Wed., 6/8/16 Devotion (Deut. 12:30b-31a)

Today's encouragement comes from Deuteronomy 12:30b & 31a, where we read these words:

" . . . do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way . . . "

This is a very "relevant" Scripture (above), because many (if not most) religi-ous organizations today *do* the very thing we are told not to do (here). They look at the sinful, idol-worshipping world and society in which we live, and they ask, "How do the people worship their gods? Let's design our services around their ways, so as to be 'relevant'."

Once an alleged church sets out to be "relevant" to the culture, that entity has instantly become "irrelevant," (especially to God Himself). We are to look to heaven, and get our instructions from above; rather than looking to earth, to do as all the rest of the heathen. A faithful church sets the standard for the culture, and invites sinners to come up to a life of dignity and worth (in Jesus).

[Puritan quote of the day: "It is a greater mercy to descend from praying pare-nts than from the loins of nobles.” —John Flavel, in, "The Mystery of Provi-dence"]