Reflect
Here we see “The Lord’s Heart” calling His people to a sincere faith and devotion. The sacrifices were to be an outward sign of their inward faith in God, but it had become an empty ritual where true faith had died. Although God’s people did not feel sorry for their sins, they continued their rituals for forgiveness. God’s Word assures us that if we are repentant and obedient, Christ will forgive and remove our deepest stains.
Apply
Is our outward expression of faith reflecting a genuine love and obedience to the Lord? Have our sins been washed away and are we living in right relationship with others? If so, then the Lord will be pleased with our “sacrifices” of time, money, and service.
Spend some time in silence asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any area of your life that needs forgiving. Pray that your heart would be right before the Lord and that your outward expression of faith would be a result of an inward, vibrant, and growing faith.
Repeat this prayer as a prayer for “our church”, where the word “your” is.
Jerilyn Bayer
Pray
- For those who need to be encouraged in heart and united in love.
- Ask God to increase your awareness of the wisdom and knowledge in Jesus Christ.
- Pray through the prayer page in the bulletin.
- Pray for Pastor Dan, our Lead Team Pastor, his family and his intern Dave Falk.