carol punishment: day 1

Hello!

I have been reading Isaiah and it has been really hard for me to take stuff away and so I decided to restart over and read the book even though I don't like it too much. So for chapter 1,

13 Stop bringing me your meaningless gifts;
the incense of your offerings disgusts me!
As for your celebrations of the new moon and the Sabbath
and your special days for fasting—
they are all sinful and false.

I was reminded that God doesn't care about what we do externally... like serving or praying or meeting with people or going to church events if our hearts are not devoted to him completely. I think its easy for me to fool myself into thinking that I am okay with God even though I might still be holding onto different idols as I am worshipping/serving Him. I had to repent a few days ago (friday night) at the retreat when I realized there was junk in my heart that prevented me from fully worshipping God joyfully. I was just reminded the importance of daily repentence and the importance of staying connected with God on a regular basis.

“Though your sins are like scarlet,
I will make them as white as snow.
Though they are red like crimson,
I will make them as white as wool.

This verses were comforting for me because I have been seeing more of my sinful nature lately and its nice to know that God can cleanse my heart in its depravity if I come to Him!