December 1:      Isaiah 48 – What stands out to you in this chapter? Which verse gets your attention? “This is what the LORD says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: ‘I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.’” (verse 17) God cares about the steps we take. He has plans that, as we obey him and his Word, will be accomplished. The wise man Solomon said, “Trust in the Lord . . . and he will direct your paths.” How do you understand God’s parenting in your life? When he uses the title redeemer, what does it mean to you? How does following God’s way lead to peace that is like a river?

December2:       Isaiah 49 – Which of these 26 verses stirs your heart? What is God saying to you through it? “But Zion said, ‘The LORD has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me. Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!’” (vv. 14 & 15) This is an important message because sometimes we think because of the difficulty of life that God has forgotten us. The Lord will never despise his own. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. He is always for us. “If God is for us who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) How do you know that God is always with you, even when you don’t feel him? What does it mean to you to trust in the fact that God will never forsake you.

December 3:      Isaiah 50 – What is God saying to you through this chapter? Which verse stands out to you? “Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.” (verse 10) This verse is a summation of what we have been reading over the last few days. When we place our confidence in our own intelligence or accomplishments instead of in God, we risk the failure of our own strengths. In a self-sufficient world we must be reminded that only God is reliable and faithful. How are you relying on God? What do you want him to do for you? What is your main prayer these days?

December 4:      Isaiah 51 – What stands out to you? Why? “Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have my law in your hearts: Do not fear the reproach of men or be terrified by their insults.” (verse 7) This reminds me of how it is sometimes when we try to reach out to people with the love of Christ. Sometimes we are misunderstood and other times we are opposed. We do not need to fear when men insult us for our faith because God is with us and His truth will prevail. We can, with sacrificial love and confidence, reach out to people, even if they do not respond faithfully. God will take care of everything in the end. We should concentrate on loving and obeying him. How do you understand the phrase, “My law is in your hearts.”? How does that affect your life? The new covenant says that God will be in us. What does that mean? Why is that important?

December 5:      Isaiah 52 – You may find it difficult to read these prophecies as they may sound the same day after day but this is God’s Word and it is important for us to sense both God’s desire for relationship and his discipline on those who ignore him. But all is all we are to be people of good news. What verse talks about good news? What stands out to you from this chapter? “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” (verse 7) This is one of my favorite Old Testament verses. Maybe you feel strongly about it like I do. We are people that have been called to share the good news of what Christ has done through his life, death and resurrection. We get to talk about redemption, salvation and peace with God now and forever. Who needs the good news that you possess? Who are you sharing with these days? Why not pray for those around you who need God’s salvation through Christ?

December 6:      Isaiah 53 – It will be difficult for you to choose one verse out of these many which are especially inspiring to you. But maybe God would speak to you through one of these about the Messiah and what Jesus did for you. Verse 10 is not often quoted but it gets my attention: “Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.” Sometimes we think God’s will will always be about something good that will happen. But when Jesus suffered and died that was not good. But the outcome was good. That’s the promise here. When we are in step with the Lord the ultimate outcome of his will will prosper. How are you suffering with Christ? How are you receiving the blessings that Christ has provided? What would your prayer of thanks be for what Christ has done for you?

We are used to reading New Testament passages that are more familiar to us, or also reading in the Old Testament the stories that are inspiring. Our reading in Isaiah is more challenging and maybe that is what God has in mind for us right now. Our spiritual progression as a nation is not moving upward, but all indications indicate more of a decline. Isaiah speaks to a people that were on the decline and offers them hope for restoration. The future for God’s people is going to be marvelous, but what about the present situation that we find ourselves in as Christians in America? Church attendance is declining; the family is fractured; morality is relative and our spiritual focus is fuzzy at best. Think of these words as applying specifically to you as an individual, but also read them in the context of a culture that is drifting away from allegiance to God.

December 7:    Isaiah 54 – Which verse gets your attention? Why is it important to you? “’To me this is like the days of Noah, when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth. So now I have sworn not to be angry with you, never to rebuke you again. Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” (vv. 9 & 10) God made a covenant with his people so that in the worst of times they would know that he would not abandon them. A time would come when he would stop rebuking them and restore their strength and give them peace. Do you see how this applies to what I said as an intro to these readings? In the days of Noah people were living for themselves and not for God. But God will not abandon his own, who hold onto his covenant by faith. God has compassion on you and me, even as we trust in him. How does this give you hope? What do these words mean to you?

December 8:    Isaiah 55 – Which verse is most significant to you? There so many wonderful statements in this chapter, it is hard to pick which one is the most inspiring. “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (vv. 10 & 11) This is a promise about God’s Word. The Word of the Lord will accomplish his purpose. Even as we reach out, seeds of God’s truth are planted in the hearts of people. It is a very encouraging truth that as we live by his Word and share his Word it produces fruit. How well do you know God’s Word? Are you sharing it with others? What is something from God’s Word that you can share with those that you come in contact with today?

December 9:    Isaiah 56 – Which verse stands out to you? What is its meaning to you? “. . . these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” (verse 7) I use that verse because Jesus spoke that verse to the money changers in the temple. The temple had become a marketplace instead of a place of seeking God. There were many disappointing things that took place reflecting the spiritual decline of God’s people in Jesus’ day. This would fit for us too. If the world is going to be a better place, it will begin in the church. Sincerity and love for God in the church will be a ripple that God will use to affect our world. How real is your faith and your commitment to prayer? If the definition for God’s house is a “house of prayer,” how well are we doing?

December 10:  Isaiah 57 – Which verse catches your attention? Why? “For this is what the high and lofty One says—he who lives forever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.’” (verse 15) I bet many of you picked this verse as the one that gets your attention. This has always been challenging to me because no one likes to be humble. But the Bible encourages us to humble ourselves. It doesn’t encourage us to pray that God will make us humble. There is a difference you know! The Lord is with those who are humble. Our great God comes close to those who realize their need. His promise is that the humble will be lifted up as we put our faith in him. What does it mean to you to be humble? What does this verse say to you that gives you hope?

December 11:  Isaiah 58 – Which verse stands out to you? Why does it get your attention? “’If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.’ The mouth of the LORD has spoken.” (vv. 13 & 14) These last verses emphasize the Sabbath. Sabbath keeping was thought of as a command that must be obeyed, instead of a principle that honors God. Setting aside one day to focus on worship and to enjoy rest is a principle that God has outlined since creation. We need a day for rest that refreshes us spiritually and physically, providing us time so we can gather together for worship and reflect on God without the stress of our everyday activities. There are very few people that honor this principle, but again, we are reminded of its importance. How are you at taking one day a week, and letting God and rest be your focus? Why is this important?

December 12:  Isaiah 59 – Which verse stands out to you? Why? “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” (verse 2) This is a verse that I have used many times to talk about the chasm that exists between you and God without the intervention of Jesus Christ. Sin cuts us off from God, forming a wall that blocks relationship with God. God did not want this separation so he sent his Son to be the bridge for you and me. Thank the Lord for his love that was demonstrated through his Son Jesus so that we could have relationship with Him, offering us forgiveness of sins, eternal life and a purpose to live by today. How do you appreciate the good news of Jesus Christ? Why is Jesus the only way to really cover sins? Why not express your gratitude to the Lord in prayer today?!

December 13:  Isaiah 60 – Which verse gets your attention? Why is it important to you? “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you.” (vv. 1 & 2) The essence of this verse is mentioned in Ephesians 5:14 when it says, “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” These verses are considered messianic in that they point to what Jesus would do for us. He is the light of the world and he would shine light into our darkness. Light overcomes darkness as we receive Christ. This Sunday we will sing a song, “Here I am to Worship.” The first verse says, “Light of the world, you step down into darkness. Open my eyes; let me see. Beauty that made this heart adore you, hope of a life spent with you.” This is clearly a message about Jesus coming to us as God’s own Son. That’s the message of Christmas. How are you doing at keeping Christ in Christmas? What are you most thankful for at Christmas time? I encourage you to spend some time in prayer, acknowledging that Christ is the reason for Christmas.

We will enjoy finishing up the book of Isaiah in our readings this week. Some encouraging words come as Isaiah concludes his message to the people of God 700 years before Christ was born. The very first sentence we will read this week is Isaiah 61:1 – “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.” Jesus said that about himself in Luke 4. This coming Sunday we will launch our Christmas readings, which will carry us through the end of the year. I have an exciting plan for 2010. In the Life Application Bible there are 365 key passages suggested for a year through the Bible. Obviously we will not read every chapter in the Bible, but we will read some of the most significant chapters throughout this coming year. It will be a wonderful year in the Bible where we read approximately one chapter a day. Won’t you consider committing yourself to reading every day these key passages from the Bible, beginning with Genesis and so on?

December 14:  Isaiah 61 – Each day I suggest you read through the chapter and pick out a verse that gets your attention and ask yourself what God might be saying to you through it. That’s what I do every time. “. . . and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.” (verse 3) These words really project a theme that I want to emphasize in the New Year. We could mourn; there are plenty of things to mourn about. We could despair because there are plenty of things that are discouraging. We could spread ashes over ourselves because there is plenty of sin to confess. But I would suggest a garment of praise. I am drawn to the oil of gladness. What would it be like to have 2010 be a year of celebration; that we would focus on the good that God has done and our celebration would be a display of his splendor even as we would be called oaks of righteousness? How does that idea sound to you? How are you at celebrating the good things that God has done for you?

December 15:  Isaiah 62 – “They will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the LORD; and you will be called Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted.” (verse 12) In the New Testament we are called saints, chosen ones, and we’re described as accepted and forgiven. These titles in this verse describe new names that the Lord would give his people. Think of some of the names that are true about you because of what Jesus has done for you. “Redeemed” fits and “made righteous” works, “new creation” is also true; what new title would you remember? What does it mean to you to be called God’s child?

December 16:  Isaiah 63 – “Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit. So he turned and became their enemy and he himself fought against them.” (verse 10) I like to read the positive verses that are about God’s kindness and his mercy. There are statements about God’s love and grace, but this one caught my attention. The phrase “grieved his Holy Spirit” is also in the New Testament. It means to willingly ignore or disobey the Holy Spirit’s leading. It means to become more and more focused on yourself rather than on pleasing the Lord. You can get to a place where you aren’t listening to God at all. It’s as if the Lord turns his back on you and will use tough love to get your attention. Read Ephesians 4:28-32 for more on grieving the Holy Spirit. What does it mean to you to grieve the Holy Spirit? What are the results?

December 17:  Isaiah 64 – In this short chapter the verse that stood out to me was: “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.” (verse 6) Again the Lord challenged me with the most difficult verse in the chapter rather than the most uplifting. I remember the phrase, “your righteous acts are like filthy rags.” Our best efforts fall far short of God’s holiness. We cannot cleanse ourselves. We cannot match up to God’s perfection. The message that Christ brought is that we can receive his righteousness when we place our faith in him. The New Testament teaches that we are declared righteous. Do your sins bother you? How much? What does forgiveness mean to you? How do you need to be forgiven?

December 18:  Isaiah 65 – Which verse in this chapter about judgment and salvation gets your attention? The one that I noticed was verse 17: “Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.” Even the prophet realizes that in God’s plan there is something new and permanent in the mind of God. It is about safety, peace and fellowship with God face to face. Revelation 21:1 speaks of the new heaven and the earth. The message that weeping and crying will be heard no more comes from Revelation 21:4. Why is heaven important? What do you think it means that there will be a new earth? How does this promise help you?

December 19:  Isaiah 66 – Which verse in this last chapter from the prophet Isaiah gets your attention? “See, the LORD is coming with fire, and his chariots are like a whirlwind; he will bring down his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. For with fire and with his sword the LORD will execute judgment upon all men, and many will be those slain by the LORD.” (vv. 15 & 16) There is so much hope mentioned in the Bible, but there is also the reality of the Day of the Lord. The Day of the Lord will release the wrath of God. 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10 talk about this great judgment that occurs at Christ’s second coming. Isaiah pictured a marvelous eternal future for us who know the Lord. But he also was honest about the devastation of those that reject the living God. How do these words motivate you? How important is it for us to share with this lost and wandering world the good news about Jesus? What is their destiny?

December 20:  Luke 1:26-56 – This section is the highlight for our message this morning at church. Mary is such an incredible character and we are going to take a look at her. You see her story in these verses stronger than at any other point in the Bible. You learn more about her in these verses than at any other place in the Scriptures. What is your impression of Mary? What verse stands out to you? What do you think I might say about Mary this morning in church? What would you emphasize? “‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said.’ Then the angel left her.” (verse 38)

The focus of the readings will be around the promise of Jesus and him entering this world as the Son of God. We call this the incarnation, which means “God becoming flesh.” Many of these passages will be familiar to you, but I have found that at this time of the year, it is so important to meditate on the truth you already know. I think God will highlight some principles that will bring out the significance of the season. May these words be encouraging to you and inspire you to draw near to God. (Let me also give you this reminder, you can read through the whole Bible in 2010 as we look at key passages from Genesis to Revelation. I will be using the daily reading schedule from the Life Application Bible, and giving you highlights as you commit to daily reading in the Bible. It is going to be a fantastic year.) As you read these scriptures about Jesus’ coming, I encourage you to pick one verse and really focus on the message God is giving you through the truth of his Word.

December 21: Isaiah 9:2-7 – “And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (verse 6) There is no question that this verse is what I focused on. These titles mean so much. They describe the fullness of who Jesus is for you and me. The birth of Christ would mean the coming of the one who would be counselor, everlasting and our peace. Which title is most significant to you? Why are you drawn to its meaning? How does it bless your relationship with Christ?

December 22: Micah 5:1-5 – Micah was a prophet at the time of Isaiah. They were both receiving messianic prophecies that would not be fulfilled for 700 years. But this adds to the significance of their message. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” (verse 2) This ruler is Jesus, the Messiah. Micah accurately predicted Christ’s birthplace hundreds of years before Jesus was born. I like that it says that his origins were from of old. Christ entered human history as a man, but Jesus is eternal. He is the Alpha and the Omega. What strikes you about this prophecy? Which verse stands out to you? What does it mean the he will be their peace? (verse 5) What encourages you about a 700 year old prediction that comes true in Jesus?

December 23: Luke 1:1-25 – “And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time.” (verse 20) Zechariah was a man of God but he doubted the angel Gabriel. In Hebrews it say it is impossible to please God without faith. Faith moves mountains. Faith changes hearts. Faith is key to our connection with God. How is your faith? What strengthens your faith? What does it mean to be a person of faith?

December 24: Luke 1:26-80 – “Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, ‘His name is John.’ Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God.” (verse 62-64) Zechariah was mute for nine months during Elizabeth’s pregnancy. But when John the Baptist was born and circumcised on the eighth day, Zechariah obeyed the angel Gabriel and named him John. What do you like about Zechariah’s song (verses 68-79)? What does this story say to you about a man named Zechariah? How does God want to renew your faith? How is your heart of praise for God these days?

December 25: Luke 2:1-20 – “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” (verse 10) These are very familiar verses to us. I had you read them on Christmas day and would suggest that you read them to your whole family. Even though they are very familiar words, which words stand out to you? I was obviously drawn to “Good news of great joy.” Good news is really the word for Gospel. Jesus came to build a bridge to the Living God. His entry into the world was the most significant event in history because it set in motion his sacrificial death on the cross and the power of his resurrection. Why is the Christmas story good news? How does it encourage you?

December 26: Luke 2:21-52 – “For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” (vv. 30-32) These are my favorite verses. Simeon, the righteous man who was waiting for the coming of the Messiah, prophesied these words about Jesus. Upon seeing Jesus he knew that this was the Messiah, who came with salvation and would be a revelation to the Gentiles so that you and I could come to personal faith in Jesus. Many thought the Christ had come to save only his own people. Luke made sure that his audience understood that Christ had come to save all who believe, Gentiles as well as Jews. How are you grateful for your salvation? What does it mean that God loves all the world?

December 27: John 1:1-14 – You don’t want to miss the powerful words from the Gospel of John about Jesus entering the world as the Word. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (verse 14) This says so much about Jesus. He became one of us. He was and is the Son of God. He has the fullness of God in both grace and truth. People could know God fully because Christ made him visible. Christ is the perfect expression of God in human form. The title “Word” means the revelation of God. How does this encourage you? What does it mean that Jesus was fully God and fully man?

December 28: John 1:15-28 – “John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, ‘I am the voice of one calling in the desert, “Make straight the way for the Lord.”’” (verse 23) John the Baptist is key to the story. He would be the forerunner to Jesus. The statement, “Prepare the way of the Lord,” is exactly what John the Baptist was called to do. He did it very well. He fulfilled his purpose. What inspires you about John? What would you say about his dedication to his purpose? What is your purpose and how dedicated are you to it?

December 29John 1:29-51 – “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” (verse 29) The angels announced to the shepherds that Jesus was the Son of God. The wise men brought him gifts. The prophecies were clear as they were fulfilled in Jesus’ coming. But in this verse John calls Jesus the Lamb of God, which would say so much about why he came. Jesus came to pay the penalty for sin and a life had to be given. Jesus was the sacrifice and he became a sin offering for us so that we could receive the righteousness of God. John points to this marvelous truth. What does this mean to you?

December 30: Luke 4:1-13 – “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.” (vv. 1-2) As Jesus was about to begin his ministry, there was this time of testing. Jesus would gain a victory over Satan by using the truth of God’s Word. Satan had succeeded with Adam and Eve, and he wanted to succeed with Jesus as well. However, the Lord stood strong and resisted the devil, and based his strength of God. How about you? As we enter the new year, the devil will want to bring temptation and opposition to your life. How will you stand strong? How?

December 31: Luke 4:14-21 – “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed.” (verse 18) Jesus’ purpose is our purpose. As we close this year, let us thank God for what he has taught us and look forward to how he wants to use us. With an openness to the Holy Spirit, this would be the most significant purpose you could live out . . .doing what Jesus did. How would Jesus want to live through your life this coming new year? What do you remember about 2009 that you are grateful for? What do you remember about 2009 that you want to forget? How do you want to step into the new year?