Month: September 2024

Isaiah 22:1-24:23; Galatians 2:17-3:9; Psalm 60:1-12; Proverbs 23:15-16

God is above all other gods. The Bible does not deny the existence of other deities; it just positions our God as above all of them. Throughout Isaiah we see the power and might of God as He deals with all those who doubt His power.

God targets those who try to usurp His authority. Those who mock God and diminish Him are sure to receive His judgment. There is no despot, dictator or ruler who can ever stand against our God.

All the gods that the world worships will have to submit to the authority of the one true God. That is why in the New Testament we are told that “Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord.”

Tomorrow’s Reading: Isaiah 25:1-28:13; Galatians 3:10-22; Psalm 61:1-8; Proverbs 23:17-18

Isaiah 19:1-21:17; Galatians 2:1-16; Psalm 59:1-17; Proverbs 23:13-14

Another aspect of God’s majesty is His power! In the Old Testament, God is also known as the “Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” God knows how to fight for His people and when they are threatened and need a defender, He will be right there.

Egypt had long threatened Israel and their security. In fact, they had raided Israel before. God spoke a word of judgment against them. God said that He would pull down all their idols and His Name would be worshipped in the heart of Egypt. 

If you ever are in trouble and feel like you are outnumbered, you should know that God is a Mighty Warrior for His people. He knows how to fight and He will fight for His own. This is why you should never be afraid of anyone. If someone comes against you, they are coming against your God. He knows how to defend His own. Our God never loses. Rest in God’s ability to protect you, care for you and vindicate you!

Tomorrow’s Reading: Isaiah 22:1-24:23; Galatians 2:17-3:9; Psalm 60:1-12; Proverbs 23:15-16

Isaiah 15:1-18:7; Galatians 1:1-24; Psalm 58:1-11; Proverbs 23:12

We have heard it said that some people need to hit rock bottom before they will change their lives. Israel, as a nation, did this often. Isaiah speaks of a time when Israel will be reduced to almost nothing and “their light will grow dim”.

Israel’s land would be decimated and stripped of anything of value. Only a remnant would remain from the millions that used to live there. But, it is when Israel has lost everything that they will turn back to God and be in an authentic relationship with Him.

The lesson for us is to stay near God no matter what. Even when we do wrong, it is never in our interests to run away from the God who loves us. God’s love for us, just like Israel, does not change. Run to God’s love and receive another chance. As long as we are alive, we have one more chance to come back to God.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Isaiah 19:1-21:17; Galatians 2:1-16; Psalm 59:1-17; Proverbs 23:13-14

Isaiah 12:1-14:32; 2 Corinthians 13:1-14; Psalm 57:1-11; Proverbs 23:9-11

Some people mistakenly think that the devil has as much power as God. That somehow satan is the evil equivalent to God. But, that is not true. What we call, “the devil” is a fallen angel who used to be fully submitted to God. His name was Lucifer, which means “Shining Star”.

At some point, Lucifer rebelled against the God who created him. Instead of fulfilling his created purpose, Lucifer wanted to take God’s role. ” ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north.”

Lucifer’s rebellion caused him to be thrown out of heaven. One third of the angels of heaven were exiled as well because they joined Lucifer. If God has the power to throw Lucifer out of heaven then God clearly has more power than the devil. As a child of God, you should be aware that you are on the winning side! God has already defeated satan on your behalf. Don’t give place to him or let him think that he can stop what God is doing in your life. You are victorious.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Isaiah 15:1-18:7; Galatians 1:1-24; Psalm 58:1-11; Proverbs 23:12

Isaiah 10:1-11:16; 2 Corinthians 12:11-21; Psalm 56:1-13; Proverbs 23:6-8

God will never be left without representatives on the earth! Israel had very actively disobeyed God and walked away from His commands. Because of God’s Holiness, He could not allow their sin to go unpunished. But, even while the punishment was being foretold, God let His people know that the punishment would not last forever and that a remnant would remain.

As bad as things may get, you can never underestimate God’s ability to turn things around. You may think you are alone or the only one, but God will always reserve a group of people who have proven themselves loyal to Him! Those who seem to be up today can (and will) be taken down tomorrow.

There is hope for every situation because God will not leave Himself without a faithful witness on the earth. So, if you expect to always win and still be standing when the dust settles, show yourself faithful to God regardless of the pressure. Jesus represented that remnant. It was through Him that all of us were able to come back to God. Jesus is the way back to God for anyone who will accept Him. Recommit yourself to Him today.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Isaiah 12:1-14:32; 2 Corinthians 13:1-14; Psalm 57:1-11; Proverbs 23:9-11

Isaiah 8:1-9:21; 2 Corinthians 12:1-10; Psalm 55:1-23; Proverbs 23:4-5

When you have a glimpse of God’s majesty, you will understand that the presence of God is invaluable. Throughout history, humanity has tried to find ways to gain access to God’s presence. When we are going through difficult times, this is precisely the time we need to know that God is with us. 

