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Isaiah 60:1–62:5

Isaiah 60 speaks of the many blessings Israel will experience, especially in the city of Jerusalem, Zion. We have hints of their history throughout the ages, from the regathering of Israel, to the Millennial Kingdom. There are even aspects of heaven woven into this chapter.

The day would come for the Jews to rise and shine, they would be a blessing to the whole world, a light in the darkness. Their sons and daughters would be regathered to the land from afar (Isaiah 60:4, 9). The Gentiles will acknowledge this special place on earth, the “holy land,” and bring gifts, and wealth to God.

All these promises would be a much needed encouragement to the people one day. When Jerusalem was leveled by the Babylonians, (ancient history) they needed to know that God still had good plans. When the Jews were scattered throughout the world (in modern history), they need to know that God still has good plans.

Isaiah 60:10 (NKJV) “The sons of foreigners shall build up your walls, and their kings shall minister to you; for in My wrath I struck you, but in My favor I have had mercy on you.”

Isaiah 60:14 (NKJV) “Also the sons of those who afflicted you shall come bowing to you, and all those who despised you shall fall prostrate at the soles of your feet; and they shall call you the City of the LORD, Zion of the Holy One of Israel.”

There would be the restoration the nation (something we witnessed as recently as 1948). There would be the exaltation of the nation (something we’ll see in the Millennial Kingdom). This will spill over, even into heaven when all of Gods people will dwell in Zion, the city of Jerusalem, and there will be no need for the sun, since the Lamb, the Lord Jesus will be the Light, He will illuminate heaven (Isaiah 60:19-20; Revelation 21:23; 22:5).

In Luke 4:17-21 we have the account of Jesus Christ entering the synagogue, opening up the scroll and reading Isaiah 61:1-2a. After reading the passage Jesus sat down and informed the people, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing…” This was the beginning of Jesus’ ministry who WAS the anointed one and DID come to heal the brokenhearted, to bring liberty to the captives, and freedom to those who were bound. 

Jesus came to bring salvation.

If you’re saved you know what He’s done for you, beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. God would save Israel…even as He has saved us.

Isaiah 61:10 (NKJV) “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”

In Isaiah 62 we once again see the passion that God has for His people and the city of Jerusalem. It appeared as if they had been forsaken – through all the trials throughout the ages, but God would not rest until they were blessed. His love is described as the love of a bridegroom towards his bride:

Isaiah 62:5b (NKJV) “So shall your God rejoice over you.”

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Philippians 1:27–2:18

Paul calls us in Philippians 1:27-30 to let our conduct be Christlike, let’s be united, striving together to get the gospel out. May we never be intimidated by the threats of our enemies; if we need to suffer for Christ, or like Christ, as Paul did…it’s all to the glory of God!

The Philippian church was a tremendous blessing to Paul. They weren’t like most other church who’d given him problems. Now that doesn’t mean, however, that they were a church without their issues. There was some sort of division among them (see Philippians 4:2) so Paul encourages them to seek unity through humility…a humility that was demonstrated so beautifully by Christ.

Let NOTHING be done through selfish ambition (Philippians 2:3). Let’s not limit ourselves to ourselves, let’s be “others-oriented.” I believe that selfishness is the antithesis to love, it’s an awful place to live.

Thomas Merton, “To consider persons and events and situations only in the light of their effect upon myself is to live on the doorstep of hell.”

This section seems to say that our minds have a lot to do with it (see Philippians 1:27; 2:3, 5, 20; 3:15, 16, 19; 4:2, 7). Do we think of others before ourselves? Do we have the mind of Christ?

Jesus is God, the Second Person of the Trinity, but He humbled Himself, became a man, a servant, obedient to the point of death and even the death of the cross. If Jesus humbled Himself to such an extent, why do we have problems with humility? Over the years I’ve learned the beauty of humility and the ugliness of pride.

F.B. Meyer, “I used to think that God’s gifts were on shelves one above the other, and that the taller we grew in Christian character the more easily we could reach them. I now find that God’s gifts are on shelves one beneath the other and that it is not a question of growing taller but of stooping lower.”

God the Father loves humility and will reward humble hearts in eternity. Because Jesus humbled Himself from the highest place in the universe, all the way to the lowest place of all (when He bore our sins), the Father has exalted His Son to His right-hand and given Him the name above ALL names, that at the name of Jesus, EVERY knee will bow, and EVERY tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. If we bow and confess now, we go to heaven; but those who reject Jesus now will confess Him then,  (but it will be too late).

Paul loves the Philippians (verse 12) and encourages them to work out their own salvation. That doesn’t mean they work FOR salvation, it just means they work OUT what God has worked IN. What has God saved me to be? To do? He guides us by His Spirit, who uses His Word, and even the very desires He’s placed within our hearts (Philippians 2:13).

Through love and humble obedience Christians are to shine as the moon and stars shine in the dark skies, every night (Philippians 2:15).

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Psalm 72:1-20

This Psalm is probably a combination of three things – a prayer of David for His son Solomon (Psalm 72:20), a prayer of Solomon for himself (Psalm 72:1), and a picture of the King of kings, Jesus Christ who would one day rule all nations and endure, forever and ever (Psalm 72:11, 17).

It’s good to pray for our leaders, we are even commanded to do so in:

1 Timothy 2:1–2 (NKJV) “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

Do you pray for your leaders? President, Governor, Mayor, etc.?

It’s also good to ponder the day when King Jesus rules – first the Millennial Kingdom, then the New Heavens and the New Earth, when the whole planet will be filled with His glory (Psalm 72:19). Do you look forward to that day? Ever think about it?

Something else you may have noticed woven into the background of the Psalmist’s pen, and clearly emphasized here is the poor…and how the King would rule them with justice and deliver the helpless (Psalm 72:2, 4, 12-13).

All “leaders” should take this literally, and help the helpless physically, while all people should understand this “spiritually” and thank God He has helped us eternally. Jesus said:

Matthew 5:3 (NKJV) “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

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Proverbs 24:11-12

Proverbs 24:11-12, “Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. 12 If you say, “Surely we did not know this,” Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?”

This passage speaks of delivering those destined to die.

Bible Knowledge Commentary, “People here who are being taken to death and slaughter probably are victims of unjust oppression rather than guilty people being condemned.”

Every day 35,000 people die of starvation around the world; 85% of them children. If you add the statistics of contaminated water and just one epidemic you’ll find that dirty water causes the death of a human being every 10 seconds. Every year 3,575,000 people die from water related diseases. This is equivalent to a jumbo jet crashing every hour. Most of these people are children (2.2 million).

Bible Knowledge Commentary, “Some people may claim they are ignorant of others’ plights, but God knows who is guilty of willful ignorance and He will judge (repay) it (cf. Matt. 25:41–46). He…weighs the heart (cf. Prov. 21:2), that is, He knows and considers peoples’ inner motives and thoughts. God is concerned about the plight of the poor and the helpless (cf. 22:22–23; 23:10–11).”

Another application to this passage is abortion. This is what immediately comes to my mind, the millions of babies that have been slaughtered. In the U.S. since Roe vs. Wade over 62 million babies have been executed.

Show us Lord how we can make a difference.

If you have any questions or comments on today’s reading, or you’d like to share something the Lord showed you, feel free to leave a reply below. I’d love to hear from you!

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Isaiah 57:15–59:21

In Isaiah 57:1 the LORD identifies Himself as the High and Lofty One who inhabits Eternity, it’s simply who He is, and yet this God of the universe stoops down to our level and is willing to dwell with us, and even revive us.

As we read about the way He deals with Israel, we identify with the way He deals with us. How many times has our Father had to discipline us? How many people in the church have slipped for a season, backsliders among the brethren. God could have easily given up on us – but He doesn’t. Here we read twice that the Lord is willing to heal us from our backsliding (our tendency to go the wrong way) (Isaiah 57:18-19).

In Isaiah 58 the Lord rebukes His people for their superficial religion. The people were wondering why they weren’t getting their way when they had supposedly sought God daily and fasted sacrificially.  God tells them why:

Isaiah 58:3 (NLT) “‘We have fasted before you!’ they say. ‘Why aren’t you impressed? We have been very hard on ourselves, and you don’t even notice it!’ ‘I will tell you why!’ I respond. ‘It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves. Even while you fast, you keep oppressing your workers.’”

Under the Old Covenant the only fasting mandated by God was the Day of Atonement, which took place once a year. This is not to say that fasting could not be offered up to God, or free-will sacrifices as He led His people, but it had to be done from a heart of obedience. God had spoken to Saul back in the day, a principle for the ages:

1 Samuel 15:22 (NKJV) “’Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.’”

The “fast” (the denial of the flesh) that the Lord wanted was/is for us to love the people, to lighten the load, to consider the poor, the hungry, the homeless. If we can understand  that God is more interested in this type of tangible Christianity than He is with external religious rituals, our light will grow bright, healings will happen, God’s guard will be greater, and the Almighty will answer our prayers in ways we’ve never known.

It’s okay to fast. Jesus even told us that the day would come when His followers would fast (Mark 2:20) but we need to make sure we don’t end up like most of the Pharisees of Jesus’ day; they had their religious routines, but they didn’t know God or love people. (John 5:42; Luke 11:42; Matthew 6:16-18)

Isaiah 59 begins with an explanation of why the Lord wasn’t answering their prayers and helping them out. It wasn’t that God had bad ears, or short arms, it was just that their iniquities had separated them from each other.  I think sometimes we forget God is a holy God. If we want our prayer life to be effective we can’t live in unrepentant sin.

Psalm 66:18 (NIV) “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.”

As we read through Isaiah 59 the list of sins are heart-breaking. Murder, lies, perversity, people eager to do evil, eager to shed INNOCENT blood…there was no conviction, no justice in their ways. 

If anyone tried to get right they didn’t know how, they didn’t know the way, they were blind and dead in their sins – salvation was far from them (Isaiah 59:11).

But God…sent salvation their way. How many times did He rescue Israel? How many times has He rescued us? Isaiah 59:16-21 reveals the Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ who would save the day. God intervened.

Isaiah 59:16 (NKJV) “He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; therefore His own arm brought salvation for Him; and His own righteousness, it sustained Him.”

The enemy comes in like a flood, but the Spirit of the LORD will blow him away. The Redeemer will restore any and all, who “turn from transgression” by simple faith in Him.

I cling to Isaiah 59:21 when I think of my children, and their children in future generations, should the Lord tarry.

Isaiah 59:21 (NKJV) “As for Me,” says the LORD, “this is My covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants, nor from the mouth of your descendants’ descendants,” says the LORD, “from this time and forevermore.”

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Philippians 1:1-26

Paul writes the book of Philippians from a Roman prison, and yet the letter is filled with joy! Paul sees God’s hand in it all, that even though he’s locked up, the Gospel isn’t chained, it continues to go out and save souls, and for this…Paul rejoices. 

He’s also blessed by the Philippian church to whom he is writing. They had sent a financial gift to support the ministry and Paul was eternally grateful and encouraged by this.

There may have been drops of division beginning to develop in the church at Philippi, which Paul had planted (see Acts 16) and he will deal with that in the epistle, but overall, it’s a lovely letter of joy to a church that blessed his heart.

Paul begins with an expression of gratitude upon every remembrance of the Philippians, and he prayed for them with joy. Philippians 1:5 speaks of their fellowship in the gospel, and this is most likely in reference to the way they gave to the ministry, financially. Some Bible teachers even suggest that Lydia, who was a seller of purple and a part of the church, was wealthy and perhaps generous donor (Acts 16:14).

What a beautiful promise we have in Philippians 1:6, how God will finish the work He has begun in each of our lives! How many of us have projects we’ve started and never completed? We get distracted, disinterested, have a change of heart; thank God He’s not like us!

Philippians 1:9-11 would be great to memorize as we pray for our loved ones – for more love, knowledge and discernment; to approve those things which are excellent. It’s easy to discern the difference between good and bad, but what about good and best? We should be engaged in the best things, in excellent things for the glory of God. May He help us to be real (sincere), holy, and fruitful…all that is part of Paul’s prayer for the Philippians.

As Paul was imprisoned, he wanted them to know the reality of Romans 8:28 – that God was working it all out for good! The guards knew it was God. The Christians knew it was Christ, for various reasons it gave boldness to the brethren…they were preaching the Word without fear. Paul was so blessed that the Word was getting out, that even though he knew not every preacher had pure motives, more and more people were hearing the gospel…and this brought him joy.

Not only was Paul praying for the Philippians, but they were also praying for him (Philippians 1:19). Paul was confident that God would answer their prayers for his deliverance. This brought up an interesting dilemma. Paul admits that he’s hard-pressed between the two options, to live or “die.” Would you rather live here on earth, or be home in heaven? As citizens of heaven, the longing of our hearts is to depart and be with the Lord, but we trust in God’s will and timing. God will keep us here as long as there is work to do, there will be fruit from our labors, it will be helpful to others. One day we will finish our race (2 Timothy 4:7). Our prayer is that God will be glorified in our life and in our death.

Philippians 1:21 (NKJV) “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

What a wonderful summary for the saints.

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Psalm 71:1-24

The Psalmist is desperate and at the same time, desperately in love with the Lord.

He’s asking for protection, for deliverance, for salvation from his enemies. We can trust God from the womb to the tomb. I’ve always loved Psalm 71:6 – it’s probably my favorite birthday passage:

Psalm 71:6 (NKJV) “By You I have been upheld from birth; You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb. My praise shall be continually of You.”

The Lord is the one who’s taken care of us since the day we were born; He’s taught us since our youth (Psalm 71:17). All this prompted a prayer for continued deliverance that would be followed by the testimony of praise.

The Psalmist vowed to tell and declare of all God had done for him, day after day, even all day long.

Psalm 71:15 (NKJV) “My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness and Your salvation all the day, for I do not know their limits.”

Psalm 71:17 (NKJV) “O God, You have taught me from my youth; and to this day I declare Your wondrous works.”

Not just words, but worship – songs of praise – there would be music with a message, all about God and what He’s done for us, for me…personally.

If we’re blessed with more years, and get “up-there” in age, we can know that God will not forsake us, even when we’re old and “gray headed.” (Psalm 71:18)

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Proverbs 24:9-10

Proverbs 24:9 (NKJV) “The devising of foolishness is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to men.”

As we noted yesterday, the doing of any evil is always sin, but planning, plotting, and devising that evil makes that sin even worse. At that point they’re not just a sinner, they’re a schemer, and even a scoffer – scoffing at God, daring Him to judge them while they go into sin with eyes wide open.

It’s an abomination to God and even to the godly.

Proverbs 24:10 (NKJV) “If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.”

Have any of you ever fainted? Just curious.

It can happen spiritually.

It’s important to realize that some days are worse than others. Notice what we read in this Proverb that there is a “day of adversity.” It’s called the “evil day,” in Ephesians 6:13. Some times are more difficult than others, because we’re under attack.

The devil and his demons are our adversaries who oppose us every step of the way. If we faint in this war, it’s only because we’re fighting in our own strength, which is small. Some people split, they quit, they tap out, drop out, cop out, you name it. Yes, even a “saint” can faint, if he or she is not under the influence of the Holy Spirit.

But – if you’ve fainted, it’s not over my friend; consider Jonah’s prayer!

Jonah 2:7 (NKJV) “When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the LORD; and my prayer went up to You, into Your holy temple.

If you have any questions or comments on today’s reading, or you’d like to share something the Lord showed you, feel free to leave a reply below. I’d love to hear from you!

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Isaiah 54:1–57:14

Isaiah calls the nation of Israel to sing in celebration of their salvation. They may have felt “barren,” but they wouldn’t be for long. God would give them children, they would expand, grow forward, and inherit the land (Isaiah 54:3). 

Even though the widows had experienced so much heartache, for many men died in discipline, Israel would be taken care of, God Himself would be their “husband.”

Isaiah 54:5 (NKJV) “For your Maker is your husband, the LORD of hosts is His name; and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth.”

God had (and has over the centuries) disciplined His children, but He would never destroy them, He keeps His covenant.

Isaiah 54:7–8 (NKJV) “For a mere moment I have forsaken you, but with great mercies I will gather you. 8 With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment; but with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,’ says the LORD, your Redeemer.”

Isaiah 54:10 (NKJV) “For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,’ says the LORD, who has mercy on you.”

What a beautiful promise we read in Isaiah 54:13, that all of our children will be taught by the LORD…they will experience great peace. And then one of my favorite promises in the whole Bible:

Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV) “‘No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,’ says the LORD.”

Isaiah 55  is one long and lovely invitation to salvation. Is anyone out there thirsty for God? Hungry for heaven? The Lord freely offers to us everything we need and everything we’d ever want, He Himself gives us love for a lifetime, joy for the journey, satisfaction in action. Salvation is not something we could ever purchase with our own wealth or good works, it’s something freely given to us by God because it’s been purchased by the blood of His Son (Acts 20:28).

As Isaiah mentions the sure mercies of David – the witness, leader, and commander he is (Isaiah 55:3-4), clearly it’s a reference to Jesus, the Savior in Salvation. Today we live in the “acceptable time” of the Lord (Isaiah 49:8) so people should call upon Him while they can. The day will come when it will be too late.

Isaiah 55:6 (NKJV) “Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.”

Some need to be saved for the first time, others need to return to God; they once walked with Him but now they find themselves walking with the wicked, even walking like the wicked. Isaiah reaches out:

Isaiah 55:7 (NKJV) “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”

In mentioning God’s mercy, Isaiah elaborates on the fact that God is not like us – His ways are higher, He is infinitely gracious. Man has a hard time forgiving (don’t we?). But God forgives, He takes His Word, plants it into the hearts of the people and brings forth, grace, salvation, and fruit on “trees” who have been forgiven.

Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV) “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”

Isaiah 56 begins with the epic truth that there would be salvation for the Gentiles! God’s covenant was, and is available for all people. A large part of the Old Covenant was the keeping of the Sabbath (something emphasized in this chapter). Under the New Covenant, however, the Sabbath was not stressed (Romans 14:5; Colossians 2:16). Praise God, we’ve been set free, given true rest, and welcomed home to enjoy life in God’s House!

Speaking of the Gentiles, Isaiah said:

Isaiah 56:7 (NKJV) “Even them 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 nations.”

As Isaiah speaks of good things among the Gentiles, he then transitions into bad things that happened among the Jews, beginning with their leaders (Isaiah 56:9-12).  They were described as devouring beasts, blind watchmen, they didn’t know God’s Word, or God’s voice, they couldn’t even “bark” (unable to warn). They were irresponsible, all they cared about was themselves, they were greedy for gain, drunk every day!

Of course this lack of leadership would affect the nation. Isaiah 57 describes Israel in their idolatrous state. Initially he speaks of people dying mercifully (Isaiah 57:1-2). For these men it was better that God took them home to heaven than that they see the evil of the land and the judgment of the Lord.

God indicted Israel for their idolatry, even their “abortion” yes, they killed their children, “…slaying them in the valleys.” (Isaiah 57:5) An intense temptation of the enemy was the way the pagan nations mingled sexual immorality into their idolatry; so Isaiah speaks of the way they set their beds up on the high mountains, and uncovered their parts to pagan gods.

Warren Wiersbe, “This description of the godless society in Judah seems quite contemporary. God denounced them for lying, worshiping idols, indulging in sexual sins, sacrificing their children, and mocking the godly. These people had no fear of God because He did not immediately send judgment…but their day was coming.”

If only we would trust in the Lord, and Him only (Isaiah 57:13).

