Tag: Jesus

Instincts

OLD TESTAMENT: Jeremiah 22 & 23

POETRY: Psalm 119:9-16

NEW TESTAMENT: Jude

Human instincts are a funny thing. We have certain tendencies that our bodies will turn to without thinking in order to preserve itself. Some will say it’s hard-wired in after years of evolutionary learning. I say it’s given by God, a level of thought that we can have without even realizing we’re having it. Our nervous system is an incredible miracle, along with the rest of our body, in how it communicates. 

I’m taking martial arts classes currently, and one of the things they teach us in self defense is the ability to yell past our tension. They have us pull air from deep within, really forcing the diaphragm to the point of discomfort, and expel a yell that feels almost animalistic. And we, especially females, practice that in order to help us should we ever have a violent encounter. You see, when we meet a moment of fear and stress, our fight/flight/freeze/fawn response kicks in. We will either spring into action, run, freeze in fear, or try to appease our opponent. 

No matter which decision is made, what often occurs first is a moment of freeze, as you try to process. And breaking out of that freeze is DIFFICULT. I know because it has happened to me. When frozen in terror, it’s a struggle to make any noise at all. We practice yelling before and during attacks, so that muscle memory will hopefully help us if we ever have a confrontation. We prepare so that we can push past our instinctual response of fear and call for help or cry out in attack. 

Preparing so that you can overcome an instinct seems counterintuitive. We must have that instinct for a reason, right? But our natural instincts don’t always serve us best.

Verses 17-21 say, “But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, ‘In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.’ These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.”

We have a lot of natural instincts. Children don’t need to be taught to lie, they do it instinctually to avoid trouble. The instinct to act on attraction is a natural one that causes endless trouble. We have instincts to avoid pain, both emotional and physical, which can lead to us not reaching out to others. We have survival instincts that make us want to look out for our own needs or the needs of our closest family members before looking to the needs of others, frequently leading to selfishness and greed. 

Jude is warning us that we can’t let people who follow these natural instincts divide us. Not only that, but we have to build ourselves up in faith. In other words, we must train ourselves out of those instincts. God calls us to a higher level. The world will say to act on how we feel, because those feelings are natural. But there are many things that are “natural” that are actually terrible for us. 

Train yourself out of those instincts by frequently turning to God’s word. We are told to test every idea, every belief, every teaching, and even every instinct to be sure whether or not it is of God. Test it against the scriptures. 1 John 4:1 says, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

Do not let the world lead you astray simply because something “feels” right. Test that feeling against scripture every time. This is going to pit you against most of society. Stand firm. Hold fast and keep yourselves in God’s love. 

Reflection: 

What tendencies do the world see as “right” because they are “natural,” when the Bible calls them wrong? How can you keep those views from dividing you? Do you see those sorts of divisions happening in your church? They could be as simple as concerns over money keeping us from helping others as much as we should. They could be as socially complex as issues of homosexuality, or sex before marriage. 

What are some instincts you find in yourself that you find difficult to contend with? How can you “build yourself up” in faith and train yourself out of some of your own dangerous instincts?

Beloved friends, my prayer for you today is the same as the one ending Jude: “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power, and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”   – Jenn Haynes

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Word Association Games

OLD TESTAMENT: Jeremiah 18 & 19

POETRY: Psalm 119

NEW TESTAMENT: 2 John

Word association games. Have you ever tried them? If I say, “Fruit,” for example, what is the first thing that comes to your brain? 

Have you ever tried those with people? I don’t think most people can be broken down into one word. We are far too complicated. But when you think of an individual – for example, “Mom”- what is the first word that comes to mind? I just tried this exercise on each member of my family, using other family member’s names. I’m happy to say that at least one of my children as well as my husband said, “loving” when presented with my name or “Mom.” I’ll take that win and ignore the fact that the others thought of food. 

When doing a word association with “Christian,” what do you think people come up with? What about when nonChristians think of you? 

Verses 5 and 6 are another reminder from John to love others. And again, as he did in 1 John, he describes what love is. “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.”

Walk in love. The Greek here is agape, which is the highest form of love. This is a selfless and sacrificial love. And the command is that we walk in it. 

This is not an occasional action, loving one another. It’s not even a frequent action. It’s even more than that. Walking in love means that every intention and motivation must be love. Love should be our defining characteristic. When people see you and think of you and hear you, they should associate you with God’s love. And walking in love means behaving like Jesus. 

It’s difficult knowing how Jesus would behave in every situation. There’s so much misinformation out there, and so many lies. I started and deleted so many examples of common lies that Christians believe here. I will instead say this: read the scriptures. If you’re unsure as to how Jesus would behave in a given situation, read the scriptures. Read God’s commands. 

This short letter was important enough to write and send, so the short message in it must be vital. Walk in love and in truth. In other words, live as Jesus did. 

Reflection: 

What do you imagine people think of when they consider you? Is your most defining trait love or something related to love? If you don’t think it is, how can you go about changing your actions and words so that others see God’s love being reflected from you? 

Think of other strong believers that you know and admire. Do a word association for them. What characteristics do you think of? Are any of those characteristics ones that you’d like to work on in yourself? 

Have you allowed any lies to sneak their way into your faith? How much time do you spend in scripture that would allow you to recognize the lies if they showed up? Do you find yourself thinking of how Jesus would behave in a given situation when you encounter it? 

My brothers and sisters, my prayer for you today is that you have open eyes and hearts so that you can see how God is working in you. I pray that your influence on others be one that is full of truth and love.

– Jenn Haynes

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Crushed or Overcoming?

OLD TESTAMENT: Jeremiah 16 & 17

POETRY: Psalm 118

NEW TESTAMENT: 1 John 5

Have you ever felt crushed by the world? I joke sometimes that that’s basically adulthood – being stressed, harassed, crushed, overcome, squeezed by life. Sad way to look at it, really. Some days it just feels like everyone around me is trying to suck out every last bit of patience, gentleness, joy, and peace that I have. They aren’t, of course. But sometimes I just feel so … done. Have you ever felt that way? Then you just have to take a deep breath, request a refill from God, and get back to living, serving, and loving, right? It sounds easier than it is, sometimes, but John here is basically telling us just that. 

1 John 5:2-6 says “This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” 

Who overcomes the world? The one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. I love that. It reminds me of John 16:33, one of my favorite passages. Jesus is talking to his disciples, describing how the world will hate them, but to remember that it hated him first. And he warns them that they will grieve, but promises that their grief will turn to great joy. And before he prays over them and over all believers, he says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

We believe in the savior given by God our perfect father. And he was hated and crushed and persecuted by the world. But he followed God’s commands, and found that in those commands he overcame the world. In 1 John 5:19, John says, “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” 

That explains the frequent crushing feeling, then. Of course we sometimes feel overwhelmed and under fire. We are children of God in a world that is under the enemy’s control. But John follows by saying, “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.”

There is a lot in the world we could easily give in to. When crushed, we could give in. We could turn to sinful comforts. We could allow our frustrations and complaints to turn to bitterness, unkindness, pride, gossip, and the like. We could give our attention to worldly things and idols to distract ourselves from our trials. 

But God’s commands are not burdensome. In fact, they are freeing. It’s very difficult to succumb to sinful nature when I’m in God’s word, or when I’m worshiping, or when I’m serving or loving others. When I’m doing something God commands of me, my heart and my thoughts are protected and the world cannot touch it. I’m no longer in the world’s control.

Reflection Questions:

How is the world controlling you right now? How is it affecting your attitude, your actions, and the way you speak to others? How is it affecting your heart? Are you bitter? Are you angry? Are you envious? 

What are some of God’s commands that you aren’t giving enough attention to that could help you overcome this worldly influence? Could you be spending more time communicating with God, rather than gossiping or complaining to others? Could you spend more time in gratitude rather than in frustration? Are you spending enough time in God’s word or is most of your time devoted to entertainment? Maybe put more worship into your life, rather than secular music? 

What could you be praying over right now, rather than complaining over? Take some time now to ask God to help you overcome the frustrations of the world. 

My beloved friends and fellow children of God, I hope you choose God’s commands every day and that those commands lift you and free you. The world should not be holding that kind of power over you and your heart. God gave you his son, so take heart! He has overcome the world, and so will you! 

– Jenn Haynes

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Can they Recognize you as God’s Child?

OLD TESTAMENT: Jeremiah 12 & 13

POETRY: Psalm 116

NEW TESTAMENT: 1 John 3

I love looking at my children and seeing which traits of theirs are mine and which are my husband’s. My eldest is my miniature, with her blue eyes and wavy brown hair. She also has all my attitude, but also my creative flair. My second has her father’s eyes and coloring and his gentle spirit. And our son…I’m not sure if either of us were ever that mischievous, but I think we can both claim his cleverness. 

What a beautiful thing to be recognized as God’s child, though. 1 John 3 starts out with this proclamation. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” He claims us as his own, and loves when people recognize us as being children of God. And who can recognize us as such? Only those who know the Father as well. 

Those who know me well, can likely look at my children and see that they belong to me. They recognize characteristics. But those that don’t know me? It’s not so obvious. And that is why the world does not understand us. If the world doesn’t know God, it won’t recognize God’s traits in us. 

This chapter speaks a great deal on sin and how we must turn from it. It speaks on love and hate. But my favorite part of this passage is the promise that it offers, right off the bat. Verse 2 says, “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” 

One day, we will be without sin. One day, our relationship to God will be obvious. We will look like his son, Jesus Christ our savior. Everyone will see the resemblance. But until that time, we struggle against sin and imperfection. Verse 9 tells us, “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.” 

The world is looking at us, Christians. They are seeing us proclaim to be children of God, followers of Christ, and they are suspicious. If they don’t know God, they won’t recognize our conviction and our faith. But they recognize sin as we all do. And they see when we proclaim to follow God but refuse to turn from our sin. They see when we don’t love. They see when we are spiteful, or petty, or cruel. They see when we say “Love your neighbor” but do not carry out the actions. They see selfishness, pride, and haughtiness. These traits are fully recognizable as worldly traits. 

The world may not always understand true, Godly love, but we are to show it anyway so that others can see glimpses of God’s love for them. It is his great desire that we all be his children, and that one day, at Christ’s return, we are all made pure and fully known as Children of God. 

Reflection Questions: 

What traits do you show that you hope others see as Godly traits? Which areas in your actions and attitude do you feel you need to work on so that others better recognize you as God’s child?

How can you better love those around you? Is there someone in your life right now that frustrates or hurts you that you find difficult to love and be kind towards? Read through verses 21-23 and pray now for some extra strength and grace from God to be more loving toward them, so that they can see God in you.

Praying over you this week, my brothers and sisters. I’m so grateful to be a part of God’s chosen family with you.

– Jenn Haynes

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Where are you Walking?

OLD TESTAMENT: Jeremiah 7-9

POETRY: Psalm 115

NEW TESTAMENT: 1 John 1

Have you ever felt completely at home someplace? Maybe it was your family of origin, maybe it was your first home on your own, maybe it was the first home you shared with someone special, like your spouse or a close friend. I hope that you have experienced that feeling.

We want to feel at home in our relationship with God and with our Lord Jesus (and of course, with each other!). But sometimes, our brokenness, shame, and guilt get in the way of our feeling “at home” with God and others. Thankfully, the Bible tells us how to remedy this situation.

In the beginning of 1 John, John talks about this “at home” feeling using the word “fellowship.” The word for “fellowship” basically means to share together or to participate together or to have close friendship with someone. We want to feel close to God, to Christ, and to each other. Those of us in church communities want to feel this closeness especially with those we are in community with on a regular basis. Living this way brings a special sweetness to life that is unlike any other feeling.

Unfortunately, we don’t really experience this fellowship or “at home” feeling to the fullest extent possible in this life. Why? One reason is because, when we sin, our sin makes us feel distant from God.

1 John 1:6-10 (ESV)

6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Walking in darkness is having our lives saturated with sin. Christians should not live this way. Christians are called to become more and more like Jesus every single day through the power of the holy spirit. This is called “walking in the light.” Walking in the light does not mean that we will never sin again ever in this life, but rather that we will not practice sin.

So, how do we restore this fellowship with God when we do sin? Verse 9 tells us to confess our sins. One often overlooked fact about verse 9 is that it says that God does not hesitate to restore us. It says instead that God is “faithful and just.” We can trust God to forgive us and restore us because He has been faithful through the ages. And when He does so, He is acting in a just way, because Jesus has paid the penalty for sin at the cross.

Forgiveness by God is an act of justice accomplished through Jesus our Lord. 

We have a lot to be thankful for!

-Will Barlow

Reflection Questions

Have you ever experienced the “at home” feeling? What conditions made you feel safe and at peace?

    Do you have any parts of your life that are “walking in darkness”? What do you need to confess to bring them back into the light?

    What are the benefits to those around you when you are walking in the light?

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    Today’s Idols

    OLD TESTAMENT: Jeremiah 5 & 6

    POETRY: Psalm 115

    NEW TESTAMENT: 2 Peter 3

    Have you ever stopped to think about idolatry? In the ancient world, many groups of people would literally make statues out of wood or metal. They would sacrifice animals to these idols. They would pray to these made up, created things.

    The Psalmist talks at length about the silliness of such behavior, especially in the context of worshipping the actual Creator of the Universe:

    Psalm 115:3-7 (ESV)

    3 Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.

    4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands.

    5 They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see.

    6 They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell.

    7 They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat.

    The point is clear: idols look like they can speak, see, hear, smell, feel, walk, and talk, but they cannot. They offer something that is not real. It’s a mirage. It’s a false comfort. Worshipping that way is meaningless.

    What does this have to do with us, you might ask? I don’t have an idol in my house. I don’t worship to anything made with hands.

    Friends, I wish that was true. We still have idols today. They don’t frequently look like human images made of silver or gold. Perhaps they are other people. Perhaps they are the rectangular boxes we carry around in our pockets. Perhaps it’s our favorite sports team. Maybe it’s our job or our family. There are always things that vie for our allegiance and our attention.

    Unlike the ancient idols, many of these things are not bad in themselves, as long as we walk in a balanced way. The balance begins, however, with total devotion to King Jesus. Full stop. End of story.

    When we live unbalanced lives, we might find ourselves feeling more and more unsettled, anxious, or depressed. Living the way that God wants us to live does not guarantee a life free from those things, for sure, but the point remains: when our life is unbalanced, we get negative results. Just like the ancient people sacrificing to blind and mute forms of their own creation, we sometimes get too caught up in worldly things that take our minds in directions that are unhealthy and unhelpful.

    As the Psalmist reminds us, the Lord is our help and shield. The Lord is the One who blesses us. The Lord is the one who is worthy of worship and honor. We shall praise the Lord!

    -Will Barlow

    Reflection Questions

    Do you have things in your life that are idols or cause you to be unbalanced? What can you do to get back in balance?

      Can you think of a time when you came out of a longer period of darkness and into light? How did that feel?

      Can you think of a friend that has an obvious idol in their life? What can you do to help them find better balance? (Maybe telling the story from your answer in #2 could be a place to start.)

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      Shepherd the Flock & Be Watchful

      OLD TESTAMENT: 2 Chronicles 35 & 36

      POETRY: Psalm 115 (all week)

      NEW TESTAMENT: 1 Peter 5

      What is the best way to lead others in the church? What is the best way to follow church leadership?

      At the end of 1 Peter, Peter gives some exhortations to leaders in the church and then to the general assembly. His exhortation to leadership, while brief, is powerfully meaningful:

      1 Peter 5:2-3 (ESV)

      2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;

      3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

      Leaders in the church are commanded to shepherd the flock not by abusing authority but by being examples. Peter is repeating what Jesus taught him years before (see Matthew 20:25-28). Jesus served others in love, showing everyone how to live a godly life. He did not collect taxes, lead an army, start a big corporation, or run for President (or Caesar, not that it was a democracy!), but even if he held a prominent worldly position, he would not have led through fear or domination.

      How many times has this gone wrong in the history of the Christian church? How often are leaders tempted to lead this way? As a pastor, knowing how common this problem is leads me to greater personal reflection and humility. My job is to serve willingly and eagerly and to be a good example to the people in our congregation. That sounds simple and straightforward, but the other way is tempting. Leaders, we must keep the servant’s towel wrapped around our waist at all times!

      Peter goes on to admonish the whole assembly to be humble, to cast anxieties to God, and to be watchful. Each of these dispositions is important. First, humility is a foundational Christian attribute. It’s like the key to the door of growth. Humility says, “I don’t know everything yet. I can still learn more.” Everyone in the church should be humble before God and before the Scriptures. There is always more to learn. There is always more to live.

      Second, we are to cast our anxieties to God. This world is full of trouble and brokenness. All of us experience anxiety from time to time. We must remember that God cares about every aspect of our lives. What a crazy thing to believe, but it is true — the Creator of the Universe wants a relationship with you! God cares for you!

      Finally, we are to be watchful. There are influences of darkness in the world around us (see: anxieties above). The powers of darkness, led by the adversary/devil, have built systems to damage our faith and lead us into temptation. Just as our Lord Jesus taught, we seek God instead. He will deliver us from evil, and the promise is, that as we resist, the devil will flee (see also James 4:7).

      -Will Barlow

      Reflection Questions:

      1. (Leaders) How do you stay humble and focused on serving the people around you?
      • (Non-leaders) What can you do if you are concerned about your leaders and how they are behaving?
      • Are there things in your life that need more watchfulness or resisting the powers of darkness? What can you do to strengthen your resolve in those categories?
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      God’s People and His Clay

      OLD TESTAMENT: Isaiah 63 & 64

      POETRY: Psalm 113

      NEW TESTAMENT: 1 Peter 2

      Isaiah 63:7 (LEB):

      “I will make known the loyal love of Yahweh,

      the praises of Yahweh,

      according to all that Yahweh has done for us,

      and the great goodness to the house of Israel

      that he has done for them according to his compassion

      and according to the abundance of his loyal love.”

      Isaiah 64:8-9 (LEB):

      “Yet, Yahweh, you are our father;

      we are the clay, and you are our potter,

      and we all are the work of your hand.

      Do not be exceedingly angry, O Yahweh,

      and do not remember iniquity forever!

      Look! Behold, we all are your people.”

      Psalm 113:3 (LEB):

      “From the rising of the sun to its setting,

      the name of Yahweh is to be praised.”

      1 Peter 2:9-10 (LEB):

      “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession,

      so that you may proclaim the virtues of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light,

      who once were not a people, but now are the people of God,

      the ones who were not shown mercy, but now are shown mercy.”

      Isaiah 63 begins with a reflection on God’s loyal love and compassion. Despite Israel’s history of rebellion, the prophet praises God for His great goodness and mercy. This loyal love is not based on Israel’s worthiness but on God’s steadfast character. The passage recounts how God delivered His people, bore their suffering, and worked for their redemption throughout history.

      However, Isaiah 64 shifts to a cry for mercy and forgiveness. The people of Israel acknowledge their sin and unworthiness, likening themselves to clay in the hands of a divine potter. They plead with God not to remember their iniquity forever and ask for Him to show mercy once again. This chapter reminds us that no matter how broken or far from God we may feel, He remains our loving Father, and we are the work of His hands. He is able to mold us, forgive us, and restore us according to His mercy.

      Psalm 113 calls all creation to praise the name of Yahweh from the rising of the sun to its setting. This psalm exalts God’s sovereignty, lifting Him high above all the nations. Yet, despite His greatness, the Lord cares deeply for the lowly. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from their affliction. God’s majesty and compassion are held together in perfect harmony, and His name is worthy to be praised at all times and in all circumstances.

      This psalm challenges us to recognize God’s goodness, even in the midst of difficulty. From the moment the sun rises until it sets, His name deserves our praise. Whether in times of blessing or struggle, God’s compassion remains steadfast, and our response should be one of continuous worship and gratitude.

      In 1 Peter 2, we are reminded of the incredible transformation we experience through Jesus Christ. We, who were once in darkness, have been called into God’s marvelous light. Peter describes believers as a “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession.” These titles reflect our new identity in Christ and the purpose for which we were called—to proclaim the virtues of the One who saved us.

      Peter contrasts our former state of not being a people with our new reality of being God’s people. Once, we were outside of mercy, but now we have received mercy. This passage is a powerful reminder that our identity is not defined by our past or our failures, but by God’s choosing and grace. As His chosen people, we are called to live in holiness, reflecting His light to the world.

      This week, reflect on God’s mercy in Isaiah 63-64 and His greatness in Psalm 113. Let these truths shape your understanding of your identity in Christ, as Peter describes. As God’s chosen people, live in His light, praising His name, and proclaiming His goodness to the world around you.

      -Jeff Ransom

      Reflection Questions:

      How does the imagery of God as a potter and us as clay in Isaiah 64 speak to your relationship with Him? In what areas of your life do you need to submit to His molding?

      How can you live out the call to praise God from the rising to the setting of the sun, even when circumstances are difficult?

      Reflect on your new identity as described in 1 Peter 2:9-10. How can understanding that you are a chosen and holy person shape the way you live and share your faith with others?

      In what ways can you proclaim the virtues of the One who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light in your daily life?

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      At the LORD’s Right Hand

      OLD TESTAMENT: Isaiah 57 & 58

      POETRY: Psalm 110

      NEW TESTAMENT: James 5

      Isaiah 58:6-7 (LEB):

      “Is this not the fast I choose: to release the bonds of injustice,

      to untie the ropes of the yoke,

      and to let the oppressed go free,

      and tear every yoke to pieces?

      Is it not to break your bread for the hungry?

      You must bring home the poor, the homeless.

      When you see the naked, you must cover him,

      and you must not hide yourself from your relatives.”

      Psalm 110:1-2 (LEB):

      “Yahweh declares to my lord,

      ‘Sit at my right hand

      until I make your enemies your footstool.’

      Yahweh will send out your mighty scepter from Zion;

      rule in the midst of your enemies.”

      James 5:8-9 (LEB):

      “You also be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the coming of the Lord is near. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing at the doors!”

      Isaiah 57 highlights the wickedness of the people, contrasting their idolatrous practices with the righteousness God desires. The chapter serves as a warning against superficial worship and the danger of following our own desires. However, Isaiah 58 provides a blueprint for what true righteousness looks like. God calls His people to a life of justice, mercy, and compassion—acts of righteousness that reflect His heart.

      The fast that God desires is not one of mere ritual, but one of active love and justice. Releasing the oppressed, feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, and clothing the naked are the tangible expressions of worship that please God. These acts of mercy demonstrate a heart aligned with God’s purposes, as opposed to empty religious practices that neglect the needs of others.

      Psalm 110 speaks prophetically about the Messiah’s reign. It describes a vision of the Lord’s anointed seated at the right hand of God, with His enemies made a footstool beneath His feet. This psalm points to Jesus Christ as the exalted King and Priest, who rules with power and authority.

      As we reflect on the reign of Christ, we are reminded that no matter what challenges or opposition we face, Jesus is given all authority, and his victory is assured. He rules in the midst of his enemies, and God’s people are called to trust in the ultimate triumph achieved through Christ. Psalm 110 provides a powerful reminder that Christ’s kingdom is both now and not yet—he reigns even as we wait for the fullness of his victory to be revealed.

      James calls believers to patience as they await the coming of the Lord. He uses the example of the farmer who waits for the precious crop, trusting that the rains will come in their time. In the same way, we are to strengthen our hearts and remain steadfast in the face of trials, knowing that the Lord is near.

      James also warns against grumbling and impatience with others, encouraging believers to live in unity and peace. The passage reminds us that we will be held accountable for our actions and words, and that God, the righteous Judge, is always watching. We are called to endure suffering with patience, just as the prophets and Job did, trusting in God’s faithfulness through it all.

      This week, let Isaiah 58 challenge you to live out true righteousness by pursuing justice and compassion. Trust in Christ’s sovereign reign as declared in Psalm 110, and ask God to strengthen your heart as you patiently endure trials, knowing that the Lord is near. Let your life reflect the love, unity, and hope that comes from living in light of his victory and imminent return.

