I used to be a big music enthusiast, but all I've wanted to do is read the bible and understand God better recently.
Is it possible that all the music I've listened to over the years is actually the devil's instrument, to get it stuck in my head and not actually be able to quiet my mind and distract from God?
Most importantly, How do you guys get your mind to quiet, so that you can listen for the Lord's voice, if he chooses to speak? I try to meditate, but I'm struggling with this
I'm a musician and I used to play in bars a lot back in the day. I had a pastor tell me once that it would take a while to forget all those songs, but I don't agree. I have a good memory and could still do a couple of good sets today, and it's been years since I've sang most of them. It's just your memory, and the more you try not to think of something, the more you will think of it, no Devil needed. Imagine if I told you that under no circumstances are you to think of a purple elephant. What's the first thing you think of and keep thinking of?
God will speak to you through the Bible. You say you read it, but also try listening to it. There are audiobook style readings of the Bible you can stream all day long if you want. There are a lot of them on Youtube. In Psalms it talks about meditating on the word. Jesus said (and it irks me when people don't quote this correctly) that IF you continue in his Word you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
That's all I can think of Fren. I hope it helps a little, even if it's coming from me.
No I appreciate it. That's water under the bridge. I just got into another argument on here with someone else because they didn't like that. I was talking about the edomites, so I think I attract a lot of that lol. But I digress. Actually just started the book of enoch on youtube. That is a trip. I'm allowed to listen to stuff at work. So I listen to christian podcasts and anything related to the bible now.
Do you mind joining me for a short Bible study in order to show that the book of Enoch is a great deception that works to prey on minds that have not yet had a personal and prayerful study of the Bible and the Bible alone?
If anything in the book of Enoch is not in harmony with the Bible, then there is no light in it.
The very beginning of book of Enoch describes "watchers" as procreating angels, yet angels neither marry nor are given into marriage. Angels are non-procreating beings. This alone dismisses the entirety of the book.
Now for the sake of having a little longer Bible study, the book of Enoch mentions "giants" or "nephilim", but Biblically, the word for "giants", the masculine noun "nāp̄îl", properly represents a person. Expanded from the root word "nāp̄al", nephilim represents a people who have "fallen away".
The only other place it is used is in Numbers 13:33 when describing the people of Anak, an apostate people who had fallen away from the requirements of God. So while the word "nephilim" physically represents stature, is spiritually represents apostasy.
This apostasy takes after Cain. The race of Cain, spreading from the place of their first settlement, dispersed over the plains and valleys where the children of Seth had dwelt; and the latter, in order to escape from their contaminating influence, withdrew to the mountains, and there made their homes. So long as this separation continued, they maintained the worship of God in its purity. But in the lapse of time [...] The children of Seth, attracted by the beauty of the daughters of Cain, displeased the Lord by intermarrying with them.
Man was originally made in the physical resemblance of God. Even until the times of Abraham, the stature of man still resembled the likeness of his Creator (Genesis 18:1-2), and therefore there would be no distinguishing the appearance of an angel from that of certain men.
The book of Enoch encapsulates the imaginations of Enoch the son of Cain. It takes after the imagination of Cain in giving a “better” offering in the place of what Abel was told to offer. This is very evident when considering that the worship system of Cain came to be known sun worship (Genesis 4:16, Ezekiel 8:16), and that the writings in the "Book of Heavenly Luminaries", which is a part of the book of Enoch, involved sun, moon, and star worship.
And astrological worship will always be a form of Satanism practiced under the name of Baal worship:
Therefore, no different than the book with which it is written in, the "Book of Heavenly Luminaries" is nothing more than the counsels of astrologers and stargazers:
Such books are meant to captivate the imaginations of the heart and stick the head in the dirt while the body imagines itself as being elevated upwards toward heaven. So therefore lift the eyes up and away from such nephilim worship:
And turn them towards the Creator of the sun, the moon, and the stars:
Since you have time at work to listen, might I recommend something? I feel that this 36 episode lecture-series, which is based on the Bible and the Bible alone, will bring you very near to the Word of God as directly written in His book. These episodes may be exactly what you need and what you are looking for (it will even answer the question of music for you):
https://archive.org/details/walter-veith-total-onslaught-series
Try this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usfiAsWR4qU&list=RDusfiAsWR4qU&start_radio=1
This mobile contraption is the biggest addiction/distraction i've ever had
I've been having a hard time putting down my phone also. But then I come back from that, when I think, i'm giving the world, which is run by lucifer, access to me. Like what actual benefit do you have besides this forum or a christian one? But even then you can get addicted to anything and satan would win in that regard. I think with anything we do. It requires self discipline, guided by God. My problem is trying to figure out methods to do that.
