This week’s devotion is by Pastor Clete who is the Associate Pastor of Morningside Church. Pastor Clete and his lovely wife, Carol, are residents of Morningside and have over 40 years of ministry experience. They are a powerful duo for the Kingdom of God!

My concerns today are for our society that seems to have gone astray from the principles of scripture. The subject of religion brings much thought to me concerning the future of where we are going.

My attention is on the choice between religion and relationship – “A vast difference.” This world is in the grasp of religion which is “man-made” and usually deals in legalism, criticism and judgmentalism. Religion includes bondages to a set of man-made rules. This often results in the distrust of God and man. Religion also puts a person in a fear-bondage state instead of God’s way of relationship, which is love-driven and love-motivated.

I Timothy 4:1-3“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.”

These scriptures describe characteristics of the end-times which are driven by bondages from the enemy. It’s all about CONTROL! CONTROL! CONTROL! Relationship with and in Jesus brings peace and security which is built on trust. God’s Spirit indwells us so we can be assured of His leading our lives.

Religion is based on man’s best intentions, but it is the great deception. Man can never make himself good enough to deserve Heaven. Religion always poses a distant god. No amount of rituals, right doctrine, good behavior, or values will ever make us good enough to be accepted by God. God provided another way to access Him and it was through Jesus! The sin issue had to be settled and it was done through Jesus!

God reached down to us!

Jesus did not come to earth to establish a religion. Jesus came, suffered, died and then was resurrected to establish a relationship!! Jesus did all of this for you and me!!

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” -Romans 8:14

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:..” -Romans 8:16

In relationship, there is Confidence – I John 5:14,15
In relationship, there is Trust – Proverbs 3:5-6 & Psalm 37:3
In relationship, there is Peace – Philippians 4:7
In relationship, there is Joy – Nehemiah 8:10
In relationship, there is Love – I Corinthians 13:4-8

A love for God and love with God.

In relationship, there is Forgiveness – I John 1:9
In relationship, there is Healing – Matthew 8:17
In relationship, there is Answered Prayer – Jeremiah 33:3

In religion there are divisions; everyone thinking their way is the only way. There is strife among themselves; there is disunity – all directed by the mind under the influence of the devil. Religion always poses a distant, impersonal god. However, Christianity reveals a relationship to a very personal God who loves us and gave Himself up for us.

Relationship – The way of the Cross.

Grounded on the Word of God.

Covered by the blood of Jesus.

In authority of the Name of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Religion is man’s way.

RELATIONSHIP IS GOD’S WAY!