Isn't It Strange?

 

Idol Worship:The Worship of Your Own Group

You know... 

...That Certain Small Group you know...

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Romans 16:17-19

..."Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.

For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.

For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil."...

Matthew 7:15-20

...“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

You will know them by their fruits. 

Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?

So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 

A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

So then, you will know them by their fruits."...

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BE CAREFUL OUT THERE! 

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Resentment is Effortless

Gratitude Needs Remembrance

"Only when people remember the good 

others have done for them 

will they have gratitude. 

Unfortunately, 

however, 

most people 

remember the bad people 

have done to them 

far longer than the good. 

Or to put it another way, 

gratitude takes effort; 

resentment is effortless."

Dennis Prager, 

The Rational Bible, Exodus: 

God, Slavery, and Freedom, pg.111

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Ephesians 4:25-32

"Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth 

each one of you with his neighbor,

for we are members of one another.

Be angry, and yet do not sin; 

do not let the sun go down on your anger, 

and do not give the devil an opportunity.

He who steals must steal no longer; 

but rather he must labor, 

performing with his own hands what is good, 

so that he will have something to share 

with one who has need.

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, 

but only such a word as is good for edification 

according to the need of the moment, 

so that it will give grace to those who hear.

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, 

by whom you were sealed 

for the day of redemption.

Let all bitterness and wrath 

and anger 

and clamor 

and slander 

be put away from you, 

along with all malice.

Be kind to one another, 

tender-hearted, 

forgiving each other, 

just as God in Christ also has forgiven you."

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Pride breeds contempt, whispering, selfishness, and haughtiness which multiplies within.

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Proverbs 18

1. He who separates himself seeks his own desire,

He quarrels against all sound wisdom.

8. The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels,

And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.

12. Before destruction the heart of man is haughty,

But humility goes before honor.
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Find true safety in the LORD God Almighty!

10. The name of the Lord is a strong tower;

The righteous runs into it and is safe.

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RUN! RUN to HIM!

The LORD is Your Safety!

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False Humility is a Characteristic of Cults and Cult-Like People

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"Humility is the fear of the Lord;
    

its wages are riches 

and honor 

and life.

In the paths of the wicked 

are snares 

and pitfalls,
    

but 

those who would preserve their life 

stay far from them."

Proverbs 22:4-5

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YIKES!

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1 Corinthians 13

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 

If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,

does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,

does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 

bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away.

For we know in part and we prophesy in part;

but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away.

When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.

But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.

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Pride produces more and more arrogence

In life I have met and I have known many arrogant and prideful persons.  These people have issues, maybe even major issues, but they are nothing, nothing, like pernicious people who are uber-prideful with their evil desire to control and manipulate others for their own devises, their own little kingdoms.  

With every conquest their own pride grows.  You can actually visually see it in them as they believe they have gained even more control over you or others.  How ugly, how gross it is to witness, and it only becomes worse as their prideful, arrogance grows.

A huge issue with people like this is that they are not happy or joyful in life, and it shows on them, in their faces, their postures, their body language.  Their whole being seems to be consumed and aimed at controlling and manipulating others. Their number one job is to be "on top" of whatever is happening so that they never lose control.

Prideful, arrogant people will deny this vehemently. They will argue that they are more joyful and happy than you, they will even preach how godly they are, saying, of course, that they are joyful, but their demeanor betrays their words. Bitterness becomes intertwined in their pride as they become even more ugly on the inside and out.

I have seen bitterness. It is putrid and gross, ugly and offensive, so much so that it makes a person recoil from them----unless you happen to be one of their controlled and manipulated people. If this is you, then you always agree with them, and you help them "back up" on their pedestal of pride. 

Prideful, arrogance.  Can you imagine living like this? It is horrid and gross to think of it.

If this describes you---then quit it! Cry out to God for forgiveness, accept His grace! and apologize to everyone for your sins!
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***If you find that you are one who has been "caught" by a controlling, manipulating, deceitful, prideful, arrogant person, Cry out to God to help you escape! Never fear! He always gives a way to escape!!!! 
1 Corinthians 10:12-14, "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.  Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry."
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Hebrews 12:12-15

"Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble

 and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.

Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. 

See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled"

James 3:13

"Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.

This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. 

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. 

