December 14, 2005 – NO GOD’S BEFORE HIM!
Exodus 34:14 do not worship any other God, for the lord, whose name is jealous, is a jealous God.
Do you worship any other god besides Him? Before you answer, let’s think about what “any other god” means. Other gods are not necessarily idols made of wood or stone. Any obsession can become an idol. The definition of obsession is: the domination of our thoughts or feelings by a persistent idea, image, or desire. I have seen those who are so obsessed with their personal wants and needs or their hurts and sufferings that they have no life beyond themselves. They worship themselves – as an idol – instead of worshipping God. It’s so easy to do that most people are not even aware that they’re doing it!
Satan can come into our minds without our realizing it and rob Christ of His Lordship in our lives. His game plan is to separate us from God’s ordained will in our lives and he will use any means he can to do so. Worry, stress, and the tribulations of life can and will be used against us. Satan will also use our old sinful nature against us. Ephesians 4:22 you were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; (or worries and obsessions). In my old nature, I had a well-worn track of worry in my mind that began when I was a child. I automatically worried – for any reason. If I didn’t have a reason to worry, I borrowed one. I spent so much time worrying about things beyond my control that I had ceased to walk in the spirit of God, and failed to use the weapons God gave me to remove satan from the situation. The only time I kept my mind on God was when I prayed or studied. The rest of the time my mind was a battlefield.
God showed me that I was allowing my worries to take over my life! I was robbing myself of precious time that could have been devoted to fellowship with the Lord. The Holy Spirit told me to repent. He also told me to bind and command the spirit of worry in my nature to “go” and to ask the Lord to give me a new nature of “faith and trust.” Matthew 18:18 “I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.The truth will set you free, as the truth set me free. I am so glad that God spoke to me about my thoughts and how destructive they were. Psalms 94:11 the lord knows the thoughts of man; he knows that they are futile.I repented immediately and from that time to this, I have tried to guard my heart, and to remember that only God can fix things. Proverbs 16:3 commit to the lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
We must guard our hearts at all times because the heart produces thoughts. I strive for a pure heart so that Christ will be glorified. Holiness is something we have to contend for continually! It is a daily act of will. When our hearts are fixed on God, we usher into our minds God’s peace, joy, wisdom, understanding, and rivers of living water. Philippians 4:8 finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Psalms 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. God brings to us everything that pertains to life and Godliness. When our hearts are not fixed upon God, satan can use this time to fill our minds with obsessive and destructive thoughts. Matthew 15:19 for out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. Psalms 10:4 in his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
Christ is the only way through our trials and sufferings. He never fails! There have been many times that I have seen no-way out, but when I asked, God always delivered me from my entrapment. Praise God! He will not let us be overcome if we listen and act upon His words. When you feel defeated, ask God for “peace, faith, and trust” that will move your mountain. God will give you everything you need to conquer satan, all you need to do is ask. Asking God to give you His peace of mind will quiet the troubled waters of your soul. Satan is no match for a praying child of God. You are called to overcome!
I marvel at the love and patience of God. I never would have recognized that I put my worries ahead of God. As a perfect father, he knows when to show us our mistakes and how to rid us of any corruption. God’s message is, “MY CHILDREN, LET NOT YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED. I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS AND UNTIL THE END.” Matthew 28:20 and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Do not let your thoughts or obsessions interfere with your relationship with God. Cast all of your cares upon Him for He cares for you. Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. He will answer your prayers and deliver you from all your fears.
In Christ’s love,
Anita
