Oh, that our nation would experience  such promises from the LORD!   A nation led continually, with desires satisfied, even in the most scorched places.  Prosperity and abundance that even our bones would be fat with marrow.  Rather than hunger and scarcity there would be nutrishment as in a flourishing garden.  It would be as an ever-flowing spring of life that never runs dry. 
What would it take to get there?  This chapter of Issiah reveals that the people of God we’re doing the “right things” on the outside, yet their worship was shallow. There focus was turned to themselves rather than to their God.  When we turn to ourselves, our compassion is lost, we bring to God our list of things we have done looking for justification and yet we find none.  We have no rest and carry a yoke that is unbearable.  Have we forgotten that we were blessed to be a blessing?

Personal Reflection

Our nation’s healing will be a byproduct of  us knowing, living, and speaking the truth. This includes seeking after the LORD above all else, loving and obeying Him.  Have you noticed how quickly this country has taken a downturn in the last 4 years?  It seems to be decelerating at an increasing rate.  This is more than some political agenda.  It is a problem with sin.  Read Romans 1 for more details. I believe God is giving us over to our desires. 

What if I told you that I believe all of this could change in the matter of less than a year.  If we as Christians would sincerely confess to God the sins that we are struggling with, and pursue Him with all our passion and might, change would be inevitable and wides spread.  If we all, in love and unity, spent our time seeking ways to repair and restore communities, prayed for one another, and funded one another’s efforts, we could change the world!  For all would know we are Christians by our love!  Find one person to invest deeply in and commit to investing for one year.  Listen to them, pray for them, pour hope into them.  WARNING: this may require less time in front of the  TV.  Let’s ditch the comfort and make a difference. Let’s live again!

Prayer Focus

LORD God, we humbly come before you confessing that we have not worshipped you from the deepest depths of our heart.  That on the outside we are rock star believers yet on the inside we are desperately paralyzed waiting for you to do some miracle.  Father, rekindle the passion and fire that you started in us that we may not walk past the hand in need with a clear conscience.  Let our love be yours for all those in need.  Give us endless energy to fight hunger, loneliness, depression, abuse and all the other ailments of this fallen world.  Equip us with the hope of your truth. May we Know, Live, and Speak it boldly for your glory now and forevermore, in the power of Jesus’ Name, Amen!

#thepoweroflove #changeiscloserthanyouthink. #truthtalk4life

@brianfriedl