17 Feb 2012 3 Comments
Free from the Stronghold of Covetousness
Covetousness lurks within the surrounding confines of anyone placing worldly value over God. Worldly possessions and worldly popularity draw covetousness in. When covetousness becomes a stronghold it blinds the host, narrowing its vision into a dim view of the whole [God created universe and eternity] picture. The host only sees the lusted after or idolized things and position of the world. Covetousness then invites denial, aggression, rage, or even false humility to defend its position at all costs.
If we allow covetousness to take control, God is only visible to us within the context of our idolatry. IE: If God fits into our lusts, or desires, then God can have a place in our lives. His Word works for us only in that respect.
Covetousness measures godliness according to wealth or popularity. It negates the Holy Spirit and diminishes Christ‘s ability to deliver us from sin, putting instead its trust in riches, people, or worldly deliverance.
5 Biblical tips to overcoming covetousness:
1. Recognize Christ. All things were created by him, for him and through him. In Him we live. Without Him we perish. There is nothing you can gain better than life everlasting.
Acts 17:28 for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’
John 1:3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
1 John 4:9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.
2. Recognize that Jesus Christ is one with his word. When we are “in Christ” we are keeping his word.
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
3. Recognize that ongoing covetousness can keep you from Christ. Follow the voice and word of the Lord. He will provide what you need and never leave you.
Hebrews 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Ephesians 5:5-7 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous ( that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them;
Luke 12:15 And He said to them, Guard yourselves and keep free from all covetousness (the immoderate desire for wealth, the greedy longing to have more); for a man’s life does not consist in and is not derived from possessing overflowing abundance or that which is over and above his needs.
4. Love Christ, not the world or the things of the world. When you love Christ, you will never be led to covetousness.
Psalm 119:36 Incline my heart to Your testimonies and not to covetousness (robbery, sensuality, unworthy riches).
Proverbs 28:16 A ruler who lacks understanding is [like a wicked one] a great oppressor, but he who hates covetousness and unjust gain shall prolong his days.
Colossians 3:5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
5. Spend your days in service to the Lord. Let everything you do and say be glorifying to God.
Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.
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Year 2012 Writer’s Notes by Pola — Day 48 » polamuzyka.com
Feb 17, 2012 @ 15:41:40
[...] Free from the Stronghold of Covetousness Wealth is alluring to the blinded follower of the world. We see the wealth of others and idolize it. A person with a stronghold of covetousness will even idolize the owner, wanting to be the owner, learn from the owner, or have what the owner has. http://strongholdsmashers.com/bible/free-stronghold-covetousness-2/ [...]
Mar 09, 2012 @ 21:07:49
Dearest Paula, your sacrifices of praise thru Jesus honors and pleases your Father tremendously! He knows what it is costing you to praise Him in spite of how you are feeling. This morning, I read the following two chapters and these two verses stood out to me reminding me of you. I’m asking Him to touch you with His grace and allow to know/experience the NEARNESS of His presence; and also to give you restorative rest tonight I love you. Psalm 50:23 He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.” Hebrews 13:15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.
Mar 10, 2012 @ 08:29:15
Thank you, Ajit. May God bless and guide you always.