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Isaiah 66 - Worship

Presently we live in an evil age. But the day is coming when God will be enthroned here on earth and His righteousness will prevail.

Isaiah 66:23 "All humanity will come to worship me from week to week and from month to month.

It isn't just the Jews that God extended this promise to, it is to everyone.

That You Father that through Jesus we all have access to You. In His name, Amen.

Blessings to you, Jan
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Isaiah 65 - Ready to Answer

Do I truly pray? Don't get me wrong, I do have specific times during the day that I perform my perfunctory prayers, but as such - perfunctory - they are sadly lacking. I pray because I know that I am supposed to, not because I want to. I find that I do not spend as much time or energy with God as I do about Him. If that is the case, then can my life be considered to be truly in communion with Him? Am I trying, really trying to connect with my God? I think the answer is, 'Yes, but not as I should be'.

So what to do? Obviously I should be more deliberate in trying to spend time with God. But like any relationship that has had some time elapse between intimate contact, there is a hesitation, an awkwardness. What do I say, how to begin, when to do it? So many questions, and so few answers...

Isaiah 65:1 The Lord said, "I was ready to answer my people's prayers, but they did not pray. I was ready for them to find me, but they did not even try. The nation did not pray to me, even though I was always ready to answer, "Here I am; I will help you."

Heavenly Father, please give me the desire and will to seek intimate communion with You. Please forgive me for letting myself become complacent. Thank You that You are ready to answer. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Seek Him while He can be found. Jan
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Isaiah 64 - Clay in the Master's hands

Clay can be formed into wonderfully exquisite artworks. Just this past weekend my bride and I saw a church which had a steeple created primarily from terra-cotta. Yet, that same clay that was used to create a masterpiece, bringing glory to God, can formed into a chamber-pot that someone defecates into.

Isaiah 64:8 And yet, LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We are all formed by your hand.

It is up to the master to determine the use. Are you are a steeple, a plate or vase on the Master's table, or perhaps the chamber-pot? No matter what the function, if it is the Master that has formed you, then you have a role to fill. Do it to the best of the ability that He has given you.

Lord, help me to fulfill the function, or functions, in the body of Christ that You have made me for. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Find your purpose and do it.
Jan
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Isaiah 63 - Garbage Can Christian

There is an honest heartfelt cry to God in the latter part of this chapter. It is quite compelling.

Isaiah 63:15 LORD, look down from heaven and see us from your holy, glorious home. Where is the passion and the might you used to show on our behalf? Where are your mercy and compassion now?

How many of us have wondered this same thing? Where is God? Why doesn't He show His power as He used to do? Why do I not feel Him in my life like I once did?

I grew up in a Pentecostal church. They believe that the filling of the Holy Spirit is an act that is subsequent to salvation. This was something that people would gather at the altar and pray for. One day I remember hearing the pastor say this prior to inviting people to the altar. "The Lord isn't going to put His Holy Spirit into a garbage can. Clean up your life."

More often than not I think we really do not want an answer to the question of, "Why doesn't God intervene?" because it is our sins that prevent Him from acting on our behalf. We are saved, but don't look any different than the rest of the unsaved world. No wonder His passion, mercy, and compassion are far from us  - our lives are a garbage can.

Heavenly Father, please replace the filthy, broken, used-up, stinking contents of our lives with Your Spirit. Help us to not be Garbage Can Christians. In Jesus' name, Amen.

New containers wanted. Jan
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Isaiah 62 - No rest

About three weeks ago I chaperoned a trip for my youngest son's school. We went over-night to St. Augustine, Florida. It was a 5 hour trip by bus. Did I mention that I was responsible for four boys; all in the fourth grade? I imagine that keeping track of a herd of cats would be very similar to what my task was for that trip. Nine year old boys are easily distracted and do not pay attention to the instructions. I was continually reminding Caleb, Trent, John and Caymen to; keep-up, don't wander, pay attention, stay with the group, and similar words.

When we finally arrived in our hotel room my instructions were to ensure that they did not leave the room until morning. They were wide awake and there was nothing worth watching on TV. I'm not sure if the bed springs in that room will ever recover. I finally managed to get them to bed at about 10pm. It was a very restless night for me. I slept poorly because I was well aware of the fact that I was literally responsible for the well-being of those four boys. I was quite happy when morning came, knowing that I would be among other adults soon.

Overall the trip was wonderful. I had an opportunity to do something with my son Caleb that blessed him, and I was able to help the school. But there was no rest for me due to the vigilance required, and the continual calling of my name by one of the boys when they needed something.

Isaiah 62:6-7 O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls; they will pray to the LORD day and night for the fulfillment of his promises. Take no rest, all you who pray. Give the LORD no rest until he makes Jerusalem the object of praise throughout the earth.

In the verses above, I see God placing watchmen on the walls of the city. Their job is to watch and pray for the the intervention of God. They are to do this task without rest. However, there is an amazing thing in the seventh verse. They are told to give God no rest until He fulfills His promises! What a concept, keep bugging God.

I'm still trying to sort out in my prayer life what it means to be praying in faith. If I continually ask God for something is it truly faith that He will do it in His timing? Am I giving Him room to say "No"? On the other hand, if I just pray once for something and give God rest am I being disobedient to the principle here in Isaiah and in Luke 18:1-8?

Father please help me to know how to pray in Your will. Guide me in all the steps of my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Keep praying. Jan
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Isaiah 61 - Bride and Bridegroom

Two weeks ago marked my wedding anniversary. It brought back many memories of the event, food, family, fancy clothes, flowers, jewelry and such. It was only two years ago, and I have pictures on my wall to remind me, so the experience is still quite fresh.

I remember standing on the raised platform, the pastor at my side; we were both wearing our best suits for the occasion. I even had a flower pinned on, and a cloisonné pin on my lapel. Then my bride appeared! She was spectacular, radiant, and absolutely gorgeous. Her youngest daughter, an accomplished artisan, had made jewelry for her to wear especially on this occasion. They were truly elegant pearl earrings and matching necklace that added just the right touch. I was overjoyed, awestruck, and so proud that she chose me...

The verse below is what brought all this to mind.

Isaiah 61:10 I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels.

Thank You Father for allowing me the joy of seeing this scene in my mind's eye again. Thank You for my bride, my warrior-priestess, my pearl-of-great-price; she truly is a gift from You. May I treat her all of her life as the daughter of the King that she truly is. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Be joyful. Jan
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Isaiah 60 - Depression

I'm writing this on November 30th. It is during this time of year that many people enter into some form of depression. It ranges from mild to extreme cases. For some people the root cause is the death of a loved one that they dearly miss spending time with during the holiday season. For others the absence of a loved one, or ones, could be because of divorce; the result is the same, loneliness and depression. But there is a third factor that comes into play; especially during the winter months. This third factor can exacerbate the first two, or stand alone. It is the lack of bright light. It is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). During the winter months there are less daylight hours, and the light that does exist is usually dimmer. Late in the 1980's scientists determined that thirty minutes to two hours of bright light at 2,500 to 10,000 lux is needed to combat this malady. (Just in case you were wondering, one lux is equal to the light put out by one candle that is located about three feet away. The average living room is lit by about 400 lux.) After several days of this treatment the affected person's SAD condition gradually improves.

So what does this have to do with Isaiah?

Isaiah 60:19-20 "No longer will you need the sun or moon to give you light, for the LORD your God will be your everlasting light, and he will be your glory. The sun will never set; the moon will not go down. For the LORD will be your everlasting light. Your days of mourning will come to an end.

God knows how we are wired; He built us. He promises to dry our tears and to comfort our sorrows. And as we seen here and in Revelation, He promises to be an everlasting light that never sets or wavers.

Thank You Father that You truly care for our human condition. Give me the grace and strength to show mercy and help to those in need; especially during this time of year. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Bring them to The Light. Jan
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Isaiah 59 - He does it

Like many, I struggle with being consistent with my walk with God. Daily distractions, pet sins, and just plain laziness get in the way. I find great comfort in the last verse of this chapter.

Isaiah 59:21 And this is my covenant with them," says the LORD. "My Spirit will not leave them, and neither will these words I have given you. They will be on your lips and on the lips of your children and your children's children forever. I, the LORD, have spoken!

God is saying that He will do it; He will put His words onto my lips. What this tells me is that by His Spirit's power, which will not leave me, the desire and will to be consistent with God will be there.

Thank You Father for this promise that You've given to us and to our descendants. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Peace, Jan
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Isaiah 58 - Obeisance

Last week my pastor called for a day of fasting and prayer. I participated, but was my heart in the right place? I honestly don't think so. I did not take time to prepare, I didn't consider how I should spend the time that I would ordinarily have spent eating or preparing to eat. Then I read today's chapter. God says that fasting is not just about going hungry, it is about much more. It is an opportunity to reflect on God and do good to others.

Isaiah 58:5-7 Is this the kind of fasting I have chosen? Should people humble themselves for only a day? Is fasting just bowing your head like a cattail and making your bed from sackcloth and ashes? Is this what you call fasting? Is this an acceptable day to the LORD? This is the kind of fasting I have chosen: Loosen the chains of wickedness, untie the straps of the yoke, let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke. Share your food with the hungry, take the poor and homeless into your house, and cover them with clothes when you see them naked. Don't refuse to help your relatives.

I must do better, not only on fast days, but on all days.

Heavenly Father, please forgive my failures and my ignorance. Help me to not only hear Your word, but to do it. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Bow all of you, not just your body.
Blessings to you, Jan
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Isaiah 57 - The good die young

I have heard the expression "The good die young." most of my life. I have never thought much about it's roots or origin. Apparently it is from these verses.

Isaiah 57:1-2 The righteous pass away; the godly often die before their time. And no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. For the godly who die will rest in peace.

God is basically saying that the good (righteous) sometimes die young to protect them from evil that would have come their way later in life. If you think about it, it makes perfect sense. After all, what is the goal and desire of every Christian? It is to be in Heaven with our Lord. God in His infinite wisdom sometimes calls us early to spare protect us from some evil to come if we had lived.

Thank You Father for Your mercy. May I live my life in a manner that if You decide that it is my time, It can be said of me that, "He was ready." Please give me the grace and strength to do Your will. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Live well, Live for Him. Jan
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Isaiah 56 - Remember my name

In ancient Egypt it was believed that if your name was remembered and spoken then you would never truly die. That is one reason why the Pharaohs had such elaborate memorials built with their names inscribed upon them, they wanted immortality. An additional way this was done in their culture, and ours, was to pass their name; their immortality along via their children. For if their children bear their names, then their names will continue to live on in them and in their children's children as long as they continue to reproduce.

I see God promising that very thing, and much better, to the eunuch in this chapter - immortality by preserving his name.

Isaiah 56:4-5 For I say this to the eunuchs who keep my Sabbath days holy, who choose to do what pleases me and commit their lives to me: I will give them – in my house, within my walls – a memorial and a name far greater than the honor they would have received by having sons and daughters. For the name I give them is an everlasting one. It will never disappear!

Thank You Father that You truly care about us and our human condition. Thank You for Your promises. In Jesus' name, Amen.

