Truthfully, I am sort of a July 4th grinch. I really don't care for the fireworks, the noise, the extra injuries and sometimes, deaths. This is not to mention the expense of buying the fireworks. I don't have enough money yet to want to light a match to it.
However many cases of M80's my neighbor got this year, they are still not finished letting them blow up.
I know it is all fun for everyone so I do try to hold my 4ofJ Grinch back. Sure may not sound like I'm holding much back, but, it is getting hard when I thought 4th of July was over! (Our neighbor's started a few weeks ago). Plus, I look at my dog in the midst of continual panic attacks, and really wish there wasn't a holiday where you could buy explosive devices to liberally blow up in your neighbor's ears. They will run out of their supply, soon! Right? I sure hope so! You should see my poor dog tiptoe around the yard as he tries to find a spot while looking over his shoulder.
This whole experience of watching my dog this year has been a lesson on overreacting. It also reminds me that, as Christians, we feel the effects of some blasts nearby, too. There is a continual bombardment from the enemy of our soul. Some of the enemy's "explosion" devices come unexpectedly out of nowhere with a loud and thunderous boom. They put our hearts to pounding and set us on the run. Other attacks are barrages that continually pound at us leaving us jangled and suspicious.
Ephesians 6:12 says, For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
II Corinthians 10:4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
The good news is that all the enemy has is the potential to distract us from our usual pace and course. We have every protective device and armour within our grasp. It is as easy as grabbing onto and believing in the Word of God.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
It only takes us knowing and believing that we can use our God given defenses to keep level heads and come out victorious.
I John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Like the grinch of Christmas, and the one of 4th of July, we will feel our true heart beat with love and power. We will be more than conquerors! Whatever noise the enemy makes!
Romans 8:37 in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
God bless us, Everyone!
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