QUIETNESS & CONFIDENCE

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 30-31

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A series of public ritual purification baths (mikvot) were found on the south side of the Temple Mount. Because of the demanding laws regarding purity before entering holy places, the need for mikvots was high, and many have been discovered from 1st century Jerusalem. Larger ritual baths such as this one have a small divider wall called a “parapet” that separates the entrance steps from the exit steps, so that a person already cleansed (coming out) would not touch an “unclean” person (going in). I pray that 100words.ca will be a washing for each reader in preparation for a daily and constant experience of God’s holy Presence. “The washing of water by the Word” (Ephesians 5:26b).

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Key Verse: Isaiah 30:15

For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel:

“In returning and rest you shall be saved;

In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”

But you would not…

As we move on into the New Year, let us “rest” in “quietness and confidence.” The secret of this “strength” is just the opposite to the frantic efforts of Isaiah’s contemporaries. We take counsel daily from God by reading His Words to us. We ask the Spirit of God to reveal to us the plans the Lord has for us. He doesn’t do this like a daily appointment calendar, but as the day unfolds He guides us step by step. Sometimes we need to just sit still while we wait for God. The Scripture tells us to “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Let’s all read Jeremiah 29:11-13, and in Matthew 11:25-30 we have Jesus’ recipe for rest.

Isaiah clearly points out that God did not need the horses and chariots of Egypt to protect His people. The Lord had spoken to Isaiah, assuring him of protection (31:4-5). God is watching over him and His people as a roaring, vicious lion, and as a bird watching over her nest to protect her chicks! Therefore, let the minutes, days, hours, weeks, and months of the New Year proceed. As Zechariah 4:6 says, “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Quiet my spirit, O Lord, I pray. I rest in the sure knowledge of Your full protection. My confidence is completely in You. I’m praying now, Lord, the “Our Father” prayer which Jesus taught as a model prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

[Note: This was originally written by David Mainse January 3, 2016]

While resting in God’s plans for my life, I’m obeying Him in the care of my body as God’s Word instructs me. This present hospital stay is part of caring for my body. I confess that I have not cared for my body as I should have through the years. That’s probably the reason why I have the physical problems I have. Therefore, with God’s help, I intend to change. Together we’ll succeed in healing and strengthening our “Temples of the Holy Spirit,” our bodies. I feel well and Norma-Jean is scheduled to bring me home on Monday!

Yours for rest, confidence, good nutritious food, and all God’s blessings,

David