365 Reflections

Idols are like flies - they multiply and overwhelm you. Israel was warned consistently both before they entered the promised land and after they took occupancy and lived among the judges and also throughout the monarchy that idolatry would be their downfall. They never could change it. And Jeremiah prophesied at a time when idolatry was overrunning the nation. Jeremiah 11:13 (ESV) Look now, people of Judah; you have as many gods as you have towns. You have as many altars of shame—altars for burning incense to your god Baal—as there are streets in Jerusalem. God calls them to look. Perhaps they did not notice. Their idols were abundant. As many towns and streets in the land - so they had idols. I tend to think this is a cultural reality. Every town has a particular idol in the world. Whether that be sports, money, gambling, celebrity, or fame, I believe idolatry is regional as it is national. The point is - the human race can make a "god" out of almost anything.  God then tel...

The book of Proverbs is a book written by a father to his sons.  Proverbs 4:1–2 (ESV) Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight, 2 for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching. The father who wants his sons to succeed imparts wisdom as he received it: Proverbs 4:3–4 (ESV) When I was a son with my father, tender, the only one in the sight of my mother, 4 he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live. The entire fourth chapter of Proverbs is an appeal to gain wisdom which underscores just how important it is to make it the aim of one's life.  Proverbs 4:7–8 (ESV) The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. 8 Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. The way of wisdom is more than protective care over one's life, it is enablement in all of one's endeavors: Proverbs 4:11–13 (ESV) I have taught you the...