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The Israelites had just come from Egypt, a land of many idols and many gods. Because each god represented a different aspect of life, it was common to worship many gods in order to get the maximum number of blessings. When God told his people to worship and believe in him, that wasn’t so hard for them---He was just one more god to add to the list. But when he said “You must not have any other god but me,” that was difficult for the people to accept. But if they didn’t learn that the God who led them out of Egypt was the only true God, they could not be his people---no matter how faithfully they kept the other nine commandments. Thus, God made this his first commandment.Today we can allow many things to become gods to us. Money, fame, work, or pleasure can become gods when we concentrate too much on them for personal identity, meaning, and security. No one sets out with the intention of worshiping these things. But by the amount of time we devote to them, they can grow into gods that ultimately control our thoughts and energies. Letting God hold the central place in our lives keeps these things from turning into gods.--- Life Application Study Bible notesPRAYERDear Lord,I acknowledge and declare that You are my God and You are my Lord.There is none like You.I worship You for who You are.Help me not create idols but turn away from them.Teach me to keep You on the throne of my heart unchallenged.May I live freely as I de-throne everything else so that I may serve You as my only master with an undivided heart.Help me to place You always in first place now and always.In Jesus’ name,Amen