CANCELLING THE PARADE
Today's reading: Isaiah 1-3

"Why do you keep parading through my courts with your worthless sacrifices?" Isaiah 1:12 NLT

How easy it is for me to picture the pious Jews making grand spectacles of themselves as they presented their offerings and sacrifices in the Temple.

Their long flowing robes. Their skullcaps carefully perched over their graying heads. Their prayer boxes shined up and on display for all to see as they walked through the courtyards towards the place where they would lay their offerings.

'Parading' is the perfect word for God to use to catch my attention on this verse.

Until, that is, He honed it in on my own heart.

Making it quite personal.

Fine-tuning it to touch my soul.

Specifically bringing to my own mind when I 'parade' myself before Him instead of bow.

When I carry the air of 'Look, here I am!' instead of having the heart attitude of 'Who am I that I can come before You?'

When I'm focused on what all I can bring instead of why I am bringing it at all.

The times, the many times, when I make it all about me--and not about Him.

I think, friends, it's time I cancel my parade.