Thoughts By Scott: 2016

Friday, December 30, 2016

Jesus is the Light

Photo by The Church of Almighty God

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.

Insights: This final blog for this week and this year also contains this military theme of Isaiah nine. These two verses today speak of this new government formed from the conquest of this new King. This new King will have a government which rests on His shoulders. His kingdom will have no end. His kingdom will usher in peace because there will be no rival nation to combat against Him. His kingdom will have justice and righteousness upheld. His zeal is the very foundation by which He will accomplish all these objectives. Pondering the zeal of our Lord Jesus is not something I do very often and I believe is one of my downfalls in my spiritual pilgrimage Beloved, as we look at this new kingdom ushered in by this conquering King let me encourage you to think about His nature, power, and motives behind His activities. I think you will be amazed and awed as You ponder these areas of contemplation. I also hope you find a great deal of comfort in knowing you worship and serve a God who is a wonderful counselor. I hope you are comforted by a God who is mighty and eternal. I also hope His peace provides you with comfort as well. These attributes that describe this King are also the same attributes that describe His kingdom of which you are a part as a born again follower of Jesus. Even this weekend, let me admonish you to tell someone else about this amazing God who ushers in this amazing kingdom. May He always be brought glory!

Questions:

1. Do the different names of Jesus give you comfort?

2. Do you ever ponder the idea of God’s zeal and what ignites it?

Prayer: Father, You are perfect in every way and You accomplish all Your desires by Your zeal. Lord, as I close this 2016 year, help me to be reflective and filled with faith about the future. Your zeal accomplishes all You have called me to do. Grant me Your strength to walk in Your ways. Amen.

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Thursday, December 29, 2016

Light Sets the World Free

Photo by Dale Cruse

Scripture: Isaiah 9:4-5

For You shall break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, The rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian. For every boot of the booted warrior in the battle tumult, And cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire.

Insights: For the third straight day we observe military language in this passage from Isaiah nine. Notice the words oppressor, battle, booted warrior, tumult, blood and fuel. The imagery is that of a victoriously good empire coming into a vile and evil dictatorship and delivering the people from their oppression. In a simi-modern context think back to video you have seen of the Allied Forces which entered into Dachau or Auschwitz. Think of the liberating moment of seeing lives who were freed from a yoke of burden that almost led to death for many of these prisoners. Satan may not, as of yet, have us locked up as physical prisoners of war, but he does imprison many in the mind. He places burdens of guilt from past sins. He reminds with oppressive attacks of our past failures. He strives to bloody our testimony with faithless acts. He is more vile than any earthly oppressor has ever been. Jesus, however, comes crashing on the scene and tells us He has delivered us from such tyranny. We are able to take on His yoke which is light and easy. We are able to cast our cares on Him because He cares for us. He transforms our situation and takes all of the enemies weapons and turns them into fuel for the fire. They will be burned up and we will be set free. Beloved, Satan attacks all of humanity. We, who are born again, are to be lifeguards throwing a ring buoy out to save the drowning victims of this atrocious battle. It is my prayer you and I will be intentional about sharing Jesus love to those who are under a burden of pain and suffering. They need a Redeemer and His name is Jesus.

Questions:

1. Have you been set free by Jesus?

2. What burdens have you been bearing that you need to release over to the Lord?

Prayer: Father, thank You breaking the yoke of my burdens and removing the oppression from my enemy. Thank You for setting me free from my captivity. Amen.

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Light Expands throughout the World

Photo by Steve Snediker

Scripture: Isaiah 9:3

You shall multiply the nation, You shall increase their gladness; They will be glad in Your presence As with the gladness of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil.

Insights: I mentioned it yesterday regarding the warfare language of Isaiah nine. In today’s verse notice the expansion of the nation. Notice the division of spoils. After Jesus invaded the world, which we discussed yesterday, He expanded His reign. It is for this reason we have language like multiplication of nations, an increase of gladness, gladness of harvest and division of spoils. All four of these phrase explicitly indicate growth or expansion. Jesus kingdom will grow. In fact, this growth is one of the primary, if not the primary, reason you are still on the earth if you have been born again. The Father has chosen us, His children, to be His mouth piece in this world. We are commissioned by Him to expand His kingdom. The way we do this kind of work is through evangelism. We tell other people about what Jesus has done for us and then ask them if they would like to meet this same Jesus you know. The problem in the modern western world church, however, is that it takes seventy-five of us to introduce just one person to Jesus. What this means is that in a calendar year, if your church is running seventy-five, then you will probably only have one outside conversion in that calendar year. Is this number a result of seventy-five people talking to this singular individual? The answer is a resounding, “NO!” The reason is because probably only one in that seventy-five are actually out there actively and intentionally sharing their faith, and even with them, not consistently. I am guilty of this fact myself. Beloved, let me encourage you to pray to the Lord of the harvest and ask Him to send out harvest workers. After you have prayed that prayer, then step out your door and become one of those workers. May we see many come to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ in this coming year.

Questions:

1. How are you helping to expand the Light, Jesus Christ, into the world?

2. Have you personally encountered this Light and experienced His salvific work in your life?

Prayer: Father, thank You for saving me from my sins. Let Your Spirit fall on me and may I be bold in proclaiming the gospel to those in need of You. Amen.

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Light Invades the World

Photo by Beverly

Scripture: Isaiah 9:2

The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them.

Insights: This week marks the end to our 2016 Thoughts by Scott blogposts. What better way to conclude our thoughts this year than with reflections on Christmas and the Light with entered the world to save humanity from their sins. As I preached this first point Sunday I read to the audience a blog post by Chad Bird (http://www.chadbird.com/blog/2016/12/17/when-a-dragon-tried-to-eat-jesus-the-nativity-story-we-dont-talk-about#.WFgbbuOSg_8.facebook). I recommend you click the provided link and read his blog post if you are not familiar with it. I shared this post because I think we all too often forget the militant language of Isaiah nine. The passage talks about spoils, battles, warriors, governments, and thrones. The passage is speaking of God’s invasion into the world in order to save the world from its sin. Bird reminds us out of the book of Revelation (12th chapter) that the dragon is before the woman ready to devour her child (Jesus). We think about the Bethlehem scene and think of tranquility and peace. The reality, however, is more like the beaches of Normandy than a Rockwellian Saturday Evening Post caricature. All too often I think we miss the significance of the Lord Jesus Christ’s incarnation. The eternal Triune God emptied Himself and came in the form of humanity in order to live amongst us and to teach us how to know Him. He then concluded His divine stay with us by giving up His life on the cross of Calvary for our sins. From the outset, this brith represented the greatest cosmic war invasion of all time. Beloved, let me encourage you to read the blog mentioned above and to reflect on the work of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Tomorrow, we will learn a little bit about our response to this invasion by the Lord. Let me encourage you to come back tomorrow to learn more about this amazing passage and this wonderful truth about the Savior, Jesus.

Questions:

1. Have you encountered the Light which invades the world?

2. In what ways does God’s invasion have impact in your life?

Prayer: Father, thank You for invading the world with Your Love, Jesus. My life has been completely transformed because of His work and I am eternally grateful for Your gift. Help me as we conclude this Christmas season to express genuine gratitude for Your grace and mercy. Amen.

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

God's Love Produces the Greatest Miracle of ALL

Photo by Patrick Q

Scripture: Isaiah 7:13-14

Then he said, “Listen now, O house of David! Is it too slight a thing for you to try the patience of men, that you will try the patience of my God as well? “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.

Insights: Today’s verses conclude our Thoughts by Scott this week and today’s verses really bring home the sermon title from this past Sunday. The sermon was titled For God So Loved the World. Remember the context of this passage. Ahaz is a wicked king who does not love God. God, however, loves him and wants a love relationship with him. So, God instructs Ahaz to give Him a sign, but Ahaz refuses. God, then, states He will provide a sign and that sign is a virgin will bear a son. This son’s name will be Immanual, which we know means God with us. The virgin birth is the greatest of all the miracles. The reason it is the greatest is because without this miracle, none of the other miracles happen. There is no feeding of the 5,000. There is no healing of the blind and lame. There is no raising Lazarus from the dead. There is no death on a cross which results in a pagan soldier declaring, “Surely this man is the son of God.” Without the virgin birth there is no resurrection from the dead for Jesus. All the miracles of our Lord are contingent on this singular miracle. God loved the world so much He sent His Son into the world. It was God’s invasion into the battle ground of our enemy, Satan, in order to rescue the perishing. Beloved, this is the greatest miracle of all. May we truly be reflective of all this miracle cost our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Over the next few days leading up to Christmas, may your thoughts, actions and intentions be centered around our loving Lord, Jesus. God bless you and Merry Christmas!

Questions:

1. Have you truly grasped the significance of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ?

2. Does the foundational miracle produce joy within your heart?

Prayer: Father, thank You for sending Your Son to the earth. This singular event changed everything. It set up the process for all the miracles of Your Son to occur. Even the miracle of saving my soul because of His work during Easter. May You be brought praise this Christmas season because of this amazing miracle of love. Amen.

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

How Would You Describe Your Relationship with the Lord?

Photo by Andrius Macko

Scripture: Isaiah 7:12

But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I test the Lord!”

Insights: Today’s verse almost makes it sound as if Ahaz is this godly man who knows the Scriptures tell us not to put the Lord our God to a test. The request God gave Ahaz in verse ten and eleven, however, is more indicative to what the Lord said to His people in the book of Malachi where He does tell them to test Him in regards to the tithe. So, when Ahaz gives this pious answer back to the Lord, it is not really genuine, but a cover for his lack of belief. You need to understand that Ahaz’ grandfather was Uzziah and the Scriptures tell us he was a good king. His father was Jotham and the Scriptures tell us he was also a good king. Ahaz’ son was Hezekiah and the Scriptures tell us he was a good king. Ahaz, however, the Scriptures tell us was an awful and wicked king. He even sacrificed his children on the altar to false gods. This man does not want to test the Lord God because he does not actually worship nor respect the One True God. The Father above, however, wants a relationship with Ahaz. He wants him to know Him in an intimate way. It was for this reason the Lord said to ask for a sign as deep as Sheol or as high as heaven. The Lord wants to prove He is who He claims to be and that he loves Ahaz. Ahaz, however, does not desire this intimacy with the Lord and acts the fool by saying, “I will not ask, nor will I test the Lord.” He tries to make himself look good, but fails miserably. Beloved, I wonder how often we play the fool and do not seek after intimacy with the Lord. I pray you will seek Him with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength. May you know Him and the fullness of His power.

Questions:

1. On a scale of 0-10 with 0 being not at all and 10 being perfect, what kind of relationship do you have with the Lord?

2. If you gave yourself a 0 or a very low number, why and would you want a relationship with Jesus.?

Prayer: Father, it is my desire to have true intimate relationship with You. Unfortunately, I often battle with my old sin nature and choose it over You. Lord, please forgive me when I choose sin and help me experience Your Spirit’s activity in my life to where I choose You more. Amen.

For What Grand Vision do You Challenge the Lord?

Photo by PHILIPPE BERDALLE

Ought to have been blog post 12/19/16

Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-11

Then the Lord spoke again to Ahaz, saying, “Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your God; make it deep as Sheol or high as heaven.”

Insights: This week we begin to investigate the fourth candle during the advent season. This candle centers around the subject of love. I titled the sermon Sunday For God So Loved the World. When we get to the third point of the sermon this week, you will understand this love concept better. The first two points, however, were questions for which we need to think about our lives. The first question is the title of today’s blog. Notice with me in the verses today that God tells Ahaz to ask Him for a sign as deep as Sheol or as high as heaven. Is there anything too difficult for the Lord? God can do far more than we can possibly think or imagine. He desires for us to do God’s sized work for Him here on this side of eternity. Unfortunately, I think most of us, myself included, have a very small view of God’s abilities. We do not ask God for a grand vision. I used the word challenge in the question today, but Beloved, I want you to understand that our greatest thought is not a challenge to the Lord. As we rapidly approach 2017, let me encourage you to start thinking of what grand vision the Lord would have for you next year. Begin asking Him to make it possible to do amazing things through Him and all for His glory. Make your vision as deep as Sheol or as high as heaven. It will not be too difficult for the Lord. Let’s obey Him and be amazed at His provision for the great vision He gives to us.

Questions:

1. Do you have a grand vision from the Lord?

2. Are you playing it safe and not risking it all for His glory?

Prayer: Father, Your thoughts are so much greater than my own. You are grand and push on me to be better than I presently am. I know, however, that in You I will grow and live up to a grander vision for my life because of Your involvement. Open my eyes to what You would desire of me. Amen.

We have Joy because Jesus Guides Our Path

Photo by Landon Monday

Ought to have been blog post 12/16/16

Scripture: Isaiah 35:8-10

A highway will be there, a roadway, And it will be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean will not travel on it, But it will be for him who walks that way, And fools will not wander on it. No lion will be there, Nor will any vicious beast go up on it; These will not be found there. But the redeemed will walk there, And the ransomed of the Lord will return And come with joyful shouting to Zion, With everlasting joy upon their heads. They will find gladness and joy, And sorrow and sighing will flee away.

