Noticed in reading John 9:1-17 is that the work of God is on display when Jesus healed the man born blind. Today, if we pay close attention, we can also see God’s work on display. Take every opportunity to notice it and report it to others.
For to us a child is born,
To us a son is given,
And the government will be on his
Shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6
The people were living in dark times as Isaiah prophesized about Jesus being born. As brought out in “Dawning Light”, God’s plan breaks through the darkness, because hope is in the living God and the Wonderful Counselor.
Give praise to our living God with the song Emmanuel by Amy Grant. Jesus, who lived on earth, was crucified, rose, and continues to live. He changed the world in every way and has had the most extensive impact on this day and on future tomorrows. More than anyone else in the history of the world.
Even in hard times, we can have joy because of hope. Life may have broken parts, but the light of a new day will rise over the horizon to warm our hearts. Hope has a name and its name is Jesus so never get down because a new day will come around. Remember what Jesus went through on the cross. Remember the many things people have gone through but have come out stronger on the other side.
Reading today in Isaiah 8:16 through 9:7, we note that many had lost hope. There was rebellion in the people as they consulted dead mediums and spirits rather than the clear instruction of the living God. This rebellion didn’t stand a chance of succeeding, and the results are a difficult, bleak, and dark future.
On the other hand, God’s plan breaks through in the darkness, because hope is in the living God and the Wonderful Counselor. In Christ, who lived on earth, was crucified, rose, and continues to live. He changed to world in every way and has had the most extensive impact on this day and on future tomorrows. More than anyone else in the history of the world.
There are those that want failure within the world. Evil gains ground in a world of chaos and disunity. Even in the darkness of a world of corruption, deception, and aggression by those that want to be in control, we can see the dawning light and hope. A future with direction, integrity, and unity. All this is available because of Jesus. His sacrifice on the cross gives all the opportunity to contend with a new day, to pray, and go a new Way.
Someday, Christ will return to reign forever. The day … the exact timing is not known but God’s complete plan will be carried out, so hold on to hope during difficulty. Live like it’s all turning around today. With eyes wide open, look forward to today because today could be the day!
This day with You God, we choose hope for the difficult path ahead. Our hope is in Jesus who provides light along the path. We will emerge from the darkness because You are with us and everything is possible with You. A single Light has dawned and even though the world lets us down, a smile overcomes our frown because there is victory with Jesus. Nothing we ever face will be greater than the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:4
A takeaway from “Clarity Fills Emptiness With Greatness” is that we face tough challenges, opponents, and those who just hate who we are but God can help. Many will go against us because they believe their way is the best way, but we know that God’s Way is the best way.
Let us have the courage to make a stand and follow God’s plan for us. Let us remember that this world is only our temporary home so there’s nothing to lose as we take steps of faith and journey into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is.
Sometimes we have to do what the lyrics say in the song Rebel by Anne Wilson. When the crowd goes one way, we go another and in the name of Jesus, stand our ground.
Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.
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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This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 