Day 273 - Roadblocks to Prayer

Today's Reading: Isa. 59-60 and Ps. 110-111

Isa. 59:1-2 hits me right off as I'm reminded of one of the biggest roadblocks in prayer.

"Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear."

This also reminds me of another passage in Psalms that makes things very clear: "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." (Ps. 66:18)

Sin and compromise clogs the channels, you might say. It is these things, unconfessed, that hold back God's blessings.

Let us remove these roadblocks, let us humble our hearts that God can work as He desires to do!

[Note: Sorry for the late posting. I was traveling early this morning, and with all the hubbub, I kinda got distracted and forgot to post today.]

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa. 61-62 and Hebrews. 12

Day 272 - Faith versus Presumption!

Today's Reading: Isa. 57-58 and Hebrews 11

Well it's time to open the great FAITH chapter. I simply cannot allow Hebrews 11 to go by without comment.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by faith Abel... by faith Enoch... by faith Noah... by faith Abraham...

I could talk about the journey of faith and the incredible men and woman who walked before us who lived lives of faith. However, something that I think we often find confused in the Christian walk is faith and presumption.

Hebrews 11:6 says, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him."

So if we just BELIEVE... does that mean what we want will happen? I'd like to share a passage from Inspiration that really brings clarity to this topic of faith versus presumption.

"When Satan quoted the promise, “He shall give His angels charge over Thee,” he omitted the words, “to keep Thee in all Thy ways;” that is, in all the ways of God’s choosing. Jesus refused to go outside the path of obedience. While manifesting perfect trust in His Father, He would not place Himself, unbidden, in a position that would necessitate the interposition of His Father to save Him from death. He would not force Providence to come to His rescue, and thus fail of giving man an example of trust and submission. 

Jesus declared to Satan, “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” These words were spoken by Moses to the children of Israel when they thirsted in the desert, and demanded that Moses should give them water, exclaiming, “Is the Lord among us, or not?” Exodus 17:7. God had wrought marvelously for them; yet in trouble they doubted Him, and demanded evidence that He was with them. In their unbelief they sought to put Him to the test. And Satan was urging Christ to do the same thing. God had already testified that Jesus was His Son; and now to ask for proof that He was the Son of God would be putting God’s word to the test,—tempting Him. And the same would be true of asking for that which God had not promised. It would manifest distrust, and be really proving, or tempting, Him. We should not present our petitions to God to prove whether He will fulfill His word, but because He will fulfill it; not to prove that He loves us, but because He loves us. “Without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6. 

But faith is in no sense allied to presumption. Only he who has true faith is secure against presumption. For presumption is Satan’s counterfeit of faith. Faith claims God’s promises, and brings forth fruit in obedience. Presumption also claims the promises, but uses them as Satan did, to excuse transgression. Faith would have led our first parents to trust the love of God, and to obey His commands. Presumption led them to transgress His law, believing that His great love would save them from the consequence of their sin. It is not faith that claims the favor of Heaven without complying with the conditions on which mercy is to be granted. Genuine faith has its foundation in the promises and provisions of the Scriptures.  

Often when Satan has failed of exciting distrust, he succeeds in leading us to presumption. If he can cause us to place ourselves unnecessarily in the way of temptation, he knows that the victory is his. God will preserve all who walk in the path of obedience; but to depart from it is to venture on Satan’s ground. There we are sure to fall. The Saviour has bidden us, “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.” Mark 14:38. Meditation and prayer would keep us from rushing unbidden into the way of danger, and thus we should be saved from many a defeat." (Desire of Ages, p. 125-126)

Let's make sure our faith brings forth fruit in obedience! And let's surrender our faith and our desires always and daily to God's Word... Not my will, but thy will be done! Then we shall be safe!

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa. 59-60, and Ps. 110-111.

Day 271 - His Thoughts are Far Beyond Anything we can Imagine!

Today's Reading: Isa. 55-56 and Hebrews 10

Love these chapters in Isaiah. Today I'm going to mention briefly Isa. 55:8-9. I love these passages because they always reminds me of the incredible magnitude of the God we serve.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

I love looking at the stars at night. But how do we comprehend a God whose ways are as the heavens higher than the earth. Just how far are the heavens above the earth? Have you ever stopped to think about it?

I'm going to post here something I shared in my book, Daring to Ask for More, that really brought things into perspective for me years ago when I thought about this verse:

While God’s power cannot be measured by human standards, let’s pause here a moment. As we know, the basic unit of measurement in the universe is a light-year. To understand the significance of a light-year, let’s do some simple mathematical calculation. 

Scientific research has shown that light travels at an amazing speed of 186,000 miles per second, which, according to NASA, is so fast that in the time it takes you to snap your fingers, light can circle the earth over seven times. That’s pretty fast, but we are just getting started! 

If we calculate further, we find that in one-minutelight travels a little over 11 million miles. If we multiple that by 1,440 (that’s how many minutes there are in 24 hours), we find that in one daylight will travel approximately 16 billion, 70 million, 400 thousand miles. If we multiply this by 365 days per year, we find that light travels a whopping 5 trillion, 865 billion, 696 million miles. And that, dear friends, is just one light year!

However, according to scientific calculations, the outer edge of the observable universe is estimated to be about 46-47 billion light-years away—a distance so vast that we can’t even begin to comprehend the sheer magnitude of these numbers in human thinking.

Of course, even the best of human calculations don’t come close to estimating the reality of God’s expansive universe; much less help us understand the incredible vastness of the love of God. 

Inspiration tells us, “The mightiest intellects of earth cannot comprehend God. Men may be ever searching, ever learning, and still there is an infinity beyond.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 116)

Wow! I think our God is big enough... He can handle the issues and struggles that we face. He is in control.

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa. 57-58 and Hebrews 11

Day 270 - I am a Mother too!

Today's Reading: Isa. 53-54 and Ps. 108-109

Included in today's reading is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible—Isaiah 54! So here goes another one of my “bare your soul” kind of blog postings. (I simply can't let this chapter pass by without sharing some testimony!)

As many know, my childhood dream was first and foremost to be a wife and mother. There was nothing I wanted more. As a child I'd line up all my dolls in a row on the couch and tell them Bible stories as I’d dream about being a mother and teaching my own children someday. 

Later, as I was entering my teens, my baby brothers arrived—three of them, all in a row. (One by adoption, two by birth!) How I loved being second mom to them, whether that meant rocking them to sleep in my arms, changing their dirty diapers, potty training them, teaching them songs, or reading them Bible stories. 

By the time I was 15, I knew I was ready to be a mom! But... the years slowly went by, and it didn't seem that it was in God’s best plan to give me a family of my own.... This hurt a lot, especially as I neared my 30's and most of my friends were now already married and sprouting children left and right. I cried, I prayed, I fasted, and I cried some more. I asked a lot of "why" questions too. God knew this was my one desire. He knew I would love a husband and children with all my heart. He knew I would give my all to be a good mother. He knew all the things I wanted to do with my own family. So why did He withhold this gift? 

Then one day I discovered Isaiah 54. I mean I personally discovered Isa. 54. I'd read it before, but this time it was for ME!

How my heart thrilled as I saw that God promises to be my husband and He also promises to give me many many children. 

Let's look again at this incredible promise for the barren woman, the woman who was refused in her youth:

“Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD. Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited. Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more. For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called. For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God. For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee." (Isa. 54:1-7)

Just reading these passages again this morning brings tears to my eyes... 

Even now, I still struggle at times as I watch my friends parent their children, as I watch friends who I grew up with sending their kids to college...and some of these children have already gotten married and started having children of their own. At times I find myself thinking, "Wow! That could be my child! I could have children in college... I could even have children married by now..."

But then God stops me and reminds me of Isaiah 54...

When I read these passages and they really sunk into my heart in a personal way for the first time (I can't remember how many years ago now that this was),  I heard God saying to me, "I’m going to use your desolate experience and your barrenness, to birth many more spiritual children (seed) than you could ever possibly have had physically. And my dear Melody, these spiritual children will bring souls to the Cross and make the desolate cities of heaven to be inhabited." 

Wow!! How this promise gave me peace and has comforted me over the years. And when I find myself starting to feel sorry for myself or discouraged, these passages comfort me still.

To be honest, even if having my own children was an option now, I don’t think I’d choose this path anymore. Those who have known about my love for children might find this shift in mindset startling. But God is so good, and He's given me peace and contentment in this area. (And I'm so happy because I get to be an "Auntie" to many children!) But now I recognize that God has called me to ministry for His church, to help people fall in love with Him and get ready for His soon coming. If I was raising little ones, I wouldn't be able to do what I do. Of course, the first and most significant ministry is to our family, and I admire all the moms I know who are ministering so faithfully to their families and children. I watch them and I'm inspired by them... But today, this post is not for the wonderful moms who are serving so amazingly in their homes. This is for the single woman out there who never had the opportunity to birth biological children and who may be hurting and grieving their barrenness. 

Dear single sisters, I want to encourage you to read Isa. 54 again and see that God has not forsaken you. Also, a new perspective that might help you. When you feel that pain of loss, consider this pain of loss as “birthing pains” for Kingdom seed and for Kingdom children. Unfortunately it's a birthing process that takes years rather than hours. Perhaps for some of us it will take an entire lifetime. But someday soon God will introduce us to all our spiritual children... and it will be worth the wait! 

Just remember, in God's eyes, we are mother's too!

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa. 55-56 and Heb. 10

Day 269 - The Lord comforts His People!

Today's Reading: Isa. 51,52 and Heb. 9

Reading Isaiah 51 and 52 today, we see much comfort shared for God's people.

I love this first verse: "For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody." (Isa. 51:3)

I remember a specific discouraging time I was going through years ago, and I wondered if I could even be saved. And God showed me this verse, and it was like He was telling me, "You feel like you are in a desert and wilderness now, but I can make your desert become the garden of the Lord. I will bring you joy and gladness, and I will listen to YOUR VOICE, Melody." How special that was...

But the passages of Isaiah go on giving hope and courage to God's people.

"Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall bedpan their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; andsorrow and mourning shall flee away. I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; And forget test the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth..." (Isa. 51:11-13)

In these passages I see God asking, "Why do you fear man who dies when I am your creator, and I am the one that stretched out the heavens and laid the foundation of the earth. I alone can help you! I am your comforter..."

So looking forward to the day when all sorrow and sadness will flee away...

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa. 53-54 and Ps. 108-109  

Day 268 - He has us In His Hands!

Today's Reading: Isa. 49-50 and Heb. 8

So much beautiful depth packed into these chapters... as there is everyday. In Isaiah 49 we see the Lord asking a question.

"Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me." (Isa. 49:15,16)

However, even though God doesn't forget us... our children grow up and they forget God. The enemy is constantly at work to draw their hearts after the world, to distract them from the God of their fathers. He's constantly at work to steal and kill and destroy. And he's successfully taking many captive. I'm not a parent, but yet my heart aches for the children, the friends the loved ones that the enemy is leading astray. However, there is more beautiful encouragement in this chapter.

Isa. 49:25 says the following: "But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children."

What a promise to hold on to!

Ellen White adds the following thoughts:

"The Lord God through Jesus Christ holds out His hand all the day long in invitation to the sinful and fallen. He will receive all. He welcomes all. It is His glory to pardon the chief of sinners. He will take the prey from the mighty, He will deliver the captive, He will pluck the brand from the burning. He will lower the golden chain of His mercy to the lowest depths of human wretchedness, and lift up the debased soul contaminated with sin." (Ministry of Healing, p. 161)

There's still hope for our loved ones... He is doing all in His power to save. Let's keep praying until the victory is accomplished. And let's remember, He cares more about their salvation even than we do, for He's graven their names (and our names) in the palm of His hands...

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa. 51-52 and Hebrews 9 

Day 267 - In the Furnace of Affliction

Today's Reading: Isa. 47-48 and Heb. 7

This passage really spoke to me today: "I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." (Isa. 48:10)

It seems this theme keeps coming back to me over and over again in my Bible reading... God's faithfulness even in our affliction, His patience carrying us through the fire, the testing that makes us like gold. In fact, in this passage above, we see that He choses us in the furnace of affliction...

