Standing against the Wiles of the devil...

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Eph 6:10-11


What is wile(s)

1. a trick, artifice, or stratagem meant to fool, trap, or entice; device.
2. wiles, artful or beguiling behavior.
3. deceitful cunning; trickery.

He gets us EVERY TIME.... When will we learn that it is just the wiles of the devil playing us. He lies to us, wants to trap us, discourage us and snare us. He will do anything he can do with cunning satanic variety to weaken us and destroy us. He goes to work daily to produce discouragement, confusion, indifference and imbalance. He is our chief enemy, but deals in wiles and stratagems.

It always happens in relationships. That's where he gets us. Even when we have great marriages, or great friendships, or a great workplace environment... He always tries to get in there and mess with our emotions.

I fell victim to this attempt on Tuesday and it only took me a day to recognize that it was the "wiles of the devil". I refused to stay in offense. I refused to stay upset or defeated. I just overwhelmed the devils attempt to get me to stay mad or angry because I wanted peace and reconciliation more than I wanted to be right or indignant. Does that make sense. I wanted peace and I knew this wasn't about us.

For Ephesians goes on to say in verse 12: Our fight is not against people on earth but against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world's darkness, against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world.

So you know what I did... I prayed for humility and put on the armor of God. Then I went and talked it out and got over it. Score 1 for Lea Anne; zero for the devil... this week!!

Here's the secret weapon!! Ephesians 13-19
That is why you need to put on God's full armor. Then on the day of evil you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing.So stand strong, with the belt of truth tied around your waist and the protection of right living on your chest. On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong. And also use the shield of faith with which you can stop all the burning arrows of the Evil One. Accept God's salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times with all kinds of prayers, asking for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready and never give up. Always pray for all God's people.

We get to choose whether or not we will live in victory or defeat... Every day we get to choose. It doesn't matter what we did yesterday. Choose today to live in victory and stand up against the Wiles of the devil...

Standing strong.
Lea Anne

The Excitment of a "First"

This morning when I awoke, my first thought was about how anticipated this day has been for many people. For almost 2 weeks, our state mainly, but the whole nation has been waiting for the big playoff between the New Orleans Saints and that other team... Who is it again? Oh yeah, the Colt's. I've seen more Black and Gold for sale around town this past week than I've ever seen before. I have firmly resisted buying a "Saints" shirt but that's not to say that I won't buy one after they win today... just saying is all... Okay, back to the thought...

The Superbowl is probably the only game in a year that I actually watch and I always enjoy the event, but this year it's a little different. This year is a "FIRST" for me. This year is the "FIRST" time that the New Orleans Saints has made it to the Superbowl.

What is it about "FIRSTS" that are so appealing? Just think about how many "firsts" have already been experienced in your life...

First day of school..

First boyfriend/girlfriend...

First kiss...

First job...

First paycheck...

First car...

First house....

First child...

First fight in a relationship...

First love...


So then I thought, is it the actual EVENT that is so exciting? Or is it WAITING for the event that is so exciting?

Why is a first "thing" so anticipated?

Is it because we SEE others have it and we want it for ourselves?

Is it because we have HEARD about it from others and we can't wait until it's "our turn?"

What is it about "firsts" that make us almost crazy for the experience of it?

1 Cor 2:9 says 'No Eye has seen, no ear has heard and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him'. This verse was quoted from scipture in Isaiah 64:4 that ends it by saying "A God like you who works for those that WAIT for him!"

Who "WAITS" on HIM...

I think it's the WAITING that is more exciting than the actual EVENT. The WAITING is the fun part... Once the event happens, it will just be the "Next" time for that thing... not as much fun as the waiting on the first time... and sometimes the thing you waited for may not be what you expected. Some "THINGS" have a way of disappointing us that way.

So...What are you waiting for? I hope you are waiting on the Lord. I pray that you are seeking HIM before you act... Remember, once you take action on that "First" thing, whatever it is, it might not be as exciting as the waiting was. Don't place your hope and faith on the EVENT...

When we place our hope in the Lord and wait on Him, on His timing, on His guidance, on His go-ahead, we won't be able to imagine the goodness He has prepared for us.

Have fantastic, fun-filled, expectation fulfilled day today.
Lea Anne