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July 27th

The Bible reading today is in Isaiah 44-48.

My personal Bible reading includes a habit created from the first week of my conversion to Christ, 50 years ago. It is the habit of taking a pen or pencil or colored marker with me to my quiet place for reading.

As I read, I'm expecting the Holy Spirit to speak to me from the Word of God. And when He does, I circle, underline, or color those particular verses that stand out to me, particular phrases, and particular words. And if there is particular meaning and application to my life seen in the text, Ill note it in the margin or in the note app on my phone or laptop.

For instance...Isaiah. 44:1,2 “But now hear, O Jacob my servant, Israel whom I have chosen! Thus says the Lord who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you: Fear not, O Jacob my servant, Jeshurun whom I have chosen.”

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“O Jacob, Israel whom I have chosen...Hear Me...”This is God speaking to His chosen ones...” Listen to Me...stop what you're doing...stop other conversations that you're involved in...Pay attention to Me. This is important”.

All of a sudden, I'm reminded just how central to my life with Christ is my ability and availability to hear God’s voice. He speaks to us, Christian from His Word, the still small voice of His Spirit, and even from the life and words of fellow believers. Let us listen for God’s voice.

I immediately see the names Jacob and Israel. I think of how Jacob was a deceiver and then I think of how many times that I have lied to God, lied to others, and to myself. And then I think of how Jacob ran from God and his family because of his lies, and then I am immediately convicted that I too have been a liar running from God, and sorrow mounts in my heart and mind over such sin in my life. Forgive me, Lord.

But then I read the name, Israel. Which means “prince with God”. It reminds me of the time when God wrestled with Jacob and humbled him, saved him spiritually, changed his life, and broke his hip, to remind him to trust God no matter what. Especially telling the truth even if that truth condemns you.

God changed Jacob from liar to Prince of God. And so God changed his name from Jacob to Israel. Then I remember my own wrestling with God moment. Recognizing my need to change and admitting to myself and to God that I was powerless to quit sinning. Powerless to bring about that change. I needed a new heart and a new life. I needed forgiveness and love for eternity. I needed heaven as my home so that I wouldn't be scared of death. I needed Him. Jacob got a new life and a new name from God.

50 years ago, in an athletic dorm room, Jesus gave me a new life and a new name His, Christian, little Christ one. Praise His Name.

I read the word “chosen” as related to the children of promise referred to as Jacob and Israel. God “chose” on purpose. the nation of Israel. He saved them from Egyptian bondage, guided them through the wilderness. He taught them through prophets, priests, and the Tabernacle to walk with Him, and worship Him, and be the bold image-bearers of Him to the other nations that they might believe and be saved unto eternal life.

Wow Little Christ ones, our new testament reading teaches us that God “chose us” to be His own. We didn't choose Him until He chose us. He saved us from the bondage of sin and death and hell through Christ’s death burial and resurrection, and God has used preachers and teachers and churches of the gospel of Christ to help us walk with the Lord our Savior, worship Him, work with Him and to be witnesses of Him to the nations. Sound familiar!!

Reading the bible with you is fun. God meets us here. Speaks to us and calls His own. His chosen ones for his glory.

Have a great day