Isaiah 28-29, 22 and 33
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Day 186 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with my study of Isaiah's prophecies. My commentary* remarks that although Hezekiah has led a spiritual revival, Isaiah warns against a relapse and a turn away from God: "...knowing already that they will indeed fail, Isaiah tells them again of Jerusalem’s fall, the foreign exile in captivity, the day of restoration, and the punishment of their oppressors. The message is always the same, but the hardness of their hearts keeps them from hearing it".
*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
I am struck this morning how it is God alone who both provides and obscures faith (hardens hearts) - see John Piper on this. See also another perspective from a DesiringGod.com contributor.
The Lord has brought over you a deep sleep: He has sealed your eyes (the prophets); he has covered your heads (the seers). For you this whole vision is nothing but words sealed
in a scroll. And if you give the scroll to someone who can read, and
say, “Read this, please,” they will answer, “I can’t; it is sealed.” Or
if you give the scroll to someone who cannot read, and say, “Read this,
please,” they will answer, “I don’t know how to read.” Isaiah 29:10-12
I am thankful that God has given me the gift of faith and salvation.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has given me faith and salvation - the greatest gift of all time! Thank You Jesus! I am undeserving of such a gift. I sin...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
