Ezekiel 14:2-3 – “Then the word of the Lord came to me: ³ “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all?” 

As I read and prayed on Memorial Day, the Holy Spirit directed me to this passage and spoke to my consciousness about ‘Idols of the heart.’  I mused on that, and as I reflected on the incredible sacrifices of those who gave their lives to preserve and secure freedom, I thought about the incredible sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross for our freedom. 

It would be impossible, in a devotional, to convey all that I sensed in my heart as the Word of God exploded in my spirit.  But, as I meditated and prayed, an old Gospel Song came to the forefront of my mind, and I began to sing it with joy and appreciation.  Gratitude rose in my heart, and I sensed great peace and comfort from the LORD.

I share it with you:  It was written by Charles W. Fry in 1881 and resonates in my heart today!

I’ve found a friend in Jesus; He’s everything to me,

He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.

The Lily of the Valley, in Him alone, I see.

All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole.

In sorrow, He’s my comfort; in trouble, He’s my stay.

He tells me every care on Him to roll.

Refrain:

He’s the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star,

He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.

He all my grief has taken, and all my sorrows borne.

In temptation, He’s my strong and mighty tow’r.

I’ve all for Him forsaken, and all my idols torn.

From my heart, and now He keeps me by His pow’r.

Though all the world forsake me, and Satan tempt me sore,

Through Jesus, I shall safely reach the goal.

Verse two:

He’ll never, never leave me, nor yet forsake me here,

While I live by faith and do His blessed will.

A wall of fire about me, I’ve nothing now to fear,

From His manna, He, my hungry soul, shall fill.

Then sweeping up to glory to see His blessed face,

Where rivers of delight shall ever roll.

What a message of hope and inspiration!  He is our Bright and Morning Star!  He is our Hope and Inspiration!  He has taken our grief and sorrows. He has been our companion in temptation and trouble!  We need to forsake everything for Him and tear down all the idols of our hearts.  Through Jesus, we are overcomers and will attain the prize of the High Calling of God!

He will Never Ever leave or forsake us, and unless we walk away from Him, we are in His protective care and covering.  He is a Wall of Fire about us!  There is nothing that can penetrate the Blood of His Covering!  We have Nothing to Fear!  On that eventful final day, we can enter His presence and be satisfied.  Rivers of Delight flood our souls, and the overflow touches countless others. 

What a Promise!  What a Hope! 

• First, we must cast down and tear down all idols of our hearts and restore God as FIRST in our lives in Everything! 
• When we do, He does not deprive us of anything but gives us the fullness of the Kingdom. 
• We abide in Him, His Words abide in us, and we have access to the Throne Room 24/7/365. 
• He is accessible at any time and any place. 
• He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother, and He knows our names and loves us!  
• REJOICE!

He is our present help in the time of trouble!  If you do not know Him, today would be a great day to ask Jesus to come into your heart and save you!  Life on Earth is short, but Eternity is FOREVER!

God Bless you, and may your day and week be joyous!