Isaiah

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!

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November 18th – Isaiah 55:12

Isaiah 55:12

Even though the Israelites were in captivity in Babylon, God promised His people that they would once again taste the goodness of joy. A promise He makes to us as well. For even though we live in the captivity of sin, one day we too will walk in freedom. Because of the great fall of man, barrenness, thorns, and fruitlessness resulted. But one glorious day, God will restore all of His creation to its former glory. He will remove the curse of decay and ruin. Everything will shine from the beauty of God’s glory, including us. We too will be restored, never again suffering death. Instead we will delight ourselves in the Lord’s abundance. And the joy felt will be great! So great that even the mountains, hills, and trees, will break forth with shouts of joy and clapping. So give thanks to the Lord for His gift of restoration born out of His great love!

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November 2nd – Isaiah 12:4

Isaiah 12:4

Did you know the word “praise” appears approximately 248 times in the Bible? The Hebrew word for “praise” is used to acknowledge the greatness of God and the goodness of His character. And in this life, it is only the Lord who is truly worthy of such esteem and adoration. Because of His amazing love and grace, we joyfully drink of the living water from the well of salvation. A salvation we can never earn, and one that is given freely to all. And out of hearts of gratitude, that living water should be flowing from us to a thirsty world desperately in need of God. We should be shouting from the rooftops of God’s love, mercy, and blessings. Our lips should constantly be singing the praises of the Lord and exalting His great name. And out of deep gratitude for all He gives to us, those who are worthy of nothing, we should put Him first in every thought, word, and action.

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October 31st – Isaiah 44:3

Isaiah 44:3

When we are dirty, tired, and in need of a pick me up, nothing is better than a good shower. The water refreshes and invigorates us as it washes away the grime and weariness. And the energizing we receive, is similar to the restoration we get from the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Knowing His children are thirsty and in need of rejuvenation, God pours His Spirit upon us. A shower of abundance, the Spirit flows over us, cleansing, empowering, and giving the sustenance needed for life. And our Father does so with the goal of His goodness and righteousness washing through us to a parched world. Because everyone who drinks of God’s water will never thirst again, for it flows from the spring of eternal life! (John 4:13-14)

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September 26th – Isaiah 9:3

Isaiah 9:3

The prophet Isaiah often brought with him words of doom and gloom for the nation of Israel. And for the disobedient Judah, a promise of destruction at the hands of the king of Assyria. But God never disciplines without a promise of restoration. And that restoration came through His begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Because He is holy, perfect, and true, God cannot leave sin unpunished. Yet in His great love, He Himself paid the penalty for our transgressions through the blood of Christ. And the Lord’s victory at the Cross forever broke the yoke of burden and the rod of oppression of the Enemy. So now, like Israel, we can rejoice with gladness. For one day soon, Jesus will return as our conquering King. And like the time of harvest, there will be great gladness, where we will celebrate the Lord’s complete victory over Satan!

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August 24th – Isaiah 43:2

Isaiah 43:2

When everything around us seems to be falling apart, it can feel as if we’re fighting the battle alone. And it’s true that you find out who your real friends are during the bad times. But even if everyone else deserts us, we have a friend that never will. God is that friend. Author Elbert Hubbard once wrote, “A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.” God not only knows us, warts and all, He formed us, redeemed us, and calls us by name. And in His amazing love, He is our best friend. A friend who stands by us, comforting, encouraging, and loving us through the pain. No matter how deep the waters of sorrow, high the flames of despair, or strong the current of anguish, God is there. He is our shield and our fortress. Our safe harbor, and port in the storm. He will never leave or forsake us. And what a privilege and joy it is to call Him friend!

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August 4th – Isaiah 54:9

Isaiah 54:9

We’ve all found ourselves in situations that seemed hopeless. Or been in pain that is too deep, and too raw for anyone to understand. And everyone has had times when we’ve felt all alone. But as Christians we are never alone. God is always there ready, able, and willing to shower us with His lovingkindness and compassion. For no matter what we do, God in His perfect love remains the same. When we fail, when we fall, and when are are unfaithful to Him, God’s love stays the course. Why? Because His love is based on His amazing grace rather than anything we do or don’t do. So storms may rage and the winds howl, but nothing, absolutely nothing will shake the promise of peace God offers. That means we can rejoice in all trials. For storms only last awhile, and God is in complete control of every one. And He will see us through each step until the sun shines again.

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To Him Goes The Glory – 2 Samuel 22

2 Samuel 22

David’s reign over Israel was nearing its end. He was a shepherd, a warrior, a hero, a king, a psalmist, and a sinner. And through it all he never lost his faith or his desire to live for the Lord. Now in his final years, as he reflects on all that God has done for him, David writes a song of thankfulness and love for the Lord. “I call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised.” (v. 22:4) …

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May 27th – Philippians 4:8

Philippians 4:8

The mind is a powerful thing. Our thoughts are the main ingredient of this power, and what shapes our reality. That’s why God tells us to focus our thoughts on good things. Holy, true, and honorable things. It’s these good thoughts that lead us closer to Him, and keeps the Enemy from building destructive strongholds in our minds. And when we abide in the Lord, and keep our thoughts on Him, God promises to keep us in His perfect peace. (Isaiah 26:3) Taking control of our minds isn’t easy, but through God not impossible. And when we are masters of our thoughts, we can respond to the world around us as God does; in love, grace, and righteousness.

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