Isaiah 66 - 10.22.25
Scripture
Isaiah 66:2
These are the ones I look on with favor:
those who are humble and contrite in spirit,
and who tremble at my word.
Observation
I want God’s favor! I decided to look up the meaning of each of the words in this verse to help me understand.
Humble: reflecting, expressing, or offered in a spirit of deference or submission
Contrite: feeling or showing sorrow and remorse for improper or objectionable behavior
Tremble at God’s presence: to experience a profound and reverent awe of God’s holiness, power, and authority, which leads to a sense of humility and a desire to obey Him immediately. It is not a terrifying fear but a healthy respect that inspires a deep and immediate commitment to live according to God’s will, even when it is difficult or doesn’t make sense.
Application
God looks on us with favor when we are humble – when we acknowledge that He is the God of the universe – holy, mighty, and all powerful. It is only because of His great love for us that we are allowed to enter His presence. He tells us to submit to Him and His plans for us.
God looks on us with favor when we are contrite – when we are truly sorry for our transgressions, when we understand that it is only because of His great love for us that we are saved, when we understand that we are powerless to save ourselves.
God looks on us with favor when we tremble in His presence – when we stand before our almighty God in awe and we allow His presence to change us.
I watched a short video yesterday that explained why we sometimes tremble during exercise. Trembling happens when muscles are challenged, it’s part of the growing and learning process. Let’s challenge ourselves to spend time trembling before our mighty God so He can grow and change us and draw us into deeper relationship with Him.
Prayer
God, may I learn not to fear what man can do, but to understand the fear of God – a true reverence for who You are that leads to obedience. May I learn to put your will above my own. May I submit myself to you and allow myself to be changed when I stand in Your presence.
Debbie Dunn
Isaiah 65 - 10.21.25
SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 65:17 – 18
“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create”
OBSERVATION
The beginning of Isaiah 65 is God seeing the empty repentance of his people yet will bless those who are genuine and faithful servants. Many of those in exile in Babylon would appear “holy” yet their heart and actions were very different. They were self- righteous! But God saw the faithful and began verse 17 with “See” almost to say “Look at what I’m doing for you, the faithful.” He is giving us all a wonderful promise and blessing in verse 17 – 18, one that we can be glad and rejoice about forever and ever.
Before going forward, I have to confess that I’m just scratching the surface of this chapter. There is so much “meat” in the entire chapter but verse 17 – 18 stood out to me. For some reason, and only God knows, maybe there’s someone who will read this, will be blessed and encouraged.
Some interpret this section of scripture to discuss Christ’s 1000 year reign on earth as noted in Revelation 20:4. Although Scripture about the end times can be confusing and somewhat scary from the human point of view, these two verses are reassuring. These verses are the blessing for the faithful so they will not lose hope. The faithful who remain in the Lord through everything, not straying away, not being self-righteous but who stay steadfast – will receive the blessing of verse 17 – 18.
The thought of God creating a new heaven and new earth sounds wonderful right now in light of all that is going on in the world. The “former things” of this earth, all that we know how this earth works, will not be remembered. By not remembering the “former things,” our focus and future will be based on all that God will make new. He gives us an encouragement to “be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create.” We have a lot to look forward to and can rejoice in what He’s preparing for us.
APPLICATION
Sometimes when we recall all that this world brings: sorrow, heartache, sin and death, we can be overcome with grief. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unable to move forward when circumstances are hard. But God has a wonderful plan! Besides providing salvation to those who accept Him as their savior, God wants you to be encouraged, to know that He cares and is preparing a place for you. He says all these things to help you not lose faith, to not give up, to stay steadfast in Him. Maybe you’re going through something very painful or difficult right now. Stop for a moment to think about the depth of what God is saying. He will create a new heaven and earth for His faithful servants. Yes, He loves you that much! Isn’t that amazing?
All that we know is the “new earth” will be different than what we know. It’s hard to imagine or even dream of how this new heaven and earth will be, but we can be filled with hope it will be even better than anything you can imagine. Even better than the wonderful images from deep space – better than any place you’ve ever visited on earth. God created a lot of beautiful things on this earth and in the heavens but the new heaven and earth will be even better, grander, and more glorious. I remember driving through the tunnel to enter Yosemite. As you exit the tunnel, the view of the valley, Half Dome, and the waterfalls create a crescendo of angels singing in my head. In that moment, I am awe struck at God’s beautiful creation. Somehow, and only through God’s perfect design, the “new heaven and earth” will be better!
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for giving us your Word and hope for the new heaven and earth you are preparing for us – the faithful who remain in You. Help me to focus and remember your blessing and plans. You have so much more created for us in the future than can ever be imagined. Thank you for your hope! Help me to not be distracted by this world but to be focused on your plans, your future, and the hope of a new heaven and new earth. Help me to share the Good News of your salvation so even more faithful will get to enjoy the new heaven and new earth. In Jesus name – Amen!
- Mary Oberg
Isaiah 64 - 10.20.25
Scripture
Isaiah 64:4-5 NIV
“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry. How then can we be saved?”
Observation
The nation of Israel were aware that their own sins “led to their suffering.” Their attempts to get back into right standing with the Lord was like “filthy rags.” In this chapter, they are crying out to the Lord for mercy and restoration.
Here is a breakdown of this chapter from enduringword.com:
Vs. 1-2-Cry for divine intervention
Vs. 3-4- Reminder of God’s past deeds
Vs. 5-7-Human sinfulness and consequences
Vs. 8-God as Potter
Vs. 9-12-Hope for restoration
Application
Jesus is the only answer to how anyone can be saved. Share that message with yourself and others!
We cannot deliver ourselves from our own sin nature! Only Jesus Christ can redeem and deliver us from sin. We are completely dependent on Christ for deliverance.
If you are struggling in sin and/or your faith, repent and turn back to Jesus. Repenting means to accept Christ’s forgiveness and then going and sinning no more, just like He told the woman caught in adultery. If you have a great relationship with Jesus, encourage others to repent and turn to the only One who could save them…Jesus!
True righteousness comes from God, through Christ alone.
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank you for your free gift of salvation and for delivering me from my bondage to sin. Thank you that I am no longer a slave to it! When tempted, help me Holy Spirit to put up boundaries, flee and take refuge in You alone. You are worth more than the momentary pleasures that sin has to offer and I definitely do not desire its consequences. I confess that I am powerless to defeat sin without You. I pray that You would reveal and open the heart of just 1 person who needs to hear Your good message of salvation from me this week. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi