Read the Bible in One Year!

Refashion! Scripture July 31—Isaiah 63-66: Jehovah's Reply to Isaiah's Prayer Observation Isaiah closes his great prophetic work with a stirring prayer of intercession for the house of Israel. While acknowledging their waywardness and frequent rebellions, he nevertheless claims God's promises on their behalf to redeem them and to refashion them into a people for his glory. God's response is both stern and comforting. The rebels will be punished for ignoring God's frequent invitations. Idolatry, covetousness, rebellion and disobedience will be rooted out of his people. In addition, a rich store of glory and blessing awaits God's faithful ones: a new heaven and earth, and no more tears, no premature death, no want of food, no violence in nature. Isaiah concludes by summarizing the major themes of his book: God exalts the humble and contrite; Messiah is coming to avenge his enemies; all nations will see God's glory; and all flesh shall one day worship ...

A Restoration Scripture July 30—Isaiah 58-62: Restoration of God's People Observation The final nine chapters of Isaiah's prophecy concern the future of God's delivered people. Though the contemporary scene is bleak, the future remains as bright as the promises of God. Messiah, who shines on Jerusalem, will in turn make Jerusalem to shine on the nations of the world—keep your eyes on the middle east. Enlarged borders, exalted standing, enhanced prestige—these and more represent God's future blessings upon Israel. Her weakness will turn to strength, her poverty to wealth, her troubles to safety when Messiah returns on that day! Application Would you describe your lifestyle as "peculiar"? Would you be pleased or perturbed if others described you that way? God desires his people to demonstrate a unique quality of life to the world around them. Not strange or odious, but tantalizingly different—like salt turning what would otherwise be bland into a fl...

There's No Greater Love! Scripture July 29—Isaiah 52-57: The Suffering Servant Observation No greater act of selfless love can a servant render than by laying down his life. As the crowning act of servanthood, Messiah would suffer and die for the transgressions of many. He would be "beaten, bloodied, disfigured, despised, rejected, wounded, bruised and buried like a criminal" (52: 14-53:12) in order to pay the price of redemption for our past, present and future sins. His death would provide a blessing, not only for his Jewish kinsmen, but for the Gentile nations as well. Application Ironic, isn't it, that the "good news" of Jesus Christ includes the "bad news" of a death by crucifixion—a death described 700 years in advance by Isaiah's prophetic pen. As you read again the familiar words of Isaiah 53, view the scene and its significance through the eyes of one writer: "The Gospel is not something to do but something done. It i...

Amen and Amen to The Righteous Ruler! Weekly Devotional July 28— Psalm 72 : An Earth Full of Glory Reflection God's message of judgment continues through his prophet Isaiah, but the light dawns as he announces coming comfort and consolation. God will one day restore his nation gloriously. He will send the Prince of Peace to redeem his people who hear and obey. This righteous Ruler is alluded to by Solomon in Psalm 72, offering us an opportunity to catch our breath in our regular Bible reading and focus our hearts on our magnificent Savior. Great Leaders! As you read Psalm 72, watch for the "Job Description of a Righteous Ruler." That will give you specific points to pray about as you uphold your national, local and spiritual leaders in prayer. For example, a righteous ruler is to be concerned with: Bringing peace to the people (v. 3, 7). Assisting the poor, needy, and oppressed (v. 4, 12-14). Generating a Godly fear for the laws of the land (v....

A Depiction of a Beacon of Light to a Dark World! Scripture July 27—Isaiah 49-51: The Servant of the Lord Observation Today's section introduces you to the Prince of Peace, the One who would come to pardon Israel's sins, redeem the people from their wickedness, and institute peace in their midst. As the Servant of his people and a Beacon of Light to the surrounding nations, he would humbly offer himself as a sacrifice for many—calling those with "ears to hear" to hearken to God's voice. Application Question: What do the following statements have in common: "Is that the best you can do? I had hoped for more..." "Beans...again?" "When you washed the windows, you missed a spot..." Answer: They are all examples of how to be a discourager! If you want to leave people disheartened, discouraged, and depressed, here's how to do it: major on the minors. Overlook the 90 percent they did right, and concentrate on t...

Idolatrous Infected Babylonia Scripture July 26—Isaiah 44-48: Calamity for Idolatrous Babylonia Observation In meticulous detail, Isaiah now prophesies the agent of comfort God will use in delivering his people (Cyrus, king of Persia), and the means of comfort God will employ (destruction of Babylonia). Those who put their trust in mere objects of wood and stone are blind fools. By contrast, the God of Israel writes history in advance, predicts kings by name centuries before their birth, and declares, "For I am God—I only—and there is no other like me" (46:9). Application God specializes in using little-known people and lightly-valued objects to accomplish great feats to his glory. God used a talking donkey to rebuke Balaam (Numbers 22:28) . He used a hungry fish to turn Jonah around (Jonah 1:17) . He swept his spiritually dirty nation (Judah) clean by using an even dirtier broom (Babylonia, Habakkuk 1:5-6 ). And he raised up a king who did not even be...

God's Comfort! Scripture July 25—Isaiah 40-43: Comfort for God's People Observation Perhaps by now you are growing weary of reading a message of judgment every day from the book of Isaiah. (No doubt the people of Judah were!) But chapter 40 breaks through the gloom. Comfort and consolation are coming! God's judgment, though severe, will one day end. God's people can rest assured that the Maker of heaven and earth will restore the nation he has chosen to call his own. Application There's nothing that can quite compare with the thrill of being chosen for a special position. Out of the many possible candidates for the job, someone reached down and selected you ! It makes you feel important and special, and in the eyes of the one who chose you, you are special. Otherwise, he would have picked someone else. Is it any wonder the nation of Israel could find comfort and security in the knowledge that God had selected them for a unique role in history...

Hezekiah in Desperate Prayer Scripture July 24—Isaiah 36-39: Judgment on Assyria Observation The military crisis that has been brewing since the opening chapters of the book now comes to a climax during the reign of righteous King Hezekiah. With his "faith in the furnace," Hezekiah faces two stern tests that will profoundly affect the course of his nation. The Assyrian army arrives at the gates of Jerusalem demanding total surrender. Turning to God in desperate prayer, Hezekiah finds him to be an invincible ally, and 185,000 Assyrian troops die without ever reaching the battle lines. But what the armies of Assyria could not do, is accomplished by a case of kingly pride. Granted fifteen extra years of life by God, Hezekiah foolishly discloses his national treasures and defenses to visiting Babylonian envoys, sealing the fate of his nation—though not in his own lifetime. Application How do you respond to intimidating circumstances? Do you ignore the threat, g...

The King is Coming! Scripture July 23—Isaiah 31-35: Coming Calamity and King Observation Deliverance. Restored prosperity. Lasting peace. They are all part of Isaiah's joyous prophecy concerning Israel's future. Though the prophetic horizon is dark with the foreboding presence of Assyrian troops, there is also a future King coming—a King whose rule and righteousness will be worldwide. Thus Isaiah urges his countrymen to put their confidence in God, not circumstances, as they await their promised redemption when "the ransomed of the Lord will go home along that road to Zion, singing the songs of everlasting joy" (35:10). Application An optimist is one who makes the best of it when he gets the worst of it; a pessimist is one who looks both ways before crossing a one-way street! And a realist is one who lets God show him which end of the telescope to look through when studying his circumstances. Which kind of person are you? It's difficult to ...

The Hearth of God Scripture July 22—Isaiah 28-30: Woe to Ephraim and Ariel Observation Conquer a capital, and you have conquered the country. As Isaiah continues his series of woes and warnings, he focuses upon the capital cities, Samaria (Israel also called Ephraim) and Jerusalem (Judah also called Ariel), declaring that destruction is imminent. In Israel's case, it is also inescapable. But Jerusalem can learn from the sorry fate of her northern neighbor. Lulled into a false sense of security by her empty ritualism, Jerusalem will commit a fatal error if she substitutes foolish alliances for faith in God. Application In moments of crisis, where do you turn? To your friends? To your family? To your investment counselor? To yourself? The answer to that question will in large measure determine how well you handle the crisis. If you turn to yourself, you'll find that you run out of wisdom and strength long before you run out of problems! Put your trust in other ...

Give Him your Burdens! Weekly Devotional July 21— Psalm 68 : Your Burden Bearer Reflection Isaiah is gloriously called by God as his prophet to a disobedient people. Zealously he serves, foretelling a wonderful Messiah whose name is Immanuel, a Ruler, Counselor and Prince of Peace. But the light is dimmed by God's soon-coming judgment on Babylon, Moab, Ethiopia, Judah and other nations. Thank God that the redeemed can praise their mighty God for the salvation he has promised even in the midst of disaster! And thank God that the Messiah, our Savior is alive today and willing and able to bear our burdens. Meditate carefully on him through Psalm 68 as we pause in our journey through the Bible. His Burden is not Heavy! It has been well said, "Our days are identical suitcases—all the same size—but some people can pack more into them than others." In the midst of your busy schedule, never lose sight of the fact that God is busy, too—on our behalf! Af...

