The Idol, Comfort

 Comfort and Pleasure.

 

Is there anything wrong with comfort and pleasure? No. The New Testament refers to God as the "Father of compassion and the God of all comfort" in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. This suggests that comfort is a divine attribute intended to be shared. We are comforted so that we may comfort others. The Holy Spirit is described by Jesus as the Paraclete in John 14:16, often translated as "Comforter" or "Advocate." This implies that true comfort is a relational state rather than a material one

Let us pray. 

Heavenly Father, Lord God, we come before You to examine ourselves fully. Are we truly putting You first, or are there hidden idols that we need to remove? As we discuss this complicated subject, we ask for your guidance. Please show us what it means for comfort to become an idol and how we can avoid this pitfall. Father, grant us eyes to see, ears to hear, and the ability to understand Your truth. In Jesus' name, Amen!

We see things like this in the Word. Much of the prophetic literature, such as Isaiah 40: "Comfort, comfort my people," points to a future in which suffering is replaced by divine peace. The Bible presents a nuanced view of pleasure, acknowledging it as a creation of God while warning against its ability to become an idol. 

Ecclesiastes, often viewed as a cynical book, actually champions the enjoyment of life as a duty under God.

“I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil--this is God's gift to man." Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

From this perspective, the pleasures of food, sex, marriage, and work are legitimate ways to experience God's goodness properly. Conversely, the Bible warns that when pleasure becomes the primary goal, it leads to spiritual emptiness. People seek out comfort and pleasure, forgetting the proper place for them. Think King David, who got lazy and bored, that lead to convetness, rape, and murder. 

Hedonism, or the pursuit of pleasure, sensual self-indulgence, becomes a sin when you leave out the true source, which is God. The trap of Hedonism. 

“By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.” Hebrews 11:25

 “Fleeting pleasures of sin." In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus warns that the Word of God can be "choked by life’s worries, riches, and pleasures" Luke 8:14.

 “And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.” 

We can easily turn pleasure and comfort into Idols that we choose to bend our knees to before God. Look at the story of the Rich man and his barns. 

“And he said to them, 'Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’ And he told them a parable, saying, ‘The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' And he said, 'I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry."' Luke 12:15-19

Remember what Jesus called this guy? A Fool. 

“But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God." Luke 12:20-21

Seeking "ease" can lead to spiritual apathy and a tendency to ignore those in need. When we use pleasure as an escape or a substitute for worship, it can become an idol. I'm not inclined to go to church this week because I'm tired. I also feel that I can't donate money to the food bank; I need to keep it in my account to meet my own needs. 

Sex? Oh yeah, this can definitely become an Idol. Something that you are willing to serve REGARDLESS of the consequences. I told you this conversation I was having with a lesbian. I told her that sex was indeed a gift from God as long as you are doing it in His parameters. Marriage is one man and one woman for life. She said to me. “I will go to hell for some p____.”

Think about this statement. She said that she will go to a place of never-ending torment, pain, and sorrow, for a few minutes of perverted sexual pleasure?  Eternity for minutes. Think how horrible that is. “Yeah, well, I don’t believe in your God, so yeah, I would rather go to hell.” When they find out it is true, it is too late.

The biblical response suggests that comfort and pleasure are best experienced as byproducts of a life lived in alignment with God, rather than ends in themselves. As Psalm 16:11 states this, 

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

When comfort and pleasure become idols, it usually means we’ve prioritized our ease and safety over our obedience or growth. The Bible defines idolatry as anything that takes God’s place in our hearts. When we are more afraid of losing our "comfort zone" than of missing God’s calling, comfort has become a master.

"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." Matthew 6:24

If we only follow God when it is convenient or comfortable, we are not truly serving Him; we are serving our own convenience. The prophet Amos issued a stern warning to those who were "at ease in Zion." The problem wasn't the comfort itself, but the apathy that it produced.

"Woe to those who are at ease in Zion, and to those who feel secure on the mountain of Samaria, the notable men of the first of the nations, to whom the house of Israel comes! “ Amos 6:1

Comfort often acts as a spiritual anesthetic. It makes us numb to the needs of others and indifferent to our need for God.

Like the Rich man, God called him a fool because he sought ultimate security in his circumstances rather than in the eternal. Jesus’ invitation is the direct antithesis of the idol of comfort. A cross is an instrument of discomfort, sacrifice, and death to self.

"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 

For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." Luke 9:23

Growth and discipleship almost always happen outside of the "comfort zone." If we cling to our comfort, we often lose the very life we are trying to protect. Everyone wants to be comfortable, but what happens when "feeling good" becomes the primary goal of our lives?

Ask yourself, do I avoid hard conversations? Do I skip serving because I’m tired? Do I prioritize my budget over generosity?

Jesus promises "rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:28-30), not through total ease, but through taking on His yoke. Remember, we are new creatures. 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. ”2 Corinthians 5:17 

This is why we are warned over and over. Look at this in Titus 5:5-6

“She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives.” 

I know Christians who feel God does not hear their prayers. James answers that one for us.  

“You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” James 4:3

"But look what he has. Look what she has. It’s not fair." "Look, he gets to stay home. Why can’t I?" "Why can I not have the million-dollar house and that shiny sports car?" Well, let me ask you this. Is that house going to save you? Is that car going to enable you to drive to heaven? 

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

We, as children of God, have so much more to look forward to. So much pleasure. So much comfort. So much rest we will never have here, for eternity. So, what is worth giving up? Eternity or momentary pleasure?

Remember, the devil cannot create anything, but he can twist, change, and present sin as good. God created male and female, while the devil promotes ideas like 27 genders and transgender concepts. God established the institution of marriage, but the devil introduced gay marriage. God defined the family, yet the devil presents alternative family structures, such as single-parent households, divorce, nursing homes, and daycares. God values rest and sleep, while the devil fosters laziness.

We have become so comfortable, so lazy, so into pleasure, that we reject nearly everything else. We feel that tug. “Hey, go check on your neighbor.” Yeah, ok, right after my show. Or God, I just sat down to eat. Then wherever you do decide to go, there is no answer at the door.

Well, God or whatever that was, she must be out with friends. She is not even here. The next day, you wake up to a loud commotion outside your window.  You look out and see police, firetrucks, and an ambulance.

You go outside and watch as a covered body is brought out to the ambulance. You see a paramedic standing by, so you ask, “What happened?” The paramedic looks up and says, “Sorry for your loss. Seems she fell and passed away about 5 pm yesterday.” 

Then it hits you. If you had gone when God asked you to, you would have heard her crying for help. You may have been able to help her. But that chair was too comfortable. That food was just too good. Some things, even with regret, cannot be undone. 

That bed. That chair. That big screen, that little screen, that little bubble you live in, are all temporary. They cannot, nor will they save you. However, if you are not careful, they can be made to keep you from doing God’s Will and living your life in abundance.

Join us next time when we will discuss the Idol of Religion. Yes, Religion can be an Idol. It happens more than you think.   

Remember, you can always check out the vast archive here at TAG

The email, if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com

May the comfort of the Holy Spirit and the peace of our Lord Jesus be with you all. May God bless and be with you always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Malachi Chapter 2

 Chapter 2

The Lord Rebukes the Priests

1 “And now, O priests, this command is for you. 2 If you will not listen, if you will not take it to heart to give honor to my name, says the Lord of hosts, then I will send the curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Indeed, I have already cursed them, because you do not lay it to heart. 3 Behold, I will rebuke your offspring, and spread dung on your faces, the dung of your offerings, and you shall be taken away with it. 4 So shall you know that I have sent this command to you, that my covenant with Levi may stand, says the Lord of hosts. 5 My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him. It was a covenant of fear, and he feared me. He stood in awe of my name. 6 True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. 7 For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. 8 But you have turned aside from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the Lord of hosts, 9 and so I make you despised and abased before all the people, inasmuch as you do not keep my ways but show partiality in your instruction.”

Judah Profaned the Covenant

10 Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers? 11 Judah has been faithless, and abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned the sanctuary of the Lord, which he loves, and has married the daughter of a foreign god. 12 May the Lord cut off from the tents of Jacob any descendant of the man who does this, who brings an offering to the Lord of hosts!

13 And this second thing you do. You cover the Lord's altar with tears, with weeping and groaning because he no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand. 14 But you say, “Why does he not?” Because the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. 15 Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth. 16 “For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.”

The Messenger of the Lord

17 You have wearied the Lord with your words. But you say, “How have we wearied him?” By saying, “Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delights in them.” Or by asking, “Where is the God of justice?”

The Idol Celebrities

 Celebreties 

“Hey, hey, it's the Monkeys.” Ladies and gentlemen, the Beatles. All the way from Graceland, Elvis. Music legends. Known for driving young women and some men absolutely insane just by their appearance. More recently, Brad Pitt, Lady Gaga, Dwayne Johnson, tech innovators like Elon Musk, and even Donald Trump. Now, President Trump, again.

Celebrities. Famous, rich, and all have the “it” factor. You love them. You hate them; there is no in between. We put them on a pedestal, and we say these are our idols. We even have a television show to find the next American Idol. This is what we are discussing today. Let us pray.

Father, our Holy God, we come before you with thanksgiving for all that you have given us, from Life to Life everlasting. We thank you for the freedoms we have to gather together in your name. We are currently discussing what may be Hidden Idols in our lives without even knowing it. Father, we pray for eyes to see, ears to hear, and the ability to receive your truth and revelations. In Jesus' name, we ask and pray, amen.

Addressing the concept of celebrity through a biblical lens involves looking at the distinction between admiration and worship. While the Bible doesn't mention "celebrities" in the modern sense, it speaks extensively about the human heart's tendency to elevate people above their proper place.

When we "idolize" a celebrity, be it hanging on to their every word, obsessing over their lifestyle, or letting their values dictate our own, we risk moving them into the space intended for the Creator. An idol is anything that takes the primary place of influence and devotion in our lives.

The Bible frequently warns against the "exaltation of man." It reminds us that every person, no matter how talented or famous, is finite and fallible.

“So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality,” Acts 10:34

It does not matter if you can sing. It does not matter if you can make a movie. Actually, that reminds me of an interaction I had back in the 90s. I was a Hotel Manager at the time, and I was filling in for the overnight Auditor one night. Around 2 am, I saw this Volvo station wagon pull up to the front doors. I pretended to be busy and did not even look up. “We are full. We are full.” I kept practicing because I was tired and not in the mood to deal with anyone.

A man walks up to the counter and extends his hand with a credit card in it. “Got a room?” I immediately recognized the voice. I was like, there is no way. I looked up to the smiling gentleman and saw it most certainly was. Donald Sutherland. A mega star in Movies, TV, and entertainment in general. Did I mention I was a huge fan?

If you do not know who Donald Sutherland is, look him up. I guarantee you, you have seen him. “Yes, sir, Mr. Sutherland, I have the suite available for you.” The next 40 minutes forever changed the way I saw fame.

“Oh, you don’t have to do that.” Uh, yeah, I do. “No, no, sir, it’s totally fine.” “Stop it.” He extends his hand for a handshake. “Hello, I’m Donald. What’s your name?” “Uh, Peter. I’m sorry, sir, I'm a fan. I love your movies.” As we shook hands. “Yeah? I appreciate that. Which is your favorite?” Without much thought, I started naming them and talking about them with him as I checked him in. I gave him the key, and said “I am honored to meet you si,,,,” “Donald.” He said abruptly. “You know we are the same, right? I make movies. You work in a hotel. If you think about it. It’s your job to entertain me when I come through those doors, and it’s my job to entertain you at the movies. That does not make me special. Pretend to be someone I’m not for fun? I mean, it is a pretty good gig, but that’s it.”

He proceeded to stand there for 40 minutes just talking to me as if we were old friends. It now kind of reminds me of Paul and Barnabas. Acts 14:11-15: When the people of Lystra tried to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas because of their miracles, the apostles were horrified. They cried out, "Friends, why are you doing this? We, too, are only human, like you."

Look at Psalm 146:3,

"Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation."

Celebrities are subject to the same struggles and moral complexities as anyone else. Elevating them to "idol" status puts a burden on them that no human is designed to carry, as Donald pointed out to me.

A biblical perspective views talent not as a reason for self-glory, but as a gift from God. If we focus too much on the celebrity, we are essentially "worshiping the creature rather than the Creator" Romans 1:25.

You can enjoy a performance or appreciate an artist’s skill, but the Bible encourages us to redirect that gratitude toward the source of that skill. That would, of course, be God.

Idolizing celebrities often leads to imitation. The Bible warns us to be careful about who we allow to "form" us.

“Keep your heart with all vigilance,
for from it flows the springs of life." Proverbs 4:23

We are no longer of this world. Why would we want to imitate someone who does NOT have God? Seriously, think about this. Why would we want to dress like, act like, even live like, a lost soul?

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

If a celebrity's lifestyle or worldview becomes the primary "pattern" we follow, it can pull us away from the values and character described in scripture.

