As I write from my heart today, I expose the enemy of my soul. Twenty-four hours of nonstop spiritual attacks. Diversion attacks are something that distracts the mind. How often do you feel like everything happens at once? The internet goes down, after working perfectly for two years. Resetting routers, changing passwords, removing twenty-seven devices, and reconnecting again. Hassle. Distraction. Consuming your time.
When your internet is finally restored, the cell phone goes down. A brand-new phone, working perfectly for the first two weeks. Suddenly, there is a SIM card issue. Two hours and twenty-four minutes on speakerphone with tech support at your phone company. Briefly forgetting patience and holding back those dreaded words “Can I speak to the manager?”
Tempted to blast your misery across social media. Knowing while you wait nearly three hours on a support call, you can gather a pity party response. Plus a few sales pitches inviting you to change phone companies. Irritating. Distracting. Diversions.
Finally, after two-and-a-half hours of diverted attention, the phone company decides to send a replacement phone. Asking if you want to “pay an extra fee to get the phone before noon.” Upselling and pressing your urgent emotional need.
Waking up refreshed and letting go of yesterday, it’s time to work, write a book, and move forward in your ministry. Insert contact lenses for vision. Can you see where this is headed? Can. You. See.
One hour later and you cannot see. Swollen and red eyes. Stinging from the effort to remove a ripped contact lens. Another diversion to keep you off your productivity path.
Or perhaps, trying to divert you off the path of writing beautiful words to reflect your love for Jesus.
BIBLE STUDY
“The last thing God wants for His children is a spirit of fear regarding the enemy.” -Beth Moore, Breaking Free Bible Study
TODAY’S VERSE
So, I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?” Four times they sent me the same proposal, and I gave them the same reply. (Nehemiah 6:3-4 HCSB)
LIVING FOR TODAY
I’m living for today when I recognize how spiritual attacks are common for the Bride of Christ. How I react when attacked, is critical to my spiritual health. And so today, I choose to be mindful of my actions and words. As I pick up and put on the Armor of God, I do not cower in defeat. And most importantly, I do not grab the victim label, complaining about my misery today. Instead, I put Satan behind me, live for today, and give my glory to God.
Christine Abraham writes for the Bible Cafe™ community. Learn about living by the Fruit of the Spirit as you enjoy her online Bible studies. Join Christine at the Bible Cafe™ University for weekly Bible teaching.
My Bible study friend has an impressive planner. With the skill of an artist, she color-codes her daily tasks. Nothing to be overlooked, she maps out the details of her day. Her visual prompts are then added to her smartphone for encouragement. Colorful reminders pop up throughout her busy day. The yellow task is time to get kids from school. The green task is time to pay a bill. The pink task is time to cook the family meal. Purple task, time for Bible study. It’s a brilliant time management method.
As we gathered for small groups and prayer, she shared her disappointment. Just 11 of her 12 tasks were completed yesterday. She laments, “It feels like disobedience because I missed that last task.” Many of us have experienced a similar result as we battle with planner perfection.
We continued our conversation and I asked her how she would complete this sentence: “I’m living for today when…” And she answered, “I’m living for today when I complete all my tasks.” Once again, I challenged her: “What if you say, ‘I’m living for today when I allow myself to be imperfect?’ What if Jesus says it’s okay to miss one task today? What you accomplished is great, for today.”
Her story is a reflection between partial obedience and full obedience. Perfection and procrastination. At the end of the day, where do you stand? Are your tasks relevant to God’s calling for today? Give yourself grace and celebrate each step towards obedience. A perfect day is a day following our Jesus. Where He goes, we go too.
BIBLE STUDY
“I’m not an over-achiever; I’m more of an over-attempter…I must say no to my over-attempting self so I can say yes to my true self.” Cheri Gregory, Overwhelmed Bible Study
TODAY’S VERSE
But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless. (1 Corinthians 13:10 NLT)
LIVING FOR TODAY
Today I am living for today when I follow the path of Jesus. He guides me to productivity, and then He guides me to rest. He places my daily tasks into His order of importance. Missing a task at the end of the day is an opportunity for me to move forward- without regret.
Christine Abraham writes for the Bible Cafe™ community. Learn about living by the Fruit of the Spirit as you enjoy her online Bible studies. Join Christine at the Bible Cafe™ University for weekly Bible teaching.
