These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might
have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation:
but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
It's happened before, and it has happened again...
have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation:
but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
It's happened before, and it has happened again...
People with their own plans and agendas have somehow gotten close to me, posting as caring "Christians," only to eventually show themselves as having additional motives other than friendship. As I've said many times, we who believe that Jesus is Lord, and who serve Him with hearts of love, will on occasion be accosted by "false" brethren, those proverbial "wolves in sheep's clothing."
This, unfortunately, is part of the Christian's walk. And it is only by the grace of God, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and by a knowledge of what the Bible says, that will help a Christian to avoid the pitfalls and traps Satan has set for him.
The Bible says that the devil is a destroyer. He will kill me if he could, and he's always seeking for ways to neutralize my testimony. Sadly, he will even use other Christians.
And with this in mind, I now have to deal with an "enemy in the camp." Several close friends I have, it appears, allowed an unbeliever, a media person, to enter the fold. Now, as a result of this, trouble may be developing for me in the near future.
I am, of course, very disappointed by what these supposed friends have done. I forgive them, yet I've also had to ask the Lord to remove some bitterness which crept into my heart as a result of their actions. But this is a potentially bad situation. They had no right to share my private life with a stranger who only sought to develop a relationship with them for his own gain.
I have been betrayed, and it hurts. I'd be lying if I said it's no big deal. Now my relationship with these friends has been altered. Nevertheless, the fact is, they sold me out. And as the pieces come together, I am seeing their level of deception more clearly.
They cultivated a friendship with me, and used the name of "Jesus," with the hopes of furthering their own goals. Unfortunately, there are people who try to attach themselves to me so that their own names could become known within the Christian community.
The people who befriended and ultimately deceived me, I believe, wanted to be seen. So, sadly, they resorted to seeking out a Christian who is popular. And this kind of victimization comes with the territory. Now, however, I must cut them loose. They've been exposed as "counterfeits."
Moreover, as the situation unfolds, I know I am going to learn many deeper things about spiritual warfare. I am confident that, no matter what damage may come to me as a result of media distortions, God will ultimately get the glory from my life because I belong to Him. Jesus has a plan for me that, while it may be delayed, will one day come to pass. Hallelujah!
D.B.
This, unfortunately, is part of the Christian's walk. And it is only by the grace of God, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and by a knowledge of what the Bible says, that will help a Christian to avoid the pitfalls and traps Satan has set for him.
The Bible says that the devil is a destroyer. He will kill me if he could, and he's always seeking for ways to neutralize my testimony. Sadly, he will even use other Christians.
And with this in mind, I now have to deal with an "enemy in the camp." Several close friends I have, it appears, allowed an unbeliever, a media person, to enter the fold. Now, as a result of this, trouble may be developing for me in the near future.
I am, of course, very disappointed by what these supposed friends have done. I forgive them, yet I've also had to ask the Lord to remove some bitterness which crept into my heart as a result of their actions. But this is a potentially bad situation. They had no right to share my private life with a stranger who only sought to develop a relationship with them for his own gain.
I have been betrayed, and it hurts. I'd be lying if I said it's no big deal. Now my relationship with these friends has been altered. Nevertheless, the fact is, they sold me out. And as the pieces come together, I am seeing their level of deception more clearly.
They cultivated a friendship with me, and used the name of "Jesus," with the hopes of furthering their own goals. Unfortunately, there are people who try to attach themselves to me so that their own names could become known within the Christian community.
The people who befriended and ultimately deceived me, I believe, wanted to be seen. So, sadly, they resorted to seeking out a Christian who is popular. And this kind of victimization comes with the territory. Now, however, I must cut them loose. They've been exposed as "counterfeits."
Moreover, as the situation unfolds, I know I am going to learn many deeper things about spiritual warfare. I am confident that, no matter what damage may come to me as a result of media distortions, God will ultimately get the glory from my life because I belong to Him. Jesus has a plan for me that, while it may be delayed, will one day come to pass. Hallelujah!
D.B.