“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:30-31)

September 22, 2011

Where is your hope? Hope in the Lord and feel your passion and power for living return.

“Hezekiah received the letter and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD” (Isaiah 37:14)

September 21, 2011

Have you ever received a threatening letter? King Hezekiah did. He brought it to the Lord and God defended him. What threat do you fear today? Have you brought it to the Lord? Spread your trouble out before God. Let Him handle it.

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23)

September 20, 2011

Fruit is singular. One fruit with nine seeds, each a part of a triad of triads. These are not works. We can’t do them. They are evidence of being connected to the Vine. Abiding in Christ, we increasingly bear these character traits.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1)

September 19, 2011

When He releases us from our slavery to sin, He does not put on us a yoke of being under the law. Christ’s yoke is easy. He calls us to a life of grace. Are you carrying guilt or shame or failure to live up to even your own expectations? Allow Christ’s truth to speak to these. He will set you free indeed.

“These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men” (Isaiah 29:13)

September 18, 2011

God is looking for those who worship in Spirit and Truth, those who worship not just in rote fashion, repeating words in monotone, but those who shout their praise from the heart! Don’t go to church to worship. Bring your worship with you!

“Your dead will live; their bodies will rise. You who dwell in the dust, wake up and shout for joy.” (Isaiah 26:19)

September 17, 2011

Isaiah prophesied the resurrection of the dead. Jesus is the firstfruits, the firstborn from among the dead. Someday, at the sound of His voice, all the dead will rise. The unrighteous to judgment, the righteous to eternal life. Do you believe this?

“My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad; my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right” (Proverbs 23:15-16)

September 16, 2011

How godly parents feel when their children act wisely. Every parent wants healthy and well-educated kids, but wise parents aim past the outward to the heart. They shepherd their child’s heart to know and follow God.

“Deliver me from my enemies, O God; protect me from those who rise up against me” (Psalm 59:1)

September 15, 2011

Sometimes we need a protector. Someone to stand guard while we sleep. Call on the Lord. He will defend you. He knows what is needed and when. Let Him defend your cause.

“Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge” (Proverbs 23:12)

September 14, 2011

For real change to take place we must move knowledge from our heads to our hearts. All of us know better than we do. What we all need is heart change. Better to know and do one thing right than to know many things and do none of them. Pray for heart application.

“I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purpose for me” (Psalm 57:2)

September 13, 2011

David had a sense of God’s calling on his life. He wanted to live into that calling fully. He delighted to be what God wanted him to be. Do you believe God has a purpose for you? Do you pray for God’s will to be fulfilled in you? Or are you still asking for your own way?