As I was reading a book by Jim McGuiggan called The Book of Isaiah, I noticed a sentence describing the religious climate of Judah during the reign of King Manasseh (2 Kings 21).  He said, "Religion was at an all-time high and morality and spirituality were at an all-time low."  It's true.  Manasseh was involved in all kinds of religious activity.  He erected altars for Ball and Asherah.  He worshiped all the host of heaven and served them.  He built altars to the host of heaven in the house of the LORD.  He sacrificed his son by burning him with fire.  He practiced witchcraft and divination and dealt with mediums and spiritists.  All of these things you can read for yourself in 2 Kings 21:3-9.

What a horrible time!  Wouldn't it be terrible to live in a time when people worship whatever the ... Read More »

I'm tired.  I had a long week last week and a long day yesterday.  I know, I know - quit complaining!  I only bring this up because I of something I read in Isaiah 40:27-31.

27: Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD, And the justice due me escapes the notice of my God"?

It's easy to feel this way.  It's easy to think God doesn't notice us when we sin.  We are so small.  There are so many people in the world.  Surely we don't stand out.  Surely God doesn't notice our insignificant lives.  Maybe I'll just get away with everything...

28: Do you not know?  Have you not heard?&nb ... Read More »

In Isaiah 1, after God slammed the Israelites for their insincere worship, God told them what He REALLY wanted: repentance.

Isaiah 1:16-20
 16 "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight. Cease to do evil,
 17 Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow.
 18 "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool.
 19 "If you consent and obey, You will eat the best of the land;
 20 "But if you refuse and rebel, You will be devoured by the sword." Truly, the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Those who put ... Read More »

Did you know that God hates some worship.  I guess we could question whether or not it's really worship if God hates it, but we must understand there is worship which God absolutely despises.

Read with me Isaiah 1:10-15:

 10 Hear the word of the LORD, You rulers of Sodom; Give ear to the instruction of our God, You people of Gomorrah.
 11 "What are your multiplied sacrifices to Me?" Says the LORD. "I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams And the fat of fed cattle; And I take no pleasure in the blood of bulls, lambs or goats.
 12 "When you come to appear before Me, Who requires of you this trampling of My courts?
 13 "Bring your worthless offerings no longer, Incen ... Read More »