The Hidden Places Of Worship

II Kings 17:9-10

And the sons of Israel did things secretly which were not right, against the Lord their God. Moreover, they built for themselves high places in all their towns, from watchtower to fortified city. And they set for themselves sacred pillars and Asherim on every high hill and under every green tree.

I find it rather odd that Israel could refer to God as "their" God but at the same time

carry on an illicit affair with other gods.

Not only believing in them but going as far as erecting and dedicating specific locations

for the sole purpose of worshipping these false deities.

Saying with their lips, "You alone are our Lord!" and all the while their affections and attention is set upon other gods.

I pray that I never find myself in this type of relationship with God.

One where I offer only lip service to him while all the time I am focused on serving another.

This is a good time of year for such a thing as I have written about to happen.
This time of year, people give lip service to the birth of Jesus.

We may even read an obligatory passage from Luke Chapter 2 in

order to soothe the religious spirit that rises up.

But our affections are turned toward gifts, parties, gatherings, and other such things.

Are these things evil? I don't think so.

But when we live the other 11 months of the year by not following the directives and

instructions of God, only to try and make up during the month of December......

Well, there is something wrong with what how we perceive relationship with God

to be lived out.

To me Christmas should be the culmination of a year spent growing in Christ.

To celebrate the beginning of the end of the power that sin held sway over mankind.

Christmas should be a time of gratitude and helping those who are struggling.
Truth be known, this is how we should live 24/7---365!

How can we ignore people for 11 months only to turn around in the 12th month and

pass along a bag of oranges and say, "God bless you!"?

Yes, December is a time marked to celebrate the birth of Christ....

but shouldn't every day be a celebration of living for Him?

Shouldn't we work and strive to love as He loved?
To do unto the least of our brethren as we would do unto Christ?

Look for Jesus today!

You'll see him.

You'll find him.
It won't be in the places you think you'd find him.

Merry Christmas!

mb