THE LITTLE FOXES THAT SPOIL THE VINES
I rest most afternoons for about an hour and often doze off. This happened last Saturday, and I woke with a part of a verse of Scripture burning in my mind. It was from the Song of Solomon 2:15
THE LITTLE FOXES THAT SPOIL THE VINES NKJV
I have often quoted John Piper’s definition of Grace: “Grace is not simply leniency when we have sinned, Grace is the enabling power of God NOT TO SIN, Grace is power not just pardon”. I quote it often as I believe it is an excellent definition of the awesome grace of Go that is available to every Believer.
We would never be tempted to rob a bank or commit murder, yet we put up with the little things (little foxes) somehow willing to almost excuse them, and not lay hold of the Grace of God and not tolerate them but to seek to live ABOVE SIN.
I believe the Lord was very much talking to me personally when He brought this verse to my attention, as there is an area that I need to confront more. Let me share them with you, trusting it may help you in your walk with the Lord.
Paul tells us in Rom. 14:23 WHAT IS NOT OF FAITH IS SIN. Now what is the opposite to faith? FEAR, DOUBT, UNBELIEF, and NEGATIVITY. These thoughts come into my head, and instead of doing what the Word of God says, I unwittingly ask them to take up residence, and the result is I lose my peace and joy and intimacy with the Lord/
Paul tells us in 2 Cor. 10:5 what we must do, CASTING DOWN ARGUMENTS AND EVERY HIGH THING THAT EXULTS ITSELF AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, BRINGING EVERY THOUGHT INTO CAPTIVITY TO THE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST NKJV
If the thoughts have come from within, then we have the responsibility and ability to CAST THEM DOWN in Jesus Name. God has also given us the HELMET OF SALVATION that we must PUT ON Eph. 6:17 to protect our minds.
If the thoughts are from the evil one, then we must do what James challenges us to do. James 4:7 THEREFORE SUBMIT TO GOD, RESIST THE DEVIL, AND HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU. NKJV.
We must make sure there is no unconfessed sin in our life, reaffirm Christ’s Lordship in our life, and then we RESIST :1. By using the Word of God as the Sword of the Spirit Eph.6:17 using Scriptures that have become Rhema Words to us, like:
1 John 4:4 He who is in you (me) than he that is in the world NKJV
Rom.8:37 I am more than a conquerer through Him who loves us NKJV
2 Peter 1:3 I have all things pertaining to life and Godliness NKJV
2. We have been delegated the right to use THE NAME OF JESUS against the enemy
3. Rev. 12:11 And they overcame by the blood of the lamb and the Word of their (our) testimony. NKJV
The Blood of Christ not only cleanses but also PROTECTS US Hallelujah.
Every battle is won or lost in the mind, (that is why Paul has so much to say about the need to protect our minds), we cannot relax, but be PROACTIVE TO PROTECT OUR MIND.
Do you remember the old saying:
YOU CAN’T STOP THE BIRDS FLYING AROUND YOUR HEAD BUT YOU CAN STOP THEM NESTING IN YOUR HAIR!!!!!
Twice a month some of the men in our church get together for a coffee morning, and I have the privilege of bringing a brief word to them. I shared the above which was very well received, and then someone made the comment “THEN THERE ARE THE LITTLE FOXES WHO WANT TO SPOIL THE VINES IN THE LOCAL CHURCH (God’s Vineyard).
As so many of my readers are leaders in local churches, I wonder, just as we often put up with the little foxes spoiling our personal vines, do we “put up with” the little foxes that maybe unwittingly are seeking to spoil the vines in the local church. WE need to be just as PROACTIVE to stop them, as their actions can hinder and slow down the blessing of God on the church.
I have shared with you what is a personal constant challenge in my life, maybe it is in yours, I trust my simple sharing will help and encourage you, to not put up with the “little foxes (personally or in the church) and AIM HIGHER and we together EMBRACE THE GIFT OF GOD NOT TO SIN, BUT LIVE A HOLY POWERFUL LIFE Amen.
