But they would not obey; they were stubborn like their ancestors, who had not trusted in the Lord their God. They refused to obey his instructions, they did not keep the covenant he had made with their ancestors, and they disregarded his warnings. They worshiped worthless idols and became worthless themselves, and they followed the customs of the surrounding nations, disobeying the Lord’s command not to imitate them. They broke all the laws of the Lord their God and made two metal bull-calves to worship; they also made an image of the goddess Asherah, worshiped the stars, and served the god Baal. – 2 Kings 17:14-16 GNT
How does this happen? Look at all the small steps that finally end up with idols. From simple steps of rebellion, I can end up serving nothing and end up as worthless as the idols I have created. I pray this will not be true in my life. May I not be found to reject God’s Word. May I find myself rejecting the things that God rejects. May I see those small steps that I take that lead me away from following God.
For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, and wrong. We were slaves to passions and pleasures of all kinds. We spent our lives in malice and envy; others hated us and we hated them.But when the kindness and love of God our Savior was revealed, he saved us. It was not because of any good deeds that we ourselves had done, but because of his own mercy that he saved us, through the Holy Spirit, who gives us new birth and new life by washing us. God poured out the Holy Spirit abundantly on us through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that by his grace we might be put right with God and come into possession of the eternal life we hope for. – Titus 3:3-7
I am so thankful for the truth that sets me free – God’s Word. While I do not want to necessarily remember what I was before I met Jesus, I am thankful for the work of the Holy Spirit and for the love of the Father towards me. I am thankful for His grace and towards me – a sinner. I am thankful for Jesus – my Saviour – who has made me right with God.
I said, ‘Plow new ground for yourselves, plant righteousness, and reap the blessings that your devotion to me will produce. It is time for you to turn to me, your Lord, and I will come and pour out blessings upon you.’ – Hosea 10:12 GNT
Father, may those small steps I take from following You with all my heart, soul and mind be rooted out – that includes bitterness, unforgiveness, legalism, disinterest, distrust and unbelief. Thank You.
Sixty-six books in a year 