Day 23 - Change Your Life!

Day 23 - Change Your Life!

We come to the end of our official study in Ephesians. But that shouldn't mean the end of your love affair with this glorious epistle. You know have a major weapon in your arsenal against the wickedness in high places, against the rulers of the darkness of this world! When you find yourself feeling alone in despair, fear rising up in your flesh and your mind...reach for those scriptures in Ephesians and remind yourself, encourage yourself of the mighty peace and joy that God has given to you.

That brings me to the close of this study. Do you recognize all of the awesome tools that man meant for evil and which God uses for good? We have free access to libraries, free Bibles, bookstores and the like. The Internet age has given us blogs, chat rooms, websites and other resources to read His read and to meditate on His goodness regardless of where we are in the world.

Here is a list I thought about when I opened my Kindle 2 e-reader this week:

1. Bible. Most of us have a copy of the Bible. I have seven versions in various rooms of the house. In any major room, anyone who enters can find the Word of God for his or her use.

2. Television. There are a myriad of great Bible channels on TV. Even if you don't get satellite, cable and local all have at least one channel a week where there is preaching of the Word. Be mindful of what you allow into your house this way, there are many charlatans and preachers of something other than Jesus who come as lambs into your life.

3. Computer. Well, likely if you are reading this you have one. Your laptop (as I have prefer), desktop or mini serve you well this way. There are a number of devilish things out there but more and more saints are using these methods to share the simpleness of Christ and His wonderful love for all of us.

4. Cell phone. Do you have one? I do, and I can get my blog and other email devotions sent straight to my phone each day. Again, the cost is typically $5 a month for unlimited texts-sign-up for one of the many awesome daily texts at Biblegateway or other similar sites.

5. E-Readers. My sister-in-law got the Sony for Christmas and I couldn't wait for the Kindle. When I received it this week, I opened it in the car and promptly downloaded the free KJV Bible and the ESV Bible indexed, and referenced--it took 60 seconds. WOW!

6. Your backyard or front yard. What???? Yes, go out into nature and observe the magnificence and beauty that God alone created. See the bird, the road, the tree, the cloud, the rain, the snow, the sun--whatever happens to be in front of you and ponder the wonder of it all. His Word speaks about all man being able to find Him in the observation of nature--in fact, it is really supernatural if you think about it.

7. Your mind and your dreams. We can put healthy words, encouraging words, scripture into our lives and train our minds to take on the mind of Christ. He will inhabit your thoughts and dreams in a magnificent way.

8. Paper and pencil--my favorite. This blog for me is an outgrowth of my love the paper and pencil. I keep a pad and paper or pen with me wherever I go. I journal, write thoughts, ideas, scripture, whatever God prompts my fingers to do. A friend of mine, Colleen, tells me that God knows how to shake the truth out of us just when we need it!!!

9. Your mouth. Now we just completed Taming the Tongue last month--are you practicing the principles? Are you putting in an effort to speak words of Truth and Life? If not, jump back on the archives and print out the checklist to keep on your nightstand. The more accountability you take to memorize, study, meditate and follow the Word, the better your spiritual muscles become over time.

10. Your Church! Are you in a Bible-believing church? Do you trust your pastor to handle the Word with grace and truth? Does your pastor encourage you to read the Word for yourself and to study and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling? If not, find a new church! You can do a lot of research on the Internet.

11. Your sisters and brothers in Christ. Reach out to them, set-up regular meetings or coffee dates (even if it is once a month) to chat about the Word and how God is working your life. Be specific! Don't use your tongue to complain, but use it to lift-up, truly share troubles and to pray for each other.

12. Jesus. Well, He is with us wherever we are. Greater is He that is in me than He who is in the world! Trust Him, Talk to Him, Praise Him, Love Him, Allow Him to give you all He has and to lift you up to the heavenlies seated next to Him in triumphant joy and love.

So tomorrow, March 1, we start a new study. I have some ideas but am waiting for God's confirmation on which direction to take. I love living the Word, I love talking about and writing about Jesus--He is so real and He is so awesome and has blessed me to the ends of this world.

I took a long turn away and struggled to get back to loving and trusting Him after my mom Betty passed away. But He has called me to Him and shown me His love and grace and Truth and for that, I can never leave Him nor forsake Him. If I keep my eyes, heart, mind, soul, body, possessions and desires squarely on Him--He carries the burden.

Love and blessings to my fellow-heirs in Christ. Till we chat again be blessed and full of love, Sister Lisa.