Introductory Thoughts
God expects His people to avoid the unholy practices that ensnare the world. Part of His plan in bringing Israel into the land of promise was to remove the wicked nations who dwelt in the land because of their blatant disregard for righteousness. As a stern warning, God said to Israel, “thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations” (Deuteronomy 18:9). Those abominations included divination, observing of times, enchanting, witchcraft, charming, consulting with familiar spirits, wizardry, and necromancing (Deuteronomy 18:10-11). As an additional warning, God told Israel that “all [including Israel] that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD” (Deuteronomy 18:12).
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): God told His people what to observe and do (Deuteronomy 12:32). Instead of choosing Gods way, they chose to do things that were detestable and disgusting to Him (2 Kings 17:14-17). We would be wise to learn a lesson from them (2 Kings 17:18; 1 Corinthians 10:11).
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(For everyone): Just as God did not want Israel to adopt the practices of the nations before them, the Lord does not want the saved to take part in such wickedness. How has the world influenced you to accept these abominable practices?
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Do you find entertainment in practices hated by God? Do you allow these things into your home?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to awaken you to the wickedness of such practices.
- Ask God for the boldness to repent and do right.
Song
OPEN MY EYES, THAT I MAY SEE
