The Sovereign Majesty of God in a World of Darkness

We are living in a time where darkness is not only increasing, it is being normalized, justified, and even celebrated. Evil is no longer always hidden in the shadows; it is often presented openly, repackaged as truth, and embraced by many. What Scripture warned about is unfolding before our eyes: good being called evil, and evil being called good. There are systems, institutions, and individuals who exalt themselves, who seek control, who redefine morality, and who attempt to take the place that belongs to God alone.

There are wolves in sheep’s clothing, those who outwardly appear righteous, compassionate, or trustworthy, yet inwardly are driven by pride, deception, and self-interest. There are agendas that operate both in plain sight and behind closed doors. There is manipulation of truth, distortion of reality, and a growing boldness in rebellion against what is holy and right. Many things that once would have been recognized clearly as wrong are now defended, protected, and even celebrated, while those who stand for truth are often ridiculed, silenced, or opposed.

Behind all of this, Scripture reveals a deeper reality: this is not merely human behaviour, it is spiritual warfare. Satan, described as the deceiver of the whole world, works through lies, through hardened hearts, and through minds that have been darkened. The Bible speaks of consciences that become seared, of people who suppress the truth, and of a world that increasingly follows its own sinful desires. This is why the darkness feels so deep, it is not just external, but spiritual at its root, influencing thought, culture, and direction. And yet, in the midst of all this chaos, corruption, and rebellion, there is a truth that stands firm, unshaken, and eternal: God is still on the throne.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)

This is a declaration of absolute authority. God is not reacting to events as they unfold. He is not surprised, overwhelmed, or challenged. He is sovereign over all things—past, present, and future—and He declares the end from the beginning. Regardless of how far humanity drifts into rebellion, His name will be exalted in all the earth. To “be still” is not merely to be quiet, it is to cease striving, to stop placing ultimate trust in human systems, to stop fearing what man can do, and to recognize the reality that God alone reigns. It is a call to re-center our perspective in a world that constantly pulls us away from truth.

God Still Rules Over All

It may appear, on the surface, that men control the world, that governments determine the future, that powerful individuals shape history, and that decisions made behind closed doors dictate the direction of nations. But Scripture pulls back the curtain and reveals what is truly happening beneath the surface.

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” (Proverbs 21:1)

This imagery is deliberate and profound. A watercourse does not ultimately decide its own direction, it flows according to the channels that have been carved out for it. In the same way, the hearts of kings, presidents, rulers, and authorities are directed by God. Even when they believe they are acting independently, they are moving within boundaries that God has established. Even those in the highest positions of power are not beyond God’s reach. Their decisions, their rise, and their fall all exist under His sovereign will. What appears to be unchecked authority is, in truth, governed authority, authority that is permitted, limited, and accountable.

“He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others.” (Daniel 2:21)

This verse strips away the illusion of permanence from human power. Governments rise, flourish, and fall. Empires dominate for a time and then collapse. Leaders come into power and are removed, sometimes unexpectedly, sometimes gradually, but always under God’s authority. No government stands forever. No system escapes His control. No ruler ultimately writes their own destiny. What looks like strength is temporary. What looks like control is limited. What looks like permanence is fleeting.

This is why even Nebuchadnezzar, the great king of Babylon, who once glorified himself and took pride in his achievements was humbled by God. At the height of his power, he believed his kingdom was the result of his own greatness. But God brought him low, stripped him of his reason, and allowed him to experience the consequences of his pride until he finally lifted his eyes to heaven. And when his understanding returned, his confession stands as one of the most powerful acknowledgments of God’s sovereignty in all of Scripture:

“His dominion is an eternal dominion… He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: ‘What have you done?’” (Daniel 4:34–35)

This is the end of all human pride. Every proud ruler, every corrupt system, every person who exalts themselves and seeks to take the place of God will one day face this same truth: God cannot be challenged. God cannot be overthrown. God cannot be questioned.

The Reality Behind the Darkness

The darkness we see in the world is not random. It is not merely the result of flawed human systems, it is the outworking of spiritual rebellion that has existed since the beginning. Scripture tells us that Satan blinds minds, deceives nations, and works through those who are willing to follow their own sinful desires. This is why there are those who promote lies as truth, who celebrate what is destructive, and who oppose what is good while presenting themselves as righteous and enlightened.

Jesus warned clearly:

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” (Matthew 7:15)

These wolves are not always obvious. They may appear kind, articulate, intelligent, and persuasive. They may gain influence, build platforms, and attract large followings. But their message subtly leads people away from truth and toward deception. There is darkness operating both in plain sight and under disguise. There are forces that seek to reshape morality, redefine truth, and draw people away from God. But none of this escapes God’s awareness or control.

“The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.” (Psalm 103:19)

Even the works of darkness exist within limits. They are not ultimate. They are not eternal. They are permitted for a time, but they will be judged.

The Illusion of Human Power

In a world obsessed with achievement, recognition, influence, and outward success, people are constantly striving for things that ultimately cannot save them. Entire lives are spent chasing status, wealth, appearance, validation, and control, yet these things, no matter how impressive they may seem, cannot address the deepest need of the human soul. Jesus confronts this illusion directly with a question that cuts through every layer of human ambition:

“What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose his soul?” (Mark 8:36)

This is not just a rhetorical question, it is a warning. A person may accumulate everything the world values: riches, fame, power, physical strength, beauty, knowledge, and still lose what is most valuable and irreplaceable. The soul is eternal. It does not perish when the body dies. It continues, either in the presence of God or separated from Him. This means that the true measure of a life is not what is seen externally, but what is true internally. A person may appear successful in every worldly sense and yet be spiritually lost. Another may appear insignificant by worldly standards and yet be rich toward God. Life itself is fragile. It can change in a moment. No one is guaranteed tomorrow. No amount of influence or wealth can secure even one extra day beyond what God has appointed. And when life ends, everything that was pursued in this world, every possession, every achievement, every title is left behind. Only the soul remains, and its eternal destination is sealed.

The Urgency of Now

Every human being has value because every person is created by God and deeply loved by Him. From the very beginning of life to its final breath, God sees, knows, and cares. He is not distant or indifferent, He is intimately aware of every life. But while God cares for both body and spirit, Scripture makes it clear that it is the spirit that lives on forever.

We have been given free will, the ability to choose. Every day we make decisions between truth and deception, good and evil, obedience and rebellion. These choices shape not only our lives but also influence others, sometimes in ways we may never fully see. And yet, there is a moment that every person will face: we will all stand before God.

“We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)

This is a real and unavoidable reality. Every thought, every word, every action, and every hidden motive will be brought into the light. Nothing will remain concealed. Everything will be revealed in truth. This leads to the most serious question a person can ask: Who can stand before a holy and perfect God? The answer is humbling: no one can stand on their own.

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

Sin is not merely a list of wrong actions, it is the condition of the human heart. It is a state of separation from God, expressed through thoughts, desires, and behaviors that go against His holiness. It includes things that many attempt to justify or minimize: sexual immorality, idolatry, addiction, drunkenness, lying, stealing, unforgiveness, hatred, anger, gossip, pride, and selfish ambition. God sees everything, not only what is visible to others, but what is hidden within. He sees intentions, motives, and desires. Because God is holy and just, sin cannot simply be ignored.

“The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23)

This is not only physical death, it is spiritual death, eternal separation from God. Yet in the face of this reality, God did something extraordinary. Out of love, mercy, and grace, He made a way for humanity to be restored.

Jesus Christ came into the world, not as a political leader or earthly king, but as a Savior. He entered into the brokenness of humanity, lived a perfect and sinless life, and then willingly took upon Himself the punishment that we deserved. He was mocked, rejected, beaten, and crucified. Nails were driven through His hands and feet. A crown of thorns was pressed onto His head. He was scourged until His flesh was torn. He bore the full weight of sin, our sin. He died. He was buried. And on the third day, He rose again, defeating sin and death. Jesus is alive. It is the foundation of hope, the turning point of history, and the only reason salvation is possible. Jesus made an exclusive and undeniable claim:

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

There is no alternative path. No amount of good works, religious activity, moral effort, or human achievement can bridge the gap between humanity and God.

“Our righteous acts are like filthy rags…” (Isaiah 64:6)

“The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

Time is one of the greatest uncertainties of life.

“Now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)

The world constantly encourages delay, “later,” “another time,” “when I’m ready.” But Scripture warns against this mindset. Life is short, and eternity is certain. Every moment is an opportunity to respond, but no moment is guaranteed beyond the present.

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life…” (John 3:36)

This decision determines your eternal destination. When we look at the increasing darkness, confusion, and upheaval in the world, it can feel overwhelming. But Scripture tells us that these things are not random, they are like birth pangs, increasing in intensity as history moves toward God’s ultimate plan

The Triumph of God and the Call to Endurance

Even as darkness spreads and deception seems to prevail, Scripture assures us that God is fully in control and His kingdom will come in all its glory. The book of Revelation reveals the ultimate outcome of human rebellion and spiritual warfare. Though the enemy works through lies, pride, and violence, none of it escapes God’s awareness or authority. Satan and his followers may seem powerful, but their victory is temporary, and every act of evil is measured against the eternal plan of God. Jesus Himself declares:

“I am the Alpha and the Omega… the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)

He is the beginning and the end, the One who holds all history in His hands. Every nation, every ruler, every scheme, no matter how cunning or oppressive is moving toward His appointed judgment and ultimate triumph. When He returns in power, every act of injustice will be judged, every tear wiped away, and every faithful life fully rewarded:

“On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19:16)

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

This truth is meant to inspire courage and endurance. The struggles we face, the lies we witness, the evil we cannot stop these are like birth pangs, signs that God’s plan is unfolding. They are not meaningless; they are part of the process that brings about ultimate justice and restoration. It is vital to remember that God’s ways are not our ways, and His timing is not ours. We may feel frustrated, anxious, or impatient as we see wickedness appear unchecked or prayers seemingly unanswered. Yet God is orchestrating events according to His perfect wisdom, and what seems slow or hidden to us is unfolding precisely according to His plan:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8–9)

Even when earthly justice seems absent, Scripture assures us that there will be perfect justice in God’s kingdom. Jesus will judge according to each person’s deeds, rewarding righteousness and punishing evil. Every act of oppression, every deceit, every abuse of power is noted by Him, and none will go unanswered. Earthly systems may fail, but God’s eternal justice cannot fail:

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)

Believers are called not only to trust but also to pray as part of the spiritual battle. Prayer is not just personal comfort; it is a powerful weapon against the forces of darkness. When we pray, we align ourselves with God’s will, invite His intervention, and intercede for the world. Scripture repeatedly reminds us that spiritual realities are influenced by prayer: it can strengthen the church, protect the vulnerable, and restrain the enemy’s schemes. Prayer is the channel through which God’s power moves in response to His people’s faith and obedience.

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)

“Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” (Ephesians 6:18)

Through prayer, we participate in God’s work. We are called to pray for wisdom, courage, and guidance, as well as for the advancement of God’s kingdom. Spiritual vigilance and prayer go hand in hand: while we endure earthly trials, our prayers are part of God’s unseen, eternal strategy to bring about His will.

“Be faithful… and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” (Revelation 2:10)

“Here is a call for the endurance of the saints…” (Revelation 14:12)

God sees everything. He knows the hidden struggles, the silent prayers, the private battles of heart and mind. He is not distant or uninvolved. He will act at the appointed time. Every injustice will be addressed, every lie exposed, and every faithful life rewarded. What may seem like delay is actually divine timing. Every event is part of His perfect plan, moving history toward the triumph of His kingdom.

