Many Filipinos here and abroad were glued to their television last Thursday, excitedly and nervously, watching and wishing that Jessica Sanchez would be the next American Idol. She didn’t. Many were disappointed, some cried “luto” and others just quietly accepted the result. For me, personally, Phillip Phillips deserved it, though it could go both ways.

American Idol. I know it’s just harmless entertainment, a galore of talents, skills and personality – there were even Christians joining the show. I’m just careful with the word “idol.” “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:211 John 5:21
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.  

WP-Bible plugin). What seems to be harmless can be harmful when a thing, event, or a person becomes an idol.

Archaeologists tell us that in every culture throughout history there had been idols – statues, little gods, goddesses. In the Bible times, in the time of Moses, there are 3 main idols:  Baal – the god of sex, Mammon – the god of money, and Molech – the god of violence. Idols or images are made up of wood, stone, brick and metal. Today we don’t just have metal images but also “mental” images – images of sex, money, fame and glory. And the shrine that we commonly see today are not just altars made of wood, stone, etc…, but it’s a little box that’s plugged in every time we turn it on. There we see man’s idols – on TV.

Many people don’t worship images as much as they worship images – images of success, images of wealth, status, or sexuality. It’s very challenging to raise children today in an environment where the society is saying, “This is the most important things in life!” In fact some people park their idols in the garage. Others put their idols in their safe deposit box! But here’s the thing: they disappoint us. Anytime you put any person or anything or any product in the place of God; anytime you expect anyone to solve all your problems, or guarantee all your happiness, you’re going to be disappointed!

Psalm 115:8Psalm 115:8
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
8 They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.  

WP-Bible plugin says, “Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.” We become what we worship. If you worship money – be warned you will look like Jose Rizal! But if we worship Jesus, then we will become like Him! People who worship idols become what they worship in that they have eyes but spiritually blinded to the truth; they have ears but spiritually deaf – cannot hear God’s voice; they have noses but spiritually unable to smell the fragrance of Christ; they have hands but spiritually unable to feel God’s touch or don’t have spiritual sense; they have feet but spiritually lame – unable to follow God’s ways; and they have throats but spiritually dumb – unable to speak God’s Word that brings healing!

How do you know who and what you worship? Simply follow the trail of your time, your affection, your energy, your money, and your allegiance. At the end of the trail, you will find a throne; and whatever, or whoever, is on that throne is what’s of highest value to you. On that throne is what you worship! THE TRAIL NEVER LIES.

Announcement:

1. Thank you CHURCH for your prayers and support and help in any way for our YOUTH CAMP 2012!

2. THAI MISSIONS 2012 is coming up on May 31-June 11. Pray for a fruitful time of ministry and outreach, and encouragement to our missionaries.

• THAI MISSIONS 2012 T-shirt — you may claim your tshirt at the Missions table at the back. For those who ordered the last batch of tshirts, it will be available next week.
• MISSIONS DINNER and ACOUSTIC NIGHT tonight at 6:30 pm!
• We will also be bringing CARE BASKETS for Eric, Mj, the kids and Jead, containing food items they missed from home.  Their requests are the following:

Pancit canton

Graham Crackers (regular & choco for kids)

Goodies/candies for the students (65 of them) (ex. Boy bawang)

Corned Beef and Eden Cheese

If you wish to donate, please submit it at the office. Deadline is this Tuesday.

3. FYI: We are in the process of providing Handicap Parking Area in front of the church.  We do not know the date yet when it will be available.  Thank you for your patience. (Expounded by Ptr Jo)