Golden calves, Zeus, crystals, wooden statues, and teen pop stars. What do all these have in common? All have been objects of worship. They have been admired, adored, and served. There’s no denying it—the human heart is drawn to worship. We yearn to be part of a bigger story, to pin our hopes on something outside ourselves. We are wired to look for something or someone more powerful that will help us flourish and make sense of life. The question is not, “Do I worship?” The question for each of us is, “What do I worship?”
This makes sense when we remember that we were created as worshiping beings. Our loving Creator made us to reflect His image and to enjoy Him forever. We were made to be a part of God’s big story and to live in His power and presence. We are wired to flourish when we admire, adore, and serve the Lord above all else.
But our hearts are darkened by unbelief, and we begin to look for love and meaning in other, lesser places. We see how this happened to the crowds in Lystra after Barnabas and Paul healed a disabled man. The Lystrans were starstruck. They were so impressed by the powerful miracle that they thought Barnabas and Paul must be the Greek gods Zeus and Hermes gracing them with their presence in human form. They began to worship and prepare sacrifices to them.
This was the opposite of the gospel Paul and Barnabas came to preach. Instead of recognizing and turning to the one true God, the crowds doubled down on their idolatry. Barnabas and Paul tore their clothes in anguish and pleaded with the crowd, “…turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything in them” (Acts 14:15).
Unbelief and confusion cloud our thinking as well. We may not worship Zeus or wooden statues, but we look for love, security, and meaning in other, lesser places too. Let’s be honest and ask ourselves what we are tempted to bow down to today. What do I prioritize before all else? What dominates my calendar and my checking account? What keeps me up at night? What does my mind turn to before my head even lifts off the pillow in the morning? Who or what do I feel like I can’t live without?
The restlessness we feel when we try to pin our hopes on something other than God is actually a gift. It reveals the truth that we were made to be part of God’s story, a beloved child of His eternal family. Anything other than Him leaves us wanting more. As Saint Augustine famously said, “Thou hast made us for Thyself, and our heart is restless till it rests in Thee.” What will we worship today?
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116 thoughts on "Mistaken for Gods"
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I want to know so much more about the story of the disciples – I’m so grateful we get to see flashes of their life’s and how much they loved the lord!
Wow. I am crying right now. Didn’t expect that! I was thinking to myself “wow, Paul gets beaten up and goes back in the Name of God” and also how one minute they were worshipping then and then they quickly turned against them. Sounds like the hate we live in today honesty. But then the message at the end…….we look for security and meaning in other lesser things/places/people too. What do I prioritize before all else? What dominates my calendar and my checking account (it hurts to even think about), what keeps me up all night or captures my thoughts when I wake. I feel like an ungrateful, selfish child of God right now. That reflection was hard when shouldn’t jt be easy. I feel lonely, depressed, stressed, failing, frazzled, tired, did I mention stressed yet!!! I’m trying so hard to let go and let God but I guess I’m failing at that. Lord Help.
Crissy….I’m sorry you are struggling. Keep calling out to Jesus. I have prayed for you. ❤️
‘He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2
Susan Burley I tried to reply and it wouldn’t work. Seems I can only reply to one persons comment lately. But what a great revelation about arenas!
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Praying everyone is warm and safe from the storm. The snow is beautiful, but can cause big disruptions.
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What is occupying my mind?? Before I even leave the bed. What can’t I live without? What do I prioritize? Good thought provoking questions! I will take time to ponder.
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Try- not checking the box “to save your email”
That was the problem some of us figured out!
Patti’s devotion was right on. What do I find myself worshipping? What do I think about when I first wake up? Ouch.
Lord, I really want to lean into You more, not other things. I want to follow You and share Your Good News no matter the cost. You are my Savior and King. Amen.
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I was thinking that also Sharon. At what cost will I follow Christ?
We got about 10” also. Now very cold and supposed to get more this weekend in northeastern PA.
It never ceases to amaze me when I read, “They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city.” Acts 14:19-20
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Paul stoned – so badly they thought he was dead!
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But…he got back up and went BACK into the city!!
