Usually prophets are revealers and prophecies are legitimate forms of revelation. When a prophecy is fulfilled (by a sign or wonder), the message of a prophet is validated and people begin to trust and follow the prophet. Also my brother is my sibling – a person who is close and is expected to be trusted. The society refers to my neighbors, friends and other people with whom I interact, whether at work or generally in my community. Therefore, spiritually speaking a prophet can affect me in different realms of life; my brother can influence me, and most definitely, the people and things that are the norms in my community can influence me. After all, there is nothing left for anybody after spirit, family and community. God however warns against any prophetic, family or societal influence over your life that suggests to you saying, ‘let us go after other gods’. For it is written, “You shall have no other gods beside me.” (Exodus 20:3)

I do not know what plans you have this year concerning the tough situations of your life, but I know that Jesus is alive and well. He will handle your case. Deuteronomy 13: 1-5 instructs that you must not listen to any prophet or dreamer who invites you to come and bow before or trust in any other power than God Himself, the Jehovah above the earth, the Great I AM. You may be weakened by problems of life but the Lord of Hosts shall be your strength. God does not take this lightly at all. For our God is a jealous God. We shall serve no other God beside Him. It is possible that God may allow tests in your lives in order to know whether you truly love Him. If you truly love Him you will seek only Him and wait upon Him for solutions. He says never at any time should you allow any sooth sayer to lie to you. There is no other name under the heavens (Acts 4:12) through whom you may be rescued, other than the name of Jesus – the Son of God. Only in the Name of Jesus may your problems be solved or your troubles be cast out (Mk. 16:17).  Mt. 24:24 says they may even do wonders but they are liars.  Whenever other power or name, other than Jesus, is suggested to you, do not consent; no matter how desperate you are. Make note of Galatians 1: 6-10. There is only one Gospel – the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Anyone who tries to remove your focus from Him is already cursed. See 2 Peter 2:18-22 for the exposure of false teachers.

The Bible affirms in Deut. 13:6-11 that not even your close family members or relatives should be able to influence you to serve of gods. If anybody in your family is encouraging you to try someone or something else other than Jesus, know that your love is not in their hearts. They are practically calling the wrath of God upon you. Please be careful not to entertain such suggestion. Jesus is enough for you.

This passage says, “If your brother, the son of your mother, your son or your daughter, the wife of your bosom, your friend who is as your own soul, secretly entices you, saying, ‘Let us go and serve other gods,’ … you shall not consent to him… nor shall eye pity him…”

Unfortunately, many people still listen to their family members’ advise about charms. This won’t work. It is an abomination. God won’t take it from you. You cannot serve two masters. You are either consulting God Almighty or you are consulting other powers. Holiness and duty to Christ must overcome any affection or compassion shown by relatives.  Satan tempted Adam by Eve, he tempted Christ by Peter (Mk. 8:31-33), therefore be careful about the enticements of close relatives which may introduce quick fixes to you. Jesus is the only way, truth and life.

Speaking of societal influences, the life style of the city dictates that you may work round the clock. Work has become the god of many. Some people used to serve God the Almighty but opportunity to do extra work has taken the time of worship away from them. You are now worshiping your work (at least it is more important than spending time with God). The city, the society has created another mini god for you and money has now become the god. Please think about it, if you are weak in this area and repent today. 1 Cor. 10:19-22

Exactly what God is saying is that every attempt to move you away from faith and worship of His excellency through Jesus Christ must be resisted and rejected. You must also know that the perpetrators stand against the judgment of God and man. The troubles that push people into serving other gods will never overcome you in Jesus name.

Do you have a sermon notebook for yourself? I have customized one for you. You can also request for my book “Chosen But Naughty” if you call 516-8605729. Also available for your benefit is a daily devotional that you may obtain by calling 718-658-8981