July 26 - Isaiah 31-34
Why can't a person or a country fight against God and win? The answer is given in Isaiah 31. God is a Spirit. He can destroy anyone or anything with His might, but no human can even see Him much less harm Him. You are fighting a losing battle, if you are fighting God. Return to Him against whom you have revolted. (31:6)
Chapter 32 has an extended section on complacency. People tend to drift into complacency, because the flesh wants to be lazy and do as little as possible. God knows how to wake us up from our indifference to Him. He will wake us up, because he loves us. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is the only complete cure of complacency. (32:15) He will convict us of sin, righteousness, and judgment. he will spur us to live a holy life of purpose. The effect of living a righteous life will be peace and quietness, but not complacency. There is a big difference.
One of the other things that should keep us from apathy is the reality of God's judgment and His vengeance. The rest of this passage speaks of God bringing a time of vengeance on the earth. The truth is that God is merciful, but His mercy does not keep Him from bringing vengeance on sin at the right time. It is also true that we never know when the time of vengeance on us may take place. It is important for us to be born again and to keep a close relationship with God, so He does not ever have to carry out His vengeance on us. Please, remember I John 1:9. Don't let your sins build up between you and God. Confess them and ask God to cleanse you at least daily.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Isaiah 35-37.
Chapter 32 has an extended section on complacency. People tend to drift into complacency, because the flesh wants to be lazy and do as little as possible. God knows how to wake us up from our indifference to Him. He will wake us up, because he loves us. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is the only complete cure of complacency. (32:15) He will convict us of sin, righteousness, and judgment. he will spur us to live a holy life of purpose. The effect of living a righteous life will be peace and quietness, but not complacency. There is a big difference.
One of the other things that should keep us from apathy is the reality of God's judgment and His vengeance. The rest of this passage speaks of God bringing a time of vengeance on the earth. The truth is that God is merciful, but His mercy does not keep Him from bringing vengeance on sin at the right time. It is also true that we never know when the time of vengeance on us may take place. It is important for us to be born again and to keep a close relationship with God, so He does not ever have to carry out His vengeance on us. Please, remember I John 1:9. Don't let your sins build up between you and God. Confess them and ask God to cleanse you at least daily.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Isaiah 35-37.