Daily Read - 1 Samuel 22:1-23:29; John 10:1-21; Psalm 115:1-18; Proverbs 15:18-19
As you read Psalms 115, ask Holy Spirit to reveal all idols you have in your life. When reading the Word and its description of idols, the first thing that usually comes to mind are little statues and trinkets representing deities from other countries. Most take a deep breath and let out a sigh of relief knowing they have nothing like that in their possession.
Before getting too comfortable, let's find out what the word idol actually means. In the Webster's it means,
an object of extreme devotion; any person or thing regarded with blind admiration, adoration, or devotion. Wow, that sure paints a much clearer picture.
If we place things and/or people ahead of God in order of importance... that is idolatry.
If we place our trust in money rather than in God...that is idolatry.
If we place recreation and entertainment ahead of God...that is idolatry.
If we place jobs, vocations, ministry, or talent ahead of God...that is idolatry.
If we devote more time pampering our body than we do feeding our spirit and relationship with God...that is idolatry.
If any of these strike a chord, it's time to repent and turn back to loving God with your whole heart. The Holy Spirit may reveal something to you that is not on this list, then repent and turn back to loving God with your whole heart.
We are to have no other gods before us; we are to worship and adore only our Messiah Jesus Christ. He is the only one who is worthy of such adoration. As the first verse of Psalms 115 declares,
"Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your mercy, because of Your truth."
Lord Jesus, forgive me for placing anything ahead of You. I give You permission to dig deep in the recesses of my heart and reveal to me all areas where idolatry hides. Everything that exalts itself against Your Lordship, I pull down and demolish. I will have no other gods before You and I bow down to You alone. I give You all the glory, honor, and praise! Amen!
Psalm 115
1Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, But to Your name give glory,
Because of Your mercy, Because of Your truth.
2 Why should the Gentiles say, "So where is their God?"
3 But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases.
4 Their idols are silver and gold, The work of men's hands.
5 They have mouths, but they do not speak; Eyes they have, but they do not see;
6 They have ears, but they do not hear; Noses they have, but they do not smell;
7 They have hands, but they do not handle; Feet they have, but they do not walk;
Nor do they mutter through their throat.
8 Those who make them are like them; So is everyone who trusts in them.
9 O Israel, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield.
10 O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield.
11 You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield.
12 The Lord has been mindful of us; He will bless us;
He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron.
13 He will bless those who fear the Lord, Both small and great.
14 May the Lord give you increase more and more, You and your children.
15 May you be blessed by the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.
16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's;
But the earth He has given to the children of men.
17 The dead do not praise the Lord, Nor any who go down into silence.
18 But we will bless the Lord From this time forth and forevermore.
Praise the Lord !