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Day 2: Religion
Scriptures:
1 Samuel 16:7 NLT
“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.””
Proverbs 22:6 NLT
“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.”
Psalms 78:36-38 NLT
“But all they gave him was lip service; they lied to him with their tongues. Their hearts were not loyal to him. They did not keep his covenant. Yet he was merciful and forgave their sins and did not destroy them all. Many times he held back his anger and did not unleash his fury!”
Anna shares about how she was born in the church, grew up in the church, but was not actually a Christian.
This is so common in our Christian community. There is often a huge disconnect between the faith of the parents and that of their children. We often face the consequences and benefits of the decisions taken by our parents, but we remain responsible for how we respond.
This is also challenging for parents; having been persuaded of the importance of their faith, yet also realizing that they cannot force their beliefs on their children.
This also doesn’t mean that parents shouldn’t give their children this exposure and guide them down this path. However, I do believe there is a huge responsibility for parents to walk the talk and bear the fruit of their relationship with God; in order for their children to not become resentful towards God and them; or at least, not forever.
God looks at the heart. He is not impressed by theatre. If it’s not for Him, or when understanding and meaning is lacking behind action or activities, it’s religion.
Jesus didn’t die so that we could have religion, He died so that we could have a relationship with the Father!
“Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.” Ephesians 3:17-18 NLT
Faith is personal. Anna went from living for the approval of her parents and people, to living for God’s approval alone. She went from just singing in the choir because of her father’s advice, to being a true worshipper. How did she do this? How did God intervene?
Practical tips from Anna:
How did I go from living a Christian life defined by the approval and appraisal of others; including my parents; to having a personal walk with God?
Funny enough growing up, my mom always loved saying “salvation is personal, so is your walk with Christ”. But I never understood the meaning lol. Until later on in life.
I always thought I was doing the right thing: going to church when I was told to, be in some ministry when I was told to, for example; I joined the youth drama club because I was that “mama daughter” (even though I’m an introvert and haaaaatttteeee being in the spotlight).
So I didn’t see anything wrong with me! I was that good child. But I wasn’t, I still committed sins. Watched pornography, gossiped, pretended to be someone I wasn’t! And the funny part was, I was ashamed of being a Christian outside of church!
My turning point was unfortunately after my father passed away, because I realized my faith was based on his faith, my walk was based on his walk. So the little bit of faith I had, fell away.
I eventually decided to go back to God and see if He will accept me! I was scared he wouldn’t, with all the sins I committed, and the lies the devil was telling me!
But I started small:
- By listening to gospel songs (those reassured me that I am loved)
- And then repenting! (I spent 3 days on this, because I was also filled with grief)
- Once I knew the Lord had forgiven me and accepted me back. I went on to pray and give my whole life to him! Surrendered fully to him!
- Once I did that, He literally started guiding me and leading me!
From a limited prayer life, to Him even leading me to do a 1 day dry fast (first time for me). This led to my deliverances.
My confidence In Christ was something else. My spiritual man was awakened, I became sensitive spiritually.
Anna’s Prayer for you:
Father Lord, I thank you for all that you have done for us! I thank you for your love, patience, and above all thank you for your mercy on our lives!
I thank you for the blood of Jesus, that cries louder than the blood of Abel! That same blood that was shed on the cross for us! That blood will continue to cover us throughout our lives, to guide us, protect us in all we do!
Father, let there be a supernatural turn around in our spiritual lives! Let us never fall off track no matter what we go through in life! But if we do, always remind us that you are there waiting for us! The devil is a liar and he always tries to tell us lies! Let our spirit man combat him and let us know the scriptures enough to fight him!
In the mighty name of Jesus I pray
Amen!
Songs: waited- Travis Greene, reckless love- Cory Asbury
Lord’s Prayer- jubilee worship ft Phil Thompson
Remember there is power in worship! Worship with a true and sincere heart.
