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Idolatry In The Bible (The Important Truth We Shouldn’t Ignore)

Jeffery Curtis Poor | January 3, 2022

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What is idolatry? What does God say about idolatry in the Bible? 

When you think of idols you likely think of something from the past. Golden statues, trinkets, and the worship of many gods. And that certainly is part of what an idol is. But we often miss the fullness of the real idolatry definition and how it applies to our lives today. 

In this blog post we are going to look at what exactly an idol is and examples of idolatry in the Bible. I think we will find that idolatry is still around today and is something that we need to look out for. 

Let’s start by looking at an idolatry definition that sets the foundation for us. 

Idolatry Definition (What Is Idolatry?)

Idolatry typically refers to worshiping idols, images, or other substitutes for the one true God. 

The most common forms of idolatry are: 

1. The worship of trinkets, statues, or images of gods. 
2. The worship of trees, rivers, hills, stones, etc for the magical/spiritual powers they hold (Fetishism)
3. The worship of nature. The sun, moon, and stars as supreme powers of nature.
4. The worship of heroes or deceased ancestors.

Here’s how a few dictionaries define idolatry: 

Merriam-Webster Idolatry Definition: the worship of a physical object as a god or immoderate attachment or devotion to something. 

dictionary.com Idolatry Definition: the religious worship of idols. Or excessive or blind adoration, reverence, devotion, etc.

Oxford’s Dictionary Idolatry Definition: the practice of worshiping statues as gods or too much love or admiration for someone or something. 

So far all these idolatry definitions probably check the boxes of how you and I think about idolatry. But I think those idolatry definitions fall a little short in grasping the fullness of what an idol is. To be clear, I don’t think those definitions are wrong. Just that their view is too narrow. 

Here’s how I would define idolatry: Idolatry Definition: When something becomes more important to us than God.

I think this definition gives us a broader scope of what idolatry is. It’s not just about worshiping trinkets, statues, or images. It’s about placing something above God. 

I love how Tim Keller defines it in Counterfeit Gods. Idolatry definition: “An idol is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, and anything that you seek to give you what only God can give.”

I think this helps us see that idolatry isn’t just something in the past, but is still all around us. We’ll look more at that in a minute. First let’s look at idolatry in the Bible. 

Idolatry In The Bible

Idolatry in the Bible is regarded as a pagan practice that was imported into the nation of Israel. Most every other nation believed that worship many gods was far better than worshiping one God. Thus most nations had multiple gods that they worshiped for specific purposes (fertility, crops, health, etc…). 

Israel was a unique nation in that it did not have any idols or worship multiple gods. But they were constantly tempted by their counterparts. If you were to just thumb through the Old Testament you will see that they regularly gave into idolatry. 

God sets the precedent for his people early on that his people shall have no gods except him, and they shall not worship any idol. The 10 Commandments lead off with a command against idolatry (Exodus 20:3). And in most subsequent books in the Old Testament echo this commandment (Exodus 23:13, 24, Deuteronomy 4:23-24, 6:14, Joshua 23:7, Judges 6:10, and 2 Kings 17:35-38). But Israel continually struggled to actually follow this commandment. 

The first reference to idol worship is found just a few chapters into founding of the Hebrew people. In Genesis 31:19 Rachel steals her father’s household gods. Thus the nation of Israel begins their affair with idols. 

The first instance of the entire nation of Israel engaging in idol worship was at Mount Sinai where they gathered to worship a golden calf. After this idolatry in the Bible it really picks up in frequency. 

The book of Judges is chock-FULL of the God’s people turning to false gods and idol worship. Eventually the nation of Israel was divided into a northern and southern kingdom. And all the rulers of the northern kingdom engaged in idolatry (2 Kings 17:6-18). The southern kings had a slight better track record, but not by much. 

Just about all the hardships the nation of Israel faced was due to their worship of idols and false gods. Just about all the prophets warned the nation of Israel against this practice (2 Kings 21:10-16). But they went largely unheard. (Isaiah 48:4-5, Jeremiah 2:4-30, Ezekiel 8)

There were periods of little to no idol worship. During the reign of King Saul and King David, there is no evidence of idolatry. And after the exile the worship of gods and idols ceased. 

The New Testament is also vocal about idolatry. Colossians 3:5 and Romans 1:22-23 remind us of the dangers of idolatry. Many times the New Testament warns of being seduced by the things of this world to the point where they become the most important thing in our life- which is, by definition, idolatry.

