Category: Isaiah

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Sound Advice

No, I’m not talking about PA systems, surround sound, hearing aids or any other type of external amplification.

I’m talking about listening to the still, small voice that the Lord uses when He wants to get our attention.

Advice from a friend or an expert is good but direction from the Lord is better.

“Our God says, “Calm down, and learn that I am God! All nations on earth will honor me.” 11 The Lord All-Powerful is with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46:10-11 CEV

Jesus is the friend that is always with us. If we listen, we will hear His voice and when we follow Him, He will lead us.

“ My sheep hear My voice and I know them. They follow Me. 28 I give them life that lasts forever. They will never be punished. No one is able to take them out of My hand.” John 10:27-28 NLV

“ The Lord is my Shepherd. I will have everything I need. 2 He lets me rest in fields of green grass. He leads me beside the quiet waters. 3 He makes me strong again. He leads me in the way of living right with Himself which brings honor to His name. 4 Yes, even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid of anything, because You are with me. You have a walking stick with which to guide and one with which to help. These comfort me. ” Psalm 23:1-4 NLV

His leading is for our protection. We don’t ever need to fear when we are following Him. Even in a dangerous situation like the valley of the shadow of death, He is with us. Even in the presence of our enemies, He provides for us.

“You are making a table of food ready for me in front of those who hate me. You have poured oil on my head. I have everything I need.” Psalm 23:5 NLV

The Lord is always speaking to our hearts. That’s how a shepherd calms His sheep, He speaks to them and His voice is soothing and calming. Giving them rest.

“23 The steps of a good man are led by the Lord. And He is happy in his way. 24 When he falls, he will not be thrown down, because the Lord holds his hand...39 But the saving of those who are right with God is from the Lord. He is their strength in time of trouble. 40 The Lord helps them and takes them out of trouble. He takes them away from the sinful, and saves them, because they go to Him for a safe place.” Psalm 37:23-40 NLV

Let me advise you to listen to the right voices. Some voices spread fear and distress. Some speak words of greed and selfishness. But there is a voice to follow that speaks peace.

“ So My Word which goes from My mouth will not return to Me empty. It will do what I want it to do, and will carry out My plan well. 12 You will go out with joy, and be led out in peace. The mountains and the hills will break out into sounds of joy before you. And all the trees of the field will clap their hands. ” Isaish 55:11-12 NLV

Make sure you are listening to “sound advice”.

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A Place of Help & Hope

As a child I used to look up in amazement when planes flew over. They were a completely new phenomenon to me. I wondered where they were going and how they could possibly stay in the air. To a four-year-old it was a miracle.

We are told to lift up our heads in the Bible. But that doesn’t mean to turn our heads up, it is an attitude of the heart. This was an attitude that King David took. Turn our focus heavenward. Looking up is looking beyond ourselves and looking to someone higher, looking to God the Father.

“ Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.” Psalm 24:8-10

Are you looking up today? Are you looking beyond yourself and finding God’s directive on how you should function today? It’s easy to get discouraged and even depressed with all the world’s happenings and Jesus knew that these days and times we are living in would be taxing to our mental peace at the very least so He gave us this command.

“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:25-28

So many things around us are in turmoil. Wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, weather disruptions, political unrest, bias, hatred, financial uncertainty, relationships failing. All of these things wear on us emotionally, physically and spiritually.

The prophet Isaiah had this vision from the Lord.

“I saw the Lord sitting on a very high and wonderful throne. His long robe filled the Temple. 2 Seraph angels stood around him. Each angel had six wings. They used two wings to cover their faces, two wings to cover their bodies, and two wings to fly. 3 The angels were calling to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord All-Powerful. His Glory fills the whole earth.‘” Isaiah 6:1-3 ERV

The Lord is still on His throne. He is still in control and we can trust Him! God is not taken by surprise, and He has a plan for our good.

Don’t let your heart fail or become fearful – lift up your head for your Redeemer (redemption) draws near!

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Are You Weary?

” O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Refrain:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.”

This was the song on my heart when I got up this morning. “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”, written in 1922, just after World War I ended and the US was entering the “Roaring Twenties”.

But souls were weary and these words came as a refreshing reminder.

“Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard? The Lord is the eternal God, Creator of the earth. He never gets weary or tired; his wisdom cannot be measured. 29 The Lord gives strength to those who are weary. 30 Even young people get tired, then stumble and fall 31 But those who trust the Lord will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.” Isaiah 40:28-31 CEV

Over the past few days I have talked with a number of people who are just “weary”. Not getting enough sleep, too much to do. Facing situations that don’t seem to be changing quickly enough. Financial difficulties and stress.

Weary.

“Your love is faithful, Lord, and even the clouds in the sky can depend on you. 6 Your decisions are always fair. They are firm like mountains, deep like the sea, and all people and animals are under your care. 7 Your love is a treasure, and everyone finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. 8 You give your guests a feast in your house, and you serve a tasty drink that flows like a river. 9 The life-giving fountain belongs to you, and your light gives light to each of us. 10 Our Lord, keep showing love to everyone who knows you, and use your power to save all whose thoughts please you.” Psalm 36:5-10 CEV

So much in this Psalm reminds me of Psalm 23 and Psalm 91. Our Father is faithful and fair. His love is everlasting and we find shelter under His wings. He gives us a feast in the presence of our enemies and life-giving living Water for our refreshing. He gives us light for our path so we don’t stumble and fall and His loves gives us strength when we feel weary.

Oh yes, He is mighty God! Jesus said His mission was to tell the world about the Father.

“ My Father has given me everything, and he is the only one who knows the Son. The only one who truly knows the Father is the Son. But the Son wants to tell others about the Father, so they can know him too. 28  If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. 29  Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest.” Matthew 11:27-29 CEV

Are you tired? Are you weary? Are you worried? Come to Jesus and find rest!

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Good Things

This morning I want to bring you some good things from the Scriptures – things like peace, joy, protection, healing, forgiveness, strength and wisdom.

Yes, all these things are brought to you by God from His word.

Peace:

“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you. 4 So trust the Lord always, because in the Lord Yah you have a place of safety forever.” Isaiah 26:3-4 ERV

Joy:

“You have shown me the path to life, and you make me glad by being near to me. Sitting at your right side I will always be joyful.” Psalm 16:11 CEV

Protection:

“Live under the protection of God Most High and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful. 2 Then you will say to the Lord, “You are my fortress, my place of safety; you are my God, and I trust you.” 3 The Lord will keep you safe from secret traps and deadly diseases. 4 He will spread his wings over you and keep you secure. His faithfulness is like a shield or a city wall.” Psalm 91:1-4 CEV

Healing and Forgiveness:

“My soul, praise the Lord! Every part of me, praise his holy name! 2 My soul, praise the Lord and never forget how kind he is! 3 He forgives all our sins and heals all our sicknesses. 4 He saves us from the grave, and he gives us love and compassion. 5 He gives us plenty of good things. He makes us young again, like an eagle that grows new feathers.” Psalm 103:1-5 ERV

Strength:

“Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.” Philippians 4:13 ERV

Wisdom:

“If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking. 6 But when you ask for something, you must have faith and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like an ocean wave tossed around in a storm. ” James 1:5-6 CEV

Each day the Lord’s blessings and mercy are new. Let Him show you how good He is and how much He desires to carry your burdens.

“Praise the Lord! Every day he helps us with the loads we must carry. He is the God who saves us. Selah 20 He is our God, the God who saves us. My Lord God saves us from death.” Psalm 68:19-20 ERV

Now, I hope you will sit and savor the “Good Things” our Father has given you!

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A Gnarly Tree…

or as the prophet Isaiah put it, “oaks of righteousness” or the planting of the Lord.

Can you even imagine what this tree has experienced in its life cycle? The winds, the rains, the hurricanes, the drought, the fight to survive and thrive!

I think of trees like this as well as the giant redwoods, the sequoias, massive olive trees and cedars groves when I read what Isaiah, David and the other Old Testament writers refer to when they write about those who are righteous.

The term “righteous” isn’t some unattainable religious goal. No. Simply put it means to be in right standing with God. Righteous is a term that can be applied to all of us who have placed our faith in God.

“ Christ never sinned but God put our sin on Him. Then we are made right with God because of what Christ has done for us.” II Corinthians 5:20-21 NLV

“But he finds joy in the Law of the Lord and thinks about His Law day and night. 3 This man is like a tree planted by rivers of water, which gives its fruit at the right time and its leaf never dries up. Whatever he does will work out well for him.” Psalm 1:2-3 NLV

Isaiah, the prophet, wrote these words about Jesus hundreds of years before He was born.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is on me, because the Lord has chosen me to bring good news to poor people. He has sent me to heal those with a sad heart. He has sent me to tell those who are being held and those in prison that they can go free. 2 He has sent me to tell about the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day our God will bring punishment. He has sent me to comfort all who are filled with sorrow. 3 To those who have sorrow in Zion I will give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes. I will give them the oil of joy instead of sorrow, and a spirit of praise instead of a spirit of no hope. Then they will be called oaks that are right with God, planted by the Lord, that He may be honored.” Isaiah 61:1-3 NLV

Jesus spoke these words in a synagogue and it made them so angry they tried to throw Jesus off a cliff. (Luke 4:17-30, read it)

Some people still get angry today when they are told that we have received right standing with God because of what Jesus did.

