Guard the Door by Brother Duke Hansen

         One of the things we should be primarily concerned with today is guarding the door of not only our homes but also to our hearts. In the Bible there are answers to many of our questions we have, yet there are more people who do not believe nor read any of the scripture. Sad to say that we come across as fools and idiots when we echo the talking point that there is more going on in the world than ever before. The world and its culture is as bad today as it has always been. No amount of nostalgia can gloss over the truth. If you have a steady diet of fear daily and you are not studying the scripture you are in trouble.

        Turn to Psalm 40 where we will begin this morning. 1 I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. You should be patient in tribulation and troubles. When it comes to your mind and heart there are scriptures which addressing the renewing and guarding of both. Let us look at Philippians chapter 4 verses 6 and 7. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. That peace of God which truly defies understanding is through Jesus. The phrase Be careful for nothing can be broken down into Don't worry about it.

        Now let us turn to 1 John chapter 4 and verse 18;

        18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear hath torment. He that fears is not made in perfect love.  It bears repeating but we should not live in fear. Remember this earth is not ours! Love casts out that fear! How do you gain more knowledge about love? You read and, more important, you study the Bible. There is a bad advice given when a person tells you to listen to your heart. Turn to Jeremiah chapter 17 and verse 9;

        9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Your heart does not have your spiritual walk in its best intentions at all. Far from it. Now let's go over to 2nd Timothy chapter 1 and verse 7;

        7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. In all things God wants you to not only have a sound mind but a sober mind. Well let's review some things shall we? The Lord wants us to walk peacefully in him, not be guided by our heart, do everything in prayer and supplication. Be patient on the Lord. Let's look at Psalm 34 verse 18.

        18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit. We need to remain humble and not haughty with others daily. God can work with us if we have a contrite spirit. Let's go now to Deuteronomy chapter 31 and verse 8;

        8 And the LORD, he it is that does go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. Moses was speaking to Joshua in this verse before Joshua was setting off for the promised land, and his words apply to us today. We trust and place our faith in God, this is what is for us. Go to Galatians chapter 5 verses 22 and 23;

        22 But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith

        23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

        Being on the path, developing a closer relationship, studying his words will help you display these fruits of the spirit. Our flesh unchecked likes to seek out and attach itself to drama, to grief, and sorrow. 

        When David waited patiently he prayed to God until there was an answer, not wait for a little while and then try to fix his situation himself. That's what some people did in the scripture and many more do today. If you look at the different religions out in the world today like say Hinduism, what it is the one thing that is a principle of that belief? It is based on if they are good. As you can see just from reading scripture selections this morning, Man is not good, his flesh, his heart and his mind are evil and corruptible without God. People who walk away from the faith or deny God's existence will say if there is a God, why is there all this evil in the world? It's because of "good" men with their "good" intentions. Let's go back to Psalm 40 verse 2;

        2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock and established my goings. This verse is a direct result of God delivering you. The term miry clay is another description of our flesh. Right now there are people mixing worldly principles with God and then they get angry because he isn't moving in their life. Next verse-

        3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. Gos will give you a song of praise. You are not going to praise God if you don't follow and love God. Turn now to John chapter 14 and verse 27.

        27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. The point is what David sang. "He brought me out". A thing we tend to forget is that obedience is better than sacrifice. If we ourselves, not others, are trying to mix the worlds way on handling things with God's way of handling things we will not have anything work. God wants his way be done and for us not to be burdened by earthly fears. Turn to Hebrews chapter 12 and the 2nd verse. 

        2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. What is that joy set before Jesus? The joy set before him seen were the saints. God has a provision for us when we don't have one for ourself. The world is about quantity of life. How big and robust we must be. How many possessions we must have accumulate. God is concerned about the quality of life. Are you of a contrite and humble appearance, do you display the fruits of the spirit, walking in love and not fear. Only love will cast out fear from your house. If you could realize how much God loves you, like truly comprehend it you would forever be changed.

        The world and faith do not mix. They never have and they never will. Often times, the world will use scripture as the root for processes whether we look at successful business or self help groups. Often times though, like in business it's applying biblical principles to a carnal goal rather than to God. As I hope you can see a little, the Bible gives examples of good and of evil as well as naming names along the way. All the answers are in the Bible, and if you are approaching the material with your spirit rather than your mind, it can be wounding at times. The faith is slowly dying in the nation from greed to apostasy to worldly concepts like psychology and therapy in churches. The truth has been either removed or watered down so much in many churches and yet we are bearers of it. A peculiar people, we stand out more because we abide in the truth. The more faith is shown the greater it will grow. There are carnal attacks and demonic attacks. Your mind and heart are always under attack. You have to see your growth, remember it always and strive for more. Don't just settle!