Theme: Keeping Him at the Center
Matthew 7:22-23 "On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'"
Reflection:
Our works for the Lord mean nothing if we do not have an intimate relationship with Him. In the Old Testament, the Pharisees follow the Word of God very closely with little exceptions. The law says give tithe ten perfect of all earnings. The Pharisees applied this teaching to every part of their lives including tithing every crop grown. Despite their obedience to ritual and the letter of the law, they overlooked the Spirit. Their actions were conducted out of desire for routine, discipline, and order. The Pharisees did not seek to know God's promises and His loving character. Although they followed every commandment, their lack of a relationship with Him causes them to reject Jesus, therefore, rejecting God.
Sometimes we are like the Pharisees, getting caught up in reading our Bible out of routine rather than to seek Him. We feel like we are doing enough because we read, pray, and talk about our faith but we have not truly given God our hearts. He calls us to share all aspects of our hearts with Him so that a firm foundation may be built upon Him. This devotional is meant to push us away from routine works and towards a true relationship with the Lord.
Questions to Consider:
If you were to die right now would God turn you away and claim that He does not know you? How can you turn routine time with God into time of closeness and intimacy?
Application:
Take time this week to evaluate the closeness of your relationship with God. Rather than simply checking off the boxes off reading each day, slow down and read with intention. In prayer, reflect on your heart posture and be open with God. He will accept you exactly how you are and welcome you into His love.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your Word which warns us against going through the motions without accepting the Spirit. Lord, help us to reflect on our own heart posture this week. We pray that as we continue to do so, our actions will come from a place of love and surrender rather than a place of habit. Lord, we strive to know every aspect of You: Your truth, Your promises, and Your character. All of this is in Your holy name, Amen.
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