The Dark Knight Rises

READY… “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy” John 10:10 NIV

AIM… I was mortified when I heard the news about the massacre in Colorado over the weekend.  Innocent people who were excited to see the new Batman movie were met with a twist in the plot of their own fates.  Sadly, Satan, the real dark knight, arose in the form of a shooter and lives were lost, bodies were injured and souls were emotionally shaken all over the world.  Yes, friends, Satan is constantly on the prowl looking for ways to ruin our lives; to prevent us from following God’s path of success and love. We all have free will to choose our lot in life, however, look at the ways we are constantly diverted, misdirected and just plain halted from successful progress.  It’s not karma; it’s the dark forces working against us.  Scary, but true.

As we recover from the shock of such a devastating event, we must remember this scripture from Genesis 50:20: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” That’s a lot to digest so soon after such a tragic event, but there will be justice served on earth and eternity.  Perhaps this incident will spark a movement to provide better security measures in public locations.  In the meantime, we must not live in fear and trust that our Maker is the one who is ultimately in control as our shield and safe haven.

FIRE!   Take a moment this week to pray for the victims and their families of the Colorado shooting.  Never underestimate the power of prayer, whether it be individual or as a collective group.  It is one of our strongest weapons and most powerful means to affect the world around us in a positive way.

Be Excellent!
Lori

Fear Not

READY… “Fear and faith cannot live in the same body.” ~ Judy Cokonougher

AIM… This past week, the Lord called home one very special lady, Mrs. Judy Cokonougher. Judy was like another mother to me. She was loving, encouraging, supportive, accepting, and interested in my life. She always had an opinion or advice to share with me.

Over the past five months, Judy battled stage four thyroid cancer and the attack it waged on her body. Fortunately, even though physically her body was weakening, her heart and mind were still focused. Judy loved Jesus as her Lord and Savior. As a result of her great love, she found comfort in the promises of heaven and wasn’t afraid of her inevitable death. She knew her faith was stronger and more powerful than any disease or physical ailment. Judy often said to people, “Fear and faith cannot live in the same body” and she is correct. If you have faith, even as small as a mustard seed, you can trust that God will be with you, work His plan in your favor and will unconditionally love you. Why in the world, if those are God’s promises, would any of us ever experience worry or fear?

Yes, Judy is now dancing in heaven without pain and suffering, and I’m sure she has an eternal smile on her face. We should all take Judy’s advice and apply it to whatever circumstances we may face in life. Fear and faith cannot live in the same body if you know Jesus is fighting the battles of this life with you and for you.

FIRE! Examine your life and pinpoint one area that causes you worry or anxiety. Take that specific situation and pray for God to take control and release you from fear. Then, have faith and believe God’s promises to replace your worry with peace.

Be Excellent!
Lori