Therefore, the call is clear: be still and recognize God’s authority. Place your trust in Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who alone saves, restores, and reigns forever. Life is fleeting, and eternity is certain. Each choice, each act of obedience, each moment of faithful prayer matters. Now is the time to turn fully to Him, to stand in faith, to live in righteousness, and to participate in the spiritual battle through prayer.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)

God reigns. He will triumph. Those who remain faithful will share in His eternal victory. The darkness around us is real, but it is temporary. The kingdom of God is coming, justice will be served, and His name will be exalted in all the earth. Stand firm. Pray fervently. Trust Him. Take courage—for the Lord is with you, and His ultimate victory is certain.

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If you are ready to respond to the free gift of salvation:

– How to be saved: The Path to Salvation – Click here

– 7 Things to Do After Getting Saved – Download PDF

*** Photo by Arina Dmitrieva at Pexels

The Hijacking of Jesus’ “Let Them” Concept: How Self-Help Distorts the Truth

Yes, the concept of “let them” from Jesus’ teachings has been hijacked by modern self-help, “woke” culture, and personal development circles. These movements have taken this powerful principle of Jesus and distorted it to fit an individualistic, self-empowered narrative. But when we examine the way Jesus actually used the idea of “let them,” we see that it was not about emotional independence or detachment from others. Instead, it was about surrendering to God’s greater purpose, even in the face of rejection, offense, and misunderstanding.

Jesus’ teachings on “let them” reflect a deep, God-centered wisdom, whereas self-help culture often twists this principle into a means for self-glorification, and does not lead you to Godliness or salvation. This distortion is a prime example of how Satan comes as an “angel of light,” appearing to offer wisdom and empowerment, he comes in such an attractive package, but ultimately leading people astray from God’s truth. The deception tastes like honey but becomes bitter like gall because it is poisonous to the soul.

Jesus’ Original Meaning of “Let Them”

Jesus’ words and actions in the Gospels demonstrate a profound understanding of the concept of “let them.” Time and time again, He responds to rejection, criticism, and offense not by seeking approval or altering His message, but by trusting in God’s plan and purpose. His “let them” was about allowing people to reject Him without losing sight of His divine mission.

1. Matthew 15:14 – Let the Pharisees Be Offended

In Matthew 15:14, Jesus responds to the disciples’ concern about the Pharisees being offended by His teachings:

“Let them be; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”

Here, Jesus demonstrates His willingness to let others be offended by His message, knowing that His mission was not about pleasing the Pharisees or any other group. The Pharisees’ rejection didn’t change the truth He was sharing. His “let them” was about not catering to their expectations and remaining faithful to God’s plan.

2. John 6:60-66 – Let Them Walk Away

In John 6:60-66, after Jesus teaches about being the Bread of Life, many of His disciples are offended and walk away:

“When many of His disciples heard it, they said, ‘This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?’…After this, many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him.”

Instead of chasing after them or softening His message, Jesus turns to the remaining disciples and asks, “Do you want to go away as well?” (John 6:67).

Jesus wasn’t concerned with losing followers—He was focused on fulfilling His divine purpose. His message wasn’t about personal comfort or building a following; it was about truth. “Let them” in this instance meant that He would allow people to walk away if they could not accept the truth He was speaking.

3. Luke 9:59-62 – Let the Dead Bury Their Own Dead

In Luke 9:59-62, Jesus tells a man who wishes to bury his father before following Him:

“Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

Here, Jesus isn’t dismissing the importance of family but is emphasizing the urgency of His mission. He demonstrates that when it comes to following God’s will, there will be times when others’ expectations—whether cultural, familial, or social—must be set aside in order to stay aligned with God’s higher purpose.

4. Matthew 10:34-39 – Let the Division Happen

In Matthew 10:34-39, Jesus speaks about the cost of discipleship:

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother…”

In these verses, Jesus acknowledges that following Him may lead to division, and some will be offended. He encourages His followers to embrace the division, as standing firm in God’s truth is more important than seeking peace at all costs. His “let them” here is about accepting that not everyone will agree with God’s message, and that’s okay. His mission was not to please people, but to fulfill God’s plan.

How Self-Help Hijacks the “Let Them” Concept

In modern self-help culture, the “let them” idea has been hijacked and reinterpreted as a call to detach from toxic people, focus on emotional independence, and prioritize self-validation over others’ opinions. While setting healthy boundaries is important, the self-help version of “let them” distorts Jesus’ message by placing the individual at the center, promoting self-reliance and the pursuit of personal happiness, rather than surrendering to God’s divine will.

The self-help movement tells us to stop seeking external validation and to embrace our “authentic” selves. It encourages us to let go of those who do not support our personal growth or who criticize us. While these ideas might seem appealing, they miss the deeper purpose of Jesus’ “let them” concept. Jesus’ “let them” wasn’t about detaching from people or avoiding rejection for the sake of personal peace. It was about standing firm in God’s truth, even when people walk away or reject us, and trusting that God’s plan is greater than any personal comfort or approval.

Satan, as an “angel of light,” often uses these deceptive versions of truth to lead people away from God’s will. The modern self-help interpretation promotes emotional independence and self-empowerment—key ingredients for self-idolatry—rather than surrendering to God’s higher purpose.

The Core of the Deception

The self-help version of “let them” shifts the focus from God’s will to self-empowerment. It’s a subtle shift that places the individual in the center of the universe, allowing them to act based on their own desires, free from accountability to God or others. This is dangerous territory, as it leads people to idolize their own autonomy, rather than living in obedience to God’s plan.

Jesus’ “let them” was not about asserting control or avoiding discomfort for personal gain—it was about surrendering to God’s divine plan, even in the face of rejection and offense. The true “let them” is about letting go of the need for control and trusting that God’s plan is better than our own desires for approval or comfort.

The True Christian Perspective

The true Christian understanding of “let them” is about embracing God’s truth, even when it causes offense, rejection, or misunderstanding. It’s about trusting that God’s plan is greater than any human approval or personal comfort. Jesus did not allow people to walk away because He wanted to hurt them, but because He knew that rejecting God’s truth would lead to spiritual blindness, and He was willing to endure the consequences of speaking that truth.

In contrast, modern self-help distorts this by teaching that we should just walk away from people and situations that don’t serve our personal growth or happiness. While it’s important to set boundaries and protect our peace, the “let them” Jesus demonstrated goes beyond self-preservation—it’s about aligning with God’s mission, regardless of how others respond. Jesus didn’t focus on emotional independence but on aligning Himself with the will of the Father, even when it meant facing rejection or ridicule.

Conclusion: The Deception of the Self-Help “Let Them” Concept

The modern self-help interpretation of the “let them” concept is a twisted version of Jesus’ original teaching. It presents a false, self-centered version of freedom that leads individuals to idolize their own desires and emotions. Just as Satan masquerades as an angel of light, the self-help industry appears to offer truth and wisdom, but it ultimately leads people away from God’s true purpose and away from Him.

In contrast, Jesus’ “let them” was not about self-empowerment or emotional independence—it was about surrendering to God’s will, no matter the cost. True peace and fulfillment come from trusting in God’s divine plan, not in asserting control over others or seeking validation from the world. The “let them” concept, as taught by Jesus, is about standing firm in God’s truth and purpose, even when it leads to rejection, offense, or misunderstanding.

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*** Photo by David Rama at Pexels

The Search For Meaning: How Modern Idolatry Reflects Our God Shaped Longing

From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the quiet corners of a rural village, one thing remains constant: the human tendency to idolize something. This phenomenon is not new; throughout history, people have worshiped various deities, objects, and ideals. However, the essence of modern idolatry reflects a deeper spiritual longing—a God-shaped hole in our hearts meant exclusively for Him. This inherent desire for connection with the divine often leads individuals to fill that void with worldly pursuits, resulting in a cycle of dissatisfaction and spiritual emptiness.

The God-Shaped Hole: A Divine Design

The concept of a God-shaped hole in the human heart can be traced back to the idea that God created us with a longing for relationship with Him. In Ecclesiastes 3:11, it is written, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart.” This verse suggests that God intentionally designed us with an innate desire for eternity, a yearning for something beyond ourselves.

When we do not know God as our Lord and Savior, this longing can manifest in various ways. People often seek to fill this void with things of this world: relationships, success, wealth, or material possessions. Each attempt to fill this gap with transient things ultimately leads to disappointment, as none can satisfy the deep-rooted desire for a relationship with our Creator.

The Allure of Worldly Idols

Modern idolatry often disguises itself in the form of societal values and personal ambitions. Many individuals idolize career success, celebrity culture, and the pursuit of pleasure. Social media platforms can amplify this phenomenon, presenting curated images of seemingly perfect lives, encouraging a culture of comparison and envy.

In the quest for fulfillment, people may unknowingly prioritize these worldly pursuits over their relationship with God. This displacement of affection can lead to feelings of inadequacy and emptiness. As humans chase after fleeting pleasures and possessions, they often find themselves in a cycle of unfulfilled desires, driven by the constant need for more.

The Consequences of Idolatry

When we prioritize idols over God, we risk drifting away from the very source of true fulfillment. The Bible warns against idolatry in various forms. In Exodus 20:3-5, God commands, “You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image…” This admonition emphasizes that anything we elevate above God is an idol, whether it be wealth, success, or even relationships.

The consequences of such idolatry are profound. It not only leads to spiritual stagnation but also to a profound sense of isolation. Without the foundation of a relationship with God, individuals often feel lost, disconnected, and devoid of purpose.

The Universal Search for Meaning

Across cultures and eras, the quest for meaning and fulfillment is universal. No matter where you go, you will find people idolizing something, reflecting the innate human longing for connection and purpose. From ancient rituals to modern practices, the forms may change, but the underlying desire remains: a yearning for something greater than oneself.

This universal search often leads to the creation of idols—be they material possessions, celebrity figures, or ideologies. However, these pursuits are mere substitutes for the real thing. They offer temporary satisfaction but fail to provide lasting peace and joy.

Finding Fulfillment in Christ

The only true solution to the God-shaped hole in our hearts is a relationship with Jesus Christ. John 10:10 reminds us, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” When we accept Christ as our Savior, we begin to experience the fulfillment that comes from knowing our Creator.

A relationship with God provides the ultimate source of identity, purpose, and belonging. Through Him, we find the strength to resist the allure of worldly idols, focusing instead on His eternal promises.

Conclusion: A Call to Authentic Worship

In a world filled with distractions and temptations, it is crucial to recognize the dangers of modern idolatry. The God-shaped hole in our hearts can only be filled by the love and grace of our Creator. As believers, we are called to identify and dismantle any idols that may have taken root in our lives, turning our hearts back to God.

Let us strive to seek Him above all else, understanding that true fulfillment is found not in the transient things of this world, but in a vibrant, life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ. In doing so, we can experience the abundant life He promises, a life where our hearts are fully satisfied in Him alone.

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**Photo by Wild Little Things at Pexels

Horoscopes, Astrology And Zodiac Signs

A 2022 poll by YouGov found that 27% of Americans and 37% of adults under 30 believe in astrology. In fact, 31% of those are Catholics and 22% are Protestants. However, this belief has only increased as social media and celebrities have increased its popularity. Many newspapers include daily horoscopes that advise on how to act or what to expect each day. To understand why this growing belief is concerning, we need to see how astrology is different from science.

Astrology vs Astronomy

Astrology often gets confused with astronomy, but the two are very different. Astronomy is a science focused on studying stars, planets, and space; it helps us understand God’s creation. Astrology, however, is not scientific. It’s a belief system that attempts to predict personal events or personality traits by interpreting celestial movements. 

Astrology revolves around the “zodiac,” a term from the Greek word “zodiakos,” meaning “circle of animals,” derived from “zoon,” which means animal. This term refers to constellations associated with animals along the zodiac’s path. This “zodiac belt” represented the course through which the sun, moon, and planets appear to move over the year, which would then have an influence on a person’s personality or destiny.

While this belief is growing in cultural popularity and may seem innocent on the surface, we as believers should be on the lookout. To understand why, it’s essential to see the origins of this belief system.

What Does the Bible Say About Astrology?

The Bible clearly warns against astrology. In Isaiah 47:13-14, God rebukes Babylon and its astrologers, telling them that their reliance on the stars will not protect them from judgment. We also see in Deuteronomy 18:10-12 that divination is seen as a detestable act to God. And similarly, we see in 2 Chronicles 33:1-6 that the worship of heavenly bodies is associated with evil.

Unlike astrology, which tries to use the stars for control or prediction of a person’s future or destiny, astronomy, as a science, simply studies the stars and appreciates them as the creation that God made.

Reasons Why People Use Astrology: 

  • Curiosity: Curiosity is a natural human trait; however, turning to the stars instead of to God for these answers places our trust in creation, not the Creator.
  • Fun: Astrology is often seen as an innocent act, but if the “prediction” is not from God, it becomes a deceptive tool that can draw people into occult practices.
  • Fascination with the occult: It offers a form of spirituality that doesn’t challenge us with concepts like sin, repentance, or God’s judgment. However, any belief that lacks this is hollow and false.
  • Avoidance of personal responsibility: As Dr. Bob Larson points out, astrology promotes a belief that fate is controlled by the stars rather than by God’s will and our choices. Christianity, in contrast, teaches that our lives are influenced by God’s sovereignty and our actions. Astrology can become a way to avoid accountability, leading many people to not take responsibility for their choices.
  • Power and control: Many turn to astrology to feel a sense of control over their lives. However, while having self-control is positive, true guidance and empowerment come from God, not the stars. Any power that claims to offer control while originating outside of God, will only lead us away from God’s purpose.

3 Reasons Why Horoscopes are Wrong

1. They divert trust from God.

Relying on astrology places trust in creation rather than in the Creator. This act goes against the first commandment which tells us to worship and trust in Him alone. By doing this we are diverting our trust from God.

2. They allow for loss of personal responsibility.

Horoscopes make people believe that their destiny is set out for them in the stars and therefore, they don’t have much say. However, this is not what the Bible teaches. The Bible states that there is a sovereign God, but we also have a role to play in the way our life turns out.

3. Fascination with the occult

Taking part in this can open individuals up to demonic influence because it is an act that is in contradiction to the Bible and can be a distraction from believing and placing your trust in God.

Final Thoughts

If you have dabbled with astrology and horoscopes, I would encourage you to close those doors to the enemy through repentance. Choose to refocus on the Lord through prayer, Scripture, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in regards to questions about your future and your destiny.

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*** By Vladimir Savchuk / Photo by Mikhail Nilov at Pexels

11 Doors That Lead to Demons

When I was young and curious, I decided it would be a good idea to go into the neighbor’s dog house. I didn’t see a dog around so I went inside. It turns out the dog was around the corner and when he sees me, he launches towards my leg and I end up getting bit. I learned a very powerful lesson that day–if you don’t want to get bitten, don’t go near the dog’s territory. 

