“Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot— yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root” (Isaiah 11:1 NLT)

September 12, 2014

Isaiah prophesied God’s judgment of Israel and Judah. Yet, he also prophesied that though the tree would be chopped down, leaving only a stump, there would be a shoot that would grow from the old root. This shoot would grow into a “new Branch,” which is Christ, the Son of David, the Son of God. This “Branch” would become the “Banner of Salvation” to all the world (Isa. 11:10). He is the Branch that bears fruit. We are grafted into this tree by adoption. Believing into His Name we receive God’s salvation and receive the right to become God’s children.

“Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory” (Isaiah 9:1 NLT)

September 11, 2014

Isaiah is filled with many words of judgment and destruction, yet it also overflows with future hope. Isaiah prophesies the overthrow of the Northern Kingdom, “the “land of Zebulun and Naphtali,” by the Assyrians. This prophesy concerning Israel came true during Isaiah’s lifetime. But the prophecy of the future “glory” that would fill the land of Galilee wouldn’t be fulfilled until 700 years later when Jesus of Nazareth walked the earth (Matt. 4:16). More Messianic prophecies are found in Isaiah than any other Old Testament book.

“All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’)

September 10, 2014

(Isaiah 7:14 NLT).
Isaiah gave King Ahaz of Judah this sign from God to show that within only a few years, the kingdoms of Israel and Syria would be gone. Yet, this prophetic sign had a double fulfillment. It’s present-day fulfillment was for Ahaz, but it’s future fulfillment was for the entire human race. For 700 years later the virgin did indeed give birth to Jesus, the Son of God. Matthew quotes this verse to show its fulfillment in Christ (Matt. 1:23). Christ is the “holy seed” from “Israel’s stump” (Isa. 6:13). The Old Testament contains over 300 Messianic prophecies that are all fulfilled in Christ.

“Only fools say in their hearts, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good!” (Psalm 53:1 NLT)

September 9, 2014

Atheism is a heart not a head condition. The atheist claims intellectual reasons for unbelief, but the root actually lies in a “corrupt” heart. This condition of the heart is like a computer program with corrupted files, it does not respond as its designer planned. Intellectual proofs will not change a corrupted heart. A spiritual heart transplant is required.

“I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God’s unfailing love” (Psalm 52:8 NLT)

September 8, 2014

This psalm of David was written during the time when he was hiding from Saul. Even though David was being persecuted and circumstances looked bleak, he trusted in “God’s unfailing love.” He compared himself to an olive tree that had sunk its roots into God’s house. Throughout the Middle East the olive tree is known to thrive. No matter the conditions: hot, dry, cold, wet, rocky, or sandy, this gnarly, evergreen tree will live and produce fruit. Even when cut down or burned, new shoots emerge from its roots. Some trees grow from roots that are over 2,000 years old. The olive tree was a symbol of steadfastness and fruitfulness in Israel. Where other trees would die, it thrives. This is what David declared, that with his life rooted in God’s unfailing love, he would thrive in spite of his circumstances. Instead of asking God to change our circumstances, let’s sink our roots into His living water and thrive where we’re planted!

“Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins” (Psalm 51:1 NLT)

September 7, 2014

David prayed for God’s mercy and forgiveness after being confronted with his sin with Bathsheba. He did not ask for God’s mercy based on himself, but according to God’s “unfailing love” and “great compassion.” David knew what his sin deserved, yet he cried out for God to forgive according to His nature, not his own. He did not bargain with God, promising some great sacrifice. He begged God’s forgiveness, willingly confessing his sin and repentance. David’s prayer is a template for those of us who would confess our sins and seek forgiveness from God. For God has already demonstrated His own love for us in this, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8).

“The Lord, the Mighty One, is God, and he has spoken; he has summoned all humanity from where the sun rises to where it sets” (Psalm 50:1 NLT)

September 6, 2014

The Lord Jesus, our Mighty Hero, is God of very God, and He has spoken to us through His gospel which was written down. This gospel summons us to bring to Him disciples from every tongue and tribe, even from the ends of the earth. Our God speaks. And we have heard Him. He is not distant nor silent. He reveals Himself through creation and through His Spirit, yet His fullest revelation is through His Son, Jesus. Our God has spoken and still speaks. Do you have spiritual ears to hear?

“Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us —I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving” (2 Corinthians 8:7 NLT)

September 5, 2014

Paul commended the Corinthian church for its excellence in many areas. Yet, they were woefully lacking in one important place, the practice of giving. They were not a giving church. He brought this to their attention so that they might “excel” in it. Paul didn’t just challenge them to become occasional givers or sentimental givers, but excellent and gracious givers. Are you practicing the act of giving, so that you excel in this grace?

“Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride” (Ecclesiates 7:8 NLT)

September 4, 2014

Many people begin well, but few finish well. Even Solomon, the inspired author of this book, did not finish well. If only he would have followed the wisdom that God had given him. As we grow older, we tend to choose rest over reward and comfort over challenge. We look to the modern invention of retirement, rather than reaching and stretching for the finish line. I want to finish strong like Jesus, not Solomon. Lord, give me the strength and grace to finish well. Are you making plans to finish well?

“Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14 NLT)

September 3, 2014

Paul’s warning does not mean separatism. He is not advising that we avoid unbelievers. In the previous chapter, Paul had just written about being entrusted with the “message of reconciliation,” so this requires engaging with lost people. What he is warning against is being partners with them. This should inform our plans for marriage, for church membership and other forms of partnership. Believers should not date or marry unbelievers. Churches should require belief before membership. Even business partnerships should be carefully considered. Successful partnerships have unity of vision and belief. When believers partner with unbelievers, this disunity of belief eventually leads to discord. Save yourself the pain and follow Paul’s advice.