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I was reading in Psalm 68 when I had one of those luminescent moments. The Psalmist (David) is talking about how the Lord gives us victory over our enemies, and how He carries our burdens day by day. (And of course, within its 35 verses, there are many other wonderful truths about the Lord).

But one thing struck me this morning that made me pause and ponder. Vs. 21 says that God shatters the heads of our enemies. I was loving that and saying things like: “Yes, Lord! You are Mighty to Save!!!”

But then I read on. Verses 22-23 say “The Lord said, I will bring back your enemies…that you may crush them…”

What?

Then it dawned on me. Sometimes the Lord tells us to stand still while He removes our enemies (2 Chron. 20). And sometimes He will allow us to fight the fight and build up spiritual muscles so that we (with His help and strength) can crush them ourselves (Exodus 17).

It made me wonder: What “enemies” are you facing today? I don’t mean people-enemies… although some of us may have a few of those too. I mean spiritual enemies – those God is calling us to fight the fight and build up our own spiritual muscles (in His strength) to crush ‘em ourselves?

I’ll start our list with those I fight every day: fear, self-focus, overindulgence, lack of discipline…My list could go on – but I’d also love to hear from you (even if you answer anonymously). Let’s pray for each other in this spiritual battle we face daily… the one within ourselves… the one where the Lord helps us, but allows us to have the privilege, strength, and pleasure of victory as we crush the enemy ourselves!

“….you belong to God, so keep away from all these evil things. Try your best to please God and to be like him. Be faithful, loving, dependable, and gentle. Fight a good fight for the faith….” 1 Timothy 6:11-12 (CEV)

Blessings to you this week…
Jennifer

I was going through some documents on my computer recently and came across this letter that I wrote to a dear (young) sister in Christ – way back in 2002 – because she was fretting over the thought that her life (as she desired it to be) had not “started” yet. As I was reading this, I became convicted of occasionally giving in to the temptation to struggle with this same thing from time to time – even now that I’m officially in my 40s.

The Lord led me to post this today, so I’m trusting that He will use it to speak gently to someone who will read it. May the Lord bless you and keep you, and speak to you through these words…

For some time as I have prayed for you, I have prayed that God would reveal the truth to you that you were living for some “big” thing God will do with your future, and missing out on the “big” thing He is doing with your “today”.

I will continue praying for you about this. You are so precious, and I think the Lord has wonderful plans for you TODAY. It is a joy to watch Him work out His ways and will in your life. I love you.
In Jesus’ joy,
Jennifer
1 Thes. 5:16-18

I just returned from visiting Amy and Patrick in the hospital and am excited to report that today, Patrick is a different child! He actually ate something and kept it down, and feels so much better. They hope to come home sometime on Monday.

Thank you for your prayers, friends. Please keep praying. 🙂
good night…

Do you remember our friend, Frappuccino Fun with Amy? (If not, you’ll get lots of her good ideas by reading the “Frappuccino Fun” posts linked on the sidebar.)

Anyway, right now, Amy is at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital with her 16 year old son, Patrick, who has just been diagnosed with pancreatitis. I know Amy and her family would covet your prayers – and I know that you’ll be faithful to lift them up to the Lord.

Thanks, friends! I love you so much! I’ll let you know how Patrick is doing along the way.

Warning: if you are a family member, this might be TMI! Read at your own risk and please please don’t reply! 🙂

For everyone else out there who wonders what I’m talking about, click on my blogging friend Heidi’s post from Moms, Ministry, and More. She has a blog post written about James and me today on her blog. It is also posted on a wonderful new blog called Adding Zest To Your Nest.

Let me know if you’re up for the challenge in your own marriage. And that’s all I’m sayin’ for now…at least here on Smelling Coffee. One of these days, I’m going to be a guest writer on the Zest blog. I’ll let you know.

A blessed weekend to you from one seeking to be an Engedi. 🙂