I don't pretend to be perfect. I played a lot of catch up on my Reading Plan - and I'm still 39 chapters behind schedule. But the point is... I'm still reading and I haven't given up.
Yesterday, in my mailbox was a sweet card from a dear friend. She is participating in the Plan as well. Her card was a gentle reminder to keep reading. So, I decided to dedicate a good chunck of time to catching up.
If you are using the 52 Week Plan, Fridays mean "Prophecy." And around week 12, that means lots of Isaiah. I read 27 chapters in Isaiah last night. I must admit - I had some major flashbacks to my Old Testament Survey days with Dr. Kemp. But sometimes, reading a large passage means I see the bigger picture.
There seemed to be one central theme as I read Isaiah 40-66. God blesses those who follow Him. Over and over again, it was described how God would handle the rebellious vs. how God would take care of His own.
I have been making some big, life-changing decisions (I will share more about that soon). My decision seems a little crazy to some. My decision is contrary to what society deems as "normal." But in the end, I had to base my decision on what the Lord was telling me to do.
Over and over again last night, I was encouraged by the Lord -I am His child, and He is going to take care of me because I have chosen to follow Him. I LOVE when He confirms that I am making the right choices.
Time after time, those who listened to the voice and direction of the Lord were blessed.
I realize that we are all facing different circumstances, decisions, hardships and valleys - But God always takes care of those who are loyal and faithful to Him. Maybe you will receive some comfort from the words that encouraged me last night.
Yesterday, in my mailbox was a sweet card from a dear friend. She is participating in the Plan as well. Her card was a gentle reminder to keep reading. So, I decided to dedicate a good chunck of time to catching up.
If you are using the 52 Week Plan, Fridays mean "Prophecy." And around week 12, that means lots of Isaiah. I read 27 chapters in Isaiah last night. I must admit - I had some major flashbacks to my Old Testament Survey days with Dr. Kemp. But sometimes, reading a large passage means I see the bigger picture.
There seemed to be one central theme as I read Isaiah 40-66. God blesses those who follow Him. Over and over again, it was described how God would handle the rebellious vs. how God would take care of His own.
I have been making some big, life-changing decisions (I will share more about that soon). My decision seems a little crazy to some. My decision is contrary to what society deems as "normal." But in the end, I had to base my decision on what the Lord was telling me to do.
Over and over again last night, I was encouraged by the Lord -I am His child, and He is going to take care of me because I have chosen to follow Him. I LOVE when He confirms that I am making the right choices.
Time after time, those who listened to the voice and direction of the Lord were blessed.
I realize that we are all facing different circumstances, decisions, hardships and valleys - But God always takes care of those who are loyal and faithful to Him. Maybe you will receive some comfort from the words that encouraged me last night.
But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
(Isaiah 40:31)
Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...Others were given in exchange for you.
I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me.
You are honored, and I love you.
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...Others were given in exchange for you.
I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me.
You are honored, and I love you.
(Isaiah 43:1-4)
Yet Jerusalem says, “The LORD has deserted us; the Lord has forgotten us.”
“Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne?
But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!
But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!
See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands."
(Isaiah 49:14-16)
"...For the LORD will go ahead of you; yes, the God of Israel will protect you from behind."
(Isaiah 52:12b)
Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near.
Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong.
Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them.
Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.
Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong.
Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them.
Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.
My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. The rain and snow come down from the heavens
and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow,
producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry.
It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. The rain and snow come down from the heavens
and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow,
producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry.
It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
(Isaiah 55:6-11)
I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God!
For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation
and draped me in a robe of righteousness.
I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit
or a bride with her jewels.
For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation
and draped me in a robe of righteousness.
I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit
or a bride with her jewels.
(Isaiah 61:10)
I will tell of the LORD’s unfailing love.
I will praise the LORD for all he has done.
I will rejoice in his great goodness to Israel,
which he has granted according to his mercy and love.
I will praise the LORD for all he has done.
I will rejoice in his great goodness to Israel,
which he has granted according to his mercy and love.
(Isaiah 63:7)
For since the world began, no ear has heard
and no eye has seen a God like you,
who works for those who wait for him!
and no eye has seen a God like you,
who works for those who wait for him!
(Isaiah 64:4)
I love you and I agree about Isaiah! Friday is a rough day ;-) but as we have made decisions my biggest comfort is knowing we are following Him! Prayers and love!!!
ReplyDeleteI am excited to see where all God is leading you!
ReplyDelete