Trust in God – Be Still…

Isaiah 26:3-4 – Trusting God

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Trust in the Lord always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock.”(Isaiah 26:3-4)

Perfect peace sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? We can know that peace when we trust in God. Shalom, shalom is what they say on “The Chosen” television series as a greeting to each other. In one episode, they explained it to a non-Jew as signifying perfect peace. What a beautiful way to greet someone, don’t you think?

Context: The section of Isaiah 26 that sings praise to the LORD. “In that day” everyone will sing praise to the LORD. What a beautiful picture that is for us to imagine the whole world recognizing God for the Mighty One he is. These verses are plucked out of the magnificent imagery that Isaiah uses to paint the picture of when we who trust God will finally know perfect peace. Continue reading “Isaiah 26:3-4 – Trusting God”

Psalm 28 – From Lament to Praise

Read Psalm 28

One of the things I like about this psalm is how it covers the gamut of emotions from lament to praise. It’s a good reminder for us to always bring praise to God even when we are feeling weak or troubled by life’s circumstances.

David opens the psalm declaring it as a prayer to God, his “rock.” David acknowledges God and wants an audience with him. Isn’t that the same for us when we pray. Don’t we often seek God’s counsel, his help, and even his retribution for those who have wronged us, just like David is? Continue reading “Psalm 28 – From Lament to Praise”

2 Chronicles 15:1-19 – Real Victory

Read 2 Chronicles 15:1-19

This reading begins with Asa’s victorious return from battle. However, I just wonder how “victorious” he really felt when he remembered it was relatives who fell at the hand of his troops. Yet, it was God who helped defend Asa and the Israelites living in the southern kingdom.

The first message from God he received from Azariah who had had a visit from the “Spirit of God.” The LORD’s message confirmed what Asa was to do. Asa would be a strong leader charged with keeping his people true to the LORD. Asa knew that the only way that was going to happen was to remove the reminders and distractions of the false gods that were apparently still in existence.

Christmas Luke 2:25-35 – Faith

Read Luke 2:25-35

Can you imagine having received the message Simeon had, giving him the assurance he would see the Messiah before he died? Many had been waiting for the Messiah to come rescue them. It had been hundreds of years since the prophets had foretold a Messiah would come. In Simeon’s day, the Roman oppression was so great the people were anxiously awaiting the day their Messiah king would powerfully come to save them.

Simeon’s faith is commendable. Amidst the struggles of life under Roman control, and the natural aging process our bodies go through, Simeon never lost hope. He had faith in God’s promise. It seems as if his faith was the fuel that sustained Simeon through each day of waiting.

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.