And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

Ephesians 4:25-32

"Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. 

Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 

and do not give the devil an opportunity. 

He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need. 

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. 

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you."

Proverbs 26:24-28

"He who hates disguises it with his lips,

But he lays up deceit in his heart.

When he speaks graciously, do not believe him,

For there are seven abominations in his heart.

Though his hatred covers itself with guile,

His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.

He who digs a pit will fall into it,

And he who rolls a stone, it will come back on him.

A lying tongue hates those it crushes,

And a flattering mouth works ruin."

Galatians 5:13-26

"For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 

For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.

For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,

idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 

envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 

gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 

Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 

Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another."

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Oh, LORD God, save!

How appropriate for today

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If you care, pay attention!

"For by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved!" 2P2:19b

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2 Peter 2

"But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.

Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; 

and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment; 

and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; 

and if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly lives thereafter;

and if He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men 

(for by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds),

then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,

and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority. Daring, self-willed, they do not tremble when they revile angelic majesties,

whereas angels who are greater in might and power do not bring a reviling judgment against them before the Lord.

But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, reviling where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed,

suffering wrong as the wages of doing wrong. They count it a pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are stains and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, as they carouse with you, 

having eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children; 

forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 

but he received a rebuke for his own transgression, for a mute donkey, speaking with a voice of a man, restrained the madness of the prophet.

These are springs without water and mists driven by a storm, for whom the black darkness has been reserved. 

For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error, 

promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved. 

For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 

For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. 

It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A dog returns to its own vomit,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire.”

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LORD, have mercy and save!

Media Etiquette

Thank you to Unlocking the Bible for this resource.  Please check out the whole post, 

15 Questions to Help Christians Follow Jesus on Social Media, from 9/26/13:

1. Are you seeking to glorify God through social media?

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 

(1 Corinthians 10:31)

The foundational question “Are you seeking to glorify God?” can be addressed to any situation in life because we were created to glorify God (Isaiah 43:7). When we stray from our life’s God-given purpose, we quickly fall away from where God wants us to be.

2. Does social media lead you into sin?

If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. (Matthew 5:29)

Social media is itself a morally neutral thing, neither inherently good nor bad. But when put in the hands of sinful human beings, it should be no surprise that it can be used for a host of sinful behaviors: bullying, sinful relationships, sexual perversion, worldly ideas, and allowing yourself to be led astray by bad influences. Pray that God would reveal your sins and the idols that may exist or be fed through social media, and for the grace and power to repent.

3. Does your speech build up or tear down?

From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. (James 3:10)

Social media is rampant with gossip, bullying, pessimism and complaining. Instead of conforming to the world, be a light and use your words to build others up. Know your weaknesses and be on your guard when someone posts something that pushes one of your buttons. Before you post, pray Psalm 19:14: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

4. Do people see the light of Christ in you based on what you post?

…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

Social networks present a unique opportunity to let your light shine before others by show the hope you have in Jesus Christ. You are able to challenge and encourage others to believe in Christ and follow him. Don’t forget the awesome opportunity you have to proclaim to the world the unsearchable riches of Christ!

5. Is social media your master?

“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.” (1 Corinthians 6:12)

Don’t become a slave to the beeping of your phone or computer and always be checking your notifications online. Do you really need to check each notification, or can you check a few times throughout the day? Instead of constantly checking notifications with spare moments, read Scripture, pray, or let your mind rest.

6. Does your use of social media help you redeem the time?

…making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:16)

Let’s be honest: Some social media sites act as a black hole that suck up our time. It can be easy to go on Facebook to “check one thing” and to stay on for an hour. What else could you have done with that hour? Was that making the best use of the short life God has given you?

7. Does your use of social media help you renew your mind in God’s truth?

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)

God can use little moments we give to him throughout our day to grow us, including time on social media. You can use your Facebook and Twitter streams to grow your faith by following accounts that honor God. I have sought to develop the discipline to stop and read Scripture whenever I see it posted to remind me that everything else posted is of limited importance compared to the Word of God that has eternal importance (1 Peter 1:24-25).

8. Do you use social media as a platform to complain?

Do all things without grumbling or disputing… (Philippians 2:14)

Paul had a lot he could have complained about (2 Corinthians 11:23-28), yet he still tells us to “do all things without grumbling or disputing.” Some turn to social media to complain, but God’s will for his children is that they give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Which characterizes you: thankfulness or constant complaining?

