October 1

Isaiah 62:6-65:25, Philippians 2:19-3:3, Psalm 73:1-28, Proverbs 24:13-14

Pray: Isaiah speaks to our need to raise the level of our prayer life and be more intentional to pray for God’s intervention, “O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls; they will pray day and night, continually. Take no rest, all you who pray to the Lord.” We are to pray continually for our Lord’s mighty hand to move in powerful ways. Lift up the needs of your heart, lift up our community to God now so that God will help reveal to us how we can make a difference.

Read: “Lord You are our Redeemer from ages past…”. What a powerful word for us to meditate upon today. We can call upon God for mercy and pardon believing that God’s gracious love will still be available for us if we truly turn from our selfish ways to God’s redeeming ways. 

Edify: Have you ever feared that you would become a “nobody”? You are not alone if you have, for most Americans have feared that they would live most of their life and not be remembered as a “somebody”. Paul tells us about someone, who could have been forgotten if Paul had not remembered him, "Epaphroditus” who was willing to sacrifice his very life for Paul’s health. Epaphroditus became very ill caring for Paul, so Paul lifts him up as someone who has cared for him sacrificially and willing to do whatever it takes to bring him to healing. Sacrifice is the essence of Christ-like behavior.

Practice: The Psalmist states, “Lord I desire you more than anything on earth.” What a powerful declaration to state the deep yearning in the heart of a worshiper to desire God above all else. Otherwise, we would be guilty of idolatry. I remember a powerful word a successful lay person, Royce, shared with me years ago. His pastor was hinting around about him making a significant donation to their capital campaign. Royce told his pastor, “you don’t have to protect my wallet for me, I am really good at protecting my own wallet. Your job pastor is to challenge me to give sacrificially to God’s great Kingdom work. Challenge me beyond my selfishness to live like I fully trust God with everything.” Let it be so for you and me.

September 30

Isaiah 60:1-62:5, Philippians 1:27-2:18, Psalm 72:1-20, Proverbs 24:11-12



Pray: Both the Psalmist and the writer of Philippians bring us to the essence of the Christian life—humility. Let us begin with a spirit of humility as we pray, “Gracious God, I do not have the answers to life’s greatest questions. In fact, I have enough challenge making wise choices in my own life. I ask for Your wisdom today, as I read Your Word open my eyes to Your revelation, and my ears to hear Your voice in Scripture.”

Read: There is nothing more exciting and meaningful for a parent than to receive their child home from college, or a visit home after a long period of being away. Likewise, Isaiah paints a powerful picture of the sons and daughters of Zion coming home. Foreign persons will come and help build the city for the prosperity will be coming to this place of new growth and renewal. Do you feel God’s favor upon your church? Have you positioned yourself to receive God’s renewal in your life?

Edify: The Old Testament reading today clearly explains who God is and what God wants to do for us in saying, “I am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” God has not only come to save us from our brokenness but to “buy us back”, to redeem us, from our sin and separation from God. This is how valuable you are to God—worth redeeming and paying a price for your salvation.

Practice: Where is your citizenship? Too often we take our citizenship for granted. There is so much freedom to enjoy as a citizen of the USA, and other European countries. Yet, we don’t begin to explore the freedoms we have. We also have incredible freedom as followers of Jesus Christ. We can be free of anger, bitterness, guilt and shame. We can be free of greed, materialism, and idol worship. Yet, we often refuse the freedom we could step into. I have to fight greed everyday. I fight greed by attempting to be generous. Yes, fight greed by being more generous. How will you live into your spiritual and patriotic freedom today?

September 29

Isaiah 57:15-59:21, Philippians 1:1-26, Psalm 71:1-24, Proverbs 24:9-10 



Pray: The Psalmist proclaims, “from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you.” Herein lies the great comfort of our prayers that we truly have a God who first cares and secondly has known us even in our mother’s womb. So when we pray we are not speaking to a stranger, nor are we sending our prayers to someone who will not take them seriously. God listens to every prayer. 

Read: Often we say privately and sometimes publicly, “why has God left me? I feel distant from God.” And, typically we blame the distance on God. We haven’t moved, right? It was God. Isaiah begins by stating the truth in love, “it is your sins that have cut you off from God.” Sin, rebellion, and selfishness put distance between us and God. Repentance closes that gap and causes beautiful reconciliation. Why not move God-ward, instead of away from the One who is life giving?

