A House Divided: Finding Strength and Faith in Unity

Mark 3:25 ~ “And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”

In the words of Mark 3:25, we are reminded of the profound truth that a house, or in this case, our very bodies, cannot stand if they are divided. Just as a double-minded person is unstable in all their ways, so too, is our spiritual and physical well-being compromised when we waver between the Spirit and the flesh.

We've all been there – following the Spirit's guidance one moment, only to be led by the desires of the flesh the next. This inner conflict threatens to undermine our strength, stability, and ultimately, our faith. To find the light, our eye must be single, and our devotion unwavering.

It's essential to understand that we cannot serve both God and the world simultaneously. When envy and strife enter into our hearts and minds, they infiltrate our inner sanctuary, our temple, dividing us and making us vulnerable to the cunning schemes of the adversary.

Satan, the most cunning liar and thief in existence, doesn't come with his darkest intentions right away. Instead, he starts with a subtle seed of doubt, a little leaven that gradually permeates our lives like yeast in a lump of dough. He begins as the little foxes that spoil the vines but later turns into vile things, chipping away at our spiritual foundation, one compromise at a time.

To be sifted as wheat is to experience a crisis of faith, where Satan endeavors to shake our trust in God so violently that we, and our families, fall. Envy, strife, and a divided house mark the beginning of the end—unless we intervene.

Thankfully, if we obey God's Word, blessings will shower upon us. The Lord our God will elevate us to new heights, protecting us from the adversary's relentless advances.

It's crucial to remember that amidst the spiritual warfare, Jesus intercedes for us. Just as He prayed for Peter in Luke 22:32, that his faith may not fail, He intercedes for those who believe in His name, strengthening us and encouraging us to strengthen our brethren.

In a world that often contradicts the Word of God, it's essential to hold fast to His truth. No matter the challenges we face, we must cling to Him and His Word. Trials and struggles are opportunities for us to become more Christ-like. They humble us, bringing us to our knees and allowing the Great Physician to perform surgery on those aspects of our lives that need purification.

In today's world, many doctrines of compromise abound. It's easy to fall for them when they cloak themselves in the semblance of love and grace. Our definitions of love and grace may become distorted due to these compromises.

True love, as exemplified by Jesus on Calvary, is the sacrifice made for our sins, sparing us from the penalty of sin. Grace is the undeserved favor of God, a gift that should not be used as a license to continue in sin.

Psalm 1:3 ~ "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."

Today, let us sound the trumpet in Zion, striving to stay close to the Church and closer to the Lord. In our daily devotion, let us cry out, "Help me, O Lord! Save me, rescue me, and keep me." Let our minds be resolute, unwavering in our faith and devotion.

As we navigate the challenges of this world, may we find strength in unity, clarity in faith, and the unwavering grace of our Creator. Let us stand as unshakable houses, rooted in God's love and grace, bringing forth fruit in our seasons, and prospering in all we do.

Devotion written on Monday, October 16, 2023.