When she arrived to lead her Bible study group, I watched my leader catch her breath. Something about high blood pressure. Pause for a deep breath. She continues… “I’m on a different computer today, after dropping mine on the floor this morning.” Okay, by now I sense this will not be an ordinary study. Two flaming arrows hit their bullseye. And then, a third arrow hits its target.
“Well,” she takes another deep breath. “My blood pressure is stable now, but I need to get offline and ask you to lead. Can you cover for me tonight?” After she sees me nod and hears a confident “Yes,” she continues her story.
Gasping for air and watching her blood pressure cuff, she explains, “I just found out someone charged $8,000 on my credit card. My husband, financial advisor, and the store representative are meeting on a group call. And so, I need to be there too. Pray for me.”
Three action words. Everyone bows their head for immediate prayer and our beloved leader exits the group. What comfort she finds in sharing with friends! Knowing her small group is gathered in prayer, while she confronts a personal Goliath. Giving grace an opportunity to appear. Finding strength when she feels weak. Or breathless.
It seems flaming arrows will find us during spiritual moments. Just before we lead a Bible study group. Or coming home after attending a writers’ conference. Drawing closer to Jesus. Exhausting, yet not defeating.
My friend resolved her bill after the store admitted a billing error. It should have been a $28 charge, and they never sent her a bill. Resolved. Paid in full. Her computer was not damaged. Her blood pressure returned to normal. Her debt was erased. Goliath was defeated with a small group prayer.
BIBLE STUDY
“See prayer time as your battleground, where wars are lost or won.” -Kellie Balarie, Battle Ready Bible Study
TODAY’S VERSE
You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. (Psalm 91:5-7 NIV)
LIVING FOR TODAY
I am living for today when I pause and do not fear. When flaming arrows find their target, I comfort myself with prayer. Arrows might fly beside me today, but they will not destroy me as I put my trust in Jesus and pray.
Christine Abraham writes for the Bible Cafe™ community. Learn about living by the Fruit of the Spirit as you enjoy her online Bible studies. Join Christine at the Bible Cafe™ University for weekly Bible teaching.
A senior real estate manager called me into her office for correction. Little did I realize I was about to fall down a slippery slope. She influenced me with her superior title and position. And so, I followed her authority.
“Christine, you are being too soft and too nice. I want you to call your agents on a group message. And I want you to yell at them for underperforming. You need to use cuss words. Get mean and get mad.”
My cheerful chin fell lower on my face. I was at the crossroad of disappointment. Would I disappoint my boss or my agents?
“And, Christine, when you make that call, I want you to copy me on the message. And send a copy of your message to the owner of the brokerage. Do it today or you will lose your job tomorrow.”
Obedient to her demands and motivated to keep my job, I made that call. On a group message with 250 real estate agents, I cussed them out for not meeting expectations. I used words that were washed out of my mouth with Irish Spring Soap when I was a child. This was acceptable for adults in leadership.
The next day, one of the real estate agents walked into my office and closed the door. He was a retired police officer and old enough to be my dad. “Christine, we all talked about that call you made. We know it was not your true voice or even your words. We think (name of the boss) told you to make that call and to cuss at us. And we are disappointed that your character is changing because of her.”
He was correct in his assumption. And thankfully, he called me out. Disgusted with my character transformation under the leadership of my boss, I quit my role as a real estate manager. I found comfort in being myself and standing on firm ground. Shaking off people’s approval, I discovered it was okay to be myself. Made in the image of Christ.
BIBLE STUDY
“If we are going to hold a seed in our hand…make sure it will be one that will bear much fruit, fruit that will last.” -Kelly Minter, Nehemiah Bible Study
TODAY’S VERSE
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV)
LIVING FOR TODAY
I am living for today when I seek to please God, not man. People can never be satisfied no matter how hard I work to fit into their box. It’s my choice today to allow the character of Christ to reflect in me. Wherever I walk and whatever I say, may my words magnify the One who is my love. May His Word always be upon my lips.
Christine Abraham writes for the Bible Cafe™ community. Learn about living by the Fruit of the Spirit as you enjoy her online Bible studies. Join Christine at the Bible Cafe™ University for weekly Bible teaching.