Edify: We close out our Old Testament reading today with these assuring words, “The Redeemer will come to Jerusalem to buy back Israel…” Our sin which separated us from God is now redeemed, or paid for, by the Redeemer of Israel. To redeem is to buy back, to pay a price for the restoration of the person or item. Something is only as valuable as the amount you are willing to pay for it. Your life is priceless. We know this because Jesus paid the ultimate price for your redemption. Perhaps this will give you and me a little more gratitude to face the day.

Practice: We don’t like to suffer hardships. None of us wakes up in the morning asking for an opportunity to grow through pain and difficulty. However, crisis and hardships do grow our faith when we push through and find God faithful. Proverbs states, “If you fail under pressure your strength is too small.” Life itself brings about pressure and tension. I used to think that tension was all bad. However, without tension a car could not be propelled down the road. When the tire hits the pavement and the tension of the tire catching on the asphalt causes the car to be propelled—we call this “friction”. Stress, properly applied, can build muscles over time as the stress of the barbell causes the muscle to build. How will you handle stress and tension today? Is it an opportunity for God to grow you in your faith?

September 28

Isaiah 54:1-57:14, Ephesians 6:1-24, Psalm 70:1-5, Proverbs 24:8



Pray: Isaiah’s imagery is strong in suggesting that even though a woman who has never had a child can celebrate, and that we should prepare as if God is already bringing the growth, the prosperity to the people of God. Some may scoff at such a thought but is it not God’s goodness to give to those whom He chooses? A powerful God can do what He wants. What is even more powerful, is that God cares for the least among us and for each of us as He values us as His own creation.

Read: One of the most basic needs is water to replenish our thirst. When the Bible speaks of thirst it often speaks both literally and metaphorically, Our souls also thirst for God. Here are the powerful words in verse 1, “Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink—

    even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk—

    it’s all free!”

There is a desire in the heart of every human for a relationship with God. St. Augustine said, “Our hearts are restless oh God until they rest in thee.”

Edify: Our scripture today says to “put on the whole armor of God”. We are not fighting against human flesh but there is a spiritual war at hand. The purpose of putting on armor is to “resist the devil” and after the battle to stand firm. If the armor is strong enough then we can resist the devil and not fall. From the breast plate of righteousness to the sword of the Spirit—the Word of God, the preparation is offensive first so the defense will be strong and resistant to the temptations and evil which come our way.

Practice: Paul tells us to “stay persistent in your prayers”. One of the greatest weapons forged is that of prayer. Jesus Himself spoke about the power of releasing demons in a little boy when Jesus said, “Some can only be cast out by prayer”. Prayer is not a substitute for us doing our part, but prayer does call upon God to do His part and unleash His divine power into our lives. 

September 27

Isaiah 51:1-53:12, Ephesians 5:1-33, Psalm 69:19-36, Proverbs 24:7 



Pray: The Psalmist is positive in stating that God will save Jerusalem and rebuild Judah. These two long divided areas of faith will see renewal. Let us pray for less divisiveness and name calling in our culture. Let us also pray for our culture to respect those who disagree with them and the freedoms, for followers of Christ to exercise their faith privately and in the public square.

Read: Isaiah speaks prophetically in referencing Abraham as one man who made a great impact through one word, “Obedience”. God used Abraham’s obedience to change a nation. What could God do through your obedience? What could your sacrificial gift, through Vision 2:28, make upon our community by providing “sacred spaces” so others may come to know Christ?

Edify: One of the greatest text on relationships in all the Bible is Ephesians 5:21 “And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ”. Submitting to one another, seeking to listen, to understand each other could change the entire way conversation and problems are resolved in our culture.

Practice: There is one word, one practice, which could revitalize individual relationships, and transform our communities if we observed it…”Empathy”. Seeking regularly to ask, “What is it like to walk in her shoes?” Or, “why does he act the way he does? Could it be some issue from his past?” If we began to think first about the other person instead of writing them off, we could make a huge impact in the divisiveness in our culture.

September 26

Isaiah 48:12-50:11, Ephesians 4:17-32, Psalm 69:1-18, Proverbs 24:5-6

Pray: Isaiah 48 begins today with a little sarcasm, “have your idols ever told you this?” This after Isaiah reminds the listener that the living God has created the heavens and the universe. This is the God we pray to, the One who knows the yearnings of our hearts and the One who hears every prayer. Take courage, and bring your needs to this powerful, life-giving God as you begin to read the Scripture.

