Snapshot of Salvation

I have been trying to be faithful to doing daily Bible reading and journaling - but note the operative word "try." I have not been as successful as I would like. But, I am keeping at it, even though I am technically 2 weeks behind the Bible reading plan.

The section I read today was Isaiah 52-57. I love Isaiah. I can't read it without stumbling across something that jumps out at me. Today's was 57:17-19. It gives a concise snapshot of salvation. It reads:

Because of the iniquity of his (Israel's) unjust gain I was angry, I struck him; I hid my face and was angry, but he went on backsliding in the way of his own heart. I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners, creating the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace, to the far and to the near," says the Lord, "and I will heal him."

The reason I see this as a snapshot of salvation is because it tells us what we were: sinners; backsliders going our own way; following our own desires. It also tells us what God did: He saw all this, and healed and restored us anyway. He provided His son, Jesus, to bring us back to Him. He greets us with "peace," or 'shalom.' And this welcome is extended to the near and the far.

It just reminded me of how much I don't deserve God's favor, and how thankful I am that He bestows it anyway.

I swear I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. I can't believe it has been almost a month since I blogged last. Needless to say, life is busy. I am astounded that we are already in November and that Thanksgiving will be here before we know it.

I did get to go to my dad's a few weekends ago. My sister flew in from Colorado, as well, to visit for the week. I only took off 2 days because taking off from school is really difficult. A lot goes into taking days off that I really don't like taking off, but this was a good reason.

Anyhow, today was especially long. We had a 2-hour meeting after school, so 7-5 makes for a long day. Plus I still have small group tonight, so I'm not going to bed anytime soon.

I am SO ready for Thanksgiving break!!