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Isaiah Says
Isaiah 2:7-8
2 Their land is filled with silver and gold,
and there is no end to their treasures;
their land is filled with horses,
and there is no end to their chariots.
8 Their land is filled with idols;
they bow down to the work of their hands,
to what their own fingers have made.
Some Thoughts
Verse 7 describes the wealth of Israel some 700 years before the time of Jesus. We are privileged today to live in a country with the world’s greatest economy.
The United States accounts for 25% of the world’s entire gross national product. California’s economy is larger than all but six other nations. Texas’ economy is the same as Russia. Without a doubt, we are privileged to live in a country blessed by financial prosperity.
Verse 8 is a serious warning to prosperous people. In case you don’t feel wealthy and think this doesn’t apply to you, please know that if you have a car or a TV set, you are wealthy in comparison to the majority of people in the world.
When life is going well for people, it is easy to think we don’t need God. It is not that we openly choose to disregard God completely. We usually try to worship God and the gods.
Here’s a simple test for us. What do we fully rely on in place of completely trusting God? Try taking an inventory of your life, like Alcoholics Anonymous teaches. Ask God this simple question: “God, is there anything that is standing in my way of trusting you completely?”
Today’s Prayer
Dear God, I pray a simple prayer today. What is there in my life that is standing in my way of completely trusting you? Please give me the grace and power to remove it and to fully trust you.
Comments
Thank you for your comments on real-voices.com. They encourage the readers and me.
Yesterday was one of those days where I was fighting to stay grounded in the knowledge that God loves me and has a plan for me. Physically, I am weary. My grandmother would say “bone-tired.” Spiritually, my time meditating and praying with God has been less than I prefer as we hit the 2-week mark of my husband’s most recent hospital stay. Trying to juggle work, hospital, updating friends. My worries have been creeping in the recesses of my brain. I have to ask, then, what gods am I turning to rather than The God who loves me so? Why do I feel unsafe and unsettled? Taking my eyes off the One who created me to love Him, leaves me vulnerable to deep fear and paralyzing worry. Will my husband survive? Is my job secure? Am I alone in this world? Does anyone understand? Even as I ask the questions I know the answer. Psalm 46:10 tells me to be still and know that He is God. As Bob has prayed, so do I. Lord, remove the things standing in my way of You. May I go out this morning in Your power and strength, trusting Your plan, Your timing and Your way. I love You, Lord.
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One of the reasons why we pray for each other is for times like what you are living through, Denise. It is hard to pray when we are in the middle of a crisis. May all of the readers of real-voices.com pray for Denise’s husband Mike, who is struggling for his life.
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Thank you, Bob – Today didn’t bring any changes in Mike’s condition, but God honored the prayers of those standing with me. I once again could rest in His peace. He gave me reassurance about my job, and reminded me gently of His sovereign power.
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