A Call to Genuine Worship: A Statement on True Devotion (06/28/'24) -Statement

A Call to Genuine Worship: A Statement on True Devotion Today, we are reminded of the powerful words of the prophet Isaiah, whose voice echoes through the ages, challenging us to examine the sincerity of our faith. As it is written in Mark 7:6-7, "This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me. But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men." Hypocrisy finds no place in true worship. Our lips may speak sacred phrases, but if our hearts are distant, our devotion becomes hollow. The rituals we perform and the songs we sing must not be mere façades, masking a faith diluted by human decrees. Isaiah's cry is a mirror reflecting our inner truths. It is a call to return our hearts to God, to cast aside the masks of pretense and embrace the light of genuine worship. True faith heals and consoles, rooted in humility and sincere reverence. We must honor God not only with our words but with hearts that genuinely seek Him. In love and truth, let our spirits be immersed in divine grace. Let our praise rise from the depths of our being, pure and meek, a testament to our heartfelt devotion. Let the prophet's cry resound within us, guiding the lost and torn back to the path of authenticity. May we return to God with restored hearts, where lips and heart unite in a symphony of true worship. In this unity, may we find the essence of genuine faith, where our devotion is not just spoken but lived, in harmony with the divine call. Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 28, 2024)