Hi Ricky, thanks to all the brothers and sisters here it seems you got it. I just want to add if I may?
What good is it to have such an experience other than to use it as a 'boasting tool' and to lift yourself up above those who haven't had an experience?
This stuff is real but some wear these experiences as a badge so they can boast in their flesh over them. They think that they are really spiritually advanced because they have had such experiences while their brethren have not. I can't say I enjoyed them and the more vivid ones were downright terrifying.
I could not agree more with these two statements, and I speak from experience too. Been there done that. And when all the bragging and boasting is said and done, and everyone has gone home, it is just like Arion says, "downright terrifying". It is just so not worth it.
It is just like Arc said, all is of God. These verses are more for me than anyone else.
Eze 14:4 Therefore speak to them and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: Every man of the house of Israel who takes his idols [of self-will and unsubmissiveness] into his heart and puts the stumbling block of his iniquity [idols of silver and gold] before his face, and yet comes to the prophet [to inquire of him],
I the Lord will answer him, answer him according to the multitude of his idols, Eze 14:5 That I may lay hold of the house of Israel in the thoughts of their own mind and heart, because they are all estranged from Me through their idols.
Eze 14:6 Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: Repent and turn away from your idols, and turn away your faces from all your abominations.
Eze 14:7 For anyone of the house of Israel or of the strangers who sojourn in Israel who separates himself from Me, taking his idols into his heart and putting the stumbling block of his iniquity and guilt before his face, and [yet] comes to the prophet to inquire for himself of Me,
I the Lord will answer him Myself! 2Co 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
2Co 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
2Co 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
2Co 10:6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
Thanks for your questions Ricky, I needed the reminder, not a moment too soon either.
Peace,
G.Driggs