A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD

I don't know about you but Sunday mornings growing up seemed to be the morning our family fought the most. There was grumbling and complaining, and no doubt I did my share (especially if I had to wear a dress). Well, we are sinners and must be on our guard against sin in our lives but we also have an enemy that wants to steal, kill, and destroy. He certainly doesn't want us to go to church where we get fed and encouraged in our walks with the Lord and where we spend time praising and honoring the Father. This past Sunday was no different. With a closet full of clothes I 'couldn't find anything' to wear. As I spoke my thoughts out loud my loving husband said, "First of all, we're not gonna whine." He was more joking than he was serious but I was convicted. That still didn't change the fact that I didn't like what I had on and still couldn't put together an outfit. Finally I found something I was comfortable in and that was decently cute for church. Nonetheless, Satan and my sin nearly ruined the morning. On the way to church I wondered how much of that was my sin and how much of that was Satan using everything he can to take my focus off God and onto self. I think they go hand in hand and for some reason Satan has pummeled me more in the last few months than he has ever in my life. Needless to say I was encouraged by one of the songs we sang that morning in church. God is so good:

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe, doth seek to work us woe; his craft and power are
great, and armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing,
were not the right man on our side, the man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he; Lord Sabaoth his name,
from age to age the same, and he must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God hath willed his truth to triumph through us.
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him; his rage we can endure,
for lo, his doom is sure; one little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours thro' him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; the body they may kill;
God's truth abideth still; his kingdom is forever.

If you think about it, please pray for me that I would not be unaware of Satan's schemes and that when he does attack that I would not believe his lies and succumb to depression and tears. Pray that I would put on the full armor of God and stand firm. And I will do this BY HIS GRACE. I pray you too will stand firm against Satan's attacks. Let us not forget we have an enemy that seeks to devour us and to call on our God, the Mighty Fortress that never fails.