"Dig in the Wall"

 

Ezekiel 8:7-12 "And HE brought me to the door of the court; and when I looked, behold a hole in the wall. Then said HE unto me, Son of man, dig now in the wall: and when I had digged in the wall, behold a door. And He said unto me, Go in, and behold the wicked abominations that they do here. So I went in and saw; and behold every form of creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, portrayed upon the wall round about. And there stood before them seventy men of the ancients of the house of Israel, and in the midst of them stood Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan, with every man his censer in his hand; and a thick cloud of incense went up Then said HE unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery ? for they say, The LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the Earth."

     In today's text, the LORD told Ezekiel to dig in the wall so he could get a good look at what was happening behind the closed doors of the sanctuary (vv.7-8). As he looked, he beheld "wicked abominations" (v.9). GOD wanted HIS faithful prophet to get the cold, hard facts regarding the apostasy that was plaguing Judah. Many religious leaders of our day are equally guilty of committing spiritual wickedness behind closed doors. They conspire to forge alliances and strategies leading their followers into paths of compromise that are certain to bring GOD's displeasure.

     We are to scripturally rebuke any "minister" or Christian leader who abandons obedience to the WORD of GOD in an effort to gain a larger following or who builds a ministry in which doctrinal purity is sacrificed for the sake of inclusiveness. The prophet Ezekiel is an excellent example of a faithful watchman who ferreted out the facts and then exposed the evildoers for who they truly were. Although these apostate elders whom Ezekiel exposed were busy performing religious exercises, "with every man his censer in his hand" (v.11), the cloud of incense that rose toward heaven carried a foul stench to the nostrils of the ALMIGHTY. Pagan idolatry and flagrant unbelief (v.12) replaced the devotion that was due the one true GOD. Christian, do not be deceived by the religious notables who have big ideas but very little concern for fidelity to the truth of GOD's unalterable WORD. It is our GOD-given responsibility to test every ministry and movement in this current age by the divine Standard. Dig in the wall and see what is going on inside. If it does not conform to GOD's WORD, then sound the alarm ! DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Dart of Double-Mindedness"

Satan's Destructive Dart Series - James 1:8 "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways."

     Satan frequently shoots the dart of double-mindedness in his attacks against us. The underlying Greek word translated "double minded" (v.8) denotes being "unstable" or "undetermined." It means "vacillating in opinion or purpose." Someone has noted: "A double-minded person so lacks conviction in their beliefs that they are found to often change loyalties or ideas, depending on who they are with, desiring to influence or wanting to show allegiance to or have association with. The double minded man is actually dishonest with themselves and others and appears to use truth and lies in whatever situation to benefit themselves in some way. The person is filled with hypocrisy. When we are "double-minded" spiritually speaking, it means we are trying to have the best of both worlds. Part of us says we love GOD and desire HIS best, but another part of us loves the world and wants to satisfy the flesh. JESUS made it clear that this scenario is impossible (Matthew 6:24 pictured above). Satan wants you to claim one.

     If you are truly a follower of CHRIST today, you need to make up your mind -- decide your real priorities and live those out on the inside as well as the outside. You need to love JESUS and HIS truth. You need to commit to living a life that brings glory to HIM rather than yourself. It is interesting to note that in James 1:8 (part of the picture above); we are told that a "double-minded man is unstable in all his ways," and the context here centers around faith. You see, it is with the shield of faith that we quench this dart of double-mindedness. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.     www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

"The Dart of Dissension (Part 2)"

Satan's Destructive Dart Series - 1st.Corinthians 12:12-27 "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body; so also is CHRIST. For by one SPIRIT are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one SPIRIT. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body ? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body ? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing ? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling ? But now hath GOD set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased HIM. And if they were all one member, where were the body ?

But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the hand to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: and those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need; but GOD hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked: that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of CHRST, and members in particular." 

     It is not an accident that GOD uses the analogy of a body to picture HIS church. You are of no use to HIS body on your own. If your life consists of "hunkering down" and making sure you or just your family is okay while ignoring the fact that GOD has designed believers to have a role in a bigger body, then you will be a cause of dissension in the church and essentially will be ineffectual to the LORD but a great tool in the hands of Satan. As Christians, who are a part of CHRIST's body, we need to "get over" ourselves and see that GOD hates such a self-centered attitude.

     Consider the following words from a Christian magazine published in 1931:

"One of the most treacherous weapons that Satan uses is the weapon of dissension. If strife can be aroused among Christians to the severing of the bond of love that exists between them, Satan wins a victory. In a large group there are always those who fall easy prey to this weapon. There seems to be a marked tendency today to defy authority of any kind. The hearts of young people, especially, rebel at the thought of restraint. We as Christian people need to pray much that the LORD will keep us in such an attitude toward HIM as to guard against our being torn to pieces by the enemy. Rebellion against authority leads to strife among ourselves, for anyone who rebels against authority shows a tendency to want the rule for himself" (The Witness, August 1931). Once again, we see that the root problem here is self-centeredness. The selfish individual hates authority and wants to answer to no one but himself. This is not GOD's plan or will for HIS church (Ephesians 4:11-13 pictured in the 2 pictures above). Do not allow Satan to hit you with this dart ? MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

"The Dart of Dissension (Part 1)"

 

Satan's Destructive Dart Series - "Only by pride cometh contentions; but with the well advised is wisdom."

