There is a reason we follow recipes, to make something that is good and palatable, and also mostly because certain ingredients do not mix. One may change the type of cheese, or use almond milk instead of cow milk in a recipe. Because some ingredients may be different, they do not ruin the final product. It just gives it a different flavor. However, you may not replace the flower in pancakes with baking soda, because you would not end up with pancakes.
In the same way we must ensure we do not mix in outside worship of idols with the true worship of God. “Well”, one might add, “I only worship God”. Yes, by everything you understand you would believe that, but here lies my point. The worship of idols can sneak into the worship of God without it being obvious to us. Idols don’t always look like little brass statues that you can place on the mantle, though some of them might stick on the car window.
An idol that stands out is easily defeated, but one that slowly works its way in becomes natural and part of a culture. The mixing of idol worship and the worship of God may not seem distasteful to us, but is grossly unpalatable to God. This is where we come to the story of Balaam and Balak. In the book of numbers we find Balak, who was king over Moab, in fear of the Jews. He sends after Balaam knowing that “he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed”(Numbers 22:6). However, God warns Balaam to only speak what he is told. This does not go over well with Balak since Balaam ends up blessing Israel three times. Chapter 24 ends with Balaam telling what was to happen in the days to come and then vs. 25 of chapter 24 says “Then Balaam arose and departed and returned to his place, and Balak also went his way”.
The next chapter begins with the Israelites playing the harlot with the daughters of Moab, feasting on food sacrificed to idols and bowing to them as well. So the question is what happened? Here was a mighty nation moving along and following God’s plan and all of sudden they are joined to Baal of Peor. We find the rest of the story of Balak and Balaam in Revelation 2:12-17.
Balaam could not curse the people; however at some point he taught Balak how to trip them up. The verse says to place a “stumbling block” in front of them. Balak placed food sacrificed to idols in front of them to eat and enticed them to commit acts of immorality. This false worship and immorality led to Numbers chapter 25 in which the Lord became angry with Israel.
So why did Israel not reject the food and worship of Baal? Simply put, the food looked good and the women were pretty. “And if all I have to do is bow, then I get hot food and hot ladies… I mean this is their culture and I want to be seen as relevant, besides I still observe the Sabbath”. These things don’t seem so wrong, at least after the 3rd and 4th time. The word for “stumbling block” could also mean “snare”. Those that hunt and fish know you don’t catch prey if the bait doesn’t look enticing and the snare or stumbling block is visible. One trips over the “block” because their eyes are focused somewhere else; they don’t see it for what it is.
So what does this mean for us? We are smart people and we have access to more information than a bunch of folks running around in the desert. But knowledge is not as valuable as wisdom. Knowledge knows what it is we do, and where we go, and where we spend our time and money. Wisdom tells us why we do it. Godly wisdom is the key in understanding which items in our lives are idols and which are true worship and which ones need to be prayed about further.
So now we come to the Church in America, which is more accurately the American Church. So what is it, you might ask, that I am getting at? That the idols have crept into the church, which means there are those of us that worship things other than or along with God. The problem is the idols are different for each of us. (James 1:14) We can worship our sexuality, our “cause” be it pro or anti this and that, or even our politics. A person running for office often becomes our savior if we are not careful. “He/she will fix everything, if we can just get them elected.” We can even begin to praise our government, singing its praises in a worship service. We sacrifice our Saturdays to give honor to our favorite sports teams, and spend our weekday nights at ball parks in service to sports.
Now is it wrong to be pro or anti this and that? Is it wrong to want good leaders? Is it wrong to watch sports and let your kids play them? Depends on what you are searching for. You see the problem is not with the meat. All things are made clean and we know that there are no other gods. However, our desire to have those “meats” drives us to compromise and worship the idols that are associated with them. There is nothing wrong with a child playing baseball; it is when the game becomes the desire of our heart, or when we praise our nation as though it is our savior. It is when we miss where the meat comes from that we are led astray. We believe that the idol provides the meat we desire, whether it be peace, justice, happiness, or protection. These things are to be sought from God. Dead idols can do nothing for us.
This brings us back to us, the church. When we are enticed by the things of the world, we must be careful that they do not become the object of our affection. Because when they do, we will mix them in our true worship. The idols will compete with our worship of God and if not thrown down we will bow our knee to them and give Sunday lip service to the one true God.
Anonymous
I need to to thank you for this fantastic read!!
I absolutely enjoyed every bit of it. I have you bookmarked to check
out new things you post…
xxx videos
Hi, I do think this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I am going to
return yet again since i have saved as a favorite it.
Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be
rich and continue to help others.
porn videos
I’m impressed, I have to admit. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and amusing, and without a doubt, you have hit
the nail on the head. The issue is something that not
enough people are speaking intelligently
about. I am very happy I stumbled across this in my hunt for something relating to this.
sex videos
Excellent write-up. I definitely appreciate this website.
Keep writing!
sex videos
I have learn some excellent stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting.
I surprise how much effort you set to create this type of great informative website.
sex videos
Everyone loves it when people come together and share views.
Great blog, continue the good work!
porn videos
It’s awesome for me to have a website, which is helpful
designed for my experience. thanks admin
Anonymous
I’m really enjoying the theme/design of your website.
Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility problems?
A handful of my blog readers have complained
about my blog not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Chrome.
Do you have any solutions to help fix this issue?
xxx videos
Hello to all, how is everything, I think every one is getting more from
this web site, and your views are good for new viewers.
xxx videos
magnificent submit, very informative. I wonder why
the other experts of this sector do not understand this.
You should continue your writing. I’m sure, you have
a great readers’ base already!
sex videos
A motivating discussion is definitely worth comment. I
do think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo matter but usually
folks don’t speak about such topics. To the next!
Many thanks!!
sex videos
Good day! This is my first visit to your blog! We are
a team of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same
niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on.
You have done a extraordinary job!
xxx videos
Hi! I know this is kinda off topic however I’d figured I’d ask.
Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe
guest authoring a blog post or vice-versa? My blog discusses a lot of the same subjects as yours
and I think we could greatly benefit from each other.
If you’re interested feel free to shoot me an email.
I look forward to hearing from you! Terrific blog by the way!
Joe2006.Com
Willd Casino, forr example, will match your fifst five crypto deposits
with a bonus worth up to $9,000.
Feeel free to visit my web site Joe2006.Com
xnxx videos
Your method of describing everything in this piece of writing is truly
pleasant, every one can simply know it, Thanks a lot.
agen sv388
Greetings I am so glad I found your website, I really found you by error, while I was looking
on Google for something else, Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say thanks
for a fantastic post and a all round entertaining blog (I
also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to look over it all at the minute but I have book-marked it
and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read more,
Please do keep up the awesome work.
sex videos
Hi there everyone, it’s my first visit at this web site, and piece of writing is
actually fruitful in support of me, keep up posting such
content.
sabung ayam sv388
Fine way of describing, and fastidious article to get
data concerning my presentation topic, which i am going to present in school.
WilliamAceby
В нашем обществе, где аттестат – это начало удачной карьеры в любом направлении, многие ищут максимально быстрый и простой путь получения образования. Факт наличия официального документа переоценить попросту невозможно. Ведь именно он открывает двери перед всеми, кто хочет вступить в профессиональное сообщество или продолжить обучение в ВУЗе.
В данном контексте мы предлагаем очень быстро получить этот необходимый документ. Вы имеете возможность приобрести аттестат старого или нового образца, что будет выгодным решением для всех, кто не смог завершить обучение, утратил документ или желает исправить свои оценки. Любой аттестат изготавливается аккуратно, с особым вниманием ко всем нюансам, чтобы в результате получился 100% оригинальный документ.
Преимущество этого решения состоит не только в том, что можно оперативно получить свой аттестат. Весь процесс организован комфортно, с профессиональной поддержкой. Начав от выбора нужного образца до консультаций по заполнению персональной информации и доставки в любое место России — все будет находиться под абсолютным контролем качественных мастеров.
Для всех, кто ищет оперативный способ получить необходимый документ, наша компания предлагает отличное решение. Приобрести аттестат – это значит избежать долгого обучения и не теряя времени перейти к важным целям, будь то поступление в университет или начало успешной карьеры.
http://images.google.az/url?q=http://aurus-diploms.com
sex videos
This is a topic that is close to my heart… Many thanks! Where are your contact details though?
porn videos
Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an extremely long comment
but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr…
well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say great blog!
sex videos
I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great.
I do not know who you are but definitely you’re going
to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!
xxx videos
These are in fact wonderful ideas in about blogging.
You have touched some pleasant points here. Any way keep up wrinting.
porn videos
First off I would like to say awesome blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask if
you do not mind. I was interested to find out how you center yourself and clear your
mind before writing. I’ve had a hard time clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out there.
I do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the
first 10 to 15 minutes are generally lost simply just trying to
figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or hints?
Kudos!
Hokicoy
naturally like your website however you have to check
the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and
I in finding it very troublesome to inform the reality then again I will definitely
come again again.
winning303
Hey very nice website!! Guy .. Excellent .. Wonderful ..
I’ll bookmark your site and take the feeds additionally?
I’m happy to seek out numerous helpful information here within the submit, we’d like develop extra strategies on this regard, thanks for
sharing. . . . . .
agen sv388
Outstanding post however , I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this subject?
I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit
more. Many thanks!
winning303
magnificent submit, very informative. I ponder why the opposite specialists of this sector don’t notice this.
You should continue your writing. I am sure, you have a great readers’ base already!
agen sv388
I have read so many articles concerning the blogger lovers however this paragraph is
really a nice post, keep it up.
Quxdrl
oral eukroma – where to buy eukroma without a prescription duphaston 10 mg uk
Hokicoy
If you are going for most excellent contents like
me, just pay a visit this web page every
day for the reason that it presents quality contents, thanks
Hokicoy Daftar
Outstanding story there. What occurred after? Take care!
Hokicoy Alternatif
Hey There. I discovered your blog using msn. This is a really well written article.
I will make sure to bookmark it and come back to read extra of your helpful info.
Thanks for the post. I’ll certainly comeback.
naga169
Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as long as
I provide credit and sources back to your webpage? My website is in the exact same
area of interest as yours and my users would really benefit from some of the information you provide here.
Please let me know if this alright with you. Many thanks!
Hokicoy
Heya i am for the primary time here. I found this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out much.
I hope to present one thing back and aid others like you helped me.
Hokicoy
Valuable information. Lucky me I found your site accidentally,
and I am stunned why this twist of fate didn’t came about earlier!
I bookmarked it.
iuytrewq.com
I’ve started incorporating massage into my self-care routine, and it’s made such a difference.
Your blog has been a great inspiration!
laga ayam sv388
Wonderful article! We are linking to this great post on our site.
Keep up the good writing.
laga ayam sv388
Hmm is anyone else having problems with the images on this blog
loading? I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it’s
the blog. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Hokicoy
Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all people you actually understand what you
are speaking approximately! Bookmarked. Please additionally discuss with my website =).
We can have a link exchange agreement between us
naga169
Stunning quest there. What occurred after?
Take care!
winning303
Wonderful items from you, man. I’ve be mindful your stuff prior to and you are just extremely
fantastic. I actually like what you’ve bought
right here, really like what you’re stating and the way through which you are saying it.
You’re making it entertaining and you continue to care for
to keep it wise. I can not wait to learn far more from you.
This is actually a great website.
naga169
I simply couldn’t go away your site before suggesting
that I actually enjoyed the standard information a person provide
for your guests? Is going to be again ceaselessly to check out new posts
Hokicoy
Hi would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re working with?
I’m looking to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a
difficult time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
The reason I ask is because your design and style
seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something
completely unique. P.S Apologies for getting off-topic but I
had to ask!
Hokicoy login
Undeniably believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the internet the simplest
thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get
irked while people consider worries that they plainly don’t know about.
You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing without having
side-effects , people can take a signal. Will probably be
back to get more. Thanks
naga169
Just wish to say your article is as amazing.
The clarity for your submit is simply spectacular and i
could suppose you are a professional in this subject.
Fine with your permission allow me to take hold
of your RSS feed to stay updated with drawing
close post. Thanks one million and please keep up the enjoyable work.
naga169
Hello, all the time i used to check blog posts here in the early hours in the daylight, for the reason that i enjoy to learn more and
more.
Pura vive reviews
Wow! Thank you! I continually wanted to write on my blog something like that. Can I take a part of your post to my site?
Hokicoy login
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d definitely
donate to this outstanding blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
I look forward to new updates and will talk about this website
with my Facebook group. Talk soon!
RaymondSnogy
Сайт (Магазин) loveshop актуальная ссылка в обход блокировки.
loveshop, loveshop biz, https loveshop, loveshop 1300, https loveshop biz17, loveshop 1300 biz, loveshop 17, loveshop закрыли, loveshop 13, loveshop ссылка, loveshop зеркало, loveshop biz 17, loveshop 13biz, loveshop обход, loveshop 13 biz, loveshop 1300biz
loveshop13