Idolatry

24 Jan 2012 1 Comment

Free from the Stronghold of Materialism

There is one thing that is clear, ‘we can’t take it with us’. The Egyptians tried. We have been digging up the remains of their fleeting attempts for generations. The obsession with materialism has overtaken our lives. It steals our time, our health, and our joy.

Egyptian Museum, Torino, Italy - World-class c...When blindness covers our insight we neglect the more vital matters of life. Our children grow up in rebellion. Our lives are in shambles. Divorces rise. Sin increases. All the money we thought we had crumbles under the weight of spiritual decay. It is left behind along with a trail of tears that can’t wash away the years of the deceit of materialism.

The answer is harder to find with each passing year as we blindly move forward putting our hope and expectation of satisfaction in things. Politicians, advertisers, marketers, inventors, manufacturers, preachers, and in fact, the whole social network is worldly wise to the advantage of feeding the lust for materialism in society.

There is no true peace, joy, spiritual maturity, ethical, cultural, or eternal advantage to materialism. Ecclesiastes 5:10 Whoever loves money will never be satisfied with money. Whoever loves wealth will never be satisfied with more income. Even this is pointless. In the end it will all pass away.

The Miracle of Christ Healing the Blind by El ...

5 Biblical tips to overcoming materialism:

1`If you have been the victim of materialism, run to God. The stronghold of God is your only safety.

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one's own resources or in the stability of earthly things]–these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself].

2. Keep your ears, eyes, and mind open to spiritual awareness. Materialism creeps into our lives slowly and can catch us by surprise. When we look back and see the valuelessness of the past we realize that we have had nothing but things and emotional or physical pain to get them. Our focus needs to change.

1 Timothy 6:9-10 But those who crave to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish (useless, godless) and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction and miserable perishing.10For the love of money is a root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have been led astray and have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves through with many acute [mental] pangs.

3. Focus on the good in your life. What do you have that is a blessing. This might be hard at first, but eventually you will see that wealth and value is not in possessions.

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. Treasure whatever doesn’t need a possession to bring joy. We all need our basics taken care of. But remember, God promises that he will meet all our needs when we put him first.

Hebrews 13:5 Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]

5. Never become attached to things or substances. If you find yourself attached to things or substances rather than the true joys of life including God, family, friends, loved ones, it’s time to go cold turkey. You no longer have control over your life. You are under the control of an addiction spirit.

Matthew 6:19-21“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Related articles

by Pola in Bible, Biblical Advice, Christian Authors, Greed, Holy Spirit, Idolatry, Jesus Christ, Materialism, Pola Muzyka, Stronghold, Wealth Tags: , , , , , , ,

22 Dec 2011 5 Comments

Free from the Stronghold of Hypocrisy

Hypocrisy is self serving. It has an audience, whether large or small. It goes the extra mile to convince its audience that it is genuine and that it should be honored and praised for its good works. It disguises itself in lies and deception while it points to the faults of those who won’t allow it in. Hypocrisy is almost always a braggart.

NEW YORK - JULY 14: New York City Mayor Mich...

Just as in every lie there is some truth, hypocrisy does some good works. But only if these works will be seen by others. Jesus recognized hypocrisy in the clergy. When he taught his disciples and followers, he was not shy in his rebuke of those who harbored this spirit.

Hypocrisy finds its way into the lives of many group leaders that profess to be righteous. Make no mistake, if we harbor this spirit, it will become a stronghold. If it becomes a stronghold it will bring other strongholds in order to keep its dominion.

In politics, hypocrisy seems to stalk any potential candidate. It runs ramped from one to another until it finds a permanent home. When it does, it grows as the host’s agenda grows. The larger the goal of a potential leader harboring this spirit, the greater the hypocrisy.

When hypocrisy becomes a powerful stronghold in its host’s life, it garners protection and help from the media. Lies, deception, and manipulation follow close behind.

How can we recognize this stronghold and stop its destructive pattern before it takes root?

5 Biblical tips to overcoming hypocrisy in our lives:

1. Search your motives. If your motives are pure, hypocrisy has no place in your life. If not, turn, repent, and seek to do good without ulterior motives. In this way, your joy will be complete whether or not anyone knows what you’ve done.

Proverbs 16:2 A person thinks all his ways are pure, but the Lord weighs motives.

Acts 20:35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

2. When you give never let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Making giving public is wrong according to Jesus. If recognition comes, it will come by the grace of God.

Matthew 6:1 TAKE CARE not to do your good deeds publicly or before men, in order to be seen by them; otherwise you will have no reward [reserved for and awaiting you] with and from your Father Who is in heaven.

Matthew 6:3 But when you give to charity, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

3. When you speak of Christ, speak the truth. Not what works for you. Even if it takes more research find out what Jesus really said and did. Tradition must not take over the truth of Christ.

2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not, like so many, [like hucksters making a trade of] peddling God’s Word [shortchanging and adulterating the divine message]; but like [men] of sincerity and the purest motive, as [commissioned and sent] by God, we speak [His message] in Christ (the Messiah), in the [very] sight and presence of God.

4. If you are in political office or head a corporation, keep the Holy Spirit in focus whenever you make a decision. Do not fake your faith. Be sincere.

Matthew 15:7-9 You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: 8‘These people honor me with their lips,  but their hearts are far from me. 9Their worship of me is pointless, because their teachings are rules made by humans.’ ”

Psalm 33:12 Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His heritage.

1 John 2:4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him,

James 3:17 the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

5. Seek love as a motivation. True love is never hypocritical.

1 John 4:20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot[a] love God whom he has not seen.

1 John 2:9 Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta

by Pola in Bible, Bragging, Christian Authors, Idolatry, Life, Love, Pola Muzyka Tags: , , , , , ,

06 Dec 2011 6 Comments

Free from the Stronghold of Honor Killing

This stronghold has entered into the world through selfish pride. It has many of the same demons attached to it as does the stronghold of abortion. When we put our hope in the world, our lives revolve around what we want and what we want to happen.

Peter's Denial by Rembrandt, 1660. Jesus is sh...

Denial will not end honor killing.

Honor killing is a curse passed down through generations. It is a nurtured stronghold that takes root in whole families and can corrupt whole nations. It is vindictive. It is against the teachings of Jesus.

Anyone who would accuse a Christian of honor killing to justify honor killing does not know, nor follow the teachings of Christ. Nor do they know the forgiveness of sins through his sacrifice. Any Christian who would follow teachings that include honor killing cannot sincerely call themselves a follower of Jesus Christ.

There is no real honor in this stronghold. It controls, demands, terrorizes, murders, and ends the life of, and potential repentance of, its victim. It hurts families and causes a greater dishonor. It dishonors God.

Because honor killing infringes our borders, it is a stronghold that must be dealt with now. We cannot ignore it any longer. Since only God knows all the circumstances of a sin against a person or family, only God has a right to vengeance and retribution. God gives life and only God has a right to judge or to take a life.

Lucas Cranach d. J. - Christ and the Woman Tak...

Jesus taught forgiveness.

5 Biblical tips to overcome honor killing:

1. Follow Jesus’ teachings. Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek to an enemy. How much more are we to admonish, but forgive the sin of our own family? We are expected [by God] to love our family.

Matthew 5:39 But I tell you not to oppose an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn your other cheek to him as well.

Luke 11:11-13 “If your child asks you, his father, for a fish, would you give him a snake instead? 12Or if your child asks you for an egg, would you give him a scorpion? 13Even though you’re evil, you know how to give good gifts to your children. So how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”

2. Replace honor killing with love, understanding, right teaching, and guidance. Be a good example.

Titus 2:7 Always set an example by doing good things. When you teach, be an example of moral purity and dignity.

Titus 3:8 This is a statement that can be trusted. I want you to insist on these things so that those who believe in God can concentrate on setting an example by doing good things. This is good and helps other people.

Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not turn away from it.

3. If you are the potential victim of an honor killing, seek help. Pray for your pursuers to see the light and gain understanding of the truth. Repent of anything you might have done that is against God’s will [IE: anything that dishonors God and family].

Proverbs 14:16 A wise person is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is careless and overconfident.

4. As much as it is up to you, never allow honor killing to infiltrate the laws of the land where you live. We are commanded to follow the law of the land. But when the law becomes corrupt, the people suffer. This is not a joke. Honor killing is being performed even in the U.S. today. If not stopped, it may become law.

Jeremiah 8:8 How can you say, We are wise, and we have the written law of the Lord [and are learned in its language and teachings]? Behold, the truth is, the lying pen of the scribes has made of the law a falsehood (a mere code of ceremonial observances).

Proverbs 29:2 When the [uncompromisingly] righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh.

Romans 8:3 For God has done what the Law could not do, [its power] being weakened by the flesh [the entire nature of man without the Holy Spirit]. Sending His own Son in the guise of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, [God] condemned sin in the flesh [subdued, overcame, deprived it of its power over all who accept that sacrifice],

5. Resist sin. Listed in the ten commandments, sin leads to death.

Hebrews 12:4 You have not yet struggled and fought agonizingly against sin, nor have you yet resisted and withstood to the point of pouring out your [own] blood.

James 4:7 So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you.

Free copy of Biblical Solutions to Cultural and Social Issues in the World Today by Pola Muzyka.

Related articles

 

Enhanced by Zemanta

by Pola in Adultery, Animosity, Bible, Idolatry, Love, Religion Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

28 Nov 2011 1 Comment

Free from the Stronghold of Idolatry

There is a difference between need and desire. Unnatural desire becomes lust. Lust creates an idol of its objective. If not controlled, it can build a stronghold. The stronghold of idolatry is nurtured in through our thoughts. Access point manipulation can begin with social media in groups, persons, advertising, politics, or religions.

The Tree of Knowledge, painting by Lucas Crana...

Tree of good and evil.

Some charismatic leaders use these access points to control our desires. They aim to convince us that we need something we may not need. The leader slowly begins to infiltrate his or her agenda through news, other media, or advertising. He, she, and often they, give reasons for our need. Some of this reasoning is real and some of it is fabricated.

There is a bit of truth in every lie. Look at the subtle way the serpent deceived Eve.

God said: Genesis 2:16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, You may freely eat of every tree of the garden;  17But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and blessing and calamity you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.

Satan twisted: Genesis 3:1 NOW THE serpent was more subtle and crafty than any living creature of the field which the Lord God had made. And he [Satan] said to the woman, Can it really be that God has said, You shall not eat from every tree of the garden?

Satan created a lust or unnatural desire in Adam and Eve to have the only fruit God denied them. By doing this, he established an idol for Adam and Eve. In other words, the fruit of the one denied tree became more appealing to them than their relationship with God.

Often a true need arises as a result of an action instigated by a person or group. Our minds and actions can and are being manipulated daily by those who know social, political, psychological, and other sciences. The catalyst is the leader or leaders who control what input we receive and how. Some of the input is good and glorify to God. But most of it separates us from God and eventually is destructive.

When we separate ourselves from God, His Will, and His Word, our lives slowly erode. When we replace God with a new assumed need (or for clarification, an idol) we no longer put Him first or have God in mind in our decisions. Example: Prayer taken out of schools–killing, teen pregnancies, drugs, confusion, and lies replace God.

Sistine Chapel, fresco Michelangelo,

Image via Wikipedia

5 Biblical tips to overcoming idolatry:

1. Search your own thoughts. Particularly if you are in leadership. If a desire or new way of thinking [in society or your life] takes you away from God it is an idol.

Matthew 5:33 [ Empty Promises ] “And don’t say anything you don’t mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, ‘I’ll pray for you,’ and never doing it, or saying, ‘God be with you,’ and not meaning it. You don’t make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true. Just say ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong.

2. Ask God for wisdom and strength in handling your own actions in this corrupt world.

Romans 12:6 If you preach, just preach God’s Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don’t take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don’t get bossy; if you’re put in charge, don’t manipulate; if you’re called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don’t let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.

3. Ask yourself, “Do I need or want this or am I being manipulated? If manipulated, will this take me away from God? If it is a desire that I have, is it a Godly desire?”

2 Corinthians 4:1 Since God has so generously let us in on what he is doing, we’re not about to throw up our hands and walk off the job just because we run into occasional hard times. We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don’t maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don’t twist God’s Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see and judge for themselves in the presence of God.

4. Discuss a new desire or way of thinking with someone who knows God’s Word.

Psalm 9:10 And they who know Your name [who have experience and acquaintance with Your mercy] will lean on and confidently put their trust in You, for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek (inquire of and for) You [on the authority of God's Word and the right of their necessity].

5. Do not participate in abomination against God. If you do your prayers won’t be heard. Watch out who you vote for. Whenever something or someone deviates from God’s Word or the teachings of Jesus Christ, stop. Think. If you continue, you will eventually be led away from God and into idolatry.

Proverbs 16:12 It is an abomination [to God and men] for kings to commit wickedness, for a throne is established and made secure by righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation).

Proverbs 28:9 Surely the prayer of someone who refuses to listen to God’s teachings is disgusting.

Galatians 5:19-21 Now, the effects of the corrupt nature are obvious: illicit sex, perversion, promiscuity, 20idolatry, drug use, hatred, rivalry, jealousy, angry outbursts, selfish ambition, conflict, factions, 21envy, drunkenness, wild partying, and things like that. I’ve told you in the past and I’m telling you again that people who do things like that will not inherit the kingdom of God.

If you enjoyed the post, please support the ministry by visiting the ads [AdChoices] on this site. There are only three. No purchase is necessary. Your visits alone help support the ministry. Thank you. God bless you.

For more information on strongholds, check out other posts in the sidebar.


Watch Bring It On: Idolatry – CBN.com in Celebrity & Showbiz | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

If you can think of instances where God was replaced by an idol in our lives, please leave a comment.

 

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta

by Pola in Addiction, Bible, Idolatry, Prayer, Stronghold Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,