God's word is true – Be Still…

Isaiah 25:1 – Get Your Praise On!

“O Lord, I will honor and praise your name,
for you are my God.
You do such wonderful things!
You planned them long ago,
and now you have accomplished them.”
(Isaiah 25:1)

Are you one of those people who praise God only when you’re in church surrounded by other believers? Or are you someone who always has a praise song on their lips? Chances are, realistically speaking, you find yourself somewhere in between, aspiring to be more worshipful in your waking moments. Life gets in the way, doesn’t it? Sometimes the heaviness of a life situation makes it hard to feel grateful to the point you overflow with praise.

Context: For Isaiah, as a prophet of the LORD, he struggled with his own demons of distraction as he took on the abuse of his audience. He was being used by God, but the people weren’t listening. However, this verse opens a chapter full of hope, giving God the glory for being true to his word. Isaiah calls out both judgment and salvation, so depending on your relationship with God, these verses make you celebrate because of the hope or cower because of fear of doom. Continue reading “Isaiah 25:1 – Get Your Praise On!”

Hebrews 4:12 – God’s Word

“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Have you ever read a familiar Bible passage and had a totally new understanding or feel like you’d heard it for the first time? To me, that’s what it means when we say God’s word is “alive.” It’s a beautiful thing to receive new insights from the Holy Spirit each time we spend time in God’s Word. It’s invigorating!

Context: This memory verse comes to us near the end of a discussion on rest, God’s rest. God promised that those who believe in him would have the gift of resting with him forever. What does the placement of this declaration about God’s Word so close to “rest” tell us? Continue reading “Hebrews 4:12 – God’s Word”

1 Peter 1:13-25 – Holy Living

Read 1 Peter 1:13-25

Who said we are born without an instruction manual? Once we’re born again and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, the Bible is the only reference we need for life. Peter’s counsel here is brilliant to point us to the truth found in scripture when figuring out what being holy is all about.

Our reading starts with a call to action by Peter. He wants us to pay attention. The words that follow are just that important. Peter opened his letter (see our last two readings) by reminding us of our salvation and God’s sovereignty. This section shows us our response, what to do with that gift. Be holy.

1 Kings 17:8-24 – The Power of God

Read 1 Kings 17:8-24

Elijah is now deep in “enemy” territory in Sidon. God’s power can work anywhere. Elijah goes with confidence to the widow, but she is less than welcoming. At least she recognizes Elijah as following a different God when she protests, “I swear by the LORD your God that I don’t have a single piece of bread in the house.” (Emphasis added).

But the widow has plenty of resources in God’s economy. Elijah’s own words of comfort, “don’t be afraid” tell us that God is going to move. There is a bit of a “faith test” to come, and we can be sure God’s saving action will be next. If God is going to use this woman, as he promised Elijah, then there will be a miracle.