“do righteousness” – so there is more to righteousness than just “not sinning”, more than just a state of mind. Righteousness is active, it is actionable. Do righteous things. What are those things… God says those who keep justice and do righteousness, holding fast until He comes is blessed.
“And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant— these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” The Lord God, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, declares, “I will gather yet others to him besides those already gathered.” (Isaiah 56:6-8 ESV)
Praise the Lord, thank you Jesus.
I just realized, God speaks out against irresponsibility and laziness. He does not like it at all. I thought it was a gray area.. but it’s not.
“The righteous man perishes, and no one lays it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous man is taken away from calamity; he enters into peace; they rest in their beds who walk in their uprightness.” (Isaiah 57:1-2 ESV)
Comfort in times of one of life’s greatest pains..
People’s faith will be tested – whether they believe in God, in idols, or in themselves. Those who humble themselves and turn to God will find him, and will find peace.