A group of Prayer Intercessors met at the church tonight. While we were praying one of the men began to pray that if anyone sees he's in the wrong they would come tell him so that he can confess it, be forgiven and remain within God's will where there is peace and joy.
A few days ago I was working on the computer when all of a sudden a box opened which informed me that it had identified a Trojan virus and the steps to take to quarantine the virus. I have no idea how the virus came in or exactly when. I realize what program was identified as the problem but the virus came hidden in something. I did what the virus scan directed me to do and all seems to be well. But tonight I saw a spiritual application to that virus check that's done every time I turn my computer on or off, when ever I download something or open something.
We Christians have a similar problem, as do our computers. Satan's kingdom is always on our backs trying their best (or worst) to get us off track. But you know, the enemy that he is I don't think is as bad as myself. So many times I am my own worst enemy. With Satan's nudges and my own self doubts it's like some virus sneaking in, worming its' way into my mind and spirit and doing their level best to mess up the program God has for me.
Satan doesn't need a direct hit, a frontal attack. Most of us are on the look out for that. Would you open a piece of mail if it said in the subject line "Caution, this contains a virus?" I wouldn't, I'd delete that baby really quick. He's smart and he's had centuries to learn and watch man mess up time after time. He knows what works best and is subtle. Remember the scripture says that he's disguised as an angel of light. A few seeds of doubt, you know that you don't look nice enough to do public appearances, you're fat, ugly, too old, too young, too tall, or too short. Be careful what you say to strangers, you don't need someone ticked at you. After all, in this world you could get your head blown off for just saying "Hello," let alone "do you know Jesus?"
It reminded me of my computer and some difficulty I'd had recently. I hadn't updated the virus scan since I bought the computer about 4 years ago now. The problem took several hours to correct and was rather a costly error on my part. Since then I've updated the virus scan.
Did you realize that we Christians have a virus scan built in? Well we do. Our Virus Scan has 3 parts (naturally)---
First, The word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path (Psalms 119:105);
"all Scripture is God-Breathed and is profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…"(2 Timothy 3:16);
And don't forget Hebrews 4:12 which says that-"the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thought and attitudes of the heart."
Similarly the computer was programmed by using words or strings as the case may be.
Second, We are to pray without ceasing, to be in constant communication with our Heavenly Father similar to the way the computer communicates with the internet so the virus scan can act completely.
Third, Don't forsake the fellowship. Encourage one another while it is yet called today (I like that term encourage, it was pointed out to me that that is what a washing machine does to clothes to cause them to become clean). Don't be yoked with unbelievers. Know whom you are connected with to help assure that the input is pure.
It takes all three to make the scan reliable.
If the scan is programmed incorrectly it may catch some virus but not others. Should the computer loose communication with the software company it wouldn't be able to update or be aware of what virus is out there. The system wouldn't be prepared to detect the danger. When I run into computer trouble I call the software company. I need to call the right software company that is running my system. It won't help to call the wrong group, they may be very nice and polite; even try very hard to help me, but being unfamiliar with my system could cause me more trouble than I already have.
Scripture shows me the program, what I'm to do and how to do it. It explains all the components, the steps I need to take and how to handle what lies ahead. Prayer keeps me centered on the one who developed the program and knows all the intricate details as well as the total capability, the big picture.
The fellowship, my church family, Christian friends are like the computer tech. when I have questions or am not quite clear on a certain point. We can go to the source together, pray together and get a better understanding. Even when I don't know what the problem is, they can help me look in to other areas of my life which I was unaware were even effected or infected, as the case may be.
It really takes all 3 if you leave one component out the scan is less effective. And you may find yourself in danger.
Bye for now!
Kathy D