A lie from the pit...

I have recently started to become aware of how the enemy has a grip on the lives of Christians. Here is what I have for you today...

Often, when a person accepts Christ, they go through a honeymoon period. During this time their zeal for the Lord is high, and their desire to do good works makes it easy to continually walk in the presence of God. Other believers are inspired by their walk with the Lord, and generally, even when a new believer faces adversity in their life, they lean on Jesus as the Holy Spirit flows in and through them to live a life of grace and strength in Christ.

Later on, the spirit of revival in a new believer's life begins to wax cold as they spend more and more time in this world. They begin to lose sight of their zeal for Jesus as they fellowship with lukewarm or backslidden Christians. A few worldly television shows or movies, a couple of nights hanging out with unbelievers, a day of listening to secular music and worldly messages, and soon, the new believer begins to forget their first love and longs to return to bad habits, and a life that is no longer directed by the Spirit of God. The enemy sends these messages:

• Don't you want to have any fun? 
• You don't need to be such a fanatic about Jesus.
• It's okay to believe in Jesus, but you need to fit into society
• You are going to be miserable if you give up the things of the world
• Going to Church is okay, but religion needs to be personal and not public

It is the biggest lie from the pit, and it is contrary to the Word of God. Misery does not exist when we are in the presence of God, but misery abounds when we are separated from God. There is no joy in this world apart from a relationship with Jesus, there is no joy that that can compare to the blessing prepared for those called of God... Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Matthew 6:33 ESV "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you"

2 Peter 1:4 "By which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."

I could list many scriptures (many that are often skipped over in our modern church institutions) that talk about how living for Jesus leads to victory, but I will allow the Holy Spirit to direct you to the passages He has for you.  I encourage you to start a regular Bible reading plan.

Here are some Words of encouragement:

• Living a life of surrender to Jesus IS worth it. - Matthew 11:29
• Being sold out to Jesus is a blessing - James 4:10
• Everything the world has to offer is folly and leads to your destruction - Proverbs 14:12
• You can't love both Jesus and the world 1 John 2:15-17
• Jesus is the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE - John 14:6

Remember the parable of the prodigal son...  Luke 15:11-32.  The world will drive you into a pig pit as you search for fun, happiness or purpose apart from Christ.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

The enemy will destroy you and your family.  Don't believe the lie from the pit, but rather, feed on the Word of God, accept His salvation and escape the misery of life apart from God.

His call on your life is real. Don't neglect it. Don't deny Jesus. Nothing is more exciting than being used by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords to advance the Kingdom of God on this earth.

Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Susan
#BeTheFew