Isaiah 32:8 
But the noble make noble plans, 
and by noble deeds they stand. (NIV)

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I have a problem as I read through and write from Isaiah each year. There is too much good content. Too many good verses and passages have to be skipped over to focus on one a day. So many of these verses and passages require extended contemplation to receive the full nurture they contain.  

Let’s take a few moments to ponder these truths and consider how they minister God’s truth and grace to our hearts today. 

The LORD’s justice will dwell in the desert, 
his righteousness live in the fertile field. 
The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; 
its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭32‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“LORD, be gracious to us; 
we long for you. 
Be our strength every morning, 
our salvation in time of distress.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭33‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The LORD is exalted, for he dwells on high; 
he will fill Zion with his justice and righteousness. 
He will be the sure foundation for your times, 
a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; 
the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭33‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Those who walk righteously 
and speak what is right, 
who reject gain from extortion 
and keep their hands from accepting bribes, 
who stop their ears against plots of murder 
and shut their eyes against contemplating evil— 
they are the ones who will dwell on the heights, 
whose refuge will be the mountain fortress. 
Their bread will be supplied, 
and water will not fail them.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭33‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

For the LORD is our judge, 
the LORD is our lawgiver, 
the LORD is our king; 
it is he who will save us.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭33‬:‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

And a highway will be there; 
it will be called the Way of Holiness; 
it will be for those who walk on that Way. 
The unclean will not journey on it; 
wicked fools will not go about on it. 
No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; 
they will not be found there. 
But only the redeemed will walk there, 
and those the Lord has rescued will return. 
They will enter Zion with singing; 
everlasting joy will crown their heads. 
Gladness and joy will overtake them, 
and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭35‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/isa.35.8-10.NIV

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I will ponder God’s words of truth and life. 

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Our Father, I will meditate on your words to receive the nurture they provide, the life-giving strength within them. They will accompany me as I travel, as I walk along the way, as I lean into my work, and as I recline in reflection on the doings of my days. Your words of truth and life will guide me, direct me, teach me, and empower me. Your words will give me strength when I’m weak. They will provide peace when I am troubled. Thank you for the treasure that is the Bible. Truly, it is a thesaurus of positive alternatives for all who will take time to read, listen, apply, and pray what it says, what it commands, and what it offers. Amen.