Thought for the Day

Verse 8 - Without the proper heart attitude, even the "good things" we do will not count before God. It is the condition of the heart that impresses God. "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever" (1 Chronicles 28:9, NASB).

Many voice a love for God, but deny Him by their compromised lifestyles. A man cannot live in two worlds, nor can he serve two masters. Ultimately, he will choose one over the other, even as Jesus declared in Matthew 6:24. If we are not on fire with a love for God that causes us to live in close relationship and in obedience with Him, we are lukewarm and need to repent. Many people are spiritually blind, because they are rich in the world's goods and do not line their perspectives up with God's truth. They are "naked" because they do not have His eyesight nor cover themselves with His righteousness (Revelation 19:8).

The Lord will not accept the sacrifices of the wicked, nor will He hear their music. Their worship songs are just noise to Him because their hearts are not right before Him: "I hate, I reject your festivals, Nor do I delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer up to Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them; And I will not even look at the peace offerings of your fatlings. Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream" (Amos 5:21-24, NASB).

Verse 9 - While the way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, He loves those who follow after righteousness. We must be totally committed to God's will if we are to be overcomers. A compromised life style brings judgment upon us and it will ultimately destroy our relationship with the Lord. However, if we remain steadfast, and follow the Lord daily, we will bring joy to His heart and be blessed.