Return to the Lord

I remember riding my bike as a kid and suddenly, I stopped going anywhere and looked down to see that the chain had slipped off. It’s the same with our day, if we don’t begin our day with God, the power to go is gone, and we keep trying to go but get nowhere.

This day with God, we are reading Isaiah 51. Noted is there were only a faithful few who sought the Lord for help during their difficulty. God called them to remember the help He had given them in the past, to be faithful, and to trust in His grace. He had brought them out of bondage from Egypt through the Red Sea and He would bring them back out of Babylonian captivity.

Weighing down the spirits of the weary people was that they had forgotten the power of God and feared mere mortals who kept them in captivity. God asked the people of Jerusalem to awaken because He would forgive the people and bring them back to a place of liberty and prosperity.

What was missing was for the people to admit that they needed God’s help. If they would return to Him and ask for forgiveness, He would be with them to give them strength. He would set things up so they could return to the Promised Land.

We also need forgiveness and fortunately we have a Savior in current times. Grace is available and we can faithfully hold on during our difficulty. Each day, we can pray and ask for God’s help. We can step away from our captivity into freedom towards ultimate victory.

This day with God, let us not look behind to the difficulty that put us in a bind but look to what we have available in the future. We can let go of the past and be thankful for what we do have in the present. Every adversity gives the chance to tap the inner strength only God can give, so let us forget the defeats of the past, be patient in difficulty, and look forward to amazing victories in the future.

This day with You Lord, we come back to You. Hope is gained for a better day today than yesterday. You will take the little bit we do and provide the spark for us to awake from the dark into a brighter day. We may miss the mark some days but today we start by doing our part to plant the seeds. We will seek to cultivate what is growing with our love and prayers in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Thought From Devotional 05-02-2025

Jesus invites us to begin each day with a heart of prayer and a willingness to obey His calling, trusting that He will guide us through every decision. Reflecting on John 21:1-14, we are reminded of His boundless power to make the impossible possible—turning empty nets into abundant blessings. Through Him, we are empowered to be productive, to unlock creativity, and to venture into new realms of learning and achievement that once seemed out of reach. With Jesus, the potential within us is limitless, and He equips us to walk paths we never imagined we could tread, fulfilling purposes greater than we dare to dream.

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Questions for Reflection for Study of Isaiah 51 Through 57

In our bustling world filled with demanding schedules, finding moments to connect with others and reflect on this journey we call life is truly a gift, made possible through the power of the Internet. Sharing thoughts and engaging in meaningful discussions across the world is an incredible blessing, offering a space for encouragement and growth. The provided Questions for Reflection below aim to inspire thought and guide the practical application of biblical principles—timeless truths that support and nurture us through every stage of life, helping us thrive in our unique paths. If you haven’t yet, be sure to click the follow button at the top right of this page to stay updated on future posts.

Isaiah 51 – What cry of help goes back in response to God’s call (50:2)? What is weighing down the spirits of these weary people? What is seriously missing (51:18)? What inner strength have you discovered?

Isaiah 52 – Why aren’t the people already awoken? Since they will not let God act for their benefit, on what basis is he determined to act? How does this triumph in the debate (vv. 5b-6) strike discouraged Isaiah? How will the people welcome these omens of success? Who will accompany the people out of Babylon? Are they eager to leave?

Isaiah 53 – Who is God’s servant? What will nations and world leaders say about God’s servant not “looking the part” (see 52:13-15)?  Even though Israel is explicitly told why their leader, God’s servant, will not “look the part” of a conquering soldier (See 53:5-6), will anyone take it to heart (See 53:8)? What should be your response to what you have learned today about this servant (See 53:12, 51:17; 52:1, 11)?

Isaiah 54 – What are the conditions of Israel in the past? Why won’t they need military hardware to survive? To what extent do the qualities of righteousness and truth “protect” you in your daily living?

Isaiah 55 – To those still reluctant to begin the journey, what call comes from down the road? With a preferring of his ways to theirs, what will God do to the dry, barren wilderness barrier to their return? How will they be accompanied back (See v. 12 with 52:12)? How do you come and seek God today?

Isaiah 56-57 – What obligations do the people have in order to be delivered? What people are unsure about whether the invitation embraces them? What fear has led them to their unholy style of “righteous doings”?

