July 23

Cursed is he who does the work of the LORD with slackness, and cursed is he who keeps back his sword from bloodshed.
Jeremiah 48:10 ESV

Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the Living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
Hebrews 3:12-13 ESV

We are dedicated to our work--well, because we are paid. We are dedicated to our hobbies, because they are fun. We are dedicated to family functions (for some us it is so only because our spouses make us). But are we dedicated to the LORD? This curse, recorded in Jeremiah, staggered me when I read it a few days ago. All too easily we give to the LORD little dribs and drabs and left-overs of our time and attention and heart.

He, the LORD, is worthy of all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Hearing the Word preached is a means of grace. Gathering with believers who are passionate sharpens us and keeps us from slackness.

The devil is ever trying to harden us against the blessings poured out on us in Christ. The devil is trying to distract believers so that we do not serve with passionate commitment.

Today, get to church. Today phone a friend and say: "Let's get back to the church." Today recognize God's Spirit is touching you and stirring you to renewed zeal. Today throw off laziness and procrastination and know this--the LORD, the LORD He is our strength and our Song!

As Your people gather today--in house churches or magnificent stone structures, in secret where there is persecution or in groups large and small where there is still freedom to worship--revive our faith and reinvigorate our resolve to serve you with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength. Let Christ be lifted up so that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life. Let the Spirit cleanse the trash from our hearts and minds so that our service to You, Triune God, may be limitless. Amen.