Category: Isaiah

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Prayers of Comfort

Let’s take a moment to pray for those in Texas who were devastated by the flooding river yesterday. The devil seeks to destroy wherever he can.

“Father, we pray for those who lost loved ones in the flood yesterday. We pray for those who are still uncounted for and the those looking for them. Give them strength, give them comfort and give them hope. In the name of Jesus.”

I started with this blog by asking if everyone had a good 4th and then the Lord reminded me that not everyone did. Our hearts join their hearts. Mourn with those who mourn and comfort those who are in need of comfort.

“I know what you are like! But I will heal you, lead you, and give you comfort, until those who are mourning 19  start singing my praises. No matter where you are, I, the Lord, will heal you and give you peace.” Isaiah 57:18-19 CEV

“The Spirit of the Lord God has taken control of me! The Lord has chosen and sent me
to tell the oppressed the good news, to heal the brokenhearted, and to announce freedom
for prisoners and captives. 2 This is the year when the Lord God will show kindness to us and punish our enemies. The Lord has sent me to comfort those who mourn, 3  especially in Jerusalem. He sent me to give them flowers in place of their sorrow, olive oil in place of tears, and joyous praise in place of broken hearts.” Isaiah 61:1-3 CEV

“ Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort. 4 He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share this same comfort with others in trouble. 5 We share in the terrible sufferings of Christ, but also in the wonderful comfort he gives. ” II Corinthians 2:3-5 CEV

Be aware of those who need comfort today. Share a hug, a word, a prayer. Share the love of God.

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The Place Where I Worship

You know Dave and I took the weekend away and went to the Grand Canyon. Pictures don’t do it justice. It’s a glorious place, filled with beauty and a testimony to the Lord.

“The heavens tell about the glory of God. The skies announce what his hands have made.
2 Each new day tells more of the story, and each night reveals more and more about God’s power.” Psalm 19:1-2 ERV

God has given us so much that tells of His grandeur and His mighty power. The waves rush to the shore, waterfalls cascade over the rockface, sunrises and sunsets, pillowing clouds filling the sky, meadows of wild flowers in bloom – they all tell of God’s goodness and grace.

“The Lord said: Heaven is my throne; the earth is my footstool.” Isaiah 66:1 CEV

The other night I was reminded of a song that is near and dear to my heart. It was written in the 1940’s by Red Foley, who lived in Hollywood and wrote songs for the early cowboy movies. This one has been recorded by Roy Rogers and the Sons of Pioneers. It was the theme song for us when we went to ranches holding weekend long gatherings for cowboys. This song filled my heart as I stood on the rim of the Grand Canyon, breathless while observing the beauty.

“Oh, the place where I worship is the wide open spaces
Built by the hand of the Lord
Where the trees of the forest are like pipes of an organ
And the breeze plays an amen choir.

All the stars are the candles and they light up the mountains
Mountains are altars of God
Oh, the place where I worship is the wide open spaces
Where the sun warms the peaceful sod.

In your heart take a good look if you follow the Good Book
You surely find your reward
Oh the place where I worship is the wide open spaces
Built by the hand of the Lord.”

There is so much going on in the world that fights to take our eyes off the Lord. We need to say with the Psalmist:

“One day in your temple is better than a thousand anywhere else. I would rather serve in your house, than live in the homes of the wicked. 11 Our Lord and our God, you are like the sun and also like a shield. You treat us with kindness and with honor, never denying any good thing to those who live right. 12 Lord God All-Powerful, you bless everyone who trusts you.” Psalm 84:10-12 CEV

Draw into the Lord’s presence, worship Him in the places around you and let His peace fill your heart!

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Time to Bloom

This weekend I had two plants that needed my attention. One was a poinsettia from Christmas and the other a hyacinth from about 6 weeks ago. Both need a time to go dormant before they will bloom again.

They are now tucked away in a dry and dark place, resting, waiting for their time to grow and bloom again.

Last night we had a good soaking rain. I love the smell of rain in the desert! It smells like life. The desert, like my poinsettia and hyacinth, has a season when it looks like everything is dead or dying but when the rains come, it blooms.

Life can be like that.

Dry, dormant, seemingly lifeless. Void of color and fragrance. But don’t lose hope, don’t give up.

“Rain and snow fall from the sky and don’t return until they have watered the ground.
Then the ground causes the plants to sprout and grow, and they produce seeds for the farmer and food for people to eat.
11 In the same way, my words leave my mouth, and they don’t come back without results. My words make the things happen that I want to happen. They succeed in doing what I send them to do.

12 “So you will go out from there with joy. You will be led out in peace. When you come to the mountains and hills, they will begin singing. All the trees in the fields will clap their hands. 13 Large cypress trees will grow where there were thornbushes. Myrtle trees will grow where there were weeds. All this will happen to make the Lord known, to be a permanent reminder of his goodness and power.” Isaish 55:10-13 ERV

God’s word brings life – joy and peace. Its seed filled with promise and God’s promises are eternal.

