Are we like gnats? | I spy counterfeit light..
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Hey friend, Have you ever seen a gnat circling around a light? Doesn’t their swarm of hovering seem purposeless, aimless, and endless? Scientists have a few theories why gnats, flies, and similar insects congregate around street lights, lamps, and other sources of light. According to pestworldforkids.org, one of the most popular theories is that bugs rely on light sources to guide their travels and movement. It is believed that insects use the natural light of the moon and sun to navigate as they fly around. So when they come across artificial light (porch lights, street lamps, etc.), they get confused and gravitate toward this ‘false’ light source, thinking they are being lead in the right direction. Gnats are small, irritating, and difficult to catch. However, their being attracted to our sources of light makes it easier for us to identify them and ultimately swat, sticky paper, or bomb them to their tragic death. It may take us a few tries, but thankfully, those gnats just keep coming back to our light. The very light they believe is the source meant to lead them by day and night. So, how are we like gnats? -> In error, we follow sources disguised as the true light, that ultimately lead us to death. Let me explain.. You may know that Jesus is the Light (John 1:4-5; John 1:9; John 8:12; + more). But, did you know that the enemy has a light, too? The enemy also has followers, servants, and workers, just like Jesus does. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 tells us: 13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. (You can see Luke 17: 1-3 for one example of “what these actions deserve”… in case you happen to be engaging in such deception and/or associate with those who do). Moving on.. The enemy and his minions reflect the false light, like the street lights and lamps that gnats mistake for the sun and the moon. We may think we are being led by righteous sources and holy people, yet we can easily become blinded by artificial brightness when we don’t know how to recognize the truth of Jesus Christ. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “all that glitters isn’t gold.” That same concept applies here. Sometimes, we can be so desperate for saving and healing that we don’t properly vet the source that has come to “rescue” us. Make no mistake, all those who call on the name of Jesus Christ will be saved (Romans 10:13). However, we must know and call on the TRUE Light. The True Jesus Christ, the True Gospel. The deceitful workers, teachers, preachers, apostles, etc. referred to in 2 Corinthians 11:13, seek to take the glory of God for themselves, and deceive you into believing in a false version of the gospel (and a false version of Jesus) that cannot save you. This is why we should be weary of sources that we have led ourselves to, and/or that we have followed through watching and imitating those who are far from God in spirit and truth. This is why we must read, study, and know the Word of God for ourselves. Back to bugs.. Other theories for why bugs gravitate toward artificial light are to escape predators, for warmth, or simply because they know other bugs will be there (for mating and food and such). This is even more reason to be careful of the sources that we draw from. The enemy is crafty (Genesis 3:1), and by nature, so are his servants. They hide and lurk in places they know are drawing from a false light, in order to encounter and deceive unsuspecting truth seekers who are in need of nurturing and discipling. When we try to lead ourselves or choose to blindly follow others, we have a high chance of running into these deceitful sources of counterfeit light that seek only to steal, kill, and destroy us (John 10:10). They hope to trap us in endless cycles, wasting our time, energy, and keeping us away from our predestined purpose in Christ Jesus (see Ephesians 2:10). Looking up at the sky, it almost seems impossible to that something as tiny as a gnat could rely on the light from these gigantic, far away stars to navigate their way on the earth. I think we sometimes forget how small we are in comparison to God. Yet, He still draws us to Himself, directing our paths as we move along. Counterfeit lights.. Counterfeit lights are all around us. They promise us guidance and direction, meanwhile they only keep us stuck performing useless acts that will not save us on the day of judgment. Counterfeit lights are works based religions like Islam, idolatrous religions and traditions like Catholicism, Hinduism and Buddhism, and religious and cultural practices that focus on self-healing, self-saving, and self-righteousness. Counterfeit lights are astrology, palm reading, fortune telling, and witchcraft. Counterfeit lights are dangerous social beliefs about marriage, education, money, and other things we desire to attain as the “keys” to abundant life. So, how do we overcome these counterfeits, and how do we help others do the same? 🔥 We invite the Holy Spirit, God in us, the true Light of Jesus Christ, to dwell in us, teach us, and correct us. 🔥 We surrender our flawed, limited human intellect and logic and submit to the mind of Christ. 🔥 We seek and study the Word of God (the Bible) for ourselves. 🔥 We wait, we watch, we listen, and we receive confirmation from the Spirit of the Living God. 🔥 We do not trust what we see with our eyes and physical senses only. 🔥 We are not loyal to systems because of their proximity or longevity in our lives, families, and cultures. 🔥 We pray for discernment. 🔥 We slow down, we take our time. 🔥 We don’t give away information too quickly. 🔥 We take stock of our actions, our environments, and the fruit being produced. 🔥 We take accountability and repent for the way we’ve been living. 🔥 We lay down our lives to Christ, daily, and we find communities that believe in righteous accountability. 🔥 We recognize that there is more to life than what we can see, and we believe in the truth of Jesus Christ as the son of God, the only Way to the Father and to eternal life. 🔥 We say yes to the Holy Spirit, and allow Him to purge us of our former selves and clothe us in the righteousness and blood of Jesus Christ. 🔥 We agree with and accept our identity in Jesus. 🔥 We submit to God, and we resist the enemy so that he flees from us (James 4:7). 🔥 We embrace life more abundantly. (John 10:10) 🔥 We rejoice in our testimonies. (Revelation 12:2) 🔥 We take every opportunity to witness of God’s mercy and plan for humanity. 🔥 We become the Light, allowing Him to shine on us, in us, and through us. When we embody the Light of Christ, a counterfeit doesn’t stand a chance. 🔥 We thank God that He doesn't make us to do it all alone. 🔥 We praise God for His mercy and master plan. 🔥 We take it one step at a time, vowing to seek the counsel of the Holy Spirit above all else. These are only a few ways to make sure we are surrounded with the truth of God. Search the scriptures and seek God in your quiet time and I'm positive you'll receive far more wisdom for yourself! If you’re looking for a community, stay connected with Coached by F.I.R.E. (Faith, Identity, Redemption, Encouragement). Our purpose is to help keep men, women, and youth on FIRE for Jesus Christ. Our goal is to ensure our names are found written in the Book of Life. Eternity awaits. Where will you be? Signing off for now, Coach Jei Do you want to give your life to Christ today? Say this prayer and receive the Holy Spirit: Dear Jesus, I believe in You. I believe that You died on the cross for me to be saved. I believe that You are the Lamb of God, the only sacrifice that could save me and cleanse me from my past, present, and future sins. I agree with the identity that God has given me through You, according to 1 Peter 2:9 [But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. CSB]. I agree with the power of Your blood, and I receive by faith, the mercy and forgiveness that You poured out for me. Please help me leave behind my old life as I step forward out of darkness and into Your marvelous light. I ask that You would give me Your precious Holy Spirit, and clothe me in Your righteousness today. Thank You for loving me, and for helping me love You, too. In Your name I pray, Amen. Did you say the above prayer? Welcome to the Family of Believers! Reply to this email and let me know about your decision. I would love to follow up with you and help you along on your journey. Talk to you soon, Beloved! Rejoice!! Jei Justified ➡️ Connect with me on Patreon for exclusive and first-look content! ⬅️ |