Monday, June 10, 2013

One Step Ahead

   We have a new puppy at our place, a six month old Border Collie that we named Grace. I figured she was going to need a lot of grace, and we were, too, to raise her. I gave my husband Phillip Keller's book "Lessons From a Sheep Dog" for his birthday. Keller had a Border Collie as his beloved companion and sheep herder. You know what comes next, right? My husband had to have one, too.
   We've found out since Grace has been at our house that we need to keep one step ahead of her. These dogs are highly intelligent and full of energy. As I've thought about Grace, I have seen how I need to keep one step ahead of Satan. If I give Satan an inch, he'll take a mile. If I give him a thought, it will stay in my mind a whole day. If I give him one bad experience, he'll push me into depression for days.
   I can keep one step ahead of Satan if I refuse to think negative thoughts and by reading my Bible and claiming Jesus' promises daily. I can keep one step ahead of Satan by recognizing that I am a child of God and by resolving to not let  bad experiences trigger old thoughts of inadequacy and lack.
   I am not that abused, damaged little girl anymore. I am a mature woman that has been in love with Jesus for a lot of years. If I surrender all my cares to Him daily and ask Him to walk with me every second and every step of the day, then He will enable me to keep one step ahead of Satan. 
"So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you", James 4:7.
"...because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world", I John 4:4b.

2 comments:

  1. One of my favorite dog breeds, and two of my favorite scriptures!
    Our SIL has a border collie, and he is very intelligent and very sweet and loyal. That breed was given the #1 in the ten smartest dogs study!
    I love how you said: "If I give satan one thought he will stay in my mind all day."
    I know how important it is to take captive every single thought...Jesus will fill our minds and hearts with good things instead!
    ~God bless~ Lisa

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  2. This is good Peggy. I know what you mean about giving satan just that one thought and it will stay in your mind all day.
    He's clever and wiley. We do have to be careful. I know when I don't read my Bible and give my thoughts to Jesus...i'm so in trouble! Thanks for the reminder.
    Blessings to you...Chelle

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