July 5, 2019

July 5

Running with Jesus  

Luke 22:36-38 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.  For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.  And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.

    Things were about to change in the life of the disciples. Prior to Jesus death, in His presence crowds were surrounding Him to just get a touch of His garment. After His death, those same lives would change and spiritual warfare began. We see in the text Jesus knew a battle would begin over the souls of man. He knew these men would have a battle coming.

    It is still true today.  I was talking to a friend about this matter. Often when we are trying to witness we paint this life as glorious and you will have all your needs met and it will be "hunky dory". Honey I am here to tell you your battle will just begin. When Satan has our soul, he will feed it, pamper it and give you all kinds of pleasure! But the moment we give our souls to Jesus, you can bet he will strive to cause you to stumble and fall. You get joy with Jesus and Satan works to rob you from it, because he can't get your soul he will seek to destroy your life. You will have to learn to do spiritual warfare. The sword you use will not be a literal sword but the Word of God that tears down strongholds in our lives. Word and speak it out loud! You will find Satan and his demons right there fighting you! As long as we don't speak up or take a stand he stays seated but put up God's commands and he will attempt to tear it down. Why? It reveals truth and he is the master liar seeking whom He may devour. Oh yes, unbelief is one of his swords! 

Father, as we live in a land that has given itself over to the enemy, give us strength and boldness in the days ahead. Help others see past the lives of our enemy.  Dr Roger's said “Satan uses the same lies of deception as in the garden; it just has a new face!”

Climb Mt. Olive with me in the morning!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015