Abominable prayers

"If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, 

even his prayer is an abomination."

Proverbs 28:9

The theme of our Bible camp last week was, "Christ in the Camp."  Stonewall Jackson was the man in history who was featured in our play during the week.  Our missionary story was about the Dao tribe in Papua, and our messages were taken from Joshua 1.  Over and over we were reminded that in order for Christ to be in the camp, one very important thing must be our focus--the Word of God. 

Joshua 1:8 says, "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do all that is written in it.  For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."

What a contrast to the verse in Proverbs!  The key to success is the Book.  Even if we only had the first 5 books of the Bible, we would see success as we meditate on that portion of Scripture  Joshua did and was successful.  God said to him in verse 9:  "Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."  But we have the entire Word of God at our fingertips daily.  Such a wonderful blessing is God's Word.  We are so very privileged.  The Dao people in Papua are just beginning to hear the truth of the Bible as the missionaries are translating and teaching them.  

In stark contrast to the one who loves and meditates on the Scriptures is the one who "turns away his ear from hearing the law."  Oh, he may make money or be a great athlete or she may be a beauty queen, but success is only a material thing for that individual.  That person's prayers are an "abomination" to the Lord. Noah Webster defines an abomination as "an object of extreme hatred."  If we do not listen to God's Word with an obedient heart, our prayers are an "object of extreme hatred" to the Lord.  

The right choice is obvious.  God doesn't leave us to wonder.  Please say with me, as Joshua did, "Choose this day whom you will serve.....but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."  Joshua 24:15

Choosing to serve,

Gloria