Written by Michael J. Martinez
Guiding Light Praying Ministry.
www.glprayingministry.com

?But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.? (2 Corinthians 11:3).
Paul feared that the Corinthians would fall prey to satanic lies, that their simple devotion to Christ would not be abandoned in favor of the sophisticated error of the false prophets that Satan uses. ?For he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we (Apostles) have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted ? you may well put up with it!? Paul is not happy; the exclamation point shows us that. He feared for them, because he knows the craftiness of the devil and how cunning the devil can be and how it is easy for the evil one to deceive a person who is not walking with the only Jesus Christ of the scriptures, the resurrected Jesus.

The Jews in John chapter 8 questioned Jesus about the truth, about Abraham being their father, and being a slave to sin. They sought to kill Jesus in their thought because of the truth Jesus proclaimed. The Jews claimed that they had one father, the Father God, and Jesus told them ?If God were your Father, you would love me, for I proceeded forth and came from God?? (John 8:42). Rather Jesus told them, ?You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do? (John 8:44).

They did not recognize the messiah, they did not hear His voice (John 8:47), and did not believe the truth he proclaimed (John 8:45). Rather their minds where not on Jesus and His word, Jesus told them, ?Why do you not understand my speech? Because you are not able to listen to my word? (John 8:43). Why are people today not able to understand the word of God? Why are they not able as Christians to keep their mind on Him? They have lost the focus and instruction, and in turn revert to old ways and habits that have hurt them in the past. God convicts through the Holy Spirit, He brings challenges into their life, yet they do not listen. They are preoccupied with the ease of sinning and saying ?Oh well, Jesus will forgive me anyway.? In my opinion, these people are not saved, and will reap the verse found in Matthew chapter 7 verse 23 "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness (sin)!

You will have the thought that you are saved because you go to church and have raised your hand but never prayed to Jesus, read His word, made the effort to build a relationship with Him. Then on that day when you come face to face with Jesus you will not be able to make any excuses, justify your ways or ignorance, rationalize your way out, but will have to face the consequences and Jesus will, by His own way, judge you. He will not be a corrupt judge but a righteous judge and will fulfill His words.

Therefore, we read in John 10 verse 26 "But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, (His saints, believers, followers), as I said to you.? They do not listen because they cannot hear, and He calls. "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me? (John 10:27). His voice may not be audible, but it sure speaks loud and clear in scripture, even though, if He wanted to He could speak with an audible voice. He could do what He wants to do like send an angel, protect us, guiding us, fixing us, change us, everything and anything is possible through the Lord Jesus Christ, if He wills it.

Therefore, how can we keep our mind on Jesus Christ? Well, for starters, you need to be a born again Christian and God will know your heart if you fake and merely mouth words; it is a heart issue. Philippians 4 verse 8 says, ?Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.? That would be reading His word, praising Him, singing to Him, praying to Him, worshipping with Him and others. Putting everything aside and putting Jesus Christ first and foremost. Not divorcing your wife/husband or leaving the home to follow Him be responsible and committed to what He has joined, take care of His blessings bestowed on you.

You will be given the Holy Spirit to help you focus on Jesus and keep your mind on Him. "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me (Jesus), for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you? (John 16:13, 14). The holy spirit glorifies Jesus Christ as well, Jesus Christ gets the glory in everything, and this is offensive to some, but not to those who love Him.

In addition, Jesus tells us through the apostle Peter in 1 Peter 4 verse 19 ?Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.? We need to commit our life to following Jesus, not just a Sunday or because your friend invited you to a special alter call and you figure you better get it over with so that you might have eternal security. Because you will not have eternal security by accepting Jesus with a selfish heart. Jesus offers Salvation freely and knows the heart, so He will know whether or not you are serious.
In conclusion I leave you with this ?Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man's sake? (Luke 6:22). You will be happy to follow Jesus Christ and will not be disappointed, of course after Jesus prunes you and trims you up for His purpose, figuratively speaking yet transforming you. Nevertheless, it will be perfect and the process of sanctification will be in process and completed when you enter the gates of Heaven.

Keep your mind on Jesus by doing as He instructs us in 2 Peter 1 verses 4 through 8 and throughout the entire bible.

May God Bless you and give you of His peace, Amen.

Read John 8:41-47

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Published on: 2005-07-28 (2373 reads)