Tag: daily devotion

Independence or Dependence?

Isaiah 37-39
Psalm 76

Isaiah 38:2 – “Remember, O LORD, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.”

My 21-month old nephew is already practicing his independence. Just the other day, my brother shared in our family chat a video of the little guy outside on their patio, in his diapers, figuring out how to make the sprayer on the lawn hose work. It was amazing to see him inspect the sprayer as he held it in his hands. He eventually discovered that if he applied enough pressure on the handle, water would come out. And then he went to town spraying everything on the patio, including the arcadia door where my brother was on the other side capturing the moment. 

As amazing as it is to watch a child grow and develop, they are still very much dependent on the adults in their lives for providing for all of their basic needs. And if those needs are not met in a timely manner…cries and tears are bound to surface.

As an adult, I’d like to think that I’m more mature than a child, but in all reality, I’m not. I am independent to a fault until something doesn’t go my way or I need help. And even then, I’m reluctant to admit as much. Life is great…until I’m criticized…until my supervisor decides to take an alternative course of action after I have spent hours preparing for something different…until money that I’ve saved up for a vacation has to be spent on expensive AC repairs…until I cut my foot by dropping a plate on it and the ability to walk or drive inhibits my mobility. It’s only then do I pout and admit that I can’t do everything on my own; I need assistance, from my family, from friends, from my heavenly Father. 

As I read through Isaiah chapters 37-38, I couldn’t help but notice that when King Hezekiah was in dire straits, he immediately turned to God and worshiped Him, and made his case for why God should show His mercy and grace. This is exactly what God desires from His children. He longs for us to depend on Him for all of our needs, from daily and minor inconveniences to the major and potentially life changing circumstances. 

However in Isaiah chapter 39, King Hezekiah’s attitude is much different. Life is good; in fact he gets a bonus of 15 more years to live! He’s so confident in his situation that he becomes arrogant and shows off all of the kingdom’s wealth and prosperity to mere strangers. Where has his dependence on Almighty God gone? And for the king’s actions, the prophet Isaiah gives him a heads up that trouble will indeed come. But does Hezekiah care? Nope. He’ll be dead by then and it will be someone else’s problem. Whaaaat??? How is this even the same guy?

But before I become too critical, I have to remember that my human tendencies can easily do the same thing. 

So how can we avoid the temptation to rely on our own wits and wisdom? Jesus gives us a clue in Luke 9. “Then he said to them all: If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.” (v. 23-24)

It’s this daily submission that keeps us humble and dependent upon our heavenly Father for all of our needs. So whether it is a dire diagnosis, threats from an enemy, or even on the best of days when everything is running smoothly, we would do well to remember that it is God who is to be remembered, praised and given all the glory. 

Reflection Questions:

When faced with unexpected hardship or crisis, what is your first instinct – independence or dependence?

When life is going smoothly, what helps you stay grounded in humility and gratitude rather than slipping into self-reliance?

What does “taking up your cross daily” look like for you right now? What small act of surrender can you practice today that will remind you of your dependence on God?

-Bethany Ligon

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Desert Seasons

Isaiah 35-36

Isaiah 35:1 – “The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom…”

There is often a misconception about what defines a desert. The temperature is not what makes a desert ecosystem; it’s the amount of precipitation, or should I say the lack thereof. It’s not uncommon to go 100 days without any significant rainfall. And by significant, I’m talking about 0.01 inches. The second longest rainless streak the Phoenix area had was just this past winter. January 29, 2025 ended 159 days without rain. Another fun fact is that this past June 1, it rained for the first time on that date in 114 years. It was so wonderful that my family decided to eat lunch on the patio of Culver’s after church. The breeze and the coolness of the air was just too good to hide inside. 

So when I read the words from Isaiah 35 about the “desert and parched land will be glad”, it’s certainly relatable. 

However, a lack of rainfall isn’t what the prophet Isaiah was talking about. The Assyrian army was knocking on Judah’s door and it was going to get bad for God’s people. Judgment was coming. Those who survived the enemy’s attack would feel like they had been stranded in the desert, with no provisions, no shelter, no rain. And they would often wonder, “Will it ever get better? Will relief ever come? Where is God in all of this?”

