Are you working for what you already have?

In Isaiah 43-45, God reminds His people that He is more powerful all the great armies of the world and their so-called "gods." Perhaps we can take comfort that this same God has already given us a place next to Himself (Eph 2:6) . Our "gods" of power and ambition are meaningless, because we already have the ear of the only true and living God.

Life Follows Christ

Isaiah 35 paints a uniquely beautiful picture of redemption. In the first two verses we read of the desert rejoicing in blooms of life as the Messiah strolls through. These verses speak not only to a day of topographical changes, but also to the life Jesus Christ can bring to the deserts of our lives. What dry and lifeless places in your life would you like to see blossom at the touch of Jesus Christ?

Life is short, too short

Isaiah 40:6-8 reminds us that life is short. However, Christ stated that He is not only life, but abundant and eternal life (John 3:36). We can take comfort, that while our lives are fleeting, we have access to a different kind of life - one that is not so frail or short.

He is Risen - Matt 28

Two women came to the grave of Jesus and were told that "He is risen." The women then saw Christ for themselves. The great joy they felt is obvious from this passage - but it might make us ask, how excited are we about Christ's resurrection? The resurrection of Christ is center to the faith of  Christianity. It gives us hope that someday we will share this resurrection.

Are you hiding in Church?

 In the book of Isaiah 29:13 God warns His people that He would not accept their worship. The worship was not given in humility, and it was not truly focused on God. How often do we use good things like church attendance or helping the poor, in place of seeking a true connection with God?  We might find it easier to go through the motions rather than face the Almighty God himself.

Is GOD just an ornament?

Matthew's gospel describes the announcement of Jesus' birth as 'God with us Matt 1:23.' Thinking about what it might mean to be in GOD's presence, is that something we really want or do we just want to add God to our current box of personal ornaments?

The Gospel erases the isolation of sin

Isaiah 24:6-12 details the sadness and  brokenness that results from the curse of sin. This passage draws us down to the despair of isolation that we feel because we cannot trust others and fear their rejection. The good news or gospel of Jesus Christ is that he has come to erase the lines that our fears create.