"Altar of Comfort: Choosing God's Way"
OPENING PRAYER:
Gracious God, reveal to us the altars in our lives that compete for our devotion. Give us the courage to choose Your way over our comfort. Amen.
"That same night the Lord said to him, 'Take the second bull from your father's herd, the one seven years old. Tear down your father's altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. Then build a proper kind of altar to the Lord your God on the top of this height. Using the wood of the Asherah pole that you cut down, offer the second bull as a burnt offering.'"
Judges 6:25-27 (NIV)
REFLECT:
In Pastor Jarred's story about his struggle with weight and comfort foods, serves as a vivid illustration of the altars we build in our lives. These altars, whether they are comfort, success, or something else, compete for our trust and devotion. Gideon's first task was to tear down the altar of Baal, a symbol of misplaced trust and idolatry. This act of obedience was crucial for Gideon to fully follow God's call.
Jarred challenged us to identify the altars in our own lives. What are the things we run to for comfort instead of God? For some, it might be the pursuit of success or the approval of others. For others, it might be the ease of avoiding difficult tasks or conversations. These altars can subtly take the place of God in our hearts, hindering our spiritual growth.
Tearing down these altars requires intentionality and courage. It means choosing God's way over our comfort, even when it's difficult. The pastor encouraged us to take practical steps to dismantle these altars, trusting that God will meet us in our obedience and lead us into greater freedom and purpose.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I will tear down one altar in my life. Reflect on what competes for your trust and devotion. Take one practical step to dismantle this altar, such as setting boundaries or seeking accountability.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, thank You for revealing the altars in our lives. Give us the courage to choose Your way and the strength to follow through. Amen.