As the days pass and I am becoming aware of how short life is, I am realizing that many who were once strong in faith are now missing in action. It is hard to see brothers and sisters fall away and reverse course.
34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Luke 21:34-36
This verse gives us a warning about such things that may sneak in and draw us away from the family of God. There are snares set to distract us and lull us into a state of unawareness till we become easily trapped into sin once again. It is important to watch, pray and take heed. We must be on watch for what the enemy uses to ensnare our souls. We must pray and diligently stay in close contact with our Savior. He can warn us and guide us. When we are in contact with him, he will speak a warning or direct us away from the snare. We must take heed that we are not immune to trouble and sinful things. We are still very much able to be distracted, lured and tempted.
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
Proverbs 14:27
We have a guard and that is to keep our selves focused on Jesus. The fear or respect of the Lord will guard us and keep us. We will stay out of the snares when we are keeping our eyes and heart on God.
Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
1 Timothy 3:7
Our testimony of good report needs to be seen and unseen. When we hold ourselves to the standard of God’s word, keep integrity in our private and public life, and spend time in the prayer closet, others will have a good report of us in public. Our secret or private time needs to reflect the relationship we have with God just as much or more than what we are seen doing publicly. It is good to be seen in church, be seen doing good, be seen in prayer and worship, but what does God see when you are alone? What are you spending time on when no one appears to be watching? That time often determines the outcome of public life.
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
2 Timothy 2:24-26
We know of saints who have fallen and are in situations because of snares that were set for them. They have become ensnared into sin and troubles. Our job is to pray for them, be gentle with them and speak truth to them reminding them of the loving God who wants nothing more than to set them free. So many feel like the church has turned away from them, and no longer experience the love of God. They feel guilt and do not even believe God can forgive them once again. We must prayerfully and in meekness speak the love of Christ into their lives and pray that it is received into a softened heart once more. Let us reach for our wounded, bound and hurt brothers and sisters who have become ensnared by the traps of the enemy. He seeks to kill, steal, and destroy every soul. Let us seek to deliver, save, and set free those whom he has laid hold on.
May we set ourselves on watch, take heed and prayerfully keep our eyes on God. May we seek these who need our love and prayers. May we seek him while he is near.
6 Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Isaiah 55:6-7
