Here’s Why You Might Want To Be Careful About Who You Talk To

Genesis tells the story of God’s 7-day creation process. Detailing the formation of man in God’s image, it unveils man’s fall when he encounters a snake. Amazingly, the author provides the details in subtle simplicity regarding Satan’s ultimate temptation. The snake, possessed by Satan, only spoke two times.

Two times.

Read that reality again.

Two times.

Two statements were enough to knock the entire race of humanity off its pedestal of moral purity.

This reality shows us how crucial it is to be wise about engaging in conversation.

As my momma might say, “You better be careful who you talk to!”

The enemy can bring people into your life who shift the way you think -- and not in a good way. These conversationalists begin to influence you negatively just through their words.

Ephesians Chapter 6 teaches us additional truth. We don’t wrestle with flesh and blood but with powers and principalities and powers of the heir. Personalities are manifestations of spirits. Jesus taught, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” That means what comes out of a person’s mouth is what is in a person.

Have you been talking to snakes?

Don’t be deceived. There’s no doubt that there are snakes within your life. My life. Everyone’s life. It happens because the snake is crafty. Creation’s story describes him in that way.

Crafty is another word for wise. Eight times the Hebrew word for describing the snake’s craftiness is used in the book of Proverbs. It is not associated with a negative connotation. Craftiness is not a bad thing. Being wise is a good thing! However, when wisdom comes from the wrong source, it becomes counterfeit. There is a wisdom of this world, and there is a wisdom of God’s Word. You want the latter, not the former!

The enemy operates in the wisdom of this world. He is sly as a fox, and he will set a snare to trap you.

In the Garden of Eden, the enemy appeared beautiful, like an angel of light. But, what seems to be beautiful isn’t always what it appears to be. The enemy can even make his way into the flock of sheep disguised as a wolf. This exemplifies how crafty he can be!

Jesus warned that the enemy is so crafty that he will deceive even the very elect in the last days if it were possible. (Ref. Matthew 24:24).

But, here’s a probing question that you have probably not asked yourself...are you the snake in someone's life?

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. -Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)

One of the ways darkness and wickedness manifest on Earth is through spiritual hosts. Without the Earthly host, the wickedness would stay in high places. However, it comes low when we give it a portal to work through.

We have to ensure that we are not hosting darkness -- the things of this world -- in ourselves.

What are you speaking into other people's lives?

Be careful to notice what you're consuming. What is your social media feed “feeding” you?

Out of the abundance of your heart, you will speak. Yes, even YOU. So speak life into other people’s lives. Avoid grumbling and complaining. Praise the name of Jesus! Do not allow the enemy to use you as a host.

I invite you to view this message from our new sermon series A Wise Christmas, “There’s Something You Don’t See,” in its entirety at this link: https://youtu.be/2Dm0_NyhsHE

We want to connect with you and help you take your next steps!

1. Do you have a relationship with Jesus? This decision is the first step in receiving the anointing in your life. If you are ready to give your life to Jesus, we would love to celebrate with you at 3trees.com.

2. Do you need to rededicate your life to Jesus? If yes, please connect with us at 3trees.com.

3. Do you feel God prompting you to take your next steps? If yes, BEGIN is waiting for you! You can walk through our ONLINE BEGIN class at 3trees.com/begin

4. Would you like to make a difference in our community? Join our captivate team! Visit 3trees.com to find out how you can participate in community outreach opportunities.

WATCH IT | DISCUSSION GUIDE| MESSAGE NOTES

This is Why You Absolutely Need to See Things This Way

Corrie ten Boom used the analogy that it would look like a mess if you viewed a loom from underneath, but it would look like a beautiful piece of art if you looked at it from above.

Consider that the Earth is God’s loom, and He views it from above. He understands the ‘loom process’ that He has set in place, and to Him, it is beautiful. But because we view our world from underneath, it too often looks and feels like a mess.

In this vein, the Bible; especially, the book of Revelation, helps us see our world from the same perspective as God sees it. And that changes everything! When you see life from the vantage point of Heaven, it looks different. And, suddenly, we are reminded that God is the author and the finisher, the alpha and the omega. He is the first and the last! And, NOTHING is a surprise to Him. Jesus has a plan to defeat spiritual darkness and win the battle for eternity. We just need to change our perspective and see things from a different vantage point.

The word throne is used 45 times throughout the book of Revelation. And, it makes clear that the ultimate throne belongs to Jesus, and everything proceeds from His throne. According to the whole counsel of Scripture, Satan has wanted this throne from the very beginning. When he was first an angel named Lucifer, he had instruments and stones placed within his body and led beautiful worship.

Ezekiel 28 -- alongside Leviticus’ details of High Priests’ breastplates -- leads us to interpret that Lucifer’s stones, when activated by God’s light, cast beautiful rainbows throughout heaven. But Lucifer was selfish and unhappy. He wanted the angels to worship him and not God. As a result, he organized a revolt with one-third of the other angels in Heaven to take God’s throne. They lost being cast down from Heaven by God. Landing like with the force of lightning strike on the other side of God’s wrath, Lucifer dusted off his ego and became the chief of all fallen angels, the devil, whom we now refer to as Satan.

From the creation of Mankind, the devil has been harassing humanity. (Just read Genesis 1-3!) Our enemy has been trying to steal, kill, and destroy everything we have. But God had a plan, and He sent Jesus to save us all through His blood, and on a hill called Calvary, He took back the keys to death, hell, and the grave! He reestablished His kingship on earth. The gates of Hell will not prevail because God created the church, and His Kingdom made manifest through that Church will win!

The enemy is trying to create a space on this earth that allows him to envision victory, but in reality, we serve a King that has already won! If you want peace, read the back of the book because it will change your perspective. You get the view from above!

You may have been looking at your life from underneath the loom -- the messy side -- but the Holy Spirit wants you to look at it from above. You can win the situation you are in, you can, and you will survive what is transpiring, things will get better, and you have a reason to keep fighting. Let the Holy Spirit refresh and restore you! Remember, all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. Change your perspective to the vantage point of Heaven!

I invite you to view this message, “Upon Further Review”, in its entirety at this link: https://youtu.be/sE13MwguUI8

Here are a few things to evaluate in your life:

1. Do you have a relationship with Jesus? This decision is the first step in receiving the anointing in your life. If you are ready to give your life to Jesus, we would love to celebrate with you at 3trees.com.

2. Do you need to rededicate your life to Jesus and start seeing your life from a kingdom down mentality and a new vantage point, a fresh perspective? If yes, please connect with us at 3trees.com.

3. Are you ready to take your next steps towards discipleship? Many non-Christians are as close to heaven as they will ever get, but through BEGIN, you can be equipped and empowered to change their lives! You can walk through our ONLINE BEGIN class at 3trees.com/begin

4. Do you want to be a part of bringing Heaven down to Earth? Join our captivate team! Visit 3trees.com to find out how you can participate in community outreach opportunities.

WATCH IT | DISCUSSION GUIDE | MESSAGE NOTES