Isaiah 17:12-14 -- God defends His people

When things are tough it could be that we're reaping what we sowed, it could be a test, it could be the results of other people's sin (the downside of free will) but remember God does defend His people.

Isaiah 17:8-11 - Don't forget the God who saves

In this world where we seems to have so much it's so easy to get distracted from our God who saves.  $, entertainment, other people.... Even for a short while these temporal distractions seems to work. V ll "plants may sprout and blossom but ultimately it is "God who saves you, (He is) the one who is the mighty rock where you find protection" v 10

Lord thank you for the fact that you're bigger than anyone of us.  Please help us to listen to You and obey the next little thing You tell us to do so that we may all live in peace and safety.

Isaiah 17:1-7... they will trust God

How many times do we have to do things our way and then face the consequences before we learn to trust God?

Let's relax and remember to give thanks for what He has done.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1WmzRxBGFY

Isaiah 16:6-14 --Watch the pride

I have to catch myself when things are going well because the light comes on me and it's tempting to take the credit but the truth is without God I am nothing.  A man came up to Jesus one day and said "good master" and Jesus said "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good--except God alone."  Of all the sins it seems to me that pride is mentioned most in the bible so I'm going to guess that most of us struggle with it.

The solution to this struggle is found in Jeremiah 9:24

"but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD."

Isaiah 15-16:5 -- War torn countries and A Kingdom of Love

As I read these verses I think of war torn countries and refugees and countries that accept refugees.  It makes me wonder what happens that invokes people to fight and/or care.  It also makes me think of people who leave their country and come to another country as a refugee and then want to change the country they come to.  The reality is everyone has something good to offer.  Some of us make some very bad choices but all of us can make a positive difference in this world.  The problem is we aren't all knowing so we don't know how to best co-ordinate this with everyone but this is the beauty of Jesus; the person "from David's family", who "rules with fairness" and "does what is right and quickly brings justice".  He showed us how to live in person and as He did this He highlighted that He had to be about His Father's business.

http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/0302.htm

Father, give us eyes to see Your Kingdom, ears to hear your requests, and faith and ambition to obey You.  "For Yours is the Kingdom!"

Isaiah 14:5-32 --Now all the world is at peace

As I think of this chapter and Ephesians 6:12 "We are not fighting against humans.  We are fighting against forces and powers in the spiritual world." I am reminded that the King of Babylon symbolizes  satan and I'm reminded that God is the victor over satan.

When I read v 15-17 I'm reminded of Star Trek and the virtual reality rooms and wonder how often our battles are battlefields  in our minds only.  Fortunately God has given us resources for battle in Ephesians 6.  Also knowing the fact that God is a great God helps us to adjust to God's perspective.  

Here are some thoughts about God's perspective.

1) If He says there will be a punishment he follows through with his punishment v24-v27.  Galatians 6:7-9 makes it clear to  us.  We can't fool God so don't make a fool of ourselves.  We reap what we sow! ...  Father, please help us sow appropriately.

2) He as promised "The poor and needy will find pastures for their sheep and will live in safety.." v 30... Thank you Lord!

Lord, please help us represent You well in Your Kingdom.

Isaiah 14:1-2 What goes around comes around...

These verses remind me of 2 phrases "be careful how you treat others as you move up in the world because you may have to face them again as you come down" and  "Every blessing comes from God".  

He values hard work, and wise choices and a relationship with Him and ultimately He decides who is boss.

My confession...

As you can tell I haven't typed much here recently.  This is mainly because I prefer a fairly tale story where everything ends well but the truth is God, and thus the scripture, deal with real people and their relationship (good and bad) with God.

My reality is that I am extremely blessed.  I've just returned from a week in Cuba with my Mom.  Our highlight was swimming with the Dolphins.  When we signed up we had no idea that swimming with the Dolphins meant that the Dolphins wanted to throw us up in the air.  Yup, I had one dolpin nose on one foot and the other on another foot and the idea was they'd swim so fast they'd lift you into the air and then you'd drop into the water.  They tried it twice with me but I wasn't convinced that I wanted to be thrown into the air so I never made it out of the water.  I now regret not trying a 3rd time though.  This story makes me think of some people in my life who I think wanted me to rise to the top and they did everything to help me to do this but all the time I wasn't convinced that I wanted to be raised to the top just to be dropped.  The beauty of their story is that they believe in the journey.  Just like scripture they are willing to work with real people and real life situations.

The other thing I did when I was in Cuba is read a novel based on the life of Daniel in the bible.  It's titled Daniel power, business, and politics (Daniel's life from ages fifty to eighty three) by Jay Edwards.  It helped me to digest again, that it's about real people, in a real world, with a real God.

My prayer is that whoever reads this blog will recognize their own real walk with a real God more than they observe my faltering walk in this real world with my real God.

Today is a turning point for me.  Today, I'm writing this because I'm having fun with my Living Room time with God.  I am so blessed.  One of my huge gifts from God and people is a copy of the Key Freedom bible. because I know some of the stories that went into the making of this bible but I never knew it was being made. I feel SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BLESSED!!!  As I result I'm going to use it from now on with this blog.  The Key Freedom bible uses contemporary English so hopefully it will enhance the content of my blog.

Isaiah 13 --"If you live by the sword you die by the sword"

As I read Isaiah 13 I hear the anger and frustration and I really don't like it or the violence.  Not too long ago I was thinking let's get rid of the liars, manipulator, etc so we can go about our work in our Father's Kingdom yet, as much as I would like to do this, this is not part of Jesus's teaching.  Jesus taught that the weeds grow in with the wheat and it's God's job to deal with the weeds. This leaves me with questions on how one best sets boundaries.  The solution I believe is found in the phrase:

"Authentically love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind and authentically love your neighbour as much as you authentically love yourself"

I really like it because, as Jesus said, it sums up the whole law and it leaves room for self love, God love and other people.

Isaiah 11:10 12 -- At that time...

"At that time the place where the king lives will be filled with glory.."
"At that time the Lord will again reach out and take his people..."
"At that time Israel will not be jealous anymore..."
"At that time you will say: 'I praise you, Lord!'..."
"At that time you will say, 'Praise the Lord and worship him. Tell everyone what he has done and how great he is'..."

Isaiah 11:7-9 -- Peace with the knowledge of the Lord

I love this picture of peace.  We can all eat and play together "for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD "

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

Isaiah 8 -- Only worry about God

I just re-read Isaiah 8 in the Message.  What a delight it is to recognize that God is there for us.

I love the lines:

"Don't be like this people, always afraid somebody is plotting against them."

"While I wait for God as long as he remains in hiding, while I wait and hope for him.  I stand my ground and hope..."

"No, we're going to study the Scriptures...."  (I say this knowing that I have a math degree so I believe there is more to study than just scriptures but it is important to get into the word of God)

Isaiah 11:6 -- The wolf and the lamb together

I usually think of this as the lion and the lamb together.  Isn't it an amazing analogy.  I also noted that this is the logo for the police in the Kitchener/Waterloo region.

It's actually reminding me of Restorative Justice.  A victim and offender working things out to the point where there is healing.

God gave me a taste of this years ago before I had the delight of running Alpha in the women's prison.

One day a car was blocking my driveway so I couldn't leave so I went to my neighbours to see if someone could move it.  They sent a teen out and he hit my car!!!  I was in a rush so I asked him for his name and phone number and in behind the scenes I wrote down the license.  When I was ready to deal with the issue I called the number and discovered he had given me a bogus phone #.  I then called the cops to track down his number.  He and the car owner showed up at my door.  The owner told me that he had just come from Mom in BC to Dad in Cambridge and when Dad found out he beat him up!  Well for me, the victim, this wasn't helpful and I can't see how it was helpful for this teen. I told him I didn't know how long it would take but he needed to pay for the damages (I think it cost around $150 years ago). He told he had no money to which I said "wrong answer".  He then told me maybe he could use the money his Dad gave him for smokes and I said "right answer". Every week he faithfully came to my door and gave me $10 until the debt was paid off! During this time we formed relationship and he was the happiest person around when he managed to pay off the last $ of the debt!  I too was happy.  The debt got paid and I believe God allowed me to make a difference in this individual's life!

The problem is this situation can't be copied.  For each situation, and each victim and offender, they need to work out what works for them.  A murder actually told me one day "just praying and asking for forgiveness doesn't seem like enough" and they're right.  As humans God does forgive us but then He forms a relationship with us such that we can work on bringing healing to those who have been hurt.

I heard a woman speak who's child was murdered.  Her faith background made her think of automatic forgiveness but when she went to the papers with this statement the city wasn't happy because they were scared and didn't want to forgive and ultimately she was honest with her friend...she wanted to "kill 10 of them".   As God allowed, she enter into a Restorative Justice program and one day she had the opportunity to sit down with a group of lifers.  She didn't want their justification but she wanted to understand how they got to where they got.  As she entered the room where they were waiting to dialog with her she sat down and looked around and discovered there was 10 of them...

Lion and Lamb opportunities.

Jesus said
"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.  But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew  18:15-20

I use to understand the value of this but be too scared to actually approach the person who has offended me, or when I did I felt unheard (and they probably thought I didn't hear either).  My prayer today is that God reveals to us the actual problem that needs solving as opposed to the symptoms, and then once this has been revealed that we have the courage and faith to hear how God wants us to solve it.

