Not In My House.

Today was Communion Sunday at Open Door.  I am always blessed by the music provided by our praise and worship team.  I am grateful for all the talents God has given each member of the Body of Christ.  As a musician and singer, I know the hard work and dedication that goes into each service and wish to take this opportunity to say thank you to all those who give so faithfully to bless the heart of our Heavenly Father and our congregation.

Pastor Nathan continued his message today, “Not In My House.”  Beginning in Matthew 12:25-26, he reminded us that we should never give satan a voice in our lives, for anytime we tolerate the devil and listen to his lies, we allow him to sow seeds.  Even those closest to us can plant seeds that can affect our lives negatively if they are planting seeds of doubt, unbelief, or discouragement.  Often, we need to have our conscience set free from those negative things which are put into our conscience.  Otherwise, our faith will be contaminated and will not work for us.  The devil wants to see us fall and not be able to get back up. 

What, then, can cleanse our conscience?  Only the precious blood of Jesus!  (Hebrews 9:11-14 NLT)  With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever. (Hebrews 9:12)  As we take communion, we remember the body and the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, for within it is the power to deliver a death blow to the enemy. Our identity should not be shaped by what has happened to us in this natural life.  There comes a time when we must be cleansed by His precious blood and allow God’s Word and Spirit to shape us into the person God called us to be.  (Leviticus 17:11, Ezekiel 36:25-26)

If we think of a courtroom, the devil is the accuser of the brethren, but Jesus is our attorney!  Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil.  Someone who accuses you tries to make you look guilty, shameful and inferior, but in Christ there is no condemnation!  (Romans 8:1)  We must be able to discern who is speaking.  Does it line up with God’s Word?  Does it come from the Holy Ghost?  If the answer is no, it is not God’s voice. 

How can our hearts be cleansed?  The blood of Jesus is available to keep cleansing us.  (I John 1:7)  There is nothing too difficult for God.  Remember, He is the great I AM not the great what if.  I John 1:9 instructs us to confess our sins, and He is faithful and just to forgive us.

ADD SMITH WIGGLESWORTH QUOTE

Finally, we need to tell others how good God is.  Rather than focusing on the negative, our mind and thoughts can be cleansed.  We can focus on what God’s Word says about us.  Isaiah 1:18 NIV “…..Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”  Someone has already defeated sin and the devil; His Name is JESUS!  His blood still flows.  His blood still washes white as snow.  Remember, you are not a victim; you are a victor in Christ!