Sunday, June 30, 2013

Isaiah 59:18-20 -- God gets angry

We're created in God's image so we shouldn't be shocked that God gets angry; and the people who benefit from His anger like it.

Father, as I read this passage I'm reminded of the flood in Calgary and thank you that in this tragedy You have united people.  I think of the synagogue and the church that came together to make sandwiches.  Thank you Lord.  Father, will you continue to help those who are currently displaced; especially those who are weaker.

God has promised to rescue those who turn from their sins!  Lord, help us to be humble in you sight and confess that we need You to run our lives, our churches, and our countries.  Forgive us for thinking any other way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sU8MAQKSbEI

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Isaiah 59:9-17 -- It doesn't look like paradise

There are days when we hope for sun and get rain
There are days when we hope someone will defend us but they don't
There are days when we think we're blind and feel like we can't see any more than a blind person
There are days when we growl like a a bear and mourn like doves
There are days when we hope for justice and victory but they escape us

Lord,  have we sinned and turned against you?
Father, have we rebelled and refused to follow you?
Have our hearts been deceitful?
Have we planned to abuse others and turn our backs on you?

Is this our picture?

  • Injustice seems to be everywhere
  • Truth is chased out of the court
  • Honesty is shoved aside.
  • Everyone tells lies;
  • Those who turn from crime end up ruined.
When the Lord noticed that justice had disappeared He became displeased!  (Father, please feel this nation with justice, mercy, love and integrity)
The Lord was disgusted that no one would do a thing about it...so He won victories for truth.

Justice was the Lord's armor; saving power was his helmet; anger and revenge were His clothes

Isaiah 59:9-15 -- God is not mocked.

A woman told me, Sherrill if I wasn't a Christian I know how to use the system and get what I need but because I'm a Christian I need some help getting established after my time in prison so I can get my kids back.

It's not that we can do whatever we want.  Galatians 5:7-8 says "You cannot fool God, so don't make a fool of yourself!  You will harvest what you plant. If you follow your selfish desires, you will harvest destruction, but if you follow the Spirit, you will harvest eternal life!

The truth is our sins condemn us.  They make our life messy.  If we refuse to follow God we end up deceiving ourselves and others and injustice rules!  

We can choose to live this way or we can choose to turn control of our life over to God...and we know if we do this He'll start wanting to clean up our sins!

Father, thank you for caring enough to want to take over the closet.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Isaiah 59:3-8 -- A world where wrong seems right!

People need the Lord
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM8RN8RbZhE

I've been so blessed to live in a world where right is right and wrong is wrong but God is opening my eyes to see this is not the world that everyone lives in.

This passage talks about things God doesn't like.  They are:

  • lies
  • plans for violence
  • the making of traps (spider webs)...that bring no value to them
  • brutality
  • murder of innocent victims
  • focus on sin
  • ruin and destruction is left all around  
  • lack of peace
  • lack of fairness with others
  • the paths are crooked
  • followers can't find peace!
Father this opposite world is new to me.  As you expose me to it please help me to stay close to You so that I may hear Your still small voice as you direct me.

Thanks

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Isaiah 59:1-2 -- Sins as a roadblock

These verses are interesting.  They are implying that our sins block the answers to our prayers and maybe this is true.  If I read Matthew 9 I see Jesus interacting with a sick man and instead of praying for his healing he said his sins are forgiven!

As an Alpha leader I use to run a healing night and because of this thought I wouldn't start with us praying for healing; I would start with us connecting with Jesus and then presenting our sin to Christ.  We would think of David and how he got caught. He didn't even think he had sinned until he was confronted...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD2PJ0xbAdY

I firmly believe that a lot of our health issues are tied into our guilt.  I also believe many think that if we change the definition of sin our guilt will go away...but I don't think it works this way.   I think it only works when we recognize our failings and take them to Christ for His forgiveness and wisdom.  I'm not saying that we don't allow God to work through other individual; of course we do, but ultimately we can never live up to God's standards.  We are all sinners saved by grace!

I'm thankful for Andrea and Daniel who spurred me on to blog on Isaiah.  They have been such a blessing to me because really what they have done is spurred me on in spending time with Christ each day.  Andrea, if you're reading this know that I'm incredibly blessed to have you as my sister in Christ!  Keep the faith! This a perfect example of one sinner spurring another sinner on to a wonderful relationship with Christ.  Daniel, surprise...I know you're just finding out about this now! :-)

The truth is, when you've been a Christian for a certain period of time people assume you don't need spurring on and that is so not true! God always wants us on a growth path with Him.

Today Lord I'm asking for more help.  In particular, I need help controlling my sin of over indulgence. This is not a huge addiction it's just a sin that is creeping up on me that will eventually affect my health!  Thank you for my Ultimate Freesbie team mates who spurred me on to continue to play this summer and thank you for Kunfu for Christ.  Lord, I'm sure this is all good but ultimately I need to be aware of what I'm putting into my body.  Help me to be conscious of this in a way that's helpful and not crippling to me.

