The Pit of Corruption is Dug for the Wicked

Scripture: Isaiah 38: 17-19

Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back. For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth. The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth.

Scripture Commentary: Only God can lift us from the pit of corruption and despair

Hezekiah realized that God answered his prayers. God delivered him from the pit of corruption, and forgave him. How do you respond when God answers your prayer? Do you thank him but continue with your life as if nothing happened, or do you live your life for our Lord?

Isaiah 38: 17-19 have three important messages:

God answers prayers
We should go into the world and spread his word
You can not talk from the grave

The time is now to live a life for God

Hezekiah expresses the significance of passing the joy of the Lord from father to children, from generation to generation. We have the Word of God because of faithful men and women who passed along the message through the centuries.

We exist for a moment in time, but the time that we have is the time that God gave us. When we enter the grave we cannot work for God, we can only do that for him while we are living.

Live today and the rest of your earthly life for God!

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Isaiah Chapter 38

Jesus Is the One and Only

Scripture: John 8: 19, 21, 24

Then they asked him, “Where is your father?” “You do not know me, or my father,” Jesus replied. “If you know me, you would know my Father also.”(19) Once more Jesus said to them, “I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I go, you cannot come.”(21) I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins.(24)

Scripture Commentary: Jesus is the one true light

Jesus is “the one.” He is who he claimed to be. Rejecting him is rejecting our only salvation. Christ died for our sins and recognizing that, and living by that, is what saves us from our sins. People live by the values of this world and ignore the gift Christ gave us.

Where is your focus; on the values of this world or on the priceless gift of an eternal life with God? Jesus is the truth that sets us free, and rejecting him means lying to yourself. He is the standard for what is right and he is a model for how we should try to live.

The truth can free you from the consequence of your sin. He is the truth that will break down your self deception, and deception by Satan. You have a choice to know the truth or lie to yourself. Do not leave here without Jesus Christ in your life.

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John Chapter 8

One Day Is as a Thousand Years

Scripture: 2 Peter 3: 8-9

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some men count slowness; but is longsuffering to toward you, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Scripture Commentary: Live one day at a time doing your best for God

When we decide to put our struggles in God’s hands, there is often an expectation that he will help us in the near future. People often desire instant gratification, but what is one day to us, is as a thousand years to God.

Have you ever found yourself in a troubling situation and considered how you got there? Often, we (ourselves) are the cause of our own struggling. If God cleared up our obstacles immediately, then we wouldn’t have the opportunity to learn something and grow stronger.

God seems slow, but he is not; God is on a different time table

Jesus is waiting for more sinners to repent and turn to him before he returns. We cannot sit around and wait for Jesus to return. We must live with the realization that our earthly time is short, and there is important work to be done for the Kingdom of God on earth.

Live in eager expectation of the coming of the Lord, and know that God has provided you with all that you need to survive.

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2 Peter Chapter 3

God Breaks Down Stubborn Pride

Scripture: Ezekiel 2: 4-5

The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says.’ And whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious people—they will know that a prophet has been among them.

Scripture Commentary: A stubborn nature drives us backward, not forward

God gave Ezekiel the difficult responsibility of presenting His message to ungrateful and abusive people. God called the people “obstinate and stubborn” because they refused to admit their sin. Even when God pointed out their wrongdoing, the people ignored the truth. Are we turning a blind eye to our sins?

As Christians, we are an example of God’s Word. We must live as He tells us to live. The Lord told Ezekiel not to be afraid, but to speak His words even if the people would not listen.

God will not judge us for how well others respond to our faith, but for how faithful we are

We do not have to fear rejection or ridicule when God’s spirit is within us. He does not give us a task too large to handle, and He is always watching over us when we go onto the battlefield for him. God’s strength is powerful enough to help us live for Him even under the heaviest criticism.

God always gives us the strength to accomplish what He asks us to do. When God talks, we must listen.

Are you ready to hear the Word of God?

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Ezekiel 2

Value Others As You Do Yourself

Scripture: Philippians 2: 1-3

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,if any tenderness and compassion, ²then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. ³Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

Scripture Commentary: Humility involves having a true perspective about ourselves

Selfish ambition can ruin a person and a church but genuine humility can build both. Many people, even christians, live only to make a good impression on others or to please themselves. Self ambition and/or vain conceit brings discord. We are to value others above ourselves.

Paul stressed spiritual unity, asking that everyone love one another and be of one spirit and purpose with Our Lord Jesus Christ. If we work together, caring for each other’s problems as if they were our own, then we are living by Jesus’ example of putting others first.

This doesn’t mean that we’re putting ourselves down. This just means that we work to move out of our selfishness and treat others with respect and common courtesy.

You can approach life expecting to be served or you can be a server for God

We are all sinners before God, saved by His grace. Because He saved us, we have great worth in His kingdom.

