“The way [of life] of the wicked is hateful and exceedingly offensive to the LORD, But He loves one who pursues righteousness [personal integrity, moral courage and honorable character]. Proverbs 15:9 AMP

We hear so much today about that which seems to offend people. It seems as though people are offended by the simplest things. Few though are taking concern with that which offends God! Today’s devotion will not be an easy one. The word translated “offensive” is the Hebrew word meaning “a detestable thing.” The Dictionary of Biblical Languages translates it as “a detestable thing; repulsion. i.e., an object which is loathsome and abhorrent. The object in question may be a thing or a practice or way such as lifestyle behavior.” Our verse today clearly states that the subject of discussion is ”The way of life!” We read in the book of Isaiah that man has chosen to walk his own way.

“All of us like sheep have gone astray, We have turned, each one, to his own way;…” 

Isiah 53:6A AMP

Jerimiah puts forth a strong warning to those who choose to invoke God’s anger.

“I will first doubly repay and punish them for their wickedness and their sin [before I return them to their land], because they have profaned My land; they have filled My inheritance with the carcasses of their detestable idols and with their abominations.”

Jerimiah 16:18 AMP

Now, we know that most people do not have little statues in their homes or are offing sacrifices to unseen deities. There is a major religion with millions of God’s which the people daily sacrifice and pray but most have substituted that practice with a new god, themselves! We find ourselves in a day and age where the focus of life is clearly me, myself, and I. The care and concern for the lives of others seems to have disappeared. There is an interesting verse in the book of Ezekiel which describes the current state of affairs!

““But Jeshurun (Israel) became fat and kicked [at God]. You became fat, thick, sleek, and obstinate! Then he abandoned God who had made him, And scorned the Rock of his salvation. 16“They provoked Him to jealousy with strange gods [by denying Him the honor and loyalty that is rightfully and uniquely His];  And with repulsive acts they provoked Him to anger. 17“They sacrificed to demons, not to God, To gods whom they have not known, New gods who came lately, Whom your fathers never feared. 18“You were unmindful of the Rock who bore you, And you forgot the God who gave you birth.

Ezekiel 32:15-18 AMP

There are new God’s in the land that our fathers “did not know.” Things like sports, celebrity worship, sexual promiscuity, Abortion, alcohol and of course drugs. It appears things never change. It’s the same-old, same-old: sex, money and power all corrupt! Feeding the flesh to satisfaction is like trying to hold sand in your hands. As soon as you think you have it quickly it slips through your fingers. In growing frustration, man tries harder and harder to hold on to it leading to increased frustration and anger. Then it hits the boiling over point and man does unspeakable things to try and satisfy his fleshly desire. The righteous however and kept in perfect peace with their mind set steadfastly of God! 

Do you see it? The verse tells us that “personal integrity, moral courage and honorable character” are the true fruits of walking with God. Let me encourage you today to seek the Lord while He may be found. Trying to fulfill the flesh is an empty pursuit. True fulfilment and satisfaction can only be had in your restored relationship with God though Jesus Christ! Have a fulfilled day! Pastor Ken