ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (OCTOBER 22, 2012)

A New Thing

Isaiah 43:15-21


"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."
(ISAIAH 43:19)

Sometimes it's hard to let go of the past and move forward. We want to grasp all the good things ahead of us without releasing what feels safe and familiar. Before long we'll find ourselves in a place of moldy manna, clinging too tightly to what we perceive brings us comfort. When we willingly move on with Jesus, we aren't losing what He has already given us. We're building on it and embracing a greater understanding of Him and His ways.

With God, Israel moved out of the bondage in Egypt through desert trials into the land of promise. They often wished they could just forgo the adventure altogether and return to slavery. How life under such oppression could seem better than the future God planned baffles us. Yet is has a familiar ring to it.

Our prospects take on a whole new dimension when we hang on to the One who knows the way, provides all we need and keeps us safe. Rather than a plunge into the frightening unknown, our journey becomes an adventure with our strong, loving Father.

INSIGHT
MY LORD KNOWS THE WAY THROUGH THE WILDERNESS.
(SIDNEY E. COX)

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Genesis 3-4
Psalm 2
Matthew 3-4

Isaiah 43:15-21
New International Version (NIV)
15 I am the Lord, your Holy One,
Israel’s Creator, your King.”
16 This is what the Lord says—
he who made a way through the sea,
a path through the mighty waters,
17 who drew out the chariots and horses,
the army and reinforcements together,
and they lay there, never to rise again,
extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:
18 “Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
20 The wild animals honor me,
the jackals and the owls,
because I provide water in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland,
to give drink to my people, my chosen,
21 the people I formed for myself
that they may proclaim my praise.

THE BIBLE IN 90 DAYS [PART 1]

with Ted Cooper

It is possible to read the entire Bible through - cover to cover - in just 90 days! And it's easier than you might think. The high-altitude view of Scripture is beautiful and well-worth the effort.