I never really understood this saying, until recently. I was listening to John Ramirez, share his experiences regarding, halloween, the ice bucket challenge and charities. For those who aren't familiar with John, he was a former satanist, who gave his life to God and has been sharing his testimony like wild fire all over youtube and safe to the world.
He was sharing about as a satanist what practices they would have during halloween, and had some great questions when it came to the church who would involve themselves in what may seem like harmless fun, which in reality isn't. He address the ice bucket challenge and made aware how people believe they are doing it to raise money for a charity, which he has no problem with helping others, but the reality behind that practice and its relations to voodoo. The last point he came to was about involvement in charities and specifically when it comes to christians who are constantly trying to be seen doing things in the name of God and for God.
He made a very simple point, those things we considered good, but they weren't Godly. Now God is not against helping others, that is in His word to reach out and to love. There is healing in the name of Jesus, but as he described going out on the street and sharing then coming home and talking to God about it and God being honest and saying I was never in that, that is a little more humble pie for the eager evangelist.
To elaborate and share a little more personally, as a child, I absolutely hated church and pastors and everything to do with it, I remember having fights with my mother especially about having to go. It was made a big deal of and that I disagreed that God was in the sanctity or holiness of a building, filled with (again in my opinion) false people and liars. At a young age, I already knew what religion was, I saw it constantly, I realised the two sides and always was shown the truth of who they were and what was really happening within certain groups. I knew and still hold onto, God is not in church, he is out there and he is in me and how we treat each other. Are we really honouring God and listening to Him or are we just following a religious reign. Do we really know Him? I believe He cannot be found amongst them, but in the love we receive and give.
God also brought to my attention Matthew 7 verse 21 - 23 which addresses True and False Disciples
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"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' Then will tell them plainly, "I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
This really confirmed for me what I had know for a long time and had been made to feel like I was wrong over. There are many things in this world, spiritual and physical, that will present itself to you in a way that seems so promising and beautiful, but once you're in, you see after time who people really are and what is really happening behind closed doors.
Jesus said in John 14 verse 6 , 'I am the way, the truth and the Life, no one gets to the Father except through me.' So no one or thing can offer you salvation except Christ and hey I would rather put my trust in him, than in some of the human nature around here. So don't fall for any hype or be so desperate to trust a human for your source of healing and guidance, trust God, to talk to those who really know Him, to be Him in your life, in this world and so you can heal, be free from reigns and be like Jesus.
Here is the link to the video, it is quite long, so if you get some downtime it is well worth the listen.
I really just wanted to share this all with you, it was really encouraging and I don't want any else who feels forced to do things, to continue doing those things that just don't feel right. Whether it is in a relationship, in a religious organisation or be told by anyone you HAVE to do something you know isn't right especially by you and that would cause you to lose something. John 10 verse 10, 'Thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.'
Tomorrow is another day and with Gods help we can make this world a better place.
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