July 7 -- "The High and Lofty One"

 Today's Reading: Isaiah 57 and 58

"The High and Lofty One"

Isaiah 57:15 portrays the majestic, exalted nature of God. He is "high and lifted up," far above all creation, existing beyond time, and dwelling in holiness. The passage reveals a paradoxical truth: while God is transcendent, He is also immanent (present and active within the world He created rather than being a distant or separate being). Although beyond the realm of physical reality, He has chosen to dwell intimately within this realm with the contrite and humble.

In a world promoting self-sufficiency and pride, God's invitation to dwell with the contrite challenges us. The Lord doesn't seek our perfection but a humble heart. Recognizing God's exalted nature must lead to humility. We must approach Him with reverence, acknowledging our dependence on His grace. Such humility opens the door for God's presence in our lives, granting us revival and renewal.

Let us not be discouraged by our imperfections or overwhelmed by the greatness of God. Instead, let's humbly embrace His invitation to dwell with Him. Pursue a contrite and humble spirit, for in doing so, we position ourselves to experience the fullness of God's presence and revival. Let us seek to abide in His presence daily, allowing His grace to uplift us, revive our spirits, and transform our hearts.

Remember, the same God who dwells in the highest heavens desires an intimate relationship with each of us. Embrace this incredible truth and walk humbly before the Lord. As you reflect on His exalted nature and your humble position, allow this awareness to shape your daily walk, drawing you closer to the One who is both high and holy, yet intimately near to the contrite heart.

May this awareness of God's exalted yet intimate nature inspire you to cultivate humility, inviting His presence to revive and transform your life.

July 6 -- "The Rain of Refreshment"

 Today's Reading: Isaiah 54, 55, and 56

"The Rain of Refreshment"

In Isaiah 55:10-11, the prophet likens God's Word to the life-giving rain that nourishes the earth, causing it to flourish and produce. Just as rain doesn't return to the sky without accomplishing its purpose, God's Word is powerful and effective, always achieving His intended goals.

The mystery of how rain nourishes the earth is a captivating reflection of the divine design found in God's creation. This phenomenon provides profound insight into the spiritual truth contained in today’s verse, where God's Word is likened to the life-giving rain.

Rainfall begins with an invisible process in the atmosphere. Water vapor rises, cools, and condenses into clouds. What was once unseen suddenly becomes tangible as raindrops. Similarly, God's Word often operates in unseen ways within our hearts. It mysteriously stirs thoughts, convicts us, and prompts us to act. These inner workings eventually manifest in the form of transformed lives and spiritual growth.

Rain transforms barren land into vibrant landscapes. Dry soil that seemed incapable of yielding life suddenly bursts forth with growth. In a parallel manner, God's Word brings life to the barren places within us. It can rejuvenate our desolate spirits, providing hope, purpose, and new beginnings.

Today, consider the impact of God's Word in your life. Just as rain sustains and refreshes the earth, His Word nurtures your spirit and soul. As you read the Scriptures, meditate on His promises, and seek His guidance, you allow God's Word to water the soil of your heart. It breaks up the fallow ground, removing hardness, and preparing it for spiritual growth. 

Just like rain, where we can't always see the mysterious processes by which it produces life, we sometimes don't see God at work in our hearts through His word. But His word is working in us! Mysteriously. Quietly. Powerfully.

Let this truth inspire you to spend time daily in God's Word. Like a farmer who eagerly anticipates the rain, approach the Scriptures with anticipation. Allow the Word to penetrate your life deeply, raining down and bringing forth the fruit of righteousness. Trust that God's Word, as you apply it, will not return empty. It will fulfill His purposes and bring transformation. 

July 5 -- "Pierced. Crushed. Chastised. Wounded."

Today's Reading: Isaiah 52 and 53

"Pierced. Crushed. Chastised. Wounded."

Isaiah 53:5 is one of the most often quoted verses from the Old Testament. Written some 700 years before Christ, it is a profound prophecy foretelling the sacrificial suffering of the Messiah, when He would one day die for the sins of humanity. The verse vividly portrays the agonizing crucifixion of Jesus, highlighting that His wounds were not merely physical but spiritually transformative. The piercing, crushing, wounding, and chastisement were endured to redeem humanity from sin's consequences, offering reconciliation and eternal peace.

Pierced ("nāḵāh" - נָכָה) means to strike or smite with a sharp instrument. In the context of Isaiah 53:5, "pierced" refers to being stabbed through or speared, both by the spikes in his hands and feet and the spear piercing His side. Isaiah’s prophecy was symbolizing the physical suffering and wounds experienced by the Servant.

Crushed ("dākaʾ" - דָּכַא) means to crush, break, or squash. This term conveys intense physical and emotional suffering, portraying the extent of the Messiah's affliction for the iniquities of humanity.

Chastised ("muśār" - מוּסָר) means to discipline, instruct, or chasten. "Chastised" represents the discipline or punishment that Jesus willingly accepted on our behalf. The suffering was a form of divine correction and justice, deserved by all of humanity, but placed on Jesus. This chastisement was aimed at bringing peace and restoration to humanity through His sacrifice.

Wounded ("ḥalāl" - חָלָל) means to wound, gash, or defile. This term emphasizes the wounds and injuries endured by the Servant, vividly portraying the physical and spiritual impact of His suffering. Jesus Christ's wounds were a result of the crucifixion, demonstrating His sacrificial love for humanity.

When facing challenges, remember that Jesus has borne our afflictions, offering hope in times of distress. Let us approach our Savior in humility, acknowledging His sacrifice, and receive the healing and peace He graciously offers. As we draw near to Him, we can experience His transformative power in our lives.

July 4 -- "Unafraid and Undismayed"

Today's Reading: Isaiah 50 and 51

"Unafraid and Undismayed"

Today, we often find ourselves in a world where Biblical values and principles are mocked, challenged, or rejected. Just as in Isaiah's time, believers are encouraged to stand firm in their faith, anchored in God's righteousness and guided by His law within our hearts. The opinion of man should not deter us from living according to God's truth.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah addresses those who have God's law within their hearts and who are seeking to live righteous lives. The exhortation is to listen and take heed to God's message despite facing opposition, ridicule, or reviling from others. The passage emphasizes the importance of maintaining a steadfast heart and being unshaken by the reproach of man.

Jesus often spoke about the importance of not fearing man and instead fearing God, prioritizing God's approval over human opinion. In Matthew 10:28, Jesus says, "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell." Here, Jesus encourages his disciples to maintain their fear and reverence for God, who holds ultimate authority over their eternal destinies, rather than fearing mere human opposition or threats.

In our workplaces, schools, or communities, we may encounter situations where holding to our Christian convictions invites scorn or ridicule. It's in these moments that we must remember Isaiah's and Jesus’ words and stand resolute, unafraid of the reproach of man. Let our lives reflect the righteousness of God, regardless of the world's response.

We are to speak the truth with love and grace, but always speak the truth.

"Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:11-12)

July 3 -- "Creation's Comforting Song"

 Today's Reading: Isaiah 49

"Creation's Comforting Song"

Today’s verse exhorts us to rejoice in God’s comfort, His presence, His care, and His unfailing love. It paints a vivid picture of the rejoicing that permeates not just the hearts of God's people, but the very fabric of creation—the heavens, the earth, and the mountains. This imagery conveys the magnitude and universality of the joy that stems from God's comfort and restoration.

This joy is a profound spiritual and transformative experience. When we face trials, sorrow, or challenges that weigh heavy on our hearts, God's comfort is like a soothing balm, healing our wounds and restoring our spirits. It's more than just a fleeting emotion; it's a deep-seated assurance at the core of our souls that we are not alone in our struggles.

Rejoicing over God's comfort involves recognizing and internalizing the truth that He is with us in our pain and suffering. It's an understanding that God walks beside us through the darkest valleys, holding us close to His heart. This knowledge brings an indescribable sense of peace, even amid the storms of life.

As we rejoice in God's comfort, we find strength and courage to face the challenges before us. It's an acknowledgment that God's comfort is sufficient to sustain us, giving us hope and enabling us to persevere. We can find joy in the midst of adversity because we are not defined by our circumstances; we are defined by the unwavering love and comfort of our Heavenly Father.

Furthermore, rejoicing over God's comfort entails gratitude and thanksgiving. We thank God for His faithfulness, for His promises that He fulfills, and for the comfort He graciously provides. In doing so, our hearts overflow with joy, knowing that God is in control, and His plans for us are good.

In conclusion, let us embrace the joy that comes from God's comfort. Let us rejoice in His presence, His care, and His unfailing love. May this joy be a beacon of light in our lives, shining forth as a testimony of God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the midst of life's challenges.

July 2 -- "Choose Stillness"

 Today's Reading: Psalms 46, 80, 135

"Choose Stillness"

Psalm 46:10 is a timeless invitation to embrace a stillness that transcends the chaos of life. In the midst of tumultuous circumstances, the psalmist encourages us to quiet our hearts and recognize the sovereignty of God. "Be still" entails a deliberate pause, a moment to let go of anxiety, and a surrender to the unfailing presence and power of God.

In our bustling lives, finding stillness is a challenge. We're bombarded with noise, distractions, and demands. However, the call to "be still" beckons us to seek a quiet space daily. It's in this stillness that we can meditate on God's Word, listen to His voice, and deepen our intimacy with Him. As we quiet our hearts, we become more attuned to His plans and purposes for our lives.

Moreover, being still is an act of trust. Trusting God means acknowledging His control over all situations, even when we can't see the way forward. It's an act of faith to release our worries and fears into His capable hands, believing that He is working all things for our good.

To "know" that He is God goes beyond mere intellectual acknowledgment; it is a profound, intimate, and personal understanding of God's nature, character, and sovereignty. It involves a deep experiential awareness that transforms how we perceive and relate to God as God in our lives distinguishing Him from all other beings who possess finite and limited attributes. God's unique nature sets Him apart as the Almighty and worthy of reverence, worship, and obedience.

So, be still and know that God possesses unlimited power and authority over all creation and over the affairs of your life. He loves you infinitely and He can do anything and everything according to His will. He is a big and powerful Being, and nothing in your life is to difficult for Him!

Today, amidst the clamor of life, take intentional moments to be still before God. Find a quiet place, open your Bible, and let His words penetrate your soul. Meditate on Psalm 46:10, allowing its truth to resonate within you. Surrender your concerns, your plans, and your desires to the One who holds the universe in His hands. Today, choose stillness over anxiety, trust over worry, and faith over fear, knowing that He is God, and He is for you.

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.