Satan can so easily get a foothold on our lives. As soon as we stumble into sin he tries to keep us in the dark and away from the Lord. I admit, sometimes the sin and our worldly desires seem so good but it's not what the Lord wants. The things in life deemed righteous counts for something so much better. They can bring us more joy and happiness than any worldly desires combined. The hope of heaven and celebration with the lord in His home is just simply encouraging. God will not tolerate Satan. He will crush him with His sword. Knowing that, may we not harbor him in our lives but allow the Holy Spirit to dwell in our whole being. Let the Holy Spirit protect and guide us towards Jesus.
Isaiah 27:3
I, the Lord, watch over t; I water it continually. I guard it day and night so that no one may harm it.
God's presence is constantly with us. He watches over us like a shepherd watching His sheep. He never ceases to do so. He keeps His hand around us. Any spiritual warfare will need to pass Him first before getting to us. How great is that?
Anyone who doesn't stand on the same side as the Lord will not receive the grace and mercy that He gives to His children so willingly. In fact, He will be angry and will have His wrath upon those who reject Him, but Our God is merciful. Anyone who makes peace with Him and calls Jesus their Saviour will find refuge in the Lord. He will be pleased and will love you dearly.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
Isaiah 26:12-18
Isaiah 26:12-13
Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us. O Lord, our God, other lords besides you have ruled over us, but your name alone do we honor.
God you have the power to calm the storms of our lives, no matter how dark and troublesome they may be. You give us the peace and rest in the midst of our struggles. God all things that we accomplish and achieve in this life is through Your grace and blessing upon us. You give us the wisdom and knowledge to get through this life and to be good witnesses for You. God, let nothing take over Your spot in our hearts, bring down any idols that hinder You from reigning in our lives. You are the sole being that we will honour and worship.
God, you are always willing and wanting to enlarge Your nation. Give us the passion to share the Gospel to the unreached so that they can encounter You and see the mercy that has been bestowed to them through the death of Your Holy Son. May this body of Christ continue growing so that the borders of Your kingdom extend to the ends of the earth.
Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us. O Lord, our God, other lords besides you have ruled over us, but your name alone do we honor.
God you have the power to calm the storms of our lives, no matter how dark and troublesome they may be. You give us the peace and rest in the midst of our struggles. God all things that we accomplish and achieve in this life is through Your grace and blessing upon us. You give us the wisdom and knowledge to get through this life and to be good witnesses for You. God, let nothing take over Your spot in our hearts, bring down any idols that hinder You from reigning in our lives. You are the sole being that we will honour and worship.
God, you are always willing and wanting to enlarge Your nation. Give us the passion to share the Gospel to the unreached so that they can encounter You and see the mercy that has been bestowed to them through the death of Your Holy Son. May this body of Christ continue growing so that the borders of Your kingdom extend to the ends of the earth.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Isaiah 26:1-11
Isaiah 26:4
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.
Our God is good and trustworthy. He is the Rock and our foundation. We can turn to Him when we fall and need someone to pick us back up.
God does not like people who think they're higher than others. God will bring the prideful to a state where they will learn humility. God will bring the persecutors down and they will learn of the pain that the persecuted experience. He will care for the oppressed and poor. God hears their cries of sorrow and in due time will bring joy to them.
Isaiah 26:7
The path of the righteous level; O upright One, you make the way of the righteous smooth.
He has a divine plan for each of us. God has our best interests in mind. There are obstacles in life, its a rollercoaster of ups and downs. He helps us to overcome each down and He lavishes us with His love and grace for each up we pass. You make our paths straight. You make our paths smooth to walk on. This road is not as bumpy and trippy with You.
Isaiah 26:8
Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.
God may you continue to build us up to become great witnesses in Your name. May we strive to live out a life like Your Son, living under the Law of Liberty that Jesus has created. May we have a desire to make Your name known, to share the Good News with the unreached. We wait for the Lord's renown. Stir it up in our hearts a passion for Your name.
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.
Our God is good and trustworthy. He is the Rock and our foundation. We can turn to Him when we fall and need someone to pick us back up.
God does not like people who think they're higher than others. God will bring the prideful to a state where they will learn humility. God will bring the persecutors down and they will learn of the pain that the persecuted experience. He will care for the oppressed and poor. God hears their cries of sorrow and in due time will bring joy to them.
Isaiah 26:7
The path of the righteous level; O upright One, you make the way of the righteous smooth.
He has a divine plan for each of us. God has our best interests in mind. There are obstacles in life, its a rollercoaster of ups and downs. He helps us to overcome each down and He lavishes us with His love and grace for each up we pass. You make our paths straight. You make our paths smooth to walk on. This road is not as bumpy and trippy with You.
Isaiah 26:8
Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.
God may you continue to build us up to become great witnesses in Your name. May we strive to live out a life like Your Son, living under the Law of Liberty that Jesus has created. May we have a desire to make Your name known, to share the Good News with the unreached. We wait for the Lord's renown. Stir it up in our hearts a passion for Your name.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Isaiah 24:21-25:12
This passage illustrates many of the Lord's traits.
The first being His majesty and sovereignty. He will punish though who defy and disobey Him, whether they're powers in the heavens who are evil (aka demonic) or humans on earth who take advantage of the authority they have. No, God is the only one who has authority of all dominions. God reigns in us.
Isaiah 25:5
You silence the uproar of foreigners: as heart is reduced by the shadow of a cloud, so the song of the ruthless is stilled.
God will not tolerate people who are against Him.
Isaiah 25:1
O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.
God is faithful. God is not capable of being evil. He is caring and follows through with all His plans. Everything He has done has been for guiding us, moulding us, supporting us. It has been and will continue to be.
God is strong and mighty. He has broken down strong fortified cities that can never be rebuilt by man. The strong and ruthless nations of the earth revere Him. He can take down all the work of satan and while doing so He protects us children of His.
Isaiah 25:4
You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like a storm driving against a wall and like the heat of the desert.
God is caring. He is our refuge and stronghold. He takes care of the poor, needy, and distressed when no one else seems to. He keeps His hand around us, nothing can harm us. Not even persecutors who try to bring us down.
Isaiah 25:6-8
On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine-- the best of meats and the finest of wines. On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The Lord has spoken.
God provides. He gives us what we need. He blesses us with the best of the best. Everything around is from Him. He blessed us with family and friends. With a community of brothers and sisters. With a beautiful world. What more can we ask for? Nothing, except for His grace and His continuous guidance in becoming more alike with Him. He gives us eternal life, so that we don't have to fear the sting of death. He gives us joy to overcome the sorrow we may feel in our earthly lives. He takes away our sin and forgives our trespasses in the blink of an eye. As long as we reciprocate our faith, trust, and love to to Him. It's not as hard as people think.
Isaiah 25:9
In that day they will say, "Surely this is our God; we trusted, and he saved us. This the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation."
