Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 22 -23; 2 Chronicles 34-35

Josiah’s father, King Amon, had been assassinated for his plans to rise against the oppression of the Assyrian nation. The leaders of Judah then killed those who had conspired against and assassinated King Amon, making his eight year old son Josiah the next king.

Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of his ancestor David. He did not turn away from doing what was right. – 2 Chronicles 34:1-2

WHAT LEGACY HAS GOD POSITIONED YOU FOR?

Can you imagine being king at only eight years of age? Although his father did what was evil in the eyes of the Lord, Josiah began to seek God at age 16. Four years later, Josiah began to purify the nation of idol worship, destroying the altars along with every idol, Asherah pole, and cast images. He scattered the broken pieces over the graves of those who had sacrificed to the false gods represented by these man-made items.

He led the nation to make repairs to the Temple. Using the money that had been collected by the priests, skilled laborers were hired to restore the Temple. In the process of this renovation, the scroll containing the Book of the Law of the Lord was found and brought to King Josiah.

When the king heard what was written in the Law, he tore his clothes in despair. Then he gave these orders to Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Acbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the court secretary, and Asaiah the king’s personal adviser: “Go to the Temple and speak to the Lord for me and for all the remnant of Israel and Judah. Inquire about the words written in the scroll that has been found. For the Lord’s great anger has been poured out on us because our ancestors have not obeyed the word of the Lord. We have not been doing everything this scroll says we must do.” – 2 Chronicles 34:19-21

When he read the Book of the Law and heard how God planned to punish His people for their idolatry and unfaithfulness, Josiah grieved the future of his nation. Josiah summoned all the elders and had the Book of the Covenant read aloud, calling the people of Judah to renew their covenant in the presence of God and bring back the celebration of Passover.

WHAT LEGACY HAS GOD POSITIONED YOU FOR?

Josiah held the highest seat of authority in the nation and what he is most known for is leading his country in repentance before God. He had been strategically positioned for such a time as this, and he used his leadership to bring glory to God. The prophet Huldah also used her position to carry out the work of the Lord. Her husband was the keeper of the Temple wardrobe, and the Lord had given her a message for this humble and repentant king:

“This is what the Lord says: I am going to bring disaster on this city and its people. All the words written in the scroll that the king of Judah has read will come true. For my people have abandoned me and offered sacrifices to pagan gods, and I am very angry with them for everything they have done. My anger will burn against this place, and it will not be quenched.” – 2 Kings 22:16-17

But to King Josiah, God had this message: “You were sorry and humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I said against this city and its people—that this land would be cursed and become desolate. You tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance. And I have indeed heard you, says the Lord. So I will not send the promised disaster until after you have died and been buried in peace. You will not see the disaster I am going to bring on this city.” – 2 Kings 22:19-20

WHAT LEGACY HAS GOD POSITIONED YOU FOR?

Josiah called all the people together — from the greatest to the least. He himself read the entire Book of the Covenant aloud, then he took his place of authority beside the pillar and renewed the covenant in front of all the people and in the Lord’s presence. He promised to obey the Lord’s commands with all of his heart and soul, and he called on the people to do the same. And on that day, the people of Jerusalem renewed their covenant with the God who had provided for and protected their nation for generations, but who was now leading them through a season of punishment.

God saw the heart of Josiah — that he was genuinely repentant and uniquely humbled before the Lord. He was pleased with the way in which Josiah was diligent in destroying every last trace of idol worship in the nation of Judah, and in bringing His people back to their covenant relationship with God. Josiah was just 26 years old when he boldly did what no other king had ever done before.

The entire ceremony for the Lord’s Passover was completed that day. All the burnt offerings were sacrificed on the altar of the Lord, as King Josiah had commanded. All the Israelites present in Jerusalem celebrated Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days. Never since the time of the prophet Samuel had there been such a Passover. None of the kings of Israel had ever kept a Passover as Josiah did, involving all the priests and Levites, all the people of Jerusalem, and people from all over Judah and Israel. – 2 Chronicles 35:16-18

WHAT LEGACY HAS GOD POSITIONED YOU FOR?

What bold stance is He calling us to today? God, show us what it means to be truly repentant and genuinely humble before you. We long to be used by you to bring others back to a covenant relationship with you. May you be glorified in all that we say and do today. Amen.

Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses. And there has never been a king like him since. – 2 Kings 23:25

Today’s Reading: Habakkuk 2-3, Psalm 69

I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me. – Psalm 69:3

Habakkuk was struggling with God’s plan. God was using the growing strength of the Babylonian nation to punish His people. The Babylonians were taking over much of the region, including Nineveh and the Assyrian nation. This idolatrous nation was growing in power and pressing in on the nation of Judah. With a sincere heart, Habakkuk made his struggles known to God and asked God for answers.

Habakkuk’s prayer:
“O Lord my God, my Holy One, you who are eternal — surely you do not plan to wipe us out?
O Lord, our Rock, you have sent these Babylonians to correct us, to punish us for our many sins.
But you are pure and cannot stand the sight of evil. Will you wink at their treachery?
Should you be silent while the wicked swallow up people more righteous than they?
Are we only fish to be caught and killed? Are we only sea creatures that have no leader?
Must we be strung up on their hooks and caught in their nets while they rejoice and celebrate?
Then they will worship their nets and burn incense in front of them.
‘These nets are the gods who have made us rich!’
Will you let them get away with this forever?
Will they succeed forever in their heartless conquests?
I will climb up on my watchtower and stand at my guardpost.
There I will wait to see what the Lord says and how he will answer my complaint.” – Habakkuk 1:12-2:1

God’s answer: My judgment may seem slow in coming but wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. Those that are being taken captive will one day taunt and mock their captors as they get what they deserve (2:3,6).

“For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord.” – Habakkuk 2:14

Habakkuk responded in song, praising God and praying for mercy for God’s people. Let’s use his song in Habakkuk 3 as we lift our voices to our Sovereign Lord this morning:

Our response: Lord, we have heard all about you and we are filled with awe by your amazing works. In our time of deepest need, help us again just as you have in years past. In your anger, remember your mercy.

We see YOU moving!!! Your brilliant splendor fills the heavens and the earth is filled with your praise. Your coming is as brilliant as the sunrise. Rays of light flash from your hands, where your awesome power is hidden. You are the Eternal One!

Was it in anger that you struck the rivers and parted the sea? Were you displeased with them? No, you were sending your chariots of salvation! Lord, may your action save us and save our nation instead of destroying us for our sins. Oh God, we trust in you!

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines;
Even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren;
Even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty,
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
The Sovereign Lord is my strength!
He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. – Habakkuk 3:17-19

The Lord’s promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over. – Psalm 12:6

Answer my prayers, O Lord, for your unfailing love is wonderful.
Take care of me, for your mercy is so plentiful. – Psalm 69:16

Today’s Reading: Habakkuk 1; Psalm 22

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
Why are you so far away when I groan for help? – Psalm 22:1

As we read the book of Habakkuk, we are listening in on a conversation between the prophet and his God. He dares to ask God some pretty tough questions — Why do you allow injustice, God? Do you even care? Why do you tolerate evil? Are you still in control, Lord? These verses minister to my soul for I have asked some of these same questions.

My questions: Why is sin celebrated? How did sex become such a dominant addiction in our society? When did gender identity become a topic for grade school curriculum? Why aren’t people held accountable when they blatantly lie about someone else or twist the truth for their own benefit? Where is God in all of this? Who is speaking the truth? What hope is there for future generations?

God saw the honest heart of the prophet and took time to give him answers — answers that show our God is sovereign!

How long, O Lord, must I call for help?
But you do not listen!
“Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save.
Must I forever see these evil deeds?
Why must I watch all this misery?
Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence.
I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight.
The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts.
The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted. – Habakkuk 1:2-4

Do not stay so far from me, for trouble is near, and no one else can help me. – Psalm 22:11

Have you ever prayed a similar prayer? I definitely have, especially in recent days. Watching the daily news can be aggravating and I ask God where He is at in all of it. I foolishly ask Him to see all of the sorrow and injustice around the world, as if He isn’t already looking. I tell Him my heart is breaking, as if His heart isn’t more affected than mine. I ask Him where He is and if He is listening, as if God doesn’t see all and know all and love more than I am capable of.

“Look around at the nations; look and be amazed!
For I AM DOING SOMETHING in your own day,
something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.” – Habakkuk 1:5

God’s answer: Look around! There is evidence of my movement all around! I am never without a plan. Don’t try to fix the world around you with your own strength – trust in my power and wisdom. Look for ME and seek MY plan. Be willing to do what I ask you, instead of depending on yourself. Be a part of my plan instead of forcing your own.

Lord, our hearts are breaking this morning over the evidence of evil all around us. We cannot put our hope in government officials, for they make decisions based on their own agendas and redefine what is moral and what is not. We cannot put our hope in people for the epidemic of sinful choices is too great for man to overcome. You are our only hope. Lord, give us eyes to see the woundedness among us but also give us hearts to see your activity all around us. Help us to trust that you are DOING SOMETHING — that you are watching, that you are moving, that you are responding. Lord, hear our cries and give us a willingness to be a part of your solution. Amen.

Praise the Lord, all who fear him!
Honor him…
Show him reverence…
For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy.
He has not turned his back on them,
but has listened to their cries for help. – Psalm 22:23-24

Today’s Reading: Nahum; Psalm 53

The Lord is a jealous God, filled with vengeance and rage.
He takes revenge on all who oppose him and continues to rage against his enemies!
The Lord is slow to get angry, but his power is great, and he never lets the guilty go unpunished. – Nahum 1:1-3a

God once again sent a message of judgment through his prophets. This time the judgment was against the city of Nineveh, which was part of the country of Assyria. The empire of Assyria had grown strong and left a path of destruction across the land. Israel was one of the many countries that had been defeated and captured by Assyria and now this victor was pressing in on Judah. Nahum’s prophecy against Judah’s enemy came at a good time — a time when they needed to hear that God is powerful, He is paying attention, and He will punish His enemies.

The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. But he will sweep away his enemies in an overwhelming flood. He will pursue his foes into the darkness of night. – Nahum 1:7-8

The people of Nineveh had repented of their sins after Jonah came to them, but they turned to wickedness again. The prophet Nahum declared God’s judgment on the city — the city that was rich and appeared to the world as beautiful, but was full of evil. Those who were oblivious to its wickedness were also naive to what God was capable of doing.

What sorrow awaits Nineveh, the city of murder and lies!
She is crammed with wealth and is never without victims.
Hear the crack of whips, the rumble of wheels!
Horses’ hooves pound, and charioteers charge past!
There are countless casualties, heaps of bodies – so many bodies that people stumble over them.
All this because Nineveh, the beautiful and faithless city, mistress of deadly charms, enticed the nations with her beauty.
She taught them all her magic, enchanting people everywhere.
“I am your enemy!” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
“And now I will lift your skirts and show all the earth your nakedness and shame.
I will cover you with filth and show the world how vile you really are.
All who see you will shrink back and say, ‘Nineveh lies in ruins. Where are the mourners?’
Does anyone regret your destruction?” – Nahum 3:1-7

Scriptures like this convince me that God will someday put an end to the many industries leaving a path of destruction behind them, industries like pornography, sex-trafficking and abortion. They glamourize themselves and collect their riches, but God sees that they are surrounded by those they have destroyed. He hears the cries of the men and women who have been deceived and lied to. He sees the wounds of those who have been abused and mistreated.

The abortion industry has convinced society to consider abortion as socially acceptable, a good option for women. The government pours money into their pockets. The stench of death surrounds us and the world continues to shout their praises. Pornography no longer lurks in the back room nor is it hidden in the closet. No, it is considered the norm and excuses are made for why it should be ignored. BUT God… God will sweep over his enemies in an overwhelming flood. He will pursue his foes into the darkness of night (1:8).

Will those who do evil never learn?
They eat up my people like bread
and wouldn’t think of praying to God.
Terror will grip them,
terror like they have never known before.
God will scatter the bones of your enemies.
You will put them to shame, for God has rejected them. – Psalm 53:4-5

Lord, we thank you for being a God of power — a God aware of the hurts, pains and injustices of this world. Lord, forgive our nation for allowing and promoting the death of those who cannot defend themselves. Strengthen us to protect those who are mistreated, and equip us to speak your truth to this lost and dying world. Expose evil empires that veil themselves as if to appear beautiful. May those who work in these industries see that you are the only true God and sincerely repent, finding forgiveness in our merciful God. Lord, break our hearts over what breaks yours and calm our troubled souls. Oh God, we trust in you for you are the God of love and the God of justice. Amen.

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 21, 2 Chronicles 33

Through the life of Hezekiah’s son, Manasseh, we see again that God loves a repentant heart. But to fully understand just how merciful our God is, we need to fully understand just how ugly sin can be; to fully grasp the reach of God’s grace, we must recognize how destructive rebellion against God can become.

Manasseh was 12 years old when he became king; he reigned in Jerusalem for 55 years. He rebuilt the pagan shrines his father had destroyed, and even went so far as to build pagan altars inside of the temple of the Lord. The very place that had been created for God to dwell and be worshiped was now dedicated to the worship of false gods.

Manasseh was so deeply steeped in idolatry that he sacrificed his own sons in the fire (2 Chronicles 33:6). In an attempt to get what he wanted from life, Manasseh killed his own son because he was somehow convinced that his life would be better if he sacrificed the life of his child.

WHAT DOES GOD SAY ABOUT THE ONE WHO ORCHESTRATES THE DEATH OF THEIR OWN CHILDREN?

“If any of them offer their children as a sacrifice to Molech, they must be put to death. The people of the community must stone them to death. I myself will turn against them and cut them off from the community, because they have defiled my sanctuary and brought shame on my holy name by offering their children to Molech. And if the people of the community ignore those who offer their children to Molech and refuse to execute them, I myself will turn against them and their families and will cut them off from the community. This will happen to all who commit spiritual prostitution by worshiping Molech.” – Leviticus 20:2b-5

God’s strong word of warning in these verses was not just directed towards the parent who sacrifices their child, but towards the community who ignores the sin. If child-sacrifice is allowed and not punished, the result of this spiritual prostitution will be felt by the entire nation. If the leadership looks the other way or celebrates the child sacrifice in the name of the individual’s right to do whatever they want with their children, God’s judgment will be felt by all.

Manasseh also aroused God’s anger by practicing sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, consulting with mediums and psychics. He murdered innocent people until the city of Jerusalem was filled from end to end with the blood of those who had been murdered. He caused the people of Judah to sin, leading them to do what God had clearly defined as evil (2 Kings 21:16).

HOW DOES GOD PUNISH THE LEADER WHO ORCHESTRATES THE DEATH OF THEIR OWN PEOPLE?

“King Manasseh of Judah has done many detestable things. He is even more wicked than the Amorites, who lived in this land before Israel. He has caused the people of Judah to sin with his idols. So this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I will bring such disaster on Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of those who hear about it will tingle with horror. I will judge Jerusalem by the same standard I used for Samaria and the same measure I used for the family of Ahab. I will wipe away the people of Jerusalem as one wipes a dish and turns it upside down. Then I will reject even the remnant of my own people who are left, and I will hand them over as plunder for their enemies. For they have done great evil in my sight and have angered me ever since their ancestors came out of Egypt.” – 2 Kings 21:11-15

The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they ignored all his warnings. So the Lord sent the commanders of the Assyrian armies, and they took Manasseh prisoner. They put a ring through his nose, bound him in bronze chains, and led him away to Babylon. But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and SINCERELY humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. – 2 Chronicles 33:10-12

HOW DOES GOD RESPOND TO THE SINNER WHO SINCERELY REPENTS OF THEIR SIN?

Manasseh, one of the most evil kings Judah experienced, cried out to God for forgiveness and God listened. That’s the kind of God we serve — a God who is holy and punishes sin, but who is also merciful and forgiving for those who SINCERELY repent. The prophet Nahum, who we will study tomorrow, helps us understand that our God is both loving and just. God is patient and forgiving but also a holy God who punishes sin. He is calling out to us but we must turn to him; He wants to lavish us with His love and grace, but we must be sincere in our confession of sin and fully commit ourselves to Him.

“I was ready to respond, but no one asked for help.
I was ready to be found, but no one was looking for me.
I said, ‘Here I am, here I am!’
to a nation that did not call on my name.
All day long I opened my arms to a rebellious people.
But they follow their own evil paths
and their own crooked schemes.
All day long they insult me to my face
by worshiping idols in their sacred gardens.
They burn incense on pagan altars.
At night they go out among the graves,
worshiping the dead.
They eat the flesh of pigs
and make stews with other forbidden foods.
Yet they say to each other,
‘Don’t come too close or you will defile me!
I am holier than you!’
These people are a stench in my nostrils,
an acrid smell that never goes away.” — Isaiah 65:1-5

Oh God, may our lives be a pleasant fragrance to you. Give us the courage to speak truth without casting judgment; give us the wisdom to speak of your grace while also drawing others to a place of sincere repentance. Forgive us for turning our back to the sacrifice of your children, and give us the opportunity to influence the turning of this nation back to you. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 62-66

When God puts someone in leadership, it is for the good of those being led. To be a leader is to be a “watchman” — to watch for danger and protect others from potential harm. Today we call this risk management. But sometimes leaders get caught up in their own egos and make choices based on what is best for them, instead of what is best for the people or for the organization they are leading. When a watchman loses sight of the role he was meant to play, harm comes to the people he was meant to lead. This puts the country, organization, ministry, congregation or family at risk.

