Define "enemy"

enemy: 
1) a person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something

2) one who feels hatred toward, injury towards, or opposes the interests of another

3) something destructive or injurious in its effects

After reading these three different definitions (especially the third one), I realize how deceptive enemies can be.  In fact, I mistake them as friends and allow them to cozy up to their target, my heart, before I recognize them as enemies. Have you been duped by any of these enemies? 

Worry
Anger
Bitterness
Jealousy
Doubt
Self-pity
Apathy
Pride
Grudges
Selfishness
Favoritism
Sarcasm
Laziness
Ingratitude
Self-righteousness
Greed
Evil
Mediocrity
Addiction
Vanity
Hate

Listen to the sales pitch of these opponents and you'll find yourself heading in the wrong direction BUT
God has always been your defense;
His eternal arms are your support. 
He drove out your enemies as you advanced,
and told you to destroy them all." 
Deuteronomy 33:27

God drove out Israel's enemies as they moved into the Promised Land. He also told them to destroy any enemies they encountered.  When they didn't, they paid dearly.  When they mingled with their enemies and adopted their false gods, they fell.  

"Hear my cry for help, 
my King and my God, for to You I pray. 
In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait expectantly."   
Psalm 5:2-3

Jesus died to destroy Death and Sin, but He also warned us:
"Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin."  John 8:33

We work with God to destroy what would destroy us or we work against God by letting our enemies move in, assume command, and enslave us. Who will we serve today? Our enemies or the God Who destroys what would destroy us?

Surely Temple

"Within Your temple, O God, we meditate on Your unfailing love."

Psalm 48:9 (NIV)

"Don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?  You are not your own." 1 Corinthians 6:19

     Over the last few weeks, the fire in this temple has needed kindling.  Sacrifices ran the temple grounds, unattended and unruly rather than bound and burned.  Dust gathered on the instruments of praise. I've tossed blessings in a dark corner rather than polishing and displaying them.  My love, attention and service grew unseasonably and unreasonably lukewarm.  

     The worst part is that I can't explain why.  No major changes in my life triggered a crisis of faith.  Terrible news didn't break my heart nor did "good" news leave me thinking I didn't need God. So when and why did I slip into spiritual apathy? Did I grow weary without a miracle? Is it too hot to meditate? Am I exhausted from praying about the same issues and fears? 

     I don't know whether God will  provide answers to these questions, but I do know that for whatever reason, I'm ready to respond to God's sweet, urging Voice to return to HIm, confess my apathy, bring out the bellows, sacrifice the false gods, invite the Spirit to blow through and remove the dust, display the blessings, dispose of distractions, and refurnish this temple with all that makes Him at home again. 

"God's beloved; God's permanent residence. 

Encircled by God all day long, within whom God is at home." 

Deuteronomy 33:12 (The Message)

"Take delight in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart."

Psalm 37:4