YOGA Revisited: Rationalizing By Christians Does Not Make It Right

Nothing seems to get a heated debate started faster than challenging a Christian who practices Yoga on this subject.

“But I only do the stretching part.” I can’t tell you how many times I have heard this. This article is written for the sake of clarification and education on the practice of Yoga.

What is Yoga?

Yoga (/ˈjoʊɡə/; Sanskrit: योग, Listen) are the physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines that aim to transform body and mind. The term denotes a variety of schools, practices and goals in Hinduism, Buddhism (including Vajrayana and Tibetan Buddhism and Jainism,[ the best-known being Hatha yoga and Raja yoga. The term yoga is derived from the literal meaning of “yoking together” a span of horses or oxes, but came to be applied to the “yoking” of mind and body.- source

Yoga:noun a mystic and ascetic Hindu discipline by which one seeks to achieve liberation of the self and union with the supreme spirit or universal soul through intense concentration, deep meditation, and practices involving prescribed postures, controlled breathing, etc. a system of exercising involving the postures, breathing, etc. practiced in this discipline [2] – source

A Christian who studies the Word of God, should instantly see red flags and discern that Yoga and Christianity are not compatible. We see in the definition “Yoga is the physical, mental and spiritual practices or disciplines that aim to transform body and mind.” What does God say about transforming our minds?

“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 12:2)

Immediately we see a problem between transforming our minds in Yoga, and being transformed by the renewing of our minds according to the Word of God. As Christians, God wants our minds to be renewed, so we will be able to know His will for us. God wants us to be closer to Him. He speaks to us through His Word. He is our perfect Father.

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3)

We know that the practice of Yoga is rooted in Hinduism and Buddhism. As Christians, do we want to open up our minds to something that will transform us to be more like Hindus or Buddhists? Ok, when we see it in black and white, it seems unthinkable. But this is exactly what practicing Yoga is accomplishing in your life.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12)

Next we see in the definition – The term yoga is derived from the literal meaning of “yoking together” a span of horses or oxes, but came to be applied to the “yoking”of mind and body.

Another red flag should easily be seen by a student of the Word. Let’s see what God says about being yoked together:

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14)

The picture of oxen being yoked together is used by both Yoga and the Word. In Yoga, the goal is for mind and body to be yoked together. It’s a Hindu discipline to bring mind and body into submission – but to what end?

Were you aware that every Yoga pose is a posture of worship to various Hindu gods? In this way, the person is making offerings to millions of Hindu deities! Of course, these details are left off of the “Welcome pamphlet” in Yoga centers. People are coming there to stretch and relax and be energized, right?

The Kundalini Spirit

In an interview with Dave Hunt of the Berean Call (Dave is now with our Lord) the subject of the Kundalini Spirit was addressed:

“In spite of the advertisements and talk about health and fitness yoga’s real goal is to awaken Kundalini power, coiled like a serpent at the base of the spine, ready to spring up to manifest itself through the alleged chakras, (centers of universal force) of the body.” Now, what exactly is Kundalini yoga, or Kundalini power, for that matter?”

Dave Hunt:

“Well, to put it bluntly, it’s demonic. There is no way you can explain it physically, it’s a non physical force. There certainly is nothing coiled at the base of the spine, three and one-half times coiled like a serpent that’s going to spring up when you get in the proper state of consciousness, supposedly. This is the same occult power that all the occultists are in touch with, or try to be in touch with.” –source

In yoga, the student is told to empty their minds to prepare for meditation. An empty mind is exactly what Satan likes! Look at what God says about meditation:

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)

We meditate on His Law and on His Word. We FILL our minds with the goodness of our Father’s perfect and Holy Words. Do you want an empty mind, or a mind filled with God’s Word?

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

We have seen the videos of holy laughter and other aberrant behavior in churches. Do we have to wonder from where the spirits came who wreak such havoc with children of God? Could it be that so many Christians are practicing yoga and are bringing the Kundalini spirit into their services? I have read that Hindus who knowingly seek out the Kundalini spirit, behave in similar ways during their worship. With the uncontrollable laughter and rolling about on the floor, it would be hard to tell the difference between them and a charismatic Christian service!

Over thirty million people in America practice Yoga. In the 1960’s, Transcendental Meditation came on the American scene. It was a time of self realization and finding the meaning to life within oneself. Society pushed God aside, and replaced Him with Self. Secular humanism is the new religion, and it has caused the moral decline of our society. If there is no God, then there are no moral absolutes, right? Unfortunately, this ideology has crept into the Church as well.

Christians Should Not Look Like the World

How will we persuade a lost world that they need to repent and trust Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins, if we look just like them? God wants us to come out from them and behave and live like His children. When the world looks at us, do they see Jesus? That should be the prayer of each of our hearts – daily.

