Modern Day Idolatry

Writing about this topic has been on my mind for a few weeks now and I thought it important enough to share.  When we think of the word idolatry, oftentimes our minds go back to the Bible days when the people built altars and made images of precious metals to worship in lieu of God.  

Idolatry - extreme admiration, love, or reverence for something or someone; worship of idols

Exodus 20:3 - Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.

However, idolatry is anything that we place before God in worship or extreme reverence.  Therefore, take a moment and think about your own life and what you are making more valuable than God.  Is it work, is it making money, is it material things or a relationship?  There should be nothing that means more to you than a life devoted to worshipping the Lord our Savior.  I’ve had to take inventory of my own life to ensure that I reprioritize things.  Yes, I need a job so that I can make money to support my family, but the time I devote to working or pursuing my own interests should not consume so much of my time that I’m too tired to give to God first.

Exodus 34:14 - For thou shalt worship no other god; for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.

If we put things in life in the proper perspective, we can have what we desire, because God will give it to us.  Society does not dictate what a priority in our lives is, so we need to go back to what truly matters and that’s seeking the Lord and allowing Him to direct our paths so that we don’t become attached to the things of this world.

Luke 12:31 - But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Thought For The Day,,,

"I do not have to accept everything that comes my way.  I have the right to refuse your foolishness!"

-SoSerene

Know Who You Are...

"Don't let someone determine your value and worth, when they didn't create you!"

- SoSerene

Psalms 139:14...

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

Jeremiah 1:5...

“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.  Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”

To my sisters struggling with their esteem and self worth - you were not a mistake and your life matters! God has a specific purpose for your life.  Know who you are and who made you! Don't allow the opinions of others about you, ring louder in your ears than the truth of the God who created you.  

Unleash Your Potential...

This past weekend we concluded our women's bible study on the Kingdom Woman by Chrystal Evans Hurst.  The last section was about the Potential of the Kingdom Woman.  As I prepared to review this lesson with my study group, many thoughts came to mind.  If I may start backwards, I left my group with a question to ponder and to pray about and that was, "what area of our lives have we not allowed God full control;  where are we still displaying a lack of faith?"

When I think of our potential in God, I don't believe that you have to be on a platform in front of hundreds of people to make an impact.  There are people in your home, in your community, on your job, etc that are in need of encouragement.  Think of it this way, it's like paying it forward.  Think of the people who have spoken words of faith and encouragement to you and think about the impact that had on you.  Now - someone is waiting on you to do the same for them.  We cannot always be on the receiving end of a word!

Roman 2:11... For there is no respect of persons with God.

Hebrews 13:8... Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today and forever.  

When you reflect on these two passages of scripture, we see that God can use us, just like he can use anyone else.   Don't exclude yourself from being an active witness for Christ.  

"No matter where you are, don't despise what you can do right now.   A kingdom woman is not a perfect woman. She's willing to say yes."

- Chrystal Evans Hurst

Finally, surround yourself with people who will help support the work of God in your life.  Not people who are comfortable seeing you settle for less.  Remember how Elisabeth confirmed what the angel of the Lord spoke to Mary.  We all need to be reminded from time to time that what God has done for one, He will do for another.  We must stop making excuses and stop feeling sorry for ourselves and get up and be about our Father's business. 

Unleash your God-Given potential!

Thought For The Day...

"You will never fully trust God when someone else is your back up plan."

-SoSerene

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5-6‬ NLT)

Thought For The Day...

"Don't get mad and blame God when you begin to face the consequences of your actions."

-SoSerene

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…

Today I learned of a family that I’ve known for the past 7 years, who have lost two loved ones in the span of about 6 months.  My heart aches for them because I understand all too well that form of pain.  The thought came to my mind is that we must learn to not sweat the small stuff.  I think that too many times we get weighted down with situations and circumstances of little merit.  Yes – we have our respective struggles and strains, but sometimes it helps to put things into perspective.

Matthew 6:34 (NLT)… So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Proverbs 27:1 (NLT)… Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring.

James 4:14 (NLT)… How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.

We must learn to be grateful for the day at hand and for the time that God has given to each of us.  We may not have all the things that we desire, but we have LIFE! 

Psalms 118:24 (NLT)… This is the day the Lord  has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.