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Judges and Judgment
In my opinion, and in the opinion of four of the nine Supreme Court Justices, June 26, 2015 was not a day for America to celebrate.
It was NOT a new day of independence.
Yes, there’ll be many voices declaring the American society has finally seen the light. But has it really?
What has really changed?
Today marks the beginning of the end of a once great nation.
No, I’m not a pessimist by nature.
No, I’m not a homophobe.
No, I don’t side with hate mongers, racists, bigots, criminals of any kind, religious fruitcakes, or professional politicians.
Yes, I love this country, its citizens, people I understand, and those I don’t.
But the decision today, again, in my opinion, was one step too many on the slippery slope of compromise.
Compromise? What’s wrong with compromise?
If you’re talking about negotiating a salary, visitation rights, or where to go for supper, compromise can be a good thing.
When I’d like to watch a western flick, and my wife would prefer to watch a comedy, a compromise could benefit both of us.
But natural, civic, and spiritual laws, especially God’s laws, are not to be trifled with.
Ever.
If you treat the law of gravity as though it’s outdated, you will pay the consequences. One way or another.
If you stand outside, holding a 30 foot lightning rod during an electrical storm, you may very likely find yourself burnt to a crisp.
If society labels God’s laws as obsolete, or out of touch with the needs of everyone, that’s one thing. But when the safeguards of society, the country’s judges, blatantly ignore civic, natural, and spiritual laws, they have placed the nation they were appointed to protect on a collision course with judgment.
God’s judgment.
“And I charged your judges at that time, ‘Hear the cases between your brothers, and judge righteously between a man and his brother or the alien who is with him. You shall not be partial in judgment. You shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment is God’s.’” (Deuteronomy 1:16 ESV)
It’s happened throughout history. Not only with the nation of Israel, but with the Greeks, Romans, and the Nazis of Hitler’s Germany. Whether a judge’s decision is influenced by bribery, threats, or simply a worldview differing from God’s written and/or unwritten laws, the results are the same.
Judgment.
On our nation’s currency are the words “In God We Trust.” But today, in this nation’s highest court, our Justices said, “God Who?”
Their “majority” decision basically said, “To hell with God!”
The history of this nation is a remarkable one. Though not a perfect nation, God has had His hand on her since her very beginning.
But today’s act of defiance has taken the gavel of justice and smashed the hand of God’s blessing.
God has no choice but to let man have his way. He must let go.
For as the courts go, so goes the nation.
Sodom and Gomorrah were cities finally judged by God; but only after the guardians of that society had determined their own fate.
How so? The historical account, as well as the biblical account, reveal an extremely wicked society. They displaced natural and spiritual laws with their own, “This is what we want, so this is what we’ll have” laws. And the society’s custodians agreed.
Judges are supposed to be the custodians, the guardians, of a society.
Wickedness is the downfall of EVERY nation.
The judges have called for judgment.
Like it or not. Believe it or not.
“Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34 NLT)
There’s only one thing that can possibly save America. Repentance.
Neither economic wizards nor polished politicians can put together a plan that will ward off future judgment.
The majority, whether the majority of Justices or the majority of voters like you and I, cannot legislate a perfect, utopian world…
…and my, how we’ve tried…
…apart from God.
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No Time Left
“…Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!” (Revelation 12:12 ESV)
I know a number of folks won’t agree with me, but that’s alright. I don’t have a lot of time to play around with either political correctness or social correctness.
The fact is, NO ONE has a lot of time to dillydally with their life.
Gone are the promises that everything will work out, no matter what a person does. The “I know this is wrong, but I can repent later” lure is more dangerous than ever.
Friends, you may not have time to break free, or you may become deceived to the point you’ll never want to change.
There is no time left to try and play both sides toward the middle.
What we could get away with in days gone by, well, the cost is higher and the payment plan a lot shorter.
Unfortunately, I’ve witnessed men of God, good friends, drop their guard and flirt with forbidden fruit. Maybe they didn’t do anything illegal or immoral, at first.
Everything was supposedly innocent, but an unguarded heart isn’t a discerning heart.
Trapped by something “innocent”, but guilt, shame, and finally, deception ensued.
And deception has a much stronger grip than addiction.
This is meant to be a warning – a spirit of deception is loose on planet earth. Yes, even in the good old USA!
“Not me! I CAN’T be deceived! I’m a strong Christian.”
I’m so glad you are.
Just don’t drop your guard.
“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12 ESV)
“Lest he fall…” means it is possible to fall. If you and I CAN fall, we can also be deceived into believing everything is A-OK.
Please remember this: time is running out. Keep your heart guarded, keep it built up in God’s Word, and keep it open to correction.
“For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life…” (Proverbs 6:23 ESV)
Don’t let your life end needing more time to get things right with God.
Live your life as if there is NO TIME LEFT.
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Froggo
When our son was just a wee little lad, his Grandma Lloyd gave him a teddy bear. At the time, he was about seven months old and quarantined in a hospital because he was diagnosed with spinal meningitis. (God healed him, and there were no complications!)
For about a year the bear went without a name.
One evening he and I decided it was time for his friend to have a name.
After mentioning a few, I suggested he name the bear Bosco. He thought I said Froggo, and the name stuck.
We had a little ritual each evening at bedtime. After we read a nighttime children’s devotional and said our prayers, and before Jeremy was tucked in bed, he would toss Froggo over the rail of his crib into the bed. We’d laugh and laugh. Then I’d pick him up, put him in bed, and his mom and I would tell him goodnight and say, “I love you”, as we closed the door and turned out the light.
Memories. Precious memories.
That was at least 35 years ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday.
I thought about those memories the other day when I saw Froggo sitting in our son’s old rocking chair.
Memories of Froggo bring a smile to my face, and a warm feeling to my heart. But I have some memories that can cause me to react in a very different manner; if I let them linger.
Perhaps you do as well.
Isn’t it something how memories can be hidden away for years, but all of a sudden something will trigger a switch in our mind and we start reliving the past?
It doesn’t matter if they’re good memories or bad ones. They’re all saved for further review, whether we like it or not.
Our memory bank is somewhat like a movie production studio. The movie slate, the clapboard, is snapped shut and the scene begins with us as the director. We run it over and over, reliving the memory as it rolls on and on.
Some scenes we’ll replay, after changing the script a little in order to make sure we’re still the star. We have an uncanny way of remembering how right we were and how wrong others were.
And with us holding the scissors, we can cut and splice the video any way we like.
But that’s where we can get into trouble.
Some folks have wasted their lives by playing the old tapes over and over and over. Good or bad, right or wrong, no one can live in the past.
I believe that’s one reason Paul wrote:
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8 ESV)
As well as:
“…But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14 ESV)
I enjoy the memories of our little boy and his bear, Froggo. But I can’t live there. Froggo is basically the same, but our son isn’t.
And neither am I.
May I suggest something to you? The next time your memory bank is turned on, and your mind starts downloading scene after ugly scene before your mind’s eye, how about doing yourself a favor?
Yell “Cut!”
Then calmly get up out of your director’s chair and look again at Paul’s words…
“Whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, and/or excellent…”
In other words, replay things that won’t poison your insides while you take a trip down memory lane.
Like good ol’ Froggo.
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How’d I miss that?
This evening I was visiting with a friend, and we settled in on the topic of spiritual deception.
Isn’t it easy to look at others and wonder, sometimes very loudly, how people could act so weird?
I mean, how could people read the same Bible we read and come up with such outlandish beliefs?
Yes, it’s easy to think those thoughts, isn’t it?
It is until I remember some of the stuff I used to believe.
I used to believe Martin Luther (of Lutheran Church fame) wrote the Gospel according to Luke. I figured Luke was his nickname.
Honestly.
There was a time I was convinced that all Americans were Christians, and vice versa.
Funny the things we believe.
I’ve read the Bible a number of times. Parts of it I’ve read literally hundreds of times. But I’m still learning new things.
Sometimes I read a passage and it’s like I’ve never seen it before. As if God just opened my eyes to a brand new truth.
I ask myself, “How’d I miss that?”
Of course, the truth has always been around; I just finally caught up to it.
Some people believe tithing is a way to put God “to the test”. They quote a passage from Malachi where God says, “Prove Me in this…”
But it just isn’t so. Tithing isn’t the key to unlock Heaven’s resources.
Obedience is. Go ahead, look at it again, and again if necessary.
The principle of obedience and God’s blessings are throughout the scripture.
Some love to quote the well known adage “God helps those who help themselves”, as if it’s gospel.
Sorry. It isn’t.
I’ve heard a number of well meaning saints say ever so humbly and sincerely, “God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform.”
Yes, He works. No, He doesn’t tell us everything He’s doing. But just because we can’t understand or explain something, doesn’t mean God is behind it.
Others wonder why they have such a hard time making ends meet when they read the Bible every day. And they pray, too.
Yet God seems to have ignored them. So apparently it doesn’t do any good to be a Christian.
That’s what some folks believe.
And yes, there’ve been times I have wondered about my life as a Christian.
“Things aren’t fair! Others get to have thus and so. They have the best houses, most money, nicest guitar (sorry, but it’s true). It’s not fair.”
But I kept reading, seeking, asking the Lord for truth and wisdom.
And He would show me a verse that revealed the depravity in my heart. I’d see things in my life such as greed, pride, narrow mindedness, and lust. I’d recognize I was too focused on this temporal life.
Everyone is capable of believing lies. Yes, even you and I.
If you will listen to a guy who’s believed some nutty stuff, I’ve got a tip or two that just may help you along the uncharted path known as life.
Read God’s word as if your life depends on it. But read it like it’s brand new. Be prepared to say, “How’d I miss that?”
You’ll be surprised at how much you can learn.
I am.
“The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130 ESV)
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Lucifer Loves Worry
Astrology: the study of how the positions of the stars and movements of the planets have a supposed influence on events and on the lives and behavior of people, is ALMOST as old as mankind.
Its author is Lucifer, whose name means “shining one” or “morning star”.Lucifer, at the time of his fall, was no longer content with his position as Heaven’s chief musician. He didn’t want to lead others in worshipping the Great God and King, the Almighty, but had in his heart that HE was the one who deserved the worship and adoration.
He is STILL after the worship, in whatever way he can drum it up!
Astrology is only one of many ways he uses. As people look to the stars, planets, and birth-signs for guidance, Lucifer laps up the attention like a spoiled pet.
Though it’s kind of a back handed worship of Lucifer, he’ll take it. He figures any time people ignore the Living God it’s worship for him.
Of course, any God-fearing, bible reading, Jesus fanatic would never read the Daily Horoscope column. So for Lucifer to receive worship from Christians (unknowingly on our part, of course) he had to invent some other opportunities. He needed some well camouflaged entry points, so people like you and I could feel good and righteous with our actions.
Therefore, one of Lucifer’s favorite, and most widely used worship “tools” among the saints is worry.
That’s right. Worry.
Lucifer loves worry!
Hand wringing, nail biting, ulcer feeding worry.
You can almost hear him say, “Come now, my dear; do you REALLY think your God has time for YOU? You know, if you don’t do something in a hurry, you’re going to be in a real mess.”
“Look, my friend. You remember old brother Boogernose? He TRIED to believe his God. But his God simply ignored him. Lost everything, too.”
“Did God REALLY tell you not to worry? You realize, don’t you, it was just some man who wrote that book you say you’re believing. Word of God? Hah! God has never written anything!”
“If you’ll only ignore God and worry, I’m certain you’ll find a way to make ends meet.”
“Look what I’LL give you, if you’ll bow down and worry.
Lucifer loves it when people worry. He has his best conversations with worry-warts. His shining “revelations”, those epiphanic moments when you suddenly come to “understand” God has terminated your online connection so you’d better come up with Plan B, are guaranteed to put you right where he wants you.
Kneeling in worship at his makeshift throne of worry.
Old Lucifer is still obsessed with his need to be worshipped. And whether he uses worry, or another of his many tools, the results are the same for those who give him the worship he craves.
Peace? Wholeness? Joy?
Not a chance.
Total, complete, emptiness.
But blessed is the person who trusts in the Lord; who delights in their God!
“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psalm 34:8 NKJV)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV)
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A Mouthy Snake
A long time ago, back when life was good, and things were as they were meant to be, there lived a man, a woman, and their God.
And a mouthy snake.
There were other reptiles, birds, and animals in the area, but since they aren’t the principle players in this story I won’t share any details about them.
Remember these characters: a man, a woman, their God…
…and a mouthy snake.
God didn’t create snakes to slither and slide all over the ground. Nor did He intend for them to be the conniving, manipulative, and utterly detestable creatures they generally represent.
But that mouthy snake let the devil get just a little too close. Next thing you know, the devil was putting words into the snake’s mouth.
And the rest is, as they say, history.
(I realize you may think the snake had nothing to do with the devil’s takeover. But things were different back then. And there was some reason why God cursed the snake. So…)
The same thing happened to the man and the woman. They let the devil get too close. Next thing they knew, they were munching on the forbidden fruit while doing something they’d never done before:
Hide from their Creator.
