Daily. Bible. Reading.

We are about half-way through our ‘Long Hot Isaiah Summer’, and we mark that moment with a deep study of Chapter 40.

Monday – Isaiah 40:1-2

What is the good news which is a ‘comfort’ to the people of Judah? How do we experience this same ‘good news’ today? Consider the idea of warfare being ended with the idea of ‘reconciliation’ in passages like Romans 5:6-11.

Talk to the Lord about a particular sin you feel as though you’ve ‘paid double’ for. 

Tuesday – Isaiah 40:3-8

There are two ‘cries’ which Isaiah talks about. One is the announcement of a way being made in the desert. There is a particular New Testament character we often associate with this passage, who is it? The second cry is dramatically different. What is the nature of that cry in verses 6-8? How does the word of our God compare?

Cry to the Lord – cry to the Lord about how the journey on the ‘highway’ is hard, and then cry about the withering and fading flower. Open your heart to him in your prayers. 

Wednesday – Isaiah 40:9-11

The Lord is portrayed as a returning king for which the herald of the city is awaiting. When he comes, he will set things aright which had gone astray in his absence, thus bringing recompense and reward. He is also pictured as a beloved shepherd. What four verbs are used to describe his work of shepherding in verse 11?

Pray about the recompense and the reward of his return.

Thursday – Isaiah 40:12-26

A big part of this section focuses upon the power of the Lord as creator as compared to the silliness of the false gods who are made by human hands. Which false gods might Isaiah have had in mind? What false gods are most tempting to people today? To you?

Ask the Holy Spirit to root out any double-mindedness in your devotion to the Lord by showing you the false gods that tug at your heart and mind. 

Friday – Isaiah 40:27-31

The iconic ending of Isaiah 40 fills us with the hope of renewal which those who trust in the Lord receive. There are a handful of metaphors to illustrate this renewal, can you find at least two of them? 

Pray about the parts of your life where you feel very weak, tired, and weary, and then ask for those eagle’s wings. Pray through the church prayer list from this week’s email.