A low blow:

Today I got some news that really has felt like a punch below the belt...

I even saw photo evidence that was hard to stomach...You know the happy, smiley type that leaves you shaking your head, thinking I'd rather not have seen that? The news that makes you face, what may seem like another, cold, hard reality and admit to yourself, you have totally nothing nice to say that wouldn't be actually fake?

Yes, I am human and at times I'd prefer it if I wasn't!

Some background information – I had already been working through some personal stuff, making the happy picture bitter to swallow. I had already been processing some realities and God's ultimate sovereignty. There were moments when I'd feel like saying, “How long Lord?” but overall I was doing well. And then wham – The Newsflash! And the enemy tried to knock me down with that old lie, that I am not-good-enough...You know, rejected dross?

And I'm like, “I really don't need this right now. I was going well!!”

What a low blow...

When speaking to a good friend today, she reminded me of my need for the Armour of God!

As a warrior daughter for The King-of-Kings, the enemy would have me fall off my steed if he could...I need God's Armour of protection.

Ephesians 6:10-17

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Sometimes in life we can be hit with a low blow.

Yet we have a choice how we can react.

We can choose to see the Truth, that God has a good plan for our life for His Kingdom and Glory that will result in His peace for us...or we can be sidetracked by the carnival sideshows and live with a defeated mindset, rather than a victorious one because Christ has risen from the grave and is living in us!

Yes, sometimes low blows hurt.

But I know who I am in Christ Jesus and I am choosing to stand in that truth.

If you get hit with a low blow, believe me, He knows and will never leave you abandoned...Keep worshipping, keep reading His Word and talk to a trusted brother or sister in Christ!

For, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.

By His Grace, Melanie.

Easter: No, it's not really extra special for me.

To be honest 'Easter' isn't extra special to me.

Actually it annoys me a little, when people expect me to make an 'extra' effort to contemplate the Crucifixion and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. I mean, Jesus is worth this devotion, every day.

You see, for me and many others, the death and resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our lives, not just something to remember and give thanks for once a year. No, we're not somehow more holy because we WILL NOT eat any meat on Good Friday and our chocolate eggs until Sunday morning...

Even our religious practices can become an idol...an extension of our own self-focused, proud piety.

In truth the Christian Holy Week (when the Church takes the time to intently focus upon Jesus' triumphal entrance back into Jerusalem, His death and resurrection) is most wonderful for evangelical, Christian proclamation.

You see, it's another, intentional chance, for us who understand the Gospel message, to share with others (who may not hear it any other time of the year) the Truth about life, death, final judgment and eternity. For this is how our lives should be lived...

Our lives should be lived in the revelation of the Truth of Jesus Christ – the Truth of His atoning death and victorious resurrection and how this relates to us all!

This is why Jesus left us with the job description He did, (also known as the Great Commission). We are to take the Truth about life – the message of forgiveness, and new life for eternity through Jesus Christ – to the ends of the earth, until He returns to save those who belong to Him!

Now this is an every day duty, not just a once-a-year special focus, like a church Easter fete!

The message of the Gospel is that death could not hold the sinless, perfect One and His death and resurrection can become ours, when we repent of our sin and give our whole life to Jesus.

Halleluijah – this is Good News!

Our sin that leads to death and eternal separation from God, can be dealt with forever through God who became a human man, Jesus Christ.

This is the truth that now permeates my whole body, mind and spirit and defines my days.

Scripture is full of exhortations for us to live our lives with minds set on eternity, rather than the temporary...yet today we see so many living worldly lives which pamper one's flesh, rather than sing His praise.

If as Christians we need to have a 'holy week' for our own benefit, above proclamation, then perhaps we need to take a good look at our lives and repent; so that we let do not let our own life get in the way of what should be our first priority, loving The Lord Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and sharing this love with others, until He returns.

In love, Melanie.

Perception

As human beings, our perception is a very real part of who we are.

How we see and process things is unique to us all as individuals...

Our perception can be accurate, but it can also be sadly wrong.

Our minds are fascinating.

I've noticed some core traits linked with people who seem to have limitations in accurate perception. They can be be; immaturity, insecurity, mental illness, unforgiveness, limited understanding and application of scripture, self-obsession and trauma.

I believe oftentimes, people who fail to see what is obvious to others, or the truth of a situation are 'stuck'. They are stuck in bad habits, or stuck in their past, or in their trauma. They cannot move forward for true healing. They are unable to discern God at work in their life or His will for their life. Often they will not admit they have a problem because they don't see themselves as having one...but as we know their perception is out. They are often angry people, lacking peace and wisdom.

This may truly be challenging for the people involved in their life.

Yet the truth is we cannot change anyone.

What we can do is:

• Continue to speak the truth in love, rather than tell them what they would prefer to hear
• Pray for them, and with them
• Help when appropriate
• Allow them to make their own choices and face their own consequences, rather than ruling them, or bailing them out every time
• Set another example
• Encourage them

I believe what we meditate upon in our minds can dramatically impact our quality of life and future.

I also believe that our minds are the foundation for our whole life.

I believe that what we think about and focus upon, if enabled will travel down into our hearts to take root and then travel upward and outward of us to become transformed into words and deeds.

I believe when we meditate upon ourselves, we are tapping into our own selfishness, no matter how much humming one does, because once again, it's all about us...

Every sin begins with a thought and so does every good thing!

Scripture tells us Jesus said our actions reveal what is hidden in our heart, and that we need to be transformed by the renewing of our mind...

Are our minds meditating upon Jesus Christ daily, in fact moment-by-moment?

Do we perceive Him in everything? Are we allowing Him access into everything?

Are our minds being fed by the Word of God, so that this is what travels down and takes root within our hearts, so that what comes forth is a life honouring The Lord?

I've decided I can't change other people, only love them in truth; I can however use my free-will to choose Jesus and let my perception be guided by Him.

I can choose to be brave in Jesus, and buck the system that leaves people in desperate want for clear perception...Even if they don't realise it!

In Jesus, Melanie.

Let me leave you with a song from Casting Crowns which brought a tear to my eye today...Oh how His love is so amazing; our hearts fall so short, yet He transforms it when we willingly and daily submit to Him!