Thursday, October 29, 2015

Collections...

"When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you! The wind will carry them all off, a breath will take them away. BUT, he/she who takes refuge in my shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain." Isa. 57:13 ESV

    Those silly Israelites...collecting and depending on idols; stone and wood images created by man.  In essence, God is saying:
   "So, you would rather not have THE Creator. OK. See what happens when difficult times come; when obstacles and challenges come your way. I'll stand off to the side - over here. Let the created things YOU made, or someone else made help you
                                                                     deliver you               
                                                                sustain you
                                     bring you true peace in the midst of storms.
We'll see how long that lasts...they will get blown away by a simple breath.

But here's a promise. Whoever takes refuge in me...totally leaning into
                                                                      trusting in total abandon
                                                                   relying upon
                                                               resting in
                              she or he, young or old, will inherit the kingdom. 
Lord,
  Help me take refuge in You alone. Help me throw away the 'collection of idols' that may have gathered in my life - idols - those things that distract me from You, or replaces You in my FOCUS and SERVICE (see Col. 3:17).
   Search within me and see if there are any idols, in my thoughts, habits, or actions, that have set themselves up against You.
   For my help and hope are in You, my refuge is in you. I desire to 'posses' the land and inherit Your holy mountain.