Today you should read: Isaiah 57
Thanks for faithfully reading God’s Word through JumpStart. The Bible changes us – our families – our minds – all of us! It’s a powerful force in our lives.
Let me ask you a question today – What are idols? Are they just statues made of gold or stone? Are they only things we physically bow down to in our homes? No! Idols are anything we put ahead of God or love and think about more than we do Him. Do you have any idols in your life? Any in your home? These can be material things, people (even husbands, wife, or kids), entertainment, anything we value higher than we do God.
You have put pagan symbols on your doorposts and behind your doors. You have left me and climbed into bed with these detestable gods. You have committed yourselves to them. You love to look at their naked bodies. (v. 8)
How convicting! What have you “climbed into bed with?” What idea or philosophy that goes against what God in His Word teaches us? What musical symbols are in your home? What pagan things are on your TV? What are you exposing your mind and the minds of your family to?
Ever wonder why good people sometimes die young?
Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die. (v.1-2)
Often this is God’s grace and protection of them. This life is just the bad part that gets us to the good part (heaven). Sometimes God takes His godly ones home early to care for them better. He did this with Enoch – remember?
Enoch lived 365 years, walking in close fellowship with God. Then one day he disappeared, because God took him. Genesis 5:23-24
I know the loss of a friend or loved one who knows Jesus hurts us – but I assure you it doesn’t hurt them! They just received a promotion. Be encouraged today by God’s holiness – His sovereignty – and His love for you!
By: Tim Parsons — Lead Pastor
JumpstartCPC.com 
HELLO?? Anybody out there? (Clear Voice). Readers?
To live is Christ; to die is gain!
Thanks for your message today, Pastor Tim. God bless your day.
I appreciate the staff’s faithful commitment to writing encouragement each and every day!
I too have felt conviction about what I fill my mind with. Surrounding yourself with ‘harmless’ entertainment isn’t so harmless when it affects your thoughts and actions. Christians are called to look different than the world around us. Sometimes that means we need to give something up, even though we have freedom in Christ.
Yeah Lindsay and Thomas!! I’m so proud of both of you and how you are growing!!