Judges 3:1-11
Because of Israel's disobedience, God leaves a number of nations in place to test the Israelites. And what we see is that Israel accepted and joined right in with them. Judges 3:6 tells us "And their daughters they took to themselves for wives, and their own daughters they gave to their sons, and they served their gods." And then verse 7 says "They forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and the Asheroth."
Ouch...what a good reminder of the influence ungodly thinking and living can have on us. These verses relay the message that we can't afford to underestimate the pull and the power of the world around us, and that we need to be extra careful and mindful of God's Word and ways in all situations.
So what are some helps for standing strong and not giving in to the ungodly influences that are constantly pressing in around us? How do you guard against that subtle and gradual influx of worldly thinking? Tami W.
There is so much external influence attracting us towards what the world offers that I would call it unfair competition.
The advertising industry is quite responsible for us failing to have God in first place in our lives and giving up to world's treasures (pleasures). Success is measured by world standards instead of God's standards
It is not up to us to decide what we watch. Radio, tv, signs, leaflets, promo are all around even if we don't want to see or listen to them.
That's what not only us but our children have to sustain constantly. Brainwashing us to place in first place what the world offers instead of what God gives.
May the Holy Spirit touch constantly our hearts and remind us to be faithful to God.
One of the things I do is to try and maintain fellowship with other Christians. If I hang around with the same people I used to, and accept what they are doing is ok, then I am condoning it, and therefore not living according to God's will. It is hard in the world today, so many people have no faith in the Lord, and I have been called everything from a fascist to an "out of touch with reality guy" who "believes in fairy tales." If I don't maintain my contact with other Christians, and read God's Word, I too could be caught up in the apathy of the world in which we live in. That is the enemies greatest weapon against us: apathy.
You ask an important question, how to stop bad influence. You must love the LORD not just serve Him. You must find ways so that your children want God more than earth's pleasures and to look behind what the eye sees. If you do not love God's Word and seek to apply it to your own heart first, you can not teach your children to walk with God. If they (your children) do not walk with God as you do, the battle is lost for "God has no grandchildren" only sons and daughters.
I must be more careful of what I listen, read, and watch that is produced by "Baal" worshipers of our day. I don't want to be brain washed by their propaganda. We should quit worshiping foreign gods of wealth, pleasure, greed etc. As Christians we should only marry fellow believers seek to raise our children in God's way.
Great responses, all, and my comments today don't necessarily respond to the questions, but to the content of the questions and answers, combined.
Anytime the word "guard" is even mentioned, it evokes certain passages of scripture to my mind, the first of which has become my own personal anthem; Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." (NIV1984) and also Philippians 4:6-8 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."---Notice the words "guard" and "heart" appearing in both passages, as well as, individually, in Tami's question and both Julio and LeRoy's responses. I think that the heart of David's response is reflected in these passages, and as I'm completing this, I see a new post by Dale which is also reflective of the Philippians quote in particular. Isn't God's Word and the workings of His Spirit absolutely amazing?!!!
More questions for you folks.
And I really apreciate your time to read and answer.
If God put the Israelites there sothe newer generations will know war. Those that mean that is the reason to have war on these days? God is almighty, and apparently it was a very important thing that all the israelites knew war, so could that be the reason for the wars today?
May be only with war we can follow God better.
Happy free thoughts.
having the same problem at work, and because of the hours I have been working I have been neglecting church ( a bad thing, (let me tell ya!)) anyway finding yourself isolated, with no friends to talk to can lead to maybe wanting to "join in the conversation" so to speak, and I can see how this leads to compromise and downfall.
Great responses today; I especially connect to David's about maintaining connections with other Christians. They help keep me on my toes, watching out for the pulling of the world.
Another part of today's reading that stands out to me is how the Israelites called out to God, when they could finally see their disobedience, and He sent them help. It continually amazes me that God is so patient with us and continues to love us when we make so many wrong decisions.
'in everything, prayer and petition, with thanksgiving' = keep asking God for help and don't forget to thank Him.
We follow God better when we have hardships, but it doesn't have to be war in the literal sense. Christians are always at spiritual war with the enemy of our soul, who prowls around like a lion.
In the Bible, war is a sign of sin. Sometimes it was because of the sin of the Israelites, sometimes their neighbors. God uses everything for His glory, including the actions of sinful men. There are a number of times where the Bible says that God sent war upon His people, but other times it is looked upon as a calamity from which God saved them.
People always see peace as a sign of God's blessing, and it is indeed a gift from God that we should thank Him for. But war does not mean that God has abandoned us. He can use it to bring us closer to Him.
Then we are not free to believe or not, because if we don't believe god sends us bad things right?
Then we are forced to belive, else we will suffer the consequences right?
Now, what would happen to those people that haven not meet god, like in places where christianity has not reached. They might not be bad people, are they doomed for eternity?
Thanks for the answers.
Happy free thoughts...
Julio my heart goes out to you. I can relate. A few years ago, God really opened up my eyes as to what I was exposing my children to, by the things that were on TV. I have pretty much removed watching TV for the most part. We watch Discovery, Cooking channel. At the same time if there is something on that just goes against what is right, my children now know and have for a while, they will change the channel on their own, or turn the TV off. I prayed for my children, and their attitude before taking away TV. At the time the were Elementery age, and now they are getting into Jr High, High School. The same rules apply. At the time, I also had to take a look at what I was exposing myself to. I was not proud, but at the same time I realized I had, you could say, been brain washed. Just like the most of us. We grew up watching TV, Magazines, etc. It was just "normal". I did not know any different. I am so glad God opened my eyes to what I had be exposed to, and my children. Thank you Lord for helping me. It has been so nice having those things removed in our life. I began to spend more time with my children. They began to get creative. Kids now a days are so busy with electronics and everything. I have just found through our life it is so nice to talk to one another. It is nice to really get to know one another. It is wonderful. No it's not "normal", I like not being "normal".
With that said, I like what LeRoy had said about us parents leading and guiding our children. It is very true, it is going to have a big factor if we as parents have a relationship with Christ. If we are reading His Word and applying it. I have noticed a BIG change in my children, sense God has changed my life. I have realized how I have shared with my children how wonderful God is, and have shared His way with them over the years. Now I have two of my children that what to have a Bible study with other friends. That I can say is all God, this just blows my mind!! That is not "normal" for kids to ask their parents, " Can I have a Bible study"? Wow, that is amazing! Again, I am just so thankful for what the Lord has done!!!! Sorry I wrote a lot, I just get excited to share what God has done, and I know will continue to do!
Everyone have a good day:)
Parents you can do it.
Everyone, you can do it, ask for God's help.
Keep God first He WILL help you!
Romans 12:2
My favorite verse, Hebrews 10:35-36
God Bless
David I agree with you.
I find I am so charged when I am with others Christians, that are seeking in their walk with Christ. It is wonderful to be encouraged by other Christians. This is what I have had a hard time with lately, others bringing me down with them. Apathy, that is what scares me. I really need to be on track with Christ, and keep my eyes on Him. With that I can be an influence for Christ with others. I know for me I really need to work on this and ask for God's help.
I have to share, family that does not have the same excitement for Christ, and a relationship with Him, that makes walking with Christ very hard, because you end up on different sides of the road. I would love some input. I struggle with this. Any comments?
I too strive through fellowship with other believers, however I am currently on tour as the lone Christian in a band that bares the name of a world renowned female artiste. I am not ashamed of the gospel Romans 1:16 and therefore the other band members know my position as being very serious about my faith in Jesus Chris which has isolated me from them somewhat. And if that wasn't enough of a challenge, My wife and 2 teenage children(whom I have just recently reconciled with after 3 years of divorce/separation) do not share the same enthusiasm in their faith as I do. They are in actual fact,in a back-slidden state right now.
The pull of the world can be very subtle yet very strong. With the above challenges I had allowed their influence to lead me into apathy. After about a week ,my conscience and feelings of guilt wouldn't let me off the hook. I literally had to force myself to take action through bible study and prayer today. So thank you P4! This Bible study and blog is serving to help me get back on track and not feel so isolated.
Blessings to all my brothers and sisters out there!
Leroy O. -- Thanks for sharing & being transparent about the work God is doing in your life. It must be tough feeling alone on the road, so we'll be praying that you would continue to find great encouragement through God's Word & that you would be a light to your fellow band mates. God is always strategic in where He places us!
Glad the P4 blog is uplifting to you. That's the kind of community we want to be! Hope to hear from you again.
Meredith
P4 Team Member