“Self Discipline Leads to Self Improvement”

We, the Spiritually mature must strive for mastery in the coming years to be more effective witnesses for Christ. Spiritual maturity is a profound and transformative state of being that transcends religion beyond mere doctrines and rituals. Those who obtain spiritual maturity must possess a deep understanding of the word of God and their spiritual connection to Him. According to John 4:24 “God is Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth.” The believer must be a continual student of learning. The Holy Spirit is the believer’s helper, which “promises to lead us into all truth” John 16:13.

The word of God is that “truth and the light” according to Psalm 119:105, a light that clearly illuminates the darkness. As we navigate our way through life’s journey ahead, we must keep the light ever burning to successfully reach our destinations. The word of God reminds us to also, “let our light shine, so others can see our good works and give glory to the Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16. The light is there to help transform us. As followers of the light, we can see more clearly, making us less likely to trip or be deceived by the enemy.

We must devise a plan and become disciplined enough to follow it. The study of the word of God helps renew our minds. ” For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways, your ways saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9.

Through this process, we can gain a sense of inner peace, compassion, and wisdom that arises from a deeper awareness that comes from the truth in God’s word. As we spiritually mature we begin to exhibit empathy, humility, and a genuine acceptance of others. This lifelong journey involves self-reflection, a commitment to one’s own personal growth, and a genuine pursuit of higher truths found in the word of God.

Heavenly Father,

May your Holy Spirit lead us into all truth, as we strive to grow in grace. Let us model the example of Christ Jesus, according to Luke 2:52. “For Jesus grew in wisdom, stature and in favor with God and with man.”

“Breaking Toxic Mindsets”

“For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.” Proverbs 23:7

Breaking toxic mindsets is not an easy task. It is a transformative journey that can be overcome, with the help of spiritual guidance. The word of God offers key principles to help us break free from the lies of the enemy, that seek to hold us captive in our minds. As believers, we must recognize the battle begins in our minds. According to Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by the testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

When we choose to remain in toxic relationships, it will allow us to see the toxicity in others, but not ourselves. “The Bible reminds us “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33. We must demolish argument and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5. Anything toxic that we are presented with, that is contrary to God’s word, we are to reject.

Relationships are needed, but we must enter those relationships with great caution! God wanted to bless Abraham in Genesis 12:1, but he needed to get him away from the familiar. We must be willing to leave the familiar also, Abraham was asked to leave his country and his kindred. They influence your mindset, as well. Sometimes God needs us to separate from what we are trying, to hold on to. This can also create chaos in relationships. Living in an environment that promotes constant toxicity will eventually get in you. We must pray for discernment. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lead to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6.

Breaking toxic mindsets will require a conscious effort to replace negative thoughts with those that reflect godly principles and values. Through prayer, meditation, and studying scripture, we can gradually replace destructive thought patterns with a mindset grounded in faith, hope, and love. Ephesians 4:22-24 says “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off the old self, which is corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” This scripture promotes a mindset shift towards constructive thinking, that will foster emotional well-being and the resilience to move forward.

This scripture underscores the importance of shedding toxic mindsets rooted in deception and embracing a renewed perspective aligned with God’s truth. Breaking free from toxic mindsets involves intentional self-reflection, repentance, and the continuous pursuit of a mindset that aligns with the transformative power of God’s Word.

In closing, Philippians 4:8 encourages believers to focus on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. By aligning our thoughts with these positive attributes, we can actively combat toxic mindsets, grow spiritually, and be a beacon of hope for others.

Prayer,

Heavenly Father,

The one who knows all and sees all things. Help us to become all that you would have us to be. May we demonstrate integrity and love for one another… for we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own possession. As a result, help us show others your goodness, for in your great mercy you have called us out of darkness into your wonderful light! In Jesus Name. Amen. 1Peter 2:9.

The Christian Mandate…Answering the Call!

“We are therefore Christ Ambassadors, as through God we’re making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ behalf. Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20.

During my “Christian Walk”I have learned that my life must serve a, God given purpose in order to fullfill destiny and my calling. When I enlisted in the Army of the Lord, many, many years ago I was introduced to The Great Commission. According to Matthew 28:16-20. “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw Him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

God commanded us to go, but not without equipping us for the journey ahead. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set the oppressed free.” Luke 4:18. The word of God tells us to also “Arise [from spiritual depression to a new life], shine [be radiant with the glory and brillance of the Lord]; for your light has come, And the glory and the brillance of the LORD has risen upon you.” Isaiah 60:1 (AMP) In order to fulfill our mandate (call) it will take more than just a simple desire, but the word of God will have to be the necessary channel for you and I to receive that light.

Without the light we walk in darkness. “The light shines in the darknesss, and the darkness comprehended it not.” John 1:5. We need the word of God to light the pathway for our feet to follow. For “your word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.” Psalm 119: 105.

