Bible Chapter: Isaiah 29 & 30

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    There are many people who know God’s expectations for life who stubbornly refused to follow them. There comes a point in time when God says that judgment will come because of the continued practice of sin. Here we see that God spoke this message to those who lived in Jerusalem, because God no longer accepted their rebellion and wanted to show them their need to turn to God. Israel had many enemies who often try to destroy them. God did come through many times protect them from their enemies. Because their hearts were far from God, even though they continued to pray and offer sacrifices to God they brought God’s judgment on themselves.
    Judah made plans that were not God’s plans for them. They made political and military alliances that did not reflect what God wanted them to do. They rejected God’s counsel and didn’t believe His promises. There was a desire to only hear pleasant things and not the hard words that came from God through His prophets. They didn’t seem to want to hear the truth, but only words that made them feel good.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    One of the messages to God’s people was that in repentance and returning to God, they would find their salvation. Repentance requires a change of heart and mind. It requires turning around and going the opposite way we have been going. God requires going His way. Salvation comes with repentance as people humble themselves before God, turning from their sin and putting their trust in God. Those who refuse to listen and respond will ultimately find spiritual defeat. I cannot allow myself to live a life that only does what I would like to do. I must go God’s way.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people understand that God truly longs to offer repentance and salvation to every person. The issue is that God will never force himself on anyone. He will only respond to the heart of a person who turns from sin and confesses Jesus as his Lord.