A thought from John 11:1-16 is that things turn out alright by walking in the Light. Jesus demonstrated His willingness to die to accomplish God’s purpose. Take this encouragement and know God’s glorious power is available to conquer fear and step ahead.
In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. – Isaiah 19:23
Some thoughts from “Trust In What God Has Made” are the need to go the way of God to receive peace at home and with neighbor. To come home to God and trust in His Way.
A society can be renowned with wisdom and science yet collapse if it doesn’t understand the importance of lessons learned from the past, living according to the principles of God, and sticking with ideas that work.
As the song The Way by Jeremy Camp points out, Jesus is the way. Walk in the Light and lift high the King of kings.
Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.
Sometimes, things built by man can’t be trusted like the bridge in the picture. Instead, trust in what God has made rather than what man has made. As we read God’s word today, let us learn from the lessons of the past. With God by our side, we will always have the upper hand. Let us plan our future using the lessons from history and know that God’s grace is needed. Once received, we can gain wisdom to live the way life is meant to be lived.
Reading today in Isaiah 19-20, the prophecy is judgment on Egypt. God will stir up the people against each other. He will hand them over to the power of a cruel master (v. 19:4). There will be drought, plague, and economic depression until they come home to Him.
I remember around the age of five that mom had given out some punishment for doing something. I can’t remember what it was, but I was ready to run away and find a mom that wasn’t so strict.
I talked my sister into going with me. She was only three. We got about a block from home, and we saw the mail man. He asked where we were going. We had our lunch, a change of clothes, and a few other things needed for our journey as we set out to find another mom.
The mail man asks a few questions, got our names, and knew exactly where we lived. He convinced us to return home. We started our return, and, in the meantime, mom was in a panic. She couldn’t find us but then noticed us walking up the sidewalk with the postman.
We had talked to someone to bring us home to where we belonged. We note in today’s reading that Isaiah said that the people would turn to the Lord and there would be reconciliation. This spiritual conversion would bring blessings to Egypt. Political change so that Israel, Egypt, and Assyria (modern Iraq) would cooperate and enjoy the blessings of God (v. 19:18).
Also predicted in reading today is a major highway construction (v. 19:23) in the area which suggest that there would be travel between the nations and that there would be peace. There would be exchange of products freely between nations and they would worship together.
Later in today’s reading, there is another prediction that Cush and Egypt would fall to the Assyrians. There would be humiliation as Israel would realize that they should trust the Lord for protection rather alliances with other nations.
A society can be renowned with wisdom and science yet collapse if they go wayward. If they don’t return home to God. There is pressure we all face in society to fit in, to think we can run away instead of turning to Father God.
It’s important to take in the lessons learned from the past and live according to the principles of God. Stick to common sense practical ideas that work like brought out in the book by Robert Fulghum called “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten”. Many times, it’s not always the parents that can lead the child to where they need to go. It may be a grandparent, a teacher, or even a postman.
This day with You God, we come home. We go wayward at times but know that true wisdom comes from You. Without You, there is uncertainty and misdirection. When we come home to You, there is direction for living the way we should. Our decisions are better as we gain lessons from Your word, our experiences, and the Spirit who speaks to us deep in our heart about lessons learned. We ask today for Jesus to take the wheel as we travel the highway to our destiny. Steer us along the Way. For in Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28
A takeaway from “Accept God’s Help” is that what we start now will have a ripple effect that grows into a wave because the Spirit of God will be on the move. Each of us can make a difference to our family, church, community, and nation. Know the role you can play with a singleness of purpose and a burning desire to help not only in the present but also for future generations.
There will be supernatural power and grace in those that are called according to God’s purpose, and there will be peace because the Spirit will be on the move. One person at a time will see the Light and before long, the earth will flourish with the Light of Christ in their heart.
Let us worship with the song Trees We’ll Never See by Amy Grant. Like the song points out, nature teaches us how life should be lived. Living with patience and doing what’s right for the future. We are all sons and daughters … just ripples on the water. One day our name will be carved in stone and our souls will go to our permanent home. Until then, we can plant the trees of faith, hope, and love to provide comfort and peace for future generations.
God has a plan to work through people and nations to bring about His purposes, but in reading in Isaiah 17-18, we note that the people did not accept His help. We are given the prophecy of God’s anger being taken out as nations would be destroyed. A prophecy against Damascus and a prophecy against Cush.
Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.
Throughout history, humanity has not been able to work out peace but nature it seems can because it will accept God’s help. Humanity wants to be in control with different parts of world wanting others to follow their way. The result is endless wars that destroy each other and strategies that only make things worse. On the other hand, nature is patient so that eventually the green grass of the meadow grows after a drought or fire. The lakes and rivers are filled with water from rain. The trees grow back better than before because the underbrush is cleared after a forest fire. The bare trees of winter grow crisp, fresh, new leaves in the spring.
But my friend, be hopeful for God will work things out, and is working today in the history of nations. Most important, He has a plan for each individual. God’s plan for us is to trust in Jesus the King of kings and not in those who want to rule the world. Not in the worship of idols like money, sports, smart phones, and pleasure that are made from humans rather than worshipping God who made everything. Letting the ONE who controls the armies of heaven and earth be in charge.
Let us be hopeful knowing that all is done in God’s timing. Let us do what is right with patience. Our role should be to just get it started. Then things will begin to change for the better with God’s help. Maybe not in our lifetime here on earth but in generations in the future. What we start now though will have a ripple effect that grows into a wave because the Spirit of God will be on the move.
Each of us can make a difference within our family, church, community, and nation. Knowing the role we can play with a singleness of purpose and a burning desire to help not only in the present but also for future generations.
Let the Light continue to shine and like a ripple within the water that grows into a wave, what starts small will begin to spread into something bigger. Like the formula for discipleship that started with just a few who followed Jesus, the world will be impacted. Growing because those few told family members or good friends about Jesus.
God’s plan for us gives the power of the Holy Sprint and when we mix this power with the principles taught by Christ, we each can be led to a future beyond our imagination. We don’t need to follow corrupted leaders. We can be led by the ONE true God who purifies the corruption of the world one person at a time. The result is people living with purpose, caring for neighbors, and thriving communities building great nations.
This day with You God, we accept Your help and with Your help, we can change the world for the better. Life will not always be easy, but if we find our role and accept Your help as the Spirit guides, You will provide. There will be supernatural power and grace in those that are called according to Your purpose, and there will be peace because the Spirit will be on the move. One person at a time will see the Light and before long, the earth will flourish with the Light of Christ in their heart. Amen.
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This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 