Friday Fight 134: Which Voice: Truth or Temptation?

Every Friday, when I wake and pray, God places something on my heart to help me fight darkness beginning in our minds. Today is FF134.

How often does a repeated or random thought enter our mind, and we question who is speaking? We often brush it off, believing it's just our thoughts until it happens once again. Is it God's voice speaking to us or something else? What truths can we keep in mind as we navigate whose voice is leading us?

Which Voice: Truth or Temptation?

Many of us hold onto certain truths about God. For example, most of us believe He is loving and forgiving, but do we also believe He speaks to us? If so, are we able to recognize His voice? What do we think about temptation? Does this word invoke images of addiction, adultery, or thievery? In John 14:6, Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." If God is truth, the father of lies operates in temptation, oftentimes being drawn subtly and unaware. Believing the lies that contradict the Holy Spirit's leading and functioning within those lies is temptation.

Even with a good understanding of whose voice we hear, there is still a need for clarity. Suppose God asks us to forgive; this truth allows freedom. The temptation, or contradiction of the Holy Spirit, is the lie that forgiveness lets the other person off the hook, not so. God's voice offers freedom, which we find when we forgive. We are tempted not to adhere to the Holy Spirit's instructions through these lies. Of course, Satan's goal is our destruction by never being able to distinguish the source.

Let's apply this to another area: fellowship. In our spiritual community, God sends individuals to minister to the brokenness within us. He uses broken people to help heal other broken people. When we do life together, we are encouraged and restored. However, to instill confusion and prevent fellowship, Satan will trick us into withdrawing from other Christians. As we are further misled, we tolerate being rejected. Phrases like "I need me time" and "I'm done with these people" are lies used to pull us away from God's restoration. We need clarification and inclusion; instead, we often settle for disorder and exclusion. Rather than embracing fellowship, we welcome isolation. When these temptations inundate our minds, expressing gratitude for our community is a great way to fight.

This week, let's embrace God's truths over our lives. Remember to run to the Father, not away from Him, as Satan disguises himself as Holiness. Be mindful of the freedom found in God's truth over the lie of believing things will never change. Evil will try to discourage us, but God's love faithfully encourages us. The more time we spend with God, the easier it will be to identify His faithful and loving voice. God is waiting for us!

Photo Credit: Michele LaSala

Pastor Shannon

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