Reading Isaiah is like sitting back and watching his spirit move and hover across the land. This mighty one who stirs kings, permits victories or defeats, reduces, scatters, chases. He summons generations from the beginning of time. This mighty one. He is powerful and he is gentle.
It’s a whispered reminder: chosen.
It comforts and empowers: don’t be afraid; don’t be discouraged.
With you. Your God. Strengthen and help. Hold you up.
Words spoken to a nation and a people from a different place and time.
Idols, still, sit silent. Still as empty as the wind.
Who will hear these lessons from the past
and see the ruin that awaits you in the future? Isaiah 42:23, NLT
Reading Colossians 1 is like sitting back and watching his spirit move and hover across the land. This mighty one who goes out all over the world in a word, fruit bearing and life changing. This mighty one.
New Testament whispers: chosen.
6 This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.
7 You learned about the Good News from Epaphras, our beloved co-worker. He is Christ’s faithful servant, and he is helping us on your behalf. 8 He has told us about the love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you.
9 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.
11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, 12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. 13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Colossians 1:6-14, NLT.
It empowers and encourages. Christ who lives in you.
24 I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church. 25 God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. 26 This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. 27 For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.
28 So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. 29 That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me. Colossians 1:24-29, NLT.
Thank you, Lord, that you are with us and won’t abandon us. Praying for brothers and sisters around the world who cling to you and hold up your word in the darkest places.
Courtney (66books365)
Sixty-six books in a year 