Personal Encounter

Galatians 1:13
13 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.

Did you know that for every time you are doing what the Lord has asked of you and become a target of anger, jealousy, hate, violence, user/leach mentality, etc that it is actually a direct insult and persecution of Christ? The apostle gave the example of what he used to do before God called him and changed his name from Saul to Paul. Did you realize Paul used to carry the same name as one in the Old Testament who was full of disobedience and persecuted one whom the Lord Sent? Jesus told the disciples that they would encounter hate because of His name and the work He called them to do. But do you really understand that the negative feelings toward you is actually beyond you? It's the contempt for the Lord by the evil spirits and heart conditions that one has not been delivered from that is being directed at you. Remember, the enemy of our souls can use anyone to target you as long as there's an open door. If you saw the movie "The Avengers" then you understand the concept. There were indeed Biblical references. But the character Noki symbolized Satan and he was quick and could transform. When he arrived, he quickly examined the hearts of those he needed to use and when he found an open door of negativity, he changed them and used them for his purpose. Yes, that's exactly how Satan operates. He looks for the sin and that's his open door. The only way to get him out, is Jesus. For Paul who was then Saul, that was the only way he would stop persecuting-having a personal encounter with Jesus. Realize that many who target you have not truly had a personal encounter with Jesus no matter how many times they may have entered a sanctuary or who they know or even if they  have a praying grandma. Just like personal encounter with sin is the only way for Satan to get in, so only a personal encounter with Christ is the only way out of the anger, jealousy, hate, violence, user/leach mentality, etc.

Remember to check out my girl Stubbs on the Leap of Faith Network from 6-9am ET on www.live365.com!