He remembers. Jan
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Isaiah 55 - God's Rain

There are many instances in history of strange rain. In 1873 it rained frogs from the sky in Kansas City. In 1901 in Minneapolis, Minnesota it rained frogs and toads so heavily that some places of the city were impassable due to a three inch layer of the creatures. In 1956 in Chilatchee, Alabama it rained bass, catfish, and bream. And finally in August of 2001 corn-husks rained down on Wichita, Kansas. Most of these strange showers can be attributed to some sort of toranadic activity. But in Isaiah God promises a different kind of rain altogether.

Isaiah 55:10-11 "The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.

God says that just as water from the sky produces growth and life, so His word will fall on everyone and do the same.

Oh, Heavenly Father, please let Your rain continue to fall on us. Let me be a willing, fallow ground, so that much fruit may be produced. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Get wet. Jan
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Isaiah 54 - Victorious

The last verse of this chapter gives a wonderful set victories that the Lord's children can expect.

Isaiah 54:17 But no weapon will be able to hurt you; you will have an answer for all who accuse you. I will defend my servants and give them victory." The Lord has spoken.

We win in the ream of the battlefield, which can be translated as our daily life. We win in the realm of the legal system, which is not ordinarily part of our daily life. And finally, we win in the realm of eternity, for it is the Lord Himself that is defending us.

Thank You Lord for giving us the victory. We truly are more than conquerors when we are in Christ Jesus our Lord. In His name, Amen.

Victory is ours! Jan
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Isaiah 53 - To Whom?

Two questions are asked in the opening verse of this chapter.

Isaiah 53:1 Who has believed our message? To whom will the LORD reveal his saving power?

The answer to the second question is the same as the answer to the first. If we believe His message, then the Lord will reveal His saving power.

Heavenly Father, please help us to spread the message so that people can hear, believe, and have Your saving power revealed to them. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Tell others, Jan
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Isaiah 52 - Suffering

I know that I cannot presently relate to the amount of suffering that our Lord endured for us. Lately I've been having some trouble sleeping due to one arm hurting me. But I can't imagine the pain that Jesus must have experienced.

Isaiah 52:14 Many were amazed when they saw him – beaten and bloodied, so disfigured one would scarcely know he was a person.

I see the description above, I've watched Mel Gibson's Passion movie, but still I don't get it. I pray that I never truly do.

Heavenly Father, I know that Jesus suffered for and because of my sins. I wish that were not the case, but it is. Thank You for allowing Him to do so. Jesus thank You for being willing. Please help me to live a life worthy of the price that You paid. Amen.

Peace, Jan
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Isaiah 51 - Mining for pillars

Last night in my men's group, Wildmen, we talked about our wounds; those things that we suffer as we are growing up that cause or push us to make life choices that are contrary to God's design in our lives.

An example would be; your father continually tells you that you can do better - you never hear, "Great job." The wound is improper support and encouragement, or lack thereof. My reaction might be to become a perfectionist; never happy with anything that I do, knowing that I must and can do better. The lie that I'm living is that 'nothing I do is good enough'.

In men, most often that wound is caused by our fathers; and it isn't just one wound, we receive many growing up. So let's consider the question Isaiah poses in the beginning of this chapter.

Isaiah 51:1b-2 "...Consider the quarry from which you were mined, the rock from which you were cut! Yes, think about your ancestors Abraham and Sarah, from whom you came. Abraham was alone when I called him. But when I blessed him, he became a great nation."

God asks Israel to look back to her past, to see where she's come from. The question is, "Who is Abraham? How was he special? He wasn't." The implied question is, "Who caused Israel to prosper, was it by her own power, or was it by My doing?" Of course the answer is God did it. God is the one who blessed Abraham and made his descendents into a mighty nation.

So let's ask ourselves the same questions. The first question is, "From what quarry were we mined?" For some the answer is not difficult; they are proud to say that they come from a quarry that has long yielded the finest marble and granite, with the richest colors, a quarry that shows no signs of being tapped out. But, for others they hang their heads in shame or sorrow as they say, "I don't even know where I came from." Or they say, "I don't want to remember, it was bad - very bad."

The second question is, "What rock were we cut from?" For some of us the answer is, "From noble granite, polished and ornately carved, set out for service in the Master's house and tended to with great care." However, others must sadly say, "From stinking sulfur or dirty coal, useful only for burning and ultimately to be trampled under foot."

Nevertheless the hope of both is the same, because it is God who said, "I called him. ...I blessed him." We must put our trust in God to either ensure our destiny is fulfilled, or to craft a new one. We must trust Him to work a miracle that only He can do and transform what once was ignoble material into something that is truly useful to the Master's purpose, so that it will bring Him glory and honor. Because if you consider our beginnings, it does not matter what our lineage was, the quarry from which we were mined. Our destinies were all the same. We were bound for hell. It is only the grace and mercy of our Heavenly Father that transforms us into noble pillars in His house.

Revelation 3:12 Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.

Heavenly Father, thank You for changing my worthless slag of a life into something that You can use. Please continue to sand, chip, and polish away those things that are not useful to You so that only what You desire for me remains. In Jesus' name, Amen.

He will do the work if you let Him, Jan
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Isaiah 50 - Israel Divorced?

The prophet Isaiah served God from 740 B.C. to 700 B.C. The prophet Jeremiah served God from 627 B.C. to 580 B.C. You'll see why I'm building the background in a moment; first, this verse.

Isaiah 50:1 The LORD asks, "Did I sell you as slaves to my creditors? Is that why you are not here? Is your mother gone because I divorced her and sent her away? No, you went away as captives because of your sins. And your mother, too, was taken because of your sins.

God is saying here, through Isaiah, that Israel is still His wife. He is saying that she has not been given a certificate of divorce and has not been sent away; that she left Him on her own.

However, fast forward about 75 years to the time of Jeremiah and we find this passage.

Jeremiah 3:8 I gave faithless Israel her certificate of divorce and sent her away because of all her adulteries. Yet I saw that her unfaithful sister Judah had no fear; she also went out and committed adultery.

God eventually had enough. Israel was officially, and legally divorced by Him, He did send her away.

Deuteronomy 24:1 If a man marries a woman who becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house,

Don't forget that it is God himself that gave these instructions by the hand of Moses. The verse above is part of a several chapter long monologue by God where He gives instructions for living to the Hebrews.

History shows that the northern tribes that comprised Israel never returned after the Assyrian's took them as slaves. Israel was indeed divorced.

If you are divorced, or know someone that is, don't forget that God is too. He knows the pain, sorrow, and regret that divorce causes to those involved. Allow Him to minister healing to you, or to others through you.

Be a blessing, Jan
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Isaiah 49 - Tyranny of the Urgent

I can so relate to Isaiah today. So often I feel that I'm wasting my breath, expending my energy, and nothing is getting done. I take one step forward and get pushed two steps back. What's up with that?

Isaiah 49:4a I replied, "But my work all seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose at all..."

Then there are times that the urgent just kills off any opportunity to accomplish that which is desirable or necessary. Charles E. Hummel wrote about this in 1967 in his missive entitled Tyranny of the Urgent. He makes four points about what can be done to combat this predatory thief of our joy. They are;

• Wait for Instructions - God has things he wants us to do. If He is not giving the instructions, then why are we doing it? We must be in communion with Him, in prayer, to know His will.
   
• Dependence Makes You Free - Acknowledge that we cannot do it on our own and abide in His word. Expect God's help. He truly wants to give it.
   
• Evaluate - Take time to plan. Schedule time with God and with your daily planner. Let Him decide what you should and shouldn't engage in. If you don't feel the Lord's leading, don't accept an assignment, no matter how clear your calendar may be.
   
• Continue The Effort - Keep doing it. Satan wants to keep us so busy that we cannot be effective in anything. Do not neglect a fixed time to prayerfully plan your schedule.

If we consistently do these things, then just like Isaiah we can say;

Isaiah 49:4b "...Yet I leave it all in the LORD's hand; I will trust God for my reward."

When our lives are in God's hands, He will ensure that they are according to His will.

Heavenly Father, please forgive me for succumbing to the Tyranny of the Urgent. Please help me to practice what I preach and make the time that I need to spend with You. Only then can the rest of my life be in balance. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Make the time, Jan
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Isaiah 48 - His Commands

In this chapter there is an awesome blessing promised. I love the word picture.

Isaiah 48:18 Oh, that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling like waves.

Heavenly Father, please give me the grace to truly listen and obey Your commands. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Listen. Jan
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Isaiah 47 - How it all would end

Babylon is being judged for her sins, for her pride in assuming that she was the end-all be-all of her existence. She did not consider her future.

Isaiah 47:7 You thought you would always be a queen, and did not take these things to heart or think how it all would end.

I did a search on the internet for the phrase "How it all would end" and came up with a poignant poem by one of our US Army soldiers. He is considering it. I wonder if he knows the Lord. Below is the poem - pray for him.

WOULD ANY REMEMBER

I have wondered how it all would end; I have taken the path less traveled yet the honor of many men.

Would I be ready when that day comes? would the flags fly at half staff? Would l I be missed or forgotten? Would my body be recovered or left behind?

Yet, still wear my medals and uniform with pride knowing deep in my heart that I am bound to die.

Would my coffin be draped by the stars and stripes the red, the white and the blue of the American flag? Would someone play the taps and have my gun salute as my wife is given the folded flag.

I could perhaps be a doctor or a lawyer and never worry of this but how would I guarantee that my family be free? I have wondered how it all would end I have soldiered well, but would any remember me when I crossed into heaven or hell.

m_pilarte@hotmail.com
Michael Pilarte of US Army, Active

Heavenly Father, draw this man into a personal relationship with Your son. Don't let him take the course of Babylon. In Jesus' name, Amen.

It will end, are you ready?
Jan
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Isaiah 46 - Crown of Gray Hair

There are three passages about gray hair in the bible that stand out to me. Today's reading has one, and the others are from Proverbs.

Isaiah 46:4 I am your God and will take care of you until you are old and your hair is gray. I made you and will care for you; I will give you help and rescue you.

Proverbs 16:31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.

Proverbs 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.

All three speak of the value God places on us and the fact that it is He that is responsible for our lives. The latter two show that the attaining of gray hair is something that happens if we live a righteous life. They also show that our hair is graying indicates that God is arraying our heads with a crown that is the color of precious metal - silver - our value is rising.

May we not give him reason to cause all of our hair to fall out. May some of it remain to proudly display our increasing value to Him.

Blessings to you, Jan
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Isaiah 45 - What's in a name?

O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father, and refuse thy name; Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, And I’ll no longer be a Capulet.

’Tis but thy name that is my enemy; Thou art thyself though, not a Montague. What’s Montague? it is nor hand, nor foot, Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part Belonging to a man. O! be some other name: What’s in a name? that which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet; So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call’d, Retain that dear perfection which he owes Without that title. Romeo, doff thy name; And for that name, which is no part of thee, Take all myself.

The discourse above is from the Shakespeare play, Romeo and Juliet. She is asking him to forsake his family name. Or if he cannot, she offers to renounce hers instead. She reasons that a name is nothing. It is merely a label. And in the context of this play that is true. But if we change that context and move the question to the realm of the eternal, to God Himself, it is quite a different tale.

What's in a name? The answer is literally everything if that name is God.

Isaiah 45:21e-23 For there is no other God but me – a just God and a Savior – no, not one! Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other. I have sworn by my own name, and I will never go back on my word: Every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will confess allegiance to my name.

There exists no authority higher than The Lord God Himself, so it is only by His own integrity that He keeps His word. We can be certain that if He says something, it will be done. He has a good name.

Proverbs 21:1a A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches

Ecclesiastes 7:1a A good name is better than precious ointment.

How's your name? Is it merely a label, or is it something of honor, of integrity that can be proudly said? If you tell someone something, do they wonder if it will be done, or do they know that because you gave your word it will be done?

Just like God chose to make His name stand for something, you can make yours stand for something. However, the question of what it will stand for is up to you?

How do you establish a name that truly stands for something? I think King David said it quite well in the following Psalm.

Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to slander others or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise persistent sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the LORD and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who do not charge interest on the money they lend, and who refuse to accept bribes to testify against the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever. - Psalm 15

Heavenly Father, please help me to be someone that You can be proud of. I want it to be said that I'm your son, and you are pleased with me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Make yours a good name. Jan
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Isaiah 44 - Swept Away

An amazing thing happened during the hurricanes of 2005. There were homes in areas of the Louisiana Gulf Coast that were only slightly damaged standing next to clean slabs where homes once stood. What made the difference? It was the integrity of the structure. The homes that stood up to the pounding were stronger. They were built of better materials, following better standards. Their very survival proved the superior skills of the craftsmen the built them.

Just like the shoddy workmanship that failed, next to homes that stood, Satan's workmanship - our sins - are shoddy in comparison to the work of God.

Isaiah 44:22 I have swept away your sins like the morning mists. I have scattered your offenses like the clouds. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free.

His wind will sweep our sins away leaving the foundation intact, if it is Christ. Our offenses against him will be scattered like the clouds. We will be left with a clean start which will allow us to build something lasting, something permanent. He has already paid for the land and the foundation. What is built upon it is up to us.

Hire the Master Builder and never worry about the storms again.

Heavenly Father, please give me the wisdom to let You do the work of building in my life. Anything I could ever hope to construct would be a shack in comparison. Thank You for being the General Contractor of my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Peace, Jan
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Isaiah 43 - I

If a person were to use the pronoun "I" as often as God does in this chapter, we would consider him some sort of megalomaniac. However, it is God. He is the only one that has the rightful authority to do so. The pronoun "I" is used, about forty times in this chapter, and that is not counting the third person references to Himself. What a wonderful thing to know that He is the "I am". The most important of the I's is in the following verse.

Isaiah 43:25 "I – yes, I alone – am the one who blots out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.

Without this assurance, we all would be lost.

Thank You Father that You truly are worthy. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Praise Him, Jan
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Isaiah 42 - Warrior or Peacemaker?

As Christians, all too often we succumb to the theology of extremes. Let me explain. What I see is that we find ourselves either viewing God as some cosmic ogre, bent on punishing any infraction, or we go to the opposite end of the spectrum and view him only through the kind acts personified by Jesus. Isaiah spoke about Jesus' kindness here in this passage.

Isaiah 42:1-3a "Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.

Now contrast that with this description of God, just a few verses later.

Isaiah 42:13 The Lord will march out like a mighty man, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies.

So which is He, warrior or peacemaker? I believe that to base our theology one or the other is deadly wrong. Deadly is a serious word. And I chose it purposely, for it is truly deadly to the human soul to view God through a myopic lens. We must see the entire spectrum of God's attributes as a unified whole. Otherwise God becomes a caricature - something other than His true nature.

It is like when you take a prism and shine a light through and watch in wonder, at least I do, as it breaks down what we perceive as a single unified waveform of white light into it's distinct components. If you were to remove any of those individual light components from a single light source and attempt to break it down via a prism, the result would be lacking something, and the original unified light would be tainted. It would no longer be a pure white light.

In the same way if we try to separate God's attributes, or if we focus on just one aspect of God, ignoring the others, we no longer see Him for who He truly is.

Isaiah 42:6 "I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles,

Jesus is the covenant, the inheritance, for the people and He is our light. Don't make the deadly mistake of attempting to remove any of His attributes. Let His light shine brightly.

He is Lord! Jan
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Isaiah 41 - Holding my hand

I still remember the day like as if it were yesterday. I was walking in the Bok Tower gardens in central Florida with a girl. Not just any girl. I felt as though she was 'the one', and I had chosen this spot to 'fish or cut bait' as the expression goes. Our friendship had been progressing steadily deeper and now was the time to make my intentions known, to pursue a courting relationship - the outcome of which would either be marriage or parting of our ways.

The time that I waited for her answer seemed like an eternity, but I'm sure it was mere seconds. I was scared, I had brought her nearly two hours out to the center of the state. If I had misinterpreted her affections, it could be a long uncomfortable ride back home.

She said Yes!

When I reached for her hand, I could have fought giants in that moment. I felt such elation, comfort, and peace that I knew that the Lord was smiling down on us. My fears were all erased with the holding of our hands. I imagine that something similar is going on here in Isaiah when God takes Israel's hand. Her fears vanish.

Isaiah 41:10;13 Don't be afraid, because I am with you. Don't be intimidated; I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will support you with my victorious right hand... I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand and say to you, 'Don't be afraid; I will help you.'

May the Lord take your hand and relieve your fear and intimidation. May you experience His love.

Thank You Lord for my bride. She is truly a gift from You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Peace, Jan
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Isaiah 40 - New Strength

The previous four chapters could have been their own book named Hezekiah. However the internal authorship style is consistent with Isaiah's writing, proving he wrote it, so it is part of his book. 

With this chapter there is another abrupt shift in the tone of the book. Isaiah, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, begins to tell of the majesty of God and the coming Messiah. Some of the most beautiful similes in all of the bible come from the next section of Isaiah. The following speaks personally to me right where I am today.

Isaiah 40:29-31 He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

I'm tired, my throat is scratchy, and I'm feeling generally run-down. But I don't have time to be ill. I have work to do at my job. This weekend I have a charity walk to participate in. And next week is my anniversary and I'm chaperoning a trip for my youngest son's school.

I am so glad that my Heavenly Father promises me renewal and fresh strength. All I need to do is patiently wait on Him. Of course during that waiting I must ensure that I am practicing proper biblical care of my health - something that is presently lacking.

Lord, please forgive me for being so busy. Forgive me for improperly caring for the temple that you've put me in charge of. Please help me to fulfill my commitments so that I am a man of my word. Give me wisdom in knowing what challenges to take, and which to refuse. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Wait on the Lord. Jan
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Isaiah 39 - Pride's Price

King Hezekiah's reoccurring problem was pride. He exhibited pride when he stopped paying taxes to the King of Assyria. He exhibited pride when he tried, in his own power, to pay-off Sennacherib so that he wouldn't attack Jerusalem. Today we see the following demonstration of pride, of self-importance.

Isaiah 39:1-2 At that time Baladan's son, King Merodach Baladan of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah. He had heard that Hezekiah had been sick and had recovered. Hezekiah was so happy with them that he showed the messengers his warehouse: the silver, gold, balsam, fine olive oil, his entire armory, and everything in his treasury. Hezekiah showed them everything in his palace and every corner of his kingdom.

Note the word "his". It appears five times. Do you see anywhere the phrase, "God has blessed me with..."? Hezekiah, in his pride, showed off all of his wealth and weaponry.

The response was immediate. God told him that his kingdom would fall - that all that was his would go to another. The silver lining was that it would not happen in Hezekiah's lifetime.

What a price Hezekiah paid! His posterity was cursed as a result. May we, unlike Hezekiah, learn to be humble in the sight of our Lord. Only then can He lift us up.

Blessings to you, Jan
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Isaiah 38 - Pain

Nothing teaches quite as well as pain. Put your hand on a hot stove once, you'll never do that again. Hezekiah talks about the value of pain in this chapter.

Isaiah 38:16-17 Lord, your discipline is good, for it leads to life and health. You have restored my health and have allowed me to live! Yes, it was good for me to suffer this anguish, for you have rescued me from death and have forgiven all my sins.

It is interesting to me to note that Hezekiah is considering his illness to be the result of a sin. I mentioned it yesterday, and tomorrow we'll see the sin in action again. It is pride. Hezekiah brought about the attack by Sennacherib because of his decision to stop paying tribute. He was puffed up with self importance, then he compounded that sin by robbing the temple of God - to no avail I might add.

However, God had mercy on him as a reward for Hezekiah's faithfulness to Him and He allowed Hezekiah fifteen more years of life. Unfortunately Hezekiah promptly screws it up again - he forgot his pain. But that is a story for tomorrow.

Lord, please keep me from presumptuous sins. Forgive me for my frequent failures. Help me to do better, In Jesus name, Amen.

Stay humble, live right. Jan
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Isaiah 37 - An Angel

I think we as mortals tend to be incredibly myopic about the spiritual realm that engulfs us. There are countless angels (Job 25:3) that inhabit that realm, either doing battle for or against us. So often we blithely go about our lives as if we were the only thing that mattered on this plant.

In this chapter we see the power of just one angel displayed. Look at what God said in the passage below, and the result.

Isaiah 37:35-36 "I will defend this city and save it, for my sake and for the sake of David my servant!" Then the angel of the Lord went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning--there were all the dead bodies!

We know that there are vast number of these angels. We might suppose that angels with this kind of power would be a bit fewer in number. So let's for the sake of argument assume that only the archangels can do this much damage. How many of them are there?

The known archangels are Gabriel, Michael, Raphael, Uriel, Raguel, Sariel, and Jerahmeel. Gabriel and Michael are mentioned in the book of Daniel, Raphael in the book of Tobit (from the Protestant Apocrypha or Catholic and Orthodox Deuterocanon) and the remaining four in the book of Enoch from the Old Testament Pseudepigrapha (considered canonical by the Ethiopian Orthodox). Source Wikipedia

So if one of these heavenly host could wipe out 185,000 people in a six hour period, how long would it take the known seven to wipe all of us off the planet?

In just six hours these seven angels could eliminate 1,295,000 people. In thirty days it would be 155 million, in one year it would be almost 2 billion. There are about 6 billion humans on the planet, so at that same rate, it would take a little over three years.

We have the gall to paint them as puffy little babies with doves wings! I don't think so. Imagine a ten foot tall Arnold Schwarzenegger during his prime, as Conan the Barbarian, and we might get a better picture of an Angel's true power.

Thank God that we are on the winning side!

We have an army of light supporting and surrounding us. Start living like it.

Blessings to you, Jan

p.s. Hezekiah's big mistake in the previous chapter was not waiting. I suspect that we'll see soon that he has a pride problem. Sennacherib left with the silver and gold, leaving Jerusalem plundered. The people of Jerusalem's lives were saved, but not their treasure.
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Isaiah 36 - Real Faith?

In this chapter Isaiah takes a break from alternating between doom and gloom and peace on earth to give us a historical narrative. However, I find his version a bit lacking. I suspect that he didn't want to invoke King Hezekiah's ire.

We open with the King of Assyria laying siege to Jerusalem. His representative gives a speech, in the Hebrew language, that is meant to bring fear and disloyalty.

Isaiah 36:18-21 "Don't let Hezekiah mislead you by saying, 'The LORD will rescue us!' Have the gods of any other nations ever saved their people from the king of Assyria? What happened to the gods of Hamath and Arpad? And what about the gods of Sepharvaim? Did they rescue Samaria from my power? What god of any nation has ever been able to save its people from my power? Name just one! So what makes you think that the LORD can rescue Jerusalem?" But the people were silent and did not answer because Hezekiah had told them not to speak.

The previous section of scripture makes it seem like Hezekiah is a pillar of virtue, relying on the Lord to rescue Jerusalem. However, there is more to this story.

Hezekiah was truly a King that tried to get things right in the eyes of God. As a result God blessed him and Hezekiah decides to revolt against Assyria.

2 Kings 18:7 So the LORD was with him, and Hezekiah was successful in everything he did. He revolted against the king of Assyria and refused to pay him tribute.

Ten years later, the King of Assyria decides to do something about his lost revenue.

2 Kings 18:13 In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah's reign, King Sennacherib of Assyria came to attack the fortified cities of Judah and conquered them.

While the King of Assyria was still in Judea, and not yet at Jerusalem, Hezekiah did the following.

2 Kings 18:14-16 King Hezekiah sent this message to the king of Assyria at Lachish: "I have done wrong. I will pay whatever tribute money you demand if you will only go away." The king of Assyria then demanded a settlement of more than eleven tons of silver and about one ton of gold. To gather this amount, King Hezekiah used all the silver stored in the Temple of the LORD and in the palace treasury. Hezekiah even stripped the gold from the doors of the LORD's Temple and from the doorposts he had overlaid with gold, and he gave it all to the Assyrian king.

Does this look like trusting in the Lord to you? I sure doesn't to me. This is the same guy from this passage!

2 Chronicles 29:3 In the very first month of the first year of his reign, Hezekiah reopened the doors of the Temple of the LORD and repaired them.

In an attempt to pay a bribe (do it his way), he removed silver from God's temple, and even stripped the very same temple doors that he'd repaired fourteen years earlier! If only he had fully trusted in the Lord, as we'll see tomorrow.

Heavenly Father, please forgive my lack of trust. It is so obvious at times that it is almost comical. I need to rely upon You to do those things that You've promised. I need to bring You my problems and truly leave them in Your hands, not trying to take them back until You decide to hand me the finished product. Please give me the wisdom and patience I need. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Wait on the Lord. Jan
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Isaiah 35 - Desert Flowers

Due to El Nino, America's southwestern deserts have been experiencing unusually high amounts of rain and snowfall. This is something that ordinarily would not occur. After-all, they are deserts. The definition of a desert is; a dry, often sandy region of little rainfall, extreme temperatures, and sparse vegetation.

The results of the heavy rainfall and snow are absolutely spectacular. Seeds that have long been waiting for water finally receive life giving liquid. They immediately sprout and flower with an unbridled passion. The desert itself transforms from an ugly arid brown wasteland into an enormous canvas of vibrant color and wondrous scents that draws you like a magnet to it's unveiled beauty.

I see God promising that very thing in today's reading from Isaiah.

Isaiah 35:1-2 Even the wilderness will rejoice in those days. The desert will blossom with flowers. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon, as lovely as Mount Carmel's pastures and the plain of Sharon. There the LORD will display his glory, the splendor of our God.

Below are some thumbnail photos from our deserts in bloom. Click on each photo to make it larger. Use your back button to return to this page.

They truly do display the splendor of our God. Now image what this might look like when it is  not just a random confluence of weather, when it is the Lord Himself Who is painting the desert in preparation for His coming.

Isaiah 35:6b-7 Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the desert. The parched ground will become a pool, and springs of water will satisfy the thirsty land. Marsh grass and reeds and rushes will flourish where desert jackals once lived.

He is an amazing creative God!

Rejoice. Jan
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Isaiah 34 - Good Evening

I remember that as a boy, every evening, I would watch the CBS Evening News with my father. Walter Cronkite was the Anchorman. He would begin every broadcast with "Good Evening America..." and continue on from there with a mix of reporting and entertaining commentary.

Mr. Cronkite is no longer on the air. And I've noticed that news reporting has changed. Now days the only good thing you hear on the news is the opening line, "This is CBS. Good Evening." It is sad that the only thing worth reporting, in the broadcaster's opinion, is bad news. I personally visit happynews.com on a regular basis to get a dose of equilibrium. You should try it some time.

Why did I start with the unhappy CBS news? It is because in today's chapter in Isaiah there isn't anything to be happy about. The only thing good is the first verse. It is all down hill from there.

Isaiah 34:1 Come here and listen, O nations of the earth. Let the world and everything in it hear my words.

God is announcing the news, and it sucks to be an Edomite. They will be utterly destroyed and their land desolate. Nothing but wild, untamed creatures will live there. In verse seventeen God deeds it to the creatures for eternity.

Isaiah 34:17b They will possess it forever, from generation to generation.

In the verse above, you can almost hear God, speaking in Walter Cronkite's voice, saying, "And that's the way it is."

Lord, thank You that I'm on the receiving end of Your mercy. Please help me to live my life in a way that does not require Your vengeance. Thank You that Your Son paid my penalty in advance. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Good night, Jan
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Isaiah 33 - Riches

On January 26, 1876 one of the greatest robberies in history occurred. It was bigger than the Brinks Robbery, and bigger than the Great Train Robbery. It happened at the North Hampton National Bank in Massachusetts. The thieves managed to steal the equivalent of $26.4 million dollars in today's money. Many people lost their personal fortunes, most notable of which was a judge who lived in an apartment directly above the bank. He lost over $3.3 million dollars in today's money. They put their faith in the bank and were sorely let down.

There exists  however a much greater treasure that no bank could ever hope to contain and no robber can ever steal. This treasure is our salvation - our relationship with God.

Isaiah 33:5-6 The LORD is honored because he lives on high. He will fill Zion with justice and righteousness. He will be the foundation of your future. The riches of salvation are wisdom and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is your treasure.

I see in this chapter that two things, wisdom and knowledge, are the items contained in the treasure chest of salvation - the riches. I guess we could view them as a very expensive re-birthday present.

Since I am a child of God I have access to my father's wealth, which includes His wisdom and knowledge whenever I need it. All I need to do is ask.

James 1:5 If you need wisdom – if you want to know what God wants you to do – ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking.

Heavenly Father thank You that You love to give good gifts to Your children - especially for their re-birthday. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Be blessed. Jan
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Isaiah 32 - Until

A word with a promise - until. It means "up to the time that or when". I see it signifying a wondrous transition here in this chapter. All is doom and gloom, until...

Isaiah 32:14-18 The palace and the city will be deserted, and busy towns will be empty. Herds of donkeys and goats will graze on the hills where the watchtowers are, until at last the Spirit is poured down upon us from heaven. Then the wilderness will become a fertile field, and the fertile field will become a lush and fertile forest. Justice will rule in the wilderness and righteousness in the fertile field. And this righteousness will bring peace. Quietness and confidence will fill the land forever. My people will live in safety, quietly at home. They will be at rest.

What a promise! The Spirit is poured down upon us from heaven.

In Acts we see that Jesus has already risen from the dead and is appearing to His disciples at various times.

Acts 1:4-5 In one of these meetings as he (Jesus) was eating a meal with them, he told them (disciples), "Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you what he promised. Remember, I have told you about this before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

A few days later, we see their "until."

Acts 2:16-17 No, what you see this morning was predicted centuries ago by the prophet Joel: 'In the last days, God said, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.

Unless we are living in the "post-last-days", then this promise is for us too. Our until is now.

Lord, thank You that You do imbue us with power from on high. There is no way that we can lead this Christian life in our own power. Thank You for the gift of You Holy Spirit living in me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Jan
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Isaiah 31 - Trust

Many years ago there was a popular t-shirt with a hideous looking little creature pictured on it. Just below the creature were the words, "Trust me." Some time after that Isuzu Motor Corporation had an advertising campaign featuring "Joe Isuzu". He was a total despicable sleazy salesman. His tag line was also "Trust me".

The obvious implication of both of these icons was that only a fool would trust them.

Isaiah 31:1 Destruction is certain for those who look to Egypt for help, trusting their cavalry and chariots instead of looking to the LORD, the Holy One of Israel.

Shortly after World War I, French Minister of Defense, André Maginot convinced the French government to build a build a line of hardened concrete fortifications, tank bunkers, machine gun posts and other defenses along the French border with Germany and Italy. It was built at enormous cost over a period of nine years, starting in 1930. On May 10th of 1940 Germany invaded France through Belgium, bypassing the line entirely. The French government surrendered on June 22nd.

Just like those in today's reading, the French were trusting in their engineering and weaponry to save them. It didn't. Their trust was abruptly shattered. They were fighting a vastly superior military - one with strategies and weapons they couldn't conceive.

Isaiah 31:3 For these Egyptians are mere humans, not God! Their horses are puny flesh, not mighty spirits! When the LORD clenches his fist against them, they will stumble and fall among those they are trying to help. They will all fall down and die together.

Lord, thank You that You truly are the God of the Angel Armies. I can safely put my trust in You because nothing can withstand You. Thank You that I get to be on Your side - the winning side. In Jesus' name, Amen.

We win. Jan
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Isaiah 30 - Mood Music

Have you ever listened to a movie that has no background music? It is just plain strange. We are so accustomed to having the scene set with the appropriate mood music that when it is not there we quickly notice.

Often times it is that way even in life. Just this past Sunday my family and I were working on a craft project. To enhance the mood I put on a guitar music CD. The music truly made the work go quickly and smoothly.

I see something similar, in a morbid way, in today's reading.

Isaiah 30:27-29;31-32 Look! The LORD is coming from far away, burning with anger, surrounded by a thick, rising smoke. His lips are filled with fury; his words consume like fire. His anger pours out like a flood on his enemies, sweeping them all away. He will sift out the proud nations. He will bridle them and lead them off to their destruction. But the people of God will sing a song of joy, like the songs at the holy festivals. You will be filled with joy, as when a flutist leads a group of pilgrims to Jerusalem – the mountain of the LORD – to the Rock of Israel... At the LORD's command, the Assyrians will be shattered. He will strike them down with his rod. And as the LORD strikes them, his people will keep time with the music of tambourines and harps.

In this passage, I see God destroying the Assyrians while mood music is being played. I wonder what this must have sounded like.

I wonder what our life's mood music sounds like. Is it something pleasant and calming, or is it something that you put on at night to drive the roaches out of your kitchen?

Heavenly Father, please let the mood music of my life bring healing to those around me. In Jesus name, Amen.

Make a joyful noise, Jan
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Isaiah 29 - Unstopping and Lifting

In the course of my current job I do pro-bono work for a deaf-school. It is sometimes very strange to experience the silence that speaks so loudly in that environment. Many of the children have undergone operations to have an cochlear implant put in. This miraculous device bypasses the damaged or non-functional mechanical portions of the ear (stirrup, hammer, anvil, drum...) and accesses the auditory nerves directly - via electronic microphone input. These children for whom the world was once a silent place are now exposed to a cacophony of sensation that they had only imagined, but never experienced. Often times the input is so overwhelming for them that they turn the implant off for rest periods. They have not learned, as we have, to "tune out" background sounds and things that distract.

