Today's Verse - Isaiah 43:2-3 (KJV)

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour...

—Isaiah 43:2-3 (KJV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...​

We must be careful. These verses are NOT promises to an individual, but to Israel, the people of God (Isaiah 43:1). God is reminding Israel that they are precious to him. He formed them and redeemed them. He is not about to abandon them. No matter what challenges or difficulties they face, he will be with them to deliver them and bring them to safety and victory. As followers of Jesus, whom God brought into his people by grace (1 Peter 2:9-10; Galatians 6:14-16), we can accept these promises as God's people today, as Jesus' church. As believers in Jesus and part of God's people, we can see how God has preserved his people and redeemed them time and time again. We can celebrate how God delivered his people from impossible situations and brought them to the Messiah, Jesus. God will not forget us! We know it by promise. We know it from history. We know it because of our faith! God will bring us victoriously to himself with great joy (Romans 8:37-39; Jude 1:24-25).

My Prayer...​

Thank you, Almighty God, for always being near us. We confess that there are times when we are not aware of your nearness and your miraculous intervention in history for us. Nevertheless, we do believe, dear Father, that you are ever-near even when we feel alone. In those times, dear God, please give us confidence and perseverance to stand through the times of trial so that we can also share in your triumphs through us. We believe, O God, that you are with us! In Jesus' name, pray and confess our faith in you. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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[Isaac Samuel Lubwama]

1
Love God and your neighbor
When asked which commandment was the most important, Jesus said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:37–39).

When you replace hate with love, and anger with kindness, you’ll feel closer to God and notice more peace in your life.

2
Live the Golden Rule
Jesus taught the Golden Rule during His Sermon on the Mount: “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” (Matthew 7:12). In other words, treat others the way you want to be treated. As you do so, you will strengthen your relationships and be happier.

3
Have faith in Jesus Christ
In John 3:16 we read, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Having faith in Jesus Christ means believing in Him and His teachings. Doing so will bless you in this life and in the life to come.

4
Communicate sincerely with God
Jesus taught by example that we should pray to God, our Heavenly Father, often. God loves you. He stands ready to help you. Communicate with Him through prayer, express gratitude, and ask for things you need.

5
Freely forgive
While Jesus was on the earth, Peter asked Him, “Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?” Jesus responded, “I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21–22). When we freely offer forgiveness to others, we can invite more peace and forgiveness into our own lives.