Prepare-for-War

dependant upon them. How many times have I heard people say that they know the Lord wants them to do a parM ticular thing because it is the "desire of their heart," when, if they only stopped to check their desires out with scripture, they will find that they are in contradiction to God's commands. We must not rely on emotions for guid ance as they are too easily manipulated by Satan and his demons, and almost always contaminated by our sin nature. Satan and his demons can also flash thoughts into our minds. The Bible is our safeguard here. The Lord will never tell you anything that is not consistent with His word, the Bible. Also, if you are praying and talking with the Lord silently, Satan cannot read your mind and thus will not be able to put in thoughts that are in context with what is currently going on in your mind as you pray. This is another important reason why you must learn to control your mind so that it does not wander while you are in prayer and communion with the Lord. "I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me." Proverbs 8:17 The literal translation of the Hebrew word for "early" means "diligently, with the implication of earnestness," ac cording to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. You must seek such a relationship with the Lord diligently. Only the Holy Spirit can teach you to hear His voice. You may have to seek this type of relationship with much fasting, tears and prayer. Remember, the Lord never does anything in a hurry and He will probably test you to see how sincere you are. If you have not asked the Lord to do the work of a total dealing of the cross in you (as described in Chapter 6 on the baptism by fire), you will not be able to develop such a relationship with Him. Also, if you are not totally committed to Him, you will not be able to develop such a relationship. · You must exert self-discipline in seeking the Lord. I cannot

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