Late last night I was faced with a familiar suggestion which I recognized in and old pattern of thinking. This is a vulnerability of mine that I've noticed getting tested on a repeating pattern every 6-8 weeks as Satan makes his rounds looking for unlatched windows to enter in through.
As soon as I noticed that initial pattern of thinking and recognized it as not measuring up on the scale of Christ, I reviewed recent issuances of grace knowing that the Lord would not allow for Satan to test me without having recently ministered abundantly for my overcoming.
I had to make a choice to review because in that moment, I was thinking of other things (which reflected an earthly perspective.) This is how so many cycles of growth begin.
In my review, the first thing that came to mind was something Teacher Melissa had shared with me earlier last night that Chief Teacher Maria had shared with her earlier that day. I had discussed it with Melissa at that time and that entire conversation came back to mind so suddenly and completely that I almost forgot about having JUST been tested! I smiled and my heart surged with joy.
I want to remember that the charity shared from charity shared brought about my deliverance by the Hand of God.
Charity reverberates God's grace even as the vibrating of vocal chords manifests the sound of our voices.
Mind your manners brought to mind our need to be longsuffering with those around us including those who have not yet tasted of Christ. There are always people looking for opportunities to dismiss the gospel that we preach, teach, and live by. Let us remember that we are representatives of another kingdom an remain diplomatic with this hostile kingdom where we operate out of the Lord's embassy known by us as the assembly of the saints.
James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 1:16 Do not err, my beloved brethren. 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
In other words... Seal the window if your imagination from the enemy with frequent reflection, rehearing, and reciprocation and use the scale of Christ in truth for discerning every thought. They are not all worthy of our throne (power of our will.)
