Faithfully Yours Forever

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+57%3A14-21&version=NIV
Passage: Isaiah 57:14-21
Verse: Isaiah 57:18 (NIV)
I have seen their ways, but I will heal them; I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel’s mourners.

In reading this passage, we are reminded that the obstacles that are in the way of us trusting and building a strong relationship with God will be removed.  It is a comfort to know that the Lord, our God, will not always accuse us, nor will He be angry with us forever [v. 16].  Even though He has seen our ways, He has chosen to restore us.  He will heal us.  Praise Him for all He does for us every day.  May His peace be felt, by each of us, as He passes near today.  (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+55%3A1-13&version=NIV
Passage: Isaiah 55:1-13
Verse: Isaiah 55:2 (NIV 2011)
Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?  Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.

It seems like a simple concept; nobody wants to waste their money or their labor.  However, it also seems like many are in an endless search for what will truly satisfy them.  When “in Christ” we experience true fulfillment; we are satisfied.  May we all discover this kind of satisfaction.  May we each realize where our priorities should be placed.  May we seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near [v. 6].  Look to the scriptures for guidance, encouragement, and support.  His word that goes out from His mouth: “ will not return to [Him] empty, but will accomplish what [He] desire[s] and achieve the purpose for which [He] sent it” [vs. 11].  May He be near to you each and every day.  (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+37%3A1-11&version=NIV
Passage: Psalm 37:1-11
Verse: Psalm 37:7 (NIV)
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

There may be times when we look enviously at others who seem to be prospering in their evil or misguided ways, but this psalm reminds us that we should not be envious of them or desire to follow them in their ways.  Those who do evil in the eyes of the Lord are like the grass that will soon wither [v. 2].  Instead, we are told to hope in the Lord and trust that we will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity [v. 11].  May we see others as God sees them.  May we desire only those things that are honoring to, and bring glory to, the Lord.  May we rest in God’s promise of peace and prosperity.  (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Samuel+22%3A21-37&version=NIV
Passage: 2 Samuel 22:21-37
Verse: 2 Samuel 22:28 (NIV)
You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low.

Samuel was faithful in following the laws of the Lord.  The Lord dealt with him according to his righteousness.  The Lord also rewarded him for his faithfulness.  We learn from this passage that the Lord will also deal with those that need to be humbled.  May we find ourselves listed among the faithful.  May we pray for those who may be humbled by the Lord.  In addition, remember, the Lord is our rock; He is our strength.

He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he causes me to stand on the heights.
He trains my hands for battle;
my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
You make your saving help my shield;
your help has made^[d] me great.
You provide a broad path for my feet,
so that my ankles do not give way.

May we always trust in the Lord, for He is our strength. (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+148%3A1-14&version=NIV
Passage: Psalm 148:1-14
Verse: Psalm 148:14 (NIV)
And he has raised up for his people a horn [a symbol of strength], the praise of all his faithful servants, of Israel, the people close to his heart.  Praise the Lord.

Can anyone say praise the Lord?  May all of God’s creation praise the Lord!  This psalm reminds us that all of God’s creation should give the Lord praise –

• everything in heaven… the angels and the sun, moon, and stars;
•  everything on earth… sea creatures, land creatures, birds of the sky, and the mountains, the oceans, and the sky;
• and all nations, rulers, and all men, women, and children.

Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.  May everyone praise the Lord!  May we exalt the Lord today!  May we praise the name of the Lord for at his command:

• [we] were created,
• he established [us] for ever and ever—
• [and] he issued a decree that will never pass away.

Praise the Lord!  Amen!
(inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6%3A1-9&version=NIV
Passage: Ephesians 6:1-9
Verse: Ephesians 6:7-8 (NIV)
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

Ephesians continues to provide us with insights into how God would have Christians live their lives.  Our featured verses note we are to serve the Lord wholeheartedly.  While people may often be the direct beneficiaries of our service, the reason why we are to do what we do is in service to the Lord, not people.  May we be focused upon the Lord and be in service to Him.  While we are not to do what we do for the rewards that we will receive, we are told that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good that we do in this life.  May we do what we do for the glory and honor of the Lord, our God.  We are also reminded that we are to treat people equally, slave or free.  Consider that slavery is not just a physical condition for some individuals, but a spiritual condition for those who have yet to accept the free gift of redemption and salvation that God offers His children, through Jesus Christ.  May we seek to “do good” for those enslaved to sin or physical circumstances, remembering to give all the glory and honor to God.  (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+5%3A1-33+&version=NIV
Passage: Ephesians 5:1-33 (NIV)

So what is a Christian to do?  How are we supposed to live our lives?  Ephesians 5 has a lot to say on the subject.

• Follow God’s example…  and walk in the way of love
• Have not even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed
• Speak not obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking
• Be thankful
• Find out what pleases the Lord
• Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness… expose them
•  Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise… understand what the Lord’s will is.
• Do not get drunk on wine
• Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.
• Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord
• Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
•  Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

May we be able to live our lives, through Christ, in a way that is honoring to God.  May the Spirit of Christ that lives within be seen by all through our attitudes, deeds, and behavior.  May we be blessed as we follow God’s example.  (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+2%3A16-23&version=NIV
Passage: Colossians 2:16-23
Verse: Colossians 2:20 (NIV)
Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules…?

We are again cautioned, in today’s passage of Scripture, not to be led astray by those who have lost connection with the head, Jesus Christ [v. 19].  Remember that the reality, however, is found in Christ [v. 17].  While this passage questions submitting to the rules of the world, we must also remember that what is worldly is what goes against Scripture and the commands and laws given to us by God.  May we have a solid understanding of God’s Word.  May the Holy Spirit provide us with the wisdom needed to discern those things that are worldly from those that are of God.  May the example for living, given to us through Jesus Christ, be the path we choose to follow each day.  (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+2%3A6-15&version=NIV
Passage: Colossians 2:6-15
Verse: Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Very wise advice!  We are to continue to live our lives in Him.  Just as a small acorn sends down deep roots and grows into a mighty oak tree, we too can grow and be strengthened in the faith as we seek Him.  When we allow ourselves the time to focus upon Him we will be filled to overflowing.  Praise God!   See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ [v. 8].  God made [us] alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross [v. 13b-14].  Let’s remember what Jesus Christ, our Lord, has done for us.  We are highly favored.  Praise God!  (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)