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Read Isaiah 1:10-20
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (v. 18).
Verses 10-15 of Isaiah 1 are shocking, really. God has a message for a very religious people, and it is not a pretty one. “I’m sick of your church services,” He tells them, in effect. “You sing hymns with great resonance, fast with strict observance, and pray with lifted hands, but I won’t hear you. It all disgusts me.”
What is the reason for God’s revulsion? He says their “hands are full of blood.” God tells them they need cleansing from their sins; there are some things they should NOT do. God explains in detail what they need to do instead: Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows (v. 17).
The Israelites had adopted all the outward forms of spirituality. These were not only Christmas and Easter attenders; they taught Sunday school and led prayer meetings. But somehow, in all the trappings of religion, they had missed the most important part: the heart of God.
The truth is, when we seek God we find our hearts breaking at the needs and brokenness of others. God wanted His people to open their eyes to the oppressed, the orphan, and the widow — the most vulnerable in society. (Ashlee Englund)
Jesus wants to cleanse us from sin and empower us to help others.
This devotional is the Tuesday, January 7, 2014 entry from the Winter 2014 edition of Opening the Word.
Photo Credit: "Church" by silent shot used under CC BY / Cropped.

Read Luke 15:11-21
“And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!” (v. 17).
God did it!
A young relative of ours was away from the Lord, though raised in a Christian home and himself once a Christian. A problem he had, one that happens too often, was disappointment with professing Christians. Many relatives and friends were praying for him and trying to help him, seemingly without any real success. One day he went to a good family friend and, with his help and encouragement, prayed through to victory. My comment when I learned about it? “All I can say is, ‘God doeth all things well.’ ”
How often people miss God’s offered salvation or plan for their lives because they will not admit their need. They desire to order their own lives without God involved in any way. It has been said that “You can’t get a person saved until you get him lost.” He must fully realize his need. When the prodigal thought on his foolish waste, the nearness of starvation, and how well off he was before leaving home, he determined to go back. So he gave the pigs a “permanent wave” (meaning good-bye forever!) and headed homeward. (Joel E Miller)
He lived with the pigs in the pigpen
For he left father’s house to roam
Then he gave the pigs a “permanent wave”
And humbly headed home!
— Joel E. Miller
Stay put; do not be a foolish wanderer from Father’s house!
This devotional is the Tuesday, December 31, 2013 entry from the Winter 2014 edition of Opening the Word.
Photo Credit: "The Return of the Prodigal Son by Michael M. S. used under CC BY / Cropped and some filters used to bring colors out more.

Read Isaiah 40:9-11
“He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young” (v. 11).
Have you ever seen young parents with several small children in a busy place? They try to carry on conversations even as their eyes dart around, constantly keeping track of their children’s movements. Every once in a while one parent may step away from the cluster of adults to count the children. As soon as Daddy runs down the list and assures himself that all are still nearby, he rejoins the conversation.
What happens when his count comes up short? The conversation is forgotten. Perhaps he begins by gathering the children to his wife’s side — he does not want to have to search for more than one — then he begins to walk in an ever-widening circle, looking behind and under things as he goes, until he finds his lost child. When the child is found, he may even scoop him up and not let him go again.
That is the image of our concerned Shepherd. He guides us as loving parents do young children. He does not give us a list of rules and expect us to be able to follow them on our own. He watches us closely, provides the Holy Spirit for encouragement and wisdom, and seeks us out when we lose our way. (Michelle Avery)
Praise the Lord! He cares for us.
This is the Tuesday, December 24, 2013, devotional of Opening the Word.
Photo Credit: appoose81 of flckr.com.

Read Matthew 3:11-17
"And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased" (v. 17).
On June 21, 1982, the announcement was made in London, England that a new prince, William, had been born into the royal family. As the son of the heir-apparent to the throne of England, he was and is now in line to rule as the monarch of Great Britain. Undoubtedly, this announcement was a source of joy to all of the loyal subjects who are a part of the British Commonwealth of nations.
Whether William will ever actually rule or not is unknown. There are many things that could happen to him personally or to the country over which he would reign. Even if he should, he will be but one more in a long line of kings and queens who have come and gone throughout the world's history.
"There is another king, one Jesus" (Acts 17:7) whose person and kingdom infinitely overshadow any and all earthly monarchs. His kingdom encompasses the entire world, is founded not on brute power but rather on passionate love. It is a spiritual kingdom that will transition into a literal one. And it is a kingdom that will never end! This is so because He is the eternal God who was and is and is to come, the King of kings and Lord of lords. (Mike R Williams)
The world's final Ruler is coming.
Photo Credit: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3395/3599402258_7c2b9976f7_b.jpg