Archive for » September, 2010 «

29
Sep
Don’t Collaborate With the Enemy!

Confused?

“May the forces of evil become confused on the way to your house,” says George Carlin. That’s a great blessing prayer, but I think it is more often we who become confused and often end up collaborating with the enemy.

An attack from the enemy brings forth anything that is the fruit of evil and not the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control). Collaborating with the enemy means that we join forces with him—our sin nature working together with demonic suggestions and plans (see Galatians 5:19–23).

Do a little fruit inspection, in yourself and in the circumstances, to know if you are collaborating with the enemy. Then decide if you are facing one of the 3 types of demonic attacks I shared about in my last post—resistance, temptation, or flaming arrows. Now—to battle!

Scripture gives us clear directions for battling evil. We are told to submit, or present ourselves ready for battle, to God. Next we are to resist the devil, which results in his retreat (see James 4:7). But how does one resist the devil? What does that mean and what does that look like?

Counter Resistance with Truth

Daniel and some of his friends were cast into a flaming furnace because they refused to give into their king’s demand to worship him as god. The young men decided to meet resistance with truth—they took the consequences and came out victorious. Their truth sounded like this: “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” (Daniel 3:17–18 NIV). Did it work? You can read the rest of the story in Daniel 3.

Counter Temptation with Truth

Temptation confronts all of us, and it is also resisted with truth. Jesus modeled this for us when he countered every temptation Satan thrust at him by speaking a truth from Scripture (see Luke 4:1-14).

For example, when facing sexual temptation I might remind the enemy (and myself) of 1 Corinthians 10:13: “Satan, no temptation has seized me except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear. When I am tempted, God will also provide a way out so that I can stand up under the temptation. Now, be gone and stop harassing me with this temptation.” I would then put 2 Timothy 2:22 into action and flee whatever form of lust the enemy is shoving in my face.

Counter Flaming Arrows with Truth

Since flaming arrows are aimed directly at our thoughts and emotions, countering them with truth is important to getting our mind and heart saturated with faith and standing strong against the enemy.

When attacked with inadequacy or feelings of being unloved, we can grab Scriptures such as Romans 8:37–39 and tell the enemy, “No, this is not true. The Scripture says that I am more than a conqueror through him who loves me. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate me from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus my Lord.”

Collaborating with the enemy leads to death—on many levels. Collaborating with the Spirit Holy requires that we learn and speak truth—both to ourselves and to the enemy. Share with us your story of using truth to resist the enemy. I would love to hear from you.

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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27
Sep
Warning! Be Alert to 3 Types of Demonic Attacks

Be Alert!

Has anyone ever told you that you need to become alert to 3 different types of demonic attacks? Really—there is a predator on the loose and he wants to destroy your life. “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). This predator is supernatural, difficult to recognize, and he doesn’t work alone (see Ephesians 6:12).

Demonic forces provoke and pressure us into wrong ways of thinking or acting. We feel “driven”. These attacks are often hard to identify because we are so used to them. We often believe that they are our own thoughts or just a part of everyday life.

“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11 KJ). The word “devices” used here can be translated as “mind devices” from the Greek—giving us a word picture of how the enemy of our souls attempts to attack us—through our thoughts and emotions.

Most people are ignorant of the devices used by the predator. Satan’s goal is to manipulate our free will so that we will act according to his dictates and become his slaves (2 Peter 2:19). He aims most of his attacks at our thoughts and emotions, which then motivate our will, or decision making ability, in a wrong direction.

Be Alert to 3 Types of Demonic Attacks

Learning to recognize the 3 different types of demonic attacks can help you avoid becoming predator fodder.

Attack of Resistance

Sometimes we feel resistance because we deserve it—we’re trampling on other people or being stupid in our actions. But when resistance comes because of a God assignment in our lives it may indicate something other than immaturity. The goal of a resistance attack is mental, emotional, and physical discouragement. Check out the following stories to see what I’m talking about:

  1. Daniel is resisted by people in his God given assignment (Daniel 6).
  2. Daniel is resisted by demonic powers (Daniel 10:11-13).
  3. Paul is resisted in his ministry by Satan (1 Thessalonians 2:18).

Ask God to reveal who or what is causing the “road block” you are facing. Both Daniel and Paul knew who was causing their road blocks. These men of God could identify what they were up against.

