It is a sad thing when the heart of God’s people grow cold toward Him, His word, His ways, His Son Jesus, and His Spirit. That was a very prominent thing in the land of Israel and Judah. They had grown away from God. Still maintaining their worship ritual, without heart for God; giving Him only “Lip service”, but their hearts were far from Him. It would do Christians of 2017 and beyond to hear the prophets of the Old Testament, because these words apply to all God’s people when it comes to our worship, and devotion to Him. Now, hear the prophet Isaiah…
Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near Me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour Me, but have removed their heart far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the precept of men: therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid. Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? And who knoweth us? Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter’s clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? Or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding? Isaiah 29:13-16 (KJV)
For Christians one of the easiest things to do is stray. Stray away from time with God, and you will begin straying away from fellowship with His people, and worshiping together. You will stray away from prayer. When that happens you will get into sin, that you thought you would never be part of. Then, the Lord does a work in your life; you might call it a trouble, trial, even a sorrow so deep it causes grief and pain of heart; God is getting your attention; asking the question, “Whom or what do you trust?” Sometimes these trials may come when you are walking with God. Maybe to check your faith. Remember Job.
Those who pay “Lip service” with out any heart for God are those to whom Jesus spoke of…
Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? And in Thy name have cast out devils? And in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:21-23
I fear that there are far too many people who are boasting of a relationship with God that they do not have. You may be one. You claim to be Christian, but you only pick up your Bible on the way out the door for worship or Bible study. The rest of the week you give no thought to God, His Son or His word. You live your life, your way, and stomp on all who get in your way.
By the work and grace of God, when you are God’s He will always bring you back to Himself. To love Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength; and to love your neighbor as yourself. None of us can love God except through the cross of Jesus Christ the Son of God, God the Son. He is the one who spoke those words in red above, and though not in red, He spoke through the prophet Isaiah the words of Isaiah.
If you call yourself “Christian”, then stop just giving Him “Lip service” and give Him your heart. Jesus also said,,,
O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. Matthew 12:34
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. Luke 6:45
What is in your heart?
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