Jesus Christ was humble, willing to give up His rights to obey God and serve us. We are to serve out of love, not guilt or fear.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Philippians Chapter 2

Ask God and Believe He Will Answer You

Scripture: James 1: 5-8

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Scripture Commentary: If any man lack wisdom, let him ask God

Do you ask God for guidance in your life or for things in your life? Everyone has needs, but what of other people’s needs?

Do you go out and seek to help others? If you follow Jesus, you know He will take care of you. By studying the Word, God will give you the wisdom. And wisdom is practical discernment that begins with respect for God which leads to living right. The result is an increased ability to discern right from wrong.

If your mind wavers between earthly things and God, then you’re on the wrong path. To stabilize your wavering or doubtful mind, commit yourself wholeheartedly to God. He will put you on solid ground.

True wealth lies in developing your spiritual life, not your financial assets. God is interested in what is lasting (your soul), not in what is temporary (money or possessions).

Strive to treat people as God treats you.

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James 1

Don’t Stew in Bitterness, Rage and Anger

Scripture: Ephesians 4: 29-32

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Scripture Commentary: Bitterness, rage and anger are the path that leads to Satan

God, in His grace and mercy, has forgiven us for our past and for our sins. He has given us new life. If we are His, then we can forgive others as He has forgiven us. If we can’t say anything good about a person, then we are to say nothing. We are to go to God and let the Holy Spirit that is in us work in us, then we will see and feel the bitterness, rage and anger peel away.

The Bible doesn’t tell us that we shouldn’t feel angry, but we shouldn’t hold onto that negative emotion. Anger will destroy and give Satan a hold on us. Paul tells us to deal with our anger immediately in a way that builds relationships.

God forgave us! We shouldn’t let a day end without working to mend our relationships. We are to mirror God’s love to others.

God acted in love by sending His only son Jesus Christ to die for our sins. He was raised from the grave on the third day to give us a way to be with Him and His Father for eternity.

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Ephesians 4

The Lord Is My Mighty Fortress, My Deliverer

Scripture: Psalms 62: 1-8

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. How long will you assault me? Would all of you throw me down— this leaning wall, this tottering fence? Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse.Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

Scripture Commentary: God is the fortress that shields us from harm

David expressed his feelings to God and then reaffirmed his faith. Prayer can release tension in times of emotional stress. Trusting God to be our rock, salvation and fortress will change our entire outlook on life.

God values our faithful work for Him

No longer must we be held captive by resentment towards others when they hurt us. It can be tempting to us to use honor, power, wealth, or prestige to measure people. We may even think that such people are really getting ahead in life. But on God’s scales, we are all a “breath,” a puff of air.

Wealth, honor power, or prestige add nothing to our value in God’s eyes, but the faithful work we do for Him has eternal value. When we are resting in God’s strength, nothing can shake us.

Have you placed your life in God’s hands?

When you do, the so called burdens you carry will leave you because He will carry you through.

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Psalms 62

Do You Listen to God or to Yourself?

Scripture: Ezekiel 2: 1, 4, 7

He said to me, “Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” (1) The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says.’ (4) You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious. (7)

Scripture Commentary: Love the Lord your God and listen to his voice and hold fast to Him*

Do you listen to God or to yourself? Are you rebellious, impudent and hardhearted? God knows the true answer, so be honest. If you have an open and obedient attitude, God will fill you with His spirit and power so that you can accomplish the job He has for you.

We’re living in the same times as Ezekiel, with people living in sin and saying that it’s OK. Men with men, women with women, stealing, lying, and living only for oneself.

We are made from the dust of the ground yet God chooses to place within us His life and breath. And He asks us to serve Him. How can we serve God and live in sin? We are weak, but living for God will strengthen us for the purpose He has for us.

The Lord told Ezekiel not to be afraid. Ezekiel was to speak His words whether or not the people listened. God doesn’t expect us to understand everything about Him. We are to be willing and obedient servants, faithful to what we know is true, right and Godly.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Ezekiel 2

Additional Reading Also Referenced:
Deuteronomy 30

Salvation Is a Gift of God That Cannot Be Earned

Scripture: Ephesians 2: 8-10

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Scripture Commentary: God, through Jesus Christ, has given us the gift of salvation

How do we respond to this gift? We should respond to the gift of salvation with gratitude, praise and joy.

We became christians through God’s unmerited grace, not as the result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice, or act of service on our part.

If we are grateful for this free gift, we will naturally seek to help and serve others with kindness, love and gentleness. We won’t work to merely please ourselves. No action or work we do can helps us obtain salvation. God’s intention is that our salvation will result in acts of service.

We are not saved merely for our own benefit but in order to serve Christ and build up His church.

Go out and encourage others who are struggling. Show, through action, the love of Jesus Christ.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Ephesians Chapter 2