When I have a chance to slip away to the beach with my family, we nail down the date and I begin to search for the perfect accommodations. Each time we rent, I am convinced that this will finally be the perfect fit. The only trouble is the grandchildren keep growing. None of them are ready for bunk beds but almost all are out of cribs. I like to match the bedrooms with the bed size each couple shares at home for comfort but no mattress will ever be quite as cozy as our own. With so many busy little hands, ornately decorated is never a plus. A good supply of beach chairs, sand toys, and a well stocked kitchen is a must.
This week we are sharing a first row house with tons of perks. We’ve spent the majority of our daylight hours outside. The secluded spot on the beach is a definite win. The house is nearly perfect save one thing. The only upstairs bedroom I planned to share with my three older grandchildren is perched precariously between a glass railed catwalk overlooking the kitchen and living room and a set of stairs that feels like climbing a ladder. Almost three year old Amelia and one year old Timothy dart across the suspended ceiling full steam ahead while Thomas, who is nearing four and afraid of heights like his Lolly, crawls down the center to the opposite side. My heart is in my throat until we’re all safely back on the ground floor.
The photos in the rental information only told part of the story. The house is a little more spacious than I’d imagined but nothing could have prepared me for that catwalk. If only all of life’s hazards were so easily recognizable. Unfortunately, the world, or rather the enemy of our souls, tries to minimize, rationalize, or justify sin at every turn. What if speech bubbles floated above everyone’s head flashing green, yellow, or red. What if the Holy Spirit worked like the device implanted in my son’s skull, designed to give an appropriately charged zap to wayward thoughts rather than seizure activity. Jacob’s device is designed to need new batteries every five to ten years. God’s mercies are new every morning and His Word is at our fingertips literally 24/7/365.
“We can demolish every deceptive fantasy that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God.
We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to the Anointed One.”
2 Corinthians 10:5 TPT
https://bible.com/bible/1849/2co.10.5.TPT
“But don’t let the passion of your emotions lead you to sin!
Don’t let anger control you or be fuel for revenge, not for even a day.
Don’t give the slanderous accuser, the Devil, an opportunity to manipulate you!”
Ephesians 4:26-27 TPT
https://bible.com/bible/1849/eph.4.27.TPT
“And never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them.
The Holy Spirit of God has sealed you in Jesus Christ until you experience your full salvation.
So never grieve the Spirit of God or take for granted his holy influence in your life.
Lay aside bitter words, temper tantrums, revenge, profanity, and insults.
But instead be kind and affectionate toward one another.
Has God graciously forgiven you?
Then graciously forgive one another in the depths of Christ’s love.”
Ephesians 4:29-32 TPT
https://bible.com/bible/1849/eph.4.29-32.TPT
“Be angry [at sin—at immorality, at injustice, at ungodly behavior], yet do not sin; do not let your anger [cause you shame, nor allow it to] last until the sun goes down. [Ps 4:4]
And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness].”
Ephesians 4:26-27 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/eph.4.26-27.AMP
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.
Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Romans 12:2 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.12.2.NLT
These are just a few of the verses I’ve come to rely on in my battle against self will. Scripture is instructive and sobering. It is living and active because the One who is the Living Word, Jesus, is alive forever. His Spirit transacts His will on the earth. He is always teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training us in righteousness until we are thoroughly equipped to do the good deeds God planned in advance for us.
“But I tell you, on the day of judgment people will have to give an accounting for every careless or useless word they speak.
For by your words [reflecting your spiritual condition] you will be justified and acquitted of the guilt of sin; and by your words [rejecting Me] you will be condemned and sentenced.””
Matthew 12:36-37 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/mat.12.36-37.AMP
“With all my heart I have sought You, [inquiring of You and longing for You];
Do not let me wander from Your commandments [neither through ignorance nor by willful disobedience]. [2 Chr 15:15]
Your word I have treasured and stored in my heart, That I may not sin against You.”
Psalms 119:10-11 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/psa.119.11.AMP
“Finally, believers,
whatever is true,
whatever is honorable
and worthy of respect,
whatever is right
and confirmed by
God’s word,
whatever is pure
and wholesome,
whatever is lovely
and brings peace,
whatever is admirable
and of good repute;
if there is any excellence,
if there is anything worthy of praise,
think continually on these things
[center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].
…practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.”
Philippians 4:9 AMP
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