by Don Ruhl

Read Isaiah 62-64

After prophesying that God's people shall receive a new name after the Gentiles experience the righteousness of God (and this was fulfilled with the name Christian), this is also prophesied,

You shall also be a crown of glory In the hand of the LORD, And a royal diadem In the hand of your God. (Isaiah 62:3, NKJV).

See God taking hold of a glorious crown to put it on His head. What is the material of this magnificent crown? Is it gold? No, it is you, the church of His beloved Son! Dwell on that today and see if your love for God increases.

by Don Ruhl

Read Isaiah 59-61

Keep reading the Scriptures that I post at the very top, such as Isaiah 59--61 today, thinking deeply about what you are reading and eventually, you will be like Isaiah, saying,

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. (Isa. 61:10, NKJV).

What led to Isaiah's joy in God? The prophet meditated on the salvation and righteousness that the Lord gave to him. Today, think on the spiritual blessings your God has given you in Christ Jesus, and you will see how He has beautified your soul. Then you will greatly rejoice in the Lord.

by Don Ruhl

Read Second Thessalonians Chapter 3

It is good to request prayers and it is good to tell others that we are praying for them, but it is also good to say for what we are praying. In First Thessalonians 5:25, Paul simply requested, Brethren, pray for us. Even more times, you will read Paul saying something along these lines,

1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith (2 The. 3:1, 2, NKJV).

Moreover, most of the time, Paul told congregations and individuals for what he prayed on their behalf. There are some conversations that we have with people and they know what we are praying on their behalf. Then again, there are other situations in which it is good to tell people what we are praying or in the reverse, what we want them to pray on our behalf. Try making these requests of people and try telling them what you want them to pray, and see what happens.

by Don Ruhl

Read Isaiah 56-58

For the ones whose hearts are broken over their sins, God says,

16 I will not accuse forever, nor will I always be angry, for then the spirit of man would grow faint before me-- the breath of man that I have created. (Isa. 57:16, NIV).

Let there be a collective sigh of relief from all of us. If God's anger continued, our lives would end. Praise the living God today that He will not always be angry. Praise the living God today that He remembers how faint we are.

by Don Ruhl

Read Second Thessalonians Chapter 2

Man, I hate being discouraged. Do you get discouraged easily? Think on this passage for the rest of the day,

16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word (2 The. 2:16, 17).

Friends, over the years, I have found the fulfillment of this passage in my life. I get down, but the Lord Jesus Christ and His Father pick me up. However, this does not happen automatically, but you must meditate in His word day and night, pray without ceasing and assemble with the church regularly.