It's okay to appreciate someone’s talent, but the Bible reminds us that everyone is human and prone to mistakes. By keeping our highest devotion for God, we avoid the disappointment that comes when we realize our 'idols' are just people, and we stay free to be ourselves rather than just copies of someone famous.

Look at this warning in James.

“My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, "You sit here in a good place," while you say to the poor man, "You stand over there," or, "Sit down at my feet," have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”

Hold on for a moment. I have another story to share. I used to attend a church that treated everyone equally, without showing any favoritism. When we started looking for a new church, we found ourselves at a "Mega Church." As we walked in, we were greeted warmly enough, and they explained the church's procedures to us. When we entered the Sanctuary, we went to sit in a specific section, but we were stopped and told, “Sorry, those seats are reserved for our more, uh, famous guests.” At that point, we were ready to leave.

So, don’t assume that this couldn’t be happening in today’s church.

“Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?”

Stop there. Remember what Jesus said?

“Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” Matthew 19:24

When the time comes, all that fortune and fame mean nothing. All that wealth means nothing. It is all rubbish. It will all belong to someone else.

Back to James 2

“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are sinning and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.”

No picking and choosing what to believe, what to accept, and what to ignore. It really is all or nothing.

"So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” James 2:1-13

Remember, Jesus also said this.

“And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless.” Matthew 12:7

Also here.

“Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:13

Jesus did not care who you were or what you had. His message is the same. Have no other God before God, and love your neighbor as yourself. Share the Gospel, preach repentance, and baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The more money you have, the more comfort you have, the less likely you will be to rely on God. Did you know that comfort and pleasure can become idols in your life if you are not careful? This is what we will be talking about next time.

Remember, you can always find this, and so much more, in the archives, over at TAG

The email, if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com

May the Lord our God go before you as your way maker, as well as behind you as your rear guard, and may He be with you, always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Malachi Chapter 1

 Chapter 1

1 The oracle of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi.

The Lord's Love for Israel

2 “I have loved you,” says the Lord. But you say, “How have you loved us?” “Is not Esau Jacob's brother?” declares the Lord. “Yet I have loved Jacob 3 but Esau I have hated. I have laid waste to his hill country and left his heritage to jackals of the desert.” 4 If Edom says, “We are shattered but we will rebuild the ruins,” the Lord of hosts says, “They may build, but I will tear down, and they will be called ‘the wicked country,’ and ‘the people with whom the Lord is angry forever.’” 5 Your own eyes shall see this, and you shall say, “Great is the Lord beyond the border of Israel!”

The Priests' Polluted Offerings

6 “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, ‘How have we despised your name?’ 7 By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, ‘How have we polluted you?’ By saying that the Lord's table may be despised. 8 When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the Lord of hosts. 9 And now entreat the favor of God, that he may be gracious to us. With such a gift from your hand, will he show favor to any of you? says the Lord of hosts. 10 Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you, says the Lord of hosts, and I will not accept an offering from your hand. 11 For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts. 12 But you profane it when you say that the Lord's table is polluted, and its fruit, that is, its food, may be despised. 13 But you say, ‘What a weariness this is,’ and you snort at it, says the Lord of hosts. You bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick, and this you bring as your offering! Shall I accept that from your hand? says the Lord. 14 Cursed be the cheat who has a male in his flock, and vows it, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished. For I am a great King, says the Lord of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations.

The Idol, Stuff

 Material things. 

Today, we continue our series Hidden Idols. The Idol of Stuff is far more powerful than you may both think, or want to admit. Let’s talk about. Let us pray. 

Heavenly Father, Lord God, we come before you to fully examine ourselves. Are we truly putting you first? Or are there hidden Idols that we need to root out? We talked about politics last time, today we will be discussing Stuff. Please guide us. Please Father, give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and the ability to understand your truth, in Jesus name, Amen!

Is it normal? Human nature? To love the world and the things in it? Is it human nature to dream of having more and more of it? Money, things, lusts, living life to the fullest. "Hey, you only got one life. Live it up." Right?

Well, Yes. Yes, it is Human Nature. Yes, it is normal. We are born into and of the World. Of course, we want it all. However, if you are now a child of God, you are no longer OF the World, but merely in it. Remember the Tenth Commandment?

"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's." Exodus 20:17

Do you remember what Jesus said? 

"Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." Luke 12:15

And plainly,

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Matthew 6:24

Why is this such a serious commandment from God? It is because stuff can become an Idol that you are willing to lie, cheat, steal, and even kill for. John warns us.

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." 1 John 2:15–17

Jesus tells us in Matthew 6 that we should not even think about what we should eat, drink, wear, Etc. That God knows we need all these things before we even think about asking Him, and that we need to have faith that He will supply them. All we need to do is trust in Him and,

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

There is a deep peace in being content. Why? Because we no longer need to worry about many things. Do you have a roof over your head? Do you have enough food? When was the last time you skipped a meal? I'm not trying to insult or be rude. I'm genuinely asking. When was the last time you went outside without clothes? Not out of perversion, but just because you had nothing to cover yourself with.

Take a moment to consider the world's impoverished populations. We often see images of children running around without clothes, people living in shacks or exposed to harsh weather, and individuals consuming insects or dirt and drinking from contaminated water sources, the same ones used by animals for bathing. In nearly every other country, if you don't work, you face starvation. If you neglect to take the necessary actions for survival, your life is at risk. There is no government assistance available to rely on.

Take a moment to consider the situation of the poor in this country. Many of them have access to one or even two cars, or they can rely on public transportation to get around. They have the freedom to go wherever they wish. They often live in apartments or houses equipped with air conditioning and heating, with running water and electricity. Organizations and government agencies provide food to those in need. It's not uncommon for these individuals to have two or more televisions, cell phones, and ample clothing. They may even receive some financial assistance to enjoy outings, such as going to the movies or taking their kids out for ice cream at a local shop. Really?

If this does not give you reason to pause, then think about it. I do not know what will. We live in the greatest country on the planet. You know why? Oh, we have forgotten. We are in a moral decline in this country, no doubt about it. However, we are the greatest country on the planet because we were founded on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a country, we put God first, always. As a country, we used to.

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Let me clarify my point. We do not work to be saved, nor do we work merely for the treasures in heaven. Our motivation for serving must come from the fact that we are already saved and that God loves us deeply. Even though we were sinners living in our sins, He came and died for us so that we might have life. What could be more important than serving Him?

As for all this stuff that surrounds us daily? It will one day belong to someone else. Either that, or it will simply cease to exist.

“For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” 1 Timothy 6:7-10

You cannot say. “Yes. I'm saved. But I do not have time to share the gospel. Gotta make that money.” Or things like, “I wish I had more time to serve God. But you know, I gotta pay the electric bill.” Did you not know that if you are working to serve God and working for the kingdom, then you are worthy of compensation? Look here. Turn to 1 Timothy 5:18

“For the Scripture says, 'You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,' and, 'The laborer deserves his wages.” 

When Jesus sent out the disciples, He told them to take nothing. And He said this.

“No bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.” Matthew 10:10

What does He mean? He means He will provide. God will provide. Why? “Your Father knows that you need them,” and “The laborer deserves his wages.” God will never ask you to do something that does not give you the necessary tools. All you have to do is trust in Him.

If he tells you to quit your job and join a church full-time, quit. If God tells you to move, move. Evangelize. Then go do that. To be a Missionary, go do that. Life is far more than working 9-5, or more like 24-7 nowadays, and paying bills on Friday.

I've said this before: every secular goal is bound to death and decay. Think about that. I will say it again. Every secular goal is bound to death and decay. What is today is rubbish tomorrow. Why worry a lot about things that do not matter in the long run?

That car you love so much? Rubbish

That house, or houses, you like to brag about? Rubbish.

That money hidden where you hid it? Rubbish

Your clothes? Rubbish

Everything you have or ever will have, while here on this earth? Rubbish

Enjoy the nice things you have, and if you are blessed with something you desire, take pleasure in it. However, always remember not to place anything above God or what He is calling you to do. Seek the Kingdom first; He will meet your needs and provide you with a life of abundance.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

-

Do you remember being a kid on Christmas morning, or even as an adult, buying a car? The Thing, / Car, whatever, is brand new, beautiful, and you can not wait to show it off. Then time ticks by. That thing? In the corner, forgotten. That car? Faded, dented, scratched, ready for a trade-in.  

Let’s say you spend your whole life acquiring stuff. Better yet, let Jesus tell us. 

“And he told them a parable, saying, 'The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, 'What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' And he said, 'I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry."' But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?'” Luke 12:16-20

It happens more than you think. Someone works their entire life and retires, and in a very short time, they are gone. Then? It starts. The vultures gather. Every family member has their hand out. So  “the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” Not yours. 