Jesus is the “true light” that gives light to everyone when He came into the world. John 1:9. This is great news! We are a chosen peeople, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that we may declare the praises of Him who called us out of the darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9. Everything in the Kingdom of God is designed to reveal His glory, including mankind and all creation. “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:8.

God is glorified when we are Salt and Light. “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again.? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot. 14 You are the light of the world. A town built upon a hill that cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a candle and put it under a bushel. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16.

In closing, let me leave you with an illustration of two cars both driven in the night. One was pretty new, in mint condition and the other car was old and run down, but regardleess of the newer models size, make and cost, it had a faulty lighting system. The other car, although old and run down, its lighting system proved to be most valuable to it’s owner, dispite its appearance. This also reflects our value to our owner. When our lights are beaming bright, we are able to illuminate the darknesss for the kingdom of God, bring glory to the Father and win souls for the kingdom. Let us pray!

Heavenly Father,

May we receive and manifest your power and your wisdom until the nations see Jesus high and lifted up. May He be exhaulted and glorified through our lives. Will you breathe Lord upon us? So that we may be able to manifest your power and your wisdom to reach the lost and convert sinners to know your way. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

Those Who Believe…

“That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.” 2Timothy 1:12.

Today in the world there is faithlessness, unbelief, disobedience, and all as a response to God and not believing in the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of John, Chapter 3, verses 16-18, it is written: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”

As Believers we are to strive to do the work of the Lord with the assistance of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit’s job when active in us, will bring about a conviction regarding sin, righteousness, and judgement.” John 16: 8 (NASB) “I appeal to you therefore , brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable, and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2.

Billy Graham once said “ We are to make it our goal to become more like Christ, by refusing to let sin have it’s way in our lives, but to pursue instead that which is pure and good in the sight of God.” For the word of God tells us “Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take away from it.” Deuteronomy 12:32. The sanctification process in our lives will begin once we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. We must renew our minds and allow the work of the Holy Spirit to begin to set us apart and help us to be holy, just as our God is Holy. 1 Peter 1:16.

What we believe has a profound affect on those around us, especially those in our families. According to Acts 16: 30-31, it list the account of a jailer who believed in Christ. “He then brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.'” This narrative highlights the transformative power of belief in Christ, offering salvation not only to the individual, but extending salvation to the entire household through faith. What have you believed?

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, emphasizes the significance of faith in Christ for justification. In Romans 3:22-24, he writes: “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Here, Paul underscores the universal nature of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, emphasizing that it is a gift accessible …to all who believe!

Prayer

Merciful Father,

May you move upon the heart of those who are in need of your saving grace. May the Holy Spirt draw those in need of your love and acceptance, as we petition the Throne of Grace for mercy. Please open their eyes to see the loving sacrifice you provided us all in the gift of your dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. (John 3:16) In Jesus Name! Amen.

Faithfulness In Marriage

“Therefore, what God has joined together, let no man put usunder.” Mark 10:9.

Marriage, as viewed through the lens of the Bible’s King James Version (KJV), is a sacred covenant ordained by God. The scriptures emphasize the sanctity of marriage and the paramount importance of faithfulness within this divine institution. In the Book of Genesis, God creates Eve as a companion for Adam, stating, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:24, KJV). This verse lays the foundation for the unity and exclusivity that marriage demands, underscoring the bond between a husband and wife as a reflection of the oneness found in the Godhead.

Throughout the Bible, faithfulness in marriage is extolled as a virtue. The book of Proverbs, for instance, admonishes, “Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love” (Proverbs 5:18-19, KJV). This passage underscores the idea of finding joy and satisfaction within the marital relationship and encourages spouses to cherish the lifelong commitment they made to each other. The biblical perspective on faithfulness in marriage is not merely a moral guideline but a divine command that honors the sacred covenant between a husband and wife.

The New Testament further reinforces the call for fidelity in marriage. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus affirms the sanctity of marriage, declaring, “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What, therefore, God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:6, KJV). This statement by Jesus emphasizes the indissoluble nature of the marital bond, emphasizing the divine origin and permanence of marriage. The biblical teachings on marriage and faithfulness provide a timeless and unwavering guide for couples seeking to navigate life’s challenges while upholding the sacred covenant they entered into before God.

Prayer.

Heavenly Father,

May you bless our marriages with the capacity to love and care for one another as we work to honor our commitment to you. Please grant those who are weak strength and build up those who have become weary. May the love of Jesus be our moral compass and guide. Let your protection cover our marriages and destroy every demonic force at work to bring separation and divorce. In Jesus Name. Amen.

“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Mark 10:9.

“The Faithful Servant…”

His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” Matthew 25:23

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find doing so when He comes.” Matthew 24:25. Those who are diligent and stay awake at all times, praying for the strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:36.

