How Long?

O. T. #1575  "How Long?"
Nov. 29, 2019
Isaiah 6-Part 6


LET IT GLOW

How long before my prayers are answered? How long before this and that happens?
How long before change comes? Isaiah ask the same question. We can go on asking, but it is in God's hands.

When Isaiah looked up, he saw the Lord; when he looked inward, he saw himself; when he looked outward, he saw the need. The prophet no longer was wrapped up in his own needs, but he wants to do the will of God; no longer burdened by sin, since he has been cleansed; no longer discouraged, for he knows that God is on the throne. Now he is ready to go to work.
God could have used an angel, who would have obeyed instantly and perfectly, but when it comes to His Word being proclaimed, God uses human lips. Only a remnant in Isaiah's day, would obey. (Wiersbe)

Why did God send Isaiah  since He knew the majority of people would not listen to His message of repentance? There would be some, a tenth of the people, called a remnant, that would return to Jerusalem, rebuild the Temple, and worship God there. God's plan for these, holy seed, faithful followers, was the ones through whom the Messiah would come (Mary and Joseph's families). We can be encouraged that God is merciful to His believers and followers. So if we are faithful to Him, we can be sure of His mercy.

LET IT GROW

God warns Isaiah about how most of the responses to his prophecy (destruction is coming) would be:

• They will hear, but not understand, so the message would mostly fall on deaf ears.
• They would see, but not perceive, not respond with believing faith.
• Their heart would be fat, so the more he preaches, the more they reject.
• Their ears would be heavy, so they would tire of the message and attempt to get rid of the messenger.
• Their eyes would be shut to the truth that Babylon would conquer them and take them into captivity.
• Most of the people in Judah would not believe the message to be true, so their cities would be desolate.

Isaiah asked how long he had to preach desolation and uninhabitation. Until all was done. They would remain 70 years in captivity, we know.

Verses 9 and 10 are quoted 6 times in the New Testament. Does God blind people and condemn them? No, it is the Word of God that has a hardening and blinding effect on sinners who will not listen and yield.
John 12 explains that those would not believe (v. 37); could not believe (v. 39; and should not believe (v. 40) because they had sealed their own doom. (Wiersbe)

Didn't it take a great deal of faith on Isaiah's part to obey and keep on preaching with tragic results?
His purpose was to be faithful in his commission until God finished His judgment on the land. (1:7-9; 2:12-22)

Will we keep on keeping on, faithful to our calling? Will we go and tell this people the good news that Jesus has provided salvation so we don't have to pay for our sins? Some will be save because of our faithfulness.

LET IT GO

Here am I, send me, Jesus. 

An Attitude of Gratitude

Thanksgiving Day "An Attitude of Gratitude"
November 28, 2019

So I got to thinking, what are the proper ways to make a thanksgiving offering unto our God?
Leviticus 22:29 says, And when ye will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the LORD, offer it at your own will.

The word will, as used here, means delight, desire, good pleasure, voluntary.

1. When we offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the LORD, we should do it voluntarily and out of
     delight in our heart. 

David gives us the answers in the book of Psalms:
2. We tell of all God's wondrous works in our life and thank Him.
     That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all Thy wondrous works. (26:7)

3. We pay our vows, which are promises to God.
    Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows  unto the Most High. (50:14)

4. Praise the name of God with a song.
    I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving. (69:30)

5. Come before His presence and joyfully sing psalms. 
     Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with
     psalms. (95:2)

6. When we come into His sanctuary and even the throne room of Jesus in prayer, we are to give
     thanks, praise, and bless His name as an act of adoration while kneeling down.
     Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful
     unto Him, and bless His name. (100:4)

7. Declare the works (actions) of God with rejoicing.
     And let them sacrifice the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.  
      107:22)

Which one do we need to apply in our life today?
Are we singing God's praises?
Are we giving thanks for His wondrous works?
Do we bless His name with adoration?
Is our attitude of gratitude?

Thank You Jesus, for giving everything to me that I have!
Thank You for everyone who joins me in this study.
Have a blessed day everyone!
    

Who Will Go?

O. T. #1574  "Who Will Go?
Nov. 27, 2019
Isaiah 6-Part 5
Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar. And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.  (verses 6-7)

LET IT GLOW

Isn't it comforting to know that we were once a condemned sinner and now we are forgiven? Now, what must God do to us before we are willing to join Him on mission in Kingdom work?

It happened the year King Uzziah died and the throne of Judah was empty. Isaiah went to the Temple to pray, turning to God for help and comfort. It was in his hour of great burden that God gave him a vision. As Isaiah looked up, he saw King Jesus, the LORD of Hosts, sitting upon His throne of intercessory in heaven. Then Isaiah looked inward, seeing his sinful heart and unclean lips, confessing his sins.

What occurred next? Our key verses explain:

• An angel, seraphim, flew to the burnt offering and obtained a live coal with tongs from it. This was the place of blood sacrifice, where an undefiled and perfect animal was burnt in payment  for the owner's sins. A burnt offering, 'olah, signifies to ascend or cause to go up. This animal was burned up in complete devotion to God.
• The coal, a hot stone, which was taken from the blood altar, could be used as the means of cleansing.
• This imagery of Isaiah's, is figurative since the burning coal would have literally burned his mouth. It symbolizes the application of the cleansing of God on the basis of the shedding of blood on the altar of sacrifice.
• God offered a means of consecration to Isaiah, who gladly accepted the cleansing coal.
• Thus, Isaiah's sin, which means an offence (sometimes habitual); sinfulness; was purged, is to cover; to cancel; make atonement; forgive. [Resource: Liberty Bible Commentary]

What an experience for Isaiah. Why was this necessary? God's cleansing of Isaiah's personal sin equipped him for service to the Lord. He was to speak the words that God told him to say, as a prophet to Judah, warning them what would come if they did not repent of their sins and worship God instead of idols.

How does this apply to us? Hebrews 9 speaks of animals offered for sin provided sanctification, then Christ being our High Priest, How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the Living God.

How about you dear one, are your sins forgiven? Have you believed that Jesus made the required sacrifice for your sins? Do we have family members that are not saved? Will we take a minute this Thanksgiving to be thankful for our salvation provided by Jesus? Such sweet grace and mercy!
Will you go for Jesus and God to share Their redemptive message?

LET IT GROW

After Isaiah's sins were purged, forgiven, what happened next?
Also, I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? (verse 8a)

Jesus (Adonai)spoke, asking whom He should send and who would go for us, God the Father and Jesus the Son. The question was asked in order to give Isaiah a choice to be Their messenger and prophet, sent with a purpose, and a message to Judah.

What was Isaiah's response? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
His was an immediate response of courage and faith.

None are allowed to go for God but those who are sent by Him; He will; own none but those whom He appoints, Romans 10:14-15, How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

(Let me say, I am not a preacher, for I believe women are not called to preach. I am a teacher of God's Word, sent to teach children and women. My husband is a preacher. There is a difference, but both are commissioned from God for His purpose.)

Friend, we Christians are all called to share the gospel with others. It may be in the form of a testimony or through good works, meeting needs of others.
Are we, like Isaiah, willing to go and share the good news? Jesus is the Good News-He saves.

LET IT GO

Use me, Jesus, to teach the truth of Your Word.
Use me, Jesus, to share the glad tidings with others-our sins can be forgiven.
Use me, Jesus, to share the gospel of peace.

Unclean Lips

O. T. #1573  "Unclean Lips"
Nov. 26, 2019
Isaiah 6-Part 4
Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.
(verse 5)

LET IT GLOW 

In verse 5, who did Isaiah say that he saw?
It was the King, the LORD of Hosts that he saw in the vision God gave Isaiah. The title LORD of Hosts is used 62 times by Isaiah, and 285 times in the Old Testament.
It pictures God as a warrior, a leader of armies, who is able to conquer all of Israel and Judah's enemies. Also, a remnant of faithful believers, He can save.

Psalm 24:10 says, Who is this King of glory? The LORD of Hosts, He is the King of Glory. 

Can we imagine our glorious King Jesus in all His splendor, ready to lead His army of heavenly hosts to victoriously destroy our enemies?
Should we be reaching out to Him? Are we fighting our battles alone? Our Jesus is all-powerful. Are we asking Him to fight our battles?


LET IT GROW 

How many times do we women put lipstick on, masking our unclean lips?
What do I mean by that? Read on, friend. 

