Happy Wednesday! I often have internal conversations about the day, things to remember and quick thinking tips to hold my tongue and watch my facial expressions. However sometimes, I can be minding my own business and then the voice of the enemy decides that he wants to have a conversation with me. He begins with a small amount of doubt, distrust, pours on the discontentment and eventually fear. It’s crazy, I wouldn’t let a friend or a stranger talk to me like the enemy does, but if I’m not careful the enemy will pull up a chair and have a conversation with me. Sisters and brothers, don’t let the enemy pull up a chair and have a conversation with you today. Dismiss him in the name of Jesus, just like you would dismiss a crazy person talking to you as if you were trash on the street. Enjoy today’s devotion from our guest writer Dora Lozano. She has some great tips and words of wisdom for you today. Stay focused.

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring
lion, looking for someone to devour.” – I Peter 5:8

The devil hates us and he wants to consume us. The destruction of you and me is slow and merciless. The devil has time and with time is how he does his best work. He starts when we are young.

It may hurt to remember but think about the harmful situations that occurred in your childhood, elementary, junior high, high school and young adult years. Every negative word spoken to us begins to define us. That harmful action committed against us reaps bitterness. It is in these painful memories and situations that the devil sows seeds of doubt and unbelief that there isn’t anything good about us. Those seeds turn into deep roots. The unfortunate part is that we don’t even know that this is happening!

For years, I felt that I was worthless and deserved to be mistreated, I actually expected it. This unhealthy view of myself set me up for more hurt and pain as an adult. I was angry and bitter. I would often go into a rage because I felt that my life was completely out of control. I never stood up for myself. I would fight for others, but NEVER for myself. I overachieved and exhausted myself to make myself feel valuable. I became a people pleaser. I tried to control everything and everyone in my life. I was slowly being devoured by the lies that the enemy told me. This engulfment happened while I was a faithful church attender who served in church, enjoyed my job, prayed, read my Bible and loved my family. I was broken. I began a six year path of healing that included recommitting my life to Christ, establishing a more intimate relationship with Christ, developing accountability relationships with healthy, Christian women, participating in a Christian recovery program and mental health counseling.

The work that I did to heal developed the courage in me to make a tough decision. With godly counsel and the help of the Holy Spirit, I ended my nineteen year marriage. Please do not take this as a license to end yours. When I got married, it was for life (Mark 10:8). I believe in marriage and I stand for healthy marriages (Hebrews 13:4). I could no longer be in a marriage where I was not valued or respected (Ephesians 5:25). When I made this decision the devil tore into me with ravenous delight. He told me that I wasn’t a good Christian, I was a horrible wife and what a terrible mother I was for making this decision. The final debilitating lies from the devil were that I was not attractive and that no one would ever love me or want me because I am divorced.

My response, DEVIL YOU ARE A LIAR AND THE TRUTH IS NOT IN YOU!

Do you see how the devil works to devour us? The flaming arrows from the enemy constantly wound us. The devil attacks and attacks! Get your armour on folks! (Ephesians 6:10-18). We are in a battle! Wake Up! Get Up! Be aware! As followers of Christ we are not promised a life free of trouble and we have HOPE! So guard your hearts and build up your arsenal with the words of truth of who you are in Christ. I have placed some verses of encouragement below:

• You are a warrior. Ephesians 6:13-17
• You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
• You are a masterpiece. Ephesians 2:10
• Your best days are ahead. Jeremiah 29:11
• You have nothing to fear. 2 Timothy 1:7
• You are safe. John 10:28
• You are ever alone. Joshua 1:9
• All your needs will be met. Luke 12:27-34

Don’t stop here! Search God’s word for Bible verses that are applicable to you in conquering the lies that the devil has told you. The dollar store has ringed index card holders with an elastic. You can write your verses on the notecards and carry them with
you and read them! The word of God is your sword! You are not defined by the devil’s lies or the situations that have occurred in your life!

Prayer:
Lord, we thank you for the knowledge that while the enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy, you came to give us life abundantly. We choose to live in expectancy of good things and when the hard times come, we commit to be prepared with your words of
truth to encourage and motivate us. We trust and believe that your word will protect and guide us out of harm’s way. Lord, continue to be with us and help us to do all things through your strength and power. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Dora’s Biography

Dora Lozano is a faithful follower of Christ living out her faith daily. Dora is the mother of two amazing children. The eldest is in their junior year at university. The youngest is heading in to their sophomore year of high school. Dora has spent twenty-nine years working in the California Community College system. Currently, Dora is an academic counselor for foster youth and homeless youth at a community college in Southern California. Dora’s personal mission statement is to “Love God, Do Good and Serve Others”. Dora lives out her mission through her work and in her faith community where she serves on the usher team. Dora enjoys spending time with her children and her sweet puppy dog. As a family they enjoy being loud and silly, listening to Korean pop music, taking road trips, making popcorn and watching movies. Dora is honored to be a guest contributor on the devotional for Mary E. White Ministries.

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Bible Reference: http://www.biblegateway.com

Devotion Written By: Dora Lozano

Photo Credit: Dora Lozano

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