litle foxes of compromises

Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes. Song of Solomon 2:15 (NKJV) A common practice in modern Christianity is to bind Satan, in the name of Jesus. But what does this mean, exactly? If you bind Satan, how long does he stay bound? And where do we find the biblical back-up for this process? In fact, James 4:7 says to resist the devil and he will flee. Resistance is the key, but it’s not talking about a one-time-fixes all decision. We need to resist the enemy’s schemes, lies and temptations on a regular basis by keeping the truth of God’s Word at the forefront of our minds. One of the things the enemy loves to do is sweet talk us into thinking that our failure to resist isn’t a big deal. Thoughts like these pop into our minds: “It’s just a tiny compromise. No one is going to know. Everyone is doing it. God has bigger fish to fry; He’s not worried about this.” The trouble is, little compromises lead to bigger compromises. Today’s verse doesn’t warn against the big, obvious threats. It says that it’s the little foxes that spoil the vines. The little decisions count. They matter when it comes to standing strong in what you resist and what you submit to. The more you resist the little things that go against your principles, the easier it becomes to stand strong with everything. Before long, you hardly have to think about it. It just pours out of you: “This is who I am. This is what I stand for!”

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do not resist

You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. Acts 7:51 (NKJV) When Holy Spirit is trying to guide us in the right direction, sometimes we resist Him. It may be because we think we know better or because we don’t want to move out of our comfort zone. Sometimes we resist because we think that if we follow Holy Spirit’s leading, we’re going to have to give up everything we enjoy, which is not true. Other times, we have a misguided need for independence, and we think we need to do things all on our own, without His help. The reality is that submitting to Holy Spirit’s guidance is always the best way to go. It will lead you to your best life possible! Often Holy Spirit guides you by bringing God’s Word to your mind when you are wondering what to do. While He does lead us to bring others to Christ, He also leads us in building our families, friendships and careers. He leads us into health, joy and peace. He may not always lead us down the easiest path, but it’s always the best path that leads to the most fulfillment and joy. Deciding to follow Holy Spirit’s leading is a daily choice. It’s not something you decide once and then forget about. It reminds me of a song I used to sing when I was a kid that said, “I’m following Jesus, one step at a time.” Giving your life to Christ may be a one-time choice, but deciding to make Jesus your Lord—deciding to submit to His leading and His ways—that’s a daily choice, but it’s one you are empowered to make. P.S. We believe in the power of prayer. Send us your prayer request and we'll pray for you!

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victory through the Spirit

	Victory Through the Spirit

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death…For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:2-6 NASB Paul was honest. He admitted doing “the very thing I hate.” He felt like a “wretched man.” Trapped. Seeking freedom from the weaknesses of his flesh. Then, turning to a new chapter (Romans 8), Paul describes his discovery of the importance of the “Spirit.” (The Greek word is used 22 times in this chapter!) His message: The Spirit doesn’t improve us. He changes us. And changes everything in our lives. This chapter reveals the vast scope of His impact. The Spirit frees us from condemnation and the hold of sin and death. He changes our will and affection, and helps us break free from the weaknesses of our flesh. The Spirit gives us life and peace. He ends our hostility with God and allows us to live in harmony with Him. He helps us please God. He gives life and health. The Spirit frees us from fears and bondage, and enables us to be adopted into God’s family. Through the Spirit we can have an intimate relationship with God as our Father. He helps us in our weak, human condition, and “prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words” (Romans 8:26 NLT). In your journey, you may experience struggles and weaknesses. But remember that God has given you His Spirit. As Jesus promised, He was given to teach you all things. To guide you “into all the truth.” As Jesus said, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing” (John 6:63). Today, remember that the Spirit is with you. Your comforter, teacher, and guide. To enable you to do what your flesh cannot. Prayer Father, fill me anew with Your Spirit. Change me by Your Spirit. Fill me with the power of the Spirit. May Your Spirit flow through me to change others. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Pray that God would pour His Spirit on the staff of Inspiration Ministries in a fresh way.  Extended Reading Romans 8