Bible Study: Corrupted Thinking

Corrupted Thinking 07.11.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Friday July 11, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Psalms. Please read Chapters 89-100 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2089-100&version=9

Today we will read and learn about a cry for deliverance from death; praise for God's Covenant and promises; frailty and brevity of life; the protection of the faithful, praise for the loving-kindness of the Lord; an appeal for justice; and a call to sing, worship, and praise the Lord. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that satan will use many people, even family and friends to corrupt your way of thinking and believing in God and serving Him.

Life is filled with both spiritual and physical dangers and the psalmist regarded God as a refuge and a fortress. "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence." (Psalm 91:1-3). The godly recognize the need of a refuge during bodily pain, mental perplexities, sorrows, and struggles. The very nature of trials and testing involves the idea of possible failure. Bodily pain may result in bitterness; mental perplexities have sometimes led to unbelief. 

Since many spiritual conflicts can end in defeat, Christians must recognize their need for a refuge and fortress. They need to remember that their adversary, the devil wants to devour anyone who believes in God. "Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone." (91:9-12). Satan, a fallen angel, quoted Psalms 91:11-12 to Jesus after His 40-day fast in an attempt to persuade Jesus to leap off the pinnacle of the Temple (See Matthew 4:6; Luke 4:9-11).

Satan was like some today who love the promises of God, but who disregard the conditions of those promises. They are not willing to sacrifice the lusts of the world in order to live the way He commanded. Our Lord set the example when He responded to Satan by quoting Scripture which warns not to tempt God. "Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." (Matthew 4:7). 

Satan has deceived many by saying: "Your situation is an exception" or "Just this one time" or "Be broad-minded, everyone is doing it." He also uses examples of hypocrites to deceive some by pointing out: "Religious people do these things, so why shouldn't you?" We must continually be on alert for those who try to corrupt our way of thinking, knowing the truth, and obeying God's commands. Many will come to you pretending to know God, but are just sheep in wolves clothing. "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Matthew 7:14-15).

That is why it is so important to surround yourself with godly people and to read God's Word for yourself, get to know Him and understand Him. The more you read the more the Holy Spirit will help you understand. What you can not is revealed to you through preachers and teachers no different than you who have sacrificed the world to serve God and help the lost be found.

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the Creator, "Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture." (Psalm 100:3). "...which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 3:9b).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
How grateful we are for those who have gone before us showing us the way. They not only instructed us in Your ways, but they lived exemplary lives so that we could see faith in action.  We're grateful for their positive examples in our spiritual journey. We even pause to think of those who have taken a wrong direction only to turn away from all they held dear at one time. Would You remind us of the serious consequences of their sinful choices when we're tempted to do the same. We lift those people before You asking the Holy Spirit to convict and guide them back to the Way, the Truth and the Life.  Keep us faithful to the very end so that as time unfolds we can declare with the apostle Paul, 'Now I am old and praise be to God for I am by His grace a prisoner of Christ Jesus, my Redeemer! In Jesus' name......Amen.

Have a great and wonderful day and weekend. TGIF!
God Bless,
Christina

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