Reading from Wednesday, September 29

Yo.

Reading for September 29
Isaiah 57:15-59:21

 ³ 'Why have we fasted,' they say,
       'and you have not seen it?
       Why have we humbled ourselves,
       and you have not noticed?'
       "Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please
       and exploit all your workers.
 ⁴ Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife,
       and in striking each other with wicked fists.
       You cannot fast as you do today
       and expect your voice to be heard on high.

We often try to please God with trivial little promises and things that we think will make him happy. We say things like "I gave $10 to that homeless guy, and now you're making it so I can't pay my rent! Thanks, jerk!" We think that the relationship with God is this "I scratch your back, you scratch mine" kind of deal when it clearly is not. Especially when we are scratching his back and beating the backs of others at the same time. When we do things like fast or if we are generous with our money, we often don't let those actions change us, or change our outlook on the day. We keep going on being selfish and awful human beings, but still expect something from God. That ain't how it works. 


Philippians 1:1-26
New book.

Paul pulls a Hamlet.

²²If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! ²³I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; ²⁴but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.

Wondering whether its better to continue our work on earth or just die and go to heaven is something I think a lot of Christians wonder. Lately for me I have become more and more convinced of the importance of being a follower of Christ while on earth. God didn't create us here so we could die. We are born on this planet to learn and grow and think and help others and receive help from others. If he wanted us all in heaven in the first place he wouldn't have even made the earth. 

Psalm 71:1-24
This is pretty intense.

 ²⁰ Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter,
       you will restore my life again;
       from the depths of the earth
       you will again bring me up.

And awesome.

Proverbs 24:9-10
 ⁹ The schemes of folly are sin,
       and men detest a mocker.
 ¹⁰ If you falter in times of trouble,
       how small is your strength!

Yup.