Idols

Acts 19
So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.    Acts 19:20


Background:
Paul ended his second missionary journey by going to Jerusalem. Looking on
a map helps put his long trips of walking or sailing (no busses or trains)
between towns into perspective. He went back through the countries of
Galatia and Phyrgia, strengthening all the disciples (believers and churches)
according to Acts 18:23. Before Paul reached Ephesus again, Apollas left to
preach in Corinth. Paul is now on his third missionary journey with his team.
By choosing capital cities and trade centers for their preaching, the team
makes it sure that converts will carry the Word through their own provinces.
Within two years of the concentrated effort in Ephesus, the gospel has been
spread throughtout the providence of Asia (Acts 19:10)
(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Handbook)

LET IT GLOW

The Blackabys in their devotional book Experiencing God Day-By-Day
state:

"Paul had a powerful walk with God. God used him so mightily that
extraordinary miracles occurred through his life. Cloths that touched Paul
were taken to the sick, and the sick were healed (verses 10-12). Evil spirits
were cast out. Paul's ministry was so impressive, in fact, that others tried to
duplicate it. Seven sons of the chief priest, Sceva, attempted to cast out
demons the way Paul did.
 (Without success, I might add. The demons attacked and humiliated
these men because they weren't walking with Jesus.)
You can duplicate the words and deeds of a spiritually mature Christian, but
you cannot inherit his or her walk with God. There is no secondhand
spirituality. No one else can develop Christian maturity on your behalf. If you
ignore the place of prayer and if you neglect your relationship with Christ, you
will not grow in your faith."

Each of us must develop our own walk with Christ through Bible study,
prayer, and obedience. We want the Word of God to grow and prevail in us,
right?


LET IT GROW

Paul's world worshiped idols. The great statue of the goddess Diana was
housed in a magnificent temple in Ephesus and was recognized as one of the
wonders of  the world.  An idol-making industry, providing a livelihood for
many people, developed there. As Paul shared the truths of God and good
news of Jesus Christ, people were set free, and idol worship began to decline.
The local economy was effected in Ephesus.(verse 26) A riotous crowd met
at the amphitheater, but believers urged Paul not to go there. The mayor
settled it down.

An idol is anything that diverts our devotion from God. Our society is as
idolatrous as Paul's was. Rather than worshiping statues, we choose
possession, pleasures, or careers as our gods and pour our time, finances,
and energy into these things. People don't like to have their idols dethroned.
We may face opposition and hostility from those who are angered at the
contrast between our God and theirs. Yet as we uphold Christ, others will
see a difference and be drawn to Him and the life that He offers.
(from Experiencing God Day-By-Day)

I have been there and done that, as the saying goes. I need to keep
evaluating what I spend my time with or doing. Is it pleasing to God? Is the tv,
computer, a book, my job, a hobby, or other things  taking up too much of
my  time?
Does something get more of my thoughts than God does? Ouch! Something to
think about, huh?
Change is hard; old habits are hard to break, especially for us older folks, but
if  God requires it, I must do it. Retraining takes time, so I need to be patient.


LET IT GO

Ask God to show me if I have idols in my life and eliminate them.

Be careful to not criticize others when we see idols in their life. Pray for them.
Let God handle it.

Keep prayer and Bible study daily. Apply what I learn and hear.