INVITING YOUR ENEMY INTO THE TREASURES OF YOUR HOME

INVITING YOUR ENEMY INTO THE TREASURES OF YOUR HOME

By Daneille Gray Snowden                                                                                                                     (c)DaneilleSnowdenJan.2014

    Once upon a time, a leader of a small nation had a visit from what was considered to be his enemy. There was no doubt who this person was and how they had felt about each other in the past. Yet, the enemy under the auspices of  'a-friend-concerned' and wanting to show compassion (during the time of this  leaders illness) - BOLDLY came to the great leader's home! [2 Kings 20 ]

   Stop for a moment, and ask yourself a couple of questions. Who is my enemy? What would I do if he came to my home? What would make him feel comfortable enough to even have the audacity to come under the deceptive idea of 'friendship'? 

   Obviously, the leader-who was then a King immediately welcomed his NEW FRIEND into his home. Not only that, but gave him a tour into his most secret places (hidden from the eyes of most men). Why would a great leader, one who has had years of experience allow this? Pride perhaps, weakness (letting his guard down) because he felt he needed this friendship and acceptance by fellow kings and royalty? Likely it was both!

   We all do have an enemy! His objective is to utterly destroy us. To steal our salvation, to steal and destroy our family, to cause us to be the enemy of HIS ENEMY! 

OUR ENEMY IS SATAN!

WHO HATES GOD AND THE SAVING GRACE OF JESUS CHRIST!

HE WANTS TO STEAL EVERYTHING JESUS GAVE US WHEN WE SURRENDERED OUR LIVES TO HIM!

HE STEALS :

HOPE / OUR SALVATION / JOY / OUR FAMILY!

   The ENEMY is watching us closely; waiting to jump right into the chambers of our hearts! He watches when we become too busy to bask in God's Presence and be filled with His Word. He watches when we become frustrated and maybe angry when we do not SEE a prayer answered. He loves watching us and he slowly pricks away at our conscience, as our HIGH Standards as a Christian slowly lower to the level of one who does not serve God. In matter of fact, this is the main approach of Satan to God's Children. 

   When the prophet Isaiah saw what King Hezekiah had done, he prophesied to him that God's Hand of protection and blessing will be removed because he allowed the enemy into the secret places; i.e. the 'Treasures of Israel'. [ 2 Kings 20:15 "Isaiah said, What have they seen in your house? Hezekiah answered, They have seen all that is in my house. There is no treasure of mine that I have not shown them." ]

   This leader who is Hezekiah, had the GREATEST RICHES stolen from him (AND GOD) and that was His Children and His Nation. If you talk with anyone, as they are on their 'death-bed,' you will see where their hearts yearn for: THEIR CHILDREN! All their passion burns for the salvation of their children. Longing for them to live out their lives with fullness of God: His joy, hope, power and as well as doing a great work for the Kingdom of God. Hezekiah lost that!

[ 2 Kings 20: 17, 18 "Behold, the time is coming when all that is in your house, and that which your forefathers have stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon; nothing shall be left, says the Lord.

 And some of your sons who shall be born to you shall be taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of Babylon’s king." ]

   Many good Christian people come to us as pastors, crying for the salvation of their children. The common statement said to us is: "We raised them in church!"  But, remember-WHERE are children raised? How do they really learn? By parents being Godly examples who are  listening to the hearts of their children, answering them with God's Word as the study guide. Also, with consistent discipline and the moral of this story: DILIGENCE ... constantly walking in the Spirit; asking Him to guide us into all truths! With that:  Seeing the enemy approaching from afar off!  So many parents are BLIND-SIDED when their children are rebelling not only against them, but God as well. By displaying a very ungodly lifestyle filled with much rebellion. 

  The result shall be, (2 Kings)  "...some of your sons will be taken away!" The devil's motives are not pure; even under the 'auspices' of friendship and compassion. How many young ladies hearts have been turned when a young man starts complementing her or showing her attention? Same with young men, when he see's a pretty young woman dressed with a low neck line, tight-fitting and high hem line clothing? He is allured and the heart begins to be turned. The example of allowing our children to listen to music...STYLES our one thing --- the WORDS; and the example of the vocalist/instrumentalist is another! When the parents INVITE THE ENEMY INTO OUR HOME; by allowing these c.d.'s and even movies...hearing words that are 'dark', 'sexual', 'rebellious' and 'violent' what 'FRUIT' from this can we anticipate?

   Children are obviously into their FORMIDABLE YEARS! That is a time that their hearts, mind-sets, beliefs, ambitions, life-styles are all being formed by all they see and hear. If we INVITE the enemy into our lives...into the most PRECIOUS PLACES in our home; do tell me, what can we expect the end results to be?

   There are some reading now who already have grown children. Reading this may cause you to feel hopeless. We serve a mighty God, a God of 2nd chances. One who can penetrate the hardest of hearts. Prayer is the KEY! Just simply repent of the past thus He will fill you with His Grace. Then, pray AGAIN - for your children and quite possibly your grandchildren. Fast and pray, share his Love in countless ways. Talk with them on how you allowed your guard to be down in different ways. Ask for their forgiveness. This will cause them to have their mind and hearts eyes open to the powerful truth of God's amazing love.

  There are others who are also reading today that you still have your children at home. Wonderful! God has gifted you with these souls. You are accountable to how they are taught, loved and even disciplined. Ask God to open your mind's eyes on where possibly you may have let the enemy in your home. Pray with your spouse, work together to expel YOUR ENEMY AND HIS WAYS out of your home; only replacing it with more of God! 

   In the end, as we live for Jesus; and we are diligent in every aspect of protecting our home's (i.e. the secret-most valuable  places/treasures) we can:

"... have no greater joy than this, to hear that my [spiritual] children are living their lives in the Truth."  [3 Jn. 1:4]