Idolatry in the Bible is prevalent and is always condemned. Instead God’s people are told to worship only the one true God and to avoid the worship of worthless idols. 

We see time and time again in the Bible that we tend to drift away from God. Both the Old Testament and the New Testament are full of warnings against idolatry because we are so prone to wander. We must be diligent in examining our life for idols. 

Here’s a full list of what the Bible says about idols if you want more context: Bible Verses About Idolatry 

Idolatry Meaning For Us Today

Now that we have a good idolatry definition and we know a little more about the history of idolatry in the Bible, let’s look at what this means for us today. 

My guess is when you think of idolatry you think of the golden calf or little trinkets people worship. But as we saw in our earlier definition, an idol is anything that becomes more important to us than God. And by that definition idol worship is still happening today. 

Dwight L. Moody says it this way: “You don’t have to go to heathen lands today to find false gods. America is full of them. Whatever you love more than God is your idol.”

If you want to learn more about what idols are most prevalent today check out: The Top 10 Idols Still Worshipped Today

So how do we find idols in our life? 

What I want to encourage you to do is to prayerfully evaluate your life and make sure nothing has become more important than God. Ask yourself, what is an idol in my life? Be honest with yourself, don’t try to answer the way you think you should. 

Here’s a few questions that I think can help you identify any potential idols in your life: 

Where Do I Spend My Time?
Where Do I Spend My Money? 
Where Do I Get My Joy? 
What’s Always On My Mind? 

Actually think about those questions. Answer them honestly. Pray through them. They will lead you to what either is an idol or what you might be tempted to make an idol. Spend some time in prayer asking and seeking what is an idol in your life.

Idol worship today might look different, but it still exists. We shouldn’t let anything, even a good thing, take the place of God in our life. When we look at idolatry in the Bible that’s the main message. Keep God in his rightful place.

If you liked this blog post you might also like: 10 Idols We Still Worship Today

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Jeffery Curtis Poor

Husband. Father. Pastor. Church Planter. Writer. Trying to be more like Jesus each day.

BA in Biblical Studies – Ozark Christian College (2012)
MA in Theology – Regent University (2019)

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1 COMMENT

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rias

 2 months ago

could never be more true. great article. think we all need to think about this a little more.

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Matthew 6:21: And What It Means to All People by Anthony Joseph Hopkins September 27, 2023

 Good Day Everyone!!  How are all of you doing today?  Fine, I hope.  I would like to discuss a very familiar Bible verse from Matthew 6:21. It says; For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

I selected this Bible verse to talk about because our hearts and feelings store a lot of information and emotions from both the past and the present day.  I am saying this because my heart has stored a lot of information and emotions from the past. 

Next, this is called emotional baggage.  This operates by storing our emotions to the point that we end up exploding because of our situation that we are involved in at the present time.

 What is the definition of the word treasure?  Treasure is something that is concrete or real.  I am talking about things that we really value the most.  I want to say for example, watches, diamond rings, and bracelets. 

 I am also talking about money is something that we tend to treasure enough of it that we can purchase something that we really want.  I am not saying that things that we keep a lot of; can become an idol.

Further, what is an idol, you may ask, is something that we tend to hold onto physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, or psychologically.  It is when we are putting emphasis on this more than God.  It can also become financially as well.  There are times that our hearts can be filled with feeling about a woman, friend, or simple possessions that people give to us.

Moreover, I want to say that there is a difference between storing treasures and hoarding.  Hoarding is when we gather or collect things that appease us at one time or another.  I want to say that there is an emphasis on needs; rather than wants.  I say that because I used to collect books and read one book at a time.  I was reading my books at my own pace.

In Addition, our own feelings can be treasured as well.  Emotional attachments can become a very serious problem.  There are times when we do things out of our own emotions.  I used to be very angry at the people, who used to abuse me physically and emotionally as well as verbally. 

In Summary, Matthew 6:21 has a lot to do with the Sermon on the Mount that Jesus Christ was teaching the people about things from the Bible, and how we are supposed to conduct ourselves around people and with God.  For where your treasure is your heart will be also is a metaphor regarding changes in our behavior.

Finally, I want to inform all of you that Jesus Christ is coming back very soon.  Frankly, we do not know when He is coming back to earth.  There is a lot of anticipation of His arrival.

