What Do You Fear?

Through the years I have said, and prayed..."Oh God, PLEASE don't let me be deceived!"  I have also heard others voice their fear of "being deceived."  

The other day I was reading my Bible and I saw something I hadn't "seen" before.  The more I think about it, the bigger this subject gets.  Here is the scripture that caught my attention.  Oh yes, I've heard it preached all of my life, and I've read it numerous times, but this time it spoke to me in a different way.  

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." (James 1:22 KJV)

Here is the Amplified version:

"But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth]. (James 1:22 AMP) 

This scripture spoke volumes to me.  In the last days when many are "being deceived" we must stop and take inventory of our own hearts and make sure we have an "obedient spirit." If we do, and we're walking with the Lord like we should be...if we're praying, being faithful, and obeying the Word that is preached by a "Truth preaching preacher," there is no way for satan to deceive us.  He is not powerful enough to walk into the heart of a Holy Ghost filled child of God and destroy them!  

The following is a quote from Pastor Mark Foster that struck a chord in my heart...

"It is inconceivable to think the same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead would come into our lives and do nothing." 

The power of God is greater than the schemes of satan!  Be obedient to God's Word and satan has no power in your life!  After all, Jesus used the Word against satan, and satan was DEFEATED!

In all of my simple thinking, I came to this conclusion...Born again, children of God do not need to walk through life being afraid of the "spirit of deception jumping on them."  What we should fear is our own carnal mind that wants us to "intentionally reason contrary to the Truth." Those who "reason contrary to the Truth" will go on their way as if they never heard Truth, fulfilling the lusts of the flesh.  That person is then set up for deception to invade their heart and mind, and if they do not come to their senses, they'll never know they have been "deceived!"  Now that's something to fear.  

Stay alert child of God!  Be obedient to the Word of God!  Save yourself from this world by dying to your flesh!  Crave the things of God!  Walk in the Spirit!  Keep yourself unspotted from the world!  Jesus is coming back for His bride, so be ready!   

When I go to prayer I want my heart to be open:

"Dear Lord,  please look deep into my heart and walk into every corner and cleanse me from anything that is not pleasing to You.  Help me to see "me" like YOU see me.  I want to be obedient to Your Word, and act upon it...lest I deceive myself into thinking that I'm alright when I'm not, and be lost because of my own negligence and self will.  Help me to be a doer of the Word and not just hear it.  In Jesus Name!"

Dear Preacher and Preacher's Wife

I don't know why my mind has wandered off to far away places today, but for some reason I found myself in my Grandpa and Grandma Layne's living room.  In the middle of the room was Daddy and Grandpa Layne.  At times, they would get into a "wrestling match" just for fun, and Grandpa always "won"!  This time was no different, but what WAS different is that in the car I overheard Daddy telling Mother..."You know Lila, I could have wrestled Pop to the floor, but I just won't do that to the old man."  He said "old man" very respectfully!  He went on to say, "I didn't want him to "feel bad" because he just didn't have the strength he use to have."  

WHY did my mind wander down that "memory lane" today?  I was really kind of shocked!  Almost as soon as that memory invaded my thoughts, I had another thought that formed, and as I realized what was taking place, I knew God was speaking to my heart. 

 A "spiritual wrestling match" has been going on for sometime now between the "deceiver" and those who have been taught Biblical holiness and separation.  The message the "deceiver" brings is from the pits of hell.  He will say things like, "Surely you don't believe those old-fashioned things anymore! Don't you think you could do away with them?  Really...do you think those things are still necessary?"  A saint who has loved their separated life is suddenly under attack!  They now find themselves in a "wrestling match" that they really don't understand, because the "deceiver" has already been working on them through anger, a critical spirit, and a tiny seed of bitterness.  After the onslaught of "sweet smiles, and silvery words from the deceiver" they have become weaker, until they can no longer tell right from wrong.  They find themselves questioning the very truth they once loved!   The things of God seem so...far...away.  Then, without notice...they feel their legs give way.  They cannot withstand the "deceiver" any longer.   Now, they reason..."I love my church...but I just can't believe "that" anymore.  I don't want to leave my friends and family here, and I wish they would go with me, but they're still holding onto what we've always been taught.  I just can't understand how they can go along with that kind of preaching anymore!  Oh, I know they've stood beside me through many trials, and they said they loved me, but they're "love" was so shallow.  They really didn't mean it."  And the "deceiver" keeps weaving his web!  Everyday that goes by the "deceivers" words play over and over in their mind, and they feel a confusion like never before as they reason of how it wouldn't be right to leave all those they love.  Their thoughts become more muddy, and their head  feels like it is literally spinning.  One minute they want to leave, the next..."I think I'll just stay here.  I'm sure it'll all be okay!  People will understand that I've made a few changes, but they'll see I'm really happier than I was when I was doing what the Pastor preached.  They'll eventually see that the REAL me really hasn't changed at all.  I'm still the same person I was years ago."  As they continue to reason, never making a fresh dedication, or a new commitment, they find themselves lulled to sleep from the ever so soothing music of the "deceivers voice", and what they once knew was truth is no longer part of their life.     

