| Isaiah states here a lasting principle of the Word of God-God cannot and will not bless where there is unconfessed sin. The first statement (v. 1) says plainly 'There is nothing wrong with God'. Matthew Henry commented 'Neither length of time nor strength of enemies, nor weakness of instruments, can shorten the power of God'. Have we ever said 'I don't know why God isn't blessing me like he used to'? Stop and ask 'What can hold back blessing? God hasn't changed. It must be me.' Isaiah says just as plainly 'Yes it is you. God is still the same. He is waiting to bless you but the things you have been doing have prevented his Spirit from doing it?' What could some of those things be? Isaiah mentions their tongues in verse 3. This is one of the greatest problems Christians face. It is so easy to say the wrong words. It is so easy to lie when lying would get us out of a bad situation. Bad temper often goes along with a bad tongue and that can lead to all kinds of wrong actions and attitudes. Isaiah mentions other sins and he lists the results. He speaks about lack of right living, of dishonesty, and of planning mischief. We need to bring our lives under the light of God's Word and let the Spirit of God reveal what is wrong. Can we ask God today to show us by his Holy Spirit if there is anything in our lives that is holding back blessings? Then what? The way is clear. 'If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness' (1 John 1:9). 'Lord I want all the blessings you have for me. If anything is standing in the way, show me and I will confess it and seek your forgiveness. I will trust you to do it. Amen.' This should be our prayer today. | 
沒有留言:
張貼留言