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1)

If we try to fit into this world, we not only ruin our testimony, but we put ourselves in jeopardy of falling away from God. Do you not know that the devil seeks to destroy you all day long? He is the accuser of the brethren. He is a liar and the father of lies. If we don’t cling to our Father and study His Word, we become prey for the enemy of our souls.

Yoga and New Age Practices

I have heard Christians talk about the evil of New Age practices, and yet they practice yoga. Somehow our churches have placed a stamp of approval on yoga. A brother or sister in Christ would never think of attending a séance or play with a Ouija board, or see a spiritist for a reading. But these same people will go to their yoga classes and enthusiastically invite others. It’s time for the truth about yoga to be told to your family and friends!

Writing this article will certainly not win me new friends. As a matter of fact, some may choose to ignore the warnings and consider me a bit fanatical. But hopefully others who have wondered about yoga, will be glad that they now know the dangers of it.

Don’t forget that the Evil one – the father of lies – the author of confusion – Satan, wants to take you away from the Lord. Hold fast to what you know is right. Turn away from evil. Cling to Jesus and His Word.

1 Peter 5:8
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

Maranatha!

The Story of a Miracle and a Mother’s Broken Heart

I have written before about my sons, and how strong they both were in their walk with the Lord  – until they went to a secular college. I’ve heard this story from so many broken hearted Christian parents. I believe that we are in the end of the end times. I know that Satan is prowling about;  bringing destruction and doubt into the minds of our young adult children.

I will tell the reader about a miraculous event in my son’s life.  It could only have happened by the hand of God.  I’m sure that the Lord has sent many miracles into the lives of our wayward children to bring them back to Him.  But I will write of a miracle which happened in my son’s life while on an internship to the Apostle Islands one summer during college.

The Phone Call

My knowledge of this event began with a phone call from my son. He said “Mom, I almost died yesterday.”  With my heart nearly beating out of my chest, I finally gained my composure and asked what happened. Here is the story he told to me:

My son began by saying that the kids from his cabin were invited to a professor’s home for dinner.  He said they had a great time and that this professor relayed so many interesting stories about Lake Superior and the Islands.

The professor told the kids that if they would swim even a short distance off the coast of Lake Superior, that they might be able to see parts of wrecked ships. Lake Superior has a long history of ship wrecks – the Edmund Fitzgerald being among the most famous. Gordon Lightfoot wrote and sang a song about that tragic event:

My son continue telling me his story. He said that the professor’s words made him so curious about the ship wrecks, that he went down to the shore very early, before his cabin mates were awake. He went alone…..

He walked out into the water and then began to swim. But soon he felt a tugging on him. It was a rip current – a strong one – which began to take him out further and further. He said that that he fought against the rip current, but realized that his attempt was futile. It was as if the current was a living thing, determined to drag him to his death in a watery grave. He was certain that he was going to die.

He said that fighting the current had made him so weak, and that the morning sun beating down on him made him thirsty and so hot.  He was becoming dehydrated. At last, he gave up. He could just barely see the shoreline. He closed his eyes and floated on his back.  He thought of how I would weep when they told me he was gone.

Having resigned himself to his inevitable death, he kept his eyes closed. He completely lost any sense of time or how much time had elapsed since he gave up any hope of survival.

But then he told me how he felt something touching his back. It startled him at first, but upon opening his eyes, he realize that what he felt was the sand of the shoreline!  At first he thought that he was dreaming or that the dehydration and his state of mind were playing tricks on him.

The Miracle

He turned over and felt the sand and raised his head. He then realized that somehow he had made it back to safety.  He was sun burned and his throat parched. He had swallowed water and because of that, he became very sick and vomited over and over. Soon he realized that he had come ashore to the exact spot where he began his horrific experience.

He heard voices and looked up to see a couple walking along the shore. Realizing that he was in trouble, they ran to him to see if they could help.

After relaying the story to them, the wife gave him a stern rebuke for ever swimming alone in that treacherous body of water; she had with her a full bottle of Gatorade and gave it to my son. It was better than water. It had electrolytes to quickly rehydrate him.

When he mustered up the energy, he slowly walked back to the cabin and collapsed in his bed. The whole time he was relaying this incredible ordeal, my mind immediately had gone to God and His angels.

I told him that there was no other explanation other than God had send an angel to rescue him. I told him that the Lord was clearly showing him His unconditional love for him, and that he was waiting for him with arms opened wide.

Denying the Miracle

But sadly, my son scoffed at my words. He told me that it must have been that he relaxed on his back. He came up with every alternative explanation as to why he was deposited on the beach when earlier, he was hardly able to even see the shoreline.

I knew at that point, that no matter what I said about the Lord doing this miracle, my son would not have it.

When we hung up, I prayed for him.  He would not allow me to pray with him. I know that he will never forget that harrowing experience, and how he was saved from certain death. And how the couple walking by just happened to have the one drink which he needed so desperately.

