Acting Justly, Loving Faithfulness, and Walking Humbly with God

6/20/19

 Micah 5-7

Highlighted Verse:

 “Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you:  to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8, CSB

 Devotion:

 Today’s reading contains two prophecies about Jesus Christ.  Micah 5:2 looks ahead to His birth in Bethlehem. Micah 7:1-3 looks ahead to Mark 11:12-14, where Jesus cursed the fig tree. Following in the footsteps of Jesus, Micah 6:8 tells us how to live:  act justly, love faithfulness, and walk humbly with God.

How can you follow in the footsteps of Jesus to act justly, love faithfulness, and walk humbly with God today?

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Speak out against Injustice

6/19/19

 Micah 1-4

Highlighted Verse:

 “Woe to those who dream up wickedness and prepare evil plans on their beds! At morning light they accomplish it because the power is in their hands.”  Micah 2:1, CSB

Devotion:

 In today’s reading the prophet Micah brought attention to the oppression and injustice of the wealthy and powerful of Jerusalem.  Judgment was coming to them because of their wickedness.  But there is hope in today’s reading as well.  Micah 4 brings us a promise from God that there will be deliverance from the disaster. Just as David shepherded his flock so Jesus, will shepherd and rule us, His people.

Where do you see oppression and wickedness in the world today?  Pray against injustice and speak out against it. 

Jesus the Messiah

6/18/19

 Isaiah 9-12

Highlighted Verse:

 “For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders.  He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6, CSB

Devotion:

Today’s reading reminds us that Jesus is a gift of God’s grace to sinners.  You and I are sinners yet “a son will be given to us.” Jesus is God Himself.  Jesus is has wise plans.  Jesus cares for us.  Jesus brings peace.  Isaiah describes the falling of an arrogant people like a great forest cut down (Isaiah 10:33-34).  But Jesus, the Messiah who will save and transform the world, will come up out of a stump from the destroyed trees (Isaiah 11:10).

Isaiah 12 is a beautifully written song of salvation. Use this short chapter as a prayer of praise to your Savior, Jesus.  Use it as a guide to meditate on your salvation. Pray for God to make his works known through you.

Celebrating the Sovereignty of God

6/17/19

Isaiah 5-8

Highlighted Verse:

“Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign:  See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14, CSB

Devotion:

Today’s reading puts a spotlight on the sovereignty of God.  Nations, like Assyria, may be evil but God’s plans will not be stopped. In the midst of words of judgment and warnings the prophecy about the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, brings hope.

Celebrate the sovereignty of God in your own life by reflecting on His provision and power over your circumstances. 

Celebrate the birth of Jesus and your salvation in Him. 

Scarlet Sins made White as Snow

6/16/19

Isaiah 1-4

Highlighted Verse:

“On that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of Israel’s survivors.” Isaiah 4:2, CSB

Devotion:

Isaiah proclaims judgment on the people of the Lord.  Even though Israel had failed to keep God’s covenant and judgment was coming there is hope. Even though we continue to fail we still have hope.  Hope is found in Jesus Christ, the Branch of the Lord. He came from the Lord and His triumph on the cross was beautiful and glorious.  Through the blood of Jesus we are cleansed of our scarlet sins and made white as snow (Isaiah 1:18).

Take a few minutes today to Praise the Lord for your hope and salvation through Jesus Christ.  Find your hope in Jesus today.  Knowing that He has the power to cleanse you of sin, come to Him with a repentant heart and confess your sins to Him. 

The Faithfulness of Jesus

6/15/19

Hosea 10-14

Highlighted Verse:

“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.” Hosea 11:1, CSB

Devotion:

Don’t miss Hosea 11:1 in today’s reading. It’s a reference back to the exodus that Jesus fulfills. Matthew refers back to this verse to talk about Jesus hoping up from Egypt with Joseph and Mary (Matthew 2:15). Jesus fulfills this verse. Hosea is calling Israel to repentance because, even though they were delivered by God, they were abandoning Him every chance they got. Jesus, on the other hand, was delivered out of Egypt and abided with God and remained faithful to the Lord at all times.

As Hosea writes, in Hosea 10:12, “it is time to seek the Lord until he comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain.” Reflect on the faithfulness of the Lord to you and ask Him to guide you to new or old ways to grow in faithfulness to Him.

Repentance

6/14/19

Hosea 6-9

Highlighted Verse:

“Come, let us return to the Lord. For he has torn us, and he will heal us; he has wounded us, and he will bind up our wounds.” Hosea 6:1, CSB

Devotion:

Today’s reading calls God’s people to repentance. God’s call to repentance is an invitation to return to Him. It’s an invitation to a personal revival. It’s an invitation back into His presence. Repentance stops our reckless running in the wrong direction and turns us around to purposefully run toward the Lord.

Take a moment to repent of recently committed sins. Think about how you might put up spiritual safeguards to protect you from those sins.