Tag: Confess

Posted on

An Unusual Court Case

Isaiah 1: 16-18

TV court cases can be exciting, suspenseful, disturbing and even triumphant.  There’s lots of testimony.  The prosecution and defense go back and forth.  Each wants to make their case and win.  It’s such a tug of war.

In Isaiah 1:18, the words “come let us reason” means deciding a case in court.  But this court case is different – – completely different.

There’s no back and forth.  No tug of war.  It all hinges on a condition, or choice.  IF the people would repent and turn from their sin, God would wipe the record clean.  Just that simple. 

I love the words that follow.  They are not just poetic, they’re precious.  “Though your sin be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

Red is a strong color, a deep dye that is not easily removed.  I immediately think of blood or wine, even grape juice or Kool-aid.  No matter how great the cleaning product, sometimes these things leave a tell-tale stain.

Not so with our sin.  When God cleans us up, it’s perfect.  It’s white and pristine like snow and clean wool.

There’s no way I can clean myself up.  It has to be all God.  My part is to repent and turn away from my sin.  I   I John 1:9 it!!  “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

So there’s hope.  We don’t have to endure a court case.  We don’t need to fear a harsh judgement and condemnation.  The blood of Jesus, which by the way is red, pays the price.  It washes us clean.  His Red erases our red.  Amazing, right?

How I praise You, Jesus for going through unimaginable pain to shed Your blood for me.  I don’t deserve it and could never earn it.  Your unconditional grace amazes me.  You give me hope.

Dear one – – repent and turn from the sin that’s got it’s grip on you.  Lay it down.  Be washed clean – pure white. Embrace hope.  Case closed.

Hallelujah!!

 

Posted on

Talk To The Hand

Isaiah 1: 1-15

Have you ever tried to have a conversation with someone where you desperately tried to defend your ideas or actions, but were met with a hand block and turn away?  Maybe you were not in defense position.  Perhaps you were trying to apologize from the heart but the other person would not listen.  In other words – talk to the hand.

This is what I thought of when I read Isaiah’s first chapter.  The difference here is that God was perfectly right in not accepting the people’s sacrifices or worship.  They had turned away from Him.  They came to church to worship, but their hearts were turned from God and towards their sin.  They were going through the motions with no heart and no repentance.  They were filling squares with sacrifices but being disobedient in their hearts and lives.

It’s easy to say, “shame on them” or “how could they do that?”  But isn’t this happening today?  People come to church and go through the motions of worshiping God. They know the songs, the order of worship and when to stand or sit.  They’ve got the formula down.  But when they aren’t in church they are up to their eyeballs in sin. 

However, before throwing stones, let’s ask ourselves a question. . . or a few.  Are we guilty of this sometimes too?  Even if we aren’t entrenched in a constant sin, do we come to church with the right attitude?  Do we come to church to worship God and seek His face?  Or, do we mindlessly get in the car, go in the building, sing the songs, listen to a sermon and go home – completely the same – no change?

I know there have been times I just went to church because it’s what I do.  I’ve been numb before.  I’ve “lost that lovin’ feelin’ ” when it comes to God.  Of course I love Him, but He would never know it by looking at my heart.

Sometimes I’ve been distracted by so many things.  My mind and heart are so cluttered, it’s hard to fit Jesus in too.  He’s supposed to be first.  He’s supposed to be firmly planted in the center with everything else floating around Him.

In this way, I remember the story of Mary and Martha.  Martha had legitimate tasks to do, but she was so scattered and distracted that she was missing the most important thing – Jesus sitting in her living room!  Her sister Mary, however, was focused on Jesus, sitting at His feet.

Honestly, I am much more like Martha.  Distractions really get to me.  Full disclosure – I let them get to me.  So I cry out to God alot because the enemy knows it’s a weakness.  Don’t you just hate that about him?  He doesn’t play fair. 

So this all comes down to us being real with God.  Let’s get real about our sin.  Let’s ask God to show us sin that has become a comfortable rut – sin we have rationalized away.

If we are in Christ, we should want His embrace and feel His presence when we worship.  It should break our heart to visualize Him turning away from our worship. So let’s honestly confess from our heart.

As clearly as I can, I want to be totally clean between God and me.  Am I perfect?  Are you perfect?  No – we will always be sinners saved by grace and dressed in HIS righteousness.  But being honest about our sin and confessing it as well as turning away from it is the sweet spot.  It’s where I want to be.  I know you desire that too. 

The only way to end this is with a prayer……………….

Lord – We know you desire obedience before sacrifice.  You know the enemy hits us in so many ways and often we choose the sin.  Help us to come before You honestly confessing and making things right between us.  We don’t want to be hypocrites when we come together to worship You.  You promise to forgive when we confess.  How precious that is!  Holy Spirit, touch our hearts with conviction.  We love You and want sweet communion with You.  May our worship be a fragrant aroma.  We love you Lord. . .so much!  Amen