got idols?

When's the last time you took an idol inventory?  I have a variety areas in my life that are potential idols and, when I don't regularly give God control of these areas, they become actual idols. The Bible defines an idol as sin because it's something you feel you have to have in order to be happy or satisfied.  And the scary thing is, if you don't get a handle on it (through prayer, surrender and obedience), it often turn into strongholds.  A stronghold is anything that has authority over you other than God.  It may be a hobby or a relationship.  It could be an attitude, an addiction or social media. It often shows up in our thought patterns, in how we manage our money or in how we prioritize things.

The Bible's preeminent passage on freedom from idols and strongholds is 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.  In the Living Bible it says "It is true that I am an ordinary, weak human being, but I don’t use human plans and methods to win my battles. I use God’s mighty weapons, not those made by men, to knock down the devil’s strongholds. These weapons can break down every proud argument against God and every wall that can be built to keep men from finding him. With these weapons I capture every rebellious thought (or action) and teach them to obey Christ."

Do you see the precepts of freedom here:

• acknowledge and confess your weakness (your propensity to exalt a certain idol in your life)
• identify the Biblical tools at your disposal (surrender, obedience, thought management, etc)
• use God's weapons to mount your attack on your idol (prayer, Bible reading, accountability, praise)
• defeat the devil's hold on you (capture each rebellious thought or action and make it obey Jesus!)

I have TONS of resources on the above material.  If you need some help or a recommendation (or prayer), email me!