After Isaiah saw God in His holiness, how did he see himself? In his self-evaluation, Isaiah declared, Woe is me! In Hebrew, the word woe is in the sense of crying out after; lamentation; Oh! alas.

It was a legal charge (I am ruined or I am dead). (Falwell)
In his vision, Isaiah was standing before the throne of God. Could he have been saying, "Oh me, I am speechless!"?
Here Isaiah was face-to-face with the Holy Trinity. Isaiah realized that he was undone and had unclean lips.
Undone refers to be brought to silence; hence to fail or perish; utterly undone.
Unclean means defiled; polluted.
Lips, used here, is talk, speech; vain words.


Seeing the Lord and listening to the praise of the angels, Isaiah realized that he was sinful and unclean before God, with no hope of measuring up to God's holiness. (Life Application Study Bible)

Our righteousness is as filthy rags, garbage. Paul recognized that when he experienced the Lord of Righteousness, Jesus Christ. He was humbled and broken. Aren't we the same?

Isaiah confessed the sinful state of his soul. Have we done so, too? Now is the time to ask Jesus to forgive us of our sins, before we stand before Judge Jesus, facing eternity.

LET IT GO

Sweet Jesus, You are Holy. 
I am a sinner in need of Your cleansing and forgiveness. 
How merciful You are!
May my lips say encouraging and lively words. 

Shaking Things Up

O. T. #1572 "Shaking Things Up"
Nov. 25, 2019
Isaiah 6-Part 3
And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, Holy is the LORD of Hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory.  (Verse 3)


LET IT GLOW

This is the vision that Isaiah had when he was commissioned as a prophet, a spokesman for God. First, Isaiah saw Jesus seated in His throne in heaven. Next, he saw angels around the throne.
Then, Isaiah heard the song of praise, as one angel declared the holiness of Jesus, and he whole earth is filled with the glory of Jesus.

What is glory?
Glory means splendor. 
According to Webster Dictionary, splendor refers to something excellent. 

Not only are the angels declaring Jesus to be holy, but His glory fills the earth.
Do we look around and recognize the splendor of  Jesus?

On my country road, we still have colored leaves, especially red ones, still hanging on some trees. We have a couple of neighbors who raise sheep. Those little white lambs are so precious. These are evidence of  the splendor of Jesus as His creation honors Him.

Folks, my imagination does not do justice to how splendid Jesus is as He sits in His holiness upon His throne in heaven. My minute mind is so limited. Just think, we have loved ones in heaven seeing Jesus in all His splendor and glory. One day, you and I shall behold Jesus, our glorious Savior. In the meantime, let us sing His praises.

LET IT GROW

What happened when the the angels song praise to Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
Verse 4 tells us: And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. 

There was a shaking and smoke filled the throne room. God's majesty, power, and presence are evident.

The shaking and smoke symbolize God's holiness as it relates to His wrath and judgment (Exodus 19:16-20; Rev. 15:8). MacArthur

God's moral perfection, properly seen, will purify us from sin, cleanse our mind from our problems, and enable us to worship and serve. (Life Application Study Bible)

Does God's presence shake us up and shake things up in our life?

LET IT GO

Shake us up, Jesus, as we see Your holiness and our sinfulness.
Shake up my prayer life and my Bible study with Your presence.

Angels

O. T. #1571  "Angels"
Nov. 22, 2019
Isaiah 6-Part 2
Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.  (Isaiah 6:2)

LET IT GLOW

As previously stated, Isaiah went into the Temple to pray due to his burden for Judah. (King Uzziah had died.) While there, he had a vision. Jesus was sitting upon the throne, high and lifted up and rightfully adorned with His royal robe, which filled the temple.

What else did Isaiah see in his vision? He saw angels (seraphims) with wings standing above the throne.
Seraphims are defined as burning ones; copper.

How many wings did these creatures ministering to God have? Six each were the number of wings each one had.
Why so many wings?

 The MacArthur Study Bible explains:

• Two wings covered their face because they dared not gaze directly at God's glory.
• Two covered their feet, acknowledging their lowliness, even though engaged in divine service.
• With two, they flew in swerving the One on the throne.
• Thus, four wings related to worship, emphasizing the priority of praise.

