Guard the Avenues of the Soul
"All should guard the senses, lest Satan gain victory over them; for these are the avenues of the soul. You will have to become a faithful sentinel over your eyes, ears, and all your senses if you would control your mind and prevent vain and corrupt thoughts from staining your soul. The power of grace alone can accomplish this most desirable work. Satan and his angels are busy creating a paralyzed condition of the senses so that cautions, warnings, and reproofs shall not be heard; or, if heard, that they shall not take effect upon the heart and reform the life. My brethren, God calls upon you as His followers to walk in the light. You need to be alarmed. Sin is among us, and it is not seen to be exceedingly sinful. The senses of many are benumbed by the indulgence of appetite and by familiarity with sin. We need to advance nearer heaven." {Adventist Home 401.5}
Today has been part of a continuing learning experience in the ways that Satan finds ways to attack our souls. This morning I was looking through my hard drive and found a video that was an introduction to story on the life of Jonah. The animated video contained a professional piece of thematic music that was probably purchased from a royalty free website.
Before playing the video, I had an impression that the video might invite the enemy as the music was not produced by believers in the true God of Scripture and therefore the spirit that inspired the music was most likely not of God. it was a very brief thought and I brushed it aside as extreme.
About one hour after I watched the video, my wife started to feel sick and was having very oppressive thoughts. We prayed together and asked the Lord for help. At Lunch time I could feel a push regarding appetite and pressure to over indulge. Then in the afternoon we had a complication while out shopping and then learned on getting home that our son encountered a health problem while on the bus that caused him difficulty. With all these things happening, I began to question and pray as to what allowed these things to occur. The undiscerning would see this as a typical day, but for those who believe in the watchcare of our Father, every challenge is a call to understand where we violate the commandments of God and allow entrance to the enemy. There are no random events for the people of God.
I was reminded of the music and its abilty to bind the strong man of the house and allow Satan to access my family. I have had this happen a number of times.
Please be very careful about the music you listen to. Clean out the high places of music that is not dedicated to the God of Israel. Do not consider things going wrong in your life as simply random acts and that our Father simply is not engaged to help you in every act of your life.
I appeal to you reader, pray about every piece of music in your possession. Ask Father if it is bringing glory to him or allowing the enemy into your home.
Prove all things, hold fast to that which is good.
