A hope and an end

October 31

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 29 - 30

Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith Jehovah, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end.”

This is a verse that is been highly used. It has been used and misused over the years. It has a great depth of truth, just can be manipulated for the wrong reasons.

Textually, it is talking to Israel. Spiritually, it can speak to us today. Textually, it is God speaking to the nation in reassurance as they are going into a 70 yearlong period of captivity. They were not facing a “happy” time in life.

God is not promising them a bed of roses and peaceful times, He was telling them to brace themselves for a period of cleansing and restoration. The hope of the promise is that God always knows the best, and the end will be accomplished.

Prayer: Father, as I face the challenges in my life, let me be reminded of Your hand in control. I trust You through it all. Amen.

Chastisement and after

October 30

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 27 - 28

Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 27:22 – “They shall be carried to Babylon, and there shall they be, until the day that I visit them, saith Jehovah; then will I bring them up, and restore them to this place.”

As I read this passage in Jeremiah, I stopped to think about the implications from this verse. Historically, God was speaking to the nation that they would go into captivity in the nation of Babylon – a message the people refused to heed.

But, as I meditated upon the passage, this verse came to me and I saw in it the hope and blessing of God. Sometimes He needs to chastise us for the wrong in our lives. Sometimes, the chastisement seems severe (and is). But, God’s purpose is to bring us back to Him. He used Babylon to capture His people, but all along He had planned to restore them. He does the same for us today.

Prayer: Loving Father, I do not enjoy Your chastening, but I know it is for my good. Amen.

Shepherds

October 29

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 25 - 26

Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 25:34 – “Wail, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow in ashes, ye principal of the flock; for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are fully come, and ye shall fall like a goodly vessel.”

The Hebrew word for shepherd is a noun that refers to one who feeds and tends domestic animals. David, who himself was a shepherd, referred to God as his Shepherd in the familiar 23rd Psalm. God provides, sustains, and guides us much like an earthly shepherd. Kings and leaders were often referred to as a shepherd of their people.

Jeremiah here in this verse is rebuking the “shepherds,” or leaders of Israel who had failed in their responsibilities of caring for the people. Are you failing in your responsibility? Call on God to restore and refresh your “shepherding” today.

Prayer: Great Shepherd, guide, provide, and sustain me so that I can shepherd others. May You shine through me today. Amen.

To Know God

October 28

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 23 - 24

Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 24:7 – “And I will give them a heart to know me, that I am Jehovah: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God; for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.”

Jeremiah is echoing the concept found throughout the Bible that the only way that person can be changed for the better is through knowing God.

We try to do better, we seek to turn over a new leaf, or we try to pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps – all to no avail.

All the self-help books in the libraries and bookstores do not offer the only guaranteed method of change. Only the Bible shows us what it is. To understand and know God personally.

Prayer: God, I want to know You. I want to be close to You. I want to understand and follow Your ways. Today, as I commit to spending time in Your Word, direct and guide me. I know You will lead me. Amen.

Jesus the dâbâr

October 27

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 20 - 22

Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 20:8 – “For as often as I speak, I cry out; I cry, Violence and destruction! because the word of Jehovah is made a reproach unto me, and a derision, all the day.”

The Hebrew word dâbâr comes from a verb that means “to speak.” It carries the meaning of the words or thing that was spoken. Sometimes they will use it to refer to the content or idea of what is said and will be translated matter or business. When used by the prophets (the word of the LORD), it points to the message as coming from God. Jeremiah uses this phrase more than any prophet in the Bible. He is conveying the authority of the message he is proclaiming to the people.

Prayer: Jesus, in the New Testament You are called the “Logos” or Word of God. You carry all authority and power; You lived and proclaimed the whole message of God. We bow before You today. May Your Honor and Majesty bless us in our lives. Amen.

The Potter's House

October 26

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 17 - 19

Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 18:6 – “O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith Jehovah. Behold, as the clay in the potter's hand, so are ye in my hand, O house of Israel.”

Jeremiah was commanded by God to go to the Potter’s House to learn a lesson. This lesson was that God is the Potter and we are the clay. He molds and decides what we are to be. The clay is useless as it starts – a lump. But in the skilled hands of the Potter the clay begins to take shape, and then it is placed in the fire.

God is so committed to our being molded and prepared for service that He will place us in the “fire” to be changed. From useless clay to platters, pots, pitchers, bowls, vases, and much more. Let Him use the fire of the kiln in your life change you for His great usefulness.

Prayer: O, Great Potter, I yield my life and circumstances to You today. Mold me, shape me, and finish me into what is Your final product for service to You for now and all eternity. Praise You God. Amen.

The Promise of the Promised Land

October 25

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 14 - 16

Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 16:14 – 15 – “Therefore, behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that it shall no more be said, As Jehovah liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; but, As Jehovah liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the countries whither he had driven them. And I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers.”

God has told mankind that the nation of Israel is special to Him. He will chastise them when they need it, and He will bless them as His own. We are reminded in Genesis 12 to bless and encourage Israel. He often promises them that there will come a day that they will rule and reign in the Promised Land. How we react and treat His people also determines how He will treat us.

Prayer: Father of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as You watch over Your People, may we seek to bless and honor those You have chosen.

Exaltation and Worship

October 24

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 11 - 13

Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 13:16 – “Give glory to Jehovah your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.”

To give glory to God means to exalt and worship Him. Jeremiah is reminding us of the results of not doing this. Four Hebrew synonyms for darkness are found in this verse. 

We are called to be devoted and committed to Him and Him alone. We should be so devoted that we just can’t get enough of Him. God does not want us to be divided in our loyalties – He wants our all.

Prayer: Glorious and Holy God of all Creation, You call for our all, our devotion, our commitment to You and You alone. Father, I come today confessing that I have tried to straddle the fence with the world and You. I cannot continue in this mode – I am making a decision to be Yours alone. Fill me. Amen.

What it is all about

October 23

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 9 - 10

Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 9:23 -24 – “Thus saith Jehovah, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he hath understanding, and knoweth me, that I am Jehovah who exerciseth lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith Jehovah.”

This sums up the major pursuit of life – knowing God. Never think that what you think about God doesn’t make much difference – on the contrary it makes ALL the difference. It will transform you and make your life one of fullness. True success is not measured by what you have or what you do or what name you have – true success is only found in who you know – God!

Prayer: Father, may I know You and boast only in You. May you be the success of my life for now and for all eternity. I praise You. Amen.

The harvest is past...

October 22

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 7 - 8

Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 8:20 – “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.”

In this section of Scripture, Jeremiah (the Weeping Prophet) mourns over the people of Israel. They had trusted in lying words and followed false religions. They were finding these worthless. In this immediate section around our verse, Jeremiah was faint at heart because the nation was so overwhelmingly helpless in their future.

He gives a parable about their condition in this verse. The time of fullness was meager; the time of reaping was past. When barns should be full, there was emptiness. This was a statement on their lives. Consider today, how is your life in relation to Jesus? Are you truly full – or sadly empty. Don’t stop till you make it right today.

Prayer: Jesus, I have so lived that my harvest is meager. Change my heart and life to give me the fullness that only You can give. Amen.

Verbs and Conjunctions

October 21

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 5 - 6

Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 6:16 – “Thus saith Jehovah, Stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way; and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls: but they said, We will not walk therein.”

Today’s reading stands out to us in five verbs and one conjunction. If you mark your Bible, underline these five verbs – stand, look, ask, walk, and find rest. I thought about the concept of “Stop, look and listen.” All during our lives we come to the crossroads of life. The word of God says to stand (stop) and consider the ways – (look at the paths) – ask His guidance (listen), and THEN walk in the right way. We will find that no matter what the way brings, our souls will be at rest in God.

Finally, notice the conjunction – but. Beware that we are not like Israel was and say, “No, I will do it my way.”

Prayer: Father, change my conjunction from but to and I will walk in Your way. Amen. 

'allûph

October 20

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 3 - 4

Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 3:4 – “Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My Father, thou art the guide of my youth?”

The Hebrew word 'allûph is usually translated as “friend.” In this section of Scripture we read today, the importance of this word is that the nation of Israel was expecting special treatment because of their friendship with God. They were living totally unashamed before God in their wicked and evil ways. And yet, since He was their “friend” He would overlook it and bless them anyway. The prophet is telling them that God does not work that way.

Is He a friend to sinners? Yes. Does He bless us even though we don’t deserve it? Yes. Can we presume upon this grace and mercy and live how we feel without consequences. No. There will come a point that God will deliver the justice and judgment on those who ignore His ways.

Prayer: Friend of sinners, I come repenting of my ways, I seek to walk in Your way today. 

Stand and Deliver

October 19

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 1 - 2

Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 1:1 – “The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin:”

The prophet who wrote this book is one who understood that his call was established by God before he ever was conceived (vs. 1:5). He was called to speak the word of God to the people, fully understanding that they were going to reject him, despise him, and in many ways ignore him. That would excite any of us, right? As we study Jeremiah, we find him lonely, sad, underappreciated, and introspective. But, we will find that the strongest point to see in him was that he was faithful and determined to deliver the message of God. Can the same be said of us today? Are we willing to stand and deliver – even if it means that people make fun of us, ridicule and ignore us, maybe even worse?

Prayer: God of Jeremiah, fill me and make me determined and faithful to stand and deliver Your Word to those around me. Amen.

Overflowing Peace

October 18

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 65 - 66

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 66:12 – 13 – “For thus saith Jehovah, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream: and ye shall suck thereof; ye shall be borne upon the side, and shall be dandled upon the knees. As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.”

Spending quiet, alone time with the Father holds many benefits for the child of God. One of these benefits is that His comforting presence prepares us to get on with our lives with a calm and lighter spirit.

Today, watch for Him to pour out His Spirit and peace in your life like “a river… an overflowing stream.”

Prayer: God of all comfort, today I wait in anticipation in Your peaceful, glorious, comforting Presence for that outpouring of Your abundant and overflowing river of peace into my life. I wait in eager expectancy to be surprised by Your peace and grace. Amen.

The Lord our Righteousness

October 17

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 62 - 64

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 62:1 – “For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her righteousness go forth as brightness, and her salvation as a lamp that burneth.”

Righteousness. The Hebrew word tsedeq used in this passage means conformity to an ethical or moral standard. It is used in conjunction with ethical business dealings, proper speech, and standing with authorities. It is often used in connection with judgment and justice. Righteousness, judgment, and justice are foundational in God’s kingdom. 

The righteousness of God is associated in the Scriptures with deliverance. Justice, judgment, deliverance – all a part of the righteousness of our God. It is in fact one of His names – “The Lord our Righteousness” (see Jeremiah 33:16).

Prayer: O, Lord our Righteousness, deliver us today to walk and serve in Your Holy Righteousness. Amen and Amen.

Coming Home, Coming Home, Lord, I'm Coming Home

October 16

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 59 - 61

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 59:1 – “Behold, Jehovah's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:”

Ever feel that you have gone too far to come back? Maybe, you realize that the sin in your life has taken you a long distance from where God wants you to be. The old saying, “If you feel distance from God – He didn’t move” has made you realize that He seems so far out there.

I love this verse because it reminds me that my arms may seem short, but His arms reach far. We can never get too far away that God cannot reach us, cannot bring us back to His side. He can hear our faintest whimper or cry for His help. Verse 20 of this chapter gives great hope – “And a Redeemer will come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith Jehovah.” Turn back, and He will restore what you have lost.

Prayer: Lord, I’m coming home. As the song says, I am coming back to You. Amen

Rebuilder, Repairer, and Restorer

October 15

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 56 - 58

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 58:12 – “And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places; thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.”

Need a goal to reach for? Maybe something different? Consider what is listed in this verse today. Three new roles to attempt: a rebuilder, repairer, and a restorer.

So, how do you do this? How do you acquire these three roles? First, stop and thank God for the fact that He has rebuilt, repaired, and restored your life through His Son. Tell Him that you are all in – no reservations, no conditions. Then, ask Him to give you a heart that is perceptive to the needs and hurts of those around you. Then – watch Him work!

Prayer: God, today let me open and aware of the needs of others around me. Give me Your eyes and heart to see, but not only see, to take action to be Your heart and hands. Amen.

A Free Gift that Satisfys

October 14

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 53 - 55

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 55:1 – “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”

This is a wonderful verse in Isaiah that calls out to everyone – first to the nation of Israel and then to all others – to receive the salvation that God has to offer. Thirsts is a metaphor in Scripture for desiring that which satisfies the spirit. Waters is a metaphor here for enjoyment in God’s salvation. Water and milk are a metaphor for complete satisfaction. God’s offer of salvation brings about complete fulfillment and satisfaction to the soul who accepts it.

Twice (for emphasis) in this verse it stresses that it cannot be bought – it is truly free. If one desires this salvation, God will freely and fully give it to them. 

How about you? Do you have this gift?

Prayer: Thank You, Father for the free gift that You offer and give to us thru Jesus. Amen.

Prophetic Pictures

October 13

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 50 - 52

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 52:14 – “Like as many were astonished at thee (his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men),”

Beginning at chapter 52:13 through chapter 53:12, we see a very vivid picture of the Messiah. This description of the Messiah, is not the Conquering King, but as the Suffering Servant. He will come as the Conquering King when He returns for His Church, but the first time He came, He came to deliver us from the penalty and power of sin. The next time He will deliver us from the presence of sin.

