Sunday 15 Sep 2013

Sunday Reading: Mark 7:9-13

Key Verse: Mark 7:9
9  And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

Devotion:
Jesus knew full well what was going on in the church at that time when He was walking amongst them in His human form. We may look back and say that it must have been pretty obvious to many because it is pointed out so eloquently by Christ; but when we look at our churches today we find the same things happening now. We find some churches steeped in tradition and holding on to a past because that is the way it has always been – as far as they can remember. Then we have some churches who are taking on all manner of new things just so that they can bring in the crowds and see more seats filled than their neighbours.

Do people not see what is wrong with this? Do people not see that they have corrupted God’s ways? I’m afraid that many people do see what is happening but are still prepared to go on in their own ways instead of turning to God and asking Him for clear direction! Our lot is not to do our own will but to do the will of God – even if we do not like where it is taking us!

When I am asked of God to do something new I get all sorts of feelings and doubts and concerns and I try to do what I have always done instead of taking full grasp of all that God is giving me and moving forward. It is just a natural things for many of us, that we try to keep to what we feel it comfortable and not to move forward! But when I realise that God requires something of me, I tend to listen now rather than acting like Jonah and running off in the other direction!

I have seen what God can do to stop me from doing my own thing. I have seen what God can do to encourage me forward to His ways. I think I have learned that listening to God is the only real way forward in our lives – so I try… But when we try to listen to God we are also going to have to face the evil one dropping all manner of obstacles in our paths to try and stop us from giving God the glory! Be prepared, be ready but always depend on God and listen first of all!

Points to Ponder:
Are you comfortable in church?

Are you listening to God?