TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” 1 Kings 18:21
Read: 1 Kings 18:20-25
Listen: 1 Kings 18
TODAY’S MESSAGE
The Israelites attempt to live in two camps. They haven’t entirely walked away from the one true God, but they also aren’t fully following him. The cultures surrounding Israel follow a host of regional gods who “specialize” in various areas. Baal is the god who supposedly ensures rain and good crops. Israel’s leaders push this god on the Israelites, and they comply. They keep following God but add Baal to their worship mix. However, there’s no room to worship other gods with the one true God. He is the only one who will meet their every need, and he expects their complete devotion.
Our culture might not tell us to get rid of Jesus, but it does push us to add things to him. Society urges we can trust in Jesus AND a specific political leader for our safety. We may believe in Jesus BUT ALSO depend on popularity for our value. It could be we ADD a career and financial stability to our worship mix for security. Maybe we’ve put our faith in Jesus PLUS influence for meaning and purpose. These things may not be wrong, but they are not meant to provide what only God can do. He deserves to be our everything. He is the only one who will fulfill our every need. God desires we place him in the center of our lives—and love and serve him with all we have (Matthew 22:26-28). Watch this video clip as Pastor Jeff Manion teaches what it means to live a Christ-centered life.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Ask God to reveal if you have a “Jesus PLUS” in your life. Take time to pray and ask God to help you rely on him alone.
2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse!
PHILIPPIANS 1:6
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
