COVETOUSNESS is idolatry

 Colossians 3:5-6

King James Version

5 Mortify therefore your members 

which are upon the earth; 

fornication, uncleanness, 

inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, 

and covetousness, which is idolatry:

6 For which things' sake the wrath of God 

cometh on the children of disobedience:

Why is covetousness "idolatry"?

Simply because it takes your eyes away from GOD.

It keeps your heart away from GOD.

It keeps your mind away from GOD. 

It keeps you wishing, wanting, wondering, and wandering.

You are besotted by things of the world.

1 John 2:16

King James Version

16 For all that is in the world, 

the lust of the flesh, 

and the lust of the eyes, 

and the pride of life, 

is not of the Father, 

but is of the world.

You worship anything, and everything, but GOD.

That sure incurs GOD's wrath.

His commands were clear:

Exodus 20:3

King James Version

3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Exodus 20:5-6

King James Version

5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, 

nor serve them: 

for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, 

visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children 

unto the third and fourth generation 

of them that hate me;

6 And shewing mercy unto thousands 

of them that love me, 

and keep my commandments.

Exodus 20:15

King James Version

15 Thou shalt not steal.

Exodus 20:17

King James Version

17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, 

thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, 

nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, 

nor his ox, nor his ass, 

nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

Covetousness makes you stray from GOD.

It also breeds greed, envy, and a desire to steal.

You are distracted by the things of the world.

You think having a new car will get you the girls.

You think having a new outfit will impress the boys.

You think having a new phone will impress your colleagues.

You think having a new house will impress your friends and relatives.

You think having designer outfits, or accessories, will impress others.

As you're busy trying to acquire things, others are, too.

They may not have time to check you out.

They're too busy checking themselves out.

All your efforts may be wasted.

Covetousness gives you a false sense of grandeur.

It gives you a false sense of importance.

It's all meant to impress people.

It's not to glorify GOD.

It is to glorify self.

Which is an abomination to GOD.

1 Corinthians 1:27-31

King James Version

27 But God hath chosen 

the foolish things of the world 

to confound the wise; 

and God hath chosen 

the weak things of the world 

to confound the things which are mighty;

28 And base things of the world, 

and things which are despised, hath God chosen, 

yea, and things which are not, 

to bring to nought things that are:

29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, 

who of God is made unto us wisdom, 

and righteousness, 

and sanctification, 

and redemption:

31 That, according as it is written, 

He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Others will always have more than you.

Conversationally, others will also have less than you.

One can get neurotic, and crazed, if you always wish to impress.

You may get depressed if you can't have what you want.

It will cause frustration and unrest in you.

There will always be someone who will want to outdo you.

It's all pride, greed, vanity, envy, and competition.

Definitely not grounds for happiness.

JESUS was King of kings, and Lord of lords.

And yet didn't come to earth in royal robes.

He didn't throw His weight around.

He had no pomposity about Him.

He didn't ask for a chariot, or even a horse.

He rode a donkey, as the people honored Him.

Nowhere can you hear Him speak of wanting possessions.

He didn't desire any.

He didn't have any.

He had no desire, but to obey GOD.

And to save us from our sins.

John 17:12

King James Version

12 While I was with them in the world, 

I kept them in thy name: 

those that thou gavest me I have kept, 

and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; 

that the scripture might be fulfilled.

He didn't want us possessed by possessions.

JESUS was clear:

Matthew 6:19-21

King James Version

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, 

where moth and rust doth corrupt, 

and where thieves break through and steal:

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, 

where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, 

and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is, 

there will your heart be also.

Luke 12:15

King James Version

15 And he said unto them, 

Take heed, 

and beware of covetousness: 

for a man's life consisteth not 

in the abundance of the things 

which he possesseth.

Luke 12:22-23

King James Version

22 And he said unto his disciples, 

Therefore I say unto you, 

Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; 

neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

23 The life is more than meat, 

and the body is more than raiment.

