“You sound like a broken record.”  I have had those words said to me a few times. 🙂  Well…I’m going to sound like a broken record today. After yesterday’s devotion, I’m back at it. 

The inspiration for today’s devotion is from Isaiah 1:11-14.  Here they are in totality:‘What makes you think I want all your sacrifices?’ says the Lord. ‘I am sick of your burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fattened cattle. I get no pleasure from the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. When you come to worship me, who asked you to parade through my courts with all your ceremony? Stop bringing me your meaningless gifts; the incense of your offerings disgust me! As for your celebrations of the new moon and the Sabbath and your special days for fasting-they are sinful and false. I want no more pious meetings. I hate your new moon celebrations and your annual festivals. They are a burden to me, I cannot stand them!’ (NLT)

Methinks God is a little (okay more than just a little) upset with them! The gist of this passage is He is upset with their playacting, their formalism, their thinking that performing acts of “religiosity” are sufficient. God says, “No way.” Sadly, these were all acts He ordained and commanded that they do. But He never intended that they take the place of heartfelt devotion to Him. I get it. Sometimes you do something so often that it becomes meaningless.  I tell my wife every day that I love her but those words become meaningless if I just say them as I walk out the door or because they are a habit. 

Following Jesus on a daily basis is never to be routine. Worshiping God on a daily basis is never to be taken for granted. To pride ourselves in reading the Bible, attending church on a weekly basis, memorizing Scripture, or even being generous in our giving is not a reason for patting ourselves on the back.  God still wants our attitude toward Him and all that entails to be one of heartfelt obedience and love. 

I’m not there yet. But I will keep moving toward that goal. Join me won’t you?