11 June (Isaiah 54-58)

Isaiah 54

(v.4) Isn't it comforting that we won't forget our failures and mistakes in heaven? Our kids can't appreciate that now, since they haven't lived long enough to have a stack of failures on their resume, but it's worth mentioning to them.

(v.6) This is an important topic to discuss with your kids...why has God taken so long to return? After all, it's been over 2,000 years! I explain to my kids that God is outside of time...He doesn't have a clock. As it is written, a thousand years is like a day to Him, and a day is like a thousand years...time is only here on earth.

Another way to put it is when we get older, we get more patient...and God has been around forever, so He's really patient! That is good, for there are many people who need to know the love of Christ, so we need to get busy!

(v.17) Isn't it great to know that ultimately, no weapon or thing can separate us from the love of God! I like to read Rom 8:38-39 to my kids to bring home the point.

Isaiah 55

(v.3) Satan uses our eyes to tempt us, but God uses our ears to teach us. If we read or hear the Word of God, we are in tune with God. If we go through life wanting to see amazing things to believe in God, then we'll be disappointed and tricked by Satan.

(v.6) What a sobering verse! There will be a time that God will cease to be available to the world. It's up to us who follow Christ to seek the lost, and tell them the Gospel before it's too late.

(v.8) I remember this verse when something in my life goes contrary to common sense or my understanding...God's ways are not mine. He knows what's best for me and my family, so trust in Him and let Him bring us to where He wants us!

(v.11) This is why we read the Bible...it affects us, and motivates us to be more like Christ. His Word will not disappoint or forsake us, rather, it will guide us and encourage us if we let it.

Isaiah 56

(v.5) I talk with my kids that their Mommy and I have names for them...nicknames and terms of endearment. The Creator of the Universe has a special name for each of us, one that only He knows right now, but for eternity, He will call us by that name. It will be our own bond to Him.

Isaiah 57

(v.2) When we have a loved one who dies, and know the LORD, it is sad, but we should also rejoice that they are with God. When we leave this world, we will have immediate peace and joy...for eternity!

(v.12) Those that refuse to follow God will be judged by their deeds in life...and they will fall way short of the holiness of God. They will be speechless, and know their folly, but it's too late. Please think of family or friends who aren't walking with the LORD and plead with them to repent...it's the only and best thing we can give someone who thinks they have everything.

(v.15) Not only is God in heaven, but He's in our hearts if we have asked Him to be there. His Spirit works in us to make us more like the Son. God is everywhere, but there is nowhere more important than in our hearts.

Isaiah 58

This is a great chapter since it addresses the act of fasting for the LORD. I have done it many times, and when I've been fully committed, I've grown closer to God. But only if we do it to be closer to God, will we be successful. Some do it to try to show their righteousness, which is not the case. Fasting is essential for the seeking Christian, so do it privately and secretly, and see what God tells you.