Category: Isaiah

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Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

This morning’s Bible reading had me looking at the right way to make decisions. One instruction came from Solomon and the other from Jesus.

“My son, remember your father’s command, and don’t forget your mother’s teaching. 21 Remember their words always. Tie them around your neck and keep them over your heart. 22 Let this teaching lead you wherever you go. It will watch over you while you sleep. And when you wake up, it will give you good advice.

23 Your parents give you commands and teachings that are like lights to show you the right way. This teaching corrects you and trains you to follow the path to life.” Proverbs 6:20-24 ERV

Then we have these words about Jesus.

“ Jesus said to them, ‘Why did you have to look for me? You should have known that I must be where my Father’s work is.’ 50 But they did not understand the meaning of what he said to them.

51 Jesus went with them to Nazareth and obeyed them. His mother was still thinking about all these things. 52 As Jesus grew taller, he continued to grow in wisdom. “God was pleased with him and so were the people who knew him.” Luke 2:49-52 ERV

God was pleased with Jesus. He obeyed his parents and grew in wisdom. Solomon said listen to your parents they will give you good advice.

Let me take this one step further. We, who are older, wished our children listened to our advice, but we shouldn’t forget that we are the children, and our heavenly Father has given us a whole book of good instruction.

After reading those two sections of Scripture my mind took me to these godly instructions.

“Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart. And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6 In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].” Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP

Confidently rely on the Lord! The One who knows the beginning from the end, the One who sees the hearts of men, the One who blessed Solomon with wisdom will direct our paths as well.

“Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 AMP

The secret is to get passed the way I think things should be done and trust that HE knows how things should be done! When our thoughts line up with His they don’t always make sense but they are successful.

It didn’t make sense for David to go at Goliath with a sling shot and some stones. It didn’t make sense for Joshua to march around the city of Jericho. It didn’t make sense for Peter to bring Jesus five loaves and two fish. It didn’t make sense for Naaman to dip in the Jordan River seven times.

Most of the time the things of God don’t make sense to our natural way of thinking but when we roll our works over on the Lord and commit to His way of thinking we will see success!

And once we’ve made the decision that He brings to our heart it’s time to rest, trust, and be at peacel.

“You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.” Isaiah 26:3 AMP

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.” Philippians 4:6-7 CEV

The key to making the right decision is to make the first step one of trusting God!

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Music in the Silence

I sit quietly. The only sounds to be heard is the low drone of the air conditioner and the cycle of the coffee maker.

And then I open my Bible and begin to read. From my reading my mind and my spirit are filled with music.

“Shout praises to the Lord! Praise God in his temple. Praise him in heaven, his mighty fortress. 2 Praise our God! His deeds are wonderful, too marvelous to describe.3 Praise God with trumpets and all kinds of harps. 4 Praise him with tambourines and dancing, with stringed instruments and woodwinds. 5 Praise God with cymbals, with clashing cymbals.
6 Let every living creature praise the Lord.  Shout praises to the Lord!” Psalm 150 CEV

There is a symphony of praise in the heavens – the orchestra is finely tuned. There are no squeaks or squawks like I made learning to play the clarinet. There is only praise – praise to the Lord God Almighty.

“Flaming creatures with six wings each were flying over him. They covered their faces with two of their wings and their bodies with two more. They used the other two wings for flying, 3  as they shouted, ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord All-Powerful! The earth is filled with your glory.’” Isaiah 6:2-3 CEV

“And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” Revelation 5:11-13 KJV

We are part of a marvelous concert – a concert of praise. Psalms tells us that the Lord inhabits, dwells in, the praise of His people. Come into the Lord’s presence – enter His courts with praise!

Let the music of heaven fill the silence and praise His holy name!

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Always With You

I have some words of encouragement, hope, comfort and strength. Not my words, but the words of Jesus.

I had been reading the last chapter of Mark where the women went to the tomb on resurrection morning. They were distraught, confused and grieving. When they reached the tomb Jesus wasn’t there. Excitedly they left and found the disciples; they relayed what the angel had said but they doubted the women. Only Peter and John went to the tomb to see for themselves.

They felt abandoned.

Have you ever felt alone, heartsick with no guidance, deserted?

The first thing you need to understand is this: God never lies. What He promises comes to pass. If He ever broke a promise He has made, He would no longer be God because God cannot sin and lying is a sin.

So, let’s look at His promises of never leaving us.

