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SMART Goals for the New Year: How to Set Them and Follow Through

By
Alecia M. White
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smart goals

Smart Goals for Smart Saints

This is the time of year where everyone and their friendship circles set goals and have vision board parties. The time for the planner section in Office Depot to be empty is upon us.

Be prepared for resolutions to be declared and diets to be started. And no, there is nothing wrong with any of these things, but I want us all to be mindful of our execution.

Proverbs 29:18 in our Playbook says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” So, yes, we’ve got to set those goals, but we have got to make goals that are attainable, not just cute on paper or a “vision board.”

See, planning means nothing without follow-through. James 2:26 tells us that “faith without works is dead.” When we set goals and write our visions out, we are essentially just putting forth faith that these things will get done over the coming year. It is important to put forth the effort that it takes to get things done.

Have you ever heard of SMART goals?

smart goals
Source: Dungdm93, Wikimedia Commons

Well if you haven’t, you will today. SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. Now, I have noticed, at the few vision board parties that I have been to, people set pretty lavish goals. On one end of the board, they are trying to get a better paying job and find a car, and on the other end, they are purchasing a 12-bedroom house and a yacht.

Okay… okay… I know God can do anything, but we must sometimes be practical with what we expect of ourselves.

Back to the SMART goals… let’s break it down, just a little:

  • Specific: Write down exactly what you want to accomplish.
  • Measurable: Be sure that you are able to track your progress, e.g. track weight loss by taking measurements at set times or track your financial goals by how much you save within a timeframe.
  • Attainable: Be sure that the goals you set can be achieved within the timeframe you set.
  • Relevant: Make sure your goals fit your lifestyle, purpose, and will help you in your next phases.
  • Timely: Give yourself a time limit to complete each goal.

So, what’s the play call?

Making plans can be the easy part. I do it all the time. Then, I may end up on the couch because I didn’t follow through (Friday night problems). Here are a few things to keep in mind as you break out the glue sticks and poster boards for your SMART goals:

  1. Seek God first. We have tons of great ideas, but are they the will of God for our lives? There are a couple of ways to find out, but asking God is the safest, most fail-proof way to know for sure. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
  2. Write it down. I can’t begin to count how many “great” ideas I’ve had and forgotten them because I didn’t take the extra couple of minutes to write them down. Don’t be like me in those times. “And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” Habakkuk 2:2
  3. Don’t be so hard on yourself. As I shared in a previous article, my dad passed in November 2018 and since then, I have been struggling to “pick up where I left off.” I have beat myself up trying to “catch up” and reach goals because others are still moving at a fast pace. I’ve had to learn not to be hard on myself. So, I am telling you that it’s okay not to keep up and it is okay to set goals that may not seem as farfetched as those of a friend or colleague. “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.” Ecclesiastes 9:11
  4. Don’t rush yourself. And no, I don’t mean for you to drag your feet, either. But, what I’m saying is that so often we feel like we are behind time, so we try to rush our goals into existence. We rush that business plan without planning for a rainy day, saving a little extra, and reviewing blueprints that extra time. We rush the wedding because everyone says we’re too old not to be married with children. Set the goal, work toward it, and let it happen. “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” Ecclesiastes 3:1

I pray that we will all seek God before we set those smart goals. I also pray that everything you set your mind to do for the year, you accomplish. Remember to think SMART.

 

3 Ways to Fly Solo When Everybody Can’t Go With You

By
Alecia M. White
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everybody can't go

Recently, I traveled out of the country for the first time. I had the opportunity to go to London and it was amazing. With it being an international flight, though, it was much longer than a domestic flight. The total time was set to be seven hours and forty-five minutes. In my mind, that was about as long as a full work day, and too long to be sitting right next to two other people. When choosing a seat, I selected a middle seat anyway, because it was a little closer to the front of the plane than all the other available seats.

Once we’d gotten to the airport and to the gate, I decided to speak to the attendant at the counter to see if any aisle seats were left, so that at least, if I had row mates, I wouldn’t be squished in the middle. I gave the attendant my name and she looked at me and said, “Oh no honey, there is no one else on your row. Do not change your seat.”