Insights: Today’s verses conclude these thoughts this week on joy and how Jesus provides this joy to us. In today’s thoughts we see Jesus guiding us down the path of holiness. Only those who are born again are permitted to travel down this road. Notice with me how those ransomed by the Lord traverse this roadway, with joyful shouting and with everlasting joy on their heads. These adventurers find gladness and joy and all their sorrow and sighing flee them. I think this truth is pretty profound and worth noting. I think the best fictional work that portrays a believers journey down this Highway of Holiness is John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress. In this story Christian is tempted off of the road on many occasions and it chronicles his journey back to the road and finally the celestial city. Beloved, Satan, hates you and desires to steal your joy. He will do whatever he can to distract you from remaining on the path. He will put inappropriate relationships in your path. He will put greed for the things of this world in your path. He will fill you with justifications that will turn into hatred toward others in your path. He will lie to you and cheat you, but it will all be done to get you off of the path which leads to joy in the Lord. Jesus walks this path with those who are His. It is my prayer you keep your eyes transfixed on the Savior and enter into His joy and rest.

Questions:

1. On what path are you walking?

2. Is joy produced in your life know Jesus is your personal guide on this journey?

Prayer: Father, thank You for guiding my path and leading me down the highway of righteousness. I am allowed on this path only because You saved me. My life is forever joyful because of Your redemptive work. Thank You, Lord. Amen.

We have Joy because Jesus Establishes a New Economy

Photo by Moyan Brenn

Ought to have been blog post 12/15/16

Scripture: Isaiah 35:7

The scorched land will become a pool And the thirsty ground springs of water; In the haunt of jackals, its resting place, Grass becomes reeds and rushes.

Insights: Today’s verse is similar to verses one and two, but there is a slight change in focus. In verses one and two the emphasis was on life. In today’s verse we find a more agrarian illustration being given. The world of Isaiah was agrarian in nature. The work from the land produced their economic prosperity or poverty. The Lord is telling His people through Isaiah that their scorched lands will one day be filled with springs of water. Grass will become reeds and rushes. In other words, the toils of the labor will be reduced. They will have economic prosperity. The reality is that when Jesus comes for His second advent He will usher in a new work economy. We will still work, but the side affects of sin in the world will be no more. We will labor and not be burdened. Work will be a joy and the reason is because God transforms the economic condition of eternity. I readily admit I have no idea how this transformation is going to look, but what I know is it is going to result in our lives being full of joy. Our work will be pleasant and rewarding. I love to work, but in this world work does have draw backs. We get tired. We become frustrated at times. We deal with people and personalities. Sin has a way of negatively affecting every one of these areas. At Jesus’ second advent these areas are no longer hindered by sin and are perfect. I long for that day.

Questions:

1. Are you battling economic challenges?

2. Does the prospect of the Lord changing the eternal economy help produce joy in your life?

Prayer: Father, thank You for having the perfect economy. I do not fully grasp it nor do I understand it, but what I do know is You redeem work and I am grateful for Your provision. Work will become a perfect joy one day and I say thank You. Amen.

We have Joy because Jesus Heals Our Physiological Wounds

Photo by U.S. Pacific Fleet

Ought to have been blog post 12/14/16

Scripture: Isaiah 35:5-6

Then the eyes of the blind will be opened And the ears of the deaf will be unstopped. Then the lame will leap like a deer, And the tongue of the mute will shout for joy. For waters will break forth in the wilderness And streams in the Arabah.

Insights: Our previous verses dealt with our psychological healing Jesus provides. Today’s verses deal with our physiological healing of our bodies. Let me emphasis for just a moment that our physical healing may not actually come until we enter into glory, but the promise of this healing (whether here in the temporary life or in our eternal life) ought to produce within us a joy of our physical restoration. Notice with me from today’s verses all Jesus is coming to heal. He heals our eyes, our ears, our legs and even our tongues. Our lives become instantaneous vessels of praise to the Lord God because of His healing power in our lives. When we are healthy we take for granted our physical health. When we are not physically healthy it often times becomes a consuming aspect of our focus. Yet, in the health or in the brokenness, the Lord God is to be praised because of His perfecting work in our bodies. Beloved, let me encourage you to look for those in physical pain. Be ready to encourage the in Jesus. Help them to understand this life is the temporary, but there is a life after this one that is for all time. Help them to know in a relational since Jesus the One who will heal their bodies. Let them know of they joy you have because of this assurance of physical healing found in our Lord.

Questions:

1. What kind of physiological wounds are you bearing?

2. Are you willing to endure through them in order for Jesus to eternally heal you?

Prayer: Father, thank You for healing my physical wounds. I recognize the fall of man allowed the body to become corrupted and to bear within it suffering and pain. Help me to rest secure in Your eternal renewal of my body when I enter into glory with You. Amen.

We have Joy because Jesus Heals Our Psychological Wounds

Photo by TraumaAndDisassociation

Ought to have been blog post 12/13/16

Scripture: Isaiah 35:3-4

Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble. Say to those with anxious heart, “Take courage, fear not. Behold, your God will come with vengeance; The recompense of God will come, But He will save you.”

Insights: Let me start with an apologize today for getting this blog out to you so late in the week. In fact, you will be getting the remainder of the week today. As a way of reminder, this week we are looking at the joy we have in Jesus. One of the reasons we have joy in Jesus is because He heals our psychological wounds. Notice with me the different words used in today’s verses. Isaiah writes about those feeling exhausted, then those who are feeble. He goes on to mention those with anxious hearts and fear. Finally, he discusses those who desire vengeance on their enemies. Every one of these words describe battles within the mind. We wrestle through these issues in the mental realm. Satan, our adversary, attacks us in our thought life and makes us dwell on each of these issues. Every one of us have at one point or another battled through these various issues and yet through Jesus we are being promised encouragement instead of exhaustion. We are given strength and are no longer feeble. We are given courage when we are fearful and anxious. God grants recompense when we desire vengeance. The key factor to this healing comes in the last phrase of today’s verses, Jesus saves us. In other words, when He saves us from our sin, He gives us His joy and enables us to find encouragement, strength, courage and biblical restitution. This reality gives me great joy and allows me to walk in His healing of my psychological wounds. Beloved, Jesus heals us of these wounds and gives us joy, but not for us to selfishly hoard to ourselves. We ought to be spokesmen and women for the saving power of God’s grace. Let me encourage you to look around you this day and give words of encouragement and not pain. Help others to find the same healing you have received from Jesus.

Questions:

1. What kind of psychological wounds are you bearing?

2. Are you willing to surrender them to Jesus and let Him heal you?

Prayer: Father, thank You for healing my mental wounds. Help me to not harbor resentment or hate toward others, but to rather think well of all people and to honor them. Amen.

Monday, December 12, 2016

We have Joy because Jesus Gives Life

Photo by Sander van der Wel

Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-2

The wilderness and the desert will be glad, And the Arabah will rejoice and blossom; Like the crocus It will blossom profusely And rejoice with rejoicing and shout of joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, The majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the Lord, The majesty of our God.

Insights: This third week of Advent focuses on the subject of joy. Jesus Christ provides us with joy and this week we will look at five reasons or areas in which the Lord gives us this joy. Today we look at the first and it is the most important. We have joy because Jesus has given us life. Notice in today’s verses that Isaiah’s imagery is that of a wilderness and a desert. These are images of death and decay. You do not want to be in the wilderness or desert in this kind of context. Yet, the Lord informs us that we will see His glory which is the majesty of God. This glory and majesty became flesh and dwelt among us in the form of Jesus Christ, God’s Son. If we have received His free gift of eternal life in Him, then we are no longer dead in our trespasses and sin. Rather we are alive and freed to blossom profusely like the crocus. We will have shouts of joy in our hearts and we will proclaim boldly the grace and glory of our Lord. Beloved, we live in a very skeptical society when it comes to Jesus and His saving work. Yet the Scriptures were written over centuries by numerous authors and they all point to the central figure, Jesus. This kind of work could not have happened if it were not true. This singular evidence ought to press on your mind and make you begin the journey of investigation. If you are willing to be honest and to set aside your prejudices, you will come to the realization you truly are a dead person. You are in need of life and only Jesus can give it to you. It is my prayer this Christmas season that you find Him.

Questions:

1. Have you ever been born again by the work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary and in His subsequent resurrection?

2. If not, why not?

Prayer: Father, thank You for giving me new life. I was dead in my sin and destined for the Lake of Fire separated from You. You, however, swooped in and rescued me from this fate and have given me eternal life. Thank You. Amen.

Friday, December 9, 2016

Peace Found in Jesus' Restoration

Photo by Kit

Scripture: Isaiah 11:6-10

And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, And the leopard will lie down with the young goat, And the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little boy will lead them. Also the cow and the bear will graze, Their young will lie down together, And the lion will eat straw like the ox. The nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra, And the weaned child will put his hand on the viper’s den. They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord As the waters cover the sea. Then in that day The nations will resort to the root of Jesse, Who will stand as a signal for the peoples; And His resting place will be glorious.

Insights: Today’s verses conclude our theme this week regarding peace. Today’s focus is on the Lord’s restorative nature on all of creation. Look at these images in today’s verses regarding lions and oxen, cobras and children, and even cows and bears. They are no longer at war with each other. They are living at perfect peace with each other just as they had before the fall in the Garden of Eden. The Lord perfectly restores creation back to what it ought to have always been. The difference between the first garden and the eternal dwelling of the redeemed is the absolute death of sin. In eternity future there is absolutely no longer a battle with the old sin nature of man. Jesus Christ paid the price required in His death to abolish the power of sin forever. This future day is one for which I personally long. We have looked at four other aspects regarding peace in our lives from the Savior this week. This final thought ought to give us peace on its merits alone. To know there is not a future sin-filled pain gives me a great deal of peace. May the Lord be brought glory for His ever faithful goodness and eternal peace.

Questions:

1. Do you ever ponder your transformation from a sin stained life to a completely restored glorious life?

2. Do you ever express gratitude to the Lord for your future restoration?

Prayer: Father, thank You for the restoring work you are doing in my life right now, but I thank You even more for my future restoration in glory. I long for that day of perfect redemption. Amen.

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Peace Found in Jesus' Character

Photo by Keith Davenport

Scripture: Isaiah 11:5

Also righteousness will be the belt about His loins, And faithfulness the belt about His waist.

Insights: In today’s verse we learn about the character of Jesus. He is righteous. I love this attribute about Him because that means He is always acting rightly. In other words, I can trust Him to act rightly on my behalf all of the time. Now, it is true I do not always understand or recognize His actions being right. There are times in which He has to discipline me and when He does I don’t feel He is acting rightly toward me. Afterwards, however, I do understand and am able to recognize He had my best interest at heart the entire time. Another character trait that today’s verse informs us about Jesus is His faithfulness. Jesus is always faithful. The Great Commission tells us Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us. This faithful promise of eternal presence is offered only to those who are His. A lost person will not receive this promise of never leaving them. If they die without being born again, then they will be separated forever from His grace, mercy and love. If, however, one is born again, then they can rest assured in Jesus’ faithful promise to never leave them nor forsake them. Jesus has many other attributes to His character, but these two are all today’s verse points to. These two character traits alone, however, ought to give you a great deal of peace as you trust in your Savior.

Questions:

1. What aspect of Jesus’ character is your favorite?

2. Are you striving to emulate that characteristic into your life?

Prayer: Father, I praise You for Your splendid character. You are marvelous and good. You are always right and faithful. May I learn more of Your amazing grace. Amen.

Peace Found in Jesus' Justice

Photo by Clyde Robinson

Scripture: Isaiah 11:3-4

And He will delight in the fear of the Lord, And He will not judge by what His eyes see, Nor make a decision by what His ears hear; But with righteousness He will judge the poor, And decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth; And He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked.

Insights: Our world is full of injustices. I was in a donut shop this morning and they had the news on their television screens. I watched as the news displayed a robbery in which the police are looking for the suspects on the video. If any one has any information, they are to report to the local law enforcement agency. The shop honor in this video report experienced an injustice. Injustices expand far beyond just petty theft as well. The manner in which we treat an individual can be a form of injustice. There is One, however, who judges rightly every circumstance and situation. This One is the Messiah, Jesus Christ. In the midst of all this world’s crazy chaos it gives me hope to know that Jesus will make all things right as He ushers in all of eternity. The wicked, those who have never encountered Jesus in a relational way, will spend eternity separated from His love in the Lake of Fire. The righteous, those who have been born again by Jesus’ grace, will spend eternity with Him in heaven. All avenues of injustice will be rectified into one of these two camps at the time of eternal judgment. As we read today’s verses we see Jesus does not judge based on His sight or His ability to hear. He judges perfectly from within a person. His vision allows Him to see deeper than just surface level. He sees the motives and intents of a person’s heart. It is my prayer that your knowledge of God’s perfect justice gives you a peace regarding your future.

Questions:

1. Have you ever experienced an injustice?

2. Does the realization that God judges perfectly produce peace within your life?

Prayer: Father, as I look around this world I see injustices everywhere. I am grateful You see them as well and You work out Your justice perfectly. Let me rest and trust in Your judicial system. Amen.