Stumbling blocks

"... for [wealth] has been the stumbling block of their iniquity... they turned into pride of it the images of their abominations (idols)..." Ezekiel 7:19-20

Wealth, prosperity, fame, fortune, and the like, can be just as addicting as any drug; once you get a little, you want more, and once you get more, it is still not enough; you begin to pursue them in desperate measure, trampling anyone, and everyone, who tries to get in your way, including God. We need to be on guard toward our pursuits, dreams, desires, and prayers, so that our fleshly wants don't get ahead of us; thus, making sure to know where our priorities lie.

Where are your priorities?  Is your money, as well as, your dreams, prayers, hopes, and desires, in line with the Word of God?  If not, then back off a bit on the pursuits, and press in to God, otherwise the outcome you are so busy fighting for may be exactly the opposite of what you are hoping.  

Make sure God is the center of everything you want, so that your hopes and prayers not only comes to pass, but come to pass in extraordinary measures; over and above anything you could dare hope for or imagine.

You ARE God's temple!

"What agreement [can there be between] a temple of God and idols?  For we are the temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in and with and among them and will walk in and with and among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.  So, come out from among [unbelievers], and separate (severe) yourselves from them, says the Lord..." II Corinthians 6:16-17 AMPC

I know I've posted similar verses before, but I cannot exaggerate enough that, YOU ARE GOD'S TEMPLE.  Yes, you!!!  Therefore, treat, act, and love yourself like it.  Yes, you may pray and love unbelievers, but you do not have to come in close relationship with them, unless you are influencing them, and them not influencing you.  If you have no choice, and you are currently in close relationship with someone, or with an entire family, then it is up to you to stand strong in Christ; dive into His Word daily, get the help of fellow believers for prayer and support, and make up your mind that you will not bow down to their unbelieving habits, hang-ups, attitudes, and injustices.  Love them with all of your heart, but let them not change you, or your spirit.  I believe, and have experienced, that the more you love someone on the verge of belief or unbelief; that the more your actions show you are truly a believer in Christ, then that person will begin want what you have, and soon, they will give their life over to the One and Only, Christ Jesus.  

So, remember who and Whose you are.  You are God's beautiful temple.  You are strong, beautiful, bold, courageous, and loving - you are a life changer.  Yes, it can be difficult, but remember, with God, nothing is too difficult.  Keep walking the good walk of faith, and make this life of yours mean something ~ something life-changing.

Stay on the right road

[Cease from your made running after idols, from which get nothing but bitter injury.] Keep your feet from being unshod and your throat from thirst..." Jeremiah 2:25

Living in turmoil, hurt, inferiority, frustration, guilt, worry, and condemnation prove one thing:
You are not listening to God; you are not following His promptings.  No, instead you are running after your fleshly plans, attitudes, ideas, and idols.  So, S.T.O.P - now! Give it all - yes, ALL-  to God to take care of.  He'll give you the correct way, the proper attitude, the right thinking, and a preeminent peace to handle any situation that comes your way.  

Friends, don't let the devil take you out of God's plan for your life.  Fight to stay on His narrow road, every moment of every day, and the victory and joy that are yours in Christ will be well worth the weight in gold.
 

Are you weary?

“… when he wearies himself [worshiping] on the high place [of idolatry]…” Isaiah 16:12

Focus on the word, “wearies”, in this verse for a moment… What is happening in your life that is wearing you out; what is happening in your life that you are worrying about; what is happening in your life that you are about to lose your salvation over?

Now, focus on the word, “idolatry”, for a moment… Is your weariness, worry, and loss of salvation because you are focusing on someone or something other than God? Have you put God in second place in some area of your life? 

If you do find that your weary, worry, and the like, are because of some form of idolatry, then it is time to take a step back, repent and begin to put the focus back in God. The moment you do this, your heaviness will begin to lift, a new light will begin to shine, and you’ll have a little more pep in your step.  

Friends, idolatry leads into a downward spiral, but faith and hope in God lead to ease, joy, new-found energy, and contentment; but above all, you will attain a peace that goes beyond understanding.

 

What are idols?

What are idols? They are, 

"... silver and gold, the work of men's hands, [idols] have mouths, but speak not; eyes have they, but they see not; ... ears but hear not..." Psalm 135:15-17

Idols are useless, of no value, and full of nonsense; idols wither away in any storm, and they care nothing about you, your life, your welfare, nor your well-being. There is only one Idol, His name is Jesus, and He cares about you, your welfare, and your well-being.  As a matter of fact, He died on the cross just for you!

So, get rid of idols that come and go in the blink of an eye, and give your life to Christ!  He promises to never leave you nor forsake you; His promises will never fail you and never let you down.  Yes, God is a ROCK, and He is yours for the asking and receiving.

Praise God - Hallelujah!!  Amen and Amen again.