Law of Attraction/The Secret

[Highly Favored8]

When I saw the "secert" on Oprah. I was very disapointed in the whole thing b/c They left out God in the equation and not only that, they took parts of the Bible that they wanted and not the whole Bible. IMHO you cannot have one with out the other.

Now here is an interesting tid bit. In loa is used in Voodoo. It is used in several different rites/rituals. I just thought this was a intresting concept. You can also see how satan meets up with mans flesh and or desires.

I found a small definition of loa

The Loas, or Lwas, the "Mysteries," the lesser divinities which are central to worship. The Loas are not gods, per se, but the most powerful ancestral spirits- great men and women, Kings, and divine messengers.

Well we know when satan was cast out of Heaven many, many, legions of demons were passed down with him. To make a connection between the loa and this voodoo loa, very similar or perhaps it is the one in the same. Everyone has free-will to do what they want to do, however, along with free-will comes responsiblity. I am very disappointed in Oprah she knows better. Now, I have seen some tv programs where people have been brainwashed by the "secert'.

Just like any form of demonic activity some people go for the hear and now and then all of sudden blame God for their "free-will"/ loa. No, a person has made the choice and they now must live with it or repent of their sins.

In my own life I have used the vision board. I keep God right on the board. However, I might of spent 2 days on it and left it alone. I am more God-focused now more than ever!


loa/ now reminds me of the oujii board as well. It is common sense. do not invite the devil into your own home with his own key!

 

[jade998]

About this vision board thingie....

I had a "vision board" LONG BEFORE I ever heard of loa/the secret.

It's my visual version of my PROFESSION OF FAITH...my life plan/desires in pictures supported by the Word of God. It has pictures and magazine cut-outs of my wedding dress (yes, it is the Lord's will for me to be married); babies/family (yes, it is the Lord's will for me to bear children); my career aspirations (yes, it is the Lord's will for me to have a viable and enjoyable career); and various words and phrases that also align with the Word of God.

The Bible says to write the vision and make it plain (Habakkuk 2:2)

Hey Foxy Scholar,

Your intentions has always been God driven, If I am honest with myself, I got so tired that I stopped praying and just stared at this board every minute I could, and almost thought I could will in into being. I almost thought, here is another way to get what I really want.

I decided to have a journal instead, in which I write into my desires, my vision i.e. I would love to write a book someday, I would also like to be editor of a lifestyle magazine for black women, but it will be God focused, I want to be a councelor, I would love to get married (soon) and start a family , I would like to be debt free.... I will then find corresponding sciptures that will help me with this and then PRAY on this ... This way I will re-build my relationship back up with God. I realise I had stopped speaking to him and instead thought, well he knows my heart so he should make it happen.

Thanks so much ladies for speaking the truth regardless, I was on my knees last night and I just cried, I told God, I don't know what else to do, cause nothing was happening for me, It felt good to let it out. I realise that he might not come on my time, but he has proven to me so many times that he is always on time.

Thanks again ladies, you have no idea how great it feels to put my faith back on him, cause unlike LOA or any vision board, he has NEVER let me down, and he always has the best thoughts towards me.

I LOVE YOU, PAPA....

 

[Hair4Care]

Mizz Brown, I agree with you completely it is not suppose to be the law of attraction but simple the word of God which is God's perfect and infalable law to men.

I was actually very shock to see how far The Oprah Show had gone into believing these new age messages.

 

[kbragg]

I read a recent take on "The Law Of Attraction" that I agree with. The author stated that the LOA is not some mystical, magical, genie in a bottle typeof thing. By focusing your thoughts, you simple become more AWARE of the opportunities surrounding you. When you focus on a red car, you suddenly start seeing red cars everywhere. Did you magically pull those red cars into your reality? LOL NO! The cars were always there, you are just now aware of them. The same is the Law Of Attraction. You're not "manifesting" the things you desire perse; the answers, the things, the opportunities are always there. You are just more open and consciously AWARE of them.

There are differing views on LOA as wide a variety as those in religion. There's the scientific group, the metaphysical new age group, the Christian group etc. To me the above just makes sense. Nothing woo woo about it.

 

[MizzBrown]

I want to thank you ladies for breaking it down and explaining the tricks of the devil through his use of LOA.

The devil is a counterfeiter and wants to take the place of God. He also has a church and has many worshippers. He is the prince of the air and he dwells in the second heaven (the universe) where LOA'ers seek their help and the desires of their hearts. I think we tend to forget the subtlety of Lucifer and how hard he is trying to displace the Lord from His throne. Getting a Christian to fall for LOA is a big coup for him, something for him to rub in God's face.

Pretty soon the testimonies of the LOA'ers will start to change. Instead of memory boards with images of things for them to consume upon their own lusts, their boards will consist of request for healing of dreadful diseases, basic needs and restoration of their families behind this mess. That's how the devil does his children, he always has. He is unfaithful and discards as garbage those who who take what he offers them when he's through with them.

LOA is a belief system, a religion and they do not understand that they're practicing witchcraft. They've made the universe their source(his kingdom), supplier of their needs and desires of their hearts and are serving/worshipping, albeit unknowingly, satan the destroyer and father of lies.


Ladies let us please remember to keep ALL of the LOA'ers in prayer and intercede for them without ceasing. I for one am determined not to let Lucifer take one soul on my watch.

Memory boards? Are you serious? I was wondering what folks were talking about when they mentioned that.

I put insightful quotes and scriptures on my PC desktop and post it notes, not a mercedes or a picture of a mansion.

That scripture will give me what i need to get the mercedes or house. Gotta learn to read that and decipher the bible and then it will come.

Practice makes perfect.

 

[Nice & Wavy]

Remember when Jesus was being tempted in the wilderness...what did satan come to Him with? He came offering Him "stuff" if He would just bow down and worship him.

That's what LOA does....it offers "stuff"...it's a tactic of the enemy and people are falling for it all over the world. What concerns me is that there are believers who are listening to this stuff. *sigh*

 

[kbragg]

Remember when Jesus was being tempted in the wilderness...what did satan come to Him with? He came offering Him "stuff" if He would just bow down and worship him.

That's what LOA does....it offers "stuff"...it's a tactic of the enemy and people are falling for it all over the world. What concerns me is that there are believers who are listening to this stuff. *sigh*

The LOA is simply a secular term for a biblical principle i.e. reaping and sowing, your thought life, gratitude, etc. The problem is the secular form promotes borderline idolatry and taking God out of the equation.

There are "laws" an principles that apply to all, believers and non believers alike that work whether you're saved or not. The difference is who you look to. One will stand and one will burn.

A Christian can "have Jesus" but be broke, alone, depressed, and basically living life waiting for heaven, just like a non believer can "live it up." It's not that God favors one or the other. He causes it to rain on both the Godly and the ungodly alike. It's about wisdom and what you choose to do with the rain that counts.

You can't ask God to bless your finances and still maintain the same level of thinking that got you into debt in the first place, you know?

Proverbs and Ecclesiaties (forgive spelling lol) and two great books of the Bible that address these principles. No woo woo about it, just common sense. The world has simply repacked it, through some glitter on it, and made it about humanism.

I guess it's like the man drowning:

Someone comes by on a speed boat and offers his hand but the man with his great faith says "Oh no that's ok, God is going to save me." A cruise ship passes and throws him a life preserver, but the man with his great faith, once again says "no thanks, God is going to save me." Finally a helicopter hovers overhead and drops a ladder and the man once again says "No thanks, God is going to save me." The guy drowns. When he gets to heaven hes asks God "Lord, why didn't you save me?" and the Lord replies "I sent you a speedboat, a crusie ship and a helicopter, what more do you want!?"

So believers instead of getting caught up in the woo woo, the meditation, the mysticism, why not do like Solomon and pray for wisdom?

The bible says God knows the desires of your heart, that he knows what you have need of before you even ask, and that everything we want/need is already available to us. So instead of asking for the same thing over and over, ask once not for the thing, but rather for the wisdom and discernment to find the thing and then live each day with excitement and expectancy that you will be open to the opportunities available to you. if a wicked evil man like Donald Trump or Hughe Heffner can use wisdom to become wealthy and thus pour it into more wickness, how much moreso can we as children of God and thus pour it into the kindom. In India right now there are believers being killed and imprisioned for sharing the gospel. Instead of desiring a new Mercedes, how about desiring to financially support 1,000 native missionaries who are sharing the gospel to the unreached peoples of the world?

My prayer is Lord give me the wisdom and the discernment to be open and aware of the resources available to me. Help me to know what skills and abilities I need in order to accomplish my dream. And most importantly break my heart for the lost so that when I do achieve my dream, I will pour into the things that truly matter to you. Give me the desire to be a channel of blessing and know that these resources are not just for me to get for me, but so that I can be a blessing for someone else.

If you seek the kingdom first, all the other stuff will come, but it does require an effort on your part. We are CO laborers with Christ. The Holy Spirit comes along side, not does everything for us.

I meant to write a paragraph and look, I worte a book

 

[Nice & Wavy]

The LOA is simply a secular term for a biblical principle i.e. reaping and sowing, your thought life, gratitude, etc. The problem is the secular form promotes borderline idolatry and taking God out of the equation.

There are "laws" an principles that apply to all, believers and non believers alike that work whether you're saved or not. The difference is who you look to. One will stand and one will burn.

A Christian can "have Jesus" but be broke, alone, depressed, and basically living life waiting for heaven, just like a non believer can "live it up." It's not that God favors one or the other. He causes it to rain on both the Godly and the ungodly alike. It's about wisdom and what you choose to do with the rain that counts.

You can't ask God to bless your finances and still maintain the same level of thinking that got you into debt in the first place, you know?

Proverbs and Ecclesiaties (forgive spelling lol) and two great books of the Bible that address these principles. No woo woo about it, just common sense. The world has simply repacked it, through some glitter on it, and made it about humanism.

I guess it's like the man drowning:

Someone comes by on a speed boat and offers his hand but the man with his great faith says "Oh no that's ok, God is going to save me." A cruise ship passes and throws him a life preserver, but the man with his great faith, once again says "no thanks, God is going to save me." Finally a helicopter hovers overhead and drops a ladder and the man once again says "No thanks, God is going to save me." The guy drowns. When he gets to heaven hes asks God "Lord, why didn't you save me?" and the Lord replies "I sent you a speedboat, a crusie ship and a helicopter, what more do you want!?"

So believers instead of getting caught up in the woo woo, the meditation, the mysticism, why not do like Solomon and pray for wisdom?

The bible says God knows the desires of your heart, that he knows what you have need of before you even ask, and that everything we want/need is already available to us. So instead of asking for the same thing over and over, ask once not for the thing, but rather for the wisdom and discernment to find the thing and then live each day with excitement and expectancy that you will be open to the opportunities available to you. if a wicked evil man like Donald Trump or Hughe Heffner can use wisdom to become wealthy and thus pour it into more wickness, how much moreso can we as children of God and thus pour it into the kindom. In India right now there are believers being killed and imprisioned for sharing the gospel. Instead of desiring a new Mercedes, how about desiring to financially support 1,000 native missionaries who are sharing the gospel to the unreached peoples of the world?

My prayer is Lord give me the wisdom and the discernment to be open and aware of the resources available to me. Help me to know what skills and abilities I need in order to accomplish my dream. And most importantly break my heart for the lost so that when I do achieve my dream, I will pour into the things that truly matter to you. Give me the desire to be a channel of blessing and know that these resources are not just for me to get for me, but so that I can be a blessing for someone else.

If you seek the kingdom first, all the other stuff will come, but it does require an effort on your part. We are CO laborers with Christ. The Holy Spirit comes along side, not does everything for us.

I meant to write a paragraph and look, I worte a book

I totally know what LOA is about, sis. I'm still not going to put it together with the principles of the Word of God, no matter how much I may feel its right. I'm not saying YOU have to, I'm just talking about ME.

Doesn't fit.

 

[kbragg]

I totally know what LOA is about, sis. I'm still not going to put it together with the principles of the Word of God, no matter how much I may feel its right. I'm not saying YOU have to, I'm just talking about ME.

Doesn't fit.

So are you saying that the principles of reaping and sowing, your thought life, gratitude, etc are irrelevant or contrary to the Word? Because last I checked they are in the Word.

I'm not "putting together" anything with the Word. It IS in the Word. The world has just relabled it an mixed it with the woo woo The principles effect everyone whether you choose to believe them or use them or not

The mind is a very powerful tool, and that's where the woo woo stuff can get dangerous. Man goes first in the mind then in the body (over 90% of sex offenders are addicted to porn....not a coinsidence).

Anywho, the "Law Of Attraction" is as much of a label as "Christianity" is both of which have 50-11 meanings In the end though it's really semantics and all about conscious awareness. I mean really

A man wants a better relationship with his wife so instead of focusing on her flaws, he focuses on the things that he loves about her and as a result finds his wife more attractive and beings to have anawesome relationship with her.

Did he mystically "attract" something? Did the big genie in the sky change his wife? No. He simply changed his thinking about his wife which opened him up to opportunities to treat her like the wife he wants and as a result she started to react better to him. No woo woo. No need to chant to crystals and burn sage

Anywho, it's so simple and both sides really miss out. One side gets all into the mysticism junk and completely loses out on an awesome relationship with God and possibly their soul. The other side stays broke, busted, and defeated waiting to die because they think that just because the world says it it can't be true (and don't realize that everything the world has is basically plagiarized from God anyway) and instead of seeking God for the answers, they discount the whole thing and go back to the lottery God mentality that if they just keep wishing God will just drop it in their lap OR that it's totally evil to even ask because it's a "lust of the flesh."

God can't do anything with either of those. A lust of the flesh will not go away simply if you pretend you don't have it or try to bury the desire. Many Christians avoid money cuz they think it will make them greedy. The problem is they are already greedy and afraid to admit it. Avoiding object doesn't change the heart. So admit it. If you want a Mercedes or a mansion, admit it to God. Tell Him you really really want it and you know what? Ask Him for the wisdom to get it.

Now I know that sounds "unreligious" but think about this. Look at Solomon. God gave him everything he wanted didn't he? And in the end what did he find? That it was meaningless. Now would he have discovered that it was if someone had simply told him? It wasn't until he experienced for himself that he realized this.

It's like CS Lewis says in Mere Christianity, "You don't know how bad you are until you try your best to be good and then realize that you can't. THAT'S when God can really work on you."

What I desire most in my relationship with God is to discard the religious traditions and just be 100% open with Him about everything, even if I think He won't like it and won't approve. Anywho I'm off on a tangent and stuff

 

[Lenee925]

LOA is secular humanist garbage pure and simple. If I think real hard about being a millionaire the universe has to give it to me because of the LOA. This is simply taking faith in God and perverting it, nothing new under the sun.

 

[jturner7156]

LOA is secular humanist garbage pure and simple. If I think real hard about being a millionaire the universe has to give it to me because of the LOA. This is simply taking faith in God and perverting it, nothing new under the sun.

I like this post...short and straight to the POINT!!!!

 

[la mosca]

LOA is a belief system, a religion and they do not understand that they're practicing witchcraft. They've made the universe their source(his kingdom), supplier of their needs and desires of their hearts and are serving/worshipping, albeit unknowingly, satan the destroyer and father of lies.

I agree. And note that the definition of "occult" includes "any system claiming use or knowledge of secret or supernatural powers or agencies." Hence the title of the film: "The Secret."

 

[Nice & Wavy]

So are you saying that the principles of reaping and sowing, your thought life, gratitude, etc are irrelevant or contrary to the Word? Because last I checked they are in the Word.

I'm not "putting together" anything with the Word. It IS in the Word. The world has just relabled it an mixed it with the woo woo The principles effect everyone whether you choose to believe them or use them or not

The mind is a very powerful tool, and that's where the woo woo stuff can get dangerous. Man goes first in the mind then in the body (over 90% of sex offenders are addicted to porn....not a coinsidence).

Anywho, the "Law Of Attraction" is as much of a label as "Christianity" is both of which have 50-11 meanings In the end though it's really semantics and all about conscious awareness. I mean really

A man wants a better relationship with his wife so instead of focusing on her flaws, he focuses on the things that he loves about her and as a result finds his wife more attractive and beings to have anawesome relationship with her.

Did he mystically "attract" something? Did the big genie in the sky change his wife? No. He simply changed his thinking about his wife which opened him up to opportunities to treat her like the wife he wants and as a result she started to react better to him. No woo woo. No need to chant to crystals and burn sage

Anywho, it's so simple and both sides really miss out. One side gets all into the mysticism junk and completely loses out on an awesome relationship with God and possibly their soul. The other side stays broke, busted, and defeated waiting to die because they think that just because the world says it it can't be true (and don't realize that everything the world has is basically plagiarized from God anyway) and instead of seeking God for the answers, they discount the whole thing and go back to the lottery God mentality that if they just keep wishing God will just drop it in their lap OR that it's totally evil to even ask because it's a "lust of the flesh."

God can't do anything with either of those. A lust of the flesh will not go away simply if you pretend you don't have it or try to bury the desire. Many Christians avoid money cuz they think it will make them greedy. The problem is they are already greedy and afraid to admit it. Avoiding object doesn't change the heart. So admit it. If you want a Mercedes or a mansion, admit it to God. Tell Him you really really want it and you know what? Ask Him for the wisdom to get it.

Now I know that sounds "unreligious" but think about this. Look at Solomon. God gave him everything he wanted didn't he? And in the end what did he find? That it was meaningless. Now would he have discovered that it was if someone had simply told him? It wasn't until he experienced for himself that he realized this.

It's like CS Lewis says in Mere Christianity, "You don't know how bad you are until you try your best to be good and then realize that you can't. THAT'S when God can really work on you."

What I desire most in my relationship with God is to discard the religious traditions and just be 100% open with Him about everything, even if I think He won't like it and won't approve. Anywho I'm off on a tangent and stuff

Whatever you say, sis.

Blessings to you....always.

 

[Ramya]

Anywho, it's so simple and both sides really miss out. One side gets all into the mysticism junk and completely loses out on an awesome relationship with God and possibly their soul. The other side stays broke, busted, and defeated waiting to die because they think that just because the world says it it can't be true (and don't realize that everything the world has is basically plagiarized from God anyway) and instead of seeking God for the answers, they discount the whole thing and go back to the lottery God mentality that if they just keep wishing God will just drop it in their lap OR that it's totally evil to even ask because it's a "lust of the flesh."

I have to disagree. A lot of Christians just don't understand the principle of sowing and reaping but a simple BIBLE STUDY on the topic can open their eyes to all that God has for us and how to get it HIS way, not OUR way. They do not NEED the secret or any other outside sources. All they need is GOD's instruction manual. God already gave instruction to us for EVERYTHING. He already knows what we need as you posted earlier correct? Then why not go directly to the source and ask HIM? The resources are there for us already. When opportunities arise all we have to do is ask HIM if that's an opportunity that we should take. It's really very simple.

 

[kbragg]

I have to disagree. A lot of Christians just don't understand the principle of sowing and reaping but a simple BIBLE STUDY on the topic can open their eyes to all that God has for us and how to get it HIS way, not OUR way. They do not NEED the secret or any other outside sources. All they need is GOD's instruction manual. God already gave instruction to us for EVERYTHING. He already knows what we need as you posted earlier correct? Then why not go directly to the source and ask HIM? The resources are there for us already. When opportunities arise all we have to do is ask HIM if that's an opportunity that we should take. It's really very simple.

I never said we needed the Secret or the Law Of Attraction AT ALL. I was simply saying that all the LOA is is a perverted version of what the Bible already says packed in pretty humanistic packaging.

As far as not needing outside sources, I do have to disagree. I do believe we do need outside counsel, but not humanistic ones. For example, if a couple is having marriage problems, they may pray and go to the Word for help but sometimes the help will come from a Christian couple who's been married for 50+ years. Or a woman who's been raped or molested knows the Bible says to forgive but she doesn't know how. Sometimes a Christian author who's been there may be able to give her the counsel she needs. We most definately need each other.

But anyway, all I was saying basically is what the world calls "The Law Of Attraction" is actually a perverted version of a Biblical truth.

 

[discobiscuits]

LOA is not practicing witchcraft. My Episcopal Pastor taught on this years ago. He did not specifically speak of LOA by name and of course TS was not out yet, but he did make it clear that anyone can use God's principles and they will work. The Secret specifically and any type of LOA is using God's principles from the bible. I may be willing to stipulate that The Secret may be a perversion of those principles, but the concept of LOA is a basic taught in the bible. I came across a Christian LOA site years ago way before the secret and I've been intensely studying and measuring the secret and LOA against God's word all because of my EP's teaching on it. He was right. These are Godly principles that will work for anyone. They are natural and that which is natural comes first so they work for anyone anytime. Affirmations is a fancy name for calling things that be not as though they were and so on.

 

[Ms.Honey]

Pasyor Cherry was not talking about LOA or anything similar. LOA is not a biblical principle nor is it based on spiritual principles. The principle of sow and reap actually requires you to DO something, it requires action. LOA only reqires for you to "wish upon the stars", to gain your desires from the universe.

Another difference between the biblical principles and LOA is that the bible requires righteousness to receive spiritual blessings. Obedience bring the reward. LOA requires positive thinking towards the thing you wish to receive. You can be hateful, racists/bigoted, an adultress or just a plain old hoe and "sucessfully" practice LOA. No lifestyle change towards righteousness is required.

Sow and reap is not a principle used to gain material things to consume upon our own lusts but so that we will have to give to others who are in need. LOA is for the worshipper to receive the desires of their hearts for their OWN wants and needs.

LOA is more in line with the charismatic movements teaching of naming and claiming, believing and receiving which is also unscriptual. These beliefs do not work everytime and is dependent on the worshipper to come out of their pockets to gain what they want. The principle of sow and reap works EVERYTIME and meets our needs far beyond what we've sown(good or evil) and whatever we could ever hope or imagine.

Now the thing that IS similar in biblical principles is that the source of our gain and success is our father. Our source is God our Father in heaven. The source (unknowingly) to the LOA'er is their father the devil (the universe).

Why not simply pray and ask God the Father if HE approves of LOA and whether or not it's scriptural instead of going by our own BELIEF of whether He approves of it or not.

 

[discobiscuits]

Actually, Pastor was discussing exactly that and LOA requires action like S&R does. However, I have always deferred to you on this forum publicly and in PMs. I have chosen to assume a position of learning from you. I do not believe that God approves (ETA) as much as it is something He placed in the earth and (end edit) I'm going off of what Pastor taught and what I've read in the word. I do not now nor ever have practiced LOA, I've only studied it. I do not advocate it I only point out the fact that it is directly from God's word and was taught by our former pastor from the pulpit. I'd love to try to find my notes but I've got what about 20 year's worth. I don't even remember the message title. Anyway, I disagree with you on one or two points but I defer to you since I know that you and I come from the same ideology and teachings and it may be that I am not presenting my points clearly enough, not that you and I are on different sides of the topic at hand.

 

[discobiscuits]

I wanted to add (w/o an edit) that Pastor used to teach 'name it and claim it' years ago. One memory in particular was when he had Rev. Price teach a message I think it was when he was installed as EP. Pastor has moved away from the name and claim. However, LOA as well as name and claim is exactly the part of the bilble that people use (or perhaps misuse) "call things that be not....." All I've ever attempted to say about LOA is that it is based on principles or "laws" that God instituted and Jesus taught.

LOA: Ask, Believe, Receive
Bible: Ask God through prayer according to His word, not your lusts, believe Him and you will receive. Yes, this is a principle that is perverted and or used incorrectly, but it works and God made it. Our pastor even taught us that even when perverted, God's principles still work because they are natural, which comes first. Honestly, if I find the notes, I'll tell you the teaching where he said this and the scriptures he used.

Still. I defer to you, I've found in some instances you have wisdom in some areas and I've looked to you for help in those areas. I also recognize the wisdom that I have in other areas. I'm actually wondering if you will teach me something that will show me if I misunderstood. Right now I still stand on what our Pastor taught as I concur that the scriptures support it and so far, God has not informed me that what Pastor taught and what I've understood is incorrect.

 

[Ms.Honey]

What action does LOA require other than posting images on boards, focusing and believing your gonna get it and then going out and paying for the item you wanted. I do that when the sales papers come.

I haven't been there for as long as you have but I do know the principle of sow and reap and LOA does not coincide with it. Sow and reap works for everyone(saved or sinner) everytime LOA does not.
Sow and reap: Plant an apple seed (sow) gain an apple tree with many apples with even MORE seeds (reap). LOA: See a car you desire (name it) Put a pic of it on a memory board(claim it) Focus on it with a positive attitude that you will mainfest what you desire(believe it) go to the dealership and buy it (receive it).

A loved one of mine who practices LOA and feng shui among other beliefs, in which she is an expert, told me that if I really wanted to, under LOA, I could marry one of my celebrity crushes. Now I don't care how many pics I post or how positive my thinking, it ain't gonna happen
Sow and reap works everytime for everyone. LOA can not possibly work everytime for everyone. That's how you know it's not a biblical principle or biblically based. God's Word can not fail. EVER!

I have no idea of what teaching you're referring to. Do you know the specifics of it or around what time he taught it?

 

[Ms.Honey]

I wanted to add (w/o an edit) that Pastor used to teach 'name it and claim it' years ago. One memory in particular was when he had Rev. Price teach a message I think it was when he was installed as EP. Pastor has moved away from the name and claim. However, LOA as well as name and claim is exactly the part of the bilble that people use (or perhaps misuse) "call things that be not....." All I've ever attempted to say about LOA is that it is based on principles or "laws" that God instituted and Jesus taught.

LOA: Ask, Believe, Receive
Bible: Ask God through prayer according to His word, not your lusts, believe Him and you will receive. Yes, this is a principle that is perverted and or used incorrectly, but it works and God made it. Our pastor even taught us that even when perverted, God's principles still work because they are natural, which comes first. Honestly, if I find the notes, I'll tell you the teaching where he said this and the scriptures he used.

Still. I defer to you, I've found in some instances you have wisdom in some areas and I've looked to you for help in those areas. I also recognize the wisdom that I have in other areas. I'm actually wondering if you will teach me something that will show me if I misunderstood. Right now I still stand on what our Pastor taught as I concur that the scriptures support it and so far, God has not informed me that what Pastor taught and what I've understood is incorrect.

Now I do know that he taught that if you wanted to be righteous or your health restored in order to complete an assignment He has given you, to ask God according to scripture and believe that He will honor HIS Word. Praying for a pair of Manolo's doesn't fit into that catergory.

Have you actually prayed about it and asked if what you believe is correct or are you going on the fact that He hasn't told you that you are incorrect?

 

[discobiscuits]

Right now I'm drawing a blank on Pastor's teaching. I want to say it was post AMEZ and post Rev. Price. I'm not sure. I think it was like 98-01 but again, don't hold me to that. I'm fairly confident I've got notes on it but I have tons of notebooks to go through. (I was too cheap to buy tapes so I took copious notes ergo, lots of notebooks.)

Anyway, I'm not a LOA practitioner or advocate, I just note the similarities and it made me recall that pastor taught on a subject or topic that to me seems similar or can possibly support LOA.

Here is the Christian LOA site. Again, since I don't practice, I never got into this woman either. http://www.thoughtsalive.com/
http://www.jackrabbitfactor.com/

Another thing I've noticed, her site has changed some since I first saw it which was pre-The Secret. I'm not advocating the site, just showing you another person who asserts that LOA is bible based. *I am in no way using this site to support my assertions just sharing*

 

[discobiscuits]

Now I do know that he taught that if you wanted to be righteous or your health restored in order to complete an assignment He has given you, to ask God according to scripture and believe that He will honor HIS Word. Praying for a pair of Manolo's doesn't fit into that catergory. *THAT's FUNNY!*

Have you actually prayed about it and asked if what you believe is correct or are you going on the fact that He hasn't told you that you are incorrect?

