Who is God? Who are we?

As we learned from the sermon yesterday, the text of Isaiah 1 is about a people in decline.  It is a difficult message to hear, for God is speaking not only to the religious leaders and the people of Israel, but to our own hearts.  We must each answer for ourselves the question: Is God to be trusted?  We can learn the answer to the question through experience and through scripture.

When we read any Biblical text, it's helpful to make note of what we learn about God and about ourselves as we read.  Begin each reading of scripture with prayer - it doesn't have to be lengthy or wordy or elaborate.  Simply ask God to guide your reading and understanding of the passage.

CLICK HERE for a link to the New Living Translation of Isaiah 1.

You may find it helpful to make a chart with two (or more) columns to write down what you learn as you read. See the brief example below.  Make sure you finish the complete chapter to get the full picture of judgement as well as hope and restoration. I suggest moving through the text verse by verse (though the example below does not do so, nor is it in columns).

GOD
-sick of burnt offerings
-will make my sins white as snow

ISRAEL/ (MYSELF)
-rebelled against God
-does not know its master

 How do the truths of this scripture affect you and your relationship with God and with others?  Spend some time in prayer with the Lord reflecting on these ideas. 

Grace Discipleship: Pray for the needs of others, the hungry, the oppressed

Lord, show us the needs you want us to take care of “in Your name” (Hebrews 6:10).  

Lord, show us how we can help the physically and spiritually hungry, the ones You have purposed for us to feed (John 21:17).

Lord, help us to see and be willing to speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves (Proverbs 31: 8-9).

Lord, thank You for all the ministries in our church that are meeting these needs.  Bless, guide, and anoint them in Your name, power, and leading.  Amen.  – Lou Hamlin