Our scripture this morning is 1 Samuel 7:3 (ESV).
And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your heart to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.”
Samuel tells the people if they want to be God’s children they must focus on Him and rid themselves of the idols they are worshipping. This is the very first commandment He gave while leading them to the Promised Land: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:2-3). God wants our full attention so that we may use the gifts He has given us for the good of creation. When we look elsewhere, we can wander off the path and become separated from Him.
Gracious God, You have given us all things for Your good work. Bless us to go in Your name to serve all our brothers and sisters. Amen.
