I'm currently reading in Isaiah and this time through the Bible I'm reading the New Living Translation
So today, instead of a regular book review, I decided to share some passages from Isaiah that have stood out to me and have encouraged me in my daily walk with the Lord. For example, these verses from Isaiah 58 that struck me:
"(v. 7) I want you to share your food with the hungry and to welcome poor wanderers into your homes. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. [...] (v. 10) Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness and the darkness around you will be as bright as day. [...] (v. 13b & 14a) Honor the LORD in everything you do, and don't follow your own desires or talk idly. If you do this, the LORD will be your delight."
I'm afraid that I am guilty of idle talk and certainly of following my own desires, but my aim is to honor the LORD in all that I do - even when I fail royally and have to start all over. The reminders to share what we have been given by God were especially pertinent with my recent job and our rental home purchase. I won't go into detail, but let's just say that I needed to read those verses at this time in my life.
Creation is another passion of mine, and Isaiah has a lot to say about the Creator of the universe. I found these verses to be beautiful reminders of Who made the heavens and the earth, who controls all things and who gives strength to those who are weary:
Isaiah 40:25-26, 28-31 says, "To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?" asks the Holy One. Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out one after another, calling each by its name. And he counts them to see that none are lost or have strayed away. [...] Don't you know that the LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to those who are tired and worn out he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
These are beautiful reminders to me that even on the worst of days, God is still with me, He still cares for me, and nothing that happens in my life is a surprise to the One who created me. Happy Reading!
Great post! I am reading Isaiah right now, too. What a great book it is.
ReplyDeleteGood stuff (and infinitely better than any other book you could review, so no worries there!). Today was the day to quote Isaiah, I guess - I did too! Hope you have a good week...
ReplyDeleteGreat post! It was just what I needed to read today. The Isaiah 40 verse is one of my favorites.
ReplyDeletetee hee, must get a NLT version! I love the bit about not running away from relatives that need your help! So true!
ReplyDeleteBTW Carrie, I haven't been logging on much as I've been trying to create banners for a website so I have missed your blog revamp - how cool is that! I LURRRVE IT!
I can't WAIT until I get back to Isaiah. Isn't it rich and beautiful? Thank you for the 58:7 reminder. Just reading it again got me thinking about how that's playing out in my life right now... God's word is so miraculous.
ReplyDelete{and I agree with Little Gumnut - STILL loving the look of your blog!!}