Who do we run for help? Let us be careful not to run to man, especially those whose hope is not in the Lord. Run to God, He is able and mighty. He will not disappoint.

But he who is noble plans noble things, and on noble things he stands. (Isaiah 32:8 ESV)

In contrast to the noble, the Bible talks about the fool and the scoundrel . What are they like?

For the fool speaks folly, and his heart is busy with iniquity, to practice ungodliness, to utter error concerning the Lord, to leave the craving of the hungry unsatisfied, and to deprive the thirsty of drink.
As for the scoundrel—his devices are evil; he plans wicked schemes to ruin the poor with lying words, even when the plea of the needy is right. (Isaiah 32:6,7ESV)

Command the people of Israel to bring you pure oil from beaten olives for the lamp, that a light may be kept burning regularly. (Leviticus 24:2 ESV)

Does God need the light in the temple to see? Why must there be a light then? What does it mean for us now, when the Bible says our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit?

It takes a community to keep the fire burning 24/7. Let us help one another.

—

An eye for an eye. God is just. At the bare minimum, He wants us watch our actions and to treat each other justly. But God is also a God of grace. And as children and heirs, He wants us to to extend His grace – unmerited favors – to others, just as He does for us.

Let the house of Baylon say, ” His steadfast love endures forever. ”

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The Lord is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. (Psalm 118:6, 7 ESV)

Not a verse for my life now, but could be an encouragement in the future. The Bible says that we will face many troubles. When those times come, I hope I can be faithful, and bring glory to God.

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. (Psalm 118:8 ESV)

And when He shows His power, house Baylon will sing songs of thanksgiving, worship, and praise.

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! (Psalm 118:29 ESV)

A refresher course on why Jesus came, what He did, and what that means for us.

This chapter needs to be bookmarked. I can’t describe it but I’m so blessed – there’s a peace and quiet joy in my heart – after reading through it.

“Ah, stubborn children,” declares the Lord, “who carry out a plan, but not mine, and who make an alliance, but not of my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin; who set out to go down to Egypt, without asking for my direction, to take refuge in the protection of Pharaoh and to seek shelter in the shadow of Egypt! (Isaiah 30:1, 2 ESV)

Ah, stubborn children… It’s always painful to read about the rebelliousness of the people of Israel, because it paints such a clear picture of my own life..

For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15a ESV)

And how do we respond to that? “Nope, I’ll do it my way. ”
Ah, stubborn children.

What’s this? In spite of our disobedience, God chooses to be gracious to us. When we realize this and repent, when we humble ourselves and trust in the Goodness of God, He will draw near. He will guide us back to the right path.

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. (Isaiah 30:21 ESV)

Not only that, He will bless us in ways that would be difficult and impossible for man to achieve on his own. To show us again and again that, yes, we can and should trust Him.

Restoration, Blessings… on top of all that, He also will give us joy and gladness.

Our God is extravagant…

” The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
His mercies never come to an end.
They are new every morning, new every morning,
Great is thy Faithfulness, oh God,
Great is thy Faithfulness “