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Ephesians 6:1-24

What a different place this planet would be – if only we did things God’s way. Makes sense to me, but we’re living in a world where the enemy has done everything he can to destroy the family, which is the very fabric of society.

After dealing with marriage in Ephesians 5, Paul challenges children to obey their parents, not superficially but from the heart, for God calls us to truly honor them. This command covers a wide spectrum – from esteeming them when we’re young, all the way to taking care of them when they’re older (see 1 Timothy 5:4, 8). This is the only one of the ten commandments that comes with a promise, obedience to this command leads to a general principle of promise – longevity of life.

Paul then shares something radical in those days – rights and respect to the children! Parents are not to provoke their children to wrath with unfair or inconsistent practices, on the contrary, we are to bring them up by not only teaching them, but training them and encouraging them in the Lord.

The attention is next directed to the work place. Employees are to foster the attitude that ultimately they work for the Lord. I remember some of the people I worked with in the past, who only kicked it into gear when the boss was around. Paul teaches us that we may or may not get that raise or promotion here on earth, but God will reward us for working hard for Him. We learn that these principles are not solely for employees, they’re also for employers…Paul tells them to “do the same.” We are all to work for the Lord – and those in positions of leadership must never forget that Christ is our boss, our leader, our Master, so we should never mistreat any one of our employees, for one day we also will give an account.

Up to this point in the book of Ephesians – God’s dealt with our wealth and our walk, He now deals with our war. Another way to word it is we’ve covered our belief and our behavior, but we now cover the battle in Ephesians 6:10-20. It’s critical to realize that we’re in a war, not against flesh and blood (other people) – no – we’re in a war against the devil and his demons. It’s a spiritual war (see also 2 Timothy 2:3-4) and we therefore need spiritual weapons (see also 2 Corinthians 10:4). We’d all admit that we’re no match for the devil, but we must all know that the devil is no match for God – it’s for that reason we need to put on the whole armor God has provided, each and every day!

Girding our waist with truth means we’re determined to be people of our word. 

The breastplate speaks of the imputed and imparted righteousness of Christ. 

The Gospel of peace on our feet means we’re always ready to “go” and share the gospel with others; at the same time, we believe it for ourselves. 

The shield of faith is the way we believe God’s word – His truth, in a land of lies, ’cuz the enemy is a liar who bombards us with fiery darts – thoughts that pierce our minds that are not of the Lord. 

The helmet of salvation is the assurance of salvation, guarding our minds from doubting it.

The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God, we swing it and hold to it just as Jesus did in Matthew 4:1-11. 

The armor is put on by faith and prayer, and it’s held on by praying always, even for our leaders like Paul, who asks the people to pray for him, for courage and clarity, to boldly teach the Bible. 

“O Lord, let our love be sincere” (Ephesians 6:24).

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Psalm 70:1-5

David, once again, was in urgent need. He asks God to hurry, please hurry Lord, to help me.

There was a king with an entire army after David, to hurt him, and hunt him down. In this Psalm David prays for God to turn them back.

If you’re a Christian endeavoring to do the will of the Lord, you can be sure that the enemy will do all he can to hurt you, and even hunt you down. Some days we feel it, we sense it, we experience it even more. The remedy is the same – pray – and praise the Lord; the enemy hates both of those activities, because the enemy knows, he’s no match for God.

David prays, not only for himself but for all those out there who were being persecuted:

Psalm 70:4 (NKJV) “Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; and let those who love Your salvation say continually, ‘Let God be magnified!’”

David prayed for those who seek the Lord – to rejoice; that those who love the Lord would say it, say it out loud, “Let God be magnified!”

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Proverbs 24:8

Proverbs 24:8 (NKJV) “He who plots to do evil will be called a schemer. 

The doing of any evil is always sin, but planning and plotting that evil makes that sin even worse, it’s double trouble, twice as bad.

According to this Proverb they’re not simply sinners, they’re schemers.

They didn’t just trip and fall accidentally, they sinned presumptuously and will be punished accordingly. That’s why there’s a big difference in the punishment for manslaughter and premeditated (first-degree) murder.

Exodus 21:12–14 (NKJV) “He who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death. 13 However, if he did not lie in wait, but God delivered him into his hand, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee. 14 But if a man acts with premeditation against his neighbor, to kill him by treachery, you shall take him from My altar, that he may die.”

If you have any questions or comments on today’s reading, or you’d like to share something the Lord showed you, feel free to leave a reply below. I’d love to hear from you!

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Isaiah 51:1–53:12

Isaiah offered words of comfort to the people of Israel who one day would be returning from bondage in Babylon. There was no need to fear. He encouraged the people to look back to their spiritual heritage, back to Abraham, and Sarah, they took that “journey” all alone back then, but look what God had done! Israel’s history was filled with God’s faithfulness. Isaiah pointed out their redemption from Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea (Isaiah 51:9-10, 15).

There’s no need to fear the future, when we consider the past. God has been gracious, faithful, and all-powerful on behalf of His people. We have nothing to fear, heaven and earth will pass away (Isaiah 51:6) but we the redeemed who possess the promises of God’s Word, will never pass away.

Throughout the ages Israel would experience immense opposition. The Philistines, the Egyptians, the Assyrians, the Babylonians,  the Greeks and Romans, Muslims and Germans, the list is endless, but Israel has prevailed.

Isaiah 51:22–23 (NKJV) “Thus says your Lord, the LORD and your God, Who pleads the cause of His people: ‘See, I have taken out of your hand the cup of trembling, the dregs of the cup of My fury; You shall no longer drink it. 23 But I will put it into the hand of those who afflict you, Who have said to you, ‘Lie down, that we may walk over you.’ And you have laid your body like the ground, and as the street, for those who walk over.”

God has done it in the past, and He will do it in the future, defeat every form of opposition towards His people and shelter them under the shadow of His wings.

If you dig a little deeper into Isaiah 52 you’ll see that day on the horizon, when the Jews finally receive their Messiah. Paul the Apostle quotes Isaiah 52:7 in Romans 10:15 in reference to the Gospel.

Isaiah 52:7 (NKJV) “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’”

One day the Lord would bring back Zion, they would be free from the bondage of Babylon, and they would be free from the bondage of sin (John 8:32-36). As they left captivity, they were to consider Isaiah’s cry:

Isaiah 52:11 (NKJV) “Depart! Depart! Go out from there, touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of her, be clean, you who bear the vessels of the LORD.”

Paul quotes the above passage in 2 Corinthians 6:17 – it’s time for ALL of God’s people to come out, to be free, to stay clean. How is this at all possible?

The answer? Jesus!

Isaiah 52:13-53:12 are some of the most amazing and detailed prophecies in all the Bible. It’s a picture of Jesus Christ the Suffering Servant.

When He was beaten, scourged, and crucified, He was marred more than any man (Isaiah 52:14). But who will believe, to whom will Jesus, the Arm of the LORD be revealed? (Isaiah 53:1)

After the incarnation (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6) He grew up so naturally; He was despised and rejected by men (Isaiah 53:5). Some say there was nothing special about His appearance (Isaiah 53:2) but it’s hard for me to believe that people who were open to God, weren’t drawn to Him when He was here in the flesh.

Jesus bore our griefs, our sorrows, our transgressions, and our sins. He paid a debt He didn’t owe, because we owed a debt we couldn’t pay. Isn’t this an amazing prophecy about Jesus?

Isaiah 53:6-7 (NKJV) “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth.”

Jesus became our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7).

John 1:29 (NKJV) “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’”

Jesus died for our sins, was crucified with transgressors (Isaiah 53:21), He laid in a borrowed grave (Isaiah 53:9), and His soul was an offering for sin.

I like the way the NLT puts Isaiah 53:11

Isaiah 53:11 (NLT) “When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous Servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for He will bear all their sins.”

I’ve typed a few words, but I’ve only scratched the surface of this amazing prophecy. I encourage you to spend the rest of your life, digging into this spiritual gold mine.

In Acts 8:26-38 we read the story of the Ethiopian Eunuch who was reading this section of the scroll of Isaiah. When he came to this portion of the passage he asked Philip who Isaiah was talking about? Was it himself or some other person? We read Philip’s response:

Acts 8:35 (NKJV) “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.”

It’s all about Jesus the Suffering Servant who was slaughtered for our sins and has saved us forever. The Gospel so clearly seen…in the book of Isaiah!

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Ephesians 5:1-33

The Greek word translated “imitators” in Ephesians 5:1 is the origin of our English word “mimic.” As God’s children we are to mimic Him by walking in love. True love is to be a characteristic that would summarize our lives. This love for God and others is to be unconditional and sacrificial, even as Jesus gave Himself for us as a sacrifice and a sweet-smelling aroma to His Father (see also Romans 12:1-2).

It’s critical to realize the infinite difference between love and lust. Over the years it’s heart-breaking for me to see the sexual sin that occurs in the church. Paul tells us that there shouldn’t even be a hint of these things. Paul mentions covetousness and course jesting in this arena, (yes they are sins in-and-of themselves) but I believe the context is sinful sexuality. A man can “covet” his neighbors wife or get caught up in dirty jokes with “the boys.” Paul gives a specific warning that people who live that type of life have no inheritance in the Kingdom of God, on the contrary they’re headed for the wrath of God. Let no one deceive you about this saying it’s just natural, or fun.

We are to walk worthy (Ephesians 4:1), we are to walk in love (Ephesians 5:1), we are to walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8) and later we’re told to walk circumspectly (Ephesians 5:15). To walk as children of light speaks of knowing God’s will (Word – Psalm 119:105), doing God’s will, and living as lights in a dark world (Philippians 2:15). As Christians who reflect God’s light we are to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather we are to expose them. Can you imagine a world without light, without God’s people exposing and fighting the evil?

To walk circumspectly means to walk carefully – to stay on the path, watch out for the stumbling stones, the holes, the mines. We must be careful with God’s time, redeem it – let’s not be too busy doing our own thing. 

