Hosea 1-5
Observe: The prophet Hosea is the first of the Minor Prophets seen in the Hebrew Bible and lived around 200 years after Israel and Judah split apart into two separate kingdoms. We are introduced to Hosea when the Lord orders him to marry a prostitute and have children with her, to name the children Not My People, No Mercy, and Jezreel, all symbolizing different aspects of the judgement facing Israel. He knew too that his wife would be unfaithful, going after other men. The second chapter contains prophesies of both punishment and mercy for Israel, followed by Hosea having to redeem his prostitute wife from the other men to whom she has given herself. The third chapter also contains another prophecy of Israel returning to seek the Lord and living in His goodness. Chapters four and five contain accusations of Israel’s unfaithfulness and evil with the promise of judgement, culminating appropriately in 5:11 “Ephraim [Israel, the northern kingdom] is oppressed, crushed in judgement, because he was determined to go after filth.” Interpret: Israel had become delusional; She had become convinced that it was the Baals and the Ashtaroth that had been the source of her bounty and success. This sprang from a growing ignorance of the living God, and the fact that graven images, which demand next to nothing of their patrons, make more congenial masters than the one true God. Such gods are transactional, predictable, and promote even the most base and despicable human behaviour. There was a cross-over period when the effects of the blessings of God were still seen during this time of idol worship which cemented Israel in the belief that their newer gods were truly the ones to thank and worship. The heart of the Lord is always for His people, and if this means dealing harshly with their sin, the end is to keep them from wicked ways and restoring relationship, which we see lived out metaphorically in the life of Hosea. “Therefore, behold, I will hedge up thy way with thorns,” says the Lord, as He gradually works to undo this terrible delusion, indicating He will disrupt and destroy idol worship and worthless pursuit of other gods. He would then remove the blessings previously enjoyed, such as corn, oil, and wine, and no amount of idolatry would be able to restore it. The truth revealed here is that the human heart is desperately wicked, stubborn, and prideful, desperate to deny the fact that it has erred or been fooled. The Lord will teach Israel dependence on Him, dispel her illusions, and lead her to realize that He alone is the giver of good things. The response of Israel in this case is to cry out harder to her gods, slow to realize she had been duped. However, as affliction increases and these carved images are seen for what they truly are, Israel realizes her wickedness and folly. Cured of her delusion, she returns to the Lord who joyfully and readily receives her. This was the end to which the entire discipline pointed – the Lord is ready to receive any sinner that turns to Him! The way of the transgressor is hard (Prov. 13:15), and sin bears bitter fruit, yet even that can be used by the Lord Almighty to lead His people to repentance and back into His loving arms. Application: Each of us that follow the Lord have felt His discipline at one point or another, whether we’ve known it at the time or not. Does this surprise you? Does it make anyone uncomfortable? After all, the discipline of the Lord is rarely talked about with those who may consider following Christ! Yet it is one of the most valuable parts of our walk with Him and a reason for our trust in His saving power. If the Lord did not chasten or discipline, if He simply left us as we were, then the most callous, stubborn parts of our hearts would not be softened, and the bearing of bitter fruit would continue. My friends, let us not be slow to recognize our own foolishness, depravity, or error. Let us humbly confess all things to the Lord and let Him work His sanctifying power within us. Our own sinful behaviours and habits have deep roots within us, and it is painful to have them removed; yet when the Holy Hand of God Almighty is working, we can be sure that what will follow is a harvest of righteousness and joy! Luke 9:23 says “And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” My own personal testimony can be summed up in just a few words – Thank God that He did not leave me where I was but loved me enough to slay my dearest sins to make me alive in Christ. In closing, consider these words in Hebrews 12:5-6: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Application Question: When can you think of a time or times when you have been disciplined by the Lord? What fruit did you see come out of that? What was it that needed to change in your heart and mind? Prayer: Thank you, Father, that you did not leave me where I was when I came to you, but carefully and lovingly brought me up in the way I should go, so that I may be more like your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to be more attentive to your discipline and to not make these things more difficult than they need to be. Humble me under your loving hand and teach me to be joyful in all things, for you are the one who works all things for the good of those who love you! Amen. Song: He Will Hold Me Fast - Shane and Shane Text: Isaiah 65, 66