440 hz versus 432? This seems very calming. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWLVBP3VrO4
The main reason I only listen to music without words. Mostly classical but am accepting of anything that lifts my spirit. I find music much more enjoyable ever since.
Edit: Well, mostly anyway. I do listen to Christian music with words.
I imagine staring at a blank black chalkboard, no other distractions. The noise will fade away. You may have to do it in the dark a few times until your mind can overcome the little bit of light that comes in with closed eyes.
I always change the channel when certain songs come on,since I became a Christian. I'm not listening to running with the devil,if I have a choice.
Or freakin ozzy. Grew up on Black Sabbath, et al in late 70s. Cringy now
It was Geezer Butler the bassist, who said a demonic presence infiltrated his mind while sleeping, that inspired him to write the lyrics to "Black Sabbath".
I mean, at least mr.Crowley calls out the satanic bullshit, but yeah I agree on the majority. Like he's asking what mister crowley meant, but is that a mockery or is that an ask foreign instructions? I suppose it depends on interpretation
👍
I've sang the song before in the car, but it just doesn't feel right. There's a song called hero by nickelback, and then I realized that it is undermining god in the song. Words really do have meaning regardless of how many people say, words will never hurt me. They actually can, and I understand that the point is to have a backbone. But when you think of the sticks and stones line, i see another meaning. Music does influence us, and they know that, and they use that. I find myself vulnerable to that. And assholes on the internet.
I was never a huge music fan,but I listen to the sound of my sweet exhaust now....
Lol
At least it's a Roush Mustang it has a nice tone.
Yes they do
Don't know what you've been listening to, but there's lots of good music out there.
If silence isn't working for you, try some traditional hymns: God's grace is everpresent, and always amazing. If old hymns aren't your style, you can start with Suzanne Vega's "Penitent" or Paul Simon's "The Obvious Child" or anything from Jelly Roll. I'm sure others can suggest lots more, but good music is a wonderful source of consolation and inspiration. I have a pastor friend who starts every day by reading a song from a hymnal.
🙏
Like, I have listened to classic rock for years, but the songs play on repeat in my head whenever i'm trying to be silent in my mind, it's like an ipod playlist on a loop. I know this makes me sound like a great MKULTRA subject
Maybe it's time to change the station, to guide you back, closer to where there is an easy offramp to silence.
Or just go cold turkey: leave the phone and take a hike to a waterfall or mountaintop.
Be alone with Him. Lead with repentance. Surrender your heart, your mind, your soul to the Lord. This is between you and Him.
I don't know what kind of music you listen to but their are nuances here that the churches refuse to acknowledge. I have seen blatant condemnation for those who listen to so-called "secular" music. I have heard the trope that "Christians should only listen to praise and worship music." It's funny though because they typically mean THEIR taste in praise and worship music.
Music is important. God created it. He loves it. But Satan attempts to corrupt ALL good things.
We are like sheep. We are pretty dumb and we are prone to wander. Ask Him, in faith, to keep you near--to protect you from the influences of the world. The Holy Spirit is with you always to keep you moving in sanctification. The Spirit desires only to make you more like Jesus...listen to Him.
I am confused by trying to "quiet your mind." What Scripture are you pointing to for this?
Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. Psalm 131:2
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation Psalm 62:1
I do not ever seek to quiet my mind, but this may be a word issue between us presently. However, I do quiet my soul before God, but the Holy Spirit is the one who does this.
Life is too hectic, too evil, too fast, too chaotic. I DEPEND on Him to slow me down, focus my soul and life--to keep me focused on Him so I can do the things He asks me to do.
This is about surrendering.
My life, my will, my emotions, my wants.
Often times I am the one making the noise inside my own life. Don't get me wrong, the side of the Accuser loves to hurl accusations and condemnation at me but I know, believe, and hear the promises of Jesus--there is no condemnation for those who are in Him.
