RCCG logo City of Praise
DAILY WORD · KING JAMES VERSION

A daily rhythm of Scripture and prayer.

Read carefully. Reflect honestly. Put God’s Word into practice, one day at a time.

Open Heavens

Begin your day with Pastor E. A. Adeboye

For the daily Open Heavens devotional, use the publisher’s official app. Read the day’s message, reflect on Scripture, and carry its lesson into your day.

Get the official Open Heavens app

The Scripture, reflection and prayer below are City of Praise readings, separate from Open Heavens.

Friday, October 9, 2026

City of Praise reflection

Courage and spiritual endurance — Isaiah 44:9-16

Courage and spiritual endurance

Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 44:9-16 (KJV)

  1. They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed.
  2. Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing?
  3. Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed: and the workmen, they are of men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; yet they shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together.
  4. The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint.
  5. The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house.
  6. He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest: he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it.
  7. Then shall it be for a man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread; yea, he maketh a god, and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto.
  8. He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire:
Read the full chapter in KJV ↗

Guided reflection

Read Isaiah 44:9-16 slowly, then read the surrounding chapter. Notice the original audience and the relationship between warning, repentance and hope. Do not turn a promise or judgment addressed to a particular people into an automatic personal prediction. Attend especially to Isaiah 44:12: “The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint.” Observe: Who is speaking or acting, and what changes across these verses? Identify a word, action or contrast in Isaiah 44:9-16 that helps you explain the passage in your own words. Reflect: What response to difficulty is encouraged here, and what shortcuts does it rule out? Ground your answer in Isaiah 44:12 and its surrounding verses. If the connection to this month’s theme is indirect, let the passage’s own meaning lead. Respond: Face one postponed responsibility prayerfully, without retaliating or giving in to fear. Write one sentence explaining how your response follows from Isaiah 44:9-16, and return to it this evening.

Put the Word into practice

Choose one truth from today’s passage. Write down one practical step you can take today, then ask God for grace to follow through.

Today’s prayer

Father, as I consider Isaiah 44:12, give me courage joined with humility. Let the truth of this passage correct my assumptions and shape my response today. Help me practise what is faithful to Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Part of our Scripture-led study plan. Read the passage in context and use the prompts for personal reflection.

Your next step is closer than you think.

Find support, community, and a place to grow at City of Praise.