Tag: Isaiah 35:10
Home by another way!
Scripture reading for June 30th: Matthew 2
Key Scriptures: Matthew 2:7-11 “Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose, went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.“
Matthew alone records the visit of these wise men from the East, probably ancient Persia. These wise men were seeking one born “King of the Jews” and had come to Jerusalem seeking this child. They had followed a star that appeared to lead them there. King Herod and the city and temple officials were troubled by this entourage and their request. The temple officials stated that the Christ was to be born in Bethlehem. After inquiring, King Herod sent for them and questioned them about their mission. He told them to search diligently and report back to him so he might worship too. They listened and went to find the child, again following the star that led them to the exact place. These men rejoiced and when they saw the child, immediately fell down in worship. They opened their treasures and gave freely to honor this Child. But God warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. These Gentiles found another way home to their country, made truly rich by now seeing the “King of the Jews”. They went on their way rejoicing!
Matthew 2:12 “And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country another way.”
Faith confession and prayer: Father God, thank You for revealing Your Son to all nations, tongues and tribes and bringing the joy of salvation to all the lost of mankind. Help me to proclaim clearly the way home to “Father’s House” to those in my family and sphere of influence. Jesus alone is the Way to our eternal home!
John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
Isaiah 35:10 “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”
Our body is a Holy Temple!
Scripture reading for September 1st: Isaiah 33-35, 1st Corinthians 6
Key Scriptures: 1st Corinthians 6:15,18-20 “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never!” , , ,”Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? Your are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
Corinth was a city known for it’s gross sexual immorality. Many church members had been saved out of that culture. Paul patiently explained that as believers, they were now part of Christ’s Body which was holy. By taking their bodies and joining them sexually with another person that was not their spouse, they were sinning against their own body and the Holy Spirit Who lived in them. God purchased us with the price of His own Son’s blood! Let His Glory shine through us in holiness! This is everlasting joy!
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, I welcome the Holy Spirit to my body! Thank You for redeeming me with the precious blood of Your body. Shine the light of Your holiness through me bringing glory to Your Name and everlasting joy!
Isaiah 35:10 “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads’ they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”