God saves. Even as wretched and sinful we are, He extends His welcome into His kingdom with unconditional love and we are under His wing. He gives us salvation and releases us from the bondage of sin through His Son Jesus. We are called righteous and He rescues us when we stumble. He brings us back to the light.
Isaiah 25:11-12
They will spread out their hands in it as a swimmer spreads out his hands to swim. God will bring down their pride despite the cleverness of their hands. He will bring don you high fortified walls and lay them low; he will bring them down to the ground, to the very dust.
God is intimate. God will take away any prideful feelings that may distant us from Him because of our ego and the skewed idea that we are in control of ourselves. He will bring down any walls of secrets, emotions, feelings, or barriers that keep us away from Him... whether it's out of shame or guilt. He knows us better than we know ourselves and God wants to become close with us. This walk that we have with Him is personal. He loves it when we call Him Abba Father and when we turn to Him in times of sorrow or anguish.
Wow. God is amazing.
The first being His majesty and sovereignty. He will punish though who defy and disobey Him, whether they're powers in the heavens who are evil (aka demonic) or humans on earth who take advantage of the authority they have. No, God is the only one who has authority of all dominions. God reigns in us.
Isaiah 25:5
You silence the uproar of foreigners: as heart is reduced by the shadow of a cloud, so the song of the ruthless is stilled.
God will not tolerate people who are against Him.
Isaiah 25:1
O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.
God is faithful. God is not capable of being evil. He is caring and follows through with all His plans. Everything He has done has been for guiding us, moulding us, supporting us. It has been and will continue to be.
God is strong and mighty. He has broken down strong fortified cities that can never be rebuilt by man. The strong and ruthless nations of the earth revere Him. He can take down all the work of satan and while doing so He protects us children of His.
Isaiah 25:4
You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like a storm driving against a wall and like the heat of the desert.
God is caring. He is our refuge and stronghold. He takes care of the poor, needy, and distressed when no one else seems to. He keeps His hand around us, nothing can harm us. Not even persecutors who try to bring us down.
Isaiah 25:6-8
On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine-- the best of meats and the finest of wines. On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The Lord has spoken.
God provides. He gives us what we need. He blesses us with the best of the best. Everything around is from Him. He blessed us with family and friends. With a community of brothers and sisters. With a beautiful world. What more can we ask for? Nothing, except for His grace and His continuous guidance in becoming more alike with Him. He gives us eternal life, so that we don't have to fear the sting of death. He gives us joy to overcome the sorrow we may feel in our earthly lives. He takes away our sin and forgives our trespasses in the blink of an eye. As long as we reciprocate our faith, trust, and love to to Him. It's not as hard as people think.
Isaiah 25:9
In that day they will say, "Surely this is our God; we trusted, and he saved us. This the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation."
God saves. Even as wretched and sinful we are, He extends His welcome into His kingdom with unconditional love and we are under His wing. He gives us salvation and releases us from the bondage of sin through His Son Jesus. We are called righteous and He rescues us when we stumble. He brings us back to the light.
Isaiah 25:11-12
They will spread out their hands in it as a swimmer spreads out his hands to swim. God will bring down their pride despite the cleverness of their hands. He will bring don you high fortified walls and lay them low; he will bring them down to the ground, to the very dust.
God is intimate. God will take away any prideful feelings that may distant us from Him because of our ego and the skewed idea that we are in control of ourselves. He will bring down any walls of secrets, emotions, feelings, or barriers that keep us away from Him... whether it's out of shame or guilt. He knows us better than we know ourselves and God wants to become close with us. This walk that we have with Him is personal. He loves it when we call Him Abba Father and when we turn to Him in times of sorrow or anguish.
Wow. God is amazing.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Isaiah 24:14-20
Isaiah 24:14-16
They raise their voices, they shout for joy; from the west they acclaim the lord's majesty. Therefore in the east give glory to the Lord; exalt the name of the Lord, the God of Israel, in the islands of the sea. From the ends of the earth we hear singing; "Glory to the Righteous One."
Is our worship to God like what is described above? Do we sing and shout for the Lord with joy and gladness? Are you ever ashamed and would rather keep to yourself and conserve your worship till some other time? Be a true witness and an ambassador of Christ: one who upholds their faith even among people who don't believe or worse people who try to hurt our relationship with God. Let all things you do be of the Lord's essence. Do you bring glory to the Lord in all you do? Do you exalt and proclaim His name wherever you go? I unfortunately don't but am working towards that.
This joy and praise to God is contrasted with Isaiah's woe for the treacherous people on earth who are consumed by sin. The description and imagery that Isaiah paints is dark and sad. It is so easy to fall into sin and it will trap us like a snare and bring terror as it says. If we continue indulging in our sin, we will never rise again to be righteous in God's eyes. God is so gracious. When He sees us actively pursuing Him, then no matter how many times we stumble while we're on our way to Him He will pick us up and will forgive us for the wrong things we did. That is what a fatherly, heavenly love is like.
They raise their voices, they shout for joy; from the west they acclaim the lord's majesty. Therefore in the east give glory to the Lord; exalt the name of the Lord, the God of Israel, in the islands of the sea. From the ends of the earth we hear singing; "Glory to the Righteous One."
Is our worship to God like what is described above? Do we sing and shout for the Lord with joy and gladness? Are you ever ashamed and would rather keep to yourself and conserve your worship till some other time? Be a true witness and an ambassador of Christ: one who upholds their faith even among people who don't believe or worse people who try to hurt our relationship with God. Let all things you do be of the Lord's essence. Do you bring glory to the Lord in all you do? Do you exalt and proclaim His name wherever you go? I unfortunately don't but am working towards that.
This joy and praise to God is contrasted with Isaiah's woe for the treacherous people on earth who are consumed by sin. The description and imagery that Isaiah paints is dark and sad. It is so easy to fall into sin and it will trap us like a snare and bring terror as it says. If we continue indulging in our sin, we will never rise again to be righteous in God's eyes. God is so gracious. When He sees us actively pursuing Him, then no matter how many times we stumble while we're on our way to Him He will pick us up and will forgive us for the wrong things we did. That is what a fatherly, heavenly love is like.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Isaiah 23:13- 24:13
After 70 years of desolation, the city of Tyre is brought back by the Lord. The city continues on with its business but her profit and earnings are now only for the Lord. It won't be kept for the people to spend themselves. The profits will be given to those who are faithful in the Lord.
It's so easy for us to hoard everything to ourselves when we are suppose to surrender our entire lives to Him. God blesses us with shelter, food, clean water, a community, education... we so easily become selfish and greedy. Are we using these things that God has so graciously given us for His glory? Are we utilizing all the resources around us to be a witness to the people around us? All our achievements and earnings should be given back to the Lord.
I admit that it's hard for me to do so. To tithe 10% of my earnings from my job is a definite one. To think that God is going to take away my dream of becoming an optometrist to go into missions is another. There are so many insecurities and worries that follow with the idea that God has full control... but I know His plan for me is good. It's a hundred times better than what I planned for myself. I need to put my trust in Him.
I am not higher than anyone else just because I'm a Christ follower. I am still a sinner, with thoughts, actions, and behaviour that is not always pleasing to God. We are all on the same playing field. However, with the Holy Spirit we can be spiritually transformed to someone who's thoughts, actions and behaviour can become more aligned with that of Christ. Judgement by the Lord will be equal for all people.
Without the Lord, how could we have experience unconditional love, joy, peace, comfort? Through the Lord he helps us bear the Fruits of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit indeed gives me a filter to the world, knowing that there's hope and as long as I continue walking in the Lord, this life will be one that's blessed.
It's so easy for us to hoard everything to ourselves when we are suppose to surrender our entire lives to Him. God blesses us with shelter, food, clean water, a community, education... we so easily become selfish and greedy. Are we using these things that God has so graciously given us for His glory? Are we utilizing all the resources around us to be a witness to the people around us? All our achievements and earnings should be given back to the Lord.
I admit that it's hard for me to do so. To tithe 10% of my earnings from my job is a definite one. To think that God is going to take away my dream of becoming an optometrist to go into missions is another. There are so many insecurities and worries that follow with the idea that God has full control... but I know His plan for me is good. It's a hundred times better than what I planned for myself. I need to put my trust in Him.
I am not higher than anyone else just because I'm a Christ follower. I am still a sinner, with thoughts, actions, and behaviour that is not always pleasing to God. We are all on the same playing field. However, with the Holy Spirit we can be spiritually transformed to someone who's thoughts, actions and behaviour can become more aligned with that of Christ. Judgement by the Lord will be equal for all people.
Without the Lord, how could we have experience unconditional love, joy, peace, comfort? Through the Lord he helps us bear the Fruits of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit indeed gives me a filter to the world, knowing that there's hope and as long as I continue walking in the Lord, this life will be one that's blessed.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Isaiah 23:1-12
Isaiah 23:9
The lord Almighty planned it, to bring the low the pride of all glory and to humble all who are renowned on the earth.
I repeat this so many times, but it's so important that we drill this into our heads and understand with our whole hearts: ALL our successes, ALL our achievements, ALL our joy and gladness comes from the Lord God who blesses us with his overwhelming and unconditional love. May we not become prideful. Our pride in ourselves will cause us to think we're all that and we can get through things by ourselves but that is not the case. If the Lord had not intervened for us or continuously given His blessings for us, we will not be standing here. God, help us be humble in Your presence, knowing that You're the all powerful God who created the universe and me. God may you continue mould me into the likeness of You and like Your son... one who is bears all the fruits of the Spirit and is humble to both the high and the low.
The lord Almighty planned it, to bring the low the pride of all glory and to humble all who are renowned on the earth.
I repeat this so many times, but it's so important that we drill this into our heads and understand with our whole hearts: ALL our successes, ALL our achievements, ALL our joy and gladness comes from the Lord God who blesses us with his overwhelming and unconditional love. May we not become prideful. Our pride in ourselves will cause us to think we're all that and we can get through things by ourselves but that is not the case. If the Lord had not intervened for us or continuously given His blessings for us, we will not be standing here. God, help us be humble in Your presence, knowing that You're the all powerful God who created the universe and me. God may you continue mould me into the likeness of You and like Your son... one who is bears all the fruits of the Spirit and is humble to both the high and the low.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Isaiah 22:14-25
Eliakim was given the authority to rule over Jerusalem. God gave him power, strength, and honour to govern with dignity and respect. However, he falls under the weight of Jerusalem's baggage and he can't handle it.
God gives us all we need to do well in life. Joy, perseverence, diligence, strength, rest, you name it. We may sometimes fall as well, especially when we don't end up relying on the Lord and instead rely on ourselves. Without the blessings of the Lord, how would you have gottten to where you are today? Even if we fall, God will pick us back up. Our sin will be atoned for and Satan will not be able to get a foothold on our lives when we have God as our support and rock.
God gives us all we need to do well in life. Joy, perseverence, diligence, strength, rest, you name it. We may sometimes fall as well, especially when we don't end up relying on the Lord and instead rely on ourselves. Without the blessings of the Lord, how would you have gottten to where you are today? Even if we fall, God will pick us back up. Our sin will be atoned for and Satan will not be able to get a foothold on our lives when we have God as our support and rock.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Isaiah 21:13-22:13
Isaiah feels sorrow when hearing that Jerusalem will be under the destruction of the Lord. Let us feel sorrow knowing that our peers around us may not know of His name and thus will endure the destruction of the Lord as well. Let it be an encouragement and motivation to spread the Good News to those who haven't been reached yet.
If you have had the opportunity to share with your friends, don't let it be a one time thing. You planted the seed and the Lord will make it grow. However, the tree that will come to bear fruit requires care and attention while its maturing. With that being said, follow up with your peers. Ensure that the Gospel Truth is rooted in their minds. Don't let it go in one ear and out the other.
If you have had the opportunity to share with your friends, don't let it be a one time thing. You planted the seed and the Lord will make it grow. However, the tree that will come to bear fruit requires care and attention while its maturing. With that being said, follow up with your peers. Ensure that the Gospel Truth is rooted in their minds. Don't let it go in one ear and out the other.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Isaiah 20:1-21:12
I had to read this section several times before I got a gist of what Isaiah is saying.
Isaiah says in verse 3 to 4 that he is troubled and frightened by the vision that God gives him regarding the fall of Babylon due to their wickedness. It is definitely hard to imagine what it could possibly entail but God being so powerful and mighty would put upon them a wrath that shows only a tiny portion of his anger for the sin the city has done. A parallel can be drawn with our lives today. God is going to punish the unbelievers for the sin they commit, but we can change the number of people who may become saved. If we acknowledge the urgency of the Gospel, then our drive to share the Good News would enable many more unbelievers to get to know of Christ and His death that brings life to us. I personally would not want to see a vision of my peers and friends who don't know of the Lord be succumbed to the Lord's anger and be sent to hell.
God will bring down any walls that block us from getting to Him. They could be walls of worldly desires, idols, doubt, etc. He is sovereign over all things and with His providence and grace, He will not let anything interfere with us desiring in getting to know Him more.
If we continue to be consumed by sin and allow Satan to take over our lives, then we will be turning away from the saving light of the Lord into the unpredictable, eerie darkness of evil Satan. Morning will never come, it will always be night. Hope and faith is what will take us out of that darkness back onto a path that will lead us to the light. The path may be long and winding but if we continue to walk upon this path, then we will become righteous in the Lord's eyes and will be sanctified.
