To Your Name Give Glory

 

Psalm 115:1-8

 

September 29, 2022

 

To Your Name Give Glory

Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!   Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?”   Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.   Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands.  They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell.   They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat.  Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.

 

In "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren, the theme is; It is not about you, it is about God.  Your life's purpose is far greater than your personal fulfillment, peace of mind, or even your happiness. It's far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. (In Green is taken from another source)

 

As I read that first sentence, Rick's book "The Purpose Driven Life” came into my thinking.  I am unaware of any idols made in the form of a person to be worshiped.  But that does not mean that many Christians do not have idols.  Maybe it would be helpful to define what an idol is: an image or representation of a god used as an object of worship. Shall we say we get a pass on that definition? But what about this one: a person or thing that is greatly admired, loved, or revered?  It would be wise to say anything that replaces or takes the place of God in your life has become an idol.  Wow, that leaves room for a lot of idols.  Children, grandchildren, stuff, like cars, houses, sports, pastors, government, money, and the list keeps going.  An Idol is anything that replaces God.

 

Yesterday, I was listening to the radio and the focus was on Carbon credits and how some nations in Europe are setting up a system to allow their citizen only so many carbon credits.  I'm not sure what that means, but it sounds like a way to control what one can do, and the man made it very clear that our central banking system has been working on something like this for years.  This writer would not like someone telling me how much red meat I could eat, where I could travel, or mess with my savings, so is my ability to do as I desire as long as it does not harm others and idols?  It could be if I’m not looking to God to be my provider, as He has been all my 80 years.

 

Now let me be clear that Carbon Credits could be all smoke, but if it is true, will you run to God, or look to one of the little gods you worship?

 

From the Back Porch,

 

Bob Rice