Monthly Archives: February 2016

Cry Out to God

It’s as if God creates tragedies in the course of nations to hear them cry out to Him. The result of their trials is that The Lord shows up and rescues them. That’s not all bad!

In asking, “What’s it gonna take for America to seek God?” it puts a different light on the condition of our nation. If we can boldly pray, “Do whatever it takes, God,” we have faith that He works all things together for the good of those that love Him.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, our nation needs You. We are incensed by the decline in morality, lawfulness etc. We NEED YOU!

DAILY READING: Isaiah 17-19

God Deals with Nations

As in the description and character of Moab in Isaiah, we see God’s demeanor toward nations and people groups. It’s as if they have their own personality. They are held accountable for their response to God and their behavior towards other nations.

What would be written about the U.S. if a prophet were describing her? Her headlines portray a decaying society.

This is a solid reason to pray for our nation. God can do anything.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, have mercy on our nation. We have sinned. We are in deep need of a sovereign move of Your Spirit.

DAILY READING: Isaiah 14-16

A Day of Reckoning

The prophet Isaiah speaks confidently of not only the coming of the Messiah, but of days of reckoning where God displays His power and control of our world by making right all the wrongs committed against Him.

His Kingdom, in contrast, will be set up to bless, protect, and reward His saints who have become a part of His family through the Messiah.

It’s comforting to be a part of His Kingdom.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I am grateful for your plan of redemption and deliverance from the fate of all who reject You.

DAILY READING: Isaiah 11-13

Fear Only God

When we read Isaiah, we quickly realize that God knows the future, and that He is in total control of what happens. The ultimate expression of His ruling nature was Christ Jesus. The prophet predicted such accurate detail about the Messiah’s advent that we gain a faith and confidence in the entire Book from cover to cover.

One of God’s consistent messages to us is to trust Him for our future, and to have no fear. It amazes me to know that God is so overwhelmingly capable to rule the universe, yet He intimately chooses to guide and protect my life and those I love.

DAILY PRAYER: We praise Your greatness, Lord. Teach us to walk in trust and obedience to Your commands.

DAILY READING: Isaiah 7-10

God’s Glory and Majesty

Only in God’s Word and in His presence can we begin to fathom the greatness and majesty of His Kingdom. The prophet Isaiah was privileged to behold a glimpse of this glory, as recorded in Chapter 6.

Our life in this present world is so foreign to God’s ways, yet He created it all for us to exist in. As we apply His teachings to our daily lives, we take steps toward realizing how great and holy He is. Heaven will tell it all.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, to live in Your presence and to please You with our daily lives is our goal.  Give us the grace to achieve.

DAILY READING: Isaiah 4-6

Meaningless Offerings

The prophet Isaiah identified the meaninglessness of offerings brought before the Lord that were not what he asked for.

As we assemble to worship the Lord, what He’s really after is an authentic gesture from a sincere heart. Each word we sing, each expression of our devotion is an opportunity to accumulate an eternal offering of significance in heaven.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, You gave Your best to us. We reciprocate by giving to You a praise offering of sincerity and truth.

DAILY READING: Isaiah 1-3

The Real St. Valentine

A Roman Priest in a time marriage was prohibited, Valentine was devoted to performing secret wedding ceremonies for young couples who believed in the sanctity of Christian marriage.

His last words, “From your Valentine,” were written just before his execution for violating the law. He, in essence, gave his life for Christian love and marriage.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, thank You for the gift of love. Give us the boldness to make sacrifices for the ones we love.

DAILY READING: Song of Songs 5-8

Words of Love

Solomon was very good with words, having written many of the Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. In the Song, his words became his vehicle to communicate his depth of love.

As we approach Valentine’s day, be mindful to craft words of love for those dear to you. The effort will be noticed and appreciated.

Say whatever needs to be said. You may never have the opportunity again.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, we love You. We use our words of praise to magnify You. Let Your love flow through us today to those in need around us.

DAILY READING: Song of Songs 1-4

 

Fear God, Enjoy Life

In his evaluation of the meaning of life, Solomon sums it up by saying, “Fear God and keep His commandments.” Because every man’s life and work will be judged, he encouraged us to seek wisdom, work hard, but enjoy life and the opportunities it brings.

A meaningful life that is not vain is one that is lived “In the Son” rather than merely “Under the sun.”

Jesus said, “Apart from Me, you can do nothing.”

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, I want my life to count. I hereby seek first Your Kingdom and Your righteousness.

DAILY READING: Ecc. 6-12

 

 

Enjoy Your Work

So says the writer of Ecclesiastes. When I looked up the definition of work, my wife’s picture was there. LOL.

She was the daughter of a farmer, and learned to work as a child. To this day, she has maintained a work ethic that wears me out; I was a city boy.

Children are blessed to have parents and mentors who teach them to work hard, achieve something worthwhile, and enjoy the process.

When God had finished the work of creation, He rested and called it “good.”

DAILY PRAYER: Father in Heaven, thank You for the health and life we enjoy. Thank You for the ability and opportunity to apply ourselves to tasks and reap the fruit.

DAILY READING: Ecc. 1-5