May 22, 2013: Catching Up.../ Freedom From Destructive Relationships

Proverbs 1:10-19

Amplified Bible (AMP)

10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.

11 If they say, Come with us; let us lie in wait [to shed] blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause [and show that his piety is in vain];

12 Let us swallow them up alive as does Sheol (the place of the dead), and whole, as those who go down into the pit [of the dead];

13 We shall find and take all kinds of precious goods [when our victims are put out of the way], we shall fill our houses with plunder;

14 Throw in your lot with us [they insist] and be a sworn brother and comrade; let us all have one purse in common—

15 My son, do not walk in the way with them; restrain your foot from their path;

16 For their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood.

17 For in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird!

18 But [when these men set a trap for others] they are lying in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives.

19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy of gain; such [greed for plunder] takes away the lives of its possessors. 

Spirits group together at church (or work, or school or anywhere for that matter). Whether they be good or evil. Don't think you're protected from evil spirits just because you're at church. 

Look around you. The worshipers generally stick together. (Ever heard of the AMEN corner?) Those who are desperate for God generally sit right on the front row. People who are not too serious about being at church usually huddle together in the back somewhere and laugh, whisper, check facebook and send each other texts. Sometimes someone who is going through a difficult time in their life (embracing the evil spirits of depression and/or self pity, for instance) will sit in the back because they don't feel like talking with anyone. People who are kind of in the middle generally sit in the middle. They are more serious about God than the back row folks, but not quite as radical as the front rowers. There are exceptions to every rule, of course. Sometimes the only available seating (except the very front row) is in the back area. Some prefer the back because of their children needing extra attention, and they don't want to be a distraction.

Spirits generally group together after church, as well. Some groups are sharing about the goodness of God. Some conversation circles revolve around complaining. About everything and anything. Others are simply sharing TMI!

What I'm trying to get at is this: If you find yourself being more comfortable with troublemakers, gossipers and backbiters than worshipers and soulwinners, it's definitely time to find a place and pray and empty your heart of all that garbage. And go find yourself some different friends! It will be hard at first. And lonely! You may end up with the very group you and your friends once laughed at and scorned! Getting out of your comfortable group is difficult. But omgoodness you will be soooo glad you did. And you will find yourself yearning more and more for the things of God! And your new friends will inspire you to grow in Christ!

I made some changes a few years ago and my circle of friends looks very different now. I just love to be inspired by Godly women friends! Their insight astounds me! 

Proverbs 6:16-19

Amplified Bible (AMP)

16 These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him:

17 A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

18 A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift in running to evil,

19 A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren.

"Jesus, thank You for Your amazing Word. Spoken directly to my heart today. I'm grateful that I can listen to Your still, small voice each and every day! You don't scold me harshly or cruelly criticize me. You just pierce my heart with Your word. I am a work in progress! Thank You for believing in me! And I pray for that one who is desiring to change her circle of friends! I pray for the one who feels condemnation. Who feels that she's forced into relationships because of past sins. Help her understand she is not stuck. She can remove herself from those negative influences. The only thing she has to endure is some loneliness for a time. Once that's over, she will enjoy more freedom than she's ever known! Glorious freedom! Thank You, Jesus! AMEN."