Isaiah 11-15

Isaiah's prophecy is quoted at least 50 times in the New Testament (-from the NIV Life Application Study Bible).

So even though much of what Isaiah is saying about God's judgement on His people is difficult to read (at least for me), it's a big deal (Isaiah 11-15).  There's so much to learn from Isaiah's words of warning.

God wants us to know Him and His love.  He wants us to rely on Him through the ups and downs of life.  

And no matter how many miracles God has performed for Judah and the rest of Israel up to this point in our reading, His people have forgotten him in their day to day lives.  God's people mistakenly think THEY have things under control by the clever works of THEIR own hands, and they stray further and further from God's will for their lives. 

No matter what year it is, be it 700 B.C. or a year in the 21st century, God's people struggle to be faithful. 

I keep reading and reading for the hope in today's scripture.  Because I know God loves us so much, there is always hope with Him.

We find hope in these words..

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;

  from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him--

  the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,

  the Spirit of counsel and of might,

  the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD--

He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,

  or decide by what he hears with his ears...

Righteousness will be his belt

  and faithfulness the sash around his waist.

Isaiah 11:1-5

Our hope for all time is in Christ, our Savior, who is with you and me working His wisdom, His understanding, His counsel, and His might in our hearts and lives as we speak.

We believe and see what a difference Christ makes.

Surely God is my salvation;

  I will trust and not be afraid.

The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense;

  he has become my salvation.

With joy you will draw water

  from the wells of salvation

Isaiah 12:2-3

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for Your faithfulness.  Thank You that by Your grace, through faith, we have Christ, our Savior, working in our lives.

Forgive me for all the ways I fail to rely on You, Lord, and become lost in this life.

I praise You, Lord.  You are my salvation.  I will trust and not be afraid.  You are my strength and my defense.  You fill me with joy.

By Your Spirit, Lord, guide me each day with Your wisdom and understanding, Your counsel and might.  Fill me with Your grace and direct my steps so that I am a vessel of Your grace and life-giving love for others.

I pray to You about ____________________ today.  __________________ especially needs You to hold him/her/them in Your arms.

In Jesus' holy name I pray,

Amen

Peace of Christ,

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

Acts 7-8

Stephen in today's reading, Acts 7-8, makes me want to back up a little bit.  He is a leader from the start.  He enters the picture in Acts 6 as the apostles become a little overwhelmed meeting all the responsibilities that come with spreading Jesus' good news.  They realize their need for help.  The apostles want to focus on praying and teaching God's word, and seven chosen men, who are "full of the Spirit and wisdom," serve in meeting the day to day needs of the people.  The apostles pray over these men and lay hands on them.  This is the start of Stephen ministry.  (Ahh, that's the story behind that ministry.)  And God's ministry keeps growing...

Blessings Forward

Today I am strong.  I am thankful.  I am blessed.

My heart is full of the peace of Christ.  

Let's pass it on to someone who desperately needs it.  God blesses us so we can be a blessing to others.  Let's pray today for someone who needs lifting up, who needs God's strong arms, who needs His powerful embrace.  Who is on your mind?

  The Holy Spirit is talking to you, now.

A prayer for today-

Dear Heavenly Father,

Today I thank you for <name>.  I pray you will be with <name>, and wrap him/her in your loving arms.  You, alone Lord, know what is weighing on <name>'s heart and mind. <Name> especially needs Your comfort, Your peace, and Your healing right now.  Lord, may <name> feel strengthened by the power of Your presence and this prayer.  I pray Your love, mercy, and grace will be with <name> today and always.

Thank you, Lord, for hearing my prayer.  In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

Blessings,