Luke 12:24

King James Version

24 Consider the ravens: 

for they neither sow nor reap; 

which neither have storehouse nor barn; 

and God feedeth them: 

how much more are ye better 

than the fowls?

Luke 12:25

King James Version

25 And which of you with taking thought 

can add to his stature one cubit?

Luke 12:26

King James Version

26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, 

why take ye thought for the rest?

Luke 12:27

King James Version

27 Consider the lilies how they grow: 

they toil not, they spin not; 

and yet I say unto you, 

that Solomon in all his glory 

was not arrayed like one of these.

Luke 12:28

King James Version

28 If then God so clothe the grass, 

which is to day in the field, 

and to morrow is cast into the oven; 

how much more will he clothe you, 

O ye of little faith?

Luke 12:29-31

King James Version

29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, 

or what ye shall drink, 

neither be ye of doubtful mind.

30 For all these things 

do the nations of the world seek after: 

and your Father knoweth 

that ye have need of these things.

31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; 

and all these things shall be added unto you.

Since GOD made me born again 58 months ago, I've lost interest in things of the world.

Not that I was nuts about stuff to begin with.

Sure, it's fun to shop.

But things tend to accumulate.

I am not acquisitive anymore. 

There is no desire to impress.

There never was.

Having nothing is a good gauge.

You get to really know who care for you.

Your personal "presentation" is of no significance to them.

Better they feel the CHRIST in you, than the devil in you.

In JESUS is my peace!

In JESUS is my joy!

In JESUS is my salvation!

Possessions are of no importance to me anymore.

I am grateful for whatever GOD gives me each day.

The basics suffice.

Further, what more would I want?

I already have JESUS.

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TRUE self-help

 

1 Peter 1:6

King James Version

6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, 

though now for a season, if need be, 

ye are in heaviness 

through manifold temptations:

There are many forms of addiction.

As there are many forms of treatment.

Sometimes, the treatment becomes another addiction.

In the desire to be well, man tries "self-medication".

He becomes addicted, and programmed, for self-help.

Man thinks the world offers the solution.

But the world can only offer panaceas.

A pill for this, a pill for that.

A book for this, a book for that.

A seminar for this, a seminar for that.

A strategy for this, a strategy for that.

A therapy for this, a therapy for that.

A guru for this, a guru for that.

Does it work?

Does it last?

Does it take away your pain?

Or are you back where you came from?

Do you hunger for more help?

Probably because a "piece" is missing?

Your soul still not filled?

You remain empty?

Still addicted, unhappy, depressed?

Still restless, discontented, ill?

Even suicidal?

But how can we be helped, when the world is a fallen world?

Won't we have fallen solutions, too?

Won't we have fallen gurus, too?

Won't the wounding continue?

The problem stems from ignorance.

Many feed us foolish ideas.

And we buy into it.

Problems stem from pride, too.

We think we've got the power.

How asleep we are.

People say, "God helps those who help themselves".

Now, we need to rethink that statement.

There are many variables.

People left out the BIGGEST piece:

Romans 8:26-27

King James Version

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: 

for we know not what we should pray for 

as we ought: 

but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us 

with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth 

what is the mind of the Spirit, 

because he maketh intercession for the saints 

according to the will of God.

We need SPIRIT.

The world doesn't want to acknowledge SPIRIT.

JESUS explains why:

John 14:17

King James Version

17 Even the Spirit of truth; 

whom the world cannot receive, 

because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: 

but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, 

and shall be in you.

To help ourselves, we need the SPIRIT of GOD.

Only SPIRIT can give us the guidance.

Only He can teach us about JESUS.

But why do we need JESUS?

In JESUS is peace, joy, and clarity.

In JESUS is grace, truth, and salvation.

In JESUS is love, light, and life.

The LORD knows our pain.

GOD took on the form of man, through JESUS.

So He may live among us, and heal us.

And teach us how to live.

Through Scripture.

JESUS is not a distant GOD.

