First and Last

Isaiah 41:4 (NRSVue) - Who has performed and done this, calling the generations from the beginning? I, the Lord, am first and will be with the last.In this chapter, Isaiah assures the people of God’s help.Speaking for the Lord. Isaiah reminds the people that God was the first and he will be the last.After the opening of Revelation 1, John shares a vision of Christ.John states that the moment he saw Christ, he fell at His feet.But Christ offers words of comfort and encouragement.Christ reminds John that, as part of the Trinity, He was first, and He will be the last.Revelation 1:17b-18 (NRSVue)...

A New Spirit and a New Heart

Ezekiel 11:19 (NRSVue) - I will give them one heart and put a new spirit within them; I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh,In this chapter, God shares his judgement of evil councilors with the prophet.God then pronounces that He will restore His people.This will be a complete restoration.The people will have a new spirit.They will also have new hearts.These new hearts will be capable of gentleness and compassion.Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, opens with words of encouragement.Paul reminds Timothy of the new spirit and the new heart that God...