It's Not Your Imagination
by David Brenneman
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28.
We can be very naive in regards to learning spiritual lessons things. We can be unawares of the evil behind even so-called spiritual television shows and podcasts.
By what are you able to compare and confirm that what you are being taught is right and true if you aren't following the example of the Berean Church to see if they are so?
What is seen and heard in this world that is intended to influence your mind and heart is real. Do not be so naive as to think nobody's coming after you or your spouse or your family and your friends.
In Christ Jesus we have an enemy who doesn't grow tired. He is a fallen angel now known as a demon. He has a name and its Satan. He has a significant following of other fallen angels who are also known as demons. They do everything contrary to the Word of God and the will of God. They are deceiver's one and all. Jesus said of Satan that he is a liar and the father of lies. When he speaks a lie he speaks from his own nature.
Granted there ARE a few medical reasons why some people are the way they are in this world. But even those people 2,000 years ago who were not by any stretch of the imagination doctors, they could tell the difference between medical problems and demonic possession.
Satan is a defeated foe before the Lord Jesus Christ. He lost at the cross.
The war still rages in the lives of Believers every day. Why? Because of the truth that Scripture cannot be broken.
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." Ephesians 2:10.
Most certainly if we were created for good works in Christ Jesus, Satan's going to try to twist, pervert, malign or stop as much of what is beneficial to us as he can.
He absolutely does not want to see fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ succeeding at life as the Spirit directs or teaches.
You who are in Christ are not here on this world at this place and time in human history by accident, it's by the desire and design of God. You, my Dear Reader, if indeed you are saved, have a responsibility in Christ Jesus to fulfill your calling, not your earthly career as your primary purpose and mission in life. What you do outside of your purpose and mission in this life for Christ will never see eternity. What you do in your life for Jesus is what matters at the Bema seat judgment for Believers.
Will your life be shown as one that lived for your Savior, Jesus Christ, or for you?
Sure we are to enjoy God's creation. But our mission in life doesn't change because it's nice outside. It doesn't change because of where we go. We who are in Christ Jesus are always on-call as Ambassadors for Jesus. We represent the Kingdom of God as Ambassadors to Jesus Christ.
So it's absolutely no wonder that Satan will try every trick in the book and then some to get you to live, even in the smallest of ways, for yourself. Don't get me wrong, there's a time and place for rejuvenation in life. But the Spirit is clear in teaching that all that we do must be done as unto the Lord. Including our supposed "downtime".
We really don't see the truth in the phrase "garbage in garbage out" until we are intentionally only putting into our hearts and minds the truth of God and are intentionally keeping out worldly thinking.
Honestly there no substitute for waking up at any moment to a hymn playing in my head. Sensing the joy of the Spirit when it happens is almost indescribable.
Some people think it's ok to listen to and in reality support secular music. What does the Bible say? Before you think something is ok or not, the standard isn't your opinion. The standard is the Word of God.
Sure the music might sound good. Sure it may be questionable in the lyrics. But realize that unbelievers see you. They see what you are saying is ok by your actions and words. Paul wrote specifically on being careful of what causes others to stumble and struggle. If anything would, he would never do it again.
It's not always easy but it's always beneficial to err on the side of caution in regards to what you decide to do in life.
Do not be the reason someone isn't in a full relationship with Jesus Christ. Your life is probably the only testimony that others see in the world. Not necessarily you words.
It's a fight, if I were being fully truthful with you. It's hard saying no to the desires of this world. But what would giving in profit me? A moments pleasure that might be that deciding moment in an unbelievers life? That moment that might cause a lifetime of damage that the Spirit has to bring in someone else to work with?
We shouldn't trust most of what's on so-called television networks that claim to be Christian in origin. We can easily turn a blind, deceived, eye to the truth of the people leading those shows. There's probably only 3, maybe 4, that I am aware of that DO speak the Word of God in truth. The rest, I am afraid, are all false prophets, false teachers. Blind guides to the blind. New versions of Pharisees and Sadducees. It's why countless church buildings will be filled easily after the Rapture of the Church of Jesus Christ.
It's not your imagination that choosing to live for Jesus is difficult. It's going to be.
It's not your imagination as to what you are going through.
sage
Resources
Hebrew/Greek
Your Content
1 Peter 4
New American Standard Bible 1995
Keep Fervent in Your Love
4 Therefore, since Christ has [a]suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has [b]suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, [c]having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and [d]abominable idolatries. 4 In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For the gospel has for this purpose been [e]preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.
7 The end of all things [f]is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of [g]prayer. 8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks, is to do so [h]as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving [i]by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name." 1 Peter 4:12-16.
"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil."
Ephesians 5:15-16.
There are no bench warmers in the race of life for Christ Jesus. We are all being taught and trained by the Spirit to run the race with endurance set beforeus. To run a race means preparing. Preventing things from influencing the performance we give from gaining a foothold.
"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:1-2.
First, be sure of your salvation in Christ Jesus. Second, Hebrews 12:1-2. Cast away every intention of your heart that violates the Word of God. Satan is the adversary, the destroyer of all that God holds dear. He will infect relationships to cause you to believe that even other Believers aren't Believers. He will infect your thinking to even think you are giving service to God all the while you are not.
If it causes you or others in Christ to at all sin then it's not for you. If it causes you to justify any breakup in a relationship that is based in fears, half-truths, lies, then its not of God.
It's interesting, the more you intentionally look at your life and the lives around you, that it's not your imagination after all.
Spiritual forces are at war with the Children of God. There are no bystanders.
"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil."
Ephesians 5:15-16.
All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. Lockman Foundation.
No comments:
Post a Comment