Seeing Things for What They Are

Seeing Things for What They Are

Whenever you return from a mission trip, you are a little more sensitive to the things that we consider normal. When being away from the television and computer, you realize how our society is slowly taking more and more steps to pull us away from conservative, God-fearing values. When looking at the change taking place on a daily basis, you don’t really see the full impact because we adapt like a frog adapts his body temperature to his environment. But over the course of time, dramatic changes have been happening to draw us away from Biblical, spirit-filled environments. Upon returning, you are also more aware of the focus of your life. You ask yourself the question, “When did that become so important to me?” It truly does open your eyes to the fact that you have changed from where you once were.

When coming to know Christ as your personal savior, you put off the old things and open your life to the new things God provides for you protection and fulfillment. You put on the Matthew 6:33-34 attitude that says, “But seek first the kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Do you know that the enemy is good at what he does? I don’t believe Satan would waste his time on exposing himself for the lies and deceit he has caused. Taking the subtle approach is the best tactic. He is prowling around like a lion looking to devour you. He is still as subtle as he was in the garden with Adam and Eve.

The good news I have for you today is that you do not have to go on a mission trip or have a life altering event happen to you in order to expose the subtlety of the enemy of our souls and be awaken to ungodly activity all around. You can choose to have the mind of Christ and to see your environment for what it is. You can call on the name of the Lord and ask Him to make you aware of anything that may be hindering a close, vibrant relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Sometimes it takes a major event or change to open our eyes to what is really important. Don’t wait for that to happen. God wants to give you a hope and fulfillment today, right where you are.

Jude is one of those chapters that most people don’t read very often. Let me draw our attention to a few verses found at the end of Jude.

A Call to Persevere
17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.
20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

Doxology
24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. -- Jude 1:17-25

I’m looking forward to a great baby day on Sunday. I will also be continuing my series, “Will Our Children Have Faith?”

May God open your eyes to see the things that spur you on and the things that drag you down.

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike