Even though Israel had brought the Ark of the Covenant into their camp, thirty thousand men died. This was a horrible defeat; a brutal, bloody battle in which the Philistines butchered the people of Israel.

The same thing can happen to me. I bring the “Ark” into my camp. My boxes are all checked off on my spiritual “To Do” list; therefore, it’s sure to be a great day. But I’ve discovered that sometimes when my boxes are all checked off, the day goes horribly. “Lord,” I cry, “I checked my boxes. I read my Bible, prayed, and went to church. I even tithed eleven percent last week! Why don’t I have victory?”

And the Lord would say to me, “It’s not about bringing a box into your camp or checking a box off on a list. Only a relationship with Me will bring victory as I guide you step by step, day by day.”

Reading two chapters a day or attending church two times a week won’t guarantee victory any more than bringing the box into the camp brought victory to the Israelites. God doesn’t work that way. If, however, reading two chapters a day or attending church two times a week is done for the purpose of meeting Him, of learning more about Him, of spending time with Him, He has promised to meet us there (James 4:8).