4.14- I have had two Jesus follower friends this week who told me that the evil one had tempted them with disorder and chaos.

 4.14-

I have had two Jesus follower friends this week who told me that the evil one had tempted them with disorder and chaos. This kind of spiritual fog can disorient us. I reminded them as I remind myself daily that Jesus also was tempted like we are so turning to Him for prayer training is good. He tells us the best prayer is just with us and our Father. Then we must remember that He is 100% loving. That is who He is.

Is the birth of Jesus and the Christmas story real? Yes.

Is the story of Easter and the empty tomb and our hope of life after death real? Yes.

Is the ability of God to guide us to enjoy a loving family real? Yes.

Is it true that where two or three are gathered together that there the Spirit of God is working with them? Yes.

These verses can help in times of complexity, confusion, chaos and disorder.

Set your attitude and stay focused.

Matthew 5.3-12

5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the [a]mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 2 And He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,

3 “[b]Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the [c]gentle, for they will inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

10 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Do we remember that in times of war and famine and earthquake and tornadoes and such there are important things to remember as followers of Jesus.

Matthew 24. 12-14 and Matthew 24.35

12 And because lawlessness is increased, [i]most people’s love will become cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end is the one who will be saved. 14 This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole [j]world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.

Watch out for the source of the disorder. Remember our fight is not with flesh and blood people, but with the evil spirit that is tempting them.

James 3.13-18

13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and [k]selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, [l]natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and [m]selfish ambition exist, [n]there is disorder and every evil thing. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, [o]reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, [p]impartial, free of hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace [q]by those who make peace.

Keep a close monitor on our own thoughts.

Philippians 4.4-9

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. The Lord is [d]near. 6 Do not [e]be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all [f]comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is [g]lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

This is what I am doing right now to keep my mind focused on Jesus in the storm of life. When we fix our eyes on Jesus we don’t get disoriented by the storm. When we focus on the wind and the storm and our fears we start to sink spiritually.

Hope this helps.

Larry Wishard

4.7.22