FAITH FRIDAY - (a day early)

When I scheduled this I realized Friday is July 4, and the beginning of a long weekend, so lets read the Good News before the celebrations.

Here is the Good News in Isaiah 43! 

In chapter 42 that we looked at last week, where the Israelites were 'chewed out' because they didn't listen, now they are being told, "Never fear, I am here."

Israel’s Only Savior

1But now, this is what the Lord says—

he who created you, Jacob, (Lorita)

he who formed you, Israel: (Lorita)

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; (Lorita)

I have summoned you by name (Lorita); you are mine.

2When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,

they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze.

3For I am the Lord your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

I give Egypt for your ransom,

Cush^a and Seba in your stead.

4Since you are precious and honored in my sight,

and because I love you,

I will give people in exchange for you,

nations in exchange for your life.

5Do not be afraid, for I am with you;

I will bring your children from the east

and gather you from the west.

6I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’

and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’

Bring my sons from afar

and my daughters from the ends of the earth—

7everyone who is called by my name,

whom I created for my glory,

whom I formed and made.”

8Lead out those who have eyes but are blind,

who have ears but are deaf.

9All the nations gather together

and the peoples assemble.

Which of their gods foretold this

and proclaimed to us the former things?

Let them bring in their witnesses to prove they were right,

so that others may hear and say, “It is true.”

10“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord,

“and my servant whom I have chosen,

so that you may know and believe me

and understand that I am he.

Before me no god was formed,

nor will there be one after me.

11I, even I, am the Lord,

and apart from me there is no savior.

12I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—

I, and not some foreign god among you.

You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “that I am God.

13Yes, and from ancient days I am he.

No one can deliver out of my hand.

When I act, who can reverse it?”

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You probably noticed in the beginning verses I crossed out some names and put mine in place of them. Try reading this and putting your own name in place of the other names, and claim it!

God tells us, 

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

Do not be afraid, for I am with you;

And again -

I will be with you.

God calls us precious and honored in His sight, and that He loves us. He calls us His sons and daughters, and He is the best father we could ever hope for. Human fathers can let us down, but God never will.

Continue to read the rest of the chapter. Look at what He says in verse 18 -

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past." 

Isaiah is speaking to Israel, but apply these words to your own life in today's world. Don't read the Bible just to say you have read it. Take in those words and digest them, and see what they are saying to you.