I just finished reading through The Bondage Breaker by Neil Anderson.  As I've mentioned before, I don't like to just take any author's word for anything so with this book as with others, I made sure to read every scripture cited on my own. 

I also tend to hold the Word better if I write it down, so I made notes not only on the book I was reading but also wrote down every scripture passage.  So if you've seen some of my writing and wonder why certain passages seem to come up from time to time, that's the reason- they are probably on my mind because I've just looked them up.

Anyway, this book is not light reading to say the least.  The author deals with the many ways that despite being saved we as Christians can be held in bondage to sin.  I found the book to be very eye-opening and to further my progression on a journey I had started some time earlier.  I have hesitated to mention the title in the past because the author is very firm in his beliefs regarding demonic influence and the Christian's responsibility to fight these influences.  It's important to be spiritually mature to engage in this sort of battle and to be ready and able to continue to fight each day.  So for a reader who is still seeking answers, it may be difficult to accept all that the author is saying or to implement it.  I will not claim to be "all grown up" but this book was a good fit for me and where I am in my journey.  I was encouraged to continue to clean my own spiritual closet in order to be as strong as possible as I face the enemy (and sometimes frightened not to do so) while reading this book.

Again, because everyone who writes a book does so with the belief that they are right, it is always important to read the Bible for yourself.  The book was written for you and to you by your God and there's no substitute for checking with the source.  But that's where I've been and what I've been up to lately. 

Now after taking some time to do Advent themed readings for the family, I am starting something a bit lighter in content though no less important.  I am reading His Name is Wonderful by Chuck Swindoll. This is a simple study that takes you through the Bible seeking the many names used for Christ.  The first chapter focused on His title "Lord."   The chapter discussed how the use of the name developed- people first thought of him as a man, then a prophet, and then finally saw Him as Lord.  In addition, a brief definition and discussion of the term "lord" was provided.  Briefly, the term means the head of either a household or other unit, the person who has authority to make final decisions (as in military actions) and the owner of all. 

Jesus is Lord.  When I turn over my life to Him I acknowledge that it never really belonged to me to begin with.  I commit all that I have and all that I am to His service and am grateful that He allows me to take possession of any of His belongings for my own use.  

So in the past few months I have learned that we are in a spiritual battle at all times and that my only authority to defend myself is through Christ Jesus.  But He, being Lord over all things, has generously given to me the tools I need to win this battle.  He's given them to you too.  May you see new victories and keep them each day of the new year!