Revelation Chapter 13

​“Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon. He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence. And he makes the earth and those who live on it worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of the sky to the earth in the presence of people. And he deceives those who live on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform…” Revelations 13:11-14, (NASV)
 
A Prayer Over Our Children
Spirit of the Living God, when deceivers exert their authority, grant my daughter patient endurance and faithfulness. May she not be deceived by men’s great and miraculous signs but open her eyes with Your truth. Oh Lord, keep her from the mark of blasphemers and protect her, I plead. I pray she will refuse to worship men or idols but stand brave and courageous when death threatens her. Almighty God, be her refuge, her shield, and her All in All.
 
Keep Stepping
 
     It has been many weeks since my fingers creatively click-clacked over the keyboard. Like most, crammed schedules, constant running, and daily demands shoved my thoughts and time elsewhere. Relationships and their intricately woven layers spun webs over my emotions. Poking amidst the dirty dishes, unfolded laundry, and strewn toys, distraction and disruption cluttered my days.
     This past Friday, I sat on my loveseat ready to do battle. A meeting the prior morning had spurned and empowered me. I determined nothing would stop me. Yet, wounds from earlier skirmishes left me vulnerable. My laptop stared at me. Its screen was blank. The keyboard sat on my lap, my fingers ladened with invisible weights. Then came the shove. Figurative as it was, it felt like a literal thrust against my spirit. It held me down. It stomped and crushed. I could not move. I felt paralyzed with inaction. Hopelessness snuffed the fire in my heart. My inward resolve faltered.
      I wish I could report I persevered through the mire, but I did not. Instead, I welcomed interruptions and pursued my own agendas. The road most traveled appealed with their paths of least resistance. I was glad to lay it down albeit for a time. But our God is faithful and loving. Despite my detour, He gave me rest. Despite my unfaithfulness, He redirected my steps. For nothing goes unused in the battle. 

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