“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent”.¹

Believers do many good things for God. Sometimes, however, service can seem more important than the Lord Himself. Hosea 6:6 clarifies God's priorities: "For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings." He wants our attention more than any offering or work.

Sadly, there are those who don't go beyond an occasional good work or Bible reading. They ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit to spend time in prayer. They worship for a sense of duty. Does this sound familiar? If so, remember that your relationship with the Lord takes time and commitment, but it is immensely rewarding.

God instilled in us a thirst that will not be satisfied except through Him (John 4:14). Paul made this passion clear when he wrote, "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ." (Philippians 3:7-8).

We were created to relate to God and glorify Him. Service and good works are a natural extension of that, but our primary responsibility is to spend time with Him.

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, in this new year I ask You to help me focus on what is true, what is necessary, what is essential. Let my main priority be you. I want to get to know you more intimately. May my heart, my mind, and my whole being be one with you. I pray that my desires are aligned with the purpose You have for my life. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

1.    John 17:1-3 (NIV).

Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.