Father God, I pray for all of the prodigals and for their praying parents. You can do anything, Lord . Thank you Lord that even now You are working in the hearts and minds of our wayward children. We place them at Your feet, for they are Yours. I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN.

MARANATHA

 

 

 

 

The Gender-Inclusive Members Of Apostate Churches And Why “The Shack” Is So Wildly Popular

Goddess worship is certainly not new.

All throughout history, we see pagan worship of Goddesses.  It was only a matter of time before some Main Stream Christian denominations would address what they see as the “Feminine” side of God.

Mother Earth

New agers refer to ‘Mother Earth’ (so does Pope Francis). These people are worshiping things created but not our Creator – GOD. It actually says in the Word that Jesus, the second Person of the Trinity, was the “Creative” One Who brought everything in this world into existence

The Preeminence of Christ

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.  And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.  And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:15-18).

From gotquestions.org

Question: “Is it biblical to refer to God as God the mother?”

Answer: The first thing to recognize is that God does not have a body and therefore does not have gender in the technical sense. At the same time, God is consistently referred to as our heavenly Father in Scripture, never as a heavenly Mother.

There are a few places in Scripture where God describes Himself in motherly terms in that He does some of the things that a mother might do, like comfort or feed her children (see Hosea 11:3–4; Deuteronomy 32:18; Isaiah 42:14; 49:15; 66:13). There are about a dozen more verses where God speaks of gathering His children under His wings, as in Psalm 91:4: “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Covering with feathers, it is said, is something a mother bird normally does. However, in Psalm 91 masculine pronouns are clearly used. Some cite Deuteronomy 32:11–12as comparing God’s actions with those of a mother eagle: “Like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them, and carries them aloft.” Notice, however, that the text does not refer to a mother eagle, and eagles are one species of bird where the father will also sit on the nest. Even if it is granted that God does some things that a mother commonly does, He is still Father—just as a human father may do some things that a mother normally does but is still the father, not the mother.

If God does not have literal gender, why does it matter if He is called Father or Mother? In brief, because God the Father is a biblical term (e.g., 1 Thessalonians 1:1), and God the Mother is not. The idea of “God as mother” usually comes to the fore when discussing issues of gender equality and gender roles as defined in the Bible. The Bible teaches that men and women have different yet complementary roles. Both men and women are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:28) and are equal before God, both in sin and salvation. However, God, for His own purposes, has designated men to be leaders in the home and church; and He holds men responsible for how they exercise their authority. Since God is the Ultimate Leader, His position is best conveyed in masculine terms such as Father and King (rather than Mother and Queen). God the Father and God the Son are both masculine titles, and the Holy Spirit is consistently referred to with masculine pronouns. God has revealed Himself as male, and He is referred to by male pronouns throughout the Bible. To call God “Mother” is unbiblical.

There are evangelical Christians who reject the idea of gender roles and male headship. They would suggest that the society in which Scripture was written was patriarchal, and, while that worldview is reflected in the Bible’s use of language, it does not carry divine endorsement. However, evangelicals who believe this would not normally go as far as to call God “Mother.” Usually, those who promote using the title God the Mother are solidly outside the evangelical camp and view the Bible as a human work, written by men and simply reinforcing the long-standing (and self-serving) patriarchal systems in which they lived.

It is reported that a well-known Bible translator was approached by someone who felt that the translation he was working on should use feminine pronouns to refer to God. The translator asked if feminine pronouns should be used to refer to the devil as well: “Resist the devil and she will flee from you.” That rejoinder was not well-received.

Unfortunately, in our society many mothers do reflect the loving, caring, and providing nature of God better than fathers who have often failed to live up to their God-given responsibilities. Many people would testify that they have trouble with the concept of God as Father because they associate Him with their absent or abusive human fathers. The solution is to get to know God the Father as He really is, not to substitute Him with God the Mother. – source

Mary Worship

I think there is no better example of Goddess worship than the Catholic Church. Mary was “Blessed of all women” in that she was chosen to bear Jesus who was fully God and fully man. In the Magnificat, Mary calls the Lord “her Savior” because Mary was a little Jewish hand maiden who needed a Savior just as much as the rest of us.

Catholics call Mary:  Mother of God, Queen of heaven, Co-Redemptrix with Jesus, the Blessed Virgin (forever) – Sinless and a plethora of other terms which make her  out to be Deity.  We know that this is false.  Satan has deified Mary to the Catholics to keep them far from their true Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

If you speak to a devout “Catholic” invariably they will tell you that it’s much better to come to Jesus through His mother.  They say that His mother has His ear, and that she will make sure that Jesus hears our prayers.  This is blasphemous!

“The Shack”

Should we really wonder why so many who call themselves “Christians” rave over this book?  In The Shack, God the Father is portrayed as an African American woman. This is feminism on steroids!

