Rituals
My memory verse for today was II Kings 17:39-40. It says that the people of Israel did not obey God, but they followed their former rituals. It seems to me that this is a huge problem all over the world. People follow rituals, even though they don't really believe in them. They are so stuck on doing what others do, and on what they have always done, that they continue to practice their rituals. It is sad, but true. Why don't we forget the rituals and follow the sincere path to trusting God in a personal way every day?
Rituals are easy. They are comforting. They do not require us to change. Since we don't believe in them, there is not really an expectation that something significant will happen. They are just nice things to do, and they make us feel good for doing them. At least, they make us feel good, until God convicts us of our disobedience like He did the people of Israel.
Being real with God is difficult. It takes time and effort. We have to be fresh every day, because every day is new and different. We have to go to Him in sincerity and expect Him to speak to us and to do something new in us. It is scary, because we are not in control, but He is. However, when we break through, and we hear from the True and Living God, it is awesome and wondrous. It is so much more satisfying than any ritual.
Now, what are your rituals? Yeah, I am talking to us, as Christians. Will you get up in the morning and have a quiet time? Is it a ritual, or are you really seeking to enter God's presence and to hear His word? What about going to worship? Is it a ritual, or are you truly seeking to have an encounter with Him? You see what I mean? We can be very caught up in rituals, if we are not careful. It is a very meaningless life. I pray you will give them up, and get real with the Lord today.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Kings 18-20.
Rituals are easy. They are comforting. They do not require us to change. Since we don't believe in them, there is not really an expectation that something significant will happen. They are just nice things to do, and they make us feel good for doing them. At least, they make us feel good, until God convicts us of our disobedience like He did the people of Israel.
Being real with God is difficult. It takes time and effort. We have to be fresh every day, because every day is new and different. We have to go to Him in sincerity and expect Him to speak to us and to do something new in us. It is scary, because we are not in control, but He is. However, when we break through, and we hear from the True and Living God, it is awesome and wondrous. It is so much more satisfying than any ritual.
Now, what are your rituals? Yeah, I am talking to us, as Christians. Will you get up in the morning and have a quiet time? Is it a ritual, or are you really seeking to enter God's presence and to hear His word? What about going to worship? Is it a ritual, or are you truly seeking to have an encounter with Him? You see what I mean? We can be very caught up in rituals, if we are not careful. It is a very meaningless life. I pray you will give them up, and get real with the Lord today.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Kings 18-20.