Category Archives: Isaiah

Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice. They will rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder. For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressor’s rod, just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian. The boots of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war will all be burned. They will be fuel for the fire. For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!

Isaiah 9:1-7

Dear God, I confess that I have no idea what this government looks like. All I really understand from these seven verses is that Jesus is the child. Other than that, I don’t get it. I don’t understand what it looks like to have the government referred to here. Is it Heaven? Is it some sort of Heaven on Earth? I don’t get it. Apparently, I don’t need to get it either.

Of course, today is Christmas. In my earnest belief, the child referred to here was born at some point (possibly the spring?), grew up poor and having to move around, lived and amazing life, and then put it all on a cross with the sole goal being to reconcile us to you. Of course, all of that would be useless without the resurrection. That’s what gives the sacrifice it’s power.

Father, I don’t understand your plan. Mary and Joseph had no idea what was to come. And I don’t know how all of the things going on in my life will shake out. But I know that this is another day that I need to use to worship you and represent you as well as I can.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

Isaiah 43:10-13 “But you are my witnesses, O Israel!” says the Lord. “You are my servant. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God— there never has been, and there never will be. I, yes I, am the Lord, and there is no other Savior. First I predicted your rescue, then I saved you and proclaimed it to the world. No foreign god has ever done this. You are witnesses that I am the only God,” says the Lord. “From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done.”

Dear God, a lot of things compete for your title. Money. Power. Sex. Alcohol. Drugs. Food. Maybe that’s why AA starts with the idea of a higher power replacing the power of the addicted substance. Until that substance is taken off of its pedestal then it will remain there. 

I’ve certainly had things that I’ve put in your place over the years. But what about recently? I think one of the things I put in your place is me. I put my mind, intellect, ideas, etc. in place of your provision and glory when it comes to solving problems at work, at home, or in other areas. That’s probably one of my biggest problems. 

Father, remind me to worship you in all circumstances. When I am facing a situation about which I feel anxiety, help remind me to deny the false god of myself and to worship the one true God. You are my King. In you will I trust, even if it looks like things are going wrong. 

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen 

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Dear God, I wonder what perfect peace looks like. When it comes to the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23 (love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, faithfulness, and self control) I’ve always felt that peace was the most important barometer as to how I’m doing with you because it’s the one I can’t fake. Outwardly, I can fake love, joy, patience, gentleness, kindness, faithfulness, and self control, but I can’t fake peace. And I can often get a feeling for when someone else is either at peace or not at peace. 

So how am I doing? Well, I’m on this amazing vacation right now, and I am feeling pretty good. I’ve been careful to continue to spend time with you every day of this trip, and I want to continue to do so. I just hope I’m getting out of this trip and this time away from the office what you have for me. This sabbatical that the board of directors has given to me isn’t just about time to clear my head from work. I want it to be for my whole person. 

Father, I want to come out of the other side of this time as a better servant of you, husband, father, friend, son, sibling, and community member. I want to also be completely at peace so that when others see me they will see a difference and understand that a life lived in submission to you is the path to a peaceful life that is also naturally filled with the other fruits of the Spirit. 

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen