VICAR

Dear Readers of Country Squire Magazine, I trust that You are well and healthy. This week let us remember the citizens of war-torn Ukraine in our prayers as well as those oppressed by other bullies, that they may overcome them and enjoy peace. God bless You all for the week to come.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of evil in this world, and the enemy constantly tries to tear us apart from God by putting evil into our hearts and minds. The strong learn to resist and the bravest learn how to conquer against all the odds.

It is worth reminding ourselves of what the Bible says about evil and how to steer clear of it or to take it on:

Romans 12:21 

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

Psalm 23:4 

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Proverbs 6:16-19 

There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.

Sometimes it takes a few hits to dispel evil. Sometimes just one. Let Us pray:

Sovereign Lord, I love You so much. Help me to get over myself. Stop me from focusing on my issues, my feelings, and what I want. Turn my attention from selfies and the urge to tell everyone who I am and what I am doing. Purge the spirit of pride from me. Destroy my sense of self. I want to be dead as I currently know myself so that You can rebuild me in Your image. Fix my eyes on others. Focus my mind on ways to be a blessing to the people around me. Help me to see all Your sons and daughters as equals at the Cross of Cavalry. In the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.