I. BELOVED BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST, this year let us be watchful of the enticement of the strange gods. Always let us remember that we are not to have any other gods before God. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them. Brethren, in a world filled with diverse beliefs and practices, it's easy to get entangled with strange gods that may hinder our ability to enter God's presence. Sister, strange gods refer to anything that takes the place of God in our lives. They can be tangible objects, intangible ideologies, or even abstract concepts. These gods can manifest in various forms, such as idols and images; false religions and cults; material possessions and wealth; personal ambitions and desires; and addictions and sinful habits. These we are to refrain from.
II. SON OF MAN, strange gods are detrimental to our faith because they may distract us from worshipping the one true God. They may lead us into idolatry and spiritual adultery. Strange gods have the tendency to bring curses and destruction upon us. It can also separate us from God's presence and deny us divine blessings. Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither is his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated you from your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you, that he will not hear. We cannot serve the Omnipotent God and strange gods at the same time; we cannot enjoy the old and new wine at the same time. In 2025, we must decide whether to stay and work in the light of God or in the darkness of strange gods. It is dangerous to move across this year with divided attention. We must decide whom we shall serve this year and beyond.
III. DAUGHTER OF ZION we must work daily to overcome strange gods. We must liberate ourselves from the dominion of any strange gods. We must desire to dwell and experience God's presence. We must recognize and confess our idolatry. Repent and turn away from strange gods. Scripture emphasizes that many of those who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ came and openly confessed what they had done. This year, God is offering you an opportunity to openly confess. The word of God shows us that a number of those who had practiced sorcery and worshipped strange gods brought them together and burnt them publicly. Is there any strange god in your possession that you would do away with and burn? In this way, the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power. Let us deny strange gods and enticement. Let us walk in the light as children of the light of God.
IV. BRETHREN IN THE LORD, as we flee from strange gods, let us seek God's forgiveness and cleansing. Let us join the psalmist to cry to the Lord, Purge us with hyssop, and we shall be clean; wash us, and we shall be whiter than snow. Make us hear joy and gladness, that the bones you have broken may rejoice. Hide your face from our sins, and blot out all our iniquities. Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within us. This year, as we move away from strange gods, let us cultivate a deep relationship with God through prayer, worship, and obedience. Beloved, the presence of God is the greatest blessing we can experience as believers. However, strange gods can hinder our ability to enter His presence. Let us examine our lives, recognize any strange gods, and take deliberate steps to overcome them. This is a DIVINE WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT sent forth through the Authority and Power of Christ Jesus and served to the brethren through God's Vessel, Francis Ameyibor. Yes! As we do so, we'll experience the joy of worshipping the one true God and basking in His glorious presence.
V. 2025 MY YEAR FOR MY STAR TO RISE FOR THE WORLD TO NOTICE — No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you, acknowledging our tendency to worship strange gods. We repent of our idolatry and ask for your forgiveness and cleansing. Help us to cultivate a deep relationship with you, so that we may experience your presence and blessings. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
REF: Exodus 20:3-5
James 4:4-5
Deuteronomy 27:15
II Corinthians 11:3-4
Isaiah 59:1-2
Acts 19:18-20
Psalm 51:7–10
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