The nation of Israel was ruled by many kings. Some were good and some were bad, but all were measured by the standard set by King David. When David came to the end of his life his son Solomon became king. Solomon was known for his wisdom, but he failed in many ways. He married pagan wives and allowed them to continue their pagan ways. When Solomon died, his son Rehoboam became king. Because Rehoboam had been raised around paganism he was not repulsed by it.

During his reign the nation of Israel was split into two kingdoms, the Northern Kingdom was called Israel and the Southern Kingdom was known as Judah. The Southern Kingdom was the one ruled by descendants of King David. Rehoboam ruled over Judah, but didn’t honor God and led the people into abomination.

“And Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD, and they provoked him to jealousy with their sins which they committed, above all that their fathers had done. For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree. And there were also sodomites in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.” (1 Kings 14:22-24)

This describes full blown pagan practices which are inspired by Satan. This type of evil pagan worship still happens today. The sodomites were homosexual prostitutes. This also goes on today. If you’re a part of these practices then shame on you. When Rehoboam died his son Abijam (also known as Abijah) became king. His reign was short and he wasn’t a honorable man.

“And he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father.” (1 Kings 15:3)

Nobody is perfect but we all have a choice whether to follow evil or strive to live as God wants us to. Abijam chose to follow the evil ways of his father. He accepted and continued pagan worship and the government-sanctioned homosexual activity, both are abominable. Evil practices in Judah continued, but God didn’t bring judgment upon them because of His promise that

David’s descendants would continue to reign and that the Messiah would come from his line. God has always been merciful. Even though God didn’t destroy the land of Judah as He had destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for the evil that infested those cities, that doesn’t mean He approved of the pagan worship and homosexual practices. He didn’t approve then and He doesn’t approve now.

When Abijam died his son Asa took the throne. Finally there was a king who wanted to do right in God’s eyes.

“And Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, as did David his father.” (1 Kings 15:11)

It’s quite a compliment to be compared to King David. There had been pagan practices in the land for many years, but Asa began to clean house and lead the nation back into worshipping only God Almighty.

“And he took away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made.” (1 Kings 15:12)

Asa chose to serve God in spite of his family history. Every Christian should also remove sodomites and idols from their life. We can’t control how other people think or act, but we can choose how we live our own life. Your parents may not serve God or live morally, but that’s not an excuse for you to indulge in evil practices.

Choose for yourself to do right in the sight of the Lord. Asa’s father and grandfather and great-grandfather condoned pagan ways, but Asa took away the sodomites, idols, and places of pagan worship which were, and still are, sinful things that turn people away from God Almighty. Asa did all he could to be a godly leader and he did what was right in the eyes of God.

Sometimes removing evil means turning from people we love. King Asa was determined to get rid of the practices that were abominable to God, which included removing his grandmother.

“And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt it by the brook Kidron.” (1 Kings 15:13)

Here she is called his mother, but other Scripture says she was married to Rehoboam who was his grandfather. Many times generational indicators are left off, as in saying “his father David” when in fact David lived a few generations before him. In any case, she practiced evil and Asa wouldn’t tolerate it.

Even today friends, parents, or children may participate in activities that are abominable to God. We love them but their sinful lifestyles can’t be condoned. Jesus knew that each person would have to make their own choice to follow Him.

“Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.” ( Luke 12:51-53)

Jesus comes first. In many cultures if you become a Christian you will be disowned by your family. That’s a choice each person must make. In Asa’s case, his grandmother embraced pagan ways and made idols. She had to either change her ways or be removed. God abhors idol worship and He abhors the practice of homosexuality.

If you have a friend or a family member who embraces these ungodly practices you may have to make a hard choice when you clean out the high places in your life. Jesus said it wouldn’t be easy to follow Him, but we must put Him first.

“And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God: for he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves: and commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers and to do the law and the commandment.” (2 Chronicles 14:2-4)

What are these “high places?” They were places of worship. Sometimes they were for worshiping God Almighty, but more often than not they were for the worship of pagan gods. The context of a verse will tell you if it refers to satanic activity. In fact, Asa left the high places that weren’t pagan in nature.

“But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa’s heart was perfect with the LORD all his days.” (1 Kings 15:14)

The verse in Chronicles says he took away the high places while the verse in Kings says they weren’t removed. The satanic ones were removed while those for the worship of God weren’t. When we accept Christ as our Savior we need to clean out the satanic high places in our life and move away from the idols that we’ve worshiped.

On the surface lifestyles seem to change, language is cleaned up, and we no longer visit certain websites that don’t honor God. We look squeaky clean to other people, but if the high places aren’t completely cleaned out they still have a grip on us. These are the corners of our heart and mind that we hope God doesn’t see. Clean out those high places that are satanic in nature.

A king, president, prime minister or even a dictator can’t force a nation to turn their hearts to God, but a good leader should do all in his power to remove abominations from the land. The people of the United States of America have just elected a new president. Mr. Trump was just inaugurated taking office from a man who has done everything possible to lead America down           a path of destruction.

Under Obama’s Administration we have seen human sacrifice (abortion) increase, sodomy legalized (same sex marriage), pagan worship accepted (the Ten Commandments replaced                  by statues of the baphomet) and Israel made to look like a villain. Obama’s Administration was one in a long line of administrations that have been against God.

At long last Christians got fed up with the evil and corruption in our government and we cried out to God. He has given us a chance to return to Him and be a nation that blesses God, not Satan.

Don’t get me wrong ‘I’m not saying that Donald Trump is King Asa, but his intentions are in         the right place. There are certain people in a rage against him, but look at who is throwing the tantrums. Hollywood, the purveyor of sin and perversion, is furious. Many “stars” shall we call them idols) are proud of their sins and serve Satan. They are very outspoken against Mr. Trump.

Don’t be duped. Hollywood is filled with sodomites and people who worship in the satanic high places, which they don’t want removed. These people need our prayers, but not our attention. Continue in prayer for America and for Mr. Trump. Turn from the evil that has gripped this nation for too long.

In the words of another great leader, “Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:14-15)

Satan has been busy corrupting the hearts of men for many years. His evil against humans began in the Garden of Eden and continues to this day. Every person has a choice between serving God or serving Satan. You can’t have it both ways. Jesus said “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)

Who do you serve? If you claim to be a Christian then you need to examine your heart. Does it need cleaning? Does Christ reign over your life or do you have some high places that need to be removed? They may be hidden from the eyes of man, but you cannot hide them from our Lord. He loves you and paid the price for your redemption. Don’t mock His sacrifice by harboring sin. Whatever the sin is,  He will forgive you, but you need to go to Him.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Confess your sin to Jesus and ask Him to clean out the high places that control you. You can’t serve two masters, so choose the only Master who gives eternal life. You won’t regret it.

“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)

This is a spiritual battle that we fight every day. One day soon the Rapture will take place and Christians to be with Jesus. On the other hand you may die before then. Either way, you need to fight this battle, clean out the high places, and serve Jesus before it’’ too late.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham
 All original Scripture is “theopneustos” (God breathed).

twotug@embarqmail.com
ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

www.straitandnarrowministry.com

 

 

 

Every day of our life we make choices. For instance, we choose what to wear, how we spend  our money, who we are friends with, and so forth. Many choices seem routine but the most important choice a person can make is whether or not to accept Christ’s free gift of salvation. When we ask Him into our lives, the way we make decisions should change.

Rather than using the standards accepted by the world, our choices should reflect a biblical point of view. Instead of carnal choices encouraged by the god of this world (Satan), we need to make choices that reflect our walk with Jesus. Our actions are guided by our thoughts. If you control your thoughts then you can control your actions.

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

It’s easy to allow pride to get in the way of our relationship with Jesus, but if you humble yourself before Him, your thoughts will be a reflection of His will. Prideful and carnal thoughts (which are not Scriptural) need to be taken captive in obedience to Christ.

Most people have a habit of dividing life into categories. There’s the work category, the home category, the “What I Do on Friday night” category, and way off in a remote corner is the Sunday morning category. The Sunday category is small because it only requires an hour or two out of the week.

Different rules are applied to each category. You certainly wouldn’t tell a dirty joke or cuss at Sunday school, but it’s okay for work or Friday night. There should only be one category in a Christian’s life called “I Live for Christ” and the rules for each category in life should only be Christ-centered.

