Guard Your Heart
Some of the things I ask God for are: spiritual and natural wisdom and insight, the application of that wisdom and insight, discernment, swift obedience and the ability to turn away from things that aren’t good for me and are hindering me spiritually.
As I grow closer to God, I’ve noticed that things I once enjoyed haven’t had the same impact. For instance, since I received the Holy Spirit, I’ve been listening to more Christian music because I started to desire music that will praise God, worship Him and increase my faith. Romans 10:17 (NLT) says: “So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” Furthermore, reading the Bible and other faith-based content can increase your faith. This is a part of what Christians call the ear and eye gate. Since our faith can be increased by the content we receive through these gates, our faith can also be obstructed by content that we receive from the enemy.
Growing up, I loved to watch shows/movies and read books about magic, witches, werewolves, vampires and other Halloween/fantasy shows. However, I started questioning if this was pleasing to God. I decided I should not read about witches since witchcraft is explicitly stated in the Bible, but other content was ok. However, like God does, He sent me confirmation about the subject. One day, my best friend and I were conversing, and she mentioned that she was not reading or watching anything mystical anymore. As she further explained why and talked about a video from Prophetess Tiphani Montgomery she watched, I knew that was God telling me to guard my gates from the content I enjoyed reading and watching.
I threw away all movies/books/memorabilia that included magic, sorcery, vampirism, shapeshifters and other fantasy-like subjects. I won’t lie; this was not an easy feat. I grieved and am still grieving about the stories I will never be able to experience again. However, I know that if I want to be in right standing with God, I need to continue to kill my flesh so He can increase His Spirit in me. Galatians 5:24-25 (NLT) says: “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”
On the other hand, I’m also sad because I am sad about turning from things that mean me no good and at the same time, are hurting God. I think this is why God called it “killing flesh” because He knew it would be uncomfortable and something that would not be easy by our will alone.
As I conclude this blog post, I would like to repent for indulging in this content and spreading the information about this content to others. If you have ever had a conversation with me about certain movies/books/shows including this content, I apologize. I am publicly renouncing and denouncing my connection with content that includes witchcraft, magic, vampirism, shapeshifters and other fantasy-like content.
I’m continuing to pray that God prunes me. John 15:1-8 (NIV) says: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. ‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.’”
*This blog post is in no way, shape, form or fashion telling you what you should do or condemning you for the choices you decide to make after reading this article. This blog post’s goal is to be transparent in my Christian journey. Whatever you decide to do, I still love you and this content is still here for you to enjoy.
