SOAP 12/02/2015; Psalm 115:8

Today's reading: Romans 9, 10, 11, 12*

S) "⁸ Those who make them will become like them,
Everyone who trusts in them."

Psalm 115:8 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Psalm 115

O) Through vv.5-7, we see a judgment against idols. They are accurately described as utterly useless. Even still, the heathens who worshiped these statues would cling to them as real gods, and they would mock the real God they could not perceive. The biblical truth is that everyone worships, whether or not they believe in God, or the supernatural. And, whether the idol is money, or food, or sex, or an actual statue, or a monument, or a plant or animal, the futility of worshiping all of these false gods is the same. Worship of something will make people more like the objects they worship, and ultimately they will be destined for destruction just like every idol.

A) For myself, this verse brings warning, but also hope. There is warning, because I am still prone to setting up idols in my heart. There is the idol of lust, the idol of leisure, the idol of money. Essentially, they are all of the things (or even concepts) that the world tells me are so vitally important. And, in my flesh, and in times of lack of discipline, I can still fall prey to those traps. The hope, however, is that I can change to focus of my worship. I can rightly set my heart on the LORD, alone. When I make Him the only target of my worship, then I can become more like Him, trusting in Him.

P) Father, You alone are worthy of my devotion and worship. Only You are powerful to save, and wise in counsel, and loving in discipline. Only You can bring life to the dead, and redeem the lost. This is my own testimony, that You have brought me from death to life, and You have saved me mightily, and You have given me wisdom for counsel, and You have disciplined me with love. Still, I confess that I am broken in this flesh, prone to sin. I have failed to keep You holy, and have erected idols in my heart. Please forgive me, but not only that. Please help me destroy these idols, which have deceived me and tempted me to become like them, destined for destruction. Cleanse my heart, and renew a right spirit within me, Lord. Let Your will be done in my heart, and in my life, in the world, as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.