FROM THE KEYBOARD

If we cast out the spirit of Jezebel but fail to call on the Spirit of Jesus, then reform can potentially lead to deform. You see, Jesus warns that when an unclean spirit is cast out, but the "house" remains empty, seven worse spirits return, making the last state worse than the first (Matthew 12:43-45). Therefore, true and lasting change requires repentance--where the "house" isn't just cleaned up but also filled up--with Christ at the center, filling us with His Spirit and renewing our minds.

Faith shields us, but truth strengthens us. As soldiers of Christ, we’re not just called to defend but to engage. You see, the shield of faith defends us, but the sword of the Spirit—the Word of God—is how we go on the offensive. And now is not the time to shrink back but to strike ahead. "Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Ephesians 6:13)

The promise of life is greater than the premise of death. In other words, no matter how overwhelming the darkness or how deep the valley of despair, God’s promise of deliverance is surer than death. "In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple" (Psalm 18:6).

God calls us to live out our faith by doing what is right in His sight, loving mercy over judgment, and walking humbly with Him. When we embrace this call, our lives become a reflection of His love and light, drawing others to His grace and truth. This is good to God. "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8)

God’s truth doesn’t change with the times. It changes the times. Thus, let His Word be your foundation that leads to your transformation. "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away" (Matthew 24:35).

Do not feel bad for celebrating what is good and know that it is not good to grieve over the defeating of bad. In other words, as believers in the One True God, we should not allow feelings to ever keep us from clinging to what is good and abhorring what is evil. "Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good" (Romans 12:9).