Glory (Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington, 1989)

Pray for Morgan Freeman's recovery from his automobile accident. If you see that car, you'll know there's definitely a God! I'm so grateful that he's okay.

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Ironically enough, Sunday's sermon was about spiritual warfare. I say that it's ironic because I blogged about this throughout last week. So, I'm convinced the Lord was/is trying to show me something about this topic. I think it finally clicked!

1. Spiritual warfare is life--every single day--not just the conflict and trials that arise here and there.

2. The war is against principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this age, and against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places, not people (Eph. 6:12).

3. Even in conflicts with people, I need to rely more on my spiritual armor than my natural defenses.

4. My spiritual armor isn't as effective when I view things through a carnal lense. So, I'm charged to evaluate the spiritual implications of every situation I encounter before I respond.

5. Life really is a battle. My enemy never takes a break. So, I really do have to be "always ready." That's my challenge--being ALWAYS READY.

In the end, it's this journey through spiritual warfare that will ultimately take me from glory to glory. I love how Romans 5:1-5, puts it all into perspective:

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Dazed and Confused (Jason London, 1993)

I've never seen this movie, but the title sure is appropriate for how I feel right now.

Sassy must have a pretty sweet blessing on the way because in the last few days, she's been really tried by drama. So, what do I do? My initial reaction is to just react with whatever pops into my mind. But, I'm reminded right now, that I must take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:5). Do you know how difficult that is to put into practice?

When someone attacks or hurts me, my knee jerk reaction is to hit back (not literally). Sassy ain't no wimp and she's not going to let anyone run over her. But, that's not the example we see in Jesus...or in Mary (the one that worshiped at his feet). Mary sat at Jesus' feet and people began criticizing her. She didn't say anything, she just continued washing His feet and worshiping. It was the Lord that responded: "Let her alone. Why do you bother her?" (Mk. 14:6) Mary did not have to say anything. The Lord handled the situation and rebuked her critics.

Sometimes, it's difficult to wait on the Lord to handle my conflicts. But, that's the challenge I guess. The sassiness is easy!!! The Jesus girl part is the challenge. It REALLY is a daily death (1 Cor. 15:31). Now, I don't suggest anyone be a doormat. You know Sassy would NEVER be that way. But, sometimes, it's better to say nothing and wait to see what God will do.

Believe me! I know it's NOT easy! But, God never promised it would be.

Now and Then (Christina Ricci, Rosie O'Donnell, 1995)

I always enjoy chick flicks like, Now and Then. It's a movie about the importance of female friendships. It has the same appeal to me as Sex and the City. Yeah. I know. How do I compare those two films? lol Well, once you wade through all the "sex" in Sex and the City, it's really about friendships and the family you create (as opposed to the one you're born into). Anyway...those films remind me of my need to have dependable and fruitful friendships.

I used to whine to my husband about my not having friends. For a number of years, I'd lost the intimacy with many of my female friends. Then, last week, one of those women contacted me. She'd basically felt the same way and always wondered what caused the distance between us. It was such a light bulb/duh/omigosh moment. Once upon a time, we'd been bestfriends but had allowed life and time to create a gulf between us.

I'm blessed that I have a friend that would be so honest and open with me. But, I'm also blessed that she did not place all the blame at my feet. We both recognized our part in the distance (however large or small it was). Friendships, like any relationship, are a two way street. It takes two to make it work and two to mess it up. As for us, we're committed to being better friends to one another.

Proverbs 18:24 says that, "A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." This scripture reminds me to be proactive and continuously examine my role in my friendships (as opposed to my friends' roles). It also reminds me that during those times when I feel lonely and friendless, I still have Jesus in my heart. He's a friend that will never fail, faint, or neglect. He tells us that, He is with us always, even to the end of the age (Matt. 28:20). The song is true: There is not a friend like the lowly Jesus...No not one...No not one...

In the meantime, here's one of my favorite songs about the friend we have in Jesus!