"There is a choice"
Ephesians 6:12 NASB
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."
So then, why must we cooperate with evil and let evil have it's way? There is a choice!The violence, the hate, the infighting, the covetness, jealousy, greed, power mongering and the hatred? It's overwhelming!
It all feeds the already gluttonous appetite of evil as it leads us on the path of destruction!
It's Iike a flavor you've never tasted but you tried it! Then fell in love with it immediately! So you looked for it again and again, trying to find that exact flavor one more time. For that exact experience to be felt once again, but never does!
It's the exotic that intrigues you, you've never experienced anything that quite measures up. You don't realize you never will! It was dangling there on purpose, by design, and you walked right into it!
Evil makes bad things appealing, then irresistible! Hook-line and sinker! Your trapped!
Without a breath of fresh air or a splash of water on your face, the stupor that you've entered into may never let you go. Your search is bound to lead you into a sudden doom, and without warning!
Now about that choice, that breath of fresh air...
Ezekiel 37:5
"This is what the Lord God says to these bones: ‘Behold, I am going to make breath enter you so that you may come to life."
Yes you are dead in that stupor...
And now, for that splash of water...
John 7:37-38
"Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’ ”
That's the easy part... actually believing!
Then just don't do like everyone else "drinking the Kool-aid"... Take a drink of this "Living Water" instead...
John 4:13-14 NASB
"Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again; [14] but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never be thirsty; but the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up to eternal life.”
'Jesus, we are looking, very simply for You and the exciting and exhilarating choices You have to offer! We want out of this trap that we don't even realize we're in. Please pull us from our stupors and open our eyes to see... our ears to listen... There Isn't anything more exciting or exhilarating than the knowing You have a God, One who loves you and wants to be with you forever. Thank you Father for offering us the best and only choice for happiness eternally! In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
Psalm 16:11 NASB
"You will make known to me the way of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever."
The struggle described in Ephesians 6:12 emphasizes the unseen spiritual conflict between good and evil that transcends human confrontation. This conflict involves rulers, authorities, and spiritual forces of darkness, highlighting a cosmic battle with profound implications for believers. In this context, cooperating with evil’s influence can lead to destructive patterns such as violence, hatred, and greed, all feeding a metaphorical 'gluttonous appetite of evil.' The article references Ezekiel 37:5, a vivid scriptural promise where God breathes life into dry bones, symbolizing spiritual revival and transformation. This powerful image illustrates that those spiritually 'dead' in sin or confusion can experience renewal and resurrection through divine intervention. John 7:37-38 and John 4:13-14 introduce the concept of "living water," an enduring spiritual sustenance offered by Jesus to believers. Drinking this living water quenches spiritual thirst forever, contrasting temporary worldly satisfactions that leave one longing. This metaphor encourages readers to seek genuine faith to escape the "trap" of worldly temptations and find everlasting life. Psalm 16:11 reassures believers that in God's presence lies fullness of joy and eternal pleasures, emphasizing that true happiness is found in spiritual communion and faithfulness. To deepen your understanding, consider these practical steps: 1. Recognize the pervasive nature of spiritual darkness as explained in Ephesians 6:12 and remain vigilant through prayer and scripture study. 2. Embrace the choice presented by God’s offer of living water, rejecting fleeting worldly temptations that lead to spiritual deterioration. 3. Reflect on the imagery of Ezekiel 37:5 as a reminder that spiritual renewal is possible no matter one’s current state. 4. Seek continuous spiritual growth and joy by cultivating a personal relationship with God, as promised in Psalm 16:11. In summary, the spiritual battle requires conscious choices. Choosing God’s living water is an invitation to move from spiritual death to vibrant life, filled with joy and eternal hope. This journey involves faith, awareness of evil's tactics, and embracing God's transformative power.
