Remembering the Bygone memories..

During this lockdown, and partial lockdown, you and me have got the most blessed time. The fear of Corona outside, has kept our feet inside. Ample of time, to spend with family, and time to grow spiritually.

 One, day my sister was narrating her bygone memories, about her childhood, to her children. How, she used to play the outdoor games, climbed on trees, about studying, about spending summer vacations. Those, time when there; was no television, no phone, no internet, no computer, like that of today. Presently, if you see everything is in the finger tips. A  modern world, with different means of luxury. If, you closely observe, most of the people are addicted to these modern gadgets. The children, especially are more prone. It, is good to let children know your background, your struggles, the challenges you had to face, without the modern gadgets in your time. It, is then that, they will fear God and live for Him.

The other day, book of Joshua from scripture, attracted me with few heart touching verses. Joshua, practiced a true religion, he could have adopted the religious belief of his family heritage, during the stay in the pagan land of Egypt. He, could have adopted the idol worship of his neighbors.  But; he saw God's faithfulness, and was convinced to follow, the true God. He, did not give smooth promises to  the Israelite's but; gave a clear cut instruction, and with a serious and stern voice, he spoke to the Israelite's, about the bygone memories of the fore fathers.

 He told them in Josh 24:14, "Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshipped beyond the River and in Egypt and serve the Lord." Joshua, wanted the Israelites to serve the Lord, God only. He, wanted them to renew their covenant with Almighty. So, he warned them in verse 20 " If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after he has been good to you." The Israelites used to worship idols. They used to prostate, in front of the shrine, of an idol. God, is against all these type of worship. God, warns us to keep away from idols. He, is a zealous God. In Lev 19:4 "Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am the Lord your  God." not only in Old testament in New testament, also its written to keep away from idol worship. 1 John 5:21 "Little children, keep yourselves from idols." 1 Cori 10:14 "Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry,"

Idols, are not only the molten images but, even the things of this world. If, you love anything more than God, it is an idol. For example; some people are obsessed with, doing certain things that, they spend their time, and energy to do it, which is equal to an idol worship. Some, love to sleep a lot, or some continuous use of phone, for some adopting ways to impress the public. An obsessive compulsive person is worshipping a foreign God. You should worship the true, living God with all your body, soul, and mind. Worship the creator not the creation He made.

 In Col 3:5 " Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:"

Even 'Jesus Christ' spoke of the necessity, of denying self, and taking up the cross, and following Him. In this journey, you will have to bear trouble, persecution, hatred, and difficulties, but; in all these circumstances: serve the living God, and teach your children to follow God, in truth, as Joshua did. Enlighten others, by sharing and please do comment your views.

Thanks

Ann