May 20, 2012 (1 Kings 6; 2 Chronicles 3; Psalm 97; Romans 1)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator Himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.” Romans 1:25 NLT
Observation: When people try to justify sin in their lives they will come up with all sorts of foolish ideas of what God is like. As a result their minds become dark and confused. Next thing you know they are worshiping idols that have been formed into images of people, birds, or all sorts of animals and reptiles. They accept a lie about God because they desire more to satisfy their own lust than to serve and worship a Holy God. They trade the truth of God for what makes them feel good. They trade the truth of God for what looks appealing to their eyes. They trade the truth of God for what their culture says is acceptable. They trade the truth of God for satan’s lie.
Application: The issues that people faced in Paul’s day are still being dealt with today. Sadly these issues have penetrated the religious society and have been accepted and embraced by those who should know better. In an effort to appear righteous to the world many have embraced and accepted open sin, even in the church. The truth has been traded for a lie once again. What God says is being ignored while what culture says is being embraced and praised. Far too many have embraced culture as their god. With TV, music, movies and the rest of the media presenting sinful lifestyles and unwholesome values as normal, we must be determined more than ever to embrace God’s word and worship Him, and Him alone. The Bible is the only standard of truth, and all things should be evaluated in light of its teachings.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your word. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me everyday. Help me to embrace Your word as truth. Protect me from being deceived by culture or society. Strengthen me to stand strong and courageous for Your word and Your truth. Help me live my life according to Your instructions, teach me Your ways. I worship You as my God, and You alone! You are the awesome God of the universe and above You there is no other, in Jesus name, Amen!