“God is the one who gives seed to those who plant, and he gives bread for food. And God will give you spiritual seed and make that seed grow. He will produce a great harvest from your goodness. 11 God will make you rich in every way so that you can always give freely. And your giving through us will make people give thanks to God.” II Corinthians 9:10-11 ERV

It may seem like you’ve been going through a dry spell; it may have been dark and unprotective, but I encourage you to let God’s word reign in your heart.

When God blesses us with a harvest, we can share with others and because of our generosity people will give thanks to God.

Get ready for a harvest. It’s time to bloom!

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Waiting With Open Arms

As I was finishing up yesterday’s blog the last words of the song “Welcome to My World” recreated a vivid memory.

“I’ll be waiting there, with my arms unfurled

Waiting just for you, Welcome to my world.”

I saw the Father in the story of the prodigal son, watching and waiting for his son to return.

“The son got up and went to his father. While he was yet a long way off, his father saw him. The father was full of loving-pity for him. He ran and threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am not good enough to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to the workmen he owned, ‘Hurry! Get the best coat and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet. 23 Bring the calf that is fat and kill it. Let us eat and be glad. 24 For my son was dead and now he is alive again. He was lost and now he is found. Let us eat and have a good time.’” Luke 15:20-24 NLV

It’s hard to think of a day in my life without the Lord. Almost impossible! Even during the days when I wasn’t serving Him, when I was being the prodigal – I knew He was there!

He let me do things my way, but trying to find the “best” way without Him only brought frustration and disappointment. Maybe you’ve been there or maybe you’re there now.

You think you’ve gone too far in living life on your own. Can God really love you? Does He really care?

It’s hard to be the prodigal. Everything depends on you and your own efforts. You carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. God never intended for you to do that.

“Don’t be afraid. I saved you. I named you. You are mine. 2 When you have troubles, I am with you. When you cross rivers, you will not be hurt. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not hurt you. 3 That’s because I, the Lord, am your God.” Isaiah 43:1-3 ERV

We have His promise that He will not abandon us; He will never leave us or desert us.

“Lord, teach me your ways, and I will live and obey your truths. Help me make worshiping your name the most important thing in my life. 12 My Lord God, I praise you with all my heart. I will honor your name forever! 13 You have such great love for me. You save me from the place of death.” Psalm 86:11-13 ERV

Today I can see how He always brought me around. I’ve heard the words of the Father “ For my son was dead and now he is alive again. He was lost and now he is found. Let us eat and have a good time.”

He’s waiting just for you, welcoming you home!

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Welcome to My World

Last night we were having dinner with a group of friends and somehow the conversation turned to country music. We talked about those we felt were great songwriters and recording artists.

I was asked who my country western artist was. I only had to think for a minute because I have several who share the top spot for me but then I answered Eddy Arnold. He was Country Music Entertainer of the Year for several years, had a smooth voice and a kind smile.

But what’s all that have to do with this morning’s blog? I’m glad you asked.

One of the songs I remember hearing most often was “Welcome to My World”. Those lyrics were running through my mind this morning as I sat quietly, lifting my prayers to the Lord.

“Welcome to my world won’t you come on in
Miracles I guess still happen now and then
Step into my heart leave your cares behind
Welcome to my world built with you in mind

Knock and the door will open seek and you will find
Ask and you’ll be given the key to this world of mine
I’ll be waiting here with my arms unfurled
Waiting just for you welcome to my world”

This of course is a love song and as I hummed the melody and allowed the lyrics to flow through my mind it became a love song to me from my heavenly Father.

He invites us to leave our cares behind. He planned our world for us before it was created. He told us to ask, knock and seek; He’s waiting with outstretched arms.

“God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.” I Peter 5:7 CEV

“Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the spiritual blessings that Christ has brought us from heaven! 4 Before the world was created, God had Christ choose us to live with him and to be his holy and innocent and loving people.” Ephesians 1:3-4 CEV

“So I tell you to ask and you will receive, search and you will find, knock and the door will be opened for you. 10 Everyone who asks will receive, everyone who searches will find, and the door will be opened for everyone who knocks.” Luke 11:9-10 CEV

“The Lord God is waiting to show how kind he is and to have pity on you. The Lord always does right; he blesses those who trust him.” Isaiah 30:18 CEV

You see, even a country-western song can convey the message of God’s faithfulness and love.

Welcome to my World!

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Calmly Wait

Are you a good waiter?

I don’t mean the kind that serves you in a restaurant, no, I’m talking about waiting (being patient).

Things worth waiting for like the birth of a child, a wedding, a graduation, a promotion or a vacation, all come with anticipation and excitement. The closer you get to that expected date the harder it is to calmly wait. That’s a good thing.

