“HERE I AM!” GOD
Suggested Reading: Isaiah 57-58
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
An Acacia tree grows in the rocky wilderness of Timna Park in the Jordan Valley. In the most desolate places on earth, life has a way of springing up from the barren ground. Today's reading describes moral and spiritual death, but even in the worst of circumstances we have a promise of a glorious future. God says through Isaiah, "I will cause you to ride on the high hills of earth!"
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Isaiah 58:6-7
Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
Chapter 57 draws our attention to the depths of moral and spiritual depravity to which we as humans can sink. The most unthinkable evils were confronted by Isaiah. For example, during the latter part of Isaiah’s ministry, under the rule of King Manasseh, the children were offered as a sacrifice in idol worship (read 2 Kings 21:6-9). But in the midst of such horror, God offers to “Revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (57:15b).
Chapter 58 contains the word “delight” four times. The first two are in verse two. The people took delight in their religious exercises. This chapter can teach us the difference between outward observance of certain practices such as daily prayers, even fasting, and a true (daily also) experience described in 58:14, “Then you shall DELIGHT yourself IN THE LORD!” This “delight” is?not in religiosity but in a personal relationship with God, following repentance (changing our ways). Setting aside a full day for God, “Sabbath,” becomes a “delight” also, because it is not a compulsory religious act, but a day with minimum distractions in which we can have close communion with the Lord. We can, as Isaiah describes his experience with God, “Ride on the high hills of the earth.” How great is that!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Great and mighty God, I have knelt before You once again. I pray for grace to grow in my delight in You, rather than in outward religious practices only. I desire to have a contrite and humble spirit. I pray for revival in my heart and in Your Church! Amen!!! (Isaiah 57:15)
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
In four more days here on 100words.ca we’ll move into the book of James. James says that “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27). Serving God by serving others rises out of a “Delight in the Lord!” A personal relationship with God cannot help but produce loving acts because “God is love!” I’ve just read 1 John 4:7-21 and I’m convinced more than ever that this is the only way that people will come to know God around the world in much greater numbers. For many years Crossroads Christian Communications Inc. has sought to provide a means whereby the hearts of God’s people here at home can connect with those who are most needy of tender loving care. Click here for a partial list of the ways in which Crossroads has provided an opportunity for many to reach out to others, partnering with followers of Jesus on the ground in various places, who then are able to share the good news of Jesus’ love!
Yours for, as God says, “…the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke… to share your bread with the hungry…”,
David
Such comfort can be found for those in the midst of physical illness, financial burdens and emotional distress, by holding fast within our heart that place where God’s love abides and never forsakes. Whether feeling far off or near, our Lord says, “I will heal you.” For God first loved us, created our soul and gave us the light of life. He is a builder, able to provide the comfort needed to get us through the most difficult time when all we may feel we can do is set our eyes upon Jesus. He is a comfort in spirit when feelings of loneliness or dejection try and overwhelm. Never give up! His strength, comfort and blessings, to all!
Amen David!!!
Amen David!!!
The peace and comfort, in the midst of troubles, whether illness or trials,can only be found inThe One and Only Living God, who cares so much for each of us.
Thank you Lord Jesus for your great sacrifice on our behalf.
Once again a passage to be read again and again.
Blessings for the day fellow saints.
Thank you David I needed that today sometimes I have seizures and I don’t have
a clue what happen until later on I hurt my left leg it could have been a seizure
I don’t know . Sometimes I feel a bump or bruise the next day and think thats
what happened. I am glad God comforts us
Lianne Hogg
Dear sister-in-Christ, Lianne. May the wings of angels wrap around you, and the light of Jesus that lives within you, revive your aching bumps bruises and bones. Most of all, may you know fellow saints are praying for and are with you, on this blog.
Dear Lianne
I also join Beverlee in praying for our great physicians healing from your head to your toes in Jesus name Amen.
Good morning fellow blog-buddies!!! I have some praise news and also a prayer request.
Some time back I asked for prayers for my daughter & son-in-law’s house to sell. Yesterday it SOLD!!! PTL!!!!! Thank you for your prayers.
An update on my daughter-in-law, Patti, who is expecting identical twin boys. She goes to the doctor this morning at 8:45 and they will determine whether or not they will schedule her for a C-section tomorrow. The one baby has turned and they are not sure if there is enough blood flow going through the umbilical cord. She is 34 weeks along now. Please continue to pray for her and the babies that they will be born healthy and well!!!! God has undertaken before in her pregnancy and I know that He will do it again.
Blessings to all!!
Heavenly Father, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and to the sanctity of the Holy Spirit, we bring our sister Ruby’s daughter-in-law, Patti, before You. Guide the doctors’ hands that work on her to safely deliver the twin baby boys she is carrying, that they be healthy and well. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen, amen, and amen!
Dear Ruby
Keeping your daughter in law Patti with her two little ones in prayer . Trusting that the Lord will direct the doctors in the best way to approach the situation.
Thank you Lord , thank you Jesus .Amen.
Love the pic today of the acacia tree. Apparently it belongs to the pea family and is covered in thorns. Furniture is made from the wood. Very beautiful and to think that Jesus may have seen this kind of tree on a daily basis!
I grew up hearing the words “there’s no rest for the wicked” but never really thought of it having much to do with reality. Now I realize it is soooooo true.
May we take our scriptures to heart.
Amen, Lynda!
Dear Lord, keep those precious babies in your care. Prepare everything – the delivery room, medical staff, the doctor. May they be guided by you as to any decisions that are made. Thank you Lord for what you are going to do.
What an amazing book we are feasting on “Isaiah” It is so frank and doesn’t mince words, it is so clear, in it’s delivery. l am enjoying reading along with you all so much,and am journaling along with it, what a great time we are having, with our Lord! Your love for our Abba Father shines through David, and also in the comments from the Blog, amen to all those wonderful prayers for each other! Have a blessed day everyone!
Amen and Amen!
Thank you everyone for your prayers
Lianne
Dear Rev. David M.
Once again your prayer is one that I response to. Each day my heart longs to spend more time with my Lord and delight in Him. Thank you Lord , thank you Jesus for making this possible. Amen.
Have a blessed day to all my sisters and brothers in Christ.
xxxx Carole.
Thank you everyone for your continued prayers. Patti was at the doctor this morning and she will be going in tomorrow for a C-section. The one baby has only gained 1 ounce in a week and the other one has gained 10 ounces. I am very worried but I know that our God is Able. I bind the spirit of negativism in Jesus Name!! WE WILL HAVE HEALTHY BABY BOYS AND WE WILL GIVE YOU ALL THE PRAISE & GLORY!! AMEN & AMEN!!!
Will be much in prayer for Patti and the boys. Thanks for the update. Praying for a safe delivery and for Patti, her husband and you too Ruby. Do you have other grandchildren? Blesings and God’s peace.
Thanks for prayers the other day
my daughter gave birth to a beautiful baby boy on the 15th
And God made a way thru a horrendous wind/snow storm .I had 3 grandchildren in my car…semis were flying into the ditch trucks jacknifed across road
wind was blowing against car.it felt like a hurricane !! Scariest few miles of my life…ever…cldnt see road..cldnt see out the window ! We all prayed…and I was close to a panic attack ! “God PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make an opening and right before my 9 yr gradaugters eyes…He did !!! It was like a wall was instantly lifted…I kid you not…ALLTHE kids witnessed a miracle right before their eyes…im still crying about it!!Lol Anyway we made it back from Melfort to Tisdale aft seeing the baby.And I just want to say GOD IS GOOD !!!
HEdelivered us thru a scary time
they shut the highway down right after us ! Anyway……Praise God
and the witness of Him to my grandbabies !! Love this daily blog…and how God is using David M. Bless you all !!! Thanks for reading my ramblings Lol
What a surprise to read Melfort and Tisdale. I was born in Melfort. Glad you are all safe. It is a small world.
Lord God Almighty, I pray in the Mighty Name of Jesus for total healing for Liane…no more attacks!!! Lord I pray and know you are able to adjust and restore her nerves and the root cause of the seizures…Praise you Jesus!!! Amen and Amen!!
Lord You are the Greatest Physician, I pray for a Healthy, safe delivery for the two baby boys!!! Thank you Jesus!!
Once again, Reynold, what an amazing photo!!!