Yesterday I was convicted that my relationship with God lately has been characterised by ritual rather than passion. I read my Bible daily, say my usual prayers, but it's all been lustreless and not as if I am in a real relationship with a real God. I believe I have a great passion for God but this has not been reflected in my worship of Him. How I need Him in my life!
God is not inspired by rituals, as He said in Amos 5:21 - "I hate, I despise your feasts, and I will take no delight in your solemn assemblies".
How inspiring to read the work of the great man of God, Charles Spurgeon, who said: "In looking back upon the character of our prayers, if we do it honestly, we shall be filled with wonder that God has ever answered them. There may be some who think their prayers worthy of acceptance-as the Pharisee did; but the true Christian, in a more enlightened retrospect, weeps over his prayers, and if he could retrace his stepshe would desire to pray more earnestly. Remember, Christian, how cold thy prayers have been. When in thy closet thou shouldst have wrestledas Jacob did; but instead thereof, thy petitions have been faint and few-far removed from that humble, believing, persevering faith, whichcries, "I will not let thee go except thou bless me." Yet, wonderful to say, God has heard these cold prayers of thine, and not only heard, but answered them. Reflect also, how infrequent have been thy prayers,unless thou hast been in trouble, and then thou hast gone often to themercy-seat: but when deliverance has come, where has been thy constant supplication? Yet, notwithstanding thou hast ceased to pray as once thou didst, God has not ceased to bless. When thou hast neglected the mercy-seat, God has not deserted it, but the bright light of the Shekinah has always been visible between the wings of the cherubim. Oh!it is marvellous that the Lord should regard those intermittent spasms of importunity which come and go with our necessities. What a God is he thus to hear the prayers of those who come to him when they have pressing wants, but neglect him when they have received a mercy; who approach him when they are forced to come, but who almost forget to address him when mercies are plentiful and sorrows are few. Let his gracious kindness in hearing such prayers touch our hearts, so that we may henceforth be found "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit."
Oh, how true that has been, that we come before the throne of God with our hearts so dull and not even seeking His anointing, focusing just on what we need for that moment! I've decided to change my ways of worshipping God, reading the Bible, and praying to Him.
Firstly, by changing my Bible! I did it, but it was difficult! Instead of reading the same version of the Bible all the time, I have changed to another version. It's not that the versions change the meaning of God's word, rather, it's that each different version of the Bible shows God in a new light. I need that new revelation for my soul! Also I am approaching the Bible with the attitude that God is present, it's not just me reading any old book, but it's me approaching the throne of the Almighty God and seeking to know Him in greater ways. As I am reading the Bible, I also ask, "How does this apply to my life?", for there is truth in these words, there is something that can change my attitude in these words, goodness, there is life itself to be found in these precious words from the very mouth of God!
And in this way my prayers have become influenced. God knows what we need even before we ask, so why ask Him? Because we need to draw near to Him, we need to learn great faith, and it is only in drawing near to Him that our faith will grow.
So my fellow Christian, I pray that you can also make an important change in your life, starting TODAY! I hope that these words can inspire you to seek God in greater ways and seek His wisdom for your life.
Be blessed,
Carla
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