I'm also asking for help in my unbelief.  What an insult to You Lord.  I woke up this morning singing "Not my will Father but Thine be done".  Lord, please help me to not base my belief on the prayers you answer for me as if I am God but help me to understand your will and base my belief on my relationship with You and how I see You working.

Father, You have blessed Canada immensely.  Lord, please raise up the people of Canada to truly worship You once again. Renew their hope in You and help me to represent You well in Valerie's life.  Lord, please show us how we can bring You to her generation.

Monday, June 24, 2013

Isaiah 58:13-14 -- A special day in the week

I have to say, I love the Sabbath!!! I remember taking this rule seriously in university.  I knew I had to study hard but I believed that if God said I needed a day off I needed a day off!  The definition of the day off meant no studying.  This meant I could treat myself to baking but I would not study!  These days it means spending time with friends talking about God, walking in His wonderful creation, napping, and worshiping God in a larger congregation.  It is WONDERFUL.  It's the best rule ever!    In all of our doing it's great just to be able to change the routine and remember the amazing things God is doing, showing us and creating around us!

Yesterday I went to church and on the ceiling in my church right now there is a balloon that is there to remind us to CELEBRATE!  It was part of the kids story when we were talking about God rising from the dead.

What a treat to be in relationship with the King above all Kings!

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Isaiah 58:11-12 -- He will guide

Father, thank You for providing for me.  You have promised to guide me, give me good food, and make me healthy so please help me to get the right food into my body.  Help me too to get the right balance of water.  Right now I'm thinking about the floods in Calgary and I'm reminded of how too much of a good thing isn't good.

Thanks for allowing me to make a difference in this world by working on making things better.

Friday, June 21, 2013

Isaiah 58:1-10 -- What is Worship?

I watched Amazing Grace and notice that the slave owner read his bible!  There is something terribly wrong about this!  It's one thing to labour and provide jobs for others but it's a whole different issue when people are forced  into labour and treated badly.   The thing is, in the movie the slave owner didn't even get the discrepancy between his faith and what he was doing.

God is saying when you worship, however you worship...are you focused on yourself or God and others?

God wants us to remove injustice,  free the abused, share our food with the hungry, share our houses with the poor and homeless, cloth our relatives and don't turn away our relatives!

God says our honesty will protect us along with the glory of God.  God promises to help us.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Isaiah 57:14-21 -- God has feelings too!

Have you ever thought, God has feelings too.  He was angry because of our greed so He turned away from us...but He loves us an can't stay away so He's saying:
  • clear the way for His people
  • although He lives in high places He'll help the humble who depend on Him
  • even though He knows what we're like He's still willing to heal us, comfort us, and lead us until our mourning turns to praises!
  • He also promises to heal us until we have peace. (although He won't give the wicked peace)
Father, I love just being with You. Will You help me to do well at work today; both as a worker and a friend.  Help them to see You in me.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Isaiah 57:11-13 Who do we fear?

When I think of the fear of people I think of Pilate. He tried so hard to get out of making the decision to crucify Christ but the crowds were pumped for a death.  His job was at stake.  He was caught in between what he knew was right and what the crowds wanted.  Really, when we're in this position our faith is completely tested.  Are we willing to loose our jobs to do what's right?  I think of the guards right now at GVI who had to make all of those decisions.  Thanks for JR, and Kathleen and... Lord you know each heart. 

The point is that if we succumb to doing what is wrong the long term consequences can ruin us as a nation yet God is saying, if we trust Him, over idols, money, technology etc...the land will always belong to us.

I'm more aware of this today than ever before as we accept people from other cultures into Canada.  The following link http://www.transparency.org/ is interesting as we focus on being salt and light in this world.  I'm convinced that our Christian foundations have given us a foundation that is invaluable for our economy and peace and I'm concerned that our lack of acknowledgement of God let alone our lack of fear of Him will send our ratings on this web site down the tube.  After all, if there is no God bigger than my circumstances, and few people sharing the values of integrity etc then how do we stand up against those we fear?

Father thank you for this promise found in Isaiah 57:13 and thank you for the promise found in 2 Chronicles 7:14.  Lord, please help me to not deny You when it counts.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Isaiah 57:1-10 -- Where is your focus

Are we sacrificing our children by satisfying our own desires? Are we hoping for quick answers by reading our horoscope or going to the psychic? Are we making fun of the faith of others? Is having sex more attractive than spending time with God?  God is saying are things more important than me?  Are you consulting the dead over giving me?

Will you stop and just spend some time with me, your God?

