The Idolatry of God

With first glance at the title, this phrase may seem oxymoronic because aren’t Christians to idolize God. Well, the short answer to that inquiry is yes AND no. Allow me to explain. Through study of God’s word and observation of current societal trends I have noticed a growing enticement of Satan’s deception. And this one is so completely twisted, because it involves the use of the Creator Himself. There are several individuals who identify with the Christian faith and would go as far to deem themselves “Christians”. However, in the words of the Father, “…this people draw near Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips but remove their hearts and minds far from Me, and their fear and reverence for Me are a commandment of men that is learned by repetition [without any thought as to the meaning].”(Isaiah 29:13 AMP)

Wow! There are literally establishments of Christian origin where parishioners worship God and partake in the many traditions of Christianity (communion, washing of feet, casting out of spirits, praying, fasting, etc.), but their practiced mechanics lack heart. People in such churches and organizations have been a part of this charades game for so long that they are oblivious to the fact that GOD is not associated with their worship. They are being led by demons, seducing spirits, familiar spirits, and those who impersonate the acts of God; and are completely clueless! Don’t think for two seconds that demons can’t preach the house down like any other godly preacher—it’s possible, and it’s happening!

I’ll prove it. Think back for a moment to Moses in the Bible. When He was sent to Pharaoh by God to demand that He set the children of Israel free, remember what happened? Every sign and wonder God gave Moses to perform (rod turning to serpent, turning Nile river to blood, etc.), Pharaoh had his own team of magicians who were capable of the same thing (see Exodus 7)! This is still present today people. Satan has up’d the ante and is using the Prince of Peace to push his product to those immune to the detriments of “rules and regulations” Christianity. It is imperative that as Christians we know God, and not just know about Him. We must formulate a personal relationship with Him through daily Bible reading, prayer, meditation on the Word of God, and routine dying to self. For this is the only way we give God the pure worship that He requires of His followers (see John 4:24).

It’s amazing the number of “believers” I come into contact with who live in fear, follow their own desires and lusts, habitually live in sin, and hate earthly brothers and sisters, and yet call themselves Christians. NOT SO! God is making the separation between those who truly love Him (see John 14:15; 21; 23) and those who mechanically worship Him like any other genie or lucky charm. It’s time to know for certain that you follow the true and living God, and not a watered down version of him being superimposed by your local community demon. This battle is real and you better know for certain that God knows you because of the personal relationship that validates you as His.

Wearing a crucifix around your neck is no longer going to cut the mustard. As a matter of fact take that off because Christ is alive, well, and waiting for your pure and unadulterated worship!

Nikki D

Be Dumb Like Zacharias or Blessed Like Mary

While reading Luke 1, this morning, I was dramatically shown the importance of how one responds to a word from the Lord. As I read the account given by Luke, it begin with detailing the priestly duty of burning incense in the temple assigned to Zacharias. He loved God, and was devoted to carrying out his lot according to the will of his heavenly Father. As the story continues, however, we see Zacharias make a misstep in his belief system. When the angel, Gabriel, visits him in the temple and confirms that his prayer has been answered, and that his barren (and old) wife, Elisabeth would bare a child called John, he was immediately struck with unbelief. He questioned Gabriel saying, “Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years” (18). This faithless doubt led to a sentence of dumbness cast over Zacharias until the tidings of the angel were come to past. “And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.” (20).

Five months later Gabriel is sent out from heaven to again deliver a message of conception to another unsuspecting candidate; this time Mary is the chosen recipient. When he visits her, he informs her that she will conceive the Savior of the world supernaturally without having ever slept with a man. Now, this declaration would be heavy to accept according to current societal standards, so imagine the news in this time period! But, the response of Mary to such sayings is what has now made her name and faith legendary throughout history. “And Mary said,… be it unto me according to thy word” (38).

The same message was given to each candidate by an angel of the Lord. Both parties were instructed that the naturally impossible was to become a vivid reality in their lives, as willed by God. It’s the response, however, that made the difference in their journeys toward the manifestation of the word spoken over them. One would think that Zacharias, being a priest, would immediately be believing of anything that took place spiritually from the Lord. He was used to dealing with the supernatural on a daily bases. However, his title (and job description) here, held no weight where his faith was lacking. Mary, on the other hand, was an ordinary young lady set to marry soon. But, her willingness to receive, and later conceive the message of an angelic hosts proves faith resides outside of, and can possibly override or undermine ones title. Mary was able to believe outside of her feelings and circumstances; and hence, is one of the most revered women in history.

How YOU respond to impossibility in this season, will be a direct correlation to what you receive in this New Year. Blessings or dumbness, you choose. In both scenarios the word of God manifested in the form of birth, but the players involved chose their positioning by their faith (or lack thereof).

What is God asking you to believe today? What is the impossibility that God is saying is possible but you doubt? What will you choose today, blessing or dumbness? Faith or doubt? The answer to your manifestation rides on your choosing. “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (37)!


Choose wisely,

Nikki D