Modern day idols can take the form of many things. They may be people, possessions, locations or life-styles…anything that takes its place above God. Our graven image may be pride and self-importance. Or it may be bowing down to our collection of belongings…those babbles, toys, and things we amass and hoard just to say we have them. Anytime we put or trust and affections in anything other than God we’re headed down the wrong path.
Tag: Dedicated to God
Luke 5:16 ” But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”
It’s not that Jesus was anti-social or hated the crowds that pressed in all the time around Him…for He loved people. But He did require Father-Son time, and searching out solitary places to pray was essential for His wellbeing. When we’re alone by our self in the silence – we shut out the noise of the world…we gain God’s perspective…we hear clearly from the Holy Spirit. It was essential for Jesus…it’s no different for you.
Psalm 35:13 “…and humbled myself with fasting.”
Sometimes when we want the Lord to get serious with us…we need to get serious with Him. A day spent in prayer and fasting not only allows us to focus on the request, but the physical exercise of denying ourselves brings about clarity and direction from God as we humble ourselves before Him.
Isaiah 26:7 ” The path of the righteous is level; O upright one, You make the way of the righteous smooth.”
Walking on uneven and bumpy ground can be very challenging…and even dangerous. At anytime our feet can slip and we can fall. But if we stand on solid, level ground, we can walk with confidence, even if the path is shrouded in shadows. Our journey through life is like that…it can be either be smooth or rough…life or death, depending on the path we choose.
Galatians 4:9 ” But now that you know God – or rather are known by God…”
To know God is a journey that takes a lifetime…each day drawing nearer and receiving more. But the true miracle is being known by Him. For there will come a day when we all must stand before the Lord… either to be recognized and acknowledged or rejected.
Deuteronomy 32:4 ” He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God Who does no wrong, upright and just is He.”
He is the foundation you can build your life on. He is fair and impartial with all His dealings. Everything He does is complete and flawless from beginning to end. He will never be anything but totally honest with you. Could you then put your trust in such a God? I urge you today to give Him a chance …you will not be sorry.
Psalm 46:10 ” Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Though the Lord is too great to be fully understood, knowing Him to the very best of our ability is key in our relationship with Him. For like any loving, intimate relationship…we should do less talking, and more listening.
Psalm 25: 12 ” Who is the man that fears the Lord?”
The Psalmist says we are to be obsessed by God. Not by the world…not by other people…not by anything other than the Lord. We are to be totally dependent and devoted to God and to God only. Like a tiny child’s awareness so absorbed in his mother, that even if she’s out of sight, his mind is ever set on her. And if a problem arises, he looks immediately to her for help.
Joshua 24: 15 “…then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
A simple statement, but with very profound and eternal consequences within it. Has your family made such a commitment to serve God? Have you consciously made a covenant with the Lord to worship Him, and Him only? Then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.
Job 12:12 ” Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding? “
Wisdom and the very ability to obtain it is from God. And the legacy of living a long life dedicated to the Lord is the very personification of that Godly wisdom itself.