The Hidden Sin of Frienemies
We’ve all heard the expression, “keep your friends close; and, your enemies closer.” I don’t know who the first person was to say this; but, I can certainly understand it’s intended, advisory, purpose: Being that, if you can see your enemies, to keep an eye on them; then, you will have a better chance at, not only, knowing what they are up to; but, likewise, at countering their attacks. But, oftentimes our enemies are those who are already closest to us; those whom we trust, not to betray us. And, sometimes we allow people that we think are friends to get too close; so close, in fact, that we show to them all that is in our houses, withholding nothing. So, then what? Here’s what the Bible says about such “wolves in sheep’s clothing:” There is a crown of Pride upon Ephraim’s head; woe to him, for though his sins are hidden from man: soon to be discovered (revealed); they are, in no way, hidden from God. Ephraim’s beauty is fading; for his taste, within him, has not changed. Therefore, thus saith the LORD:
Ephraim, once that beautiful son; has, because of that same beauty (education, wealth, success, etc.), become conceited. In forgetting that God was, and is, the giver of all good gifts, Ephraim has gone a whoring. BUT GOD, encourages us to fret not the Ephraim(s) in our lives. Leave him alone; go forth of him. Because, while we’re trying to keep an eye on our enemies, we’re blocking, and even, missing out on the awesome blessings God has in store for us.
Sometimes, no matter how much we may want to, in tuning the other cheek, redeem an enemy, in friendship, our Ephraim’s self-interest always seems to overshadow his integrity. Ephraim, posing as a friend, may even bring before us, peace (guilt) offerings, that look virtuous; but, because he has gone a whoring, and is yet joined to idols, whatever he brings, is likewise clothe in the stench of vomit. Let the sow wallow; but, Return ye not unto your vomit.
I lift up prayers according the Psalms, against enemies and frenemies (Ephraims), alike:
For man - Psalm 55
For the church - Psalm 74
For the nation - Psalm 67
Blessed be God, which had not turned away my prayer. Amen.
Commentary: Not to antagonize; but, rather, to acknowledge as a point of reference: As with the Pharisees, of “biblical times:” Though God gave Houston a taste of the blessings He had in store, in the form of a world series victory; we may never know the multitude of blessings that were forfeited because of the Pharisaic interference that arose amidst His plans. While the bulk of Ephraim-like manipulation was internal, some interference came, even from those, envious, Ephraims, outside of the city. Such was also the case at a Houston church; as, such is currently the case with regard to a nation.
We’ve all heard the expression, “keep your friends close; and, your enemies closer.” I don’t know who the first person was to say this; but, I can certainly understand it’s intended, advisory, purpose: Being that, if you can see your enemies, to keep an eye on them; then, you will have a better chance at, not only, knowing what they are up to; but, likewise, at countering their attacks. But, oftentimes our enemies are those who are already closest to us; those whom we trust, not to betray us. And, sometimes we allow people that we think are friends to get too close; so close, in fact, that we show to them all that is in our houses, withholding nothing. So, then what? Here’s what the Bible says about such “wolves in sheep’s clothing:” There is a crown of Pride upon Ephraim’s head; woe to him, for though his sins are hidden from man: soon to be discovered (revealed); they are, in no way, hidden from God. Ephraim’s beauty is fading; for his taste, within him, has not changed. Therefore, thus saith the LORD:
“Ephraim is joined to idols: LET HIM ALONE.”
Ephraim, once that beautiful son; has, because of that same beauty (education, wealth, success, etc.), become conceited. In forgetting that God was, and is, the giver of all good gifts, Ephraim has gone a whoring. BUT GOD, encourages us to fret not the Ephraim(s) in our lives. Leave him alone; go forth of him. Because, while we’re trying to keep an eye on our enemies, we’re blocking, and even, missing out on the awesome blessings God has in store for us.
Sometimes, no matter how much we may want to, in tuning the other cheek, redeem an enemy, in friendship, our Ephraim’s self-interest always seems to overshadow his integrity. Ephraim, posing as a friend, may even bring before us, peace (guilt) offerings, that look virtuous; but, because he has gone a whoring, and is yet joined to idols, whatever he brings, is likewise clothe in the stench of vomit. Let the sow wallow; but, Return ye not unto your vomit.
I lift up prayers according the Psalms, against enemies and frenemies (Ephraims), alike:
For man - Psalm 55
For the church - Psalm 74
For the nation - Psalm 67
Blessed be God, which had not turned away my prayer. Amen.
Commentary: Not to antagonize; but, rather, to acknowledge as a point of reference: As with the Pharisees, of “biblical times:” Though God gave Houston a taste of the blessings He had in store, in the form of a world series victory; we may never know the multitude of blessings that were forfeited because of the Pharisaic interference that arose amidst His plans. While the bulk of Ephraim-like manipulation was internal, some interference came, even from those, envious, Ephraims, outside of the city. Such was also the case at a Houston church; as, such is currently the case with regard to a nation.
Stay Focused on GOD’S WORD AND RIGHTEOUS GUIDANCE