Attack of Temptation

In James 1:14-16 we are given the pattern that temptation follows: “But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers.”

Learn how this pattern works in your own life:

  1. What happened in your thinking that led to wrong actions?
  2. What feelings arose within that prompted your choices?
  3. How did the sin grow once you had given in to the temptation?

Do you see a pattern?

Attack of Flaming Arrows

“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16). Like temptation, arrows are aimed at our thoughts and emotions. If demons can capture our mind or feelings, they can then direct our actions.

To resist a flaming arrow, learn to tune into your thoughts and feelings:

  1. What are you feeling or thinking? Identify the “arrow.”
  2. Why are you feeling or thinking this? Learn the cause of the arrow. What is the enemy trying to stir up in you?
  3. Is your initial reaction godly or ungodly? Wrong reactions signal that you have accepted, rather than rejected, a flaming arrow.

Pulled any flaming arrows out lately?

What has been your experience with these 3 types of demonic attacks? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.

Check back on Wednesday for the next post on how to resist the enemy and avoid becoming predator fodder. You can also find other tips on dealing with demonic attacks in the August 30, 2010 post, “How to Deal With the Accuser Living in Your Head.”

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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24
Sep
Praying Through Cancer

Praying through cancer

It was almost five years ago that I found out I had colon cancer—one of the deadliest cancers out there, but also one of the most curable if caught in time. Thankfully, I had many people praying for me and supporting me. During the most difficult part of my hospital stay and waiting for the surgery results, I found that praying the Scriptures brought peace and hope.

My little book of wired index cards grew as I added new Scriptures to pray every day. On one side of a flip card I wrote out the Scripture, and on the other side I wrote out my prayer, changing the Scripture only slightly—such as adding my name where appropriate. I still use these cards when praying for others needing a healing touch. Perhaps you’ll find hope in the following two prayers. Replace my name with your own name or the name of someone for whom you are praying.

Susan, though you search for your enemies of cancer cells, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear; I will help you” (based on Isaiah 41:12, 13 NIV). Thank you Lord, for holding my hand through this awful experience and helping me in ways I cannot see. You are behind the scenes helping the doctors, guiding the surgeon’s hand, and healing my body. Though doctors search for cancer cells, they will not find them—cancer’s war with me will be over.

Lord, you have promised me that one of the signs that will follow those who believe will be that they will lay hands on the sick, and the sick will recover (Mark 16:17,18). You know that many people have laid hands on me and prayed for my recovery. Now I ask that you keep your promise and heal me. Thank you for being my Promise Keeper.

No cancer cells were found when they removed part of my colon and I have remained cancer free ever since. Some of my friends have very different cancer stories, but all of us have found prayer to be the path to peace in the midst of the storm.

I hope you find these prayers helpful when asked to pray for a cancer patient—and please pass on this post to those you know who are struggling with cancer by clicking on one of the Share and Enjoy icons below.

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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22
Sep
Here’s the Secret to Being a King

Have you ever wanted to know the secret to being a king? During the eleventh century when King Henry III of Bavaria ruled, the pressures of being a king caused him to grow tired of court life. Believing that the role of a monk would relieve the stress of responsibility and provide a more restful life, King Henry pleaded his case to Prior Richard from the local monastery.

“Your Majesty,” said Prior Richard, “do you understand that to become a monk you must make a pledge of obedience? This might be a hard thing for you to do since you are used to being a king and making all the decisions.”

“No problem,” replied Henry. “For the rest of my life I will be obedient to you, as Christ leads you.”

“In that case, you are welcome to become one of us,” said Prior Richard. “Here is my command for you. Go back to your throne and serve faithfully in the job where God has placed you.”

A statement was written when King Henry died, “The King learned to rule by being obedient.”

I do not know if this story is true or not, but I do know that all of us are placed in positions of responsibility in different arenas. Although we are not kings, all of us feel overwhelmed and tired at times of our jobs. Yet to enter heaven hearing, “Welcome home, good and faithful servant,” we have to learn to be obedient and serve where Christ has placed us. Only then will we be prepared to rule and reign with him.

Consider this:

How would your life be different if you viewed your job as an obedience training assignment from God on how to rule and reign?

Your remarks are always welcome in the comment section below.