Yes to both of your questions.

But on this topic of LOA I am 100% open to correction and willing to change in an instant. Again, I say that I may not be doing a good job of putting in writing what my brain is processing. So I keep trying to explain what I mean. I also may be misunderstanding or misconstruing some things. Again, I can accept that, but right now, I don't see it. Were you there for the initial principle teachings? If so, I think that those teachings may be where I'm getting some of this from (the principle of Agreement maybe? I'm pretty sure it was not the principle of Sow and Reap. I'm still not sure). If I'm wrong, I'm wrong, cool; I can accept that and correctify myself (made up word for the grammar/spelling police LOL).

 

[*KP*]

I never said we needed the Secret or the Law Of Attraction AT ALL. I was simply saying that all the LOA is is a perverted version of what the Bible already says packed in pretty humanistic packaging.

As far as not needing outside sources, I do have to disagree. I do believe we do need outside counsel, but not humanistic ones. For example, if a couple is having marriage problems, they may pray and go to the Word for help but sometimes the help will come from a Christian couple who's been married for 50+ years. Or a woman who's been raped or molested knows the Bible says to forgive but she doesn't know how. Sometimes a Christian author who's been there may be able to give her the counsel she needs. We most definately need each other.

But anyway, all I was saying basically is what the world calls "The Law Of Attraction" is actually a perverted version of a Biblical truth.

I believe this also. Sometimes you may pray and read the word and God will lead you to a certain person or resource you may need at that time.

How that is worded in the secret is that "you attract it from the universe"

I agree it is the same bible principles repackaged for a wider audience. I do believe that what you want though, should be God-centred. Following LOA/the secret does NOT mean stop praying or reading God's word if you are a Christian.

IMO, it is a principle just like gravity. One thing that stood out to me in the DVD was when one guy said, it's like electricity, you can use it to cook a man a meal OR to cook the man. Are we going start calling electricity the devil now because it can be used for evil? No, like anything else, it depends on the intent you have behind it. If all your wants are materialistic, then that is not of God but what if they are affirmations of your faith as one poster put it? They may be things you know God is working on for you but you have to also do your bit (like the drowning man in Kbragg's post).

What I do find interesting though is I have a friend who does not believe in God or the "new age mumbo jumbo universe bs" as he puts it but he does believe the principles of the secret but gives scientific-psychological reasons behind it. And that just proves to me it is just a principle, you can be God-centred or not with or without "the secret".

If you read any self-help or success book, again it is the same principles just worded differently.

 

[MizzBrown]

Why didn't they just repackage the Bible then?? I still don't get it. Replace the word "universe" with God and you got yourself a Bible or study Bible.

 

[tmichelle]

Pasyor Cherry was not talking about LOA or anything similar. LOA is not a biblical principle nor is it based on spiritual principles. The principle of sow and reap actually requires you to DO something, it requires action. LOA only reqires for you to "wish upon the stars", to gain your desires from the universe.

Another difference between the biblical principles and LOA is that the bible requires righteousness to receive spiritual blessings. Obedience bring the reward. LOA requires positive thinking towards the thing you wish to receive. You can be hateful, racists/bigoted, an adultress or just a plain old hoe and "sucessfully" practice LOA. No lifestyle change towards righteousness is required.

Sow and reap is not a principle used to gain material things to consume upon our own lusts but so that we will have to give to others who are in need. LOA is for the worshipper to receive the desires of their hearts for their OWN wants and needs.

LOA is more in line with the charismatic movements teaching of naming and claiming, believing and receiving which is also unscriptual. These beliefs do not work everytime and is dependent on the worshipper to come out of their pockets to gain what they want. The principle of sow and reap works EVERYTIME and meets our needs far beyond what we've sown(good or evil) and whatever we could ever hope or imagine.

Now the thing that IS similar in biblical principles is that the source of our gain and success is our father. Our source is God our Father in heaven. The source (unknowingly) to the LOA'er is their father the devil (the universe).

Why not simply pray and ask God the Father if HE approves of LOA and whether or not it's scriptural instead of going by our own BELIEF of whether He approves of it or not.

I think the bold is very well stated and in-line with Biblical teachings. LOA is definitely a perverting of the truth. It's funny b/c many on this thread have said, "it's a Biblical principle, just repackaged". Why would you want that? Of what benefit would it be to study/practice something that has been altered?

What action does LOA require other than posting images on boards, focusing and believing your gonna get it and then going out and paying for the item you wanted. I do that when the sales papers come.

I haven't been there for as long as you have but I do know the principle of sow and reap and LOA does not coincide with it. Sow and reap works for everyone(saved or sinner) everytime LOA does not.
Sow and reap: Plant an apple seed (sow) gain an apple tree with many apples with even MORE seeds (reap). LOA: See a car you desire (name it) Put a pic of it on a memory board(claim it) Focus on it with a positive attitude that you will mainfest what you desire(believe it) go to the dealership and buy it (receive it).

A loved one of mine who practices LOA and feng shui among other beliefs, in which she is an expert, told me that if I really wanted to, under LOA, I could marry one of my celebrity crushes. Now I don't care how many pics I post or how positive my thinking, it ain't gonna happen
Sow and reap works everytime for everyone. LOA can not possibly work everytime for everyone. That's how you know it's not a biblical principle or biblically based. God's Word can not fail. EVER!

I have no idea of what teaching you're referring to. Do you know the specifics of it or around what time he taught it?

So now you have people who believe in this principle telling you that other's freewill will bow to yours?! I suppose that is what LOA can turn into eventually, you've already placed yourself and your desires at the center of the universe where the universe/God/Santa is forced to give you whatever you dream of, why not have it bend other people to your will as well?

Why didn't they just repackage the Bible then?? I still don't get it. Replace the word "universe" with God and you got yourself a Bible or study Bible.

Can I just say, "Amen"? Why not just study the Bible and why dabble into these tihng? 2 Tim. 4:3, 4 says, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths." Sounds prophetic to me.

 

[vlucious]

so many good points have been made, i just hope that many of the ladies on this board realize the constant contradictions and "sketchy" - ness of it all. i pray that for the "christians", god comes in and guards their minds to discern between this and his true word.

 

[Ms.Honey]

I think the bold is very well stated and in-line with Biblical teachings. LOA is definitely a perverting of the truth. It's funny b/c many on this thread have said, "it's a Biblical principle, just repackaged". Why would you want that? Of what benefit would it be to study/practice something that has been altered?

I think people aren't realizing what their doing by equating the universe with God. It's blasphemous and there is a consequence that comes along with that. Also, trying to gain the power of God using a different source for that power, the universe is witchcraft. LOA is repackaged but it has been repackaged by the devil not God. It's the same trick he pulled on Eve in the Garden. Try it and you will be just like God. He's not gonna do anything You can do it without Him

So now you have people who believe in this principle telling you that other's freewill will bow to yours?! I suppose that is what LOA can turn into eventually, you've already placed yourself and your desires at the center of the universe where the universe/God/Santa is forced to give you whatever you dream of, why not have it bend other people to your will as well?

Yes,basically. She said I could have him if I really wanted him. Somehow my focusing (conjuring him up, witchcraft) would cause us to meet, he would be waiting for me or feel the connection because of my memory board, and I would end up as his wife or whatever I "willed to happen"

I thank God that's not true because I would have been married and divorced passed from man to man just cuz they put me on their boards Retailers better look out too cuz their stock is about to start mysteriously disappear from their shelves

Can I just say, "Amen"? Why not just study the Bible and why dabble into these tihng? 2 Tim. 3,4 says, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths." Sounds prophetic to me.

"They also come into houses and take silly women captive" also fits 2Tim 3:4-9
4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

so many good points have been made, i just hope that many of the ladies on this board realize the constant contradictions and "sketchy" - ness of it all. i pray that for the "christians", god comes in and guards their minds to discern between this and his true word.

Yep. He has made it so that if we come to Him in prayer (not a self- serving prayer) asking to know HIS will, He will reveal the truth to us and protect us from being tricked, deceived, scammed. It's not gonna happen though, well not until all hell breaks through in their lives (which won't take long now) and they have been humbled themselves before God and not the universe which He has created.

ETA:
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

Jannes and Jambres were the magicians (witchcraft) who opposed God's power, the miracles performed by Moses, with their own versions (magic, LOA, witchcraft)

 

[Ramya]

Maybe I'm missing something but I just don't get why a Christian would want to "study" and "practice" something that perverts and twists God's word. Is God not enough anymore?

 

[MizzBrown]

Maybe I'm missing something but I just don't get why a Christian would want to "study" and "practice" something that perverts and twists God's word. Is God not enough anymore?

Apparently not.

That's why we have so many self-help books, alternate resources, lot's of repackaging.

Repackaging is great if it allows someone to bring them closer to the words of God so long as 'GOD' is still written in the book and is the primary focus...If it's not then what is it?

Is 'The Secret' even in the Christian section of the bookstore?

ETA: It's not! It's categorized in the "self improvement" section...Case closed.