For the leaders of my people —
the Lord’s watchmen, his shepherds –
are blind and ignorant.
They are like silent watchdogs
that give no warning when danger comes.
They love to lie around, sleeping and dreaming.
Like greedy dogs, they are never satisfied.
They are ignorant shepherds,
all following their own path and intent on personal gain.
“Come,” they say, “let’s get some wine and have a party.
Let’s all get drunk.
Then tomorrow we’ll do it again
and have an even bigger party!” – Isaiah 56:10-12

We serve a God who loves a repentant heart, who shows favor to those who humbly ask for forgiveness and submit to God’s leadership instead of making life a party for their own self-gain. He comes to restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts (Isaiah 57:15). He does not want a false show of repentance. He rejects those who go through the motions — who say the right words and fast for the sake of impressing God (Isaiah 58). God sees the heart and will not be manipulated.

GOD SENT HIS SON TO COME AS A REDEEMER FOR THE TRULY REPENTANT (Isaiah 59).

I will tell of the Lord’s unfailing love.
I will praise the Lord for all he has done.
I will rejoice in his great goodness to Israel,
which he has granted according to his mercy and love.
He said, “They are my very own people.
Surely they will not betray me again.”
And HE BECAME THEIR SAVIOR.
In all their suffering he also suffered,
and he personally rescued them.
He lifted them up and carried them
through all the years. – Isaiah 63:7-9

When you came down long ago,
you did awesome deeds beyond our highest expectations.
And oh, how the mountains quaked!
For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen
a God like you, who works for those who wait for him! – Isaiah 64:3-4

GOD SENT HIS SON TO COME AS A REDEEMER FOR THE TRULY REPENTANT (Isaiah 59).

The Lord says, “I was ready to respond, but no one asked for help.
I was ready to be found, but no one was looking for me.
I said, ‘Here I am, here I am!’
to a nation that did not call on my name.
All day long I opened my arms to a rebellious people.
But they follow their own evil paths
and their own crooked schemes…” – Isaiah 65:1-2

“I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts,
who tremble at my word.
But those who choose their own ways —
delighting in their detestable sins —
will not have their offerings accepted…
For when I called, they did not answer.
When I spoke, they did not listen.
They deliberately sinned before my very eyes
and chose to do what they know I despise…” – Isaiah 66:2b-4b

GOD SENT HIS SON TO COME AS A REDEEMER FOR THE TRULY REPENTANT (Isaiah 59).

Lord, we humbly come to you this morning, our Savior and our God. We bow before you with sincere and repentant hearts. Lord, we pray that you would do a work in their hearts today. We are the clay and we long for you to mold us into vessels according to your perfect will. Reveal in us any sinful intentions or prideful attitudes. We long to hear your voice and answer you obediently today. We sit in your presence and listen closely. Lord, we will speak today of your unfailing love; we will praise you for all you have done! We will rejoice in your goodness, your mercy and your love, for you called us your people when you became our Savior. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 56-61

“Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink – even if you have no money!
Come, take your choice of wine or milk – it’s all free!
Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength?
Why pay for food that does you no good?
Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food.” – Isaiah 55:1-3

COME TO THE WATER.

“Come to me with your ears wide open.
Listen, and you will find life.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you.
I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.” – Isaiah 55:3

Seek the Lord while you can find him.
Call on him now while he is near…
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:6-9

COME TO THE WATER.

It is in seeking God that I find Him. It is in calling on Him that I hear from Him. It is in following His ways that I get a front row seat to what HE wants to do — His will, His way, in His time. When I spend time studying His word, I often receive a word from Him — a promise from long ago that He is renewing in my own life.

Feed the hungry,
and help those in trouble.
Then your light will shine out from the darkness,
and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.
The Lord will guide you continually,
giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like an ever-flowing spring. – Isaiah 58:10-11

COME TO THE WATER.

What is God calling you to do today? For what purpose is He anointing you? What difference is God calling you to make in the life of another person this week? Will you allow the One who offers living water to fill you so that you can be a conduit of grace to those who are thirsty? Will you allow rivers of living water to flow from you as God uses you in the lives of others?

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,
for the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted
and to proclaim that captives will be released
and prisoners will be freed.
He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come,
and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.
To all who mourn in Israel,
he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
that the Lord has planted for his own glory. – Isaiah 61:1-3

COME TO THE WATER.
COME AND DRINK.
COME WITH EARS WIDE OPEN.
SEEK THE LORD AND CALL ON HIM.
COME TO THE WATER.

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 54-55

Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will.
The Sovereign Lord has spoken to me and I have listened…
Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced.
Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. – Isaiah 50:4b-5a,7

Some days the weight of my job rests heavy on my shoulders. I find myself praying for God to equip me for the difficult decisions ahead. I ask Him to fill me with His Spirit and give me wisdom for the work to which He has called me. Morning by morning, I wake up and spend time in God’s presence asking Him to teach me and to guide me. I cling to God’s promises found in Scripture, including this one:

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” – Psalm 32:8

THE LORD IS OUR TEACHER AND OUR COUNSELOR.

This morning I walked into God’s presence with a desire to understand His greater plan and to be instructed by Him in the way I should go. The following verses are a help to me, and I pray that God uses them in your specific situation today. May the words of the Lord wash over you this morning, awakening your understanding of both His invitation to follow Him and His great love for you!

“I am the Lord your God, who TEACHES you what is good for you and LEADS you along the paths you should follow.” – Isaiah 48:17b

“At just the right time, I will RESPOND to you…” – Isaiah 49:8a

Yet Jerusalem says, “The Lord has deserted us; the Lord has forgotten us.”
“Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child?
Can she feel no love for the child she has borne?
But even if that was possible, I would not forget you!
See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.” – Isaiah 49:14-16a

THE LORD HAS NOT FORGOTTEN YOU NOR WILL HE EVER ABANDON YOU.

If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the Lord and rely on your God.
But watch out, you who live in your own light and warm yourselves by your own fires. – Isaiah 50:10b-11

What a great reminder to me when I am tempted to solve my own problems, make my own decisions, or look for advice from other people instead of praying for wisdom from God. To do that would be to rely on myself — to live in my own light and warm myself by my own fire. The moment I think I have all the answers is the moment I pull my hand out of the hand of God and start making a mess of things.

“Come to me with your ears wide open.
Listen, and you will find life.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you.
I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.” – Isaiah 55:3

TRUST IN THE LORD AND RELY ON YOUR GOD. COME TO THE FIRE AND REST IN HIS UNFAILING LOVE.

Oh Lord, I long to come to your fire, to be warmed by your presence and to walk in your light! The book of Isaiah has reminded me again this morning that you have had a plan for me since before I was born. Today you remind me that you are available to teach me and give me wisdom for the task you have set before me. Thank you, Father, for your generosity and your faithful presence. I don’t have to warm myself by my own fire or accomplish anything by my own strength today. I needed to be reminded of that simple truth. Why drink water when I can drink the more expensive wisdom that comes freely from you?! Today I choose to listen to you and trust that your ways are much better than mine. I trust you to teach me, instruct me, counsel me and watch over me. Thank you for the invitation to come to the fire. Amen.

Seek the Lord while you can find him.
Call on him now while he is near…
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:6-9

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 50–53

God used Isaiah to help His people understand how they were about to go into a time of captivity and exile as a consequence of years of unfaithfulness. It was not all bad news, though. Isaiah also spoke boldly that God had a plan — a plan of REDEMPTION and RESTORATION.

Part of God’s plan of restoration revealed through the prophet Isaiah was in regards to the Messiah. Isaiah foretold how the Messiah would grow, be rejected and beaten, killed and placed in a rich man’s tomb. This righteous servant would die, bearing all our sins and making it possible for the many to be counted righteous. Consider this morning the sacrifice of our Savior.

My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground.
There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him.
He was despised and rejected — a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
He was despised, and we did not care. – Isaiah 53:2-3

He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. – Luke 22:41-44

Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed. – Isaiah 53:4-5

“Crucify him!”
“Why?” Pilate demanded. “What crime has he committed?”
But the mob roared even louder, “Crucify him!”

So to pacify the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified…They dressed him in a purple robe, and they wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head. Then they saluted him and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” And they struck him on the head with a reed stick, spit on him, and dropped to their knees in mock worship…Then they led him away to be crucified. – Mark 15:13-15, 17-20

All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all. – Isaiah 53:6

At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” – Matthew 27:45-46

He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word.
He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.
And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth.
Unjustly condemned, he was led away. – Isaiah 53:7-8a

But when the leading priests and the elders made their accusations against him, Jesus remained silent. “Don’t you hear all these charges they are bringing against you?” Pilate demanded. But Jesus made no response to any of the charges, much to the governor’s surprise. – Matthew 27:12-14

No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream.
But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people.
He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone.
But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave… – Isaiah 53:8b-9

Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph…He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Then he took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in a long sheet of linen cloth and laid it in a new tomb that had been carved out of rock. – Luke 23:50-53

And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins.
I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death.
He was counted among the rebels.
He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels. – Isaiah 53:11b-12

Lord, thank you for dying so that we could be restored from our sinful condition. Thank you for reminding us again this morning of your generous gift of redemption — that you made it possible for us to be counted righteous by bearing our sins on the cross. For that gift we are forever thankful! We have so much to thank you for – your protection, your provision, your mercy displayed on the cross, your generous love outpoured. Thank you for pointing my thankful heart back to the biggest reason I have to give you praise!

Praise the Lord! I will thank the Lord with all my heart…
He has paid a full ransom for his people.
He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever.
What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!…
Praise him forever! – Psalm 111:1,9-10

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 45-49

“And why have I called you for this work?
Why did I call you by name when you did not know me…” – Isaiah 45:4

150 years before it took place, Isaiah prophesied that God would use a foreign leader named Cyrus to accomplish His plan of setting Israel free from Babylon. Before Cyrus even knew who the God of Israel was, God was involving Cyrus in his plan of redemption.

BEFORE YOU KNEW ME

“I will raise up Cyrus to fulfill my righteous purpose, and I will guide his actions. He will restore my city and free my captive people — without seeking a reward! I, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!” – Isaiah 45:13

God had a plan for Cyrus before he was even born. He prepared the way for this man before he had even submitted to God’s sovereignty in his life. In the same way, God had a plan for each of us before we were born. And now He is going before us and equipping us for the battle to which He has called us. He does this for two purposes — SALVATION & RIGHTEOUSNESS.

It is God’s plan that each of us would come to a saving knowledge of who He is and how He has planned for us before we were even a thought in the mind of our parents. It is God’s plan for righteousness to “sprout up together” with salvation to accomplish His purposes through our lives (Is. 45:2-8).

BEFORE YOU WERE BORN

“I have cared for you since before you were born.
Yes, I carried you before you were born.
I will be your God throughout your lifetime – until your hair is white with age.
I made you, and I will care for you.
I will carry you along and save you.” – Isaiah 46:3b-4

O Lord, you alone are my hope.
I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood.
Yes, you have been with me from birth;
from my mother’s womb you have cared for me.
No wonder I am always praising you! – Psalm 71:5-6

How beautiful! God cares for us and carries us from the time before we were born, throughout our lifetime, until the end of our life. He carries us along with the plan to save us and to accomplish His purposes through us — so that salvation and righteousness can sprout up together.

BEFORE YOU QUESTION YOUR PURPOSE

The Lord called me before my birth; from within the womb he called me by name.
He made my words of judgment as sharp as a sword.
He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand.
I am like a sharp arrow in his quiver.
He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, and you will bring me glory.”
I replied, “But my work seems so useless!
I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose.
Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.”
And now the Lord speaks – the one who formed me in my mother’s womb to be his servant, who commissioned me to bring Israel back to him.
The Lord has honored me, and my God has given me strength.
He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me.
I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” – Isaiah 49:1b-6

God saves us for the sake of righteousness, and then He uses His righteousness displayed in our lives to save others for the sake of righteousness, so that still others can be restored to a place of salvation for the sake of righteousness. So, as we struggle to find purpose in our current situation, we can believe with confidence that God uses EVERYTHING for His purposes – for the purpose of salvation and righteousness.

Oh Lord, help me to see you at work in the lives of those around me — those who have come to a saving knowledge of you and those who still do not know you. We pray that today many will choose to believe in you, and that many will declare for the first time that you are Lord. We pray that those who are resisting you will be drawn back into a relationship with Christ. We pray that thousands will take the opportunity to live out the righteousness of God in the lives of others. Amen.