Friday – Prophets

Reading – Isaiah 28-30

Highlight Verse:

“And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭29‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The church I grew up in could be described like this verse, at least from my childish perspective.

In college, I switched to a church that was less ritualistic but still pretty legalistic.

I remember seeing the choir in that church – mostly dour faces except one. One girl seemed to truly understand what she was singing about with a smile that radiated joy.

I got to know her as a friend (though I honestly can’t even remember her name anymore). She explained the Gospel in a way that was alive and exciting.

I lost track of her

but I never lost the excitement of the Gospel.

The amazing fact that Jesus would die so that we could live is the best news ever, especially in light of the resurrection.

Even in the midst of the worst of circumstances, we have something to be joyful about!

Does the Good News of Jesus and salvation bring you joy?
Are there any legalistic thoughts or behaviors robbing you of your joy?