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This is how Paul can say, “for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
What a great, fearless, faith Paul had. He was determined to preach the gospel, at any cost. Makes me ponder the question – at what cost will I follow Christ?
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The snow has finally ended! Our total is 10″! Prayers for all those who are without power, may God restore it quickly!
❤ Amen to post, snow ending, and restored power where needed!
we got 18 and going to snow some more in a little while. Stay safe everyone.
You, too, Donna! We had a lot of ice melt today. Still a ways to go.
At what cost? Good question!
Enjoy the beautiful snow. He lends a quiet hush to the world.
I have to share something that happened this weekend. It’s a long story, but I basically lost a friend because of my belief in Christ. The good thing is , I was able to share the gospel with her. I know this study has really helped strengthen my faith, and made me more open to risk for the gospel.
I am so sorry you lost this friendship and pray for and for salvation for her and restoration of friendship.
That’s great that you were able to share, strange that it made her not want to be friends. :/
PATTI SAULS, thank you so much for this devo! So good – and convicting!
“What will we worship today?”
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Jeremiah 2:11b NLT
Yet my people have exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols!
12 The heavens are shocked at such a thing
and shrink back in horror and dismay,” says the Lord.
13 “For my people have done two evil things:
They have abandoned me—
the fountain of living water.
And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!
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Warren Wiersbe makes this powerful statement in NKJV Study Bible notes:
Ro 1:21–23
“1:21–23 Suppressing God’s truth, and refusing to acknowledge God’s glory, human beings were left without a god, and humans are so constituted that they must worship something. If they will not worship the true God, they will worship a false god, even if they have to manufacture it themselves! This fact about people accounts for their propensity to idolatry. They exchanged the glory of the true God for substitute gods that they themselves made. They exchanged glory for shame, incorruption for corruption, truth for lies.”
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That brought this thought to mind: what we ‘create’ we can control. Hmmmmm. Something to think about there. I choose God hands down even though I can certainly not control Him! Truth over lies for sure!
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Love, hugs, and prayers, especially for those greatly impacted by Fern. PRAISE GOD our prayers were answered and we did not lose power! Roads are a mess and travel not recommended but I’ll take that any day over what was predicted. No damage around our home, praise the Lord! <3 THANKS TO ALL OF YOU SHES WHO PRAYED US THROUGH!!! Love you all! [big heart!]
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SONG SHARE:
[Replacing the word 'crowns' in my mind with the word 'idols']:
Crowns Down | feat. Josh Baldwin | Gateway Worship
CHORUS
I will lay my crowns down at Your feet
You are Holy, Holy
I will give my life as an offering
You are worthy, so worthy
I kept reading on in Jeremiah as well. And then it goes into the “unfaithful bride” which is good. The whole OT is God’s faithfulness to his people, yet their wayward hearts! But He always welcomes back a repenting person. Oh how his heart must break as we see ours break for our children’s choices.
Well said…again! ❤
Praise the Lord that you did not lose power! So many did and will be praying that it is restored soon.
Joining you in that prayer! ❤
This was Rally good!! Wow… it really makes you think….
“What will I worship today?”, indeed!
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I used this morning as “Grace Day”. (Thank you for “Grace Day”, SRT!) AND I have read for today. Please pray that I can stay on track… I get about halfway through the week… then BAM… I struggle at the end of the week. (And… I am attempting a 90 DAY reading plan and get lost there too, sometimes!)
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Update on Matt… nothing new there. I have been praying for a complete miracle or that He takes him quickly. (We really thought after the discussion about removing breathing support, etc. He would be gone quickly, even before that was done. But, alas, he is still fighting… maybe a full recovery is in store. I don’t know.) Thank you for your continued prayers. Please keep lifting him, his family, and the medical team up, Up, UP!
Thanks so much for the update! You were on my mind this morning and I was going to ask! There has to be a reason Matt is hanging on! Praying for healing for him, salvation for his daughter, and for the medical team! How is Paul doing? [heart]
We had a one-week+ follow up today. (Actually, surgery was two weeks ago, come Wednesday.) Doc was very happy with what he saw, and cleared Paul for life as normal, come Wednesday! That was a pretty great anniversary present for us… 35 years today! ❤️) He is a little “gun-shy” right now, but I think that is probably for the best. Men think they’re invincible! (Well, mine does!)
