IN Contempt of Satan

It was a special day yesterday, where Cities4Life supporters committed to prayer while walking the street that loops by the abortion center. I went to fill in for the regular Saturday sidewalk counselors, so they could do the prayer walk. I almost didn't go. I had legitimate reasons not to. I was not feeling great, but I figured it would thrill Satan if I sat home instead.

And I despise Satan.

So I went.

Three mamas chose life for their babies that we knew of. That is always an enormous blessing to know that three little humans who were slated to die have been granted a reprieve. But there was another blessing.

The people who stand on the sidewalk alongside me are some of the kindest, most deeply committed Christ-followers I have ever known. No matter what I am going through, they always make me feel like I am bathed in a heavenly light, enveloped in a heavenly embrace. I'm almost ashamed when people thank me for being there to speak for the unborn. How could anyone thank me for being blessed beyond measure surrounded by people so filled with sacrificial love? It is me that should be doing the thanking.

Then I went on to teach an art class in the afternoon at a nursing home. One of the residents is wheelchair bound. He found out I wrote horse books and showed me his gorgeous Morgan stallion last month. I told him I would be happy to bring him to visit the stallion, who he still owns. His wife doesn't bring him out to the barn often as it is a long drive, and she is no spring chicken herself.

When I arrived for the art class, I asked Sam (name changed to protect privacy) how his stallion was doing. Sam pulled out a photo on his phone and proudly told me about how his horse was the first place winner in some prestigious Morgan stallion show. Here is his photo which he gave me permission to use:

I told him again that since it was difficult for his wife to bring him to see his horse, I would happily do so anytime he wanted. "Just tell her some chicky at the nursing home is helping you." I winked, and the other residents laughed.

I posted Sam's horse photo on the Morgan Horse groups I belong to on Facebook. I have NEVER received such a flood of response from anything I have posted. Horse lovers all had the same basic message. Sam's horse was stunning, and when they got too old to ride, they hoped someone would offer to take them to see their beloved horse. I had a record number of people thanking me, and begging me to tell Sam how special they thought his horse was!

I just wanted to show off the gorgeous horse with people who I knew would appreciate it. I didn't expect such an outpouring of gratitude for offering a ride to Sam to see his sweet baby! I hate the fact that this kind man is stuck in a wheelchair, and has lost so much of what he loved. I hate Satan, the ravages of sin, the indignities of old age, and the struggles in life.

My contempt for Satan and my love of the hope of eternity with God through Jesus empowers me to acts of kindness. Overcome evil with Good.

Here is my suggestion to all of you. Do acts that show your contempt for Satan. Be sure to follow through on acts that show your love of God. In the end, you will be blessed far more than you bless.
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Lord, to you I have committed my cause. Jeremiah 11:20

Christ left you an example, so that you should follow in his steps. When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:21,23

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Romans 12:21

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:1-21 

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. ...

1 John 3:8 

Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.

Romans 12:17-21 

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.