Make righteousness a reality

Today's Readings: Isaiah 58:1-14, 59:1-21, 60:1-22, 61:1-11, 62:1-12, 63:1-14

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"'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.  What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me.'" Isaiah 58:3-4

"No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help." Isaiah 58:6-7

How many times have I tried to be 'godly' for the sake of being 'godly', not to truly make a change in my life.  So often we have a list of things we are supposed to do to show that we are Christians: fast, pray, read our bible, tithe.  We do those things and think, hey, I am okay...even more 'Christian' than my neighbor because they are not fasting, praying, reading their bible, and tithing.  But, those are not the things that make us a Christian.  Our hearts must change.  We must put God before ourselves, others before ourselves. Fighting with your children about losing their offering envelope on Sunday morning doesn't really seem like the righteous way to be giving to the Lord.  Loving your children is more important than their offering envelope making it into the plate on time.

"Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don't pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the Lord's holy day.  Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day, and don't follow your own desires tor talk idly." Isaiah 58:13

This is a command that seems to have been put on the ignore list by so many.  We are to put aside a day to be holy and to only pursue things of the Lord.  But, the reason should not be because we want to 'follow the law', but because we want to show honor to the Lord.

"I will make peace your leader and righteousness your ruler.  Violence will disappear from your land; the desolation and destruction of war will end.  Salvation will surround you like city walls, and praise will be on the lips of all who enter there." Isaiah 60:17b-18

Oh, what a glorious day this will be!

My response to God: Lord, I praise you for your gift of salvation and long for the day when I am where praise to you will be on the lips of all who enter there.  Soften my heart to those in need and make it abundantly clear when my response has not been adequate.  Help me to keep your day holy and give me the desire to relish in your presence all the day long.

The blessing covenant

Today's Readings: Isaiah 52:13-53:12, 54:1-17, 55:1-13, 56:1-9, 57:1-21

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"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." Isaiah 53:11

Praise God for his righteous servant and son, Jesus Christ, who bore all of our sins so that we, too, could be children of God.

"'Just as I swore in the time of Noah that I would never again let a flood cover the earth, so now I swear that I will never again be angry and punish you.  For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain.  My covenant of blessing will never be broken,' says the Lord, who has mercy on you." Isaiah 54:9-10

"I will make an everlasting covenant with you."  Isaiah 55:3b

"I will also bless the foreigners who commit themselves to the Lord, who serve him and love his name, who worship him and do not desecrate the Sabbath day of rest, and who hold fast to my covenant. I will bring them to my holy mountain of Jerusalem and will fill them with joy in my house of prayer. I will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices, because my Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations.  For the Sovereign Lord, who brings back the outcasts of Israel, says: I will bring others, too, besides my people Israel." Isaiah 56:6-8

When I first read these beginning passages, I thought...what about me?  Is the covenant for me, too?  Then the following chapter answered my question with no doubt!  Everyone is invited to God's house of prayer.  Hallelujah!

My response to God:  My Father in heaven, thank you for adopting me into your family!  Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to go to your holy mountain and enter your house of prayer.  Never let me forget this blessing beyond blessings that has been given to me.

It's all about God

Today's Readings: Isaiah 48:12-22, 49:1-8, 50:1-11, 51:1-23, 52:1-12

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"I replied, ' But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the Lord's hand; I will trust God for my reward.'" Isaiah 49:4

"But watch out, you who live in your own light and warm yourselves by your own fires. This is the reward you will receive from me: You will soon fall down in great torment." Isaiah 50:11

These verses are so real for today.  Sometimes we let that feeling of just giving up take over because we do not see immediate results from our work for the Lord.  We must remember to trust God and know that he can make good from anything we do.    It is that work, God's work that comes from our actions, that will bring our rewards...not the work we do for ourselves.  In fact, it is the very opposite that comes from God to reward our selfish actions.

"Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will." Isaiah 50:4b

I love this verse and how it reminds me, yet again, how I have a new start with God with each new day/morning.  

"but my salvation lasts forever" Isaiah 51:6b

"But my righteousness will last forever." Isaiah 51:8b

Oh, what joy comes from knowing that God is forever in my future!  

"I, yes, I, am the one who comforts you.  So, why are you afraid of mere humans, who wither like the grass and disappear?" Isaiah 51:12
Sometimes I need a slap in the face to remind me who really matters.  It is all about God.