It is okay to want stuff. Within reason. It is ok to want nice stuff. However, you have to be careful to be sure that it is not what you are working and living for. Seek God first. 

Join us next time when we will discuss our next Idol, Celebrities. Join us, won’t you?

Remember, you can find so very much in the archives at TAG The Email is, as always, truthbygod1@gmail.com

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord.

Coming Up Here at T.A.G., The Book of Malachi

 The Book of Malachi

Hey Folks,

First, I pray that you receive the peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit, the grace of our Lord Jesus. I do truly pray that you are blessed each and every time you visit us here at T.A.G., the Truth According to God.

I wanted to take a moment to answer a few questions and share what you can look forward to in the upcoming posts at T.A.G. Consider this a behind-the-scenes glimpse. I'm Peter, and I've been chosen to produce this blog weekly, with new content appearing every Wednesday and Sunday.

First, please understand that I do not make a dime on this Blog. It's not about money. I do not allow advertising. I do not ask for money. I do not give you any way to pay for anything. Most of you have never met me. I am not important. What is, is The Word of God. What is an attempt to share the Truth and assist children of God to grow in faith, and their one-on-one relationship with God Himself.

The messages you receive here are NOT my opinion or point of view. It is not "my interpretation." It is NOT what "my religion" says about this or that. No, the messages you receive here are totally and absolutely led by the Holy Spirit. I'm not that smart. Truth is, I learn more from time to time than those of you who stop by to read it. There is a whole process that I go through with every message.

First, a seed is planted in my Spirit. Second, the Holy Spirit communes with my Spirit, giving me the reason the seed is planted. Then He leads me through God's Word, highlighting the appropriate passages, and gives me guidance on the order to present them. Truth is, most of the time, when the message is ready to post, I read it myself, and learn as much, if not more than, those of you who read the final posted version. All the Praise and Glory be to God.

As for the Special Guests? When Special Guests appear here, is it a simple cut-and-paste thing, or do I actually talk to these people? Truth is, I actually reach out and do talk to these Folks that appear here. If I read something that moves my Spirit, or someone points out something they read, I do reach out to the Author and ask for, and receive, permission to share here. I have actually made a few friends doing this. I have also never been told no. You see, most people sharing God's Truth want to share God's Truth. It is not quite like sharing things where people are making a profit from. Fictional stories, recipes, music, whatever. Most who serve our living and True God, WANT the Truth shared. They are not concerned with credit or profit, but the Salvation of the Lost. Of course, there is always credit and links provided for the Guest Bloggers.

So, what is coming up? As you are aware, we just went through the entire Book of Philippians. Every Wednesday, we post a new Chapter. If you were with us for the past four weeks, congratulations, you read that entire book. What is next? I'm going to be honest, I did not plan this at all. I went to post the next chapter of Philippians only to realize there were no more chapters. Malachi came up in my spirit. Malachi??? Malachi.

Will you join us for the next four weeks as we go through the last book in the Old Testament, The Book of Malachi? 

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and may God be with you. Always.
Peter

The Idol Politics

 The Idol Politics 

You know it. You feel it. You hate it. You love to hate it. You love to watch it. You try not to. It can and does rip families and friendships apart. Yet so many people identify with it. They ARE it. They believe what they are told, regardless of whether it is true or not. Sadly, the one who can tell the best story wins. 

Politics

The average American voter, my grandmother, and my grandfather were. My Mom or Dad, or both, were. Now therefore am I. Do I know the history? Nope. Do I care to know? Nope. I am because I am. Do I believe what they believe? Well, maybe not all, but have you seen the other side? 

Well ok, but do you know the history of the other side? Do you want to? Do you believe in anything that they believe? Do you even really know? Nope, but I would never. Never what? You know, uh, be like them. 

Sadly, this is true. Remember “Obama stash?” Or “I don't have to pay my rent anymore.” Do you remember sleepy Joe? The President who did not even know what his name was?  That literally did nothing. Well, created an invasion into our country by illegals. But those who voted for him could not care less. At least it was not the other guy. 

It's really funny that during the eight years of Obama and the four years of “Huh, what are we doing? Anyway, squirrel.” Mostly, non-Christians would throw this passage at me. I even saw it on TV a couple of times. 

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” 

See. God chose this person, and you, you bigot, you better do what he says. Your own Bible tells you. 

“Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.”

 This is not saying what they claim. I do have a question for them, though. Are you following your own advice and listening to President Trump? I doubt it. 