These six-winged creatures constantly fly in the presence of God declaring His threefold holiness. The fact that they are burning indicates that they are literally continually burning up in the presence of the glory of God. (Falwell)

These seraphims who minister to Jesus on His throne have a holy love, great humility, and reverence. If they approach the throne of God is such a way, shouldn't we also?

LET IT GROW

What else did these seraphims do?
They honored the One who sat upon the throne with songs of praise, fervently and with zeal. They cried aloud to one another, singing alternately, but in concert and harmony, according to Matthew Henry.

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of Hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory.  (verse 3)

With joy the angles sang praises to the Lord God Almighty. His holiness is recognized thrice, representative of the Trinity- God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
God is above all creation in His holiness. It indicates God is separate from His fallen creatures.

The earth is the worldwide display case for His immeasurable glory, perfections, and attributes as seen in creation. (Romans 1:20. (MacArthur)

Will we glorify our God and Savior?

LET IT GO

Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty. 

How Do We View God?

O. T. #1571  "How Do We View God?"
Nov. 21, 2019
Isaiah 6
In the year that king Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple. Verse 1
LET IT GLOW

How do we view God? Is He in control of everything or not? Is He real or just a story in a book?

This chapter is out of chronological order of events that took place. Who knows why it was not the first chapter, but it isn't. Isaiah is recalling his call into the prophetic ministry.
What happened?

• It occurred the year King Uzziah died, which was 740 BC. Ten years earlier, the good King Uzziah entered the Temple and burned incense on the incense altar, which was the priest's duty. As a result of his prideful disobedience, the King got leprosy. He remained in isolation the rest of his life, 10 years. (2 Chronicles 26)
• Isaiah was so burdened with the pressures of the hour, that he went into Solomon's Temple to pray.
• This is where Isaiah had a vision of God that renewed his concept of who the Lord was.

God had a plan for Isaiah's life, to join Him on mission, kingdom work.
Is our heart open to join God on the mission He has planned for our life?

LET IT GROW

Judah's king had died, but their King of kings, Jesus Christ, was still alive and sitting upon His throne  in heaven.
What was Isaiah's vision?

• He saw the Lord (Adoniah) sitting upon His throne, high and lifted up. 
• After Jesus's resurrection, He sat down on the right hand of God, where He was before          (John 17:5) and still is.
• The sovereignty of the Eternal Monarch sits upon a throne of glory where all is subject to Him and in the throne of grace where we can boldly come.
• His train, royal robes, filled the Temple. The Hebrew word for train is shuwl (shool), which refers to skirt; to hang down; a bottom-edge; hem.

Human rulers come and go, but our God still sits upon His throne. He is still in control of the affairs of this world. He often overrules the sinful actions of men to bring glory to Himself.
[Resources: Liberty Bible Commentary; Matthew Henry's Commentary]

Dear one, how do we view our God and Savior?
Are we resting in His sovereignty and Lordship?
Are we trying to manipulate circumstances?
Are we trying to figure out what His next mission is for us, instead of trusting His direction and timing?
Are we sure beyond a doubt that Jesus is our Savior?

LET IT GO

Your will, Your way, today, Jesus. 

Kind Words or Condemning Words

O. T. #1570  "Kind Words or Condemning Words"
Nov. 20, 2019
Isaiah 5-Part 2
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; and put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter. Isaiah 5:20


LET IT GLOW

Are we living in the same time when moral standards are reversed, as people:

• call evil good,
• call good evil,
• say dark is light,
• say light is dark,
• that bitter is sweet,
• and sweet is bitter.

Matthew Henry explains:
These people live in the omission of that which is good, condemn it, argue against it, and because they will not practice it themselves, run it down in others; they do evil, justify it, applaud it, and recommend it to others as safe and good. Virtue and piety are good, for they are light and sweet, they are pleasant and right; but sin and wickedness are evil, darkness, which is bitter.

Biblical examples include: Adam and Eve were persuaded by Satan to disobey God; King Saul sought Samuel's affirmation for the sacrifice he had offered, in direct disobedience, since he was not a priest; the Amalekite soldier sought David's praise for Saul, God's anointed king; Ananias and Sapphira expected praise from the early church for their offering, when it was a lie; Christians who add one to the prayer list, but are actually spreading gossip. (Blackaby)

We hear people say, "No one can decide for anyone else what is really right or wrong." They try to justify their sins, which God calls sin-drunkenness, extramarital sex, money used for pornography, etc.