Isaiah’s vivid (and somewhat gruesome) descriptions portray exactly what we see in the Crucifixion accounts of Jesus. Written about 700 years before the birth of Christ, Isaiah still gives us a visual image of what would take place.

Prayer: Precious Savior, I thank You for what You went through to redeem me, forgive me, restore me, in Your love for me. Amen.

Engraved on His Hands

October 12

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 48 - 49

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 49:16 – “Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.”

I know that this verse probably deals with the Ephod that God had made for the High Priest. However, every time I read and meditate on this verse, I think about Jesus, my Savior.

A lady at one of the churches once asked me what the only man-made thing was that would be in Heaven. I didn’t know. She smiled and said the nail holes in Jesus’ hands.

When I read this verse, I pause and think about the truth that I am engraved on the hand of Jesus. That nail-hole is there because of me – it paid my debt. I am redeemed and restored because of the crucifixion. I am God’s child because of the wounds of my Savior.

Prayer: Precious Wounded Savior, thank You that You were willing to come and die in my place. Thank You that You rose again to release me from bondage. Thank You. Amen.

All Powerful

October 11

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 45 - 47

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 45:12 – “I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens; and all their host have I commanded.”

In chapters 40 – 48 of Isaiah, the writer deals with the supremacy of God. We read of the many mighty attributes and actions of God, and that they surpass anything of man. In the reading of today, God speaks of what He is going to do to Babylon. This will bring comfort to the nation of Israel because of what Babylon had done to them. Declaring that He would judge Babylon, God makes the statement above to remind His people of His Omnipotence (All-Power). Creating and controlling the Universe makes judging Babylon look insignificant. But, He does both.

Prayer: Omnipotent God of the Universe, when I seem to doubt Your Power and Ability to accomplish what You have promised, may I stop and look at Your Creation and see Your hand of power in it. Amen.

God Forgets

October 10

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 43 - 44

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 43:25 – “I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake; and I will not remember thy sins.” 

One thing that God makes clear in His Word is that He is selectively forgetful. And, I for one am greatly relieved that He is.

When I come to God after I have sinned – either by doing something, or not doing something I should have – I am reassured by the Bible that the Omniscient (All-Knowing) God can choose to forget some things. In this verse in Isaiah (and others in the Psalms) we find that when we come to God in repentance for what we have done (or not done), He is faithful to forgive us, and even better, to forget the sin.

I can stand before God pure and holy because of Jesus Christ – His blood has cleansed me from all sin – and God has forgotten they exist.

Prayer: Righteous and Holy God, thank You that You have chosen to forgive me. Amen.

Praise Him! Praise Him!

October 9

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 41 - 42

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 42:10 – “Sing unto Jehovah a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth; ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein, the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.”

Verse 10 – 13 of this 42nd chapter challenges all people everywhere to sing praise to God. It throws down the gauntlet to you and me to look for things that we can worship and praise God for. If I called on you to declare one thing that you can praise God about right now – without hesitation could you do it?

I have learned to take time and review the blessings that God has given to my family and me. If I don’t, it is so easy to resort to having a pity party and missing what God is doing in my life right now.

Stop! Pause right now and think of at least one thing you can praise God for – and then for good measure, think of another.

Prayer: Praise Him, Praise Him! Talk of His excellent greatness. Amen.

Comfort!

October 8

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 39 - 40

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 40:1 – “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.”

We are now entering the last section of Isaiah – often referred to as the Prophecies of Comfort. The remaining 27 chapters of this book carry a strong Messianic message and moves from judgment to hope. Interesting to see that the New Testament also has 27 books – and deals with the Messiah and hope.

The use of the word comfort is to give the reader a sense of God’s mercy. After 39 chapters dealing with the judgment of a Holy God, we now move into hope for a future under the merciful hand of God. God declares that they will see an end to their suffering. The word is repeated twice for emphasis to denote the surety of this happening. And, it will come under the reign of the Messiah – Jesus Christ.

Prayer: God of all Comfort and Consolation, today I hold tightly to Your promise of a coming day of comfort and release. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Tell others

October 7

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 37 - 38

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 38:19 – “The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: The father to the children shall make known thy truth.”

Our verse today tells us that it is those of us who are alive that can praise God. We can read of the praises offered by those who have gone before us, but the most effective praises are those we offer today.

It is important that as parents we teach our children about God’s faithfulness. As they see us offer praise to God for the areas in which He has been faithful in our lives, they in turn will learn to look for the ways that God is faithful in their lives – and then offer praise to Him.

Pause and think about how you can teach others about the faithfulness of God by the events in your life. And then, don’t just think about it – go out and tell others about God.

Prayer: Lord of Fulfilled Promise, remind me of how You have been faithful in my life. And in turn, I will tell others. Amen.

Unencumbered Joy

October 6

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 34 - 36

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 35:10 – “and the ransomed of Jehovah shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads: they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”

In this verse, we can see the picture of anyone who is rescued by God from their terrible circumstances. In the verse, it is the restored Babylonian captives that Isaiah is referring to, but with that bigger picture attached.

When God intervenes and restores joy, when it invades our very being, it is impossible for it not to spill over into everything we do and those we come in contact with.

Ever been around someone who has a bubbling jubilant joy – contagious, isn’t it. Today, let’s spread some around.

Prayer: Today, let me find the joy of the Lord to be my strength – and share it. Amen. 

World or God?

October 5

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 31 - 33

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 31:1 – “Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek Jehovah!”

The prophet is here warning the nation not to rely on Egypt instead of trusting God. Egypt in the Scriptures is often a word-picture for the material world around us. We can see a warning for us today from this passage. “Look” in Hebrew means to look with interest or respect. Seek Jehovah means to refer to His prophets or message.

Are we guilty today of seeking the solution and trusting our world around us instead of trusting God? Do we seek our own answers or the leading of God?

Prayer: God of All, may I put my trust in You and not in the world I see around me. The world will fail me, but I know that You will never leave me or fail me. Thank You. Amen.

Pressured?

October 4

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 29 - 30

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 30:15 – “For thus said the Lord Jehovah, the Holy One of Israel, In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength. And ye would not:”

Are you under pressure today about anything? If not, you are blessed because so many are in our society. If you feel pressured, the natural question is – “Are you trusting God with it?”

The best way to begin to trust Him with that pressure is to talk to Him about it. He wants to come alongside and carry that pressure you feel. Giving it to Him allows Him to carry it – today, tomorrow, however long it takes. Stop and sense His control over your life – release and let Him have the control. Not easy? It never is. But, He will take control as soon as we let go. 

Prayer: Holy One, I release to You my pressure over __________. I give You total control over it. I trust You. Amen.

The Cornerstone

October 3

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 27 - 28

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 26:3 – “Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner-stone of sure foundation: he that believeth shall not be in haste.”

We come again to a prophecy that is recorded in the Old Testament that the apostle Peter identifies in the New Testament. In 1 Peter 2:6, Peter records these words – “Because it is contained in scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: And he that believeth on him shall not be put to shame.” He unveils the hidden meaning that this stone is none other than Jesus. He is the stone for a sure foundation. This “cornerstone” if laid correctly will establish true straight walls. If we have this “Cornerstone” in our lives – they will be true and straight.

Prayer: Great builder of the Universe, establish a true and firm foundation in my life so that I can live a life pleasing to You. I seek Your direction in all I do today. Amen.

Total trust = total peace

October 2

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 24 - 26

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 26:3 – “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee.”

One thing I know about God – He desires our total trust. No games. No holding back. No pious (empty) platitudes.

Today we go to specialists in many fields – medical, technology, and too many to list. God is the specialist in ALL areas. There are no circumstances that He cannot control, no problems He cannot handle, no surprises, no unexpected turn of events – nada, nothing.

He can take care of anything that happens to us. All He asks is for total confidence in Him. We need to be “all-in.”

And in return He will give “perfect peace” to our hearts, minds, and souls.

Prayer: God of all peace, I come to You today seeking to have that “perfect peace” that only You can give in my life, I come with trust and confidence in You. Amen. 

Who can hold the keys

October 1

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 22 - 23

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 22:23 – “And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a throne of glory to his father's house.”

A peg suggests something that is firmly put in place. A reliable person to bear the burden of the government of that day. The prophet is directly speaking of Eliakim here. However, in verse 25 of this chapter the prophet states that not even noble Eliakim could sustain the burden.

In the New Testament we see the only One who could sustain this burden – Jesus Christ. The Apostle John in Revelation has Jesus quoting verse 22 of this passage – “And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; and he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.” (See Revelation 3:7).

The picture is sown in the Old and revealed in the New.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to “connect the dots” in Your Word. As I study, open my eyes that I might see You. Amen.