Isaiah 1:13-17
13 Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations— I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly. 14 Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. 16 Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, 17 learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause.
Do you ever feel like God is not listening to your prayers? Sometimes that is just a lie from the enemy to discourage us, but according to verse 15 sometimes it is true that He doesn't listen. This occurs when we continue in rebellion and sin. If we repeatedly indulge in immorality, then are our apologies and prayers really sincere? Or are we just going through the motions (like the rituals mentioned in verses 13-14), hoping to somehow appease God? God doesn't want our words if they are not backed up by obedience.
God, help me to obey You and not just go through the motions.
13 Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations— I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly. 14 Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. 16 Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, 17 learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause.
Do you ever feel like God is not listening to your prayers? Sometimes that is just a lie from the enemy to discourage us, but according to verse 15 sometimes it is true that He doesn't listen. This occurs when we continue in rebellion and sin. If we repeatedly indulge in immorality, then are our apologies and prayers really sincere? Or are we just going through the motions (like the rituals mentioned in verses 13-14), hoping to somehow appease God? God doesn't want our words if they are not backed up by obedience.
God, help me to obey You and not just go through the motions.