Delight in the Lord! Scripture July 20—Isaiah 24-27: Jubilation for People of God Observation So far Isaiah's prophecies of judgment have resembled a "zoom lens" by focusing in on Babylon, Moab, Ethiopia, Jerusalem and other nations. But now as Isaiah concludes his section of "burdens," he takes a "wide angle" look at the prophetic horizon. And what he sees is judgment coming on a worldwide scale. One day the entire earth will reel and its inhabitants fall silent in terror and dismay. But while the world remains strangely silent, the redeemed break forth in joyous refrain, praising the God of their salvation—the God who alone can bring peace and prosperity. Application You could park your car in front of a fire hydrant. You could walk into your local bank and order the teller to fill a paper bag with money. You could claim fourteen dependents on your income tax return. You could do all this and more. But chances are you won't...

The Valley of Vision Scripture July 19—Isaiah 21-23: Judgment on Arabia and Tyre Observation "Before God can use a person greatly, he must often bruise him deeply." Those words form a fitting description of the "melting season" Isaiah goes through as he declares fearlessly—but not tearlessly—God's approaching doom upon wicked Arabia, Dumah and Tyre. Even proud Jerusalem, the "valley of vision," with the temple—symbol of God's presence—in her midst, would suffer siege and calamity for her calloused idolatry and careless indulgence. Application One man walks careless abandon along the edge of a sheer cliff, and slips to his death; another leaps from the same cliff in a suicidal plunge. Is there any difference between the two? Not as far as the outcome is concerned! The net result is the same: death and destruction. But the careless accident lack intent . The casual cliff walker had no intention of trying to end his life. And yet,...

Respect God or Endure His Wrath! Scripture July 18—Isaiah 17-20: Judgment on Damascus and Egypt Observation Continuing his "Tale of Woes for Judah's Foes," Isaiah next aims his prophetic guns at Damascus, Ethiopia and Egypt. The glory of Damascus would be brought to nought; Ethiopia, though fall in stature, would fall in battle; Egypt would experience spiritual and moral bankruptcy. One need only check the "scrapbook of history" to discover how painfully accurate Isaiah's predictions turned out to be! Application There are few things in life as elusive as respect . You can't buy it; you can't borrow it; you can't even command it. Someone can obey your orders without respecting you. Your spouse and children can live under the same roof with you without respecting you. Why? Because respect involves esteem, honor and high regard—and that is something you must earn. Isaiah prophesies a day when all people will "think of God ...

Babylon and Moab No More! Scripture July 17—Isaiah 13-16: Judgment on Babylon and Moab Observation Judah isn't the only nation ripe for judgment. As Isaiah surveys the spiritual scene around him, virtually every world power of his day is in line for God's hand of discipline. Babylon will be laid waste by the Medes; Moab will be brought low for her pride and arrogance. Though the wickedness of man is great, the righteousness of God is greater! Application There's something particularly satisfying about seeing "the other guy" get what is coming to him. About watching the speeding car just ahead of you get pulled over. About learning of your bad-tempered neighbor's income tax return getting audited. About reading of the corrupt politician landing in jail. But, smugness in the face of another's calamity is one sure way to share their fate. God in his Word has included the bad with the good—the condemnation with the commendation —that you ...

Scripture July 16—Isaiah 9-12: Judah's Coming Immanuel Observation God blesses Isaiah with two children—sons whose very names become signs to the nation: Maher-shalal-hash-baz ("quick-pickings-easy-prey," 8:3), and  Shear-jashub ("a remnant returns," 7:3). The first serves as a grim reminder of the approaching Assyrian horde; the second provides comfort that Messiah would one day rule in righteousness—a promise anticipated and confirmed by many specific prophecies (7:14, 8:14, 9:2, 6; 11:1-2). Even with judgment on the horizon, the redeemed can sing, knowing that ultimate victory is sure. Application There are 1,189 chapters in the Bible. To read your way through it in a year requires a "daily walk" (or jog"!) of approximately three to four chapters a day. As you read, your role resembles that of waterskier—covering a great amount of territory quickly rather than that of a skindiver—"plumbing the depths" of each chapter....

Isaiah's Dramatic Encounter! Scripture July 15—Isaiah 5-8: Isaiah's Commission Observation After delivering his call to repentance, Isaiah describes his call to ministry—a dramatic encounter with God during a time of national lament. Caught up in a vision of God's presence, Isaiah's "My doom is sealed" ("I am sinful") is met by God's "Now you are pronounced 'Not guilty," resulting in the prophet's "Lord, I'll go! Send me" ("I am available") and God's "Go" ("I want to use you"). Cleansed of his iniquity, Isaiah enters eagerly into the unenviable task of declaring God's judgment upon a people plagued with fat hearts and heavy ears. Application "You haven't heard a word I said!" How often has that ringing indictment been true of you? It's hard to communicate when the other party has "tuned out." On the other hand, there are times in l...

Rock of the Ages! Weekly Devotional July 14— Psalm 61 : The Rock Higher Than I Reflection Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon—books of eternal wisdom, insight, and joy, as you've now witnessed firsthand! Today, as you stand ready to continue in the book of Isaiah, launching your study into the Old Testament prophets, let's spend a few contemplative moments in Psalm 61 so that you'll be encouraged to continue in your daily reading through God's Word. It's Better Under His Wing! Psalm 61 contains only a brief eight verses. But buried in the psalm are word pictures describing five kinds of protection for the psalmist. Can you find all five in less than a minute? Ready...go! Rocks and towers may not seem like anything special until you remember the terrain in which David lived and fought—much of it parched, waterless wilderness, without trees for shade or frequent cities for protection. In such an environment, every promontory is of vital i...

Isaiah the Prophet Depicted by Marc Chagall Isaiah Introduction The book of Isaiah, the "mother lode of Hebrew prophecy," sets forth a lifetime of preaching by the statesman and prophet for whom it is named. In the first thirty-nine chapters, the prophet stresses righteousness, holiness, and the justice of God, announcing his terrible judgment upon a world stained scarlet with sin (1:18). But the last twenty-seven chapters portray God's glory, compassion, and undeserved favor. Messiah will come as a Savior to bear a cross and as Sovereign to wear a crown. Scripture July 13—Isaiah 1-4: Judah's Rebellion Observation Isaiah ("Jehovah is salvation") writes at a time when attack, intimidation, and even annihilation appear likely for the people of God. Undaunted, Isaiah stands toe to toe with the wicked kings and corrupt countrymen of Judah, delivering his unpopular message: "Repent or feel God's righteous wrath." Kings and o...

An Exaltation of Love! Song of Solomon Introduction King Solomon, who wrote over a thousand songs, calls this his "song of songs." Full of oriental imagery, the Song of Solomon recounts his marrying a country maiden. While it extols the bliss of married love and the burning devotion of spouses to one another, it also speaks of the heartaches of marriage. Though some interpreters consider it a fictional drama and others view it as literal event of Solomon's life, all have caught an intimate glimpse of God's fervent love for his people within these lyrics. Scripture July 12—Song of Solomon 1-8: The Greatest Love Song Observation The Song of Solomon is a love poem set in a rustic pastoral setting. In it Solomon woos and weds a Shulamite shepherdess ("The Girl"), extolling her love and exulting in her presence. When conflict arises between Solomon and his new bride, it is quickly resolved without pouting or bitterness. In their tender re...

Emptiness Scripture July 11—Ecclesiastes 7-12: The Solution to Life's Emptiness Observation The Preacher continues to build his case for the hopeless and helpless state of life in this world (8:9, 15, 17; 9:3, 6, 9, 11, 13: 10:5). What good is it to laugh (chapter 7) or live lawfully (chapter 8) when life's tragedies and inconsistencies sweep down upon the righteous as well as the unrighteous? Where can you turn to find help in making sense out of the complex pieces of life? The answer comes back with ringing clarity: "Don't let the excitement of being young cause you to forget about your Creator. Honor him in your youth before the evil years come. Fear God and obey his commandments" (12:1, 13). The secret of life is held in the hands of the Giver of life. Though at times you will not understand his workings (11:5), you can always build your life with confidence upon his Word. Application The quest for meaning in life is not new. Over the centur...

Only God Our Giver! Ecclesiastes Introduction The author of Ecclesiastes (traditionally thought to be Solomon) enjoyed power, wealth, and access to all of life's pursuits and pleasures. After experiencing a full measure of life "under the sun" he declares it all to be futile and unsatisfying. Only as he lives "above the sun"—with an eye toward God—does life become meaningful and fulfilling. Ultimate satisfaction comes, not from the good things of life, but from the Giver of life, the One we are to fear, honor and obey. Scripture July 10—Ecclesiastes 1-6: The Emptiness of Life's Pursuits Observation Ask the average man on the street, "What is life?" and his answer might surprise and amuse you. Ask the Preacher of Ecclesiastes that same question, and his answer will stun you: "Nothing is worthwhile; everything is futile" (1:2). This response is not merely the offhand remark of a sidewalk philosopher, but the reasone...