An interesting verse in Isaiah 19 declares, “ The Lord … is coming to Egypt. The idols of Egypt tremble before him, and the hearts of the Egyptians melt with fear.”

The evil spirit world is more aware of God’s power and dread than we are. They know their days are numbered. God will come as He said and punish His enemies and reward His faithful ones.

We can live in confidence and victory knowing the power of God and that He will destroy our enemies. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation. But, be of good cheer. I have already overcome the world!” [Jn. 16:33]

READ/HEAR: Is. 15-19

Isaiah reveals Satan’s error in chapter 14. Who else could possibly fit the description given? Only him.

• Fallen from heaven, cast down to the earth
• You (Satan) said,
  • “I will ascend …
  • I will raise ‘MY throne’ above the stars of God
  • I will make myself like the Most High”

The true Christian’s posture is never one of pride and ascent. It is that of humility. God does all the lifting, not us. Beware when leaders lift themselves. Pray they don’t make the same mistakes that God’s enemy did.

READ/HEAR: Is. 13,14

Isaiah not only prophesied the Messiah but he spoke of salvation from sin. His description was that we would draw water from the well of salvation and do it with JOY!

One of the greatest, lightest and most joyful moments is when a person truly experiences salvation. Scripture says “Everlasting joy” shall be upon their heads. God’s blessing of the joy of salvation makes this life worth living. We don’t walk in fear and doubt like others do. Regardless of our income level or station in life, we can exist in the euphoria that only comes from God’s Holy Spirit as we live from day to dayl

Kanye West’s recent Christian experience is refreshing to watch. He now knows what it means to live the abundant life.

READ/HEAR: Is. 10-12

The prophet Isaiah penned some of the most accurate and profound predictions of Christ that we have in the canon of scripture. As he wrote the precise words, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,” did he understand the impact of his description?

As we read those words, our hearts are stirred with awe and gratitude for the Son of God Who came to take away our reproach and sin, Who came to give us eternal life. We know Him. We love Him. We desperately need Him.

Isaiah’s prophecy has had the intended effect upon us … we have been impacted by the Messiah’s mission. Sad to say, Isaiah’s contemporaries had little understanding about the power of his prophecy. We who live in the end of the age clearly benefit from all Christ has done and find great comfort in reading the prophet’s inspired writings.

How can we but praise the God Who has given such a great salvation to us.

READ/HEAR: Is. 8,9

Isaiah chronicles the ups and downs of Israel. Nevertheless, God loves His vineyard and sends the Redeemer to purchase their salvation. Isaiah predicts His birth in chapter 7.

We see God’s dealings with His people because He loves them and shepherds them in the right direction. It’s still the same today. God loves us and nurtures us in the best direction for our lives.

As we read His Word daily, we more fully understand this process and learn His ways.

READ/HEAR: Is. 5-7

The prophet Isaiah spoke of a day to come that would reveal God in all His glory and power. We haven’t seen that day yet, but we shall if we follow on to keep knowing the Lord.

We become weary of political strife, rampant immorality, hedonistic materialism, and society calling good that which is evil. God is watching and waiting for “that day.” He will have the last say. He will reveal His Glory and every eye shall see Him and all His power that has been on hold.

Christians who are daily in God’s Word will maintain a healthy sense of propriety that will sustain them until God shows up to set everything straight.

Encouraging Christians to read or hear the Word daily is the main motive of this devotional. I pray God will hook your heart on His way of life.

READ/HEAR: Is. 2-4

Isaiah warns against meaningless, insincere acts of worship and sacrifice to the Lord.

Nowadays, there seems to be fewer and fewer “religious” churches who go through a form of godliness, and more and more “seeker” churches that focus on being authentic. I remember the 50s and 60s when it was socially proper to attend church. In a sense, its refreshing that there are fewer imposters and more real Christians.

Our nation presently needs and is ripe for a great awakening. Most realize that they won’t necessarily find God in a historic, mainline church. They will come to a church that is helping their friends who have found the real deal.

What we need now is EVANGELISM.

Paul said, “We proclaim Christ! We warn everyone we meet, and we teach everyone we can, all that we know about him, so that, if possible, we may bring every man up to his full maturity in Christ. This is what I am working at all the time, with all the strength that God gives me.”  [Col. 1:28  JB Phillips]

READ/HEAR: Songs of Songs 5-8; Isaiah 1

Solomon’s Song of Songs is the Bible’s spicy love book. Sad to say, Solomon ended up a man with too many women and actually set a poor example of how a man should handle the “spice” in his life. Nevertheless, the subject is treated with plenty of flavor here.

To spiritualize the book, we can see a God Who has a passionate love for His Bride, the Church. God’s heart is toward the Church and His love will prevail in the end.

Since there will be no male nor female in heaven … no marriage etc., it makes sense to look for the spiritual meaning in this book and see that “WE,” the Church, the Bride of Christ provide the spice in His eyes.

“O how He loves you and me.”

READ/HEAR: Song of Songs 1-4

Scripture encourages us to use fewer words rather than more. However, healthy communication is good. Wise words shared from pure motives of the heart and a healthy working knowledge of God’s word are preferred.

David said, “Let the words of my mouth  and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord.”

READ/HEAR; Ecc. 10-12

Solomon encouraged making the very most of life! Here is what he says.

Each day is God’s gift. It’s all you get in exchange for the hard work of staying alive.
Make the most of each one!
Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily!

I believe he’s saying enjoy the process and not just the destination. I guess that’s easier to say when you’re retired, but I believe it’s good advice. Apply all your skill, wisdom, experience, and integrity to every job or task you take.

Do everything heartily as unto the Lord!

READ/HEAR: Ecc. 6-9