Mindless offerings to God ...
As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut. It is evil to make mindless offerings to God. Don’t make rash promises, and don’t be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few. -Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 NLT
As I read these verses I am reminded of the first time that I tried to make a deal with God. On that day I began to pray by saying “God if you will heal my wife I will stop drinking” ... as I spoke a presence came over me ... I became aware that I was a sinner ... I felt dirty on the inside ... I quickly changed my prayer and surrendered my life to Christ. Sometimes God goes beyond the words of our mouth and presses into the depths of our heart.
In contrast to these mindless offerings to God, the Apostle Paul speaks to the Romans of a different kind of offering - a living sacrifice that he says is holy and acceptable to God. This kind of sacrifice involves neither mindless promises or commitments to do something if God acts in a certain way. This sacrificial offering says not my will but Thine and fervently asks for Thy kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. Such an offering is holy and acceptable to God.
We offer ourselves to you today Lord with absolutely no strings attached. Lead us as you will. We are yours.
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Why is it so difficult to just surrender and let go?
ReplyDeleteI do offer myself with no strings attached and before you know it, boom, I'm back trying to be in the drivers seat again.
I guess its a process of really trusting God is who He says He is.
good thoughts for the day and a challenge for me.
I resonate with what you are saying Sue. So hard to cut the strings.
Deletethank you Bob
ReplyDeletethank you, Bob
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