It’s not time to be drunk with wine, it’s time to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5;18). This leads to a life that just of worshipping God, fellowship with others, and mutual submission among the saints.

In Ephesians 5:22-33 Paul deals with marriage and how the relationship between husband and wife is to be a reflection of the relationship between Christ and His bride – the church.

Wives are called to submit to their husbands, as to the Lord (see also 1 Peter 3:1-6). This doesn’t mean that men are better than women, because we’re not; it’s simply God’s order for the family. When a man knows that his wife prays for him, supports him and is willing to follow his lead, it actually helps that man to be a better man and leader. Of course, this is usually very challenging for a woman, because part of the consequences of the fall is that she is going to want to rule over her husband (Genesis 3:16). We must also keep in mind that a wife is not called to submit to her husband if he asks her to sin (Acts 5:29).

Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her. Most men have a tendency to be selfish, but we are to be the exact opposite as Christians, and especially as husbands. Put her, and her needs, and her wants, and her dreams before yours. Many men say, “We’ll, I’ll love her if she gets her act together,” and yet that’s the exact opposite of what true love is. Jesus died for His bride, earning Him the right to sanctify and cleanse her by the washing of the Water of the Word, and THEN He presents His bride to Himself, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that she should be holy and without blemish.

You see, guys? As we love our wives the way Christ loved the church, nourishing, cherishing and dying for her, she will bloom to be the beautiful woman we’ve always wanted.

Marriage is tough, because you essentially have two rebels under the same roof, two sinners side-by-side. Marriage done God’s way can be a slice of heaven on earth, but if we do it our way, it can be a living-hell. God hates divorce and anything that would lead to divorce (Malachi 2:16) because He knows the damage and devastation it inflicts on the family and everyone around them, so God wants our marriages to go the distance. But we don’t want to simply survive, we want to thrive. We don’t want to end up as room-mates, we want to be soul-mates.

How? By TRULY living according to God’s word.

Husbands, don’t ever under estimate the power of Agape love. Love your wife!

Wives don’t ever under estimate the power of your support, submission, and respect. He doesn’t deserve it, but desperately needs it.

God gives us the keys that turn each other’s hearts so that we may have a marriage that would reflect God’s love, beauty, and unity for a lifetime.

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Psalm 69:19-36

David was in the middle of some very trying times, again. On one hand he’s experiencing the results of his own sin, but added to that, was the reproach of the enemy (Psalm 69:26).

He said the, “reproach has broken my heart.”

Have you ever been there? Heartbroken?

David couldn’t find any comforters, so he prayed for God to pour out His wrath upon his enemies (Psalm 69:24). It’s just how he “felt.” He wanted them to be blotted out of the Book of the Living (Psalm 69:28).

This Psalm has an allusion to Christ, a prophecy of when they offered Him sour wine mingled with gall to drink, when He was nailed to the cross (Matthew 27:34). The difference however was that when Jesus died, He didn’t pray for His Father to pour out His wrath on His persecutors, or executors, He prayed for His Father to forgive them (Luke 23:34). Jesus, the Son of God and Son of David wants everyone’s name to be written in the Book of Life. Of course we know not everyone will be saved and choose to follow God, but that’s His heart (2 Peter 3:9)

David knew his God would deliver him, so he praised the Lord and stood on God’s promises. He even encouraged others to trust the Lord and truly seek Him.

Psalm 69:32 (NKJV) “The humble shall see this and be glad; and you who seek God, your hearts shall live.”

May we be humble and seek God sincerely, may we be among those who really do love His name (Psalm 69:36). Thank You Jesus!

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Proverbs 24:7

Proverbs 24:7 (NKJV) “Wisdom is too lofty for a fool; he does not open his mouth in the gate.”

He just doesn’t get it, so he doesn’t have the capacity to give it. Back then, the “gate” was there where the people would go for guidance and judgment. Kind of a combination of City Hall, City Courts, and City Counsel/Council.

Psalm 10:5 in speaking about the fool, says that God’s, “…judgments are far above, out of his sight…” he can’t see it, and he doesn’t get it.

Proverbs 14:6a (NKJV) “A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it…”

Why not?

1 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV) “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

In order for a person to be able to offer any type of good and Godly counsel – that person must be born again and therefore able to know God’s Word.

If you have any questions or comments on today’s reading, or you’d like to share something the Lord showed you, feel free to leave a reply below. I’d love to hear from you as we grow forward in 2021.

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Isaiah 48:12–50:11

Let’s listen to the Lord and discover in a fresh way,  just who He is. 

He is the First and the Last, He is the Maker and Maintainer of heaven and earth…and He loves us (Isaiah 48:14) with a love that is everlasting (Jeremiah 31:3). A large part of what we read in this section of Isaiah is how the Lord will defeat (He will crush) the enemies of His people. Take heart my friend, the God of the universe is on our side.

Now, that doesn’t mean that all of God’s people experience all of the blessings He had for them on this side of time. We read reasons for regret and “would have beens” in:

Isaiah 48:18–19 (NKJV) “Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea. 19 Your descendants also would have been like the sand, and the offspring of your body like the grains of sand; His name would not have been cut off nor destroyed from before Me.”

Even as God’s people, saved and protected by the Lord, it is possible to miss out on some of His blessings if we chose not to obey His Word.

Another truth we see in this section of Isaiah is that the Messiah, Jesus Christ will be instrumental in this wonderful work of God with His people.

Isaiah 48:16b (NKJV) “And now the Lord God and His Spirit have sent Me.”

In reading the New Testament we find that Jesus was sent by the Father to save His people (John 20:21). The Prince of Peace has come; there is peace for us, but not for the wicked (Isaiah 48:21-22).

Isaiah 49 reveals Jesus as the Servant. He is God’s weapon (Isaiah 49:2), He is God’s Israel (Isaiah 49:3), He is God’s light (Isaiah 49:6), and He is God’s covenant (Isaiah 49:8). Jesus brings salvation to Israel, to the Gentiles and to all the ends of the earth. Jesus’ first coming was the Day of Salvation, which is why it’s critical to receive Christ as Lord and Savior now, before it’s too late.

Creation sees it, we should too – God’s amazing mercy and comfort.

Isaiah 49:13 (NKJV) “Sing, O heavens! Be joyful, O earth! And break out in singing, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted His people, and will have mercy on His afflicted.”

We must not allow the enemy’s lies to find a home in our heart. God has not forgotten us – God will never forget us. Our names are inscribed on the palms of His hands (Isaiah 49:15-16). When we read that our walls are continually before Him, God’s speaking of those wall of protection. Nothing can touch us unless God allows it, and if He allows it, we can be sure, it’s for our good (Romans 8:28). Trust Him my friend, wait on Him, rely solely on Him. (Isaiah 49:23; 50:10).

God will defeat our enemies (for Israel it would be Babylon) and He will protect our posterity.

Isaiah 49:25 (NKJV) “But thus says the LORD: “Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible be delivered; for I will contend with him who contends with you, and I will save your children.”

God’s got your back. He will deal with anyone who does you wrong. 

Not only that, but because we’ve placed our faith in Christ, God is willing to forgive us and restore us if we repent and return to Him. Israel had been issued a certificate of divorce from the Father, but by His grace, they were reconciled (Isaiah 50:1).

Isaiah 50:4 may be speaking partially of the prophet himself, and can even be applied to us, but it primarily points to Jesus. Isn’t it a blessing to know that we have a God who is willing to speak to us day by day, first thing in the morning? And isn’t it a blessing to know that God wakes us up morning by morning, to speak to us and put words in our mouths, to encourage others who are weary in their journey?

Many of you are in the Word daily, you’re morning by morning people – “I’m proud of you.” The way you seek the Lord, day by day; the way He speaks to you…and the way He uses you to speak to others. Praise God!

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Ephesians 4:17-32 

If we’re saved, it makes perfect sense that we should no longer walk (live) like the unsaved! They don’t know God, they don’t have God living within them. They have no light or understanding of His Word, they don’t have the Holy Spirit, so they have no Godly counsel or conviction. This is why they indulge in every kind of pleasure this world – that have no power…but we do, so let’s be sure to be different.

As Christians we are to put off the old man (our old ways, our sinful nature and inclinations) and put on the new man. We’re not to be like the world; we’re not to be the way we used to be before we were saved.

So, we put off the old man (by not lying) and we put on the new man (by speaking the truth – Ephesians 4:25). 

We don’t allow anger to fester, for in doing so we give the devil open doors and opportunities in our lives; on the contrary we work out our differences, hopefully before the end of the day. 

We don’t steal from others any longer, instead we work hard to be generous and give. 

We don’t belittle others with our words, we build them up. 

Forgiving others as God has forgiven us might sound impossible for us – and it is – but it’s not too hard for God who happens to live within us.  This is an important one, for Jesus said if we don’t forgive others, we won’t be forgiven. 

Matthew 6:15 (NKJV) “But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

Who do you need to forgive today? Give it to God. It’s time to let it go.

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Psalm 69:1-18

This time David was REALLY struggling. This Psalm is a prayer for deliverance.

Over the years we’ve all seen people, or at least heard of others who are being attacked by the enemy and hence sinking into the mire (Job 30:19; Jeremiah 38:6). That might even be you today.

David was hated without a cause. David was being persecuted because of his faith (Psalm 69:7, 9). It’s important to remember that sometimes we suffer,  not because we’ve done something wrong, but because we’ve done something right. If you’re a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, that’s all it takes for the enemy to hate and oppose you. Maybe the enemy sees the potential you have and he therefore attacks viciously.

If that’s you, I pray you’d know, God loves you and He hears your cries. It may require some time of suffering, but please, do not lose heart. I’d encourage you to make this Psalm your own. Even though we sometimes feel like we’re in this “neck-deep” and about to be swallowed up, God will lift you up and out of the mire. He did it for Job, Jeremiah, and David. God even made David a king. He will do the same for you – He’ll lift you up and set you right where you belong.

