Category: Isaiah

Posted on

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!

Posted on

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!

Posted on

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!

Posted on

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!

Posted on

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!

Posted on

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”!

Posted on

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.

Posted on

Our Substitute

Yesterday I took our thoughts from Jesus’ teaching in John 10. He refers to Himself as the shepherd and that He came to give us abundant life in contrast to the thief who is working to steal, kill and destroy.

Jesus goes on further in that chapter to say this, ” “I am the shepherd who cares for the sheep. I know my sheep just as the Father knows me. And my sheep know me just as I know the Father. I give my life for these sheep.” John 10:14-15 ERV

Jesus willingly laid down His life for us!

Yes, He loved us that much. He willingly gave up His life to give us life. When he was dragged before Pilate, He kept quiet and offered no testimony in His defense. If He had, the power of His word would have acquitted Him. What a powerful love!! He became our substitute.

Substitute: Putting a person or thing in the place of another.

“The fact is, it was our suffering he took on himself; he bore our pain. But we thought that God was punishing him, that God was beating him for something he did. 5 But he was being punished for what we did. He was crushed because of our guilt. He took the punishment we deserved, and this brought us peace. We were healed because of his pain. 6 We had all wandered away like sheep. We had gone our own way. And yet the LORD put all our guilt on him.

7 He was treated badly, but he never protested. He said nothing, like a lamb being led away to be killed. He was like a sheep that makes no sound as its wool is being cut off. He never opened his mouth to defend himself. 8 He was taken away by force and judged unfairly. The people of his time did not even notice that he was killed. [b] But he was put to death [c] for the sins of his [d] people. 9 He had done no wrong to anyone. He had never even told a lie. But he was buried among the wicked. His tomb was with the rich.

10 But the LORD was pleased with this humble servant who suffered such pain. [e] Even after giving himself as an offering for sin, he will see his descendants and enjoy a long life. He will succeed in doing what the LORD wanted. 11 After his suffering he will see the light, [f] and he will be satisfied with what he experienced.

The Lord says, ‘My servant, who always does what is right, will make his people right with me; he will take away their sins. 12 For this reason, I will treat him as one of my great people. I will give him the rewards of one who wins in battle, and he will share them with his powerful ones. I will do this because he gave his life for the people. He was considered a criminal, but the truth is, he carried away the sins of many. Now he will stand before me and speak for those who have sinned.” Isaiah 53: 4-12 ERV

The Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, died for you! He gave His sinless pure life as a substitute for your sinful life. He took your place! If you haven’t received Him as your Savior, do so today. There’ll be no one else who has or will love you like Jesus.

If you have accepted your wonderful gift of salvation, then praise Him today for all He has done.

Posted on

A Time for Review

Our youngest grandson is going to be taking some standardized tests in the next few days. Classroom time and home time are being used to review information that may be included on the test. It’s being taken very seriously.

This morning, I was reviewing some of my favorite Scripture verses. I realized that these verses are so much a part of my thinking that I quote them without even realizing it. King David said, “Your word I have hid in my heart that I won’t sin against You”.

We will all be faced to difficult situations. Our enemies maybe physical, mental, emotional or spiritual but testing will come. God isn’t the One who tempts or tests; we have a real enemy who tries to defeat us. Jesus is here to give us victory.

Remember when Jesus went to the desert to fast and pray? He was there 40 days, and the devil came to tempt Him three times. Jesus was ready for the test. Each temptation was answered with it is written, it is written, it is written. And in frustration the devil left him alone for a more convenient time.

I’m here today and every day to prepare you for tests that you will be facing. Let’s take a look at the answers to questions.

“So overflowing is his kindness toward us that he took away all our sins through the blood of his Son, by whom we are saved;” Ephesians 1:7 TLB

“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.” Psalm 36:5-7 CEV

“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 91:3-4 CEV

“The Lord forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick, 4  and protects us from death. His kindness and love are a crown on our heads. 5 Each day that we live, he provides for our needs and gives us the strength of a young eagle.” Psalm 103:3-5 CEV

“The Lord gives perfect peace to those whose faith is firm.” Isaiah 26:3 CEV

Only a couple more to share with you – but I want you to see the power and protection that God places over us. He will not abandon us, he will not leave us helpless!

He is faithful and His word is true!

“Our Lord, you keep your word and do everything you say. 14 When someone stumbles or falls, you give a helping hand. 15 Everyone depends on you, and when the time is right, you provide them with food. 16 By your own hand you satisfy the desires of all who live. 17 Our Lord, everything you do is kind and thoughtful, 18 and you are near to everyone whose prayers are sincere.” Psalm 145:13-18 CEV

“4 I am grateful that God always makes it possible for Christ to lead us to victory. God also helps us spread the knowledge about Christ everywhere, and this knowledge is like the smell of perfume. II Corinthians 2:14 CEV

I pray that our arsenal is filled with spiritual ammunition so that when the enemy strikes, the first words out of our mouths are “it is written”. When we make our favorite verses a part of our daily review Christ will lead us to victory!

Posted on

Good Full Life

My mind drifted this morning, gently drifted. My first thoughts were of the Father’s loving protection through the night. Thankful for peaceful sleep. And as I sat quietly, in my chair, I imagined the green pastures and still waters that our Good Shepherd leads us too.

I am there. One of His many sheep, finding rest and comfort under the Shepherd’s supervision. As I look around the pasture I see familiar faces; you too have come to find rest from life’s weariness and distractions.

Don’t be in a hurry. Rest, be restored. Be still and know that the Lord God Almighty has brought you here to rest.

I love the way the Bible intertwines its teachings. David said the Lord is my shepherd and hundreds of years later the Lord said I am the Good Shepherd.

“I am the gate. All who come in through me will be saved. Through me they will come and go and find pasture.

10 A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so everyone would have life, and have it fully. 11  I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives up his life for his sheep.” John 10:9-11 CEV

Life to the fullest!

That’s impossible to do without Christ. That’s why He came.

“A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” John 10:10 ERV

This verse was spoken by Jesus. He was teaching that some would come who didn’t care for the sheep at all. Some would come with a motive of self-interest and would come to steal, kill and destroy.

But, Jesus said he came to give us life and life to the fullest. Jesus was so committed to us having life in Him that He was willing to give up His life for us.

Look at this Old Testament verse:

“But he was being punished for what we did. He was crushed because of our guilt. He took the punishment we deserved, and this brought us peace. We were healed because of his pain. 6 We had all wandered away like sheep. We had gone our own way. And yet the Lord put all our guilt on him.

7 He was treated badly, but he never protested. He said nothing, like a lamb being led away to be killed. He was like a sheep that makes no sound as its wool is being cut off. He never opened his mouth to defend himself. 8 He was taken away by force and judged unfairly. The people of his time did not even notice that he was killed. But he was put to death for the sins of his people.” Isaiah 53:5-8 ERV

The Shepherd died to give life to His sheep.

He died to provide forgiveness of sin; He was beaten to bring us healing; He took on our mental anguish to bring us peace. He never opened His mouth to defend Himself. He died so we could live!

We are only a few weeks away from celebrating Easter, resurrection Sunday but before we could rejoice in the resurrection, we have to recognize the crucifixion. We have to see the Shepherd die; an innocent Savior dying for our sins.

Look what He took to the cross. Are we living with guilt, worry, addiction, illness, sin? Have we let the enemy steal and destroy?

Today, hear the words of the Good Shepherd. I am come to give you life; life to the full, life forevermore!

Privacy Policy Proudly powered by WordPress