Category: Devotional

Furnace of Affection

Isaiah 48:10 speaks of God’s refining process, a crucial aspect of His relationship with Israel and His people today. This verse is part of a larger section (Isaiah 44:6-48:11) where God emphasizes His sovereignty, the futility of idols, and His commitment to redeem and refine His people. In these chapters, God declares His uniqueness and sovereignty, contrasting Himself with lifeless idols. He promises deliverance and redemption for Israel but also speaks of the necessary process of refining through trials. This refinement is not just for punishment but for purification and preparation for His purposes.

In Isaiah 48:10, God says, “See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.” This furnace of affliction is actually a furnace of affection. The intense process of refining through affliction is a manifestation of God’s deep love and commitment to His people. By allowing them to go through trials, He is purifying them, removing impurities, and preparing them for a closer relationship with Him.

We see this concept clearly outlined in the New Testament as well. 1 Corinthians 5:5 reads, “hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.” Paul’s instruction to the Corinthian church to hand over an immoral brother (or sister) to Satan for the destruction of the flesh is a form of severe discipline meant to lead to repentance and restoration. This parallels God’s refining process in Isaiah, where severe measures are taken to purify and save His people.

Have you ever experienced personal trials? I know I have. And as we journey through these difficult circumstances — such as a health crisis or financial hardship — we might find that this “furnace of affection” brings about a deeper reliance on God, stripping away self-reliance and pride.

Never forget that God loves you and that’s why His refining process is still at work today! While the process can be painful, it is ultimately for our good, leading to spiritual growth and maturity. God’s desire is that none should perish, but that ALL should come to everlasting life.

Reflection Questions:

Are there areas in your life where you feel like you are being refined in the furnace of affliction? How can you see God’s hand at work in these situations?
How do you respond to church discipline or personal trials? Do you see them as opportunities for growth and purification?
In what ways can you support others going through their own refining processes?

An Inexhaustible God

In Isaiah 40:28-31, we are reminded of the vast difference between human strength and God’s inexhaustible power. The prophet Isaiah writes:

Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV):

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Our human effort, no matter how determined or energetic, is ultimately limited and exhaustible. We grow tired, we get weary, and sometimes we simply cannot continue on our own strength. This is true in many areas of life:

In our careers, we often push ourselves to the brink, believing that success depends entirely on our effort. We stay late at the office, take on more responsibilities than we can handle, and neglect rest. This relentless pursuit can lead to burnout, where our physical and mental reserves are utterly depleted.

In relationships, we might try to be everything for everyone—supportive friend, perfect spouse, attentive parent. We give and give until there’s nothing left, and then wonder why we feel empty and exhausted.

Even in our spiritual lives, we might strive to earn God’s favor through our own efforts. We attend every church event, volunteer for every committee, and try to live up to a standard of perfection that leaves us feeling inadequate and spiritually drained.

In contrast, God’s power and resources are inexhaustible. He never grows tired or weary, and His understanding is beyond our comprehension. When we rely on our own strength, we inevitably fall short. But when we place our hope in the Lord, He renews our strength.

Think about a time when you were at your wit’s end, feeling like you had nothing left to give. Maybe it was during a particularly stressful period at work, a crisis in your family, or a moment of deep personal struggle. Now imagine facing that situation with the assurance that you have access to God’s infinite power and wisdom. How different might that experience have been?

Those who hope in the Lord will find their strength renewed. They will soar on wings like eagles, run and not grow weary, walk and not be faint. This is not a promise of an easy life without challenges, but a guarantee that God’s strength will sustain us through whatever we face.

By looking to God rather than relying solely on ourselves or others, we tap into a source of strength that is limitless. We short-change ourselves when we fail to do this, settling for our own finite resources instead of embracing the infinite power available to us through faith.

Reflection Questions:

In what areas of your life are you relying too heavily on your own strength?
How can you shift your focus from your own efforts to trusting in God’s inexhaustible power?
Can you think of a specific situation where you need to hope in the Lord to renew your strength?

The Imperishable Purpose of Our Perishable Possessions

In the narratives of 2 Kings, Isaiah, and 2 Chronicles, we read about a moment in King Hezekiah’s life that serves as a profound lesson for all of us. After recovering from a life-threatening illness through God’s miraculous intervention, Hezekiah proudly shows the envoys from Babylon all the treasures of his kingdom. This act of pride leads to a stark prophecy from Isaiah: everything Hezekiah showed to the Babylonians would one day be taken away, and his descendants would be carried off as captives.

Isaiah 39:6 (NIV):

“The time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your predecessors have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord.”

Hezekiah’s story reminds us that all our possessions, achievements, and even our lives are temporary and ultimately belong to God. We may take pride in our accomplishments and the material wealth we accumulate, but we must remember that these are merely on loan to us. We are stewards, not owners.

1 Timothy 6:7 (NIV):

“For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”

Since everything we have is temporary, we should focus on using our perishable possessions for imperishable purposes. This means investing our time, resources, and talents in ways that have eternal significance. Rather than hoarding wealth or seeking personal glory, we should strive to further God’s kingdom, help those in need, and live lives that reflect His love and grace.

Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV):

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Hezekiah’s mistake was focusing on earthly wealth and pride rather than acknowledging God’s sovereignty and purpose for his life and kingdom. We are called to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that our true home is in heaven and that our time on earth is an opportunity to prepare for that eternal life with God. Too often, we strive to be remembered by people who will one day be forgotten, rather than seeking to make an impact that lasts for eternity.

Colossians 3:2 (NIV):

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Are there possessions or achievements in your life that you are overly proud of, forgetting that they are gifts from God? How can you use your resources and talents to serve God and others in ways that have eternal significance? What changes can you make in your daily life to align more closely with an eternal perspective?

The Power & Purpose of Prayer

The satirical words of Lisa Simpson, “Prayer, the last refuge of a scoundrel,” reflect a common cultural perception: that prayer is a desperate act, a last-ditch effort when all else fails. While this may be true for some, it stands in stark contrast to the biblical understanding of prayer as the believer’s first and most powerful resource.

In today’s reading, we see a profound example of the power and purpose of prayer through the actions of King Hezekiah. Faced with the overwhelming threat of the Assyrian king Sennacherib, who had already conquered much of Judah, Hezekiah’s first response was not to panic or seek human allies but to turn to God in prayer.

When Hezekiah received the threatening letter from Sennacherib, he went up to the temple of the Lord, spread it out before God, and prayed:

“And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord: ‘Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Give ear, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see; listen to the words Sennacherib has sent to ridicule the living God. It is true, Lord, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands. They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by human hands. Now, Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone, Lord, are God.’” (2 Kings 19:15-19, NIV)

Hezekiah’s prayer was an acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and a plea for deliverance. Unlike the perspective that sees prayer as a last resort, Hezekiah demonstrated that prayer should be our first response. His prayer was not only answered, but it also led to a miraculous deliverance. That night, the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to Sennacherib’s retreat (2 Kings 19:35-36).

Prayer is not just about asking for help; it’s about aligning ourselves with God’s will and acknowledging His authority over every situation. Hezekiah’s prayer reflected his trust in God’s power and his desire for God’s glory to be known among the nations. This is the essence of true prayer: it shifts our focus from our problems to God’s power and purpose.

In today’s world, many see prayer as a fallback when all other options are exhausted. However, as believers, we are called to see prayer as our primary means of communication with God, our first step in any situation. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Consider your own life. When faced with challenges, is prayer your first response or your last resort? Reflect on how you can make prayer a foundational part of your daily routine, seeking God’s guidance and strength in every situation.

True For You

During today’s reading I was struck by Micah’s unflinching indictment of the people of Israel: “Your inhabitants are liars and their tongues speak deceitfully.” This isn’t just a casual mention of dishonesty; it’s a profound commentary on the state of their hearts. They had become so accustomed to lying that it had woven itself into the fabric of their lives. Truth had become foreign to them.

Habits shape our reality. What we do consistently becomes part of who we are. In the case of Israel, years of dishonesty had led them to a place where deceit felt normal, even right. This gradual erosion of truth is something we must guard against in our own lives. Proverbs 12:22 reminds us, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”

When sin becomes a way of life, it distorts our perception. What starts as a small compromise can grow into a lifestyle that blinds us to the truth. Isaiah 5:20 warns, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.” This is the danger Israel faced, and it is the same danger we face when we allow sin to take root in our hearts.

For hundreds of years, the Israelites struggled with this very issue. From the time they entered the Promised Land, they were repeatedly warned to remain faithful to God and His commandments. Yet, time and again, they turned to other gods and embraced practices that were abominations in God’s sight. This resulted in confusion and moral decay, leaving them unable to discern right from wrong.

In a world where subjective truth is often championed, it’s crucial to anchor ourselves in an objective reality outside of ourselves. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” We cannot trust our own hearts to determine what is right. We need an external standard, and that standard is God’s Word. Jesus proclaimed in John 17:17, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”

Reflect on your habits. Are there areas in your life where sin has become so routine that it feels right? Are there compromises you’ve made that need to be addressed? Romans 12:2 urges us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Let God’s Word transform your habits and align your life with His truth.

Take time this week to examine your habits in light of God’s Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas where you have allowed sin to become normalized. Commit to making changes, no matter how small, to bring your life back in alignment with God’s objective truth.

Embracing Correction

As a Little League coach, I teach kids the fundamentals of baseball. One day, while playing catch with my own son, I noticed that some of the harder thrown balls that came near his head caused him to flinch and close his eyes. I always ask him, “Will the ball still hit you if your eyes are closed?” He would say, “Yes,” and I would reply, “Then don’t close them!” This is critical because closing his eyes puts him at greater risk of danger, not less.

This simple lesson from baseball parallels the spiritual lesson in Micah 2:6-11. The Israelites were told not to prophesy about the hard truths, preferring to avoid the discomfort of God’s correction. Much like my son closing his eyes when a ball comes near, they wanted to close their ears to the rebuke and correction that was necessary for their safety and growth.

Why is it that we often want to avoid bad news, especially when it comes to correction or rebuke? It’s natural to prefer comfort and affirmation over discomfort and challenge. Hearing that we are on the wrong path, that our actions are leading to consequences, can be painful and humbling. The prophets in Micah’s time faced resistance because the people did not want to hear about their impending disgrace.

However, avoiding the truth doesn’t change the reality. Just as closing my son’s eyes won’t stop the ball from hitting him, ignoring God’s warnings won’t shield us from the consequences of our actions. In fact, it often places us in greater danger, as we remain blind to the necessary changes we need to make.

Avoiding correction is not just unwise; it’s dangerous. God’s rebuke, though hard to hear, is an expression of His love and desire for our well-being. Hebrews 12:6 tells us, “The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Ignoring His correction means rejecting His love and guidance.

Furthermore, embracing correction leads to growth and righteousness. Proverbs 12:1 states, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” It is through acknowledging our faults and making necessary changes that we become more aligned with God’s will and receive His blessings.

Reflect on the areas of your life where you might be avoiding God’s correction. Are there truths you are reluctant to face because they are uncomfortable? Take time to pray and ask God to open your eyes to His guidance. Embrace His correction, knowing that it is for your ultimate good and growth. Remember: even if you close your eyes, the ball will still hit you!

Are Your Plans Aligned with God’s Will?

As I read Isaiah 30:1-5 this morning, I was struck by the gravity of making plans without consulting God. The passage vividly describes such actions as sinful and rebellious. In these verses, the Israelites sought alliances with Egypt instead of seeking God’s guidance. This decision, made without divine consultation, led to their downfall.

The concept here is clear: when we exclude God from our decision-making process, we are essentially fighting against His will. This rebellion is not merely a mistake but a sin that compounds other sins, leading us further away from His path.

To fully grasp the weight of this message, it helps to understand the historical context. The Israelites, facing the threat of Assyrian invasion, sought the powerful nation of Egypt for protection. This seemed a logical and strategic move from a worldly perspective. However, it was a direct contradiction of God’s command to rely solely on Him for deliverance and guidance.

How often do we find ourselves making plans and forming alliances based on our understanding and wisdom without first seeking God’s counsel? Whether it’s career decisions, relationships, or daily choices, the temptation to lean on our own understanding is strong. Yet, Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

When we take matters into our own hands, we not only risk failure but also miss the opportunity to experience God’s best for us. His plans are always superior to ours, filled with purpose and aligned with His perfect will. By seeking His guidance, we align ourselves with His divine plan, ensuring that our steps are ordered and blessed.

Take a moment today to reflect on areas of your life where you might be making decisions without consulting God. Are you relying on your own understanding, or are you seeking His wisdom and guidance? Commit to bringing every plan before Him in prayer, asking for His direction and trusting in His perfect will.

The Surprising Hope Hidden in Isaiah’s Doom and Gloom

Isaiah 24-27, often called the “Apocalypse of Isaiah,” delivers a stern message of global judgment. Nations are brought low, the earth is laid waste, and its inhabitants scattered. This grim portrayal continues into chapter 29, where Jerusalem faces severe consequences for their rebellion. However, nestled within these chapters of destruction are profound messages of hope and redemption.

Isaiah 24 starts with a vision of the earth in chaos: “The earth will be completely laid waste and totally plundered. The Lord has spoken this word” (Isaiah 24:3). The ensuing verses describe a world reeling under divine judgment. Yet, amidst this, Isaiah 25 presents a sudden shift: “Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago” (Isaiah 25:1).

Here, Isaiah acknowledges God’s sovereignty and His faithful plans, even in judgment. He foretells a future where God will “swallow up death forever” and “wipe away the tears from all faces” (Isaiah 25:8). This profound promise points to a time of ultimate redemption, offering hope amid despair.

Isaiah 26 continues with a song of trust: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3). Despite the trials, those who trust in God are promised perfect peace. This peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of God in the midst of it.

Isaiah 27 brings the promise of restoration: “In days to come Jacob will take root, Israel will bud and blossom and fill all the world with fruit” (Isaiah 27:6). This prophecy speaks of a restored Israel, flourishing and fruitful. It is a reminder that God’s judgment is not an end but a means to bring about repentance and renewal.

Isaiah 29 returns to the theme of judgment, focusing on Jerusalem. The city faces severe consequences for their hypocrisy and spiritual blindness. “The Lord has brought over you a deep sleep: He has sealed your eyes (the prophets); he has covered your heads (the seers)” (Isaiah 29:10). Yet, even here, God promises a future transformation: “Once more the humble will rejoice in the Lord; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 29:19).

God’s discipline is always paired with His grace. The call to awaken from spiritual complacency is a call to return to God, who is ever ready to restore and bless.

How often do we find ourselves overwhelmed by the chaos in our lives? Like the nations in Isaiah’s prophecy, we might face situations that seem insurmountable. But these chapters remind us that God is in control. His plans, though sometimes involving discipline, are ultimately for our good.

When we are in the midst of life’s storms, it is easy to focus on the immediate chaos rather than the overarching sovereignty of God. Isaiah invites us to lift our eyes from our troubles to the One who holds our future.

Personal Reflection:

Are you currently facing a situation that feels overwhelming?
How can you shift your focus from the problem to the promise of God’s presence and peace?
In what ways can you cultivate a trust in God’s plan, even when it involves discipline?

Remember, God’s judgment is never devoid of His mercy. He disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6), and His ultimate aim is our restoration and flourishing.

The Shocking Truth About Why We’re Struggling—And the One Thing We Keep Overlooking!

Isaiah 18-23 predicts doom and gloom for many nations including Egypt, Ethiopia, Edom, Arabia, and even Jerusalem. What I found interesting is how all these nations have nowhere to run and nowhere to hide… except Jerusalem. They are the chosen nation of the Most High God, the God who is bringing the calamity, and yet they do not turn to Him. What?? You have access to the greatest trump card anyone could ever draw and yet you leave it on the table?

How often do we end up in a bind, and instead of looking UP to God, we look IN to ourselves? When the chips are really down, why do we try to go it alone? My God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, so why would I go to someone else for the things that really matter? He has every resource we need!

So if you’re facing financial difficulties, struggling with health issues, dealing with relationship problems, or feeling overwhelmed by work or school, then lift your eyes to the mountains, where your help comes from (Psalm 121:1-2). Trust in the Lord, for He is our ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).

Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition

The battle-cry of Chaplain Lt H. M. Forgy aboard the USS New Orleans during the attack on Pearl Harbour in WWII. Just the thought of it today causes Christians to recoil in horror. Imagine! Associating God with war?? Crazytownbananapants!

Ot is it? I think Christians write-large would also recoil in horror at the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 149:6-9, who writes:

Let the praises of God be in their mouths, and a sharp sword in their hands— to execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with shackles and their leaders with iron chains, to execute the judgment written against them. This is the glorious privilege of his faithful ones. Praise the Lord!

A sword? Vengeance!? Execute!?!

We read these words and run to the New Testament to say that our fight is NOT against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, this is a metaphorical battle! This is only imagery! David Guzik in his Enduring Word commentary writes:

They bear a two-edged sword in their hand, demonstrating both the use of practical weapons and means, and in a spiritual sense, reliance upon God’s word, which is described as a two-edged sword (Revelation 19:15) as even sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12), and as the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17).”

I don’t think so, Dave. That is NOT the context the author of Psalms is writing in. He’s not in a post-Resurrection world. Christianity does not yet exist. And the writings of John, Paul, and the author of Hebrews are hundreds of years away. Which begs the question: what is the context of the Psalmist?

Exodus 32:25-28 – The Golden Calf Incident: After the Israelites create and worship a golden calf, Moses calls for those who are loyal to the Lord to come to him. The Levites respond, and Moses commands them to go through the camp and kill those who participated in the idolatry. About 3,000 people are killed as a result.
Numbers 25:1-9 – The Sin of Peor: The Israelites engage in idolatry and sexual immorality with Moabite women. God commands Moses to execute the leaders involved. Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, takes a spear and kills an Israelite man and a Midianite woman, stopping a plague that had killed 24,000 people.
Joshua 6 – The Battle of Jericho: God commands Joshua to lead the Israelites in the conquest of Jericho. They march around the city for seven days, and on the seventh day, they blow trumpets and shout, causing the walls to collapse. They then destroy every living thing in the city as an act of divine judgment.
Joshua 7 – The Sin of Achan: After the Israelites are defeated at Ai, God reveals that Achan has taken forbidden items. Joshua identifies Achan, who confesses, and he and his family are stoned and burned as a punishment, restoring God’s favor to Israel.
1 Samuel 15 – The Amalekites: God commands Saul, the first king of Israel, to completely destroy the Amalekites, including all their people and livestock. Saul partially obeys, sparing King Agag and the best of the livestock, which leads to his rejection as king.
2 Kings 9-10 – The Judgment on Ahab’s House: God anoints Jehu as king of Israel and commands him to execute judgment on the house of Ahab. Jehu kills Joram, Ahaziah, Jezebel, and the seventy sons of Ahab, fulfilling Elijah’s prophecy.
Judges 7 – Gideon’s Battle Against the Midianites: God uses Gideon and a small army of 300 men to defeat the Midianites, delivering Israel from oppression. This victory is seen as God’s judgment against the Midianites for their actions against Israel.

This is far from an exhaustive list. We just need to accept the fact that God uses human agents to carry out His will. And — yes — His will includes judgement from time to time. And if that bothers you, I have a quite sincere question: Do you have an issue with any of these incidences?

The Great Flood: God caused the flood to wipe out all humanity except Noah and his family (Genesis 6-8).
Sodom and Gomorrah: God destroyed these cities with fire and brimstone due to their wickedness (Genesis 19).
Nadab and Abihu: They were consumed by fire from the Lord for offering unauthorized fire before Him (Leviticus 10:1-2).
Uzzah: He died when he touched the ark of the covenant inappropriately (2 Samuel 6:6-7).

Because it seems to me that most people who object to how God is doing a thing, but rather than He is doing it at all. This comes back to the same thing I’ve talked about before; when my opinion differs from God’s, I’m wrong. And if I don’t like it, I need to better understand God’s grace or holiness, or some other attribute of His better. Don’t forget that God is all-knowing. He knows everything that was, is, and will be. He has a level of both knowledge and understanding that we could never HOPE to attain. And any attempt to massage, mold, or adapt God to better fit OUR desires is nothing more than an idol. An idol that demonstrates a profound lack of trust in our God.