The servant who stays dressed for action and keeps his lamp burning…” Luke 12:35. The Lord has instructed the faithful to “Keep their life free from the love of money, and be content with what we have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5. When our lamps are burning the light of God’s word is able to shine through in our lives, which is pleasing to God. It’s “You, Oh Lord, who keep our lamps burning; our God turns our darkness into light.” Psalm 18:28. We must keep our hearts right before Him, “If we point these things out to our brothers and sisters, we will be good servants of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith and the good teaching we have followed. But we are to have nothing to do with the pointless and silly myths.” 1 Timothy 4: 6-7.

“Rather train yourself in godliness. For training of the body will have limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. These sayings are trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. For this reason we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the Living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially those who believe.” 1 Timothy 4:8-10.

Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day our Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you must also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour we do not expect. “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed again I say…is that servant whom the master will find so doing when He comes…” Matthew 24:42-51.

“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.” 1 Peter 5:8. “But test everything; hold fast to what is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21. “But grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. “ 2 Peter 3:18.

In His Service,

Carolyn

“PUT AN AX TO THE ROOT”

“The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 3:10.

During Spiritual Warfare it is important to learn how to lay an ax to the root of your problems. When fighting the enemy, you want to be strategic in battle, because fighting the wrong enemy will open you up to fighting more battles than necessary. Meaning you want to know what is fighting you specifically so you can fight back!

The spirit of discernment is key here. You must put your trust in the Lord. Proverbs 3:5-6 says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight.” When we place our dependency on God and inquire of the Lord for His best strategy against the enemy, we are sure to come out victorious every time.

In battle there is no room for undivided faith. God has given us all power over the enemy (through Christ) and each battle, will have a specific Battle Plan. You must seek your marching orders from the word of God, because the enemy is a liar and a schemer. “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were also darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light and try to DISCERN what is pleasing to the the Lord.” Ephesians 5:6-10.

You will be able to discern the enemy by his fruits of darkness! For the fruit of light is found in what is true, good and morally right. Paul is teaching us as believers in the above scripture that we will come in contact with non-believers, but to be very careful not to engage in their sin while around them. “Beloved do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1.

As mature Christian’s we must learn to discern the voices that are speaking, especially, during warfare. One of the enemies primary targets is to go after your emotions! When experiencing emotions you should look for it’s root in the Bible. They can easily be determined also by their fruit. For example: If you are feeling afraid, spirit is more than likely the spirit of fear. You must lay an ax to the root of the fear. If you feel like giving up or suicidal that is the spirit of premature death. You must lay an ax at the root. If you are experiencing depression, that’s a spirit of heaviness trying to way you down. You must put an ax to these type of fruit.

Remember “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12. “Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.” 1 Corinthians 9:26. We must learn from scripture how to be effective in spiritual warfare, in order to be sure, each time we fire upon the enemy, we are able to hit Bulls Eye!

“Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in Heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in your name, and done many wonders in Your name? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” Matthew 7:21-23.

Prepare your ax, for the word of God is clear “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruit you will know them.” Matthew 7:19. Beloved, sharpen your discernment by examining closely their fruit!

In His Service,

Carolyn

“Encourage Yourself In The Lord”

“David was greatly distressed, for the people talked of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in spirit, each over his sons and daughters, but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” (1 Samuel 30:6).

We live in a world that is ever-changing by the second. It is becoming more wicked than ever before. Even the person with the strongest of heart and mind can find themselves growing weary. The story in 1 Samuel chapter 30 tells how quickly things can unexpectedly go wrong. We find David and his army returning from battle back to their home in Ziklag, only to discover that their home had been raided and burned to the ground. All of David’s wives were taken captive along with all the women and children. The scene was so devastating that David and his men wept until they couldn’t weep anymore.

Now, with things already bad, who could have imagined for David they were about to get worse! The men in David’s camp were speaking of stoning him to death. But David arose and cried out to God! “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul will make its boast in the LORD, the humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.

I sought the LORD, AND HE ANSWERED ME AND DELIVERED ME FROM ALL MY FEARS. They looked to Him and became radiant, and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and The LORD heard and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of The LORD camps around those who fear Him, and delivers them.

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is he who hides in Him. Oh fear the LORD, all you His saints; for the one who fears Him will not be in need. The young lions are in want and suffer hunger, but the ones who seek The LORD will not lack any good thing.” Psalm 34:1-10.

Thankfully, the Spirit of The LORD reminded David, “Where all his help comes from, it comes from The LORD.” Psalm 121:1. David gathered himself, as the leader, and began to inquire of THE LORD concerning his family and all the people. David asked, “LORD, shall we pursue the Amalekites?” The LORD instructed David to pursue, for you shall surely recover all!” I don’t know about you, but there have been times when I have felt like David. Hallelujah! “But thanks be to GOD, who always causes us to triumph.” 2 Corinthians 2:14. I have overcome great challenges, like David, through persistent prayer and encouragement from the scriptures and have found great comfort.

If you are in a place of uncertainty, know that God is the same today as He was back then. All you need to do is call on Him in faith. He will answer! Our God reigns and His pathway always leads His children to victory!

In His Service,

Carolyn

“Exercise Your Faith For Healing”

“NOW Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen.” Hebrews 11:1.”

There is nothing like hearing devastating words from a physician saying you have a diagnosis or health concern that threatens your well-being or even your very life! The word of God encourages us during these times to remember to exercise our faith for our healing.

Through faith in the word of God, we must boldly place a demand on the anointing for our healing. “Healing is the children’s bread….” Matt.15:22-29. We are the children of God, and because of our faith in Christ Jesus and His sacrificial work on the cross, the price for our sin, sickness, and disease is no longer ours. This debt has been paid in full. This doesn’t mean, that the enemy won’t try to impose a sentence on us that is not ours. The enemy relies heavily on the believer’s ignorance to gain an advantage over us. Satan can no longer impose the penalty of sickness and disease on those who know their spiritual rights. According to Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge…”. Healing is our legal right!

“Through knowledge, the righteous shall be delivered.” Proverbs 11:9. Just as Christ Jesus is our Savior He is also our Healer. “Beloved I wish above all things that thou may prosper and be in good health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 1:2. God has already given us the authority to decree and declare these promises over our lives and to believe Him for the impossible. “For what is impossible with man is possible with God.” Luke 18:27.

God has already provided us the antidote for healing. We must exercise our faith, in order, to receive it. “According to your faith, let it be done unto you. Matthew 9:29. For many believers this is not a common practice and can be a challenge for some. Let me encourage you to pray Mark 9:24. “I believe, Lord, help my unbelief.” And also, Luke 17:5. “I pray as your anointed disciples prayed, “Increase my faith!”

Healing Scriptures to build your faith:

  • I exercise my faith the size of a mustard seed and say to this mountain of sickness_?__ in my life, “Be removed and cast into the sea.” Nothing will be impossible to me.”(Matt. 17:20)
  • 2. “I walk by faith and not by sight.”(2 Cor. 5:7)
  • 3. “I am anointed and established by God.” (2 Cor. 1:21)
  • 4. Because You have anointed me, I have faith and do not doubt that I can speak to any illness, curse it at the root, and cause it to dry up and die, just as You did the fig tree. I also know, that if I tell this mountain of sickness that is in my way to move and be cast into the sea, it shall be done. (Matt. 21:21)
  • 5. ” I will not sink into faithlessness and doubt, I will be upheld by the Mighty hand of God.” (Matt.14:31)

Beloved, please explore more scriptures in the Bible concerning Healing and begin declaring them over your life! I join my faith with every reader for healing and await the manifestation of God’s word in your life. Please leave a testimony if you have one, so others can be encouraged also.

“When What Appears to be Love…Turns Evil!”

“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and examines the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” Jeremiah 17:9-10

Today’s definition of love is so vague, that a person can look at another person and just like that they are in love. They’re soul mates! If one smells good, looks good, or feels good that can all quickly adds up to LOVE. Lust has become the hidden motivating factor for love now more than ever. The devil is using narcissism, lesbianism, homosexuality, fornication, adulatory, masturbation, deception, lying, gas lighting, manipulation and love bombing as new age weapons of warfare to deceive both the young and the old alike. The world has glamorized marriage, dating and sex. It no longer resembles the plan that God had originally designed for mankind in the Bible.

In today’s world how can you tell if you really know a person? The heart is so wicked no man can know it, but God. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds” 2 Corinthians 10:4. Today you can be married to a person and not really know them, even after more than twenty years of marriage. For some even longer than that. Each new year reveals something different. In some relationships it might reveal something new and wonderful and in others something dark and sinister.

We must put on the whole armor of God so that we can stand against the devils schemes, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand. Stand firm then, with the breast plate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Take the helmet of Salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:11-17.

Without the spirit of discernment, our eyes can’t be open to the hidden traps of Satan. One of his primary traps come through deceptive relationships. Remember your enemy is subtle, he knows how to wait for the right moment to strike and he knows when and who to use against us to do it. Galatians 5:7 says “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth.” We must be vigilant! Our adversary, the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, seeking who he can devour.” 1 Peter 5:8. We must test the spirits!

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and is now in the world already. Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world, therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” 1 John 4:1-6.

We must enter all relationships with extreme caution! What looks like one thing can easily be something else. The enemy knows God’s plan for His children (Jeremiah 29:11) and he will move mountains to sabotage your destiny if given the chance. We must not entangle ourselves with unbeliever’s then think we will get them to change. According to 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Baelish? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement does the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God has said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their god, and they shall be my people. Therefore, go away from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”

Remember “whoever walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20.