Clarity Fills Emptiness With Greatness

Posted on September 9, 2024 by Mark Shields

Having a worldly vision brings confusion that expands to fill the emptiness of human failure. Receiving the vision God has for us brings clarity that fills the emptiness with greatness. These same types of thoughts were cautioned about in the lips of Isaiah as recorded in Isaiah 8:1-15.

Remember from previous passages in the study of Isaiah that Judah chose to seek help from other nations and rejects the help of God. In today’s passage, there is a prediction of the fall of Israel. A catastrophe like a war that can destroy a nation in a short time. Before a national catastrophe happens, the people can pray and turn their attention to God who can spare the people from the tragedy.

The events leading up to the prophecy in today’s passage of a birth certificate, reliable witnesses, and the visit to the prophetess started when Isaiah the prophet spoke that the Lord would give a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (v. 14).

Immanuel means “God with us”. Jesus came from up there with God to down here on Earth to be with us. Remember in previous passages that Isaiah saw himself as a sinner, confesses, and accepts the difficult assignment from the Lord to help the people of Israel understand His truths. This same mission is there for us to carry out today.

This day with God, let us have the courage to make the right choices and pass on God’s word to future generations. It’s not always easy but if we have the courage to make a stand, we can avoid the disaster some want to lead us into. There are times when we must go down the road less traveled, run against the wind, or swim upstream because there are bad consequences in making the wrong choices.

God … You are with us to defeat our fears and face the storms. If afraid, discouraged, or tempted, You are with us. The indwelling Spirit with provide what is needed and guide us to fulfill a courageous vision. You can give us the courage to run against the wind, swim upstream, and go down the road less traveled as we faithfully go into the realm of the unknown to carry out your mission of passing on Your Word to future generations. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

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Thought From Devotional 09-06-2024

Posted on September 6, 2024 by Mark Shields

A thought from John 8:48-59 is that like an athlete who practices winning the prize, let us gain the prize with assurance that Holy Spirit within us will power us on to the victorious finish.  

We will huddle today and be given the play to execute as we pray. It’s up to us to listen so we can follow God’s plan for us and execute the play. Holy Spirit is with us to push us along to fulfill our role on the team. We will run, block, and catch what is thrown our way.

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A Sign During the Time

Posted on September 5, 2024 by Mark Shields

Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel. – Isaiah 7:14

A takeaway form “Stand Firm in Your Faith” is that God in His time will solve pressing problems. He gave a sign during the time of Isaiah that Jesus would be born. It took time for the birth of Jesus, but things needed to be set up and fulfilled in His perfect timing.

God cares for us and will set things right if we just have patience during times of difficulty. If we stand firm in faith and go to Him in prayer. If we maintain our confidence, have determination, and step ahead with patience to carry out His plan for us.

This day with God, get ready to step ahead as we worship in song. Take the words in the song Confidence – Sanctus Real as a declaration to confidently take on the challenges ahead.

Lord, give me faith like Daniel in the lion’s den. Hope like Moses in the wilderness. A heart like David … Lord, be my defense, to face my giants with confidence.

Index of devotionals

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Stand Firm in Your Faith

Posted on September 4, 2024 by Mark Shields

During times of trials, there is a need to stand firm in our faith. To align our heart, mind, and actions to carry out the plan God gives us. Reading Isaiah 7, enemies tried to rage war against Judah and the people were shaken.

The Lord alone is effective against the rage and fury of war. To encourage and give confidence, the Lord sent Isaiah to help the king of Judah named Ahaz. He told Ahaz that the Lord would give a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (v. 14).

The Lord sets things up for victory. He has total control over the future and gives advantage but Ahaz didn’t trust the Lord. He put his trust in the nation of Assyria for help. Isaiah tried to warn Ahaz not to trust Assyria because they would become the enemy, ravage the land, and destroy their ability to grow food on the land.

Let us take away from today’s passage that the Lord solves pressing problems in His time. He cares for us and will set things right if we just have patience during difficulties. If we stand firm in faith and go to Him in prayer. If we maintain our confidence, have determination, and step ahead with patience to carry out His plan for us.

This day with You God, we are preparing for Your plan for us. We will stand firm and live out our faith. Grace flows in and the Spirit inside will guide as we take the steps necessary to glorify You. We keep in step with the Spirit by being quiet and listening. Then by following, believing, and obeying. We accept your love in Jesus and will patiently carry out Your plan. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

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Questions for Reflection for the Study of Isaiah 7 Through 13

Posted on September 3, 2024 by Mark Shields

We live in a busy world with busy schedules and being able to share some thoughts about this journey with others across this world through the Internet is truly a blessing. The below Questions for Reflection will stimulate thought and offer ideas for applying biblical principles. At all stages of life, the Bible is helpful in providing what is needed to thrive in life. If you have not done so yet, click the follow button on the top right side of this page to be notified of future posts.

Isaiah 7 – What sign does God give? Who alone is effective against the rage and fury of war? Does God have enough time to solve your most pressing problems?

Isaiah 8:1-15 – What events lead up to this prophecy of the birth certificate, reliable witnesses, and the visit to the prophetess (See Isaiah 7:14)?  What possible failure of his lips is Isaiah cautioned about? How might God appear in the day of imminent national catastrophe?

Isaiah 8:19-9:7 – Considering the circumstances of God’s clear word, what rebellion is indicated in Judah’s unabashed appeal to the dead? Does this rebellion stand a chance of succeeding? Who will break through in the gathering darkness? In the darkness of your nation, where can you find dawning light and hope?

Isaiah 9:8-10:19 – What sentence is passed down? On what four counts does our Wonderful Counselor take up the case for justice and righteousness on behalf of the world’s plaintiffs? What point is God proving here? To what extent are you enjoying credit that belongs to someone else?

Isaiah 10:20-12:6 – While Assyria invades to reduce Judah to a stump, what will appear from the misery and deceit that was Israel-Judah? What are your misgivings about the future? To what extent can you join in the invitation of 12:5-6? Can you make 12:2 your reply?

Isaiah 13 – What signal is being raised for all to see? At what target is God taking well-timed aim? What are your thoughts on how to fit into God’s purpose and to glorify His name?

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.

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.

“Sermons.” Sermons | FUMC Waco. N.p., n.d. Web.  <http://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.

“Bible.” The Bible – The Word of God – ChristNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 2017. <http://www.christianity.com/bible/>.

Nicholes, Lou. “Recent Commentaries.” Family-Times.net – Devotional Commentary Index. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/>.

“Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>.

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