– Today’s Community Scripture – 11/21/2024

Asa conducted himself well before GOD, reviving the ways of his ancestor David. He cleaned house: He got rid of the sacred prostitutes and threw out all the idols his predecessors had made. Asa spared nothing and no one; he went so far as to remove Queen Maacah from her position because she had built a shockingly obscene memorial to the whore goddess Asherah. Asa tore it down and burned it up in the Kidron Valley. Unfortunately, he didn’t get rid of the local sex-and-religion shrines. But he was well-intentioned—his heart was in the right place, in tune with GOD. All the gold and silver vessels and artifacts that he and his father had consecrated for holy use he installed in The Temple.

                            1 Kings 15:11–15 (MSG)

– Reflection:

                    Do Some Serious Cleaning

What aspects of your life might not be aligned with God’s will? King Asa removed every idol and shrine dedicated to other gods, even deposing his own mother from her position as queen because she worshiped a false deity. We all have things that we may place before God in our lives today—be it our careers, hobbies, or money. These priorities can lead us to develop a greater love for them than for God Himself.

– Where do we go from here?

Today, we can look around and identify the things we idolize. It would be great if we could simply set them aside or remove them as King Asa did. However, realistically, we people today need time to address these issues. We shouldn’t take years to make changes, because while we take our time, our blessings are being held back. To fully be in the presence of God, He must come first in our lives. Then, all that we ask of Him, He will freely give us. So, take a moment today to remove an idol from your life, whatever it may be.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you for waking us each and every day. We give you honor and glory for the day ahead. We will use this daylight to provide for our families and cherish time with them, sharing the lessons we have learned from you. Thank you for your Son, Jesus. Amen.