Pray these prayers…from the heart:

Psalm 69:13–14 (NKJV) “But as for me, my prayer is to You, O LORD, in the acceptable time; O God, in the multitude of Your mercy, hear me in the truth of Your salvation. 14 Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink; let me be delivered from those who hate me, and out of the deep waters.”

Psalm 69:17–18 (NKJV) “And do not hide Your face from Your servant, for I am in trouble; hear me speedily. 18 Draw near to my soul, and redeem it; deliver me because of my enemies.”

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Proverbs 24:5-6

Proverbs 24:5 (NKJV) “A wise man is strong, yes, a man of knowledge increases strength; 6 For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, and in a multitude of counselors there is safety.”

Who is strong? And why is he strong?

According to the Scriptures, the wise man is the strong man. We read it here in verse 5. Later in his life Solomon even said this in:

Ecclesiastes 7:19 (NKJV) “Wisdom strengthens the wise more than ten rulers of the city.”

Solomon also told us that spiritual strength is better than physical strength.

Ecclesiastes 9:16 (NKJV) “Then I said: ‘Wisdom is better than strength…’”

If we do things God’s way, according to His Word of wisdom, we’ll win the wrestling match, we’ll defeat the flesh and forces of hell. We’ll become Spiritual Samsons with muscles able to move mountains.

This leads the second question: Why…is he or she strong? Or more specifically, “Why do we need to be strong?”

Because of the war we are in (read again Proverbs 24:6). Do you realize that you’re in a war? We wrestle not against human beings (flesh and blood), but against the demonic realm (Ephesians 6:12).

God help us to be strong and to wage war with Godly counsel.

If you have any questions or comments on today’s reading, or you’d like to share something the Lord showed you, feel free to leave a reply below. I’d love to hear from you!

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Isaiah 45:11–48:11

In this section of Isaiah he emphasizes the sovereignty of God, how He rules over every person, every nation, and even the whole-wide-world. God not only brings things to pass, but is able to declare the end from the beginning (we call that prophecy). There is none like our LORD!

Isaiah continues with the prophecy concerning Cyrus, the Persian King (see 2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-2; Isaiah 44:28; 45:1), this is two hundred years before his birth). Cyrus was made by God for the purposes of God, who would direct his ways. Jerusalem would be rebuilt and the exiles would go free.

We read repeatedly about the unparalleled uniqueness of God – “…there is no other; there is no other God” (Isaiah 45:14). “There is none besides Me” (Isaiah 45:21). “For I am God, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45:22). “For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me” (Isaiah 46:9).

But the Babylonians would rise to think THEY were gods. Notice what they said in their hearts:

Isaiah 47:8 (NKJV) “Therefore hear this now, you who are given to pleasures, who dwell securely, Who say in your heart, ‘I am, and there is no one else besides me…”

Isaiah 47:10 (NKJV) “…and you have said in your heart, ‘I am, and there is no one else besides me.’”

Not only were the people propping up idols as gods, the Babylonians thought of themselves as gods, they did whatever they wanted to do, and in their selfish pride they said, “…there is no one else besides me.” God would humble them and put them in their place. The day would come when they would sit in the dust, without a throne, and their nakedness would be uncovered.

Isaiah reasons with the people (Isaiah 1:18). You carry the wood to make your “gods” (Isaiah 45:20) and you even carry your gods on your shoulders (Isaiah 46:7), but the living God the Lord of all carries His people from the womb to the tomb.

Isaiah 46:3–4 (NKJV) “Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been upheld by Me from birth, who have been carried from the womb: 4 Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.

The Lord clearly commands His people:

Isaiah 46:3a (NKJV) “Listen to Me…”

Isaiah 46:12a (NKJV) “Listen to Me…”

Isaiah 45:22 (NKJV) “Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.”

Are we listening to Him? Have you looked to Him?

Warren Wiersbe, “The famous British preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834–92) was converted to Christ when he heard a layman preach a sermon based on Isaiah 45:22. “He was an ignorant man,” said Spurgeon in later years. “He could not say much; he was obliged to keep to his text. Thank God for that.” The preacher looked at young Spurgeon and said, “Young man, you are very miserable. Young man, look! In God’s name, look, and look now!” Spurgeon said, “I did look, blessed be God! I know I looked then and there, and he who but that minute before had been near despair had the fullness of joy and hope.” Have you looked to Christ by faith and received His gift of salvation?”

Not only are we to look to God to be saved, we are to keep our eyes on Him in order to grow and be sanctified (Hebrews 12:2). Beware putting your eyes anywhere else.

God allowed His people to be carried away captive for a season and a reason; time in the furnace of affliction would purge them of their sin (Job 23:10; 1 Peter 1:7). God would eventually restore them to their rightful place, that the world might know who God and is and what He’s done…His reputation and Name is on the line (Isaiah 48:11).

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Ephesians 4:1-16

In a general sense, Paul now moves from doctrine to duty, from belief to behavior, from wealth to walk, and eventually to war (6:10-20). What a great salvation we have – how rich we are – but the big question is what do we do with that wealth? Paul begs us to do our utmost to “cash-in” on those spiritual riches we possess. Paul encourages us to walk (to live) in a way that lines up with our calling as Christians.

Let’s endeavor (make every effort) to walk in humility and unity. Paul uses the word “one” seven times in Ephesians 4:4-6 to emphasize our unity. This “oneness” holds true even today. Although there are many Christian denominations, as long as we hold to the essentials of the faith (who God is, the truth of His Word, and how we’re saved) then we’re all part of the same body – there’s only ONE body of Christ.

And then, as we saw back in 1 Corinthians 12, Paul mingles the message of unity with diversity – how we’re called to work together in ministry. In Ephesians 4:7 we discover that each of us has been given a gift, by God’s grace. 

Jesus not only descended to earth from heaven, when Jesus died He went down even further, He descended to Abraham’s bosom (see Luke 16:19-31). He declared His victory and led the righteous to heaven. After that He ascended to heaven and via the Holy Spirit gave gifts to men (Christians). Not only did Jesus (by the Holy Spirit) give gifts to men and women, He also gave individuals as gifts to the church – these are those who called to equip the body – speaking God’s word to the church. 

Apostles (missionaries), prophets, evangelists, pastor-teachers. I don’t believe the church still has the office of Apostles and Prophets as we did in the building of the church (see Ephesians 2:20) but we do have the gift and function of an apostle or prophet, speaking God’s word – not things that are new, but things that are true. What these equippers do is speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). In doing so, we build up the church, we edify the people so that they might be strong enough to discover, develop, and deploy their gifts. When every part (person) does their share, all the people will be blessed, built up, and benefit to the point that we won’t be children tossed “to and fro,” on the contrary we’ll grow, to be more and more like Jesus.

What’s your part in the body of Christ? I pray you’d know you’re important, we need you. May God grant all of us the grace we need to be the holy, healthy body of Christ.

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Psalm 68:19-35

Each day God blesses us with benefits (Psalm 68:19) and every day is a gift from God. If the enemy had his way, we’d all be dead, but God protects us – to Him belong “escapes from death.” (Psalm 68:20)

The Psalm goes on to give graphic details on how the LORD would defeat the enemies of Israel, even to the point of dogs licking their blood, feasting upon Israel’s enemies (Psalm 68:23).

As a result Israel was to thank God, to praise God, to seek God  in the sanctuary. David anticipated that the future Temple would one day draw all nations to the LORD. He had a heart for the world to be saved.

David understood that God wanted Israel to be instrumental in reaching the world – this is why he prayed for Israel to thrive. And although God would use the people and the Temple, ultimately it is God Himself, He alone, who the world needs.

Psalm 68:35 (NKJV) “O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places. The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!”

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Proverbs 24:3-4

Proverbs 24:3-4 (NKJV) “Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; 4 By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”

On the surface this does apply to an actual house being built…that structure our families dwell in. Built as a place of protection from the elements of the world. Built to last and to be filled with good things.

So, it’s applicable in that sense, but this Proverbial house speaks more about Spiritual things for our family…when Spiritual wisdom, understanding, and knowledge fill the “rooms” of our “house.”

I’m reminded of Joshua’s challenge:

Joshua 24:15 (NKJV) “And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

By the way, it’s not just the man who’s responsible for this, it’s the woman as well. We read in:

Proverbs 14:1 (NKJV) “The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands.”

You might even apply this to a church congregationally, or to Christians personally.

1 Timothy 3:15 (NKJV) “but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”

1 Peter 2:5 (NKJV) “you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

By God’s wisdom and work we will be blessed with precious and pleasant riches.

If you have any questions or comments on today’s reading, or you’d like to share something the Lord showed you, feel free to leave a reply below. I’d love to hear from you as we grow forward in 2021.

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Isaiah 43:14–45:10

This section of Isaiah is truly transcendent. These are words from our Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, who will defeat ALL of our enemies. I pray that truth would encourage you. We need not fear!

The LORD, our Creator and King would defeat Babylon (Isaiah 43:14-15). This prophecy of Babylon’s fall – is given even BEFORE their rise! God would make a way for His people, and crush opposing armies, chariots and all (Isaiah 43:17).

This would be a new thing for Israel – speaking not merely of the military victories, but of a relationship with Him to give His people waters in the wilderness and a life of praise and gratitude for God. There’s no need to look back as we go forward in life.

Isaiah 43:18–19 (NKJV) “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

What a beautiful promise from God – let’s enter in with all of our hearts.

This was something Israel did not do. I’m fascinated (and a little frustrated) with the way Israel burdened God with their sins, they wearied Him with their iniquities (Isaiah 43:24). But we should all examine our lives. Is this something we’re guilty of?

And then…we discover His amazing grace! Do you know who and how God is?

Isaiah 43:25 (NKJV) “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins.”

I have a question for you – do you have any fears? Most parents would probably admit that the one thing we might most easily succumb to is fear for the future of our children. Will they serve the Lord? Will they be “successful.” But then the promise of God shows up:

Isaiah 44:3 (NKJV) “For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring.”

Hold tight to that one my friends who have children. 

These promises and all the others in the Bible come from the one and only God. There’s no god before Him, nor shall there be one after Him (Isaiah 44:6). The one and only God is on our side – so, “Do not fear, nor be afraid.” (Isaiah 44:8)

The world trusts in their myriad of idols. It makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. Isaiah elaborates on how they cut down a tree, and part of the tree is used to burn and cook, while the other part of the tree is used to make an idol (a god) before which they pray and bow down. Can such idols deliver them? Of course not! (Isaiah 44:17).

Isaiah 44:19b (NKJV) “Shall I fall down before a block of wood?”

Idols cannot deliver anyone in any way. My soul is grieved when I see statues of saints, or Mary, or even Jesus. Do people honestly believe that bowing down and praying to them makes a difference? It’s actually sin, a violation of the 2nd commandment, that even harms parents and their children.

Exodus 20:4-5 (NKJV) “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,”

Sometimes I’ll go in to various restaurants and see little idols as well as their offerings to these idols. My heart is grieved – it’s nothing but the invitation of demonic spirits. 

Isaiah writes about the one true and living God, our Maker and Maintainer who redeems us and desperately wants us to always remember…He will never forget us.

Isaiah 44:21 (NKJV) “Remember these, O Jacob…My servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me!”

Isaiah goes on to prophecy about the day a king named Cyrus would do His bidding and allow the Jews to rebuild their temple. This prophecy was written 200 years before it came to pass, when the Medo-Persians conquered Babylon, and the Jews were allowed to return to the land! Wow!

What other God knows the end from the beginning? What other God is detailed in thousands of prophecies – proving He is God? (see Isaiah 46:9-10) There is no other God (Isaiah 43:6). And this one God is with us (Immanuel). So friend, wherever you are and whatever you’re going through, “Do not fear nor be afraid.”

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Ephesians 3:1-21

Paul was not simply a prisoner of Rome, he was a prisoner of Christ FOR the Gentiles. God had called him to preach the Gospel to everyone, but his ministry would be most effective with the Gentiles (non-Jews). God had graciously opened Paul’s eyes and revealed to him a mystery – that the Gentiles would be grafted in to the Olive Tree of Israel (God’s people) (Romans 11:17). This truth was, to a very large degree, implicit in the Old Testament, but the Jews never saw it, it was hidden from their eyes. Paul was chosen to preach this truth explicitly, “…that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ…” (Ephesians 3:6).

Paul had been chosen as the Apostle who would reveal many of God’s mysteries to the world, but it’s fascinating how he was never puffed up by this. On the contrary, it seems like the longer he served the Lord and the more he accomplished, the greater he grew in humility. As a younger man he compared himself to the Apostles and said he wasn’t worthy to be called an Apostle (1 Corinthians 15:9). Here in Ephesians he considers himself to be less than the least of all the saints (Ephesians 3:8). But a few years later, he grew even more in humility, calling himself the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). God help us to grow in this way as well, to grow in humility.

I love what Paul writes concerning his responsibility as a preacher, to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. Part of our calling is to tell the people the blessings available to them, blessings beyond our wildest imagination. It doesn’t matter who you are, you need to know what God has done through Christ for both rich and poor, Jew and Gentile, all men and women, the criminal and moral, the gang member, the family member, the vicious, the religious – doesn’t matter, God has done a work for all to see. Even angels and demons see God’s work – principalities and powers, according to Ephesians 3:10. It’s wonderful what God has accomplished in Christ – His forgiveness has flung heaven’s door wide open so that those of us who have placed our faith in Jesus have full-on forever access to Him anytime (see also Hebrews 4:16).

This prayer of Paul’s in Ephesians 3:14-19 provide a ton of truth that we can also pray for each other; four things stand out:

1. For inner strength by the Spirit.

2. For Christ to feel at home in our hearts (our lives).

3. That we’d be established through a better understanding and deeper experience of God’s love.

4. That we’d be filled with the fulness of God.

Do you believe God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we ask or think? According to Paul, God IS able. This can refer to the work through us – for the truth is, any of you may be called to be the next Billy Graham, but I have a hunch (when you consider the context) it refers more to the work in us. God is able to strengthen us, to touch our hearts, to make His love real to us, so that our cups would overflow.

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Psalm 68:1-18

Before this Psalm begins, my Bible has the heading, “The Glory of God in His Goodness to Israel.”

And just as God protected, defended, led, redeemed, had mercy and grace upon the children of Israel in all their wanderings and wars, so God does for us.

He will defeat our enemies, for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against demons that are too strong for us. God will bless the widow and fatherless. God will rain blessings upon us, even in the middle of the wilderness. We will be weary at times (Psalm 68:9) but God will encourage us through personal and Divine intervention; often He uses His Word.

The mountains of Bashan refer to the Hermon mountain range, only a few miles north of Bashan. The Psalmist depicts these great mountains as being envious, for the LORD did not pick them, but went from Mt. Sinai straight to Mt. Zion – this is the mountain which God desires to dwell in, forever (Psalm 68:15-16).

God’s angelic chariots fight for His people (Psalm 68:17). Thank You Lord!

Psalm 68:18 is quoted in Ephesians 4:8 in reference to Jesus’ ultimate victory on behalf of His people, in that He ascended into heaven after His cross and resurrection, and gave gifted people to the church (Ephesians 4:11-12).

It’s good for us to know that our God NEVER loses!

Oh the Glory of God in His Goodness to His people! I hope you enjoy Him.

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Proverbs 24:1-2

Proverbs 24:1-2 (NKJV) “Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them; 2 For their heart devises violence, and their lips talk of troublemaking.”

Why would anyone ever be envious of evil men? Well…evil men often possess power, position, money, and the things that money can buy; they might even “get the girls,’ if you know what I mean, and in our foolishness, our flesh wants that.

They have the good car, the good house, the good money. And yet here we are (as “good” guys) just trying to make ends meet, living on leftovers.

It might be tempting to envy evil men.

But God in His wisdom says, “Don’t envy them. Don’t desire to be with them.”

If you look deeper you’ll see so much chaos. Physical, emotional, and spiritual violence within their hearts, not just times of trouble, but tons of trouble.

Let’s double-check the desires of our hearts.

Let’s be careful who we want to hang with.

That’s why David prayed in: 

Psalm 26:9 (NKJV) “Do not gather my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloodthirsty men.”

Psalm 28:3 (NKJV) “Do not take me away with the wicked and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors, but evil is in their hearts.”

The NLT puts Proverbs 24:2 this way, “For their hearts plot violence, and their words always stir up trouble.” Double-trouble.

So many of these people end up dead, in jail, or just wasting their lives. It’s nothing to envy.

If you have any questions or comments on today’s reading, or you’d like to share something the Lord showed you, feel free to leave a reply below. I’d love to hear from you as we grow forward in 2021.

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Isaiah 41:17–43:13

Isaiah 41:17-18 speaks of water for the poor and needy. I can’t help but think of Jesus’ words in:

John 7:37-39A (NKJV) “On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive…”

Are you thirsty for the Lord? He will provide that water to quench our thirst and even the grace to water others that they may bring forth fruit, symbolized in Isaiah 41:19.

God commands His people to flee idols, He even challenges these idols to do something so “that we many know that you are gods…” but they can’t, for they’re lifeless.

Isaiah 41:29 (NKJV) “Indeed they are all worthless; their works are nothing; their molded images are wind and confusion.”

Isaiah 42:1-13 speaks of Jesus as Servant. Matthew 12:18-21 quotes Isaiah 42:1-4 and applies it specifically to Jesus. Jesus was upheld by His Father, anointed by the Spirit. He spoke truth and encouragement to those who were hurting (Matthew 11:28-30). The day will come, when Jesus will establish justice on planet earth, and people all around the world, the coastlands, the Gentiles – many – will trust in Him.

Isaiah then transitions into Israel as servant – they weren’t a faithful servant. They were blind and deaf (Isaiah 42:18-19) they had trusted in idols. They would not walk in God’s ways, they were disobedient to His Word (Isaiah 42:24). God disciplined them, but they did not take it to heart (Isaiah 42:25).

And yet, God would not give up on His people. Isaiah 43 begins with a wonderful exhortation to Israel to “fear not” for God had redeemed them, He bought them back. This would be words of encouragement for those Jews who would return to the land…there’s no need to be afraid.

Isaiah 43:1–3 (NKJV) “But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. 3 For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…”

God tells His people He loves them (Isaiah 43:4). God defeated other nations in order to set His people free. We’ve witnessed it throughout the ages and even in our generation, how the Lord has regathered the Jews from all over the world. God wants us to see this as a sign of who He is.

Isaiah 43:10 (NKJV) “You are My witnesses,” says the LORD, “And My servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, nor shall there be after Me.”

The fact that Israel is in the land today, is a sign for the whole-wide-world to see, that the LORD, He is God. There was no god before Him, neither shall there be one formed after Him. He is the only Savior.

It’s time to let go of all idols. Isaiah teaches us this. Isaiah also teaches us not to trust in Egypt either (the world). No matter what we’re going through (even if it’s fires and floods) may we know that God is with us as He was with the three Hebrew children (Daniel 3:25). He will accomplish His purposes for our good and His glory. Let’s trust in Him and Him only (Isaiah 42:17; 26:3).

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Ephesians 2:1-22

At one time I was on a slippery slope, without hope – “but God” came in and rescued my life. I wasn’t just spiritually sick, I was dead in my sins. I thought back then, that I was only doing my thing, but Paul sheds light on the fact that I was on a certain “track” – a course set by the fallen world (see 1 John 5:19). This “world” is under the influence of the devil himself. Paul calls him the “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). 

(1) the world, (2) the flesh, and (3) the devil were pounding me down, paving my way to hell, where I was in route to experiencing the eternal wrath of God, and justifiably so (I was by nature a child of wrath).