Thanks for the update! Great news come Wednesday and congrats on your anniversary! I understand his being ‘gun shy’; he had a very close call! Continued prayers! ❤
Thank you for the update – continued prayers!
Thank you!
Perhaps the Lord has a special plan for him, all in His timing.
I think maybe so.
I loved the devotional today as well. I also listened to the first part of the podcast which is great as well and I took a bunch of notes. Did anyone get an email about the meet up on zoom this Thursday night for SRT?
Thank you for mentioning the meetup! I get the emails but, alas, don’t always read them thoroughly. I wonder how long the zoom will be… I could probably attend the first 30 minutes.
And I remembered my husband has a dr appointment at 4 PST he wants me to attend. We’ll see if I can join.
NO, I did not receive anything about a Zoom?! That’s fun! I have been wanting to plan one on our FB group for so long and forget!
I posted it to the FB page for anyone who missed it.
Hi I didn’t get it either. Can you post it on the FB page please?
Great devotional! We even have reality shows with the word ” idol”.
The idol of “Me” is also a big one in America.
Just listen to the commercials on TV that constantly remind us: ” you’re worth it, ” you deserve it”,etc.
Shes will you pray for me. I lost my glasses. These are prescription glasses. I have not left home in 3 days because of the snow. I took them off to read something and fell asleep. This was Saturday. I have literary torn my apartment apart looking for them.
Oh, that’s so frustrating.
Praying they turn up unharmed!
I lost my key fob and tore my house apart too. it’s here somewhere. I had it replaced and put a tracker tag on it so it won’t happen again. unfortunately, Tanya, that’s not an option fir glasses. Check laundry room, bathroom closet, im so sorry….. I’m praying now.
Agreeing with Kelly! I panicked one morning when my glasses weren’t where I placed them the night before. I found them, thankfully! Apparently they were pushed off the back of the night stand and somehow ended up underneath it. Hope that helps in someway. Any crevices near the table you may have missed? ❤
Side note: first episode of American Idol is tonight. How timely isvyour remark! ❤
I can’t find my glasses either!!! I dropped them somewhere in the house when I was startled by a delivery person at the door. Praying we all can find them
There is nothing hidden that won’t be revealed!
GM ladies. As I pray for our prodigals, today’s verse stood out: After looking directly at him and seeing that he had faith to be healed, 10 Paul said in a loud voice, “Stand up on your feet!” And he jumped up and began to walk around”. Seeing that he had FAITH. I would say there is enough faith here to move mountains. Where two or more are gathered I am there. Lord there are a lot of mama’s here crying out to you for their children. Would you honor our prayers Lord? You know each and every name on the list and as we pray, we trust that you hear us. I pray that each and every prodigal listed would V15 “turn from these worthless things to the living God”. God, you are more than able. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
Ladies, if you would like to add a name, please do so in the comments under my name. I will repost for us every Monday here.
Acts 2:39 For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
Acts 26:18:… open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.
Jeremiah 31:16-17 But now this is what the Lord says: “Do not weep any longer, for I will reward you,” says the Lord. “Your children will come back to you from the distant land of the enemy.17 There is hope for your future,” says the Lord.“Your children will come again to their own land.”
Proverbs 20:7 The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him.
Alice V – Brian, Rachel
Kim Mullins – Tyler
Tami – Chela, Quentin
Sharon – Nicholas, Jonathan
Rebecca W – Brett, Jake, Joey, Lindsay, Kelly, Abby, Katelyn, Katie
Emma Rageth – Olivia, Ali
Indiana Elaine – Kent, Shelley
Mari V – Rick, Marta, Toby
Tricia C – David, Allison, Christopher, Lina, Travis, Nicole
Mia Faith – Parker, Isaiah, Alexandra, Griffin, Annalee, Bill
Aleida – Victor
Maddie – Michelle, Julia
Rhonda – Michael
Charlotte Hill – Casey, John, Emma
Deb – Brandon, Angel
Linda J – Matthew
Mollie – Sam
MMD – Ethan, Hayden, Rachel
Carol H – Justin, Ezekiel, Elijah, Andrew
Kari – Rachel, Josh, James, Ayano
Mi Sherry – Kaitlyn, Aaron, Will
Cheryl Read – Renee, Jason, Kayden, Kylee
Wendy B – Amy, Colton, Kirk, Nick
Anne Klinkhammer – Molly
Sue Dalos – Chelsea, Kenny
Bessie – Ben
Annie Hewitt – Annie pls give me name/s:)
Sandy Lynn – Andy
Diane – Jon, Keith, Roger, Mike
Jane K – Leah
B – M, B
Susan B – Tammy, Amy
Carla – Cierra, Stephen
Lisa H – Cora
Kimberk – Megan, Randy
Adrienne – Raelynn, Tyler, Tracy
Brandi – Levi, Sarah, Ellen, India
Robin Bailey – Rodney, Brian
Erin L – Emerson, Zoe
Janet – Ryan, Amanda, Matthew, Stephanie
Sheryl – Adam, LaShonda
Maria J – Benjamin, Mike, Mark, Patrick
Maria B – Chris, Tristan, Madeline, Cristal, Shanty, Nicole, Luis
Melani Fryer – Matthew, Dylan, Courtney, Lydia
Therese – Ryan, Brittany, Sydney
Traci Gendron – Kara, Andrew
Jenny Carmichael – Katy
Mercy – boys in social care system
Kerry Rowley – Preston, Parker, Lindsey
I LOVE that you are going to post the scriptures for us to remember and then the names. My lesson– as I started praying the names and going through..THEN I came to Michael, and after I said it in the line of names that don’t mean that much to me…MICHAEL grabbed my attention!! He is MINE! HE MATTERS so much, as each name matters in that same way. So as the list went on…the name said matters to one of us She’s in a “piercing” way to our heart!! The names matter as we read lists in the genealogies of Jesus. EACH has a powerful purpose and matter. And it matters all these towns Paul traveled and the people he touched and changed their trajectory!! Hallelujah! May we read with open eyes! I thank you again Tami! (and may I have faith every day to stand up in healing of Jesus!!
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So true! Each name represents a soul that’s lost. ❤
As I was reading what you wrote I was thinking of the importance of the genealogies and the you mentioned it:) And I completely get what you are saying and also reminded myself as much as my kids mean to me, these kids are someone else’s cherished children. I also ask the Holy Spirit to highlight anyone I should specifically pray for.
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I lift all of these names up to you Jesus. You know each one and love each one. I pray that you would open their eyes to your goodness Lord. I pray that you would put people in their paths that point them to you. I pray in Jesus name that they recognize their need for a Savior, that they turn to you and give their lives to you. I pray for the mommas of these names. I pray that they would continue fighting for them in prayer, knowing that you bend down to listen to them.
Beautiful- Amen!
Elaine- Great lyrics!
Amen!❤️
Amen❤️
I had to think of all our prodigals yesterday as we sang the song: “Here I Am Lord”. Here are the lyrics of the first verse and chorus:
“ I, the Lord of sea and sky
I have heard my people cry
All who dwell in dark and sin
My hand will save
I have made the stars of night
I will make their darkness bright
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night
I will go, Lord
If You lead me
I will hold Your people in my heart”
I just felt it was an affirmation that God is hearing our cries for our children.
Thanks,Elaine! Not familiar with that song. ❤
Joshua, Katie,Zoe
Thank you, Tami! Praying in agreement and for the hearts of those who are hurting and struggling over the rebellion of their prodigals- for strength to continue in prayer and steadfast hope and faith that God will draw them back.
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As we watched and marvelled at the reality of ice melting quickly in 33 degree weather, our son said, “Yeah, but that sun is shining right on it. It doesn’t stand a chance!” Of course I immediately saw a spiritual analogy and replied that the coldest heart will find it hard to ignore the power of the Light. Just thought that kind of fit here so thought I’d share. ❤ Hang in there Shes! ❤
❤️❤️ the power of the Son!