Ellen White writes the following encouraging thoughts: 

"Many who sincerely consecrate their lives to God’s service are surprised and disappointed to find themselves, as never before, confronted by obstacles and beset by trials and perplexities. They pray for Christlikeness of character, for a fitness for the Lord’s work, and they are placed in circumstances that seem to call forth all the evil of their nature. Faults are revealed of which they did not even suspect the existence. Like Israel of old they question, “If God is leading us, why do all these things come upon us?”  

It is because God is leading them that these things come upon them. Trials and obstacles are the Lord’s chosen methods of discipline and His appointed conditions of success. He who reads the hearts of men knows their characters better than they themselves know them. He sees that some have powers and susceptibilities which, rightly directed, might be used in the advancement of His work. In His providence He brings these persons into different positions and varied circumstances that they may discover in their character the defects which have been concealed from their own knowledge. He gives them opportunity to correct these defects and to fit themselves for His service. Often He permits the fires of affliction to assail them that they may be purified. 

The fact that we are called upon to endure trial shows that the Lord Jesus sees in us something precious which He desires to develop. If He saw in us nothing whereby He might glorify His name, He would not spend time in refining us. He does not cast worthless stones into His furnace. It is valuable ore that He refines. The blacksmith puts the iron and steel into the fire that he may know what manner of metal they are. The Lord allows His chosen ones to be placed in the furnace of affliction to prove what temper they are of and whether they can be fashioned for His work." (Ministry of Healing, p. 470-471)

 So if you are going through the furnace of affliction... remember that the Lord is there with you!

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa. 49-50 and Heb. 8

Day 266 - The Lord, He is Good!

Today's Reading: Isa. 45-46 and Psalm 107

I'm going to comment on the Psalm 107 reading this morning, although I will reference Isaiah briefly as Psalm 107 actually references Isaiah 45, which is amazing!

Anyway, throughout Psalm 107 we see reminders that the Lord is good... Whenever you see something repeated in the Bible, you know it's important... it's VERY important that we take this to heart. Not just when life is good and all is going well... even when life is bad and everything seems to be going wrong, God is still good. Can we trust that? Can we trust His Word?

Check out these passages that really speak to me today:

"O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." vs. 1 

"Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" vs. 8 

"For he satisfieth the longing soul, and fillets the hungry soul with goodness." vs. 9 

"Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" vs. 15 

"For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder." vs. 16 - Direct reference to Isaiah 45:2 which reads, "I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron." 

"Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" vs. 21 

"Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" vs. 31 

What is interesting is that almost each one of these passages is preceded by the backsliding and rebellion of Israel, of God's people... but THEN... every time they turn to Him in humility and repentance, He answers and delivers... God's goodness is His response to our ungoodness and wounding. What amazing grace... what an exchange... We treat Him wrong, and then we ask forgiveness and He is there ready to take us back again... His goodness is so great, it's beyond our comprehension... What an amazing God we serve!

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa. 47-48 and Heb. 7

Day 265 - When You Pass through the Waters... be a Witness!

Today's Reading: Isa. 43-44 and Hebrews 6

Happy Sabbath! Today's reading offers more encouragement for our weary lives... I love these passages.

"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passes through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."

I was thinking about this the other day. We hear a lot of "why?" questions along the journey. "Why am I going through this? Why is God allowing this trial? Why this suffering? Why am I going thru such testings?!” You might be asking... Here’s what I think. It’s because God knows He can trust you, and He’s going to use YOUR TEST to make a beautiful TESTIMONY to help others thru their testing.... So hold on! He only holds us in the fire long enough to get those impurities burned out. "But He knoweth the way that I take. When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold..." (Job 23:10)

Ellen Whites the following in Desire of Ages:

"Those who accept Christ as their personal Savior are not left as orphans, to bear the trials of life alone. He receives them as members of the heavenly family; He bids them call His Father their Father. They are His “little ones,” dear to the heart of God, bound to Him by the most tender and abiding ties. He has toward them an exceeding tenderness, as far surpassing what our father or mother has felt toward us in our helplessness as the divine is above the human." (Desire of Ages, 327)

I also love Isa. 43:12, "Therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God."

Here's one more passage from Desire of Ages:

"Our confession of His faithfulness is Heaven’s chosen agency for revealing Christ to the world. We are to acknowledge His grace as made known through the holy men of old; but that which will be most effectual is the testimony of our own experience. We are witnesses for God as we reveal in ourselves the working of a power that is divine. Every individual has a life distinct from all others, and an experience differing essentially from theirs. God desires that our praise shall ascend to Him, marked by our own individuality. These precious acknowledgments to the praise of the glory of Disgrace, when supported by a Christlike life, have an irresistible power, that works for the salvation of souls."(Desire ofAges, 347)

 So let's take the fires of affliction, the storms of life...and allow God to grow us that we can be witnesses for His glory! I don't think there's a stronger testimony than someone who has sailed the stormy seas and come through victorious...

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa. 45-46 and Ps. 107

Day 264 - He's Holding Your Hand

Today's Reading: Isa. 41-42 and Hebrews 5

We live in a world of trials, pain, suffering... it's so encouraging, at least for me, to know that we serve a personal God. In fact, He promises to take our hand in His and help us along the way... How often I've turned to these very passages for comfort. Consider the following words of encouragement:

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Isa. 41:10 

"For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee." Isa. 41:13 

"I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles." Isa. 42:6 

"And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them." Isa. 42:16

These verses remind me that God really does care for us in a personal way. We don't have to walk this life journey alone... He gives us His hand... and He takes ours. "Come walk with me. I will show you the way," He softly whispers.

As long as we keep our hand in His...we will be okay...

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa. 43-44 and Heb. 6

Day 263 - God is not Weary!

Today's Reading: Isa. 39-40 and Ps. 106

Any of you weary out there? I sure am! I'm physically weary from work, from travels, from not getting enough sleep at night, and the list goes on. I'm also emotionally weary of the constant spiritual attacks, the pain, the questions, the uncertainties of life... But thankfully our God never grows weary and this gives me great comfort.

