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It was a great day in Israel. The temple was finally finished, and it was time for a special celebration. The priests brought the ark of the Lord’s covenant to its place in the inner sanctuary. Solomon stood before the people and professed, “…there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath….” Here is part of Solomon’s prayer of dedication.

1 Kings 8:22-23

Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven, and said, “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart….”

 Solomon said, “There is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath.” We agree with Solomon, but our actions tell a different story.

In his book, Counterfeit Gods, Timothy Keller writes, “A counterfeit god is anything so central and essential to your life that, should you lose it, your life would be hardly worth living . . . A [counterfeit god] is whatever you look at and say in your heart of hearts, ‘If I have that, then I’ll feel my life has meaning, then I’ll know I have value, then I’ll feel significant and secure.’” Keller then lists counterfeit gods ranging from family and children to secure and comfortable circumstances to political and social causes. Convicting, isn’t it?

As believers, we have to constantly check our hearts and make adjustments and changes in our lives to demonstrate that we follow God alone. Let’s talk to him about that today.

Talking Points

• Remember, prayer is simply talking to God. Ask him to check your heart. Are your thoughts, emotions, and desires focused on him? What do you truly value? What could you not live without?
• Ask God to give you the courage to make needed adjustments, so you will be able to proclaim by your words and your actions, “There is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath.”

Father, show us if we are following counterfeit gods, point out what they are, and help us make the necessary changes to follow you alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

The Lord is My Shepherd – Part 2