For the past week or so, I’ve been doing some research for my series on the missing years of Jesus’ life.  It seems that somehow, when I start something like this, I suffer from some seriously bad dreams.  Last night was no exception.  Without going into detail, I felt the very presence of the devil in those dreams.  Eventually I woke up in a cold sweat, with great difficulty breathing and pressure on my chest.  I was able to get out of bed and compose myself. At first I thought I was having a heart or asthma attack, but this was a different kind of attack.

I told Beelzebub to get lost and asked Jesus to give me peace.  Soon my chest pain left, but I was still filled with a sense of doom.  It took a while, but eventually the Lord’s presence filled the room and I was able to fall back to sleep.  This morning I woke at peace.

I tend to dream when I’m working on something that requires mental stability and digging into God’s Word.  The creative side of my brain seems to work overtime.  But the dream got me thinking. Should I continue my research?  Should I leave this subject alone?  I almost decided to shelf the whole thing, but then I realized I just needed to put on my armor.

Yesterday, while reading David Kitz blog post, I thought about how important it is for us to write our words for God’s glory and not our own.  Especially when we’re talking about God.  Often the wrong interpretation can be taken.  Since I’m relying on God’s Word to direct me, I know He will be with me in the work.  Still the enemy would have us believe that what we’re doing is wrong.  We are in a battle with the forces of this earth and the one who leads it, but we know truly that God has already won the victory.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against  the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.  Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,  for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” 

Ephesians 6:10-20

I will continue to work on this project and you can expect the first installment tomorrow, but for today you must excuse me.  I’ve got to get dressed!