Feel free to share your thoughts by responding with a short note or comment on any of the questions mentioned above. I also warmly invite you to contribute any additional ideas, whether they be your favorite inspirational videos, cherished photos, or meaningful Bible verses that have touched your heart. Here on the Internet, we can create a space rich with encouragement and inspiration, fostering a community built on shared reflections and uplifting messages.

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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Looking Back at Isaiah 45-50 for Encouragement on the Journey Ahead

God’s purpose for each of us is intricately woven into the steps we take toward His divine will, and our journey is enriched when we align ourselves with His plan. Those who worship the One True God are lifted by His mighty hand, destined for everlasting peace and joy. His goodness overflows like an abundant treasure, waiting to be gathered by those who seek Him with faith and devotion. As He achieves the impossible and fulfills His promises in unimaginable ways, we are called to pay attention to His path. By documenting the glimpses of His glory in what we see, hear, and feel, and by fixing our eyes on the eternal and unseen, we can share His wonder and truth with others. Together, by Looking back at Isaiah 45-50, we can step forward in awe of His purpose, embracing the blessings that only He can provide. We are encouraged because we are not alone as we take on the challenges of the journey ahead.

Reading Isaiah 44:24 through 45:19 and pointed out in Aligned with His Purpose, it’s important to understand what’s truly meaningful in our life because then we have a starting point for achievement. God has something of significance so let us pray for our place in His purpose.

The takeaway from Isaiah 45:20 through 46:13 as explained in Pulled Up by the Upper Hand is that idols fail their worshipers. Instead of carrying burdens that idol worship provides, we can lighten the load by loving and trusting God. He provides all that is needed, and the burden of debt has been paid.

Studied in the passage Isaiah 47 and noted in Trust in the Way, the Truth, and the Life, only the Lord can make a person feel secure. We shouldn’t be overconfident in our own abilities but trust the ONE who made heaven and earth and by writing the law of Christ in our heart, there is peace and everlasting joy.

Reflecting on Isaiah 48, and noted in Spooked by Something New, trying new things can be scarry at first but can lead to blessings. When we desire the goodness of God, before long the blessings continue like waves hitting the shore and the rhythmic sounds become soothing music to the ear. As we worship the Sovereign Lord, there is more goodness than grains of sand on a beach we will need a shovel to fill our bucket with God’s goodness.

Reading Isaiah 49, as explored in the post Journey Home is that Isaiah prophesied about a servant who would be the instrument and author of eternal salvation. Jesus became that servant who prepared a path home where fear and doubt are never known. He became the escort for the Israelites on their return journey. Though it may seem at times that the challenges before God are insurmountable, history reminds us that He has consistently achieved the impossible. The same God who parted seas and restored nations will continue to work wonders, fulfilling His promises in ways we could never imagine.

One thought from reading Isaiah 50 through 51:8 as expressed in Paying Attention To His Way is that if we pay attention to the world, we become stressed or confused but if we pay attention to God’s Way, we’re prepared for the world. By paying attention to God’s Way, the Law of God will become engraved in our hearts. We will gain instruction and our ability to solve problems will multiply. Confidence will be gained for the present and hope for the future because salvation is guaranteed forever.

God’s goodness and greatness, as vividly recorded throughout the Bible, is a powerful testament to His sovereignty and love. He holds the future in His hands, offering us assurance and hope in every step of our journey. Through His grace, the law of Christ is written in our hearts, guiding us to live with faith, love, and purpose. With such a promise of a bright future guaranteed in His presence, we are called to act swiftly and decisively, moving forward in the right direction with confidence, knowing that His plan for us is both steadfast and good.

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Keep Knowledge

My son, pay attention to my wisdom; lend your ear to my understanding, that you may preserve discretion, and your lips may keep knowledge. – Proverbs 5:1-2

Within the post “Paying Attention To His Way”, the challenge put forth is to look to the past and see how God has helped the faithful. Then look ahead to the future and see that He will provide and guide so we can know what things are right and we will do the right things.

In doing so, the Law of God will become engraved into our hearts. We will gain instruction and our ability to solve problems will multiply. Confidence will be gained for the present and hope for the future because salvation is guaranteed forever.

When we wake up, let us study His word and ask Him to do as the song Keep Me In The Moment by Jeremy Camp says. Throughout the day, let us keep putting our eyes on God and what He is doing. Let us observe what God is doing and what He has for us in the future. Then chronicle it and share it.

Index of devotionals

Thanks for reading. Please like, follow, and pass on to others … Chronicle what God is doing!

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