Scripture Reading – Isaiah 35:1-10 - NIV                        

¹ The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.

Like the crocus, ² it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.

The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;

they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.

³ Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way;

⁴ say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”

⁵ Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.

⁶ Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.

⁷ The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs.

In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.

⁸ And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way.  The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it.

⁹ No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there.  But only the redeemed will walk there,

¹⁰ and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing;everlasting joy will crown their heads.  Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

Psalm Reading:  Psalm 145:5-10 - NIV                                               

⁵ They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful works. 

⁶ They tell of the power of your awesome works— and I will proclaim your great deeds.

⁷ They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

⁸ The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.

The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.

¹⁰ All your works praise you, Lord; your faithful people extol you.

Note: All Scriptures are New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted