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.
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.
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 >.
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/>.
For the last few weeks, the journey has taken me through Isaiah 1-6. Life can be a challenge, but we have all we need because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Available is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. The love displayed on the cross changes everything because we receive boldness, courage, and strength to take on each challenge of each day.
On the journey through Isaiah 1:1-17, learned are the results of a lack of discipline and what is needed to get it back. The nation of Israel had rebelled against God and gotten off track. Noted is that we have the road map, the formula, and the game plan to an amazing future in God’s Word that leads one in the right direction. Effective application of His word requires discipline which is a composite of good habits consistently carried out and resulting in good character.
A thought from Isaiah 1:18-31 is the need to overcome the bad influences of society. To ask the Father to be our steady influence as we run the race to victory. To be dedicated to asking others to receive the Redeemer, and desire to be the Father’s feet and hands to carry out His purpose.
Society was in bad shape in Israel during the time of Isaiah the prophet, but the treasure found in Isaiah 2 is that searching and learning about God’s Way leads us to where we want to go. If individuals build their life on the path of God, then the first steps are taken to a brighter future.
A thought gained from Isaiah 3 is that life throws some curves, but God can give a fresh change if we keep our eyes on the reward. God through Jesus can meet all our needs in life so keep on praising Him.
Brought out in Isaiah 4 – 5 is that the vineyard or nation of Israel had briers and thorns which kept the vines or people from being fruitful. We can be thankful that today we have Jesus as the main vine and His followers are those connected to Him. Briers and thorns like bad habits don’t seem harmful until they grow to entangle the vines and block the sunlight. The Good News is that we can cultivate and remove them one day at a time by seeking the Truth with discipline and following the Way.
Within Isaiah 6 are ideas for carrying out an assignment from the Lord. The first step is going to the Lord in prayer and listening for the call from the Lord. Then, to organize the steps needed to carry it out with plans of action. Transforming these plans into reality may take time and it may not seem to be yielding much fruit, but that’s when we need inspiration and encouragement to keep going.
For this inspiration and encouragement, reflect on the Word and praise the Lord with songs like Here I Am, Lord – Collin Raye. What keeps us going is knowing God’s grace is enough. We just simply accept Jesus in our heart. No need to know it all but just accept the call.
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This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 