TRAPS!

The following are some definitions of TRAP on the Web:

*a device in which something (usually an animal) can be caught and penned
*something (often something deceptively attractive) that catches you unawares
*to hold fast or prevent from moving
*ambush: the act of concealing yourself and lying in wait to attack by surprise
*something by which one is caught or stopped unawares

The boys and I have been watching a lot of Man Vs. Wild online...we love that show (although we love the show for different reasons, but....let's just say all three of us love the show...and if you have ever seen Bear Grylls, then you can imagine why Mommy loves the show...anyways...). The other day he was setting traps to catch food; so now the boys are all about "setting some traps" around the house, and talking all about traps, and carrying around materials to set traps. It got me thinking about the traps set by our enemy to lour us away from the path of God and eventually destroy our lives.

The Devil sets his traps up in our minds. He knows the perfect bait to use. He knows our weaknesses: insecurity, fears, addictions, anxiety, negativism, depression, worry, loneliness...he is an enemy who studies his prey and strongly seeks after their soul; therefore he sets up the perfect trap and before you know it...SNAP! You're caught.

The battlefield is in our minds. The enemy whispers those lies the triggers the trap and we begin to weaken and fall into a dangerous, dark place. BUT....I am here to tell you, I understand, I have been there...AND THERE IS HOPE! DO NOT GIVE UP! Let me give you the survival tips you need to get out of the trap!

1. Remember, if you fall...THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION IN CHRIST! WALK IN HIS GRACE WITH YOUR HEAD HELD HIGH. One of his main pieces of bait is the idea that once you fall, make a mistake, screw up...you are a failure and unloved by a God who is ashamed of you. THIS IS A LIE. Christ died on a cross so that you can live under His grace. Accept it daily and know that God is always there loving you.

2. Know that Christ is your strength! He lives in you and you have the power in you to fight back! Have the promises of God (His word) written upon your heart and use it against the enemy who is powerless in the presence of our Almighty God. Use verses such as: "You will keep him in perfect peace, him whose mind is steadfast because he trust in You." Isaiah 26:3. Also, "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7. Search His word for His promises and speak them...in the name of Jesus - the devil has to flee.

3. When caught in the snare - SING HIS PRAISE and receive His strength, accept His peace, and be released from bondage in order to soar above every circumstance in your life!

4. PRAY! Cry out to Him...He will faithfully answer.

You need to be aware of the traps the the devil sets, BUT WALK CONFIDENTLY IN CHRIST! Know that He will faithfully guide you and always offer His strength, peace, joy, grace, and love.

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, BRINGING EVERY THOUGHT INTO CAPTIVITY TO THE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST." 2 Corinthians 10:4-5.

Pray for God to help you fight the war that rages in your mind, and to avoid the traps,and bring those thoughts captive, lay them at His feet and replace them with peace!


Photography by: Mary Goin