This chapter was written as a message of hope. God will rescue. God will redeem. God will restore. And not only will God show up, He will provide a highway for those who stand blameless. This Way of Holiness will be reserved for all who stood firm in their faith even when circumstances were the most difficult. This path will be protected against any threat and will lead directly to a place of plenty, of refreshing, of beauty and splendor. Gladness and rejoicing will be the response of those who enter Zion. 

This chapter of hope was not only written for the people of the day, but for us in modern times as well. If you are experiencing a season of stressful relationships, or of financial instability, or of illness, or of grief for a loved one, or of doubt and uncertainty of faith, let Isaiah’s words encourage you. This is not all that there is. It will get better; relief is on its way; God sees you and will rescue, redeem, and restore you. 

So take heart my friend. “Gladness and joy will overtake you, and sorrow and sighing will flee away” (Is 35:10).

Reflection Questions

Are you currently going through a “desert” season? In what areas of your life do you feel dry, weary, or without hope?

How have you experienced God’s rescue or refreshment in the past?

What might it look like for you to “walk in the Way of Holiness” in your present circumstances?

What gives you hope for today?

-Bethany Ligon

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Looking for Solutions in All the Wrong Places?

Isaiah 31-34

Life is full of challenges and problems, and people are always looking for a quick fix to get them by. But a quick fix that the world promises often turns out to be no fix at all, just another problem on top of all of our existing problems. When we leave off trusting in God, and put our trust in ourselves or the quick fixes that the world has to offer, we set ourselves up for disappointment.

In Isaiah 31-32 we see how the Israelites were afraid of the impending Assyrian army and were looking at Egypt as a solution for the protection they needed. But God said, “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek Yahweh!” (Isaiah 31:1, REV) At the time this was written, chariots were a big deal, the latest and greatest military technology. Placing their hopes and trust in these, the Israelites were essentially telling God, “Don’t worry God; we can take care of this; we don’t need you.” And, of course, this is all wrong. God is concerned and invested in his people, he wants to participate in their salvation, and they really do need Him.

The reality is, sometimes we are a lot like the Israelites of Isaiah’s time, we are looking for solutions in all the wrong places instead of trusting in God.  We are not threatened by the threat of an invading army, but we have plenty of challenges and problems that we need solutions for. We don’t look to chariots anymore, but we do depend on modern technology, like cars and cell phones to carry us through. But we should ask ourselves if we are putting our trust in God or in ourselves and the solutions of the world. It is a question about our hearts. Is your cell phone your tool for distraction, connection, and maybe a false sense of safety? Are you running away from something? Have you prayed to God about whatever it is that you are feeling, facing, or going through? Just like Egypt couldn’t provide the security the Israelites were searching for, neither can our devices or distractions fix what’s going on inside us.

God deals with the real problem, not just the symptom. “The Assyrian will fall, but not by the sword of people; and the sword that is not of humankind will devour him. He will flee from the sword, and his young men will become subject to forced labor.” (Isaiah 31:8) With Yahweh our massive problems are no problem at all. It’s not the situation itself, but where we place our trust that makes all the difference.

“The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.” (Isaiah 32:17, REV) Quietness and confidence really stand out to me in this verse. Regarding quietness, I think of how, when a city is quiet, generally nothing bad is going on. And regarding confidence, that’s a kind of safety you feel when you’re not afraid of an impending disaster.

I used to have an old Jeep Cherokee that routinely broke down and on more than one occasion left me stranded on the side of the road, waiting for a tow truck or laboring to fix it under the hot summer sun. Of course, after multiple episodes of this, the Jeep lost my trust and I eventually sold it and purchased a newer Toyota. Since then, I’ve had more confidence that I’ll actually make it to my appointments without breaking down. When I placed my trust in that old, unreliable Jeep, the result was disappointment.

When we choose to follow and obey God, we can experience the quietness and confidence that only he can give. It is fundamentally a heart issue. God wants us, and he is persistent again and again, calling His people back to Him for peace and safety. Just like his promise to the Israelites, when we look to God for salvation, he will be faithful to deliver us.

-Bridger Grable

Reflection Questions

  1. “But we should ask ourselves if we are putting our trust in God or in ourselves and the solutions of the world. It is a question about our hearts. Is your cell phone your tool for distraction, connection, and maybe a false sense of safety? Are you running away from something? Have you prayed to God about whatever it is that you are feeling, facing, or going through?”
  2. What, or who, have you put your trust in, and then were disappointed?
  3. What does it look like to put our trust in God?
  4. What do you think of Bridger’s statement, “God deals with the real problem, not just the symptom”? Where have you seen this to be true?
  5. If you desire to transfer your trust from self, others, things to God what steps could be helpful? What should you avoid? How can you work at this heart change?
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Hearts Far from God

Isaiah 28-30

July 11, 2025

              Within the contents of Isaiah 28-30, there are a few verses that stick out to me that I think are worth dwelling on. The first of those is Isaiah 29:13 which reads:

 [13] And the Lord said: “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men, – Isaiah 29:13 (ESV)

I think this verse describes what is happening a lot in the Church today. Many of us, me included, are guilty of claiming with our mouth that we are living holy and righteous while not giving up the areas we need to improve. I don’t want to be someone always ready to give a good answer, something that sounds intelligent, ready to glorify God, but do not live out what my mouth claims. I don’t want to be someone who is ready to sing a worship song but not ready to forgive the person who has wronged me.

The next verse I wish for us to dwell on is Isaiah 29:19.

 [19] The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the LORD, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel. – Isaiah 29:19 (ESV)

              This verse can act as an encouragement for some and a warning to others. Whether you are rich or poor, strong or weak, short or tall, educated or uneducated, I think this verse tells us to adopt a mindset of being humble. Throughout the Bible, over and over, God helps those in need and sympathizes with the struggling. Especially in America, it is so easy to live in comfort and the mindset of self-reliance. We blind ourselves with the things we possess or the abilities we have and try to forget how much we depend on God. Let us remember that God will make great the meek and lift up the lowly.

The last verse that I want to cover is Isaiah 30:18.

 [18] Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him. – Isaiah 30:18 (ESV)

When we receive God’s grace it is freeing to know that despite all that we have done that is evil, God still chooses us and extends forgiveness toward us. Sometimes it is hard to see that God is gracious with us. We constantly need to be reminded of the fact that God will be gracious with us if only we would turn to him and allow his grace to change us.

Application Questions:

If you have received grace from God, how does your life reflect that?

Who is someone who needs to hear about God’s grace today?

Will you be a talker or a doer of following God?

-Jeremiah Grable

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When Blessings Lead to Spiritual Adultery

Hosea 10-14

Chapter 10 of the book of Hosea, implements an analogy of Israel as a thriving vine. The more fruit it bore, the more Israel used its prosperity to betray Yahweh, turning blessings into the means of idolatry. God gave them the Promised Land, and they used the blessing that he gave them to make other gods. Instead of gratitude, they responded with spiritual adultery.

The Israelites’ hearts were divided, pulled in different directions by possessions and self-interest. “You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13, REV). Israel never gave God their whole heart. And so they couldn’t find Him. God was ruled out of the life of Israel and now the same thing is happening here in our own nation. We see our country’s leaders supporting and encouraging sinful actions.

“How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within me; my compassion is aroused.” (Hosea 11:8, REV). Yahweh doesn’t want to destroy His people. He didn’t want to then, and he doesn’t now. But again and again, Israel turns elsewhere. In chapter 12, they make a covenant with Assyria looking for safety in the arms of another nation, not in God. Maybe that is the way we should treat some of the things in our lives. We tend to distance ourselves from the thought that we are creating an alliance with things daily like our phones instead of God. 

“I knew you in the wilderness, in the land of great drought.” (Hosea 13:5, REV). The idea from Hosea 13:5 is that when we have an abundance of conveniences it’s hard to see the things we need. In the States most of our problems are “first world problems” which is a polite way of saying they’re not problems at all, just inconveniences. Our abundance and ease of living is one of the many reasons that America is struggling morally in our present time. With too many conveniences, too many options, or too much time -it’s easy to forget what you need.

