Day 200

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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 their Creator and have respect for the Holy One of Israel" (17:7). But until that day arrives, you are your Creator's representative! And if others respect God today, it will be in large measure because you are an accurate reflection of your Creator, living a life worthy of respect.

Examine your "personal reflection" today. Stand in front of a full length mirror, and take a good look at yourself physically, Are you a worthy representative of God in the way you look and dress? Looking deeper, examine yourself morally and spiritually. Are your thoughts and motives above reproach, your relationships in line with God's will, your daily behavior above reproach? Ask somebody—a close Christian friend, or someone you respect to help you work on one area where you "reflection" needs polishing!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we surrender our will to you. You and only you will give joy and happiness if we only respect, obey and trust in you. When we look in the mirror, we want our reflection be of you. Whatever we have to endure in this life, keep us on the righteous path according to your Word so that others see you in us. In Jesus mighty name we pray! Amen!

Look in the Mirror. Who do you see?


© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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