Isaiah 61 day 8
And provide for those who grieve in Zion.
  
In our current world, we see God's Word scorned and belittled.  Many of His people are heartbroken over the way the Bible has been watered down so that no one is offended.
  
Many churches have chosen to preach from a secular point of view.  Many teach that the 'stories' in the Bible are just moral lessons and not really facts.   Jesus had some very harsh things to say about the religious leaders of His day and His opinion has not changed.  He gives harsh warnings to those who teach.  They will be judged for what they teach.
  
We, His people, must be in prayer for those who are working diligently to keep His Word pure.  We must stand firm on the infallibility of the Word of God. 
 
Father, You have given us all we will ever need. It is contained in Your Holy Bible.  It has been inspired by the Spirit and must not be changed. Guide us, Lord, to seek diligently for the truth.  Help us to search Your Word daily and not rely on others, but to test their teaching against the
scriptures.

Isaiah 61 day 7
 
To comfort all who mourn.
 
Comforting those who mourn is a command of the Lord.  We go through dangers, trials and snares so that we can grow and mature in Christ. We can offer comfort to those who are walking through the same paths of pain we have walked.
Those paths can take on many forms.  Whether they lead us on a smooth path to sin or a rocky twisted path through illness or loss, we are assured of a Comforter Who will never leave us or forsake us.   We are commanded to comfort others right where they are.  We can't always take them out of the circumstances, but we can walk with them through the darkness and fears of those circumstances.
  
Father,  show us the paths to take when we can't see the way we should go.  We need Your lamp and Your light to guide us through the challenges that You put in our lives.  May we be ever mindful of those who need our touch of mercy and our reassurance when they are walking the paths we have walked and felt the pain we have felt.

Isaiah 61 day 6
And the day of the vengeance of our God.
 
We serve a God Who is very jealous for us.  He has an all encompassing love for those whose names are written in the Book of Life.  His love is far above what we can possibly imagine.  When His people who are called by His name are martyred or abused or scorned, His Word promises vengeance.  He does not take lightly the scoffers who try to
change His Word or try to lead astray His people.  We must proclaim His vengeance on those who trample under foot His laws and precepts.  We may not see His vengeance but be assured, His Word will not be undermined or distorted without sure reprisal.
 
Father, we, your people, rejoice in the love you have for us.  Do not let us take lightly the warnings through out Your Word.  Help us to be more aware of Who You are and Your power.  Keep us grounded in Your love.  Keep us reverent and filled with awe of  You. 
 
 
 

To proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.
 
We are the chosen of God.  We have been commissioned to do His will.  We are sons and daughters of the Most High.  We are called according to His good will.  We are called to go forth and preach the gospel by the way we live and speak.

Our lives are a proclamation of Who we serve.  We are to proclaim the year of the Lord to all who will listen and even to
those who don't want to hear.  Our God has assured us that our words will not return void.  There is no higher authority
than the One Who created us. Therefore  we can stand assured He will honor our sacrifices of time, prayers, witnessing and
service.

Father, we choose this day to proclaim to those around us Your plan for us and all who choose to come to You in repentance.  May our words be given by You. May the words we speak be received by those You have chosen to hear.