God's standards are to be the guide for our lifestyle. We are not to make excuses for our actions. Our moral choices should not appear fuzzy. I know it is hard to remain faithful and good in such a world that we live. Especially when our political system is always trying to find faults in the good people.

May we stand for the right and good and against the wrong and evil.


LET IT GROW

Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! (verse 21)

Do we have pride in our self-wisdom and self-determination?
We may be wise in worldly things, but are we wise in God's Word and His wisdom?
The foolish try to disprove God's Word. They don't care what it says, they are right and it doesn't matter to them.

Prudent means discern, perceive, understand, deal wisely.

Shouldn't we be prudent in God's Word and ways, not our own ways? God resists the proud.

Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord and depart from evil. (Proverbs 3:7)
Be not wise in your own conceits. (Romans 12:16c)
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. (1 Cor. 3:19a)
When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. (Prov. 31:26)

Are we careful as we approach those who think themselves wise? Is our way condemning or helpful?
Are our words kind?

LET IT GO

May I stand for what is good, not evil.
Let my words be kind, not condemning.

Good or Bad Fruit

O. T. #1569  "Good or Bad Fruit"
Nov. 19, 2019
Isaiah 5

LET IT GLOW

This chapter begins with a parable, where the vineyard is a symbol of the nation of Israel and the beloved one is the Lord Himself. How is the vineyard managed?

• The land was cleared of rocks and the vineyard was planted in fertile soil.
• A watchtower was built in the middle, to watch for the animals that would eat the grapes.
• Sweet grapes were expected because of the care given.

God had prepared Israel to bring forth fruit unto Himself and yet she has only brought forth the wild grapes of sin. Therefore, God denounces it with judgment to come, indicating the coming Babylonian captivity. (Falwell)

God's chosen nation was expected to bear good fruit, but instead, the fruit was bad. So are we as Christians.
In Matthew 7:20, Jesus said, You'll recognize them by their fruit.
In Matthew 15:5, Jesus said, I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.

Have we examined our own fruit lately? Is it good or bad, useful or wild? Are we trying to produce good fruit without Jesus? Are our works the activities which He wants us to do, by His leading?

LET IT GROW

Did you notice 6 woes, sins that God condemns? They are:

1. exploiting others (verses 8-10), as the greedy land grabbers acquired adjoining land, resulting in huge estates and houses;
2. drunkenness (verses 11-12), at strong drinking parties they disregarded the deeds of the Lord;
3. taking pride in sin (verses 18-19), parading their sin in front of God as pulling a cart rope;
4. confusing moral standards (verse 20);
5. being conceited (verse 21), with pride of self-wisdom and self-determination;
6. perverting justice (verses 22-24), while in their drunken state they justified their wickedness.

[Resources: Life Application Study Bible, Liberty Bible Commentary]

Since these things were not corrected, Israel would experience God's wrath and judgment. His anger and stretched out hand would accomplish it.
Does this sound like the condition of some within our nation?
Are we lifting up the standards which God has established for HIs children?

LET IT GO

Jesus, without You I can do nothing.
Lead me in Your will.

The Branch

O. T. #1568  "The Branch"
Nov. 18. 2019
Isaiah 4
In that day shall the Branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel. (verse 2)


LET IT GLOW

In our back yard, a pecan tree that grew tall for more than 50 years. As a child, I would climb it. Some 13 years ago, a storm knocked it over, but it continued to live , lying on the ground. There was a tree sprout that grew out of the partially dead stump. However, we cut down all of it because the sprout was only a small, thin, straggly one. It would not have survived any wind. I suppose we could have left the sprout to see if it would survive, but the guys didn't. As I studied today's chapter, I thought of this.

The prophet Isaiah gives warnings of judgments to Judah, then he gives the promise of hope for the future.
Who is the Branch of the LORD? It is the Messiah Himself, Christ.
What does Branch mean? It is a sprout, bud.

The dynasty of Israel will fall into the hands of Assyria and the dynasty of Judah will fall into the hands of Babylon, in the future due to their idolatry. There is hope, though, for a remnant of believers will survive.

In Jeremiah 23, we read that the LORD will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. (verse 5)

This Branch is a different Hebrew word, which refers to a shoot, a descendant. Christ is a descendant of David. David's lineage continues through the tribe of Judah, down to Jesus Christ, the Savior and Messiah. He will reign a thousand years upon the earth as King.