 I am anticipating his arrival by saying that I only wish I can live to see Him with my eyes.  I have a lot of faith in God.  To be honest, I wish I can see Him right now because I have a lot of physical problems that man cannot cure with medication.  The kind of problems that I have are as follows: Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, Depression, and Schizoid Affective Disorder.  I am taking too much medication for depression.  I am taking 10 different medications for depression itself.

In Conclusion, I want to say that you really do not have to have a lot of possessions to have treasures, your negative attitude can affect you and others.  I want to say that if a person is angry all of the time, it has a lot to with the way that we display ourselves in the eyes of God.  In God’s Eyes, we are still sinners. 

Romans 3:23 says; For All have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God.  I know that this is an essay about Matthew 6:21, but our own emotions can get us into trouble with God.  It is the way that we carry ourselves that has an effect on our behavior in front of God.  I want to say that I love all of you very much.  I mean it!!  When it comes to treasures that the Bible is talking about are tangible items such as the things that we gain for ourselves.

There is an emphasis on what we collect for ourselves that can affect our relationship with God.  It can also be based on our universal feelings such as anger or hate.  If our heart is inside of the wrong place, it has a lot to do with our relationships with other people and God.  Please think before you act!!  Always Look Deep Before You Leap!!  God Bless All of You.  God Bless All of You!!

My name is Anthony Joseph Hopkins and I am from Dayton, Ohio.  I am a 58-year-old man, who have a lot of common sense.  I graduated from the University of Toledo with an Associate’s Degree in Social Services Technology on June 12, 1993.  I also earned my Bachelors of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies on June 17, 1995.  I have earned 235 college education credits.  My hobbies are as follows: Reading the Bible, Traveling, Attending Church using Computers, and spending time with my family and friends.

What is Karma?  Karma is a cyclical event. Meaning that if you hurt others, God shall punish anyone who deliberately hurt others.  What goes around comes around.  This is the truth according to the Bible.  Therefore, the things that we do in the dark shall come to the light.

Galatians 6:7 says that we must reap what we have down.  Do Not be deceived God is not mocked.  This means that God is taking inventory when it comes to our behavior.  I have chosen to allow God to handle all of my affairs.  I already know that He is watching all of us.

Next, we must think before we act : People will have to be aware of their own actions.  This topic is very serious!  In my case, I am surrounded by love and hate.  My environment is not conducive towards my needs.  However, I am living in an apartment complex that consists of a hierarchy of criminals.  

Further, I really love diversity.  This means that I am open to change.  I really love being around people from all backgrounds of life. Diversity has its advantages and disadvantages.  I am very sorry for changing the topic.  I have allowed minor distractions hinder me.  What God is saying that He wants all of us to live in harmony among ourselves.

Finally, I am sending a message to those who I am having problems with.  This is a fact of life.  You shall reap what you are sowing.  God Bless You All.

What is Karma?  Karma is a cyclical event. Meaning that if you hurt others, God shall punish anyone who deliberately hurt others.  What goes around comes around.  This is the truth according to the Bible.  Therefore, the things that we do in the dark shall come to the light.

Galatians 6:7 says that we must reap what we have down.  Do Not be deceived God is not mocked.  This means that God is taking inventory when it comes to our behavior.  I have chosen to allow God to handle all of my affairs.  I already know that He is watching all of us.

Next, we must think before we act : People will have to be aware of their own actions.  This topic is very serious!  In my case, I am surrounded by love and hate.  My environment is not conducive towards my needs.  However, I am living in an apartment complex that consists of a hierarchy of criminals.  

Further, I really love diversity.  This means that I am open to change.  I really love being around people from all backgrounds of life. Diversity has its advantages and disadvantages.  I am very sorry for changing the topic.  I have allowed minor distractions hinder me.  What God is saying that He wants all of us to live in harmony among ourselves.

Finally, I am sending a message to those who I am having problems with.  This is a fact of life.  You shall reap what you are sowing.  God Bless You All.

Isaiah 59:2 says: But your iniquities have separated you from your God.  And your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.  What this is really saying that our sins and iniquities have separated you from God.  This has a lot to do with our own behavior.  If we are obedient, God will accept us and love us; for the people that we are.