“Therefore, one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. Because of this, you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing.” 

Remember what Jesus said. 

“Jesus said to them, 'Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they marveled at him.” Mark 12:17 

See. You are probably one of those Rich Republicans. 

“Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.” Romans 13:1-7 

But you are not a good Christian. 

Does the Word actually tell us we have to submit to authorities? Yes. Yes, it does. However, it in no way overrides God and His Word. Look here in Titus 3:9

“But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.”

Have you ever had a moment like this? Your neighbor, or even family member, that you love and have always loved having around, comes out and says something that you cannot even fathom? They are repeating what you know are talking points on one side or the other, and they are now spewing this at you. 

It would be natural to think about it being strange, and I have asked them if they are serious. Thinking to myself, HOW? Why? How can such an intelligent person possibly think like this? I know they are smarter than this. Why? Especially if they are a child of God. 

You may even ask them things like Do you not know? 

“Righteousness exalts a nation, 

But sin is a reproach to any people” Proverbs 14:34

They cannot see it. Or, they refuse to accept it. I was going to add something here, but God is leading me not to, so yeah. If you look at real history, you will discover these truths and many more that you may have never even thought about. Example? 

The Democratic Party (Founded c. 1828) 

In the mid-1800s, the Democratic Party was the party of "individual liberty" for white men and "states' rights."  The party's Southern wing was the primary defender of the institution of slavery.

Following the Civil War, Southern Democrats (often called "Redeemers") fiercely opposed Reconstruction and the granting of civil rights to formerly enslaved people.

While the Ku Klux Klan was not an official arm of the party, it functioned as a paramilitary insurgent group that worked in tandem with Southern Democratic interests to terrorize Black voters and Republican organizers.

The Republican Party (Founded 1854)

The GOP (Grand Old Party) was born specifically as an anti-slavery party, stopping the expansion of slavery into new territories. Under Abraham Lincoln, the party oversaw the Union's victory in the Civil War and passed the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, which abolished slavery and granted citizenship and voting rights to Black Americans.

This faction pushed for aggressive civil rights protections in the South during Reconstruction. So, historically, who is the racist? 

In the early 20th Century, as the U.S. industrialized, the parties began to focus more on economic regulation. Theodore Roosevelt (Republican) championed "trust-busting" and conservation, while Woodrow Wilson (Democrat) implemented the Federal Reserve and the income tax.

The New Deal? During the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) transformed the Democratic Party into the party of big government and the social safety net. This began attracting Northern Black voters and urban workers to the Democratic fold for economic reasons.

The most significant "flip" occurred during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s. When Democratic President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act, it caused a massive fracture. "Dixiecrats" (Southern Democrats who supported segregation) began to leave the party.

By the 1980s and the "Reagan Revolution," the South—once the "Solid South" for Democrats—had become the primary stronghold for the Republican Party, while the Northeast and West Coast became Democratic bastions.

Being honest, did you know any of that? But every election, most simply look for the D or the R, and even if they have never heard of the person, that is who they vote for. 

How does God tell us that we should be when it comes to politics? First and foremost, this. 

“But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29 

First, yes. We need to be law-abiding, decent people. However, when the time comes (Covid, the shutdown of America, and the foreboding of the gathering together for Church, the attempt to silence the Word in Public), we must obey God and ignore those in authority. 

We are called to be orderly, peaceful, and able to at least discuss the truth of the matter.

“And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 

As long as they are doing the right things according to God, then we must follow our appointed leaders. Look here, in 1 Peter 2:16-17. 

“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” 

The best way to avoid a political disagreement is not to talk about politics. Vote your mind, try to do what is right, and always remember, no matter who is sitting in the White House, God is always in charge. 

Have you ever gone on vacation and discovered that elections are happening? Do you really care about who wins? Probably not. Why is that? Because you are going home. While you are there, you are subject to their rules, but eventually, you will leave. No matter who holds political office, your submission is only temporary. Remember, you are just visiting; this is not your home. 

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,” Philippians 3:20

Stop making politics your Idol. Do your part, vote, and be a law-abiding citizen as long as possible, until the time our Father calls us home. 

Join us next week, where we will discuss the Idol of Stuff. 

Remember, you can find so very much in the archives at TAG 

The Email is, as always, truthbygod1@gmail.com 

May the comfort of the Holy Spirit and the peace of our Lord Jesus be with you all. May God bless and be with you, always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!