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.