June 6 -- "Tearing Down Our Idols"

 Today's Reading: 2 Kings 18

"Tearing Down Our Idols"

Sometimes in life, tearing down a nation’s idols requires decisive and drastic action. It was certainly this way for king Hezekiah who came to power during a time of rampant idolatry and corruption within his beloved nation of Israel. Applying the lessons from Hezekiah's actions to our nation today involves recognizing and addressing the potential idols and challenges that may hinder our collective spiritual growth and unity.

1. Idolatry of Materialism: Just as individuals can be ensnared by materialism, our nation can succumb to the relentless pursuit of wealth and prosperity as its primary goal. This can lead to social inequality, greed, and a disregard for the needs of the less fortunate. As followers of Christ, we must encourage policies and practices that promote economic justice, generosity, and stewardship.

2. Pride and Arrogance: National pride and arrogance can become modern idols, causing divisions and conflicts both internally and on the international stage. Instead, we should call for humility, empathy, and diplomacy, striving for peaceful relations among ourselves and with other nations.

3. Political and Ideological Divisions: Political and ideological divides can fracture a nation, leading to bitterness, hatred, and a failure to address pressing issues. We can apply Hezekiah's example by seeking unity, respectful dialogue, and cooperation across party lines to find common ground and work towards the common good.

4. Moral Decline: A decline in moral values and principles will weaken a nation's foundation. We should be adamant that our nation return swiftly to ethical values where we emphasize integrity, honesty, and compassion in our leaders and citizens.

In applying these lessons to our nation today, it's essential to promote values that transcend partisan interests and align with God’s principles of justice, love, and humility. We should insist that our leaders and citizens alike seek spiritual renewal, embrace unity, and prioritize the well-being of all members of society, ensuring that we honor God as the ultimate source of our strength and guidance. Ultimately, it's a call to reflect on our national priorities, values, and the impact of our decisions on the broader community.

June 5 -- "Kept in Perfect Peace"

Today's Reading: Isaiah 26 & 27 

"Kept in Perfect Peace"

When our minds and hearts are fixed on God, we can experience what the Bible calls “PERFECT PEACE.” This is not just any peace; it's a peace that is whole, lacking nothing. The New Testament describes this as the "peace that surpasses all understanding."

In the original Hebrew text, the phrase "perfect peace" is expressed as שָׁלַם שָׁלַם (“shalom shalom” or “peace peace”). The repetition of the word "shalom" underscores the idea of completeness and fullness of peace.  This is a peace that encompasses every aspect of our being: emotional, spiritual, and even physical.

Emotional Peace: Perfect peace means that our emotions are tranquil and at rest, regardless of the circumstances. It doesn't mean we won't face difficult emotions, but it signifies that even in the midst of trials, our inner turmoil is calmed by a deep sense of assurance in God's presence and care.

Spiritual Peace: This peace extends to our relationship with God. It implies a state of harmony and reconciliation between us and the Lord. It's the absence of spiritual unrest, guilt, or separation from God, as we trust in His grace and forgiveness.

Physical Peace: While not always immediate or guaranteed, perfect peace can also manifest in our physical well-being. Stress and anxiety often take a toll on our bodies, but when we experience this deep peace, it can contribute to better health and overall vitality.

Isaiah makes it clear that the source of this perfect peace is the Lord Himself. It's not something we can manufacture on our own through positive thinking or relaxation techniques. Instead, it's a supernatural peace that flows from our connection and trust in God and keeping our mind fixed on Him.

When life's worries swirl around you, fix your mind and heart on God. By trusting in His presence, you'll discover a deep well of peace that will see you through. When our minds are "stayed on" or fixed upon the Lord, it means we are immersing ourselves in His character, His promises, and His presence. Trusting in Him is the key to unlocking this peace because it acknowledges that God is in control, that He is good, and that He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

June 4 -- "Death Swallowed Up"

 Today’s Reading: Isaiah 24 & 25

"Death Swallowed Up"

Today’s statement by the prophet Isaiah is a profound glimpse into the glorious promise of God's ultimate redemption and restoration. This verse reveals that God, in His infinite mercy, will one day eliminate death itself. It assures us that He will personally wipe away every tear from our eyes. This act symbolizes the removal of all sorrow, pain, and suffering, as well as the complete eradication of sin's consequences.