“According to their pasture, so were they filled. They were filled, and their heart was exalted, so they forgot me.” (Hosea 13:6, REV). Let us not forget our God and turn foolishly toward the things of this world. 

Application Questions:

Do you prioritize things like work, school, social media, TV, over your family, time reading God’s word, or time helping other people?

What are some distractions that are pulling you away from God?

Who are a couple people in your life who can keep you accountable in spending less time on the things of this world and more time on things of God?

-Bridger Grable

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Separated

Hosea 5-9

In chapter 5 of Hosea, we see judgement pronounced over Israel.

“Listen to this, O priests! Listen, O house of Israel, and give ear, O house of the king! For the judgment is against you; for you have been a snare at Mizpah, and a net spread on Tabor.”
 (Hosea 5:1, REV)

Later in verse 14, Yahweh says:

“I myself will tear them in pieces and go away. I will carry them off, and there will be no one to rescue them.” (Hosea 5:14, REV)

Things are starting to look bleak for Israel. Yet some begin to consider returning to Yahweh:

“Come and let’s return to Yahweh; for he has torn us to pieces, but he will heal us; he has injured us, but he will bind up our wounds.” (Hosea 6:1, REV)

But in verse 4, Yahweh reveals a deeper issue – Israel is not loyal to its covenants. He compares them to a morning cloud or dew that vanishes early. Yahweh knows they won’t truly turn back, but will continue down a path of unrighteousness:

“The pride of Israel testifies to his face, yet they do not return to Yahweh their God, nor have they sought him for all this.” (Hosea 7:10, REV)

In chapter 8, Yahweh continues to speak on the corrupt mindset of Israel and the many reasons for their separation from Him. Midway through the chapter, we see what happens to Israel.

“Israel is swallowed up. Now they are among the nations like a vessel that nobody wants. For they have gone up to Assyria, like a wild donkey wandering alone. Ephraim has hired herself out to lovers.” (Hosea 8:8–9, REV)

Back in chapter 5, verse 4, it says that Israel cannot return to God because of their deeds. That verse reminds me how important it is to change our actions when we turn to God. We can’t claim to be pure in mind and soul while continuing in sin and partaking in things that bring us further from God.

Since working in the construction industry and expanding my social circle beyond the church, I’ve noticed something. When I talk to people about faith and religion, many say they follow Christ but in the same breath, they contradict that by showing allegiance to themselves. My prayer for them is that they would not follow the path that Israel took, but recognize this hypocrisy and take steps to correct it. If they are sincere, they will allow God to begin to move in their lives or maybe even discover who God truly is for the first time.

-Bridger Grable

Reflection Questions

  1. How would you describe Israel’s problem in Hosea’s day?
  2. Where have you seen similar problems?
  3. In your own life when has your love evaporated quickly, like the morning dew? How are you doing right now? Are your deeds taking you closer to God or further from Him? What might Hosea (speaking for God) say about your heart?
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Unfaithful

Hosea 1-4

There’s no doubt that adultery is one of the most talked-about sins in the Bible. Even King David, a man after God’s own heart, fell into this sin. Earlier in Scripture, we see God destroy an entire city because of its sexual immorality. In the book of Hosea, God uses adultery as a metaphor for the unfaithfulness of Israel. Hosea doesn’t just speak God’s message, he lives it out, through his marriage and even the names of his children.

Right off the bat in Hosea 1:2, we see what God asks of him, “When Yahweh began to speak with Hosea, Yahweh said to Hosea, ‘Go, take for yourself a wife of prostitution and have children of prostitution; for the land commits great adultery, forsaking Yahweh.’” (REV) God’s people were a promiscuous bunch, chasing idols and worldly desires they believed would fulfill them.

Hosea and his wife Gomer have three children, each with a symbolic name. First is Jezreel, representing God’s judgment and the scattering of Israel. Then comes Lo-Ruhamah, meaning “no mercy,” because God was withdrawing his compassion. Finally, there’s Lo-Ammi, meaning “not my people,” a symbol of God’s rejection after Israel broke their covenant with Him.

