I'm an ex………alcoholic, drug addict, criminal, hustler, womanizer, fighter, liar, manipulator, player, drug dealer, thief, abuser, hypocrite, and a worldly, confused individual.

My name is Ben Lively. I'm not who I was before.

I'm a born-again child of the Most-High God!!  Anointed, Chosen, Set Apart, and called to represent the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I teach Christians the Truth of Gods' Word.

I'm a mouthpiece for the Lord Jesus Christ.

I will not compromise, play any games, or waste time with this mission from on High. I know that in and of myself I am Nothing. I need God for every breath I take and every move I make.

I have Christ living in me and I'm burning with the fire of the Holy Spirit.  Therefore, I'm different now and forevermore.

This earth is not my home. I know that and I declare it, boldly.

I'm strong in prayer, praying in Power and in the Spirit.

I will preach, teach, deliver, evangelize, prophesy, baptize and build up groups of believers as God allows. HE IS working through me as I'm surrendered to His service as an instrument of righteousness.

And if you know me or get to know me you realize that I take no credit for this but God gets ALL the GLORY. In Christ, I live and to Heaven, I will rise...

 

 

Thank you so much for tuning in and Welcome everyone – Hope you’re well!  I’m your host, Ben Lively, and you’re listening to “Shaken Awake” – Episode #15!  

 

I just want to thank you for tuning in, wherever you are and whatever you’re doing right this very moment.  And listen - If you find any value in today’s episode – please pass the news, pass the podcast name and link to a friend, family member, or colleague that you feel would benefit from this show, and become blessed as you are through the words that the Lord shares through these messages.  It’s probably one of the easiest things you can do to spread the word – just pass the resource on and let God do the rest.  Just a quick note, I’m still dealing with my new web hosting company trying to transfer information from the old to the new site, and it’s definitely been a challenge but it should be all done and ready within the next week– But when it’s back, it has easier navigation and still have all the podcasts episodes, a subscription button, a transcript of each, along with some other items.  Also, please connect with the show via LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, a new Shaken Awake Podcast FB that’s growing into the hundreds now, that really brings brothers and sisters in Christ together, with more great avenues and channels to follow.  These all are really helping to spread these messages even further and I’m using those channels to provide even more messages throughout the week!  So, please check ‘em out if you have not already!   And looks like we picked up listeners with the Lords reach out in Uruguay!  I hadn’t heard of this location, so I had to check it out on the map - It’s adjacent to Buenos Aires, Argentina!  Uruguay is a South American country and is around 5,500 miles from the U.S. – The Lord is really taking this podcast where He wants, isn’t He?  Praise Him for that!

 

 

And, as always, I promise you another great show – But, more than anything, my HOPE for you today, and always, is that you have an actual encounter with the Lord - He’s is always right there with you, even when you think He’s not.  So, let’s get ready to invite Him in with us, right here, right now, and allow Him to speak directly to your heart and minds.   

 

We’re going to talk about a subject that has robbed the world and most of us, if not all, during our lifetime of true joy, true peace, true love, true understanding, true patience, true happiness, and most of all, Jesus – and that is – what I call the world’s self-help store!   

 

It’s deceptive, yet fascinating, and it’s luring millions down the wide path to destruction and away from God. 

 

I’m talking about relying on the lives and words of wisdom of others, while ignoring and not seeking GOD for the help we truly need.  

 

Which is why I entitled today’s show, “Are You Leaning on False Idols to Replace God’s Power and Promises?”

 

The point of today’s episode that I really want to hit home for all of you is the one that God revealed to me within the past couple of years that I had been completely blind to my entire life, my eyes and mind and heart concealed and blinded by the hands of the enemy as he is so well skilled at.  The Holy Spirit has revealed to me that so many, MILLION like me, have been, and are being, led astray by the enemy and tricked into believing and placing emphasis in our daily lives on the people of the world for what we want, turning them into idols!  

 

It’s a topic that He dropped in my lap almost 2 years ago, and finally opened my eyes to realize how He had been working to reverse the curse of the enemy’s stronghold on my life.  He’s placed this back in front of me over the past couple weeks to speak with you on today, so let’s get deep into the Word today and see what God and His Word says and discuss how it impacts us and equally as important, how we can learn to recognize that God provides, but the world deceives – and our actions dictate who we love and worship in our lives. 

