Gods
Jdg 10:14  Go ahead! Cry out for help to the gods you've chosen--let them get you out of 
the mess you're in!" 
	In many parts of the world today, there are named gods to which many people 
devote time, effort and expense. There is a motivation of fear and an illusion of hoped for 
rewards that causes them to commit their lives in service to these lifeless entities. While 
this activity may appear to be totally mindless, coming from a culture that doesn't 
recognize these "gods" in the same way, there is a similarity of heart devotion that occurs 
in our society for many things that can become unnamed, yet very legitimate "gods" to 
us. Claiming our time, energy and passion, they can actually dictate decisions we make 
with regard to the direction of our life. For the acquisition of material necessities of life, 
to gain social or career position and recognition, and in feeding the natural desires of the 
flesh, it is easy to be drawn into a commitment of a lifetime that only yields the fruit of 
temporal things. 
	Whether out of ignorance or of a deliberate effort, a choice is being made by each 
of us in deciding to place our trust and dependence on something that really has no power 
to deliver or bring any eternal gratification. That car, that house, that job, and even that 
family might as well be a named god from another country, if we are choosing them 
instead of finding our  satisfaction and fulfillment first in living for the One that created 
us. Though there may be a temporary feeling of security from a period in which these 
things exist for us, there will be a time when none of them will hold up, and we will be 
left with the consequences of our heart's choice. 
	The true joy of living will exist when God is more than just a name for the Father. 
When He actually is given the place of God in our life, gaining our complete dependence, 
the provision of all the rich things He will supply will not lead our hearts away from total 
devotion to Him. Passion for any other thing in life will not supplant passion for the One 
who will remain when all others are gone. All choices made with regard to life will be 
subsequent and include a choice for Him. 
	There will be a moment when the heart will need to cry out for help. There will be 
a time when nothing but the supernatural will bring the necessary answer, the much-
needed relief. At that moment it will be shown where the heart has chosen to go. For the 
one who has given himself to dependence on the feebleness of riches and the instability 
of fleshly passions, there will only be despair. For the one, however, that has embraced 
and become established on the Rock of our salvation, there will always be mercy and 
restoration provided.

2/28/06