1 Kings 18:16-21 - So Obadiah went to tell Ahab that Elijah had come, and Ahab went out to meet Elijah. When Ahab saw him, he exclaimed, “So, is it really you, you troublemaker of Israel?” “I have made no trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied. “You and your family are the troublemakers, for you have refused to obey the commands of the Lord and have worshiped the images of Baal instead. Now summon all Israel to join me at Mount Carmel, along with the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah who are supported by Jezebel.” So Ahab summoned all the people of Israel and the prophets to Mount Carmel. Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent.
The Old Testament presents idolatry as a serious issue, but who in the modern civilized world gives it much thought? The worship of idols seems archaic, but the truth is, all of us will struggle with this heart issue.
During the days of King Ahab, Israel was pulled in two directions. They’d previously served the Lord, but Ahab had recently instituted Baal worship. When Elijah challenged the people to make up their minds about whom to serve, they were speechless.
You may be thinking, This doesn’t apply to my life, but modern idols come in many different forms. When we depend on—or give priority to—anything besides the Lord, it becomes our god.
Does something in your life have a higher value than the Lord? He gives us relationships, possessions, and meaningful work, but we are constantly tempted to cherish the gifts more than the Giver. An accurate measure of priorities is the use of our time. Do you reserve a part of each day for God, or is every minute consumed by the demands of life?
On what or whom do you depend? The Lord gives us His strength and provision, but so often we choose to rely on ourselves, others, or even money. The tendency to worry or control is a sign of self-reliance rather than dependence upon God.
Double-minded service will not work (Matt. 6:24). We must make up our minds and follow through with actions. If we really believe that the God of the Bible is the only true God, we ought to give Him our whole life, follow Him faithfully, and serve Him with all our gifts and abilities.
For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org
4 comments:
i think this devo is excellent. hits it on the head. maybe i need to be hit on the head? anyway, i know what my focus should be on, now just to do it moew consistently
cas
CAS, couldnt agree more, except for the moew-ing part. What r u a cat?
Seriously, need to buckle down and focus on God this week in my quiet times.
I know a lot of guys are out of town taking kids to college and out of business but where is everybody??? Out on vacation i guess.
A great song, worth looking up the lyrics and readng (go ahead and do it now!) is Clear the Stage by Ross King. Pay particular attention to the bridge. Then say Amen.
Tba
Agree with all comments- I tend to fall in the trap of depending on myself often and also on my wife. It just makes sense to depend on someone who is supremely more powerful!
Trying to get back in the swing...
crb
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