TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
The word of the Lord came to me: “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem:
“This is what the Lord says:
“‘I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved me and followed me through the wilderness, through a land not sown. Israel was holy to the Lord, the firstfruits of his harvest; all who devoured her were held guilty, and disaster overtook them,'” declares the Lord.
Hear the word of the Lord, you descendants of Jacob, all you clans of Israel. This is what the Lord says:
“What fault did your ancestors find in me, that they strayed so far from me? They followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves. They did not ask, ‘Where is the Lord, who brought us up out of Egypt and led us through the barren wilderness, through a land of deserts and ravines, a land of drought and utter darkness, a land where no one travels and no one lives?’
Jeremiah 2:1-6
DEVOTIONAL
by Elder Chris Beltran
God has designed worship for us to see Him in His glory and to respond appropriately. However, many churches today have many activities and ministries. It is common to see volunteers running to and fro to keep the worship program smooth. Praise and worship team or choir members practiced diligently, but after they had performed their tasks, we would see some not attending the rest of the service. Instead of worship time being a time of encountering the Lord, it becomes a religious activity that needs to be done on a Sunday morning. We have unbalanced prayers by just ‘saying prayers’ and then hurrying off without ever listening to what is on our Father’s heart. God instituted the spiritual disciplines for those He loves, but often, we have distorted them into legalistic practices rather than an avenue to enhance our relationship with Him.
The people in Jeremiah’s day were satisfied to have rituals without the manifest presence of the Lord. They became so comfortable with their rituals, traditions, and religious activities that they didn’t even notice God’s absence. It certainly is possible to pray, to attend a worship service, to sing passionately in the praise and worship time, to give an offering, yet not experience the presence of God. That is a sad reality that we need to be aware of.
Don’t be satisfied with a religious life void of a relationship with Christ, no matter how faithful you are in those many activities and ministries you are in. Like in marriage, it is not just about being faithful; it is about being intimate as well. Pursue building a deeper relationship with the Lord. Do not deceive yourself into thinking that being busy equals being intimate with our Lord. Jesus Christ should be at the center of our life and our church activities. If He is present, the difference will be obvious.
Reference: Experiencing God
PRAYER
Search my heart, Lord, and reveal to me which area of my life is not pleasing to You. Please help me to truly pursue intimacy with You and let me know Your will and way in every aspect of my life. In Jesus name, Amen.
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