God Encounters
2008-04-18

Psalms for today: 18, 48, 78, 108, 138

My heart is steadfast, O God!
I will sing and make melody with all my being!
Awake, O harp and lyre!
I will awake the dawn!
I will give thanks to you, O LORD,
among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
For your steadfast love is great above the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.--Psalm 108:1-4



Day 140

It's review day again, so I'm looking over the past six Bible readings.

Day 134--The (Un)Forgetful God of Heaven

In Isaiah 49:13-18, I learn that my Father will never forget me. That's pretty significant, when you think about how many indiviual people there are and have been through time. He will never forget his children, even though, at times, it might seem as though he has.

Day 135--The Suffering Servant

Isaiah 53 is a very beautiful chapter that gives prophecy about our savior. Apparently, according to the early verses, Jesus was not much to look at. People turned away from him when he suffered, and assumed that he was being punished for something that he did. However, verse 5 bears out that he was smitten for our sins.

In the later verses, we are told that his sacrifice was worthy and that he would enjoy the results of his work on the cross.

Jesus paid the price for man's sin and created the only path to get to God. This is, perhaps, one of the most hotly debated truths of Christianity. But it is truth. Jesus Christ is the only way to God. He is the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except by him.

Day 136--My Love Won't Walk Away

Isaiah 54:4-10

Even though God might turn his back for only a moment, he will never give up on the relationship with his children. "For even if the mountains walk away and the hills fall to pieces, my love won't walk away from you, my covenant commitment of peace won't fall apart," he says to us. This is a truth that gives us great hope, especially in times of great trouble.

Day 137--Our Wrongdoing

Isaiah 59:9-15

This passage is a great passage of confession of sin. And this is something that we must do constantly, in order to keep our focus in the proper place. We are sinful creatures...we are not perfect, and will not be until we reach heaven. So we must stay honest, with God and with ourselves. Read the passage, inserting personal pronouns in place of the ones used.

Day 138--Rescue and Release

Isaiah 61:1-3,10-11

According to this passage, here are the things Jesus was sent to do:

To preach good news to the poor; heal the broken-hearted; announce freedom to the captives; pardon all prisoners; to announce the arrival of God's grace and the destruction of the enemies; to comfort all mourners, and care for their needs; to give messages of joy.

We, as fellow believers in Christ, have a mission to assist in these tasks. We can be involved in the "rescue and release" program of God. We can also always be on the alert for ways to be of service to people around us.

Day 139--Jesus Comes To You

Isaiah 62:2-5

Here is the crowning passage for this week. And in it is something that all believers need to hear, both with their ears and with their hearts. Our God delights in us!

Stephanie and I are about to leave in a few minutes to go see/hear Dennis Jernigan lead another night of praise here in Fort Worth. One of Dennis's main themes in a lot of his songs is that our Father delights in us. He loves us! More than we could ever imagine, he loves us! It is so hard for us to wrap our brains and hearts around this truth. Either we don't think we need this amazing love, or we don't feel worthy of it. Well, make no mistake, we certainly are NOT worthy of it. But Christ makes us worthy! And he gave Christ for us. He delights in you, he delights in me.

Embrace this delight. Take it into the weekend with you. On Sunday morning, find a place to worship him and feel his delight in you.

Grace and peace, friends.



0 comments so far

hosted by DiaryLand.com