Of course, I took her advice. Once boarded, I was able to put my carryon bag under one of the seats in front of me. The seats being empty on either side of me allowed me to lift the arm rests and stretch out so that I could be more comfortable. I didn’t have to worry about bumping into anyone or accidentally leaning over on them when I fell asleep. I had my own space.

Everybody Can’t Go With You… and That’s OK.

everybody can't goOkay, let’s cut to the chase. Some of us are on paths that require us to be on a “row” alone. We need the space to stretch out. Often, the problem is that we cannot handle the feeling of isolation and would rather take the middle seat. You see, when we sit in the middle seat, we have restrictions. You can’t quite see out of the window, and you don’t have the option to stretch your legs out into the aisle. We must get to the point where we are willing to sit in the row alone, for the sake of our destiny having the room it needs to make the trip.

So, What’s the Play Call?

I know sometimes the middle seat seems more convenient in our life scenarios. It offers us the security of being surrounded by people we know, and not feel left behind. But, here are a few things to recall when everybody can’t go with you and you must occupy an empty row:

  1. Know that you are never alone. Nope, God is always with you, even when you feel deserted, so don’t focus on the empty seats around you. “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:20
  1. Know that your calling is yours alone. When you hear the phrase, “everybody can’t go with you”, this is what it means. Nobody else is called to do what you do, the way you do it. It is only logical that you will have times when God needs to get you by yourself. “For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14
  1. Listen to the Lord’s leading. Just like I listened to that gate attendant leading me into my best option for a good flight, God will lead you into your best option for the destiny and purpose He has chosen for you. “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Matthew 11:15

I know flying solo can be a tough situation, but God knows best, and He will never lead you astray. Whatever you do, don’t change your seat.

 

Are You Exercising Rubber Band Faith?

By
Keiston France
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rubber band faith

I love rubber bands. They are one of the greatest inventions ever! They are simple, practical, and useful. And, while there are many uses for them, one of the most basic functions of rubber bands is to hold a group of objects together.

I always keep a rubber band around my wrist. You never know when you might need one! But my habit took on new meaning this past year when my friend and teammate, who also wears one around his wrist, offered me a challenge. When I asked him why he wore his rubber band, he said that it was a constant reminder that God wanted to stretch him daily.

I was converted on the spot! Rubber bands are pretty useless unless they are stretched. When they are extended beyond their standard form, they can hold things together and accomplish their purpose. After hearing his reasoning, I began to look at my rubber band as a reminder to have rubber-band faith.

Stretch Your Faith Like a Rubber Band.

rubber band faithThink about it. Faith is much like a rubber band in that it is useless unless it is stretched. Our faith needs to be tested, because when we step out of our comfort zone, it is expanded. Scripture tells us that Jesus was astonished only twice-once for a man’s great faith (Matthew 8:5-10) and once for a group’s lack of it (Mark 6:4-6). The Roman commander in Matthew had so much faith that he asked Jesus to just speak words of healing and his servant would be made well. Jesus’ response was, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” (Matthew 8:10). That’s rubber-band faith.

I think we all need to examine our level of faith and ask ourselves if it is getting stronger or weaker. When we are willing to step out and stretch ourselves, God shows up and does what we can’t do. We need to keep putting ourselves in situations where we whisper, “God, if You don’t show up, I am bound to fail. I can’t do this on my own strength.”

As followers of Christ, we are all blessed with talents and skills to perform certain things at a high level. It’s hard to have rubber band faith when we rely too much on our own strength and abilities. We need to step out of our own way and ask the Lord to stretch us daily. When we have rubber band faith, we will immediately respond, “God did it!” instead of, “I did it!”

So, What’s The Play Call?

True faith begins at the edge of your comfort zone. Be bold and courageous and step out, letting God extend you. Trust me, you were made to be stretched. Think about it:

  1. In your own words, how would you define rubber-band faith?
  2. When has your faith been stretched the most? How did God show up?
  3. As a competitor, how can you play with rubber-band faith? How can you live with rubber-band faith?
  4. Read Mark 6:4-6. Why was Jesus astonished? What can you learn from this passage?