“The Lord says, ‘As for me, this is the agreement that I will make with these people. I promise my Spirit that I put on you and my words that I put in your mouth will never leave you. They will be with you and your children and your children’s children, for now and forever.’” Isaiah 59:21 ERV

“But I am always with you. You hold my hand. 24 You lead me and give me good advice, and later you will lead me to glory” Psalm 73:23-24 ERV

“Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, Lord.” Psalm 23:6 CEV

“Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 20 and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.” Matthew 28:19-20 CEV

” for He has said, ‘I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!’ 6 So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently say, ‘The Lord is my Helper [in time of need], I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?’” Hebrews 13:5b-6 AMP

Sitting in the living room, in a doctor’s office or hospital, in a jail cell, or on the streets we are not alone!

The end of the world has not come, God has not lied – He is with us now and forever!

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Comfort Those Who Mourn

This morning the words don’t come.

I’m remembering where I was twenty-four years ago. I’m keenly aware of the senseless hatred that prompted that act of evil and now I am also deeply touched another result of hatred that took the life of Charlie Kirk.

I only have the prophetic words of Isaiah.

“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

And the words of Jesus.

“Great blessings belong to those who are sad now. God will comfort them.” Matthew 5:8 ERV

“ Someone handed Him the book of the early preacher Isaiah. He opened it and found the place where it was written, 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me. He has put His hand on Me to preach the 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 that they can go free. He has sent Me to make the blind to see and to free those who are held because of trouble. 19 He sent Me to tell of the time when men can receive favor with the Lord.” Luke 4:17-19 NLV

Father, I pray in Jesus’ name, that you will comfort all who mourn. We fall into your arms for comfort and consolation. We trust you to bring peace and healing to our souls.

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Important – Take Notice

The Psalm I read this morning is one I have read the middle verses from probably a hundred times but this morning when I read it from the beginning it took on a deeper significance.

It was the Lord saying, “I notice you. You are important to me. Even when you think the things you do are mundane and insignificant, I notice. I see you”.

I don’t know how old David was when he penned this Psalm, but he was keenly aware of the Lord’s involvement in his life. I want to live each day with this same awareness of the Lord’s presence.

“You have looked deep into my heart, Lord, and you know all about me. 2 You know when I am resting or when I am working, and from heaven you discover my thoughts.

3 You notice everything I do and everywhere I go. 4 Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say, 5 and with your powerful arm you protect me from every side. 6 I can’t understand all of this! Such wonderful knowledge is far above me.

7 Where could I go to escape from your Spirit or from your sight?8 If I were to climb up
to the highest heavens, you would be there. If I were to dig down to the world of the dead
you would also be there. 9 Suppose I had wings like the dawning day and flew across the ocean. 10 Even then your powerful arm would guide and protect me. 11 Or suppose I said, “I’ll hide in the dark until night comes to cover me over.” 12 But you see in the dark because daylight and dark are all the same to you.

13 You are the one who put me together inside my mother’s body, 14 and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this I have no doubt.

15 Nothing about me  is hidden from you! I was secretly woven together out of human sight,
16 but with your own eyes you saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything about me.

17 Your thoughts are far beyond my understanding, much more than I could ever imagine.
18 I try to count your thoughts, but they outnumber the grains of sand on the beach. And when I awake, I will find you nearby.” Psalms 139:1-18 CEV

I pray those words touched you to your very core! “3 You notice everything I do and everywhere I go.“

The Lord takes notice of us. There’s an old hymn and the words say “My heavenly Father watches over me”. He does! He notices! We are important to Him.

I’m not as old as some but I am older than most and these thoughts that David penned bring such great joy and peace to my heart. I am important enough to my heavenly Father that He takes notice of everything I do and He listens to every word I speak.

“…Since the day you were born, I have carried you along. 4 I will still be the same
when you are old and gray, and I will take care of you. I created you. I will carry you and always keep you safe” Isaiah 46:3-4 CEV

On those days when you wonder does anyone even notice, does anyone even care – take heart. The Father does!

You are noticeably important to Him!

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Redeemed – At the Cross

Dave and I try to find something uplifting or humorous to watch before going to bed.

Last night we listened to several videos which featured “Jelly Roll”. For those of you from my generation who may find it hard to look at someone who is tatted like Jelly Roll and not be critical, let me say what the Lord told Samuel:

“When they had come, Samuel looked at Eliab and thought, ‘For sure he is the Lord’s chosen one who is standing before Him.”’7 But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at the way he looks on the outside or how tall he is, because I have not chosen him. For the Lord does not look at the things man looks at. A man looks at the outside of a person, but the Lord looks at the heart.‘” I Samuel 16:6-7 NLV

This man has a message of hope and redemption in Jesus Christ. It’s a message of praise.

We all need to come to the realization of what our Savior, Jesus Christ, did for us on the cross. We each have had our heartaches and pain. Not one of us has lived a life free of disappointment. Not even Jesus.

In our darkest moments the Father is there. In our deepest pain He reaches out to lift us up. In our most debilitating trial, He redeems our life. He gives us beauty for ashes, joy in the morning and peace in the storm.

“But now the Lord Who made you, O Jacob, and He Who made you, O Israel, says, “Do not be afraid. For I have bought you and made you free. I have called you by name. You are Mine! 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you pass through the rivers, they will not flow over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned. The fire will not destroy you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, Who saves you. ” Isaiah 43:1-3 NLV

Raise your hands in worship to the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who covered our sin at the cross and the Father who gave His Son to pay the price for our sin!

Listen to this and then listen again. We’ve been “Redeemed – at the Cross“.

Now lift up your hands and praise Him again and again!

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Good Cheer

When we’re travelling it’s sometimes hard to write my morning devotional but I wanted to share this brief thought with you this morning.

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

God isn’t the one bringing tribulation into our lives, but He IS the one who brings us peace in the tribulation.

How can we have peace?

By knowing that God is there with us and through Him we overcome what this world throws at us.

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.  I have called you by name; you are mine. 2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. 3 For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43:1-3 NLT

Christ paid the price for our ransom. He didn’t purchase us to throw us on the trash heap. We are precious to Him, so precious that He willingly died for our redemption.

Today, I pray that you know peace and your lives are filled with “good cheer” as you go through any fires or floods!

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Rejected to Redeemed

By now you all know that I love words. What writer doesn’t? But I am intrigued by the way simple words tell a story.

You can image how excited I was this morning when my heart began coupling words with the prefix “re”. I’ll have you look at a few of those words with me.

Rejected.

“He was hated and rejected; his life was filled with sorrow and terrible suffering. No one wanted to look at him. We despised him and said, ‘He is a nobody.’ 4 He suffered and endured great pain for us, but we thought his suffering was punishment from God. 5 He was wounded and crushed because of our sins; by taking our punishment, he made us completely well.” Isaiah 53:3-5 CEV

Redeemed.

“ Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), ” Galatians 3:13 NKJV

He was rejected so we could be redeemed!

Repent. Receive.

“ Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away —all who have been called by the Lord our God.” Acts 2:38-39 NLT

When we repent we receive forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit who gives instruction and comfort.

Rescue. Reward.

“The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. 16 I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.” Psalm 9:14-16 NLT

The Lord promises to be our rescuer, our protector, and the One who rewards us with long life and salvation.

Now for one more “re”. Rejoice.

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 NLT

Rejoice in that fact that He was rejected so we could be redeemed. Rejoice that when we repented of our sins, we received the Holy Spirit. Rejoice that the Lord rescues us and rewards us with life.

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A Day of Praise

It’s Monday and you know what that means don’t you? It’s another wonderful day to praise the Lord for His love and goodness.

Join in with me.

“The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.” Psalm 18:46

“We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the Lord fulfil all thy petitions.” Psalm 20:5

“In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.” Psalm 62:7

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.” Psalm 68:19

“Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.” Psalm 70:4

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2

Count your blessings this morning – the Lord covers us with His love.

I’m not through praising yet, but I will quit and let you continue on with your praises too!

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My Hiding Place

When I sat in the peaceful quiet of the morning, I heard my heart say, “Lord, I trust You”. Nothing earth shaking, nothing causing any fear or anxiousness, just a resolute confidence. I trust You!

And then I went to my Bible and read. There was the confidence of Samuel, Elisha, David, Jairus and the woman who had a chronic bleeding issue. They all said the same thing in one way or another. “Lord, I trust You”.

Years back there was a praise song that we sang quite often. The lyrics began to run through my mind on an endless loop. They still are. You Are My Hiding Place.

You are my hiding place
You always fill my heart
With the songs of deliverance
When ever I’m afraid
I will trust in you
I will trust in you
Let the weak say
I am strong,
With the strength of the Lord

These lyrics come from the Psalms.

“That is why your loyal followers pray to you while there is still time. Then when trouble rises like a flood, it will not reach them. 7 You are a hiding place for me. You protect me from my troubles. You surround me and protect me, so I sing about the way you saved me. Selah

8 The Lord says, “I will teach you and guide you in the way you should live. I will watch over you and be your guide.” Psalm 32:6-8 ERV

Those people I was reading about this morning – Elisha, Samuel, Jairus and the woman – all felt weak in one way or another. They all faced circumstances that seemed overwhelming but instead of letting fear control their situation, they said “Lord I will trust in You”.

“People of Israel, descendants of Jacob, you may be weak and worthless, but do not be afraid. I myself will help you.” This is what the Lord himself says. “I am the Holy One of Israel, the one who saves you.” Isaiah 41:14 ERV

Do you feel weak or afraid? Then go to your hiding place, the Lord God, and say, “I trust You”.

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