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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20
Sep
Warning! Life Doesn’t Have to be Boring!

Gateway to a changed life

Do you ever feel that life is boring and dull? Do you wonder why you don’t have more adventure or excitement in your day? Does living seem to be just the same old routine to you?

Maybe you are looking in the wrong place—you are missing the whole show! Nothing is ever the same from day to day. Even the cells in your body have changed since you went to sleep last night.

Politics have changed. Kingdoms rise and fall. History is being written all over the world as you go about your daily routine.

People have changed. A silly dream, a needed rest, laughter or tears have altered who people were last night.

Circumstances have changed. God has been up all night working on your behalf behind the scenes of your life.

You have changed. The activities of yesterday have left you different than you were when you awoke yesterday morning.

Your future has changed. You are one day closer to seeing Jesus face to face.

Today is different than anything that has ever happened before or will ever be again. You will never have this day again. It is only given to you once. It is new and ready to be lived. It may hold joy, sadness, love, or memories that measure your life, but you are the only one who can determine how to respond to the events presented to you.

I’m headed out the door to get some blood work done, and I intend to brighten the day of the lab technician who takes my blood. What attitude will you choose to begin the next hour of this day?  I’d love to hear your response in the comment section below.

Book Giveaway Winners! This last week I had a Help, I’m Stuck With These People For the Rest of EternityBook Giveaway, and I want to say “Thank you” to all who participated. I appreciated your comments, encouragement, and recommendations. As expected, there were more than two winners! Today I’m happy to announce Julie Hilton, Cheryl Pellew, and Willa Eklund as our winners. I will be sending them each a book as soon as I confirm their slow mail addresses.

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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17
Sep
Ouch, That Hurt!–Understanding and Dealing With Offense

Tom and I had been involved in ministry only a few years when I experienced the betrayal of a friend from church. “You know I wouldn’t say this if I didn’t love you,” was her introduction to a very destructive avalanche of criticism. It came as quite a shock, as I had naively believed that Christians didn’t do this type of thing.

Hurt beyond understanding, I pulled away from people and hibernated within the confines of just motherhood duties. L.I.F.E. Bible College had not prepared me for this type of wound. Confused, I began to search the Scriptures for instructions on how I was supposed to process this pain. There had to be answers somewhere within the pages of the 66 books of the Bible.

Slowly, over nine months, my notebooks were filled with Scripture passages related to offense. I began to experience healing as God’s Word was applied. I learned more in the process than I had bargained for, as God wanted to address further arenas than just my hurt feelings. Categories emerged that addressed all aspects of offense. This chapter and the next are the result of those nine months of study. Of course, it is taking years for me to actually put all this stuff into practice, but the results in my relationships have been well worth the effort.

All of us have had our feelings hurt at some point or another. Even Paul and Barnabas had their very verbal disagreements in the midst of missionary service, so we are in good company. In the book of Acts, the first deacon board was formed for the specific purpose of dealing with a group of widows who were offended because their needs weren’t being met by the church. So, hurt feelings, disagreements, and people getting upset have been a part of church life for a very long time! First Corinthians 11:17–19 addresses this problem.

But in giving this instruction, I do not praise you, because you come together not for the better but for the worse. For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part, I believe it. For there must also be factions among you, in order that those who are approved may have become evident among you (NASB, italics mine).

God allows disunity and division among His people so that it will reveal those who know how to rightly process conflict and those who don’t! People who handle offenses with scriptural integrity are those who are more qualified and approved for leadership in the kingdom of God. Leaders will be recognized by their ability to wisely handle disagreements and strife in their own relationships, as well as in the corporate body.

Few churches follow this process for evaluating possible leadership, but it is one of the main qualifiers set down in the Word of God. Understanding how to deal with offense is crucial to all mature relationships in the kingdom.

So begins Chapter 5 in my book Help, I’m Stuck With These People for the Rest of Eternity! The chapter discusses how to understand and prevent offense, while Chapter 6 provides Scriptural instructions on how to respond to offense. Care to learn more?

To purchase this book, visit our Eternal Foundations Store.

This week I’m having a Book Giveaway of 2 free copies of this book and I’d love to have you participate. The winner will be announced on Monday, September 20th. Click here to find out all the details of how to enter and to read all of Chapter 5.

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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15
Sep
Are You Living Your Dream?