On the sidelines, sits the Old Prophet of God that has led his people to righteous, holy living and he watches as those he has given his life for buckles to their knees.  He weeps as he remembers the countless times he has led his congregation to the throne room of God, and their lives were changed after he preached, "Thus sayeth the Word of the Lord!"  As he sits there, it's as if he feels a sword rip through his chest and it goes directly to his heart!  He has preached about the spirit of compromise, and warned his people about the last days, but he never dreamed he would ever SEE that day happen!  His very being is torn into, and his heart cries for those he loves...but it seems there is nothing he can do.  Under the load of discouragement that has broken his heart he closes his eyes...

Just as the Old Prophet is about to take his last breath, someone steps into the room.  Who is it?  A young man?  As he tries to focus his eyes on the young man, he thinks of when HE was young and strong.  As he watches the young man stroll towards him, he notices his vision has been restored.  He feels his strength return as he "remembers".  The young man is now standing in front of him, so the Old Prophet raises his head and asks..."Young man, who are you?  Where do you come from?  What are you doing here?  What is your name?"  As the young man begins to speak, the Old Prophet realizes that he has been sent by God to help fight the battle that has been raging.  And FIGHT he does!  With an anointing that only comes from the Holy One, the young man reaches out and grabs that long, ugly sword of discouragement that has pierced the Old Prophet's heart.  With his strong hands he carefully removes it.  With a power like the Old Prophet has not seen for awhile he watches as the young man  throws "discouragement" aside.  Then...Encouragement speaks, "Oh man of God!  What the "deceiver" has tried to do to those you have given your life for, will no longer prevail!  God has sent me to tell you that all you have done...is not in vain!  You have preached, you have given, you have prayed and fasted, you have loved unconditionally.  The "deceiver" may have destroyed a few, but he hasn't destroyed the CHURCH!  Stand up now!  Look around you and look at the CHURCH!  It is ALIVE and WELL!"       

That Book Might Be TRASHED

"I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, For it is the power of God unto salvation..."

I am not ashamed of...the stand on "separation" that my husband has preached through the years, and is not about to change.

I am not ashamed of...the many messages I have heard through my life,  preached by my father and many men of God on "living holy before God".

In fact...I LOVE what I've been taught! Therefore...I am not ashamed to say...

I STILL BELIEVE THE OLD-TIME APOSTOLIC MESSAGE OF REPENTANCE, BAPTISM IN JESUS NAME, AND THE INFILLING OF THE HOLY GHOST WITH THE EVIDENCE OF SPEAKING IN OTHER TONGUES, AND HOLINESS WITHOUT WHICH NO MAN CAN SEE THE LORD!

I am not ashamed to be called..."One of them".

The world has been trying to water down the gospel of Jesus Christ since He walked the face of this earth. It bothers them that they have never been able to do away with the fact that there are people all over the world that have received the gospel, and who live it. Those believer's will die for that which was given to them through the inspired Word of God.

I recently heard from a friend that a well-known speaker/author in the Christian world made some disparaging remarks about Pentecostal women. I am not one that gets offended easily, but this really started me to thinking, because...

I had wanted a particular inspirational book, written by this "well-known speaker/author".  I had told my husband I wanted it, so, for Christmas one of my presents was "that" book. I was happy to get it, but my spirit was troubled within. That may bring a little frown to your brow because I should have been happy, but, before ever asking for the book my heart had already talked to me. "WHY do you need to read a book to inspire you to draw closer to God that's been written by someone you know does not believe the Apostolic message? WHY do you want to read "that" book when you have books on your bookshelf that are written by people you KNOW loves truth, has a walk with God, and you KNOW they fast and pray until the gates of hell are shaken to their foundation? What can you learn from that "Christian writer/speaker" that you can't learn from someone you know personally and trust them with any situation you might face? If you have a need, all you have to do is pick up the phone and call one of your "fasting prayer warriors" and ask them to take your need to the Lord, and when you hang up the phone you know, without a doubt, they will pray for you?"

Six weeks later I have to confess, "that" book is still sitting on my table by my recliner except for when I put it in my "book bag" to travel with me, and I haven't read it, yet. I've picked it up several times to read, but that nagging thought keeps coming at me.  "What can that book teach you..."  I'm now starting to believe it is the Holy Ghost trying to get my attention to NOT read it.

Lest you think I am crazy and have fallen out of the bed and hurt my head...I have MANY books written by people who are not Apostolic.  They do not believe the same as I do, and I have enjoyed learning from people who are well learned in their field. But, as far as I know, they haven't made it a point to ridicule and belittle my faith and the lifestyle I, and many thousands have chosen to live.

