Is Yoga for Christians? Yoga in Church

On March 31, 2020May 4, 2022 By Ancient PathsIn bible study, news, prophecy, shaking, Spiritual Warfare, Teaching, warning6 Comments

I love to workout, I love the gym, and now in quarantine, enjoy a good dose of youtube workouts ranging from dance, kick boxing, taebo, weights, cardio- you name it – it keeps me going. (Yes, I blog and despite the world’s perception of us, I’m not a big blob of fat and epidermis sitting here with unbrushed hair and last night’s food crusted on my face as I sit here typing, studying, reading and researching)

Let me tell you about my experience with yoga…. I LOVED YOGA, yes, loved it. Wow, I felt really good after each class. A serious Yogi instructor from India was our teacher. I did all the poses super good.( So proud of myself) I came out of each class feeling strong , super stress free and great..However, during the entire class, my conscience would be arguing with me (Or was it God’s Spirit?) that I needed to stop doing yoga. In each class, I had this ongoing inner debate going on about why I was okay to do Yoga. I would pray to God in the poses, and had no idea what the chants meant, but I would talk to God and pray while I did it, thinking, yeah I’m cool. However, my inner arguments during this awesome class were now with God. I said, come on Lord, you know I only worship you. The inner disturbance was too intense for me, so I switched yoga classes from the Yogi to a regular workout teacher with less chanting noises and so on. I mean, it’s just a workout class…..

The inner argument still came back! I was getting annoyed. I went home and did a little research. I did not like what I saw. One site after another warned about yoga for Christians. I told myself they were all crazy! I didn’t want to believe it. Yet the intensity of my inner debate with God was ruining my special time in yoga. So finally I prayed about it and my prayer went something like this: ” Dear Lord, I really like yoga, but if it’s something you don’t want me doing, I won’t do it. My relationship with you is much more important to me. I don’t know how you’re going to tell me this, I don’t know if you’re going to come down and tell me or what, but you need to let me know and I’ll stop” Prayer ends.

A week or two goes by and forgetting my prayer, I go to yoga class. I walk in, I roll my mat on the floor, take off my shoes – while I’m still standing…… and suddenly my entire body freezes – like I’m paralyzed. I couldn’t bend down to get on the mat. I couldn’t bend down to get my shoes. I was stuck in a board like position staring in the mirror, looking at all the people around me setting up their spaces for yoga class. They had no idea that my body had just turned into a stone like statue unable to move. Do I scream? I was shocked and terrified. I immediately remember my prayer and I’m also really really scared that I’m frozen. It felt like my legs and entire torso and arms were unmovable. I realize I can move my lower leg a little bit so I pick up my mat and shoes with my toes and walk out. As soon as I’m out of the door, I’m completely normal again. Say what you want, but that was my message, never never never going back, not going to mess with God about that, no way.

Let’s get to the facts:

Yoga means united and yoked, there’s just no way getting around the reality of that, and who do you think you’re yoking with? All the poses are worship stances to gods – yes, you already knew that but won’t admit it’s wrong. I know, I was there. This is very much like the idea of bringing the Hindu Color Run into churches (Christian view of the Color Run) Hosea 7:8 comes to mind now, God tells Ephraim – you have mixed yourself among the people, you are a cake unturned, worthless as a half baked cake.

I linked websites below for you to check out yourself. In the article from crosswalk.com, you will find a few of the poses and names. For instance, one popular pose done in warm ups and cool downs is called the sun salutation. They are poses designed to greet the Hindu sun god. (Dt 17:”1-7 If there is found among you any man or woman who has been wicked in the sight of the Lord your God in transgressing His covenant AND WHO HAS GONE AND SERVED OTHER GODS AND WORSHIPED THEM, EITHER THE SUN OR MOON OR ANY OF THE HOST OF HEAVEN…..)If you are into yoga or an instructor, you may be very mad right now, but understand there are many other things you can do besides yoga. If you’re an instructor, you are not only harming yourself, but everyone in your class. You have a responsibility to stop. I believe yoga can bring on demonic oppression and well as possession.

I know a lot of readers won’t like this and have all kinds of arguments to speak back, but remember for a minute how satan works. He uses some truth and twists it, he is the master deceiver. There’s a lot more behind the ways of yoga, meditation and new age today that seem so innocent. Meditation is in the bible – we are told to meditate on the Word of God – if you really want to find healing and peace – Meditate on Scripture – It’s life changing! Yoga is directly linked to Shiva and the Kundalini spirit, “serpent energy”.

Does it glorify God? Are you glorifying your Maker and Creator as you stretch in poses that are originally meant to worship demonic deities? I really just wanted to share my story with you. Please take the time to do more research (and links I’ve attached) and not take it on your understanding to make it right, let it be God’s way that leads you- not your way.

As a follower of Christ, you are called to be Holy as He is Holy. Placing yourself in a Hindu ritual of poses that are intended to worship gods, is not a place for a Christ follower who strives for a relationship and holy walk with the Lord.

Yet, I know some don’t agree, but don’t worry, you’ll come around because I’ve already prayed for you!

Consider these Verses

Take care that you be not ensnared to follow them, after they have been destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire about their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods?—that I also may do the same.’ You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way, for every abominable thing that the Lord hates they have done for their gods, for they even burn their sons and their daughters in the fire to their gods. Deuteronomy 12:30-31

Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned– as worthless as a half baked cake.Hosea 7:8

For You have forsaken Your people, the house of Jacob, Because they are filled with eastern ways; Isaiah 2: 6

You have put pagan symbols on your doorposts and behind your doors. You have left me and climbed into bed with these detestable gods. You have committed yourselves to them You love to look at their naked bodies. Isaiah 57:8. (none of the deities of Hindu are wearing clothes)

But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed. 2 Cor 11:3

Do not inquire about their gods, saying, ‘How do these nations worship their gods? I want to follow their example.’ You must not worship the Lord your God the way the other nations worship their gods,

Do not follow the abominations of other nations Dt 18:9

I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you Romans 12:1-2

So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God’s grace, not from rules about food, which don’t help those who follow them. Hebrews 13:9

Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge 1 Tim 6:20

Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple 1 Cor 3:16 ( Do you think it’s okay to continue to do poses to demons, follow teachings from demons with the Holy Spirit of God in you? Amos 3:3-Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction? and 2 Cor 6:14-16 How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols?)

the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.1 Tim 4:1 (Yoga is a teaching given to them from deities – demons)

For more info-

If you’re not really sure, ask God , pray about it. He will answer you.

Short story I want to share on answered prayer- years ago I was volunteering in my children’s school with the book fair. The book fair had just opened up and class by class was beginning to come in to buy books (K-8th). The first class comes in and immediately heads for the witchcraft, spells, demonic and death books. I kept trying to lead them to something more intelligent or more captivating, but they all gathered around this one section. My heart was so sad for these kids. The next class come in, they did the same thing. I did not know what to do. When that class left and while waiting for the next class to come in, I paced the area the kids were drawn to and I prayed over the area, I prayed non stop asking the Lord to protect them from these books and not let one child come this way to purchase these books on spells, witchcraft, horror , demons, etc. I’m praying, praying….The next class – same age, same grade- comes in NOT ONE CHILD CAME INTO THIS SECTION -and they were the most popular books at that time. I stayed for the rest of the day and continued to pray and it was amazing. It was as if God had stationed 2 angels there and throughout the time I was there, not one child was even remotely interested in looking at books in that area. It’s true! Say a Prayer, He hears, He answers. He is a God of the impossible.

The serpent asked the woman; “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” Gen 3:1

Satan is after your kids- Protect them. 1 Peter 5 & Joel 1:3

On September 5, 2012September 5, 2012 By Ancient PathsIn bible study, Spiritual Warfare, warning11 Comments

My title may be a bit blunt, but this is the message the Lord has been teaching me over the last few months. Satan’s easiest target is your child. Satan is sly and deceiving and ready to destroy God’s people. We need to be alert at all times, watching over our children. Do you know who is after your child? 1 Peter 5:8 tells us “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”
The Lord has shown me how our enemy is after our children. If you do any research on lions, you will find that they seek out the youngest of the herds. They know they are the easiest target and don’t have a fighting chance. The Lord is trying to teach us about our enemy and how he works. Sure- he’s out to destroy everyone, but the easiest prey – is your child. It is our responsibility as parents to guard them and their hearts. In Proverbs 4: 23, King Solomon said:

Guard your heart above all else,for it determines the course of your life.
Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech.
Look straight ahead,and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.
Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.
(notice what affects the heart:words, what we see, where we go,what we hear)

Movies, TV shows, magazines, music, books- they are all affecting your child. What are you putting in your child’s heart? Sorcery? Witchcraft (Disney channel)? Promiscuity? foul language? Please don’t be fooled! It’s shaping your child’s future and they way they think.

Who exactly are you fighting? evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. You must put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against the strategies of the devil read more….

God gives us instructions:
Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, so that as long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Deut 11:19-21

When are we to teach our children?

when we are at home
when we are on the road
when you go to bed
when you wake up
everyday and every moment

Again, the Lord commands us :
“to teach them to their children” so the next generation might know them— even the children not yet born— and they in turn will teach their own children.
So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. Then they will not be like their ancestors— stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God ps 78:5

“And what does he want? Godly children from your union” Malachi 2:13-17

Tell your children: Tell your children about it in the years to come,
and let your children tell their children. Pass the story down from generation to generation Joel 1:3

This world we live in today is manipulating parents with the things it promotes. I hear some parents say that as long as they are reading, it doesn’t matter what it is they are reading…really? So would you serve candy bars for breakfast and serve cheese doodle for lunch? Certainly you care about their health…so what is more important to you? Their stomach or their heart? It’s clear from scripture that the very thoughts we think, the things we see and the words we hear go into our hearts and then flow out into our lives. Be Careful, be careful. Jesus said in Luke 6 :45A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. What are you putting into your child’s heart?

Warning: “But be careful. Don’t let your heart be deceived so that you turn away from the Lord and serve and worship other gods. If you do, the Lord’s anger will burn against you. Deut 11:16 Do you serve any other gods/idols? Do you put anything before God? Hmmm what is the first thing you think about when you wake up? That is a good test of the heart. Is it praise? or something else?

I do not understand why children’s movies have so much foul language! Why is God’s name used in vain constantly? We have become so desensitized to this that we either ignore it or shrug it off like it’s nothing. I am not sitting here as Ms. Perfect Christian Parent!!!! No way! I fall short – more often than I’d like to admit. It hasn’t been easy to fit church, youth groups, and children’s bible classes into my schedule- there’s been plenty of times where I just didn’t want to go- I’m tired! However, I can see the rewards and the fruit of all the years I have invested- and still many more years to go. Even now I’m in a bit of a dilemma with my schedule, one child being on swim team will eliminate our family night Wednesday bible studies..hmm so what should I do? Forget church and go forward with swim team in hopes of a college scholarship or stop and go to church and trust God to help us. Whenever I decide to put God first, somehow everything seems to work perfectly. I tell our soccer coaches, we leave wednesdays at 6:45 no matter what and I rearrange cheerleading so I can make that one hour on wednesday night. You will find that if you put the Lord first, He will take care of everything you need and it will work out better than you thought – and it will bless your life. :0)

You see, we think there is no time for church or God…. I see it everywhere. I think many parents today think that because they were raised in a church, they are saved… hoping salvation runs in the genes for their kids salvation-but it doesn’t work that way. Why is it that your child does not know Jesus? What is your priority? Sports, clubs, money or Salvation? This is your responsibility- the guardian of your child’s soul. If you don’t have 1 hour to give the Lord out of the 168 hours a week He gives you, then you are either too busy or really don’t care. okay, okay…. I hear you, some of you don’t like church – well join the club, and just go- or find a way to teach your children about the Lord. Form a small group, or a bible study. If you absolutely refuse to go to church, get creative- because excuses don’t work with the Lord

This is great advice. If you don’t know which way to go, scripture instructs us to “stop”, “look”, and then ask. We will then find the path we are to travel and find rest for our souls.

Be careful! That you and your children are not cut off:

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

SATAN IS AFTER YOUR KIDS! WITH FALSE TEACHING, DECEPTION, AND LIES.

Hosea 4:6 My people are being destroyed because they don’t know me. Since you priests refuse to know me, I refuse to recognize you as my priests. Since you have forgotten the laws of your God, I will forget to bless your children.

Hosea 5:7 They have betrayed the honor of the LORD, bearing children that are not his. Now their false religion will devour them along with their wealth

Ecclesiastes 12:1 Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore

Proverbs 22:6 Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

Psalm 22:30 Our children will also serve him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord

Psalm 115:14 May the LORD richly bless both you and your children

Deuteronomy 4:10 Then they will learn to fear me as long as they live, and they will teach their children to fear me also.’

Deuteronomy 11:19Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up

Psalm 78:5 For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children

Psalm 78:6 so the next generation might know them— even the children not yet born— and they in turn will teach their own children

How can we teach our children? I’m sure there are many ways of teaching our children about the Lord, but the best way is to be an example. Do they see you praying? studying? worshipping? What do they see you reading? watching on tv? Be an example, teach them the fear of the Lord, take the extra step to lead them along the godly paths. You will not be disappointed, but the Lord will bless you for your obedience. Remember, we reap what we sow. What are you sowing?

Micah 1:2-4 Attention! Let all the people of the world listen!
    Let the earth and everything in it hear.
The Sovereign Lord is making accusations against you;
    the Lord speaks from his holy Temple.
Look! The Lord is coming!
    He leaves his throne in heaven
    and tramples the heights of the earth.
The mountains melt beneath his feet
    and flow into the valleys
like wax in a fire,
    like water pouring down a hill.
.And why is this happening?
    Because of the rebellion of Israel^[a]—
    yes, the sins of the whole nation.
Who is to blame for Israel’s rebellion?
    Samaria, its capital city!
Where is the center of idolatry in Judah?
    In Jerusalem, its capital!…..
Oh, people of Judah, shave your heads in sorrow,
    for the children you love will be snatched away.
Make yourselves as bald as a vulture,
    for your little ones will be exiled to distant lands.

Pray for our children. Prayer is powerful and it works! ( speaking of this- Stormie OMartian’s book “the Power of a Praying Parent” is a good book with great prayers and scriptures to speak over your children) There are so many dangers out there that we do not see. There are so many things that are hurting our children, yet we don’t see it. The things we don’t think can harm our children, can..ask the Lord for discernment. I see the lion prowling around, and he has a plan of destruction, that no one sees. He doesn’t want you to teach your child or parent them. He wants to separate us from our children. Everything satan is doing now is deception and many think it is unharmful, but this lion is about to pounce and devour it’s prey. Open your eyes and fight back.

Scripture makes it clear- we are to teach our children day and night about the Lord. Are we walking in obedience or making excuses? Decide today who you will serve. May the Lord bless you, and always and everywhere keep your children and other believers covered in prayer. May the peace and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Hear the Word of the Lord:
My people are being destroyed
because they don’t know me.
Since you priests refuse to know me,
I refuse to recognize you as my priests.
Since you have forgotten the laws of your God,
I will forget to bless your children.
Hosea 4:6

Know and understand the schemes of the enemy. Eph 6

Who I am in Christ – Encouragement for the weary soul. Rejoice! You are chosen and loved beyond measure.

On July 9, 2012July 10, 2012 By Ancient PathsIn bible study, Spiritual Warfare10 Comments

In Christ Jesus,

I am now alive in Christ, because I was dead in my trangressions and sins.
I have eternal life, the gift of God
I am not condemned
I am forgiven. God forgives me
I cannot be separated from His love.Nothing can separate you from the Love of God
I am chosen, a child of the Most High God, an heir to the inheritance of the saints and loved beyond measure.
I am the righteousness of God
We are all members of one body
I have been given grace
I have righteousness, holiness, and redemption
I will be made alive
all the promises of God are Yes and Amen! In Him.
I believe ; the veil is taken away so that we may see and understand.
I am anointed and made to stand firm. The Lord God makes us stand firm and He anointed us in Christ Jesus
I can speak before God with sincerity as those sent from God
I am a new creation and the old has gone, the new is here!
My sins are not counted against me, but through Jesus, God reconciled the world to himself in Christ
I have freedom from condemnation, death, and the slavery to sin
I am justified by faith in Christ, not works. So we put our faith in Christ Jesus because no one is justified by the law
I am a child of God, and heir to the inheritance of Abraham through faith
We are all one- Jew and Gentile, slave or free, male or female
I have been blessed in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ
I have been marked with a seal- sealed with the Promise of the Holy Spirit- protected for I am His awaiting eternal life with Him
I have been raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms
I have access to the throne of Grace
I have the promise of the Holy Spirit within me to lead me and teach me
I can now go boldly to the Throne of Grace before the Living and Holy God- the secret place in the heavenlies
I have been brought near (But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ)
I am showered with His grace and Kindness
I am God’s handiwork, created to do good works, which God prepared in advance for me to do.
I boast in Him, for I put no confidence in the flesh
I am a work in progress –He never gives up on me, because He who started a good work in me will continue it to the end
I am protected and forgiven, all the promises of His word are for me- to protect, to heal, to knock down strongholds, to help me, lead me and teach me
I have been chosen. John 15:16 Luke 10:22
I have the righteousness of God the Father
God calls me heavenward to press on toward the goal to win the prize
My heart and mind are guarded: the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus
My God will meet all my needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus
I have faith and a love for all people
I am firm in my faith and disciplined
I live
I have been raised with Him and set my heart on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God
the dead shall rise first
I can praise Him in my storms and trials. I can give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for me (Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.)
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time
I have obtained salvation with eternal glory
I am bold and courageous
I live a godly life and do not fear man’s insults nor do I fear any weapon formed against me- for it shall not prosper
I have been called to his eternal glory, and even if I suffer for a while, He will restore me and make me strong, firm and steadfast
His promises are for Me because I believe
I have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ because I have been justified by faith
I was given the right to become a child of God because I received Him and believed in His name
I am no longer called a servant, but His friend
I am united and one with Him in the Spirit
I was purchased and bought at a great price
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, ¹⁴in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
All things in my life will work out for good because I love the Lord and have been called according to His purpose
I am saved and forgiven. He intercedes on my behalf. Praise His Name!
I can obtain Mercy in my time of need as I approach His Throne
I am an heir of God through Christ
I am strengthened and can do ALL things. That is yea and amen! For all God’s promises are true in Christ

Proof! Hear the Word of the Lord:

Romans 6:11In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:1[ Life Through the Spirit ] Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
Romans 8:39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 12:5so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
1 Corinthians 1:4 I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 1:30It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
1 Corinthians 15:18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.
1 Corinthians 15:22For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
2 Corinthians 1:20For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us,
2 Corinthians 2:17Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.
2 Corinthians 3:14But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away.
2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:19that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
Galatians 2:4 believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves.
Galatians 2:16know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.
Galatians 3:26So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith,
Galatians 3:28There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Ephesians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Ephesians 1:12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,
Ephesians 2:1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,
Ephesians 2:6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,
Ephesians 2:7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:10For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 3:6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 4:32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Philippians 3:3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—
Philippians 3:9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.
Philippians 3:14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 1:4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people—
Colossians 2:5For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
Colossians 2:9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,
Colossians 2:10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.
Colossians 2:17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.
Colossians 3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
1 Thessalonians 2:14 For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews
1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 1:14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 3:13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 1:9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,
2 Timothy 1:13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 2:10Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
2 Timothy 3:12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
2 Timothy 3:15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Philemon 1:8 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do,
Philemon 1:20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.
1 Peter 3:16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
1 Peter 5:14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Romans 3:22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,
Galatians 3:22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God —I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit. You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³²He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died —more than that, who was raised to life —is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. John 1:12, 5:15, Romans 8:28-34, Romans 5:1,Col 1:13-14^,Hebrews 4:16

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
1John 5:16-18 Galatians 4:7Philippians 4:7 Philippians 4:13

Ephesians 1:18-20: I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,

LORD, why do the Wicked Prosper?

On June 20, 2012November 18, 2012 By Ancient PathsIn bible study, Spiritual Warfare31 Comments

Lord, you always give me justice
    when I bring a case before you.
So let me bring you this complaint:
Why are the wicked so prosperous?
    Why are evil people so happy?
You have planted them,
    and they have taken root and prospered.
Your name is on their lips,
    but you are far from their hearts.
But as for me, Lord, you know my heart.
    You see me and test my thoughts.
Drag these people away like sheep to be butchered!
    Set them aside to be slaughtered! Jeremiah 12

Lord,why do the wicked prosper? Why do they seem to have power? Why have the godly been silenced in their presence- or at least made to feel like they are not allowed to speak up? I’ve been asking the Lord this in my prayers for the last few months as I see the wicked prosper and those around me falling into all the world has to offer….but I can Praise God! Because He always answers me. Every time I have asked the Lord this question, I have immediately (without knowing) opened up to Psalm 37 or another verse (listed below) that answers my questions, gives me hope and tells me “Do not worry”. Apparently I’m not the only one who asks the Lord this question. David, Jeremiah,Psalmist Asaph (ps 73) and Habukkuk felt the same way. Almost every day I have found new scripture that answers me and each time the Lord reminds me not to worry about it, nor fret.