But what about sitting in a doctor’s waiting room, being stuck in traffic, having a flight delayed, how good are you at waiting in those circumstances?

This morning, I was reminded to calmly wait. Let me show you what I’m talking about.

“Only God can save me, and I calmly wait for him. 2 God alone is the mighty rock that keeps me safe and the fortress where I am secure.

3 I feel like a shaky fence or a sagging wall. How long will all of you attack and assault me?
4 You want to bring me down from my place of honor. You love to tell lies, and when your words are kind, hatred hides in your heart.

5 Only God gives inward peace, and I depend on him. 6 God alone is the mighty rock that keeps me safe, and he is the fortress where I feel secure. 7 God saves me and honors me.
He is that mighty rock where I find safety.

8 Trust God, my friends, and always tell him each of your concerns. God is our place of safety.” Psalm 62:1-8 CEV

King David was dealing with a physical enemy. He had men in his own ranks that were disloyal and trying to destroy him. He had armies and kings from surrounding nations who wanted to defeat him and take his country.

Most of us never face this type of assault but we face the worries and concerns of daily life and those can feel like an army of enemies. Have you ever experienced what David said in verse 3? Sometimes I feel like a shaky fence – good description. Don’t lean on a shaky fence, it will fall over. So what do we lean on?

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 KJV

Did you know that God is waiting on us?

“The Lord God is waiting to show how kind he is and to have pity on you. The Lord always does right; he blesses those who trust him.” Isaiah 30:18 CEV

He is waiting for us to wait on Him. When we do, He rewards us with strength, courage and peace.

I love this translation of Psalm 62 verses 1 and 2.

“I must calm down and turn to God; only he can rescue me. 2 He is my Rock, the only one who can save me. He is my high place of safety, where no army can defeat me.” Psalm 62:1-2 ERV

Maybe today you need to tell yourself to “calm down” and “calmly wait”; don’t become overly anxious or impatient.

God is waiting patiently to show you His kindness!

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Face the Sun

Dave and I made a stop at Home Depot on Saturday. We went with a specific purpose. We wanted to buy two large pots and two tall bougainvillea. We both love the color of these plants and they do well in our Arizona heat.

Going in, however, my attention was redirected. There they stood. Glorious. Their heads tilted upward! Basking in the sun. Oh, how I enjoy these beautiful, friendly, smile producing flowers. The sunflower.

For eight years Dave and I traveled to Iowa every summer. Each year we would drive through the sunflower fields in South Dakota. When we would drive through in the middle of the day all the stocks would be standing tall, flowers facing the sun. Those times we passed through early in the morning the heads on the plants would be drooped down low.

The difference. The sun.

That’s how it is for us. When we are in the presence of the Son we stand tall, strong and full of life. When we no longer face the Son we droop.

“ For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; ” Malachi 1:11 KJV

God’s name – His power – is great among all nations of the earth, Jew and Gentile.

“I am the Lord, and there is no other. There is no God besides Me. I will give you strength, even though you have not known Me. 6 Then men may know from sunrise to sunset that there is no God besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other. 7 I make light and I make darkness. I bring good and I make trouble. I am the Lord Who does all these things.” Isaiah 45:5-7 NLV

The strength we need comes from the Lord. He is our ever-present help in times of trouble. He is our shepherd, leading us to green pastures. He is our defender, our deliverer, He is protector and provider. He is our God and Father – there is no one like Him!

“Let the name of the Lord be honored, now and forever. 3 The name of the Lord is to be praised from the time the sun rises to when it sets. 4 The Lord is high above all nations. His shining-greatness is above the heavens.” Psalm 113:2-4 NLV

The sun is just beginning to crest above the mountain ridge to the East. It’s time to lift our heads toward the Son and stand strong in the day He has given us.

“3 But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. 4 I cried out to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy mountain.” Psalm 3:3-4 NLT

Look up – bask in the Son!

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Promised Peace

Yesterday a friend and I began a time of Bible study. The Lord led me to begin a verse by verse study of Colossians. I love that book!

I honestly know that there isn’t a wasted word in the Bible. All scripture is God inspired and given to help us grow, to correct and instruct us so that we will be thoroughly furnished for every good work.

I spent a lot of time just on verse 2.

“To the holy and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ who live in Colossae. Grace and peace to you from God our Father.” Colossians 1:2 ERV

This is not a generic “hi, how ya doing” greeting. Paul wanted this message to permeate all he was about to say. He was under house arrest in Rome. He was no longer able to meet with these young believers personally. He wanted their lives to be guided by peace and filled with grace.

God wants that for every believer. Grace – the forgiveness and restitution of our lives to relationship with the Father. Peace – the absence of fear, doubt and stress.

We spent a good deal of time right there. God gives us promised peace. Jesus said to his disciples:

“I leave you peace. It is my own peace I give you. I give you peace in a different way than the world does. So don’t be troubled. Don’t be afraid.” John 14:27 ERV

He said knowing He would be crucified in the next few hours. If ever there was a time for peace it was then. Jesus was reassuring them that everything would be ok. That promise is good for us too.

“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

Slow down enough to let that sink in. God gives true peace to those who trust Him – so trust Him always! That’s how we live in peace – trusting the Lord. He is our place of safety.

Remember the message of the angels as they announced the birth of Christ?

“Praise God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace to the people who please him.” Luke 2:14 ERV

Peace on earth came through Jesus. This was God’s plan from the beginning. He wanted the relationship He had with Adam and Eve in the garden to be restored. Jesus came to fulfill that plan.

“And through him, God was happy to bring all things back to himself again— things on earth and things in heaven. God made peace by using the blood sacrifice of his Son on the cross.” Colossians 1:20 ERV

God has promised us peace. Emotional peace, internal peace and spiritual peace. I am certain of this when God makes a promise, He keeps it. Peace comes to those who trust so…trust Him always!

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I’ve Got You!

Have you ever helped teach your children or grandchildren to swim? Some kids just take to the water like they are part fish, but others are reluctant, even scared, and need to be reassured, coaxed and supported in their endeavors.

The scene that came to mind as I was reading in Isaiah this morning was one such experience a few years ago in our oldest daughter’s swimming pool.

Our youngest grandson was just learning to swim. His auntie was coaching and coaxing him. He was scared and not enjoying himself at all. That’s when auntie said this, “I have never let anything hurt you and I never will. You can trust me. I won’t let you go. Take my hand.”

“Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will give you strength, and for sure I will help you. Yes, I will hold you up with My right hand that is right and good.” Isaiah 41:10 NLV

“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

How often are we like my little grandson, afraid and needing to be supported? Things we don’t understand or situations we can’t control bring a rush of fear. That’s when we hear the Lord say, “I will hold you up, I will help you, don’t be afraid, I am with you”.

“The Lord will hold your hand, and if you stumble, you still won’t fall. 25 As long as I can remember, good people have never been left helpless, and their children have never gone begging for food.” Psalm 37:24-25 CEV

When I was little, I loved holding my parents’ hand. It gave me such a feeling of security. When I was in high school my mother and I would go shopping and I would hold her hand, it was a sign of affection. When Dave & I started dating we always held hands, we still do, it was a sign of our commitment and love.

Our heavenly Father desires to hold our hand. It’s for our protection and a sign of His affection. Reach out for His hand today – you’ll hear Him say, “I’ve got you”!

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The Answer is Yes!

Somebody needs this this morning.

“All of God’s promises have their yes in him. That is why we say Amen through him to the glory of God.” II Corinthians 1:20

When God makes a promise He keeps it because simply put, God cannot lie. What promise has God made you that you haven’t seen come to pass yet? Don’t get weary, stand strong it will happen!!

Joseph had a dream that all his brothers would bow down to him one day. He had that dream as a 17 year old and then his brothers sold him into slavery because of their jealousy. I’m sure Joseph was beginning to wonder how God was going to make this all come about but he knew God was with him.

“The traders who bought Joseph took him down to Egypt. They sold him to the captain of Pharaoh’s guard, Potiphar. 2 The LORD helped Joseph become a successful man. Joseph lived in the house of his master, Potiphar the Egyptian. 3 Potiphar saw that the LORD was with Joseph and that the LORD helped Joseph be successful in everything he did.” Genesis 39:1-3

Then there’s Abraham who had God’s promise that he would be the father of many nations. He had this promise from God and had to wait 25 years to see if come to pass. During that time he hoped against hope, knowing that God was faithful.

What about Noah? He was told by God that it was going to rain and he needed to build an ark and collect 2 of every kind of animal. In all the time that it took to build the ark, he kept preaching, waiting for his neighbors to repent because God was going to send the rain and it had never rained before.

I will ask again what promise has God made you?

“My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Philippians 4:19

“Great shall be the peace of thy children for they are taught of the Lord.” Isaiah 54:13

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue that rises up against you, you shall condemn for this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;” Psalm 103:2-3

“Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God believe also in me” John 14:1

“The thief cometh not but for to steal, kill and destroy but I am come that ye might have life and have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

I’m not sure if your promise is in this list but if it isn’t add it. God will keep His word; He is faithful to a thousand generations. He hasn’t lied in the pass and He’s not going to start now by lying to you.

“God is not a man; he will not lie. God is not a human being; his decisions will not change.
If he says he will do something, then he will do it. If he makes a promise, then he will do what he promised.” Numbers 23:19 ERV

Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might! Your answer is yes and it’s just about here.

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