Gomer, like Israel, is unfaithful. She cheated on Hosea and eventually fell into prostitution, chasing after other men. This would have been enough for most people to get a divorce over. But God had other plans for their relationship. Hosea doesn’t give up, rather he pursues her. When she’s at a point of desperation he buys her back – “So I bought her for myself for 15 pieces of silver and a homer and a half of barley.” (Hosea 3:2, REV)

God rejected Israel because they had turned from Him and started following other gods like Baal. I thought it was interesting how even small things like loving raisin cakes can symbolize where our hearts are drifting –  “Yahweh said to me, ‘Go again, love a woman loved by another, and an adulteress, even as Yahweh loves the children of Israel, though they turn to other gods and love cakes of raisins.’” (Hosea 3:1 REV) It’s not about the cake, but rather what it represents. The misplaced love and devotion.

Despite everything, God promises restoration. He doesn’t stop loving His people and we can have security in knowing he will not stop.

“Afterward the children of Israel will return and seek Yahweh their God, and David their king, and will come with trembling to Yahweh and to his blessings in the last days.” (Hosea 3:5 REV)

-Bridger Grable

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways was Israel unfaithful to God?
  2. In what ways have you been unfaithful to God?
  3. What is God’s response to unfaithfulness?
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Set Apart for God

2 Kings 18:1-8
2 Chronicles 29-31
Psalm 48

              Chapters 29 through 31 of Second Chronicles talks about King Hezekiah and how he followed God by cleansing the temple and reestablishing the law upon the people. When King Hezekiah became king, he could have done many things to build up his own name, become prosperous, and live life as he desired it. Instead, we see that he chose to steer his people back to God and lift God’s authority over his own.

[1] Hezekiah began to reign when he was twenty-five years old, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Abijah the daughter of Zechariah. [2] And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done. 2 Chronicles 29:1-2 (ESV)

I find it fascinating that a twenty-five-year-old man with so much capability, power, money, and status would choose to spend his effort on making the nation of Israel God’s people not something for his gain. Now this is what Hezekiah told the Levites to do as a step towards restoring holiness to Israel.

[5] and said to them, “Hear me, Levites! Now consecrate yourselves, and consecrate the house of the LORD, the God of your fathers, and carry out the filth from the Holy Place. [6] For our fathers have been unfaithful and have done what was evil in the sight of the LORD our God. They have forsaken him and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the LORD and turned their backs. 2 Chronicles 29:5-6 (ESV)

              I think we can take this advice which was intended for the Levites and apply it to our lives. God’s will for us is that we would be sanctified and set apart in our thoughts, actions, and speech. Something we can do to help this is simply to ask God that he would give us hearts that desire His will. If our hearts want what God wants, then our lives will reflect that and pour into others as well.

              Why should we set our lives apart for God? Psalm 48, a great reminder of God’s greatness, is helpful in encouraging us to praise him. Psalm 48 says …

              [1] Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! His holy mountain, [2] beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King. Psalm 48:1(ESV)

              This Psalm refers to Jerusalem as Mt Zion, the great city, and as a place that will be lifted high. Because God is steadfast and always faithful, the psalmist praises God. Together with the psalmist, we should become people of praise. I find that praising God, giving thanks to God, and spending time in his presence, gives me joy and peace. A tool that is helpful in praising God is praying through a Psalm. The Psalms contain many beautiful sayings that come from the truth of God’s word just like these two verses in Psalm 48.

              [9] We have thought on your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple. [10] As your name, O God, so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is filled with righteousness. Psalm 48:9-10 (ESV)

Application Questions:

What are some things that are preventing us from giving God glory?

What is one thing you can do this week to set yourself apart from the world?

-Jeremiah Grable

We welcome a new writer for SeekGrowLove. He introduces himself for us:

My name is Jeremiah Grable, and I am 18 years old. I live in Southern California with my wonderful parents and 6 of my 8 siblings. I love being outdoors doing things like playing pickleball, hiking, and doing parkour. I also love traveling and seeing new places. This spring I graduated from high school and plan on attending California State University San Bernadino in the fall in hopes of getting my bachelor’s in business. I have been a believer for 4 years now and got baptized in the fall of 2024.)