 
 

3 Ways to Control Your Need for Control

By
Kim Brightness
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control freak

Control freak.

control freakIt’s like a drug for some of us. A reachable high that never fails to satisfy, while we rock to our theme song by Janet Jackson.

If the world isn’t spinning in our all-knowing, ever-controlling hands, it would spin out of control into the dark recesses of the Universe – or so we think.  The object of our control needs our intervention. We’re only being helpful, and putting our great ideas to good use, right?

Worst case?

There are times when our controlling nature takes a hit and loses the game. We have to take that hard “L” and walk away empty-handed. We end up ruining a relationship or blowing an opportunity, and yet, we cling frantically to our consolation prize – “I lost, but I did it my way.”

Where does your need for control show up?

Do you find yourself constantly manipulating situations to make yourself look or feel important on your job, to your family, on social media? Are you in a relationship where every move, every decision must be dictated or approved by you – or it’s a no-go?

Beware: The ‘Control’ Drought Cometh

need for controlOne thing I know about our Father – God won’t let our foolishness go too long without ordering our steps toward correction. Life happens, people and situations change. And now, what once was a flash flood of Control becomes a flash drought of “it’s out of my hands!”

Really God?

I remember one of my personal control drought stages when I dropped my youngest off to college. Can you say there’s nothing but desert and sand spurs now where rivers of control once flowed freely?

If there’s one place where the need for control shows up in all its glory, it’s in parenthood. From BEFORE birth, we control, guide, advise, and lead our children. While it adds up to 18 years of preparation for adulthood, it rarely translates into 18 years of learning to let go.

It hit me hard.

Unfortunately, parents – we don’t get a pass.

The need for control in our kids’ lives is just as revealing as the need for control elsewhere – it uncovers a lack of trust in and dependence on God.

It’s easy to become our own little “gods”. We unknowingly build altars upon which we expect others to bow to us. All the while, we humbly exalt our pride and our egos, and we diminish the sovereign power of God in the situation.

Maybe you’re in a season where you’ve hit your Control drought.  You’re used to running the show, and now you’re in process, learning to let go and let God.

Whether you’re entering, in, or leaving your Control drought, one thing you can trust and believe – the thirst for Control will hit you again. Remember, it’s like a drug.

Those thoughts of “Well, I’m just going to do this one little thing…” – stop it!  When your thirst for control flares up, consider these 3 points:

How to Control Control

1. Work on your own humanity.

How is it that a Controller needs to be controlled?  Face it, we’re all human, we all have issues. The problem is this: The 1 or 2 things we try to control with others, we have a long laundry list of things we can’t control in ourselves (Luke 6:42, ouch!). Spend more time helping yourself than manipulating others with your help.  Shift your attention to self-control.

2. Consider the physical, mental, and emotional stress of a control freak.

How often do stress and worry come with our need for control (1 Peter 5:7)?  Umm, they’re a total package deal, Team! Why? When you try to control and manipulate everything, you put yourself on the Throne of Responsibility. The outcome’s success or failure all falls on your shoulders. We internalize the stress and energy of monitoring, keeping track, keeping up, doing more – it’s too much! Let it go, and watch your physical, mental, and emotional health improve.

3. Tell the truth: Who’s better for the job – you or God?

As savvy as we think we are, we can never out savvy God. We don’t even come close. See, that’s often the price of success – the need to control pride.  When we have relative success in one area, we believe we know it all, or worse yet, we know more than God.  Stop telling yourself that lie! God is better equipped – omniscient and omnipresent – to handle every concern we have in our lives.

So, What’s the Play Call?

Move out of God’s way. When we move out of God’s way, we’ll move out of our own way. God will not compete with our need for control – it’s either His job or ours.

Your Gifts and Talents Aren’t Like Theirs, and It’s OK

By
Alecia M. White
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gifts and talents

Now, I like to cook. I’m no chef, but I do pretty well. Cooking even helps me think at times. I don’t cook as often as I should, but I do. Sometimes, I get fancy and pull a recipe from a cookbook or online, and add my own flare to it. My dad taught me, and my mom keeps sliding her recipes my way so that she can sit back while I whip them up.