I’ve read and heard that many churches have used this heretical book for Bible studies. I find it difficult to comprehend why the leadership of a church would use this book when they have THE BOOK – the best selling book of all time – The Bible! I can only surmise that they feel that The Shack can reach so many more people for God; that it is more relevant for this day and age.

God’s Word is ageless and NOTHING can ever replace it. It is all we need. It is God’s own Word to us, which tells us how to live, and even more importantly it tells us of His Great Love for us.

If you are a person who has been intrigued by this counterfeit book, The Shack, or know friends and family who read this book and offer it to others- please have them read this article.

Our God is a jealous God – He wants our love for Himself, and He is Father God – NOT Mother God!

Also, He wants only the best for us.  His Truth – His Word IS the best.

Shalom b’Yeshua

MARANATHA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dancing With the Devil In Hollywood: What Has Been Done In Darkness Has Come Into the Light

“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them” (Romans 1:28-32).

I wrote an article earlier this  year on pedophilia in Hollywood:

Rampant Pedophilia In Hollywood And Why They Hate Trump

Since women came forward about Harvey Weinstein and his sexual sins; even rape – now scores of women in Hollywood are emerging with tales of sexual harassment and rape by Weinstein, and a host of other men in that industry.  Even men are telling of the homosexual advances and harassment by Kevin Spacey.

Brethren, have you wondered why these people kept these horrific sins from the public and law enforcement?  Many of the people coming forward now, had these heinous acts done to them decades ago.  Has it occurred to people that if those who have been violated had told their stories right after they happened, that many may have been spared becoming  prey to these predators?

Or would this have helped at all?

Selling Their Souls to the devil

We have been bombarded with Satanic/Illuminati style entertainment – especially during the last decade.  It is not subtle. It is “In your face” devil worship. Katy Perry was interviewed about her career and how it began.

Have you seen this?

Katy knew exactly what she was doing to attain the level of stardom she craved. She was brought up in a Christian home. Her father was a pastor.  She says in the interview that she thought she might be the next “Amy Grant.”  But that was not enough for Katy Perry.  She sought stardom in Hollywood, and to gain that sort of mega fame, she knew that Satan could make that happen for her.

All she had to do was to “Sell her soul to the devil.”   And she did….

Our Lord Jesus in the Wilderness

Do you remember when the devil tempted our Lord Jesus in the wilderness? I’ve read that passage of Scripture so many times, but I’m still shocked at the audacity of Satan to think that he could make God’s own Son worship him! Satan used God’s Word, but twisted it in an attempt to confuse the Lord.

What was the weapon Jesus used against the enemy of our souls?  He used pure Scripture.  The Word of God, spoken in its proper context shut down the devil and made him flee.

Hollywood Worships the Devil

Should we be shocked at what we see coming out of Hollywood?  Absolutely not.  But we should pray for these people.  They follow the evil one. They call him Lucifer. Wherever the devil is worshiped, we see people calling him Lucifer – not Satan. Perhaps these people think that Lucifer is not the devil. They call him the “Enlightened one.” But Katy Perry knew full well to whom she was selling her soul.

Saul Alinsky of “Rules for Radicals” fame had this to say about Lucifer in the forward of his book:

Alinsky said this in an interview with Playboy magazine:

The Playboy interviewer then asked Alinsky if he believed in “any kind of afterlife,” to which Alinsky said:” . . . if there is an afterlife . . . I will unreservedly choose to go to hell . . . . Hell would be heaven for me. All my life I’ve been with the have-nots. Over here, if you’re a have-not, you’re short of dough. If you’re a have-not in hell, you’re short of virtue. Once I get into hell, I’ll start organizing the have-nots over there. They’re my kind of people.“ source

Robin Williams

After the tragic suicide of comic, Robin Williams, I read many articles which stated that Williams received his quick wit and stardom from the evil one. He was into the practice of “channeling.”  This is probably what drove him to such despair in the end.

PRAY for the People in Hollywood

If there was ever a time when the stars of Hollywood might be more open to the Lord and His Word – that time is right now.  No, I am not deluded into believing that Hollywood will see a great awakening (although we know that God is able to do anything) but with what is happening in Hollywood, I believe that many are in the most vulnerable state of their lives. They may be searching for truth.  They will only find Truth in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Alec Baldwin is one of the most hateful people I have ever seen towards Christians and Conservatives.  But did you know that his brother, Stephen Baldwin, is born again, and has starred in numerous films which lift up our Lord and His Word? Did you know that the actor who played Hercules, Kevin Sorbo, is our brother in Christ? He has been starring in many Christian films such as “God’s Not Dead.”

Even though the aforementioned actors are usually blackballed in Hollywood after their Christianity becomes known, these same people have access to powerful Hollywood actors, directors, etc.

God could use them in the lives of those who are searching.

MARANATHA!