Shut Doors

The weather has finally taken a change where I sometimes can leave only the screen door blocking my home from the great outdoors. This is great for a fresh air fix which we all need once in a while, but not so great if you noticed the slew of bugs that could have been attached to the plagues also have shown up!

What could this have to do with me? With you? Well , to put it simply, we all have to deal with bugs. We also have to deal with temptations in life. Sure, the small ones of wanting to make an escape from work, school, going to the doctor or dentist are very tempting to pursue. Especially on a beautiful day where the sunshine and smell of fresh cut grass is calling your name louder than the books or dental care, but what about the BIG temptations that try to drag you further from God?

Nobody likes to talk about this, but I am wanting to give you some strategies on how to prevent and silence the voice of the tempter so that you will find him a defeated foe next time he starts whispering in your ear.

A very important strategy is the Armor of God that we learn about in Ephesians 6:10-18. Here we find out that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against “the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly realms”, so get suited up. Half the battle is remembering to have your armor on before you walk out the door to your home!

Speaking of doors: you will find yourself not being tempted as much when you leave some spiritual doors closed. This is an avenue where our some temptations come from. Here is a simple analogy to get the point across.

I like sweets. Cookies, pies, ice cream, Heath Bars, Tootsie Rolls….I think you got the point! I just can’t help myself sometimes, but I have found out that it’s easier to deny myself those things if I just don’t open the door and invite them into my fridge, pantry, snack drawer or tummy! Get the point?

I don’t mean to make light of the bigger sins that some of us might have had to deal with as far as lying, cheating, stealing, alcohol, drugs, lust of the eyes, or sexual sins that still try to trap us and cause us not to live the abundant life that Christ has paid for us. All I want is to share some light along with reminding ourselves that the victory has already been bought with the blood of Christ. It is our responsibility to walk in it. Yes, He fights for us, but we still walk through it with Him at our side.

Another strategy is to post scriptures ALL over your home that will remind you of what the word says about your particular battle.

Some of my favorites and definite stand-bys are:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13 “Be strong and of a good courage!” Joshua 1:6

“Fear not; for I am with you!” Isaiah 41:10

“God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:7

These are just a few to get you going, but another strategy I use is a book that has different scripture quotations to address varying needs. You can find one at your local Christian Bookstore or try “Scripture Confessions Collection by Keith & Megan Provance “