“Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.”

Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭2‬ ‭ESV‬‬

This is the scripture the Holy Spirit gave me to contemplate as I sat reading a book that leaned outside the comfort of my Christ-filled heart.

You might question what this particular scripture has to do with reading a book—especially since it was lent to me—but I tell you it made perfect sense to me.

I am a firm believer in God’s grace. After all just look at the name of my blog. Not only that but I have “grace” tattooed on my shoulder. Having said that, there was a time when I was very rigid, or should I say religious in my beliefs. But has the pendulum swung too far the other way? And again, what does this have to do with this scripture?

It’s not the literal meaning, it’s the cry of God’s heart for me to find sustenance in Him, be led by Him, and to spend my energy on His goals. It is discerning what this next scripture speaks to:

“It’s true that our freedom allows us to do anything, but that doesn’t mean that everything we do is good for us. I’m free to do as I choose, but I choose to never be enslaved to anything.”

1 Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬ ‭TPT

Here is another:

“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?”

Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬ ‭ESV

When I meditated on the first scripture the word that came to mind was fruitless. God is clear in scripture about His desire that we would lead a fruitful life. (I’ll let you research that on your own.)

So back to the book – what I know is that most of my reading is supposed to help me with my writing. It’s important for me to read in the genre I plan to write. This well-written book was in my genre in the broad sense, but was void of the underlying “bread” that would feed my soul. Or to put it another way – the book was fruitless. The kind of book I want to write will reflect the character of God, no matter if the characters are real or imagined. I want my stories to have sustenance, to nourish the growth of fruit in people’s lives.

I will most likely read the rest of the series because I can’t leave a story unresolved, but I will be making an effort to screen my reading in the future.

I included the full section of the scripture here because there was so much that spoke to me, and maybe one of the other verses will be more in tune with what God wants to tell you.

I pray His word will breath life into your circumstances.

“Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink— even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk— it’s all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food.

“Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David. See how I used him to display my power among the peoples. I made him a leader among the nations. You also will command nations you do not know, and peoples unknown to you will come running to obey, because I, the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, have made you glorious.”

Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

“The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands! Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow. Where nettles grew, myrtles will sprout up. These events will bring great honor to the Lord’s name; they will be an everlasting sign of his power and love.”

Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭1‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Grace & Peace,

Sandy

Image from Canva