I love today's passages in Isaiah 40, and I claim these promises often. Perhaps they are what you need today too:

"Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isa. 40:28-31)

What courage and promises in these passages. I also love the following thoughts from Ellen White:

"From the stars that in their trackless course through space, follow from age to age their appointed path, down to the minutest atom, the things of nature obey the Creator’s will. And God cares for everything and sustains everything that he has created. He who upholds the unnumbered worlds throughout immensity, at the same time cares for the wants of the little brown sparrow that sings its humble song without a fear. When men go forth to their daily toil, as when they engage in prayer; when they lie down at night, and when they rise in the morning; when the rich man feasts in his palace, or when the poor man gathers his children about the scanty board, each is tenderly watched by the heavenly Father. No tears are shed that God does not notice. There is no smile that he does not mark.  

If we would but fully believe this, all undue anxieties would be dismissed. Our lives would not be filled with disappointment as now; for everything, whether great or small, would be left in the hands of God, who is not perplexed by the multiplicity of cares, or overwhelmed by their weight. We would then enjoy a rest of soul to which many have long been strangers." (Christian Education, p. 54-55)

If we would fully believe... we are tenderly watched by our heavenly Father! He's not sleeping on the job. He's got all things in control...

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa. 41-42 and Heb. 5

Day 262 - Spread Your Trials before the Lord

Today's Reading: Isa. 37-38 and Hebrews 4

Today I'm reminded of the threats of Sennacherib against King Hezekiah and Jerusalem. "Don't let your God deceive you..." he taunts the people. "He can't deliver you from me!" Then he writes a long letter to King Hezekiah full of threatenings and boastings of his power. Wouldn't you be overwhelmed if you received such a letter?

But what does King Hezekiah do with this letter of threats from Sennacherib? He goes and lays that letter before the Lord.

"And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed unto the LORD, saying, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwells between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth. Incline thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open thine eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God. Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations, and their countries, And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them. Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD, even thou only." (Isa. 37: 14-20)

I love this! And you want me to be very open with you all? I've done the same thing. Many times. Whether it's a situation I don't know what to do about, wisdom I need, when facing a spiritual battle, or even when trying to paying bills that I don't have funds for, I have learned that I can daily lay my trials before the Lord and He hears and He answers... whether the struggles are big or small! 

So what did the Lord do in answer to King Hezekiah's prayer?

"Then the angel of the LORD went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses." (Isa. 37:36)

God can take care of His people. He did so in Bible times and He will do so today, wherever there are hearts that will look to Him in faith!

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa. 39-40 and Ps. 106

Day 261 - Streams in the Desert

Today's Reading: Isa. 35-36 and Hebrews 3 

Love the promises given in these passages in Isaiah 35:1-10. Just in case you haven't read it, I decided I'd share the whole chapter!  

"The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God. Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away."

Now, let me share directly from the pen of Inspiration:

"The heart that receives the word of God is not as a pool that evaporates, not like a broken cistern that loses its treasure. It is like the mountain stream, fed by unfailing springs, whose cool, sparkling waters leap from rock to rock, refreshing the weary, the thirsty, the heavy-laden. It is like a river constantly flowing and, as it advances, becoming deeper and wider, until its life-giving waters are spread over all the earth. The stream that goes singing on its way leaves behind its gift of verdure and fruitfulness. The grass on its banks is a fresher green, the trees have a richer verdure, the flowers are more abundant. When the earth lies bare and brown under the summer’s scorching heat, a line of verdure marks the river’s course. 

So it is with the true child of God. The religion of Christ reveals itself as a vitalizing, pervading principle, a living, working, spiritual energy. When the heart is opened to the heavenly influence of truth and love, these principles will flow forth again like streams in the desert, causing fruitfulness to appear where now are barrenness and dearth. 

As those who have been cleansed and sanctified through a knowledge of Bible truth engage heartily in the work of soulsaving, they will become indeed a savor of life unto life. And as daily they drink of the inexhaustible fountain of grace and knowledge, they will find that their own hearts are filled to overflowing with the Spirit of their Master, and that through their unselfish ministry many are benefited physically, mentally, and spiritually. The weary are refreshed, the sick restored to health, and the sin-burdened relieved. In far-off countries thanksgiving is heard from the lips of those whose hearts are turned from the service of sin unto righteousness. 

“Give, and it shall be given unto you;” for the word of God is “a fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.” Luke 6:38; Song of Solomon 4:15. (Prophets and Kings, 233-234)

Whenever I start to feel dry, whenever I find that I've gotten a little too rushed and too distracted with life, I'm so thankful for the ever flowing fountain and stream that comes through the Word from the throne of God. It is so refreshing for my weary thirsty soul...

Yes, He is our Stream in the barren wilderness of life... He is our stream in the desert, and we are be that stream as well, His representative to a thirsty world in need.

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa. 37-38 and Hebrews 4

Day 260 - We will Dwell with Everlasting Burnings!

Today's Reading: Isa. 33-34 and Hebrews 2:

So many beautiful verses in today's reading. I love the following passage from Isaiah 33.

"Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?" That's a sobering question. In essence, how can we dwell with a holy God without being consumed. 

The Bible continues: "He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil." (Isa. 33:14-15)

This is inspiring and yet discouraging however... for who is walking righteously? Who is living in all ways as he ought? We all fall short of the glory of God? There's not one of us that does only good... so still, what hope have we? How can we dwell with the everlasting burnings of the most Holy One?

A few verses further down, we get our answer... We can have hope because not only is the Lord our judge and lawgiver... but He's also our King, He's our advocate. And HE promises to save us! So... if we surrender to Him... if we continue to walk hand in hand, asking Him to burn away the dross, and cover us with His righteousness... we will live... and we will thrive with the one of everlasting burnings! 

As I've heard one preacher say: Many people believe that the wicked will burn forever, but according to the Bible, it's the righteous that burn forever, not the wicked. But we burn with hearts on fire for the glory of God. And since we are covered by Christ blood and His righteousness, we can live with the everlasting burnings... 

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa. 35-36 and Hebrews 3 

Day 259 - Longing for More of Him!

Today's Reading: Isa. 31-32 and Ps. 105

More beautiful promises from God's Word...

"And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness shall be quietness and assurance forever." (Isa. 32:17)

Do you have peace? Are you resting in Him? What sweet peace He brings... And as I read His Word, how I long for MORE of Him!

Referencing this passage, Inspiration tells us:

"Your sins may be as mountains before you; but if you humble your heart and confess your sins, trusting in the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, He will forgive and will cleanse you from all unrighteousness. God demands of you entire conformity to His law. This law is the echo of His voice saying to you, Holier, yes, holier still. Desire the fullness of the grace of Christ. Let your heart be filled with an intense longing for His righteousness, the work of which God’s word declares is peace, and its effect quietness and assurance forever. 

As your soul yearns after God, you will find more and still more of the unsearchable riches of His grace. As you contemplate these riches you will come into possession of them and will reveal the merits of the Saviour’s sacrifice, the protection of His righteousness, the fullness of His wisdom, and His power to present you before the Father “without spot, and blameless.” 2 Peter 3:14. (Acts of the Apostles, p. 566, 567)

I praise the Lord for the riches of the grace of Christ!

[Just finishing a beautiful Adventist Heritage Tour up the New England states. Seeing the courage and faith of the early pioneers makes me homesick for heaven! So many lessons we've learned... can't even begin to recount them all. What a special once-in-a-lifetime-experience!]

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa. 33-34 and Hebrews 2

Day 258 - This is the Way, Walk in it!

Today's Reading: Isa. 29-30 and Heb. 1

Love these two passages... "In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength..." (Isa. 30:15)

"Isaiah gives the assurance, 'In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.' Psalm 37:7; Isaiah 30:15. This rest is not found in inactivity; for in the Savior’s invitation the promise of rest is united with the call to labor: 'Take My yoke upon you: ... and ye shall find rest.' Matthew 11:29. The heart that rests most fully upon Christ will be most earnest and active in labor for Him." (Steps to Christ, p. 71)

Here's the second verse I claim a lot as I seek wisdom in my life for decisions the need to be made:

"And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee saying, "This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left..." (Isa. 30:21)

"God speaks to us through His providential workings and through the influence of His Spirit upon the heart. In our circumstances and surroundings, in the changes daily taking place around us, we may find precious lessons if our hearts are but open to discern them. The psalmist, tracing the work of God’s providence, says, “The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.” “Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the loving-kindness of the Lord.” Psalm 33:5; 107:43. 

God speaks to us in His word. Here we have in clearer lines the revelation of His character, of His dealings with men, and the great work of redemption. Here is open before us the history of patriarchs and prophets and other holy men of old. They were men “subject to like passions as we are.” James 5:17. We see how they struggled through discouragements like our own, how they fell under temptation as we have done, and yet took heart again and conquered through the grace of God; and, beholding, we are encouraged in our striving after righteousness. As we read of the precious experiences granted them, of the light and love and blessing it was theirs to enjoy, and of the work they wrought through the grace given them, the spirit that inspired them kindles a flame of holy emulation in our hearts and a desire to be like them in character—like them to walk with God."(Steps to Christ, p. 87)

So thankful that we have a Savior who is leading the way... who shows us the way!

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa. 31-32 and Ps. 105 

Day 257 - He is our Sure Stone!

Today's Reading: Isa. 27-28 and Philemon

In today's reading, I'm reminded that God is our solid foundation and our sure stone! And what comfort that is for the changing times in which we live...

"Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste." (Isa. 28:16)

Ellen White writes the inspiring encouraging thought:

"In infinite wisdom, God chose the foundation stone, and laid it Himself. He called it “a sure foundation.” The entire world may lay upon it their burdens and griefs; it can endure them all. With perfect safety they may build upon it. Christ is a “tried stone.” Those who trust in Him, He never disappoints. He has borne every test. He has endured the pressure of Adam’s guilt, and the guilt of his posterity, and has come off more than conqueror of the powers of evil. He has borne the burdens cast upon Him by every repenting sinner. In Christ the guilty heart has found relief. He is the sure foundation. All who make Him their dependence rest in perfect security."  (Desire of Ages, p. 598)

Let's stay grounded and rooted in this Solid Stone! He will not fail us!

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa. 29-30 and Hebrews 1

Day 256 - Lo, This is our God, He will Save us!

Today's Reading: Isa. 25-26 and Ps. 104

After all the chapters talking about God's judgement on the different nations, these two chapters in Isaiah come as a refreshing breath of courage and hope for God's people! I love these verses:

"O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thycounsels of old are faithfulness and truth... For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall." Isa. 25:1,4

Inspiration tells us: "Our Redeemer has opened the way, so that the most sinful, the most needy, the most oppressed and despised, may find access to the Father." (Prophets and Kings, p. 702)

After we have spent so many years in trial and persecution, destitute and afflicted.... can you imagine seeing Christ coming in the clouds of glory at long last? This brings tears to my eyes just thinking... 

"He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it. And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation." (Isa. 25:8-9)

"Christ will gather His children to Himself. On earth they have been destitute, afflicted, and tormented. Millions have gone down to the grave loaded with infamy because they refused to yield to the deceptive claims of Satan. By human tribunals the children of God have been adjudged the vilest criminals. But the day is near when “God is judge Himself.” (Psalm 50:6). Then the decisions of earth shall be reversed. “The rebuke of His people shall He take away.” Isaiah 25:8. White robes will be given to every one of them. (Revelation 6:11.) And “they shall call them the holy people, the redeemed of the Lord.” Isaiah 62:12. (Christ Object Lessons, p. 179)

God will at long last vindicate His people... And He will wipe away all pain and all tears from their eyes... Looking forward to that day!

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa. 27-28 and Philemon

Day 255 - Our World is literally Falling Apart!

