The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice;
let the many coastlands be glad!
Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
Fire goes before him and burns up his adversaries all around.
His lightnings light up the world,
the earth sees and trembles.
The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the Lord of all the earth.The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all the peoples see his glory.
All worshipers of images are put to shame,
who make their boast in worthless idols;
worship him, all you gods!--Psalm 97:1-7
It's review time again. So here goes...
Day 127--A Strong God
Isaiah 27:1-5
In this passage, God mercilessly destroys "leviathan," or the dragon that is the mortal enemy of the vineyard, or that which God loves, nurtures, and protects. God protects us, his vineyard, from all enemies. This creates in me a stronger desire to cling to him.
Day 128--Thinking That Horses Can Help
Isaiah 31:1-3
God, and God alone, is the provider of ultimate security and comfort. Yet we insist on going to "Egypt" for help and protection. We all have our own "horses and chariots" that we trust. We need more understanding of God's power and control over life.
Day 129--Pictures of Restoration
Isaiah 35:4-9
This passage is a beautiful picture of healing and restoration. Blind eyes opened; deaf ears unstopped; lame leaping like a deer. And then the depiction of our highway, the "Holy Road." No fear of violence or harm. Total protection. God will, as he has promises, eventually right all wrongs. It won't be a pretty sight, either.
Day 130--The Only God There Is
Isaiah 37:9-11,14-20
This passage gives a good demonstration of human nature. One king gets word that he is about to be attacked by a stronger king, so he goes and threatens a different, weaker king. We tend to be like that. We take out our frustrations on those below us or weaker than us. I guess that's why there's so much spouse/child abuse in our world. But if we would only take these frustrations straight to God, like Hezekiah did, what a different world it would be.
Day 131--You're Mine
Isaiah 43:1-4
A marvelous passage! God is there when we are in over our heads. When the flood-waters come, he is there to protect us. When we are "between a rock and a hard place," he provides an escape. God loves us deeply and has proved it over and over. It is tragic when are so blind that we can't see that.
Day 132--Dependable Gods?
Isaiah 46:1-7
The power of God is in the gospel. His word is the true power, not anything else that we might put our faith in. These are all "false gods," idols made of wood and stone that just sit on the shelf and do nothing. It boggles my mind that anyone could pray to a hunk of rock or tree. But lest I get too self-righteous, I must remember that I have my own "gods" that I must contend with. They just aren't so tangible. We must put our trust in the one true God. He alone can save; he alone can protect.
He alone is worthy.
He sees the depths of our hearts, and he loves us the same...
You are amazing, God!
Grace and peace, friends!