KNOW WHAT YOU BELIEVE

When one has been physically attacked a number of times, you BELIEVE the attacker when they say they will do it again.

Once enough threats have been met with physical force, you BELIEVE the additional threat that there is no where, on the face of the earth, you can hide but what they will find you.

And, if you try to flee, apart from a supportive backup team, they will cause you to BELIEVE they meant what they said.

When such threats have become your reality and more threats are made on your very life, you BELIEVE them, as previous behavior appears to be evidence they will follow through.

When BELIEVING has come as a result of the realities you've experienced and fear takes over (so severely that it cripples you from the ability to physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually function to par), they have made you a BELIEVER.

The attacker will even try to convince you to BELIEVE their behavior is a direct result of something you said or did, or failed to do; making you the only guilty party and deserving, too.

Also, among the religious sect are some who will agree, causing you to BELIEVE not even God can receive you.

It has been said that 'seeing is believing' and 'everyone believes something'. The above makes it evident that BELIEVING is not a solution. There are things we need to KNOW.

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Whether given the name terrorist, insurgent, abuser, or even legalist; all are bullies (shedding innocent blood, as each is spiritually blind and cannot see one's true heart) and bullies are cowards imposing their fear upon others. Bullies only pick on those they can make to fear and or, thereby, look down upon and or, somehow, control. The moment a bully is met with a more
powerful force, they back down. Sure, in numbers, they may try to rise again. But, still, we have a more powerful force than any.

Anyone who hates because your faith does not match theirs, they are a liar (I John 4:20). And, if you do not love, only because of another's faith, that makes you a liar, too (Romans 12:5, Ephesians 4:25). And, whether it has anything to do with one's faith or not, we're still called upon to love (John 15:12).

Whatever excuse is given for not loving, it is not of God (I John 4:8). Nor is it God's will for any to dwell amidst such circumstances (I John 1:5) and their wrong doing will not go unpunished (Genesis 9:6).

Just as God did not give Satan permission to take Job's life, God does not give Satan power to take our life prematurely (I Samuel 2:6). Also, the lack of freedom to serve God is not life.
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you: I Corinthians 3:16? For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance: Romans 11:29.
A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease: Ecclesiastics 6:2.

Blessed is he that considereth the poor (in spirit): the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness: Psalm 41:1-3.

There are precious promises throughout the Bible, whatever your need. Claim each one that God speaks to your heart.

Any time you believe a lie, it will hold you prisoner; as only truth can set you free (John 8:32). If ever you are not truly free to serve God, it is not the truth. Thus, it is important to get out your Bible, search for truths about who God really is, follow the paths of His anointing (as per His instruction to you), and find His promises for you ~ so you can "KNOW" WHAT YOU BELIEVE.

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he ...

Proverbs 23:7

© 2005 by Joyce C. Lock
http://our.homewithgod.com/heavenlyinspirations/
This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact,
for non-profit ministering purposes.

About the Author

Joyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist. In addition, she founded and maintains the e-mail ministries "Heavenly Inspirations" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations/ and "Share a Smile" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smilesharing/. Joyce's writings encourage us in our relationship with God and each other.