Sat., Jan. 9: 1 John 5:14-21; John 3:22-30

Children, be on your guard against idols. I must admit I was a bit shocked by the name of the show “American Idol” when it premiered in 2002. Talent-search shows were noth­ing new and the show itself didn’t bother me so much, but its name seemed such a brazen rejection of biblical injunc­tions against idolatry. Of course, our audacious adulation of pop stars and celebrities today also has subtler coun­terparts. We surround ourselves with golden calves — so much electronic gadgetry, so many ways to entertain our­selves, so much time given to vain pursuits, time we might otherwise give to God in worship and service. What are my idols?

*How can I say no to them and yes to God? For the grace always to put God first in our lives, we pray