Hope in God

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 (NIV)

As Phil Walker put it in his sermon at York Baptist Church on Sun evening, God works for our good. In fact, God works for our best.

Do we believe God for His best, which is ultimately our best?

The Ark in Ashdod and Ekron

After the Philistines had captured the ark of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. Then they carried the ark into Dagon's temple and set it beside Dagon. When the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the LORD! They took Dagon and put him back in his place.

But the following morning when they rose, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the LORD! His heads and hands had been broken off and were lying on the threshold; only his body remained. That is why to this day neither the priests of Dagon nor any others who enter Dagon's temple at Ashdod step on the threshold.

- 1 Samuel 5:1-5 (NIV)

The true God topples our false gods, our idols, and we shouldn't try to put them back up!

Flee from Idolatry

Talking to myself I inquired, "Why are you so down?" I discovered that it was clearly because of ___. Pondering why ___ had such an impact upon me, I came to the realisation that ___ had become an idol in my life. An idol is someone or something that one looks to meet the thirsts of the heart. There was nothing wrong with ___, but I needed to get my heart right with God.

The Lord drew my attention to 1 Corinthians 10:14, which contains the command to "flee from idolatry".

- Bill Thrasher, Believing God for His Best

We are to flee from idolatry precisely because

1. No temptation has seized us except what is common to man.
2. God is faithful; He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear.
3. When we are tempted, God will also provide a way out so that we can stand up under it.

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

In your hearts enthrone Him
There let Him subdue
All that is not holy
All that is not true

Crown Him as your Captain
In temptation's hour
Let His will enfold you
In its light and power

Links: Why are you so down? (16 Oct 09), no other gods (7 Feb 10)