Spiritual Warfare #49

Diffusing the Landmines Along Your Path by Charles Stanley
Proverbs 3:5-7 gives us a simple principle but one that we can use to avoid the trappings of Satan:

Trust in the Lord with all your Heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

The way to avoid a landmine is to stay close to the One who has promised to guide you safely through the danger.

Set off one landmine and a series of explosions can occur quickly. For example, the enemy may gain access into your life through a certain area, such as the landmine of unforgiveness, but his overarching plan is to trick you into compromising your faith and distancing yourself from God. He will stop at nothing to achieve this goal. The reason? He knows that if he can get you into a place of spiritual effectiveness, you will no longer be in a position where God can use you. He wants to find a way to keep you from loving God and experiencing His love in return. To be loved is the greatest need we have. To be loved unconditionally is the gift that God extends to everyone who accepts His Son by faith. However, to experience this close, intimate relationship, you must be willing to draw near to Him through personal surrender and submission.

This is where the rub usually takes place. Many people do not want to bow their knees to God, and they walk away from Him without a second thought about where the path they are on will take them. You can go to church every Sunday and still end up hitting a landmine if your life is not submitted to God. Living for Christ involves a heart commitment and not just a personal performance.

In Psalm 139, David wrote,
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
And see if there be any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way. (vv.23-24)

David's humility was evidence of his desire to strip away anything that would separate him from the Lord. His words also reveal the heart of a man who had learned to avoid many spiritual dangers.

David was proactive. He wanted to know God and His ways.

He had a submissive spirit. He did no have his own agenda in mind but actually wanted to please God above all else.

His life was open to God. David was willing for god to "try" him to see if he had learned what he needed to know.

David wanted God's will for his life.

He [God] wants to give your life meaning, hope, and purpose. He knows all the times you have failed, and He still loves you and will forgive you when you turn to Him and ask for His forgiveness. He will take you from where you are to where you need to be. He knows exactly how to get you on the right path-the one that is landmine-free. In the process, He will satisfy the deepest longing of your heart. He will never disappoint you because He always chooses the best for you to enjoy. He has a fantastic plan waiting for you. It does not matter if you are six or ninety-six. The moment you say, "Lord, use me, train me, and teach me more about Yourself," He will answer your prayer, and all of heaven's joy, contentment, and eternal peace will be yours forever.

That concludes Landmines in the Path of the Believer by Charles Stanley. It was full of great insights to where we can get tripped up. I'm glad I read it. I will keep it as a reference for the rest of my life.

I can't wait to see where the Lord takes us next. We're off today to see about purchasing the appliances for our kitchen remodel. Greg will also be learning how to use the stucco removal tool we borrowed from our contractor today. Fun! Have a great Sunday!