September 19

Isaiah 30:12-33:9; Galatians 5:1-12; Psalm 63:1-11; Proverbs 23:22

The only way that we can succeed in life is to trust God! If you use this lens to view the history of Israel you will see that this has been the challenge throughout their history.

God has constantly been calling His people to trust Him above all else. Israel trusted God for a period of time and then they would place their trust in someone else. It is this type of inconsistency that caused Israel to never receive the full blessing that God had in store for them because of their lack of trust.

Even in the midst of their exile from their land, God calls on Israel to “return to Him.” He speaks a truth to us that we must remember, “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.”

God wants us to rest in Him. We can only rest by trusting God. Put your full trust in God, completely and consistently then you will have peace and rest.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Isaiah 33:10-36:22; Galatians 5:13-26; Psalm 64:1-10; Proverbs 23:23

September 18

Isaiah 28:14-30:11; Galatians 3:23-4:31; Psalm 62:1-12; Proverbs 23:19-21

When the Lord is on your side, you have nothing to fear. There are many enemies to the cause of Christ. They will shout threats and try to intimidate those who follow God. This is nothing new. As one of the smallest nations, Israel was under constant threat of invasion by its enemies.

They had to live knowing that without the protection of God, they did not have the ability to fight off their enemies. So, when they stayed under God’s hand, they prospered. When Israel turned from God, God’s hand was removed and the enemies besieged Jerusalem. The invading armies somehow thought that it was their power that caused them to win.

They became arrogant and demeaned the Sovereign God. God let them know, He was placing in Jerusalem a foundation that was unshakeable. This “firm and tested stone” was totally reliable. In fact, whoever believes in this stone will never be shaken. Even if the whole culture turns against God and His values, we cannot compromise because when everything is shaken, we will remain standing. Jesus is our firm foundation!!!

Tomorrow’s Reading:  Isaiah 30:12-33:9; Galatians 5:1-12; Psalm 63:1-11; Proverbs 23:22

September 17

Isaiah 25:1-28:13; Galatians 3:10-22; Psalm 61:1-8; Proverbs 23:17-18

If you were called upon to write out all that God has done for you, could you? Have you taken the time to reflect upon the victories that God has produced in your life? Have you assessed the change that God has made in your life?

One key way to make sure that we don’t walk away from God is to constantly remind ourselves of who God is and what He has done for us. When we acknowledge who God is, we call that worship. When we identify the things that God has done for us, we call it praise. Each day we should spend time in worship and praise to God so that we don’t take Him for granted.

This is the source of real peace: “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Keep your mind saturated in the love and goodness of God, then you will remain in a state of peace no matter what happens in your life!

Tomorrow’s Reading: Isaiah 28:14-30:11; Galatians 3:23-4:31; Psalm 62:1-12; Proverbs 23:19-21

September 16

Isaiah 22:1-24:23; Galatians 2:17-3:9; Psalm 60:1-12; Proverbs 23:15-16

God is above all other gods. The Bible does not deny the existence of other deities; it just positions our God as above all of them. Throughout Isaiah we see the power and might of God as He deals with all those who doubt His power.

God targets those who try to usurp His authority. Those who mock God and diminish Him are sure to receive His judgment. There is no despot, dictator or ruler who can ever stand against our God.

All the gods that the world worships will have to submit to the authority of the one true God. That is why in the New Testament we are told that “Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord.”

Tomorrow’s Reading: Isaiah 25:1-28:13; Galatians 3:10-22; Psalm 61:1-8; Proverbs 23:17-18

September 15

Isaiah 19:1-21:17; Galatians 2:1-16; Psalm 59:1-17; Proverbs 23:13-14

Another aspect of God’s majesty is His power! In the Old Testament, God is also known as the “Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” God knows how to fight for His people and when they are threatened and need a defender, He will be right there.

Egypt had long threatened Israel and their security. In fact, they had raided Israel before. God spoke a word of judgment against them. God said that He would pull down all their idols and His Name would be worshipped in the heart of Egypt. 

If you ever are in trouble and feel like you are outnumbered, you should know that God is a Mighty Warrior for His people. He knows how to fight and He will fight for His own. This is why you should never be afraid of anyone. If someone comes against you, they are coming against your God. He knows how to defend His own. Our God never loses. Rest in God’s ability to protect you, care for you and vindicate you!

Tomorrow’s Reading: Isaiah 22:1-24:23; Galatians 2:17-3:9; Psalm 60:1-12; Proverbs 23:15-16

September 14

Isaiah 15:1-18:7; Galatians 1:1-24; Psalm 58:1-11; Proverbs 23:12

We have heard it said that some people need to hit rock bottom before they will change their lives. Israel, as a nation, did this often. Isaiah speaks of a time when Israel will be reduced to almost nothing and “their light will grow dim”.

Israel’s land would be decimated and stripped of anything of value. Only a remnant would remain from the millions that used to live there. But, it is when Israel has lost everything that they will turn back to God and be in an authentic relationship with Him.

The lesson for us is to stay near God no matter what. Even when we do wrong, it is never in our interests to run away from the God who loves us. God’s love for us, just like Israel, does not change. Run to God’s love and receive another chance. As long as we are alive, we have one more chance to come back to God.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Isaiah 19:1-21:17; Galatians 2:1-16; Psalm 59:1-17; Proverbs 23:13-14

September 13

Isaiah 12:1-14:32; 2 Corinthians 13:1-14; Psalm 57:1-11; Proverbs 23:9-11

Some people mistakenly think that the devil has as much power as God. That somehow satan is the evil equivalent to God. But, that is not true. What we call, “the devil” is a fallen angel who used to be fully submitted to God. His name was Lucifer, which means “Shining Star”.

At some point, Lucifer rebelled against the God who created him. Instead of fulfilling his created purpose, Lucifer wanted to take God’s role. ” ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north.”

Lucifer’s rebellion caused him to be thrown out of heaven. One third of the angels of heaven were exiled as well because they joined Lucifer. If God has the power to throw Lucifer out of heaven then God clearly has more power than the devil. As a child of God, you should be aware that you are on the winning side! God has already defeated satan on your behalf. Don’t give place to him or let him think that he can stop what God is doing in your life. You are victorious.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Isaiah 15:1-18:7; Galatians 1:1-24; Psalm 58:1-11; Proverbs 23:12

September 12

Isaiah 10:1-11:16; 2 Corinthians 12:11-21; Psalm 56:1-13; Proverbs 23:6-8

God will never be left without representatives on the earth! Israel had very actively disobeyed God and walked away from His commands. Because of God’s Holiness, He could not allow their sin to go unpunished. But, even while the punishment was being foretold, God let His people know that the punishment would not last forever and that a remnant would remain.

As bad as things may get, you can never underestimate God’s ability to turn things around. You may think you are alone or the only one, but God will always reserve a group of people who have proven themselves loyal to Him! Those who seem to be up today can (and will) be taken down tomorrow.

There is hope for every situation because God will not leave Himself without a faithful witness on the earth. So, if you expect to always win and still be standing when the dust settles, show yourself faithful to God regardless of the pressure. Jesus represented that remnant. It was through Him that all of us were able to come back to God. Jesus is the way back to God for anyone who will accept Him. Recommit yourself to Him today.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Isaiah 12:1-14:32; 2 Corinthians 13:1-14; Psalm 57:1-11; Proverbs 23:9-11

September 11

Isaiah 8:1-9:21; 2 Corinthians 12:1-10; Psalm 55:1-23; Proverbs 23:4-5

When you have a glimpse of God’s majesty, you will understand that the presence of God is invaluable. Throughout history, humanity has tried to find ways to gain access to God’s presence. When we are going through difficult times, this is precisely the time we need to know that God is with us. 

While Israel was laboring under the pain of punishment, they are given hope! Someone greater than Uzziah would be born and this leader would be a “Mighty God, everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace.” When this King is born, His reign will never end! 

God loved us so much that He did not leave us alone. You should rejoice today that you have access to the God who is with us– always and for ever. 

Tomorrow’s Reading:  Isaiah 10:1-11:16; 2 Corinthians 12:11-21; Psalm 56:1-13; Proverbs 23:6-8

September 10

Isaiah 6:1-7:25; 2 Corinthians 11:16-33; Psalm 54:1-7; Proverbs 23:1-3

Often we obscure our view of God, because we are looking at people. Isaiah was a powerful prophet sent by The Lord to call Israel back to a relationship with God. At some point, Isaiah had taken his eyes off God and started to look at King Uzziah. Uzziah was a remarkable man. He had done a great job in leading Israel and his enemies would not dare attack Israel as long as he lead the armies.

In his old age, Uzziah contracted leprosy. He was slowly dying and fear ran through the country. If Uzziah died, Israel would be destroyed. Isaiah put his trust in the king instead of the King of kings. Upon King Uzziah’s death, Isaiah was able to regain his view of God.

Are there people in whom you are placing your trust? Or, are you trusting in your resources? It is easy to lose sight of God and His power. It is often when we experience loss that we are forced to rely on God and see Him for who He is. Isaiah was able to see the greatness of God! Everything else paled in comparison. God wants you to see Him in His glory, so that you will never take your eyes off Him.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Isaiah 8:1-9:21; 2 Corinthians 12:1-10; Psalm 55:1-23; Proverbs 23:4-5