"DOORS SHUT AND WINDOWS CLOSED"

"The thief cometh not, but to steal, and to kill and destroy: I (Jesus Christ) am come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."  John 10:10 I believe this passage of scripture, clearly and vividly illustrates to us how our adversary (satan) goes about in our lives, particularly in our "marriages" looking for a way to enter in and wreck havoc!  I chose the above named title because to me it fairly, and accurately defines how we are to go about "alarm proofing" our marriages.  God has been dealing with both my wife and myself, in a most humbling manner, and He has been faithfully demonstrating to us, and revealing by virtue of the Holy Spirit, the "way" we are to take if we are to have a loving healthy, beautiful and prosperous marriage(s)". Something God has been showing to me is that problems and difficulties often times arise within the quiet confines of our marriages, because we willingly and carelessly leave room for the devil to enter into our sanctuaries (homes) by leaving the doors open, and the windows cracked!! (despite scripture instructing us to give no occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully 1Tim 5:13). The Lord paints a picture of satan that depicts him just as he is: lying, wicked, murderous thief, prowing dangerously about the perimeter of our sanctuaries! Notice that the scripture says that the thief comes with only one purpose or intent, to steal, kill and to destroy! Now we are well aware that a thief doesn't come to take "Dixie Cups", "Scott Tissue, "Ivory Soap" etc.. A thief is only looking for or concerned, with grabbing the most vauable and precious items, he or she can get a hold of in the shortest amount of time possible!  So what are some of the kinds of treasures or valuables do we posess within the confines of marriage that the thief (satan) could be interested in? The things I personally feel that the thief is out to rob us; the first three fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy and Peace!! These particular fruits are absolutely essential to the sucess, and the stability of both our walks (as followers of Christ) and as husbands and wives. under God. I believe we leave windows open, and doors unlocked, when we leave our emotions unchecked, our bibles untouched, prayers unspoken, walking in the flesh, speaking words of death (and doubt), rather than of faith, and life) relying too much on our own strength, complaining, and murmuring, having an unforgiving spirit...all these ways, and means the devil uses to His advantage!! The way we are to combat this from happening is to be on guard against allowing room for him to enter, by keeping the alarm system on both day and night! How do we remain on the lookout for the thief?  How do we keep him from taking which is most precious to us? Please click next to continue: NEXT