But God…

Those two words in succession are some of the most beautiful words we’ll ever read or hear. God is rich in mercy (not set to give us what we deserve). He’s great in love (passionate for our best even when we’re at our worst). He’s amazing in His grace (lifting us up all the way to heaven even though we only deserve hell). God didn’t just raise us from the dead and leave us in the cemetery, He’s raised us from the dead and seated us in the heavenlies…it’s ALL Him – that’s why He gets all the credit and all the glory, now and forever more.

Ephesians 2:8-10 are some of the most important passages in the entire Bible, worthy of memorization. We are saved by grace (undeserved favor), through faith (genuine belief/trust in the heart) in Christ (the Person and work of Jesus). Salvation is a gift, it’s not something we’ve earned in the past or will ever be able to earn in the future. It’s not by some ceremony, or sacrament, or any “work” of our own – on the contrary, WE are God’s work, we are His workmanship. The Greek word is poiēma from which we derive our English word poem. The truth is, God is working in us and through us to be the people and do the things He has planned – it’s a story He’s writing, that started…even before time began.

Paul goes on to address the fact that the Gentiles (non-Jews) were at one time far away, without hope – without God. They were strangers to the Scriptures, they were people who didn’t know the promises, they had no covenant, without the commonwealth of Israel, but now they (we Gentiles) have been brought near by the blood of Jesus Christ.

Jesus’ blood has broken down the middle wall of separation so that now there is no spiritual advantage whether Jew or Gentile; now there can be unity in Christ. No longer are the Gentiles aliens, stranger, or foreigners, spiritually speaking, but now they are fellow-citizens of heaven. This doesn’t mean that the church has replaced Israel (as some mistakenly teach “Replacement Theology” – see Romans 9-11 – God is still dealing with Israel) it simply means that we Gentiles have been grafted into God’s vineyard. The church is built upon the foundational teaching of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Himself being the Chief Cornerstone – a fulfillment of Psalm 118:22-25. The cornerstone (foundation stone or setting stone) is the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, it’s most important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure – that’s Jesus!

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Psalm 67:1-7

Psalm 67:1 is an appropriation of the High Priestly prayer of Numbers 6:23-27. This was the blessing the High Priest was to pray over Israel. Here we see that we can even pray it for ourselves.

We desperately need God’s mercy and blessing. 

For His face to shine upon us, describes His smile over us, His grace and favor, and even His intimate presence.

This Psalm is an invitation to the whole wide world. One day Jesus will rule over ALL the nations. What a glorious day that will be.

As we allow the Lord to rule over our own hearts, we will experience His gracious blessings in our lives.

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Proverbs 23:29-35

Proverbs 23:29-35 (NKJV) “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes?  30 Those who linger long at the wine, those who go in search of mixed wine. 31 Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; 32 At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. 33 Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse things. 34 Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying: 35 “They have struck me, but I was not hurt; they have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?”

I remember when I was just a little boy, seeing people around me drinking alcohol. I saw fights between grown-ups. It usually started with words that escalated to punches thrown. I saw them get beat up, right in front of my eyes.

I don’t think this would have happened if they hadn’t been drinking. One statistic I heard said that 80% of all crimes are committed by people under the influence of alcohol.

I just don’t understand why people drink – even people who call themselves Christians. Some say the Bible permits it, and yet we’re clearly commanded not to be drunk with wine, for it leads to a wasted life (Ephesians 5:18). The Bible is filled with warnings such as the one we have in this Proverb and elsewhere:

Isaiah 5:11 (NKJV) “Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may follow intoxicating drink; who continue until night, till wine inflames them!”

Isaiah 5:22 (NKJV) “Woe to men mighty at drinking wine, woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink.”

Consider what it cost Noah (his respect), Lot (he fell into incest with his daughters), Herod murdered John the Baptist – the greatest prophet of God, and it cost Nabal his life. It’s just not worth it!

NET Notes, “The point of these similes is to compare being drunk with being seasick. One who tries to sleep when at sea, or even worse, when up on the ropes of the mast, will be tossed back and forth.”

If you have any questions or comments on today’s reading, or you’d like to share something the Lord showed you, feel free to leave a reply below. I’d love to hear from you!

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Isaiah 39:1–41:16

Hezekiah was a good and godly king, but he wasn’t perfect (none of us are). Hezekiah let his pride get the best of him, and against all wise judgment, he allowed the ambassadors of Babylon to see all the treasures of Jerusalem. Isaiah breaks the news to Hezekiah that one day the Babylonians would return and completely conquer Jerusalem. They would take away all the treasures, and even the precious people of the land. 

According to 2 Chronicles 32:31 God withdrew from Hezekiah at this time, He didn’t influence him, he testd him in order to show him (and us) his heart. We read in:

2 Chronicles 32:31 (NKJV) “However, regarding the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, whom they sent to him to inquire about the wonder that was done in the land, God withdrew from him, in order to test him, that he might know all that was in his heart.”

Warren Wiersbe commented, “This was the third test (2 Chronicles 32:31), and the king failed miserably. What could not be accomplished through an army or an illness was accomplished through flattery. If Satan cannot succeed as a lion, then he comes as a serpent.”

As we transition into Isaiah 40 we now enter the second “half” of the book of Isaiah which has often been compared to a Bible. Just as the Bible has 66 books, Isaiah has 66 chapters. Just as the Bible has 39 Old Testament chapters that emphasize God’s holiness and judgment, Isaiah does the same in its first 39 chapters. But just as the Bible emphasizes God’s grace in the New Testament and the last 27 books, so also Isaiah emphasizes the grace of God in the last 27 chapters. It’s a fascinating parallel.

It’s now time to comfort the people – her war is ended, her iniquity is pardoned (Isaiah 40:1-2). The Messiah would come, but before Him, the forerunner would come. Isaiah 40:3-5 is in reference to John the Baptist who was the fulfillment of this, “voice” crying in the wilderness. The people needed to get ready for the coming of the Christ.

The day would come when the religious leaders would ask John about this. He identified himself with this passage of Scripture.

John 1:22-23 (NKJV) “Then they said to him, ‘Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?’ He said: ‘I am The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the LORD.’’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

Isaiah goes on to describe an awesome and wonderful God. He’s the Good Shepherd of His people. He’s sovereign over all the nations. He’s not the work of man, lifeless idols, no – our God is the Maker of heaven and earth. There is no one like Him (Isaiah 40:25).

If He made and maintains the stars, knowing them all by name where not one is missing, how much more does He take care of us? Don’t think that God doesn’t see you my friend…and all that you’re going through.

Isaiah 40:27 (NKJV) “Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel: ‘My way is hidden from the LORD, and my just claim is passed over by my God?’”

He sees. He knows. Wait on Him. Trust Him. The Caring Creator, the Maker of heaven and earth will give you power.

Isaiah 40:29–31 (NKJV) “He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Don’t fear. Don’t act hastily. Don’t step out in sin. Wait on God, trust Him. Be patient and be empowered…next thing you know you’ll be flying high, soaring far above all the struggles of life that at one time had you down and out.

Isaiah 41 predicts the return of the nation of Israel to her land. The “one” God will raise up is King Cyrus (Isaiah 41:2, 25; 44:28; 45:1) who will be used by Him to bring this to pass. Again…the LORD is not like the lifeless, useless idols of pagan people, He is the first and the last (Isaiah 41:4), He is the Savior of Israel and the people whom He’s chosen (Isaiah 41:8), there is nothing for us to fear (and for good reason):

Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

What a beautiful promise. May it give us peace. God will defeat every enemy of ours (Isaiah 41:12). Even though we’re as helpless and as weak as wretched worms, God will strengthen us – He will transform us into victorious weapons of righteousness.

Isaiah 41:14–15 (NKJV) “Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel! I will help you,” says the LORD and your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. 15 “Behold, I will make you into a new threshing sledge with sharp teeth; you shall thresh the mountains and beat them small, and make the hills like chaff.

I hope that encourages you. What a difference it makes, with the living God on our side!

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Ephesians 1:1-23

We now embark on the book of Ephesians (I must confess, it’s one of my favorite books in the Bible). Paul begins by listing some of our spiritual riches as believers – in Christ. We read in Ephesians 1:3 that we’ve actually been blessed with EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING! I can’t list or elaborate on all that is here, but I was mulling through verses 3-13 (which are all one sentence in the Greek language) and here it is:

1. Chosen by God to be forgiven by God (Ephesians 1:4);
2. Predestined and adopted as children of God (Ephesians 1:5);
3. Accepted in Christ, to the glory of God (Ephesians 1:6, 12);
4. Redeemed by the very blood of God (Ephesians 1:7a);
5. Abounding in the amazing grace of God (Ephesians 1:7b-8);
6. Selected to know the mysteries of God (Ephesians 1:9a);
7. Blessed to be pleasing and part of the purpose of God (Ephesians 1:9b);
8. Destined to one day live forever in the Kingdom of God (Ephesians 1:10);
9. Willed to be joint heirs with the Son of God (Ephesians 1:11); and just to express the certainty of all this, now and forever – we are:
10. Sealed with the Holy Spirit of God (Ephesians 1:13-14).

In Ephesians 1:15 Paul points to two aspects of genuine salvation – faith in God, and love for the brethren.

After Paul heard this about the people, he, from that point forward did not cease to pray for them. Ephesians 1:16-20 would be a great section to memorize and pray for those believers in your life – that God would open their eyes to realize the riches they have in Christ. I like the way the NLT translates v. 17 (NLT) “…asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.” Paul wanted them to get to know God more, to get to know the great hope of our calling, the riches of our inheritance, and the “exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe.”

Do we truly, actually, and in all reality know that the same power that raised Christ from the dead, that lifted Him up above ALL demonic entities – lives in us! It’s vital that we come to understand our wealth (Ephesians 1-3) for that transitions into the faith to walk as Christians (Ephesians 4:1-6:9), end even war against the devil and his demons (Ephesians 6:10-20).

Before duty comes doctrine, before behavior comes belief, before the walk or the war, we must know our wealth.  This is Ephesians chapters 1-3.

We are the body of Christ, and He is our Head (Ephesians 1:22) may this encourage us and even empower us to live and love like Jesus by drawing upon the infinite resources and riches that we’ve been freely given “in Christ.”

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Psalm 66:1-20

This Psalm exalts God far above the nations of the earth and even looks forward to the day when the whole wide world will worship Him (Psalm 66:4). What a day that will be!

In the meantime, we can clearly see God’s power, love, and work in the nation of Israel.

The Psalmist invites the world to “Come and see” (Psalm 66:5) and to “Come and hear” (Psalm 66:16).

How God parted the Red Sea and His people prevailed. Even how they went through difficult times of trial and discipline, and yet God refined them in the fires and the floods (see also Isaiah 43:2).

Psalm 66:10–12 (NKJV) “For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined. 11 You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs. 12 You have caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; but You brought us out to rich fulfillment.”

A closer look at God’s people reveals that He really does work ALL things together for good  for those of us who love Him (Romans 8:28); that He really does hear our prayers, as we do our best to keep our hearts right before Him. 

I’ve always been challenged by Psalm 66:18, its essence is captured in the NIV:

Psalm 66:18 (NIV) “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.”

As we abide in Him, believe in Him, trust in Him, and even yield to His discipline, with clean hands and surrendered hearts, we will see God work, He will answer our prayers and inevitably the day will come when we will:

Psalm 66:1a (NKJV) “Make a joyful SHOUT to God…”

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Proverbs 23:25-28

Proverbs 23:25-28 (NKJV) “Let your father and your mother be glad, and let her who bore you rejoice. 26 My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways. 27 For a harlot is a deep pit, and a seductress is a narrow well. 28 She also lies in wait as for a victim, and increases the unfaithful among men.”

It’s probably no secret to read that we parents will be glad and even rejoice when our children walk in wisdom.

And as we give God our hearts, and observe His ways, we will be protected from one of the most dangerous temptations of all – seduction.

That 18 inches from the head to the heart, make all the difference in the world. 

How we need to know, believe, and receive, that “…a harlot is a deep pit…” “a narrow well.”

Proverbs 22:14 (NKJV) “The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit; He who is abhorred by the Lord will fall there.”

NET Notes, “The metaphors of a “deep pit” and a “narrow well” describe this sin as one that is a trap from which there is no escape. The “pit” is a gateway to Sheol, and those who enter are as good as dead…”

Friend, be so careful, that man, or that woman you might be flirting with, “Lies in wait…”

Proverbs 23:28 (NLT) “She hides and waits like a robber, eager to make more men unfaithful.”

Will you be a victim? Will I? Not if we give God our hearts and observe (obey) His ways.

If you have any questions or comments on today’s reading, or you’d like to share something the Lord showed you, feel free to leave a reply below. I’d love to hear from you!

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Isaiah 37:1–38:22

King Hezekiah heard the words of the Rabshakeh, the ambassador of the king of Assyria, how he blasphemed the LORD and intended to slaughter God’s people. King Hezekiah therefore tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the House of the LORD to seek Him wholeheartedly. Hezekiah also sent word to the prophet Isaiah, perhaps the LORD would have mercy upon them and against all human odds, deliver Jerusalem from the Assyrian army.

Isaiah sent word back to the king, “Do not be afraid,” their enemy would return to his own land and die by the sword.

Rabshakeh sent a letter to Hezekiah – not to be deceived by this hiccup in his plan to conquer Jerusalem. Rabshakeh vigorously attacked the faith of God’s people.

Isaiah 37:10 (NKJV) “Thus you shall speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying: ‘Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you, saying, ‘Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.’’”

When Hezekiah received the letter he read it, and spread it out before the LORD for Him to read as well. Then Hezekiah prayed, acknowledging God as the one and only God, the Maker of heaven and earth. The only reason the other nations weren’t able to stand against Assyria is because their gods were not gods at all, they were the work of men. We then read the marvelous motive behind his prayer:

Isaiah 37:20 (NKJV) “Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the LORD, You alone.”

Isaiah then sent word to Hezekiah with an important message, “Because you have prayed…” (Isaiah 37:21)

Because King Hezekiah prayed, God would send an angel, some say it was Jesus – the Angel of the LORD…to wipe out 185,000 Assyrians.

They had blasphemed God. They had rage against Him, so God defended this city, He saved it…because their king prayed.

What if Hezekiah had never prayed? What if he didn’t pray passionately, covering himself with sackcloth, spreading the matter before the LORD? I’ve always been challenged by this story, “Because you prayed…” May we be moved and motivated to pray for the protection and salvation of the people, the way Hezekiah prayed. I like the way he even asked Isaiah to join him in prayer (Isaiah 37:4).

Hezekiah prayed for the nation – he also prayed for himself. In Isaiah 38 we have the account of King Hezekiah’s appointed death. Isaiah came to him and told him to set his house in order, he was going to die. The king prayed and wept, he pleaded with the LORD who answered by granting him an extra fifteen years of life.

There’s debate among Christian circles as to whether or not this was a good thing (an extension of life). Some say it wasn’t good because it was during this time that Manasseh was born. Others say it was good because it seems to be something that took place during the whole Assyrian invasion, which is why we read:

Isaiah 38:5–6 (NKJV) “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will add to your days fifteen years. 6 I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city.” ’

If Hezekiah had died then, would Jerusalem have been delivered without their key intercessor? Today I lean towards the latter view. It’s okay to pray for more time and leave the results in God’s sovereign hands. He knows what’s best and will answer according to His will (1 John 5:14).

Keep looking up my friend (Isaiah 38:14) for God will hear, God will speak, and God will do (Isaiah 38:15). Isn’t it encouraging to know that as we cast ourselves upon the mercy of the Lord, He is gracious and willing to cast all our sins behind His back! (Isaiah 38:17)

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Galatians 6:1-18

I often quote Galatians 6:1-2 when I meet with someone after they’ve fallen. If the one who has strayed is repentant and open to restoration, we need to gently, Biblically, and humbly help them. We as friends and “counselors” are not anyone special, and were it not for the grace of God, I could just as easily have done the same thing a fallen brother has done.

But certain situations are too much for a person to bear alone, and we need to show our love for them, by bearing it with them.

I like the way the NLT translates:

Galatians 6:3, “Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.”

Galatians 6:3-4 teaches us that there are those times (works) that we are solely and personally responsible for; wise and Spirit-led is the person who knows the difference.

As a teacher I would encourage you to pray for your teachers (Galatians 6:6) encourage them in the Lord.

It’s important to realize that every day we are “sowing seeds,” every day we are making an investment, either to our fleshly life or to our spiritual life. We must not deceive ourselves into thinking that we can sow to the flesh (take in and practice sin) without it affecting us. The law of the Lord is that whatever you plant will eventually grow, and we will reap that harvest, whether good or bad.

If it’s bad seed, don’t be deceived, and if it’s good seed, don’t be discouraged.

I love what Sandy Adams said on this, “Just remember you never reap in the same season you sow. Whether you have sown good seed or bad, there is always a waiting period before your crop, crops up. If you are sowing bad seed the delay can deceive. If you are sowing good seed the delay can discourage. Do not grow weary in doing good! God will fulfill His promise! You be patient and persistent.”

Let us do good to all, especially the brethren (Galatians 6:10) take advantage of those “opportunities.”

As Paul closes the letter he personally pens it himself with big letters (that may indicate he had an eye problem). But he goes back to his primary premise and that is for the Galatians to stay away from false teachers who taught salvation and sanctification through circumcision. These imposters were only trying to avoid persecution; they were not of the Lord or of His gospel, they were just another one of those so called “ministers” who likes to boast in numbers, or his own accomplishments.

Paul’s only boast in all of life was the cross where Jesus died for all of his sins. The blood of Christ was/is enough! “Nothing in my hand I bring, only to Thy cross I cling!” Paul let go of his grip on religion (the world) and therefore the world lost its grip on him. The people who hold to the pure gospel will experience peace and mercy, they are the ones who belong to God (Galatians 6:16). May we be minsters who have the “marks” Paul had – service to the point of sacrifice and suffering…what a sermon he was (Galatians 6:17).

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Psalm 65:1-13

I like the way Warren Wiersbe outlines this Psalm: the Worship goes up, the Witness goes out, and the Wealth comes down. “This is a harvest Psalm for believers who want to thank God for His goodness and care during another year.”

We also thank Him for His grace in the way He deals with us personally. I praise Him for what we read in v. 3:

Psalm 65:3 (NKJV) “Iniquities prevail against me; as for our transgressions, You will provide atonement for them.”

Have you ever been there? I know I have, when I feel like I’m losing the battle, I stumble, I fall, I fail the Lord at times. I’m eternally grateful for the atonement, and how Jesus really does wash away my sins. (1 John 1:8-9)

I also thank God for the way He stills the storms. He does it literally (Psalm 65:7 – Jesus did it as a demonstration of His deity – Matthew 8:26). But He also does it spiritually, God stills the storm within me and all around me.

Thank You Lord, I give You all of my praise.

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Proverbs 23:24

Proverbs 23:24 (NKJV) “The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who begets a wise child will delight in him.”

Or as the New Living Translation puts it:

Proverbs 23:24 (NLT) “The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise.”

John the Beloved tells us there’s no greater joy in all the world then when our children walk in truth (3 John 4). We want our children to be saved and sanctified – it’s the deepest longing for any Christian parent.

May God grant us grace and wisdom as parents on how we can do our part to raise our children in the ways of the Lord.

If you have any questions or comments on today’s reading, or you’d like to share something the Lord showed you, feel free to leave a reply below. I’d love to hear from you!