29/05/2023 - JACOB FELT THE PROBLEM

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And Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments. Genesis 35.2

When a person senses some operation of the evil kingdom in his home or in himself, he is one step away from deliverance. Just seek the Lord, praying and meditating on the Word, which says: Jesus answered and said to them, “Are you not therefore mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God? (Mark 12.24). Jacob sought the Most High and understood how he should act, and he did!

Despite being heirs of the promises, Jacob’s family kept strange gods in their midst, and this hindered them. As time goes by, we tend to respect what people say, leading us to abandon God’s Word and make wrong decisions, and this is the devil’s trick: But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” (Matthew 4.4)

Jacob gathered his family and those who were with them and ordered a radical change. Idolatry had taken over their faith. So, he declared: Put away the foreign gods that are among you… The patriarch took over as head of his household by determining the necessary change among them. Why does a saved person’s family like to watch crime movies, worldly programs, etc.? They don’t see the danger!

Those “dolls” that people said gave protection opened the doors of Jacob’s house for the devil to operate, as it happened in the abuse suffered by Dinah. Those who use an idol, or something else, saying that it secretly helps, don’t know that that is the demon taking control of the biblical faith. This is the result of listening to God: So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10.17). Listen to the Lord!

The patriarch’s sons were already talking like the people of the land, so his daughter went to see how the girls there lived and suffered the same violence that many of the Hivite girls suffered. Bad conversation corrupts good manners (1 Corinthians 15:33); therefore, Jacob ordered his family members to purify themselves. Those who watch worldly soap operas learn from the devil how to make such filth, etc. What are you watching on TV: the Faith Show or…?

Besides purifying themselves, they had to change their garments. Everything that the world teaches is like a garment. We were saved to live holy and perfect lives before the Father. Therefore, we cannot be like the lost, who do not have the Holy Spirit. But unfortunately, that is what we see. Mercy! Wake up while there is time!

The apostle Paul said: For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6.12). After watching sensuality-filled programming, what do you expect to come out of your mouth? Be careful!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares