OCTOBER 20, 2 Kings 17:6 

The Northern Kingdom departed from the one true and living God when their king Jeroboam introduced worship of the golden calf. Then it got worse – under King Ahab, God’s people worshipped Baal. In fact, the Northern Kingdom was ruled by kings that were wicked from beginning to end.

God had to judge His wayward people. They served idols that they placed everywhere. They rejected God and His commandments. They even sacrificed their sons and daughters in ceremonial fires! God raised the Assyrian kings to invade Israel time and again until she was taken into captivity in 722 BC. The warning by Moses of foreign invasion and Israel’s dispersal first took effect in the Northern Kingdom.

Although Israel sinned, did God give up on them? No, but they had to be punished. Likewise for us, if we are truly saved and yet sin against the Lord, God will punish us because He disciplines those He loves. But the Lord will never give up on us.

Even after we become Christians, all of us are affected by sin. It is how we fight sin that is important. How do we fight sin? Firstly, we must read the Bible everyday for this will help change our thinking and life. We might be proud. Or you might be a critical kid, always commenting unkindly about things and people. If you are touched with God’s word, you will know that is not right in His eyes.

Secondly, we must pray consistently. Pray not just before meals, or before bedtime. Commit your day to the Lord; commit your homework to the Lord; commit your playtime to the Lord.

Thirdly, have good Christian fellowship. Mix with children who are able to have a positive influence in your life. You see, we all influence each other and should you hang around children who are bossy, you might learn to be like them. If you are always with children who play a lot of harmful computer games, chances are, you will learn to be like them.

Thought: May I learn to fight sin!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I always learn to do the three things mentioned above – read Your holy Word every day, pray consistently, and be with friends who bring glory to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.