My other learning experience this week is that others do what I do...they solve the problem but I don't recognize that they've solved the problem, all I see is they have a different solution than mine. I too, solve the problem but others don't recognize that the problem has already been solved and then we have a huge communication gap. In addition to this, I think each of us have different problems that need solving.   At work we have a decider protocol. Someone writes a statement on the board that they want the team to agree to.  You put your thumb up if you agree to it, thumb sideways if you will go along with it if the majority says yes and thumbs down if you disagree with it.  If you disagree with it and the majority say yes you have to say  how the statement needs to change for you to get to at least a thumbs sideways.  1/2 our challenge is getting the statement down and then the voting just polishes the statement for us.  The key to this method is everyone is involved in the decision making process.

Isaiah 11:5 - The belt

"Righteousness will be his(her) belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist." Isaiah 11:5

This reminds me of Ephesian 6:11-14.  Our fight is not against flesh and blood (ie people) and around our waist is righteousness, faithfulness and truth.  

Lord please raise up righteous, honest and faithful people in our communities; and thank you for the folks who already meet this description.  They make this world a better place.

Isaiah 11:3-4 -- The King will be glad to obey the Lord

Qualities of a Godly King are:

• He obeys the Lord
• He doesn't judge by looks, or what he hears (I'm guessing because bad assumptions can be made)
• He judges the poor honestly (I'm guessing this means that the right decision will be made irregardless of whether you have money or not)
• He is fair with the poor of the land.
• He punishes evil people

and goodness and fairness give him strength.

Lord, please watch over our country.

Isaiah 11:1-2 - A new branch

A new branch will grow from a stump of a tree...

Ever felt like the church is dying?  My minister said yesterday it was on a serious decline.  Then he showed in  scripture that this happens when we turn our eyes off the Lord.

We need to take time to seek His wisdom.  "The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon that kings.  The Spirit will give him wisdom and understanding, guidance and power.  The Spirit will teach him to know and respect the Lord"

Lord, I want you to fill my whole being up with Your Spirit.  This world is too complex for me to have any power or authority that is not of You.  Lord, direct this world in such a way that Jesus, not people, are glorified.

Thanks

Isaiah 10:20-34 -- A time is coming when the survivors....will completely depend on the Holy Lord

Have we recognized the power of God.  He can destroy, He can get angry, He can protect, He can direct.  Lord I know you are the God above all God's.  Lord, help me to be dependent on You the Holy Lord of Israel for I know that you have promised "all will go well for you and your burden will be lifted."  

This is is my Father's world
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHs7uwqAxm0

Isaiah 11 (looking ahead) -- The King of Peace is Coming

Isaiah 9:8-10:19 God is angry; He will punish

This is not something we like to hear.  We like to think that a loving God doesn't get angry yet He created us with anger. 

The question is why is He angry?
a) the people still believe they can rebuild things and fail to realize that God is in ultimately in control (v9-12)
b) after God's anger/punishment the people didn't value His punishment and come back to Him (v13)
c) He wants us to realize that we can only do what He wants us to do.  As smart or as rich as we are or become we have nothing unless God allows us to have it.  Until we realize this God is not happy.


What did God do in His anger?
a) He cut off both the leaders and the prophets.  The leaders because they led in the wrong direction and the prophets because they spoke lies.
b) The people speak lies and are separated from God and are very evil
c) He doesn't like those who make unfair laws
d) He doesn't like laws that make it hard for people
e) He doesn't like it when they are not fair to the poor and they rob people of their rights.
f) He doesn't like it when they allow people to steal from widows and to take from orphans what really belongs to them.
g) He doesn't like pride. People can only do what God allows them to do. (10:15)

What does His anger look like?
a) First it burns the small weeds and then the thorns and the forest
b) No one will try to save his brother or sister
c) People will grab things but they will still be hungry so they will eat their own children
d) They will fight against each other
e) He uses Kings and nations to punish other nations (10:7)
f) People get sick

Isaiah 9:7 -- He will do this because of His strong love

As I think of the words "from now on and forever"  I am reminded that no matter what people do God still rules and He does things because of "His strong love for his people".

I'm also reminded of a song that I was asked to duet years ago.  The person asking me this had no idea that my talent wasn't singing but this song does represent my thoughts

If human hearts are often tender,
And human minds can pity know,
If human love is touched with splendor,
And human hands compassion show,

Chorus
Then how much more shall God our Father
In love forgive, in love forgive!
Then how much more shall God our Father
Our wants supply, and none deny!

2.
If sometimes men can live for others,
And sometimes give where gifts are spurned,
If sometimes treat their foes as brothers,
And love where love is not returned,

3.
If men will often share their gladness,
If men respond when children cry,
If men can feel each other's sadness,
Each other's tears attempt to dry,

This song comes from: Hosea

For anyone reading this I also solicit your prayers for Jennifer.  Jennifer was the other person who attempted to sing this song with me many years ago and the last I heard about Jennifer was she was involved in a cult.  My prayer this week is that she has an awesome reunion with her family and that she's protected from anyone that would attempt to harm her in anyway and that she would fully understand what the love of God is.

Isaiah 9:7 -- He rules with justice and goodness

One day an inmate commented to me on another inmates actions and said "I want justice for her and grace for me".   It's so true.  Don't we all?  So here is the scoop.  God rules with Justice and Goodness. 

This reminded me of a story of a chief, his Mother and a whipping  so I googled the story and found this website and the June 18th posting. What makes it interesting is it refer to Isaiah too. 

http://www.conservativepup.com/no-greater-love/.html

Father, thank you for your justice.  I need it when I need protecting; and thank you for your goodness; I need it to be all you've made me to be. Thank you for stepping so often to protect me at your expense.  Now, Lord, help me to be gracious when You need to correct and grow me.

Isaiah 9:7 -- Forever, Prince of Peace

Powerful God, Father who lives forever, Prince of Peace. It is a strange combination; power and peace.  Usually I think of these words as opposites.  Can there be peace when there is power?  I look to Jesus to see if He modeled this at all.  Maybe the most obvious is the powerful storm and Jesus was found sleeping in the boat.  We also see the power of the resurrection and the peace in the garden when Jesus told Peter to put his sword away.  

May the Holy Spirit come in all power in each of our lives so we may be the source of peace in this world.

Isaiah 9:6 -- His name is Wonderful

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugLPvTtCnlo&feature=fvwrel

This morning I woke up with this song on my mind and quite often God speaks to me through song so I thought I needed to continue to mediate on Isaiah 9:6.

As I think of a Wonderful Counselor I think of mentors of mine who knew what to say to me to get me unstuck or to help me to continue to grow yet God has more knowledge, love and power than any human being.  Isn't it incredible that He wants to be our Wonderful Counselor...and not just this, he never dies! He lives forever!

What is a bit foreign to me are the words power and peace in the same sentence. Can it be that we have a God who will only use His power to bring about peace?  So often we see power corrupt so what does it look like?  A power that brings about peace?

This is reminding me of 2 Chronicles 7:14
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RutJVjI4Chg

And my prayer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqDOXfj9W0w

Isaiah 9:5-7 -- From the battle to a God child

The plan is so unique.  Jesus didn't come fighting.  In fact, when his disciple wanted to fight for Him he told him not to.  He said "if you live by the sword you die by the sword" Matthew 26:52

No Jesus came as a vulnerable baby and was raised by human parents.  What an incredible way to gain trust.  The statement was "He will be responsible for leading the people.  His name will be Wonderful, Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace." This baby would turn into someone special.

Isaiah 9:4-5 -- God takes away the load

Tonight I'm reminded of those who are heavy in heart.  God wants it all; even the heavy hearts.

I'm trading my sorrows

Isaiah 9:3 -- God has made the people happy

Interesting.  It's God who is making the people happy.  God has caused growth in the nation and God has made the people happy.  How often do we think other people need to make us happy or we have to make ourselves happy.  Have we ever just left the next little thing in God's hands so He can make us happy?  Today, may we be happy because God has made us happy.

Isaiah 9:2 -- Darkness has become light!

Just as the morning comes so light replaces darkness.  I've heard in some traditions children becoming of age are blindfolded and led into the forest where they must sit all night.  Their Father watches out for them but they are unaware of this.  They are left to face the darkness of the forest alone. 

Sometimes this is the way it is with us.  We don't hear from God, we feel we are all alone and it's dark so we do not know what is around us, yet God our Father is with us.

Jesus said "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12) yet He said it in the context of a dirty world.  Just before this statement He was challenged by the men who brought to him a woman caught in adultery (so where was the man she was with???).  Just after this statement the church leaders pointed out that only He thought He was the light yet Jesus said "I have many things to say and decide about you.  But I tell people only the things I have heard from the One who sent me, and he speaks the truth" (John 8:26)

The reality is they still didn't get it so Jesus said "When you lift up the Son of Man you will know that I am He"(John 8:28) (Did He mean when they lifted Him up on the cross or when they lifted Him up in praise?)

Note Jesus measuring stick "The one who sent me is with me.  I always do what is pleasing to him, so he has not left me alone." (John 8:29)

And then Jesus went on to share our measuring stick "If you continue to obey my teaching, you are truly my followers.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free". (John 8:31)

Isaiah 8 - 9:1 -- Warnings to Isaiah

V 11 -- Don't follow the lead of the rest of the people
V 12 -- Don't be afraid of what they fear; do not dread those things, but remember that the Lord All-powerful is Holy.  He is the one you should fear; He is the one you should dread.  Then He will be a place of safety for you. 
V19 -- ask God not mediums and fortune-tellers for help.
V20 -- You should follow the teachings and the agreement with the Lord.
V 9:1 -- But suddenly there will be no more gloom for the land that suffered...but in the future those lands will be made great.

Father, may we not forget You; may we not take You for granted.  Thank You for giving us a peaceful nation and a good economy.  Now Lord, may we represent You well at work and/or as we try to get work.

Isaiah 7:15-25 Immanuel, a child, will come to a hardened world

The truth is I like the Waltons.  I want everything neat and pretty so reading these verses isn't very comforting to me. I wish it was true, that everything was neat and pretty yet it seems to me that the more God gives, the more we take Him for granted so ultimately He quits giving; yet He's still there.  Immanuel, "God is with us".  It's during our toughest times that something begins to birth itself.  This passage talks about a virgin but fails to mention labour pains.  There is pain at a child's birth. (now you know why I'm not a Mother! :-)).  It seems to me that it's during the tough times that we turn to God and form an intimate bond with each other.  May we not forget, God is with us...and may we learn to love each other well.

http://www.5lovelanguages.com/...because I know the Power of Love.

Isaiah 7:14 -- The sign is Immanuel

Isaiah 7:10-13 -- Signs

"Ask for a sign from the Lord your God to prove to yourself that these thigs are true.  It may be a sign from as deep as the place of the dead or as high as the heavens"

Ahaz, the king, said he didn't want to test the Lord by asking for a sign but Isaiah made it clear; it's okay to ask for sign for the sake of the people and God Himself.  As I type this I'm remembering my MP and Prime Minister in prayer.  What responsiblity they have to lead the people.  Lord, please give them the courage to ask for a sign and please give them one that they know is, without a doubt, from You.

I know we can fake many things.  I went to Hawaii and saw real water falls and a real volcano and then I went to where the rich people hang out in hotels that are full of fake experiences.  There was a pool so you could get into the water and "swim" with the dolphins but I only saw people standing and touching them.  There were the manicured lawns, there was the opportunity to get your picture taken with a parrot (and then pay a lot of money for the picture)... It was beautiful and almost instant but I knew it was fake.

Lord, today I'm asking for a sign.  I'm asking for a real awareness of your presence.  You continue to give me glimpses like the songs in my heart, the treats I receive with the weather, the re-uniting of friends, the support of strong mentors, yet there is nothing like experiencing You in an intimate living room relationship.  Lord, today I need a fresh touch of Your Spirit.  I need You to take over this body of mine and use it wherever and however you need me to use it.  Would you show me what You want to say to Your people this evening...and thanks Lord for allowing me to partner with You in ministry.  I know you don't need me but it's fun being in ministry together with you.

Isaiah 7:1-10 -- Watch what you hear; it may not be the truth

"Be careful, keep calm and don't be afraid. "... "It will not take place, it will not happen" ...."If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all."..."Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or the highest heights"

It is important not to allow the talk of others influence what you're hearing from God.

Today, may we listen to truth and stand firm in our faith.

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

Isaiah 6:9-13 -- Tell them; but I hope they won't listen?

I was finding this passage hard to really figure out until just now.

It seems that God can't stop healing if His people really understand what they see with their eyes and hear with their ears but He doesn't want to do this because He feels taken advantage of.

It's reminding me of how often I take people for granted.  The body of Christ is large and everyone plays a part and when everyone is playing their part the body works well but when it's working well I don't thank my body for not hurting...I just complain when I am hurting.  The same seems to be true in the body of Christ. When everything is working well we take it for granted but when it's not we complain.

Hebrews 10:23-25
^" Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another —and all the more as you see the Day approaching. "

Thank you Lord on this day
Every blessing you give us
Food and friends
Love and joy
For our dreams and ambitions

Blossom of love may you bloom and grow
Bloom and grow forever

Thank you Lord on this day
Bless our  marriage(friendships) forever

 (Word by Sherrill; to the tune of Edelweiss)

Isaiah 6:8 -- Here I am send me

The call..."Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said "Here I am. Send me!"

This sounds like such an honour but then we read the challenging message!  God has decided to show His power and doesn't seem to want the people to see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts or turn and be healed.

As we move into life we Christ we see in Galatians 5:13-16
"You, my brothers, were called to be free.  But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.  The entire law is summed up in a single command 'Love your neighbour as yourself.'  If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.  So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature'"

Isaiah 6:3 -- Earth full of His glory

I was having a hard time really understanding "Holy, holy, holy...".  I've heard and sang the words many times but I never really understood them but God has given me a God revelation this weekend.

This video helped.
http://www.godofwondersvideo.org/trailer.htm

Isaiah 6:6-7 -- A touch on the lips

Today I am praying "Lord, what are the right words and when shall I speak"? 

I'm also reminded of Nicky Gumbel's illustration of the power of the Holy Spirit. He talks about many Christians having a pilot light Holy Spirit experience but we have the opportunity to have a full blown Holy Spirit fire.  If I take this illustration and bring it back to the coal an angel touches Isaiah's lips with and says "your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for" I think of the pain of this experience.

It takes me to the verse in James 3:5-6

"Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.  Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.  The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.  It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."

My prayer today is for us to commit our mouth to His use so it only starts fires that He wants started.

Isaiah 6:2-5 -- A Holy God encounter

As I read this I'm reminded of the booklet "My Heart Christ's Home" and the resolve to give the home over to God for how can we as mere humans maintain it on our own.

"Use us Lord, use us for Your glory, use us Lord; help us tell the story.  Lord we will obey, for there is no other way, use us, use us Lord"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHLDcCXUgCA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKlF6WbWBMg

Isaiah 6:1 -- I saw the Lord

"King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord."  As I read this first line I'm reminded that some times we just need to be out of the way for people to see the Lord.

As the Director of Evangelism I'd rank myself very low in my skill of greeting new people at my church door.  I know this is a very important task because one summer, years ago, I had 3 people make it to the street my church was on but not one of them managed to make it in the door.  I can understand this because I don't even like going to the gym all by myself for the first time.  Knowing this, when I got a phone call from a stranger to me, saying he'd like to come to my church I told him I'd meet him there.  I then hung up the phone and realized I wouldn't be at church that Sunday!  I felt so bad and then I contacted my backups and left them with a note.  As a result this gentleman had an incredible welcome to church.  He didn't just have my note, he had my brothers and sisters in the Lord...and he's been coming ever since! 

Even through the terrible experience of grieve I've observed that this experience has allowed people to "see the Lord".

My prayer is that we each see the Lord, in all His fullness, and that we stay out of the way of others seeing the Lord.

Isaiah 5:18-30 -- In His Time

"In His time, in His time; He makes all things beautiful, in His time.  Lord please show us every day as You're showing us Your way, that you do just as You say, in Your time"

What is stopping our commitment and trust in Him today?

Is it:

• sin
• cords of deceit
• wickedness

Is it our desire to:

• see the end result of God's work?
• be wise in our own eyes?
• be heros at drinking wine?

Or is it our ability to acquit the guilty for a bribe but deny justice to the innocent?

I am reminded once again of Galatians 6:7 "Do not be deceived; God cannot be mocked.  A man reaps what he sows.  The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life"

Today, may we value God's presence in our lives even when we do not know or understand the fullness of His plans.

Isaiah 5:17 -- God, our provider

When we recognize Him He does provide for us even if it's among the ruins of the rich.

When I moved back to Canada I use to walk the neighbourhood as a paper carrier and discover all the treasures people were throwing away and I'd bring them home for my family.  This week one of the folks in my bible study suggested that if we listed all the things we want/need there are probably people in the church that have those things just sitting around.  My cousins told me their story of how this happen for them in their church small group. They wanted a "treat"; a car radio; and someone in their group said they had one just sitting in the garage.

May God richly bless us with not only what we need but also what we want and may we remember to say thank you.

Isaiah 5:12-16 -- Let's remember His deeds

As I read Isaiah 5:13-16 I'm reminded of Galatians 5:7-8

"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.  A man reaps what he sows.  The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life"

In Canada we have prayed "God keep our land glorious and free" for many years now and God has given us a good economy and a peaceful nation yet my fear is that we've taken Him for granted and believe we don't need Him anymore. 

Isaiah warned us in 8th century BC and Paul warned us again in Galatians.  I must not forget the deeds of the Lord because no matter what;He will make Himself known as holy and just.

Thank you Lord for Your deeds!

"He is Lord, He is Lord, He is risen from the dead and He is Lord
  Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Philippians 2)

Isaiah 5:1-12-- God's disappointment

As I read this scripture I wonder how often I have disappointed God.  I know there have been times when I had lots of time to do for Him but very little time to appreciate the gifts He has given to me.  It is reminding me to count my many blessing and remember how much He enjoys the fruit of His Spirit.  "Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self control" Galatians 5:22-23

This scripture is also reminding me of another God principle.  "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.  A man reaps what he sows.  The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportuity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" Galatians 6:7-10

Isaiah 5:1-2 -- God's Vineyard and the Fruit

As I read these verses I think of the many wonderful people I know who dearly love the Lord.  They have seen God's amazing Vineyard.  How He toiled in the garden and removed the stones; planted the best plants; built a watch tower; and prepared for the winepress and yet the fruit is not what they had hoped for; the fruit of the Spirit of "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control" Galatians 5:22-23

Then, I think of Jesus at the well in John 4.  How excited He was to see good fruit.  So excited He didn't want physical food.

My challenge today is found in Galatians 5:13-16.  Although we have all freedom I must not let my freedom indulge the sinful nature (I say this after a mentor of mine told me last night "you want it all to be easy; there's discipline involved! :-)).  "Rather, serve one another in love.  The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbour as yourself.".  If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature."

Yes, I'm sure there are many disappointments with the crops as we read in Isaiah 5:2 so I am challenged.  How will I let the Lord develop His fruit in me today?

Isaiah 4:2-6 - The Branch of the Lord

What is interesting is even in all the chaos or maybe because of all the chaos God is more obvious.  It is then that we recognize that He provides the fruit of the land;  the righteous will have a chance to shine as holy people; people will no longer take God for granted and God's glory will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.

Isaiah 3:11-4:1 -- God's vineyard

What a mess!  People taking advantage of people.  This is obviously not of God.  May we never forget that this is God's vineyard!  May His Kingdom come and His will be done.

"Every blessing we receive is only by His grace."

Isaiah 3:1-10 -- Tell the righteous it will be well with them

"I will make boys their officials; mere children will govern them. ..." Isaiah 3:4

"I have no remedy.  I have no food or clothing in my house; do not make me the leader of the people" Isaiah 3:7

".. their words and deeds are gainst the Lord, defying his glorious presence."  Isaiah 3:8

As I read these words I think of our young people, who have access to the world like never before and I think of my own life as a person who has been raised in the church and I am drawn to the question; am I living a life that denies His glorious presence?

The answer is a definite NO!  I could not live the life God has given to me without Him because I need His wisdom, His presences; His protection; His love...

I'm reminded of Romans 12:1-2
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrificies, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- His good, pleasing and perfect will"....I find it funny that yesterday I discovered a DVD called "Battlefield of the Mind" by Joyce Meyers and today God has led me to the verse about the renewing of the mind! :-)

Thanks Lord, for providing friends that have been encouraging me to enjoy "Living Room time" with You.  Lord, I need you today because I know You've set up some God appointments for me.  Help me to listen Your voice and go where you need me to go and say what you need me to say.

Isaiah 2:19-22 - What/Who to trust?

"You should stop trusting people to save you, because people are only human; they aren't able to help you." Isaiah 2:22

"At that time people will throw away their gold and silver..." Isaiah 2:20

This passage is reminding me; who or what can we really trust????

This question makes me turn to Christ?  Who did He trust and what did He trust?  Jesus started His ministry at the age of 12 by telling His parents "He must be about His Father's business" (Luke 2:49 King James).  I don't know how this statement got into my brain but I remember quoting it many times when I was volunteering at a prison because I never wanted to be associated with "a group"; whether it was inmates or officers, victims or offenders; I was their because Christ placed me there and I needed to do what He needed me to do. 

For me this is just as significant at our workplace, at our church, in our neighbourhoods etc.... Christ told us "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." Matthew 10:16

Jesus was so confident in His relationship with His Father He did not worry about public opinion.  In fact, when He became popular He usually left town and He warned His followers that they should carry little and not worry about where they were going to sleep.

It really doesn't sound promising yet it seems to me that the real point here is quit trusting in things that are not omni-present, omni-powerful, all wise etc and start trusting in the Lord who loves us so much that He was willing to give up the thing He loved the most just to save us!  Remember, God knows us, knows what makes us happy, knows what His purpose is for our lives, knows what we can endure, knows what we need to learn, knows our circumstances and knows how to run "our home".  Let's just trust Him with the next little thing He's asking us to do. 

If you haven't heard from the Lord lately ask this question "what did He ask me to do last? Then ask, did I do it?  He may just be waiting for us to do the last thing He asked us to do before He moves us to the next task".  I wonder how often He just shakes His head when we try to tell Him what to do; as if we know anything compared to Him!

Isaiah 2:12-18 -- The proud

Wow, what a warning!  With all the sins in the bible it seems to me that being proud is the worst...or at least mentioned the most!  I struggle with this because I think there is a healthy pride.  I think we need to be who God made us to be and we shouldn't hide our talents to make others feel good.  After all, Jesus told a story about people who managed to double their talents.  I think I also stuggle with this because when I share my fun and excitement as I see God working I don't seem to be able to present it in a way that Christ gets the amount of credit that I want Him to get...yet I think this is the key to remaining humble.  It's remembering that "Every blessing we receive is only by His grace".

Thank you Lord for giving me so many blessings.  Show me how to use my time and talents wisely in Your Kingdom.

Isaiah 2:6-11 -- Priorities

I'm reminding of the Canadian National Anthem "God keep our land, glorious and free"...over my life time I remember the 100 reasons why I'm proud to be a Canadian campaign and I remember travelling around the world being proud to be a Canadian.  I know people from many countries have decided to make Canada their home so I assume this is because they've decided that Canada is a better place to be than where they were living.  God has answered our prayer; He's given us a good economy and a peaceful nation; yet I fear that we're departing from Him and our children are being raised to believe we don't need Him. 

If I were to bring this to a human perspective I'm thinking it would be something like a parent who has given their child everything they've asked for; they've protected them and provided for them and ultimately given them their freedom and the child; like the prodical son, decides to take it all and waste it. (Luke 15:11-32)

I love how both of these stories end though
"At that time only the Lord will still be praised"

Today I'm going to consiously look for things to praise the Lord for.

Isaiah 2:5 -- Mediation

Yesterday I had a fun conversation about meditation.  As a Christian we mediate on the word of God so today I decided I'd mediate a bit as I read Isaiah and I have to smile because I started with Isaiah 2:5.
" Come family of Jacob and let us follow the way of the Lord".  Isn't this just a perfect verse to spur us on into mediating on His word!

Blessings,
Sherrill

Isaiah 2:4

As I listen to today's headline about a bank being involved with blood money my prayer is found in Isaiah 2:4 that

"He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples and that they will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.  Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore"

Thank you Jesus for modeling how we can do this as individuals.  I think of your challenge to Peter '"Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.' Matthew 26:52

Wow, I didn't realize that Isaiah 2:3 and 2:5 are choruses I know.  The chorus for 2:5 that comes to my mind is "Let us all get together in communion suite and walk, walk in the light.  Let's love one another 'till the Saviour we meet and walk, walk in the light. Walk, in the light, walk, in the light, walk in the light; let's walk in the light of the Lord"

Isaiah 2:3

"Come and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob.  He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths"

This is reminding me of a journey, through the country side, where we go to learn together, so we can walk in his paths.  I'm thankful for the opportunities I have had to do this.

As I read through Isaiah 1 I'm hearing God's heart.  He's frustrated because His children have turned from an authentic relationship with Him.  They're playing church by offering "treats" but they're not listening to His heart.  He sees them hurting each other and He knows how to stop it but they won't listen to Him.  Their leaders take bribes and they're not listening to Him.  This is what He wants:
"Quit hurting each other. Do what is right. Seek justice! Encourage the oppressed. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow".  He wants us to reason with Him.  He's willing to help us clean up our mess but we need to be willing and obedient.

Isaiah 1:1

I'm noting it's a vision for God's chosen people. Since it's a vision it's not what has taken place but a picture of what is in the process of taking place.

I Kings 12-13. I find it interesting in 1 Kings 12 that Israel fell apart like this. Rather than overthrow the King they just left. I guess the Bible tells us why in verse 24: "This is what the Lord says: 'Do not go up to fight against your brothers the Israelites. Go home every one of you, for this is my doing.'"
It's very sad how willingly the people accepted the golden calves in place of a living God.

Isaiah 1:1

Who is Isaiah?

Bible study notes say that Isaiah, son of Amoz lived in Judah. He was a prophet to 4 different kings.  He preached repentance and salvation to the entire nation of Israel and was especially concerned with hypocrisy and with Jews who weren’t giving God their whole hearts. 


What was the happening during his time?

Bible study notes say during his time, Judah was threatened by Assyria and Egypt but was spared because of Isaiah’s influence.  The northern kingdom however was demolished by the Assyrians.  Here's a link to a time line to help us get a focus on things:

http://bibletimeline.info/

Read 1 Kings 12-13 to see why the Kingdom was divided and 2 Chronicles 22-28 to get a picture of things leading up to this writing.

I Kings 12-13. I find it interesting in 1 Kings 12 that Israel fell apart like this. Rather than overthrow the King they just left. I guess the Bible tells us why in verse 24: "This is what the Lord says: 'Do not go up to fight against your brothers the Israelites. Go home every one of you, for this is my doing.'"
It's very sad how willingly the people accepted the golden calves in place of a living God.