Category: discernment

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

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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

Nothing New Under the Sun: Jezebel and the New Age Movements

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“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” ~ Colossians 2:8

Wicked women are presented as they truly are in the Bible—without any attempt to sanitize their lives or actions. One such infamous figure is Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab of Israel. She was not a believer in the one true God, and her reign over northern Israel marked the introduction and spread of a false religion—worship of Baal. This religion quickly took hold because Jezebel became a role model for many women of her time. Her religion was rooted in the worship of Baal, or Satan, who is behind all false religions.

To please the queen was politically savvy, so she filled Israel with 850 priests practicing her religion, leading the people further astray. Jezebel’s impact was profound and deeply harmful, as she turned the nation away from the true God.

The Parallels Between Baal Worship and the New Age Movement

“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” ~ 2 Corinthians 4:4

Do you want to know what Jezebel’s religion was like? We are witnessing the rise of a similar, swift, and powerful religion sweeping the planet today—the New Age / Golden Age Movement. This belief system, like the false worship of Baal, denies the existence of a personal God who loves His people. Instead, it promotes an impersonal, universal energy force. In the New Age Movement, God can be referred to in many ways— she or he, mother or father, god or goddess, the Earth, the sun, the stars, or even nature itself can be worshipped as God. New Age teachers claim to receive guidance from so-called “spirit guides,” “ascended masters,” “masters of wisdom” “angels,” and “higher beings,” all of whom make up the hierarchy of this movement. They state that some of their guides are angels.

However, Jezebel’s priests, when confronted by the prophet Elijah, were exposed for their reliance on demonic forces – fallen angels, whilst practicing their false religion. Elijah challenged all 850 of them to prove the power of their gods, demonstrating that their supposed deities were powerless before the one true God. When they failed, the false nature of their religion was revealed, along with their demon guides posing as angels.

The New Age Movement bears striking similarities to Jezebel’s worship of Baal. For example, the New Age movement claims that Jesus Christ was merely a reincarnated messenger—not the Son of God. They assert that Christ was sent by the demon hierarchy of angels to provide “spiritually advanced revelations” to their group. In fact, they teach that Jesus is just one of many “Christs,” alongside figures like Buddha, Mohammed, and Confucius. This system accepts anyone who rejects Jesus Christ as the Son of God—whether they are Shintoists, Satanists, Buddhists, secular humanists, witches, or anyone else who doesn’t acknowledge the truth or accept the Christ, and that He is a personal God. They teach that man is not sinful, nor evil, and that Jesus’s sacrifice on the Cross has no meaning, according to them it was meaningless.

Moreover, the New Age Movement denies the existence of sin, judgment, and the need for salvation. Instead, it teaches that humanity has evolved over thousands of years and that there is no need for a savior. This philosophy is the basis of all false religions; rooted in ancient lies, echoing the deceptions of Satan, who hides the reality of judgment, hell, and sin, and all of his followers do the same, because they have been blinded to the truth. It’s no surprise that Jezebel’s actions—her cheating, lying, and murder—were reflections of her allegiance to Satan, the father of lies. Her conscience was so seared with unbelief in the one true God that she had no fear of judgment, she never expected to meet a righteous and holy God one day, who will judge her for things done in the flesh, her thoughts, her deeds and her motives.

Modern Echoes: The Age of Aquarius

Today, the New Age Movement is spreading rapidly, with some even calling it the “Age of Aquarius.” Many people are drawn to its teachings, including secular humanists, witches, Satanists, and celebrities. One prominent TV and movie star has become a spokesperson for the movement, claiming to receive instructions from an ancient being, that tells her things and guides her. This celebrity, like Jezebel, serves as a role model for many, leading others into deception.

The New Age Movement teaches that being “born again” is simply a personal transformation or healing of the self. It says that you must “let go” and allow your “inner guide” or “higher self” to direct your life, without any belief or need for the Holy Spirit and Him indwelling you. They speak of something called “kundalini,” a Hindu term meaning “serpent power,” which has clear connections to Satan. This mimics spiritual experiences, but it is a counterfeit of true Christian transformational quality of the Holy Spirit.

Satan, as always, has counterfeited the things of Jesus Christ and Christianity. The New Age Movement, much like the false prophets in Jezebel’s time, speaks of a “Christ-like” figure who will come to establish a utopian Kingdom of peace on Earth, that he will reign over the new age, bringing about a one world religion and consolidating all nations into one government. This is eerily similar to the Antichrist, who will deceive many and promise a one-world government and a counterfeit peace—something the Bible warns will happen before the true return of Jesus Christ.

Distinguishing Truth from Deception

In a nutshell, here is what the New Age Movement teaches:

• God is impersonal; He is not loving, He can be a he or she, but not the sovereign, holy, and righteous God of the Bible.

• Jesus is not the Son of God, not the Christ and someone greater than Jesus will come, not realising there will be an anti-Christ connected to Satan, who will try to imitate the Christ, as we have been forewarned in scriptures.

• There is no need for being born again, as they reject the Holy Spirit and encourage people to follow their demon guides.

• And about the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ that the anti-Christ will rule in Earth and Heaven is the Kingdom of God during the Age of Aquarius and that it is not a real place, but merely an Earthly utopia.

• There is no sin, judgment, evil or hell.

As believers in Christ, we know these claims are false. We have the truth from the Bible, which tells us that God is our loving Father, He is not a she or a goddess, but the supreme being. Jesus is His only begotten Son, the express image of the invisible God, and salvation comes through Him alone. The Holy Spirit, sent by the Father and the Son, dwells within us, guiding and empowering us to live according to God’s will. Heaven is a real, physical place where God the Father and God the Son reign in glory, and hell is a real and horrible place for those who reject the truth of the gospel. Through the Holy Spirit, we are assured of our salvation and strengthened in our faith as we await eternal life with God. He tells us that angels are messengers of God and named in scripture and He tells us to be born again, by the spirit of God by receiving Jesus as our personal Saviour.

A Call to Stand Firm in the Truth

Throughout history, God has warned His people about false religions. From Jezebel’s priests to the builders of the Tower of Babel, we have seen it through the ages. These instances of idolatry and rebellion against God serve as lessons for us today. Even in Noah’s time, when wickedness was rampant, God had to destroy the world with a flood. This, too, is a forewarning for us today. Jesus Himself tells us in Matthew 24 that when we see the same kinds of lawlessness and rebellion happening again, it is a sign that His return is near.

In Matthew 24:29-30, Jesus speaks of the signs preceding His second coming: “Immediately after the distress of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven.”

We know that in the end times, false prophets will rise up to deceive even the elect (Matthew 24:24). Deception has led to destruction throughout the ages, and it will culminate in the final days before Jesus’ return. This New Age Movement, like its predecessors, may fade into the background only to be replaced by another. Yet, there is the real possibility that this movement could lead to the rise of the Antichrist, who will deceive many with promises of peace and a one-world government. Scripture warns us that the Antichrist will set up his rule on Earth, even establishing himself in Jerusalem and claiming to be the Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). However, we who know the Bible recognize this for the lie that it is.

Jesus warned: “If anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it” (Matthew 24:26). His true return will not be secret or localized. We are told in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 that He will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. The dead in Christ will rise first, and those who are still alive will be caught up to meet Him in the air. This event, known as the rapture, will take place in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:52).

Jesus will gather His elect and take them to be with Him for seven years, during which time the Great Tribulation will unfold on Earth. After this period, He will return with His saints to establish His Kingdom on Earth and reign for a thousand years (Revelation 20:4-6). Unlike the false peace promised by the New Age Movement, this will be the true and lasting reign of the Prince of Peace.

We are warned in Scripture that the Antichrist will bring about a false peace and deceive many. Jesus Himself cautioned us against following these lies. We are also reminded of the lessons of history—Jezebel and her false prophets led Israel into idolatry, and the builders of the Tower of Babel sought to defy God’s sovereignty. These stories serve as warnings for us today. Wide is the gate that leads to destruction, but narrow is the gate that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14).

As believers, we look forward to the Lord’s return. By God’s grace, we will not be caught up in the ecumenical movement or New Age ideologies that attempt to unify all religions and philosophies into one deceptive system. This “Age of Aquarius” promises enlightenment and unity but leads people to follow the Antichrist instead of Christ. The Bible is clear: there can be no lasting peace on Earth until Jesus Himself returns to set up His Kingdom.

We must stand firm in the truth, remembering Jesus’ words and promises. Let us choose the narrow path that leads to life. Choose wisely—choose Christ!

