We know that Northview people love to be in God’s Word and often ask for direction on different devotional apps and reading plans.

While there are several good options available through various sources, we’d like to encourage you to join in our Northview Devotional Guide which will guide you to read and reflect on the passages preached in our weekend sermons! We hope this will unite our congregation around the study of God’s Word, and help us to more readily absorb and apply the great teaching provided by our preaching pastors. Each week we’ll be providing a suggested schedule for working through a passage slowly (15 minutes a day). You’ll need a Bible and a notebook or blank paper to record your observations.

Printable Version

Each day we endeavour to 1) understand the story of the characters in the text; 2) connect to His story; and then 3) apply it to our story through adoration, confession and supplication.

DAY ONE | UNDERSTAND THEIR STORY

  • Read Isaiah 46:8, 12-13, 48:1-8 and record what you learn about the people of Israel in these chapters.
    • What is their moral state? 
    • What is their attitude? 
  • Isaiah 47 centres on Babylon (Israel’s captors) and their impending fall. Read Isaiah 47:5-10 and record what you learn about the people of Babylon. 
    • What is their moral state? 
    • What kinds of things do they put their hope/trust in? 
  • What do both of these people groups have in common? 

 

These passages highlight the sin and idolatry problem of both Israel and Babylon. As you pray in confession today, admit to God where you have been stubborn at heart, idolized something or someone, or turned to your own wisdom for security.

 

 

DAY TWO | UNDERSTAND THEIR STORY

  • Read Isaiah 48:12-13 and 17-21. 
    • What is Israel’s problem according to God? What have they missed out on?
    • What is Israel’s hope even though they have messed up? 
  • In contrast, read the outlook for Babylon’s in Isaiah 47:10-15. 
    • Is there any hope for Babylon? Why or why not? 

 

As you pray today, give adoration to God for His amazing redeeming grace for transgressors. Pray in supplication for those you know who are still looking to other things to save them.

 

 

 

DAY THREE | CONNECT TO HIS STORY

  • These chapters have many beautiful declarations of God as saviour. Read Isaiah 46:3-5, 9-11, 47:3-4, 48:9-13, 16-17 and note what they tell us about God:
    • His power and His ability to save?
    • His knowledge and sovereignty over the future?
    • His name and glory?
    • How He acts towards His people?
  • In contrast, how does Isaiah describe idols and their ability to save? (Read Isaiah 46:1-2, 5-7)

 

Today go back over the notes you wrote about God’s power and knowledge. Spend time praying in adoration for who God is. In light of this knowledge, what can you ask God for?

 

 

DAY FOUR | CONNECT TO HIS STORY

  • In these chapters God is described as knowing all things and bringing them to pass according to His purposes, by His power. Where else do we see this in the Bible? 
    • Read Psalm 33:6-12. What is the difference between God’s plans and human plans? 
    • Ephesians 1:3-10. Note all the timing phrases and references to God’s will. What do you learn about God’s plan for saving people? 
    • Read Titus 1:1-3. What does Paul write about the timing of God’s promises and the trustworthiness of His character?

 

As you considered God’s great plans and purposes and ability to make them come to pass, how has your heart been challenged or encouraged? What plans do you need to submit to the Lord? In what ways can you praise Him for His promises fulfilled for you?

 

 

DAY FIVE | APPLY TO OUR STORY

  • In Isaiah 47:6-7 and 48:9-11 God explains that He was angry with His people for their transgressions and the way they have profaned Him, and therefore He gave them up into Babylonian captivity. 
    • Read Isaiah 48:17-19 again and note what they should have been doing in order to live in peace and righteousness, in light of His redemptive work. 
    • Read Colossians 3:5-17. What does God command us to do today in light of His redeeming work in us? 
      • What earthly practices do you need to put to death today?
      • What characteristics of Christ do you need to put on today?

 

Pray through Colossians 3:5-17, praising God for His salvation and asking Him to teach and lead  you in the way you should go, just as He promised to Israel.