July 1 -- "Silencing the Scare Tactics"

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 19

"Silencing the Scare Tactics"

The king of Assyria is attempting to use “scare tactics” on the children of Israel. He defiantly tells them that he is going to attack them and crush them. He boldly tells them to listen only to himself and that they should not listen to king Hezekiah when he “tries to mislead you” by saying, “The LORD will rescue us!” His goal is to strike fear in their hearts.

Satan often uses this tactic on God’s children. He defies God and tells you not to listen to the word of the Lord. He comes off so brash and so bold so as to strike fear in our hearts and cause us to cower to his defiant words. It is in these situations that we must listen to the voice of truth, which tells a different story. The reality is, Satan cannot crush you. He can yell and scream at you, and try to terrify you, but we know the rest of the story. No matter how many scare tactics the enemy tries to use, it is ultimately the word of the Lord that stands!

God, through Isaiah, asks His children this question… “But have you not heard? I decided this long ago. Long ago I planned it, and now I am making it happen.” By these words He is reminding His children of three things: (1) that their circumstances are not a surprise to Him; (2) that He established His plan for this very situation long ago, and: (3) that He is not the least bit intimidated by His enemies and their defiant rhetoric.

You would do well to remember and apply these same three truths to your own circumstance. God is not surprised by the turn of events in your life. He saw you in this situation before the world was created and He knows exactly how, when, and where He is going to implement His plan to remedy the situation. Satan’s threats and rhetoric don’t frighten Him, or intimidate Him, or cause Him to scramble around looking for a solution. He already knows the solution. He planned from days of old what He will now bring to pass.

So, don’t listen to your defiant enemy. Don’t let his scare tactics take root in your life. Trust the God who loves you and has a pre-determined plan of victory for every circumstance of your life.

June 30 -- "No Peace"

 Today's Reading: Isaiah 47 and 48

"No Peace"

This verse starkly contrasts the peace God offers to His followers with the unrest experienced by those who reject His ways. Understanding this distinction helps us navigate our spiritual journey with clarity and purpose.

The Hebrew word for "peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom) actually carries a deeper meaning than just the absence of conflict or war. In the context of this verse, God is referring to a state of wholeness, completeness, and serenity brought about by harmony with Himself. This "peace" is not just the absence of trouble, but a profound sense of well-being, security, and reconciliation with God.

It's interesting to note that some wicked people may appear to have "peace" in their lives, at least on the surface. They may seem content, successful, and even prosperous. But this so-called "peace" is often a shallow and temporary facade, masking a deeper unrest and dissatisfaction in their souls. They may have learned to cope with the emptiness and unrest in their souls. But these coping mechanisms only provide temporary relief. In reality, this is not peace, and these coping mechanisms will never be able to truly satisfy the deep longings of their human heart.

For those who are outside of a vibrant relationship with God, no amount of wealth, power, or success can truly satisfy their souls or bring them lasting peace.

In John 14:27, Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you." True peace, as Jesus promises, transcends worldly circumstances and is rooted in a deep and abiding relationship with Him. It is never found by turning to wickedness, but only by turning to Him in repentance and faith.

So, how can you apply this truth to your lives? Turn from your sin and trust fully in the Lord. When we trust in Him, His Spirit will induce a peace in our soul that we never could have imagined. We also need to share this message of peace with others so they too can experience “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

June 29 -- "Our Purposeful Creator"

 Today's Reading: Isaiah 45 and 46

"Our Purposeful Creator"

In Isaiah 45:18, the prophet Isaiah relays a message from Yahweh affirming His unique identity as the singular Creator of the heavens and the earth. This verse emphasizes God's intentional design in creation. He purposefully formed the earth to be a habitation, a dwelling place for humanity, and it was not created in vain or without a plan.

The Bible says the world was made with a purpose, and there are good reasons for believing this. The Bible's claim of purposeful creation is backed by compelling arguments. When we look at how organized and intricate everything is, it's like a sign of someone planning it all. Just like a well-arranged puzzle, the way things fit together and all the systems in our universe work together in harmony suggests someone designed it on purpose. The Bible also describes God as a deliberate Creator, and we believe this because God says it is so. We also know it to be true based on our personal experiences and faith in Christ.

Reflect on the intentional and purposeful creation of our world. Recognize that you are not a product of chance or randomness; rather, you are fearfully and wonderfully made by the hand of God. Understanding God's purpose in creating the world, including you, should bring you comfort, purpose, and a sense of value.

Acknowledge the Lord's plan for your life and trust in His divine wisdom. Seek to fulfill the purpose for which God created you, living a life that aligns with His will, and making a positive impact in the world around you.

Remember each day that you are a part of God's intentional creation. Live with a sense of purpose and pursue God's plan for your life. Strive to honor Him in all you do, for He formed you to bring Him glory. Let your actions, thoughts, and words reflect the understanding that you are fearfully and wonderfully made by the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Trust in His sovereignty and purpose for your life and allow His plan to unfold in and through you.

June 28 -- "Expunged!"

Today's Reading: Isaiah 44 

"Expunged!"

Expunging refers to eliminating something so thoroughly that there's no trace of it left behind. The imagery of God "blotting out" (i.e. “expunging”) the record of our transgressions in paints a vivid picture of divine forgiveness. The phrase conveys the complete removal and eradication of our sins, so that there’s no trace of our wrongdoings left behind. God, in His unfathomable mercy and love, undertakes this act of expunging our wrongdoings.

In the context of accounting, "blotting out" typically refers to correcting errors in financial records or ledgers. It involves erasing or removing incorrect entries or transactions, ensuring that the financial statements accurately represent the true financial position of an entity. In today’s verse, "blotting out" signifies the complete removal and annulment of our transgressions, akin to correcting an accounting error to achieve accuracy and balance.

From a criminal record (“rap sheet”) perspective, "blotting out" signifies the process of expunging or completely erasing an individual's criminal convictions or offenses from all official records. It involves legally removing all traces of their transgressions, granting the person a fresh start in society without the burden of their criminal history. Similarly, God promises to blot out our transgressions and sins, offering us a clean slate and a chance for spiritual renewal.

Just as a criminal record can be expunged, God, in His mercy and grace, blots out our transgressions. Your divine “rap sheet” has been expunged! This divine act of expunging our spiritual record means that our past wrongdoings no longer even show up on God’s accounting ledger or your spiritual “criminal record.” God's forgiveness allows us to move forward, unburdened by the weight of our past sins and offenses.

This verse is a profound reminder of God's boundless grace and His willingness to forgive. It encourages us to embrace this assurance of forgiveness and redemption. No matter how heavy the weight of our transgressions, God's mercy is greater. He eagerly welcomes us back, offering a fresh start and a clean slate upon which to rebuild our lives.

June 27 -- "The God of New Things"

Today's Reading: Isaiah 43 

"The God of New Things"

God is not confined by the past, but is actively creating something new in our lives. Many passages in the Bible emphasize the importance of leaving behind the past, focusing on our new identity in Christ, and looking ahead to the promises and hope that God has for us in the future.

In today’s passage from the book of Isaiah, the Lord is speaking to His people, encouraging them to leave behind the burdens of their past and to anticipate the new work He is about to do in their lives. The Israelites were reminded not to dwell on their past failures, struggles, or successes, but to fix their gaze on the future that God had in store for them.

Similarly, we are called to let go of our past, the regrets, the missed opportunities, the failures, and the pain that may have weighed us down. God is in the business of making all things new. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17) As we look to Him, He promises to guide us through even the most desolate of circumstances, providing a way forward and refreshing our souls like rivers in the desert.

Like the Apostle Paul who said, “One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14), let us embrace the new beginnings God has for us. Let go of the old, trusting that God's plans are always better and greater than we can imagine. Seek His guidance and stay open to the "new thing" He is doing in your life.