Next, I want to inform all of you that my personal behavior was not my best behavior for a very long time.  I know that if we maintain a negative attitude on a daily basis, God will not hear you.  Psalm 66:18 says; If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.  All of my positive and negative behavior will be recorded by God Himself.

Moreover if I ask God to help me with my behavior, He will grant me my request for service or something that is approved by Him at a specified period of time.  Some people would say that life itself is what you make of it.  Isaiah viewpoints are very serious.  This also means that God would turn your mind into a depraved one.  This means that God will allow you to seek out your own pleasures.  This is specified in Romans 1:28-32. It says: And even as they did not retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do the things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness, they are whisperers and, backbiting, haters of God,  violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful: Who knowing the righteous judgement of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

I had to remind everyone that God gives us a Free Will.  It is up to all of us to accept Him.  There are times when I would say things that are out of pocket.  However, I do Repent of my sins.  God gives us time to Repent of our sins and live for Him.

1^st Samuel 23:16-18: And What it Means to All People

By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins August 14, 2020

16. Then Jonathan Saul’s son arose and went to David in the woods and strengthen his hand in God.

17. And he said to him, do not fear, for the hand of Saul, my father shall not find you.  You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you.  Even my father Saul knows that.

18. So the two of them made a covenant before the Lord.  And David stayed in the woods, and Jonathan went to his own house.

This is a story about two good friends, King Saul son Jonathan and the anointed king David son of Jesse.  I am going to place emphasis on the 16^th verse of 1^st Samuel 23.  It specifically states that Jonathan arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God.  Jonathan was a very loyal friend to David.  Even though, Saul his father tried to kill David because David was anointed King over Israel.

David was only 12 years old when he was anointed King over Israel by Samuel.  The word strengthen means to give strength to or nourishment to another person.  Jonathan appeared to David inside of the woods, and he strengthened his hand in God.  This means that he encouraged David at his time of need.  This is simply because David was in danger at the hand of Saul; Jonathan’s father.  Therefore, Jonathan indicated to David do not fear.  For the hand of his father Saul will not find him.

Therefore, Jonathan and David were very good friends toward each other.  Jonathan encouraged David to be strong, and do not fear.  Eventually, the two of them made a covenant with each other.  The covenant was made in blood from each other.  This was made by using a knife to cut into their flesh, and the two of them were friends until Jonathan and his father were killed in battle.  However, Saul committed suicide by falling on his own knife.  Jonathan showed compassion toward David.  Frankly, I have shown all of my enemies’ compassion from 1972 to 1990.  I did not like fighting my friends, even though they were fair weather friends.

Both of my grandmothers told me not to fight any of my friends.  My fair-weather friends had beaten me up for 18 years.  Even though I did not like fighting anyone.  I prefer playing football and basketball with my fair-weather friends.  I will admit that I was all by myself as a child growing up because of my aggressive friends.  I remember attending church with my grandmothers.  I remember the Beatitudes that are located inside of the New Testament in the Book of Matthew the 5^th Chapter.  When it pertains to the story of Jonathan and David, it was Jonathan and David who had compassion towards each other. 

I was filled with compassion as a child.  Do you agree?  I will admit that I used to get beaten up as a child by my fair-weather friends considered me as a very weak person.  I was not a weak person.  I suffered from depression all of my entire life.  I was abused as a child by my stepfather and my friends. 

I did not consider my friends as fair-weather.  My fair-weather friends used to oppress me for 18 years.  They used to intimidate me and take my lunch money from me.  Currently, I suffer from depression for the past 23 years.  From July 15, 1997 to the present day, I have consulted with therapists and psychiatrists on a regular basis.

In order to strengthen someone, you will have to show compassion for the next person.  You need to become transparent.  You need to become honest, truthful, and respectful toward other people.  This is my personal interpretation of 1^st Samuel 23:16-18, and what it means to all people.  My name is Anthony Joseph Hopkins, and I love all of you very much.  Please take care of yourselves.

Sincerely,

Anthony Joseph Hopkins

What Does Reading the Holy Bible Means to Me?  By Anthony Joseph Hopkins August 26, 2022

     What does Reading the Holy Bible Means to me?  It means that God is talking directly to me.  God’s Words absorbs inside of my brain like a sponge.  It gives me the knowledge and the special action words that I need to listen to each day.

