From The Crucible (by Pastor Linda Pugsley)

© Bill McCown | www.myghcf.com

When I was a young girl in high school, I really wanted to date this certain guy. He was handsome, athletic and lots of fun to be with. But he had no eye for me; rather he was smitten with one of my friends. Oh that hurt. I was jealous that his affection was not for me but for someone else. That jealousy was not pure; it was rooted in my own desire to please myself.

God said He's a jealous god, but His jealousy is pure. He has a passionate desire for you; not for His own pleasure but for yours to be complete. Here the King of Kings jealously wants to be the Friend of Friends with you. And yet mankind doesn't often realize that and certainly seeks other suitors instead of Him. God is serious when He says to worship Him only. He wants you to "idolize" Him; because He knows that panting after anything else (idolatry) has always been the downfall of His children.

"But I don't have any idols," you say. That usually means you're referring to the ancient idols…the statues of birds, cats, lions and mythical creatures; or even those of today's Buddha and the myriad of Hindu gods, etc. Well, not exactly. Today, the idols are a bit more subtle and may include people places and things; social and professional status; your own ego or comfort. No statues erected here, but do you bow down daily in reference to these other things? Don't do it…it's a trap. The false gods of old or the new ones of today, either religiously or socially, are false in more ways than one! They promise the world but you still come up empty. If illicit sex, alcohol and drugs could satisfy you, then why do you always need more of them? And why do they constantly destroy relationships and not build them up? God says to drink of Him and you will never thirst again – now that’s satisfaction!

Once you are filled with Him, you will drink from no other well. Take stock of your life and beware of worshiping the false "gods" of today (or yesteryear). Get into and stay in the presence of God. The joy, peace, security, wisdom and direction from God are like no other. Remember, God's commands to have no other gods before Him is not a power-play on His part, it is an offer to come to the only place of true friendship and companionship that will not destroy your life but rather fill your life. (2 Samuel 22:29) Endure the fire...it's producing pure gold!

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