Today’s devotional was originally published with yesterday’s content. Here is the correct devotional corresponding with Day 40, “Joyous Restoration.”
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 65:1-25, Isaiah 66:1-24, Romans 8:19-25, Revelation 21:1-4
It seems as if every day lately there is another story on the news to give me reason to long for new creation. Natural disasters, missing children, death and disease—all of it brings me to my knees in prayer, pleading with God for a world where suffering is no more. Isaiah 65–66 provides us with a picture of what that kind of new creation will look like—the Lord’s justice and compassion finally making all things new.
These chapters of Isaiah are not all rainbows and butterflies. Isaiah describes in detail how God’s justice will prevail over sin: “then the LORD’s power will be revealed to his servants, but he will show his wrath against his enemies” (Isaiah 66:14). But one of my favorite things about God is that He is both loving and just. He is not a vengeful God, punishing those who disobey Him just to spite them. He is so righteous and so just that He must act in accordance with that righteousness. He will not let the guilty go unpunished (Exodus 34:7), but He will look favorably on those who are humble and repentant (Isaiah 66:2). God is both things: just and compassionate.
The new creation described in Isaiah provides hope for us today. In places filled with worry and anxiety, the Lord will make peace flow like a river. Hearts that were once heavy with sadness and desperation will experience the fullness of joy. There will no longer be any weeping or crying, only the sound of praise to the Lord Most High. The troubles of the old world will be forgotten, and broken spirits will be made whole again. It is not just a renovation of earth as we know it but a complete renewal—a brand new creation where God dwells with his people.
There is no shortage of pain and suffering in our world today. I have experienced it in my own life, and I have seen it in the lives of those around me. In times of hardship, it can sometimes feel impossible to see beyond what is right in front of us. But Isaiah reminds us that the Lord knows all our works and thoughts; He is familiar with the innermost workings of our hearts. He will not leave us to wither away like the grass, but He will gather us and bring us home to Himself for us to see His glory. Thanks be to God for the joy promised to be restored to our souls.
Written by Ellen Taylor
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59 thoughts on "Joyous Restoration"
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I enjoyed Isaiah more than i thought i would. I find I’m sad to be at the end.
The only advantage of being behind on my reading this week… the misplaced readings and devotionals were corrected. What a lot of detail to track… thank you, SRT, for ALL you do!
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Many blessings for your weekend, She’s! ❤️
I am so thankful for God’s righteousness and His judgement, His love and grace and forgiveness. Every facet of Him is perfect and amazing! He is the perfect balance of it all!
Thanks be to God.
The strangest thing just happened to me when I was on the She Reads Truth website on my laptop – I clicked on something on the devotional and a warning came up that there was a ”threat”, And that this was a dangerous website! It would not let me click on anything, Or get back to the website once I exited out of it!! I’ve had to resort to my phone!
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All that said, I look forward to the new heaven and new earth. I am so grateful that we, the gentiles that know Christ are included in Gods eternal plan.
Every single happening in the Old Testament points to the New Testament and to Jesus Christ.
Every sin, every brokenness – can now be restored in Christ! And one day we will live in a brand new, redeemed earth – Praise God!
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Have a blessed day sisters – I’ll be praying for all your requests!
So grateful as well, Sharon!
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As we wrap up this portion on the Lent study and move into Holy Week next week, I’m so grateful that in between all the lost, brokenness, sin and destruction we have been reminded often of God’s plans of hope, forgivenes and redemption. Of who He is – steadfast, faithful, Redeemer,Holy, helper, righteous, comforter, peace. That despite our human tendency, He does not abandon us. This verse stands out to me today.
‘Even before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear.’ Isa 65:24
He knows us and He knows our every need and He knows we needed a Savior. What comfort to know that He will right every wrong and we can look forward to a day with no more pain and sorrow. All thanks and praise to our mighty Lord. Eyes on Jesus, dear sisters.✝️
Amen!
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“I will look favorably on this kind of person:
one who is humble, submissive in spirit
and trembles at My Word.”
(Chp. 66 v. 2…)
Can this be me?
Yes, on my better days!!
But sin is sin.
Lord, help me to be more than occasionally faithful & respectful of Your declaration!
Putting You first.
Peacefully.
I like that translation!
Revelation 21:4 has brought me so much comfort throughout various seasons! What a beautiful thing to look forward to spending an eternity with Our Heavenly Father without pain & loss. // Seth had a pretty good day yesterday. They were able to take the bolt out of his brain for a few hours & his numbers are remaining stable. He has the Adeno Virus, so family & staff are required to wear gown, gloves, and masks. Thank you again for all of your prayers!
Praying! When we petition to our Mighty God, he hears us!!
This is my first time reading Isaiah and I am really struggling with understanding it. I’ve been reading every day hoping it becomes clearer but the one thing I can see is how even when we disappoint God, he still loves us.
I have felt the same way. This is 6th time I’ve read through Isaiah and continue to struggle to fully understand but there are also key things that do come through for me. I find the podcasts really helpful to provide explanation and clarity. I also do the Bible Recap for my personal daily Bible reading program (which I would highly recommend) and that has been very helpful as well. Every time we open God’s Word we will gain understanding of who He is. Keep going, Kim.:)
Amen, good advice!! It’s actually a wonderful thing that we don’t fully understand. He tells us things are revealed to us every time we open the word. He gives us understanding little at a time in the sanctification process!! Isn’t it amazing that scholars and preachers, and all, can still analyze and glean anew after decades and centuries, but the foundation always remains! It is living water, revealing in ways that affect us personally and globally!
I did find the song! I listened to it and a wonderful time of worship! Here are the lyrics – The chimes of time ring out the news
Another day is through
Someone slipped and fell
Was that someone you?
You may have longed for added strength
Your courage to renew
Do not be disheartened
I have news for you
It is no secret what God can do
What he has done for others
He’ll do for you
With arms wide open
He’ll pardon you
It is no secret what God can do.
There is no night, for in His light
You’ll never walk alone
You’ll always feel at home wherever you may roam
There is no power can conquer you
While God is on your side
Take Him at His promise
Don’t run away and hide
It is no secret what God can do
What he has done for others
He’ll do for you
With arms wide open
He’ll pardon you
It is no secret what God can do…
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Stuart Hamblen
It Is No Secret lyrics © Music Corp. Of America, Inc., Chappell Und Co Gmbh Co Kg
I’m looking forward to that day of no more pain, crying, or tears! This might not sound like I’m not happy here and now but I am. I look forward to the day that I get to see Jesus face to face! Makes me think of the old hymn that you shared, SEARCHING. “What a day that will be!”
Praying for all! Praying for Seth!
Thank you Cheryl! I too am looking forward to the day we get to share eternity with God. What a beautiful thing to look forward to!
A GOOD MORNING! In the word! She’s you’re an awesome community to be with every day! My church has a year long devotional that we are following or I would just keep it up with y’all after Lent buuuut… Sometimes simple is better so I’ll go back to just my devotional with my church and my “Bible in a year plan”. But I love adding this at Lent and I am looking even more forward to Advent!!!!
Sometimes simple is better, Brandi.
As long as you are a woman
in the Word of God every day!
Glad you can join in Brandi. This Lent study has one week left and we move into Holy Week next so hope you can finish with us? Just keep opening your Bible :)
GM She’s!
We finished Isaiah!? What is next week?
I love the juxtaposition of the book Isaiah- the profit constantly trying to warn of God’s judgement for the people (God’s people!), that have gone astray and lost their love, and fear, of the Almighty God! Yet, earnestly he tells them of God’s love for them and how he will save them if they turn from the rebellious, stubborn ways.
Nothing has changed with God’s people as a whole. He has graciously included gentiles (that didn’t even belong or know him- in the start of today’s reading) miraculously, we can ALL be his children…yet, here we are. The same stiff-necked, rebellious, do it our own way people. Chasing after idols, promotions and riches, and self-wants.
Lord, help us to keep our eyes on you! Thank you for sending a Savior, Jesus Christ, to rip the veil, to make a way for redemption and restoration of your wayward people. The path is in front of us- help us to follow your way. Help us to Glorify You in our lives. Help us to Magnify you. You are worthy of our praise. Help us take our eyes from temptations. Help us to show You and Your love to others around us. I don’t want to hurt you or disappoint you, But I know that you forgive with loving mercy when our hearts are right. Rid us of all our iniquity, keep refining us, molding us, and restoring us. Beauty from ashes, testimonies from our tests, proclamations from our problems!! Praise in our storms, worship in the worry! You are Worthy!! Thank you, in the name of Jesus!
Your comments and wisdom is so appreciated through these studies. Sharing our hearts, our struggles and victories….are priceless! We are not to walk on our own…we will have final victory one day! Oh Glorious Day! But in the here, we will have joy and peace! Joyous Restoration!! What a great title and life motto!!
Amen ❤️
Another beautiful prayer, thank you Rhonda!
What keeps coming to my mind is this question: “What, LORD, am I not seeing? Am I being rebellious in some way that I do not see? Open my eyes that I may see any offence I am to You so that I can change.” I think I”m ok, but what if I’m not? I do want the LORD to show me where I am in error, so that He can change me and cleanse me and make me right in His sight
Yes, Kris…
God save us from that
“innermost working of our hearts”…
Isaiah 65:17. Revelation 21:4 STOOD as to me this morning. Hope and assurance that OUR Jesus is coming back for us. No more tears, pain, and love what it says in Isaiah, “nor will it come to mind” Woke up late again and will read the devo part of this last day of Isaiah on my break. Just wanted to say good morning and Happy Friday sweet She’s.
I am struck all over again by what God desires of me. It’s so very different from what the world says is important. But then…what God offers us is also so very different from what the world offers us. God offers eternal life and abundance. The world offers fleeting joy and occasional success. Oh that my eyes could focus on the hope that is unseen and forget the useless things I sometime hope for here on earth. So thankful for the tug of the Holy Spirit to keep our hearts and minds focused on the one whose love is unchanging! Happy Friday!
“ Oh that my eyes could focus on the hope that is unseen and forget the useless things I sometime hope for here on earth.”
I am indeed with you, Meagan C!
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Psalm 65:5 NLT
You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas.
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God’s joy in the restoration stood out to me today:
Isaiah 65:19a
I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in my people;…
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Amen!
My Summary notes:
1. God still desires a humble heart Isaiah 66:2. Gods values repentance, reverence, and faithfulness.
2.New creation starts now Isaiah 65:17
Corinthians 5:17 “If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation”.
Gods renewal begins in us, we are called to live as citizens of a new creation.
3. Gods kingdom is for all Isaiah 66:18, Rev 21:7-9.
4. Warning against a comfortable religion Isaiah 66:3-4.
5. Hope for the future Isaiah 65:17 & Rev 21:4-5 A better world is coming “Behold I am making all things new”
Thank you, Thank you, Kimberly.
By your words, doing the Lord’s work.
Amen
Amen
Paul wrote, “Now in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? Now if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.”
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Eagerly waiting with patience for all things to be made new as the Lord promised.
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“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away” (Rev 21:4).
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SUSAN BURLEY – so sorry to hear about more complications with Seth. Praying God will be merciful and He will give wisdom to the medical team.
Thank you Kelly! Yesterday was a better day for Seth & his family. God is good!
Sisters, I emailed SRT about the repeat of Collins’s devo under Ellen’s name. As Tina said, oops.
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Tears flowing in the joy of hope as I read today’s Scriptures, and in sadness over the state of people and nations today. Lord, may the lost come to you quickly.
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Isaiah 55
6 Seek the Lord while you can find him.
Call on him now while he is near.
7 Let the wicked change their ways
and banish the very thought of doing wrong.
Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them.
Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.
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What A Day That Will Be … by Jim Hill, 1955
There’ll be no sorrow there,
No more burdens to bear,
No more sickness, no pain,
No more parting over there;
And forever I will be,
With the One who died for me,
What a day, glorious day that will be.
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CEE GEE – thank you for reminding of Are You Washed In The Blood? Yes, sister, praise the Lord I am.
KIMBERLY – thank you for yesterday’s prayer
SAM D – praying ❤️
MICHELLE P – good to see you ❤️ Looking forward to when you can join in regularly, praying as you handle work issues
SHARON JERSEY GIRL- praying for Jonathan’s heart to turn back to the Lord, and for his posting to be successful
WENDY B – love that song of worship and praise, Worthy Of It All
K:) welcome ❤️
GRAMSIESUE ❤️
SUSAN BURLEY – praying for Seth and his medical team!
Thanks for figuring this out and emailing!
Thank you! ❤
Thank you Searching for your prayers!
Amen ♡♡
I see a blip in the devotional.. Ooops.
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Did pop over to He read truth, same..
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So I improvised..
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BUT GOD..
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Love,
Tina..❤
Me too, Tina – it felt a little like groundhog day (!!:), but then the merciful love and grace of our Lord is well worth repeating again and again!!
Amen, Ladies?
Blessings on your Friday and thank you for your humble confession for us all Tina!
What you shared with us was a treasure. Thank you
I said, ‘Here I am, here I am,’
to a nation that did not call on my name.
2 I spread out my hands all day long
to a rebellious people
who walk in the path that is not good,
following their own thoughts.
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These verses stung my heart and eyes., truly!
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I had a flashback of a younger me, throwing a tantrum because my parents would not buy me a second ice cream, after finishing the delicious first one! Daddy has his arms out trying to reason with me but I would not hear or listen to him..
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OMG! Has nothing changed?
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As an adult now, soon to be a pensioner, so, even more of an adult-adult, a grown up, you’d think I’d be wiser, right? I still come back to that younger me mentality, and have been known to throw wobblies should things not go my way..
Thankfully, not as much as in years gone by..lol!
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BUT you know, this comment is not about me as much as, my relating to how Father God must feel in the rejection of our turning our backs on His open arms..
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I said, ‘Here I am, here I am,’
2 I spread out my hands all day long
to a rebellious people..
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As one who struggles with rejection issues, the start of verse 2, really made me sad, That Gods arms being open, and open, and open, and open, all day long and still no takers.. Take me back in time, I would run faster than Hussein Bolt, into those open, forgiving, loving arms!
Father God, on behalf of those too stubborn of long ago, to hear your ‘..Here I am, here I am, I will help you, just come.. ” I apologize, I repent, and whilst I do it for them, LORD, might I throw my name in there too. For the numerous times, who am I kidding, for the many, many, many times I rejected your open arms in (stupid) favour of my own agenda, LORD, in your mercy, still available today, as always, hear my pray of sorrow and sadness, for the way I have been, the way we, have been towards you..
Thank you LORD GOD that you give reprieve to those who return, with favour and grace, provision and comfort and joy, but the best part, Father God, is that you forgive the sins of our past, and they are forgotten.. Thank you Father God.. Thank you.
I am in awe, Father God, that you would STILL love and want me/us, even in our rebellion, and that YOU make a new earth and new heavens for us to rejoice and be glad in..And that the things of this world we have never understood, death, pain, sorrow, grief, crying, will no longer be, and YOU will be with us.
I love the sound of that Father God, in the meantime, I will look for your open arms and listen for your voice, knowing YOU are the answer, every time the world tempts me or calls me out of your ear shot. May I always stay in the vicinity of your love and voice..
Thank you Father God, for your loving kindness to me everyday, and the grace shown through Jesus..
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AMEN.
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So much to write, so little time.. Probably a good thing..lol.
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Happy Friday, my dears! Prayerful you are blessed beyond measure today, as you go about your day..
MUCH love to all.
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Thank you for sharing. How true and very sad that our heavenly father stands with his arms open wide all day long and yet I chose to run the other way so often. Forgive me LORD.
All true, Tina! ❤️
My favorite part “in the meantime, I will look for your open arms and listen for your voice, knowing YOU are the answer, every time the world tempts me or calls me out of your ear shot.”
Dear Tina, thank you so much for your insight and thoughts on today’s scripture. As you do so often you put into words how the scripture impacts my heart and thoughts, words that escape me. ❤️❤️
Thank you for sharing this, Tina! ❤️
Thank you Tina for sharing this ❤️
59 and still throwing “wobblies” here. So thankful God IS Love.