9. Do you use social media for unprofitable arguments?

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. (Proverbs 18:2)

There is no shortage of social media arguments about politics, sports, religion – you name it! While some conversations can prove profitable, many others are a waste of time. Instead of arguing with fools, invest your time and energy into something more worthwhile.

10. Do you value social media interactions more than real-life relationships?

You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:39)

God made us for relationships. Increasingly today, these relationships can take place through technology and can make people less social in real life. (So much for social media!) Instead of merely “liking” a picture or favoriting a tweet, invest in real relationships by having meaningful conversations. Take the extra step by letting people important to you know that you care about them. Or take an even greater extra step – actually talk with your friend face-to-face!

11. Does social media make you a healthier and more productive person?

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. (Deuteronomy 6:5)

Social media causes some people to have a shorter attention span, lose sleep, and even be depressed. Is that you? God desires that we honor God with not only our body, but also our entire being. Don’t let social media suck away your ability to follow that command.

12. Do you have any relationships through social media that you should cut off?

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)

Social networks like Facebook and Twitter make it easy to connect with everyone you’ve ever known – for better or for worse. Some of our connections can discourage us in our faith or lure us into sins like gossip, bullying, and rekindling unhealthy relationships. Many divorces today are caused by discontented spouses rekindling old flames on Facebook. Don’t let this happen to you! Exercise godly wisdom and cut off “bad company” that will hinder a holy life.

13. Does social media help you be content?

…godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Timothy 6:6)

Social media can add fuel to the fire of covetousness and insecurity because it can lead us to compare ourselves to others and their relationships, possessions, and lifestyle. Have you ever thought that your friend always posting pictures of their possessions might not be content? The secret to contentment is not having everything you want, but being thankful with what you have. May we learn to be like Paul who learned to be content in every situation (Philippians 4:11-13).

14. Do you use social media to boost your ego?

For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 

(Mark 8:36)

We can believe the lie that we only have value if people follow us or like our posts. If your mood depends on the number of “Likes” or “Retweets” your post receives, you care too much about gaining the approval of man. Rejoice in the fact that the gospel says that God accepts you because of what Christ had done.

15. Do you use social media to hide?

Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give. (Proverbs 25:14)

Have you ever known someone who acts cool online but is a radically different person in real life? Unfortunately, social media can act as a mask hiding our true identity. The root of this issue is pride – we want people to think we are cool and have it all together. Remember the truth of James 4:10: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”

Gossip #4 Finally! Final Thoughts

Oh, ugh...My goodness....Here I am again writing about Gossip.  I have to admit that I am sick of this subject.  I suppose this may be because of the painful memories I have had to contemplate just to write only minute (tiny) parts to make a point.  It is no wonder it has taken 3 years to post this information on Gossip.

In my first post, "Thoughts on Gossip", I was thankful for the commenter who pointed out how abusers can further abuse their victims by unjustly accusing them of gossiping.

Anonymous said:

"I would add this: "gossip" is often an accusation leveled at abuse victims who are trying to seek help and counsel. It's a means of trying to make them be quiet, and not bring the wicked deeds of the abusers to the light."

We have certainly dealt with these accusations through all of these years from our own pernicious "certain group of people" ( Grand Manipulators/Controllers).

After a person has been manipulated and controlled, I do not think they can ever forget the feelings, the fear, the anxiousness of when they were controlled by their Abusers.  They now have "Red Flags" popping up all throughout their life in all sorts of subject matters.  It is like a door has been opened to detect deception. 

"Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears"

anonymous

I have heard it said that former abuse victims can see the "Red Flags" of others (manipulators and controllers) even though other people do not see it.

Note:

Although this is a really good thing for the former victims, sometimes other 'normal' people may scoff at you for being so "critical" of others. We have certainly seen this in so many Christians who are not thinking Biblically, but only with their feelings.  

Do not discount your "Red Flags", but be cautious as you deal with other people.

Reality:

When the Abuser continues to try to control you even when you are no longer part of them, these horrible feelings can be 'front and center' to some degree. I can remember how I used to handle their accusations, with fear and trembling, until time passed and I remembered who I was in Christ and, then, I finally began to think rightly even when they would accuse. Praise God!

