How can we practically "say to the cities" about God's presence in our lives? A Word for Today: “Here Is Your God!” “Go up on a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; raise your voice loudly, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; raise it, do not be afraid, say to the cities of Judah, ‘Here is your God!’” (Isaiah 40:9) Anchoring Ourselves in Isaiah 40:9 • The command is plain: climb up, lift up, speak up. • The content is clear: declare God’s nearness—“Here is your God!” • The tone is fearless: “do not be afraid.” • The promise is implied: God Himself backs the messenger (Isaiah 40:10-11). Living the Message Before We Speak It • Consistent Character – Integrity at work and school (Colossians 3:23). – Faithfulness in family life (Ephesians 5:25). • Visible Joy – Choosing gratitude (1 Thessalonians 5:18). – Peace that puzzles onlookers (Philippians 4:6-7). • Practical Compassion – Helping the poor and oppressed (Proverbs 31:8-9). – Bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). Speaking Boldly in Our Daily Contexts • One-on-One Testimony – Share how Christ saved and sustains you (Mark 5:19). • Everyday Conversations – Respond to brokenness with gospel hope (1 Peter 3:15). • Public Settings – Pray unashamed before meals, meetings, or medical visits (Psalm 34:3). Creative Avenues to Tell the City • Digital Platforms – Scripture-anchored posts, blogs, and reels (Psalm 107:2). • Hospitality – Open your home for meals, Bible reading, and honest talk (Romans 12:13). • Community Service – Volunteer in shelters, schools, or crisis centers while pointing to Christ’s love (Matthew 5:16). • Arts & Media – Music, visual art, and writing that spotlight God’s glory (Psalm 96:3). • Marketplace Influence – Ethical leadership and public acknowledgement of God’s providence (Daniel 6:10). Guardrails That Keep Our Witness Honest • Saturate speech with Scripture, not slogans (Hebrews 4:12). • Depend on the Holy Spirit, not personal charisma (Acts 1:8). • Keep the gospel central—Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Walk in humility, remembering we too were rescued (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Stay connected to a Bible-teaching church for accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25). A City That Hears Will See His Glory As we climb our metaphorical “high mountains,” lift our voices without fear, and practically declare, “Here is your God,” the promise of Habakkuk 2:14 moves closer to fulfillment: “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea”. |
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