Reflecting God – Embrace Holy Living from The Global Church of the Nazarene The Foundry Publishing House in Kansas City, Missouri, United States - "Our Faithful Shepherd" by Robin Radi for Tuesday 30 January 2018 - Isaiah 40:1-11Isaiah 40:1 “Comfort and keep comforting my people,” says your God.
2 “Tell Yerushalayim to take heart; proclaim to her
that she has completed her time of service,
that her guilt has been paid off,
that she has received at the hand of Adonai
double for all her sins.”
3 A voice cries out:
“Clear a road through the desert for Adonai!
Level a highway in the ‘Aravah for our God!
4 Let every valley be filled in,
every mountain and hill lowered,
the bumpy places made level
and the crags become a plain.
5 Then the glory of Adonai will be revealed;
all humankind together will see it,
for the mouth of Adonai has spoken.”
6 A voice says, “Proclaim!”
And I answer, “What should I proclaim?”
“All humanity is merely grass,
all its kindness like wildflowers:
7 the grass dries up, the flower fades,
when a wind from Adonai blows on it.
Surely the people are grass!
8 The grass dries up, the flower fades;
but the word of our God will stand forever.”
9 You who bring good news to Tziyon,
get yourself up on a high mountain;
you who bring good news to Yerushalayim,
cry out at the top of your voice!
Don’t be afraid to shout out loud!
Say to the cities of Y’hudah,
“Here is your God!
10 Here comes Adonai Elohim with power,
and his arm will rule for him.
Look! His reward is with him,
and his recompense is before him.
11 He is like a shepherd feeding his flock,
gathering his lambs with his arm,
carrying them against his chest,
gently leading the mother sheep.”
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The good news carries more than just tender words for those in crisis. The reality of God’s presence levels the playing field, shoulders the load, and treads on through life. Isaiah states that the Lord fills the valleys, levels the mountains, straightens curves, and smooths rough places. This does not mean all mountaintops are ahead, or that we will never face the valley. It does indicate that His presence is supreme over the changing geography of my life. I will find green pastures in the middle of the desert. I can choose to walk a straight line for His companionship overrides the urgency of my struggles. His company is higher and better than an easy road.
The image of the Shepard forces us away from the concept of a lofty God who delegates and micro-manages the world. Instead, we see a lovely companion keeping guard over our daily realities. The news that He walks with us inspires the prophet to shout! Make a way!! Here He comes! The One who will Shepherd my soul is finally here!
As you look at the scenery of your current situation, understand that our Shepherd will carry you above the twists and corners and lead you daily to green pastures.
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Hymn for Today: "All the Way Along" by Ada Blackhorn
The good news carries more than just tender words for those in crisis. The reality of God’s presence levels the playing field, shoulders the load, and treads on through life. Isaiah states that the Lord fills the valleys, levels the mountains, straightens curves, and smooths rough places. This does not mean all mountaintops are ahead, or that we will never face the valley. It does indicate that His presence is supreme over the changing geography of my life. I will find green pastures in the middle of the desert. I can choose to walk a straight line for His companionship overrides the urgency of my struggles. His company is higher and better than an easy road.
The image of the Shepard forces us away from the concept of a lofty God who delegates and micro-manages the world. Instead, we see a lovely companion keeping guard over our daily realities. The news that He walks with us inspires the prophet to shout! Make a way!! Here He comes! The One who will Shepherd my soul is finally here!
As you look at the scenery of your current situation, understand that our Shepherd will carry you above the twists and corners and lead you daily to green pastures.
***
Hymn for Today: "All the Way Along" by Ada Blackhorn
1. There is One who loves me, One who is my friend.
All the way along, all the way along.
He is ever near me, ready to defend.
All the way along it is Jesus.
Refrain: All the way along it is Jesus;
All the way along, blessèd Jesus.
He’s my joy and song, all the way along.
All the way along it is Jesus.
2. He doth still the tempest, bid its tumult cease,
All the way along, all the way along.
In the time of trouble keeps in perfect peace;
All the way along it is Jesus.
Refrain: All the way along it is Jesus;
All the way along, blessèd Jesus.
He’s my joy and song, all the way along.
All the way along it is Jesus.
3. In my Lord and Savior I will joyful be,
All the way along, all the way along.
Speaking words of comfort sweet and dear to me,
All the way along it is Jesus.
Refrain: All the way along it is Jesus;
All the way along, blessèd Jesus.
He’s my joy and song, all the way along.
All the way along it is Jesus.
4. I will sing the praises of His wondrous love,
All the way along, all the way along.
I will sing more sweetly in my home above,
All the way along it is Jesus.
Refrain: All the way along it is Jesus;
All the way along, blessèd Jesus.
He’s my joy and song, all the way along.
All the way along it is Jesus.
***
Thought for Today: Keep your lives free from the love of money; and be satisfied with what you have; for God himself has said, “I will never fail you or abandon you.”[Hebrews 13:5 Deuteronomy 31:6)(Hebrews 13:5b).
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Please pray: That many people in Romania will come to know Yeshua as their Messiah and receive the fullness of the Ruach HaKodesh.
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