Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Isaiah 41-42
Devotional Thought:
In a few chapters, we will find that the Lord makes it clear that we should never be afraid because He is always in control. “I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.” (Is. 45:13) Here in chapter 41, God is telling his people to not be afraid because of Cyrus, but to realize that he is simply a servant to the Most High. God has risen up Cyrus, king of Persia, to come to conquer Babylon so that His people, the Israelites, can be delivered from slavery and be allowed to go back to Jerusalem and rebuild their city. One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 41:10 which says, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. “ God says that we are upheld by this right hand that pictures his power to do everything He purposes to do. He further communicates that His right hand, that can do anything, will only do what is right, “…the right hand of my righteousness.” What a comfort to know that my God is at work in my life, doing everything I need Him to do, while only allowing what is right to happen. Will you trust Him with all your heart today? Are you facing enemies today? God promises Israel that (1) ALL they that are incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded and (2) ALL they that strive against thee shall perish and (3) ALL they that war against thee shall be as nothing. Here is the incredible promise in verse 13, “For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” The end of chapter 41, God makes it clear that we better not turn to false gods or to ourselves, but rather we must turn to God in prayer. God wants us expose our heart to Him and share our concerns and how we see things. In verse 21 He says, “Produce your cause, saith the Lord, bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob.” Tell God why you think what you think, but always in the context of trusting Him and not yourself. God is there to hear and answer the prayers of His children.
Personal Requests:
• Lord, help me to trust you with every detail of my life.
• Lord, thank you for being with me through every trial. Help me to realize everything you allow into my life is for my ultimate good.
• Lord, I acknowledge your power and my inability, your wisdom and my lack, your strength and my weakness.
• Lord, help me to be a good steward of that which You have entrusted to me. Please protect my family, my church, and ultimately my testimony. Help me to be a man of character and integrity.