Here’s the thing, I don’t bake. Well, I do, but from a box where you add an egg, some water, and ⅓ cup of oil. Uh-huh, the box is my friend! I can make you a cake, cookies, or whatever else Betty Crocker puts on the grocery store shelves, but I didn’t get the baking gene from my mom, grandmother, or great aunt. I have tried sifting flour and separating the wet and dry ingredients, but nothing has helped. Baking just isn’t my thing.

For a while, I felt bad because I thought it was something that should come naturally, especially during the holidays when the mixers and aprons come out. At Thanksgiving, I wanted to make my mom’s pound cake and at Christmas, I wanted so badly to make that cute assortment of cookies you see in magazines and on the Food Network.

Eventually, I got over it when it clicked that it just wasn’t for me to do. Like I said before, you get the “box” if you want a cake from me.

Your Gifts and Talents Were Tailored Made for You

gifts and talentsBy now, you know I’m not just sharing or asking advice on my baking skills (or lack of), but I have a point. Just like baking is not my thing, there are some gifts and talents that others have that you will not. Oftentimes, especially in the church, we are expected to do the same things that others do – usher, sing, preach – but the truth is, God did not design us all the same way.

There are many people who serve God that will never do any of those things, and they are just as called as those who do. As I said, I used to feel awkward about the fact that I couldn’t quite get the family pound cake just right. I had to learn that my strengths are somewhere else and it is a privilege to know what I am actually capable of doing.

Sometimes, it’s hard to avoid the pressure though, that we should all be singers or preachers, especially when there’s a chance that you may not get the same recognition as someone else who does. 

So, What’s the Play Call?

Trust me, I know it’s easy to get discouraged because of what we can or cannot do, but be comforted in knowing that what God placed within us will impact the world in ways that another cannot. Here are a few things to remember when your gifts and talents in a certain area don’t meet the mark:

  1. Your gift is necessary. What God has placed within you to do cannot be done by anyone else. And, just because there are other “chefs” in the kitchen, it does not mean your dish is not needed. “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:4
  2. Your gift is enough. It’s easy to believe that we lack something when we feel that someone else has what we do not. That is not necessarily the case because God did not create us with lack. In fact, He created us “wonderfully”. “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalms 139:14
  3. You were chosen to carry your gift. God was intentional about what He chose you to do. He never had any doubts or questions about what you would be good at, and He is constantly perfecting the gift that He chose us to carry. “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10
  4. Your gift is a masterpiece. Yes, it is, and without anything extra that you could think to add. The gift that God placed in you is specific to you. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

Before you go taking on anything else to prove your talents and abilities, focus on what God designed you to do. If He only allowed you to be a baker, then He needs you to utilize your time and efforts perfecting that craft. God made no mistakes when He decided who would do what before the foundation of the world. 

Thanksgiving: A Powerful Weapon of Spiritual Warfare

By
Liz Guya
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thanksgiving

In Everything, Give Thanks

attitude of gratitudeThanksgiving is such a huge part of our Christian life because of what Jesus has done for us and what He continually does every day. But how many of us know that it is easier to give thanks when things are going good than when the enemy is on the attack and all you want to do is cry and complain?

You see, that’s what the enemy wants you to do. As you complain, you are walking in the opposite direction of faith and that means God can’t move in your life in that situation.

However, when we give thanks in accordance to the Word of God, we are strengthening ourselves in faith and shifting our focus on the solution provider. We allow our faith to work as we wait for the manifestation to appear in our lives.

Thanksgiving is not just what we say to God or our adoration to God for all that He does, it is also a weapon and a strong tool to use in spiritual warfare when the enemy throws doubt and thoughts of defeat.

Spiritual Warfare with Praise and Thanksgiving

spiritual warfareIf you are going through tough times, thanksgiving is your weapon of choice because it brings the presence of God in your situation. God loves thankful hearts and He commands us to give thanks in everything.

Understand that it doesn’t say FOR everything, but IN everything. Whatever you are going through give thanks! Whatever you can thank God for, do it and the presence of God will be there to strengthen you.

2 Chronicles 5:13 says, “The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; his love endures forever.” Then the temple of the LORD was filled with the cloud.” The presence of God is released when you give thanks and praise to God.

When we give thanks to the almighty we remain in faith because if we complain we are creating an environment for doubt and worry to take over and the situation will remain. When we give God praise and thanksgiving from our hearts, we are reminding ourselves of what God has already done for us and that builds hope in our hearts that He will come through again. We remind ourselves of God’s love for us and that nothing is impossible for Him – not even your toughest situation.

So, what’s the play call?

May we always give thanks in everything we do whether small or big because we are guarding our hearts against doubt and giving God room to manifest in any situation. In the midst of thanksgiving, God will move on our behalf. God is a good God and He will always come through for us if we only believe.

Perfect Peace in a Chaotic World

By
Drea Frost
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god's protection

Perfect Peace: Myth or Reality?

Is it really possible to live and exist in perfect peace in an ever-increasing chaotic world?

Can God provide the peace I need to get good, consistent, nightly rest?

Is He able to give peace when my household is completely torn apart?

What about when I lose my dream job? Can He still give peace when I’m not sure where the money will come from?

Teammates, the answer is – YES!

Allow me to be completely transparent for a moment; there have been numerous times that I did not allow the peace of God to calm my fears and anxiety. There were certainly times that I thought I needed to figure stuff out before I benefited from the peace of God. I did not allow true peace to overrule the overwhelmingly loud volume of the world. The truth is that He doesn’t require us to figure it out, He requires us to trust Him!

Is Your Heart Troubled?

perfect peaceDo you allow life to trouble you (John 14:1)? Do you feel increasingly overwhelmed by what you see and hear going on in the world?

Jesus lets us in on His plan to leave His peace with us. A matter of fact, He wants to give it to us, freely! “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled.” John 14:27

Who wouldn’t want God’s peace? He says that He will freely give us His peace. His peace is uninterrupted by life’s circumstances, it cannot be disturbed. The peace of God is constant through whatever you face!

So, what’s the play call?

It’s our responsibility to not allow our hearts and minds to be troubled or anxious. Our Playbook tells us to be anxious for absolutely nothing! (Philippians 4:6-7)

Be thankful! Thanksgiving and gratefulness keep our hearts light and our minds free of negative thinking! Allow God’s freely-given peace to guard your heart and mind. You were not created to carry such heavy, consuming loads. Let Christ/Daddy get that for you!

Decide today to become relentless in your pursuit of peace! Settle your thoughts on God and how powerful He truly is, instead of continuously thinking of how bad it may be for you at this present time. Our God is so great and so mighty, please don’t limit or underestimate His power in your life. Take the limits off!

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You.” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT) That’s a promise!

Much Love,
Drea

Pastoral Burnout: 38% Consider Leaving Ministry

By
Christianity Today
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Sitting around campfire beside Lake Tawakoni in Northeast Texas, pastor Nic Burleson has heard pastor after pastor confess their greatest challenges: depression, church conflict, marital strife, and, increasingly, doubt over whether they should continue in their role.

“We have multiple pastors at every retreat that are contemplating leaving ministry,” said Burleson, who organizes the three-day getaways, sponsored by his congregation, Timber Ridge Church in Stephenville, and Vista Church in Heartland. “In a lot of ways, they feel stuck, which just adds on to the pressure and the burnout.”

Pastoral burnout has worsened during the pandemic. A Barna Group survey released found that 38 percent of pastors are seriously considering leaving full-time ministry, up from 29 percent in January.

“The change that has been accelerating in the last 18 months has left a lot of pastors with their heads spinning and their hearts spinning as well,” said Joe Jensen, Barna’s vice president of church engagement.

“All the chaos, all the pressure, the magnifying glass of social media, the pandemic, the politics, the hyper-digital context, it makes sense that you have a lot of pastors saying, ‘Is this really what I signed up for? Is this what I was called into?’”

The greater number of pastors rethinking their profession correlates with rising stress and worse mental health in general. Back in 2016, 85 percent of pastors rated their mental wellbeing as good or excellent, according to a previous Barna poll. In the October 2021 poll, it was down to 60 percent.

Pastors who said they have seriously considered leaving the pulpit were half as likely to say they were …

Continue reading…

Spiritual Espionage: How to Tell if You’re an Asset of the Almighty or the Accuser

By
Kim Brightness
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Spiritual Espionage

Whose Side Are You Leaning On?

Back in the day, when this question was asked in any old-school, holiness church during testimony service, the immediate congregational response was – “leaning on the Lord’s side!”

The praise and worship leader often followed with – “whose side are you praying on… fasting on… preaching on…” – the same response rang true.

Nowadays, the lines between the “Lord’s side” and the enemy’s side have blurred to the point where many straddle the fence or switch Team jerseys depending on the situation, circumstance, or who’s watching.

Others are clearly standing on UNholy ground, singing praises to the Most High in vain (Matthew 15:9), while unknowingly (or knowingly) enlisting in the army of the accuser, the devil.

The reasons for the confusion are diverse, for example:

  1. Lack of study time in the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15). Some followers of Christ do not take it upon themselves to study the Word of God. And, when we don’t, we often depend on the interpretations and explanations of others or our own rather than the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
  2. An impotent prayer life (1 Thessalonians 5:17). For many, prayer has dwindled to a mere “bless me”, “bless them”, or “God, you know my heart.” Our busy lifestyles have pushed quality time communicating with God lower and lower on the priority list. We’re sadly missing out on some great strategies, wisdom, and warnings from God.
  3. False prophets/shepherds are rampant (Matthew 24:24). Jesus warned that false prophets and leaders would rise in the last days with signs and wonders – deceiving many. If we become lazy in our study habits and prayer life, we can be easily deceived by wolves in sheep clothing – and their ambassadors.
  4. The growing popularity of the “there is no side” lie (John 14:6). Many have bought into the thought of “there are no sides, just one God through many paths.” The subtle push for acceptance of everything being “of God” or “of Love” has led many to serve opposing masters – a prideful “Self” who defines its own truth, being the chief god who opposes Father God.

So, with every new paradigm shift, school of thought, every “new thing” that presents itself to the body of Christ, we need to revisit this question – “Whose side are you on?”

Be not deceived, Team – there are only 2 sides. We’re either serving the interests of Father God, Creator of Heaven and earth, through Jesus Christ, OR the deceiver, accuser, and thief – the devil (John 10:10).

Assets of the Enemy

asset of the enemyIn the world of espionage, there’s a type of “asset” (person) who doesn’t even know that they’ve been compromised and actually serving the interest of an opposing foreign power.

The opposing power uses deceptive flattery, ego-boosting, hidden agendas, and lies to trick the asset into thinking they’re doing a good deed to benefit their “side”  – when they’re not.

In spiritual espionage, how does our adversary attempt to play the same tricks on us? We must be knowledgeable of his devices so we won’t be outwitted (2 Corinthians 2:11). Let’s expose some of the subtle ways in which the enemy would have us serve his interest.

Assets in the Enemy’s Arsenal

Teammates, ask God to sharpen your discernment of the asset’s intent, and don’t believe these tricky lies:

The Condemner

Enemy Asset’s Purpose or Goal: To criticize believers to spiritual death and discourage unbelievers from ever turning to Jesus Christ; paint God as mad, angry, “white”, or unjust.

The Tricky Lie: Asset highlights and glorifies sin above the power of the blood of Jesus Christ to forgive, cleanse, and present us faultless before the Father (Hebrews 9:14, Jude 24). Asset believes he or she does “the Church” a noble service as condemnation, sin-shaming, and guilt-tripping will “break” the bondage of sin and shame better than the Holy Spirit’s loving conviction (John 16:8, 13).

The Revenger

Enemy Asset’s Purpose or Goal: To serve as a righteous punisher of wrongdoers; teach others their “Godly lesson”.

