Daily Devotional

A friend sent me a sermon by the late C.S. Lewis. It was incredible. Afterwards I could not help but jot down what the Lord taught me in that beautiful message and the little journey he took me on. He is a good, good Father. I am going to share it with you.

We are allowed to protect what God has entrusted to us…his promises to us, his truth, his peace, joy, and the like. Do not allow the enemy to use anyone or anything to give him access to you. He will use people and circumstances to rob you blind. The love of God in us, as we grow in our walk with him, will transform us by the renewing of them mind. The beautiful thing is that as you develop in your walk, your response to ugliness will change. For example…if someone is ugly towards you, you will no longer have hateful or vengeful thoughts. What I find to be amazing is the sorrow you feel for them rather than feeling anger. They may have hurt or betrayed you, but what you want more than anything is for them to have a genuine encounter with the Lord Jesus. Through your tears and pain, you cry out for them. You ask the Lord to do whatever it takes to bring them to a place of humility before HIM. All you really want is for them to be surrendered to Jesus.

Proverbs 22:24-25 do not make friends with a hot tempered person. Do not associate with one who is easily angered or you may learn their ways and be trapped by them.

That passage is a warning and is meant to protect us. There may be people that you can’t talk with on a deeper level, they are just too hostile. Some folks are hell bent on misunderstanding and twisting anything and everything. Anger is a familiar place for them and they will blow a gasket, to get that adrenaline rush. Anger and hostility become like a drug, creating an unfortunate high for them to ride out. The Lord is telling us to watch out for this addictive behavior. Otherwise we may find ourselves trapped in it as well. Certain behaviors and patterns, if left unchecked, can begin to infect us.

Boundaries are not rejection. You simply don’t chase after them to win their approval or attempt to comply to their expectations and demands. You step back, pray for them, being kind to them while carrying on with the plans God has for you. Their anger or disapproval of you does not stop God’s love and plans for you.

AS MUCH AS IT IS POSSIBLE:

Romans 12:18-21 If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. But If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head. Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Peace may not be the outcome. We cannot control the behaviors, mindsets, attitudes, and opinions of others. But you can choose grace. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Staying faithful to him and not consumed by your own thoughts. If our thoughts aren’t being surrendered to obey Christ, they are of the evil one. Don’t give into that!!! I realize it is easier said than done….BUT GOD!

Jesus sent his 72 disciples out in Matthew we see what he told them:

Matthew 10:13- If [the family living in] the house is worthy [welcoming you and your message], give it your [blessing of] peace [that is, a blessing of well-being and prosperity, the favor of God]. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace. Whoever does not welcome you, nor listen to your message, as you leave that house or city, shake the dust [of it] off your feet [in contempt, breaking their hold]. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that city [since it rejected peaceful exchange and the messenger]. “Listen carefully: I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; so be wise as serpents, and innocent as doves [have no self-serving agenda].

STAY HUMBLY SURRENDERED:

When the demonic realm world through someone, even those close to you, they will reject most anything and everything you say. Every move you make will be criticized and mocked. They will find your heart for the Lord to be a joke, they may even laugh about you. Your words, to them, are a call to war, not reasonable or peaceful discussion. We must be willing to see that the hand of oppression is on them, it is strong, and that is best left in the hands of God. You may never be able to have deep meaningful conversations with them. Though you desire interactions that bring wisdom, unity, encouragement, and strength to the relationship. Some situations must be left at the feet of Jesus.

Ask the Lord to help you to love. To live and love with grace. Allow him to show you the line between love and wisdom. So that you, through obedience, will be able to guard your peace without closing your heart. He will give you the ability, supernaturally, to walk in love and grace. Rather than walking in anger, hurt, and frustration which all lead to resentment. All of that is the work of the enemy. So, surrender it all to that Lord so you can walk in HIS peace, love, and joy.

We are not doormats. We are not emotional dumping grounds for others to empty on. We are called to be gatekeepers who stand firm with compassion, truth, and humility. Be teachable and learn to thrive rather than barely surviving the attacks from the enemy, which will come. If you are surrendered, the enemy will come for you. He will work to shake you to your core at times. But the enemy’s word is not the last word over your life. Nothing or no one can stop God’s plans for you. Allow him to shape you through the trials, hurt, betrayals, and pain. Learn to stand in the gap for those that cause discord, and pain. Praying and interceding on their behalf before the Lord Jesus.

Additional Devotional Reading:

John 1:5 The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it].

Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm be, but God intended it for good to accomplish his plans and to save many lives.

Psalm 27:1-3 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation— Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the refuge and fortress of my life— Whom shall I dread? When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. Though an army encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, Even in this I am confident.

Romans 8:28 And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.

Blessings to YOU,

Cassandra Lee

There’s JOY in the journey – nourishing body & soul…

I have written two published Devotionals. You can see them on our website. Alternatively, they can be ordered on Amazon.

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In These Jars of Clay 30-Day Devotional Journey: https://a.co/d/d1mM5HW

A Pig Trough, Slop, & A Broken Princess 21-day Devotional Journey: https://a.co/d/5HEjko1

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