Bible Study & Devotional (January 11, 2021)
Guiding Scripture: “The Lord says, “I love those who do what is right. I hate it when people steal and do other sinful things. So I will be faithful to my people. And I will bless them. I will make a covenant with them that will last forever.” Isaiah 61:8
🔴 WHAT A YEAR!
The Prophet Isaiah 61:1 talks about the year when the Lord sets His people free.” Jesus Himself quoted from His Word written by Isaiah in the synagogue as He read to the people.
The wrath of Jesus will come at His return, as He said, starting with verse two that brings God’s anger against our enemies. The injustice that others inflict, which causes pain and suffering on any of His children, makes God angry. Vengeance belongs to The Lord, and He will repay.
Sometimes our suffering is brought on by our actions. We, too, will get what we deserve. Sin is sin. God will settle our account as well. 2020 is a year to remember. Just as we have hope for a better future, we must not lose sight of how much we contributed to past problems. The worst obstacle is the dismissal of God and taking on His character and His attributes. God told us in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.”
Dear reader, I pray you will allow Christ to permeate your hearts. Turn from the evil the world uses to kill, steal, and destroy your Holy Spirit power. Humbly seek God and return to Him.
~Diana L.W. Coleman
This devotional was submitted by Diana L.W. Coleman, a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose. Edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Bible in a Year (Day 11)
The amazing wonder of God’s plan is before us. We can learn by reading about others’ mistakes and purpose to pray for strength diligently.
Throughout today’s passages, I focused on one phrase ‘wicked procrastination.’
Two points to ponder:
Are you willing to immediately go or continue longing for comfort?
In Gen. 24:58, Rebekah chose to seek God’s blessing rather than continue to harvest from the edge of the field. Her time of being with her family was over. She obediently followed Eliazer to her new gift. 2. Are you paying attention to the urgency of the messenger? (Gen.24:33;54)
We can apply these two instances to our lives by asking: Are we hesitating to step out on faith because of our perceived earthly responsibilities?
We contrast our godly ambitions with the lessons from Jesus in Matthew 8. As the demon-possessed men (Matt. 8:29) recognized Christ for who He is, some people see God’s light within us. Don’t delay God’s great purpose because this world is drawing you into its apostasy(Matt.8:32). Stand firm in the storm and rest as needed(Matt. 8:24). Take a break from fighting the assailant of wind (gossip, slander, injustice) and train your thoughts to obey Christ(2 Cor. 10:5).
The Word of God continues to remind us that the wicked will not seek God (Psalm 10:4) and all his thoughts are selfish. But our Lord will break the arm of evil and restore heaven and earth (Psalm 10:15)
We cannot compare our wisdom to that of our divine Holy Father. We will be wise to fear our Lord and turn away from evil. It is a healthy decision for our mind, body, and spirits. (Proverbs 3:7-8) Don’t wait to choose Christ to examine your life. Follow His example of urgency to manifest His will for your purpose successfully.
~Torrie Slaughter