RTW August 19
The Freedom of God’s Grace
You will remember your sins and cover your mouth in silent shame when I forgive you of all that you have done. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!
Ezekiel 16:63
My Takeaways
Something Old
Facing our sin isn’t easy, but the pain it causes is worth the freedom it delivers.
Something New
God considers idolatry prostitution. That makes me a prostitute, because there are times I give my affections and attention to other gods. Today, this information makes my heart sad and my insides felt dirty. I am thankful for the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus.
Something to Do
Thank God I remember my sins and that confession of them produces freedom.
My Takeaways: Free me from my idols
Idolatry of the Heart
“Son of man, these leaders have set up Idols in their hearts. They have embraced things that will make them fall into sin. Why should I listen to their request?” 14:3 Reminds me of the Pharisees of the New Testament and Christians today – most all of us suffer from a divided heart! If we are honest with ourselves we have to admit that we all have idols that we worship and that we don’t want to let go of. We all continually bring them before our face, tempting ourselves – but there is hope. God gives power and God gives grace. When I repent He will replace that idol with Himself and with His holy presence. I need to repent – not a once and for all thing, but daily. My Lord Jesus Christ wasn’t half-hearted in His commitment to me. He was obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. That is why I cannot be anything but 100% happy in giving all to Him.
Something To Do: Set up no idols in my heart but pray to be delivered from them.
“The dearest idol I have known,
Whate’er that idol be,
Help me to tear it from thy throne,
And worship only thee.
So shall my walk be close with God,
Calm and serene my frame;
So purer light shall mark the road
That leads me to the Lamb.”My
William Cowper
Thank you for this wonderful prayer you shared. I am going to copy it and pray this for the coming time. I am battling one of my biggest idols right now…
Thanks for sharing this hymn! I love the words of both of these verses. It really speaks to my heart to get rid of my idols to draw closer to God and worship and keep Him first and my focus always on God.