Three things through which the Devil is made visible in a man:/ through face,/ through step,/ through speech./ And through these three God is recognised in a man.

  - Colman mac Beognai, Aipgitir Chrabaid (Irish, 7th century)

Do not present your members to sin as instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.

  - Romans 6.13

The Christian is not simply engaged in continuous spiritual warfare; he is the battleground and prize of that warfare.

The enemy of our souls strives with his power to gain us as his ground and to deploy us in his service. We must be always circumspect about our lives, every moment and every situation, lest by our countenance, words, or actions we lose a spiritual battle and further the adversary's wicked cause (Eph. 5.15-17).

It is amazing to think that God may be "recognised" in us. That something about our mien and deportment, conversation, manners, purpose, and course in life can declare to the people around us the reality of an unseen realm, heavenly realities and virtues, and a power that lifts us beyond the merely mundane, indeed, into a Kingdom of light and life (1 Pet. 3.15).

We do not glorify God only by serving in His work. Opportunities for declaring the victory of Jesus and furthering the Kingdom of God are at every moment available to us. Each situation, every action or conversation is fraught with potential for the in-breaking of eternity into the moments of time (1 Cor. 10.31).

I often think of the moment when, as Jesus broke the bread for the two disciples with whom He'd shared a journey to Emmaus, they suddenly came to know Him as the resurrected Lord and Christ (Lk. 24.31). We have the potential for showing Jesus to the world in such simple, everyday acts. In our countenance, by the grace which carries our words (Col. 4.6), and through the excellence and considerateness of our deeds (Matt. 5.13-16), we can light up any moment, any situation with the brightness of the unseen realm and the light of God.

Devotion, determination, and attention: These are the keys. Consecrate your body, your plans, your work, and all the time of your day to the Lord. Prayerfully plan and prepare to maintain Christ's victory and to advance the flag of His realm in and through your personal life each day. Set your mind on the things that are above, seek the filling of God's Spirit, and walk with Him, and let the holy and righteous and good Law of God guide your steps (Rom. 7.12). Act in obedient faith and love at all times, with all people, in all things.

Do not allow the devil any place whatsoever in any aspect of your life. Thus the light of Christ will shine in your Personal Mission Field, and the gloom of darkness and sin will be exposed and dispelled.

The Kingdom advances one body, one struggle, one moment at a time. Will it advance in and through you today?

T. M. Moore, Principal

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