Satan still lurking

Take a gander at any news outlet and the headlines will reveal just how pervasive sin is in this world.

Read the Bible and you’ll know who is keeping this world twisted and tumultuous.

1 Peter 5:8 (KJV) – “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

And the way the news reads today, he’s roaring loudly and proudly.

The news offers little, if any, counter options to roaring of sin in the 21st century.

But every piece of negative news opens the potential for conversation.

You, disciple, have THE option to offer.

Philemon 1:6 (KJV) – “That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.”

Now, disciple, how will you react to the roaring lion prowling among us in every aspect of this world?

We can tell the world of the goodness of the Gospel and do so without fear because Christ is with us no matter what the lion does.

John 20:21 (KJV) – “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”

Jesus is with you, disciple, share some good news today.

3 Questions for now

If you can stomach the top news of each day, you’ll have conversation topics aplenty to strike up a chat with someone.

Just take a look at the main point of a news story, and that’s enough to start. Just be careful, politics is a dicey subject in today’s world.

Whatever is happening in the news about this wild world, you can ask a question.

Be prepared, and simple ask:

• Did you read about xxxxxxxx?

• Did you see that crazy play in the big game?

• What do you think about (this bad thing that happened)?

Whatever the subject, turn it back to the Gospel.

That lion may be roaring, but Jesus’ call to share Him with others quiets the roar.

Be kind. Love others. Be bold.

Shawn’s noodling rant:

(“Noodling” is a term I swiped from my mentor. The meaning is to “ponder” or “think deeply about” a topic that God is challenging us with through scripture or the Holy Spirit, or both.)

Despite setbacks, struggles find ways to share

Don’t know about you, but this week has been a struggle, battling personal stumbles and seasonal sickness running through the house and the workplace.

It’s been a whirlwind of picking up the pieces from those stumbles and trying to get rest and healing both spiritually and physically.

At times it can all be a bit overwhelming.

So, when it gets this rough, I knuckle under and work to get back on track.

Face the challenge, be clear and humble about the mistake or trouble, and take whatever medicine is needed to recover and move forward.

And follow that process as many times as needed to get better.

Psalm 31:24 (KJV) – “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.”

2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV) – “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Now, disciple, live your life in peace as much as possible, face this roaring world with the confidence that God is with you always, and find ways to share with people what you know – Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.