Religion of the Heart.

     Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom; give ear to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah. "What are your multiplied sacrifices to Me?" Says the Lord. "I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed cattle; and I take no pleasure in the blood of bulls, lambs or goats. When you come to appear before Me, who requires of you this trampling of My courts? Bring your worthless offerings no longer, incense is an abomination to Me. New moon and Sabbath, the calling of assemblies-
I cannot endure iniquity and the solemn assembly. I hate your new moon festivals and your appointed feasts, they have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them. So when you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; yes, even though you multiply prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from My sight. Cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, reprove the ruthless, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord, "Though your sins be as scarlet, they will be white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool.
                                 Isaiah 1:10-18NASB

     Many individuals are content to worship God with mere lip service, and through countless rituals. They somehow believe that God looks down on all of this and is pleased. They feel that this all God requires, and they are then free to live as they please.
     All of the countless rituals, all the empty praise and meaningless prayer, are nothing more than an abominable stench before God. God is looking for hearts that are inclined to Him. He desires our devotion, our commitment of all we are and have to Him. Everything must flow out of a loving devotion to God, out of a passion for Him and His glory.
     Those practicing a mere external religion lack that love to God, and love to their neighbor that is required. God desires justice and mercy, and that must flow out of the heart that has been touched by His love and mercy.
     We often use the words of verse 18 as a call to the lost to receive salvation, but in the context, He is calling His backslidden people to repent and come back to the "religion" of the heart that pleases Him.
     It is no different today. God still desires the worship of those who are truly redeemed. He desires praise that flows from a heart filled with reverence and awe. He desires the deeds done in love, and for His glory. He is looking at the heart.