You see, every time we let the devil get a little too close, bad things happen.
Every time.
It doesn’t matter why, or whether we meant to or not; you give the devil an inch and he runs for a touchdown.
So why do we continue to pay attention to such a troublemaker?
Short memories on our part.
Smooth talking on his.
So what if we quit listening to the devil? Or better still, what if we kept him out of our garden?
Is it possible?
I believe so.
Let’s say our garden represents the things we sow, or allow others to plant, into our lives. As Adam and Eve were placed in their garden to tend and cultivate it, so God has given us the responsibility for our little plot of ground.
We have a say in what happens in our life. We are not entirely victims of circumstances or chance. We are caretakers of our destiny, of our Creator’s will for our lives.
And the devil is not part of the plan.
Neither is a mouthy snake.
So what should you do if a mouthy snake starts talking to you in your garden?
The same thing Adam and Eve SHOULD HAVE done.
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 NKJV)
The snake didn’t resist the devil and was cursed for his part in the fall of man.
Adam and Eve didn’t resist the devil, and met a similar fate.
“So how can I expect to do any better?”
We have a little more arsenal.
“Really? What do you mean?”
We have their example of how to fail, AND Jesus’ example of how to win!
Our first parents lost because they got something mixed up. They became confused about who they were to resist, and Who they were to submit to.
Which allowed the devil to get too close.
They should have done what we’ve been instructed to do. At the slightest hint of a mouthy snake, or a crafty man or woman, SUBMIT to God.
Run to Father God, dig out His word (your bible), and find out the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth, the truth you need to tend to your garden.
THEN resist the devil and he will flee from you.
We have enough things to do in our garden without sitting and listening to a mouthy snake. We have God to pursue, and our destiny to fulfill.
And we cannot afford to allow the devil to even step foot on our turf.
Don’t you agree?
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Circle the Wagons
I love old movies, especially westerns.
I really enjoy watching such stars as John Wayne, Randolph Scott, Gregory Peck, Richard Widmark, Richard Boone, Steve McQueen, William Boyd, Slim Pickens, Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, James Arness, Gene Barry, Gary Cooper, Duncan Renaldo, Gabby Hayes, Dale Robertson, Clint Walker, Chuck Connors, Jimmie Stewart, Clayton Moore, Andy Devine, and a bunch of others who made the old westerns so entertaining.
Of course, not everyone loves them like I do. But that’s alright. I’ll enjoy them till the day I die.
Some folks say, “You’ve seen one western, you’ve seen them all.”
I don’t agree.
Movies such as “The Searchers”, “High Noon”, “Shenandoah”, and “Chisum” all have pistol packing men as stars, but each movie stands alone in its greatness.
Allow me to refresh your memory just a bit. I’m going to give you two words, and with them possibly draw a parallel between the old west and something Jesus said.
Wagon trains.
Yep, wagon trains.
Remember the old show, Wagon Train? Or how about Rawhide?
What’s one thing that comes to mind as you picture the old wagon train? It’s probably the sound of the wagon master hollering, “Indians! Robbers! Circle the wagons! Circle the wagons!”
People from all walks of life, with their hearts set on traveling west to seek their fame and fortune, joined the wagon trains. They joined primarily for safety reasons, but also because of the experience of the wagon master and his scouts.
Traveling 10-20 miles per day, it took 3-6 months to complete the 2,000 mile journey from St. Louis to San Francisco. Hardships such as inclement weather, robbers, Indian attacks, and sickness could lengthen the journey by as much as a month or two.
But each traveler had a dream; a dream of a future and a hope. California, the Land of Promise.
“Go west, young man!”
It’s odd that perfect strangers could learn so quickly to heed the voice of the wagon master when he yelled, “Circle the wagons!”
They may not have seen the enemy, and maybe didn’t like the other travelers, but they trusted the master enough to obey his command.
“Circle the wagons!”
Today in this journey we call life, our heart is set on our future and hope. The Promised Land. And some day, with God’s help, we’ll make it.
But the road isn’t an easy one; there are enemies all along the way. And though we find ourselves traveling with people we may not be fond of, we must learn to stay together for the sake of everyone.Jesus prayed a prayer in John 17. Here’s a portion of it; the part that specifically applies to us:
“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” (John 17:20-21 NKJV)
Unity. Joined together as one. One church, one body.
