Key Verse: Isaiah 30:15
For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel:
“In returning and rest you shall be saved;
In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”
But you would not…

As we move on into the New Year, let us “rest” in “quietness and confidence.” The secret of this “strength” is just the opposite to the frantic efforts of Isaiah’s contemporaries. We take counsel daily from God by reading His Words to us. We ask the Spirit of God to reveal to us the plans the Lord has for us. He doesn’t do this like a daily appointment calendar, but as the day unfolds He guides us step by step. Sometimes we need to just sit still while we wait for God. The Scripture tells us to “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Let’s all read Jeremiah 29:11-13, and in Matthew 11:25-30 we have Jesus’ recipe for rest.

Isaiah clearly points out that God did not need the horses and chariots of Egypt to protect His people. The Lord had spoken to Isaiah, assuring him of protection (31:4-5). God is watching over him and His people as a roaring, vicious lion, and as a bird watching over her nest to protect her chicks! Therefore, let the minutes, days, hours, weeks, and months of the New Year proceed. As Zechariah 4:6 says, “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Quiet my spirit, O Lord, I pray. I rest in the sure knowledge of Your full protection. My confidence is completely in You. I’m praying now, Lord, the “Our Father” prayer which Jesus taught as a model prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:
While resting in God’s plans for my life, I’m obeying Him in the care of my body as God’s Word instructs me. I expect to start on “The Daniel Plan,” joining the “on air” team and many of the Crossroads leaders and staff. Today, I’m getting my copy of Pastor Rick Warren’s book, which I intend to follow carefully. I believe the Lord is healing me, with the co-operation of the medical profession, from MDS acute leukaemia. I confess that I have not cared for my body as I should have through the years. That’s probably the reason why I have the physical problems I have. Therefore, with God’s help, I intend to change through The Daniel Plan. Please join me by ordering your own copy of this book, and then by following our 100 Huntley Street team under Rick Warren’s leadership, we’ll succeed in healing and strengthening our “Temples of the Holy Spirit,” our bodies. Click here to order Rick Warren’s book, and you can also sign up for daily email encouragements regarding The Daniel Plan by clicking here and entering your info on the right side of the page.

Yours for rest, confidence, good nutritious food, and all God’s blessings,

David