LATHROP COMMUNITY CHURCH

Attitude of Heart:

"To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me?” says the LORD. “I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed cattle. I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs or goats." Isaiah 1:11

The Bible declares that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin (Heb. 9:22). Jesus confirmed this truth with His death on the cross. How, then, do we understand God’s admonition to Isaiah?
Even the most sacred acts become meaningless when we thoughtlessly perform them while living in open disobedience to God’s will. In Isaiah’s day, the sacrifices and feasts had come to be only outward forms, devoid of true devotion and righteous living. The ultimate issue in sacrifice is the attitude of the heart. Right relationship, not mere ceremony, is the goal of God’s covenant-making activity.
Nothing will ever diminish the completeness of Christ’s atoning sacrifice, but we can grieve the Holy Spirit by meaningless conformity to “performing” without genuine worship and enlightened service. Today, let us make sure our heart-attitude is right before the Father as we cry out with the psalmist, “You do not desire sacrifice … [but] the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart” (Ps. 51:16, 17).
(PastorJack)(PM)

Forgiveness:

"For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You". Psalm 86:5

Scripture makes clear that, having received much from the hand of the Lord, much is expected of us (Luke 12:48). This is true of spiritual gifts, of cherished parental investment, of financial blessing, and of many other benefits we enjoy. What we do with what we’ve been given is very important to the Lord.
Nowhere is this truth more evident than the gift of merciful forgiveness the Lord extends to us all. Only you and the Lord can know how many of your character flaws, points of failure, compromise, and unholy thoughts have been completely forgiven by the Holy Lord.
What will you do with so great a gift?
You have but one choice before the Lord—extend that same forgiveness liberally to those who wrong you. When someone’s character flaw brings you personal injury, you forgive. When their point of failure affects you personally, you forgive. When their unholy living brings you offense, you forgive.

Jesus extends mercy. Jesus forgives failure. Will you?
(PastorJack)(P.M)