Devotionals

Blind Devotion

Drew Keatts   |  January 27, 2021

Romans 1: 18- 25 
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen

This passage of scripture written by Paul tells us that we should not worship the created things but worship and glorify the Creator of all things.  God has given us this world to live in and enjoy.  We bare witness to His masterpieces everyday through nature and the resources that are derived from it which are used to create all that we see and utilize on a daily basis.  But what tends to happen is that we become so fixated on the materials of this world that we forget about the one who provided the resources.

A time of prayer and fasting like we’re in right now, can shed light on so many things.  It can uncover wrong attitudes and motives.  While our physical man may be weary, the spiritual man has never been more awake than during a time of consecration.  In tune with God’s voice.  In sync with God’s steps, and awaken to the idols that we’ve placed before Him.

Consecration to God means a dying of our flesh and the putting away of the things that have taken the number one spot in our lives.  Food, material possessions, relationships, entertainment, social media.  While all these things are good and have their place, if not checked, they can and WILL become an idol.  

Let’s talk about idols for a moment.

You see, the first commandment tells us that we are not to have any other gods before Him (Talking about God…the Father, Master, Creator, Supreme Ruler)

This is what The second commandment tells us: 

In Exodus 20: 4-6  

You shall not make for yourself any carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God…

God gave Moses these commandments, and I think its interesting how these are the first two things that God had to get off of His chest. 1.) Don’t have any Gods before me AND 2.) Don’t have idols. 

When we place the things of this world above God, they become our idols…people or things regarded with blind admiration and adoration ( We love these things, We care for these things, we claim that we can’t live without these things.  A blind devotion.  We dedicate our time to these idols.  We invest our money in these “gods”.  When we place the things of this world above God, they become our idols…It’s plain and simple.  How do we worship God? With our time, talents, and treasures.  How are we spending our time?  Do we waste hours on Social media and Netflix or do we set aside time for prayer and reading the word of God.  Everyone has talents. Some different than others…but you have a gift.  Is that gift being used for God’s glory or is it lying dormant and being wasted or just being used for your own gain. And how are you spending your treasure (money)?  Do you blow all your money on things that are going to be out of style in 2 months.  Do you consider God first when you get money?  

I‘ll leave you with this.  

Psalm 115:1-8  NIV
Not to us, Lord, not to us
    but to your name be the glory,
    because of your love and faithfulness.
Why do the nations say,
    “Where is their God?”
Our God is in heaven;
    he does whatever pleases him.
But their idols are silver and gold,
    made by human hands.
They have mouths, but cannot speak,
    eyes, but cannot see.
They have ears, but cannot hear,
    noses, but cannot smell.
They have hands, but cannot feel,
    feet, but cannot walk,
    nor can they utter a sound with their throats.
Those who make them will be like them,
    and so will all who trust in them

Those who make them will be like them (talking about the idols)… and so will all who trust in them.

The Message puts it like this. “Those who make them have become just like them, have become just like the gods they trust.”

Those who have idols become just like their idols.  Think about that for a moment.

They have mouths, but fail to speak of God

They have eyes, but cannot see what God is doing and how he Spirit is moving and active.

They have ears, but cannot hear God’s voice

They have hands, but cannot feel God

They have feet, but fail to walk the pathway of righteousness 

Neither can they utter a sound with their throats.

They become like their idols…Inactive, lifeless, and numb.

Have you ever found that after a week or more of not praying, fasting, and reading the Word of God that you become numb to the presence of God in a worship service?  I think it’s because in those moments we have become like our idols.  Psalms 115 tells us that these idols can’t speak, can walk, can’t smell, can’t hear, they can feel.  They are without senses.  And at times we find that we are without spiritual senses.  Absolutely NUMB.

This is a time to reset.  This is a time to pick up your Bible or open up your Bible app.  This is a time to push away the plate and to reprioritize some things in your life. To set aside some dedicated time for prayer and CONTINUE IN STEADFASTLY in these things.

I know that during times of focus and consecration, we are awakened to the idols that we’ve set up in the past.  We’re reminded of the time that we wasted.  We’re reminded of the things that we’ve put before God.  But let me encourage us today to not dwell on the past, but look forward to resetting and refocusing…and say, “Today I’m making the decision to cast those idols aside, and put you, GOD,  in the number spot, where you’re supposed to be. “

Have you ever found that after a week or more of not praying, fasting, and reading the Word of God that you become numb to the presence of God in a worship service?  I think it’s because in those moments we have become like our idols.

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