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They took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their own daughters to their sons and served their gods. The children of Israel did that which was evil in Yahweh's sight, and forgot Yahweh their God, and served the Baals and the Asheroth. Judges 3:6-7 WEB.

Centuries ago, excitement was in the air when it was time to go to church. No one wanted to stay home. Their acts of worship were lustful and enticing. It was a very flesh-pleasing religion.

At the time, Israel loved three main gods: Baal, the god of materialism and money. Asheroth, the god of sex and fertility. Molech, the god of fire. Worshipping these gods and participating in their rituals often involved extravagant drunken orgies.

You were "required" to sleep with the cult prostitutes, each other's spouses, men with men, and women with women. Their "acts of worshiping Asheroth" produced many unwanted pregnancies, so the offspring were conveniently burned as a sacrifice to the god Molech (Leviticus 18:21).

I used to read the Bible and wonder how people could worship idols like this. It just sounded so foreign and distant to me. Then as I grew older, the Lord revealed to me that it is still rampant today. Thousands of years later, most of the world still chases these same gods, and Christians aren't immune.

It seems to be our default mode when not actively seeking the Lord. Lust, immorality, abortion, pornography, the love of money, and so many others creep in. You don't have to search hard to find all this alive and well in the church today. We often pursue the very same things as ancient Israel.

We need to keep Jesus at the center of our life so that He can bring balance to all areas. There is nothing wrong with money or sex, but your life can't center around them, for they will become a snare to you. No one can serve two masters, for you will love one and hate the other (Luke 16:13). We should seek moderation in all things, including moderation.

There is a way out of any trap. If you put God first in your life each morning by beginning your day with prayer, soon He will start to guide you out of it. The Lord will cause things to fall into place for you. So don't forget the Lord your God and begin unknowingly serving others, for we become what we repeatedly do. Jesus said, "Why do you call Me Lord and not do what I say," for, in the end, our Lord is who we obey.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for guiding me, and I want to make the most of my life. Please give me the grace to flee from things that are bad for me as Joseph did. Forgive me of my past and lead me into a brighter future. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.” James 5:13 ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network. If you are interested in joining the prayer team, here is how to get started Prayer Partners.