In 1982, Disney World in Orlando, Florida finished work on the Epcot center. Walt Disney had recently passed away, so the Disney executives asked his wife to cut the ribbon and say a few words. When the MC called her up to the podium, he smiled and said, “Mrs. Disney, I just wish Walt could have seen this!”

She smiled and responded by saying, “He did.”

Dreams and visions are tricky things. They are often hard to nail down and can easily become a distant memory if we don’t give them their due attention. Yet, when embraced, such things spur us on to accomplish the assignments downloaded into our spirit by God.

Joel 2:28 talks about the times we live in—promising that young men and women will see visions and the old will dream dreams. I suppose I’m in the “dreamer” category now. Life is lived more at the pace of a camel than a cheetah, but I’m still moving. And I’m still headed in the direction of my dreams.

If you can’t identify your vision or dream, try answering the questions below:

  1. When you were little, what did you want to do when you grew up?
  2. When you left home, what were you going to do “someday”?
  3. When you sit and daydream, what do you daydream about?
  4. What brings joy to your heart?
  5. What dream does God keep nudging you about?
  6. List three things you would like to do before you move into a nursing home.
  7. Whose permission are you waiting for?

 

What dream or vision are you pursuing? Let us know in the comment section below. (Oh, in case you are wondering—I’m continuing to pursue my dream of being a writer. And to celebrate how far I’ve come, I’m having a Book Giveaway this week. Please consider entering to receive a free copy of my latest book—you have four days left!)

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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13
Sep
“Help, I’m Stuck With These People . . . .” Book Giveaway!

A pastor once said that ministry and church life would be great if it wasn’t for the people. Others have said the same thing about church leaders. Because we are people who are stuck together for the rest of eternity, we might as well get used to it and learn how to properly relate to each other here and now!

Today I’m trying something new and having a book giveaway! Read on to find out all the details of how you can win a copy of my latest book, Help, I’m Stuck With These People For the Rest of Eternity!

Are you like most of us who are looking for:

  • Long-lasting friendships?
  • Offense-free relationships?
  • More positive and enriching church experiences?
  • Confidence in our worth and identity in Christ?
  • Better communication with others?
  • Church leaders who know how to lead well?

 

Help, I’m Stuck With These People For the Rest of Eternity! is the book I wish I had read before Tom and I went into ministry 35 years ago. Instead, I had to live it to learn it and then write about it. Birthed out of the mistakes made and lessons learned, this book provides practical, scriptural guidance along with real life stories to help you build healthier relationships. 

User-friendly and easy to read, Help, I’m Stuck With These People For the Rest of Eternity! will enable you to live peaceably with those nice and not-so-nice folks in your life. You’ll find biblical help to identify, process, and resolve relationship issues. Each chapter concludes with application questions to assist folks toward relational maturity. Designed for personal growth, this book is also excellent for Bible study groups, leadership development, ministry training, and home groups.

Help, I’m Stuck With These People For the Rest of Eternity! offers:

  • Real-life stories to help you build healthier relationships with others
  • Practical, scriptural advice for healing past wounds and injustices
  • Tips for improving communication skills
  • Proven techniques for making church a “safe place”
  • Strategies for living peaceably with difficult people
  • Biblical insight to help identify, process, and resolve relationship issues
  • Leadership definitions including “Attila the Hun” and “Christ the Shepherd” styles of authority
  • Practical suggestions for encouraging others during tough times
  • Charts and exercises to promote personal growth
  • Application questions at the end of each chapter

Click here for an excerpt.

To purchase this book, click here!

And Now for the Book Giveaway!!!!

Because I am so excited to share this book with you, I’m giving away two copies. Anyone can take part in this contest—even if you live outside the U.S. This contest is open until midnight, Sunday, September 19th at which time I’ll randomly choose the two winners from the highest scoring contestants and announce them on Monday, September 20th on my Holy in the Daily blog.

Here’s how to enter: Leave a comment at the end of this post telling me which Holy in the Daily blog post was helpful to you (choose only one). Please be sure your name is connected to a valid email address or else be sure to check back on this blog on Monday, September 20th in case you win!

Earn extra bonus points and more chances to win by doing the following (each one counts as ONE entry):

1. Sign up to receive the Holy in the Daily posts by either RSS feed or email if you haven’t already (see the subscription section in the top right sidebar.) If you already have subscribed, that counts!

2. “Like” my Author Susan Gaddis Facebook page (click here). (Among other things, each morning you’ll receive a Holy in the Daily tip of the day.) If you are already a “like” person on my author page or don’t live on Facebook, proceed to #3.

3. Invite your friends to join the contest by clicking one of the Share and Enjoy icons below this post to share it with a comment via email, Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon, or Linkedin.

For bonus entries, PLEASE come back and leave an additional comment at the end of this post telling me what you did. (I know it is a pain to re-comment, but participating this way will make it easier for me to tally up each person’s score and selecting two winners. Thanks!)

Don’t forget–the winners will be announced on Monday, September 20th. Thanks for participating! This Giveaway is now closed. Thanks to all who responded!

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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10
Sep
Do You Have Time to Listen for the Heartbeat of Jesus?

Is your life quiet enough to hear the heartbeat of Jesus? How do we find the time or the quiet to really listen for a sound so foreign that we might not even know what we are listening for?

Some of the answers are found in 1 Thessalonians 4:11, which instructs us to make it our ambition to lead a quiet life. Or, as one translation puts it, we are to “study to be quiet.”

How unexpected—quietness is something that must be sought and studied. Silence and solitude are not in our DNA. They are qualities of life that have to be desired and learned.

It is in times of solitude and silence that I can quiet myself and listen for the heartbeat of Jesus. This is not easy in a culture that is addicted to activity. If distractions speak louder than the voice of God, how much more difficult it must be to hear his heartbeat! Yet it is in those quiet times, those separate times, that his still, small voice is heard and the passion of his heart is felt. It is these times that give color to the activities of my life.

A poem by Anne Morrow Lindbergh speaks of this learned activity of solitude:

It is a difficult
lesson to learn today,
To leave one’s friends
and family and deliberately
practice the art of solitude
for an hour or a day
or a week
For me, the break
is most difficult . . .
And yet, once it is done,
I find there is a quality
to being alone that is
incredibly precious.
Life rushes back into the void,
richer,
more vivid,
fuller than before!

      

How have you woven solitude and silence into the culture of your life and how has that quietness taught you to listen for the heartbeat of Jesus? Please share your wisdom with us in the comment section below.  (And, if you liked this post, please pass it on via the Share and Enjoy icons below.)

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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08
Sep
Finding Your Way Through Personality Clashes and Opinion Differences

Have you ever had a work or social situation where one person stood out as “difficult”? You know the kind I mean–your opinion is always minimized and you just can’t seem to warm up to this person’s personality.

Sometimes these people pass through our lives quickly. Often they remain. Either way, they provide us opportunities to grow in our people skills and boundary-setting techniques.

Be encouraged—personality clashes and opinion differences are normal. If everyone got along there would be no need for the Bible and its stories of ordinary people experiencing frustration with one another.

In the New Testament, Paul and John Mark fit this description. Something happened in their relationship or in their definition of Paul’s mission that caused a breach. We know it wasn’t serious sin, such as immorality or slander on John Mark’s side, or Paul would have applied Matthew 18 to the problem with John Mark. Instead, Paul simply asked John Mark to not be a part of his ministry.

Barnabas disagreed with Paul concerning John Mark and also quit traveling with Paul’s ministry because of his views. One has the feeling from Scripture that this was an “agree to disagree” parting. Later, Paul changed his mind about John Mark and requested his participation in Paul’s Gentile ministry.

Personality clashes are not sin—how they are expressed can be. In an agree to disagree parting, it is important that grace and respect be the flow of the disagreement. If things have been processed improperly, then repentance and forgiveness are necessary. However, one doesn’t have to repent or forgive for their personal opinion. Unity doesn’t mean that we have to agree about everything!

People will always be a part of our lives or else we each wouldn’t have much of a life. How we handle the personality clashes and opinion differences that come with living in a people populated world will vary depending on our level of maturity and willingness to process such things in a godly manner. Repentance, forgiveness, and extending grace continue to be part of the kingdom culture we learn and practice on a daily basis.

What have you found to be helpful in dealing with personality clashes and opinion differences? (Leave your opinionated comments in the comment section below or click on the blue comment link.)

This post is taken from my book, Help, I’m Stuck With These People For the Rest of Eternity.

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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