Devo Isaiah 61 Nov 20

Chapter 61
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,because the LORD has
anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent me to bind up
the brokenhearted,to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from
darkness for the prisoners,2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and
the day of vengeance of our God,to comfort all who mourn,3 and provide
for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,the oil of joy instead of mourning,and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.4 They will rebuild
the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated;they will renew
the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.5 Strangers will
shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.
6 And you will be called priests of the LORD, you will be named ministers
of our God.You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you
will boast.7 Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance.
And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy
will be yours.8 “For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing.
In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting
covenant with them.9 Their descendants will be known among the nations
and their offspring among the peoples.All who see them will acknowledge
that they are a people the LORD has blessed.”10 I delight greatly in the
LORD; my soul rejoices in my God.For he has clothed me with garments
of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself
with her jewels.11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden
causes seeds to grow,so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and
praise spring up before all nations.

Meditation
1. Silence – Read/Listen – Meditate – Pray – Contemplate

2. What words or phrases stand out to you? How do you feel about
being called a priest? What would it mean for you to live like a
priest this week? Do you serve with “delight in the Lord” or with
joy in results or feelings of success? What’s the difference?

3. Ask God for guidance in how you serve. As you serve someone
today, be present to the reality that you are doing this with God’s
hand, under his power. This is his work and you get to be a part of
it!

Devo Nov 14, Isaiah 54:16-17

“See, it is I who created the blacksmith
    who fans the coals into flame
    and forges a weapon fit for its work.
And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc;
¹⁷     no weapon forged against you will prevail,
    and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
    and this is their vindication from me,”
declares the Lord.    (Isaiah 54:16-17)

God, as I dwell on your words, you speak of the future glory of your faithful servants.  You have deep compassion, everlasting kindness, and justice like the days of Noah.  I have been feeling very discouraged over doing your work lately.  Perhaps it is the sin of lack of trust in you and believing the lies of Satan that my work is in vain.  Perhaps I do not really know the power of your love and not really convicted of your presence and love.  I thank you for your encouragement today.  It is you who created the blacksmith that makes the weapon.  The weapons of today in the military, corporations, and institutions, are very powerful.  They are all still within your control.  I thank you that no weapons and accusing tongues can destroy your servants.  I am aware of many people who are in the midst of distress, sickness, suffering loss from family.  I pray for my disciples that no weapons and lies from Satan will prevail in taking their hearts away from you.

Isaiah 51:4-6 Devo Nov 13, 2012

4 “Listen to me, my people;
    hear me, my nation:
Instruction will go out from me;
    my justice will become a light to the nations.
5 My righteousness draws near speedily,
    my salvation is on the way,
    and my arm will bring justice to the nations.
The islands will look to me
    and wait in hope for my arm.
6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens,
    look at the earth beneath;
the heavens will vanish like smoke,
    the earth will wear out like a garment
    and its inhabitants die like flies.
But my salvation will last forever,
    my righteousness will never fail.

I am adopting devotion with prayer.  I read Isaiah 51.  I read a few sentences then stop to pray and noted down what God has touched my heart with.   It takes a bit longer but it was a great experience as I felt peace after praying.  Below are my notes.

Adoration: God, you are righteous.  You are the only saviour.  You have compassion on all people.

Confession: God, I sinned by jealousy. I looked down on myself when I see people who are successful.  I sinned by faithlessness.  I am not fulling trusting in your power in building up your people and there are temptations to take short cuts rather than facing up the challenge in courage.  I sinned by worrying.  I worry about the future, the ministry, and worldly concerns.

Thanksgiving: I thank God for everlasting salvation.  Despite all uncertainties in this world, your love and gift of salvation never change. I thank God for you being the whole universe's righteous judge.  Justice is found in God alone.  God is the only one that never ever contradicts his character.  All corporations, governments, media, unions, and institutions (including churches and my church too) contradicts their own mission and character.

Supplication: I ask for courage to face the challenges, the strength to live boldly yet humbly for God's glory, the presence of the Holy Spirit throughout today.  I want to be guided by your unchanging character and love.  I ask for my brothers and sisters to experience your presence when they seek after you.  I ask for your presence in those who are serving your in government and unions.  I ask that they are seeking first justice and the well being of the people they serve before their own needs.  I ask that you give myself and disciples in Crossroad opportunities to share the good news of Christ.  I ask that you continue to guide me as I plan for PGC in 2013.