Scripture:
1 Kings 14:15-16 ESV
[15] the Lord will strike Israel as a reed is shaken in the water, and root up Israel out of this good land that he gave to their fathers and scatter them beyond the Euphrates, because they have made their Asherim, provoking the Lord to anger. [16] And he will give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, which he sinned and made Israel to sin.”
Observation:
I don’t really know why the LORD stopped me here this morning, other than to tell us there is no room for other gods. We read over and over in the bible. The LORD is a jealous GOD. This statement cost Jeroboam not only his kingdom but his life and the lives of his family. But not without warning his wife in an attempt to deceive the man of GOD tried to hide who she was and fool him to find favor in GOD’S eyes. I know I did not highlight that verse, but I encourage you to go back and read it. The profit of the LORD tells her not only who she is but that not only this deception but the fact that her husband has brought other false gods into the kingdom is going to cost them dearly.
Application:
We must put GOD first. Now that being said, that doesn’t mean we can have another god in second place. That means HE must be first in all categories. HE is the only true GOD. I have to be completely honest. Sometimes, other things compete for my attention. Work, people, emotions, and many other things. That could be listed with ease. If you have ever called me before the SOAP comes out. You could see how I fight to keep HIM in the very first place in my life. I have to get to GOD before the world gets to me. I know that if I make HIM a priority in my life. HE will take care of all the other stuff that competes for my attention. Not to mention that worry is a lack of trust for HIM, and HE wants all my attention. There is no room for something else. One of my favorite verses in the bible is Matthew 6:33. Seek first HIS kingdom and HIS righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. This, to me, says there is no room for the false god of worry. This is the last thing, and then we can pray. Whatever you put before GOD Whatever competes for your attention and steals it away from the one who made you. That person, place, or thing is dangerous to you. If it does not draw us closer to GOD, we need to reconsider its position in our lives.
Prayer:
Father, we know that you want our attention and when we are focused on you. You will get us through. You never cease to amaze me. You are always right on time. I don’t want anything to ever steal my attention from you. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.