“…the Lord said: “Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their lips, But have REMOVED THEIR HEARTS FAR FROM ME…” (Isa. 29:13) The Lord accuses His people for saying the right things while their hearts are FAR AWAY FROM HIM. They profess faithfulness to God, but their desires are selfish and idolatrous. Rather than seeking God’s glory, they live for themselves. Their worship is “by the book,” but not “by the heart.”
We need to proclaim this truth to the Lord FROM OUR HEART, “You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God. TEACH ME Your way, O LORD; I will WALK IN YOUR TRUTH; Unite my heart to fear Your name. I will praise You, O Lord my God, WITH ALL MY HEART, And I will GLORIFY Your name forevermore.” (Psa. 86:10-12) Do we do this? Things are Oh, So busy, all around us. It’s easy for us to fall into the pit of hypocrisy. On the outside we look like “good Christians.” But on the inside our hearts can be miles away from “complete dedication” to the Lord.
This is what we need to do… “Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth! Sing out the honor of His name; MAKE HIS PRAISE GLORIOUS. Say to God, “How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You. ALL THE EARTH SHALL WORSHIP YOU And sing praises to You; They shall sing praises to Your name.” Selah COME AND SEE the works of God; HE IS AWESOME IN HIS DOING toward the sons of men.” (Psa. 66:1-5)
“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming…Therefore YOU ALSO BE READY, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matt. 24:42-44)
-Bill Stockham