his own arm

Posted on May 19, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1027Isaiah 59

His nation was full of blind transgressors whose sins had separated themselves from him.  So, God picks up his own armor, and brings redemption himself.  This is the message of Romans 1-3.  It is the story of a God who loved his people so much that even after they refused the life he promised, he made a way for them to be restored.  Then he assured that these same rebellious people would preserve the promise of this salvation: the Old Testament.

LORD, thank you for loving your people, and making a way for all people to come to you.

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here’s my hand

Posted on May 19, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1148Psalm 138

If you have ever asked yourself why you go through so much trouble, and been tempted to feel like God has abandoned you… camp out here in Psalm 138.  The psalmist was there, but he saw his days of trouble as signs not that God was gone, but that his deliverance was there in the midst of trouble.  That’s what this life is for.  It isn’t for us to live above troubles, but for us to know the consistent deliverance of the LORD, who wants to hold our hand as we walk through those trials.

LORD, here’s my hand.

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being his answer

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

 

SDC11399Isaiah 58. 

God said that his people sought him daily and delighted to know his ways, but their seeking — like their fasts — was pretentious. The fast was pure animistic ritual. They thought that if they only got the ceremony right then God would listen to their prayers.  What God wanted from them (his chosen fast) was to stop taking advantage of their workers, and to be generous toward the needy in their own land, and to not forsake their own relatives. He wanted them to be his answer to the prayers of those less fortunate. Then they would get the healing and blessing and protection that they were praying for.

LORD, help us to be your answer to the prayers of others.

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lost joy

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1147Psalm 137

Singing the songs of Zion after its loss is where many people are today.  Deep inside they have lost their reason for joy, and the world around them keeps asking them to sing.  If you feel that loss, know that all is not lost.  There is hope, because the God of Zion is still here.  He has not left us without hope.  But if you feel a deep sadness, and you have known the LORD, but you feel like you are just going through the motions now, circumstances have stolen your joy.  Don’t pretend. Ask God to intervene, and restore your joy.

LORD, intervene. Restore the joy of our deliverance!

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rescue and rest

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1148Psalm 136

The covenant faithfulness of the LORD is applauded in this psalm.  His steadfast love is responsible for creation, bringing the Israelites out of Egypt, into the land, and removing the obstacles along the way.  He is the God who promises rescue and rest.

LORD, may we never forget your steadfast love.  May we cling to it when we seek rescue again.

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gathering others besides

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1147Isaiah 56-57

The LORD promises to heal the faithless backslider, and he also promises to gather others to him besides those already gathered.  The sojourning foreigner and the eunuchs who attach themselves to Israel and the covenant will find a home in the LORD’s family.  This was true of the restoration of Israel, but it is even more true of the new covenant which the LORD made to all nations through Christ.

LORD, thank you for your amazing grace which includes others besides Jacob.

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invitation to life

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

FH000016Isaiah 55

The LORD invites his people to come and listen to him.  He wants their souls to live.  To way to him is through seeking him, and he is available.  His promises keep the planet going, they can work for us too.

LORD, we accept your invitation to life.  We choose to listen to you.

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limitless

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0045Psalm 135

The gods of the nations are lifeless and they are known for what they cannot do.  The LORD has no limits to his works.  He does what he pleases, to whomever he wills.  He knows no geographical limits, no limits to his power, and no time limits.  He is above all gods.  This is the LORD, and he is worthy of praise.

LORD, we praise you for you have no boundaries.

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night shift

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMGP0364Psalm 134

The last shift of worshippers stand in the temple and lift their hands in praise.  The Hebrew word for praise is taken from the same root as the word hand.  Raising their hands is like forming a symbolic link: a connection between themselves and their maker.  Blessing the LORD is the last thing they do every night.  Receiving blessing from him is the first thing they do every morning.

LORD, we want worship to be the last thing on our mind … and gratitude for your blessings to be the first thing.

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deserted wife

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0019 (1)Isaiah 54

The LORD speaks to his people as if they are a deserted wife that he divorced for unfaithfulness.  He promises to restore the relationship and never to desert us again.  He tells us to get ready to make our tent bigger so that we can accommodate more children than we can imagine.  And great shall be their peace.

LORD, thank you for your promise of steadfast love. 

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