In a world filled with trials, pain, and loss, this verse provides hope and comfort. It reminds us that our Heavenly Father intimately cares for us. We can trust that one day, in His presence, all our tears will be wiped away. This promise encourages us to persevere, knowing that our current difficulties are temporary compared to the eternal joy that awaits us.

When Isaiah says that God will "swallow up death," he is proclaiming a momentous and transformative event. This symbolizes the complete and final defeat of death. It's a powerful image suggesting that death will be consumed or eradicated completely, leaving no trace behind. It is the complete and irreversible defeat of death itself. This statement encompasses several profound truths:

1) Victory over Death: Through Christ's resurrection, death was conquered, and its power to separate humanity from God was broken.

2) Resurrection and Eternal Life: Just as Jesus was raised from the dead, we too will experience the resurrection of our bodies and the gift of eternal life with God.

3)  Complete Restoration: God's plan isn't just about overcoming physical death but also the restoration of His people. The removal of sin's consequences and the wiping away of tears signify a complete restoration of our relationship with God and the removal of all pain and suffering.

Take a moment today to reflect on the significance of God personally wiping away your tears. Rejoice in the assurance that, through faith in Jesus Christ, you have the hope of eternal life where sorrow and death will be no more.

June 3 -- "Pride Leads to Ruin"

 Today’s Reading:  Isaiah 23

"Pride Leads to Ruin"

In Isaiah 23, we're transported to the ancient city of Tyre—a hub of trade, wealth, and influence. Yet, amidst its prosperity, pride had crept in and taken root. This verse captures God's remembrance of Tyre's arrogance, highlighting how their self-assured attitude led them down a path of destruction. Tyre believed itself invincible, a stronghold that could not be shaken. Tragically, their pride led to their ruin.

Tyre's downfall offers a timeless lesson for you and me. The echoes of their pride reverberate across generations, warning us of the peril of self-importance. Their story calls us to examine our own hearts. How often do we take pride in our achievements, skills, or status? We might not build literal fortresses, but pride constructs walls around our hearts, barricading us from true humility and God's blessings.

The Bible addresses human pride from various angles, consistently cautioning against its dangers and highlighting the importance of humility. Proverbs 16:18 is a passage that reflects the Bible's stance on human pride: "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse emphasizes the correlation between pride and downfall, warning against the arrogance that can blind us to our vulnerabilities.

Proverbs 29:23: "Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor." Here, the Bible contrasts the outcome of pride with that of humility. Pride ultimately leads to a humbling experience, while humility brings honor.

In the humility exemplified by Christ, find strength. Surrender your achievements and failures at the Cross. "Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you." (1 Peter 5:5-6)

June 2 -- "Where Are You Looking?"

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 22 

"Where Are You Looking?"

In Isaiah 22, the people of Jerusalem are depicted indulging in a lifestyle of revelry and self-indulgence instead of looking to and turning to God. They sought refuge in their own strength and pleasures, rather than looking to and relying on the Lord for guidance and protection. Even after experiencing God’s judgment for their sin, they failed to look at Him who had done it.

This scene from Isaiah serves as a stark reminder of how easy it is for us to place our trust in worldly things rather than in God. In our modern lives, we may find ourselves looking to material possessions, success, relationships, or even our own abilities as sources of security and happiness. Just as Jerusalem's misplaced trust led to their downfall, our reliance on anything other than God can lead us astray.

Let the example of Jerusalem's folly propel us to examine our hearts. Are there areas in our lives where we've turned to worldly substitutes instead of seeking God's wisdom and provision? It is not possible to overemphasize the importance of placing our trust in the unchanging character of God rather than looking to other persons or things for our spiritual fulfillment.

