If you trace the word “abomination” or “horrid” or “detestable” in Scripture, you quickly find out what God despises or hates or what just disgusts Him (the meaning of the words). Those words simply reveal what is repugnant to God and His people in relationship to religion and morality. It’s not a fun word to trace, but it is very revealing.

Ever heard of Nehushtan? We’ll get back to that.

The apostle John chose to close out his first brief letter on real faith with some pointed words of warning: “Little children, guard yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21). In other words, be on guard against anything or anyone that might attempt to occupy the place in your heart that only God should ultimately occupy.

John never qualified that warning. He never gave us a list of idols. Any idol, regardless of its beauty or usefulness, is not allowed to compete with the supremacy of Jesus Christ. Not one.

So, what is an idol? It is giving more love, devotion, or trust to anyone or anything other than to the one and only true God who said, “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3).

Well it finally happened. The COVID bug caught up with me. It wasn’t fun…it assaulted my respiratory system, gave me some chills (called night sweats), and diminished my energy levels. God was gracious and I am well on my way back to normal. Thanks for your prayers.My sickness brought to mind a few scriptural considerations: