Feb 21, 2010
My heart aches and yes, even trembles a bit at the broad measure of deception that has had a huge increase in these difficult days.
Spirits that imitate the voice of our Savior are cloaking themselves as Angels of light and also come masquerading as the Voice of the Holy Spirit in order to distract and lure believers away, slowly from sound convictions, godly warnings, and above all, THE still small Voice.
The Bible tells us that deception, doctrines of demons, and false prophets will increase.
The Spirit has spoken expressly that in the latter times some should depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron. If feels as if those days are upon us and though we might try to withdraw or hide, we cannot escape them; we must overcome in the midst of them, for this is the will of God concerning us.
Strange as it may seem, the danger today is greater for the fervent Christian than for the lukewarm and the self-satisfied.
“THE SEEKER AFTER GOD'S BEST THINGS IS EAGER TO HEAR ANYONE WHO OFFERS A WAY BY WHICH HE CAN OBTAIN THEM.” ~A. W. Tozer
He longs for some new experience, some superior view of truth, some operation of the Spirit that will raise him above the dead level of religious unevenness he sees all around him, and for this reason he is ready to give a benevolent ear to the new and the amazing in faith, first and foremost if it is presented by someone with an attractive personality and a reputation for “enhanced” saintliness.
HOWEVER, our Lord Jesus the great Shepherd of His sheep has not left His flock to the harshness of the wolves. He has given us the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit and yes, natural ability of common sense watching, and He expects us to apply ourselves to their help all the time.
"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good," said Paul. (I Thess. 5:21)
"Beloved, believe not every spirit," wrote John, "but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world" I John 4:1
"Beware of false prophets," our Lord warned, "which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." Matt. 7:15
A TIME FOR DIRECTIONAL ADJUSTMENT
We are in much need of a directional adjustment as believers right now as the world turns itself upside down with malice, dictatorships, and political posturing. We need to be certain that nothing of the world and its behaviors is hidden in our own hearts. We must hear that magnetic pulling voice of the Holy Spirit, and obey it without turning left or right. ”So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. “ Deuteronomy 5:32
NOTHING THAT COMES FROM GOD WILL MINISTER TO OUR PRIDE OR SELF-CENTEREDNESS.
If we are tempted to be conceited and to feel superior because we have had a remarkable vision or an advanced spiritual experience, or if we feel exceptionally more well informed or gifted with educational pursuits and feel the need to inflict our superiority upon others, we should go at once to our knees and repent of the whole thing. We have fallen a have been duped by the arrogant and self-deceived enemy of our souls, Lucifer.
“For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.” - 1 John 2:16
LOOKING FOR CONTINUAL SAFETY AND HELP?
When we walk in the way of surrender and tenderness with our ears attuned to the still small voice of God, we actually walk in the Safe haven or Overshadowing safety of the Presence of God. Training our spiritual ears to hear the voice of the Father creates and provides a lifetime “guarantee” of knowing when the storms or troubles arise as well as intense persecution that there is a promise for direction to a place of Divine Protection and direction whenever needed.
”Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.” - Psalm 16:9
REST AND WAITING IS CRUCIAL
The man or woman of honest heart will find no difficulty here. It is the hardest thing the mind and body to do! Learning to rest and wait when the world is screaming at a fevered pitch,” WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO NOW”! It is a hard learned yet reachable discipline if we will lean into it and ask for God’s help.
Yes only HE can train us in this discipline of rest and waiting. Our flesh will never give into it willingly.
Hear and then HEED the Voice of God calling you to enter into His rest. It is a place of pleasant minimalism and uncluttered guidelines. His Presence silences all of the noise of the day and noise of the Head.
ANY REAL WORK OF GOD IN OUR HEART WILL TEND TO MAKE US UNABLE TO ENJOY WORLD'S FELLOWSHIP.
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (I John 2:15)
It can be declared explicitly, that any spirit that allows “give and take” with the world… …Is a deceiving spirit.
GOD’S PRESENCE IS A PLACE OF SAFETY… … FOR THE WEARY
Dear child of God! There is no judgment or shame there. It is a restful place of learning to take up an easy yoke and a light burden.
Perhaps right now…. as you read this…you might need to get away from music in headphones or speakers, away from the ring tones on your new awesome android phone with all of those cool new applications, and enter in t o the safe haven of God. Lay down the weight of worry and frustration. The anger at life all bottled up in rage and gloom! All you need to take with you into the place of refuge is a willing and listening heart. Ready to trust the Divine Protector and Provider. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you. Psalm 33:22 Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed provided that complete message and website information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank you.
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