Psalm 78 (NIV)
First of all please read the the Psalm because it makes for some pretty uncomfortable reading. It's an instructive psalm, a warning to all believers not just the original audience.
God is after one thing, your heart. Your motives matter, your attitude matters. Make all the sacrifices you want, you cannot manipulate God and you cannot fool Him.
Israel grumbled all the way through the desert and it cost a generation a view of the fulfilment of God’s promise.
If we are to avoid Israel's failings, then we mustn't let our love grow cold for God. We need to kindle the fire inside us, and guard our hearts against the wrong motives that can so easily creep in: selfishness, pride and guilt.
My prayer for us is that the account given of us at the end of time is not that of Ephesus:
"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lamp-stands. I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.
God is after one thing, your heart. Your motives matter, your attitude matters. Make all the sacrifices you want, you cannot manipulate God and you cannot fool Him.
Israel grumbled all the way through the desert and it cost a generation a view of the fulfilment of God’s promise.
If we are to avoid Israel's failings, then we mustn't let our love grow cold for God. We need to kindle the fire inside us, and guard our hearts against the wrong motives that can so easily creep in: selfishness, pride and guilt.
My prayer for us is that the account given of us at the end of time is not that of Ephesus:
"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lamp-stands. I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.
(Revelation 2:1-4 NIV)
Lord thank you that you're interested in our motives, not just an outward expression of religion. You love and long for our hearts response to you.
Lord, keep the fire within us burning bright, keep us passionate for you. Always.
Amen.
Lord thank you that you're interested in our motives, not just an outward expression of religion. You love and long for our hearts response to you.
Lord, keep the fire within us burning bright, keep us passionate for you. Always.
Amen.
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