time- and the devil thinks, perfect.

 Up early, without sufficient sleep, grumpy, fumbling for survival in a warm cup, mind foggy, drudging through obligations, it’s here that satan wins. By noon, we’re so wrapped up in ourselves and our problems, we haven’t even had a thought reach toward heaven. The midday bleeds into an overwhelming evening and exhausted and hopeless, we fall into bed, and Satan wins. It’s such a simple scheme, he thinks, they won’t even notice- and another day blurs into the next of meaningless existence

It doesn’t matter how well-intended or sacrificial the activities are that hold us captive. Satan doesn’t care whether we become a slave to consumerism trapped by debt or a slave to expectations and demands that we have allowed others to place upon us. A slave to sickness and disease; bodies overworked and abused or materialism, slaves to stuff. Church leadership, self-sacrifice for others- Satan doesn’t care, as long as it keeps us from hearing the still small voice. Our overcrowded schedules and complacent lives have so easily made us a slave to all, but Christ. The longing that begins as a whisper in our hearts, a flicker of hope so effortlessly snuffed out- as longs as we miss it, too consumed. He wins. 

The exciting part is that we can take control, we have a choice! We can stop turning our time and lives mindlessly over to the one who wants to keep us from seeing Jesus. In sharing my journal entry I wanted to demonstrate how easy it can be to let Satan control the circumstances of a day. We have to commit to living positively daily; otherwise, by default, he will win.

Treasure Life.

✕