The Muppet Show

Like most of us, as a child I was a big fan of The Muppet Show, Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock. I hate to admit it but I think I identify most with Miss Piggy. She was feminine, confident and didn't take any mess - destined for stardom just like me! Well, minus the pig part! But I digress...

Muppets are puppet characters created by Jim Henson, one of the most famous puppeteers to ever live. A puppeteer is a person who manipulates an inanimate object in such a manner that the audience believes the object is alive. In some instances the personality of the puppeteer is also an important feature.

Do you ever feel like a puppet? Feel like you had strings tied to your arms and legs and that someone, or something, is manipulating you? Not physically, but mentally. The enemy is a puppeteer, no...he's a puppet master. Using your fears, doubts, anxieties and your past to get you act and think in a certain way. He pulls on the strings of your mind and pulls on your heart strings in ways that can get you off your game.

Remember SEW (the voices of self, the enemy and the world)? Those are three strings attached to your heart and mind. Every time those voices speak, your mind and heart are jerked this way. Every time you hear a voice and think, "well what if...." or "maybe that is true" then your mind and heart are turned upside down. The longer you listen and give heed to the voices, the more tied up you become. Eventually you'll feel like you'll never get undone.

He's crafty:
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" I Peter 5:8

He's false:
"He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies" John 8:44

Unfortunately he knows us, sometimes better than we know ourselves. He knows our past and he knows our hurts. He knows just what buttons to push and what strings to pull. But when the voices start blathering in your ear, start asking yourself, "is this what God has said to me? Does this line up with the promises of God?"

God knew that we would be faced with these things. Remember that 'we are not ignorant of the enemy's devices' (2 Corinthians 2:11). Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world". John 16:33

The voices are playing back your worst fears, anxieties, twisted feelings and doubts. Our feelings, anxieties and worries CANNOT BE TRUSTED. The voices CANNOT BE TRUSTED. They are of the flesh. "...we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh" Phillippians 3:3.

Take no confidence in the enemy's attempts to control you and make you lose sight of God's promises. Take no confidence in memories of sins that God has already forgiven you for. Take no confidence in over-analyzing every word, action and deed of those you love. This is all the flesh. And remember what God said.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood , but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

If you want to cut the puppet master's strings in your life you have to "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." Stand firm on God's promises. If God said it, then it is done. "God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?" Numbers 23:19

"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist," Stand firm on the truth of who God is and who He says you are.

"with the breastplate of righteousness in place," Protect your fragile heart by behaving righteously.

"and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." Know the Word. Rehearse out loud and encourage yourself at all times.

"In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." Stand on God's faith that He will do just what He said He will do.

"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." We worship in Spirit. Use that sword to cut the strings of the puppeteer!

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY and then PRAY some more! You can combat the voices and the lies with fervent prayer.

Prayer and Thanksgiving will untangle the strings of the enemy. Listen to the One True Voice!

In love,
Miss Piggy