Read: Paul’s words come through strongly with the teaching that Jesus’ life and words reveal to us both the wisdom and truth of God. The truth of Christ clears back the cloudiness of the culture, the ambiguity where you and I can be fully convicted of making the right choices. People often say, “Pastor I’m not sure which way to go?” Sometimes what we mean by that is this, “The way I am convicted by the Holy Spirit is going to cost me, it's hard, it's not the easiest way, and I may be unpopular in choosing what I’m convicted of choosing.” Then I would say, “this is precisely the way God has revealed to you, for His ways are not our ways, but His ways bring truth, justice, peace and the very presence of the Holy Spirit giving us strength. Choosing truth and righteousness will always bring ultimate peace in your heart and life.

Edify: Living as children of light, rather than people of darkness is Paul’s theme in our reading. Through the Holy Spirit we can put off the old nature of lust and deception, and live into God’s preferred future. I can’t do this on my own, nor can you. We need the Holy Spirit living within us helping us to literally change spiritual clothes. Taking off the old clothing of bitterness, anger, harsh words and changing the way we think. We can, through the Spirit of God, have more of the mind of Christ. 

Practice: If you can’t relate to the words of the Psalmist today then hang on, as I don’t know of anyone who will get an ultimate pass on life without saying these words at least once in her or his life, “Save me, O God, for the floodwaters are up to my neck.” Psalm 69:1 Life is hard, and the mud and mire seem to weigh us down. Yet, there is someone who lightens our load, someone who gets into the mire and the mud with us and brings hope out of our hopelessness. So, if you are not crying out with these words today then please, look around you and see if there is someone at your workplace, your school, your neighborhood, your family or friends who are “up to their neck” and need “words of life” with encouragement, compassion and support so they know they are not alone. The people of God are here to love and lift each other up with the “unfailing love of God”. Let's share this love with each other so no one will be without it.

September 25

Isaiah 45:11-48:11, Ephesians 4:1-16, Psalm 68:19-35, Proverbs 24:3-4 

Pray: False gods are everywhere. People often fake it just to get by. You don’t want to be a full blown skeptic but one does wonder, “Is anyone for real?” God’s Word tells us in Isaiah that there are false gods which bring no healing, no help and no transformation. But the God of Israel is a God for all nations. It really matters who you pray to. Why pray to something which is a mere inanimate object? Something that someone else made with his hands? An exercise in futility of course. But what can happen when you cry out to the Living God who created the heavens and the universe? Everything can change, everything can be made new. So pray now to this living God. Ask first that the Holy Spirit might open up new understanding for today’s scripture reading.

Read: There is nothing like clarity to bring energy to a room of people. When people feel that they clearly understand expectations, are called to a purpose beyond themselves and have some possible steps which may bring the plan into reality there is no stopping creativity and capacity of those involved. In one word—unity. A unified purpose, a unified goal and clarity unleashes strength and excitement. Vision 2:28 at Christ Church is that kind of exciting, clear, energetic mission which is bringing a unifying mission as we see God fulfill Joel 2:28 when he says, "I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions."

Edify: So many talents, so many gifts, so much potential yet so many people never reach their full potential because they think their full potential is within their own achievement instead of helping others reach theirs! Paul tells us that Jesus descended to earth from heaven. He left heaven to enable us to achieve greatness. He made Himself poor so we could become rich in God. John Maxwell is right in saying “if you are going to go up in life you have to give up.” Lastly, we are called not to think more highly of ourselves than we should think. When we help others to achieve their God given potential we reach our destination with greater fulfillment. You and I can do more with multiplication than addition.

Practice: The psalmist reminds us that God is found in the “sanctuary”. The writer of the Psalm isn’t saying that God is limited to the sanctuary, but God does dwell in the place where His praise and adoration are presented regularly. Sacred space is vital for people who are serious about encountering God. Christ Church is focusing upon creating sacred spaces so we can put a stake in the ground to help people far from God encounter Jesus Christ. What can you do sacrificially to make Vison 2:28 a reality? Pray now so God will find you faithful, doing your part.  

