At the close of Isaiah 59 the prophet makes two great promises. He promises the Redeemer will come and the Holy Spirit would come. The Redeemer and the Spirit would be the light that would come into the world. The world would resonate with His promise. Rise and shine: the light has come.

Isaiah continues to confront the nation of Israel with unrepented sins. He reminds them that he still hears their prayers and is still able to answer but first they need to humble themselves, repent and pray. The same warning and message is going out to the church today.

What does true fasting look like? What does it mean when God speaks of the emptiness of fasting? Let's look at it.

Isaiah addressed a people that were doing religious things--even fasting--yet they were not trusting nor believing. Both are key elements in a Godly life. God is looking for a contrite heart. What is a contrite heart? A broken heart. God is still looking for broken people to use to build His church.

When Jesus walked the earth in human form, His greatest rebuke was not to the most evil people but those that were in leadership. He called them snakes or vipers. God desires all of us, but particularly leaders to not only talk the talk but to walk the walk. Let's each of us determine that we will accept our spiritual responsibilities.