Saturday, July 26, 2014

Isaiah 16-20

Isaiah 16-20 is a harsh heads up for the destruction and suffering that is to come, not only for God's people, but for the nations surrounding them.  

Today's reading is heavy with lots of bad news.  It's hard to read.  And I just keep searching for glimpses of the everlasting hope that I know frees us (as believers) from our mess-ups and mistakes.  I keep reading to find God's grace and unconditional love somewhere in these difficult words.

It comes to us today in a stern rebuke believe it or not.  Sure, that's not always how we want to receive grace from our Savior, who we know is slow to anger and abounding in love.  Yet, sometimes, let's face it, we stray so far from God's will for our lives, that's exactly what we need.

Here's the biggest problem and God's grace wrapped up together in a few powerful words-

You have forgotten God your Savior;
  you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress.

It's easy for us to get wrapped up in what we are doing and forget what God is doing.  God is our Savior each day, and it takes intention on our part to remember that HE is our Rock and strength.

What do we do and what can we do to remember God each day?

A prayer for today-


Dear God,

Thank You for the Savior and friend I have in Your Son, Jesus.  Thank You that every time I faithfully turn to You, I am greeted by Your strong and loving arms and filled with grace and new life in Christ.

Forgive me for being so easily distracted each day.

Pour the help of Your Holy Spirit into every part of my day.  I know I need You, Lord.  You are my Rock and my Redeemer.

I pray you will help _________________ today also.  Give _________________ strength, courage, determination, a strong faith, and hope.  Fill ___________________ with Your peace that passes understanding and Your love that heals all wounds.

And in Your bigger picture, Lord, I pray for nations everywhere to know and remember You.  May we be united in sharing the love of Christ and transforming the world by our faith in You.

In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit I pray,
Amen

Grace of Christ,
*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.

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