The Tricky Lie: Through manipulation of scripture, asset walks in righteous judgment, “helping” God to chastise others for offending His “beloved” son or daughter. The enemy convinces the asset that as heirs of God, he or she also inherits the “right of vengeance” (Romans 12:19).

The Preying Gossip

Enemy Asset’s Purpose or Goal: To use the good-hearted agenda and commandment of prayer to spread rumors about others.

The Tricky Lie: The more “prayer warriors” on the case the better. Asset “recruits” others to “build up” (actually, tear down) and “cover” (actually, uncover) the individual under the guise of “Pray for _______.  Did you hear?” (Proverbs 11:13, James 1:26).

The Truth Mixer

Enemy Asset’s Purpose or Goal: To deceive the body of Christ with just the right amount of truth, mixed with lies; when done properly, the lies will be undetectable by an unproven follower of Christ.

The Tricky Lie: Instead of a lie defiling the truth (Galatians 5:7-9), the truth makes a lie truer. “As long as some truth is present, that’s all that matters.” Asset assures others that the presence of “some” truth is a good enough cause or excuse for all-in trust and compliance.

The Silent Witness

Enemy Asset’s Purpose or Goal: To value a false sense of peace or “minding one’s own business” by remaining silent on issues where the truth would save others, but also offend others.

The Tricky Lie: Asset decides that it is someone else’s job to speak up; it takes too much emotional and physical energy to try to save others (James 5:19-20); asset uses said energy for “good works” like helping the poor, feeding the hungry. It’s more important to serve than to offend anyone or make them uncomfortable.

So, What’s the Play Call?

Team, be not deceived by the lies and contradictions of the devil. Diligently read the play calls in the Word of God, praying for understanding and guidance through the Holy Spirit.

Lay all of your “good intentions” at the feet of Jesus. Ask Him to “Search me O’ God, try me, know my heart, thoughts…see if there be any wicked way in me.” Psalm 139:23-24

If you find that there are instances where you have been an “unknowing asset” of the enemy, be grateful for the truth, repent today, and turn your ways to God.

Allow God to renew (un-program) your mind. And, as you present your life to God by pursuing holiness and sacrificial worship, you will be able to discern the Lord’s side from that of the enemy. You will know what is good, what is pleasing, what is the true will of God for your life (Romans 12:1-2).

You will know and submit to God as your Handler – and another’s voice you will not follow (John 10:4-5).

Love you all!

Against All Odds: “King Richard” Hits Theaters on November 19th

By
Editorial Staff
-

king richardKing Richard: From the Streets of Compton to Sports Icons

Armed with a clear vision and a brazen 78-page plan, Richard Williams is determined to write his daughters, Venus and Serena, into history. Training on Compton, California’s neglected tennis courts—rain or shine—the girls are shaped by their father’s unyielding commitment and their mother’s balanced perspective and keen intuition, defying the seemingly insurmountable odds and prevailing expectations laid before them.

Based on the true story that will inspire the world, “King Richard” follows the uplifting journey of a family whose unwavering resolve and unconditional belief ultimately deliver two of the world’s greatest sports legends.

Two-time Oscar nominee Will Smith (“Ali,” “The Pursuit of Happyness,” “Bad Boys for Life”) stars as Richard, under the direction of Reinaldo Marcus Green (“Monsters and Men”). Aunjanue Ellis (“If Beale Street Could Talk,” TV’s “Quantico”) plays the girls’ mom, Oracene “Brandi” Williams, Saniyya Sidney (“Hidden Figures,” “Fences”) stars as Venus Williams, Demi Singleton (TV’s “Godfather of Harlem”) stars as Serena Williams, with Tony Goldwyn (the “Divergent” series, TV’s “Scandal”) as coach Paul Cohen and Jon Bernthal (upcoming “The Many Saints of Newark,” “Ford v Ferrari”) as coach Rick Macci. The ensemble also includes Andy Bean (“IT Chapter Two”), Kevin Dunn (the “Transformers” films, HBO’s “Veep”), and Craig Tate (“Greyhound”).

The film will be in theaters on November 19th and on HBO Max via their Ad-Free plan for 31 days following theatrical release.
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