Extinguishing the Fire.

Scripture: Isaiah 9: 13 "But the people have not returned to him who struck them, nor have they sought the Lord Almighty."
18 "Surely wickedness burns like a fire; it consumes briers and thorns, it sets the forest thickets ablaze, so that it rolls upward in a column of smoke."

Observation: In this passage God is angry with Israel, they have #1 turned away from him and #2 not sought him out. (13) He declares that he will punish them for what they have done. The lines "His anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised." are repeated four times in this passage. The analogy for wickedness was used as a fire. Just as a forest fire burns everything around it, and causes complete destruction, so wickedness infests those it surrounds itself with. One tiny wicked action can start a whole process of wicked actions-all it takes is a single spark. Just as a forest fire creates a column of smoke visible to everyone nearby so our wickedness cannot be hidden for long before its exposed.

Application: Turning away from God and not seeking him out angers him and causes wickedness. Wickedness spreads like wildfire. Satan will use something as tiny as making my immortal life on earth more important than spending time seeking God as a way of separating our relationship and leading me towards wickedness.

In order to stay strong against current of pride and sin turning me away from God I need to make sure that I am seeking him out and filling myself with his living water. This means daily time spent meditating on his Word and his presence and a constant evaluation of where my priorities are.

So when the smoke wafts into my nose, I'll be able to extinguish it quickly.

Prayer: Lord help me to walk in the way of righteousness by keeping you close and seeking you first. I thank you that every right thing I do flows out of our relationship.

I Will Not Be Shaken

Scripture

Isaiah 7: 2“so the hearts of Ahaz and his people were shaken, as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind.”9 “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.”

Observation

Ahaz the king of Judah was told that Israel and Aram were planning to invade and destroy his land once again. As he had been defeated by them before it was easy for him to lose heart and doubt that God would give them victory this time. I believe the wind in the passage above refers to this doubt, which “shook their hearts.” The analogy of wind for doubt is used in James 1:6 as well. “because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” If Ahaz and his people are shaken by the wind then what will happen when the real storm comes? Isaiah reminds Ahaz that God has promised victory to them. He states a clear warning that if Ahaz does not stand firm in his faith of God’s promise to come through, then at the end of this battle he will not stand at all.

Application

As I reflect on this warning to remain rooted in God’s promises in times of conflict I am reminded of the constant temptation and ease to doubt God’s faithfulness. When difficult times and struggles face me I need to trust in the victory that God has promised me. They will be my standing ground, what keeps me upright in the midst of the battle while the anxiety and stress of trying to win on my own, without trusting God will bring me down. When I remain firm in my faith, in heart and in action, and do not let the winds of doubt sway me, then I can stand assured that in difficult times, I will always remain standing.

Prayer

Father thank you that you always remain faithful. When I am swayed by doubt your promises remain sure. Even in the dimmest looking circumstance when my enemies try to take me down once again I can stand assured that you will come through. Help me to set my roots in your solid ground and know your promises through belief and understanding of your word-Strengthen my trust in you. I will try to take doubts captive and not let them shake my faith.

Tess