Mon.’s Devo- God’s Promises

Read: Isaiah 41:17-43:13; Ephesians 2:1-22; Psalm 67:1-7; Proverbs 23:29-35 God promised when they had no water, He would fill the desert with pools of water. He would plant trees in the desert and they would live. All would understand that it was the Lord who had done this. *** Then the Lord challenged those who worshipped idols to present their case for their idols. He would prove that they can do nothing nor tell the future. *** God would stir up a leader who would come from the north and call on his name. He would give him victory over the kings and princes of the earth. This leader would be given God’s spirit to bring justice to all who have been wronged. He will not falter or give up. *** God will take him by the hand and guard him. He will demonstrate God’s righteousness. He will open the eyes of the blind, set free the captives from their prison and bring light to those in darkness. *** This leader was Cyrus in their day and Trump in our day. But, the ultimate fulfillment was in Jesus who would fulfill it both physically and spiritually. *** When this happens everyone will sing a new song to the Lord. It will be a song of joy. *** Isaiah called to those who were asleep and bling to the truth to wake up and see. Some who did see and recognize what was right refused to act on it. But, now he was calling them to listen and know that God is with them and was coming to ransom them back from their difficulties. He was calling them to come together and be his witnesses to the world that He is the only God. *** In Ephesians, Paul explains that we all came from the same state of sin and obeyed the devil, the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the one who works in the hearts of the those who refuse to obey God. *** But God in his mercy lied us and gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. When he raised Christ, he also raised us with him. We have been appointed to do good things that God planned for us long ago. *** God united the Jews and the Gentiles into one people and broke down the wall of hostility that separated us when he died on the cross. Now we all can come to the other through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. We are all his family - his house built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. Jesus is the cornerstone of this holy Temple that we are a part of. *** Lord, we thank you that we are stones in your Temple. Thank you for our salvation and adoption. May we glorify your name with our lives.