Romans 13:12-14 New Living Translation (NLT)
"12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. 13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. 14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires."
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Ask yourself this question. If Jesus and Satan walked into your home - I mean, physically walked through your front door - which one would feel the most comfortable in your home?
Hmmm. Think about that before you read on...
Be honest.
Kind of a disturbing thought though, isn't it? When I had that thought, it stopped me in my tracks. As i looked around my home, studying that question in my mind, the first place my eyes settled was on my TV.
Then the conviction came. Ugh!!
I confess, I spend way too much time with the TV on. Whether I'm in front of it or not - it's playing in the background. The noise keeps my house from feeling empty, or lonely.
Then I began to question some programs I really shouldn't be watching or listening to - or even to be playing in the atmosphere of my home - my refuge! Why? Because they are not exactly wholesome.
I like science fiction! I like war movies! I can handle the blood and guts - I don't duck and cover, like other women . And, I CAN'T STAND mushy, chick flicks! LOL. I know - weird right!?! But give me a good comedy - a British comedy!! Love it!
Regardless of what type of shows we watch, here's the reality... We are in the midst of a spiritual battle, raging all around us. The enemy of our soul uses every device out there to distract us and to keep us in bondage to him. One of the main portals he uses is entertainment.
Entertainment means to HOST.
Considering the absolute junk coming out of Hollywood, you have to question, exactly WHAT are we hosting, when we open our minds, our hearts, our homes, to what they are pushing at us? What host is babysitting our kids? Or what host is filling my head as I nod off to (restless) sleep?
When we open our hearts and homes to receive certain entertainment into our soul through our eyes and ears, we are being influenced by the nature of other spirits. Put another way, we are CONFORMING to other spirits - and I'm NOT referring to the good Spirit of God.
You see, Satan is a counterfeiter. He and his minions CRAVE worship. Even if they get you to do it unintentionally, or through something that seems harmless - like a movie - or a romance novel - or even, wait for it --- sports!!
And if they can distract you with a marathon Netflix event - well - you just made their day!! Not judging - I've done it too!
I remember reading about Dionysus while I was in college. I wasn't walking with God the time, and was intrigued with Greek mythology. Actually, I read about him as I was writing my book last year too. My middle name, Denise, is derived from the name Dionysus, the god of wine and rebellion.
One thing I recalled was how the entertainment we know today, began as a way the ancient Greeks venerated the god, Dionysus. They HONORED him with "plays of tragedy and comedy in the collesiums. He was also honored in lyrics (music) and poetry". (1)
"He was sometimes called Eleutherios, which means 'the liberator'". Why? Well, because his wine, music, and frenzied dance - pause and let THAT soak in - "freed his followers from self-consciousness and the restraints of society". (1)
Remember, the enemy of your soul is a COUNTERFEIT.
"He was known as the “twice-born” god, who had crossed the boundary between life and death - between the civilized and uncivilized - the known and unknown. He was a god of chaos and the protector of misfits". (1)
Just as Christ died and rose from the dead, so the story goes that Dionysus too, was born twice. When his mother was killed - while she was pregnant with him - he was pulled from her womb by his father - Zeus (ie. Satan) - and sown into Zeus's thigh (weird, right!?!), from where he was eventually birthed. Seriously - I didn't make this up!!
He's a COUNTERFEIT!
Dionysus was believed to be benevolent toward mankind, unlike the other gods, who were hostile toward human beings.
Again - COUNTERFEIT!
Folks, I'm convinced, the spirit world is more real than this world. The world we live in is a SHADOW of what God originally created in Heaven. Heaven is the original - Earth is the copy. There are things going on in the spirit world that our simple, finite, minds can't comprehend.
Believers, I'm talking to you. The unbelievers or even the carnal Christian will want to argue with this - to defend their right to watch what they want. But as Spirit filled Christians - we have a choice to make - daily. Which spirit will you invite into, and entertain in your home?
We watch trashy movies, or read trashy books, and wonder why we struggle with lust.
We watch demonic themed movies (vampires, werewolves, witches, aliens - the list goes on), and then wonder why we cant sleep at night.
We watch violent shows of any type, and wonder why we feel angry, frustrated - unsettled.
We listen to filthy language in shows, and wonder why we too have a problem with our tongue.
When we open our hearts and souls to demonic INFLUENCE, we are giving them LEGAL ACCESS to torment us. Why do that, when James warns us to SUBMIT to God and RESIST the devil?!
Gods word tells us to be watchful - AWARE - of the spiritual warfare around us.
I encourage you to talk to God about this. Ask HIM what you should or should not allow in your home. If like me, HE convicts you, then REPENT, receive His forgiveness, and start fresh today. Invite into your home - your soul, the ONLY Spirit you want to occupy your space. His name is the Holy Spirit.
Verses to ponder:
Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7 "You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world." 1 John 4:4
"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith." 1 Peter 5:8-9
"Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord of hosts." Zechariah 4:6
“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.” Luke 10:19
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