Conclusion: Lessons from Jezebel and the Bible

God’s sovereignty remains unshaken; He knows the beginning from the end. The warnings drawn from Jezebel’s life and scripture provide us with timeless clarity. As Ecclesiastes 1:9 reminds us, “There is nothing new under the sun.” Satan’s methods of deception have not changed, and false religions like the New Age / Golden Age Movement are modern manifestations of these ancient lies. These deceptions, cloaked in promises of enlightenment, peace, and unity, echo the spiritual rebellion seen in Jezebel’s time, the Tower of Babel, and countless other moments in history.

Even those movements that claim to acknowledge Christ often compromise truth, embracing all religions in the name of an ecumenical ‘unity and peace.’ This push toward a one-world religion is yet another ploy by Satan, setting the stage for the rise of the Antichrist, who will seek to establish his rule over a one-world government. Scripture warns us of this, and as believers, we are called to be vigilant.

Our anchor is the Word of God. We must remain grounded, discerning, and uncompromising in our faith. The false promises of movements like the New Age and the allure of unity at the expense of truth must be rejected. Instead, we fix our eyes on Christ, awaiting His glorious return when He will establish His eternal Kingdom—a Kingdom of true peace and righteousness.

Let us hold fast to God’s promises, stand firm in His truth, and keep our hearts prepared for the day when the Prince of Peace will reign forever.

The free gift of salvation

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“Nothing New Under the Sun” is adapted from Eleanor Page’s talk on ‘Jezebel’ in the ‘Women in the Bible’ series, broadcasted on BBN Radio / Photo by RDNE Stock at Pexels.

How Satan Uses Offense To Trap You

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In life, we can’t avoid experiencing offense. However, the Bible does command us as believers to ensure we are not offending other people (Luke 17:1). How you deal with it when it comes–whether you take offense and let it become a demonic trap or use it as an opportunity to grow—is really up to you. 

What’s interesting is that the word “offense” used in the New Testament is scandalon. Scandalon was the trigger of a trap on which bait is placed. When an animal touched the trigger to eat the bait, the trap would spring shut and the animal would get caught. Offense works the same way. Whether the hurt was intentional or not makes no difference—the bait is laid, and if you take it, the trap springs shut, leading to unforgiveness and bitterness. Here is how offense looks and how to overcome it.

Offense is a stumbling block to your destiny. 

The Profile of an Offended Person

  1. Entitlement – An offended person feels like they are owed something. They value what they have in themselves and feel like they worked very hard and deserve to be elevated. When they don’t receive what they believe they deserve, they feel rejected and become offended.
  2. Pride – Pride makes people blind to their own flaws and causes them to blame others for their downfall. When corrected, they interpret it as, “I messed up again,” rather than seeing it as an opportunity for growth.
  3. Focus on Unfairness – Offended people often feel that church leaders and others treat them unfairly. They get hurt when their gifts are not recognized and build resentment. Many times, God allows perceived unfairness to test and refine our character.
  4. Control – Offended people often desire to control situations. When they cannot have things their way, they get offended and leave relationships or churches. If they had stayed under strong, anointed leadership that didn’t cater to their selfish ambitions, they would have received the healing they didn’t even realize they needed.

How to Overcome Offense

Offense focuses your attention on what people did rather than what God is doing. 

It blinds you to God’s timing and purpose, keeping you stuck in bitterness instead of moving forward in faith. Here’s how to overcome it.

1. When Your Heart is Hardened, Good Things Happening to You Will Not Change It

First off, it’s important to understand that people whose hearts are hardened by offense think that if their environment changes, they will no longer be offended. But, a hardened heart does not soften just because circumstances improve.

Psalm 95:7-11 and Hebrews repeat the warning: “When you hear my voice, do not harden your heart, as in the day of wilderness, when your fathers saw my works, yet they rebelled against me.” The Israelites saw miracles, yet they remained hardened in their hearts. Even with a great leader like Moses and supernatural provision, their offense remained.

2. Take God Very Seriously, and Stop Taking Yourself Too Seriously

Secondly, know that offended people are often obsessed with themselves. In many cases, they become overly sensitive to what others say but are not sensitive enough to the Holy Spirit. Instead of living in constant offense, we should humble ourselves, focus on God, and learn to live with a servant’s heart.

3. Keep Your Heart Right When Things Are Not Right

Another key step in overcoming offense is understanding that while justice, mercy, and humility are essential, the enemy uses injustice to create offense in our hearts. If things are not right around you, don’t let your heart become sick. You can advocate for change, but never let offense take root.

4. Never Grow Out of Repentance

Next, choose to offer forgiveness to those who have hurt you. I’ve noticed that if you wait too long to forgive, your hurt will turn into bitterness and offense. Unforgiveness will do more damage to you than what others did. Growth in God means constant repentance and humility.

Never outgrow your need for repentance.

5. Lean Into Awkward Conversations

And lastly, the Bible tells us in Matthew 5:23 that, “If you bring your gift to the altar and remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there and first be reconciled.”

In other words, if you know someone is offended at you, it is your responsibility to go to them. Instead of defending yourself, hear them out, affirm their feelings, and take responsibility where necessary. Many relationships have been healed through this approach. Unfortunately, instead of going to the person, people often gossip and build “us versus them” cultures, which only fuels division and offense.

Don’t let Satan trap you; instead, choose to walk away from offense, deny yourself, and follow Jesus. I pray this helps.

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**By Vlad Savchuk at Vladimir Savchuk Ministries / Photo by ClickerHappy at Pexels

Understanding Familiar Spirits: Demons Imitating Loved Ones

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In the Bible, familiar spirits are deceptive entities, often believed to be demons, that imitate deceased loved ones. These spirits don’t just appear randomly—they are closely connected to families and individuals, having observed them for years. They know personal details and can mimic the voices, personalities, and behaviors of family members or loved ones, making them incredibly convincing. Their primary goal is to deceive, mislead, and pull people away from the truth of God.

The Bible and Familiar Spirits

The Bible warns against interacting with familiar spirits. In Leviticus 19:31, God tells His people, “Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.” This warning is clear: communicating with the dead or trying to summon spirits is forbidden because it opens the door to demonic influence.

One of the most notable biblical stories that shows the danger of familiar spirits involves King Saul. In 1 Samuel 28, Saul, desperate for guidance after God stopped speaking to him, visits the Witch of Endor. He asks her to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel. However, instead of Samuel, a deceptive spirit appears, giving Saul false counsel. This interaction leads to Saul’s eventual downfall, proving how dangerous it is to consult spirits, even if they appear to be loved ones or revered figures.

How Demons Imitate

Demons have been around for a long time. They observe families and individuals over many years, which allows them to learn details about people’s lives. By using this knowledge, demons can impersonate deceased family members with alarming accuracy. They may appear as a deceased parent, sibling, or friend, speaking in ways that feel familiar, even down to their tone of voice and mannerisms. These imitations can be so convincing that it’s easy to believe the spirit is truly the loved one.

However, the Bible warns that these spirits are not the souls of the dead but rather demonic forces trying to deceive. In 2 Corinthians 11:14, it says, “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” This means that Satan and his demons can disguise themselves as something good, something comforting, to mislead people.

The Role of Satan: A Deceiver and Murderer

Satan’s primary aim is to deceive. Jesus Himself described Satan in John 8:44 as “a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him.” Satan uses lies, manipulation, and deception to lead people away from God. He doesn’t come with obvious evil; instead, he often appears as an “angel of light”—something good, something trustworthy. This makes him incredibly dangerous, as people are more likely to follow his lies if they seem like truth.

Familiar spirits, then, are just one of Satan’s many tools. They disguise themselves as familiar, comforting figures to gain a person’s trust, making them more likely to follow their false messages. They may claim to bring messages from beyond the grave or offer advice, but in reality, their only goal is to lead people astray.

The Bible’s Truth About Life After Death

The Bible clearly teaches that after death, a person’s fate is determined. Hebrews 9:27 states, “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” There is no biblical support for the idea that the dead can return to communicate with the living (Ecclesiastes 9:5-6, Job 7:9-10, Isaiah 8:19). Instead, Scripture indicates that the souls of the deceased are either in God’s presence (Philippians 1:23, 2 Corinthians 5:8, Luke 23:43) or in a place of waiting, anticipating final judgment (Luke 16:22-23, 2 Peter 2:9, Revelation 20:12-15).

Any spirit that appears to be a deceased person is not truly their soul but rather a deceptive manifestation meant to mislead. Matthew 22:32 affirms this distinction, where Jesus says, “I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” This passage emphasizes the separation between the living and the dead, reinforcing that once someone has passed away, they do not return to interact with the living.

How Familiar Spirits Manifest

Familiar spirits are not limited to appearing in human form; they manifest in many ways to create an emotional bond with the grieving person. These spirits have studied their target families for years, allowing them to replicate sounds, smells, appearances, and behaviors that make their deception seem more genuine.

1. Scents:

One of the most common ways familiar spirits manifest is through the use of scent. People who have lost a loved one might suddenly experience a familiar smell—such as a favorite perfume, cigarette smoke, or a unique scent that reminds them of the deceased. These smells can be incredibly powerful, evoking vivid memories and feelings of closeness. For instance, someone who recently lost a mother might suddenly smell her perfume or cooking odors from her favorite dish. While the scent seems comforting, it is important to recognize that this is a demonic attempt to manipulate emotions and reinforce the illusion that the deceased is still present.

2. Ghostly Appearances:

Familiar spirits are also known to appear as ghostly figures. People often report seeing shadows or apparitions of loved ones shortly after their passing. These ghostly figures might appear in dreams or even in the waking world, seeming to stand in the corner of a room or walk through a house. For those in deep mourning, these experiences can feel very real, and the person may believe their loved one is reaching out from the beyond. But these “ghosts” are actually demons using the appearance of the deceased to deceive and distract the grieving person from the truth.

3. Dreams and Visions:

Dreams are another common way for familiar spirits to interact with the living. A person grieving a loss may have vivid dreams in which the deceased loved one appears, offering advice, comfort, or even warnings. These dreams can seem incredibly realistic, and the emotional bond between the dreamer and the deceased can make them feel even more genuine. In these dreams, the loved one may speak words of reassurance or say something familiar, like “I’m okay now” or “Don’t worry, I’m watching over you.” These spirits often use dreams to sow confusion, making the person believe their loved one is still trying to communicate, when in fact, it is a demonic deception meant to mislead.

How to Protect Yourself from Deception

The Bible calls believers to resist the deceptive tactics of familiar spirits and to seek God’s protection. During times of grief, it is tempting to look for comfort anywhere, but turning to familiar spirits for solace is spiritually dangerous. Instead, God encourages us to find comfort in Him alone.

Ephesians 6:11 tells believers, “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” The armor of God includes prayer, reading Scripture, and relying on the strength of the Holy Spirit to resist demonic influence. These spiritual practices help believers stay grounded in the truth, which protects them from the lies of familiar spirits.

Psalm 34:18 offers a promise for those grieving: “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” God’s healing is the true comfort that grieving hearts need, not the false solace offered by familiar spirits.

It is also important to avoid any practice of necromancy, seeking contact with the dead, or consulting mediums. These practices open doors for demonic influence and bring spiritual danger. Instead, seek God’s Word and prayer to find peace and healing during grief.

Conclusion

Familiar spirits are one of the many ways Satan tries to deceive and lead people astray. These demons can imitate family members or loved ones who have passed away, using their knowledge of your life to appear genuine. However, the Bible teaches that once someone dies, they are either with God or awaiting judgment. Any spirit that pretends to be a loved one is a lie meant to deceive you. To protect yourself, it’s important to stay grounded in God’s truth and avoid seeking out spirits, trusting instead in His Word and guidance.

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*** By Karl Byron at Pexels

In God’s Will: When Obedience Costs Everything

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What does it truly mean to walk in the will of the Lord? Often, following God means swimming against the current of human expectations, risking rejection, and sacrificing comfort. The Bible is replete with stories of individuals who remained faithful to God’s call, even when they were criticized, misunderstood, or seemingly abandoned. Their examples challenge us to ask: Are we seeking God’s approval or the world’s? Are we willing to serve where He places us, whether in the spotlight or in obscurity?

Living in God’s will isn’t about earthly popularity or personal ambition. It’s about surrender, obedience, and faithfulness—whether our path leads to acclaim or hardship.

1. Obedience Often Invites Opposition

From the earliest pages of Scripture, we see that walking in obedience to God frequently comes at a cost. The world’s values often clash with God’s standards, and His servants are called to choose between human approval and divine allegiance.

• Noah: Noah was asked to build an ark in a time when rain, let alone a flood, seemed implausible. For decades, he endured mockery from a corrupt generation, yet he obeyed God without wavering (Genesis 6:9-22, Hebrews 11:7). Noah’s story reminds us that obedience may isolate us but positions us to receive God’s protection and favor.

• Jeremiah: Known as the “weeping prophet,” Jeremiah was tasked with delivering messages of judgment to a rebellious people. He faced imprisonment, public scorn, and even death threats (Jeremiah 20:1-2, Jeremiah 26:8-9). Despite his suffering, Jeremiah remained faithful, demonstrating that obedience to God sometimes means bearing burdens no one else understands.

• Jesus Christ: The perfect example of obedience, Jesus consistently chose the will of the Father over human approval. He healed the sick, forgave sinners, and preached the kingdom of God, yet He was despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:3, John 1:11). Even in the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). His life teaches us that the cost of obedience is worth it because it fulfills God’s ultimate purpose.

2. God’s Ways Are Higher

Scripture reminds us that God’s plans often defy human logic and expectations: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord (Isaiah 55:8). Walking in the will of God requires trust in His sovereignty, even when His path seems counterintuitive or unpopular. Consider the Apostle Paul, who left a promising career as a Pharisee to follow Christ, facing beatings, imprisonment, and ultimately martyrdom (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). His motivation? To please God, not man (Galatians 1:10).

3. Eternal Rewards for Faithfulness

While obedience to God may bring earthly challenges, it also brings eternal rewards. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 4:7-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness.” Those who remain faithful to God will be honored by Him, even if they are disregarded by the world.

Staying Faithful Where You Are

1. God Often Prepares Us in Obscurity

Many of God’s servants were shaped by years of quiet preparation before stepping into their ultimate calling.

• Moses: Before leading Israel, Moses spent 40 years tending sheep in Midian (Exodus 3:1). This seemingly mundane task was God’s training ground, teaching him patience, humility, and reliance on divine guidance. When Moses later faced opposition from the Israelites in the wilderness, his years in obscurity had prepared him to lead with perseverance.

• David: Before becoming king, David spent years as a shepherd and later as a fugitive, fleeing from Saul. These years of obscurity taught him to trust God in all circumstances, a lesson reflected in his psalms (Psalm 23, Psalm 27).

2. Faithfulness in Small Things

Jesus emphasized the importance of being faithful in the small, unseen tasks: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much” (Luke 16:10). Whether serving as a shepherd like Moses or simply remaining steadfast in prayer, God sees and values our faithfulness.

3. Perseverance Through Rejection

Jesus Himself experienced rejection by His own people: “No prophet is accepted in his hometown” (Luke 4:24). Yet He continued His mission, modeling for us the importance of serving where God places us, regardless of recognition. Similarly, Paul encouraged believers: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

Key Takeaways for Us Today

1. God’s Sovereignty Over Popularity

Walking in God’s will requires surrendering our desire for approval and trusting His higher purposes. Whether we are called to stand boldly like Jeremiah or serve quietly like Moses, our focus should be on pleasing Him, not the crowd (Proverbs 29:25).

2. Purpose in Pain

Opposition and obscurity are not signs of failure but of refinement. As James 1:2-4 reminds us: “Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” God uses difficult seasons to deepen our trust and prepare us for greater assignments.

3. Faithfulness Defines Success

Success in God’s kingdom is not measured by numbers, recognition, or worldly accolades but by faithfulness. Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:21 echo this truth: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Whether leading a nation, building an ark, or caring for sheep, the true measure of our lives is found in our obedience to God.

Conclusion

The most important question for any believer is not, “Am I successful?” or “Am I appreciated?” but “Am I where God wants me to be?” Whether standing firm against popular opinion or serving faithfully in an unseen place, the ultimate goal is to honor God and fulfill His purpose. His rewards are eternal, and His approval is worth far more than the fleeting favor of man. Let us remain steadfast, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

A Prayer for Faithfulness and Obedience

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with hearts longing to do Your will. Teach us to walk in obedience to Your plans, even when the path is difficult or misunderstood by others. Strengthen us to stand firm in faith when the world opposes us, just as Noah, Jeremiah, and Your Son, Jesus, did.

Lord, help us to seek Your approval above all else. Free us from the need for human recognition, and remind us that Your favor is our greatest reward. When we feel unseen or unappreciated, reassure us of Your presence and Your eternal purposes for our lives.

Father, give us patience in seasons of waiting and courage in moments of opposition. Help us to be faithful in the small things, trusting that You are using them to prepare us for greater things. Teach us to trust Your timing and Your ways, even when they seem unclear.

May we never grow weary in doing good, and may we remain steadfast in our service to You. Let our lives bring glory to Your name, whether we are called to stand boldly in the spotlight or to serve quietly in the background.

Thank You, Lord, for the promise that our labor in You is never in vain. Help us to hear the words “Well done, good and faithful servant” at the end of our race. Until that day, keep our hearts focused on You, our strength rooted in Your Spirit, and our joy anchored in Your love.

In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray.

Amen.

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** Photo by Evelyn Chong at Pexels