My response to God: Lord, thank you for your faithfulness in always being here for me and beside me.  Guide me, mold me, use me to do your will with each new day I have to spend with you.  Help me to always remember that I am here for one purpose only and that is to love and serve you.

There is no other

Today's Readings: Isaiah 44:6-28, 45:1-25, 46:1-13, 47:1-15, 48:1-11

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"Do not tremble; do not be afraid.  Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago? You are my witnesses -- is there any other God? No! There is no other Rock -- not one!" Isaiah 44:8

Here it is -- our purpose, proclaimed by God: be witnesses.   That is why we are here...in a nutshell.

"I am the Lord; there is no other God. I have equipped you for battle, though you don't even know me, so all the world from east to west will know there is no other God. I am the Lord, and there is no other." Isaiah 45:5-6

"'I am the Lord,' he says, 'and there is no other.'" Isaiah 45:18b

"For there is no other God but me, a righteous God and Savior." Isaiah 45:21b

"Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me." Isaiah 46:9

These chapters seem to have a repetitive theme.  God wants us to know that he is the one and only true God.  How sad is it, though, that even today we still need to be reminded of this?    

"You say, 'I am the only one, and there is no other.'" Isaiah 47:8b

"...and you said,'I am the only one, and there is no other.'" Isaiah 47:10b

And then here, of all things, the people take on being their own god, saying that they are the only one...taking the word of God for themselves.  This reminds me of so many of the new age teachings that we have the power within ourselves to do anything.  Not.

My response to God: Lord, forgive me for looking to myself for the answers instead of to you --- the creator of light and darkness, the rivers and the seas, the mountains and the valleys.  Help me to remember that my purpose is to be a witness of you to everyone that I meet.  

Gratitude

Today's Readings: Isaiah 40:1-31, 41:1-29, 42:1-17, 43:14-44:5

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"Have you never heard? Have you never understood?  The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth.  He never grows weak or weary.  No one can measure the depths of his understanding." Isaiah 40:28

"It is I, the Lord, the First and the Last.  I alone am he." Isaiah 41:4b

"For I have chosen you and will not throw you away.  Don't be afraid, for I am with you.  Don't be discouraged, for I am your God." Isaiah 41:9b-10a

"I will send Jerusalem a messenger with good news." Isaiah 41:27b

"Others were given in exchange for you, I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you." Isaiah 43:4

Each of these verses, in their own way, remind us of how much God loves us and how very special we are to him.  He is the everlasting, almighty, all-knowing, ever-encouraing, savior-sending, loving-his-people God.  What more do we need to open our ears to hear, our minds to understand, our souls to receive, and our hearts to love the one and only God?

My response to God: All praises to you, Lord of heaven and earth!  Keep my eyes open to see your works in everything around me on this earth.   Thank you for choosing me to be your very own and never let that fact leave my memory.  Help me to recognize your works in all things in a way that leads to actions which bring gratitude to you.

Answered prayers

Today's Readings: 2 Kings 20:1-19; Isaiah 38:1-22, 39:1-8, 2 Chronicles 32:24-31

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:
"When Hezekiah heard this, he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, 'Remember, O Lord, how I have always been faithful to you and have served you single-mindedly, always doing what pleases you.' Then he broke down and wept bitterly." 2 Kings 20:2-3
"Then this message came to Isaiah from the Lord: 'Go back to Hezekiah and tell him, This is what the Lord, the God of your ancestor David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears." Isaiah 38:4-5a
"Meanwhile, Hezekiah had said to Isaiah, 'What sign will the Lord give to prove that he will heal me and that I will go to the Temple of the Lord three days from now?'" 2 Kings 20:8
When I first read this passage, the word bitterly that described Hezekiah's tears led me to think that his attitude was not a good one and that he was angry with the Lord. Perhaps that was not the meaning intended in the scripture. Whatever the case, God heard his prayer, saw his tears, and answered with healing. I had to chuckle and Hezekiah's response, though. Aren't we so much like Hezekiah? The Lord sent word that he would be healed, but Hezekiah did not believe and needed proof. Had not the Lord just rescued Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem from the Assyrians? But, he still asked for a sign of proof.