A life lived in Christ is a life of thriving in the storms. Our roots go deep into His word, our branches sway in the wind, we provide shelter to those in need, comfort to those who are weary.

We become gnarly old trees who have been planted by the Lord and we stand grounded on His word.

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Dry Times?

I hope you take time to look closely at this morning’s image. Do you see the two little sprouts? They are today’s object lesson on God’s love and faithfulness.

I almost forgot about them completely. Last Spring a dear friend gave me this pot of hyacinths. I love their fragrance! At our home in Rio Rico, before we started RVing full-time, I had a half whisky barrel where I planted hyacinth bulbs. Oh, the aroma that would fill the air when they began to bloom…

Early last summer when the blossoms were gone, I placed this pot in a big storage bench we have on the patio and completely forgot about them. Then the other day, I was looking for some potting soil and there was this metal bucket filled with soil. Much to my delight, one little stock was breaking through the bone-dry soil.

I took it out of the bench, watered it and placed it on a tabletop where it would get the warm sunshine. Yesterday, the second sprout appeared. And this morning, it’s a living example of hope.

“ As long as the earth continues, there will always be a time for planting and a time for harvest. There will always be cold and hot, summer and winter, day and night on earth.” Genesis 8:22 ERV

God has a plan for replenishing. Replenishing the soil, yes, replenishing our hope, our joy, our peace, most certainly.

“Then Jesus said, “What is God’s kingdom like? What can I compare it to? 19 God’s kingdom is like the seed of the mustard plant. Someone plants this seed in their garden. The seed grows and becomes a tree, and the birds build nests on its branches.” Luke 13:18-19 ERV

“And what about the seed that fell on the good ground? That is like the people who hear God’s teaching with a good, honest heart. They obey it and patiently produce a good crop.” Luke 8:15 ERV

The Seed is God’s word. Our hearts are the soil.

“ If you plant goodness, you will harvest faithful love. Plow your ground, and you will harvest with the Lord. He will come, and he will make goodness fall on you like rain.” Hosea 10:12 ERV

“For I will pour out water to quench your thirst and to irrigate your parched fields. And I will pour out my Spirit on your descendants, and my blessing on your children.” Isaiah 44:3 NLT

“ But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Galatians 5:22-23 NLT

“…The Good News is like a sweet smell to those who hear it. 15 We are a sweet smell of Christ that reaches up to God. It reaches out to those who are being saved from the punishment of sin and to those who are still lost in sin.” II Corinthians 2:14-15 NLV

Oh, how I love God’s word!

It is like seed planted in our hearts. Our hearts are the soil. the Lord brings His living water to soften the soil so the seed will grow, and the Holy Spirit creates the fruit and our sweet aroma draws others to Christ. Amen and Amen!

You might be like my little hyacinth – hidden in the dark in a bucket of dry soil but take heart. The dry times are behind you – it’s time to grow!

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Be Strong – Be Courageous

These words came fast and with great emphasis this morning. These words are from God’s heart to yours!

“Trust the Lord! Be brave and strong and trust the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 CEV

“Be strong and brave, all of you who are waiting for the Lord’s help.” Psalm 31:24 ERV

“ I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 CEV

“When I asked for your help, you answered my prayer and gave me courage” Psalm 138:3 CEV

“Dear friends, if we feel at ease in the presence of God, we will have the courage to come near him. 22 He will give us whatever we ask, because we obey him and do what pleases him.” I John 3:21-22 CEV

“Don’t be afraid. I am with you. Don’t tremble with fear. I am your God. I will make you strong, as I protect you with my arm and give you victories.” Isaiah 41:10 CEV

“ David said to Saul, ‘Let no man’s heart become weak because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.’ 33 Saul said to David, ‘You are not able to go and fight against this Philistine. You are only a young man, while he has been a man of war since he was young.’ 34 But David said to Saul, ‘Your servant was taking care of his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, 35 I went after him and fought him and saved it from his mouth. When he came against me, I took hold of him by the hair of his head and hit him and killed him. 36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear. And this Philistine who has not gone through our religious act will be like one of them. For he has made fun of the armies of the living God.’ 37 And David said, ‘The Lord Who saved me from the foot of the lion and from the foot of the bear, will save me from the hand of this Philistine.‘” I Samuel 17:32-37 NLV

I’m not sure if you are facing is like a lion, a bear, the city of Jericho or an army that wants to destroy you, but God’s message is “Take heart – Be Courageous – I AM with you”!

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What’s in a Word

When I was in school English was my favorite class. Learning about parts of speech and the diagramming of sentences was fun!

I know – I was a nerd. I still love words and I’m convinced God does too, especially adjectives. Let’s make today’s blog a Valentine of adjectives to express how we feel about our Lord and what we see in Him.

