Advent in Exile - Christmas Longing With IsaiahSample

True and False Worship

Isaiah reminds us of our ever-present need to repent, we who claim, declare, and worship God. We see a dichotomy between true & false worship and how actions belie true motives. While fasting is a ‘physical restraint done to achieve a spiritual result’, Israel’s fasting resulted in ‘strife and fighting’! They were in church every day, delighted to learn, yet fasting to “please themselves”! Should they expect God to help them? Do we? Isaiah 58 helps us see our very real need to check our motives. John 4:23 says ‘…the time is coming… true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth…”.

Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath and our delight. Surrendering to His will is the true path to peace and joy. Jesus, You are Lord over all and showed us the true way, a life of giving! Teach us to live outside ourselves and serve others. Let us surrender distractions that cover the “God-shaped hole in our hearts”. Jesus is the answer! We may use excessive worry, work, fear, drugs, or any other addictions. Israel even used worship & fasting to replace a true relationship with God. Satan know what pulls us from living that full- surrendered life - but the enemy will not win – repent, because Jesus Changes Everything.

Romans 8:16 “…our spirits bears witness with His spirit, that we are the children of God. And if children, then heirs of God.” Test us Lord, show us our evil hearts, cleanse us by Your precious blood! Remove our hearts of stone and shine your light on us.As your prophet spoke in 58:14, “Then the Lord will be your delight…”

"In Light of this Advent Season, what is your heart longing for?"

-Rick Ripley