Isaiah

January 8th – Deuteronomy 31:6

Deuteronomy 31:6

I love the quote by Max Lucado which says, “The presence of fear does not mean you have no faith. Fear visits everyone. But make your fear a visitor and not a resident.” Even though fear is a part of life, not all fear is bad. For instance, there is the healthy fear that helps keep us from harm. And lets not forget the fear of the Lord which is the “beginning of knowledge” (Prov. 1:7) But far too often the fear that fills us, keeps us stuck and under the thumb of the Enemy. Think of Joshua. Taking over leadership of Israel was quite a task. But Moses gave him some sage advice. “Be strong and courageous. The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deut. 31:6,8) By applying these words to our own lives, we can break the grip of fear and its hold over our minds and hearts. If you are struggling, give it all to God. Open your heart to His love and your ears to His words as He says to you His precious child, “Fear not, for I am with you.” (Is. 41:10)

January 8th – Deuteronomy 31:6 Read More »

January 7th – Isaiah 26:3

Isaiah 26:3 

Everyone is in search of peace. That’s why between self help books, online programs, and support groups, finding tranquility is a billion dollar industry. But we needn’t search for the latest thing, or spend even a dollar to find serenity. All we have to do is look to Jesus who promises to give us His perfect peace. The one place the Enemy loves to attack the most is our minds. Because as Proverbs 23:7 tells us, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” So when our focus is on our circumstances instead of on the Lord, our minds become playgrounds for Satan to wreak havoc. But when instead of trusting our fallible thoughts we trust God, we welcome His perfect peace into our hearts and mind. Life is hard. And the battle for our minds is real. But perfect peace is obtainable through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For no matter what goes on the world we can count on this. “He himself is our peace.” (Eph. 2:14)

January 7th – Isaiah 26:3 Read More »

December 24th – Isaiah 53:1-5

Isaiah 53:1-5

I love the song, “Mary did you know?”. And my favorite lyric is, “Did you know that your Baby Boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb? The sleeping Child you’re holding is the Great, I Am.” As a baby lying in a manger, Jesus came as the perfect, unblemished Lamb of God. The only One who can take away the sin of the world and reconcile us back to God, Christ came to suffer and die for us. The Lord knew all He would endure at the hands of the very people He came to redeem. Yet He came anyway. And Jesus He did all of this to perfectly fulfill the will and plan of the Father, walking in perfect obedience and surrender to Him. And because of Christ’s perfect obedience, even to the death on a cross, we can be counted free. “Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters? Did you know that your Baby Boy has come to make you new? This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.”

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December 23rd – Isaiah 4-:1-7

Isaiah 40:1-7

This year comfort is in short supply. But it is greatly needed with many suffering sickness, death, division, anger, and disappointment. Yet we needn’t despair. For there is great comfort to be found in the birth of our Lord. God is more than just our Creator. He is our Father in  heaven, our great Comforter saying, “I, even I am He who comforts you.” (Is. 51:12) He is our never ending source of relief, solace, and security. And His love for us so great, He sent His only begotten Son not only to bring salvation, but encouragement, tenderness, love, and consolation. A suffering Servant who brought hope and to comfort His people. So as we rejoice in our Savior’s birth, may we follow the example of the Lord, and take time to comfort all of God’s people who are hurting, and in need of love.

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December 22nd – Isaiah 52:7-10

Isaiah 52:7-10

It never fails. Every Christmas my mother buys socks for the guys in our family. And even though they give her a hard time, in reality they’re thankful for the fresh supply. And after all, feet are to celebrated at Christmas. Especially the feet of God’s messenger. Long before the mailman and email, news was spread through messengers. They ran for miles, far and wide, spreading the news entrusted to them. And their feet took the beating. They were dirty, callused, and ugly. Yet the feet bringing the news to a war torn, scared, and captive Israel, were a beautiful sight. For the feet of this messenger brought good news! Tidings of great joy and peace from the Lord. God had not forsaken His people, and the victory was His. The same glorious message given to us through the feet of a small babe lying in a manger.

