Daily Scripture & Questions

Isaiah 1:1-4:6 Isaiah begins his ministry in the days of Uzziah's long reign.  Judah has prospered economically but not spiritually.  It was not that they weren't religious enough (1:12-15) but that their corporate worship did not change their lives the rest of the week.  Isaiah prophesies about stern discipline but also wonderful, future blessings.  Note the phrases like "latter days" (2:2), "that day" (2:11) and "in that day" (3:18; 4:1-2).

Family Devotions—Scripture & Questions

Read Isaiah 1:10-20. The people of God are compared to the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. Look up Genesis 18:20 and 19:12-29 if you don't know why these two towns were destroyed. Isaiah says that stern punishment is coming, but were these people faithful in their religious duties (offering sacrifices)? Why didn't God hear their prayers (v. 15)? What did they have to do in order to be heard again?

Biblical Prayer Focus

2 Chronicles 20:12 O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.

We often face enemies and situations that are just "too much" for us to handle. In prayer, turn your eyes to the Lord. Ask God to help others turn their eyes toward Him as well.