Free

I, I am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake,

and I will not remember your sins.                                              Isa. 43.25 (NRSV)

In context, God is talking about all the direst activities of the Israelites that saw them exiled to Babylon.

In Christ, we are looking at the forgiveness of sin of any person in any time period who will come to Him in humble and genuine repentance.

God is telling us that He will totally eradicate the effect of our sins on our relationship with Him. This does not come about by any merit or goodness on our part. His acts of grace stem fully from His own being, and His righteous but loving essence. His being assures us of forgiveness and reconciliation.

In this record of His word through Isaiah, God is speaking to me. The meaning of His words is deep, and truly liberating. I receive it totally and willingly. I rejoice in His release of me into relationship with Him and I seek the fullness of that relationship.

Loving God,

You set me free. I thank You. I rejoice in Your great love and concern for me. I receive the release from sin. My heart’s desire is to please You, and be free of ongoing sin. I know I cannot achieve this, so I ask You to be patient with me, and strengthen me in Christ that I may be able to resist the temptation of evil when it presents itself.

I receive also Your release into ongoing relationship with You. I rejoice in our union. May You draw me closer, and take me deeper into intimate communion. I yearn to be so infused with You that the demarcation between where I end and You begin disappears. May I be so wrapt, and wrapped, in You.

I long to know more of the secrets of heaven. I pray You will disclose some of these as we continue out journey together. Today I pray I will experience a real sensing of You in the outworking of my life. Come, let’s walk through the day in concert. Hallelujah!

                                                                                                                               Amen.

My book “God Talk” is available through major Internet booksellers.

A taste of the book's content can be seen in the You Tube clip (Search: Peter Francis - "God Talk").

Protected

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.                                                                               Isa. 43.2

These words bring a wonderful reminder of God’s presence, protection and the depth of love that He has for each one of His creation.

Chapter 43 continues with a reminder that God will rescue His people from the bondage of the Babylonians. The pattern of liberation that began with the exodus from Egypt is repeated in the eventual return of the exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. The rescue reached ultimate fulfilment and universal application with the sacrifice of Jesus.

As I live, daily, with my faith firmly placed in my God, and with my utmost trust placed in Him (that is, to the extent that I am able), I receive the truth of these words. I know He is with me. I realise that circumstances could well become severe and threatening to the point of overwhelming me. But this they will not do, for I have His Word. And I believe His word.

I rejoice that my God is for me and with me, to the extent that I will acknowledge. I open my being to receive Him and to live in Him and for Him.

Great God,

I am so aware of Your presence in my life and I give You thanks and praise.

You have already brought me through much trial and difficulty. I rejoice in Your constancy and faithfulness.

I commit to the ongoing journey with You. I know not what lies ahead. But I place my trust firmly in You. You have not let me down, nor will You.

I receive the comfort and strength that comes with Your words. I pray that You will continue to speak to me. May Your Holy Spirit grant me insight to understand Your communication, and courage to respond. Lead on, in Jesus’ name I pray.                Amen.

Life

My dwelling is plucked up and removed from me like a shepherd’s tent;

like a weaver I have rolled up my life;

he cuts me off from the loom;

from day to night you bring me to an end.                                               Isa. 38.12

God heard Hezekiah’s plea and granted him a further fifteen years of life (V5). Nevertheless, these words of Hezekiah, reportedly uttered after his recovery (V9), are significant.

We have no jurisdiction or control over the span of our earthly life. As the Scripture says, we may come to an end from day to night, during the course of an ordinary day of living.

This thought impresses me to seek God earnestly in each new day of life that is granted to me. As I reflect on the life that is past, I could readily identify some wasted times. But, no more! I want every day to count, and to count in His will and not mine. Indeed my prayer is that my will becomes totally infused with His will. May there be no discernible difference. I want to do what He would have me do, and I want it for every day remaining of my earthly life. Does this always happen in reality? Sadly, no! But I will not give up. I surrender my sinful nature to Him, seek His forgiveness, and ask for His ongoing direction and company.

Holy God,

How I desire to be holy as You are. But this is not yet so. I surrender myself to You. I confess my sinful nature and ask Your forgiveness of all my sins.

I give myself to You, to be equipped, released and led by You. I want to go Your way, to do Your will, and to please and delight You in each day. Lead me in Your ways; fit me for whatever purpose You desire of me; correct me when I stray, and forgive me when I act un-righteously.

Travel with me, please, on this journey through life. Enjoy me, and hold me close, in Jesus’ name I pray.              Amen.

My book “God Talk” is available through major Internet booksellers.

A taste of the book's content can be seen in the You Tube clip (Search: Peter Francis - "God Talk").