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December 21st – Isaiah 49:1-7

Isaiah 49:1-7

“Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.” (Helen Keller) Long before the birth of Christ, Isaiah prophesied about a light. A glorious light which would come to brighten a darkened world. And that light is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Holy Redeemer of Israel, Jesus came as the light of God to show the way to the lost. But being a beacon of hope and truth isn’t reserved for Christ alone. For God calls us to do the same. Like the great Christmas star that shone the way to the Savior, we too are to light the way for others to find Jesus. To share the Good News of not only the birth of Christ, but also His glorious death and resurrection. And to shine for Jesus as brightly as the glory of God shown on a lowly manger where our our Redeemer first laid.

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December 15th – Isaiah 61:1-3

Isaiah 61:1-3

When some people send out Christmas cards, they include a Christmas letter. They share the news of all that happened with their families throughout the year. Jesus also has a letter to share. And in it He proclaims God’s good news to all who are afflicted. Because of His great love, God sent His only begotten Son to bring healing, freedom, and comfort to a hurt and broken world. And to those He calls His own He gives great gifts. A garland instead of ashes. The oil of gladness instead of mourning. And the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. Calling us “oaks of righteousness”, Jesus says that with Him as our root, we can withstand anything. What a precious Christmas letter to receive! One filled with love from our Savior, Jesus Christ, proclaiming the favorable year of the Lord. A time characterized by God’s grace, redemption, and deliverance!

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December 14th – Isaiah 42:1-4

Isaiah 42:1-4

Our society loves celebrities. And we treat them like royalty. We follow them on social media, copy their every move and dream of having their lavish lifestyle. Yet the greatest celebrity of all didn’t come to be idolized or to walk red carpets. Jesus Christ, Lord of lords, and King of kings, came not with pomp and circumstance. He didn’t come in a blaze of glory. And He didn’t come carrying a rod of iron to crush His enemies. Instead the prophet Isaiah tells us that our great King came to be a Ruler who serves, who is so compassionate He won’t break a bruised reed, and who came to suffer. The greatest King of all was born in a insignificant town in great humility to unknown parents. He didn’t live in a palace or enjoy the comforts of celebrity. Jesus came as the humble Servant of God not for His benefit, but for ours. A mighty King who suffered to bring justice to all and set us free.

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December 13th – Isaiah 40:9-11

Isaiah  40:9-11

Go, tell it on the mountain. Over the hills and everywhere. Go, tell it on the mountain. That Jesus Christ is born. The lyrics to that well known Christmas song could be written by Isaiah himself. For long before the divine birth of Jesus, Isaiah prophesied about the joyous event. And his message is one of such great joy and goodness, that it should be shouted from the mountain tops. “Behold!”, Isaiah declares, “Here is your God!” The great Shepherd has come to tend His flock. To gather His sheep in His arms, and carry them in His bosom. And even better, Christ didn’t come empty handed. For with Him He brought the greatest gift of all, the gift of salvation. So as we celebrate this Christmas, may we be so overwhelmed with thankfulness, that we too shout the good message of our Savior’s birth for all to hear!

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December 1st – Isaiah 9:2-7

Isaiah 9:2-7

One of the most beautiful things about Christmas is the decorations. Trees glisten with silver and gold, with the twinkle of lights permeating even the darkest of nights. And the joy we feel ignites the light in our hearts. A great light of hope, joy, and love from the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The prophet Isaiah spoke about the deep darkness the world wandered in. A darkness filled with death, despair, and separation from God. But in His unmerited love, our Father sent His only begotten Son to save us from that darkness. A great holy light, shining with the brightness of God’s love and righteousness, Jesus came to illuminate the world. Our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace, the Lord lights up every corner of the world with His perfect peace and righteousness. And if we let Him, Jesus will forever light up every corner of our hearts as well!

December 1st – Isaiah 9:2-7 Read More »