My response to God: Oh, God, do you chuckle at me like I chuckled at Hezekiah, or does it bring sadness to your heart when I doubt you after you have done so much in my life? Help me, Father, and strengthen my faith so that I am not surprised when you provide those answers to prayer.

Protector and defender

Today's Readings: 2 Kings 19:1-37, Isaiah 37:1-38, 2 Chronicles 32:9-23

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"Then King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out in prayer to God in heaven.  And the Lord sent an angel who destroyed the Assyrian army with all its commanders and officers.  So Sennacherib was forced to return home in disgrace to his own land.  And when he entered the temple of his god, some of his own sons killed him there with a sword.  That is how the Lord rescued Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem from King Sennacherib of Assyria and from all the others who threatened them.  So there was peace throughout the land. From then on King Hezekiah became highly respected among all the surrounding nations, and many gifts for the Lord arrived at Jerusalem, with valuable presents for King Hezekiah, too."  2 Chronicles 32:20-23

"For my own honor and for the sake of my servant David, I will defend this city and protect it."  2 Kings 19:34

The Assyrians were so sure of themselves after their history of destroying other nations.  They came to Jerusalem, mocking God, insulting Hezekiah and taunting the people.  Hezekiah sent word to Isaiah, as he himself prayed to the Lord for deliverance from the Assyrians threats. Isaiah sent back the word he had received from the Lord of Judah's deliverance.  The people were afraid, as the Assyrians were a strong and successful warriors.  But, Hezekiah went straight to the Lord, to the temple, and even spread out the scrolls from Assyria before the Lord.  We can all learn from Hezekiah...no matter how overwhelmed we are with the attacks of this world, we must go directly God and lay down our burdens at the foot of the cross.  For He will defend and protect us, just as he did the people of Judah.

My response to God: Oh, Lord, my protector and shield, I come to you now with my burdens, though they seem small in comparison to those of Hezekiah.  Help me to know that my burdens are just as relevant to you.  Keep me from the worry and feelings of despair that come when I keep them all to myself and not give them over to you, at the foot of the cross.

Waiting confidently

Today's Readings: Micah 6:1-16, 7:1-20; 2 Chronicles 32:1-8; 2 Kings 18:13-37; Isaiah 36:1-22

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:
"No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

"As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me." Micah 7:7

"The Lord will bring me into the Light, and I will see his righteousness." Micah 7:9b

First, the prophet is telling the people what God is requiring of them - righteousness, mercy, and  humility while in the presence of the Lord.  Then he is telling them how he, personally, is responding to God and God's will in his life -- looking to God for help and trusting God to meet his needs.  Then he boldly states what God is going to do -- bring him into his presence.  Oh, if we all would just have this kind of faith and obedience to the Lord.

My response to God: Father God, how many times will it take for me to really get it.  You are right here waiting for me.  You are the one who has waited so patiently for me, when it is I who should be waiting confidently for you each time I need your help.  Let me feel your presence in such a way that I will not jump in and once again fail at trying to fix it myself.  Help me, Lord, to be bold and courageous.

Holiness highway

Today's Readings: Isaiah 34:1-17, 35:1-10; Micah 2:1-13, 3:1-12, 4: 1-13, 5:1-15

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"And a great road will go through that once deserted land.  It will be named the Highway of Holiness." Isaiah 35:8a

"There will be no other dangers. Only the redeemed will walk on it." Isaiah 35:9b

Oh, how I love the poetry of the Word, even the Old Testament, even the books of prophecy, even in Isaiah and Micah! I guess I am finding that I continue to be surprised at how God is answering my prayer to cause me to delight in the Word.   When I moved past the Psalms and into the books of the prophets a few days ago, I wondered how the Lord would use them to speak to me, because they were such a change from what I had been reading. But, the prophet makes such a cool picture with words, as I can so clearly imagine that Holy Highway covered with the footsteps of the redeemed.  But, the thing that is most clear to me is that there will be no other dangers and that it will only be for the redeemed and no one else.  God's people alone will be in total safety, under the wings of his protection. 

My response to God: Lord, please continue to let me delight in your Word.  I am so excited each day to see what new morsel you will bestow upon me. Guide me down your Highway of Holiness as one of those you have redeemed.