September 24

 Isaiah 43:14-45:10, Ephesians 3:1-21, Psalm 68:1-18,Proverbs 24:1-2

Pray: Isaiah 44:21 says, “Pay attention, O Jacob, for you are my servant, O Israel. I the Lord made you, and I will not forget you.” Are you paying attention? Get quiet and pay attention to the One who made you. Who is He? What is He up to in and around you?

Read: It’s one thing to get excited about the faithful works of God in the past. However, the Lord shows His excitement about His plans, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As you read, rejoice in God’s plan revealed, and what He still intends to do.

Edify: The God revealed in Isaiah is the One who shakes the mountains and whose word is stronger than the world’s strongest army. The fullness of God was pleased to dwell in Christ Jesus, who has now made a way for both Jews and Gentiles to come confidently before His throne (Ephesians 3:12). This should bring us to our knees as Paul says in verse 14. Has the plan of God and the love of God made most clear in Jesus Christ brought you on your knees in prayer? How has this good news been good enough news for you to intercede passionately for others to experience the gospel’s love and power?

Practice: Hit your knees in intercessory prayer in a new place. Hit your knees behind a closed door at work, in a field at a neighborhood park, or anywhere God overwhelms you today. And pray Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21 over others.

September 23

Isaiah 41:17-43:13, Ephesians 2:1-22, Psalm 67:1-7, Proverbs 23:29-35



Pray: In Isaiah, God commands, “Look at my servant…my chosen one” (Isaiah 42:1). In prayer, ask God for a vision of His Son. See His face, His features, and the lines on His face. Imagine sitting with Jesus. Ask God for the gift through His Spirit to look at His chosen servant Jesus.

Read: What do the texts today reveal about the true nature of justice? Justice is a hot button word in our culture currently, but what does God mean by saying that Jesus will bring justice to the nations?

Edify: Isaiah reiterated yesterday that justice is rooted in the very nature of God, as it is a meaningful part of what it means for God to set His world right. This is shown by God giving His very law to measure what is right with, and there are constant warnings to God’s people to avoid exploitation and instead care for the vulnerable. God defends when His people are vulnerable, and God demands they be like Him in the way they treat others. The work of Jesus has united even Gentiles with God’s salvation plan, making peace and reconciling them with the Jews. This is the Good News that Gentiles, who were once not allowed in the temple, are citizens with God’s Holy people through who God is building His spiritual temple.

Practice: Think of someone who is vulnerable and take one small step towards providing for them today. Further, if you’re in a life group, go ahead and begin making plans this week to serve the poor, a single mom, someone in the hospital, etc. 

September 22

Isaiah 39:1-41:16, Ephesians 1:1-23, Psalm 66:1-20, Proverbs 23:25-28



Pray: “No one can comprehend the depth of the Lord’s understanding” of all life and specifically of your life. Be humbled and praise the One who calls the stars in the sky by name for taking an interest in you.

Read: Focus on the connection between the great promises of God in Isaiah and the explanation of their fulfillment in Ephesians. 

Edify: We’re good at making plans. We envision the coming week, month, or several years and project our assumptions, our hopes, and our fears into our plan of our future. Paul says that God’s plan will be fulfilled as everything is brought under the authority of Christ. The glory of the Lord revealed as Isaiah pointed to has come in Christ, and He has come offering forgiveness of sins and with a shepherd’s heart. Our fears and uncertainties bring anxiety, but God promises that He will hold us in His mighty hand and give us renewed strength. When this strong promise is seen in the light of Christ, we have a confident hope of every spiritual blessing available and the great inheritance we have in store.

Practice: One of the great promises of God of gathering His people together in a transformed community is now worked out in the world through His Church. Paul even says that Christ’s authority is for the very benefit of the Church, who is His body. Commit today to taking one step towards His Church which plays a prominent role in His salvation plan through giving, serving, life groups, leadership, or prayer.

September 21

Isaiah 37:1-38:22, Galatians 6:1-18, Psalm 65:1-13, Proverbs 23:24 



Pray: Spend some time in adoration. Join the Psalmist in telling the Lord who He is, what He has done, and what He is capable of doing.

Read: Imagine giving your final advice to someone you care about as Paul is here to the Galatians. What would you want them to remember? What legacy would you want to leave behind when you’re no longer present with them? Like Paul, what would you write in “large print” so that the important message was stressed and hard to ignore?

Edify: Last words are frequently recorded in the grand narrative of God’s story in the Scriptures. From Joshua’s mountain top speech claiming “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord;” to Jesus before His ascension urging His followers to wait to receive power from on high then “you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere – in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Paul is imparting grace in the Lord Jesus Christ in the face of false teachers imposing physical circumcision on them. They have been crucified with Christ, and now they are a transformed creation. Paul imparts in large, handwritten letters that it is Christ alone who can save. We simply respond in faith and are saved by grace, so that no one can boast.

Practice: What do you need to tell someone in your next encounter? What seed do you need to stop procrastinating with and sow it already? Do it today. Impart wisdom, biblical guidance, and most importantly the gospel while you still have the opportunity.

September 20

Isaiah 33:10-36:22, Galatians 5:13-26, Psalm 64:1-10, Proverbs 23:23 



Pray: Welcome the Holy Spirit into this set apart time today. It is the Spirit who “gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires” (Galatians 5:17). Ask God to search and even replace the core desires of your heart that drive your words, thoughts, decisions, and actions.

Read: Isaiah instructs us to “search the book of the Lord, and see what he will do…(what) the Lord has promised…His Spirit will make it all come true” (Isaiah 34:16).  Read with great anticipation of God revealing His character and His plans.

Edify: Isaiah speaks of two forces constantly fighting one another at a national level. There are nations and Assyria mocking and threatening Israel, however there’s that voice of the sovereign Lord promising He will overcome the other nations and restore Israel. God speaks of the “Highway of Holiness” that the ransomed people of God will travel safely back through what was a barren land. Paul shows us that this promise points not only to a nation's history, but also to the condition of the human heart while sin nature has left us barren and on a path to destruction. The Holy Spirit has made a Highway of Holiness, ransomed back and restored our lives, and has brought about the fruit of the Spirit in what was barren. “Let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives!” (Galatians 5:25). 

Practice: Invite someone you trust in your family or life group to read Galatians 5:16-26 and invite them to assess the results of your life. Have you been prone to outbursts of anger or other results of the sinful nature? Is there evidence of gentleness, kindness, self-control, love etc? Pray together for the Spirit’s work in your life, redeeming your desires, and your willingness to obediently walk in His ways.

September 19

Isaiah 30:12-33:9, Galatians 5:1-12, Psalm 63:1-11, Proverbs 23:22 



Pray: Search for God. Survey the uncertainty and the illusion of your own control over your next breath, next drive in the car, safety of a loved one, opinions of others about you; and then let your soul thirst for the One who has all power and glory in His sanctuary. Spend time praising and growing in desire for Him.

Read: What or who is the ultimate source for power in your life? This power source is where you place your hope, faith, and trust. Is it your own power? The government or national alliances? Religion or your own moral record? As you read today, consider the places that people, even the people of God, are placing their faith in places that are not the ultimate source of power. 

Edify: There is crisis in each reading whether it is the threat of exile, false teaching, or feeling stuck in the wilderness. Crisis has a way of making us evaluate, or at worst scramble, to find the source of power that can overcome our predicament. Isaiah highlights the sovereignty when an empire is bearing down on Israel. Another empire is not the answer. The sovereign Lord says, “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved” (Isaiah 30:15). The Assyrian empire will be destroyed and sorrow is waiting on you if you put your trust in Egypt who are mere humans. For Paul, the crisis of returning to the law and leaning on the power of your own moral achievement is also futile. This misguided faith in your own works actually enslaves you, when a relationship with Christ has set you free. We must place our faith in Christ, Paul says, and then life becomes more about our faith expressing itself in love (Galatians 5:6).

Practice: What adversity has God set in your life? God Himself says that He gives adversity but “he will still be with you to teach you.” The Lord will guide you and you will see God in the trial. Today, practice both listening and praising as you’re filled with faith in the midst of that particular adversity. 

September 18

Isaiah 28:14-30:11, Galatians 3:23-4:31, Psalm 62:1-12, Proverbs 23:19-21 



Pray: Begin with the great privilege, which is evidence of the Spirit of God alive in your heart, of crying out “Abba Father.” Thank God that He has adopted you as His child and has made you an heir.

Read: Consider all the ways the Father protects His children and provides for His children as you read. The Lord even addresses rebellious and wayward children in Isaiah with a firm warning but yet a tender call to return to Him in faith. 

Edify: Jesus has turned our distant but respectful “Yes sir” into a passionate and intimate “Abba, Father.” “Abba” is one of the few Aramaic words kept in the Scriptures, which means it is treasured. The Holy Spirit gave it as a gift transcending the hundreds of languages the Scriptures are not found in. It is the very cry from Jesus’ lips in prayer when He prayed to His Father. It is indicative of the relationship with God that Jesus has invited us into. Paul says the law was a needed guardian, but now we have been set free into a personal, covenantal relationship with God.

Practice: Answer the question: “How is calling God, Abba, good news to my life today?” In what ways do you need to accept the forgiveness of God when under the weight of guilt and shame? In what ways do you need to accept the peace of God in the face of fear ruling your life? In what ways do you need to trust God and do the difficult work of giving, serving, and reconciling, knowing that Abba is watching over you? Knowing God as Abba has broken us free from slavery and given us an inheritance that will never spoil or fade. The Fatherhood of God should impact your life and spirit today.

September 17

Isaiah 25:1-28:13, Galatians 3:10-22, Psalm 61:1-8, Proverbs 23:17-18



Pray: What a great reminder. It’s just one finite line, but the impact is almost infinite. “All we have accomplished is really from you” (Isaiah 26:12b). It’s an acknowledgement that no matter how successful we may feel, how many goals we meet, etc., it is all really from the Lord. It’s all a gift from the Divine Gift-Giver. As you pray today, give thanks to God for all He has done in your life.

Read: It’s a beautiful image of a loving, caring, grace-filled God. Isaiah says in 25:8, “The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears.” He’s not a distant deity sitting on a throne casting out judgments. He’s not a dictator issuing orders. He’s a God who rejoices with us in good times. He’s a God who, when difficulties arise and bring pain and hurt causing tears to flow, He comes alongside us and wipes those tears away. I’m so grateful for a God like that, aren’t you?

Edify: Sometimes things need to be torn down in order to rebuild something far better. It can be emotionally difficult to accept this, especially if it’s an historic building, a sentimental place, or just something for which we have a fondness. Isaiah begins chapter 25 with praise to God for the “wonderful things” He has done. Then, he startles us a bit by saying, “You turn mighty cities into heaps of ruins. Cities with strong walls are turned to rubble” (Isaiah 25:2a). Isaiah praises God for tearing down walls. What walls and strongholds need to be torn down in your life in order for God to rebuild something better? It can be painful in the middle of the demolition, but the end result is far better.

Practice: Have you ever been amazed by someone’s kindness? Maybe they pay for your meal unexpectedly (should we ever expect a free meal?). Maybe it’s a card or a nice gesture that brightens our day. We’re caught off guard, if only for a moment, because of the kindness of the gesture. “When He was hung on the cross, He took upon Himself the curse for our wrongdoing.” If you’re amazed by a free meal or a card in the mailbox, how much more for one who takes the blame and punishment for all you’ve ever done wrong (and ever will)?

September 16

Isaiah 22:1-24:23, Galatians 2:17-3:9, Psalm 60:1-12, Proverbs 23:15-16 



Pray: Psalm 60 is a prayer-cry to the Lord for His mercy and deliverance. David expresses his heart’s desire to be rescued by the Lord. It’s an honest and very real plea. What is the desire of your heart? Do you need to experience the mercy of God? Have you been through (or are you in) a season of life from which you wish God would deliver you and bring you out? Ask Him!

Read: “At that time the Lord…called you to…but instead, you…” When you remove the exact details (names, locations, specifics, etc), what was just a part of someone else’s story can quickly become an indictment. To think that the Lord God called people to something and instead they chose something else is unfathomable. We shake our heads in disbelief at such things. Yet, how many times has God spoken to you and you chose a different path, a different response? Most people have been there. In Scripture, there were serious consequences to such disobedience. There are still serious consequences for disobedience. What is the Lord calling you to do? Which path will you choose?