The same thing can be said fin regards to demons. People like to believe that they can dabble in the occult or watch porn, or even smoke weed without any spiritual repercussions, but the truth is, if you step on the devil’s territory, he has every right to harass you, hurt you, and torment you. These are the most common doors that can lead to demons infiltrating your life. 

Common Open Doors

1. Generational Curses

Another way of saying it is demons that were inherited through the bloodline. For instance, if someone in the family did witchcraft and never repented and broke that off of their family, then those demons have been passed on generationally. 

The same is true when it comes to abuse or different forms of addictions.

2. An Unwanted Pregnancy 

If the child in the womb is hated, not desired, or rejected since birth by the parents or the family, then that gets transmitted to the child. This opens the door for a spirit of rejection to affect the child throughout their life. It also manifests through rebellion as the child grows up.

3. Growing Up in a Broken Home

When a child grows up in a broken home, it does not only create emotional and cognitive issues, but also spiritual ones. As the child is faced with uncertainty and pressures that they are not equipped to handle at such a young age, demons can use this instability to harass and torment the child/person. This environment is a facilitator for the spirit of anger and hatred to come in at a very young age. 

4. Involvement in the Occult

When you dabble into the occult, you are choosing to blatantly engage with the demonic. The occult ranges from astrology, witchcraft, tarot cards, black/white magic, ouija boards, horoscopes, talking to the dead etc. 

Even though our culture seems to have accepted, and even embraced these practices, Scripture has not changed, and continues to condemn it and the practice of it.

5. Taking Part in a False Religion

There are some believers that desire to learn about other religions saying that they want to win those people to the Lord. Now, this is a good thing to a certain point. There is a certain line that must be kept in order to refrain from opening the doors to demons, because what can end up happening is that a believer will begin to study the other religion so much that they become so open minded and accept all truths, that they start to deny what the Bible claims. That is where it gets dangerous and could lead to deception. 

6. Bringing Demonic Objects Into Your Life

The spiritual world is real, and spiritual power can flow through people, places, animals and objects. In fact, the Bible shows us that God used Moses’s rod, the waters of Jordan to heal, the saliva of Jesus to open the eyes of the blind and even the handkerchief of Paul. God can use any avenue to bring about healing. In the same way, the enemy can use objects to bring about his plans of destruction to your life. 

This includes occult books, things that have been ritually “cleansed”, charms, dreamcatchers, etc. By bringing these items into your home, you are opening your life and your home to the demonic.

7. Abuse

This is probably the most common open door in the West. Abuse causes deep inner wounds that give way for demons to cause further torment for that individual.

As unfair as this is, we must understand that the spiritual world works in accordance to spiritual laws. WHen an abuse happens, it automatically opens a door for a demon. 

8. Illicit Sexual Encounters

Sex is not just a physical act, it has spiritual repercussions. Because it is spiritual in nature, it affects the soul, the mind, and the emotions. 

An individual become one flesh, according to Scripture, with the partner they come together with (1 Cor. 6:16). Demons can be transferred from one person to another by partaking in sexual acts outside of marriage.

9. Abortion

When we commit an injustice towards others it brings a curse upon our life. The Bible is very clear in saying that murder is sin, and therefore brings about a curse on our lives (Matthew 5:21-22). 

10. Ungodly Entertainment

When we begin to fill up our time and out life with ungodly sources of entertainment, they could lead the way to an open door. Movies, T.V. shows, and music are all portals that satan can use to influence the minds of people. If you are not careful about what you watch and listen to, its influence will become stronger in your life. 

11. A Moment of Weakness

The devil looks for moments of weakness to try and enter into our lives. We’re not perfect people, and sometimes we can snap, act in a way that is not right, or watch something we shouldn’t have. When we don’t repent to God and to the person we hurt, and then change our behavior, then that’s where it could become an open door. This happens when the person chooses the sin instead of turning from it.

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*** By Vladimir Savchuk / Photo by Merve at Pexels