Wednesday, July 7th, 2010
Today's Passage: Exodus 20:8
Memory Verse: 1 Peter 1: 15-16
Having the opportunity to cast down the spirit of religion in the church is something I always look forward to. Y'all know how I feel about it. We're literally having a celebration for God on Sundays, yet restricting his attendance. Church has become so man-driven it's mind boggling. However, in this new season, a lot of churches are shaking themselves loose from religious practices. They are also doing a great job of keeping things holy (not traditional) while becoming new.
While we seek to remain fresh and new in our style, we still have to keep things holy, meaning sanctified or set apart. There are a few things we as the body of Christ must establish as a foundation:
1. The Tithe is holy
2. The Life is holy
3. The Sabbath (day of worship) is holy
By definition, anything God has specifically designated for Himself is called holy. The 3 items mentioned before are things God explicitedly said belonged to Him. God required all the tithe to be brought into the storehouse. Doing so would bring blessings the obedient wouldn't have room to recieve. The 10% He designated as "tithe" was established for Him by Him, thus making it holy. Meaning it is not to be comprimised in any way. We are not to change it to 8% or 12%, or designate it for something other than His tithes. Church, we must be careful. Holy items are not to be manipulated.
Second, our lives must be holy. God's word says, "Be holy for I am Holy." This means our lives must be a picture of total devotion to Him. No comprimise. We can't desire to identify with Christ with our mouths, but desire to identify with the world with our lifestyles. As I said before, we are not religious but we are holy. Just like the tithe, God wants our lives to be set aside for Him. His word likens our lives to "sacrifices". Sacrifices are things given up to show love or devotion. He plans our lives, orders our steps, and decides the outcome. Life is given by Him, so it is to be offered back to Him.
Lastly, the Sabbath (worship day) is holy. Sunday is our holy (sabbath) day. God said it is to be set aside for Him. We have to understand that the life of the believer mustn't compromise this fact. So missing Sunday worship to sleep in, just stay home, and/or walk in strife with your Pastors, is not keeping God's day holy. It amazes me to see how many empty church pews there are in reference to how many broken people there are in the world. Even if we're on vacation with our families and will not be in church on Sunday, find time for prayer and worship in order to dedicate the sabbath to God. Then go have fun. He deserves it.
So I challenge you to make these 3 items holy again. God requires it. Showing this type of obedience unlocks God's presence in your life. Remember, it's not religion. If you don't attend church on Sunday because your place of worship is boring or not spriritually uplifting for you, find one that is. Make sure you are presenting your body as a living sacrifice, "holy" and acceptable to Him. He says it's our reasonable service. So stand in the liberty by which Christ has made you free. When you do however, stand in holiness, knowing that these things are designed to change us. We are not to change them.
Prayer: Father, my entire life is yours. You've consecrated me and set me apart to do Your will. Because of You, I am holy. I will always walk in Your ways, staying close to You. It's my privilege to tithe, live right, and worship with Your children. Forgive me for doing these things with no passion, because they show my devotion to You. I renew my commitment to be obedient and keep it holy before You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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