THIS EARTHY KINGDOM IS FUELED BY……………

Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. John 18:36

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places Ephesians 6;12 (note also Ezekiel 28 the King of Tyre is a spiritual being that is addressed, where tyre itself and it’s prince is addressed as a people)

And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness 1 John 5:19

( 4 Terrifying Lion Dreams Warfare ) You see, satan is prowling around- they don’t see it and they are not worried- but there is terror ahead, in fact, closer than they could image. Why should he attack them now? That would ruin his plans, because the wicked recruit others for him. The wickedness grows greater and greater and they are blind to the consequences of their sin. Do I want the wicked to die? NO, but I do want wickedness to stop. I love this verse:

Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously. Is 55:7

“Among my people are wicked men
    who lie in wait for victims like a hunter hiding in a blind.
They continually set traps
    to catch people.
²⁷Like a cage filled with birds,
    their homes are filled with evil plots.
    And now they are great and rich.
²⁸They are fat and sleek,
    and there is no limit to their wicked deeds.
They refuse to provide justice to orphans
    and deny the rights of the poor.
²⁹Should I not punish them for this?” says the Lord.
    “Should I not avenge myself against such a nation?
³⁰A horrible and shocking thing
    has happened in this land—
³¹the prophets give false prophecies,
    and the priests rule with an iron hand.
Worse yet, my people like it that way! Jer 5:27-

Many want to turn but they don’t know how. If only they knew- that turning back to God is as easy as turning around. The devil wants them to think they could never change and that their lifestyle is impossible to leave, but no so! I saw the Lord’s hands reached out to those who had fallen from the path- come back! Turn around! He calls… But in despair and hopelessness many don’t turn back to God- they continue to hear the lies of Satan telling them of their unworthiness. He tells them they can never leave and whispers blasphemy in their minds causing them to despise the living God. Pray for those who have been misled and the next generation- May righteousness reign and may the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong.

Romans 1 tells us that although the wicked seem to prosper from the world’s point of view- their minds are dark and confused. The Lord has God abandoned them and they suffered within themselves … what a horrible place to be! (Romans 1:18-28)

Enough of my talk! Here’s some scripture the Lord showed me after I asked Him this question. Great promises and a lot to think about. I’d like to discuss further, but that could take all day. So I leave you with the scripture, the living word of God- may it bless you today.

Dont Worry about it! Don’t Fret (I keep singing the don’t worry be happy song)

Ps 37:1-2 Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.

Ps 37 Soon the wicked will disappear. Though you look for them, they will be gone. The wicked wait in ambush for the godly, looking for an excuse to kill them.But the Lord will not let the wicked succeed or let the godly be condemned when they are put on trial

Jeremiah 5:28 They are fat and sleek and there is no limit to their wicked deeds. They refuse to provide justice to orphans and deny the rights of the poor.

Psalm 73:3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Jeremiah 12:1: Righteous art thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously?

Habakkuk 1:4 The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted

Jeremiah 11:20 O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, you make righteous judgments, and you examine the deepest thoughts and secrets. Let me see your vengeance against them, for I have committed my cause to you

Jeremiah 5:27-28 Like a cage filled with birds, their homes are filled with evil plots. And now they are great and rich. They are fat and sleek, and there is no limit to their wicked deeds. They refuse to provide justice to orphans and deny the rights of the poor

Psalm 10
O Lord, why do you stand so far away?
Why do you hide when I am in trouble?
The wicked arrogantly hunt down the poor
Let them be caught in the evil they plan for others.
For they brag about their evil desires;
they praise the greedy and curse the Lord.
The wicked are too proud to seek God. They seem to think that God is dead.
Yet they succeed in everything they do. They do not see your punishment awaiting them. They sneer at all their enemies.
They think, “Nothing bad will ever happen to us!
We will be free of trouble forever!”
Their mouths are full of cursing, lies, and threats. Trouble and evil are on the tips of their tongues. They lurk in ambush in the villages, waiting to murder innocent people.
They are always searching for helpless victims.
Like lions crouched in hiding, they wait to pounce on pounce on the helpless.
Like hunters they capture the helpless
and drag them away in nets.
Their helpless victims are crushed; they fall beneath the strength of the wicked.
The wicked think, “God isn’t watching us! He has closed his eyes and won’t even see what we do!”
Arise, O Lord!
Punish the wicked, O God! Do not ignore the helpless!
Why do the wicked get away with despising God?
They think, “God will never call us to account.”
But you see the trouble and grief they cause. You take note of it and punish them .The helpless put their trust in you.

Ps37
Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong.
For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither.
Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you.
He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.
Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.
Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.
Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm.
For the wicked will be destroyed but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.
Soon the wicked will disappear. Though you look for them, they will be gone.
The lowly will possess the land and will live in peace and prosperity.
The wicked plot against the godly; they snarl at them in defiance.
But the Lord just laughs, for he sees their day of judgment coming.
The wicked draw their swords and string their bows to kill the poor and the oppressed, to slaughter those who do right.
But their swords will stab their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.
It is better to be godly and have little than to be evil and rich.For the strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the Lord takes care of the godly.
Day by day the Lord takes care of the innocent,and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever.
They will not be disgraced in hard times; even in famine they will have more than enough.
but the wicked will die. The Lord’s enemies are like flowers in a field— they will disappear like smoke.
The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers. Those the Lord blesses will possess the land, but those he curses will die.
The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.
Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned
or their children begging for bread.
The godly always give generous loans to others, and their children are a blessing.
Turn from evil and do good, and you will live in the land forever.
For the Lord loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly.
He will keep them safe forever, but the children of the wicked will die.
The godly will possess the land and will live there forever.
The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong.
They have made God’s law their own, so they will never slip from his path.
The wicked wait in ambush for the godly, looking for an excuse to kill them.
But the Lord will not let the wicked succeed
or let the godly be condemned when they are put on trial.
Put your hope in the Lord. Travel steadily along his path.
He will honor you by giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed.
I have seen wicked and ruthless people flourishing like a tree in its native soil.
But when I looked again, they were gone! Though I searched for them, I could not find them!
Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace.
But the rebellious will be destroyed; they have no future.
The Lord rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble.
The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked.
He saves them, and they find shelter in him.

Ps 73
Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.
They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.
When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
As a dream when one awaketh so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.

Isaiah 57:
Are you afraid of these idols? Do they terrify you?
Is that why you have lied to me and forgotten me and my words?
Is it because of my long silence that you no longer fear me?
Now I will expose your so-called good deeds. None of them will help you.
Let’s see if your idols can save you when you cry to them for help.
God says, “Rebuild the road! Clear away the rocks and stones so my people can return from captivity.” The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this:
“I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble.
I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts.
For I will not fight against you forever; I will not always be angry.
If I were, all people would pass away— all the souls I have made.
I was angry, so I punished these greedy people. I withdrew from them, but they kept going on their own stubborn way.
I have seen what they do, but I will heal them anyway! I will lead them.
I will comfort those who mourn, bringing words of praise to their lips.
May they have abundant peace, both near and far,” says the Lord, who heals them.
“But those who still reject me are like the restless sea, which is never still
but continually churns up mud and dirt.
There is no peace for the wicked,” says my God

Gently Instruct those who oppose the truth

2 tim 2 23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

But BE CAREFUL! THESE PEOPLE ARE LIKE DANGEROUS REEFS THAT CAN SHIPWRECK YOU

Jude 1 12 When these people eat with you in your fellowship meals commemorating the Lord’s love, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you.[e] They are like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves. They are like clouds blowing over the land without giving any rain. They are like trees in autumn that are doubly dead, for they bear no fruit and have been pulled up by the roots. 13 They are like wild waves of the sea, churning up the foam of their shameful deeds. They are like wandering stars, doomed forever to blackest darkness. 17 But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said. 18 They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. 19 These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them. 20 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit,[g] 21 and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.

SHOW MERCY AND RESCUE THEM BY SNATCHING THEM FROM THE FLAMES OF JUDGEMENT

And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. Jude 22-23

But be careful who you walk with, who you stand with, and you sit with

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. PS 1

BECAUSE YOUR GREAT ENEMY IS LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO DEVOUR

7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.