 

I have found that that nothing is coincidental in our lives, although it may seem at times it is.  There was no coincidence today’s daily devotional coming from one of my new favorites by Sarah Young, entitled, “Jesus Calling” spoke PERFECTLY to the subject I am noting and speaking on today – perfectly timed by God!!!  By the way, if you haven’t heard or looked at Jesus Calling, please check it out on Amazon – I don’t recommend many things outside of the Bible, but this is one devotional that has helped others’ seek God the most, outside of the Bible.  Check it out if you have the chance!

 

One note – her gift as an author has been to write as the mouthpiece of God, using scripture to back up her devotional.  She writes in the third person as though it’s God; but it IS God speaking through her!!!   It’s a new twist on devotionals, but I believe it was ordained by God himself, as are all things that are good.

 

So, here was today’s devotional – taken from Jesus Calling:  

 

Here first are the verses that are used to back up her devotional:  

         Romans 8:22 – We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.

         Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before me.” 

         Psalm 37:4 – Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.  

 

Here’s the devotional that follows from those verses:

 

“REMEMBER THAT YOUR LIVE IN a fallen world; an abnormal world tainted by sin.  Much frustration and failure result from your seeking perfection in this life.  This is nothing perfect in this world except Me.  That is why closeness to Me satisfies the deep yearnings and fills you with Joy.”

 

“I have planted longing for perfection in every human heart.  This is a good desire, which I alone can fulfill.  But most people seek this fulfillment in other people and earthly pleasures or achievements. Thus, they create idols, before which they bow down.  I will have no other gods before Me!  Make Me the deepest desire of your heart.  Let Me fulfill your yearning for perfection.

 

This was on my exact topic for today!  How true and precious were those words and scripture?

 

My entire life, I believe that when God referenced worshiping other gods, He meant wooden or metal statues, satan, earthly elements, astrology, and the likes.  So, I knew I wasn’t worshiping THOSE, although later I found out I was.  No, if you read the Bible (which I had obviously not done in my life), it will clearly outline and explain that an idol is ANYTHING and EVERYTHING you place above and/or before God!  Let me repeat that – it took me 41 years to be shown this wisdom by the Holy Spirit!  An idol is ANYTHING and EVERYTHING you place above and/or above God, whether intentional or subconsciously.

 

 

 

 

 

7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.”

 

 

 

 

14 Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.

 

 

 

 

21 Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.

 

 

 

 

5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.

 

 

 

 

 

20 “Gather together and come; assemble, you fugitives from the nations. Ignorant are those who carry about idols of wood, who pray to gods that cannot save.

 

 

 

 

 

8 “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

14 Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble!”

 

 

 

 

 

4 “ ‘Do not turn to idols or make metal gods for yourselves. I am the LORD your God.

 

 

 

 

 

4 Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more. I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods or take up their names on my lips.

 

 

 

 

 

8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.

 

 

 

 

 

20 The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk.

 

 

 

 

 

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

 

 

 

 

 

15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by human hands. 16 They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. 17 They have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths. 18 Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.

 

 

 

 

 

3 “You shall have no other gods before me. 4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

 

 

 

 

 

9 All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame. 10 Who shapes a god and casts an idol, which can profit nothing? 11 People who do that will be put to shame; such craftsmen are only human beings. Let them all come together and take their stand; they will be brought down to terror and shame. 12 The blacksmith takes a tool and works with it in the coals; he shapes an idol with hammers, he forges it with the might of his arm. He gets hungry and loses his strength; he drinks no water and grows faint. 13 The carpenter measures with a line and makes an outline with a marker; he roughs it out with chisels and marks it with compasses. He shapes it in human form, human form in all its glory, that it may dwell in a shrine. 14 He cut down cedars, or perhaps took a cypress or oak. He let it grow among the trees of the forest, or planted a pine, and the rain made it grow. 15 It is used as fuel for burning; some of it he takes and warms himself, he kindles a fire and bakes bread. But he also fashions a god and worships it; he makes an idol and bows down to it. 16 Half of the wood he burns in the fire; over it he prepares his meal, he roasts his meat and eats his fill. He also warms himself and says, “Ah! I am warm; I see the fire.” 17 From the rest he makes a god, his idol; he bows down to it and worships. He prays to it and says, “Save me! You are my god!” 18 They know nothing, they understand nothing; their eyes are plastered over so they cannot see, and their minds closed so they cannot understand. 19 No one stops to think, no one has the knowledge or understanding to say, “Half of it I used for fuel; I even baked bread over its coals, I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make a detestable thing from what is left? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?” 20 Such a person feeds on ashes; a deluded heart misleads him; he cannot save himself, or say, “Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?”

