Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. – 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
The nation of Israel had rebelled against God and gotten off track. Noted in “Getting Back on Track” is that we have the road map, the formula, and the game plan to an amazing future. God’s word leads one in the right direction and effective application of His word requires discipline which is a composite of good habits consistently carried out and resulting in good character.
The path of God has been laid. It takes discipline to follow but when we do, we become all that God wants us to be. Make a declaration today to follow that path. Start with the song Lead Me to the Cross by Hillsong.
Many people are constantly looking for the magic formula. The perfect system that will take care of all their problems. The thing is that the formula is right before our eyes for everyone to see. What holds us back is a lack of discipline. Today in Isaiah 1:1-17, we learn a lot about the results of a lack of discipline and what is needed to get it back.
The prophet named Isaiah is giving a message from God. Charging Israel of rebelling against Him. Their religious activities are nauseating to God because they do not understand that what God wants is not just going through the motion to make it seem like they worship Him but actually internalizing His word so they do what it says.
There was corruption throughout the land and they couldn’t stay on track. They offered their sacrifices to God but He does not like their religious activity because it is only lip service. He had rather they lived disciplined lives. Learn to do right and seek justice. Take up the cause of the fatherless and plead the case of the widow (v. 17)
It’s easy to get off track and like the photo, deep-seated instincts tell us to do the wrong things like letting our anger take over or to choose the easy way out of our problems. Fortunately, God’s word leads one in the right direction and keeps one on track towards effective living.
The formula for us in current times is right before our eyes.
One Cross + Two Nails = Forgiven
It’s the application of this formula that sets many back. Following the Way of Jesus requires discipline with a composite of habits consistently carried out. The result is good character built into the lives of the people who give all the glory to the Lord.
This day with You God, we know where we want to go and how to get there. We have the road map, the formula, and the game plan to an amazing future. Keep us on track as we follow the Way. Help us to fix our eyes on the eternal rather than the worldly desires that get us off track. We surrender our lives to Jesus to abstain from worldly desires and not remain in shame. You love us even more that we love ourselves. Your love precedes our obedience but Your love from above transforms our life, so we make choices that blesses our future day by day. We will never be the same because we are citizens of the kingdom in which Jesus forever reigns. In His name we pray. Amen.
A thought from reading John 7:37-52 is that if you believe in Jesus, you receive living water or the Holy Spirit which flows inside to make possible stress-free composure and inner peace in the present. You can more than just cope during difficulty but receive hope for the future. There is physical, mental, and spiritual health beyond what could be imagined in eternity.
The journey through the Gospel of John has given encouragement for the journey ahead that will now take us into Isaiah for a while. We will continue to gain insight from God’s Word with the intent to apply our faith at work, at home, and in all we do.
The reading plan below will be used to hold me accountable as I share about God’s Word. To share about the Gospel of John, it’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Christ as Savior, we have taken the steps necessary to make each day amazing!
Questions for Reflection
Isaiah 1:1-17 – Whose message is Isaiah giving? What is the charge against Israel? What about Israel’s religious activities is so nauseating to God? What does He demand instead?
Isaiah 1:18-31 – Is the matter discussed in the first 17 verses still open with God? Is society seriously interested in a comeback? How can you and your society be redeemed?
Isaiah 2 – What objective does God have clearly in mind for the closing chapter of history? What three sins has Israel committed? If they turn from their sin, what general and extensive disaster will they escape? To what extent are you taking to heart the plea made to Israel? How urgent is it today?
Isaiah 3 – Should we hold humans in the highest esteem (Answer the question of Isaiah 2:22 by comparing 3:1-5)? Where is help for people? What are you telling people and God in your attitude, impact, and outward decor?
Isaiah 4 – 5 – In what ways has God “cultivated” you? For what purposes? How do God and His world look when He is done?
Isaiah 6 – Where does Isaiah go when Uzziah dies (2 Chron. 26)? What call does he hear? What is the difficult assignment? What are ideas for carrying out a call from the Lord?
Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey. To store up thoughts that are good for the soul, listen to a sermon. Download the free app in the App Store or on Google Play. Look for First Waco.
Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.
I would like to take this time to thank you for reading and liking the posts. This blog started from a small group with just a few followers and now has grown to thousands of followers. I’ve found it to be a great tool in my journey through the Bible and you, my readers are holding me accountable to daily Bible reading and study.
We live in a busy world with busy schedules and being able to share some thoughts about this spiritual journey with others across this world through the Internet is truly a blessing. Tomorrow, I will include Questions for Reflection that will spur thought and offer ideas for applying biblical principles at work, at home, and in all we do.
Here is a link to all the devotionals done so far organized by book of the Bible and specific chapter within that book.
If you would like to get notified with each new post, I invite you to click on the follow button on the far top right of this page to join me on this spiritual journey. Another way to keep up with my spiritual journey is through the Facebook page I’ve set up at this link:This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey.
Also, the concepts presented in God’s Perfect Timing offer ideas for using our time wisely and the lessons of God’s Plan for Us gives a method towards making an impact in the world in which we live.
Thanks for reading. Please like, follow, and pass on to others … give encouragement as we step ahead along the journey together.
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 