CONCENTRATING ON ALL GOD’S WORD FOR COMPLETE SUCCESS
The Bible says; “you are to recite it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do“—in this life and in the life to come (Joshua 1:8; 2 Timothy 4:8). But, some people choose the things in this life they want to concentrate on. Nevertheless, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
THE BIBLE SAYS PEOPLE SHOULD LIVE BY EVERY WRITTEN WORD OF GOD.
However, “The LORD our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions” (Deuteronomy 29:29). But contrary to God’s revealed written words, some people seek to know spiritual secrets by unbiblical meditative practices; and to prosper even when they disregard his words. Nevertheless, the biblical Word of God says, people should live “by every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (Matthew 4:4).
A BORN-AGAIN AUTHOR TELLS HOW HE LEARNED TO LIVE BY ALL THE WRITTEN WORD OF GOD.
Born-again author Brian Flynn, says: “As a former New Age medium, I know the difference between Eastern meditative practices and biblical Christian prayer. Sadly, too many in the Christian community do not.”
We might learn from this born-again believer who shares with us how he learned to focus on and trust God’s Word; rather than “Far Eastern” and “New Age” meditation, and “Contemplative Prayer;” and he was prosperous and successful in doing this.
Brian Flynn, director of One Truth Ministries in Minneapolis, says: “Eleven years ago I walked away from the life of a New Age medium and gave my heart to Jesus Christ. As a medium, I performed psychic readings and, through meditative practices, contacted spirit guides. At the time, I did not realize these guides were demonic. Now as a Christian, I no longer have to chant, go into altered states of consciousness or perform rituals to find the peace and truth I found through the Lord and his Word.”
BORN-AGAIN BRAIN FLYNN SEES “CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER” DISTORTING CHRISTIAN PRAYING.
After having been converted by the Word of God, Brian said he was shocked to learn that the Far Eastern technique of meditation had “infiltrated Christianity through…a practice called contemplative prayer.” He said this technique involves: “repeating a word or phrase over and over again until reaching what is called “the silence.” (According to articles by Lighthouse Trails Publishing, contemplative prayer may use biblical names and phrases as mantras that are more attractive to Christians, rather than “om” and other Eastern mantras). Sometime instead of a word or phrase, the breath is focused upon, thus the name “breath prayer.” The goal?–Reaching an “altered state of consciousness” in order to communicate with God.” Brain said, “Contemplating God’s word is a good thing. But the contemplative prayer I speak of is not.”
In light of his understanding of contemplative prayer and the Word of God’s, Brain ask: “Why would God put me in a position to fend for myself in this unknown spiritual realm surrounded by spiritual beings that are not in cooperation with God and his way? He would not.” (Read 2 Corinthians 11:14; 1 Peter 5:8; John 10:10).
Brain said: “As a former New Age medium, I know the difference between Eastern meditative practices and biblical Christian prayer. Sadly, too many in the Christian community do not.” Yet, the Lord is evidently delivering a Bible-based message through Brian Flynn for God’s people who recognize the Lord’s voice. The Lord said, my word “will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27-28).
(A more complete testimony of Brian Flynn is presented in Eastern Meditation Sneaks into the Church, by Prof. Johan Malan, Univ. of Limpopo, South Africa.)
THE LORD REWARDS THOSE WHO FOUS ON AND OBEY ALL HIS WORDS.
The Bible says: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33).
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn” (Psalm 37:4).
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has a crown of righteousness for all those who truly love and obey him–And he will us this crown when he returns to take us to live with him in heaven forever (2 Timothy 4:8; John 14:3).
Jesus said, “If you love me, obey my commandments” (John 14:15).
The Lord promises all who concentrate on following and obeying all his words, with help from the Holy Spirit, they will be blessed in this life and receive an eternal crown of righteous in the life to come (Mark 10:30; 2 Timothy 4:8).