Isaiah says in verse 3 to 4 that he is troubled and frightened by the vision that God gives him regarding the fall of Babylon due to their wickedness. It is definitely hard to imagine what it could possibly entail but God being so powerful and mighty would put upon them a wrath that shows only a tiny portion of his anger for the sin the city has done. A parallel can be drawn with our lives today. God is going to punish the unbelievers for the sin they commit, but we can change the number of people who may become saved. If we acknowledge the urgency of the Gospel, then our drive to share the Good News would enable many more unbelievers to get to know of Christ and His death that brings life to us. I personally would not want to see a vision of my peers and friends who don't know of the Lord be succumbed to the Lord's anger and be sent to hell.
God will bring down any walls that block us from getting to Him. They could be walls of worldly desires, idols, doubt, etc. He is sovereign over all things and with His providence and grace, He will not let anything interfere with us desiring in getting to know Him more.
If we continue to be consumed by sin and allow Satan to take over our lives, then we will be turning away from the saving light of the Lord into the unpredictable, eerie darkness of evil Satan. Morning will never come, it will always be night. Hope and faith is what will take us out of that darkness back onto a path that will lead us to the light. The path may be long and winding but if we continue to walk upon this path, then we will become righteous in the Lord's eyes and will be sanctified.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Isaiah 19:1-25
Isaiah 19:20
It will be a sign and witness to the Lord Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the Lord because of their oppressors, he will send them a saviour and defender, and he will rescue them.
We are constantly heads over heels in trials and suffering on this Earth. They are for good reason according to the Lord. We have the privilege of coming before the Lord with a humble heart to ask for help in the hard times. God, being the one of ultimate grace and providence, will give us what we need to overcome them. He will not let our oppressors get to us. He save us and defend us and rescue us. That's awesome.
It's through our suffering when God is the most glorified. It is during these times when we truly see God for who He is. We see Him as our saviour, taking us back onto the path of redemption through the blood of His son. We seek Him for peace, for justice, for rest and He will bless us so. Through it all our faith continues to get stronger and larger for Him.
It will be a sign and witness to the Lord Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the Lord because of their oppressors, he will send them a saviour and defender, and he will rescue them.
We are constantly heads over heels in trials and suffering on this Earth. They are for good reason according to the Lord. We have the privilege of coming before the Lord with a humble heart to ask for help in the hard times. God, being the one of ultimate grace and providence, will give us what we need to overcome them. He will not let our oppressors get to us. He save us and defend us and rescue us. That's awesome.
It's through our suffering when God is the most glorified. It is during these times when we truly see God for who He is. We see Him as our saviour, taking us back onto the path of redemption through the blood of His son. We seek Him for peace, for justice, for rest and He will bless us so. Through it all our faith continues to get stronger and larger for Him.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Isaiah 7:7-18:7
In the past, people would build statues of idols to worship. Today, we build idols to worship in our minds. However God is the sole being who deserves our worship. There is no other god who is greater than my God. He deserves all our praises, our trust, our faith. No one else. Our eyes will be only set on You, Lord Heavenly Father. We will not look at the alters that our mind has made or even physical alters for the apparent worship of other deities.
God, I fully acknowledge that you are my Rock. You are my foundation and the fortress that protects me from the evil of this world. And I know that if I don't believe that then no matter how much good work I put into this life, it will do nothing on the day of Judgement. The harvest of my work can't be used to determine my faith in You.
As I'm going through this passage, one thing that it reminded me was humility. Am I humble before the Lord, knowing that I'm small but He's great? Can I accept any rebuke or criticism from the Lord, knowing that it's always for my benefit and never for harm? There are times when I get prideful and arrogant, but God reminds me in small ways but with impact that I should be the opposite: humble and modest.
Isaiah 18:2
which sends envoys by sea in papyrus boats over the water. Go, swift messengers, to a people tall and smooth-skinned, to a people feared far and wide, an aggressive nation of strange speech, whose land is divided by rivers.
Another great reference to missions. Missions isn't suppose to be a comfortable journey. It's uncomfortable and sometimes risky. Global missions involves us going to a place where we're not familiar with, with possibly people who don't speak the same language as you. However those are not reasons to not go, it's the more reason to go. If everyone stepped back from missions because of these simple barriers, then how would the Good News be spread to the unreached. How will they get to experience God's love and grace. If we think like that then we're too selfish. We're holding onto God's blessing for ourselves. Don't let that happen!
Once a banner is raised and once a seed has been planted, people will begin to take notice and realize the Lord around them. They will begin to see and hear it, but it starts off with taking that leap of faith and risk, to go into an area that is unknown to you.
God will provide us the resources, the perseverance, the boldness, the courage, the strength, the heart, and the love that's needed and should be given to the unreached. It will be a constant stream of the Lord's love upon us, so that the outpouring of His love in us can extend to those who've never felt His mighty and great presence.
Isaiah 18:7
At that time gifts will be brought to the lord Almighty from a people tall and smooth-skinned, from a people feared far and wide, an aggressive nation of strange speech, whose land is divided by rivers-- the gifts will be brought to Mount Zion, the place of the Name of the Lord Almighty.
Our initiative to spread the Good News will not be wasted. There is bound to be some people who will accept the Lord as their saviour. My God will be showered with gifts and praises out of love and thanksgiving. People who we initially think will never encounter the Lord may in fact be the ones who sees the greatness of God and the power of Jesus. God, we love you and may everything we do bring you all glory, honour, and power!
Monday, January 14, 2013
Isaiah 7:1-6
God is just. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows that I'm striving to be spiritually transformed by Him. He knows that I'm striving to become more Christ-like. God will help me get there one step at a time.
He will not let anyone come and take me off the path He set out for me. He will not let anyone make me stumble into sin. The people who reject the Lord will not live for the rest of eternity with the Lord... but I will, because I have my faith and trust set upon Him. I aim to glorify the Lord in all things.
Be a part of the body of Christ. Become part of the family. Be the remnant that remains. Be the two or three olives on the topmost branches of an olive tree that will survive even through beatings.
He will not let anyone come and take me off the path He set out for me. He will not let anyone make me stumble into sin. The people who reject the Lord will not live for the rest of eternity with the Lord... but I will, because I have my faith and trust set upon Him. I aim to glorify the Lord in all things.
Be a part of the body of Christ. Become part of the family. Be the remnant that remains. Be the two or three olives on the topmost branches of an olive tree that will survive even through beatings.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Isaiah 16:6-13
At the end of the chapter, the Lord spoke that like a servant under a contract, for three years Moab will lose its splendour and the people will be despised.
This clearly shows God's grace for His people. His wrath towards Moab could have lasted for as long as their lifetime, but He only says three years. From what I understand of this verse, it seems to say that within that time there can be a point of repentance and reconciliation. If they change and transform themselves to be one with a good character that is deemed righteous in God's eyes, it seems like God will end their punishment in three years.
The verse also mentions that her survivors will be very few and feeble. It's true. It's difficult and challenging to change from a lifestyle where God did not matter to one where you put Him at the centre. If you have faith in the Lord to guide and provide you, then it is a feat that can be overcome.