     Dissension and disunity are oft-used darts that Satan launches against believers. It could be strongly argued that pride was at the root of Lucifer's fall, and even to this day Satan desires to ruin fellowships, churches, and godly ministers and ministries through this same means. At the core of all discord and conflict wafts the rotten stench of pride. Today's text tells us that when one is offended about something or feels affronted by another, the foundation for this offense is a sense of self-importance on the part of the wounded party. Each of the New Testament writers of Scripture emphasized the need for selfless love toward brothers and sisters in CHRIST. Paul focused on this truth in his epistle to the church at Philippi, and the theme of this entire letter is unity that stems from being "of the same mind in the LORD" (Philippians 4:2 pictured above) and having the mind of CHRIST (Philippians 2:1-5). This mindset entails meekness and humility.

     The Apostle John emphasized the importance of love for the brethren as proof of being in proper fellowship with the LORD (1st.John 2:9-11 pictured above). The Apostle Peter made it clear that we should have a fervent love for one another, for it is this "charity," or agape, that will "cover the multitude of sins" (1st.Peter 4:8 pictured below). Yes, others will hurt us, and we will wrong others because we are not perfect. However, when we put on the mind of CHRIST, we will not let pride hinder the way of unity and love for the brethren.

     Once again, we can quench this dart of dissension with the shield of faith. When we accept that GOD knows best and we obey HIS charge to be loving and selfless, we will experience true unity in the body of CHRIST that is a little taste of Heaven on Earth. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Dart of Distraction"

 

Satan's Destructive Dart Series - Proverbs 4:25-27 "Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil."

     Satan often uses distraction as a weapon against believers. Distraction is one of the greatest enemies of the church today because it diverts our attention from that which should be our focus as Christians. This tactic of Satan is so dangerous because the things that engage us may not be inherently evil. For example, some believers tend to concentrate all their energy on social welfare. Others focus their efforts on political reform. Still others have a tendency to put all their time into making life better for themselves or their families. While these things are not inherently wrong, they can sidetrack us from fulfilling the LORD's revealed plan for HIS church.

     Sometimes, the things that distract us are intrinsically evil -- our laziness can hinder us from taking the time to read GOD's WORD and communicate with HIM through prayer; our carnality can deter us from meeting together corporately for Bible study and worship; our stubborn rebellion can prevent us from doing what GOD calls us to do simply because we refuse to submit to HIM. Extremism can distract us from being balanced in life and ministry, for when we are focused on one agenda or issue at the expense of living a biblically balanced life, we get diverted from the path of GOD's will.

     Today's text exhorts us to live a life of dedicated balance -- a life exemplified by the Apostle Paul who "finished [the] course" and "kept the faith" (2nd.Timothy 4:7 pictured above). He never became "entangled" (distracted, caught up) in anything that would keep him from staying fixed upon what he needed to do (2nd.Timothy 2:3-4 pictured above). We can quench this fiery dart of distraction through faith as we stay focused upon GOD's will for HIS church. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Dart of Discouragement"

 

Satan's Fiery Dart Series - 1st.Kings 19:14-18 "And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD GOD of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken THY covenant, thrown down THINE alters, and slain THY prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be King over Syria: and Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be King over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay. Yet I have left ME seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him."

     Satan commonly utilizes discouragement in his attacks against believers. Discouragement is not a respecter of persons. Those who are faithful to GOD will sometimes become downhearted because it is not easy to be in the battle and feel alone or in the minority. Moreover, those who are backslidden from a proper fellowship with GOD likewise grow dispirited because they know better; their conscience is not clear.

     Satan has used discouragement to sideline many of GOD's children throughout history. We feel dismayed when others do not like or embrace what we believe. We become dejected when people do not acknowledge or appreciate something we have done. We get disappointed when we see unbelievers or unfaithful Christians having a "good time" while we are enduring hardships or trials. We grow discouraged when our life or our endeavors do not turn out as we had anticipated or hoped they would.

     Like discontentment, discouragement always transpires when our eyes are upon something or someone other than the LORD. We tend to look around at our circumstances and then base our behavior and actions on what we see rather than what we know to be true. This is exactly what happened to the prophet Elijah. GOD's response was, in essence, "Elijah, get back to work doing what I have called you to do, and get your eyes off your circumstances because you do not even have all of the information !" The psalmist had the answer for discouragement in Psalm 42:5-6 pictured above -- we need to focus on GOD alone and wholly place our faith in HIM and HIS WORD. Once again, we are to use the shield of faith, for with it we can quench Satan's fiery dart of discouragement. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Dart of Discontentment"

 

Satan's Destructive Dart Series - 2nd.Timothy 4:10 "For Demus hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

     Discontentment is one of Satan's chief darts against believers. He tempts us to fix our eyes and heart upon those things that GOD has not given us. We begin to think that we are "missing out" when, in reality, we are precisely where GOD wants us to be with exactly the things HE wants us to have. Discontentment is a major problem in our culture and society today; both young and old alike are regularly bombarded by images of those who appear to "have it all." Many hate to commit to anything -- including their spouse, family, church, or job -- because they always feel like something better is "out there" or might come along, yet the LORD has no part in this kind of thinking or behavior. Although Scripture does not say that discontentment was the specific reason why Demas abandoned the Apostle, it does tell us that he forsook Paul, "having loved this present world." At the root of any love for the world is ultimately a dissatisfaction concerning GOD's will, plan, and purpose for one's life.

     True contentment does not depend on a physical condition but on a state of mind. The way we think (not how we feel) is what truly determines our path of action in life -- whether we will grow spiritually (and thus glorify GOD) or whether we will regress spiritually (and thus grieve HIM). Paul had learned to be content wherever GOD placed him (Philippians 4:11 pictured above), even when he had very little and was facing dire circumstance. Hebrews 13:5 (pictured above) provides GOD's counsel to us today: "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content . . ."  Why ?  "For HE hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." We quench this hostile dart of discontentment with the shield of faith. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation