Astrology, is it a salvation issue? Maybe it depends on the degree of involvement a person has with it. Just reading your horoscope in the newspaper in passing out of curiosity is one thing. But delving into astrology with a purpose is getting involved into the occult. So keep in mind that much of what we will experience on the road to life are simply matters of our own choosing. The choices we make dictate the essence of our experiences along the highway of life.
Would you rather travel down a well lit path on the road that leads to life eternal or would you prefer to walk down a dimly lit path where you encounter unseen stumbling blocks and unnecessary distractions filled with pain and heartache that you could have avoided had you not opened the door to spirits of darkness, giving the enemy a foothold ...inviting him into your life. Yes, we all experience heartache and pain but I'm speaking of unnecessary pain that could have been avoided had we not been blinded by the darkness we invited in through occult practices.
Many today look to the stars for guidance and understanding for their personal life. They look to their assigned zodiac sign for their daily direction and personal identification which is something clearly prohibited in the bible. (See article Astrology VS Pneumatology for scriptural references.) The Holy Spirit is our GPS, giving daily direction as He Guides our footsteps, Protects us from unforeseen danger and Saves us from the consequences of sin which end in death. The land of Babylon was the origin and the driving force behind the impetus that spread Astrology with the use of the zodiac signs as we know them today.
Astrology is a form of divination which is rooted in paganism. However, Psalm 19 does tell us that the stars declare the glory of the Lord and that the stars are speaking. They speak of God's glory through Jesus the Messiah. Some bible scholars say that the zodiac signs as seen through the constellations were actually given to Adam. It is said that the constellations tell the story of God's plan to deliver mankind through His Son, Jesus Christ, from his virgin birth to his rulership, to the likes. This is all very interesting and I really can't say one way or another about whether these teachings are true or not. I don't condemn those who believe it nor do I condemn those who don't. We have our freedom in Christ to make our own decisions about such things. God has put his law of love in our hearts so that we can weigh out the matters that matter to him.
Loving God is the primary law that is most significant. So first and foremost we must consider God's feelings on any matter. God does have something to say specifically about the sun, moon and stars. The sun is a colossal star in our solar system that has profound significance regarding the signs of the endtimes and timeline of Jesus 2nd coming. See Matthew 24:29 More importantly, this website is dedicated to glorifying God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ and not astrology. We do this by focusing on the fruits of His Holy Spirit as well as His other godly characteristics.
We do this by highlighting a fruit of the Holy Spirit each month. Of course there are only 9 fruits listed in Galatians 5:22-23 but the Holy Spirit led me to add 3 godly characteristics for the remaining 3 months. Having said all of that, we each must make our own decision in regards to this issue. God has given us freedom to choose light over darkness! He truly loves us, giving us His Word as a light to our pathway. Choose wisely!
Would you rather travel down a well lit path on the road that leads to life eternal or would you prefer to walk down a dimly lit path where you encounter unseen stumbling blocks and unnecessary distractions filled with pain and heartache that you could have avoided had you not opened the door to spirits of darkness, giving the enemy a foothold ...inviting him into your life. Yes, we all experience heartache and pain but I'm speaking of unnecessary pain that could have been avoided had we not been blinded by the darkness we invited in through occult practices.
Many today look to the stars for guidance and understanding for their personal life. They look to their assigned zodiac sign for their daily direction and personal identification which is something clearly prohibited in the bible. (See article Astrology VS Pneumatology for scriptural references.) The Holy Spirit is our GPS, giving daily direction as He Guides our footsteps, Protects us from unforeseen danger and Saves us from the consequences of sin which end in death. The land of Babylon was the origin and the driving force behind the impetus that spread Astrology with the use of the zodiac signs as we know them today.
Astrology is a form of divination which is rooted in paganism. However, Psalm 19 does tell us that the stars declare the glory of the Lord and that the stars are speaking. They speak of God's glory through Jesus the Messiah. Some bible scholars say that the zodiac signs as seen through the constellations were actually given to Adam. It is said that the constellations tell the story of God's plan to deliver mankind through His Son, Jesus Christ, from his virgin birth to his rulership, to the likes. This is all very interesting and I really can't say one way or another about whether these teachings are true or not. I don't condemn those who believe it nor do I condemn those who don't. We have our freedom in Christ to make our own decisions about such things. God has put his law of love in our hearts so that we can weigh out the matters that matter to him.
Loving God is the primary law that is most significant. So first and foremost we must consider God's feelings on any matter. God does have something to say specifically about the sun, moon and stars. The sun is a colossal star in our solar system that has profound significance regarding the signs of the endtimes and timeline of Jesus 2nd coming. See Matthew 24:29 More importantly, this website is dedicated to glorifying God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ and not astrology. We do this by focusing on the fruits of His Holy Spirit as well as His other godly characteristics.
