Denton County Living Well Magazine September/October 2018

COME UP HIGHER W e live in a world with two parts, one we can see and the other part is unseen. We should live as though the part we can’t see is more weighty and more real than the part we see with our human eye. 2 Corinthians 4:18 says it this way: “So we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen; for the things which are visible are temporal just brief and fleet- ing, but the things which are invisible are everlasting and imperishable.” Full Page Ad Maybe, like me, you’ve experienced unprecedented relational challeng- es lately. People who were close just seemingly walking away. People you thought you could trust showing a side you’ve never seen before. Sometimes, the way people are behaving can cause you to question your own sanity. In our nation, we see polarization, extreme anger and a visceral hatred. Well, can I share some things I’ve learned walking out this season with the Lord? First and foremost, we need to come up higher. We need to gain discernment to see what is going on in the invisible realm. This will give us the opportunity to maneuver through this minefield the enemy has set up to destroy us. Let’s be clear, the trap he’s setting is simply this—OFFENSE. Matthew 24 warns, “many will be offended and hate one another and betray one another”. The Greek word “offense” is “scandelon,” and refers to, “the bait in a trap that draws something into it.” We derive the word “scandal” from this Greek word. Bad news? No! Because there’s something more scandalous than the depths of darkness and depravity of our world. It’s greater than any man’s heart. It’s the answer to everything that comes against us. It’s the thing that causes us to overcome offense through forgivene ss, to see others in their sin and choose to love. It enables us to see the invisible world and know how to pray for those who persecute us. And it gives us hope that everything’s gonna be okay. More than okay. The story we are writing is epic, glorious and filled with victory! The enemy set what he thought was a trap to kill Jesus, but what he didn’t realize is, Jesus willingly laid down his life. Now, the cross has the final word! Let me share some practical words to help you when you’re feeling cra- zy in these wild times. Do not take the bait of offense. Let the trap and the snare of the enemy be an opportunity to lay down your life. Humble yourself, seek God and pray for the ones who hurt you. I had a very close friend just stop calling or responding to calls. When I finally asked what 18 DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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