 

 

 

The question that I was convicted on myself was:  

 

Why was I searching and working for the things that God so readily has available and is willing to freely give to those who believe and LOVE Him??  

 

Why was I searching the earth for the things from above?  

 

Why was I placing my trust, energy, resources, time, faith, perseverance, determination, and focus into the things that were NOT from God, rather from God himself????  It was because the god of this world, satan, was providing these things to me without me realizing it; therefore, becoming my idol and god!!!!!!

 

It wasn’t the money I really was after, it wasn’t even the things money could buy – what I wanted were HAPPINESS and CONTENTMENT.  Verse?

Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Ecclesiastes 2:26 For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner, He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.

 

 

It wasn’t the physique and looks and attraction I was after, it was to be healthy for my body is the temple of God.  It was me being Vain! Verse? 

Ecclesiastes 2:26 For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner, He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.

Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

 

You see, I was being vain, instead of taking care of the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit inside me!  Verse? 

1 Corinthians 6:19 

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,

 

It wasn’t the booze and being drunk or buzzed every night that made everything so “fun” and fulfilling – what I wanted to be was free of pain and diversion from the things around me I had no control over.  

48 But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servantsand eats and drinks with drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know 51 and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

 

Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

 

 

 

 

It wasn’t the food that filled my stomach to the max that I was looking to lose weight – it was being filled with the bread of life that I was truly after!  Verse?

 

John 6:35 

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

John 6:51 

I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

 

 

It wasn’t the businesses and the success I was after to make a comfortable living and future security – what I wanted was peace and calm and assurance that my future was not jeopardized.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:1-28 

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. ...

John 14:27 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Colossians 3:15   

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

 

 

It wasn’t the partying and thrills and sex I was truly after – what I wanted was a purpose and a life worth living for. Verse?

 

Galatians 2:20 

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

 

It wasn’t the ‘heroes’ of this earth and their great words and smooth quotes that truly motivated me – what I wanted was a fire lit inside me to full my purpose in life!  Verse?

 

Ephesians 2:10 

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

 

 

It wasn’t the perfect church or perfect pastor I was after – what I wanted was to worship and feel like I was loved by God.  Verse?

 

Verse?

Ephesians 5:1-5 – Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children.  Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.  He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.  Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you.  Such sins have no place among God’s people.  Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes – these are not for you.  Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.  You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God.  For a greedy person is an idolater, worshipping the things of this world.

 

An idol is anything or anyone who takes the place of God in our lives. It is anything—an object, idea, philosophy, habit, occupation, sport, or person—that is your primary concern, or that to any degree decreases your trust and loyalty to God.

Nothing is to be placed before the Lord. If God is what He claims to be, then He must be supreme in our lives—before everyone and everything else.

What can be idols in our lives?

The god of oneself

“[They] exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator” (Romans 1:25).

Certainly, some people worship their own likeness, but it is not limited to their physical bodies. For all practical purposes, they simply feel that the world revolves around them. All they think about is what they are going to get out of life. They always want to come out on top. They want success at any cost—regardless if it is at the cost of faith, family, or friends.

The god of pleasure

“For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things” (Philippians 3:18–19).

The people who worship this god may be living for sensual or sexual pleasure. The problem with this is that once you have tried a thing, you soon tire of it and want more. It then becomes more perverse and deviant, an unholy appetite that cannot be satisfied legitimately (see Ephesians 5:12).

The god of possessions

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and MONEY” (Matthew 6:24).

“If I have made gold my hope, or said to fine gold, ‘You are my confidence’; if I have rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because my hand had gained much. . .this also would be an iniquity deserving of judgment, for I would have denied God who is above” (Job 31:24–25, 28).

Every man or woman has a god. For some, it is the one God of the Bible. Yet for others, it is something or someone they live for, or perhaps some passionate pursuit in life. It is terrifying but true: a person can worship in church every Sunday, yet be a full-time idol worshipper!

Ephesians 5:6 – Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins (those I was looking up to for advice, plans, direction, quotes, inspiration, motivation, and wisdom), for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him.  Don’t participate in the things these people do. 

 

 

 

IN 2019, God had me re-evaluate my life and the Holy Spirit convict me for the things I was seeking, and why.  I was seeking out the world for what the WORLD offers, but not seeking God for what GOD OFFERS!!!!

 

I had to die to myself, to be reborn until Him!

 

I had to shed my old skin to be fitted into the new He had prepared for me.

 

I took the world and left it; it was no longer my home.  My home now is within the arms of the Lord, as He lives in and thru me and my purpose on Earth is now known to me – my purpose is HIS purpose for my life – my real home is waiting for me on the other side of this world.  My last breath here will mean my first breath in the home I was always meant to have – with Him and His children, for eternity to serve and praise Him.  He’s been preparing that place for me since He died on the cross, and left earth and ascended into Heaven next to the Father on the throne.   He told us He would “go and prepare a place for us; if it were not so, He would have never said it.”  I believe Jesus – and therefore, I must live like it.  Let no MAN deceive you – you either serve God every day or your serve…. ________ - YOU fill in the blank….if the shoe fits – KICK IT OFF!!!!!

 

God doesn’t have favorites in Heaven – you’re either forgiven and have served him well in being His good and faithful servant, or you’re not.  He leaves that decision 100% in your hands.   

 

 

 

So, my final statement today is this:  STOP filling your hearts with earthly treasures and rewards and ‘feel-goods’, while God wants to fill your hearts with the same, but with a more heavenly form of each and eternal form that fulfills your hearts with every desire you’ll ever need or want.  If the Shoe Fits – and, I’m not implying anything – KICK IT OFF!  JESUS DOESN’T WANT JUST A PART OF YOUR HEART – HE WANTS IT ALL AND DESERVES IT OF YOU.

 

 

So, my questions to you today are this:    Is there anything you’re relying on or seeking or desiring that is not from God?  Are you seeking to live for yourself or man, or are you seeking to live for God?  Are you placing ANYTHING above, before, or in place of Him, or are you putting God first in your life, and in every aspect of your life?  Are you seeking guidance from God and His Holy Spirit and the Living Word, the Bible, or are your seeking guidance from your own selves, others’, or other idols?

 

 

 

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So, before we end today’s show, I just want to thank you all again for tuning in and I HOPE you were touched by God through today’s message.  I’d like to ask you favor only IF you received any value out of today’s show – would you tell at least one person you know – call them, text them, email them, talk to them – tell them to give this show a listen.  It may just help them in their walk with Christ. 

 

Also, I really need your support - If you could give me a quick star rating on your phone app - it takes literally 3 seconds.  I’d love that help and support for you guys, which will allow the Lord and the Holy Spirit to reach even more lives through this broadcast.

 

Until my new website is complete and online, If you’d like to get ahold of me, you can call or text me directly for any reason at (407)-493-3208 (repeat).  I want feedback, questions, ideas, requests, criticisms, corrections, - if it’s important to YOU, it’s important to ME.  

 

Also, if you’d like to be a guest of this show, please reach out to me, as well.  If you have a life and/or eternity-changing story you’d like to share, please let me know and I’ll schedule you in.  We don’t hear enough of the TRUTH these days or the POSITIVE ways of God and Jesus Christ these days, and this podcast is going to help change that up – I'd love your help with this where you can.

 

So, NEXT WEEK!  Next week we’re going to have a special guest join us that had God SHAKE HIM AWAKE AND pull him out of the fire while serving a 15-year prison sentence and deliver him from the hands of the Mafia!!!!  IT WILL BE ANOTHER DO NOT MISS EPISODE – SO DON’T MISS OUT, OK!?

So until next week, take great care of yourself and each other, and God Bless You all.  

 

 

Outro music.