Where Did You Go?

 

My mind's eye has been peering into lives that have indeed changed in oh so many ways. But, my focus is on how one's of whom started in what we Christians term a 'Faith Walk', and eventually took different paths far from where they began. 

Now, there is the 'Faith Walk' where we grow deeper as we delve into God's Word, and hold tightly to the foundation built on the Rock Christ Jesus. Where wisdom is increased, peace is absorbed and joy abounds. 

But, there is a walk many take that is far different. The thing is, it isn't normally an instant change of pace. No, not at all! Different reasonings occur; a crises, church hurts, personal hurts and loss, that rattle the foundation of their house.

Being a Biblical counselor as a pastor and missionary, I have had the opened-door view sometimes on the path that ones take to travel so far from their beginnings. I have watched so many who were introduced to the Love of Jesus and God's Word, by receiving Jesus into their lives. To where stuff happens! And the journey that God intended for them is left and then little foreign seeds become planted from the world as well as other belief systems. Little seeds, or shall I use the word leaven (yeast) begin to grow within? "Leaven" can also represent something that subtly but completely changes or modifies something."  

Jesus said; "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees" by which he meant their teaching that resulted in hypocritical and faith-denying lives (Matthew 16:5-12). 

In Jewish history, leaven (yeast) could not be left on the altar because of the fermentation that spoils the food. Leaving it deteriorated, and corrupt. 

I make sour dough, and when I first began; I collected my yeast, in order to create my starter. How? You take warm water and flour and allow it to sit out in the open air to collect yeast from the environment! It's the coolest thing to watch! I now have a potent starter that when left out it bubbles up and over my jar every time. 

Let's turn back around and use this illustration as Jesus did and even Paul to be applied to our life walk, more so our faith walk. 

In the beginning, we have had the experience of seeing Jesus on the Cross and the love He had for us...which overwhelmed our hearts. We wanted Him to be our Lord and Savior. 

If discipled correctly (that is a whole other subject), we are taught how to live out our lives with Jesus. Sometimes, many of us have not been discipled at all or at least-correctly. Regardless, this is the foundation that has to be built upon and continued to be built upon. We never stop doing this!

Or ... we shouldn't stop doing this. Herein lies the steering off the path God intended for our lives to eventually... slipping down what is called a slippery slope.

Do your remember the old little childhood song;

 'The Wiseman Built His House Upon the 
Rock?" [Matthew 7:24-27]

This scripture and song seems so 'cut' & 'dry' doesn't it? It can be, except when we open up our minds to other ideologies, false doctrines, immorality and if our mind thinks it, our hearts accept it, and our life starts living it - all little by little. 

Remember the sly snake (Lucifer) having Adam & Even questioning God's Words? [Read Genesis 3:1-8] Their eyes were pleased with the beautiful fruit that looked absolutely delicious. God provided 99% of all the other trees for them to eat from; but that ONE TREE! Satan's lies were twisted around God's Word, that it made sense to them. Many false religions are built up like this. They lure in a way that seems quite enticing, also, this happens with immoral actions as well.

People get 'church-hurt' especially, but also hurt by loved ones too. Sense God made us to be social and have the need to be loved and accepted (+ to love others too); ones become drawn to a teaching, or a group of folks that invite them in by accepting and even encouraging that it's OK to think this or that. [Opposite of what God graciously has taught in His Word.]

I would love to go into detail with each religion, people groups and life style; but that would be a book and not a simple blog! LOL! The important question to ask is, "Is this from God? And from His Word?" That is how we test the spirit of this world, the words of others and also actions; by asking ourselves is this what God teaches? I have heard it said many times that the Bible (God's Word) is definitely our handbook for life. Also, it's a survivor and victors manual to live by daily. 

But, there is more! Many respond in saying that they don't hear Jesus calling out to them anymore, and that they don't recognize His Voice. Dwelling in the Presence of the Lord, and  waiting to listen to the Voice of the Holy Spirit is another powerful source to 'staying-on-path!' Again, we are made to listen, we are made to have communication with God. And when this stops, evil will walk right in. Little by little!

Do you recognize His Voice? Think about it, if we hear the ones we are 
closest to in a crowd of people and we listen carefully - we can recognize their voices! That's because we are close to them, we communicate with them continuously and they are part of our hearts. I have had so many tell me they don't hear the Holy Spirit speaking to them. May I ask, are you still close? Think on that.

The creeping-in of other voices can begin with the tv shows we watch, movies and music we listen to and so-on. May I say (as we compromise), our typical response anymore is: "It's our culture - it's ok!" Or, "We still love Jesus and go to church (sometimes)." And slowly, like the yeast; our minds, and hearts are being corrupted with the contamination the world has to offer. 

Our prayers begin to wane, communication with God becomes more and more shallow. And our hearts are empty. What is worse is when a married couple takes this path together. And their marriage becomes only a shell; until it is filled with again the ideologies and lifestyles of this world, filling up with things and activities and less of God. Following this, is the domino affect as this life style falls upon our children, then our grandchildren and eventually passed to generations. 

This nation (the United States) was founded on God and His Word, we have witnessed countless + powerful revivals. But, what happened? The yeast of this world contaminated lives. The enemy will never give up until:

 "And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan", the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him." Rev. 12:9

It's being in constant communication with our Lord and Savior; through His Word and dwelling in His Presence. The scripture also encourages all to dwell together with those of like-mindedness. To not forsake this! [Read Hebrews 10:25] We have to be willing to be held accountable to those in the faith, ones who truly love the Lord and us that are bold enough to keep us 'in-check!' 

There is an end to this road, where is it taking you? Are you there? Did you come to a crashing end and now are faced with a sad reality? 

"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." Prov. 14:12 

We all have an enemy of our souls; from the beginning he has tried to destroy our relationship from God. He endeavors to steal God's worship due Him. He wants to take what God has planned for us and then have us walk a life of destruction (remember the yeast affect)!

We feel there is no hope, but there is hope as long as we can call out to our God! He is omnipresent; He is watching you, and He is listening. He gave us all a will to choose, and is waiting for people to choose a life with Him.

Your hope: 

Isaiah 40:31 - "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

In God alone, your (our) creator, the One Who loves you most has amazing plans for you...will you grasp them and take hold. Anchor them in your soul?

 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jer. 29:11

Can I pray for you? Send me a message and I surely will lift you up in prayer. This short blog is so simple and has clear instructions on how to find your way back to a deep and powerful relationship with Jesus. Will you grasp ahold of His Hand and come back to a great life that He does have for you?

~Daneille