Category Archives: Isaiah

To-do list

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Mount of Beatitudes

Thus says the LORD:
Share your bread with the hungry,
shelter the oppressed and the homeless;
clothe the naked when you see them,
and do not turn your back on your own.
Isaiah 58:7

Sometimes I just don’t know how to help. There are so many people in need.

But the Lord gives me a simple to-do list. Share my food and clothing. Find a way to help those without homes and those who are suffering unjust, inhumane treatment. Honor and respect all people. Make my home an oasis of kindness and welcome.

Today I will shine the light of love and compassion in my corner of the world. I will refuse to be indifferent to any of God’s children.

Follow Love

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James Tissot (1836-1902)
Calling of Saint James and Saint John

Jesus called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him. Matthew 4:21c-22

Constant reports of war, greed, illness, depression, aggression, finger-pointing, and lack of personal accountability are causes of gloom and distress in our daily lives.

But the Lord calls us to leave our preoccupation with all that is in disrepair in the world and instead follow him to show by our life example that reconciliation, respect, courtesy, and compassionate service have the power to mend all divisions.

Today I will remember God has graced me with a spirit of love. I will follow the Lord on the way of love to bring the light of kindness, encouragement, and hope to all people I encounter.

Transformed by God’s grace and peace

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Zelenka, Dave. Baptism of Christ, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=56385 [retrieved January 14, 2023]. Original source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Baptism-of-Christ.jpg.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:3

Each day is an opportunity to consciously place ourselves in the presence of God and ask to be touched by God’s grace and filled with God’s peace.

And as we receive these gifts, we are called to be servants of God’s will and give them away so that the light of reconciliation and love may reach to the ends of the earth.

God is my strength. Today I will let God’s grace and peace transform my thoughts, words, and the ways in which I interact with the people I encounter.

A vision of reverence

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Second Sunday of Advent

There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the LORD, as water covers the sea. Isaiah 11:9

It is a vision to work toward: where we are filled with the knowledge of the holiness of God’s creation, where we do not harm the earth or each other, where we take care of the world and each other and do not bring about the ruin of anyone or anything.

Today I will embody a vision of reverence toward all of God’s precious creation, especially each and every person.

Walk in the light of the Lord

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First Sunday of Advent

One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. Isaiah 2:4

War never serves the good of the people. Yet we continue to wage war. War between countries. War between political parties. War between people with different religions and cultures. War between family members. War between greed and what is good for the earth. War between my desire to do the will of God and my fear of being different, of not having enough, of being hurt.

Today I will walk in peace with myself, my family, my community. I will let go of fear, put my trust in God, and walk in the light of the Lord.

Comfort

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Zelenka, Dave. Baptism of Christ, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=56385 [retrieved January 9, 2022]. Original source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Baptism-of-Christ.jpg.

Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. Isaiah 40:1

Each of us is a beloved child of God in need of loving kindness, encouragement, and healing.

Today I will be a source of comfort to every person I encounter.

Generous in forgiveness

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Grigory Gaagarin (1810-1893)
Baptism of Christ

Turn to the LORD for mercy;
to our God, who is generous in forgiving.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD.
Isaiah 55:7b-8

The week has been full of stress. Today I feel in great need of God’s gentle comfort, mercy, and compassion.

May I also remember to imitate God’s kindness and forgiveness and to follow the Way of care for all of God’s creation, especially the people I find difficult to love.

God’s glorious light

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Edward Burne-Jones (1833-1898)
The Star of Bethlehem
watercolor and gouache, 1890

Though darkness covers the earth,
and thick clouds, the peoples,
Upon you the LORD will dawn,
and over you his glory will be seen. Isaiah 60:2

Today I will not let the darkness of the pandemic, political posturing, and social tumult cover me. I will shine the glory of God’s love and compassion and comfort in my home, workplace, and community to help dissipate the clouds of fear, unrest, and discord that trouble our world.

Anointed with love

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Third Sunday of Advent

The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me. Isaiah 61:1a

The Lord has anointed me with love, peace, and joy, May I receive the grace of God’s holy blessing, be filled with God’s Spirit, and become a source of love, peace, and joy for all people.

Comfort

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Second Sunday of Advent

Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God.
Isaiah 40:1

Today I will lend you my strength in whatever way I am able. You are welcome to my experience of suffering, humor, joy, depression, peace, anxiety, and the hope I have found by walking through the valleys, climbing the mountains, and leaning on the Lord. This is the comfort I offer you.