He lives in believers.

He is our ONLY salve for pain.

He is our ONLY solution for problems.

He is our ONLY Source for peace.

He is our ONLY Savior from perversions.

Without Him, we're lame.

John 15:5

King James Version

5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: 

He that abideth in me, and I in him, 

the same bringeth forth much fruit: 

for without me ye can do nothing.

Proof?

JESUS tells us Himself:

Matthew 11:27

King James Version

27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: 

and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; 

neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, 

and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.

Matthew 28:18

King James Version

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, 

All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

John 15:4

King James Version

4 Abide in me, and I in you. 

As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, 

except it abide in the vine; 

no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

John 15:6

King James Version

6 If a man abide not in me, 

he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; 

and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, 

and they are burned.

John 15:7

King James Version

7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, 

ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

More proof?

Listen to apostle Paul:

2 Corinthians 4:6

King James Version

6 For God, 

who commanded the light 

to shine out of darkness, 

hath shined in our hearts, 

to give the light of the knowledge 

of the glory of God 

in the face of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:7-9

King James Version

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, 

that the excellency of the power may be of God, 

and not of us.

8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; 

we are perplexed, but not in despair;

9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; 

cast down, but not destroyed;

Colossians 2:9

King James Version

9 For in him dwelleth 

all the fulness of the Godhead 

bodily.

The LORD of COMPASSION knows our brokenness.

He knows the weariness of our hearts, minds, spirits, and bodies.

Matthew 11:28-30

King James Version

28 Come unto me, 

all ye that labour and are heavy laden, 

and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; 

for I am meek and lowly in heart: 

and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

By ourselves, we won't know what to pray for.

By ourselves, we won't know what really ails us.

By ourselves, we won't know the source of all pain.

By ourselves, we won't know perfect healing.

We will always have "plaster aid" mentality.

We cure for a time.

But the pain remains.

We need to go to the root cause.

We need spiritual discernment:

1 Corinthians 2:14

King James Version

14 But the natural man receiveth not 

the things of the Spirit of God: 

for they are foolishness unto him: 

neither can he know them, 

because they are spiritually discerned.

We need to be born again, that we may receive GOD's SPIRIT:

John 3:5-8

King James Version

5 Jesus answered, 

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 

Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, 

he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; 

and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, 

Ye must be born again.

8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, 

and thou hearest the sound thereof, 

but canst not tell whence it cometh, 

and whither it goeth: 

so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

When you have SPIRIT, you have wisdom:

1 Corinthians 2:12

King James Version

12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, 

but the spirit which is of God; that we might know 

the things that are freely given to us of God.

1 Corinthians 9:25

King James Version

25 And every man that striveth for the mastery 

is temperate in all things. 

Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; 

but we an incorruptible.

Galatians 5:16-17

King James Version

16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, 

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, 

and the Spirit against the flesh: 

and these are contrary the one to the other: 

so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

1 Peter 1:9

King James Version

9 Receiving the end of your faith,

even the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:13-16

King James Version

13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, 

be sober, 

and hope to the end for the grace 

that is to be brought unto you 

at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 As obedient children, 

not fashioning yourselves 

according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

15 But as he which hath called you is holy, 

so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written, 

Be ye holy; for I am holy.

1 Peter 1:23-25

King James Version

23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, 

but of incorruptible, by the word of God, 

which liveth and abideth for ever.

24 For all flesh is as grass, 

and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. 

The grass withereth, 

and the flower thereof falleth away:

25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. 

And this is the word which by the gospel 

is preached unto you.

Unless you're born again, you will have no idea where to begin.

Scripture tells us all we need to know.

Seek GOD first.

He knows your heart.

He knows your pain.

Precisely why He sent His Son, JESUS.

John 3:16-17

King James Version

16 For God so loved the world, 

that he gave his only begotten Son, 

that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, 

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world 

to condemn the world; 

but that the world through him 

might be saved.