Abusers definitely want to hide their sins!  After all, they have put themselves way up on that (unholy) pedestal they built for themselves.  It has taken years of manipulations and control of innocent people they have used and abused.    

When you (one of their victims) actually speaks up and points out their evil, they can not allow this! They must do all they can to discredit you and destroy you, if you do not obey and be quiet.  They will use all their minions (the other victims of their manipulation and control) to where you begin to question yourself because in the past you have trusted the minions!

Just one of a zillion examples I could share:

We have never shared everything of our ordeals of our agony out in public, but we have asked for prayer once in a while. The Manipulators' sins are already known, one reason is because they have a huge history of their behavior and the other is because the whole church body knew. In the past our counselors have tried to speak with our Manipulators privately.  I say all this to show that the Manipulators really do not know all that we have shared, only that we have spoken with certain others. 

*Anyone who is deceptive will assume evil is being perpetrated against them.  This is where their minds go.

*It is really a gross thing to "watch" pernicious people connive in their evil schemes.

My one example: Years later out of the blue we were told, "you can see 'so and so' if you repent and communicate to everyone all over the world and telling them that you are the evil people."

The ridiculousness of this demand was laughable, if it wasn't so tragic.  

Can you see the "Red Flags"?

Today:

We live in the long standing accusations for years now.  It is a difficult road, but the LORD is with us.  We have His Word, and He gave us trusted, solid Christian friends who we counsel us when the manipulators mess with our thinking.  Meanwhile, we live our lives for the LORD and glorify His name.

Two more thoughts:

Sin, any sin, can lead to a deeper sin and then to other sins.  Gossip is just one of the sins.  You need to realize that what you feed is what will grow. Stop feeding your sins!

Galatians 5:13-15

"For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 

For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

Gossip #3 Watch out for the Red Flags of Gossip

In the past we have dealt with a "certain group of people" who claimed Jesus’ precious name.  We trusted them, loved them, shared our lives with them -- but only to realize in the end that we were lied to, betrayed, used by them, and abused by them. 

How did all this happen, and why didn’t we actually recognize their true behavior before we were taken in by them?  

We have many thoughts about this which may have been factors in the “how” and “why” we couldn’t recognize their true characters, nonetheless, it happened and we certainly have learned from our experience with them.

We were with this “certain group of people” for about 3 years, but even after our departure they have still tried to perniciously manipulate and control us. 

I say “our departure”, but it was actually the LORD who “blew” us out of there, although not without great agonies with which we still live.

In my blog post, “Gossip #2”, I dealt with gossip at work.  My solution was to not stay around those women who were gossiping. If one of them had asked me why I wasn’t there any more I would have shared with them my reason, but because it was a work environment I didn’t think it would have been appropriate to share it out right.

Years later it was a different situation, though, when we met this “certain group of people”.  As we got to know them we noticed their love of talking about others.  Every time we were with them they had to gossip.  They relished it.   

By this time, although we did not realize it, we were already under their manipulation and control where there was a huge undercurrent of whatever it was (their scary control of us and others) and so we said nothing to them.  Yes, it was fear, but we did not think rightly about it at that time, so how we handled it was to just change the subject.

Every time they began to gossip we kindly found a way to change the subject.  It became our exhausting job in this cult-like group of people to politely change the subject “to help them” (we thought) to stop gossiping about others.

Well, as you can imagine, it never worked at all.  They would just go back to talking about others. 

Why didn't changing the subject ever work for us?  

Changing the subject was not the solution.  The solution was to come alongside them, and gently point out their sin so that they could choose to get right with the LORD on their own.

I can pretty well say what would have happened in this cult-like group if we had done the Biblical thing, coming alongside them and helping them realize their sin ~ we would have been "in trouble", "only spoken to by them with their teeth gritted", and eventually shunned, all of which are Red Flags pointing you to get out!

So what is the Red Flag to look out for when you are with others who claim the name of Jesus?  

Gossip

Although we live in the agonies brought about by this "certain group of people", we praise the LORD for setting us free from them, we continue to cry out to Him, draw closer to Him, and trust Him with our very lives.

Praises to our Almighty God!