The age we live in is a true blessing to the sensory disabled. In years past the deaf and blind would most likely have been institutionalized or condemned, through no fault of their own, to lives of mediocrity and poverty. Now, through the use of assistive technology they are empowered to obtain meaningful satisfying employment and live rich productive lives that sometimes surpass that of those that are not disabled. Their only limitation is their own desire and determination.

However a time is coming when God Himself will intervene. The Great Physician is stepping back into the realm of mankind. He is making a house-call. Healing is coming - and He won't need to perform surgery to do it!

Isaiah 29:18-19 In that day deaf people will hear words read from a book, and blind people will see through the gloom and darkness. The humble will be filled with fresh joy from the LORD. Those who are poor will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

Right now, in our present day and age, be it through God's providence or man's ingenuity,  the deaf are being enabled to hear, the blind are having their sight restored. Their ears are unstopped, their veil is being lifted. However, are we saying something they need to hear? And are we showing them a life worth living?

Heavenly Father, please help us to show mercy and compassion to those around us. Let them see Jesus working in their lives by our words and deeds. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Be a blessing. Jan
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Isaiah 28 - Old Isaiah's Farm

At the end of this chapter is a bit of profound wisdom. It is easy to overlook if we view it merely as God giving instructions on farming. But that isn't the case at all. God is using metaphor to talk about something different, something far more important.

First let me show that I'm not twisting the scripture. I'm doing exactly what the Apostle Paul did with similar scripture.

Deuteronomy 25:4 Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.

1Corinthians 9:9-10 For it is written in the Law of Moses: "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." Is it about oxen that God is concerned? Surely he says this for us, doesn't he? Yes, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they ought to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest.

1Timothy 5:18 For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages."

Paul showed from Deuteronomy, that while God referenced Oxen, He was actually expressing a much more universal principle - namely, that the worker deserves to benefit from the work.

With this background laid, let's look at today's reading.

Isaiah 28:24-29 Does a farmer always plow and never sow? Is he forever cultivating the soil and never planting it? Does he not finally plant his seeds for dill, cumin, wheat, barley, and spelt, each in its own section of his land? The farmer knows just what to do, for God has given him understanding. He doesn't thresh all his crops the same way. A heavy sledge is never used on dill; rather, it is beaten with a light stick. A threshing wheel is never rolled on cumin; instead, it is beaten softly with a flail. Bread grain is easily crushed, so he doesn't keep on pounding it. He threshes it under the wheels of a cart, but he doesn't pulverize it. The LORD Almighty is a wonderful teacher, and he gives the farmer great wisdom.

Isaiah is showing that the work that we do, and the tools that we use, must change and adapt based upon the need and circumstance. We cannot use just one tool over and over again no matter how different the job, and expect a satisfactory result. For example; If I use a sledgehammer to drive a post into the ground, I am using the right tool for the job and should efficiently achieve my result. But if I try to use that same sledgehammer to brush my teeth, the result will be less than satisfactory and quite painful.

So why do we Christians think that everyone is going to respond to the gospel in the same way? "Well, we've always done it this way." is an answer I hear so often. Ok, so why aren't you riding a horse instead of sitting in your air-conditioned car? Why do you have a cell-phone in your pocket?

The tools must change, the methods of using them will evolve, but the end result that we desire and work for is always the same - a harvest.

I think the Apostle Paul put it quite well in this section of scripture.

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

Why did he adapt his methods and manners? The answer is in nearly every verse - to win as many, to win the Jews, to win those under the law, to win those not having the law, to win the weak - in short, to win the lost.

Pray to the Lord for wisdom, He loves to give good gifts to His children. He gives wisdom to those that ask. He is the Lord of the Harvest. Our job is to go into the field and use the tools that He makes available to us. Don't go looking for that which you've always used - use what is at hand.

Bring in the sheaves. Jan
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Isaiah 27 - I, the Lord

I see Another wonderful promise here.

Isaiah 27:3 I, the LORD, will watch over it and tend its fruitful vines. Each day I will water them; day and night I will watch to keep enemies away.

Can you imagine having God Himself watch over you, ensure that you are fed and safe?

Well we have this promise now! It may not be quite the way that He puts it here - an actual physical presence. But God is watching over us. He lives in us and cares about our every need. We just tend to forget - at least I do.

Father, please forgive me for my lack of trust in You. So often I do things out of my own strength, and as a result botch things up. Please help me to do better. In Jesus name, Amen.

He's watching! Jan
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Isaiah 26 - Resurrection, Peace

I remember reading that the Sadducees do not believe in the resurrection.

Luke 20:27 Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him...

Apparently they have not studied the book of Isaiah very much. Look at this verse.

Isaiah 25:19 Yet we have this assurance: Those who belong to God will live; their bodies will rise again! Those who sleep in the earth will rise up and sing for joy! For God's light of life will fall like dew on his people in the place of the dead!

I don't think Isaiah could have put it any plainer, do you? It is amazing that they could deny it after reading this.

Changing the subject entirely, I think the following verses, mirrored in the New Testament, are an awesome encouragement and blessing.

Isaiah 25:3-4 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock.

Here is the New Testament version.

Philippians 4:4-9 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

May you too be kept in perfect peace by doing His will.

Rejoice. Jan
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Isaiah 25 - In that day

What a great expression, "in that day". It is forward looking, it brings hope, it brings promise, it brings healing, it brings joy, it is life - eternal.

Isaiah 25:7-9 In that day he will remove the cloud of gloom, the shadow of death that hangs over the earth. He will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign LORD will wipe away all tears. He will remove forever all insults and mockery against his land and people. The LORD has spoken!

In that day the people will proclaim, "This is our God. We trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!"

Obviously the day that is being referenced is when Christ returns to set up His millennial kingdom. It promises to be truly glorious!

Thank You Father that I get to be a part of that day. Thank You Jesus for Your sacrifice, may I honor You with my life. Amen.

That day is coming! Jan
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Isaiah 24 - Praise and Trust

Even in the midst of great sorrow or turmoil there can be found reason to praise God.

Isaiah 24:14-15 They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing; For the majesty of the Lord they shall cry aloud from the sea. Therefore glorify the Lord in the dawning light, The name of the Lord God of Israel in the coastlands of the sea.

Just as Job cried to the Lord, so do the people of this chapter.

Job 13:15a Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.

Praise God, no matter the circumstances.

Blessings to you, Jan
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Isaiah 23 - Egyptian Anguish

Another history lesson today from catechumen Jan.

Egypt has been a focus for me in this book. I see her mentioned again. Why?

Isaiah 23:5 When word comes to Egypt, they will be in anguish at the report from Tyre.

Egypt's Nile river valley was the "bread-basket" of the ancient world. They produced much more grain than they needed internally, so they used merchant ships to export it.

Tyre's port was the largest, as was their trading fleet. They were quite proud of themselves. In fact King Hiram of Tyre was instrumental in building Solomon's Temple. But much time had passed since then and godless leaders were now in place. God had enough, He was pronouncing judgment.

Tyre was a city built with two parts. One was on the mainland, the other was on an island separated from the mainland by about 200 yards of water about 20 feet deep.

As prophesized, Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to the city of Tyre in 573 B.C., when Ithobalus was king, but did not take it until thirteen years later. In the process the mainland city was destroyed. The remaining inhabitants fled to the island portion. 70 years later Tyre began to experience freedom again under King Xerxes.

Isaiah 23:15-17 For seventy years, the length of a king's life, Tyre will be forgotten. But then the city will come back to life and sing sweet songs like a prostitute. Long absent from her lovers, she will take a harp, walk the streets, and sing her songs, so that she will again be remembered. Yes, after seventy years the LORD will revive Tyre. But she will be no different than she was before. She will return again to all her evil ways around the world.

So she went back to her evil ways. But God was not done with her yet. A new King from Chittim (the Mediterranean Islands and Macedonia) was to arise and deal her the prophesized death blow (Isaiah 23:1, Ezekiel 26:3-4;14). This happened in 332 B.C. when Alexander The Great used rubble from the destroyed mainland city of Tyre to create a land-bridge for his forces to assault the island city of Tyre. The mainland city, now stripped of resources could not rebuild and became utterly barren.

Ezekiel 26:3-5;14 Therefore thus says the Lord God: 'Behold, I am against you, O Tyre, and will cause many nations to come up against you, as the sea causes its waves to come up. And they shall destroy the walls of Tyre and break down her towers; I will also scrape her dust from her, and make her like the top of a rock. It shall be a place for spreading nets in the midst of the sea, for I have spoken,' says the Lord God; 'it shall become plunder for the nations... I will make you like the top of a rock; you shall be a place for spreading nets, and you shall never be rebuilt, for I the Lord have spoken,' says the Lord God.

The time and effort that this siege cost Alexander was immense, over seven months. He was so enraged that he had Tyre's 30,000 residents either massacred or sold into slavery. To ensure that Tyre would not revive as a center of commerce, he founded Alexandria as a substitute. It flourished in his brief lifetime, and after Alexander's death, Alexandria did indeed become one of the most important cities in the world under the reign of the Ptolemy kings.

The moral of the story is don't mess with God. He always keeps His promises.

Thank You Lord. That you do love us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

He reigns! Jan
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Isaiah 22 - Tomorrow we die

There was so much in this chapter, I had trouble picking out just one thing. But these verses stood out.

Isaiah 22:12-13 The Lord, the LORD Almighty, called you to weep and mourn. He told you to shave your heads in sorrow for your sins and to wear clothes of sackcloth to show your remorse. But instead, you dance and play; you slaughter sacrificial animals, feast on meat, and drink wine. "Let's eat, drink, and be merry," you say. "What's the difference, for tomorrow we die."

God was telling them of their impending judgment so that they would repent. So what do they do? They live it up like there is no tomorrow. It reminds me of a passage from Romans.

Romans 1:28-32 When they refused to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their evil minds and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, fighting, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They are forever inventing new ways of sinning and are disobedient to their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, and are heartless and unforgiving. They are fully aware of God's death penalty for those who do these things, yet they go right ahead and do them anyway. And, worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.

They are getting what they deserve. Thank God that we do not. We get what we do not deserve. We get grace and eternal life due to the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf.

Rejoice, for forever we live! Jan
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Isaiah 21 - Interpretations

Something in this chapter stood out to me. The word Tema.

Isaiah 21:13-17 This message came to me concerning Arabia: O caravans from Dedan, hide in the deserts of Arabia. O people of Tema, bring food and water to these weary refugees. They have fled from drawn swords and sharp arrows and the terrors of war. "But within a year," says the Lord, "all the glory of Kedar will come to an end. Only a few of its courageous archers will survive. I, the LORD, the God of Israel, have spoken!"

It turns out that Tema was Ishmael's ninth son. (Don't forget that God promised Hagar that He would bless Ishmael and make him father of a mighty nation.) Tema established a town named after himself, now known as Tiema. It is an oasis in the desert on a trade-route cross road. This would make it a popular stopping place for travelers and ensure it's success.

The amazing thing is that there are two entirely different interpretations of this passage of prophecy. One by the Judeo-Christian community, and one by the Arabian.

The traditional Judeo-Christian view is that this prophecy was fulfilled when the Assyrian army under Sennacherib invaded, capturing 46 cities of Judah, some time around 705-681 BC.

