Good Morning Friends,
“For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and
acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6)
In the midst of all of Israel’s sin -- its
adultery, its idolatry -- all of its sin -- they did not forget their religious
duties. They continued to perform the religious sacrifices that were required
of them. They continued to visit the temple and seek to worship God. They
continued their regular prayers.
But God did not accept their worship because
it did not come from a clean heart. It was not being done in sincerity. They
were going through the motions, but their hearts were not in it.
In Hosea’s day, God was not interested in
religious ritual that did not represent what was going on in the hearts of the
people. He never has been interested in empty ritual. He still is not
interested in empty ritual and ceremony today. He never will be.
God is interested in changed hearts and
changed lives. God is interested in sincere and heart-felt relationship with
Him.
In your prayers – in your worship – in your
service – in your giving – are you just going through the motions because you
know you should or do they come from your heart?
His, by Grace,
Steve
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