Today's Readings: New Testament -
Matthew 18:1-14
Hebrews 10:19-39
Old Testament -
Proverbs 27:1-14
Isaiah 46-48
Click on Text Links to Read Online
Focus Verses: Isaiah 48:17-19
17 This is what the LORD says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. 18 If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea. 19 Your descendants would have been like the sand, your children like its numberless grains; their name would never be cut off nor destroyed from before me."
Insight:
God wants what is best for his people. His direction and his commands are not arbitrary or selfish. God's desires and our best interests are in perfect alignment. Honoring and obeying God results in our peace and righteousness. Our peace and righteousness result in joyful lives that are both pleasing to us and pleasing to God.
Response & Action:
I want to experience peace like a river. I want waves of righteousness to continually roll up and over the shores of my life. I want God's blessings on me to be as numberless as the grains of sand. I will turn to the Scriptures and to Jesus for instruction and guidance. I will embrace God's authority in my life and ask him to show me the ways I should go.
Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God, my Savior. My hope is in you, all day long. You word is a lamp to my path and a guide to my feet. Give me peace, by your Spirit. Give me direction, by your word. Bless and keep me as I follow you in faith. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Proverbs 24:14
"Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off."
Resources:
The Life You've Always Wanted
by John Ortberg
