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You may have noticed that the devil will work overtime when you are getting ready to go to church or to a Bible study. For years, Sunday morning around our house seemed like a big blowout. We rarely made it to church without someone getting upset, and usually it was everyone.

On Sunday morning, things would get lost, spilled and broken like no other day of the week. Our children could get along well every other day of the week, but on Sunday morning, they would fight.

The more noise and commotion we had, the more upset I became. (Remember, I do not like a lot of noise.)

Finally, I would start complaining. Dave hates complaining, so after a while, he would tell me to stop complaining. Then I would get mad at him. Then the children would cry because Dave and I were arguing.

In the middle of all this, the dog would start running around the house with the shoe somebody needed to wear, and then I would start hollering. "Hurry up! We're going to be late!" I am sure you recognize the scene.

When I saw James 3:18, I understood why this seemed to always happen when we were going out to hear the Word.

This Scripture says, "the harvest of righteousness..." (right actions) "...is [the fruit of the seed] sown" (the Word) "in peace by those who work for and make peace (AMP)."

In other words, in order for the Word of God to take root and produce good fruit in our lives, it must be preached or taught by someone who is a peacemaker himself. Also, we need to be in a peaceful attitude when we hear the Word.

Just think about your own life. How many times is the enemy successful in his attempt to get you upset before you go to hear the Word? Remember to watch for his scheme, then do not play into his hands.

Satan's Devices
Second Corinthians 2:11 (AMP) says, "we are not ignorant" of Satan's "wiles and intentions." The King James Version calls them "devices." Satan uses his wiles to deceive and lead astray. Let's be smarter than the devil.

First Peter 5:8 (AMP) says: "Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour."

Do not let it be you! I exhort you to be cautious. Each time you begin to feel upset or frustrated, stop and ask yourself these questions: "What is the devil trying to do? If I give place to these negative emotions, what will the result be?"

Ephesians 4:26-27 (AMP) are also very important Scriptures that teach us to keep the devil from getting a foothold in our lives by not being upset.

Verse 26 says, "...do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down." In other words, "Don't stay upset."

Verse 27 (AMP) says, "Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him]."

When you are upset, you lose your joy. When you lose your joy, you lose your strength. Nehemiah 8:10 says, "...the joy of the Lord is your strength."

The psalmist, David, in Psalm 42:5 (NKJV) speaks to his own soul and says, "Why are you...disquieted within me?..." Isaiah 30:15 says, "...in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength..." We see once again that the devil wants to disquiet us in order to steal our strength.

I learned from the Holy Spirit that He works in an atmosphere of peace. The Holy Spirit does not work in turmoil. The devil works in turmoil, but the Holy Spirit works in peace.

Provide a peaceful atmosphere in your home, business, church or ministry. As you do so, you will be honoring the Word of God and the Spirit of God. You will reap the fruit of your obedience.

Do your utmost to exercise self-control to remain in peace always.

Source: Peace by Joyce Meyer
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers

Author Biography

Joyce Meyer
Web site: Joyce Meyer Ministries
 
Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. A New York Times bestselling author, her books have helped millions of people find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ. Through Joyce Meyer Ministries, she teaches on a number of topics with a particular focus on the mind, mouth, moods and attitudes. Her candid communication style allows her to share openly and practically about her experiences so others can apply what she has learned to their lives.
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