The Puppet Show

• Printable Version - Share on Facebook - Posted by Dion Todd April 12, 2020 - Filed in Devotional - 4,637 views

  But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer also the other; and from him who takes away your cloak, don't withhold your coat also. Give to everyone who asks you, and don't ask him who takes away your goods to give them back again. As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them. Luke 6:27 WEB
  
  The stoplight changed to green and we started to make a right hand turn, when suddenly an out-of-state black SUV ran the red light and made a sweeping u-turn in front of us, crossed all three lanes and almost hit us. Then they stuck their arm out of the window and gave us 'The finger.' I began to have very strong feelings about this, and all kinds of crazy thoughts raced through my mind. At that moment, I would have taken great pleasure in breaking their finger off, and sticking it somewhere in them' but we spared them and drove on.
  
  External things should not affect us that way. When they do, we are merely a puppet with strings that people can pull to cause a reaction. It gives people control over you. They can control your actions at anytime by simply pulling the right string. We are to treat others like we would like to be treated, and let that junk inside of us that rises up, die a slow, quiet, and painful death. When it comes to the surface and we take no action, it will eventually leave us. What you feed will grow. What you starve will die.
  
  James 4:7 reads 'Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.' Part of the reason is that the evil spirit will find someone else who will let him use them. We are God's hands and feet on this earth and He works through His people. Disembodied spirits work the same way, through willing people. For example, a spirit of anger needs to inhabit someone willing to be angry, or it will become unhappy with its host and move on to find someone suitable. It will not be happy listening to praise and worship for hours, for it will become uncomfortable and leave.
  
  Don't be anyone's puppet today. Don't let them pull your strings. Keep control of your emotions and resist the temptation to make a fool of yourself. As you submit yourself to God, these tests will certainly come. When we resist it, those things inside of us that want to scream will eventually leave. After enough resisting, the strings will finally be cut and you will no longer be controlled like a puppet.
  
  Prayer: Heavenly Father please set a guard over my mouth and let me be aware of the words that I am about to speak. Give me the grace to smile and shrug off spiteful comments. Remove the darkness inside of me and help me reflect Your personality to the world, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
  
  Note: He is Risen! We pray that you all have a blessed Resurrection Day, as we all celebrate the victory that was brought to us by our beloved Savior! This year has been one of unprecedented struggle for so many of us, but it is also a time to show the world that we are His church, whether or not we are gathering in buildings this day. Praying for all of you, and we so appreciate all of you who pray for us, too. God bless, and happy Easter! You are also welcome to join us as we celebrate the Resurrection at our online church today - here is the link to join: RHM Live Church Service

  > You can subscribe to our daily devotional here <