My best friend lived two doors down the street. She saw the ambulance and firetruck in front of my house. After the emergency team drove away, she pounded on my closed door. Still hyperventilating, I confessed a weakness I could no longer hide. My prayer closet was now a war room.
After sobbing through a long story about low platelets and a rare blood disease, she boldly said: “Chris, you’re a private person. Get over yourself and tell people what’s going on so they can help you.” So, I told her my husband turned purple… head to toe, unknown cause. He was in critical care. His platelet count was ONE.
Before this, my neighbors only saw Living Room Christine. I typically greeted them with the smell of clean furniture and freshly baked cookies. It was unconventional for me to greet them with a messy home. And heart.
Getting over myself, I dumped my misery with each sob from my mouth. She heard… “he’s going to live… no longer dying… they moved him out of intensive care. He will be home soon.” It was on the downside of my crisis when I finally opened my heart.
Then I understood God planted me near Christian neighbors. When they heard my story, they started bringing meals. Mowing the lawn. And saying words that cut to my heart: “We’re praying for you.”
The day my husband came home from the hospital, neighbors placed Welcome Home banners across the lawn. Multi-color balloons decorated the garage door. My three-year-old daughter cheered like a happy toddler. The baby in my womb wiggled a bit.
This is the first of many war room moments. God’s heart and tenderness became more visible in my life. Leaving the comfort of my living room has helped me overcome enemy attacks from Satan. Here I learned to get over myself. And trust God again.
BIBLE STUDY
“Does your prayer closet look like a war room or a living room?” -Priscilla Shirer, Armor of God Bible Study
TODAY’S VERSE
The good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light. (1 Timothy 5:25 NLT)
LIVING FOR TODAY
I am living for today when I trust God with all my heart. Pouring out my feelings today helps me accept my weakness and embrace comfort. My spiritual war should not isolate me from people who are called to love their neighbors. Confession, weakness, and getting over myself bring me to peace with God.
Christine Abraham writes for the Bible Cafe™ community. Learn about living by the Fruit of the Spirit as you enjoy her online Bible studies. Join Christine at the Bible Cafe™ University for weekly Bible teaching.
When I was younger, I was blinded by lies and chose the prodigal path. Sunday Morning sermons told me I was a worthless sinner, unworthy to sit in a pew with saints. Weekends with young men told me I was valued for being physically attractive. Finding the balance each week, I was lost somewhere between sinner and saint. The truth was hiding from me. Because I had no desire to seek it. The world told me I was free to be me.
Setting my identity in world values, I found acceptance. The more I looked like the world, the more rewards I gathered on my shining star chart.
My interior soul was crushing from the weight of being me. Self-centered, self-absorbed, and self-focused as a young adult, I had no room for Jesus in my heart.
A worldview mindset presented me with false identities. I was a prisoner bound with self-imposed chains. In bondage to pleasing others and pleasing self… I grieved my Groom.
Jesus loved me and watched me self-destruct. When the Groom reached out His hand, I turned away from His love. What kept me from accepting myself as His Bride? Shame.
I was unable to set myself free from shame. Seeking my identity in my education, career, friendships, and intimacy. These chains could not be broken until Jesus- my Groom- showed the Truth and set me free.
BIBLE STUDY
“If you want to be set free, you have to understand the truth.” -Angie Smith, Matchless Bible Study
TODAY’S VERSE
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32 CSB)
LIVING FOR TODAY
I am living for today when I live as the Bride of Christ: loved, and treasured for who I am. By letting go of worldview identities, my heart opens today for an identity in Christ. My chains are broken when Truth conquers lies.
Christine Abraham writes for the Bible Cafe™ community. Learn about living by the Fruit of the Spirit as you enjoy her online Bible studies. Join Christine at the Bible Cafe™ University for weekly Bible teaching.
CHRISTINE ABRAHAM is the Bible Cafe™ Founder and helps people understand the Bible, fellowship in small groups, and develop a lasting relationship with Jesus. She earned a Graduate of Theology degree in Biblical Studies from Liberty University. Christine has directed more than 100 Bible Cafe™ studies. She is a popular Christian Life & Leadership Coach. She lives in California with her husband and two rescue dogs.
