THE ONLY OFFERING.

Isaiah Ch. 1: 1-20

Everyday we spend our lives taking for granted the things that keep us alive, well, healthy, and able to be in the earth. We do not spend time acknowledging the fact that we can breathe fresh air, have clean water, food to eat, and clothes to wear. Let alone think about the fulfillment of a career, transportation, homes that withstand natural phenomena, and the ability to have people to share our lives with. Everyday we live our lives narrow mindedly thinking of ourselves and complain about our days and obsessing over our past. Now we are living in a place where we are craving human touch, gatherings with families, the ability to go and do things again. The crippling of the pandemic does not come from God, but God is using it to adjust and grow his people. It really shows just how human we are, how brittle we are, and how blessed we really have been.

We need to be aware of all the blessings that have been made available to us because of God's love for us as his children, how deeply and abundantly he provides and cares for us. The technology, medicine, means of living, the luxury, and beauty of this life is made possible because we are a complete manifestation of his love. We take him for granted, we turn our backs from him, we abuse his gracious mercy. We curse him, and stay mad at him, mostly for things that are because of our actions alone. God says that the trials of this life fall on the good and the bad equally. It is how we handle these trials that counts. What do you do when you start going through the trial. How do you respond? Are you an angry rebellious teen, or are you an adult trying to learn and gain experience? When you learn and gain experience the main portion of that is listening and obeying. Are you listening and obeying Gods word for your moment to moment?

This time of life is happening so that we may be taken back to original home that God created for us to live in, his presence. A realm of relationship and communication with him. When we are stripped of everything that we hold closer than we do God we are taking the blessings away from ourselves. That is why it is so much more important to put God first in our lives, so we may enjoy the many blessings he has for us. More than we can ask or think.

Because we think independently from him, we become spiritually and emotionally beaten, bruised, and wounded. Turning from him and ignoring our wounds causes them to get infected, we are bleeding out for help but we don't even listen to our self crying inside. Our true self is begging for help, and seeking diligently for relief, but we deny ourselves the pleasure of help from God because why? Our pride? Our selfishness? Our ego? He's not real? Well what if he will take it away? What if he is real, and he heals you? What if he shows you all the answers you are seeking? When you take someone to the hospital do you tell the doctors no thank you, I don't need your help I can do it myself, then perform your own treatment? No! Because? Because we do not want to appear weak? Well we are weak. God is who is keeping you alive, the very breathe you are inhaling is because of him, the very fact that your heart knows the rhythm, and your brain sends the signals is because of him. Our very existence is proof that he exists.

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness,19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. -Romans 1:18-20

We continue to punish ourselves and beat ourselves up because we do not want to admit defeat or be wrong, or feel bad we made mistakes, or could not do it on our own. We believe we are inadequate, and not enough. Well, we aren't. Not without God. To God we are enough, we are his children just the way we are. The simple submission to defeat is the start of transformation, and relationship with God and us. Admitting we need his help and cannot do anything without him is the start of communion with him. I want you to know it is ok to ask him for help, to beg him to save you, there is no shame, no guilt, no reticule. He is waiting on you to turn to him, he is waiting for you to come running for help, he's waiting for the opportunity to save you, to love you. His love is so pure, and heals all our wounds, all our scars, and makes us whole. You are then without blemish, or sport, or mark, or anything. You become Pure.

Why should you be beaten anymore? Why do you persist in rebellion? Your whole head is injured, your whole heart afflicted. 6 From the sole of your foot to the top of your head there is no soundness; only wounds and welts and open sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with olive oil. - Isaiah 1: 5-6

When we turn from him, it seems as though we are alone, in a desolate place. We allow people to abuse, abandon, and use us. We search for medicine that will never heal us, only give us temporary relief through drugs, activities, alcohol, food etc... I have lived a life of an abandoned child, emotionally and physically. The trauma and pain from feeling unwanted and used, thinking that who you are is bad and not good enough for anyone, this is far more damaging than a wounded ego, and hurt pride. Do not abandon yourself, and do not abandon God. When the love of God is shining on you, you cannot help but to love yourself. Open your eyes, open your mind, and open your hearts to the love that God so eagerly wants to provide.

Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. 17 Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. - Isaiah 1: 16-17

First we must get up and wash ourselves from the shame of our past, the obsessions of the future, and the guilt of the past. We must let go of the things that are out of our control, the things we cannot change and focus on the moments within our grasp. We must stop concerning ourselves with petty stuff of life, and focus on doing greater good, focus on justice for all, focus on correcting what is wrong, bring justice to the children, and fight for those who are alone. If you are willing to lay down your pride, selfishness, ego, and arrogance, and ask for help, and relief from God, he will transform your life into the life of your dreams. He will show you the very reason you are here and the fulfillment of your life will be far more than you ever expected. So be grateful, be thankful, and be humble for all the things that you do not see or take for granted. For there is a reason that you are still alive, and purpose for which you are still in the earth, and Gods purposes will always be accomplished.

The only offering God wants is you to offer up your heart to him and for you to turn your life over to him! Give your whole life to him and watch him live through you. Your life with him in your heart will be far more than you could ever ask, imagine, or think!

God Bless

xo Em