The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.
UNSHAKEABLE
Isaiah 40 is a chapter of comfort and hope. It was written for a people living in the shadow of exile, weighed down by the consequences of sin and the fear of what lay ahead. But right from the beginning, in verse 1, God speaks words of reassurance: “Comfort, comfort my people.”
As the chapter unfolds, we see a beautiful tension. On one hand, we are reminded of the frailty of human life: “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field” (verse 6). Life is fragile. Our efforts fade. Seasons change. The things we build, rely on, or admire can crumble in an instant.
But then we read Isaiah 40:8: “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” This is the turning point. While everything around us is temporary, God’s Word is unshakable and eternal. His promises never expire. His truth never becomes outdated. His voice still speaks comfort and strength today, just as it did then.
The chapter goes on to describe the greatness of God—the One who holds the oceans in His hand, who calls the stars by name, and who gives strength to the weary. And yet, this all-powerful God chooses to speak tenderly to His people, assuring them of His enduring presence and faithfulness.
So when life feels unstable, remember this: God’s Word is not like grass that fades. It’s like a rock that never moves. And it will carry you through whatever season you face.
SHARE YOUR FAITH
What will last forever? The Word of God and the souls of mankind. Make an eternal impact.
God, thank You that Your Word never fades, fails or falters. In a world that's constantly shifting, help me to build my life on what is eternal. Speak to me through Your Word today, and give me the courage to share Your love. Amen. In Jesus' name, Amen
DAILY BIBLE READING:
PROVERBS 22-24
2 CORINTHIANS 8
favor is better than silver or gold. The Lord is the Maker of them all. The prudent sees danger and hides himself, the reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it. Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
WORDS OF THE WISE
Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,
and apply your heart to my knowledge,
Do you see a man skillful in his work?
He will stand before kings;
Do not toil to acquire wealth;
be discerning enough to desist.
Do not withhold discipline from a child;
My son, if your heart is wise,
my heart too will be glad.
continue in the fear of the Lord all the day.
Listen to your father who gave you life,
and do not despise your mother when she is old
Buy truth, and do not sell it;
buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
By wisdom a house is built,
and by understanding it is established;
4by knowledge the rooms are filled
with all precious and pleasant riches.
5 A wise man is full of strength,
and a man of knowledge enhances his might,
6for by wise guidance you can wage your war,
and in abundance of counselors there is victory.
Know that wisdom is such to your soul;
if you find it, there will be a future,
and your hope will not be cut off.
for the righteous falls seven times and rises again,
MORE SAYINGS OF THE WISE
Prepare your work outside;
get everything ready for yourself in the field,
and after that build your house.
A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest,
34and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
and want like an armed man.
ENCOURAGEMENT TO GIVE GENEROUSLY
in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints. they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.
COMMENDATION OF TITUS
appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will. we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man. partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. 24So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men.
MATTHEW 28:16-20
THE GREAT COMMISSION
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
INSIGHT
The Gospels describe Jesus as a man who “taught as one who had authority” (Matthew 7:29) and one who “has authority on earth to forgive sins” (9:6). God has “granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those [God has] given him” (John 17:2). When Christ sent His twelve disciples out to preach, He gave them His authority to do the work (Matthew 10:1). Before He returned to the Father after His death and resurrection, Jesus entrusted to us the task of telling the world the good news. He commanded us to tell others about what He’s done for us and to disciple them (28:19-20). We can let go of doubt, for we’re not going out on our own. Christ promised, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (v. 20).
By: K.T. Sim
MAKING DISCIPLES FOR CHRIST
Early in the basketball season, the coach at our neighborhood middle school seemed to work hardest convincing his players to risk shooting the ball. “Shoot!” he pleaded from the sidelines. His players eagerly passed the ball. Dribbling was a favorite too. The season was half over before most of them would shed their doubts and try to shoot the ball to score. But “going for it” made all the difference. By obeying their coach, letting go of doubt, and trying—even if they often missed the target—they learned to win.
Jesus teaches us to let go of doubt to obey His call to make disciples. He explains, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:18-20).
In practical terms, this can mean stepping out of our comfort to share our story of what God has done for us. Or getting involved in the lives of our hurting neighbors, showing them Jesus’ love. Such approaches work, but only if we let go and try them.
Above all, we go in Jesus’ authority to attempt what may look hard—making disciples. But we need not fear. Jesus promised: “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (v. 20).
By: Patricia Raybon
REFLECT AND PRAY
What fears and doubts do you have about making disciples? Why? How can you obey Christ’s call?
I need practice making disciples, dear Father, but please encourage me to let go of doubt and try. in Jesus' name, Amen.
PRAY BY THE BOOK: PSALMS
PRAY FOR THE FAMILY
BLESSED IS THE FAMILY WHO WALKS IN THE LORD'S WAYS
All of us are eager to have our lives resume after disruption from the pandemic, but how do we go about in our daily life, our family, and our future? We have to realize that without God, all of our efforts will be in vain. Psalm 127 and 128 are beautiful songs of wisdom to guide us through unparalleled times—and often, it starts in the home.
We do our best in our work to provide for our loved ones and yet it is the Lord who watches and ultimately supplies what we need (127:2; 128:2). More so, God’s grace extends towards the family as the Lord blesses a person with a spouse, children, and a legacy—all of which are gifts that can only come from God. (127:3-5; 128:3). Peace and prosperity come from the Lord as we steward these blessings according to God’s way (128:4-6).
REFLECT: HOW CAN FAMILY START WALKING WITH THE LORD?
All of us desire to have a blessed family where there is joy, peace, security, and satisfaction. This blessing starts with the man of the house who fears the Lord. His wife is fruitful in every way and he is satisfied with children.
Does this characterize your house? What can you do or contribute to allow your family to experience the blessings of God? Start with what God has already revealed in His Word. Do your role as husband/father or wife/mother or child/sibling. Model obedience to God in your family. Show love through forgiveness, patience, and encouragement. Are you fulfilling your God-given role in your family?
AS YOU PRAY...
Ask God to use you as a channel of His love to family members and relatives:
• To be a better and more Christ-like family member, spouse, parent, child, etc.
• To steward our families and our home in the ways of the Lord
• To be filled with the Holy Spirit in order to exhibit the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)
• To glorify and praise God in all things, even through the often difficult relationships in our families
Let us confess our tendency to take our families for granted and ignore conflicts or relational tensions, as well as our lack of forgiveness towards those who have hurt us, especially in our family.
Take the opportunity to pray with your family. Encourage and appreciate one another for their good qualities and actions as well as take the time to ask one another, “how can I improve?” then lift each other up to the Lord
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