    

Next, God’s Word gives me the confidence to do what is necessary for me to survive on earth.  Every single time I read His Word, it helps me to grow as a human being.  I want you to know that I really love reading God’s Word.  His Word helps me to mature as an adult male; living on planet earth.

     Further, I want to inform all of you that I am willing to share God’s Word to everyone who is willing to hear it.  I want to inform all of you that 2^nd Timothy 3:16-17 says All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, That the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

     Moreover, I want to say that if I need someone to talk to each day, I can always read God’s Word and it will calm me completely down if I am under a lot of stress.  However, I know that God hears my prayers each and every single day of the week.  I want to say that I am not a perfect person.  I am a person who makes a lot of mistakes.  I am a person who apologizes to God and other people if I have done something to offend them.

    

In Addition, I want to inform all of you that my life has been filled with ups and downs during the past 56 years.  I know that I have disappointed my parents numerous of times by my actions.  My emotions during the past 56 years have been filled with angry feelings.  I cried every single time my parents argued in front of me and my siblings.

     Furthermore, my parents were alcoholics.  There were times when they did not know how to control their liquor.  God talks to me all of the time.  I want to inform all of you that God listens to all of my cries.   I remember the very day that I had quit drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana.  On Wednesday May 2, 1990, I have decided to give up the high cost to low living.  This means I stopped drinking alcohol and stopped smoking marijuana on that special day.  I want to inform all of you that this day is very special to me because two days later, I had a hernia operation on May 4, 1990.

 

 

 

 

     Also, I want to inform all of you that was with me even throughout my College Career.  From Monday April 1, 1991 through Saturday June 14, 1996.  I graduated from college twice.  I earned my Associates Degree on Saturday June 12, 1993 from the University of Toledo Community and Technical College.  I had a lot of fun during that special day.  My Supervisor gave me a job two days later.  After I completed my internship, I earned an A+ Grade for the work that I had done at the Jerusalem Outreach Center in Toledo, Ohio.

 

 

 

 

 

     Finally, God was with me again as soon as I graduated with my Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies on Saturday June 17, 1995.  God was with me because my behavior was not the best because I was acting like a crying baby at times.  He heard all of my cries and concerns.  I thought I was not going to make it through College.  He did all of the work.  The only thing I did was show up for class each day.  I will admit that my behavior during class was not the best.  This is the reason why God stepped in and helped

 me to resolve all of my problems.

———- Forwarded message ———
From: Anthony Hopkins <hopkinsanthony33@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Aug 26, 2022, 4:44 PM
Subject: What Does The Holy Bible Means to Me?
To: Anthony Hopkins <hopkinsanthony33@gmail.com>

What Does Reading the Holy Bible Means to Me?  By Anthony Joseph Hopkins August 26, 2022

     What does Reading the Holy Bible Means to me?  It means that God is talking directly to me.  God’s Words absorbs inside of my brain like a sponge.  It gives me the knowledge and the special action words that I need to listen to each day.

    

Next, God’s Word gives me the confidence to do what is necessary for me to survive on earth.  Every single time I read His Word, it helps me to grow as a human being.  I want you to know that I really love reading God’s Word.  His Word helps me to mature as an adult male; living on planet earth.

     Further, I want to inform all of you that I am willing to share God’s Word to everyone who is willing to hear it.  I want to inform all of you that 2^nd Timothy 3:16-17 says All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, That the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

     Moreover, I want to say that if I need someone to talk to each day, I can always read God’s Word and it will calm me completely down if I am under a lot of stress.  However, I know that God hears my prayers each and every single day of the week.  I want to say that I am not a perfect person.  I am a person who makes a lot of mistakes.  I am a person who apologizes to God and other people if I have done something to offend them.

    

In Addition, I want to inform all of you that my life has been filled with ups and downs during the past 56 years.  I know that I have disappointed my parents numerous of times by my actions.  My emotions during the past 56 years have been filled with angry feelings.  I cried every single time my parents argued in front of me and my siblings.

     Furthermore, my parents were alcoholics.  There were times when they did not know how to control their liquor.  God talks to me all of the time.  I want to inform all of you that God listens to all of my cries.   I remember the very day that I had quit drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana.  On Wednesday May 2, 1990, I have decided to give up the high cost to low living.  This means I stopped drinking alcohol and stopped smoking marijuana on that special day.  I want to inform all of you that this day is very special to me because two days later, I had a hernia operation on May 4, 1990.

