“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.”
Psalms 101:3 KJV
It takes a concerted effort to accomplish the above in these days. Everywhere we look wickedness abounds. The more we look the more desensitized we become, where once something would shock us, now it no longer does. However, when we choose to turn from wickedness, once again we become offended by the evil we see.
The enemy is always on the offensive; the assault to recover that which he has lost. Temptation comes in all forms; lust of the eyes; the pride of life; desires of the flesh, everywhere we gaze.
We are admonished to "look not!" How do we do it in days of such lawlessness? Separation! Turn off the TV; don't pick up the magazine; unfollow friends that have unfiltered mouths; don't open news stories on Facebook, etc. Don't take the bait! What's on the end of that hook may look tasty but it never satisfies as promised.
When we say "keep your eyes on Jesus" we are not speaking in the abstract; we mean it literally!
“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 KJV
You choose deliberately to look at things that edify; that encourage; that glorify The LORD! Meditate on Scripture; the best way to soothe a troubled spirit. Fellowship with like minded believers. Confess your failings and pray for one another! Be the arms of Jesus and speak His Words; encourage the brethren.
“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;” 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 KJV
The enemy would paint a picture of never ending hopelessness, but he is a liar! It is so easy to get sucked in to his darkness, so we must seek light! Life changes in mere seconds; and can go either way! Always, what looks like disaster is actually an opportunity for God to work for His glory!
“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Genesis 50:20 KJV
The wilderness is a growing period; unwelcome, but so productive! The time of testing hard; correction painful.
“For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalms 30:5 KJV
When I need to encourage myself I go to Psalm 139.
“How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!” Psalms 139:17 KJV
“If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31b KJV
Thank You Father for Your Word! Thank You that we may come before You with a repentant heart and You in Your great mercy gather us to You, in Love and forgiveness. Open our eyes, open our ears, change our hearts, LORD so that we may know You more and walk with assurance on the path You have set before us. As we seek You with our whole hearts, keep us safe from the enemy! Teach us Your ways, and we will walk in them, with a grateful heart! In Jesus name I pray! Amen.
Even so - MARANATHA!
From 2/1/17
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