In times of uncertainty or difficulty, remember that God is faithful and will make a way for you, even in the wilderness. Keep your eyes on Him, for He is the source of our hope and the One who leads us into a future filled with promise and purpose. Let us release the burdens of the past. Let go of regrets, failures, and what might have been. For God is not confined by the past, but is actively creating something new in our lives. Open your hearts and minds to the possibilities, for God's work is always unfolding, surprising, and full of grace. Let us step forward in faith, ready to embrace the new things God has in store. 

June 26 -- "Yahweh's Exclusive Glory"

 Today's Reading: Isaiah 42

"God's Exclusive Glory"

God's jealousy for His glory is a reminder of His rightful place and position in our lives.

In Isaiah 42:8, the prophet Isaiah reveals God's declaration that He is “Yahweh,” and His name and glory should not be shared with any other. The Hebrew word "יְהוָה" (YHWH) is the divine name of God Sometimes referred to as the “Tetragrammaton,” this word carries the meaning of "I Am" or "One who is." It's the sacred and personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent, and unchanging nature. The phrase "the LORD" (all caps) is commonly used in English translations to represent this sacred name.

This verse underscores God's unique identity and unrivaled position as the Creator and Sovereign of all. It underscores that God's glory is exclusive and cannot be shared or given to anyone or anything else. It reinforces the idea that God alone deserves the highest honor, respect, and adoration due to His incomparable nature and attributes. This verse serves to remind us of the absolute uniqueness and preeminence of God in the universe.

In our modern world, where there are many who vie for attention and fame, it's crucial to remember that God alone is deserving of ultimate honor and glory. This can include anyone striving for recognition in various domains such as entertainment, sports, business, politics, social media, ministry, and other public platforms. We must guard against elevating anything or anyone above Him in our hearts and lives. This verse urges us to examine our priorities and ensure that God holds the highest place in our affections, pursuits, and loyalties.

Let us actively cultivate a heart that delights in exalting God above all else. As followers of Christ, we are called to be unashamedly passionate about His un-shared glory. May we endeavor to align our thoughts, actions, and ambitions with the truth that God is preeminent, and His name is to be revered in every aspect of our lives. God's jealousy for His glory is a reminder of His rightful place in our lives. Let us walk in obedience, giving Him the honor and praise that He exclusively deserves.

June 25 -- "Fear Not!"

 Today's Reading: Isaiah 41

"Fear Not!"

The phrase "fear not" or its equivalent appears 73 times in the Bible. Each time it appears, it serves as a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that we can face any challenge with God by our side.

In Isaiah 41:10, the Lord speaks comforting words to His people, assuring them of His presence, strength, and faithfulness during times of fear and uncertainty. He commands them not to fear, for He is with them, upholding and strengthening them with His righteous right hand.

In our lives today, we can face various fears—fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of loss, fear of danger or harm, fear of physical pain, fear of rejection or abandonment, fear of death, fear of purposelessness or insignificance, fear of the unknown, fear of satanic powers, fear of change, fear of personal moral or spiritual failure, and the list goes on. Fear is a complex emotion with a variety of causes, ranging from our ingrained human survival instinct to personal experiences and the current environment. Unchecked fear has the potential to overwhelm both our faith and our capacity to put it into action.

But God's resounding promise in Isaiah 41:10 remains unchanged. We can take refuge in the assurance that God is with us in every situation, holding us up with His steadfast love and unwavering strength. When we sense that He is with us and trust Him with our lives, fear loses its grip on us, and we can move forward confidently, knowing that our Creator is in control.

When fear grips your heart, remember 2 Timothy 1:7 - "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control.". God's promise is a beacon of hope and a source of strength. Trust in His faithfulness and lean on His presence. Let go of fear, and instead, embrace the assurance that God, the Almighty, walks beside you. Seek Him in prayer, read His Word, and draw near to Him. As you do, you'll find the peace that surpasses all understanding and the strength to overcome any fear that tries to hinder your journey of faith. Stand firm in His promises, for He is faithful and will never leave you nor forsake you.