However the Muslims believe that this prophecy was fulfilled by Mohammed sometime around the year 600 AD when his group of followers escaped Kedar and reached Madina (very near Tiema). There they were treated kindly and given water and food. They believe a second part of the prophecy was fulfilled one year later when the men of Kedar were badly defeated in the battle of Badr by Mohammed and his troops.

This was the turning point for the Islamic nation. It was from this victory that Islam has spread into the world power that it is today.

I find it utterly amazing that this one passage of scripture has so much of the world's past and present referenced to it.

Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the One True God. And it is only through Your Son Jesus that we can have entrance into eternal life and Heaven. Please help me to be a good student of Your word so that I may dig up the nuggets of wisdom and truth. In Jesus' name, Amen.

He alone is God! Jan
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Isaiah 20 - Naked and Ashamed

A short chapter, but powerful.

Isaiah 20:4 For the king of Assyria will take away the Egyptians and Ethiopians as prisoners. He will make them walk naked and barefoot, both young and old, their buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt.

Strange how in some circumstances we find pleasure, and even licentiousness in some naked bodies, and others we find appalling. I suspect that it has to do with context. It is normal and good for me to find pleasure in my wife's body. But, it is not good for me to do so with anyone else's. Our warped society has perpetrated such desensitizing upon us men that I wonder if we would find it difficult to cast our glance aside at such a procession of prisoners as described above, or would we be tempted to look? We have lost our sense of shame. We need a pure heart. Only God can provide it.

I cry out to God as David did after being confronted with his sin with Bathsheba.

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Heavenly Father, thank You that You are a God of mercy and healing. May we desire to only look upon those things that please You. In Jesus name, Amen.

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Isaiah 19 - Egypt, God's people?

I find a curious passage in this chapter. God refers to Egypt as His people. There are several other statements made about them that got me to spelunking through the bowels of the internet and my library. The finding are surprising to me.

I'll start with these verses.

Isaiah 19:18-21 In that day five of Egypt's cities will follow the LORD Almighty. They will even begin to speak the Hebrew language. One of these will be Heliopolis, the City of the Sun. In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the heart of Egypt, and there will be a monument to the LORD at its border. It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD Almighty in the land of Egypt. When the people cry to the LORD for help against those who oppress them, he will send them a savior who will rescue them. In that day the LORD will make himself known to the Egyptians. Yes, they will know the LORD and will give their sacrifices and offerings to him. They will make promises to the LORD and keep them.

Isaiah prophesied this sometime around 750 BC.

In 650 BC, one hundred years later,  a Jewish community was formed in Egypt on the Island of Elephantine on the Nile river. It was in response to the pagan practices of King Manasseh. The Jews living there went so far as to build a replica of Solomon's Temple, matching it's dimensions and scale. It continues to flourish until the Persians destroy the temple in 410 BC.

I don't know about you, but to me this certainly sounds like and altar to the Lord in the heart of Egypt.

The other passage the just kind of jumped out at me was this one.

Isaiah 19:22-25 The LORD will strike Egypt in a way that will bring healing. For the Egyptians will turn to the LORD, and he will listen to their pleas and heal them. In that day Egypt and Assyria will be connected by a highway. The Egyptians and Assyrians will move freely between their lands, and they will worship the same God. And Israel will be their ally. The three will be together, and Israel will be a blessing to them. For the LORD Almighty will say, "Blessed be Egypt, my people. Blessed be Assyria, the land I have made. Blessed be Israel, my special possession!"

The question kept spinning around in my mind. Why would God be so fond of Egypt? I can see that He references it quite often in scripture in ways that do not just relate to it's proximity to Israel.

Did you know that Christianity appeared in Egypt almost immediately following Jesus' resurrection?

According to Christian tradition St. Mark, the one that wrote the Gospel of Mark, founded the very first Christian school in Alexandria, named the Didascalia around 43 AD. Such was his influence on Egypt that after his death in 68 AD he was buried in Alexandria.  Church fathers such as Clement and Origen were educated there. Even blind students were able to attend and learn, thanks to a raised-alphabet system using carved wood, fifteen centuries before Braille. In about 450 AD there arose a schism between the beliefs of the Christians in Egypt and those of Rome. As a result Rome closed the school. Rather than give up the Coptic church moved the school to the Monastery of St. Macarius in the Wadi el-Natroun desert. Where Coptic Christianity continued to preserve its ancient traditions. In case you were wondering; The term "Coptic" is derived from the Greek "Aigyptos" meaning "Egyptian".

The year 641 AD brought an invasion by the Muslims and over one thousand years of silence and oppression. The continent of Africa was thought to have been lost to Islam. For centuries the Christian church heard rumors of lost pockets and tribes of Christians. In the middle eighteen-hundreds Egypt transitioned to a more secular society and European traders began to arrive in Alexandria. They were astounded to find a thriving Christian culture that closely resembled that which they knew. God had preserved His people and His word. With the increased liberties that came from Western influence, the Theological College of the Catechetical School of Alexandria was re-founded in 1893 and today has campuses in Cairo, New Jersey, and Los Angeles.

Around the middle of the twentieth century, the Coptic church experienced an unprecedented revival. This spiritual renaissance had its start in the forties and fifties in the Coptic Sunday School movements in Cairo, Giza and Asyut. Today over nine million Egyptians, about fifteen percent of the population, consider themselves members of the Coptic church.

God truly is awesome! Why is Egypt called "my people"? It is because they are there enmasse and have been holding firm to their faith without wavering for over two thousand years.

Blessings to you, Jan
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Isaiah 18 - Bring the gifts...

God does not put random words in His Bible. The following verses got me to thinking - a very dangerous thing. Who are these Ethiopians? Why are they feared? What are they bringing?

Isaiah 18:7 But the time will come when the LORD Almighty will receive gifts from this land divided by rivers, from this tall, smooth-skinned people, who are feared far and wide for their conquests and destruction. They will bring the gifts to the LORD Almighty in Jerusalem, the place where his name dwells.

I started digging. The first place was my International Standard Bible Dictionary. What i found was this; Solomon's Queen of Sheba was Queen of Ethiopia, the Ethiopians were a dark skinned race-much darker than the surrounding Arabs, they were fierce warriors - in fact the Egyptian hieroglyph for "archer" was a Nubian (a black Ethiopian), and I found that history shows that every Pharaoh following the XII Dynasty actively pursued Ethiopians enlisting in his armies due to their superior skills.

I found information suggesting that the Ark of the Covenant rests in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion in the town of Axum. According to the Kebre Negast, the Ethiopian "bible", it was taken to Ethiopia by Menelik I, the son of Solomon's union with the legendary Queen Makeda of Ethiopia (better known as the Queen of Sheba) and has been in Ethiopia ever since. (exodus2006.com)

Now why would it be in such an unlikely place?

According to the International Religious Freedom Report 2005 Christians make up to 50% to 55% of the country's population. The Kingdom of Aksum (Ethiopia) was one of the first nations to officially adopt Christianity, when St. Frumentius of Tyre converted King Ezana during the fourth century AD. The Ethiopian Church claims its earliest origins from the royal official said to have been baptized by Philip the Evangelist in the book of Acts, chapter 8. This event can be dated to between 42 and 52 AD to the reign of Queen Kandake, also known as Candace. (Wikipedia)

Now just suppose that the Ethiopian Church really does have in it's possession the actual Ark of the Covenant - that God did entrust it to their care for all these millennia. I cannot imagine a more suitable gift for the King of Kings, now seated on His throne in Jerusalem. Can you?

No matter what the case may be, we know that everything belongs to the Lord, we are mere caretakers. May we never forget this fact.

Psalm 50:10-12 For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fullness thereof.

Lord, thank You that You do entrust so much to our care. Help me to be a faithful steward. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Bring Him your all. Jan
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Isaiah 17 - And still more compassion

God continues in this chapter to decree judgment against those that have deserted Him for other gods. He is allowing them to experience life without His hand of blessing on them. Yet again, though I see His compassion show through.

Isaiah 17:7-8 In that day men will look to their Maker and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel. They will not look to the altars, the work of their hands, and they will have no regard for the Asherah poles and the incense altars their fingers have made.

God is giving the reason for the chastisement. He wants them to return to Him! He isn't casting them off forever, they need to repent. He wants a holy people.

Hebrews 12:11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Father, please forgive my vain imaginings and activities, those things that attract my attention and divert my affections from You. Please give me the grace to do Your will, not just hear it. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Look to your Maker. Jan
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Isaiah 16 - Yet more compassion

God is the one that decreed that Moab should be destroyed for her sins. However, even in His wrath He shows compassion. Look at His instructions to the Jews.

Isaiah 16:3-4 "Give us counsel, render a decision. Make your shadow like night - at high noon. Hide the fugitives, do not betray the refugees. Let the Moabite fugitives stay with you; be their shelter from the destroyer." The oppressor will come to an end, and destruction will cease; the aggressor will vanish from the land.

God commanded the Jews to hide the refugees. This rings so familiar, doesn't it? It sounds like those that helped the Jews during the Holocaust. They had nothing to gain by sheltering them from the destroyer, yet they did because they believed that God wanted them to do so. As a result, many were saved that otherwise would have perished. And just like Jew's Holocaust came to an end, so did Moab's. At the tail end of theirs however, we see a glorious promise of the coming Messiah.

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.

Jesus, a descendent of David, did indeed come and establish a kingdom of love. It still is spreading around the world today. And one day soon He will return to establish His physical kingdom where He will sit on the throne and judge righteously.

He is coming, look busy! Jan
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Isaiah 15 - Compassion

There are so many people that view the God of the old testament as some kind of cosmic Ogre. Even one of the early church fathers, Marcion, viewed the God of the old testament as a "capricious god", quite different from the "Stranger God" that Jesus represented. He actually taught that Jesus' "Father God" was a different God.

To people like that, I often reference Jonah chapter four. Look at the reason that Jonah gives for not wanting to go to preach repentance to Nineveh?

Jonah 4:2 He prayed to the Lord, "O Lord, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.

Jonah hated the Ninevites and wanted them destroyed. God is the one that wanted them to have the opportunity to repent. He does not change.

Now let's look at an interesting excerpt from today's reading. God is pronouncing judgment on Moab. Moab has been a thorn in the side of Israel for centuries - causing her to sin. God is done giving them chances, they will be destroyed. But look at God's attitude in this verse.

Isaiah 14:5 My heart weeps for Moab. Its people flee to Zoar and Eglath-shelishiyah. Weeping, they climb the road to Luhith. Their crying can be heard all along the road to Horonaim.

Even while condemning them to destruction, He is weeping for them. He knows the pain, the horror, that they will experience - He cares.

Never forget that God wants a relationship with us. He made us for one purpose, to have fellowship with Him. May we not give Him reason to weep over us.

Father, thank You that You are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Thank You that You truly are a compassionate and gracious God, abounding in love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

He truly cares, Jan
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Isaiah 14 - Aye-aye

The Aye-aye, a native of Madagascar, is the world's largest nocturnal primate. It name is pronounced like the letter 'I'. The adult Aye-aye has black or dark brown fur covered by white guard hairs at the neck. The tail is bushy and shaped like that of a squirrel. The Aye-aye's face is also rodent-like, the shape of a raccoon's, and houses bright, beady, luminous eyes. Its incisors are very large, and grow continuously throughout its lifespan. These features contrast its monkey-like body, and are the likely cause of why scientists originally deemed it to be a rodent.

The Aye-aye's hands are arguably its most unique feature. Much like other primates, it possesses opposable thumbs, but both the hallux and the fingers are long and thin, and appear to be in a curved position somewhat similar to that of a fairy-tale witch when the muscles are relaxed. The middle finger can be up to three times longer than the others. (From Wikipedia)

This poor creature is near extinction due to the superstitions of the local native population. They believe that when one appears in a village, it is a harbinger of death. They are often killed on sight. As a result, this rather gentle creature is disappearing from our world.

In Isaiah chapter fourteen I find another type of I, I. This one is a true harbinger of death.

Isaiah 14:12-15 "How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.' Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, To the lowest depths of the Pit.

There are five I's to this creature - all of which deal with pride, boasting, and folly.

1. I will ascend into heaven. - Intending to go to a level that he was not permitted.
2. I will exalt my throne above the stars of God. - He intended to rule the other angels.
3. I will also sit on the mount... - He wanted the worship of people.
4. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds. - God Himself is covered in cloud. See my Isaiah 6 reading. Lucifer wanted to be above God.
5. I will be like the Most High. - He wanted God's job - to replace Him.

He attempted to take power and authority that was not his. He failed. There can be no authority other than that which is given by God Himself.

How often are we guilty of these I's? If we are honest, I would suspect it is all too often.

Heavenly Father, please forgive me for those times that I assume authority that is not mine. Please give me the wisdom and the patience to wait on Your will and timing. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Not, I, but Him. Jan
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Isaiah 13 - Warriors

This weekend I started working on the campaign to launch the Wildmen Ministry at my church's new campus. We will be launching it with John Eldridge's Wild at Heart video series. One of the metaphors he uses in his study is a band of warriors gathered together to battle the hoards of hell. It is a powerful and compelling image. In this chapter of Isaiah I find a similar image.

Isaiah 13:3-4 I have commanded my holy ones; I have summoned my warriors to carry out my wrath-- those who rejoice in my triumph. Listen, a noise on the mountains, like that of a great multitude! Listen, an uproar among the kingdoms, like nations massing together! The Lord Almighty is mustering an army for war.

The Lord Almighty is indeed calling His holy ones. He is mustering an army for war. The end of the age is coming soon. Now is the time to gird on your armor and join in with those who rejoice in His triumph.

Rejoice! Jan
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Isaiah 12 - Comforted

Nearly two years ago I married my wonderful bride, in the process I become a parent to two boys, age 9 and age 13. As a result of this change in my life I am now seeing familiar things in the Bible through an entirely new lens. I am now seeing them through the eyes of a dad.

There are times that I get angry with the boys for something they did. Since I am responsible to God for their upbringing, I must respond. Most of the time their punishment is deserved. Unfortunately there are times when it isn't. For an example of the latter, check out yesterday's reading. However, when I do discipline them, I, as a new parent and a new person in their lives, must do something that many parents take for granted.

It does not take too much of a leap in thought for them to assume that if someone is angry with them, they must not love them. Therefore, I must be very intentional with punishment and discipline so that it is proper and measured. Most importantly, when their time of discipline is ended, I must comfort them and reassure them of my love, care, and dedication, just as our Heavenly Father does when He needs to discipline us.

Isaiah 12:1 And you will say in that day, "I thank you, God. You were angry but your anger wasn't forever. You withdrew your anger and moved in and comforted me.

Thank You Father that when You do discipline us You comfort us afterwards. Thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit who lives in us dispensing that comfort to us, and to others through us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Peace, Jan
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Isaiah 11 - Not with Eyes, Not with Ears

About a year ago I went outside my home and found my youngest son, Caleb, and a neighbor boy, Michael, happily hacking away at our beautiful landscaping plants. Several of them were reduced to stumps. They had cut off all of the fronds and had laid them across our large, rust discolored propane tank that sits beside the house. I was furious! Those plants would take years to recover, if ever. How could they do something so malicious and destructive! I reduced them to tears and stormed inside, still fuming. My wife, seeing and hearing my mood, went outside to discover what had happened. A short while later she came back, waited until I had calmed down and quietly explained. "They were not being mean or malicious, Caleb was trying to surprise you by covering over the ugly propane tank with the beautiful plant leaves. He didn't even realize or think about what it was doing to the plants."

How often do I "judge" something or someone based solely on what I've seen or heard? I'm sad to say that it is too often. In order to judge something or someone properly I must take time to get the facts, to determine what is in the heart, not just the evidence. I'm so glad that our Lord is a righteous judge that doesn't judge me the way I did Caleb and Michael.

Isaiah 11:3b-4 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.

Thank You Lord that You look at the heart. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Judge with your heart. Jan
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Isaiah 10 - Laws

"Bad laws are the worst sort of tyranny. In such a country as this they are of all bad things the worst, worse by far than anywhere else; and they derive a particular malignity even from the wisdom and soundness of the rest of our institutions."—Edmund Burke Bristol, 1780 (III. 24)

You would think that laws would be well thought out before being placed on the books for enforcement. Sadly that is not the case. Here is a sampling of some Florida laws.

800.02 Unnatural and lascivious act.

A person who commits any unnatural and lascivious act with another person commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. A mother's breastfeeding of her baby does not under any circumstance violate this section.

Um, what exactly is "unnatural"? If I'm alive and I can do it, doesn't that make it natural?

We actually voted in the following one as an amendment to the Florida State Constitution!

Constitutional Amendment Article X, Section 19 Ballot Title: Animal Cruelty Amendment: Limiting Cruel and Inhumane Confinement of Pigs During Pregnancy

Ballot Summary: Inhumane treatment of animals is a concern of Florida citizens; to prevent cruelty to animals as recommended by The Humane Society of the United States, no person shall confine a pig during pregnancy in a cage, crate, or other enclosure, or tether a pregnant pig, on a farm so that the pig is prevented from turning around freely, except for veterinary purposes and during the prebirthing period; provides definitions, penalties, and an effective date.

The following one may be biblical, and morally correct, but how do you enforce it? Bedroom police anyone?

798.02 Lewd and lascivious behavior.

If any man and woman, not being married to each other, lewdly and lasciviously associate and cohabit together, or if any man or woman, married or unmarried, engages in open and gross lewdness and lascivious behavior, they shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

Hmm, I wonder if I can apply the next one to the nuisance in my life who goes by the internet screen name of roger459? He definitely annoys me and many others.

823.01 Nuisances; penalty.

All nuisances that tend to annoy the community, injure the health of the citizens in general, or corrupt the public morals are misdemeanors of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.083, except that a violation of s. 823.10 is a felony of the third degree.

Laws are supposed to be in place to protect the citizens of the land. When they start getting weird, it is clear that a fundamental moral breakdown is occurring. Israel was experiencing corruptness at the highest levels. Only those that could afford "justice" were getting it. Sounds like us, doesn't it? Remember the OJ trial? A situation like that cannot go on indefinitely. In Isaiah ten I see that God finally had enough.

Isaiah 10:1-3 Doom to you who legislate evil, who make laws that make victims - Laws that make misery for the poor, that rob my destitute people of dignity, Exploiting defenseless widows, taking advantage of homeless children. What will you have to say on Judgment Day, when Doomsday arrives out of the blue? Who will you get to help you? What good will your money do you?

We need to fight against the tide and ensure that we do all that we can to protect the rights of those that truly need it.

Father, please give me the wisdom, courage, and ability to do what your word says in many places, to fight for the right of those that can't do it themselves. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Love God, love others as yourself and thereby fulfill the rest of the laws.

Blessings to you, Jan
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Isaiah 9 - Ordained of God

George was born in Halle, Germany in 1685. George’s father was a barber-surgeon who hated music and wanted his son to become a successful lawyer. However, his aunt Anna saw something different in young George and gave him a spinet harpsichord that they hid in George’s attic, wrapping each string with thin strips of cloth (to mute the sound), so that George could play undetected. George persevered and did eventually go on to become a musician.

His career was not an easy one. In 1741, having already gone bankrupt twice and having recovered from each, George was at the lowest ebb of his career, having recently suffered a stroke which resulted in partial paralysis on his left side. He sequestered away in his London home and spent the next 24 days composing, not once leaving. His servant, upon bringing him food, and removing the previous meal uneaten, would often find him weeping silently at his desk, overcome by the beauty and majesty of the music that was flowing from his pen. After the work was completed George said, "I did think I did see all Heaven before me and the great God himself".

In 1742 at a charity benefit concert the now legendary Messiah was unveiled to a rapt and ready world. George Fredrick Handel's life would never be the same.

When this work was performed for his seventy-fourth birthday Handel responded to the enthusiastic applause with these words, "Not from me - but from Heaven- comes all." When a nobleman praised Handel as to how entertaining the Messiah was, Handel replied, "My Lord, I should be sorry if I only entertained them; I wished to make them better." If there is any doubt that George Fredrick Handel was a follower of Christ, these incidents should dispel them. In his last years he worshipped twice every day at St. George’s Church, Hanover Square, near his home.

I love these words from Isaiah that appear in Messiah.

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

If you ever get the chance to attend a full performance of Messiah in English, do not miss the opportunity. You will be blessed.

Hallelujah! Jan
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Isaiah 8 - Fear God

I like the reminder in this chapter. If God is protecting me, nothing else matters. But there is more being said.

Isaiah 8:13 Do not fear anything except the LORD Almighty. He alone is the Holy One. If you fear him, you need fear nothing else.

What exactly is meant by the word "fear"? It is actually used twice in this verse with two different Hebrew words.

mowra

fear, reverence, terror

• fear, terror
• reverence
• object of reverence
• awe-inspiring spectacle or deed

aw-rats

to tremble, dread, fear, oppress, prevail, break, be terrified, cause to tremble

1. (Qal)

• to cause to tremble, terrify
• to tremble, feel dread

2. (Niphal) to be awesome, be terrible

3. (Hiphil)

• to regard or treat with awe, regard or treat as awful
• to inspire with awe, terrify

Wow! I know that I personally don't live my life in this kind of awe, fear, terror, or dread about the Lord. I'm so used to the "Abba" Father description, the Good Shepherd, the Lover of My Soul, that I don't even let this other aspect enter my consciousness. But perhaps I should. Perhaps if it did enter on occasion I would then live my life in a more circumspect manner.

Lord, please forgive me for not living my life in a manner where I am viewing You with proper balance as to Your character. I truly do want to live a life that is pleasing to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

To love Him, is to obey Him. Jan
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Isaiah 7 - Ephraim?

I've brought this up in the past when going through the book of Revelation, but it is here in today's chapter, so I'll go over it again. Ephraim was one of the original tribes of Israel that conquered the promised land in days of Joshua. Yet today we see them allied with the heathen nations.

Isaiah 7:2 Now the house of David was told, "Aram has allied itself with Ephraim"; so the hearts of Ahaz and his people were shaken, as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind.

As is evident from the above verse, this alliance terrified the people of Judah. However, God was about to deal a death blow to this long insolent tribe - Ephraim - one so severe, that they would never recover. God sends Isaiah and speaks this message through him.

Isaiah 7:8b ...Within sixty-five years Ephraim will be too shattered to be a people.

Now jump forward with me to the end of the ages, to Revelation.

Revelation 7:3-8 "Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God." Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000.

Ephraim is not in the list, they are not a tribe any longer and therefore have no sealed servants of God in the last days. They have been erased. The price of greed and rebellion was and will be truly high for them.

May we learn from them and not repeat their sin. May we remain in submission to our Lord.

Peace, Jan
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Isaiah 6 - Glory of the Lord

Have you ever wondered what the meaning of the phrase, "The Glory of the Lord" meant? I certainly have. From the verse below, and others, it is obvious that it is referring to something tangible, something visible.

Isaiah 6:3-4 And one cried to another (the Seraphim) and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!" And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke.

Not meaning to be too glib here, but "filled with smoke"? What is that some sort of heavenly bug-bomb? Pull the pin, quick, run!

No, I believe that what is being described by Isaiah as "smoke" is the visible Glory of the Lord.

I remember being at an Imperials concert many years ago in a very large church in Clearwater. (In case you don't know them, they are a Christian singing group.) I was sitting way up in the balcony due to the sell-out crowd. The concert was amazing, you could just feel the presence of God moving among those there. Then came the closing song. It had words something to the effect of,  "Not unto us, but onto you be the Glory." It was sung a cappella except for a bass reverb that began softly and continued to escalate until it was literally rumbling throughout the entire church building. As the sound rose to a level where it was starting to be felt, and not just heard, smoke started to rise from the stage and filled the room all the way to the balcony. Colored spotlights illuminated the cloud from within. It was as if the Lord himself was entering the sanctuary and filling it with His presence. The scene is indelibly etched into my memory. I suspect that something similar is what Isaiah saw.

Isaiah is not alone. There are other examples in scripture of the same phenomenon. Look at these verses, keeping in mind that smoke and cloud are quite similar visually.

Exodus 40:34-35 Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

Leviticus 16:2 And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the veil before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.

Deuteronomy 31:15 And the LORD appeared in the tabernacle in a pillar of a cloud: and the pillar of the cloud stood over the door of the tabernacle.

1 Kings 8:11 So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD.

Ezekiel 10:4 Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory.

Revelation 15:8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple...

I think that it is clear that God's glory is manifested in these instances in thick smoke, or cloud that exudes energy from within. And if you will, it does act, in a way, like a heavenly bug-bomb, because nothing unclean can remain in it's presence and live.

Lord, thank You that You do reveal Yourself in ways that we just cannot comprehend. Thank You that You are truly a God that inspires awe. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Blessings to you, Jan
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Isaiah 5 - Seeing, Understanding, Knowing

In the middle of this cheery chapter I find this intriguing statement.

Isaiah 5:12b-13a ...Yet, they don't pay attention to what the LORD is doing or see what his hands have done. "My people will go into exile because they don't understand what I'm doing..."

It is a lack of understanding that God identifies as Jerusalem, and Israel's downfall. What these verses appear to me to be saying is that if they understood who God is and what He's done for them, they would not be acting in the way the have been. Later in this book God asks the rhetorical question, "Who can know the mind of God?" The obvious answer is, nobody but God Himself.

I'm reminded of the 1980's movie Flash Gordon. In Dr. Zarkov, Dale Arden, and Flash Gordon blast off into outer space in an attempt to save Earth, which is being destroyed by a mysterious force. They are captured and brought before Ming the Merciless. His character truly is a well done imposing and menacing villain who is bent on subjugating the Earth. He scowls at the bound captives, and then in a booming voice states for all to hear, "Foolish morals, hurtling your bodies out into the void. If you only knew the true nature of the universe you would flee in terror!"

I think that for us too, if we could peek behind that veil of our corporeal realm into the celestial plane of reality, we too would flee in terror. There is a war in the heavenlies that is going on continually - a war who's combatants are beings of such impressive glorious splendor and such vile corrupted evil that the very sight of either brings terror whenever one crosses into our realm.  It is a war for our souls and the souls of everybody we know. We just don't get it, we don't understand. We live like this life is all that there is.

Lord, may I do better. Please forgive my shallow indifference to the war that is raging around me, the war that is being fought on my behalf. Please give me the strength and determination to follow after Your will, not my own. Help me to see what You have done and are doing so that I can be truly pleasing to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

P.S. I've read the end of the book, we win. Jan
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Isaiah 4 - In the Future

The Saudi ambassador to the United Nations is having dinner with the American representative to the UN - a Texan. During the meal the Saudi ambassador says, "My son loves to watch your American science fiction shows, especially Star Trek. He has a question though that perhaps you can answer. He says that he sees Americans, Russians, Blacks, French, and even Asian people on the show, but no Arabs. Why is that?" The American pauses, then through a wry grin and with a heavy drawl replies, "Son, that's 'cuz it takes place in the future."

Isaiah 4:2 But in the future, Israel – the branch of the LORD – will be lush and beautiful, and the fruit of the land will be the pride of its people.

As Charles F. Kettering said, "My interest is in the future because I am going to spend the rest of my life there."

What a glorious picture of the future of Israel is portrayed in this verse. Israel's reproach will be lifted, the evil will be gone, and their land will truly be blessed. And because of them so will all of the nations of the Earth.

Thank you Father for this wonderful promise. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Look ahead, Jan
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Isaiah 3 - Manure or Mature?

An interesting word - mature. What exactly is it's meaning?

Mature

1.  
   1. Having reached full natural growth or development: a mature cell.
   2. Having reached a desired or final condition; ripe: a mature cheese.
2. Of, relating to, or characteristic of full development, either mental or physical: mature for her age.
3.  
   1. Suitable or intended for adults: mature subject matter.
   2. Composed of adults: a mature audience.
4. Worked out fully by the mind; considered: a mature plan of action.
5. Having reached the limit of its time; due: a mature bond.
6. No longer subject to great expansion or development. Used of an industry, a market, or a product.
7. Geology. Having reached maximum development of form. Used of streams and landforms.

In reading today's chapter I was drawn to these two verses in the Rotherham's Emphasized Bible (1902).

Isaiah 3:10-11 Say ye to the righteous it is well! For the fruit of their doings, shall they eat: Alas! for the lawless, it is ill, for what his own hand hath matured, shall be done to him.

Alas? It is an expression of grief, sorrow, compassion, and comprehension of impending danger or evil.

God is saying something that we've seen before in the New Testament.

Galatians 6:7 Don't be misled. Remember that you can't ignore God and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow!

What drew me to this was that eternal concept of sowing and reaping. We plant something, tend it, and then wait for the result. Eventually there will be a harvest. A thing will mature if the conditions are right. What will that maturity look like? Will it be something to be proud of? Or will be it be something that will be announced with an "Alas!"? Will you have a pile of manure?

The righteous in Isaiah 3 are enjoying the fruit of their labor, whereas the lawless (unrighteous) are also receiving the fruit of their labor, but for them it is minus the enjoyment.

Hebrews 12:8 If God doesn't discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children after all.

Hebrews 12:11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

You don't expect someone else to discipline your children. But if you love them, you certainly will do it yourself. Likewise, God loves us too much to let us get away with willful disobedience. Just like in Isaiah's time, He will discipline us for our own good so that we will become mature, so that our harvest can be something enjoyable. He wants us to be holy.

If we are sowing seeds of peace, and watering them with the tears of prayer, we can expect a mature crop of blessing.

James 3:18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

The only things required of us to make something grow are; the right conditions, nourishment, and time. God does the rest. What we plant however, is up to us.

Thank You Father that You give us a choice and a chance. If we have screwed it up, we still have life in us. We can determine to do better and do it right with Your help. If we are doing it right, You encourage us by rewarding us with a harvest of blessing. Help all of us to bring about a maturity that pleases You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Are you manureing or maturing?
Jan
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Isaiah 2 - Camel's nose

One cold night, as an Arab sat in his tent, a camel gently thrust his nose under the flap and looked in. "Master," he said, "let me put my nose in your tent. It's cold and stormy out here." "By all means," said the Arab, "and welcome" as he turned over and went to sleep.

A little later the Arab awoke to find that the camel had not only put his nose in the tent but his head and neck also. The camel, who had been turning his head from side to side, said, "I will take but little more room if I place my forelegs within the tent. It is difficult standing out here." "Yes, you may put your forelegs within," said the Arab, moving a little to make room, for the tent was small.

Finally, the camel said, "May I not stand wholly inside? I keep the tent open by standing as I do." "Yes, yes," said the Arab. "Come wholly inside. Perhaps it will be better for both of us." So the camel crowded in. The Arab with difficulty in the crowded quarters again went to sleep. When he woke up the next time, he was outside in the cold and the camel had the tent to himself.

The proverb therefore is: "When the nose of the camel is in the tent, the rest of the camel isn’t far behind."

You would think that the following verse from Isaiah would be an indication or validation of God's blessing upon His people Israel.

Isaiah 2:7 Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots:

It isn't, it is condemnation of their lack of obedience and abuse of His blessings to them.

Deuteronomy 17:16-17 The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to get more of them, for the Lord has told you, "You are not to go back that way again." He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold.

Ok, this seems like a pretty clear command from God. So where did all these horses come from? Who got this so wrong?

1 Kings 10:28a And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt...

Great job dude! You'd think that the greatest king of Israel that ever lived would have known better. Next thing you know he'll be violating God's command about having many wives. Whoops! did that too didn't he?

1 Kings 11:3 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.

I find it amazing that David, a man after God's own heart, would produce an offspring that ended up defying God's laws in these ways - ways that he obviously thought were archaic and didn't apply any longer. As we saw from David's sons Amnon and Absalom (rapist and murderer), David was a terrible father. He did not raise his children to fear, honor, and respect the Lord and His laws. So now, a number of years later, we see the fruit of his son Solomon's disobedience. Israel had become proud, self righteous, wise in her own eyes, and had forgotten God.

An interesting thing to note here is that God does not necessarily remove His anointing or blessing on someone's life even if they are disobeying Him. Sometimes the consequences are felt much later due to the fact that even through the disobedience God's work is being done.

1 Kings 10:23-24 So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom. And all the earth sought to Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart.

Solomon was clearly is violation of God's word at this point in his life, yet the wisdom that God had placed there was not removed.

There comes a point though that God says, "Enough is enough." Many years before the time of Isaiah the camel was allowed into the tent. And now God was going to clean house.

Isaiah 2:9 So now everyone will be humbled and brought low. The LORD cannot simply ignore their sins!

Heavenly Father, thank You that through Jesus we do have forgiveness of our sins. Thank You that You do not treat us as we deserve. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Keep the camel out. Jan
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Isaiah 1 - Right in God's eyes

Here in chapter one is an interesting parallel verse to one found in the New Testament.

Isaiah 1:16-17 Wash yourselves and be clean! Let me no longer see your evil deeds. Give up your wicked ways. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the orphan. Fight for the rights of widows.

What things should we be doing? What are those things that please the Lord? Let's look at the parallel verse.

James 1:27 Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us.

This seems pretty clear doesn't it? Yet how many of us actually practice it? Do you even know a widow or an orphan? Even if you personally cannot engage in assistance to a widow or an orphan, put your money where your religion is. Support the missions giving of your local church so that they can do it on your behalf.

Thank You Lord that You care for the least of us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Learn to do good. Jan
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