Scattered Minds

1 Peter 3:8-19

The men and women who make up the body of Christ in these last days, aren’t all on the same page. We are living in a time, when many false doctrines have infiltrated congregations around the globe, causing some to hold fast to the traditions of men, rather than the commandments of God the Father. The apostle Peter teaches in our text, we are all to be of one mind, as we fulfill God’s purpose in our lives. Unity is essential in keeping the body of Christ together, and allowing each member to effectively use their gifts for edification, but where division is present, confusion has the ability to keep many from being their best for God. Not only are the members of Christ’s body commanded to be of one mind, but being meet for the Master’s use also demands that we walk in humility, show compassion toward others, and be willing to extend encouragement to all who need it. When a person’s foundation is built on godly principles and standards, they’ll easily render good for evil, or blessing for persecution. The church today loses its influence on the lost, the more they give in to false doctrine, which causes division. But, when the Lord is once again sanctified in the hearts of men, only then can they truly submit themselves to the truth of God’s word, and easily recognize anything that is contrary to what the Father commanded them to do.

Scattered And Scared

Ezekiel 34:11-16

During these recent times of fear, sorrow, and mourning, it’s only right that Christian leaders buckle down, and do their best to keep their flocks encouraged, uplifted, and well-informed of these prophetic end-times. It’s one thing to be in a leadership position to enjoy the glory of men’s praises, but it’s God’s intention that shepherds guard, cover, and protect their people at all costs.

In times of trial or testing, sheep should always be able to reach out to their shepherd, and receive the help they desperately desire, but when a leader cares more for his own will, than the needs of the flock, the sheep will inevitably scatter, and wander in places they ought not be.

Our text reveals prophecy of the time when God Himself, will search and seek out those scattered sheep, and when He gathers them together, He’ll bring them to their own land, feed them properly, and give them rest from all their worries. That’s a great time to look forward to, seeing how bad things have become today. But, to all the men and women who are leading disciples astray, or are causing them to scatter, God will also feed them, but rather than partake of the goodness of the Lord, they’ll feast on His judgment. “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you” (Titus 2:7-8).

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

God seeks the scattered people

Ezekiel 34:11-16

If Christ visited the earth for a few days, and disguised Himself as to not be recognized, He would find the state of the body of believers in total disarray. While I strongly believe that most Christians truly have a heart for God, many of them have been conditioned into following the doctrines of wicked men, that have caused a great number of people to be lost, and find it difficult to find their way home when they come to their senses. Just as sheep scatter when being manipulated by thieves or hirelings, Christians struggle, trying to see the truth in the teachings of false prophets and teachers. The church has become divided, due to all the religions, beliefs, and teachings men have made into doctrine. Many have even left churches and religious organizations, because they’ve gotten to a point where they are uncertain what to believe.

When the shepherd returns to find his sheep scattered, he works diligently to gather them back together into safety. The shepherd cares deeply for his flock, because it provides a number of benefits to his purpose, including meat, milk, wool, hides, and skins. A sheep’s wool is the most widely used animal fiber, and is usually harvested by shearing. Sheep also help plants and other vegetation to obtain water and nutrients better because the soil has been loosened from their grazing. Just as sheep are valuable to shepherds, believers are of great importance to God. We were all fearfully and wonderfully crafted by the Creator, to do amazing things on the earth to fulfill His purpose. The Spirit of God has imbued us with power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. We have the power to get wealth, as well as the power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

The enemy knows what God’s sheep are capable of, so he thrives on deceiving even the very elect, because they have the power of influence to manipulate mass numbers of believers. The day is fast approaching when God will rescue His people from the jaws of evil and wicked men. Just as it hurts the heart of a parent to see their children suffer, God is nearing the end of His patience for watching His children be used, abused, deceived, manipulated, hurt, defeated, enticed, and being fed false doctrine. God will take it upon Himself to personally gather His people, move them from wicked atmospheres, place them in healthy and pleasurable habitations, then nurse them all back to good health. Many don’t realize that they are being deceived, but God knows, and He won’t allow them to suffer in their position too much longer.

All those who have been malnourished from years of deception and false doctrine, worry not, because your Father in Heaven will soon gather you together, and heal those who are sick, bind up the broken, bring back those who were driven away from the church, and most importantly, destroy the strongholds of oppression, and feed wicked men their deserved judgment.

Walk in love,

Ell