As we watch on the news the gripping tragedy of the disaster in Haiti, it is easy to think of the insurmountable list of serious needs throughout our world. Instead of being overwhelmed, God has called us to live out our faith with trust, hope and perseverance.
Isaiah 58 was delivered to religious people who had lost their true love for God. In indictment, Isaiah declares that on the very day of their religious fasting they exploit the helpless. This is worthless religion.
So what is the key to keeping our faith from becoming worthless religion? The answer is to DELIGHT in God Himself.
I would appreciate any thoughts or comments as you read Isaiah 58 and listen to this message.
Take care,
Karl
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Jan 27, 2010
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It struck me in this passage how tragic it is when we usurp the worship that belongs to God. We become ineffective for the Kingdom and God withholds his blessing.
ReplyDeleteGary,
ReplyDeleteReminds me of II Peter 1:5-8. Truly drawing near to God affects US, which keeps us from being ineffective.
"5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins."