Fake Friends - Judas

**Beware of Judases: Identifying and Avoiding Fake Friends**

In the annals of history, one figure stands out as the epitome of betrayal: Judas Iscariot, the infamous traitor of Jesus Christ. His story serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers of fake friends and the havoc they can wreak in our lives. As we examine Judas's treacherous actions, let us glean valuable lessons and discern how to identify and steer clear of similar individuals in our own lives.

### The Tale of Judas: A Betrayal Foretold

Judas Iscariot was not merely a casual acquaintance of Jesus; he was one of the twelve disciples, handpicked by Jesus Himself. He walked, talked, and ministered alongside the Son of God, witnessing firsthand His miracles and teachings. Yet, beneath the veneer of camaraderie lurked a sinister agenda.

Judas's betrayal was not a spur-of-the-moment decision; it was premeditated and calculated. He conspired with the religious authorities, agreeing to hand Jesus over to them in exchange for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). This act of treachery culminated in the ultimate betrayal: identifying Jesus to his captors with a kiss, a symbol of friendship turned deceit (Matthew 26:47-49).

### Lessons from Judas's Betrayal

#### 1. **Deception Lurks Amongst Companions:**

   Just as Judas concealed his true intentions behind a facade of friendship, fake friends in our lives may masquerade as allies while harboring ulterior motives. It is essential to discern the authenticity of our relationships and be vigilant against deceit.

#### 2. **Greed Overrides Loyalty:**

   Judas's betrayal was fueled by greed, a lust for material gain that overshadowed his loyalty to Jesus. Similarly, fake friends may prioritize their self-interests over genuine friendship, willing to sacrifice trust and integrity for personal gain.

#### 3. **Actions Speak Louder than Words:**

   Despite professing loyalty to Jesus, Judas's actions spoke volumes. He betrayed Jesus with a kiss, a symbolic gesture of friendship twisted into treachery. Likewise, we must heed the warning signs of fake friends whose deeds contradict their words.

#### 4. **Betrayal Leaves Lasting Wounds:**

   The consequences of Judas's betrayal were profound, leading to Jesus's arrest, crucifixion, and death. Betrayal inflicts deep wounds, causing pain and disillusionment in its wake. It serves as a poignant reminder to guard our hearts and choose our friends wisely.

### Identifying and Avoiding Fake Friends

In navigating our relationships, it is imperative to discern genuine friendships from counterfeit ones. Here are some red flags to watch out for:

- **Lack of Genuine Care:** Fake friends may only be present when they need something from you, showing little genuine concern for your well-being.

  

- **Manipulative Behavior:** They may use flattery, manipulation, or deceit to achieve their objectives, disregarding the impact on your feelings or welfare.

  

- **Betrayal of Trust:** Consistently breaking promises, spreading rumors, or betraying confidences are telltale signs of a fake friend's disregard for trust and loyalty.

  

- **Self-Centeredness:** Fake friends often prioritize their needs above yours, expecting constant attention, favors, or validation without reciprocation.

The cautionary tale of Judas Iscariot serves as a stark reminder of the perils of fake friends and the devastation they can inflict. Just as Judas's betrayal had far-reaching consequences, fake friends in our lives can cause untold harm if left unchecked. By discerning the warning signs, prioritizing genuine relationships, and guarding our hearts, we can navigate our social circles with wisdom and discernment. Let us heed the lessons of Judas's betrayal and strive to cultivate authentic, trustworthy friendships built on mutual respect, loyalty, and genuine care.

In life, you will always meet a Judas (fake friend) who shows they care more about their worldy ambitions, business and money by throwing you under the bus even it means doing so for a measly hand out of 30 pieces of silver. 

The key in avoiding such betrayers in the first place, is to know the tell tale signs before they make you thier next victim.

1 They never stand for truth or loyalty to people if it means losing something important to them. They've sold thier soul.

2 They'll always choose profit over loyalty to you. 30 pieces of silver means more to them even if it means disguarding thier promises and loyalty to you by throwing you under the bus.

3 They make backroom deals behind your back with others just to get ahead in the world, business etc.

4 They pretentiously embrace you only to betray and spoil you of what is yours, to give it to someone else, leaving you vulnerable, deprived and without thier allegiance.

Know anyone like this? Judas could be your best fake friend.

Astrology Is Spiritual Suicide

☠️I never knew how spiritually dangerous the occult was until I read the following article...indeed, it is spiritual suicide.

Astrology: Is your life controlled by the stars?

Astrology is spiritual suicide. Why? Because through the practice of it you open the door to Pandora's box of demonic infestation and harmful influence that will ultimately destroy your life.

Do you practice Astrology?

God, Himself, therefore, considers astrologers as among the group of people who will be 'burned as stubble' (Isaiah 47:13-14). Why? Because through it's practice peoples lives/destiny are destroyed.

The Bible strongly forbids astrology as it considers it a form of divination as the word of God puts it in Deuteronomy 18:10-14.

Whether you choose to believe in God or not or disregard what the Bible says about astrology, you should have spiritual sense enough to know...

Divination is synonymous with the python spirit of divination Acts 16:16-18. Kerykeion is a known python library for Astrology. Python was and is known as a fortune teller oracle. In nature, a python snake consumes its victim by suffocation before consuming it's life. What is true in nature by design is true spiritually. All truth is parallel. Spiritually, a person practicing astrology, divination, fortune telling, opens their lives up to a python spirit. As a result, their life becomes oppressed and taken off course (in the path of the crooked decieving serpent, Satan) from their divine destiny, or predestination path designed by God.

One of the main reasons why people consult astrology and fortune tellers is to find out what their life is going to be like in the future. People have an innate desire to know the future and need guidance to make their way through life successfully. However my (God's) people perish for the lack of knowledge Hosea 4:6...and without a vision to people perish Proverbs 29:18... but to what or whom should we be seeking this vision and knowledge from? We should be seeking it from our creator. Jesus said "my sheep hear my voice and another they will not follow" John 10:4-5... if you want to know God's prophetic destiny and future for your life and what He has in store for you, ask, seek and knock, and He will convey His perfect will/visionary word of the Lord to you, so that you may enter into His perfect will for your life and fulfill your God given potential and dreams.

Hear His voice - Run with His vision. Isaiah 30:21 Habakkuk 2:2

Three marks of the occult:

1. The Disclosure or Communication of Unknown information Unavailable to Humans Through Normal Means

This involves things like horoscopes, fortune-telling, psychic hotlines and tarot cards.

That knowledge comes from somewhere—and if it’s not from God through the sources God has ordained, then it is through the evil one and his forces e.g familiar spirits (demons) as in family spirits which are familiar with people's lives and can make presumptuous predictions of future events based on a persons past, present and probable outcome. At the very most it is soothsaying. But such sources of information are demonic and as such from the father of lies - Satan, whose aim is to steal, kill, and destroy.

There is no neutral and impersonal “Power” just floating around out there. Nothing that has a voice or can be tapped into—some kind of cosmic consciousness for secret knowledge about the future of a human life. Everything falls under heaven or hell, good or evil, God or the evil one.

Just so we’re clear:

“You have trusted in your wickedness … your wisdom and knowledge mislead you … Disaster will come upon you, and you will not know how to conjure it away … keep on, then, with your magic spells and with your many sorceries … let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month … they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot even save themselves … each of them goes on in his error.” —Isaiah 47:10–15

“… diviners see visions that lie; they tell dreams that are false, they give comfort in vain.” —Zechariah 10:2

“I am the Lord, the Creator of all things. I alone stretched out the heavens … I make fools of fortunetellers and frustrate the predictions of astrologers.” —Isaiah 44:24–25

“Let no one be found among you who … practices divination or … interprets omens … Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.” —Deuteronomy 18:10–12

2. The Placing of Persons in Contact With Supernatural Powers, Paranormal Energies, or Demonic Forces

This involves things like spiritual energy in a crystal or any other entity, attempting to summon up a spirit or a deceased relative through a séance, channeling a spirit, or procuring the services of someone claiming to be a medium.

“Let no one be found among you who … is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.” —Deuteronomy 18:10–12

“When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God?” —Isaiah 8:19

“So do not listen to … your diviners … your mediums … They prophesy lies to you … ‘I have not sent them,’ declares the Lord. ‘They are prophesying lies in my name.’” —Jeremiah 27:9–10, 15

3. Any Attempt to Gain and Master Paranormal Power in Order to Manipulate or Influence Other People Into Certain Actions.

In other words, all forms of witchcraft and the casting of spells. Being clear on this is important because of the rise of modern day witchcraft, which goes by the name of Wicca.

“Let no one be found among you who … practices … sorcery … engages in witchcraft or casts spells … Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.” —Deuteronomy 18:10–12

So there you have it. A map of the supernatural world. On the one side you have God and his faithful angels. On the other side the world of the paranormal or the occult, which is the world of Satan and his demons.

These are the only two worlds. These are the only two forces. These are the only two sets of beings.

There isn’t anything else.

One of them is good, the other is evil. There are a lot of ways, sadly, that Satan and his team seduces us to engage the evil side—to open our lives to it and to invite it in without even knowing it. And when we do, whether we are aware of it or not, we are engaging the forces of darkness.

We are connecting with Satan and his demons.

We are willfully opening up the door of our life to their presence and activity.

And they will enter.

And nothing could be more dangerous.

Initially it might seem benign, even innocent, for as the Bible says, Satan positions himself as an angel of light. But then the evil engulfs you.

And it’s even more than playing with fire. It’s dousing yourself with gasoline and then lighting the match.

It is spiritual suicide.

Astrology: Is your life controlled by the stars?

What happens when you become born again, (John 3:3-6) you become part of the new creation of God under the sign of Christ, who is referred to as "the bright and morning star" and "the day star who has risen within your heart" - this is your new sign! Your life and destiny are then controlled and influenced by God who created the stars.
                                       
Eph 1:4-5 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love, he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will...                       

Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created (new creation) in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared (ordained) before the foundation of the world) that we would walk in them... 
                                                            Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."....the wise men followed the star that led them in the direction they needed to take and discovered Jesus. They understood that the stars were Gods creation and used as signs to lead them to the creator.
                           

This a good article explaining stars and the questions surrounding their significance...                                     https://www.blueletterbible.org/faq/don_stewart/don_stewart_687.cfm

🔭Astrology is the “interpretation” of an assumed influence the stars (and planets) exert on human destiny. According to astrology, the sign you were born under, impacts your destiny. This is a false belief which places creation in the place of God.

🧙‍♂️Astrologers are false guides. We need to understand that all true guidance comes from God and threw his prophets. The royal astrologers of the Babylonian court were put to shame by God’s prophet Daniel (Daniel 1:20) and were powerless to interpret the king’s dream (Daniel 2:27). Only Daniel (God's prophet) was able to interpret the dream which God the king. God specifies astrologers as among those who will be burned as stubble in God’s judgment (Isaiah 47:13-14). 

🔭Astrology as a form of divination ( python spirit, see Acts 16:16-18 fortune teller possessed with the spirit of divination) is expressly forbidden in Scripture (Deuteronomy 18:10-14). God forbade the children of Israel to worship or serve the “host of heaven” (Deuteronomy 4:19). Several times in their history, however, Israel fell into that very sin (2 Kings 17:16 is one example). Their worship of the stars brought God’s judgment each time. My friend, do not be deceived by the false soothsayings of the horoscope, but they will lead you down a dark deceptive path by Satan (the crooked serpent of divination) and away from the divine destiny and influence that God has in and for your life to be blessed. 

**Unveiling the Deception: The Dangers of Chinese Horoscopes and Astrology**

In a world inundated with various forms of divination and spiritual practices, it's imperative for believers to discern between what aligns with God's Word and what leads astray. One such practice that warrants scrutiny is Chinese horoscopes and astrology. While they may seem innocuous or culturally significant to some, delving deeper reveals their deceptive and potentially dangerous nature, contrary to God's commands and teachings. Let's explore why Chinese horoscopes and astrology should be approached with caution and avoided by those seeking to walk in obedience to God.

### The Origin of Deception

Chinese astrology, like its Western counterpart, is rooted in pagan beliefs and superstitions. It draws upon the alignment of celestial bodies and the interpretation of their movements to predict the future and discern individual characteristics and destinies. However, such practices stand in direct opposition to the teachings of Scripture, which unequivocally condemn divination and seeking guidance from sources other than God (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).

### False Promises and Deceptive Guidance

One of the most insidious aspects of Chinese horoscopes and astrology is their tendency to offer false promises and deceptive guidance. By assigning arbitrary characteristics and predictions based on birth years and zodiac signs, adherents are led to believe they can ascertain their destinies and make decisions based on these dubious insights. However, such reliance on human wisdom and superstition only serves to lead individuals away from God's truth and sovereignty over their lives.

### Idolatrous Practices and Spiritual Bondage

Engaging with Chinese horoscopes and astrology can also lead to idolatrous practices and spiritual bondage. By placing trust in celestial forces and seeking guidance from sources other than God, individuals open themselves up to spiritual deception and manipulation. Scripture warns against such practices, urging believers to seek guidance and wisdom from God alone (Isaiah 47:13-14; Jeremiah 10:2).

### Contrary to God's Word and Commandments

Above all, Chinese horoscopes and astrology are fundamentally at odds with God's Word and commandments. Scripture explicitly forbids divination, astrology, and seeking guidance from mediums or sorcerers (Leviticus 19:26; Deuteronomy 18:14). By engaging in these practices, individuals risk incurring God's wrath and distancing themselves from His truth and protection.

### The Call to Discernment and Obedience

As believers, we are called to exercise discernment and obedience in all aspects of our lives, including our spiritual practices and beliefs. Rather than seeking guidance from worldly sources or trusting in human wisdom, we are called to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). By aligning ourselves with God's Word and seeking His will above all else, we can avoid the pitfalls of deception and walk in His truth and light.

### Conclusion

In conclusion, Chinese horoscopes etc and astrology represent a deceptive and potentially dangerous form of divination that is contrary to God's Word and commandments. By engaging in these practices, individuals risk falling into spiritual bondage and idolatry, straying from God's truth and protection. As believers, we must exercise discernment and obedience, rejecting the allure of worldly wisdom and seeking guidance from God alone. May we remain steadfast in our commitment to follow God's commands and walk in His truth, avoiding the deceptive snares of Chinese horoscopes and astrology.

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Read full article...

https://www.gotquestions.org/astrology-Bible.html

Some people think it's just fun and games to entertain astrology and read their horoscope without having any serious consequences. But the reality is they are entertaining this occultism and the spirit of python which is a demon by opening the door to it. To put it quite simply you can't play with fire and not be burnt.

Read more here...https://aleteia.org/2016/10/08/is-it-possible-to-read-a-horoscope-just-for-fun/