Daily Bible Challenge: Day 680 Isaiah Chapter 1

God speaks through Isaiah during the reign of four Kings. The people of Israel have rebelled against God. They are Sinful, Evil, and full of Corruption.

They're going through the motions with their faith. They go to church, make sacrifices and attend all the godly festivals.

God does not accept their rituals because their heart is far from him.

God calls for justice and for them to help the oppressed, the fatherless, the widows.

If they would just listen to God he could forgive them of all their sins and bless them. He's calling for OBEDIENCE.

God says if you don't change your ways then get ready to face the sword of my wrath. I will raise up righteous leaders so they can teach the people to follow me in obedience.

I am faced with a dilemma. Is this message for the leaders or is it for the church? Or is it for both? I've concluded it's for both.

I'm praying for a new Awakening for the church but it has to start in my heart. My heart is broken for the church.

I feel the church wants to do their duties or rituals but are missing the brokenhearted, the oppressed, those hurting because of single-parent homes, the widows who are depressed and home alone. What in the world am I doing to help this mess?  I'm called to a position of leadership, but in reality, we as adults are all called into a position of leadership over our children. What am I instilling into those I am leading? Is my heart just going to church so I could say I went. Am I going to church because I truly want to grow closer to the Lord and connect with the other people in the church? Am I searching for the needy so that I can respond to them? Am I involved in Ministry?

What is my Ministry? What's most important to me? Where do I put my energy? In myself? In my job? In others? In the Lord? What do people see in me? Or better yet, what does God see in me? I can fool people with my rituals but I can't fool God.  What is in my heart?

God forgive me for my lack of investment in you, in the oppressed, in the fatherless, and in widows, including my own mom. Forgive me and use me as a Good and Righteous Leader.