“‘Don’t be fooled into thinking that you will never suffer because the Temple is here. It’s a lie! Do you really think you can steal, murder, commit adultery, lie, and burn incense to Baal and all those other new gods of yours, and then come here and stand before me in my Temple and chant, “We are safe!”—only to go right back to all those evils again? Don’t you yourselves admit that this Temple, which bears my name, has become a den of thieves? Surely I see all the evil going on there. I, the Lord, have spoken!" Jeremiah 7:8-11
Life Application Study Bible Commentary (NLT):
"There are several parallels between how the people of Judah viewed their Temple and how many today view their churches.
(1) They didn't make the Temple part of their daily living. We may go to beautiful churches well-prepared for worship, but often we don't take the presence of God with us through the week.
(2) The image of the Temple became more important than the substance of faith. Going to church and belonging to a group can become more important than a life changed for God.
(3) The people used their Temple as a sanctuary. Many use religious affiliation as a hideout, thinking it will protect them from evil and problems."
**This speaks volumes! This reminds me of the Rapture theory. Most Christians think that Jesus is going to come back for the "good" christians and leave everyone else behind to suffer. Scripture doesn't speak of a rapture happening. Some of us are waiting for a tribulation to begin. When we ought to take a look around at this world. Tribulation has already begun. Jesus tells us to not worry about signs of the END but to keep watch for His return. We keep watch by daily picking up our crosses and denying ourselves. We do so by submitting to His Will, repenting, living holy and staying closely connected to Him. Our bodies are our temples. Meaning that Jesus is certainly coming back for His Church - the Body of Christ. When He comes back, He will be taking all faithful Christians (everyone will see Him) then, the world will end. {Based off of my biblical knowledge of the Rapture teaching} But that's besides the point… We are to worship Him in spirit and in truth. God doesn't want us practicing religion and tradition. He wants us to have an intimate relationship with Him where we communicate and obey Him on a daily basis. Don't think that you're "safe" because you go to church on Sunday and practice holiness for a couple of hours. Nahhhhh, Jesus gave up His whole *perfect* life for us. He wants all of you ALL OF THE TIME! Flee from sin daily and repent AND Get in His presence daily!!**
"Am I the one they are hurting?” asks the Lord. “Most of all, they hurt themselves, to their own shame.” Jeremiah 7:19
Life Application Study Bible Commentary (NLT):
"This verse answers the question, Who gets hurt when we turn away from God? We do! Separating ourselves from God is like keeping a green plant away from sunlight or water. God is our only source of spiritual strength. Cut yourself off from Him, and you cut yourself off life itself."
**Having a relationship with God is the most important bond that we could ever have. There's no life without Jesus. God doesn't need us, we need Him. Being separated from Him is the worse part of being in Hell. Jesus provides everlasting life! Without God, there is no life. You're not just hurting Him, you're destroying yourself from starving your spirit of His love. Today, make the decision to recommit yourself back to your First Love, Jesus Christ. As long as there's breath in your body, He's willing to reconcile with you. He loves you so much. He's going to give you grace in abundance just to show how much he missed you. You're His precious son/daughter who needs to come back Home.**
Be encouraged by today's Daily Grace Inspiration from Joseph Prince Ministries:
"Realize that our God is not just interested in the big things that affect us. He bothers and cares about the minor things that affect us too. There is nothing too insignificant for Him. So don’t be like some religious people who have this idea that God only wants us to bring the big issues to Him, and that He doesn’t want us to bother Him with small issues." http://www.josephprince.org/daily-grace/grace-inspirations/single/god-of-the-small-things-too/
Check out my latest "Jesus Bracelet" creation: https://www.etsy.com/listing/475846663/stackable-4pc-charm-bracelet-stackable?ref=shop_home_active_1
God bless you! && Happy Hump Day LOL
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