If anyone thinks himself to be religious (piously observant of the external duties of his faith) and does not bridle his tongue but deludes his own heart, this person's religous service is worthless (futile, barren).
-James 1:26
Sometimes it seems that religion is killing people. There are many who are seeking a relationship with God, but the religious community tells them what they need to "do" in order to be acceptable to Him. This religious spirit was alive in Jesus' day, and even though He died to put an end to it and bring people into close personal relationhip with Himself, the Holy Spirit, and the Father, that same spirit still toments people to this day--if they don't know the truth.
Religion says, "You must find a way, no matter how impossible it may seem. You had better follow the rules or suffer punishment." But relationship says, "Do your best because you love Me. I know your heart. Admit your faults, repent of your mistakes, and just keep loving Me."
(tonights devotion from Ending Your Day Right by Joyce Meyer!)
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