Religion or Relationship?

Religion or Relationship?      

            It is one thing to be involved in a religion that believes in and is centered on God, but it is another to have a relationship with God.  It is one thing to say prayers to God, but it is another to commune with God.  It is one thing to believe in God, but it is another to believe God.  Being associated with a religion that recognizes God as one to whom one can say prayers is not the same as having a real relationship with God the father, Son and the Holy Spirit. 

            Second Timothy 3:5 talks of the spiritual condition of “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away”.  Certainly it is possible for a musician to go through all the formalities of worshiping god and at the same time not really believing what god has said in His Word.  So, we are brought directly to the question, are you, as a church musician involved in a religion or a relationship?   

Prayer for the Day    

Heavenly Father, search my heart and see if there is any wicked way in me.  Purify my heart of anything that would offend you.  Help me to give You musical offerings in righteousness.  Lord, I do not want my musical ministry to be wood, hay, and stubble in your sight.  Help my heart to be hot toward you.  Please do not let my ministry not be about religion only, but about the outpourings of relationship with You.  These things I pray in Your holy name.  Amen.   

Song for the Day Purify My Heart by Jeff Nelson   

Thought for the Day   

Why do so many musicians resist the belief that God can and will purify our hearts in this life?