The prevailing theme for Four Winds in 2023 is living in SYNC with God! This means that I need to have ALL OF ME in line with HIS will for my life! I must follow Christ! Jesus makes a statement in Matthew:
Matthew 4:19-20 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. 20 And they straightway left their nets and followed him. The scripture is clear... straightway... immediately they left what they were doing to do what he was compelling them to do! Matthew 4:19-20
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but, Humans, for the most part, are followers! We are not the generators of new core philosophies. We merely add new twists to old desires, ideas, and theories!
(Ecclesiastes 1:9-10) 9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. 10 Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.
So, just because we express a new thought does not mean that, at its core, it is new! We simply try different angles to get to old destinations that may or may not be good for us!
So, as such, who or what are we following, and is what or what we are following leading us in the RIGHT way or the WRONG way? Scripture is clear... there is a way that seems right to the carnal man, but, the end of that way is death and destruction! There is also another way that is narrow, but it is good and leads to life everlasting!
The apostle Paul makes it clear how we are to follow others. We are to follow in the manner demonstrated in 1 Corinthians 11:1 1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. There is a litmus test! There is a foolproof way to follow, and we should be very careful about who and what we follow. The Word of God tells us in 2 Timothy chapter 3 that there will come those in the last days that follow after their own lust! They will follow those that appeal to their own lust! They will let the desires of their own hearts lead them to destruction.
The picture above is a true representation of the Judas goat. The Judas goat was trained for the explicit purpose of leading the sheep into places that were not good for them! Sheep like calm environments! Sheep like peaceful places! So, the Judas goat was there to lead them into catch pens and slaughterhouses. He convinces them that he knows the way that is best for them! People follow what they become comfortable with! OH LORD, help us not to become comfortable and complacent with following that which leads astray!
Going back to 2 Timothy 3:
10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. -2 Timothy 3:10-17 (KJV)
There will come those that say that the old paths are not necessary! There will come those that mock the way you live for God! Hold on to the faith that was once delivered to the saints! There is a good way to follow! There are good people to follow. People who truly follow after Christ! Seek out the old paths, walk in them, and find rest for your souls! DO NOT stray from the doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith... that you were taught and know to be a good way! Pray, Read the Word of God, Fast, Fellowship... Endure TO THE END!
