Then they will say:  Because they abandoned the Lord God of their ancestors who brought them out of the land of Egypt.  They clung to other gods and worshiped and served them.  Because of this, He brought all this ruin on them.  2 Chronicles 7:22  HCSB

Our scripture passage today comes from 2 Chronicles.  If you are familiar with this particular chapter then you know that this is the chapter where Solomon is dedicating the temple that he built to the Lord.  When Solomon finished his prayer, we are told in verse 2, that the glory of the Lord filled the temple.  The priest were not able to enter because the glory of the Lord filled the temple.  Fire descended and the glory of the Lord came on the temple.  They bowed down because they knew that God was with them.  They knew that God approved of Solomon and this temple that He had built.  God went on to tell the people that even if they faced hard times that if His people would humble themselves and pray, that He would heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).  I think we can all agree that our land needs healing in the worst way.

Now in verse 14 God promises Solomon that as long as His people humble themselves and pray that he will forgive their sin and heal their land.  He promises Solomon that as long as He walks with him as his father, David. walked with Him that he will always have a descendant ruling in Israel.

But just as God promises to bless them for obedience, in verse 19 He begins with, “however” and goes on to say what will happen if the Israelites abandon God’s statues and His commands.  The chapter ends in verse 22 by reminding Solomon that if they turn away and turn to and worship and serve other gods that they will face total destruction.

Now way back in Deuteronomy God gave Moses the ten commandments.  He established a list of rules by which we are to live.  In chapters 27 and 28, God clearly states that for those who follow those commandments, they will be blessed.  However, there’s that word again, for those who disobey God they will be cursed.

It sounds so simple, right?  If you want to be blessed you follow God and obey His commandments.  If you want to be cursed, you turn away from God and worship other gods.  That’s great, but which God do you worship?  Do you worship the God of sleep, is that why you can’t get to church on Sunday morning?  Do you worship the God of money, is that why you are always so busy working that you neglect God and your family?  Do you worship the God of recreation and leisure?  Are you so busy enjoying all the toys that your money could buy that you have to put God on the back burner?

Now, you may believe that you are living the good life.  And perhaps you are.  But, let me tell you something.  God doesn’t mince words here.  He is very clear on the fact that if we turn from him and worship and serve other gods that we will eventually pay the price.

So, right now, I encourage you to consider what you are worshiping.  Let’s say that you do believe with all your heart in the one true God.  Are you worshiping Him?  Is he getting your first and your best?  Or, is he getting your leftovers?

For many years, I held back giving God my best and my all.  I was so afraid that I would be missing out.  I was afraid that I would be missing out on Friday nights at the local bar with my friends.  I was afraid that I would miss out on my much needed rest on Sunday.  I was afraid that I would miss out on my sins that I thought were bringing me joy.  Well, eventually, those sins brought me heartache.  I finally realized that  only the one true God can bring me true everlasting joy and peace.  Once I wrapped my thick little head around this, I wasn’t missing out on anything.  I was experiencing a much better life.  I truly was blessed.  That old curse that I had been trapped under with all my sin and baggage was gone.

My prayer for you today, is that you are experiencing God’s glory in your life.  I pray that you are experiencing that peace that passes all understanding and that you are filled with unending joy.

If you are tired of chasing the kinds of things that leave you feeling empty and unsatisfied, then I strongly encourage you to turn God.  Obey Him and His commands and trust in Him to guide you.  It will be the best decision you ever made.

Have a great day!