Daily Wisdom

 Jas 1:27 “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”

The simplest things are often overlooked, especially in Christianity. Believers can be more concerned about what they become in the Lord rather than what they do for the Lord. When we give/sacrifice with no thought of receiving, we show what it means to truly serve others. The results of focusing on others lessons our ability of being influenced and affected by the world. Pure religion is about the fatherless and afflicted, not self-focus and attention.

Don’t complicate what the Lord called us to, Jesus is saying: you want to be a blessing to me, then bless them in need (Mt 25:34-40-read it)… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

 ‘… I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes.’ Amos 2:6

Interesting that while the Lord brought judgement upon nation after nation in (ch. 1), who did wrong to Judah and Israel, the Lord eventually looked upon them as well. Israel and Judah had their own sins. They had become trapped in their religion of self-righteousness and not humble in the righteousness of Jesus. They looked at what they did, and not what the Lord had done for them. Israel observed religious rituals. They gave extra tithes, went to worship, and offered sacrifices. But they were selfish, greedy and unjust. They sold the righteous man and his cause for silver/wealth, and the poor for personal gain.

We must be sure not to neglect the needs of others while we faithfully attend church and fulfill our religious obligations. It doesn’t matter much what we give religiously if you’re given it with the wrong heart and motive, as to buy favor or approval from God. Our religious servitude in rituals and giving don’t mask our selfishness, greed, and ill motives. The Lord warned the church of Laodicea (Rev 3:14) ‘I know thy works…’ They were blinded in their abundance and selfish desires. This is why they’re seen as the (last days church)! Play religious, and you’re playing with spiritual fire. Don’t let what we do be more important than what the Father call us to do.

What we gain is only good for us when it’s given of God, and not gathered by our greed… HSAY 

Daily Wisdom

Ecc 3:11 “He hath made everything beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. 

God has "planted eternity in the human heart." This means that we can never be completely satisfied with earthly pleasures and pursuits by fleshly efforts.

When David wrote for us to, “Delight yourself in the Lord” (Psa 37:4), he wasn’t writing to sound religious.

Religion cannot enjoy God, it can only fear him from a distance.

It can be easy for one to find themselves seeing God through the cold eyes of religion. Viewing prayer and worship as labors to earn favor, instead of gifts given to draw near to the Fountain of Life.

The biggest obstacle to enjoying God and learning to delight in him is the merit-based system we often find ourselves in as Christians.  Religion diminishes the gospel and Jesus by subtly conveying that his spilled blood and resurrection aren’t really enough.

Religion can reform a person’s life, but it can never transform him. Only the holy Spirit can transform a heart to find delight in God and the beauty of His Word and its eternal promises.

Religion says, “I obey: therefore, I’m accepted.” Christianity says, “I’m accepted: therefore, I obey.”

Religion is a stereotype, Christianity is Christ like. Don’t confuse the two!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

Jam 1:27 “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”

The word “religion” is quoted five times in scripture, four of which are used in a negative connotation. The word religion from its Latin roots means to “bind together” meaning to cultivate a unity and purpose greater than oneself. That purpose is servitude, we are saved to serve not to be served (Lk 17:1-10). Jesus (God in flesh) clearly illustrated that for us. The church today is falling to the pressure of being culturally appealing rather than Christ compelling. Churches are being driven by commercialism and consumerism, causing more emphasis being placed on external amenities in stead of internal transformation.  Driven by budgets instead of the bible, presentation instead of prayer, displays instead of doctrine.  Don’t get trapped by the distraction of cultural religion. It’s not scriptural and it disenfranchises a believer from their purposeful relationship with Jesus and makes it a superficial emotional relationship, and not a fellowship in unity for servitude. Quick quiz: If one thinks it’s the governments job or programs we can through some towards to care for the needy, one might need to be held back a spiritual grade. Servitude is doing for another who can’t or will never repay you. That’s how Jesus served us, our gain through His giving!

You’re either a fan or a follower; one is looking to get and the other to give!

HSAY… Todd