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Daily Devotion: Isaiah 46:9-11

Isaiah 46:9-11      "Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,  (10)  Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:  (11)  Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it."

In the beginning of this chapter, God inspired Isaiah to write concerning the idols that have been made and how men bow down to it. I probably have written this before, but I can't understand how anyone could bow down to something that is completely dependent upon the man. A man forms it. He fashions it. He makes the pedestal upon which it stands. He carries it and places it on that pedestal and then he bows down to it, confessing it to be god. My goodness! How can that happen? And yet, it did then and it still does today. Our idols may be more sophisticated, but things are still placed above God as far as our attention and actions are concerned. I need to inspect my own heart and mind as to what are those things in my life and I will leave it to you as to whether you have anything in life that at times are more important. These idols of today aren't necessarily 100% our gods, but at times we place them as being more important than worship and praise of the only true and living God.

In today's passage, God reminds us once again, "I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me." Yesterday God reminded us that He is the Creator and Sustainer of the earth and all that is in it. Today, He reminds us once again there is no other like Him. Lord, what do you mean that there is none like you? To that question, He answers that He is the only One who is "Declaring the end from the beginning..." Notice the wording of this. I have often misquoted these words by saying, "God knows the end from the beginning." Though that is true, the Word goes deeper than knowing the end. God says that He declares the end from the beginning.  Lord, is there anything else that sets you apart from others? Yes, He says, "My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure."  I may need to come back to this one at some point, but I will suffice to say, "All my life I have waited for the time when I could do whatever I want to do." I used to say when I retire, I will be able to do anything I want, whenever I want to do it. Well, that isn't true. Now that I have retired, time, money, and energy often prevents me from doing whatever I want. But I'm thankful that there is nothing that restricts my God from doing His purpose and His pleasure in all the universe and especially in my life. Lord, I want to submit to your will and purpose for me. I need you always!

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