“The Lord is truthful; he can be trusted. 5 He loves justice and fairness, and he is kind to everyone everywhere on earth.” Psalm 33:4-5 CEV

“We depend on you, Lord, to help and protect us. 21 You make our hearts glad
because we trust you, the only God. 22 Be kind and bless us! We depend on you.” Psalm 33:20-22 CEV

“Our Lord, no other gods compare with you— Majestic and holy! Fearsome and glorious! Miracle worker! Exodus 15:11 CEV

“You are Lord God All-Powerful! No one is as loving and faithful as you are.” Psalm 89:8 CEV

“ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9 NKJV

Majestic, holy, glorious, miracle worker, all-powerful, loving, faithful, just, truthful, fair, kind, gracious, loving, wonderful!

“Nevertheless in Your great mercy You did not utterly consume them nor forsake them;
For You are God, gracious and merciful. 32 “Now therefore, our God, The great, the mighty, and awesome God, Who keeps covenant and mercy:” Nehemiah 9:31-32 NKJV

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His loving-kindness lasts forever. ” Psalm 136:1 NLV

“ For to us a Child will be born. To us a Son will be given. And the rule of the nations will be on His shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Teacher, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NLV

I think you get the point. God is all these things and so much more. Each day we are bombarded with so many negative and destructive thoughts. We need to make a conscience effort to think on what’s good. Nothing, absolutely nothing is more praiseworthy than our heavenly Father.

“ You will keep the man in perfect peace whose mind is kept on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 NLV

Make your list of positive adjectives and start the day by thanking the Father for who He is!

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Removed from Memory

Have you ever been caught up in a chore of some kind and just had thoughts come flooding into your mind?

Maybe you’re doing the laundry or driving to work or out walking, mowing the grass or just daydreaming and something that has brought you pain or guilt comes rolling in like the coastal fog or a wave to the seashore?

I have – and if I’m not careful, I start to mull it over, re-hash it and find that the hurt, worry or pain are still there.

That’s when I realize I haven’t completely turned it over to the Lord.

“Love does not remember wrongs done against it. 6 Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. 7 Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits.” I Corinthians 13:5-7 ERV

Love doesn’t remember a wrong!!!!

Now that’s a hard one to swallow. But thank God He doesn’t. You notice I said He doesn’t because God is love and it’s His character to “Not Remember”. He isn’t holding our sins against us – quite the opposite! When we accept His forgiveness, He remembers our sin NO MORE.

Aren’t you glad that you can come to Him knowing He won’t condemn you for the things in your past? All things are new.

“And I will forgive the wrongs they have done, and I will not remember their sins.'” Hebrews 12:8 ERV

God wipes the slate clean.

Most of us remember the chalkboards that were in our school classrooms. The teacher would put up math problems, penmanship drills, and spelling words for us to copy down. Then she would grab an eraser and wipe the work away.

All that would remain was the chalk dust and a faint impression of what had previously been there. But when she picked up the big eraser with the chamois side to it, the board was completely clean. No evidence of what had once been remained.

That is just a crude example of God’s forgiveness.

“ I, I am the one who wipes away all your sins. I do this to please myself. I will not remember your sins.” Isaiah 43:25 ERV

” You were dead, because you were sinful and were not God’s people. But God let Christ make you alive, when he forgave all our sins. 14  God wiped out the charges that were against us for disobeying the Law of Moses. He took them away and nailed them to the cross.” Colossians 2:13-14 CEV

If your plagued by guilt or past failures, bring them to the cross and let the blood of Jesus wipe the slate clean.

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No One Like You!

Who is like our God?

No one – there is no one like You. Those are the words that kept running through my mind in worship this morning – There is no one like You!!!

Amazing love, You gave Your life for me…there is none like You!

Amazing grace, You forgave all my sins…there is none like You!

Amazing joy, You put a new song in my heart…there is none like You!

Amazing relationship, You adopted me…there is none like You!

Amazing transformation, You made me a new creature in Christ…there is none like You!!

“O LORD, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.” I Chronicles 17:20 KJV

“LORD God All-Powerful, there is no one like you. You are strong, LORD, and always faithful.” Psalm 89:8 ERV

“Remember what happened long ago. Remember, I am God and there is no other God. There is no other like me.” Isaiah 46:9 ERV

Oh Lord, we worship you this morning. Your word is our source of life and strength. You keep your word and your word directs us in relationship with you! How we praise You! You alone are worthy of all praise!

“You will do all these wonderful things because you said you would do them and because you want to do them. And you decided to let me know about all these things. 22 Lord GOD, this is why you are so great! There is no one like you. There is no god except you! We know that because of what we ourselves have heard about what you did.” II Samuel 7:21-22 ERV

There is no one like You! Amen and Amen.

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