Christian Living

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“You are simply rejecting God’s laws and trampling them under your feet for the sake of tradition” (Mark 7 :9) The Living Bible

Jesus was very specific to the Jewish religious leaders who were investigating Him and what He did. The Pharisees were criticizing the disciples for not performing a ceremonial washing before eating. Jesus pointed out Isaiah’s description of them in that they spoke pretty words but did not love God at all.

There are people today who back away from church life because those within have taken a similar stance of religion versus knowing the heart of God to fill their deeds with love and compassion. Tradition sets us up to worship ourselves instead of the creator who made us. If we allow ourselves access to religion without knowing the maker of the spirit part of us, we will develop a life of self-worship that leaves God out.

It can be an easy thing to get caught up in programs and ritual that completely leave out God’s people. Unless people are at the center of how we please God, we deceive ourselves in believing that we actually serve Him. To break free from religion and enter into a relationship with God, Jesus and The Holy Spirit, we must be quiet and still. We will get our directions and commands directly from heaven in our communion time with God. Relationship cannot be overstated as the principle component in a thriving spiritual life.

PRAYER
Lord, please let me review my heart and life to make sure that religion does not lead me into places where God does not exist. I look forwarding to hearing from You in my private, set-aside times of prayer. I will endeavor to meet you daily so that I can receive a fresh Word directly from You. I repent from a heart of religion and join You in a vital relationship to take Jesus to the nations before He returns soon.

Betsy Cobb Wise
Author, S.O.S.
[email protected]

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