Passage of the Day:
While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” 40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence, Luke 24:36-43.
Reflection:
During my final semester of college, I kept on having the same reoccurring nightmare. Initially, I didn’t think anything of it. Perhaps, a byproduct of a lack of sleep and too much studying. However, as I vividly saw this white rat suddenly get bit by a poisonous snake, I immediately woke up pondering, “where is this coming from?” After consulting with a few friends and mentor, I realized that I was the rat and the snake was the Devil. I was a victim of fear, always playing spiritual defense. Rather than always being forced to react, the Holy Spirit showed me how to become proactive in my faith.
Prayerful Action:
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5.
Building Up Bible Believing Behavior:
Victimology is the possession of an outlook, arising from real or imagined victimization, that seems to glorify and indulge the state of being a victim. Meanwhile, fear is a strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger. The best way for Christians to no longer become of victim of fear is by adopting the apostle Paul’s advice in the passage above. Only spiritual weapons can demolish strongholds over your life. Rather than giving the Devil a foothold, Ephesians 4:27, start by taking your thoughts captive so that any previous fear that exists will flee from your mind. Or as one of Jesus’ disciples once penned, perfect love drives out all fear, 1 John 4:18. Memorizing Bible verses like these will build up Bible Believing Behavior over time.
Song of the Day:
Today’s culture embraces and promotes victimology. However, from a spiritual perspective, you’re only giving the Devil a foothold over your life if you play the victim card. May today’s devotion help you overcome fear by experiencing the freedom Jesus promised in John 10:10. By the end of 2024, may you be able to proclaim, “I’m not longer a victim of fear.”
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 