Convicted & Challenged

I'm in the Book of Isaiah right now and "holy cow" is it scary!!  It is scary for two main reasons:  1)  It convicts and 2) It challenges.  I think these are two ways we need to be scared.  We need to be convicted of sin and challenged to live for God's glory.  Here's some highlights:

• Isaiah 1:11-16 -- God hates empty religion and "evil" assemblies.  In other words, going to church ain't the goal!


• Isaiah 2:11 -- Ultimately, only God will be praised.  How much time do I spend trying to get people's praise when I should be giving God His praise!


• Isaiah 3:10 -- righteous living produces fruit (God is all about fruit!)


• Isaiah 5:13 -- Lord give me an understanding of Your ways!!


• Isaiah 6:8 -- God's servants need vision/revelation; purity; a willingness to "go"


• Isaiah 12:4 -- how passionately do I tell what God has done?!?


• Isaiah 20:3 -- Isaiah preached naked for 3 years!! That would be challenging.


• Isaiah 26:7-8 -- when we walk in righteousness we have a right to actively seek & wait for God's renown


• Isaiah 30:1-2 -- my greatest fear is doing something that is not of God and expected Him to bless it.


• Isaiah 31:1 -- where we place our trust is the most critical choice we have!


• Isaiah 45:8 -- PRAY THIS FOR OUR COMMUNITY!!


• Isaiah 49:6 -- our focus can be too small!!  God wants us to DREAM BIG!!

My prayer:  God, thank you for not wanting me to settle for anything less than Your best.  This means You will not ignore my sin or let me be content with anything but living abundantly for Your glory.  God give me a greater passion for You, a greater burden for righteousness, and a greater ability to serve You.  Here I am! Send me!