Open Season

John 10:10 NIV

[10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

 I am very big on unity in the body of Christ, I don't believe in hanging my brothers or sisters out to dry. I don't believe in overstepping, overshadowing or competing. I believe the enemy enjoys confusion which is why we are to pray against it. 

I'm always bothered by the phrase "the devil stole my joy or my peace!" He couldn't have taken it unless you opened the door to let him in! He couldn't have taken it unless you handed him the keys and said here have a field day. Scripture says in Ephesians 6:12 NIV

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." 

When we are weak or not strong in our walks with the lord then that's a perfect time for the enemy to slip into-our lives, our homes, our jobs and various activities. If we aren't actively pursuing Christ then that's open season for the enemy to speak to our minds. It starts with little things, little seeds being planted so that when things blow up most are like I don't know why that happened! 

It's subtle, whether it's in the church, your friendships/relationships or your workplace whenever there's a crack he has a opportunity to do his best work. It often starts with,"I don't like the way she looks at me!" The little things, opinions and words blow up believe it or not. Song of Songs 2:15 NIV

"Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom." 

The little slights, the little jabs and shade given often destroy the vision God gives us, especially amongst women. 

Now this is all coming from personal experience and I'm young but I'm also at an age where I've saw the enemy do some of his best work. I'm neutral but I'm also very straight forward when giving advice or being asked for advice. I have found that truth hurts people, when we see ourselves or our true motives it hurts because we don't want to see the bad things about us. I was once the girl who didn't feel the need to have female friends because I felt like I'd been cut so many times that it was best that I kept my distance from drama, nonsense and overall pettiness. 

I have a very strong sense of discernment, to the point where I can talk to you for 5 minutes and pick up on your "game" and it has cost me some friendships that I actually wanted. The heart is where our motives, our intents and true passions are so if our hearts aren't right then our motives won't be either. I'm a selfish/unselfish person in a way and what I mean by that is that I like my space, I like my peace so I'm selfish in the sense that I don't like my peace to be wrecked or disrupted. I don't like my things or my life to be out of order. I'm unselfish in the sense that I'd give the shirt off of my back, money means nothing to me when someone I know needs it or is struggling. I'm unselfish with my loyalty and my time when those close to me are in need. I have found a big misconception or thought pattern amongst Christians and that's the thought that we have to entertain foolishness. The bible never speaks of us staying in situations that wreck our peace, Jesus never calls us to be "besties" with our enemies but he tells us to love them. Matthew 5:44 NIV

"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," 

Everyone in the body of Christ will not be your "bestie!" I repeat! Everyone in the body of Christ will not be your bestie! I think people get thrown off by that, we get distracted when someone doesn't like us and we get caught up in the fact that everyone doesn't agree with us. 

Who cares? Who cares when there's ministry to be done? Who cares when there are people hurting from unhealed wounds and dying spiritually and naturally? Pettiness can ruin the plan God has for our lives if we let it. Pettiness overshadows God, his plan and the ultimate goal which is to rep him. 

I am learning that expressing my thoughts and emotions via blog helps not only those around me but it helps me when I feel lost or confused. I got long winded today but I hope that something that was written or something God gave me helped someone out there. It's open season and we can choose to follow Christ or let the enemy have his fun! I choose to follow Christ and not let meaningless distractions overshadow.

️CDJ❤️