A thought gained in John 8:31-47 is that the action that identifies a disciple is holding on to the teachings of Jesus and following through until achievement. Jesus says in John 8:34, “Everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” So, all are slaves to sin, but Christ offers freedom so create a picture in your mind of being free; be drawn towards the Light of Life. The Light will both heal and nourish the heart.
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Brought out in “Reflecting on the Word” 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 theses 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.
This day with God, rather than reflecting on the world where our thoughts become blurred, we reflect on the Word. Like a small ripple in the water, reflecting on God’s Word and sharing with others grows to make a large impact not only in current times but for eternity.
In the previous study of God’s Word, the nation of Israel was described as a vineyard and the vines that God delighted in were His people (Isaiah 5:7). Unfortunately, the vineyard had briers and thorns growing which kept it from being fruitful. The people continued to deny that God would bring judgment on them, but Isaiah the prophet knew about Israel’s future.
In Isaiah 6, we read that Uzziah died. Uzziah had been king of Judah who sought the Lord and God gave him success until pride took over. Faith was a factor in his success, but the lack of humility was his downfall, and the later part of his reign had difficulties. Because he had burned incense to God in the temple where only the priests were consecrated for this activity, leprosy broke out on his forehead (2 Chronicles 26:19) and he spent the rest of his life in seclusion.
After the death of Uzziah, Isaiah knew that Israel was in trouble, so he went to the temple of the Lord. While at the temple, Isaiah saw himself as a sinner, confesses, and accepts the difficult assignment from the Lord to help the people of Israel understand His truths.
Learned from today’s passage are ideas for carrying out an assignment from the Lord. The first step is going to the Lord in prayer and listening to the call from the Lord. Then, to organize the steps necessary to carry out this call into plans of action. Transforming theses plans into reality may take time and it may not seem to yield any fruit, but one must keep going. What keeps one going is knowing God’s grace is enough.
Even if the fruits of our labor do not come to fruition, what we start can be picked up and carried out by future generations. Even though we may have limits, God does not and can send His people out into the world to finish out the assignment.
This day Lord, we reflect on Your Word, come to You in prayer, and listen for Your assignment. Like Isaiah in today’s passage, here we are to follow where You lead. It may be to plant seeds of faith or do good deeds. It may be to share Truth with youth or lead in praise towards Your Ways. Like during the time of the prophet Isaiah, we are up against worldly thoughts that lead in the wrong direction. We are thankful that Jesus is the solution. For things fall into place because of grace. Because of the Savior, there is a change in behavior. We are delivered from worldly thoughts and become an achiever for Your glory. We pray today that wholesome thoughts from Your Word will overtake worldly thoughts and we take the steps needed towards achieving Your assignment. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
What more could have been done for my vineyard than I have done for it? – Isaiah 5:4
Brought out in “Everything is Fine When Connected to the Vine” is that the vineyard or nation of Israel had briers and thorns growing which kept the vines or people from being fruitful.
The main Vine is Jesus 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 God can cultivate and remove them one day at a time if one seeks the Truth with discipline and follows His Way.
Let’s use today’s song Build My Life – Pat Barrett (Ft. Cory Asbury) as a declaration to build our life one day at a time in order to make our future better. Maybe it involves readjusted priorities or taking inventory of how we spend our time and money. There is always room for improvement and our mission as a disciple of Christ is to build our life on the lessons that are taught in God’s Word.
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To have sustaining faith, we must stay connected to the Vine by having priorities like giving God the best part of our day, the best part of our heart, and the best part of our relationships. We must stay connected to the source and grow spiritually with those going the same Godly path. [1]
Reading in Isaiah 4 – 5, the nation of Israel is described as the vineyard and the vines God delighted in are the people (Isaiah 5:7). Unfortunately, the vineyard had briers and thorns growing which kept it from being fruitful.
Fortunately for us today, God gave us Jesus as the main Vine. Those who follow the Way of Jesus are His followers who are connected to the Vine. God cultivates a nation by removing the briers and thorns so the vines are free and the sun can shine on them just like our faith allows the Son of God to shine light into our heart.
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 God can cultivate and remove them one day at a time if one seeks the Truth with discipline and is willing to follow His Way.
By letting the Light in, a brighter future with integrity and discipline occurs. God then works through His people resulting in a world that is beautiful and glorious. There is the freedom to grow, there is water of the Spirit to refresh the soul, and the Light shines into our heart to provide food for the soul. Everything is fine when connected to the Vine as we produce the fruits of faith, hope, and love that feeds the soul with nourishment.
This day with You God, we are connected to the Vine. We have patience because with Jesus as our acquaintance, we receive rest, endure distress, and are blessed. We have readjusted priorities so we build our life on the lessons that are taught in Your word. These lessons are treasures that are passed on to others and are the eternal currency in Your kingdom. We step ahead now into better tomorrows in Jesus’name, amen.
[1] Thought from Sermon of Pastor Wayne Williams – Renew Church
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This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 