Empowerment Focus

Religion or Relationship??

This is something that many of us should ask ourselves when facing decisions or even just doing our normal mid-week and Sunday routine. There are so many things that are being done out of religion and the Father is not pleased. We are doing religious acts all of the time and many are not even in the scriptures. Completing religious acts are not going to make us any more Holy; it is only a relationship that will last. Many of us are so full of the word until this too has even become a religious act. God has blessed us so much now that there are many channels that will allow us to listen to the word; 24 hours a day 7 days a week, but we must ask ourselves what are we doing with the word ? Have we learned it to be puffed up, proud and to be Bible "quoters" and nothing more? Or are we living and teaching others the word of God? As we enjoy the summer and summer activities, let's ask ourselves, “Is this going to affect my relationship with the Father; if so how?”

The Message Mark 7:6-8
Jesus answered, "Isaiah was right about frauds like you, hit the bull's-eye in fact: These people make a big show of saying the right thing, but their heart isn't in it. They act like they are worshiping me, but they don't mean it. They just use me as a cover for teaching whatever suits their fancy, Ditching God's command and taking up the latest fads."

New King James Mark 7:6-8
He answered and said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. 7 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’[b] 8 For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men[c]—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.”

In both translations we see that the Father is not pleased with us following religion and often times jeopardizing our relationship with Him. If you are excited about your relationship with the Father you should share it with others!

This movie is a must see. It reflects what happens in everyday peoples' life. You could look at this movie in many ways including the things a father would do for his children. Stop at nothing to save them from a dying situation.