Spring?

The last week our weather has been sunny and unseasonably mild even for southeast Texas. Highs in the 70's, lows in the 60's. The birds seem to be enjoying it, people are outside working in their yards, the numbers of walkers and joggers has increased in our neighborhood over the last week.

Later this week when our version of winter returns, I think many people will be disappointed. Winter is not over; though I love winter, I must admit the glimpse of spring buoyed my spirit and increased my joy.

The same thing happens when we put our trust in someone or something other than the Lord which is called idolatry; though we don't hear much about such a thing in many churches today. When we first trust in the idol, all seems well, then before we know it life is not good. In fact by the time we realize the someone or something was a false god, we are heading downhill at a high rate of speed about to crash into the bottom of a pit.

Climbing out of the pit is usually a long process. We are shattered emotionally, spiritually, and or physically when we begin our ascent from the pit. I ask you this to day to look closely at your life and see if any idols have crept in and replaced God. If so, repent and confess your sin to God. He is quick to forgive, according to PS 103 His anger is as far as the east is from the west.

The Bible also tells us: Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves any gods of cast metal: I am the Lord your God.

Paul writes: As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter.