Isaiah 33:10-36:22, Galatians 5:13-26, Psalm 64:1-10, Proverbs 23:23  Pray: Welcome the Holy Spirit into this set apart time today. It is the Spirit who “gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires” (Galatians 5:17). Ask God to search and even replace the core desires of your heart that drive your words, thoughts, decisions, and actions. Read: Isaiah instructs us to “search the book of the Lord, and see what he will do…(what) the Lord has promised…His Spirit will make it all come true” (Isaiah 34:16).  Read with great anticipation of God ..read more

Isaiah 30:12-33:9, Galatians 5:1-12, Psalm 63:1-11, Proverbs 23:22  Pray: Search for God. Survey the uncertainty and the illusion of your own control over your next breath, next drive in the car, safety of a loved one, opinions of others about you; and then let your soul thirst for the One who has all power and glory in His sanctuary. Spend time praising and growing in desire for Him. Read: What or who is the ultimate source for power in your life? This power source is where you place your hope, faith, and trust. Is it your own power? The government or nati ..read more

Isaiah 28:14-30:11, Galatians 3:23-4:31, Psalm 62:1-12, Proverbs 23:19-21  Pray: Begin with the great privilege, which is evidence of the Spirit of God alive in your heart, of crying out “Abba Father.” Thank God that He has adopted you as His child and has made you an heir. Read: Consider all the ways the Father protects His children and provides for His children as you read. The Lord even addresses rebellious and wayward children in Isaiah with a firm warning but yet a tender call to return to Him in faith.  Edify: Jesus has turned our distant but respectful ..read more

Isaiah 25:1-28:13, Galatians 3:10-22, Psalm 61:1-8, Proverbs 23:17-18 Pray: What a great reminder. It’s just one finite line, but the impact is almost infinite. “All we have accomplished is really from you” (Isaiah 26:12b). It’s an acknowledgement that no matter how successful we may feel, how many goals we meet, etc., it is all really from the Lord. It’s all a gift from the Divine Gift-Giver. As you pray today, give thanks to God for all He has done in your life. Read: It’s a beautiful image of a loving, caring, grace-filled God. Isaiah says in 25:8, “The Sovereign Lord will wipe ..read more

Isaiah 22:1-24:23, Galatians 2:17-3:9, Psalm 60:1-12, Proverbs 23:15-16  Pray: Psalm 60 is a prayer-cry to the Lord for His mercy and deliverance. David expresses his heart’s desire to be rescued by the Lord. It’s an honest and very real plea. What is the desire of your heart? Do you need to experience the mercy of God? Have you been through (or are you in) a season of life from which you wish God would deliver you and bring you out? Ask Him! Read: “At that time the Lord…called you to…but instead, you…” When you remove the exact details (names, locations, specifics, etc), what ..read more

Isaiah 19:1-21:17, Galatians 2:1-16, Psalm 59:1-17, Proverbs 23:13-14 Pray: Paul says it so nonchalantly that we will be sure to miss it if we’re not careful. In fact, the manner in which he states it implies that it’s so natural for him that it’s just in his character to do such a thing without even thinking about it. “I went there because God revealed to me that I should go” (Galatians 2:2a). There it is! He went because, quite simply, God wanted him to go. My prayer is that I would be so obedient that my obedience is more of a character trait than a choice, so that it would simply hap ..read more

Isaiah 15:1-18:7, Galatians 1:1-24, Psalm 58:1-11, Proverbs 23:12 Pray: We make judgment calls every day. It’s called discernment in more spiritual circles. How pure are our motives when we make those calls? David, the writer of Psalm 58 reminds us of what happens when we judge unfairly…read it, it’s not good. Ask the Lord to prepare your heart and make your motives pure. Get your heart in line with His. Read: Proverbs 23:12 is simplistic in its structure, but profound in its challenge! Here these words: “Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowle ..read more

Isaiah 12:1-14:32, 2 Corinthians 13:1-14, Psalm 57:1-11, Proverbs 23:9-11 Pray: Our Proverbs passage speaks to honesty and integrity, which seem to be rare commodities. When we see it in a person, we almost instantly want to befriend them. We’d like to hire them or work for them. What about in your own life? Are those traits evident? Are they existent? If not, there’s good news: repentance is possible and forgiveness is available! Ask the Lord to search your heart and any places where these traits may not be as strong as they should be. Then, seek His help. Read: David writes Psalm ..read more

Isaiah 10:1-11:16, Corinthians 12:11-21, Psalm 56:1-13, Proverbs 23:6-8  Pray: “This I know: God is on my side!” (Psalm 56:9). What a great and comforting thought. The psalmist penned these words even as he considered that his enemies were coming after him. Are you dealing with some tough decisions, difficult people, or even outright persecution from enemies who are trying to tear you down? Know this: God is on your side!!! In your prayer time, share with the Lord your concerns, but also (and perhaps more importantly) give praise to the God who never leaves you nor forsakes you and ..read more

Isaiah 8:1-9:21, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, Psalm 55:1-23, Proverbs 23:4-5  Pray: “But shouldn’t people ask God for guidance?” (Isaiah 8:19). It’s a novel idea, isn’t it? We search all over for answers. We go to Google, Wikipedia, and YouTube to figure out things. Have we consulted God? Seek Him today. Ask for His guidance and direction. Other sources give information, but only God gives transformation. Read: Is it Christmas? Isaiah 9 is a familiar passage read in most churches around Christmastime. Did you know that the word “Christmas” literally means Christ’s mission? Duri ..read more