Observation: In Isaiah 65, God says that though he has revealed himself and initiated relationship with Israel, they have blatantly rejected him. These people were not ignorant of God, they knowingly chose evil. God says he will not let this evil go unaddressed but he will punish sin and rebellion. But God will not completely destroy Israel, he will leave a remnant of people, through which to work restoration to the nation. God makes a distinction between his servants and those who reject him by blessing the servants and removing his provision and protection from those who reject him, resulting in their death. This causes God’s name to be properly known and respected in the land. In vs 17 to the end of the chapter, we see a picture of God’s plan for a future time when the heavens and earth are created anew. There is radical wholeness, peace, and prosperity. God is shown as the sovereign creator over all. He esteems those humble enough to acknowledge and respect him but there are grave consequences for those who willingly reject him. We see a picture of God’s promise of a sudden re-birth of the nation of Israel as a prosperous nation and the Lord’s judgment, resulting in death, for those who rebelled. The book of Isaiah concludes with a picture of God’s fame and glory spreading month by month, week by week as more and more people gather to worship him in Jerusalem. Meanwhile there is increasing death and judgment for those who opposed him. Interpretation/Application: Generally speaking, these chapters paint a very clear picture of distinction between those who follow God and those who reject him. There is new birth, new beginnings and renewed hope and joy for the remnant few on the earth who acknowledge God as Lord and commit to him. There is a clear warning of judgment and death and yes, eternal suffering for those who do not belong to God and do not have his favour. Many people believe the prophecy in Isaiah 66:8 was fulfilled in May 1948, when Israel was officially declared an independent state. Many believe this event in history is a sign-post to mark the nearness of the end of the church age. At the conclusion of Isaiah, we see a beautiful picture of a great end-time revival: a growing number of people bowing down before God, acknowledging him as Lord and King. I’d like to encourage us all about the time we are in…worldwide pandemic…but I personally believe it’s just a set up for what God is about to do. Well known and respected prophet, Bob Jones (who passed away in 2014), spoke about the year 2020 as the beginning of a massive revival; he called it the “billion-soul harvest”. Furthermore, he prophesied, “When the Kansas City Chiefs go to the Super Bowl and win, this will be a sign-post of that billion-soul harvest and a sign that God will raise up his Apostolic Chiefs in all the spheres of influence” (quoted as recalled by Shawn Bolz). Last year, on 02/02/2020, the Chiefs did in fact win the Super Bowl. If this piques your curiosity, you can hear and read more about these prophecies here: 1. Billion Soul Harvest: https://youtu.be/jGD_OimVazg 2. Kansas City Chiefs to win Super Bowl: https://www.charismamag.com/blogs/a-voice-calling-out/44262-james-goll-my-prophetic-perspective-on-bob-jones-chiefs-prophecy Application questions: In this time where things in the world seem to be shifting in a major way, globally, the question should be asked, “where are we on God’s timeline?” In a world that desperately needs Jesus, will we shine bright as his witnesses so that many can come to faith in him and avoid an eternity without his protection? What might revival look like in your life and circumstances? Prayer: Lord, though I don’t know how you are moving and working in all the world right now, I pray and ask you for revival in my life, in my city, in my nation and in the world! Come set hearts on fire with the love of Jesus! Let us, as your people, shine with boldness so that many people can come to know you. Give us wisdom, great love, and a holy audacity to be the labourers in your vineyard. Amen. Song: Days of Elijah (Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir) “I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give Him no rest till He establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.”
Isaiah 62: 6-7 Isaiah 61-64 (Psalm 120) Observe
The passages we now begin to read recall the four Servant Songs, but with added testimony. We have read of God the King (1-37) and God the Servant (38-55), now we meet the Anointed One who consummates salvation and vengeance. The year of the Lord’s favour is foretold. Jesus, pronounced the fulfilment of this prophecy in Himself, as He read these words in the synagogue, in His home town of Nazareth (Luke 4: 16-21). As we move on from these words we read of God’s love for the world and His people; His desire to bless and the delight He takes in His creation. We see though, the sin and failing of humankind, alongside the need for repentance, obedience and reconciliation with God. There is direction on how to pray in times of difficulty and indeed what to pray for; revival is desired. We are able to see both Christ’s first and second coming in these passages, with the ultimate salvific work of Christ, consummated in an eternal city yet to come; future hope for the present. Application Into our times Jesus speaks a message of Good News; freedom, sight and release, as God’s Spirit indwells through grace by faith. Much needed encouragement in these times of difficulty and challenge. These passages also inspire us to prayer. We are not to rest, nor allow the Lord rest, as we petition Him to fulfil His Word (Is. 62: 6-7). We are to remind God that we are His, to remember what He has done for us, to acknowledge our sin and to remember the true character of God; praise and prayer (63). In this prayer we are to call for revival (64: 1-4). So let us fix our eyes on the Lord, throw of the mantle of despair, hear His Good News in faith, and PRAY; PRAY, PRAY, PRAY! The Question of Application How will you pray today, and for what? Prayer Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life: raise us, who trust in Him, from the death of sin to the life of righteousness. Enable us to seek those things which are above and so praise you with our life, faith and deeds. Guide us in our prayers to honour and glorify you. Amen Praise Eternal Spirit of the Living Christ (Chant Version) – David Hurd Shout to the Lord – Darlene Zschech/Hillsong TEXT: Isaiah 58-61
OBSERVATION If you have not been able to keep up with the readings, please take some time to watch the two Isaiah videos. You might also want to read last week’s Bible Blogs.
INTERPRETATION
APPLICATION There is much to think about in all these chapters –what is true fasting and why do it? What does God promise his people in response to a true fast (58:8-14)? How does God view our sins and wickedness (59:1-18)? The return of the exiles is beyond description for the joy (60:17). Who is the Anointed One? And what does God promise to do through this Messiah? QUESTION Have you heard God’s call to you to bring good news to those who are oppressed? To those who are broken-hearted? This is God’s call, not just to the individual but to the church as a whole. Take some time to reflect on God’s call to you, to us—the church. PRAYER Ah Lord God, we are a broken and exiled people who call to you for mercy. We ask for help in our need. We pray for full salvation for our body, mind, spirit. Show us the path that leads into Your Presence. And please use us in your kingdom. Song: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus OBSERVE: In chapter 53 of the book of Isaiah, we read a very clear description of the coming Messiah.
Yet it was our weakness he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all. (Isaiah 53: 4-6) INTERPRET: Seven hundred years before Jesus came into the world, God opened the eyes of his prophet Isaiah to see into the very heart of Christ’s saving work – the miracle and mystery of substitution. According to this passage; the Messiah would be pierced and crushed in our place. The righteous would be in the place of the unrighteous; the loving shepherd would be in the place of his lost sheep; the exalted King would be in the place of his rebel subjects. APPLICATION: Isaiah reveals a stunning truth to us in his prophecy – a truth that we might easily reject were it not so clearly presented. God inspired Isaiah not only to write about the suffering of the Messiah, but also to identify the true source of that suffering. The Messiah will suffer, not for his own failures and rebellion, but for ours. And even though God used human instruments to nail Jesus to the cross, it is God himself who will lay upon his beloved Son the sin of humanity - as well as the punishment for that sin. The Messiah would not be a helpless victim but rather our worthy and willing substitute. God sent his Son into the world to become our willing substitute – the One who would bear our punishment in our place. God loves us that much. REFLECTION: Have you been set free? PRAYER: Loving God, you laid my sin on Jesus so that I do not have to bear it. It cannot be on my back and also on his. Jesus cannot have taken it upon himself and yet left it on me. Help me to experience the freedom that Christ has won for me. Help me to live a life that expresses love for others so that I may reflect your love for me to others. VIDEO: The Forbidden Chapter: Isaiah 53 in the Hebrew Bible SONG: By His Stripes We are Healed (Esther Mui) Isaiah 45-48
Observe: Isaiah 45 begins with the proclamation that the Lord is about to use King Cyrus of Persia to show the Israelites the folly of idolatry and that He is the one true God. He asks His people to turn to Him that they might be saved, that He will not give His glory to another. The next chapter points out the folly of idolatry, and the Lord asks what man can make that can truly compare to the glory of God. He mocks their use of metals, that a man would shape cold iron or gold and then fall over himself giving it honour and praise, even though it cannot save or hear or deliver. The 47th verse speaks of the indictment against Babylon, who, despite their magic and sorcery, will be brought low and made into nothing. After this, the Lord promises that He will continue to guide Israel even though “your neck is an iron sinew and your forehead brass.” He says how He has deferred His anger on account of His promise and calls Israel back to Himself as the only one who can deliver and save, the one who brought forth water in the wasteland. Interpret: These chapters contain many themes; however, the lampooning of idols and the supremacy of Yahweh are overarching. Nothing quite mocks idolatry like the Hebrew scriptures, just read the last paragraphs of Isaiah 44! The Lord not only judges Israel for their disobedience and idolatry, but Babylon as well, as they practice magic and divination and think themselves secure in their wickedness. These people cast metal and engrave it, they chop wood and worship it, they carry around their own sin on their shoulders, praising it. The Lord, oh how He is merciful! How He never forsakes His covenant or breaks His end of the bargain! Israel commits abomination after abomination, and the Lord is merciful even in His judgement, not wiping out this obstinate people, yet their deeds cry out for it. The Lord goes on to establish yet again that He is the only God, He is the one from beginning to end, He is the one who has first and final say on all matters, that he is the Holy One, the Redeemer, and Saviour. Like a loving father, He patiently waits and welcomes back His children. Application: Idolatry in the modern age looks different now as opposed to what went on in the ancient Near East. Engraved images don’t pop up on our street corners, churches are not beset by pagan worshippers sacrificing within them. As is ever the case, it has only become more subtle, better at hiding in plain sight. There is no less idolatry now than then, it has only changed it’s mask. There is an incredible push to follow your heart, believe in yourself, and do what you feel is right. Instead of venerating carven images, we put ourself and our own personal feelings and experiences on that highest pedestal that exists within our hearts. We put our phone time and friends and television as close seconds, and our comforts are seen as the number one concern, even though it may not be a conscious thought. We must not fool ourselves that simply because idolatry is harder to see it must not exist. A careful examination of all our hearts will reveal how scarcely we “revere Christ in our hearts as Lord …” (1 Peter 3:15a). To do anything less is to hinder our growth and restrict our freedom before God. To make ourselves slaves to anything other than God is to find true imprisonment. Jesus came that we might have our bonds burst and be free to love God with our whole hearts and minds and soul and strength – so let us get to it today!! Application Question: What or who has the highest place of honour within your own life? How can we make sure that we honour and revere Christ as Lord with our whole self? Prayer: Father God, we thank you that you have given us true freedom to love you and live for you, for life on your terms. We pray that we may never submit again to a yoke of slavery, that we can carry our cross and follow you, and that we do not look back. Please show us what it means to live fully for you, whether by teaching or your word or by the example of those around us. Amen! Song: All I Have is Christ (Shane & Shane) Text: Isaiah 42-44
Observe We meet the first of four “Servant Songs" in Isaiah that focus on the call and work of "the Lord's servant"(42:1-9). This poem unveils the One to "bring justice to the nations" (42:1). These few verses reveal much about this unnamed Servant. ‘He will not break a bruised reed or snuff a smouldering wick’ (42:3). Faithfulness permeates His strong, gentle rule. His determined justice will spread through His creation (v.4). His leading out of exile reveals the Servant is a light to the world (6,7) opening the eyes of the blind, freeing captives, renewing, restoring, because ‘I have put My Spirit upon Him’. (42:1b). He is glorious, unique, powerful (8). In righteousness, the Servant heals blindness and softens hard hearts (recall the oracle against Babylon in chapter 14); forgettable “former things” yield to the new. (9) The chapter ends with God’s burning wrath against Israel, yet… … the first two words in 43:1 shift us onto another plane: ‘But now … I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine… ‘ He does not promise ease, but His Presence in exile (Fear not…), the I AM with them. As at the Red Sea, He leads through waters (the image of chaos in Genesis 1:2) to safety, for I am doing a new thing.(19) He brings His people through fire; like the fiery pillar in Exodus, it does not destroy but lights the way to life (43:2c). Yahweh as the only God is made clear. ‘I am the First and I am the Last; and beside Me there is no god.’ (44:6) We hear distant echoes in Rev. 1:8 where Alpha and Omega, eternal God, is declared – ‘who is, who was, and who is to come’. An abrupt change from poetry to prose (44:9-12) mocks the manufacture of wooden idols that provide … kindling. The return to praiseful poetry speaks God’s restoration of Jerusalem, and again Cyrus, God’s agent, is mentioned in v.28. Interpret In the ancient Near East, establishing justice was a principal kingly function, but ‘ justice’ was often brutal containment of conquered people. In chapters 40-66, (“Second Isaiah”) the Lord grounds messianic kingship in mercy, a new justice – and suffering love. Jewish readings of these chapters see Israel as the [Suffering] Servant, bringing not only Godly justice, but a wellspring of hope for the nation of Israel; the early followers of Jesus read the Servant as Messiah Jesus (Mark 10:45). Isaiah writes Gospel – in the Hebrew Bible! We have his prophetic foretelling of Jesus and His purpose, revealing relentless faithfulness, offering redeeming grace to all who follow Him, making all things new (42:9,10,16; 43:18;44:3,22), removing fear (43:1b; 44:2b, 8). Humanity turns from Him time and again, yet He repeatedly offers salvation to His recalcitrant people. Deep love is shown in these beautiful and moving words: ‘… you are precious in my sight, and honoured, and I love you…’(43:4) Precious: of great value, highly esteemed, cherished – made for a King. He blots out sins like a cloud… like a mist when they/we, precious in His sight, turn to Him in repentance and faith. (44:22) Apply As we look closely at the poetry of the coming Messiah, short phrases introduce and recall for us His significant promises: ‘But now…” “Fear not…”; “… I am doing a new thing”; “I will pour my Spirit…”; “I am the Lord…”. Isaiah foretells our wonderful Saviour and forthtells His purposes. As we respond with quiet wonder, God gazes lovingly at us; we too are those ‘whom I created for my glory…’ (43:7). He delivers us from our personal exiles because He knew exile – didn’t Jesus leave His Father’s glory for the Cross? He did this, our Servant King of wondrous love, our Servant King of saving grace. Ask Let me be still and quietly gaze at you, Jesus. I am precious to You, am I not? (How can this be?) And are You truly with me, always? (Even in my dark times?) Pray Lord Jesus, as Your Spirit breathes Your life into mine, I realize (so pitifully slowly) how utterly precious You are. We flourish under Your suffering, renewing, transforming love, in humble thanksgiving. Song: What Wondrous Love Is This Michelle Tumes “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”
Isaiah 41: 10 Isaiah 39-41 (Psalm 118) Observe
Interpret King Hezekiah fell from trusting God, (who saved him from death - 38), to trusting others and himself (he made implied alliances with the King of Babylon, the enemy of the Assyrians – 39). The consequences were great for God’s people but not for Hezekiah. Scholars and theologians debate whether the next set of chapters are written by Isaiah himself, as foretold prophecy, or by a school of prophets following on from Isaiah’s teaching. God is quite able to ordain, and speak through either route! It is the message that is important; and what a message. Three voices speak of: a prepared path for salvation (40: 3-5, Mark 1: 1-3); the eternal Word of God (40: 6-8); and the Shepherd deliverer (40: 9-11). God’s nature absolutely guarantees these promises. In chapter 41, we see them affirmed through what Pastor Roger Ellsworth* calls ‘unbreakable cords of comfort.’ In verses 8-10, 14, we see these cords cemented in statements made by God; I have, I am and I will. God has chosen and called His people, He is their God and He will strengthen, uphold and help them. *The God of all Comfort by Roger Ellsworth For the ‘Big Picture’ on Isaiah click here for the second video Application When we have nowhere else to turn, we will turn to God, and trust Him. There is a challenge in delivery though. Will we stay trusting God in the good times or like Hezekiah revert back to trusting ourselves and/or others? In stewardship of our gifts and roles in life, will we be only concerned for our times, or be equally concerned for our legacy and its impact on those that follow us (Is. 39: 8). We are in times of challenge now, exasperated by a further form of lockdown. History, is however, in God’s hands; He IS working His purposes out in all that we face. We need to turn to God and trust Him. He has given us hope for the present, in the presence of Jesus Christ. He has made a way for the eternal Word of God to be our Shepherd and deliverer through these times. He provides three unbreakable cords of comfort for us, His children: He has called and chosen us; He is our God; and He will strengthen, uphold and help us. The Question of Application Where, and how, do you see God working in our current times? How does the present and future hope God gives us in Christ provide comfort, strength and help? Prayer Lord, you bring good news of salvation; lift your voice that we may hear your love. You come to us with your reward of recompense; reconcile us to yourself. Be our Good Shepherd, tend and guide us; lift us close to your heart and gently lead us. Amen From Isaiah 40: 9-11 Praise O God, our help in ages past by Grace Community Church Eagles Wings by Hillsong OBSERVATION
APPLICATION This account of Hezekiah’s prayer, and God’s compassionate response says to me that I, too, have permission to ask God to have compassion and to heal me. It reminds me of Jesus’s response to the people when a lame man asked for healing, and the people wanted to know who was the ‘sinner’, i.e. who was to blame for this man’s lameness. Jesus tells the people that “neither this man nor his parents sinned” but that this lameness was allowed so that God alone would receive the glory when the man was healed. QUESTION This is an age-old question but worth pondering: What is the nature of God’s mercy? How is it that God loves me? Just little ole insignificant me? Like Elijah of old and like Hezekiah, you may not answer that question but you draw me to bow down and worship you. PRAYER Dear God, apparently you care about me—even though I have done nothing either good or evil to try to draw your attention. I’m just me. But, please will you bring new life to me, fill me with your Spirit, and draw me near to You? I want the joy-filled abundant life that you talk about. I want to have that living water bubble up inside me and overflow to all around me. Please hear the longing in my heart and answer. SONG: Good and Gracious King Isaiah (Chapters 23-35)
OBSERVE: In several places throughout the Bible, God describes his Son by using the metaphor of a building’s cornerstone – a stone set in the foundation of a building’s structure that all other stones are set in reference to. We see this clearly in the book of Isaiah; “Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on” (Isaiah 28:16). Isaiah prophesied that this cornerstone could provide a safe foundation for Israel, but he also said that this stone could be a stumbling block (Isaiah 8: 14). INTERPRET: A stone that makes someone stumble would have had a lot of meaning to those living in this time, especially in battle. A single loose stone could cause someone to stumble in battle and lose their live because of it. One stumbling stone could be the difference between life and death on the battlefield. Jesus made it clear that he is the cornerstone spoken of by the prophet Isaiah. Our response determines our experience of him as either a safe foundation to build life on or a stumbling block. Speaking to a group of leading priests and elders who confronted him while he was teaching in the temple, Jesus asked if they had ever read in the Psalms: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” (Psalm 118:22). Then Jesus said, “I tell you that The Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to those that will produce the proper fruit. Anyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on” (Matthew 21: 43-44). APPLICATION: The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were unable to recognize the foundation stone of salvation that God had placed in Jerusalem – Jesus himself. All who build their lives on the foundation of the person and work of Christ will rest in safety. But while Jesus is a stone of safety, he is also a snare or a stumbling block. Those who reject Christ and build their lives on the sinking sand of their own goodness and desires will not be secure. We need to examine closely whether Jesus is our secure foundation or if he is a stumbling block for ourselves. Is Jesus the cornerstone of our life or are we trying to build Jesus into a house that we have built ourselves? On the spiritual battlefield today, this structural arrangement will make all the difference to the outcome of our battle. REFLECTION: Is Jesus your secure foundation or a stumbling block to your life? Prayer: Jesus, your righteousness is the cornerstone of my existence. I desire that everything about my life is determined in reference to you. You are the only cornerstone that is safe to build my life on. Help me to trust in your firm and tested foundation. AMEN. SONG: Cornerstone (By Hillsong) |
Preachers BlogIn 2024, each week's blog is a follow-up reflection written by the preceding Sunday’s preacher to dig deeper into the sermon topic and explore engaging discussion questions. Archives
June 2024
Categories |