“If you think you can stand to know what you’re made of, try kneeling before God.”
― Craig D. Lounsbrough
AMOS 4-6
I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them...Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of our harps. (5:21-23)
REVELATION 6
You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on earth. (5:9-10)
JOURNAL
The more I read the clearer it becomes that it's not the actions themselves but rather the heart behind the actions. While actions often do reflect the heart...the actions themselves are not what matter. Seeing that God "despises religious feasts". It is because their hearts are not for God.
I can see the same thing happening in our churches and in our "religious" parties, customs and ultimately in my own life. If my actions are not grounded in obedience and worship of God then I have fallen into the same trap as those in the time of Amos. No matter the words or actions...time will tell the condition of our heart. Is it sold out to self or God. That's the true question. This time of year it is so easy to fall into actions that are habits or customs rather than really focusing on the purpose and meaning of Christmas.
Father help me to remember that it's not the presents or the parties or the traditions that matter...it's not the candlelight services or tithing or any of that...it's our hearts and whether or not they are surrendered to following you and loving others.
26My son, give me your heart
and let your eyes delight in my ways,
PROVERBS 23:26
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