October 8, 2006 - Isaiah 30-31 and Philippians 4
There is one main theme in both of these passages again. It is amazing how God works this out, isn't it? He wants us to know that it is futile to trust in human or earthly power, but if we trust in Him anything is possible. That has always been true, and it will always be true. However, it is human nature to be impressed with ourselves and with armies and military power. Believe me, God is not impressed by our strength or by our armies. He is the Almighty One. We must learn that it is vain to trust in anyone or anything else, besides God.
In Isaiah 30 and 31 Israel is warned against turning to Egypt to help them in their fight against Assyria. (30:1-2) This failure to trust God was just rebellion. It was not logical or practical. It was sin. In God's way of doing things we are saved by returning to Him and in resting in Him. (30:15) God made this clear to Israel, and He makes it clear to us today. When Israel trusted Egypt, they both fell to Assyria. (31:3b) That was God's way of teaching them to trust in Him. I am sure that you can look back in your life and remember times when much the same thing happened to you, when you trusted in something besides God.
Now, think about Philippians 4. We are to rejoice in the Lord, not in earthly things. We are not to be anxious about anything, but to entrust everything to Him in prayer. We are to see that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. We are to know that when we give our money to do God's will, He will supply our needs from His riches. What an encouragement to trust God completely. I pray that all of us know the joy of having God's victory in our lives.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Isaiah 32-33 and Colossians 1.
In Isaiah 30 and 31 Israel is warned against turning to Egypt to help them in their fight against Assyria. (30:1-2) This failure to trust God was just rebellion. It was not logical or practical. It was sin. In God's way of doing things we are saved by returning to Him and in resting in Him. (30:15) God made this clear to Israel, and He makes it clear to us today. When Israel trusted Egypt, they both fell to Assyria. (31:3b) That was God's way of teaching them to trust in Him. I am sure that you can look back in your life and remember times when much the same thing happened to you, when you trusted in something besides God.
Now, think about Philippians 4. We are to rejoice in the Lord, not in earthly things. We are not to be anxious about anything, but to entrust everything to Him in prayer. We are to see that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. We are to know that when we give our money to do God's will, He will supply our needs from His riches. What an encouragement to trust God completely. I pray that all of us know the joy of having God's victory in our lives.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Isaiah 32-33 and Colossians 1.