There is no peace for unbelievers.

They will be subject to the whims and ways of the world.

The god of this world has caused much suffering.

JESUS takes you out of that world.

Colossians 3:1-2

King James Version

3 If ye then be risen with Christ, 

seek those things which are above, 

where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection on things above, 

not on things on the earth.

TRUE healing can only come from JESUS.

He is the help, that transcends ALL help.

Call upon JESUS now.

From the humility of your heart, call upon the only TRUE physician.

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Image: Clipart Library

ABANDON worldly ways

 

1 John 2:15

King James Version

15 Love not the world, 

neither the things that are in the world. 

If any man love the world, 

the love of the Father is not in him.

Why are we to abandon the ways of the world?

What are the ways of the world?

We've written these the past days:

WORKS of the FLESH

SINS of the FLESH

On being CARNAL

Sin AWARENESS

Embracing the ways of the world causes us to sin.

It endangers our soul.

JESUS plainly told us the dangers:

Matthew 7:6

King James Version

6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, 

neither cast ye your pearls before swine, 

lest they trample them under their feet, 

and turn again and rend you.

Matthew 16:26

King James Version

26 For what is a man profited, 

if he shall gain the whole world, 

and lose his own soul? 

or what shall a man give 

in exchange for his soul?

Luke 16:15

King James Version

15 And he said unto them, 

Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; 

but God knoweth your hearts: 

for that which is highly esteemed among men 

is abomination in the sight of God.

John 7:7

King James Version

7 The world cannot hate you; 

but me it hateth, 

because I testify of it, 

that the works thereof are evil.

John 15:18-19

King James Version

18 If the world hate you, 

ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world, 

the world would love his own: 

but because ye are not of the world, 

but I have chosen you out of the world, 

therefore the world hateth you.

Scripture also warns us about the world:

Romans 12:2

King James Version

2 And be not conformed to this world: 

but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, 

that ye may prove what is that good, 

and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

2 Corinthians 4:18

King James Version

18 While we look not at the things which are seen, 

but at the things which are not seen: 

for the things which are seen are temporal; 

but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 6:14-15

King James Version

14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers:

for what fellowship hath righteousness 

with unrighteousness? 

and what communion hath light with darkness?

15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial?

 or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

Ephesians 5:11-12

King James Version

11 And have no fellowship 

with the unfruitful works of darkness, 

but rather reprove them.

12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things 

which are done of them in secret.

Colossians 3:1-2

King James Version

3 If ye then be risen with Christ, 

seek those things which are above, 

where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection on things above, 

not on things on the earth.

Titus 2:11-13

King James Version

11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation 

hath appeared to all men,

12 Teaching us that, 

denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, 

we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, 

in this present world;

13 Looking for that blessed hope, 

and the glorious appearing of the great God 

and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

James 4:4

King James Version

4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, 

know ye not that the friendship of the world 

is enmity with God? 

whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world 

is the enemy of God.

1 John 2:16-17

King James Version

16 For all that is in the world, 

the lust of the flesh, 

and the lust of the eyes, 

and the pride of life, 

is not of the Father, 

but is of the world.

17 And the world passeth away, 

and the lust thereof: 

but he that doeth the will of God 

abideth for ever.

Our peace, love, joy, and contentment, can only come from JESUS.

Mark 4:39-41

King James Version

39 And he arose, 

and rebuked the wind, 

and said unto the sea, 

Peace, be still. 

And the wind ceased, 

and there was a great calm.

40 And he said unto them, 

Why are ye so fearful? 

how is it that ye have no faith?

41 And they feared exceedingly, 

and said one to another, 

What manner of man is this, 

that even the wind and the sea obey him?

John 14:27

King James Version

27 Peace I leave with you, 

my peace I give unto you: 

not as the world giveth, give I unto you.

 Let not your heart be troubled, 

neither let it be afraid.

John 16:33

King James Version

33 These things I have spoken unto you, 

that in me ye might have peace. 

