I am using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I have found that by writing this daily blog of what I see when I read these scriptures, I get more out of them. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them.
Today’s passage tells us that calamity will fall suddenly upon those who ignore what the Lord says. Only by turning to the Lord can we be saved from the coming calamity, but too many will turn to human agents for salvation. Many today see the coming calamity, but, instead of turning to God, they rely on politicians, or gold, or some other hedge against what they see is coming. Isaiah says that God will direct us like a voice from right behind us telling us, “Turn right here. Turn left there.” If we listen to that voice and follow its directions, we will destroy all of the idols we have relied on and God will bless us.
God is bringing a day of judgement on the nations of this earth. He will come with a judgement that will consume those who oppress the poor. But those who serve Him will sing for joy. On the other hand those who rely on human help to survive the coming judgement will fall along with those on whom they rely. God has sent a righteous King so that those who wish to see the Truth may do so and those willing to hear it, will do so. This is a truth to remember. God has promised us that those willing to see will be able to see the Truth and those willing to hear will be able to hear the Truth. As I attempt to witness to those around me, I need to remember that not everyone is willing to hear the Truth of God’s Word. I, also, need to remember to pray for the Spirit to move upon myself to give me the correct words and upon those who are listening so that they might actually respond to those words. I will never convince anyone to come to the Lord, only God’s Holy Spirit can accomplish that task.
Paul tells the Galatians that getting circumcised has no spiritual benefit. That if one wishes to gain any spiritual benefit from the ritual of circumcision one must follow every one of the regulations in the law of Moses. No one can do that. Everyone will fall short in one way or another. If we attempt to obtain righteousness through following the law, we are rejecting God’s grace. What is valuable to bring us God’s salvation is faith in Him expressed through love. Paul tells us that teaches that following a particular set of rules is necessary for salvation is confusing people as to what salvation is and will be judged by God. This is not to be confused with “cheap” grace, Paul is not contradicting James, who said that if we have faith it will show in our actions. Paul and James are in agreement that our actions will not save us. They are also in agreement that our faith will result in actions.
I strive to follow the psalmist’s example and search for God with my whole being. I have seen those who soak up God’s word like dry, parched ground soaks up water. I want to be like that. All too often, I let it roll off of me like rain on rocks. I do not want to be like that. I want to soak it up so that spiritual nourishment can spring forth from my soul. I will trust in God and praise Him. I strive to pray whenever I lie awake at night.
Make time for your parents. No matter what you think, there is wisdom to be learned from them. One can learn many valuable lessons just by spending time with them. I need to make greater effort to spend time with my mother and my mother-in-law.