Heavy Thoughts This Morning

Heavy thoughts this morning. Not sure even I am ready for where they take me. I’m reading Isaiah, first chapterCome now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow… and I am soul searching. God lays it on the line. In fact, the heading for this section is “God has had enough” He asks. ” What are your multiplied sacrifices to Me (without your repentance)? Next, he is upset with how they are treating his temple. Translated to Georgia speak ” Why are you bringing your dirty self into my sanctuary?” ” I don’t want your worthless offerings.” Then he tells us to “Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean.” He is not talking to the sinners, he’s speaking to the leaders. Pastors, Sunday school teachers, praise and worship leaders, greeting leaders, Kid’s church leaders, Offering leaders, Front row, hands in the air leaders. When we represent , we are leaders so this applies to most all of the church members. I said, “MOST” don’t miss that word. Let me just be clear about this, it applies to ME, maybe you are good, but I am the worst of sinners. Sometimes I look good on the outside but inside there’s a war going on. You can’t see it but God does. It might be something small in the eyes of the world, I’m tired, don’t want to be here, mind is somewhere else ( probably on that pile of dirty laundry) Things that distract me from my purpose, my attention is focused on things that are not of God. I am human, not an excuse but definitely a hurdle.God being the God he is after all these negatives (sins?) extends his hands and says ” Come let us reason together.” He wants to have a conversation with us, kind of like when our parents said ” We need to have a talk!” “Though your sins be as scarlet. They shall be as white as snow.” Forgiveness. First words from his mouth. If you are willing and obedient.The only sacrifice God wants is ME. All of me. It is the only thing I have to give him. I don’t want any stains on that “White as snow” me that stands before God.A few days ago a precious child asked me if I asked God for forgiveness every day or if it was a one and done deal. Yes, sweet girl I do every single day, sometimes many times a day. Thanks for asking. May we all present ourselves as living sacrifices, white as snow to a God who is waiting and willing to receive us.Love, Pam