Today's Reading: Isa. 23-24 and Titus 3

Today's reading in Isaiah, we see how God's judgements continue to fall upon the land. In fact, the Bible tells us that the Lord turns the earth upside down... And a curse devours the earth and they that dwell here are desolate. Basically we see the protecting hand of God being removed from the world (a prophecy of what is to come) and the enemy is allowed to wreck his destructive work...

I don't think we as a people recognize how much we owe to God for His sustaining grace and protection. Consider the following sobering reminder from Inspiration on what is happening in our world...

"Satan works through the elements also to garner his harvest of unprepared souls. He has studied the secrets of the laboratories of nature, and he uses all his power to control the elements as far as God allows. When he was suffered to afflict Job, how quickly flocks and herds, servants, houses, children, were swept away, one trouble succeeding another as in a moment. It is God that shields His creatures and hedges them in from the power of the destroyer. But the Christian world have shown contempt for the law of Jehovah; and the Lord will do just what He has declared that He would—He will withdraw His blessings from the earth and remove His protecting care from those who are rebelling against His law and teaching and forcing others to do the same. Satan has control of all whom God does not especially guard. He will favor and prosper some in order to further his own designs, and he will bring trouble upon others and lead men to believe that it is God who is afflicting them.  

While appearing to the children of men as a great physician who can heal all their maladies, he will bring disease and disaster, until populous cities are reduced to ruin and desolation. Even now he is at work. In accidents and calamities by sea and by land, in great conflagrations, in fierce tornadoes and terrific hailstorms, in tempests, floods, cyclones, tidal waves, and earthquakes, in every place and in a thousand forms, Satan is exercising his power. He sweeps away the ripening harvest, and famine and distress follow. He imparts to the air a deadly taint, and thousands perish by the pestilence. These visitations are to become more and more frequent and disastrous. Destruction will be upon both man and beast. “The earth mourneth and fadeth away,” “the haughty people ... do languish. The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.” Isaiah 24:4, 5. (Great Controversy, p. 589)

 All around us the world is falling apart. But this is only the beginning of sorrows to come. Let us use the time we have wisely, while the day is still at hand. For the night cometh, when no man can work!

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa. 25-26 and Ps. 104

Day 254 - A Nail upon Which Hangs the Picture of Jesus!

Today's Reading: Isa. 21-22 and Titus 2

Isaiah 22:23-24 says, "And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father's house. And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father's house."

Ellen White writes, "Those with whom we associate day by day need our help, our guidance. They may be in such a condition of mind that a word spoken in season will be as a nail in a sure place. Tomorrow some of these souls may be where we can never reach them again. What is our influence over these fellow travelers?" (Prophets and Kings, p. 348)

As I was thinking about this passage this morning, I thought to myself: If I can be a nail upon which the picture of Jesus is hung for the world to see, what a privilege that would be! The nail is not important. It is what is hung on the nail that is important! But the nail still has a job...

"Man can accomplish nothing without God, and God has arranged His plans so as to accomplish nothing in the restoration of the human race without the cooperation of the human with the divine. The part man is required to sustain is immeasurably small, yet in the plan of God it is just that part that is needed to make the work a success." (Amazing Grace, p. 319)

So... the nail may be small, but it does a very important job! Let's be that nail, for the glory of God!

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa. 23-24 and Titus 3

Day 253 - Can we Trust God with our Reputation?

Today's Reading: Isa. 17-20 and Titus 1

In today's reading of Isaiah we see the judgement upon Israel and Syria, Ethiopia, and Egypt... And then we read about the shame of those who allied themselves with Egypt.

And now I find one of the strangest passages I have yet to read... as the Lord tells Isaiah to put off his sackcloth and walk naked and barefoot as a sign of what was to happen to Egypt and Ethiopia... It says he did this for three years!

SAY WHAT???

I can't find any commentary in Inspiration regarding this story (at least not in my simple search), so I'm looking at other commentaries. And here they argue that either it was not for three years that he went naked, or that he was not completely naked...

Here's comment from Matthew Henry commentary that I thought was interesting:

Others think sackcloth was what he commonly wore as a prophet, to show himself mortified to the world, and that he might learn to endure hardness; soft clothing better becomes those that attend in king's palaces (Mat 11:8) than those that go on God's errands. Elijah wore hair-cloth (2Ki 1:8), and John Baptist (Mat 3:4) and those that pretended to be prophets supported their pretension by wearing rough garments (Zec 13:4); but Isaiah has orders given him to loose his sackcloth from his loins, not to exchange it for better clothing, but for none at all - no upper garment, no mantle, cloak, or coat, but only that which was next to him, we may suppose his shirt, waistcoat, and drawers; and he must put off his shoes, and go barefoot; so that compared with the dress of others, and what he himself usually wore, he might be said to go naked. This was a great hardship upon the prophet; it was a blemish to his reputation, and would expose him to contempt and ridicule; the boys in the streets would hoot at him, and those who sought occasion against him would say, The prophet is indeed a fool, and the spiritual man is mad,Hos 9:7. It might likewise be a prejudice to his health; he was in danger of catching a cold, which might throw him into a fever, and cost him his life; but God bade him do it, that he might give a proof of his obedience to God in a most difficult command, and so shame the disobedience of his people to the most easy and reasonable precepts. When we are in the way of our duty we may trust God both with our credit and with our safety. The hearts of that people were strangely stupid, and would not be affected with what they only heard, but must be taught by signs, and therefore Isaiah must do this for their edification. If the dress was scandalous, yet the design was glorious, and what a prophet of the Lord needed not to be ashamed of.

I don't know that this is the best or most correct explanation for what is going on here, but it does give a little spiritual inspiration to this otherwise quite shocking command. 

I was planning to comment on Titus 1 today which talks about the qualifications of those in spiritual leadership... but somehow this story in Isaiah was just too much and I had to do some more digging. 

So my takeaway thought is, when God asks something hard of us, it may not look good to the world, and it may appear to taint our reputation, but can we trust God with our reputation. Also, I think we can learn from the mistakes of Israel and other nations who forsook God. Let's repent and confess our sins that we may be covered with Christ robe of righteousness and that we may not be caught naked--spiritually, physically, or any other wise.

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa. 21-22 and Titus 2

Day 252 - He will Redeem our Life from Destruction!

Today's Reading: Isa. 15-16 and Ps. 103

Isaiah's reading today talks about the judgments to fall on Moab. Very sobering chapters. But this morning I'm going to focus on Psalm 103 -- another one of my favorite passages. (Obviously I have many!)

While we see that judgement is coming upon the wicked, we can also praise God that He will save His children. Here's some passages that remind us of just this:

"Bless the Lord O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name... Who forgiveth all thine iniquities... Who redeemeth thy life from destruction, who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies... He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him." (Overview of Ps. 103)

Isn't that beautiful? We don't deserve such mercy, such love, such saving grace... but because we have repented and confessed our sin, although we are completely undeserving (But as Desire of Ages tells us, "our great need is our only claim on God’s mercy.") He freely bestows mercy and so much more!

So the day of judgement is coming... for sure! But it's not a day to be afraid of for God's children, for we have an advocate that will stand in our place. We've been forgiven. Our sins are covered by the blood of Christ!

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa. 17-20 and Titus 1

Day 251 - The Day of Judgement is Coming!

Today's Reading: Isa. 13-14 and 2 Tim. 4

"Howl ye: for the day of the Lord is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty." (Isa. 13:6)

Very sobering chapter as we look at how Babylon and ultimately the wicked will at last be punished...

The Bible goes on to say: "And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity, and I will cause the arrogance of the proud to cease, and will play low the haughtiness of the terrible." (Isa. 13:11)

The wicked may mock, the pride may scoff... but the day is coming when God will fulfill His Word and His law will no longer be mocked and His people will no longer be ridiculed...

Inspiration shares the following sobering words:

"The forbearance of God has been very great—so great that when we consider the continuous insult to His holy commandments, we marvel. The Omnipotent One has been exerting a restraining power over His own attributes. But He will certainly arise to punish the wicked, who so boldly defy the just claims of the Decalogue.  

God allows men a period of probation; but there is a point beyond which divine patience is exhausted, and the judgments of God are sure to follow. The Lord bears long with men, and with cities, mercifully giving warnings to save them from divine wrath; but a time will come when pleadings for mercy will no longer be heard, and the rebellious element that continues to reject the light of truth will be blotted out, in mercy to themselves and to those who would otherwise be influenced by their example. 

The time is at hand when there will be sorrow in the world that no human balm can heal. The Spirit of God is being withdrawn. Disasters by sea and by land follow one another in quick succession. How frequently we hear of earthquakes and tornadoes, of destruction by fire and flood, with great loss of life and property! Apparently these calamities are capricious outbreaks of disorganized, unregulated forces of nature, wholly beyond the control of man; but in them all, God’s purpose may be read. They are among the agencies by which He seeks to arouse men and women to a sense of their danger." (Prophets and Kings, p. 276, 277).

 Now is the day to put away all pride and arrogance and humble ourselves with repentance before God's throne, now is the day to choose who we will serve. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa. 15-16 and Ps. 103

Day 250 - His Hand was Outstretched Still...

Today's Reading: Isa 10-12 and 2 Tim. 3

So many thoughts that I wish I had time to dig into deeper from today's reading... 

I've been really impressed in the last few chapters how, despite Israel's backsliding and sin, we see again and again the patience of God: "But His hand is stretched out still." This thought is repeated over and over again...

This reminds us that God desperately desperately loves His people and is doing all that He can to save them. It is not His desire to see them carried into captivity and to be destroyed... oh how His heart aches for His people. 

I was sobered by 2 Timothy 3 as I read about the condition of hearts in the last days: 

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, truce breakers false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high-minded lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." (2 Tim. 3:1-5)

Could we not get a better description of where our generation is today... Wow! We are living in a generation that has become content with a "form" of godliness... but we've lost the power and we are even now reaping the results.

Thankful for the day coming when God will wipe away tears... and when, as I read today in Isa. 11:9, "They shall [no longer] hurt nor destroy...for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord."

Ellen White writes, speaking of that land of no pain and destruction:

"There the heavenly Shepherd leads His flock to fountains of living waters. The tree of life yields its fruit every month, and the leaves of the tree are for the service of the nations. There are ever-flowing streams, clear as crystal, and beside them waving trees cast their shadows upon the paths prepared for the ransomed of the Lord. There the wide-spreading plains swell into hills of beauty, and the mountains of God rear their lofty summits. On those peaceful plains, beside those living streams, God’s people, so long pilgrims and wanderers, shall find a home." (Great Controversy p. 675)

I'm sick of the sin and suffering and pain of this world. I'm ready to go home... How about you?!

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa. 13-14 and 2 Tim. 4 

Day 249 - If they Speak not According to God's Word

Today's Reading: Isa. 8-9 and Ps. 102

Today I am reminded of the Test of God's Word... "To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." (Isa. 8:20)

There's a lot of confusion going on in our world today, and even confusion in the church.

But if we continually going back to the Word of God, and if we stay in the Word of God, we won't be led astray. 

Consider the following quotes from my favorite chapter of the Great Controversy. It's titled, "Scriptures as a Safeguard."

“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isaiah 8:20. The people of God are directed to the Scriptures as their safeguard against the influence of false teachers and the delusive power of spirits of darkness. Satan employs every possible device to prevent men from obtaining a knowledge of the Bible; for its plain utterances reveal his deceptions. At every revival of God’s work the prince of evil is aroused to more intense activity; he is now putting forth his utmost efforts for a final struggle against Christ and His followers. The last great delusion is soon to open before us. Antichrist is to perform his marvelous works in our sight. So closely will the counterfeit resemble the true that it will be impossible to distinguish between them except by the Holy Scriptures. By their testimony every statement and every miracle must be tested.

Those who endeavor to obey all the commandments of God will be opposed and derided. They can stand only in God. In order to endure the trial before them, they must understand the will of God as revealed in His word; they can honor Him only as they have a right conception of His character, government, and purposes, and act in accordance with them. None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict. To every soul will come the searching test: Shall I obey God rather than men? The decisive hour is even now at hand. Are our feet planted on the rock of God’s immutable word? Are we prepared to stand firm in defense of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus?

But God will have a people upon the earth to maintain the Bible, and the Bible only, as the standard of all doctrines and the basis of all reforms. The opinions of learned men, the deductions of science, the creeds or decisions of ecclesiastical councils, as numerous and discordant as are the churches which they represent, the voice of the majority—not one nor all of these should be regarded as evidence for or against any point of religious faith. Before accepting any doctrine or precept, we should demand a plain “Thus saith the Lord” in its support. (From The Great Controversy, p. 593, 595)

Let's stay in the Word friends. That is our only safety, it is our only sure test...

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa 10-12 and 2 Tim. 3

Day 248 - Are we A People of Unclean Lips?

Today's Reading: Isa. 6-7 and 2 Tim. 2

Wow! Today's reading is a real eye-opener. As I read about Isaiah's vision of seeing the Lord's glory, he cries out in great anguish: "Woe is me! For I am undone; behold I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips!"

It seems that the readings in Isaiah are just getting more and more pointed, especially as we see what is happening in our world and in our church today. Do we realize that we are a people of unclean lips, unclean thoughts, unclean hearts? We desperately need an angel to bring a live coal from off the altar and take away our iniquity. We desperately need our hearts to be cleansed.

Unfortunately, there are many rising up, proclaiming to be working for the good of the church, but the fruit of their work is not good. Yes, there's a lot of "demolition work" going on against the church today, especially across the social media and news networks. But this is serious business! The Bible says, “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” (Matt 12:36) WOW! The Bible also says, "We shall know them by their fruits!" Is good fruit being born?

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Gal. 5:22) I think we need to pause and ask ourselves, “Do these words and conversations truly glorify God? Do they display the patient self-sacrificing spirit of Christ? Are they giving Him a fragrant offering? Furthermore, are they bearing the fruit of the Spirit?” If they are bearing the fruit of the Spirit they will be edifying not undermining, they will be spoken in humility not with an attitude, and they will bring greater healing and unity to God’s church rather than sowing discord, doubt, and greater discontent. Even if we don’t always agree with decisions made, if we truly love God and love His church, we won’t get caught up in caustic discussions. Instead we will watch our lips and we will evaluate the fruit of others words and actions.

We have lots of praying that we need to do right now! And as I said in the beginning, we need to pray for the living coal from off the altar to purge away our sin!

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa. 8-9 and Ps. 102

Day 247 - Our Reward is Coming!

Today's Reading: Isa. 3-5 and 2 Tim. 1

I'm reminded that Isaiah is a very sobering book... a picture of the spiritual desolation that Israel fell into, and also a sobering reminder of our own declining condition as a world and as a church.

Honestly, it's overwhelming when you look at what's happening all around... but I'm thankful we serve a God who sits on the throne, who orders the vast universe and galaxies, and He's in control.

I'm also thankful that He promises to never leave us or forsake us. As we stand faithful, seeking to surrender to Him each day and seeking to follow Him, He sees. Of course, it's difficult at times as we watch evil prosper. We are striving to honor Him with all our hearts, and yet we watch evil prosper on so many fronts. And the righteous suffer as evil prospers... but God will work, and He will make all right eventually.

I'm comforted by this verse, but I also tremble for the wicked as their reward is also coming:

"Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doing. Woe unto the wicked! It shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him." (Isa. 3:10,11)

Ellen White writes: "No truth does the Bible more clearly teach than that what we do is the result of what we are. To a great degree the experiences of life are the fruition of our own thoughts and deeds..." (Education, p. 146)

Let us continue to be faithful, even in the dark night seasons when we don't understand what God is doing or where He's leading... when all around us seems to be in turmoil. He is on the throne! And our reward is coming!

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa. 6-7 and 2 Tim. 2

Day 246 - Keep That which is Committed to Thy Trust!

Today's Reading: Isaiah 1-2 and 1 Timothy 6

Today we begin the reading of Isaiah... and Wow, what a sobering and eye-opening reading.

The Lord says, "I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me." (Isa. 1:2)

You see the Lord understands the heartbreak of parents... He understands the pain of watching children who you've trained to love Him rebel and walk a different path. How our hearts ache for our children and loved ones who are not walking with the Lord, but His heart aches so much more...

But listen, the Bible continues. Maybe this isn't just a message for parents of wayward children. Maybe it's a message for us:

"They have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel... Why should ye be stricken any more? Ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head, there is no soundness in it; but wounds and bruises, and putrefying sores... Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire... To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.... Wash you, make you clean, put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes... [for] How is the faithful city become a harlot?" (Isa. 1:4-7,11,16,21)

Do we recognize how we've failed both personally and corporately as a church? Do we recognize our desperate spiritual need?

As I read these passages this morning, it hit me with fearful solemnity that the same things Isaiah wrote about happening in Judah is happening today in the house of Israel, in God's church. We have followed after the world in so many ways. We are desolate, we are spiritually dry, we have burned our cities (our ministries and organizations) with fiery words and accusations, we've created putrefying ugly sores, we've shed innocent blood (otherwise known as character assassination), and we continue to offer the sacrifice of fools. (What's the sacrifice of fools? Click here to read more!)

Also, as I was reading in 1 Timothy 6:20 this morning, I saw counsel that is very applicable to our lives right now. Paul is appealing to Timothy. "O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babbling..." I believe the same appeal is for us now in the year 2018 and beyond, as we prepare for Christ's soon coming: "Oh Seventh-day Adventist Christian... keep that which is committed to thy trust. Avoid profane and vain babbling... for such babblings are not of the Lord. They wound, they destroy...they kill faith...they kill souls."

Despite all the ways we fall short, both individually and as a church, I praise the Lord for the encouragement also given in today's reading of Isaiah 1:18: "Come now and let us reason together says the Lord, though your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." 

God is in control. He can heal our wounds... He can heal our hearts... and He can also heal this church!

Tomorrow's Reading: Isa. 3-5 and 2 Tim. 1