Focus

Prepare yourself to discern what is and what is not of God today. Still yourself so you can hear how God is calling you.

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Read

Isaiah 54:9-10 (NRSV)

This is like the days of Noah to me:
Just as I swore that the waters of Noah
would never again go over the earth,
so I have sworn that I will not be angry with you
and will not rebuke you.
For the mountains may depart
and the hills be removed,
but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,
and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,
says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

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Reflect

One of the most consistent teachings in the Bible is that God’s anger has its limits. It does not go on forever and ever, which stands in contrast to what we sometimes hear preached from the pulpit, and what many people believe.

While God’s anger is limited, God’s love and mercy is repeatedly described in the scriptures with words such as everlasting, eternal, and forever. There are absolutely no limits whatsoever to God’s love, forgiveness, and grace.

God’s message to the people of Israel was that no matter how sternly God disciplined them—be it through famine, war, disaster, or exile—in spite of it all, God’s love would have the last word. God’s covenant of peace would see them through it all, and in the end would redeem them.

God’s message to us who put our faith in Jesus Christ is the same. No matter what we experience in life, no matter what we put ourselves through or what others put us through, no matter what mistakes we make or what choices lead to disastrous consequences, God’s love will not forsake us. We may have to endure the sternest of discipline, but God’s love remains.

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Pray

Thank you, God, for your steadfast and enduring love. In the name of our loving Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Go with God.