It's the same for us. We have a choice of either continuing living in our sin or we can fight against these evil temptations. If we do so and also surrender our life to the Lord in acknowledgement of his sovereignty and the salvation that He can give, God will not punish. Instead He will love you dearly and care for you. That's amazing and wonderful. He will spur you on. It's a race that we have to run to the end, no matter how tired or in pain we are.
This clearly shows God's grace for His people. His wrath towards Moab could have lasted for as long as their lifetime, but He only says three years. From what I understand of this verse, it seems to say that within that time there can be a point of repentance and reconciliation. If they change and transform themselves to be one with a good character that is deemed righteous in God's eyes, it seems like God will end their punishment in three years.
The verse also mentions that her survivors will be very few and feeble. It's true. It's difficult and challenging to change from a lifestyle where God did not matter to one where you put Him at the centre. If you have faith in the Lord to guide and provide you, then it is a feat that can be overcome.
It's the same for us. We have a choice of either continuing living in our sin or we can fight against these evil temptations. If we do so and also surrender our life to the Lord in acknowledgement of his sovereignty and the salvation that He can give, God will not punish. Instead He will love you dearly and care for you. That's amazing and wonderful. He will spur you on. It's a race that we have to run to the end, no matter how tired or in pain we are.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Isaiah 16:1-5
This passage was confusing for me to understand.
Moab seeks for shelter at Zion, the refuge that the Lord provided to the suffering yet faithful people. Even the wicked like Moab, who once sought for destruction, is coming to the Lord in surrender for a hiding place under the Lord's wing.
God who is the definition of love seeks justice and promotes righteousness. All that He decides and judges is right. All He asks of us is for our faith in Him, our trust in Him, our hopes in Him, and He will make our paths straight, free of the wrath and pain that was originally reserved for us.
Lord of Lords. Jesus Messiah. You reign over us and are sovereign over this world.
Isaiah 16:5
In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it-- one from the house of David-- one who in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness.
Moab seeks for shelter at Zion, the refuge that the Lord provided to the suffering yet faithful people. Even the wicked like Moab, who once sought for destruction, is coming to the Lord in surrender for a hiding place under the Lord's wing.
God who is the definition of love seeks justice and promotes righteousness. All that He decides and judges is right. All He asks of us is for our faith in Him, our trust in Him, our hopes in Him, and He will make our paths straight, free of the wrath and pain that was originally reserved for us.
Lord of Lords. Jesus Messiah. You reign over us and are sovereign over this world.
Isaiah 16:5
In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it-- one from the house of David-- one who in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Isaiah 14:21-15:9
We can clearly see in this passage that God keeps all His promises to Israel because they were faithful to the Lord. On the other hand, we can see that the city of Babylon, Assyria, and Moab are wrought with destruction and famine because of their wickedness. It can be related to us today. If you put your trust and have faith in the Lord, then He will shower you with blessings, His grace and His mercy. If you continue to turn away from the Lord and reject Him, then He will have no choice but to bring you down when He comes back to this world.
Whatever the Lord has planned will happen because He is mighty and everything is in His control and will.
Isaiah 14:24
The Lord Almighty has sworn, "Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand.
There are still so many people who live in third-world countries who are suffering from poverty, famine, drought, disease, etc. Being on the other side of the world, I am very fortunate to have been provided with shelter, clean clothes, food and water. It's up to us to spread the awareness. It's up to us to reach those who are in the darkness right now. We got to let them know that God will remove the burdens off of their shoulders. He will take up the yoke that weighs them down. He will tell us to not worry because He will sort out all problems for us. He is such a loving God.
Isaiah 14:30
The poorest of the poor will find pasture, and the needy will lie down in safety. But your root I will destroy by famine; it will slay your survivors.
God will give the suffering the peace, comfort, and strength that they deserve.
Isaiah 14:32
What answers shall be given to the envoys of that nation? "The lord has established Zion, and in her his afflicted people will find refuge."
God will take you to a place where you will encounter Him. You will find your joy and refuge in Him as He is our salvation.
There is so much emphasis on the poor and oppressed and how God will give them what they need... I feel like this is definitely a calling to go on missions having gone to Urbana a couple weeks ago.
Whatever the Lord has planned will happen because He is mighty and everything is in His control and will.
Isaiah 14:24
The Lord Almighty has sworn, "Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand.
There are still so many people who live in third-world countries who are suffering from poverty, famine, drought, disease, etc. Being on the other side of the world, I am very fortunate to have been provided with shelter, clean clothes, food and water. It's up to us to spread the awareness. It's up to us to reach those who are in the darkness right now. We got to let them know that God will remove the burdens off of their shoulders. He will take up the yoke that weighs them down. He will tell us to not worry because He will sort out all problems for us. He is such a loving God.
Isaiah 14:30
The poorest of the poor will find pasture, and the needy will lie down in safety. But your root I will destroy by famine; it will slay your survivors.
God will give the suffering the peace, comfort, and strength that they deserve.
Isaiah 14:32
What answers shall be given to the envoys of that nation? "The lord has established Zion, and in her his afflicted people will find refuge."
God will take you to a place where you will encounter Him. You will find your joy and refuge in Him as He is our salvation.
There is so much emphasis on the poor and oppressed and how God will give them what they need... I feel like this is definitely a calling to go on missions having gone to Urbana a couple weeks ago.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Isaiah 14:1-20
Our God is a compassionate God. He gives strength and endurance to those who are in pain and suffering. He will not let His children suffer under those who oppresses them.
Reading this passage was slightly frightening as it describes how the evil will be punished by the Lord, but our God is great and just.
I discussed this with a friend to confirm my thoughts. Truly all unreached people will fall under God's wrath when He comes back. Some individuals may think that it's not fair because not all unreached people unwillingly reject the Gospel, they simply may not have had the opportunity to hear of it. However, the world around us and creation should already show God's majesty and power, and in turn show that a God exists. Therefore, even if these people haven't verbally heard of the Gospel and of the Lord, they should be still able to see and realize that the Lord of all creation exists.
Reading this passage was slightly frightening as it describes how the evil will be punished by the Lord, but our God is great and just.
I discussed this with a friend to confirm my thoughts. Truly all unreached people will fall under God's wrath when He comes back. Some individuals may think that it's not fair because not all unreached people unwillingly reject the Gospel, they simply may not have had the opportunity to hear of it. However, the world around us and creation should already show God's majesty and power, and in turn show that a God exists. Therefore, even if these people haven't verbally heard of the Gospel and of the Lord, they should be still able to see and realize that the Lord of all creation exists.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Isaiah 13:1-22
This passage contains lots of imagery concerning the wrath of the Lord upon a nation dominated by wickedness, evil, and sin. It seems like a description that foretells judgement day when Jesus comes back.
Isaiah 13:9
See, the day of the Lord is coming-- a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger-- to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it.
The thought that some of my friends who do not believe in God or haven't heard of God yet will not be in Heaven is scary. This should be a motivation for all to evangelize and it definitely demonstrates the urgency of local and global missions (as I learned from Urbana). Don't keep others in the darkness when you have the ability to help lead them towards the light. Give them the opportunity where they can repent to the Lord for the sins and crimes they've committed so that they can be reconciled with Him.
Isaiah 13:11
I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for theirs sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless.
Thank you Jesus. Thank you for willingly going to the cross and enduring the wrath and the punishment of your father that was suppose to be for me. Thank you for constantly reminding me to be humble and modest because all things are through You and from You. For others I thank you for reminding them that only You the Lord God has all the power and can do anything, not us.
When the day comes and everything mentioned in this passage happens, I will probably be full of fear and trembling...but knowing that God will take me into His family and kingdom without having to endure it is encouraging and motivating. Let me be a strong ambassador of Christ.
Isaiah 13:9
See, the day of the Lord is coming-- a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger-- to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it.
The thought that some of my friends who do not believe in God or haven't heard of God yet will not be in Heaven is scary. This should be a motivation for all to evangelize and it definitely demonstrates the urgency of local and global missions (as I learned from Urbana). Don't keep others in the darkness when you have the ability to help lead them towards the light. Give them the opportunity where they can repent to the Lord for the sins and crimes they've committed so that they can be reconciled with Him.
Isaiah 13:11
I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for theirs sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless.
Thank you Jesus. Thank you for willingly going to the cross and enduring the wrath and the punishment of your father that was suppose to be for me. Thank you for constantly reminding me to be humble and modest because all things are through You and from You. For others I thank you for reminding them that only You the Lord God has all the power and can do anything, not us.
When the day comes and everything mentioned in this passage happens, I will probably be full of fear and trembling...but knowing that God will take me into His family and kingdom without having to endure it is encouraging and motivating. Let me be a strong ambassador of Christ.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Isaiah 12:1-6
Isaiah 12:1-2
In that day you will say: "I will praise you, O Lord. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation."
If Jesus did not take our sin upon Himself as He died on the cross, God would be angry at humanity non-stop. There would never be a time when He would be pleased because we are sinful in nature. However, God is loving like a father. He gave His one and only son in order for us to be reconciled so that we can still come into His presence. In turn He gives us peace, comfort, and salvation through the blood of Christ. All He asks for is our faith and trust in Him. It's hard to just let go and surrender everything to Him, thinking that He has it all in control... but this is what faith is. Faith is something that we can't see or touch yet we put our hope in it.
Isaiah 12:4
In that day you will say: "Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.
What we can each personally do to tell God that we love Him for all He has done for us is by spreading this same love to those who haven't received it yet. As we read the Word each day, we become a more equipped disciple of Jesus Christ. As a disciple we are to go and make known that God is sovereign and is the master of the universe. He conducts our lives with grace and mercy. Let His name be known so that others can see why we love Him so. He gave us new life and we should help others obtain this new life as well. He has done great things in our lives and will continue to do so through us, the body of Christ that remains on Earth until He comes.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Isaiah 11:1-16
Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him-- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord
At my church I always hear about God and Jesus but very rarely of the Holy Spirit. We don't realize the significance of the Spirit residing in us. Francis Chan has written a book on how today's society neglects the Spirit. One of my friends brought up his epiphany of how Old Testament individuals would be asking us what it would be like to have a guide that is like Jesus living in us, keeping us on the right path at every moment, and helping us to become a more pure temple for God. The above verse basically tells us all the benefits that the Holy Spirit freely gives us. We have to acknowledge this.Without wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge and a fear of the Lord, how would we be able to live out a Christ-like life? Ok, it's impossible to be just like Jesus because He is perfect but with these qualities that the Spirit presents to us we can take a step closer to reaching this ultimate goal.
Isaiah 11:3-5
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the root of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
We are born as sinners and a quality that we sadly inherit is being judgemental and ignorant to the poor, needy, and oppressed. With our faith in God, the sacrifice of the Son, and also very important the work of the Spirit within us, we can turn all of these negative traits around. Jesus never judged, he was a relational and interpersonal man who cared for sinners like us. He doesn't listen to the gossip and rumours of this world but is constantly still in order to hear the truth from the Father. He takes a stand for the poor, the lame, the mute. Why are we not attempting to do the same thing? Are we putting in the effort to do these things?
Feelings of inadequacy can creep easily creep up. It does so for me as well whenever I'm leading my discipleship group or in front of the congregation leading worship. Sometimes I feel like I'm not knowledgeable or prepared enough. However, I have the assurance that God has placed the Spirit in me so that righteousness and faithfulness is by my side and I can always use these tools to help me advance His kingdom as it says in verse 5.
Isaiah 11:6
The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.
I've mentioned the expression before that as Christ followers we are to be in the world but not a part of it. We may be among non-believers of Christ and they may indulge in temptations that we too can get tempted by but by God's grace He will keep us standing upright and firm from falling into sin. We're like the lamb, the goat, and the calf. The materialistic and dark world can easily suck us in and consume us if we're not strong in our faith. You need to know deep in your hearts that Jesus is the little child that will lead us. God will protect us like a loving father for his children.
Isaiah 11:13-14
Ephraim's jealousy will vanish, and Judah's enemies will be cut off; Ephraim will not be jealous of Judah, nor Judah hostile toward Ephraim
The Spirit alone is able to help eliminate any sinful thoughts of jealousy and hostility towards others. Praise the Lord! Another step towards becoming more Christ-like.
God is mighty. He can break down any barriers that may be keeping us from sharing the Living Word to others,whether it is cultural, physical, psychological, or emotional barriers. Like it says in the passage, we need to take initiative and be the first ones to cross over the streams in sandals to get to the other people who don't know of the Messiah and Lord God yet. Even if it's not that, we can also pave the way for them knowing that God will move in their hearts and will encourage them to cross over the streams. At the end of the day, it's a two way street.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him-- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord
At my church I always hear about God and Jesus but very rarely of the Holy Spirit. We don't realize the significance of the Spirit residing in us. Francis Chan has written a book on how today's society neglects the Spirit. One of my friends brought up his epiphany of how Old Testament individuals would be asking us what it would be like to have a guide that is like Jesus living in us, keeping us on the right path at every moment, and helping us to become a more pure temple for God. The above verse basically tells us all the benefits that the Holy Spirit freely gives us. We have to acknowledge this.Without wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge and a fear of the Lord, how would we be able to live out a Christ-like life? Ok, it's impossible to be just like Jesus because He is perfect but with these qualities that the Spirit presents to us we can take a step closer to reaching this ultimate goal.
Isaiah 11:3-5
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the root of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
We are born as sinners and a quality that we sadly inherit is being judgemental and ignorant to the poor, needy, and oppressed. With our faith in God, the sacrifice of the Son, and also very important the work of the Spirit within us, we can turn all of these negative traits around. Jesus never judged, he was a relational and interpersonal man who cared for sinners like us. He doesn't listen to the gossip and rumours of this world but is constantly still in order to hear the truth from the Father. He takes a stand for the poor, the lame, the mute. Why are we not attempting to do the same thing? Are we putting in the effort to do these things?
Feelings of inadequacy can creep easily creep up. It does so for me as well whenever I'm leading my discipleship group or in front of the congregation leading worship. Sometimes I feel like I'm not knowledgeable or prepared enough. However, I have the assurance that God has placed the Spirit in me so that righteousness and faithfulness is by my side and I can always use these tools to help me advance His kingdom as it says in verse 5.
Isaiah 11:6
The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.
I've mentioned the expression before that as Christ followers we are to be in the world but not a part of it. We may be among non-believers of Christ and they may indulge in temptations that we too can get tempted by but by God's grace He will keep us standing upright and firm from falling into sin. We're like the lamb, the goat, and the calf. The materialistic and dark world can easily suck us in and consume us if we're not strong in our faith. You need to know deep in your hearts that Jesus is the little child that will lead us. God will protect us like a loving father for his children.
Isaiah 11:13-14
Ephraim's jealousy will vanish, and Judah's enemies will be cut off; Ephraim will not be jealous of Judah, nor Judah hostile toward Ephraim
The Spirit alone is able to help eliminate any sinful thoughts of jealousy and hostility towards others. Praise the Lord! Another step towards becoming more Christ-like.
God is mighty. He can break down any barriers that may be keeping us from sharing the Living Word to others,whether it is cultural, physical, psychological, or emotional barriers. Like it says in the passage, we need to take initiative and be the first ones to cross over the streams in sandals to get to the other people who don't know of the Messiah and Lord God yet. Even if it's not that, we can also pave the way for them knowing that God will move in their hearts and will encourage them to cross over the streams. At the end of the day, it's a two way street.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Isaiah 10:28-34
We overcome trials, obstacles, temptations, and distractions every day, sometimes even without knowing about it. We can so quickly come to the conclusion that it was through our abilities that we were able to do get through all difficulties.
The time will come when after all the self-arrogance and boasting there will be things that you won't be able to succeed in without the help and grace of the Lord. The strength to do well in exams even after an all-nighter of studying, His protective hand when travelling on slippery roads on a winter night, perseverance even through a tough exam period (yea, most things relate back to school but oh well, I'm a student). The people who rely on their own strength will remain stranded, like the Assyrian army in the passage. They may have been able to conquer different villages as they head towards Jerusalem but once you get to the foot of the mountain they cannot climb it and can only shake their fists from the bottom, which does no harm.
Lesson of the day (or actually the lesson of many days): don't be prideful and arrogant, be humble and acknowledge that the ability to succeed and achieve is from blessings coming from the Lord.
The time will come when after all the self-arrogance and boasting there will be things that you won't be able to succeed in without the help and grace of the Lord. The strength to do well in exams even after an all-nighter of studying, His protective hand when travelling on slippery roads on a winter night, perseverance even through a tough exam period (yea, most things relate back to school but oh well, I'm a student). The people who rely on their own strength will remain stranded, like the Assyrian army in the passage. They may have been able to conquer different villages as they head towards Jerusalem but once you get to the foot of the mountain they cannot climb it and can only shake their fists from the bottom, which does no harm.
Lesson of the day (or actually the lesson of many days): don't be prideful and arrogant, be humble and acknowledge that the ability to succeed and achieve is from blessings coming from the Lord.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Isaiah 10:13-27
" I succeeded in this task because I was so strong. I succeeded in this task because I am smart and intelligent."
Who would have given you the strength in your body? Who bestowed the wisdom and understanding that you claim to have? Truly by the Living God who loves us dearly. There is a lot of repetition of the Assyrian's arrogant words in this section but at the same time it is repetitively followed by the Lord's words of the consequences for being like so. God will be displeased with prideful people who do not consider that their talents and abilities are blessings from above. In the blink of an eye God can easily take away everything but He doesn't because He cares for His children. We have already been reconciled with the Lord through Jesus' death and resurrection.
When we've acknowledged the power of the Lord and His mercy for us, that is when we will truly begin to lean on Him. Yes, sometimes for that to happen we have to be placed in a trial filled with devastation and pain to realize that.
Let's not be like the sand of the sea, constantly moving to and fro, constantly changing. Let us be firm and constant in our walk with the Lord, always striving to be more Christ-like. Let us glorify the Lord in words and deeds, for only one or the other will do no good.
If anyone is persecuted or oppressed, do not be afraid. The Lord has His ways to keep you safe and sound. Do not be afraid to proclaim the Word that gives life.
Isaiah 10:25
Very soon my anger against you will end and my wrath will be directed to their destruction.
God will take up our burdens that we carry in this world so that we can worship and live out a Godly life that is slightly easier and less problematic. We are free to lay them down at the foot of the cross, knowing that God in His providence will not give us anything that we can't overcome.
Isaiah 10:27
In that day their burden will be lifted from your shoulders, their yoke from your neck; the yoke will be broken because you have grown so fat.
Who would have given you the strength in your body? Who bestowed the wisdom and understanding that you claim to have? Truly by the Living God who loves us dearly. There is a lot of repetition of the Assyrian's arrogant words in this section but at the same time it is repetitively followed by the Lord's words of the consequences for being like so. God will be displeased with prideful people who do not consider that their talents and abilities are blessings from above. In the blink of an eye God can easily take away everything but He doesn't because He cares for His children. We have already been reconciled with the Lord through Jesus' death and resurrection.
When we've acknowledged the power of the Lord and His mercy for us, that is when we will truly begin to lean on Him. Yes, sometimes for that to happen we have to be placed in a trial filled with devastation and pain to realize that.
Let's not be like the sand of the sea, constantly moving to and fro, constantly changing. Let us be firm and constant in our walk with the Lord, always striving to be more Christ-like. Let us glorify the Lord in words and deeds, for only one or the other will do no good.
If anyone is persecuted or oppressed, do not be afraid. The Lord has His ways to keep you safe and sound. Do not be afraid to proclaim the Word that gives life.
Isaiah 10:25
Very soon my anger against you will end and my wrath will be directed to their destruction.
God will take up our burdens that we carry in this world so that we can worship and live out a Godly life that is slightly easier and less problematic. We are free to lay them down at the foot of the cross, knowing that God in His providence will not give us anything that we can't overcome.
Isaiah 10:27
In that day their burden will be lifted from your shoulders, their yoke from your neck; the yoke will be broken because you have grown so fat.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Isaiah 10:5-12
Isaiah 10:7
But this is not what he intends, this is not what he has in mind; his purpose is to destroy, to put an end to many nations.
God sends an Assyrian against nations to punish them for being godless. As we read the passage we see that the Assyrian has his own intentions despite what he was sent out for in the first place. Being born as sinners, we often make up our own intentions for our own purposes. We forget that God has control and is sovereign over us. He bought us with the blood of Christ His Son. God being the ruler of our lives has a plan already set out for us from the start. Like a child obeying their parents, we too must obey the Lord and His good purpose for us.
The passage continues on and we read of the Assyrian boasting about his victories and how he has the ability to seize any nations without having to destroy them as what God has asked him to do. His arrogance clearly shown leads to the Assyrian's own punishment.
Isaiah 10:12
When the lord has finished all his work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, he will say, "I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes.
Do not become prideful and arrogant for your successes, abilities, and talents as they originate from the Lord as blessings and gifts for us.
But this is not what he intends, this is not what he has in mind; his purpose is to destroy, to put an end to many nations.
God sends an Assyrian against nations to punish them for being godless. As we read the passage we see that the Assyrian has his own intentions despite what he was sent out for in the first place. Being born as sinners, we often make up our own intentions for our own purposes. We forget that God has control and is sovereign over us. He bought us with the blood of Christ His Son. God being the ruler of our lives has a plan already set out for us from the start. Like a child obeying their parents, we too must obey the Lord and His good purpose for us.
The passage continues on and we read of the Assyrian boasting about his victories and how he has the ability to seize any nations without having to destroy them as what God has asked him to do. His arrogance clearly shown leads to the Assyrian's own punishment.
Isaiah 10:12
When the lord has finished all his work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, he will say, "I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes.
Do not become prideful and arrogant for your successes, abilities, and talents as they originate from the Lord as blessings and gifts for us.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Isaiah 10:1-4
Isaiah 10:1-2
Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless.
These two verses sum up the intention of missions: to share the Gospel locally and globally. Having gone to the 2012 Urbana conference, I learned about the urgency in spreading the Gospel. There are so many people out there who still haven't heard of who God is and His love for His people, especially the poor and the oppressed.
Our world is far from being a perfect world. There are people out there who are deep in sin and they take advantage of those in poverty. It's reassuring that God will bring justice to these people. He will have His wrath on them.
I also play a role in eliminating such oppression by wicked people. By having the boldness to share the Gospel to others, it can reveal to individuals their wickedness in speech and deeds. They can get the opportunity to turn away and become ambassadors of Christ. At the conference I committed to going on a short-term missions this year and I intend to do so. May God show me what He has in store for me and I know that through Him I can do great things to further the Kingdom of God.
Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless.
These two verses sum up the intention of missions: to share the Gospel locally and globally. Having gone to the 2012 Urbana conference, I learned about the urgency in spreading the Gospel. There are so many people out there who still haven't heard of who God is and His love for His people, especially the poor and the oppressed.
Our world is far from being a perfect world. There are people out there who are deep in sin and they take advantage of those in poverty. It's reassuring that God will bring justice to these people. He will have His wrath on them.
I also play a role in eliminating such oppression by wicked people. By having the boldness to share the Gospel to others, it can reveal to individuals their wickedness in speech and deeds. They can get the opportunity to turn away and become ambassadors of Christ. At the conference I committed to going on a short-term missions this year and I intend to do so. May God show me what He has in store for me and I know that through Him I can do great things to further the Kingdom of God.
Isaiah 9:13-21
If Jesus did not die on the cross for us, our sin would have consumed us. The world would have been filled with evil.
This passage truly illustrates the Lord's power and wrath o those who disobey and fall into sin. He would have attempted to eliminate the source of sin. This is what should have come upon us, but because of His grace and mercy, He spares us by sacrificing His beautiful Son to take up the sin of humanity unto Himself on the cross. We are standing here because of the cross.
If you truly understand this Gospel message, then turn away from temptations and distractions that may lead you to sin. Do not take Jesus' death for granted.
This passage truly illustrates the Lord's power and wrath o those who disobey and fall into sin. He would have attempted to eliminate the source of sin. This is what should have come upon us, but because of His grace and mercy, He spares us by sacrificing His beautiful Son to take up the sin of humanity unto Himself on the cross. We are standing here because of the cross.
If you truly understand this Gospel message, then turn away from temptations and distractions that may lead you to sin. Do not take Jesus' death for granted.
Isaiah 9:8-12
We have no right to be arrogant or prideful in what we do. All things that are achieved in our life on Earth is due to His providence and grace in our life. When we reject this thought and are not humble, God will be just. He will punish and reprimand us until we learn our lesson.
This is exactly what happened when the people of Israel believed that they themselves can rebuild and replace the parts of the city. God is the one who gives them the strength, kindred spirits that are good for teamwork, and the materials for that yet these people did not realize. God punishes them by strengthening their enemies so that when Israel is defeated, they will know that they are not all powerful or strong as they think of themselves.
There are times when I too believe that I my successes come from myself, especially in terms of school: my hard work, endurance, studying, etc. I pray that this mentality changes permanently because God is the one who enables me to be diligent in my studies and is the one who gives me the perseverance and knowledge to do well in school.
This is exactly what happened when the people of Israel believed that they themselves can rebuild and replace the parts of the city. God is the one who gives them the strength, kindred spirits that are good for teamwork, and the materials for that yet these people did not realize. God punishes them by strengthening their enemies so that when Israel is defeated, they will know that they are not all powerful or strong as they think of themselves.
There are times when I too believe that I my successes come from myself, especially in terms of school: my hard work, endurance, studying, etc. I pray that this mentality changes permanently because God is the one who enables me to be diligent in my studies and is the one who gives me the perseverance and knowledge to do well in school.
Isaiah 9:1-7
Isaiah 9:2
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
Jesus lights our way to lead us towards righteousness. No matter how far we have fallen or how deep into the darkness we have stumbled, He breaks the darkness with His pure holy light. He comes to save us from the bondage of sin.
Isaiah 9:4
For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rode of their oppressors.
Whether we're persecuted, oppressed, or weary, God can pick us up so that we can start anew. His providence will give us the strength and perseverance to endure the trials that come our way. All of this will be achieved through the birth of our Saviour.
It is perfect timing as we celebrated his birth two days ago on Christmas Day. :)
Isaiah 9:7
Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
Jesus lights our way to lead us towards righteousness. No matter how far we have fallen or how deep into the darkness we have stumbled, He breaks the darkness with His pure holy light. He comes to save us from the bondage of sin.
Isaiah 9:4
For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rode of their oppressors.
Whether we're persecuted, oppressed, or weary, God can pick us up so that we can start anew. His providence will give us the strength and perseverance to endure the trials that come our way. All of this will be achieved through the birth of our Saviour.
It is perfect timing as we celebrated his birth two days ago on Christmas Day. :)
Isaiah 9:7
Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
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