 

 

 

 

     Also, I want to inform all of you that was with me even throughout my College Career.  From Monday April 1, 1991 through Saturday June 14, 1996.  I graduated from college twice.  I earned my Associates Degree on Saturday June 12, 1993 from the University of Toledo Community and Technical College.  I had a lot of fun during that special day.  My Supervisor gave me a job two days later.  After I completed my internship, I earned an A+ Grade for the work that I had done at the Jerusalem Outreach Center in Toledo, Ohio.

 

 

 

 

 

     Finally, God was with me again as soon as I graduated with my Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies on Saturday June 17, 1995.  God was with me because my behavior was not the best because I was acting like a crying baby at times.  He heard all of my cries and concerns.  I thought I was not going to make it through College.  He did all of the work.  The only thing I did was show up for class each day.  I will admit that my behavior during class was not the best.  This is the reason why God stepped in and helped

 me to resolve all of my problems.

1 Peter 3:14 says But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.  Do not fear their threats, do not be frightened.  There is a gentleman, who is afraid himself.  He has a weapon and doesn’t know how to use it.  This young man is angry with me because he lost his job over a misunderstanding.  All this is a misunderstanding between two people that are going in different places in life.  The first person is myself.  The second is one of my accusers.  At least he had a job and a promising future.  Me, myself, I have written two books in one year.  My books are not selling right now.  Perhaps, I should have put more effort into it.  Whereas, the other person feels depressed right now.  Mom always told me to never allowed a monkey to stop my show.  I say that, just to say this if a man doesn’t work, he doesn’t eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10.  Meanwhile, I was truthful in my matters.  All I am saying is never allow a misunderstanding to get worse.  It’s a sore that doesn’t heal.  The sore itself gets infected. The battle is not yours but God’s.

The Battle has already been won, long before we all were born.  Frankly, I have been shot before.  When a man looks directly at his accusers, he has already been identified by God.  It looks like I am taking a little trip.  It happened before, on October 19, 1979, I was a freshman in high school when my closes friend shot me in the right leg.  At least I have something to remember it by.  I had surgery to repair a problem that is 40 years old.  I remember on Monday October 30, 2006, I had jaw surgery on my right side of my face.  I didn’t know that my right mandible was fractured.  I guess if I didn’t go to the dentist, I would have bled to death.  My bone marrow was leaking from my jaw.  What makes this situation different is that we are two African American Men, who are going through different paths of life.  Frankly, I took advantage of what the US Government has given all of us.  That is called Stimulus Money.  I decided to use my money to publish two books.  I got into trouble for fraud, but My charges were dropped because I used my stimulus money to publish two books.  The first one is called Essays and the second one is called My Grace is Sufficient for Me.  It was a present for myself.  The battle is not yours but God’s.  I have my tax documents to prove that I have earned money from selling my Intellectual property.  I didn’t earn very much money.  I guess it was the thought that counts.

Today is a brand new day for all of us.  It is an opportunity to make things happen in a positive way.  Lord God, I want to thank you for waking me up this morning.  I thank you for keeping it real with me.  Lord God I laugh right now because life itself is precious.  Life is really what you make out of it.  Life is a course that we choose to make.  At least for me, I have had it all.  To lose it it is a choice that I make for myself.  Right Now, I prefer to share my love and wealth.  This is an opportunity for two men to make a life for themselves.  All that we have is today.  Tomorrow is not promised to anyone.  If you read Proverbs 27:1 it states that do not boast about tomorrow for you never know what a day may bring forth.

Ephesians 5:1-2: And What It Means to All People!!  By Anthony Joseph Hopkins October 31, 2020

        Praise the Lord Saints!!  Praise the Lord Everyone!!  How are all of you doing today?  Fine, I hope.  I would like to start this essay off by asking a very important question.  How do you go by becoming an imitator of Jesus Christ?  I am asking this question because I had to learn how to become an imitator of Jesus Christ from being around my mother, grandmothers, aunt, and from my grandfather. 

Next, I want to say to everyone that I really need your prayers right now.  I want to be transparent by saying that I had to start all over again.  This is because I am a hoarder; I am a very lazy person.  I also want to say that my apartment is very messy.  I have been very generous to everyone else except myself.

