Isaiah 58:6-11

⁶ Isn’t the fast I choose: To break the chains of wickedness, to untie the ropes of the yoke, to set the oppressed free, and to tear off every yoke? ⁷ Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your house, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to ignore your own flesh and blood? ⁸ Then your light will appear like the dawn, and your recovery will come quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the Lord’s glory will be your rear guard. ⁹ At that time, when you call, the Lord will answer; when you cry out, He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you get rid of the yoke among you, the finger-pointing and malicious speaking, ¹⁰ and if you offer yourself to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted one, then your light will shine in the darkness, and your night will be like noonday. ¹¹ The Lord will always lead you, satisfy you in a parched land, and strengthen your bones. You will be like a watered garden and like a spring whose waters never run dry.

Isaiah was instructed to raise his voice like a trumpet and announce the sins of the nation. Despite the fact that the people went to the temple and sought God’s ways, their hearts were not matching their outward presentation; one would call this being hypocritical. In the words of Warren W. Wiersbe, “When we worship because it is the popular thing to do, not because it is the right thing to do, then our worship becomes hypocritical.”

According to the law, the Jews were required to observe one fast per year during the day of Atonement. However, they could fast as often as they personally preferred outside of this command. The main problem – Personal PRIDE!  When no one was noticing what they were doing, they began to complain. We must rebuke the spirit of ritualism in order to experience the true heart of worship through complete humility as a Christ-follower.

I pray that the Holy Spirit awakens your family, your work, your friends, your community, this country, etc. to the true heart of worship. One must have an experience with God Himself involving inward submission to fully know true worship. This passage clearly separates selfish fasting from godly fasting as in a heart of worship.

We clearly see that caring for others (i.e., feeding the hungry, assisting the poor, and clothing the naked) are all examples of denying ourselves to care for others so that God receives the glory – there is no room for pride in this perfect equation! True fasting leads to perfect humility not egocentrism.

My prayer is that we do not become blinded by ritualism, religionism, and egocentrism. The world would reinforce and encourage such ‘isms’; however, Romans 12:2 states, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Question: Where is your heart of worship?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

1 Corinthians 16: 13-14

“13 Be alert, stand firm in the faith, act like a man, be strong. 14 Your every action must be done with love.”

My eyes are drawn to Paul’s final exhortation located within this last chapter of 1 Corinthians instructing the Corinthians to be alert, to stand firm in the faith, to be brave, to be strong, and to do all your work in love.

I can appreciate Paul’s use of synonyms to emphasize one common theme – Spiritual Awareness for the Greater Kingdom!

Jesus Himself instructed early Christians and us today to be alert and “to watch.” For example, in Matthew 26:41, Jesus stated, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” In addition, we are reminded every day that the devil prowls around seeking someone to destroy. We must consciously put on the full armor of God daily!

Paul goes on to encourage the Corinthians to stand firm in the faith – to be brave and strong. We are reminded to stay close together as believers to strengthen and sharpen one another while remaining on guard as to not become surprised by the enemy. As discussed earlier, we are not promised a life free from attack, or pressure, or persecution – quite the contrary. Yet, we face these trials and battles with bravery as a soldier in the Lord’s army.

However, with significant emphasis I add, the Corinthian Christians were to do all these things in a manner of love being humble in all things. I am again pierced to the fact that Jesus is love, and we are to live and love like Jesus.

What a bitter taste we leave in someone’s mouth when we speak negativities concerning our fellow man (i.e., peer, friend, boss, family member, church member, stranger, etc.) all while proclaiming the loving gospel of the risen Savior Jesus Christ. What discord we create by allowing the flaming and untamed tongue to lead our conversations as compared to heeding the convictions of the Holy Spirit. What confusion we create for the unbelievers when we lead with hate, gossip, lies, and all things worldly.

I pray that we are reminded to lead with love as Christ is love all while staying focused, faithful, brave, and courageous in the battle.

How will your words and actions show the love of Christ today?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Jeremiah 1:17-19 (HCSB)
17 “Now, get ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be intimidated by them or I will cause you to cower before them. 18 Today, I am the One who has made you a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the population. 19 They will fight against you but never prevail over you, since I am with you to rescue you.” This is the Lord’s declaration.

Amazing God! The call of the young prophet Jeremiah reveals a fundamental insecurity in us all – inadequacy turned into independence with God’s favor!

“Then the word of the Lord came to me.” (v4). Jeremiah had a personal encounter with the Lord. According to his family history, he was raised in what we would call as a “goldy home.” Yet, he still required a personal encounter with Father God. This is beyond relatable.

In our current culture, we are blinded by the differences between religion and Christ-encounter. The evil one is skillfully deceiving many into believing their works, rituals, and personal goodness are saving them from eternal destruction. Only a personal relationship with our Maker can enlighten a spiritual encounter that is powerful enough to save.

In the passage above we witness Jeremiah transition from reluctant youth to protected prophet. What changed? Encounter! Jeremiah initially verbalized what we all feel in the face of God’s mission on our lives…inadequacy. However God is with him (and us). “Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord” (v8).

The power of God’s spoken word in this very passage is tangible. It’s alive. It’s a promise. God was not making a mere suggestion on Jeremiah’s life. In contrast, He boldly stated be prepared, it’s coming, “Get yourself ready!”

We do not have to fear intimidation as a child of God. In fact, I rebuke the spirit of fear and intimidation in Jesus name. It does not belong in my life or yours as you follow God’s perfect design and well-crafted mission for your life. God didn’t tell Jeremiah that he would be free from conflict nor does God spare us from the same. Yet, my God delivers! His promises are true. His words are faithful. Just as Jeremiah saw victory so we claim victory over our enemies. They will not prevail against us! Remain covered under the most powerful wing of protection from the one and true God. Be encouraged. More importantly, be pressed to serve.

What spiritual encounter will you have today?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta