Friday, June 19, 2015

MEANINGLESS RULES

Read Isaiah 28:1–16

     "Do and do, do and do, rule on rule, rule on rule; a little here, a little there–so that they will go and fall backward… "Isaiah 28:13 NIV
* * *
     Isaiah is reprimanding the priests and prophets of his day for teaching rules, while living a sinful life. They were not representing the rest, trust and personal relationship that God wanted from His people. He says of these leaders, "Who is it he is trying to teach? To whom is he explaining his message? To children weaned from their milk, to those just taken from the breast?" (28:9) 

     The apostle Paul echoes this in Hebrews; "You have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. " (Hebrews 5:12b-13 NKJV) God was looking for righteous lives, not a legalistic memorizing of rules they never kept.
* * *
     Lord, I pray that my life will be an example of following You, not just adhering to the rules that men have made. As we must establish the rules of living in our home, help us to do it in a way that will communicate our love for You and for our children. When we must discipline them, give us the wisdom to be consistent and do it right.
* * *
      All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work2 Timothy 3:16–17 NKJV

Friday, June 12, 2015

PERFECT PEACE

Read Isaiah 26:1–12

      You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 NIV

* * *
     Throughout history men have searched for peace which always seems to elude them. Isaiah speaks of a future day of peace when Jesus will rule and reign on earth: He says, “Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith.” (26:2)
     We are still waiting for a nation that keeps faith, but we do not have to wait to experience His peace – it is a gift given to us when we trust in the Lord. The confidence that God is our Rock, the ultimate in stability, brings peace to the soul.
     Isaiah writes, “Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.” (26:4) If we are going to accomplish anything of eternal value in our lives, it will be by trusting Him. 
* * *
     Lord, help us to rest patiently in faith as we wait for Your perfect plan for our lives. You have been faithful to us in the past and like Isaiah we can say, "LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us." (26:12)
* * *
      Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.   Isaiah 26:8 NIV