Furthermore, I also want to say is that I help others more than myself.  I realize that right now that the money that we earn each month does not belong to us.  Our money belongs to God.  The air that we breathe out of our mouth does not belong to us.  According to Psalm 144:4 says: Man is like a breath.  His days is like a passing shadow.

How do we learn to become imitators of Jesus Christ as dear children?  First, we have to make an honest omission and confession to God, to ourselves, and to others.  We have to let go and let God.  We have to give God an opportunity to work in our lives.  I will admit that I hear voices that others do not hear.  These voices are not the Holy Spirit.  I listen to secular music from Mary J. Blige because it soothes me from hearing the voices.

Frankly, I suffer from a mental illness called schizoid affective disorder.  This means that I suffer from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder at the same time.  I do not want to be labeled as a double minded person.  I have been listening to church sermons rather than secular music.  I am very overwhelmed by the voices that I hear that other people do not hear.

I am completely ready to submit to God.  I have to learn how to take salvation very seriously.  Another Example, is that my neighbors, who live inside of my apartment building play loud music all night long.  They also drink alcohol, and smoke marijuana.  I have been living inside of my apartment for almost 13 years now.

In Addition, I attend Fort McKinley United Methodist Church in Dayton, Ohio.  I have been a member of the church for almost 9 years now.  I am a Christian man.  I am confessing my faults and trespasses to everyone.  My neighbors keep me up all night by playing loud music.  They smoke cigarettes inside of the hallway inside of my apartment building.  It bothers me because I suffer from asthma right now.

Finally, I still have a question to ask.  How do you really deal with very difficult people?  My neighbors, who live on my floor are very apathetic.  I really need help this time around because I am trying my best to stay out of trouble.  Thank you for understanding me as a person.  I have been praying to God about my personal problems but God does not hear me because I am viewed as a sinner myself.

hopkinsanthony33@gmail.com

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What Does the Bible Say About Controlling Your Emotions!!  By Anthony Hopkins

Proverbs 16:32 and Controlling Your Emotions!!

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty: and He that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. I want to start things off by inquiring of you.

I would like to ask all of you.  How are you doing today?  Fine, I hope.  I want to inform all of you is an emotion are universal feelings; such as love, hate, or fear.  As for me, I have been feeling elated as of late.  I am happy because today is my sister’s birthday.  She just turned 56 years old today. 

Although she is no longer with us, I am very happy to celebrate her birthday as if she is still existing on earth.  I miss my sister a whole lot.  I miss all of my family members: even though, we do not seek one another all of the time.  My universal feelings as of late consisted of melancholy.  I know that I have faith in God, I tend to ponder a whole lot about my past.

Next, I want to inform all of you that I have been trying to keep my emotions in check by reading the Bible, praying every single day, and attending church on a regular basis.

I am happy because I have a daily reprieve by God.  I am happy to be alive.  I am a 58-year-old man, who has common sense.  I am a very intelligent man, who is highly educated.  I will admit that I am a person who has a lot on my mind. 

Further, I want to say that God knows all of our feelings as well as how long we are going to live on earth.  According to Psalms 139:16 Thine Eyes saw my substance being yet unborn, and Thine saw everything inside of thine Book.  You saw me before I was born, and you have ordained the days fashioned for me before I was born.

Moreover, I want to inform all of you that God knows all things and It is Him, who knows all things.  I know that God knows how long I am going to live, and He knows what I am doing each day of the week.

In Addition, I want to inform all of you that God’s Son Jesus Christ is my personal savior.  I have been a Born-Again Christian since Sunday February 15, 2015.  I have been saved for only 8 years now.  I am very honest and truthful in my manner and speech.  What Does it Mean to Control my Emotions?  It means that we have to stay all prayed up and learn how to govern our emotions by doing what is right in the eyes of God.

Finally, I want to say to everyone that God Loves You!!  God Bless All of You!!  I have been keeping my emotions in check since Wednesday May 2, 1990.  This is how long I have been clean and sober from drugs and alcohol.  As far as my emotions are concerned, I have had an above average attitude about all of the things that are in my midst.  I also realize that I am only a vapor that exist for a short period of time and then vanishes.

In Conclusion, I want to say that I have both good and bad days, but as long as God has me inside of His Hands; I will endure and survive as long as He wants me to.  God is in control of everything that exist in our lives.  May the Lord God Bless All of You!!  Please learn to control your emotions!!