Isaiah 1:10-17 Jerusalem, your rulers and your people are like those of Sodom and Gomorrah. Listen to what the LORD is saying to you. Pay attention to what our God is teaching you.
11 He says, "Do you think I want all these sacrifices you keep offering to me? I have had more than enough of the sheep you burn as sacrifices and of the fat of your fine animals. I am tired of the blood of bulls and sheep and goats.12 Who asked you to bring me all this when you come to worship me? Who asked you to do all this tramping around in my Temple? 13 It's useless to bring your offerings. I am disgusted with the smell of the incense you burn. I cannot stand your New Moon Festivals, your Sabbaths, and your religious gatherings; they are all corrupted by your sins. 14 I hate your New Moon Festivals and holy days; they are a burden that I am tired of bearing. 15 "When you lift your hands in prayer, I will not look at you. No matter how much you pray, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with blood. 16 Wash yourselves clean. Stop all this evil that I see you doing. Yes, stop doing evil 17 and learn to do right. See that justice is done---help those who are oppressed, give orphans their rights, and defend widows."

This small passage of scripture that says so much

Verses 10-17, I think could be applied to so much of the church today. We run around doing our good works, being pious in the right places, but we miss awesome privilidge of being able to feed the hungry person or to clothe the naked person, because we are so comfortable in our little towers arguing over petty aspects of doctrine, while by us a world walks into hell

We are so caught up in our revivals and meetings and seeing bums on seats. Sucess is how many people come to christ, when sucess should be measured by seeing those new believers growing into their faith, being there to help if they stumble, and after five years seeing those same people still in fellowship, and in 10 years and in 20 years

Isaiah 1:18-20 The LORD says, "Now, let's settle the matter. You are stained red with sin, but I will wash you as clean as snow. Although your stains are deep red, you will be as white as wool.19 If you will only obey me, you will eat the good things the land produces.20 But if you defy me, you are doomed to die. I, the LORD, have spoken.

This is powerful stuff, red speaks to me of blood and blood doesnt truly ever wash out. there is always a residue that is left behind. Can God really be powerful enough to make me as white as snow. After the places I've been, after what I've done. I already know that answer. God has forgiven me. However that also means that I must forgive others, why do so many christians think that forgiveness is an additional extra of the christian walk