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

Solomon shares his summation of the essence of life in the book of Ecclesiastes. He declares all to be vanity, useless. To him, the most important thing became giving your best to every moment and task and making the most of it. He spoke from experience.

I have arrived at a personal conclusion from my life and experience. It all boils down to three things … your life and experience with God and all it includes … and who do you love … and who loves you.

You may have lived a great life and accomplished much, when you get old, nobody wants to hear you brag. They will, however, respond positively to the giving and receiving of love … especially your family!

READ/HEAR:. Ecc. 1-5

Proverbs 31 describes the pinnacle woman. Guess what! I found her. I married her and she became the mother of our children.

The key element is found in the closing comments from King Lemuel in Proverbs 31 … she is a God-fearing woman!

Apart from God, no woman alive could ever measure up to the challenging list of qualities this Wonder woman described in Proverbs 31 exemplifies. However, through Christ she can!

READ/HEAR: Pr.31

I’m visiting my parents in Ohio right now. My dad is almost 95 years old. Amazingly, he was helping me replace the kitchen sink faucet yesterday. He can get up and down off the floor better than I can. I respect him so much.

Gratefully, I have a godly mother and father who are easy to respect. Proverbs 30 warns against disrespecting your father and disobeying your mother.

READHEAR: Pr. 30

When a corrupt leader rules, everyone groans. Unwise leadership strategies and methods cause hardship for followers. We are blessed to live in a nation where we can evaluate the leadership flavors of candidates and then vote for our choice. How difficult it must be to live in a country where your leadership is imposed upon you, regardless of their integrity.

Every election is critical because which affects the lives of so many. Corrupt leaders foster more corruption. Godly leaders root it out.

READ/HEAR: Pr. 27-29