Edify: You ever try to imagine a different kind of life? Maybe you imagine what it would be like to live full-time at the beach. Maybe you wonder about how a different career would impact your day to day living. Maybe you’re like me, and as you read, you imagine yourself being in the shoes of those you read about. I try to imagine how it must’ve been to be one of the disciples or a prophet to a rebellious nation. In Isaiah 24:6, a group of people are mentioned: “[Earth’s] people must pay the price for their sin.” It’s sobering and quite troublesome to imagine being in that crowd. With the coming of Jesus to earth, thanks be to God, we don’t have to count ourselves in that number who must pay the price for their own sin. Still, imagining such a thing does help create some gratitude…

Practice: One produces the other. At least that’s how it ought to be. Paul, in Galatians 2, addresses the subject of grace. When it comes to obedience and grace, there are many who would talk about one and forget the other. Truthfully, the two are not mutually exclusive. It is the grace of Jesus Christ that serves as the WHY behind our obedience. It’s not rule-keeping or box-checking that causes God to give us grace, but it is because of the gift of grace that we want to live our lives in obedience to the Lord, not the other way around.

September 15

Isaiah 19:1-21:17, Galatians 2:1-16, Psalm 59:1-17, Proverbs 23:13-14

Pray: Paul says it so nonchalantly that we will be sure to miss it if we’re not careful. In fact, the manner in which he states it implies that it’s so natural for him that it’s just in his character to do such a thing without even thinking about it. “I went there because God revealed to me that I should go” (Galatians 2:2a). There it is! He went because, quite simply, God wanted him to go. My prayer is that I would be so obedient that my obedience is more of a character trait than a choice, so that it would simply happen without really even thinking. When God asks me to do something, I just do that thing without hesitation. Will you join me in that prayer?

Read: The watchman in Isaiah 20 reminds me of different seasons of my life. I’ve stood on walls for long periods seemingly just so that I can stand on a wall some more. Have you ever felt like you were waiting on something to happen (maybe for God to move/speak, career to take off, life to get better, etc.)? Take heart, the watchman of God waited patiently and then proclaims, “Now at last - look!” Keep watch. The Lord will show up if we are looking for Him.

Edify: We continue our reading of various nations, their rebellion against the Lord, and the destruction that comes as a result of that rebellion. Yet, in the midst of such hard reading, we find not just a glimmer of hope, but a beacon. “When the people cry to the Lord for help against those who oppress them, he will send them a savior who will rescue them. The Lord will make himself known to [them]” (Isaiah 19:20b-21a). When we turn from our rebellion, when we cry out to the Lord, He hears us, sends us a Savior, and makes Himself known to us! Great news in the middle of such brokenness…ah, the Gospel!

Practice I’ve always found it fascinating that people as a whole want to dictate how others act and live their lives…mostly it should be how they themselves live their lives. Perhaps it stems from our sin nature, maybe it’s from a selfish or prideful point of view. Nevertheless, it shows up even in the local church, both then and now. Paul asks in Galatians 2:14 “…why are you now trying to make these Gentiles follow the Jewish traditions?” We cannot hold non-Christians accountable to Christian standards. Perhaps we would do better focusing on the log in our own eye…

September 14

Isaiah 15:1-18:7, Galatians 1:1-24, Psalm 58:1-11, Proverbs 23:12



Pray: We make judgment calls every day. It’s called discernment in more spiritual circles. How pure are our motives when we make those calls? David, the writer of Psalm 58 reminds us of what happens when we judge unfairly…read it, it’s not good. Ask the Lord to prepare your heart and make your motives pure. Get your heart in line with His.

Read: Proverbs 23:12 is simplistic in its structure, but profound in its challenge! Here these words: “Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge.” Few people, save for the above-average student, can say this sounds like them. One of the wisest men to ever live wrote those words, so we should pay a bit more attention. As you read the Scriptures, what instructions are there? Commit yourself to those instructions and words of knowledge. You can’t go wrong.

Edify: Much of Isaiah’s prophecy in the reading today is bleak. It’s about destruction and ruin. It’s not an encouraging read, but instead it serves more as a warning to us. In 17:7, we read, “Then at last the people will look to their Creator and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel.” This happens after the people have lost absolutely everything. Many have pontificated the reason behind why we don’t really appreciate something/someone until they’re taken from us. I think the better option would be to not wait until our lives are in complete disarray and we live in the destruction that came as a result of our sin, brokenness, rebellion, etc. Let’s stop now and look to our Creator, turning our eyes to the Holy One of Israel. Hear Isaiah’s warning!

Practice: Pleasing people and serving Christ are incompatible practices. That is precisely what the Apostle Paul says to us in Galatians 1:10. Does it bother you when people don’t like you? When someone is upset with you, do you obsess over it (even when many more people aren’t upset with you)? Maybe you’re a people-pleaser. Most of us are people-pleasers to a degree. The big question that we have to answer is, “Who do we want to please most, Christ or others?” Many days, it cannot be both. Where are you today?

September 13

Isaiah 12:1-14:32, 2 Corinthians 13:1-14, Psalm 57:1-11, Proverbs 23:9-11



Pray: Our Proverbs passage speaks to honesty and integrity, which seem to be rare commodities. When we see it in a person, we almost instantly want to befriend them. We’d like to hire them or work for them. What about in your own life? Are those traits evident? Are they existent? If not, there’s good news: repentance is possible and forgiveness is available! Ask the Lord to search your heart and any places where these traits may not be as strong as they should be. Then, seek His help.

Read: David writes Psalm 57 recalling the time he spent in a cave in hiding from his enemies. We go into caves all the time. We go to the cave of social media, hiding from real relationships. We go to the cave of addiction, hiding from the pain that’s inside us. There are caves everywhere. David’s cave turned out to be a place of refuge and protection where he would praise and thank the Living God. It was a cave of refuge, not escape…there’s a huge difference. Examine the cave(s) to which you go. Which category are they? If they’re places of escape where you avoid the reality around you, leave them. If they’re places of refuge and protection that God has given you, give thanks.

Edify: Being faithful is not a choice, at least not according to the Apostle Paul. He writes in 2 Corinthians 12:8, “For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth.” He didn’t say they shouldn’t oppose the truth. It was an absolute kind of statement. We don’t much care for absolutes today. We like the gray areas of life and faith, even though it’s in the gray areas where much of the dysfunction and hurts of life are born. Be as Paul, be absolute. Refuse to oppose the Truth of the Gospel. Always stand for the Truth of the Gospel. 

Practice: They’ve been delivered! God’s mercy has been shown. They will now “make known His praise around the world” (Isaiah 12:5b). What gratitude! When gratitude drives us to praise…and not just any praise, but praise abroad, praise so that everyone knows and hears…that’s real gratitude. What has the Lord God done in your life? Does He deserve praise? Do you have gratitude for His divine actions? Let His praise be known!

September 12

Isaiah 10:1-11:16, Corinthians 12:11-21, Psalm 56:1-13, Proverbs 23:6-8 



Pray: “This I know: God is on my side!” (Psalm 56:9). What a great and comforting thought. The psalmist penned these words even as he considered that his enemies were coming after him. Are you dealing with some tough decisions, difficult people, or even outright persecution from enemies who are trying to tear you down? Know this: God is on your side!!! In your prayer time, share with the Lord your concerns, but also (and perhaps more importantly) give praise to the God who never leaves you nor forsakes you and is always on your side.

Read: We recently had some trees removed from our yard and we were certain we didn’t want stumps left, so we had them ground up. After all, nobody wants a yard full of stumps, right? It’s a reminder of what used to be, it looks incomplete, it’s out of place. Yet, we find that something incredible can come from even a stump. “Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot - yes, a new brand bearing fruit from the old root. And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him…” (Isaiah 11:1-2a). What is God trying to cut out of your life so that He can grow something new, something far better?

Edify: How do you get ahead or even manage day-to-day life? Isaiah 10 asks important questions: “But can the ax boast greater power than the person who uses it? Is the saw greater than the person who saws? Can a rod strike unless a hand moves it? Can a wooden cane walk by itself?” (v 15). It’s important to remember the real source of strength. These questions, though rhetorical, remind us that the ax, saw, rod, or cane are powerless unless they’re in the hands of one who can use them. We are gifted and skilled in a variety of ways. Yet, it makes all the difference in the world (and for the world) when we remember the source of our strength is the Lord God. We are the ax, the saw, the rod, the wooden cane. It is only when we place ourselves in the hands of God that we can do anything useful.

Practice: The lesson from Proverbs today, and many days, is one to which we should pay careful attention. It’s all about the types of people we allow into our lives. Study upon study, and our own common sense, tells us that we become like the people we surround ourselves with. We lecture young persons about choosing friends wisely, but somehow we forget that applies to us as well. With whom do you spend your time? Is he/she a positive influence and adding value to your life? If not, maybe it’s time for a change.