Whom the Father Loves… Part2

Whenever the Lord impresses me to write about something,  it’s because I am going through it myself.  I know you all will agree when I say that the temptation to sin enters our lives everyday.  Often it’s very subtle and appears harmless, or maybe it even seems right— but it leads to sin against the Father and our Lord Jesus.  That’s how the enemy of our souls plays his game.  He started that game in the Garden with Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:1-7) and still uses it today.

I knew something wasn’t right between the Father and myself.  I read and studied the Word on a frequent basis, spent quiet time with Him in prayer and surrendered myself to the Lord Jesus to be conformed to His image.  BUT—- there was an awkward, disturbing  sense that something was amiss within my heart.  I prayed often and asked the Lord to show me what was wrong… but as so often is the case, He waits until it is His time and not ours.  (PRAISE HIM!!)  In recent months I’ve heard many sad statements made by some Christian authors and writers.  I’ve watched  popular Christian leaders speak words that I knew were unbiblical.  I read in various types of national news sources how our country’s largest Christian denominations are accepting sinful practices into their churches; saying the church must change with the times.  I know we live in times of extreme attacks by the ” unseen darkness in heavenly places” ( Ephesians 6:12).  I made sure I had my armor on, and walked daily with a “sharpened Sword–the Word”.   I thought the words I spoke were truthful when I’d share with you readers and others what I saw as our battleground.  But… I was horribly wrong!  One of those “fiery darts” (notice they’re not flaming arrows) got past my “shield of faith” and I didn’t even know it.  I wasn’t exactly sure what “my sin” against Him was until last Monday.  Now I must say, it definitely wasn’t something I expected.  I couldn’t see it because:  I had a 4×4 in lodged in my eye.    In the letter Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, he was clear in his closing remarks to them.

Ephesians 6:10-18 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  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.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;  praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints–

I wasn’t praying for ALL THE SAINTS with prayers and pleadings (supplications) as instructed… I was pointing fingers, as though I had it all right and others didn’t!  Our Glorious Loving God didn’t knock me around; or give me an incurable disease; or take away His Spirit from me.  Instead, as I sat outside Monday morning I asked Him again.  “What is wrong dear Father… I love you so, please for your glory an honor, in Jesus name please show me.”  He did!  I waked into my apartment just in time to hear one of my morning radio programs make their closing remarks.  It was Ephesians 6:18; immediately I received a devotional on my phone with basically the same content.  I could finally see—  I wept as though as I realized my pride was the target of that “dart” and it was effective… until I repented at that moment!  What joy there is when we know that the Creator God, the Great “I AM”, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ love us so much, that we are gently  chastened and corrected.  Thank you Father for loving us so much you chasten us!

My prayer is that this experience of mine may help someone…  Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus  Christ… I extend my blessings to all of you! ♥ Streim