Judges 8:33-34 As soon as Gideon died, the Israelites prostituted themselves by worshiping the images of Baal, making Baal-berith their god. They forgot the Lord their God, who had rescued them from all their enemies surrounding them.
Just as the Israelites, time and time again, turned their backs on me and worshipped other gods, so too you have been spending your time and energy worshipping the world. Your pride more than anything. Though I love you, if you continue to spend your time and energy on things that do not matter, on things of no real eternal value, then you will reap what you sow. Just as the Israelites were defeated by the armies surrounding them, so too are you defeated by those things around you – greed, gluttony, pride, arrogance, self-indulgence..this world is full of little gods – small armies that will crush you if you are not in me – wearing my full armor to ward off the attack and win the battles. Stay by my side and I can protect you. But this is your decision. Remember, just as I always rose up to protect Israel when she was repentant – so too will I always be there for you when you seek me. (2003)
Amanuensis 