With ONE ENEMY. The one who goes about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
The Master has been instructing, “Circle the wagons!” What does the church do?
We break up into our own little groups, and with our special version of the gospel gun, join in with the enemy by shooting at one another.
That’s not how they did it in the old west!
The Psalmist said, “How good and pleasant it is when men dwell in unity…”
You reckon the Psalmist would like the old westerns?
I reckon so.
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Christian Police
I do believe if I read another article written by a Christian bashing Joel Osteen or some other well known preacher I may just throw up.
With so many Christian “police” these days it’s a wonder anyone actually hears the true gospel.
Bloggers, preachers, theologians, along with a few car wash attendants, seem to know who’s telling the truth, and who isn’t.
Really?
Someone is bound to mention the scripture about contending for the faith. My answer is, “Do it! Contend for the faith! Tell people the truth about salvation, heaven, hell, homosexuality, greed, lust, pride, etc. Tell everyone.”
But you don’t need to try and destroy Someone else’s servant to get your point across. The Someone I’m referring to is Jesus.
“Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.” (Romans 14:4 NKJV)
You can not win someone to Jesus by ranting about what’s wrong with Jesus’ family.
One of the hot buttons these days is what a preacher says about homosexuality. If they act like someone from that particular church in Kansas, they are labeled nutty and a homophobe.
On the other hand, if they won’t make it an issue while being interviewed, they are liberal and next of kin to the antichrist.
But what if there’s a place in the middle; a place God Himself would like for us to stand?
Paul wrote: “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NKJV)
Apparently, Paul had a ministry that reached out to fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, sodomites, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners. How else could he say, “and such were some of you…”
True, he was clear about who could, and couldn’t, inherit the Kingdom of God. But how did he reach the people who needed God’s touch?
Well?
I would like to believe he did it like Jesus did.
“Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, ‘This Man receives sinners and eats with them.’” (Luke 15:1-2 NKJV)
Heaven forbid! Jesus actually treated the sinners like people.
I’d venture to say if Jesus preached on TV there’d be some of the same folks writing blogs about Him and His liberal ways.
Christian police: how is YOUR ministry to the lost doing? Have YOU discovered a fullproof way of capturing the attention of the “lost” long enough to give them the truth of God’s salvation and Kingdom?
Well?
If not, maybe that would be something to seek God about.
Yes, the scriptures tell us to mark those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine (of faith and godliness). It also tells us about six, no seven, things God HATES. One of those is the person who sows DISCORD among the brethren (Proverbs 6).
What if all those people we like to bash are really scoundrels? What if they deserve it? What if?
Does our responsibility change? Was Jesus’ command altered in any way?
“Go into all the world…make disciples…”
I am not an Osteenite, a Hageeite, a Jakesite, or any other “ite”. I’m not even a Piperite or a MacArthurite.
Nor do I fancy myself as a Christian Copper.
I am a Christian.
I have something to tell others. It’s called truth.
And somehow, pointing out the faults (presumed or actual) of other preachers doesn’t help me in fulfilling God’s call on my life.
What would happen if the time we spent “exposing” someone else’s ministry was used to pray for people such as Brother Osteen, or all the people he is attempting to reach.
I believe it could produce more “and such were some of you” testimonies than the devil could handle.
And shouldn’t that be our goal?
Christian police: isn’t it time you turned in your badge?
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Spirit Of Deception
I hate to say this, but I believe the spirit of deception is working overtime these days.“Yes, brother, I agree. The whole world has gone mad. Liberals, socialists, and a bunch of tattooed punks are making a real mess out of this country. Things would be better if we could get back to the good old days.”
No. That is NOT what I’m talking about.
There’s no need for the spirit of deception to spend time with people who don’t have time for God. People, whether liberal or conservative, socialist or democratic, tattooed or not, who aren’t the least bit interested in God, do not concern the devil.
No.
The spirit of deception is working overtime in the church.
And, I’m afraid it’s a sign of more to come.
Paul wrote: “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” (1 Timothy 4:1 NKJV)
The spirit of deception: A misleading, traveling (roaming), imposter spirit. Seducing, finding a soft spot in a person’s life and armor. Seducing a person by feeding the unbridled desire in their life.
Whether the seduction happens through sexual lust, greed, pride, or whatever; the spirit of deception baits people with what they want and deceives them into believing God is leading them.
Really?
Yes. I’ve seen it before, and I’m seeing it more and more often.
Men and women of God, snatched up by the spirit of deception, throwing away their families, ministry, and integrity, BELIEVING God’s word doesn’t apply to THEM; God gave THEM a different set of rules.
They’re the exception because (in their mind) they are EXCEPTIONAL. God favors them more than the rest.
Deception. Delusion.
Dangerous and deadly.
Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers, and the dear, sweet, little old church mom are susceptible to the spirit of deception.
That includes you and I.
So what should we do about it?
First of all, don’t be so quick to fend off a warning from a friend. Don’t live shielded from reproof.
Don’t isolate yourself from people who may not agree with you one hundred percent. In fact, there’s safety in the multitude of counselors; counselors who are in regular fellowship with God Almighty.
Stay tender to God and others. Always be quicker to judge yourself than others.
Examine your motives often. Don’t allow yourself the “luxury” of a “little” compromise, for it is the seed that will grow into full blown deception.
If a verse in the Bible is hard to understand, err on the side of caution. Do exactly what it says. Look foolish, if necessary. Better to LOOK foolish than to BE foolish.
Remember this: GOD NEVER CONTRADICTS HIMSELF!
He WON’T say in His Word to “flee immorality”, then “lead” you into an adulterous relationship.
No matter how many times the spirit of deception “confirms” the word, if it doesn’t line up with the Bible, it’s wrong!
If you’ve discovered that you’ve been caught up in deception, it’s NOT too late to break free.
It’s not hard, but it isn’t easy, because the spirit of deception doesn’t give up without a fight.
But the Spirit of Truth is stronger.
Break free by acknowledging your sin before God, and whoever else has been affected, and then remove yourself from the situation/lifestyle.
It’s called humbling yourself before God.
Return to the biblical wisdom you once shunned, allowing other people access to your life: your thoughts, desires, and actions.
But most of all, drop the “I’ve got things together better than anyone else” kind of attitude, for your exclusive thinking is what opened the door for the spirit of deception in the first place.
If you’re trapped, it’s time to break free. If you’re not, then continue to humbly live free.
In Jesus’ Name.
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His Permissive Will?
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1,2 NKJV
I have often read the above passage like this: “…that you may prove what is the good will of God, the acceptable will of God, and the perfect will of God.”
Kind of like there are three or more degrees of God’s will.
But that can’t be, can it? I mean, I am either doing the will of God, or I’m not.
“But God allows things to happen. Therefore it must be His will. Right?”
Wrong.
For instance, Israel wanted a king. They told Samuel the prophet, “Give us a king, just like the other nations.”
Samuel told them God wanted to be their King. But they insisted; demanding Samuel find a king for the nation of Israel.
Finally God told Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.” 1 Samuel 8:7
God allowed them to have a king. But His will was not done.
Remember when Jesus was asked the question about divorce? He answered, “What God has joined together, let no one separate.” So the people gasped and said, “Then why did Moses tell us to write a certificate of divorce…” (Matthew 19).
Jesus responded, “Because of the hardness of your hearts, Moses was permitted (allowed) to do so.”
Did you catch that?
Sometimes things are ALLOWED because God knows we’re going to keep asking, and asking, until we finally get our way.
But just because He “allows” it, doesn’t make it His will. No way.
God’s glory is revealed ONLY when His will is accomplished. Period.
The will of God is good, acceptable, and perfect. I don’t mean what He allows, but what He decrees.
The will of God comes from above, the same place every good and perfect gift is from (James 1:17).
We are NOT to pursue His PERMISSIVE will. We are NOT told to live by everything God ALLOWS.
Jesus told us to live “…by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” In other words, we are to live according to THE will of God. Period.
Why don’t we? Why do we settle for less than God’s will?
Maybe it’s because we don’t want to go to the trouble of finding out what He really wants. Possibly, we’ve believed the lie that God’s will is old fashioned, not fun, and leads only to a life of misery and loneliness.
God’s will is good, because He is good; ONLY good. His will is acceptable, if we understand Who it is that calls to us, “Come to Me…” His will is perfect, because nothing else can satisfy or be so intricately designed for our lives.
Only God knows us through and through.
Only God knows the end from the beginning.
Only God’s will can bring about the changes this world needs to experience.
So, let’s not be content with what we can “con” God into letting us do. Forget it; it’s not worth it.
Instead, let’s pursue THE will of God for our lives. Let’s arm ourselves with the same mind as Christ, living our lives for the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1,2
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
Jan Grace 