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.