bit the bait

Wow...I can't believe I fell into that trap...I can't believe I bit the bait.

I am so thankful that the teachings and truths of His word came back to me early this morning as I lay in bed wrestling with emotions of an offence.

Have you ever read The Bait of Satan by John Bevere? You should if you haven't! These are the questions posted on the back of the book:
"Why am I compelled to tell 'my side' of the story?"
"How can I fight thoughts of suspicion or distrust?"
"What can I do to stop rehearsing past hurts?"
"How can I regain trust after someone deeply offends me?"

It has been quite a long time since I read this book, but the knowledge came back to slap me in the face (in a good way), and pull me from the snare of Satan. This book is about picking up an offence. When someone does wrong to you and you get offended, and begin reacting on that offence...you have bit the bait.

Again, let me just quote that back of his book because I cannot restate it any better than he powerfully puts it: "The bait of Satan exposes one of the most deceptive snares Satan uses to get believers out of the will of God- offense. Most people who are ensnared by the bait of Satan don't even realize it. Don't be fooled! You will encounter offense, and it's up to you how it will affect your relationship with God. Your response will determine your future. If offense is handled correctly, you will become stronger rather than bitter."

I am a people person. I love talking (ha ha ha, understatement of the century, I know), I love making new friends, I love spending time laughing with those I love, I very much need people in my life. Therefore...when someone hurts me or I am not getting along with someone...it very much bothers me. This last week I have been badly offended....very much hurt (and blindsided) by an offense, and my mind immediately rolled out of control with it! (Sneaky, stupid Devil!!! And yes I know I teach my kids that stupid is not a nice word...but for the Devil can I use it?!) I mean I have been ranting and raving about this situation out loud, and tossing and turning with it at night because I am so hurt by it! And I sure enough want to tell 'MY SIDE' and DEFEND myself!! I have very much wanted to put this person in their place and set them straight!

Ohhhhh....but thank you Jesus that You have- SET ME STRAIGHT!

I picked up the offense...I was trapped...thank you for setting me free...now Lord, help me do the right thing. Show me Your ways Lord. Show me Your mercy. Please give me Your wisdom, and Your peace.

I guess I need to reread the book :)

I was searching through it for a verse to post about the topic of offense, and it give so many good ones...you just need to read the book!! But I will share this one because it gives such hope :)

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ." - 1 Peter 1: 6-7

We will go through trials, but by using them, God can mold us into His image and create in us a clean heart...one that brings Him glory!

Do NOT pick up the offense today...instead when someone 'does you wrong' take it to the Father and let Him fix it!

Anchored in His Peace

Help me out gentlemen...is it just women that can switch to four different moods faster than a Ferrari can go from 0-60? Is this talent found only in the female gender? Yes, I say talent because I also call eating and talking talents, and it is my blog so I can do that!! LOL. Also, I am just in a mood so I thought maybe I will stir up a little discussion on male and female differences...ha ha ha...I guess I should add that these are hypothetical questions so: no comments allowed! LOL....well....regardless of who does this....

I am just so thankful that even with the tornado of emotions...I can find my security in Christ my Savior...my anchor of peace.

Moments ago, I was in a grumpy mood (note: this is an understatement, but I have calmed down now so I will sugar coat things a little...lol), but I quickly remembered to crank up the praise music, and turn my thoughts to Him. Never underestimate the power of prayer and praise music! No matter what mood mixer you are dealing with...seek after Him and He will answer. That is a 100 % guarantee you can very much count on. He answers in a wide variety of ways...but just know His ways and timing are perfect, His love is unconditional, His grace is abundant, and His arms are always wide open...so just jump in faith, and feel the warmth of His embrace.

SPRING :)

Driving around the last few days has been so enjoyable, I love seeing all the spring flowers blooming and the trees blossoming! Now for my fellow family and friends up north...I am sorry to rub this in a little early for ya'll...but...I just can't help myself! Spring is in the air, and I am a happy girl :)

So, this led me to think...if it were not for the long, dead, dull, cold, colorless winter...would I actually enjoy the beauty, fragrance and freshness of spring as much?

"For everything there is a season."

If we didn't have the rain, would we ever be able to gaze upon the beauty of a rainbow? If we didn't go through some of the battles we face, would we ever be able to celebrate with a good victory dance? If we didn't have mountains to climb, would we ever be astonished by the view from the top?

The things that we face may not be easy, but the refreshing peace of God that flows through our soul in the center of that situation...is like the first kiss of spring; allowing joy to once again bloom in all its glory!