In the world ye shall have tribulation: 

but be of good cheer; 

I have overcome the world.

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ADDICTION to tradition

 

GOD was clear about His first commandment:

Exodus 20:3

King James Version

3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Are we really aware the traditions we celebrate?

Such as Christmas?

Do we know the dangers we place ourselves in?

"Yeah, but we're celebrating the birth of Christ," you'd say.

Are we, really?

Was Christ born with pomp?

As born again, I can only look to JESUS, born in simplicity, even in poverty.

Luke 2:7

King James Version

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, 

and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, 

and laid him in a manger; 

because there was no room for them in the inn.

Look around you.

Aren't people going crazy about Christmas again?

Especially, materially?

People are going crazy buying gifts, putting up trees, decorating, planning parties, crowding stores, shops, and restaurants.

Children eager to receive gifts from Santa Claus.

Their fathers making sure they won't be detected on that day.

Children being taught Santa's going to ride his sleigh with reindeers, carrying a gift for each child.

ESPECIALLY if they're "nice", and not naughty.

Children expect that gift.

Everyone expects a gift.

And if no gift is given, from anyone, from anywhere, you turn sad.

All the while, we forget who Christmas is for.

As born again, I can only think CHRIST is in CHRISTmas.

That our LORD was born, in poverty.

Born in a manger, for the inn had no room for them.

One would think, even then, that the owner of the inn would take mercy upon a lady, about to have a child, in the midst of winter.

Why was Mary left out, in the cold, with Joseph by her side?

And the world knew not, that a SAVIOR would be born.

But that's all been prophesied:

Isaiah 9:6-7

King James Version

6 For unto us a child is born,

 unto us a son is given: 

and the government shall be upon his shoulder: 

and his name shall be called Wonderful, 

Counsellor, The mighty God,

 The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace 

there shall be no end, 

upon the throne of David, 

and upon his kingdom, 

to order it, 

and to establish it 

with judgment and with justice 

from henceforth even for ever. 

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

JESUS was sent to save us.

He is the CHRIST, the "Christ of God", the "Lord's Christ", the "Son of God", the "Messiah", the "Savior".

And we esteem Him not.

We are caught up in the ways of the world.

In the vain traditions of men.

Colossians 2:8

King James Version

8 Beware lest any man spoil you 

through philosophy and vain deceit, 

after the tradition of men, 

after the rudiments of the world, 

and not after Christ.

Mark 7:7-9

King James Version

7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, 

teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

8 For laying aside the commandment of God, 

ye hold the tradition of men, 

as the washing of pots and cups: 

and many other such like things ye do.

9 And he said unto them, 

Full well ye reject the commandment of God, 

that ye may keep your own tradition.

We celebrate European tradition of "Father Christmas", when there is only ONE FATHER -- the LORD GOD.

Isaiah 64:8

King James Version

8 But now, 

O Lord, 

thou art our father; 

we are the clay, 

and thou our potter; 

and we all are the work of thy hand.

On and on, GOD, sends us prophets to warn us of His wrath.

For man's sinfulness seems never-ending.

We are more attuned to the deceiver, than to JESUS.

This is what we have to overcome:

1 John 2:16

King James Version

16 For all that is in the world, 

the lust of the flesh, 

and the lust of the eyes, 

and the pride of life, 

is not of the Father, 

but is of the world.

CHRISTmas is not just on the 25th of December.

JESUS taught us how to love GOD, and each other.

Let that SPIRIT of CHRIST in us, be an everyday opportunity to love, and to return to GOD.

Not just on holidays, or vain traditions of men.

But always, for GOD's GLORY.

And in a manner that pleases GOD.

In all of CHRIST's humility.

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Bible DISCOVERY 14: The POWER of the NAME of JESUS

Bible DISCOVERY 15: The DESTINY of JESUS

The BATTLE

Idolatry

Video:

The Theology of Christmas (Philippians 2:5-11)

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