When Religion Replaces Relationship
January 2, 2026
Week 1 Focus, Why is trust even an issue?
“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.” Isaiah 1:18
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:4–5
Break It Down
These are not just “nice verses.” These verse gently scream - Wake up!.
In Isaiah 1, God is speaking to people who kept up religious activity while their hearts drifted. Then, instead of pushing them away, God interrupts them with an invitation, “Come now.”
This is relational language, it’s not some kind of judgment. God is saying, “Stop walking past Me. Come close to me. Let’s deal with what’s real together.”
And then Jesus says something equally arresting, “Remain in Me… apart from Me you can do nothing.” Not less or you might struggle a bit. Nothing.
Has He got our attention. Because that’s how central relationship is to real daily spiritual life and walk with Him.
Trust Question
Who are you trusting here, and why? Is it the comfort of religious activity, or is it the life giving closeness of abiding in Jesus?
God’s Intention
God’s intention is not for you to perform spirituality, but rather to daily live in restored relationship with The Creator.
Isaiah 1:18 reveals a God who initiates and moves towards us. He does not say, “Clean yourself up and then come.” He says, “Come, and I will cleanse you - make you white as snow.” He offers forgiveness that reaches to the deepest stain.
John 15:4–5 reveals this same heart through Jesus. Fruitfulness is not achieved by effort alone, it is produced through daily connection to the Father. Abiding is not an optional extra, it is the very source of life.
If Isaiah 1:18 is the promise of cleansing, John 15 is the pathway to fruitfulness.
Weave It In
It’s possible to do “Christian things” and still keep God at arm’s length. Religion can feel safe because it is measurable, it keeps us busy, and it can even protect our image. But relationship requires honesty, daily surrender and closeness.
And that’s where trust becomes an issue.
Because when relationship is replaced with routine, we begin trusting our consistency, our knowledge, our reputation and our activity, instead of trusting the daily presence and power of Jesus.
God’s invitation today is not condemnation. It’s a loving interruption. Stop, come and remain in Me. Cleansing is offered. Real life is available. But it flows from relationship, and not our performance.
Practice for Today
Do not skim today, stop and dwell on this for a while. Pay attention.
1) Read Isaiah 1:18 out loud, slowly, twice.
2) Read John 15:4–5 out loud, slowly, twice.
Then pray this simple prayer, being sure not to hurry: “Lord, I’m coming to you. Jesus, I’m remaining in you.”
Finally, answer one honest question in a single sentence: Where have I been doing religious activity or avoiding real daily closeness with God?
Prayer
Father, thank You for calling me close and not pushing me away. Thank You that You can make what is scarlet white as wool. Forgive me for the ways I have replaced relationship with You with routine, busyness and activity.
Jesus, I choose to remain in You today. Teach me to abide in you. Cleanse what needs cleansing and restore in me what has drifted. Grow real fruit in my life as I stay close to You.
In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.