Zechariah 6-7, Isaiah 61, Revelation 15
What God said to me – Are you “religious” or “spiritual” in your approach to Me? You would think they were the same thing, but they are not. During the time Israel was in captivity in Babylon a group of men came to Zechariah to find out how they could gain My favor. During their years in captivity, they had continued to fast and mourn at the appropriate times as dictated by their “religion”. The problem is that they weren’t fasting to find Me, they were fasting to get something from Me. That is religion – to do something for Me in exchange for something I would do for you. However, a relationship with me is not transactional – it is not quid pro quo. There is nothing you can do to compel Me to save you or bless you. My grace is freely given to My children. Your relationship with Me is to be spiritual not religious. I desire your fellowship and obedience out of love and not out of obligation. Quit trying to please Me to get something from Me but try to please Me because you want to be in My presence and strengthen our relationship.