Isaiah 57:17-18

Because of the wickedness of his unjust gain I was angry and struck him; I hid My face and was angry, and he went on turning away and backsliding, in the way of his (own willful) heart. I have seen his (willful) ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and will restore comfort to him and to those who mourn for him.

There will always be greater gain in walking humbly with the Lord than against Him. If we are willful and backslide, we lose ground for all that is best in our lives. Selfishness never satisfies and must constantly be fed. God willingly heals His people who repent and turn back to Him. God’s love restores us and refreshes our soul and spirit as the sin washes away. 

Isaiah 57:15

For the high and exalted One, He who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy says this, “I dwell on the high and holy place, but also with the contrite and humble in spirit in order to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite (overcome with sorrow for sin).”

When we humble ourselves and repent it opens the door to God. Sin can slip in and plague our lives if we don’t do a checkup and cleaning out. If we harbor anger, unforgiveness, sadness, depression and financial issues it means sin has entered our lives. God will revive our heart as we seek Him and He will turn our captivity. 

Psalm 117:1-2

O Praise the Lord, all you nations! Praise Him, all you people! For His lovingkindness prevails over us (and we triumph and overcome through Him), and the truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord. 

Our source of success in this life on earth is God. We cannot live a life of peace, love, kindness and victory without the Holy Spirit as our guide. If we want to live victorious lives God is what we worship and our source of fulfillment. We seek the truth from the word and deliverance from God.  

Psalm 107:19-20

Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them from their distresses. He sent His word and healed them and rescued them from their destruction.

The first thing that they did in a time of trouble was to cry out to the Lord. We can’t be silent Christians and ever expect to receive from God. God sent His word! Healing comes from God when we cry out to Him. We must believe that our savior will save and heal us. We must do our part so God can do His. 

1Psalm 107:17-18

Fools, because of their rebellious way, and because of their sins were afflicted. They detested all kinds of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. 

If we turn away from God and become rebellious to His teaching, we will sin. Sin removes us from the protection of God an opens the door to affliction. If we purpose in our hearts that a future with God has more value than any temptation we will not sin. When value God in our lives above all else a sin idol doesn’t stand a chance.  

Daniel 12:3

Those who are (spiritually) wise will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead many to righteousness, (will shine) like the stars forever and ever.  

When we understand the Bible and apply the knowledge in a way that aligns with God’s will and purpose, we will be considered spiritually wise. Our living will reflect God’s character and lead to a deeper relationship with Him. Which means our little light will shine as we reflect the plans and purposes of God here on earth. 

Daniel 6:23

Then the king was greatly pleased and ordered that Daniel be taken out of the den. So Daniel was taken out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in and relied on and trusted in God.

We need to have lions’ den faith! That in an instant, if we found ourselves in a circumstance of peril and danger, no harm would come to us because of our faith in God. We need to rely on God to the point that we can’t start our day without making contact through prayer, praise, or the Bible. Finally, when we trust in God above all else during that perilous time, we will be delivered just like Daniel.

Daniel 4:34-35

For His dominion is an everlasting dominion; and His Kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are regarded as nothing. But He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and no one can hold back His hand or say to Him, “What have you done?”

God has all the power and authority here and on earth. He knows the end from the beginning. God operates within the boundaries of spiritual Law and does not violate His Word. He doesn’t lie to us or keep His ways hidden; instead, He wants us to know how He operates by reading the scriptures. God has always wanted His people to flourish. 

Isaiah 61:1

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed and commissioned me to bring good news to the humble and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up (the wounds of) the brokenhearted, to proclaim release (from confinement and condemnation) to the (physical and spiritual) captives and freedom to prisoners.

Jesus knew His assignment to free the humble and afflicted. Without His sacrifice our hearts and souls would never be able to find peace and freedom from sin. We would have been eternally trapped, separated from God. Believing on Jesus is the key to freedom from sin, affliction, healing, condemnation. Call on the name of the Lord and be saved, and He will set us free. 

Isaiah 60:1

Arise (from spiritual depression to a new life), shine (be radiant with the glory and brilliance of the Lord) for your light has come, and the glory and brilliance of the Lord has risen upon you.

We have received light through Jesus and salvation, and we are to reflect the light here on earth. We were living in darkness, but we have been transformed into a new life. Our light is to bring others to God and show the glory and compassion of a loving God. We are to let our lights shine so that others may see and be a beacon of hope where there is no hope.