I find a notable difference in myself when I allow the things of the world to overpower my time with God… The only way I can describe it, is like this – time out of prayer or out of reading the Word of God (the Bible) is like starving oneself, and in doing so creates a feeling of vulnerability and opens doors like that of anxiety, depression or worry, all of which are NOT fruits of the spirit as listed in Galatians 5:22-23:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
We were not created to be independent of God. Living without God is like being a zombie, truly their is truth in the saying found in Acts 17:28:
“In Him, I live and move and have my being.”
When we are not worded-up by reading the Bible, or prayed up, by spending time with God, we become weak and vulnerable to attacks from the enemy, most of which take place in our minds. It can start off as a trickle of self-defeating thoughts that the enemy whispers into your ear. It can expand to the enemy trying to cause doubt of God’s love, doubts of the forgiveness of your sins which Jesus died on the cross for you. The attacks from the enemy come in ALL kinds of ways, and he knows JUST where it hurts… He brings up the past, present and gives you doubt of your future in Christ. The onslaught of attacks can come in various ways, we who belong to God have to stay focused on Him. Stand steadfast on the Word of God. Determine to put mind over matter, faith over feelings and stand firm in what we know to be God’s truth.
This is the time when we remember that it is ONLY God’s grace, God’s mercy, God’s forgiveness and God’s love that was purchased for us by His Son, the Christ – Jesus. ALL THAT TRULY MATTERS is our standing with Him, when we focus on “people’s opinions” get lost in our own critical thoughts – you know the ones I’m talking about, the “shoulda, woulda, couldas and didn’ts” that we shift our eyes of God and onto our circumstances. Listen, just as in 1 Corinthians 15:10:
“But by the grace of God I am what I am…”
God does NOT expect perfection from you, He knows you are a work in progress! As long as we have breathe in our bodies, we will as in Romans 12:2:
“Be transformed by the renewing of our minds.”
We simply have to accept that and allow Holy Spirit to change those things within us that need changing. Stop allowing the devil to change the perception of who you are in Christ to who you are in YOU. Perception REALLY is everything! Proverbs 23:7 says:
“As a man thinks, so he is.”
THIS is one of ol’ slewfoots BIGGEST weapons of attacks! Remember, it is why he is called “the accuser.” But Jesus IS called YOUR Redeemer and when that devil comes against you with ALL his accusations to get you to feel defeated, feel as if God is not for you, there for you or with you – recognize RIGHT AWAY that THAT is a lie from the pit of hell! God loves you so very, very, very much! Even when you don’t “feel” loved. FAITH OVER FEELINGS. MIND OVER MATTER. GOD IS FOR YOU! He is NOT against you. Speak words of faith and see how God cuts through the lies and brings the truth forward. God is faithful we have to stay focused on Him even when everything around us feels as though its shifting and changing. We stand upon the rock of Jesus Christ and there is safety in Him. There is stability in Him. There is healing in Him. There is provision in Him. EVERYTHING we need is found in Him. Our trust is in HIM and NOT within ourselves and when our eyes are focused upon Him, He always provides a way.
What are you confessing over yourself? Words ARE powerful! WATCH WHAT YOU SAY. People often speak curses upon themselves and/or loved ones in ignorance, not realizing that there is power in what you confess. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says:
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
How are you walking?
It can seem as though all hell is breaking loose around us and we are seeing it happen! But remember Jesus’ words and trust in them! Matthew 16:18:
“The gates of hell shall not prevail.”
Against YOU! Against ME, we may see it all around us – that is why we pray! That is why we intercede! That is why we make SURE that we are constantly reading the Word of God, which is our food! It strengthens us! Holy Spirit speaks to us through God’s Word! That is why we STAY in constant fellowship with God! Talk to Him! Pray! Bring those things that concern you before your Father! He delights in hearing you pray! Tune out the noise of the world and tune into Holy Spirit! HIS VOICE IS ALL THAT MATTERS! And He is accessible to you! You ONLY have to believe!
When we choose to listen to Holy Spirit and to confess our promises as written in the Word of God (the Bible) we grow STRONGER and the accusations of the evil one have NO choice BUT to flee. We decide WHO we choose to listen to! CHOOSE THIS DAY WHO YOU WILL LISTEN TO! CHOOSE THIS DAY, WHO YOU WILL ALLOW TO GUIDE YOU! Will it be Holy Spirit? Or will it be yourself? There IS a big difference – peace is found in God through Christ Jesus, love is found within Him! Strength and purpose are found within Him! Like a person standing at a fork in the road, you have a choice as to which direction you will take. Which thought process you will allow to guide you, even if you are in a waiting period in your life. The Bible says in Psalm 46:10:
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
If you are part of God’s Called Remnant, if you made a profession of faith which resulted in your declaring and decreeing Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, than your life is not your own – it is His. There is NO greater place to be than to have Holy Spirit residing within you, and God’s arms wrapped protectively and lovingly around you! Spend time with God and it will fill you with the MOST amazing peace! It will help you refocus whatever situation you are in, knowing that YOU are God’s responsibility, NOT your own! He loves us so much, we only need to listen and know how important it is for Him to come FIRST in every area of our lives! Why? Because THAT IS our safe place – tucked firmly within our Father’s arms, peering out at a world that WE are not members of, we are safe! HE is our ARK! We CAN trust that God has closed the door TIGHT to any hurt, harm or danger that would try to war against us – because WE are safe in Him. Faith over feelings – in God (NOT self) we trust, and we will NEVER be put to shame because of His love.
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