Good morning!
Resurrection Sunday is fast approaching. As we consider Good Friday and Jesus death on the Cross, He (Jesus) demonstrated the ultimate in gaining victory in spiritual warfare as He was fully obedient and trusting in the Father for victory over satan that day 2000 years ago when He gave His life - not just for us, but for the Kingdom, for restoration of all things!
I do not know about you, but most of the time I do not remember dreams. But the ones I do remember stick with me because of a) the content of the dream; b) how it might relate to what is going on in my life; c) some fear or terror I might have felt during the dream; or d) some physical manifestation that occurs during the dream.
I would suggest that sometimes, maybe often, dreams relate to spiritual things happening in our lives, possibly spiritual battles that we need to entrust to God. We need to wrap ourselves in His love, trust in our Savior Jesus in those moments – even as we retire at night to sleep, to rejuvenate ourselves for the day to come. I see these verses as speaking to me about how I can prepare myself before going to sleep at night – seeking His protection for my spiritual well-being while I sleep
I am not sure you will find this funny, but a few years ago I fell (actually seemed to me like I flew) out of bed. I was having a dream and I had to dodge something in the dream and ended up on the floor…made me laugh (that morning…not so much when it happened that night). How does this relate to God and this verse from James? My heart was racing from the intensity of the dream and some fear I must have been feeling.
Life can make us feel that way so for me asking God to be with me in those moments brings peace and calm…stills my heart and in that, I can really feel the nearness of God. Paul spoke to us about spiritual warfare (see Ephesians 6:10-20 - putting on the full armor of God for battle) – it is real and can happen – even while we are sleeping.
So let us seek the presence and protection of Jesus at all times. Drawing near to God is a weapon against the darkness of this world, against the power of sin, against fear and a weapon that allows us to share the Good News and God’s love with our neighbors and our enemies alike.
Remember this as you prepare yourself - heart, body, mind and soul - to celebrate Resurrection Sunday!
Lord Jesus, my prayer for each of us as we enter this weekend is that at all times we look to you for our safety and protection, Your armor, allowing us to know Your peace as the evil one tries to distract us with fear and uncertainty. We trust in you Lord Jesus! Amen!
Have a weekend filled with the Peace that comes from knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Patrick
Resurrection Sunday is fast approaching. As we consider Good Friday and Jesus death on the Cross, He (Jesus) demonstrated the ultimate in gaining victory in spiritual warfare as He was fully obedient and trusting in the Father for victory over satan that day 2000 years ago when He gave His life - not just for us, but for the Kingdom, for restoration of all things!
I do not know about you, but most of the time I do not remember dreams. But the ones I do remember stick with me because of a) the content of the dream; b) how it might relate to what is going on in my life; c) some fear or terror I might have felt during the dream; or d) some physical manifestation that occurs during the dream.
I would suggest that sometimes, maybe often, dreams relate to spiritual things happening in our lives, possibly spiritual battles that we need to entrust to God. We need to wrap ourselves in His love, trust in our Savior Jesus in those moments – even as we retire at night to sleep, to rejuvenate ourselves for the day to come. I see these verses as speaking to me about how I can prepare myself before going to sleep at night – seeking His protection for my spiritual well-being while I sleep
- “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” – James 4:7-8
I am not sure you will find this funny, but a few years ago I fell (actually seemed to me like I flew) out of bed. I was having a dream and I had to dodge something in the dream and ended up on the floor…made me laugh (that morning…not so much when it happened that night). How does this relate to God and this verse from James? My heart was racing from the intensity of the dream and some fear I must have been feeling.
Life can make us feel that way so for me asking God to be with me in those moments brings peace and calm…stills my heart and in that, I can really feel the nearness of God. Paul spoke to us about spiritual warfare (see Ephesians 6:10-20 - putting on the full armor of God for battle) – it is real and can happen – even while we are sleeping.
So let us seek the presence and protection of Jesus at all times. Drawing near to God is a weapon against the darkness of this world, against the power of sin, against fear and a weapon that allows us to share the Good News and God’s love with our neighbors and our enemies alike.
Remember this as you prepare yourself - heart, body, mind and soul - to celebrate Resurrection Sunday!
Lord Jesus, my prayer for each of us as we enter this weekend is that at all times we look to you for our safety and protection, Your armor, allowing us to know Your peace as the evil one tries to distract us with fear and uncertainty. We trust in you Lord Jesus! Amen!
Have a weekend filled with the Peace that comes from knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Patrick
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