We do this by highlighting a fruit of the Holy Spirit each month. Of course there are only 9 fruits listed in Galatians 5:22-23 but the Holy Spirit led me to add 3 godly characteristics for the remaining 3 months. Having said all of that, we each must make our own decision in regards to this issue. God has given us freedom to choose light over darkness! He truly loves us, giving us His Word as a light to our pathway. Choose wisely!
HOPE Devotions Calendar Guide
We begin the year by focusing on LOVE, the primary and principal character of the fruits of God's Holy Spirit. God is the very essence of love as 1John 4:8 says that "God is Love". . We must love God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves. Mark 12:30-31 Therefore love is the law of God in summation and fulfillment. Let us show brotherly (Phileo) love (those we have affection for), (Agape) love (love based on principle and how we act towards others) and (Eros) , which is the love expressed between a man and woman. For true Christians, eros love should be expressed ONLY between a man and woman thru the God given gift of marriage. God said it was not good for man to be alone so, therefore he gave Adam a helper, Eve. Gen 2:18, 20-22 This love must be pure, honorable and holy, insisting that the marriage bed be w/o defilement before God. Hebrews 13:4
Let us sing for Joy to the Lord. The mountains sing together for joy. Psalm 98:8, 95:1 Now, let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. The joy of the Lord is our strength and God wants our joy to be complete in Him, not lacking in any way. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit we can pray with Joy of Heart, an anointing of the Oil of Joy. Ps 45:7 Some confuse happiness and joy thinking they are both the same. However, they are not the same. You can have joy while being unhappy in your circumstances. Happiness is based on outside conditions, your surroundings and circumstances. Joy is based on the inside, the condition of your heart being filled with the Holy Spirit. Everyday let us reach for this Joy and enjoy the fruits of its abundance by acknowledging and exalting Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords as He so deserves all the praise, glory and honor to the glory of the Father.
The bible has a lot to say about peace. We can have a peace that transcends all understanding. This is a supernatural peace that will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:7 God has a special blessing for those who long for peace in their life. Its when we pray to him and put all of our concerns, worries and needs upon him that we experience this supernatural peace. We can lay down at the altar of Peace and render our hearts there, finding peace as we enjoy the fruits thereof. Col 3:15 tells us , "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace." Happy are the peacemakers said Jesus. For they will be called sons of God. Matt 5:9 The world does not know this peace nor can it because it is influenced by the Devil. Let's be thankful to God for the peace he gives and not take it for granted. Let us call on Him now while He is near.
It is said that Patience is a virtue. A virtuous woman when found is a good thing saith the Lord. However, it's not always easy to wait on God but remember his timing is ALWAYS right on time. God's patience with us means our SALVATION. 2Pet 3:15 If we appreciate God's patience with us then, we will be patient with one another, forgiving one another as need be. Patience comes out of wisdom..therefore make wise decisions, seeking the will of God for your life as you wait patiently for his answer and direction. Haste does make waste as the saying goes. Do not be hasty in speaking either, there is a time to be silent before God, simply wait on God. Eccles 5:2 However, as we endure under patience, our faith will grow as we learn to fully trust in God and his Word. Faith comes by hearing..that is the hearing of the Word of God. Rom 10:17
Through God's daily provisions we can see His kindness. He provides light for a dark world by way of the sun by day and the moon and stars by night. He provides food, shelter and clothing for all of his creations. "He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food & fills your hearts with joy." Acts14:17 God’s Word the Holy Bible, salvation by means of the cross and the gift of the Holy Spirit are all further extensions of His kindness towards us, going beyond our physical needs. Practice extending random acts of kindness towards anyone the Spirit may lead you to. Before long it will become second nature because kindness is an offspring of love. Show it in the smallest act of a smile, a greeting or an apology. You may have entertained angels unawares by your acts of kindness to total strangers. Hebrews 13:2
A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food w/the poor. Prov 22:9 Here lies a proverbial statement worth remembering to put into practice. Generosity equals blessings! Blessings for the giver and the receiver. Compare 1Tim 6:18 You can be rich in good deeds by volunteering at church, the pantry, hospital, or anywhere the Lord may direct you to help. We are living in the day and times of the gentiles which is God's goodness and grace towards Spiritual Israel, todays church. "I will rejoice in doing them good....will give them all the prosperity I have promised them. Jer 32:41-42 God is good..all the time. It's not wrong to expect good things from our God. Let us imitate him daily in this regard. We will someday stand before Him, give an account of our dealings towards our neighbors and especially our brothers in Christ. What will it be for you and me? Matthew 31:1-44
After meditating upon the goodness of God I can see God's glory reflected in all that is good in Him. Facets of faithfulness and loyalty shine brilliantly through the priceless treasures of love. They walk hand in hand on the pathway of life purposed for us as the Lord follows through on His promises to never leave us nor forsake us. Heb13:5 Steadfast, never wavering in His allegiance, proven by His suffering shame and dying on the cross. He's faithful to be a shield to protect us from the enemy. Ephesians 6:16 We can depend on God to accomplish everything He says because He's faithful to keep his Word. Isaiah 55: 10-11. We must follow in the footsteps of Christ's faithfulness being fully submitted to Him. Love motivates us to obey his commandments which are not burdensome. Let us be a faithful husband, wife, parent, child, pastor, teacher, like Nike, just do it!
There's nothing like a gentle touch, a gentle whisper, or conversing with someone who has a gentle spirit. The bible says a gentle word turns away rage or wrath. Proverbs 15:1 NIV A gentle tongue can break a bone says Prov 25:15. Have you ever encountered an angry person whose stare was hard as a bone. If looks could kill watch out. But you bulldozed their hard stance and melted their stare with a gentle glance, kind words and warm smile. Yes, gentleness is effective in breaking through a wall of contention and even rage. Some mistaken gentleness and kindness as a weakness. When in fact, it takes more strength to show restraint and gently speak with kind words when being provoked to anger. By God's standards, outward beauty is less valuable than a quiet, gentle spirit. Compare 1Pet 3:4. Plant seeds of gentleness as you allow the holy spirit to cultivate the ground in your heart and expect to reap a great harvest of fruit that leads to positive life building experiences.
Self-Control is necessary in our faith walk as we are tested daily in life's journey. Of all the fruits of the Holy Spirit, an abundance of self-control is needed as we face a great battle with ourselves and the enemy every day. "Walk in the Spirit...and not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lust against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh." Gal 5:16-17 NKJV Holy spirit will enable us to restrain our carnal impulses that war against the indwelling spirit man. It is better to discipline ourselves today or tomorrow we will reap what we have sown. Jesus never said it would be easy but the end result justifies the means. It requires a closer walk with God as we follow the lead of His Holy Spirit. Necessity calls for self-control which is not something to be taken lightly because, "The end of all things is near, we must be sober minded and self-controlled". 1Peter 4:7, 2Peter 3:14
Wisdom has a voice and it is speaking today. Are you listening? Wisdom hates pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. If you look for wisdom you are sure to find it. God gives it generously. When you find it, you are sure to find riches, honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. It bestows wealth on those who find it but they must apply it. Prov 13: 21 says, "Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous." It also says at Prov 13: 11, "Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow." NIV What may be wealth and prosperity to one may be different for someone else depending on what his or her needs are. Wisdom speaks nothing but truth. Truth is godly knowledge put into action. It is more precious than rubies, silver and gold. It is simply PRICELESS.
God hates the proud yet loves the humble in spirit. This is a recurring theme in the book of Proverbs showing God's profound disdain and hatred of pride. Jesus set the perfect example of humility for us by washing the feet of his disciples. This was not only a lesson in humility but one of forgiveness. Ephe 4:32 The precedent set is one of servitude, serving others out of love and a pure heart. Even though Jesus was God in the flesh, he humbled himself submitting to death on the cross, as a lowly sinner. Phil 2:8 He took our place instead. Will we clothe ourselves with true humility & consider others to be better than ourselves. Phil 2:3, 1Pet 5:5 Humility can be likened to apparel or clothing. We wouldn't leave home without being fully dressed would we? Dressing with humility attracts wisdom and honor. Prov 11:2, 15:33
Hope is sorely missing in the world today. It's shrouded in a hopeless state that seems inescapable. Fear and depression are close companions of the individual engulfed by a spirit of hopelessness. As Christians, our hopes and dreams should rest in the promises of God and not in the vanities of this world. This hope is an anchor for our soul & a helmet of salvation. It anchors our mind firmly in the promises of God to forgive us of our sins while protecting us from all the present negative influences & circumstances surrounding us. View this present life with a healthy perspective, knowing this life is not the real life, it is eternal life in a new heavens and new earth we are awaiting. 1Tim 6:19 2Pet 3:13 He that endures til the end is inspired by such a hope, which is the ...Christ in you, he being the hope of all glory in this life and that which is to come. Col 1:27, 1Thess 1:3
Copyright © 2011-2020 Hope Devotions Ministry (HDM) All Rights Reserved
©“Hope Devotions Monthly Guide” by Faith Grace Cross Copyright 2011-2020. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from the author and/or owner of Hope Devotions Ministry (HDM) is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the Holy Spirit, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
©“Hope Devotions Monthly Guide” by Faith Grace Cross Copyright 2011-2020. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from the author and/or owner of Hope Devotions Ministry (HDM) is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the Holy Spirit, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
