Friday the 12th

Hosea 6: ⁶ For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.

 

We spend so much time going through the motions don’t we? We do things because we are supposed to, or because we want to be nice, or thought of well. These same actions spill over into our spiritual life as well. Christ reiterates this in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector

 He shares in Luke 18. The Pharisee is so confidant in his place that he gives thanks for not being like the rest of humanity, while the tax collector would not even approach the temple area, he stood off with his eyes cast down. It all comes down to being honest with yourself, and accepting the love of Christ into your life. I think of it like this many people put on a good show, they give the right “sacrifices” in life, or they do what is expected, yet their heart is not right with God. On the outside they look put together, but on the inside they are lost souls. We cannot hide anything form the Lord He knows us and has known us better than we know ourselves since before we were born. So why the front? In this very material world we live in, it is easy to get caught up in appearances, but we must remember that the Lord does not care about appearances, or position. The Savior of the world came into human life in a barn, in the presence of common people, and common farm animals. I don’t think he is spending a lot of time looking at what you have amassed, or who’s name you can drop. The world cares about your pocket book, God cares about your heart, and soul. Have you ever noticed that no matter what you do to please the world you never feel fulfilled? Of course not! This life is not about the world it is about your relationship with the Lord. It took me a long time to figure that out, and really embrace it. Often I feel just like that tax collector, not worthy to approach God. I used to think well maybe I can cut a deal…if I go to church, or help the homeless, or make a donation……when all the while all He wanted form me was acknowledgement, and faithfulness. You see, the Lord knows us, he sees through the show, the smoke and the mirrors. He is not impressed. Rend your hearts to the Lord, live for Him. The world will not understand, but that is nothing new. It has never been about you and the world, it is only about you and the Lord.

 

God Bless,

Brian Thetford

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