Proverbs 9:9-10

9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

How is our society different today than just a few decades ago? For starters, our culture is consumed with a rebellious spirit. I was always taught to say yes sir, no ma’am, and to represent my family’s name with the utmost of integrity-no matter what situation I found myself in. 

Yes, there were plenty of times when I wanted to express my dislike, distaste, or down right disagreement in certain situations. However, I always understood my position. Where do you see our current culture today? How can we glean upon the Word to develop a more mature Christian walk? Don’t get me wrong! I don’t mean pious. I pray that we stretch ourselves into the deepest of God’s understanding which allows us to be better servants! As we see in the passage above, it starts with the fear of the Lord.

We are seeing an increasingly large number of people in this world who lack this fundamental principle – fear of the Lord. In fact, they fail to demonstrate fear of anything because they are driven by selfish desires. This is true sin-nature – the essence of Satan himself. The world teaches us to please “self” at all cost! It also instructs us to step on those who disagree with us or who get in our way…what a stark contrast from the life of Christ! 

You cannot turn on the news without seeing report after report of frustration, hate, murder, abuse, injustice, revenge, and tournament. Yet, I refuse to think things are hopeless. My God is the Author of hope and while the Holy Spirit is still operating fully in this world through believers like you, why wouldn’t we think otherwise. 

Yet, we must exercise our spiritual muscles. They do not become conditioned and exhibit increased endurance without hard work and exercise. We must first fully surrender to the King. We must stop giving the spirit of rebellion and control permission to inhabit us! They must be gone in Jesus name! Then we open ourselves up to the power of the Holy Spirit through fear of the Lord. We gain wisdom and a deeper knowledge of the Spirit like never before! YES and AMEN!

I pray that the Spirit pierces your heart to dig deeper into your relationship with the Father. Start by humbling yourself at His altar! Humility and pride cannot coexist. They are always battling. Dear friends, you hold the power as granted through the redemptive power of Jesus Christ. 

So today we say collectively, “Satan, you cannot have our homes and you do not have permission to inhabit my life. I fear Jehovah, God Almighty; the One who has already written your fate evil one! I will become stronger, wiser, and more powerful as I seek the Father’s will above my own. I rebuke rebellion and pride through the blood of Christ that covers me. You can’t stand in the way of this power because you were defeated at the cross. So, get behind me Satan and tremble as I worship and fear the King!” 

Question: Are you giving permission for the spirits of rebellion and control to inhabit you? How will you break the chains now?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta