Pressing vs Permanent
- Pastor Jim
- Jun 30, 2020
- 2 min read
Daily Reading // Isaiah 51:1-16
READY // SILENCIO
Take a moment to quiet your mind and prepare your heart for your time with the Lord.
READ // LECTIO
Read the passage above up to three times aloud. Allow yourself to feel the words as they are read.
REFLECT // MEDITATIO
Now direct your focus on the words, phrases concepts or sentences that got your attention. What is God speaking to you today through His word?
Isaiah 51:7-8 7 "Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, You people in whose heart [is] My law: Do not fear the reproach of men, Nor be afraid of their insults. 8 For the moth will eat them up like a garment, And the worm will eat them like wool; But My righteousness will be forever, And My salvation from generation to generation."
Sometimes it is hard to ignore the pressing to focus on the permanent. The loud complaints, insults and demands of people are pressing. The law of God, His righteousness and His wisdom are permanent.
I know a young girl who wanted to learn how to golf. Her dad was happy to take her out on the course and teach her. Then she learned something about golf that changed her mind. She learned there are times in golf when you have to be quiet. She decided the game wasn’t for her.
Its difficult to concentrate on your swing when people are talking. In pro tournaments officials hold up signs that say QUIET when pros are putting on the greens. I wish we had those signs for life when the volume of voices, criticisms and contrary opinions continue to rise.
What do we have instead? The voice of God and the promise of the eternal. Let those drown out every other voice.
RESPOND // ORATIO
Pray in response to what the Lord has spoken to you.
Father, There are so many voices in the world today. Silence them. I want to hear Your voice. Amen.
Tomorrow’s reading -> Isaiah 51:17-23
One of Augustine’s students asked him if it was permissible to do something that was questionable in their day. Reportedly, Augustine said, “Love God with all your heart and do whatever you want.” It’s the love of God which filters our actions.
Yes now more than ever, drown out the noise and political static by "knowing His righteousness" and "having His law in our hearts" The day Jenn and I got married, an elder come up to me and congratulated me. Then he added, "My advice is put God first in everything you do." These words, if applied have a far reaching effect on all aspects of life, especially during times like these. Thank you Jim for your thought provoking insights.