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The Problem – and The Solution

Isaiah 23-27

Isaiah 23-27 tells of God’s judgement upon the earth, the peace that comes from God, and the redemption that we find in Him. Though these may seem in opposition to each other, each of these elements is a key facet to the overall theme of these chapters. In chapters 23 and 24, we read about the suffering, desolation, and punishment which is a result of the people’s wickedness. Isaiah 24:5 says that:

              [5] The earth lies defiled under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant. (ESV)

My mind immediately recalls Romans 3:23 which says, “for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”. All of mankind have done things that are displeasing to God and are deserving of the punishment which is talked about in Isaiah 23/24. Often when we sin, there is a conscious knowledge that what we are doing is wrong, yet we continue anyways. Our sin pushes us away from God’s presence and leads us down into some very dark places where we try to cover up or escape the last bad thing we did. This cycle of sin continues, and we draw further away from God and for our unrighteousness, God will punish us. However, there is hope that for those who trust in God and repent from sin, he will save us and deliver us from destruction.

              [8] He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken. (ESV) – Isaiah 25:8

This passage gives me so much hope and encouragement for what is to come when there is no more pain, suffering, and death. Everyone at some point in their lives will experience hardship. Maybe that is the loss of a loved one, battling addiction, becoming seriously ill without any warning, or maybe going through a breakup. Maybe you’re in that time of life right now or maybe it is around the corner. Whatever it is, there is hope that someday, God will restore this earth to its rightful state, but in the meantime, we can set our eyes to the one who has the power to save and deliver.

Isaiah 26:3–5 says:

[3] You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. [4] Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.

I’d like to end with this portion from our text as a final reminder to set your mind on God. This can be very difficult amidst the infinite distractions in our world, but when you set aside these distractions, you can see clearly through that business or pain and find everlasting peace.

Here are some application questions to ask yourself:

Are you building your life upon the God?

When was the last time you asked God to be your rock or firm foundation?

How can you encourage someone in your life and lead them to the hope of deliverance?

-Jeremiah Grable

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The Eternal Rock

Isaiah 13-17

Isaiah 13-17 is a series of prophetic messages of judgment and warning given to the nations surrounding Judah. These chapters out of Isaiah are fairly harsh at first glance, filled with pronouncements of destruction and wrath. However, there’s a deeper trend running through them: God is not just the God of Israel. He is the God of all nations and all the Earth. 

In Isaiah 13-14, Babylon, a powerful and arrogant empire, is judged for its pride and cruelty. God promises to bring it low. In Isaiah 15-16, Moab weeps and wails as its strength fails. In Isaiah 17, Damascus and Ephraim (the northern kingdom of Israel) face ruin because they have forgotten their God in turn for idols. 

Over and over, Isaiah reveals that every nation, every empire, and every people group is accountable to God. No political power, cultural tradition, or military strength can protect a nation from the consequences of pride, injustice, and idolatry.

But there’s hope, too. Mixed into the warnings is the idea that God’s justice is not random or cruel-it’s righteous and serves a purpose. His discipline often carries a redemptive purpose. Nations fall, but God remains. Pride crumbles, but God’s kingdom stands. We must then reflect on our own senses of self. Are we keeping the statutes of the Lord instead of those of the world? Do we carry ourselves in humility? Do we anchor ourselves with the Eternal Rock and the fortress of God? In the end the control belongs not with us, but with God. He is our refuge. 

I close today’s devotion with Isaiah 16:5, a verse that reminds us what will one day replace a world so wicked and so unjust:

“In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it— one from the house of David— one who in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness.” (‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭16‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

-Colby Leggitt

Reflection Questions

  1. After reading the chapters (Isaiah 13-17), what stood out to you most from Isaiah’s prophecies to the nations?
  2. Why do you think pride is such a significant theme in God’s judgment of nations like Babylon and Moab?
  3. In what ways are you tempted to rely on your own strength instead of relying on the Eternal Rock?
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