Matthew 23:9 KJV And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

Good morning and praise God. I hope you are having a great day. Today's verse feels so connected to the first commandment that says "you shall have no other gods before me..." It is very easy for us as human to connect fast to fellow human than to spiritual beings. Those who want to connect to spiritual realm have a lot to work on but for a fellow human being, they just need probably to compose one great song and pap we idolize the person. Jesus is teaching us an important point today that no fellow human being should ever in our hearts take the position of God. At this time, there were some guys in temple who had exalted themselves to taking up the position of God . This was misleading and Jesus Christ wanted his disciples to be freed from such and to avoid becoming idols themselves when they would begin the ministry. I know you have seen how people flock into churches where they hear there are miracles and healings. Majority of such do not want God but rather the gift that God gives and like Simon the sorcerer, they are ready to bribe in order to receive God's gift. The only gift such can wait is what Gehazi servant of prophet Elisha received, leprosy. Brethren, we cannot deceive God, we cannot bribe God. The only way to God and the first thing we must do is to put God above everyone and everything. The first and most important decision is to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Give honor to fellow human but have no other gods before God. Remove anybody or anything that stands between you and God. Analyze your live and remove all idols that you are looking to instead of God. Recite Lord's Prayer to remind yourself who you should exalt. Have a blessed Sunday. God loves you. Shalom. Shalom.