John Calvin once said: “The human heart is a factory of idols.” 

Looking at my heart, I see Calvin’s statement to be right on the money.

You see, the first thing I always say when I open my eyes is this: “Jesus Christ is Lord!” And brushing my teeth and washing my face, I will continue preaching to my soul so my soul won’t get a chance to preach to me. 

But today, the first thing that came to my heart was this: “I have to find out if Dr. Abiy Ahmed, the new Ethiopian Prime Minister, is doing okay today.” 

Yes, I was reprimanded by the Word and Spirit of God today and I said this prayer: “Forgive me LORD! You are the One who brought Dr. Abiy to power and You are the One who is going to protect him. I don’t need to worry to the point of letting go of my morning devotion. I don’t want him to be my idol. I know that My heart is a factory of idol. Please help me to focus on You alone, leaving all my worries and cares at Your feet. No, Abba, You are my God. You are my only Hope and source of joy! No one else!”

May God give us all a discerning heart so “that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of  his schemes.” (2 Corinthians 2:11)

What are his schemes? 

Mainly to use anything and everything to distract us from our devotion to and focus on Christ and fill our hearts and minds with fear and doubt. 

God says: 

“Be still and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations;

I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10a)///