Truth and encouragement

Today's Readings: Isaiah 30:1-33, 31:1-9, 32:1-20, 33:1-24

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:
"They tell the seers, "Stop seeing visions!" They tell the prophets, "Don't tell us what is right. Tell us nice things. Tell us lies. Forget all this gloom. Get off your narrow path. Stop telling us about your 'Holy One of Israel.'" Isaiah 30:10-11
Why would someone go to listen to a prophet if they don't want to hear the truth? Of course, the same could be said for many attendees of churches in today's time. There are those who are not necessarily going to church to worship and praise and hear the Word, but going out of guilt, obligation, or even just to network. Those are the people who don't want hear the truth and they are still on earth today, just as they were in Isaiah's day.

"The Lord of Heaven's Armies will hover over Jerusalem and protect it like a bird protecting its nest." Isaiah 31:5
"The Lord will be our Mighty One. He will be like a wide river of protection..." Isaiah 33:21
This is a quick one, but one I just had to include because I love the similes used throughout the scriptures to describes how the Lord protects us.

"Though you are such wicked rebels, my people, come and return to the Lord." Isaiah 31:6
How much grace will he give us? We continue to sin, and rebel against God, and he continues to ask us to return to Him. How cool is that?!!!

"Justice will rule in the wilderness and righteousness in the fertile field. And this righteousness will bring peace. Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in safety, quietly at home. They will be at rest. Even if the forest should be destroyed and the city torn down, the Lord will greatly bless his people. Wherever they plant seed, bountiful crops will spring up. Their cattle and donkey will graze freely." Isaiah 32:16-20
"Those who are honest and fair, who refuse to profit by fraud, who stay far away from bribes, who refuse to listen to those who plot murder, who shut their eyes to all enticement to do wrong -- these are the ones who will dwell on high." Isaiah 33:15-16a
What more incentive do I need? What else could possibly encourage me to live for God. He gives peace, quiet, confidence, safety, rest, blessings and the joy of dwelling with Him.

My response to God: Lord, always keep my heart ready to worship you and my mind ready to hear the truth from your Word. Thank you for your protection through any danger or sadness that comes my way. Even though I know my life will be filled with both joys and hard times, I know that you will always be right beside me to give me the strength to make it through.

Praise, peace and protection

Today's Readings: Isaiah 24:1-23, 25:1-12, 26:1-20, 27:1-13, 29:1-24

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:
"...none will be spared." Isaiah 24:2b
"...only a remnant left." Isaiah 24:13b
"But all who are left shout and sing for joy. Those in the west praise the Lord's majesty. In eastern lands, give glory to the Lord. In the lands beyond the sea, praise the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. We hear songs of praise from the ends of the earth, songs that give glory to the Righteous One!" Isaiah 24:14-16a
These are from Isaiah's prophecies regarding the Destruction of the Earth. He makes clear that everyone will go through this time, yet a small group, a remnant will be left. What is so interesting is the middle of this chapter, verses 14-16, where it speaks of the joyful praise being given by the remnant and that they are in the west, the east, the lands beyond the sea, and from the ends of the earth. The remnant will be spread out, yet together in praise to the Lord. This reminds me of a song we sing at church:

"from the mountains to the valleys
hear our praises rise to You,
from the heavens to the nations
hear our singing fill the air"

"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" Isaiah 26:3
"Lord, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart's desire is to glorify your name." Isaiah 26:8
"...all we have accomplished is really from you." Isaiah 26:12b
"...but you alone are the one we worship." Isaiah 26:13b
This part of Isaiah's prophecy is a song of praise to the Lord from those in the land of Judah. The people will be praising God for the peace that comes to those who have trust in the Lord. This trust is proven to God through our obedience to him.

"In that day, sing about the fruitful vineyard. I, the Lord, will watch over it...so no one can harm it." Isaiah 27:2-3
Such peace comes from knowing the Lord. These verses provided me with such a feeling of comfort and protection that gives that peace that passes all understanding. This was written by Isaiah as a prophecy regarding restoration for Israel. Even though the Lord was angry with his people, even to the point of punishing them, that anger passed and he made peace with his people, and gathered them back to worship him.

My response to God: Lord, I thank you for your perfect peace that you make available to us all if we will only ask and accept. There are so many times I ask, but fail to accept that most precious gift. Forgive me, Lord, and give me another chance.

The desire of the Lord

Today's Readings: Isaiah 18:1-7, 19:1-25, 20: 1-6, 21:1-17, 22:1-25, 23:1-18

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:
"When the people cry to the Lord for help against those who oppress them, he will send them a savior who will rescue them." Isaiah 19:20b
Reading through Isaiah is oh so different from reading through the Psalms. The prophecies against Ethiopia, Babylon, Jerusalem and Tyre show us another side of God -- a side that requires our worship but still answers the prayers of his people by sending a savior.

"But you never ask for help from the One who did all this. You never considered the One who planned this long ago." Isaiah 22:11b
This chapter talks about God weeping for his people who are being destroyed, yet not even asking for his help. This paints such a loving, but sad picture in my mind as I can imagine this happening today. God desires that relationship with us where we can come to him with anything, any request. He wants to answer our prayers and to care for us. But, so many times we just continue on in our sinful life, hurting, and being destroyed while he watches and waits for us to come to him.

"The Lord of Heaven's Armies has done it to destroy your pride and bring low all earth's nobility." Isaiah 23:9
So many times it takes falling to our lowest to break us away from our human pride and open our hearts to put the Lord first and foremost in our lives.

"But in the end her profits will be given to the Lord. Her wealth will not be hoarded but will provide good food and fine clothing for the Lord's priests." Isaiah 23:18
This speaks of the city of Tyre and how the forgotten city will come back again, like a story of a harlot. Even though she continues in her sinful ways, the wealth that comes from that sin will eventually be used for God's good. Everything will eventually be used for God's good.

My response to God: Dear Father, Lord of all Heaven's Armies, forgive me of continuing to have sinful pride where I do not trust your judgement, but try to take care of everything myself. I do not want to be like the peoples of these cities prophesied about by your prophet, Isaiah. Help me to see my sins clearly and recognize where I need to make an about face and follow you, instead of trying to run ahead. Help me to be your servant and a servant to others.

Compassion and confidence

Today's Readings: Psalm 136, 146-150

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry." Psalm 146:7
"The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down." Psalm 146:8b
"He cares for the orphans and widows," Psalm 146:9b
Today I read a newspaper article about a foster child who was nearing her 18th birthday. She was excited about reaching that milestone, but more than anything, she wished that she could be adopted before she 'aged out' of the foster care system. Reading her story and these verses, though different in many ways, seem to pull together to remind me that we are to care for 'the least of these'. What am I doing now to do that?

"Don't put your confidence in powerful people;" Psalm 146:3a
"No, the Lord's delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love." Psalm 147:11
I had a discussion with someone tonight who seemed to be putting all their hope and confidence in worldly success. These verses remind me that the Lord delights when we put our confidence and hope in him.

My response to God: Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, to see what you want me to do lift up those who are weighed down. Give me the words to say and the deeds to do in order to help others to put all hope and confidence in you, and you alone.

Holy hands

Today's Readings: Psalms 128-130, 132, 134-135

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"...Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table. That is the Lord's blessing for those who fear him." Psalm 128:3b-4
The Psalmist may have been referring to something else, but when I read this verse I immediately recognized the word 'vigorous' (definition: strong, energetic, and active in mind or body) as it aptly describes my very own young children. This chapter is talking about the joy that comes from the Lord and the wonderful 'side effects' of this joy. One of them is having children described as vigorous. So many times I do not see that as a joy, but as a strain. The Word is now telling me that is a blessing from the Lord. Kind of makes you think, hmmmmmm.

"Lift up holy hands in prayer, and praise the Lord." Psalm 134:1
I am pretty sure I have read this verse before, but I do not recall honing in on the word 'holy' before. In lifting my hands in prayer and praise, I have never thought about my hands, my instrument of praise, being holy. But, when they are doing that most holy act, they become holy.

"For the Lord will give justice to his people and have compassion on his servants." Psalm 135:14
Justice: The upholding of what is just, especially fair treatment and due reward in accordance with honor, standards, or law.
Compassion: Deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it.
I find it enlightening to differentiate the two very different ways that the Lord treats people of different lots in life. Although he treats 'his people' fairly with their due reward, his feelings towards those who serve just seems more intimate with his desire to relieve their suffering. I read this to mean that we are to be fair to everyone and take special measure to help those in need.

"And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them." Psalm 135:18
Oh, this is so true -- you become what you worship. If we worship the god of media (television, internet, iPod, etc), our time and emphasis go to whatever is being taught there -- that is what will fill our mind and soul. If we want to be like God, and fill our heart, mind, soul and spirit with Him, we must worship him and him alone.

My response to God: Lord, you have given me so much spiritual nutrition today and I thank you for the strength is gives me to get through this day. Please help me to remember your blessings with each vigorous act of my children so that I rejoice with them. Make clear to me those around me in need of compassion and justice and guide me in my response to them. Speak to me through your Word in such a way that I can face the temptations of the gods of today that work to pull me away from you. Finally, as I lift my hands in praise and worship, please allow them to be instruments of your holiness.

Sweet, sweet shade

Today's Readings: Psalms 120-123,125-126

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night." Psalm 121:5-6
Today I spent several hours outside during the hottest part of the day. I had a few moments where I was truly miserable because of the heat. When I found a shady spot with a little wind, the misery dissipated. I was so grateful for those shade trees and the relatively cool breeze and the respite they provided. When I am again experiencing misery, whether it be weather-related or otherwise, I will remember that the Lord is standing next to me, waiting to be my protective shade. He is there to keep all 'heat' from harming me...no matter where that heat originates.

My response to God: Thank you, Lord, for your watchful eyes that always know when I am in need of your shade of protection. Help me never to forget you are always right beside me.

Revival

Today's Readings: Psalm 119

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!" vs. 5
"...Please don't give up on me!" vs. 8b
I feel like such a failure so very often. These verses so closely resemble ongoing pleas I make to the Lord.

" I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." vs. 11
"...revive me by your word." vs. 25b
"...encourage me by your word." vs. 28b
"Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word." vs. 37
"Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." vs. 105
"...let me be revived by following your regulation." vs. 149b/156b
All of these verses, along with so many others within this particular Psalm give me a light at the end of the tunnel. They give such encouragement that revival through the word is not only possible, but necessary.

My response to God: Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you once more asking for your forgiveness for my sin against you and against others. Thank you for the weapon you have given me to fight against that sin, the sword of truth, your Word. Let it encourage me and revive me.

His faithful love endures forever

Today's Readings: Psalms 115-118

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"...trust the Lord! He is your helper and your shield." Psalm 115:9/10/11
The Psalms seem to include many instances of repetitive phrases. Just as our hymns and praise songs of today include a verse and then the chorus repeats, so do the hymns. It is obviously a point that the psalmist wants to ensure we do not miss. Trust.

"... he bends down to listen" Psalm 116:2
"...kind...good...merciful, this God of ours!" Psalm 116:5
These verses show the compassionate nature of God...the Abba Father.

"The Lord's faithfulness endures forever." Psalm 117:2
"His faithful love endures forever." Psalm 118:1b/3b/4b/29b
Yet another repetitive chorus to reiterate the faithfulness of God. Just like the praise chorus says: Give thanks to the Lord, our God and King, his love endures forever -- For he is good, he is above all things, his love endures forever -- Sing praise, sing praise!

My response to God:Lord, I sing praise to you, giving thanks for your excellent faithfulness. Thank you for your mercy and desire to bend down to talk to me, to listen to me. May I always have trust in you, knowing you are always here, right at my side.

He is faithful

Today's Readings: Psalms 107, 111-114

Highlighted Verses and my thoughts:

"'Lord, help!' they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress.'" Psalm 107:6/13/19/28
"Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them." Psalm 107: 8/15/21/31
Both of these phrases were repeated four times throughout Psalm 107. They are repeated with each example of times where God's people rebelled against him. The circumstances followed the same schedule: rebellion, discipline, appeal, praise. The chapter then ended with the following concluding verse...

"Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the Lord." Psalm 107:43
What an amazing lesson is taught in this Psalm. So many times the chosen people rebelled, only to go through the same thing over and over again. In the end, what really mattered was that they learned that the Lord is faithful.

"They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly. They share freely and give generously to those in need." Psalm 112:7-9
Oh, how I need this reminder on a daily basis. Stop worrying! I had to include verse 9 just because I wanted to make sure you read it too...:)

"Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord" Psalm 114:7a
Just a reminder of his omnipotence and that he should be taken very seriously.

My response to God: Lord, forgive me for being so much like the children of Israel -- rebellious and stubborn. Please help me to learn quickly from your discipline so that I do not live my life repeating the same rebellious acts. Calm my anxious heart and give me the peace that passes all understanding. Praise God!