Yes, Searching! Thank you for that!❤❤❤ In the James study we have been comparing dark and light. Yesterday was dark and dreary with no light. Today wad bright and sunny so my brain went in that direction. You are spot on as always! ☺☺☺
Ben, Sian
thank you
Brittin and Tyler
Brittin and Tyler
Thanks again so much for doing this!❤️
Please add Madison, Richard, Liam, Zac, and Wesley to your list! I have never posted before, but I’ve been reading along for many years and praying for requests. Thank you for making this list; I am praying!
“For though they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or show gratitude…” (Romans 1:21) I thought it was interesting (and convicting) that Paul links a lack of gratitude to idolatry. Ouch.
Such great comments! The question of what will I worship today? Something to pray over daily! Show me, Lord, anything I put before you! Help me to return to my first love and be bold in my witness!
Praying for all!
Amen! ❤
Happy Monday She’s. I kept hitting the snooze. It was a long Sunday. My sweet friend’s daddy passed away and it was the visitation yesterday made it for a long Sunday. Not seeking a pat in the back, the first thing I think about especially this morning knowing I hit the snooze 3x was I hope I’m able to get through the devo this morning. I miss, then I normally don’t go back and I don’t like that about myself! I’m pondering th last question: “What will I worship today?”
What will I worship today? What is my first thought when I wake up in the morning? Very thought provoking and eye opening. If I am honest my thoughts have been consumed by my finances and my husband addiction and the stress of it. Instead of trusting God with the results and remembering he is in control and has always taken care of these things I am constantly thinking about it. The mental warfare in my mind has become a worship even if I really don’t want it to be.
I’m sorry Katarina. I understand the thought consuming worry. Hmm “mental warfare in my mind has become a worship”.
yes, so good, thank you Rachel!
Praying Katarina! I challenge you to “journal THROUGH the struggle!” In my opinion that is where the growth is. Don’t wait for the miracles to happen to WRITE the prayers and faith in Jesus—the answer to EVERY problem!! THEN when you look back, you will see the way it answered you in ways you hoped or even differently!! Hugs. Also in dealing with our marriages, it’s hard not to try to fix them. I really have wanted to make lists or smaller groups on FB page for prayer groups like Tami started for our prodicals. It’s just finding the time! If anyone would like to volunteer to head a group that would be great and you could periodically give encouragement. Especially mentors like @Carol M..that has a long marriage to do a marriage devotional! And Lynn for illness of spouse and loss of husband..@Martha!! We all can be of Glory to God in easy ways! I’ll share this on FB!
Great ideas!!
This text gives perspective on how easily it is to be swayed and sidetracked and to shift our eyes to man to be the hero. Paul & Barnabas didn’t change their method or messaging. The people however, were blinded and failed to see the truth of God being at work through them, vs. 15 “Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news…” Even when Paul and Barnabas corrected them, “they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them vs.18”. It just confirms that people (we) are looking for something, someone to look to, to hold on to, to focus our attention on. But as Patti shared in the devotional, only Jesus can satisfy, “We are wired to flourish when we admire, adore, and serve the Lord above all else. Anything other than Him leaves us wanting more.” On a fresh new day and new week it is a good reminder for me to think on what has priority in my heart and mind and where time and affection is focused and know that Jesus is the only One that should have my heart and my worship. The song Give us Clean Hands, Give is Clean Hearts comes to mind…..
Heavenly Father, let me not lift my soul to another. Amen❤️
I love singing that song in church! ❤
What will we worship today? Wow! Am I willing to boldly proclaim the gospel even if I am reviled for doing so? The gospel comes at a cost. Have I lost my first love? What have I exchanged the truth for? This is a very thought provoking! Thank you SRT!
Yes, spot on Norma!
No idols is a ten commandment and heart posture
I repeat it every day..but today’s reading is so good! We so many lessons in the passage. But first I see the dedication and discipline of a convert, that himself was on the other side. Is that what gives him more resolve to keep going? When he is beaten does he think of Steven with deep grief and regret? Is he so thankful for God’s mercy and grace it propels him to get up and keep going? Is that why I am so dedicated to go to jail each week? I think so..! I remember where I was and I want to never go back! I want to honor and thank God with my life. I need to. I have to. What a loss to get to heaven and have a the question “what did you do with what you knew? With the gift I gave you? Your redemption, your restoration? You, Rhonda, were worshiping the world, money, value, vanity, and “fun” It wasn’t fun though was it? It wasn’t fruitful, it left you in despair, regret, more hunger, more thirst that could never be reached. OH LORD thank you for deliverance from all that evil in my life, you set me on a new path. I kept trying to go astray still, but you honored the faith I had, and kept cutting the vine, and sharpening me.
HRT says it well, that with Paul we can always remember God DOES seek and find those deep in sin and can deliver them. Maybe suddenly with his blinding light, or maybe through a series of seeds over time. But He wishes that NONE shall perish. There is hope for the lost.
The song I have been praying through every night on my knees is “Jesus Have It All” by Jeremy Riddle. The first verses also point out to the idles we must lay down first.
Jesus, have my heart, my will, my soul
Jesus, have my hopes, my dreams, my world
With joy, I lay it down
With joy, I cast my crowns
Jesus, have it all
We can’t serve worldly things more than we serve God! We must acknowledge where we spend our time, thoughts, money..
I took a hard look at this just a few years ago. For years I could put “stuff” as the label of my idol. Mindless shopping was my go to in boredom, stress, lonely, mad..whatever. I would buy things- clothes, home-goods, garden and plants, even things for others. This was a habit from young years. The “getting things” was a love that gave me a high. After 40 years I can say I don’t do that anymore..at least where it consumes my free time. “Doing” for the Lord consumes me these days! It fills all your voids and longings I assure you, but you have to surrender to Him. I recommend the study “Surrendered” by Barb Roose. When I led it, each week I gave the ladies “journaling” time to see where they needed to surrender things in their lives- fear, gripping loved ones, idols…whatever it was. It doesn’t happen overnight, but it is a continual surrender, then one day you realize you HAD found deliverance because our God honors your faith and pure heart! I suggest your own journey of journaling your idol in surrender if you feel the conviction today.
When reading more of Joshua earlier, it talks so much of us adulterous believers, and we are just like the stiff-necked Isaraelites, and how they continue to walk away from “Glorious” God. Love that word is used from God himself. Just like a Father (mother) that continues to love their stubborn child and they just don’t “get it.” That was us. But we are His now. Let’s not be lukewarm- Remember—-that is a worse place to be than cold. Because WE HAVE heard the good news! And to not do more with it can result in being spit out of his mouth! It is indeed a warning to believers. Fire up your faith before it’s too late!
Rhonda, when will you be ready to lead an on-line Bible study for us? Have you ever thought of it? You are so encouraging and inspiring. How you serve and more importantly your heart towards it is so beautiful! I need someone around me like you!!! Well I know I have you here and so many others but it would be nice to have some in person friendships on fire like you are!
Oh Tami, it makes my heart overflow with gratefulness that I can impact someone in the least bit! (heart!) I think that’s why our small groups are important, to be around IN-PERSON to charge each other!
Thank you, Rhonda.
The word surrender kept coming up for me yesterday. Surrender and acceptance. I’ve been really struggling with anxiety and fear, especially around finishing nursing school (I graduate in March!). And then my grandma passed away last weekend. It just feels like it’s been one hard hit after another and it’s been so challenging to keep going. But I know I’m idolizing having control over my circumstances. I’m idolizing security and safety. I’m even idolizing fear in some ways and the anxious spiral of thoughts in my head that help me feel in control.
But God keeps whispering to me “surrender.” So thank you Rhonda for bringing up this study on surrender, I just looked it up and I can’t wait to dive into it. I really think “surrender” is going to be an important word of focus for me this year.
Oh Annika! You are still young- in school with lots of stress, and I’m sorry about your dear grandma. It’s hard to lose grandparents. But..it is a hard season of life, so don’t be so hard on yourself! Just that you LOVE Jesus and here reading with us assures me that you are on the right path!! I think you will find the book good and definitely journal, it help process your prayers and heart to the Lord. Surrender was my Word of the year, and it really comes to your mind throughout the year anytime Fear and Anxiety come it…Lord, I surrender, I surrender! Take this yoke.
I Also had a whole playlist titled Surrender that I could send you through our FB group! It really it about “Taking EVERY thought captive” and replace with “what is good, acceptable, and Perfect of God!!”
Do you have a small group of friends that would join you in the study to keep you committed? You could do in person or in a group text? I would love to hear from you down the road how you are doing! I will be praying for you!
I thought I replied to you earlier. hmmm
“Fire up your faith”- good on a t-shirt!
Truth!
Worship is such a personal act. In Arizona, one of the larger churches rents out the football stadium for Easter due to to the sheer volume of attendees. I remember it being a huge deal the first year they did it. My pastor at the time put it into perspective though. He said this may be the first time God has been worshipped at the stadium, but other gods have been worshipped there before! It shook me to my core just how many idols, individuals and ideas we worship unknowingly. May our worship of God always be greater!
yes, so true! Packed stadiums every week across the US for other things. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if stadiums were needed for God more regularly!? When I have been in a big arena like that watching thousands of people praise and worship it is a glimpse of Heaven!!
Wow, what a powerful and true statement by your pastor! ❤
I love when I read our devotion and it literally ties to what the sermon was this week. One of the 3 questions to ask ourselves as we go through the book of Thessalonians: Who or what do I worship. Makes me sit up and pay attention because if there are two different sources asking the same question, then obviously God wants to work in that area on me.
I agree! Today’s devotion tied to yesterday’s message for me as well. God is definitely telling me something! Ack.
Patti, what a challenge. Where do I look for love, security, meaning, and even acceptance? Am I looking to God or things of this world?
Our hearts are restless until they rest in him! Amen!!
This is a convicting one.
Amen I want to worship only You God. In Jesus name, Amen
BG verse: James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
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Looking at verse 25 in Romans 1: who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
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Praying for strength of faith and focus on Jesus for all, that the eyes and hearts of the lost, the prodigals and the rejectors of God would be opened to His Truth.
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Side note – devo “after Barnabas and Paul healed a disabled man”
For clarity: God healed, and did it through Paul.
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Praying for all that were hit by the storm for needed provisions, restoration of power, cleared roads and speedy repairs.
Good catch on the side note :)
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I saw that verse on Biblegateway this morning, too, and as I read it I thought, “If you exalt yourself, God will humble you.”
And…I love Paul and Barnabas’ response to the people’s reaction- Acts 14:15 NLT
15 “Friends, why are you doing this? We are merely human beings—just like you! We have come to bring you the Good News that you should turn from these worthless things and turn to the living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them.
great flip on that! Reminds me of the song Lord Reign In Me . . . I’ve always thought He needs to rein me in too!
Thanks! Great flip there,too!.❤
Jeremiah 2:5 “Thus says the LORD: “What wrong did your fathers find in me that they went far from me, and went after worthlessness, and became worthless?”
Sad and sobering? How can we ever not think He is perfect and He is enough?!
The courage and persistence of Barnabas and Paul is humbling. Their mission would not be stopped by persecution or violence.
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Lord forgive me for lack of courage to speak about you to those around me, fearing man over you.
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CEE GEE – thankful your friends have recovered.
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JUSTINE JOHNSON – praying you are still with us in this study.
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MOLLIE – praying all goes well with your husband’s surgery this week
Joining in prayer for MOLLIE’s husband!
My thoughts exactly, Kelly.
Sometimes I can read these familiar events without really letting what happened sink in. Being stoned would have been a big deal!!
Courage, wisdom and commitment to share the good news for me as well!
Yes, it even said he was carried out looking dead! And yet, Paul keeps on going. His zeal for the Lord is more than his fear. Lord may it be so in me. :0
Praying over these requests.
Thanks again, Kelly, for caring and praying! ❤
This has been such an eye opening study
Yes! You can never read Acts too many times!! SRT has done so good with it!