Why do we go to church? Is it to worship and lift up the name of Jesus? Or, has it become a routine just because that is what we have always done? Well, I didn't go to church this morning. I had my own private Bible study between me and God. What I studied was Isaiah 1:1-2:5. What I took from it is this. God doesn't want us to come to Him out of burdensome obligation. He wants us to come to Him as a joyous renewal of our relationship with Him. He wants us to hunger for His Word. He wants us to join in fellowship with other Christians because it strengthens our walk with Him. We are obligated to God. He has provided a way for us. But, we should want to lift up his name and praise Him for his blessings on us. Just think of that. What has He blessed you with today? Are you going to church for the right reasons?
Isaiah 1:11-12 (NIV) "The multitude of your sacrifices--what are they to me?" says the Lord. "I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts?"
5 comments:
I wish more people would break out of their boxes and THINK about this for a moment. I completely agree with you. Church, as a gathering of people in faith, can be so inspirational and so connecting for us individually (and as a group, of course) with God, but truly - if our visit with Him is out of "burdensome obligation," we're not allowing ourselves the open, loving, and receiving connection with Him.
I hope you don't mind me commenting. I honestly don't have a clue how I stumbled upon your blog, but your message rang through to me clearly and I always enjoy knowing who reads my blog, so... ;)
I appreciate your comment, Endorphins. I'm glad I could provide a meaning commentary.
I couldnt agree more .. as a PK, I went to church my entire childhood .. It was because mom and dad said I had to go .. until I forged my own relationship with God .. then I discovered the real joy of church attendance ..
The songs lifted me higher .. the sermons filled my life .. the fellowship enriched me .. what a marvelous gift from God ..
Ron
www.won-by-one.blogspot.com
Thanks for the comment, Ron. I think it does help for kids to grow up in church, but once they get out on their own is when they will really be put to the test. At least, you have that wonderful raising of being brought up in church and learning about the wonderful things that God has to offer. I have met people that have no idea of how good God is because their parents had never gone and carried them to church as kids. It's as the good book says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." It's important to have that foundation, because a lot of people don't. (Proverbs 22:6)
I agree! Before I attended church. Now I BELONG to my home church. There's a difference. It is, as you said, a HUNGER, for His Presence. I can't imagine one day without Him.
Blessings, Whitney
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