Father, please help me to realize that You are far greater than I can ever dream or imagine.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Isaiah 57:1-2 God's Faithful People

As I re-focus on Isaiah 53 I'm reminded of Christ's suffering yet verse 2 reminds us that in death we find peace for obeying God.  Lord, thank you for spiritual giants like Mina.  Father, may her life count even in her death.  Lord, thank you for the saints of God who have taken a stand for You.  Father, thank you for the Salvation Army's concept of being promoted to Glory!  Lord, even in death, You win.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Please bless the heros of the faith right now who are facing death. I think of Min's greatest fear and how you promised someone would go with her.  Thank you for allowing Wendy and I to be with her as she went.  Lord, there are many seniors in our country right now who are facing death.  Would you provide angels for them to walk with them in this journey.

Thanks for my Mom and Dad and their current ministry.  Use them Lord, use them for Your glory.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Isaiah 56:9-12 Our leaders, our protectors!

Wow, I've never really thought of this in this way before.  Leadership is about protecting our people.  Many people may pray for protection but God has put leaders in place with the expectation that they will protect our people!  This is probably why I think of my church as a fort.  It's a place where I know there is 0 tolerance for drugs and alcohol...so we can protect those with addictions.  My prayer is that church is also a place for 0 tolerance of gossip, pride, ego, gluttony,....

Father, we need protection for the care givers.  Would you provide this.  Would you surround General Linda Bond with Your peace and comfort.  Would you place her exactly where she needs to be in Your Kingdom.  Would you raise up leaders in the Salvation Army that are keen to serve You and would You protect them from the enemy's attacks.  Please help us to be real before You with our weaknesses and our strengths.  Lord, thank You for Scott, Deb, Brian, Helen and the many others who feed into my ministry.  Bless the lay members of the Salvation Army as You raise them up with the training they have from their jobs.  Lord, will you take away the competition between Officers and soldiers and would You raise up Your Spirit of co-operation, love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, and self control.  Help us to love each other well and protect each other from the enemy.  Help us to remember that our fight is not against flesh and blood but against the evil forces in heavenly places.  Keep us alert and focused on You so we can protect each other.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Isaiah 56:6-8 -- Celebration among the nations

God has a calling for more integration amongst the nations.  What a beautiful picture here of God inviting the foreigner into His home and onto His beautiful property.  Father, will you fill my church with voices of people from all nations as we unite in Your Kingdom!

Shine Jesus shine
Fill this land with our Father's glory
Blaze Spirit blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow river flow
Flood this nation with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord and let their be light.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr5Y63bDNNg

Friday, June 14, 2013

Isaiah 56:3,5 -- Treats from God

I find these verses fascinating and comforting for people who can't have children but I don't believe these verses are meant to devalue children because other portions of scripture differ.

For instance:
Matthew 19:14 
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
 
Isaiah 11:6
The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.
 
I also find it fascinating that Isaiah is suggesting that the replacement for having your own children is monuments with your name on them in the temple.  It is true that we see monuments of saints around the world, and it is true that as singles we can invest in the lives of others more but there is nothing more stabilizing than a healthy family.

So I concluded that if we do what God says, He will honour us, with or without children.
 
Father, I pray for protection and the spiritual infilling of our children; I pray for singles; that you would fill them with the abundant life You have promised, and if it is Your will that You would lead them into life long commitments with people who believe in life long commitments.  I also pray for parents, that You would guide them and fill them with Your Spirit as they raise their child in the way they need to go.

Isaiah 56:4 -- Respect the Sabbath

What a GREAT rule!  God has given me permission to take a day off!  I know I need it.  I love spending time connecting with God, nature, the body of Christ, my mentor, resting, and sharing my faith on Sundays.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Isaiah 56:3 -- Integration in worship

God wants foreigners to be part of our worship.  Father, please help us to value each person You bring into our lives.  Thank you for the many ethnic backgrounds that I encounter in my neighbourhood.  Thank you for the amazing times I've had worshiping You with people from all nations.  I just love hearing the Africans praising You.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Isaiah 56:1-2 -- I will bless everyone who....

I don't think we realize that some of God's promises are conditional.  This is what God says:
  • Be honest
  • Be fair
  • I will save you
  • My saving power will be seen everywhere on earth
  • I will bless everyone who respects the Sabbath and refuses to do wrong
Father, would You help me to live up to Your expectations.  Thanks.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Isaiah 55:12-13 -- We shall go out with joy...

We shall go out with joy and be lead for with peace. The mountains and the hills will break forth before us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M915v9r1T6M

Father, will You allow the Christians to rejoice again in our country as they see You work in amazing ways!

Monday, June 10, 2013

Isaiah 55:10-11 -- God's words are not wasted!

Just like the rain comes down and produces seed and food, so it is with God's word.  It produces food for thought and none of His words are wasted.  Isn't an interesting thought?  A thought that was on Isaiah's mind around 3000 years ago!!!

Father, thank You for Your thoughts as I blog on Isaiah.  It really is relevant most of the time...and just when I think it isn't You have a way of proving me wrong.

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Isaiah 55:8-9 -- My ways are not your ways says the Lord

God is trying to teach me that His plans are way bigger than my brain can comprehend and I'm a very slow learner! 

A long time ago I was sitting in the computer lab at the University of Waterloo when the first e-mail reached Waterloo from Israel!!!  What a break through!  Then at another time I was trying to get my computer program to work and I was getting really frustrated.  I prayed and said God!  You know I could be using my time more productively for You, can't You help me here and just then a number came to my head and I turned to that page in my text book and there was the answer.  I typed it in and went home!  The answer was a ;...but who would have thought 30 years ago that a ; would now represent a wink...so 30 years ago God gave me a wink...and only this year have I clued into it!!!

My oh my...my ways are so not His ways.  Lord, as You move in this land teach me to obey You even when I don't know what's up.  Work in the ways You choose so this nation will once again recognize You as Lord.

Forgive me for taking You for granted and for assuming that people are smarter or more talented than You.

http://www.gowans-larsson.com/M_Specials/How_Much_More.html

Lord, please be with Jennifer.  Reveal Your love and truth to her.

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Isaiah 55:6-7 -- Turn to God

God can still be found so turn to Him and call out to Him.  He's near.  But give up your crooked ways and your evil thoughts.  Return to God and He will be merciful and forgive your sins.

Lord, I'm just thinking of all the officers kids, and missionaries kids who are no longer serving You.  Father, for those that long for You will You remind them of the Father of the prodigal son.  Will you let them know You are longing for them.

For those who aren't ready to come home to their family; will you begin to prepare them.  Will You help them recognize what needs to change to be welcomed home.  Lord for the care givers, will You help them to set appropriate boundaries and give them wisdom as to how we can best love.  For those trapped in their own devices.  Lord, will You help them to release themselves of the very things that entangle them.  Lord I think of C&M just now.  You know how to best help them.  Lord, bring them to church tomorrow if that's where I am to connect.

Thanks that You're bigger than me.

Friday, June 7, 2013

Isaiah 55:3-5 -- Pay attention!!!

I hate that.  I was told once that I needed to pay attention to detail!  I'm a forest thinker and I like the idea that I can sift through all the information that comes my way and see the forest.  This however, comes at the expense of the trees. 

This is not the issue I hear God addressing here though.  God is saying pay attention to Him.  He wants to give us the treat of His eternal love and loyalty and He wants us to be a testimony to the nations, whether we know them or they know us or not.  And God wants to honour us.

Father, as You shower me with blessings please help me to value them and remember You, the Giver because I want people to give You the glory.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Isaiah 55:2 -- Satisfaction

Have you ever been in a situation where you buy something new and a week later your friend has one too?  It's happened to me. I bought a new car and shortly afterwards my friend had a new car.  I bought a new house and shortly afterwards my friend had a new house.  What I learned from this experience is that if my satisfaction came from having the newest it didn't last long and it would be a pretty expensive high. 

I love the wisdom of my Father.  He says "it's not in the having it's in the getting".  The things I've dreamed about, saved for etc have given me the most satisfaction.  It's like the calling I had on my life to take a team on a short term mission. God gave me the vision and the desire but it was surround with waiting and frustration until the day I went to God and said "What's up?"

So right now Lord, in my moments of frustration please help me to pray "What's up?" and help me to listen carefully so that I can enjoy the very best spiritual, emotional and physical food You want to give me.

I love You Lord.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Isaiah 55:1 - And Jesus said Come

As I read this verse I'm reminded of John 4, the woman at the well.  What an incredible example of how to share our faith. 

I'm also reminded that You desire to give us good things.  In my world of enough, help me to appropriately use Your resources so that I may have the abundant life You have promised. (which doesn't mean eating anything I want so that I'm overweight and get sick. :-)).  Also help me to recognize that what You have given me is really Yours and I need to use it well in Your Kingdom.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Isaiah 54:16-17 -- God and weapons

As I read today's passage I think of the Colt factory in my neighbourhood.  God even made the owners and workers at this factory and God even made the Canadian Army. 

Personally I like Isaiah 2:4
"He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. 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."

I like it when the Canadian Army is pulled into peace keeping missions.  Lord, I'm thinking of each soldier that was in Rwanda.  Would you give them peace in their minds after the horrific sights they've seen.

Lord, thank you for Your promises.

Today my special one is:
"God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

Monday, June 3, 2013

Isaiah 54:15 -- God's protection

Today I'm thankful for God's protection. We have prayed "God keep our land glorious and free" all of these years and He's done it...with the help of the police and the Army.
Thank you Lord.

And Lord, would You answer this prayer for me today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sE9std-lwXQ