In these last days, there is a poison going around that is scaring me!  There are times, I am uncomfortable "hanging" with people that do not love holiness, righteousness, and living a life "separated unto the Lord" like they once did.  I think the "uncomfortable feeling" comes when whoever it is speaks against that which we have loved and cherished.  It's scary to think some have turned away from what they have been taught, yet still profess to be "okay".   Maybe they think it's too old fashioned or it's not necessary to live like "grandma and grandpa" to be saved.  But, I have thought it through many times, trying to figure out what it is in the world that people want.  I can honestly say, there is nothing in this world that beckons me!  My mind is made up!  I'm going to heaven!  I am not saying we should be "isolated" from the world.  I'm not talking about NOT loving the sinner, or the backslider who has failed God.  I want that to be clear!  My heart hurts thinking about those who have lost their way and seem to not be able to find their way back "home".  I am praying for those who are hurting.  If anyone knows me well they know I love people, love to have fun, love to laugh and enjoy life. They also know that I hold on to a clean life-style and godly living. They know that I am not one to quickly condemn and do my best not to judge others. But, my question to ME and to you is...Are we going to allow ourselves to bring in the "poison of carnal thinking" men/women and expect to live through it?

Back to "that" book...I am very seriously thinking about throwing it in the trash and never reading it. I most likely will not listen to the author preach or teach again. I have no use for anyone that attacks the saints of God and belittles them because of their godly life-style. Oh, it's not because they have attacked ME, but because they have spoken against a people who have chosen to live "holy lives unto the Lord". I will not listen to anyone tear down my Apostolic heritage! I love God too much, and the many men and women who have walked the "road of righteousness" to allow it to be diminished to nothing. I would rather throw "that fifteen dollar book" in the trash than to drink in the poison of deception. The more poison you drink, the more it chips away at the bricks and mortar of truth. My peace of mind and clear thinking is worth a whole lot more than FIFTEEN DOLLARS!

Hold On to Truth

In my Bible Reading this morning I read the scripture once again that says...

Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made.  And he said unto the woman, "Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" Eve answered him and said, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:  But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, "Ye shall not eat of IT, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die."

First of all the serpent came to Eve with the intention of "twisting" what God had said, and somehow upon hearing what the serpent had to say Eve decided to make the story a little "juicier" by adding her own words to the situation.  Eve told the serpent what God had said then added..."neither shall ye touch it".  I haven't read where God said those words.  By the time the conversation between the serpent and Eve was over she was probably so confused about what God had told her husband, before she was created, that she now questioned if that's REALLY what He meant when He told Adam he couldn't "eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil".

Since I read these scriptures this morning my spirit has been stirred within.  Through the years I've watched how the adversary works on the minds of people, and more than ever I find myself guarding my heart and mind when someone comes around and starts "adding their twist" to the Word of God.  You know, Eve had no reason to not trust the serpent.  They lived in the same garden.  They walked down the same trails.  They enjoyed the perfection of God's creation, together.  She wasn't afraid of the serpent, because until he came to her and was used to "question God's instructions" she had no reason to be.  She didn't even know what "fear" was!  It wasn't till after she had disobeyed God that her eyes were opened to what she had done.  Isn't that just like sin?  You get enthralled with the "bright lights" and enjoy playing around with sin, and then...your eyes are opened to the fact that you have disobeyed God and now have to suffer the consequences!  

The spirit of deception is a scary thing!  What is so scary is that a person can be wrong and not know it.  The word deceive means to mislead by a false appearance or statement.  It is hard for me to think anyone would want to deceive others on purpose, but there are people that are evil enough to do just that!  Deception is a trick of Satan and he is working overtime to deceive you into believing "God didn't mean it THAT way".  "Oh Eve, it's okay!  You're not going to die just because you eat a piece of fruit!  Come on!  Get real!  God is a God of love.  Go ahead..." (hee-heee-heee)  I hear him smirking as he walks away. 

2 Peter 2 is a chapter in the Bible that I take very seriously. The beginning of the chapter is very sobering: Listen..."But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction." Now, if that doesn't make you cringe listen to this. "And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed." (ESV) You can read the whole chapter if you're interested, but the other part that "gets me" says: "They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. For if,after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: "The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire."

I am usually very positive on my blog and upbeat about life, but when it comes to being saved, I get serious REAL fast!  There is nothing more important to me than hearing my Savior say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."  I haven't lived for God my whole life to now "turn away" from the things I've been taught.  I hear it ringing in my ears as my husband, my father, and many other preachers have said, "Beware lest anyone tries to turn you away from what you've been taught!" Then using Apostle Paul's words..."But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed."  I hear my husband telling our church, "You need to get a love for this Truth!  If I was to get up one night and preach to you something contrary to this Book, don't believe it!  Love this Truth!  Hold it dear!  Don't let it go!" 

My heart IS stirred tonight!  I can't get away from the fact that Satan is working to deceive anyone that will give him a chance.  He is wanting to put a QUESTION in their mind about what they have believed for many years.  They once loved the Truth.  They once believed in "holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord".  What they never believed would happen to them, they have allowed to overtake them, and they don't even realize what's happened!

I decided a long time ago that I'm going to hold onto what has been handed down to me from "holy men of God" who have paid the price to preach this glorious Truth!  I will not listen to anyone that wants to tell me what I love is no longer relevant and we don't have to live that way anymore.  I love God too much to fail Him now.  As David prayed, I pray..."Lighten mine eyes lest I sleep the sleep of death."