PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 10:16-20
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)
Living with, like and for Jesus in this dark world will not be easy.
But he will help us, his Spirit will speak and work through us, we will not be alone.
Here Jesus urges us to be wise, to think through how best to represent him.
Neither gullible nor a pushover, we should always think and act with integrity.
Beware of traps, look for opportunities, think through implications… be wise!
Know how the enemy works, and make your plans accordingly.
Satan will use anyone/anything to silence or hold me back, to discourage or defeat me.
He is shrewd like a serpent, but we can be too… only without resorting to evil.
Jesus urges us (as does Paul) to be prepared and armed (Ephesians 6:10-20).
Where is Jesus sending me today, where will I end up having to share his love?
How will the enemy work against me to silence me, to hold me back?
What steps will I take, what friends will I rely on, what supports will I use?
The Lord will help me with his Spirit, but I must do my part as well.
Life as a Jesus follower calls for shrewd yet innocent STRATEGIC PLANNING.
PRAYER
Lord, your Spirit’s help is greatly appreciated but I need to be engaged too, to carefully consider the enemy’s schemes and to plan accordingly.
“do not worry about what to say or how to say it” I know I did and I still do – worry about what to say and how to say it. But when I look back and remember difficult or worrisome situations that I was in – I can see that yes I was helped to say what was important or strategic to say. I’ve had feedback from some in situations that I can hardly recall – where what I said was strategic/influential – in spite of myself. Lord help me to be continue to be open to your leading – help me to trust more and worry less – to be faithful to listen and to speak accordingly – let not my own will, ego, fear or defensiveness get in the way!
I am known by my words and deeds. his passage reminds me once again that I do not have to worry about what I am saying. As His, I need to rely upon His presence and the guidance of His Spirit. All too often I depend upon myself, my own power and then I am a failure. I need to walk with my God at all times and He will enable me to be His servant.
Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
were not the right man on our side,
the man of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth, his name,
from age to age the same,
and he must win the battle.