Our Daily Bread for 9th December 2024 — Encouraged by God’s Promises
OUR DAILY BREAD DAILY DEVOTIONAL 9TH DECEMBER 2024 MESSAGE
Topic: Encouraged by God’s Promises
Bible in a Year: Daniel 11-12; Jude
Bible Verse: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.- Isaiah 43:2
Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 43:1-5
Insight: Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of four kings of Judah (Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah). Ancient Jewish and Christian writers say that Isaiah was “sawn asunder”—perhaps being the incident referred to in Hebrews 11:37.
The book of Isaiah is the first of the “major” prophets. The Major Prophets are distinguished from the Minor Prophets mostly based on their length, with the Major Prophets being substantially longer than their smaller counterparts. Isaiah is the sixth longest book in the Bible. One of its distinguishing characteristics is that it contains a substantial amount of messianic prophecy. Isaiah is quoted (or alluded to) in the Gospels alone more than twenty times. In John 12:40, for example, the apostle John quotes Isaiah 6:10, then says, “Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him” (John 12:41). By: Bill Crowder
Our Daily Bread for 9th December 2024 Devotional Message:
It was a long day at the hospital. Still no answers to the sickness that afflicted a young, bright nineteen-year-old. Arriving home, the family felt discouraged. To their surprise, a nicely decorated box sat on the step with Isaiah 43:2 printed on the front. Inside, were assorted encouraging Bible verses that friends had written out by hand. The next hour was spent being encouraged by Scripture and the thoughtful gesture of the family’s friends.
People going through tough times or family challenges can always use a heartfelt boost. Scripture—either a large portion or just a verse—can encourage you, a friend, or family member. Isaiah 43 is filled with little bits of encouragement—received either individually or as a whole. Consider a few choice thoughts: God has “created you,” “formed you,” “redeemed you,” and called you “by name” (v. 1). God “will be with you” (v. 2), He’s “the Holy One of Israel,” and He’s our “Savior” (v. 3).
As you consider the promises of God, may they encourage you. And as He provides what you need, you can encourage someone else. The verse box didn’t cost a lot, but its impact was priceless. Even after five years, some of those verse cards are still cherished by the family. By: Brent Hackett
Reflect & Pray
What other promises can you find in Isaiah 43? Who can you share a promise card, text, or email with today?
Dear God, I thank You today that the Scriptures are full of promises, and that I can be encouraged even by one verse at just the right time.
Joyce Meyer Devotional 5th December 2024: Shoes of Peace
