Mysophobia (Isaiah 64:1-10)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is "mysophobia.”  We see some pretty strong language from Isaiah in today’s prassage.  We have to realize that at this time in history, God had done some pretty miraculous things for the people of Israel.  However, they looked right past all of the great things that the Lord is doing and attributed the blessings that they had received to their own righteousness.  For this, God set a pretty hard rebuke on them.  In fact, we can see by his language in this passage, that Isaiah grouped himself with these simple people.

“For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.” ~Isaiah 64:6

My question is: where do you look to find justification in righteousness?  I learned early on in my Christian journey that my own acts and deeds were not going to be good enough to get me through this life and to heaven.  That was the essence of accepting Jesus into my life.  No matter how good I thought I could be, it would never be adequate to pay for the innumerable sins that plagued my life both before and during my time as a Christian.  My prayer is that you heed the words of Isaiah this morning, and that you think God for the blessings he has the stowed upon you, because of his righteousness.  We must live somewhat of a mysohpobia, or fear of filth.  We need to stay away from that which makes our soul unclean.  Nothing that we have done warrants the blessings of God, and we should always remember that it is by his grace and mercy that we continue to have favor in his sight.  Live in the truth of that righteousness today!

Praying for you,

MO

Vertex (Psalm 24)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is "vertex." The Old Testament writers refer to God as being on high. This meant that he was usually at a spot where it was difficult for his people to reach him. To get to the Lord, one must be holy. We know that in the Old Testament, the priests were the ones who were able to take requests to God from people who were not worthy enough to speak with him directly.

Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?

~Ps. 24:3

My question is: what is it take for us to be holy people today? If God requires clean hands and a clean heart then who among us is that person? My prayer is that you would associate yourself with people who appointed you towards a more holy life. People back in the Old Testament times had priests to look at, but because Jesus has given us access to himself directly, we are given that responsibility to live as a holy people. Take some time today to ask God for clean hands and a clean heart. Our act of worship to him is the life we live.

Praying for you,

mo

Empurple (Hebrews 9:11-14)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “empurple.” Back in the days of the apostle Paul, those who followed Christ understood what it meant to be covered by the blood of God's son. In this particular passage today we see that the blood of Christ is used to cleanse our minds, souls, and lives.

How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

~Heb 9:14

My question is: will you allow the blood of Christ to continually cleanse you daily? I pray that you take a moment to ponder God's love and understand that God's Spirit is upon you continually. We can always have hope in the understanding that the blood of Christ will cover, or empurple, our souls and constantly cleanse our consciences.

Praying for you,

mo