"And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
Hebrews 11:6 NIV
Have there been times when you were simply going through the motions? At some point, I would guess we have all been guilty, perhaps in a relationship, our jobs, or even serving God. I am reminded of Israel in the Old Testament, who continued to offer sacrifices, although they made no other attempt to serve God. We become comfortable in the routine of doing something and forget the purpose. We lose enthusiasm and joy, settling for ritual.
What pleases God is that we believe in him. Not in an abstract, "God is out there, and he's watching" sort of way. Instead, in our faith, we allow him to take up residence in our hearts and become obedient to his will. How can we know what will please God unless we first know him in a personal and interment way?
It is so easy for our relationship with God to become routine. We're busy, so we lapse in our daily time in connection with him. It begins gradually; at first, we miss a day of prayer and reading the Bible. Then it becomes two days; before long, our only connection with God becomes Sunday worship. After a while, perhaps even that stops. How is God to know we want a relationship with him if we take no actions to demonstrate our love. The joyous and hopeful thing is that God continues to love us even when we've become lax in returning that love.
This verse is an invitation to restore our belief and fall in love with God all over again. Today is a new day; forget the times we have failed in our relationship, instead use this day to remember our baptism and renew our vows. An opportunity to reconnect with him through prayer and study.
God, we believe in you, our Creator, in Christ, our Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit, our Sustainer. We admit we waiver and sometimes fail to believe and trust in you. Forgive us for allowing our relationship with you to become casual and routine. Renew in us today that love we first felt for you. Please help us as we earnestly seek to do your will and become obedient to you. In Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
In what ways can I show my love to God today?
Blessings!
Pastor Tim