Therefore, it comes down to simply a few things.
We either need to surrender our lives further to Him. We have too much inside of ourselves and the burden becomes too heavy. He says His load is light though. I have to give it all over to Him.
Or we need to battle in the Spirit against the enemy who seeks to distract us from the goodness of God.
He is faithful in these circumstances and every one beyond these. Turn to Him in earnestness and trust. Know that He has an amazing plan for your life. Trust the Holy Spirit to show you the way and do not quench Him when He asks things of you.
I love the insight here. Well, I was asking if I was misunderstanding the scripture, like is it literal or metaphorical? I can see an argument for both sides, but i don't know what is actually correct.
Tell me what Scripture you are trying to discern. I'm curious.
In my studies of the Scriptures, my walk on mission with Him, and basically life in general, I have found the more literal I hold what He says, the deeper the ride with Him goes in the greatest of ways.
Of course the Bible is FULL of all sorts of literary forms, but that is the Holy Spirit's depth and breadth. Parables are parables. Metaphors are metaphors. Etc.
I still take the Bible extremely literally. It is where I have grown so deep in my relationship with Him. Basically, I take God at His word.
Truly, trust the Holy Spirit with everything He says and asks of you.
I find it odd that people want to invest in the book of Enoch when it’s attributed to a pre-flood individual but uses common language known to be used around 300 B.C. I wouldn’t put any stock in it if I were you.
It was recommended to me, but having listened to a couple books, it just sounds like it's useless. I'm not saying that there are biblical inaccuracies, but it just seems like disinformation. Idk. It doesn't get me any closer to jesus.
Yeah, it's kind of weird.I'm not really sure what to think about it. Wake up could not have been written by enoch for example. There had to have been several authors in the same book because of the timelines, and it is so confusing
You could start with the Heart Breath: slow count of 4 in breath through the nose, hold for count of four, then out for a count of 4 through the mouth. do this particularly in stressful times and prepatory for meditation.
I have that problem too. When secular music that I've listened to all my life, gets stuck in replays in my head, I change the tune. What works for me is singing, in my mind, How Great Thou Art. My favorite version is Loretta Lynn's rendition. When I want to quiet my mind, I pray and thank Him for everything, listing each and everything I can think of. There's always so much to thank Him for!
I think this might work for me. I've been thinking of the hallelujah chorus, and the Lord bless you and keep you.
Just a suggestion.
I usually start my day by reading a couple bible verses “of the day. My two favorite are:
https://www.bibleleague.org/verse-of-the-day/
https://www.verseoftheday.com/
Both have a short “devotion” (commentary) and the second link, a short prayer.
I have found, especially in these times of consuming so much information centered around current events & politics, that these simple, short moments at the beginning of the day calms my anxieties, helps reset my moral compass, coaxes my brain to keep things in perspective, and brings me peace in knowing that the world is in good hands - the only hands that matter.
Taking the few minutes each morning to be still, and to know that God’s will shall be done helps me maintain a sense of peace in a world of chaos.
May God be with you fren.
Quieting the mind takes practice, do little bits at a time. Some classical instrumental music might help, for example, some Mozart and Bach which help to rewrite your brain in a harmonious way. You might be someone who God speaks to, not in words but in what I call, “impressions”… inner experiences that guide toward right action. If something you want to do feels calming and “right” that is guidance. If it feels stressful and strained and worrisome, it may not be the God voice. It requires that you develop patience and take things slowly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xJw6eBEJQs
it takes practice - openness, honesty and willingness to calm the mind. focus on breathing - remain vigilant
Read your Bible and meditate on God’s word. He does not speak to us any other way. People who say “God spoke to me and He said….” Are delusional.
Hebrews 1:1-2 NKJV [1] God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, [2] has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;
2 Peter 1:2-3 NKJV [2] Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, [3] as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,
The knowledge of Him is found in the Bible.
Simply Yes but music has its place in worship of God. I personally have shifted to primarily classical/instrumental when I need it, to limit the lyrical aspect, because even "Christian" music can be misleading and false.
as u/Framus said try the audio Bible, app stores have one or stream through a website. I have noticed/heard things by listening that I have not when just reading.
Life gets in the way sometimes so I get it being hard to get a quiet mind. Patience is hard and being patient in quiet is harder.