While Israel was laboring under the pain of punishment, they are given hope! Someone greater than Uzziah would be born and this leader would be a “Mighty God, everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace.” When this King is born, His reign will never end! 

God loved us so much that He did not leave us alone. You should rejoice today that you have access to the God who is with us– always and for ever. 

Tomorrow’s Reading:  Isaiah 10:1-11:16; 2 Corinthians 12:11-21; Psalm 56:1-13; Proverbs 23:6-8

Isaiah 6:1-7:25; 2 Corinthians 11:16-33; Psalm 54:1-7; Proverbs 23:1-3

Often we obscure our view of God, because we are looking at people. Isaiah was a powerful prophet sent by The Lord to call Israel back to a relationship with God. At some point, Isaiah had taken his eyes off God and started to look at King Uzziah. Uzziah was a remarkable man. He had done a great job in leading Israel and his enemies would not dare attack Israel as long as he lead the armies.

In his old age, Uzziah contracted leprosy. He was slowly dying and fear ran through the country. If Uzziah died, Israel would be destroyed. Isaiah put his trust in the king instead of the King of kings. Upon King Uzziah’s death, Isaiah was able to regain his view of God.

Are there people in whom you are placing your trust? Or, are you trusting in your resources? It is easy to lose sight of God and His power. It is often when we experience loss that we are forced to rely on God and see Him for who He is. Isaiah was able to see the greatness of God! Everything else paled in comparison. God wants you to see Him in His glory, so that you will never take your eyes off Him.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Isaiah 8:1-9:21; 2 Corinthians 12:1-10; Psalm 55:1-23; Proverbs 23:4-5

Isaiah 3:1-5:30; 2 Corinthians 11:1-15; Psalm 53:1-6; Proverbs 22:28-29

God never loses hope in us! Israel was never consistent in its behavior and obedience to God.  Every act of disobedience carries consequences. As much as God loves us, sometimes the consequences cannot be waived. 

Even when God imposes judgment on Israel’s actions, He maintains hope that His people will learn and return to Him. In fact, God leaves the door open for that reconciliation to take place. In the midst of reading all the symptoms of the judgement of God, He promises a plan of restoration. 

You may have had to endure the consequences of your disobedience. Don’t lose hope because God hasn’t. He is hopeful that you will turn to Him. When you do that, God will wash away all the filth of the past and position you to walk forward into a bright future. Don’t give up on your future because God hasn’t. He is cheering for you to make a comeback.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Isaiah 6:1-7:25; 2 Corinthians 11:16-33; Psalm 54:1-7; Proverbs 23:1-3

Isaiah 1:1-2:22; 2 Corinthians 10:1-18; Psalm 52:1-9; Proverbs 22:26-27

God is always trying to get our attention. He loves us so much that He will never just leave us to our own devices. In subtle and not so subtle ways, God is always trying to reconcile with us and call us to go higher. Regardless of the things we have done to displease Him and even in the midst of the consequences of our disobedience, God is always trying to get us back in right relationship with Him. 

How wonderful it is to know that God’s love is so complete that regardless of how far we fall, He will always be there to pick us up if we call on Him. He cannot force us to accept His help but the very moment we cry out to Him, He comes running to us. 

Don’t ever be tricked into thinking that God has cut you off. He can’t. His love for us won’t let Him. Even if we walk away from Him, He will never walk away from us! What great news!!! Even when Israel disobeyed Him and they were suffering the punishment for their sins, God rescued a remnant of people who would remain loyal to Him. In the midst of their exile, God reaches out to them: “‘Come now, let’s settle this,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.'”

Accept His invitation to take your relationship with Him to another level. He’s calling you today, will you answer?

Tomorrow’s Reading: Isaiah 3:1-5:30; 2 Corinthians 11:1-15; Psalm 53:1-6; Proverbs 22:28-29

Song of Solomon 5:1-8:14; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15; Psalm 51:1-19; Proverbs 22:24-25

The love between a man and a woman is powerful. We have heard it said that there is a thin line between love and hate! The advice from the young woman is, “Promise me, O women of Jerusalem, not to awaken love until the time is right.” 

She had experienced the real love of a man and she knew it was a priceless commodity that should not be undervalued. Love is not a word we hear much about today. People speak more of Twerking and lust than real love. It’s probably because real love transcends the physical. It is a deep and abiding commitment to a person through the ups and downs of life. 

Real love is so valuable that it cannot be purchased. “If a man tried to buy love with all his wealth, his offer would be utterly scorned.” Love is so powerful that oceans cannot quench it. Don’t settle for lust or the world’s definition of love. God is cultivating the heart of someone right now, to love you the way you deserve. Don’t settle for cheap love that lasts for a night. Wait for real love that lasts a lifetime. 

Tomorrow’s Reading: Isaiah 1:1-2:22; 2 Corinthians 10:1-18; Psalm 52:1-9; Proverbs 22:26-27