Where are you looking today? Let's realign our focus. Rather than seeking temporary satisfaction from worldly sources, let's turn to God as our ultimate source of strength, guidance, and contentment. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus reminds us, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Today, let's recommit ourselves to seeking God above all else. Instead of looking to the passing pleasures of this world, let's place our trust in the One who is faithful and unchanging. Make it a daily practice to seek His guidance, draw strength from His Word, and find true fulfillment in His presence. In doing so, we learn from Jerusalem's mistake and set our hearts on a firm foundation that cannot be shaken.

June 1 -- "The Watchman's Call"

 Today’s Reading: Isaiah 20 & 21

"The Watchman's Call"

When you perceive a spiritual challenge or an opportunity to share God's love, don't hesitate to sound the alarm. Just as a watchman's warning in Isaiah's day could save lives, your obedience to God's prompting could lead someone to salvation.

In today’s verse, we find the Lord's directive to appoint a “watchman” who will diligently observe and report what he sees. In ancient times, watchmen were crucial for the safety of cities. They stood on the walls of the city, scanning the horizon for potential threats, and warned the people of impending danger. Likewise, the Lord speaks to us today through this verse, emphasizing the importance of spiritual vigilance.

As believers, we are called to be watchmen and watchwomen in the spiritual realm. Our responsibility is to remain vigilant, discerning the signs of the times and the movements of God. Just as a watchman's eyes were fixed on the horizon, our focus should be on God's Word and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. We must be attentive to the shifts in culture, the rise of false teachings, and the needs of those around us. Through prayer and study, we gain the insight needed to discern God's will and share His truth.

In a spiritual sense, a watchman is someone who is called to be alert to spiritual danger and to warn others of the dangers of sin and false teaching. They are also called to pray for the people and to intercede on their behalf.

Today, let's commit ourselves to being faithful watchpersons. Embrace the role of spiritual discernment in a world filled with distractions and deceptions. Stay rooted in the Scriptures and seek God's guidance in all things. Let us be watchpersons who are diligent, faithful, and bold, illuminating the darkness with the light of Christ.

Remember the words of Jesus in Mark 13:37 (NIV), "What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'" May this verse echo in our hearts as a reminder of our call to vigilance. As you go about your day, carry the mantle of a watchman, ready to announce the truth, share the Gospel, and intercede in prayer. Through your obedience, you play a vital role in God's redemptive plan.

May 31 -- "One God. All Nations."

 Today’s Reading: Isaiah 19

"One God. All Nations."

In this verse from Isaiah, we see a powerful prophecy about God's redemptive plan for the nations. The context speaks of a future time when even the historically resistant Egyptians would come to know and worship the one true God, the LORD (Yahweh). This verse is a reminder that God's desire is not just for a single group of people but for all nations to know Him.

We can apply this passage in our lives by recognizing the universality of God's love and His plan for salvation. Just as God desired to reveal Himself to the Egyptians, He desires to reveal Himself to people of all nations, races, ethnicities, geographic locations, and backgrounds today. We are called to be ambassadors of this message, sharing the good news with those around us without prejudice.

Furthermore, this verse emphasizes worship as a unifying act. Worship is not limited to a single people; it is a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. When we gather to worship, we join a global chorus of believers who are united in their love for God. This should remind us to embrace diversity within the body of Christ and celebrate the various ways people from different cultures express their devotion.

Let's be intentional about breaking down any barriers that hinder us from sharing the love of Christ with people from different backgrounds. Just as God reached out to the Egyptians, let us extend a hand of friendship and love to those around us who might seem distant or different. In our worship, may we remember that we are part of a vast, worldwide family of believers, and our unity in Christ is stronger than any differences.

As we gather for worship, let's keep our hearts open to the diverse ways people praise and adore God. Let's remember that worship isn't about conforming to a specific style, but about expressing our genuine love and reverence for the Lord. Through our worship, may we contribute to the fulfillment of this prophecy, as people from all nations come to know and worship the Lord.