DAILY HOPE DEVOTIONAL: SEPTEMBER 20 IDOLARY IN THE CHURCH (3) SCRIPTURE: EXODUS 20: 3-5; EZEKIEL 8: 5

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As already seen from the previous discussions on idolatry in the church; lots are involved when talking of this abomination. The passage of Ezekiel 8: 7 – 11, 16 above talk of how elders in the temple were worshipping various things secretly even though they were heads of the Temple._ The Bible says they face the altar, worshipping creeping things and beasts. Those seeing them physically could not see the idols they worship. About 25 other elders were seen facing the altar in the physical but backing the altar in the spiritual, worshipping the sun, the moon and other unseen forces. This system still goes on in many churches in our generation. Many General Overseers, with their adjutants mix evil powers with serving God. They have spiritual courts (closets) within the church where their gods are hidden. They could be seen physically facing the altars speaking or praying, yet they back the altars speaking to their gods in the spiritual.

Is no longer a heart rending news to hear how a General Overseer is caught consulting fetish objects or having discussion with marine spirit, in a so called “secret prayer room” which no other person is allowed to enter. They will get into the “secret prayer room”, invite the spirit partners who come to download information of the church members to them, before ministering deliverances or healing on the people. One story was heard of how a Pastor’s wife who bumped into her husband’s prayer room saw him seated half python and half human being in meditation. This is purely idolatry. Besides, dedicated items to idols are on sale in some churches today as “mantles”. Buyers place their trusts and faith on these mantles higher than God. Some ministers of God in Nigeria buy apples, garden eggs, and suya (cow sourced meat), prayed on them and sell to members for healings and deliverances.

Yes, apron and handkerchiefs from Apostles Paul and Peter were used to heal and deliver people, but not in the idolatry manner they are being used today. The users have devotedly shifted their belief from God while transferring their trust and faith to these items. Reason idolatry comes in. Most of these items are exorbitantly commercialized. It is said some anointing oil goes as from N50,000 to as high as N1million. A lot of principles and philosophies are being offered to make the world believe that those things serve divine purposes, and therefore, not idolatry. But as long as they are highly believed and trusted above God, idolatry is established.This devotional stands on this fact and call for fleeing such actions by anyone blindly involved.

PRAYER:

BLESSED FATHER, open my eyes to see whatever practices I am involved in, that is translated to be idolatry in heaven. Give me ability to refrain from such practices in Jesus name.

POSITIVE DECLARATION:

I ever refuse to combine God with idols in my Christian race. Hallelujah!!

bishopubaudenyi@hopealivechurch