[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.
—Philippians 2:13
Most of us desire the good life God has planned for us, but we recognize areas in our lives that need to be changed. Many times you set out to make those changes, yet in spite of your best efforts, you seem powerless to make it happen.
Trying to bring about change through your own strength and plans will always result in frustration. God is waiting for you to stop trying to change and start trusting Him to change you.
If you need to make changes in your thoughts, attitudes, and behavior, understand that you can't do it by yourself. Spend time with God and ask for His help—after all, if He can't do it, it can't be done. But He can . . . and He will!
Watching for Wolves
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.”
Acts 20:29–31
For ranchers in the western United States, predators, such as coyotes and wolves, pose a danger to flocks and herds. Often these predators will pick out the weakest animals in the herd and devour them. Over the years, ranchers have discovered that one effective means of protecting their animals is using guard llamas. Llamas are sociable animals, and they will bond with sheep or goats readily. Once they feel they are part of a herd, they will do everything possible to protect it. When a predator slinks around the edges of a herd, the llamas will see them and walk toward them. Since the predators depend on stealth and surprise, they usually leave. If not, the hooves of the llamas quickly convince them to seek easier prey.
The church and its members are a constant target for Satan. Like a predator stalking a herd, he is continually looking for an opportunity to strike. Every individual Christian has the duty to be on guard against these attacks. We are not only accountable for ourselves, but for others as well. The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. Rather, it is meant to be lived in fellowship and mutual reinforcement of the truth. Hebrews 10:25 admonishes us, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” As we watch and warn, we are protecting both our own lives and the lives of those around us, guarding the flock of God.
Acts 20:29–31
For ranchers in the western United States, predators, such as coyotes and wolves, pose a danger to flocks and herds. Often these predators will pick out the weakest animals in the herd and devour them. Over the years, ranchers have discovered that one effective means of protecting their animals is using guard llamas. Llamas are sociable animals, and they will bond with sheep or goats readily. Once they feel they are part of a herd, they will do everything possible to protect it. When a predator slinks around the edges of a herd, the llamas will see them and walk toward them. Since the predators depend on stealth and surprise, they usually leave. If not, the hooves of the llamas quickly convince them to seek easier prey.
The church and its members are a constant target for Satan. Like a predator stalking a herd, he is continually looking for an opportunity to strike. Every individual Christian has the duty to be on guard against these attacks. We are not only accountable for ourselves, but for others as well. The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. Rather, it is meant to be lived in fellowship and mutual reinforcement of the truth. Hebrews 10:25 admonishes us, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” As we watch and warn, we are protecting both our own lives and the lives of those around us, guarding the flock of God.
Today’s Growth Principle:
Each of us has a responsibility to guard others against the attacks of the enemy.
Stop Trying and Start Trusting
by Joyce Meyer - posted May 27, 2017[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.
—Philippians 2:13
Most of us desire the good life God has planned for us, but we recognize areas in our lives that need to be changed. Many times you set out to make those changes, yet in spite of your best efforts, you seem powerless to make it happen.
Trying to bring about change through your own strength and plans will always result in frustration. God is waiting for you to stop trying to change and start trusting Him to change you.
If you need to make changes in your thoughts, attitudes, and behavior, understand that you can't do it by yourself. Spend time with God and ask for His help—after all, if He can't do it, it can't be done. But He can . . . and He will!
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