March 24, 2011

3-24-11 6:57 am Springfield, 32 degrees cloudy.

A cold front has blown through, and the sunny, warm days are gone. Now back to cold and cloudy days. I have much discretionary time during the next two days to work on sermon preparation and worship planning. Saturday is full of meetings. Last night there was a great celebration of Ed Smith’s ministry at Wesley. 248 people bought dinner and enjoyed a program designed by Larry H which honored Ed and roasted him a little. It was just what I had imagined as a fitting tribute to a beloved staff member.

Isaiah 58

This chapter communicates the difference between formal religion and a real relationship with God. In the first five verses, the inference is that the house of Jacob goes about the religious practices and ceremonies, ignoring the true heart of God. They ask “Why have we fasted and Thou did not see?” (verse3)

Verses 6-14 are a description of the genuine practices that advance a relationship with God as they understand and implement the will of God: “Is this not the fast that I choose, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke? Is is not to divide your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into the house; when you see the naked, to cover him; and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?” (verses 6-7)

My desire today Lord is to do your will, to live in union with your heart, attuned to your purposes. Guide my steps, my planning and preparation, that all I do will advance your kingdom. Guard me from ever being simply religious, doing religious work, developing religious people! Come Lord Jesus.