29/07/2013 - THE STORY REPEATS ITSELF

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And the Lord rejected all the descendants of Israel, afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of plunderers, until He had cast them from His sight.

2Kings 17.20

The people of Israel received several heads-up before they were removed from the presence of God and taken captive. For many years, the Lord’s prophets warned them about what would happen if they did not mend their ways. However, they were interested in self-pleasure and prosperity, and spared no efforts to achieve their objectives – even sorcery was tolerated among them. They had definitely abandoned the Lord.

In order to be protected by our Father we need to act in accordance with his instructions. The prophets were speaking in the name of God, but no one listened to them. Nothing else could be done. What we learn from that is that he who plays deaf to the truth becomes a slave to evil lords. That is why every day we must choose whom we will serve, bearing in mind that, if we put aside God’s commandments, we are opening space for evil forces to enter our lives.

Israel despised the covenant that God had made with the fathers of the nation. They abandoned the Lord’s commandments and did whatever they pleased. Unfortunately, this spirit of rebellion is still in the midst of us. When people stop feeling the desire to seek God to resolve their problems and subjecting themselves to God’s will, they end up exchanging the Spring of goodness for false gods.

Because of that, today there are a bunch of idols being worshiped. Many Christians seek those who are anointed, instead of the One who anoints, and many people are mostly interested in the knowledge and charisma of a preacher, or in the beauty and splendor of a temple. The voice of God has been replaced by what theologians say; the Holy Spirit has been replaced by “the enlightened”. This is very serious and the consequences can be grave.

In view of that, the enemy is acting freely among Christians, with many of them not being aware of this. The results are seen in the high number of cases of divorce, bankruptcy, adultery, and scandals of any kind, which have taken place within the Body of Christ. Sadly, we have started to realize that the number of “Christians” rejected is not small; after all, the measure you use, it will be measured back to you (Matthew 7.2).

We need urgently go back to our first love, because oppression has already caused a lot of damage in many lives. Entire families have lost their rights in faith, and – what is even worse – the holy people of God will not open their eyes. Many preachers no longer seek inspiration in the Holy Spirit; instead, they base their sermons on philosophical thoughts, scientific rules and human concepts. We must return to the simplicity of Jesus’ message.

Examine yourself and find out if you are standing firm in faith, if your actions are guided by the fear of God, and if you have truly served our heavenly Father. Do not be deceived: whatever a man sows, that he will also reap (Galatians 6.7). Your life is too valuable to be sold to sin. You were redeemed to be a servant of the Most High, not a warehouse of filth and other satanic works.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares