
So I said: “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The LORD of hosts.” Isaiah 6:5
An exalted view of God brings a clear view of sin and a realistic view of self. A diminished view of God brings a reduced concern for sin and an inflated view of self. Isaiah may have been satisfied with his personal holiness until he saw the Lord in His unspeakable glory. Isaiah’s encounter with holy God made him immediately and keenly aware of his own unholiness and the sinfulness of those around him. It is impossible to worship God and remain unchanged. The best indication that we have truly worshiped is a changed heart.
Have we so conformed ourselves to a sinful world that we are satisfied with unholy living? Have we sunk so far below God’s standard that when someone does live as God intended, we consider that person “superspiritual” If we only compare our personal holiness to those around us, we may be deceived into believing that we are living a consecrated life. Yet when we encounter holy God, our only response can be “Woe is me!”
You will not see those around you trusting Jesus until they recognize a clear difference between you and the rest of the world. God wants to sanctify you as He is holy. When God deals with you, there will be a radical degree of purity about your life that is absolutely different from what the world can produce. The world, including those closest to you, will be convinced you serve a holy God by your consecrated life.
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I am never disappointed when I read your words of devotions. I read a few different ones every morning but, If I’m running late I will always read Blackaby. This morning’s devotion, again, was exactly what I needed to steer me in the right direction. Thank you for continuing to post these words of wisdom.
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I’m excited to start 2020 with this devotional.
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I’ve been reading these since I started my walk with the Lord a little over 25 years ago. It’s amazing how timeless it this devotional is. Thank you to the Blackaby family for your ministry!
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Thank you for reminding us that we must worship God daily and continue to grow in his Word. Without our focus on Him, we will conform to the world around us.
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You are on point Jennifer’s I totally agree!
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A true encounter with God results in one’s realization of his own sinfulness and wretchedness. Worship leads us to change.
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Past two Days are great reminders of how Great our God is and great for this new year!