When you’re at work, dress appropriately and take your thoughts captive so that your co-workers can see Christ living in you. The same applies to your free time. Are your friends Christians? It’s easier to keep thoughts under control if we don’t spend time with people who ignore Jesus. What do you look at on television or on the computer? Anything that’s opposed to a godly way of life only serves the enemy.

You may think that you’re sitting there alone looking at pornography or a movie filled with violence and hate, but Jesus is there, too. He knows your thoughts. If every thought is taken captive you won’t need to be embarrassed before Him or anyone else. When Jesus walked this earth He spent time with many people. Even then people would try to hide their thoughts from Him but He always knew what they were thinking.

One time He healed a sick man and said the man’s sins were forgiven. The Scribes took offense and thought He had committed blasphemy. Jesus knew what they were thinking.

“And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, ‘Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?’” (Matthew 9:4)

Does He have that same question for you?

We teach our children at a young age to think like the world. Public school is not a place to          find Christian values. Add to that the influence of secular music, television, and the internet      and both you and your children have satanic messages continually inundating all thoughts.   News headlines reflect the state of mind of too many people.

We read stories of school shootings, groups of people beating up other people, murder within families, road rage and many more atrocities that stem from the god of this world. These are    just a few of the violent manifestations that happen when a person does not take their thoughts captive unto the obedience of Christ. There is no sane reason for such violence. Not all evil thoughts are violent but they all need to be put out of our minds.

Lust of the flesh is the basis of most sinful thoughts which result in sinful actions. Does someone you know have a nicer car than you? Do you lust after your neighbor’s spouse?            Many people don’t honor marriage at all and have no problem jumping into bed with their               latest “flame.”

This might be understandable, though not acceptable, for secular people who don’t know Jesus. Sadly, many Christians allow sinful thoughts into their minds and let them grow to fruition and show in their actions. Pray about the thoughts that come into your mind that don’t reflect Christ. Temptations come our way, but they are not from God and He will help you to overcome the lust.

“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” (James 1:13-15)

Wrong thoughts don’t have to turn into wrong actions. Take them before God and ask Him to help you to resist temptations. When you accept Christ as your Savior your life should be changed. Instead of continuing to serve the god of this world and the evil he encourages, your desire should be to serve Jesus.

It’s not easy to suddenly stop the bad habits we formed while living worldly lives and thinking worldly thoughts. Take those thoughts captive and turn them over to Jesus. Once you get your mind thinking right it becomes easier to serve our Lord.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2)

A living sacrifice is just that. You live in this world, but not according to its ways. Every choice you make should be filtered through God’s Word and your thoughts should center upon Him. The Bible is the guide to Christian living. Once you consciously turn away from the bad habits of the world, new habits will replace them. You’ll choose clothing that’s modest, you won’t get angry at things that people do.

You’ll feel more comfortable when you’re surrounded by Christian friends than with people who drag you into sin. You’ll realize that God only permits sexual relations within a one man/one woman marriage and you will honor that truth. What about choosing a career?

Ask God to lead you into one that He knows is best for you. Don’t base any choice on what the world dictates, but keep your thoughts tuned to God in order to take guidance from Him. When you serve Christ you put Him first and seek His will in your life. You become a living sacrifice.

It may not seem important today, but one day soon you will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Every Christian can look forward to that day. It won’t be a judgment of condemnation, but one where rewards are given for various works we did in our lives. Works don’t save us but everything we do for Christ will matter on that day of judgment.

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” (James 1:12)

If you learn to take every thought captive and do all things for Christ, you will earn a crown of life. That crown will be worth turning away from any temptation that comes your way while walking through this world. Jesus knows your thoughts and sees your actions. Be sure that what He sees in you is worthy of the crown of life.

Many times we forget that whatever we do is a reflection of Christ. How often do you get angry with someone over a minor wrong, but forget the forgiveness you found when you came to the Cross? Jesus forgave the people who condemned Him and those who nailed Him to the cross.

“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” (Luke 23:34)

Jesus chose to go to the cross and shed His precious blood for you and for me. As a Christian you need to choose to follow Him. Take every thought captive and let His love rule your life.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham