Go Back To The Altar

Saturday, May 23

2 Kings 16:17-18 (NKJV)

“And King Ahaz cut off the panels of the carts, and removed the lavers from them; and he took down the Sea from the bronze oxen that were under it, and put it on a pavement of stones.”And the covered way for the Sabbath which they had built in the house, and the outer entry of the king, he removed from the house of the LORD because of the king of Assyria.”

Devotion

As King Hezekiah lay dying, he pleaded with God to save him. By God’s grace, He granted Hezekiah an additional 15 years. His father, King Ahaz, was a wicked king who started changing things and replacing the old altar of God. He removed and rearranged the Sabbath pavilion and removed the covering of the house of the Lord.

Likewise, when we compromise and follow the ways of the world, we turn away from doing the will of God. When we replace God with the gods of this age and embrace its culture, we put a curse upon ourselves.

Repent! Let God be God over your life. Let God be the center of it all. Let the Lord Jesus Christ be your Lord, Savior, Redeemer, and Friend. Only Jesus saves. Come to the altar and be cleansed. We need the altar. Surrender all to Jesus!

Water baptism is essential. We need to be cleansed from our sins, turn away from our wicked ways, and obey God. Let the old man be buried, be baptized in water, and be raised up in the Lord Jesus Christ. Come to the altar, come back, and be baptized in obedience.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit became a Sabbath and rest for His people. They were empowered men and women on the day of Pentecost, and they spoke with a stammering tongue and quivering lips that gave them joy, peace, and rest. It’s also available to us today.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Wash me, cleanse me, cover me with Your precious blood, and restore me. Forgive me, Lord, for being lured into the culture and compromise of this world. Set me apart, Lord.Thank You for restoring the years that the locusts and cankerworms have eaten. Thank You for releasing me from all forms of addiction, family traditions, and history that were not pleasing to You. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Live to praise God and give Him thanks all the days of your life. Obey God. Turn from your wicked ways. Surrender all to Jesus and go back to the altar. Rededicate your life to Jesus! Let the Holy Spirit guide your daily walk with Him.

Resources

• Every altar tells a story, every well reveals a hunger, and every encounter changes a life. Watch the message “Altars, Wells and Encounters” and be encouraged to seek God in a deeper way than ever before.

• If you’ve drifted from God, today is the day to return. His arms are wide open, full of mercy, grace, and love. Return to the altar. Lay down every burden, surrender your heart again, and rededicate your life to the Lord. Click Here.