      -Jeff Ransom

      Reflection Questions:

      How can you actively live out the righteousness described in Isaiah 58 in your daily life?

      In what areas of your life do you need to trust in Christ’s reign, knowing that he is seated at the right hand of God with all authority?

      How can you strengthen your heart in times of trial, and what does it mean for you to patiently endure as James encourages?

      Are there relationships or situations where you are tempted to grumble or grow impatient? How can you bring those before God and seek His peace and patience?

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      Trusting God’s Sovereign Plan

      OLD TESTAMENT: Isaiah 53 & 54

      POETRY: Psalm 108

      NEW TESTAMENT: James 4:13-17

      Isaiah 53:5-6 (LEB):

      “But he was pierced because of our transgressions,

      crushed because of our iniquities;

      the chastisement for our peace was upon him,

      and by his wounds we were healed.

      All of us have wandered about like sheep;

      we each have turned to his own way,

      and Yahweh let fall on him the iniquity of us all.”

      Psalm 108:1 (LEB):

      “My heart is steadfast, O God;

      I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.”

      James 4:14-15 (LEB):

      “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'”

      Isaiah 53 paints a vivid picture of the suffering Servant, Jesus Christ, who bore our sins and took the punishment we deserved. It reminds us that God’s plan for salvation was in place long before we understood it. We were like wandering sheep, yet God sent His Son to rescue us and reconcile us to Himself. Isaiah 53 reminds us that God’s plan for our salvation was set in motion long before we even understood our need for it. We can trust His plans for our lives because He has proven His love through the sacrifice of Jesus.

      Isaiah 54 shifts from the suffering of the Servant to the hope and restoration that follows. God promises to expand the tents of His people, signifying the growth and blessing that come through Christ’s sacrifice. This passage is a reminder of the immense love God has for us, His plan to redeem, and the restoration we experience in Him. In moments of doubt or difficulty, we can trust that God’s plans for us are rooted in His unfailing love and perfect wisdom. 

      Psalm 108 calls us to have a steadfast heart before God. The psalmist’s heart is fixed on praising God regardless of the circumstances, declaring God’s greatness in the morning and in the midst of battle. Just as Isaiah speaks of the suffering and victory of the Servant, Psalm 108 reminds us that our response to God’s sovereignty should be steadfast praise. Even when we face trials or uncertainty, our hearts can be firm, trusting in His ultimate plan and offering Him our highest worship. Psalm 108 challenges us to maintain a steadfast heart of praise, even when life is uncertain. In every season, our hearts can be anchored in worship of God’s goodness.

      James reminds us of the uncertainty of life and the importance of acknowledging God’s control over every aspect of our future. We often make plans assuming we are in control, but James challenges us to live with a heart of surrender, saying, “If the Lord wills.” This humility reflects a life that trusts God’s sovereignty in all things. James 4 reminds us to live with humble dependence on God, acknowledging that our lives are brief and that God’s will is sovereign. Our plans should always be made in light of His greater purpose.

      As we consider the sacrifice of Jesus in Isaiah 53 and the promises of restoration in Isaiah 54, we should be moved to submit every part of our lives to God. Our days are like a mist, and we don’t know what tomorrow holds, but we can trust the One who holds tomorrow. Living with humility and dependence on God’s will is an act of worship and surrender.

      This week, let the truths of Isaiah 53-54, Psalm 108, and James 4 inspire you to trust God’s sovereign plan for your life. Reflect on His immense love shown through Christ, cultivate a heart of steadfast worship, and live in humble surrender to His will.

      -Jeff Ransom

      Reflection Questions:

      How does reflecting on Christ’s sacrifice in Isaiah 53 deepen your trust in God’s plan for your life?

      In what areas of your life do you need to have a more steadfast heart of worship, as seen in Psalm 108?

      How can you practice the humility and surrender James speaks about in your daily decisions and plans?

      Are there areas in your life where you struggle to trust God’s sovereignty? How can you take steps to surrender those areas to Him?

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