Liberty Bible Commentary explains:

The Branch was not an individual twig or branch of a tree, but a sprout from a fallen tree or a sprout directly out of the ground from a root, forming a second tree.

LET IT GROW

After 70 years of captivity, some exiles returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple and the city.
This remnant returned in three groups, consisted of 46,697 that returned with Zerubbabel, 1,754 returned with Ezra, and an unknown number returned with Nehemiah, to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem.

How can we apply this to us?

The fruit of this Branch is that which the church sows, the gospel. Are we bearing fruit for Him?
Are we staying connected to the Branch? 

LET IT GO

Jesus, You are a beautiful and glorious Branch.
Help me to bear fruit for You.

Doing Without Jewelry

O. T. #1567  "Doing Without Jewelry"
Nov. 15, 2019
Isaiah 3
The LORD standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge the people. (verse 13)

LET IT GLOW

What encouragement can we find in this chapter as it gives more details in fall of Judah and Jerusalem that is coming. The fall would not come for some 150 years later in 586 BC. It is the Lord (Adonai), the sovereign Lord of all, who will do these things. He is speaking to Isaiah, the prophet that was faithful to record all that God showed him in a vision and spoke of to him.

Adonai sees the sins of His beloved people and those who will come later. His warnings are for them to repent and only worship Him, not idols, too.

Looking at our key verse, we notice there are two words standeth, which have two different words in the Hebrew, so they have two different meanings.

The first word, standeth means to station, erect, establish; plead means to hold a controversy, to defend, rebuke.

The second standeth means arise, endure, tarry; to judge refers to rule, minister judgment, plead (the cause).

Let's put this together to better understand what is happening. The Lord is standing up to plead, rebuke Judah. If they do not repent of their sin of idolatry, then He will arise to minister judgment.

Why does Judah not listen? Why do people not listen now? I think either they do not consider the seriousness of sin or they think they will have time on their deathbed. Dear one, my cousin Kathy did not have time for anything when it was her time to die. Thank God she had already repented and asked Jesus to be her Savior as a child.

Do we have loved ones that need Jesus as their Savior? Are we sharing with them the seriousness of their spiritual condition?


LET IT GROW

As you read through this chapter, did you notice what things the Lord will take away from the women, daughters of Zion, when they are taken captive into Babylon?
NASB reads:

• anklets,
• headbands,
• crescent ornaments,
• dangling earrings,
• bracelets,
• veils,
• headdresses,
• ankle chains,
• sashes,
• perfume boxes,
• amulets,
• finger rings,
• nose rings,
• festal robes,
• outer tunics,
• cloaks,
• money purses,
• hand mirrors,
• undergarments,
• turbans, and
• veils.

The men will fall by the sword in battle and the women will be sold off as slaves. In the ancient Near East the humiliation of slavery usually included being stripped naked, chained together, and marched off into captivity to be sold as a servant or worse. (Falwell)

How terrible this would be to have lived in Judah at that time of Babylonian captivity. Is there one thing that would be worse than another to do without as a woman?
Looking at the list, we women spend a lot of money on some of those articles, don't we?
Is there anything we should do without in order to spend our money on kingdom work instead of our self? For myself, I could use fewer perfumes and rings and bracelets. I like my jewelry.  How about you? Isn't it the person of the heart that we are supposed to be focused on developing?


LET IT GO

My Adonai, I want to surrender to do Your will.

Walking in Paths

O. T. #1566  "Walking in Paths"
Nov. 14, 2019
Isaiah 2
And many people shall go and say, come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the Word of the LORD from Jerusalem. Isaiah 2:3


LET IT GLOW

In the summer, we went looking for mulberries to pick, so we took the cow path, that led us right to the tree. Although it wasn't a straight line, we got to our destination. Did you know that the Lord has paths intended for us to walk on as His children?

This chapter contains the prophecy of Isaiah. God gave Isaiah a gift of seeing the future.  The subject is the future events occurring to Judah and Jerusalem (Zion). Their destruction had already been revealed in the first chapter, if they did not repent of idolatry, it would happen. Now, we look to the future when the Messiah will return to earth to establish His earthly millennial kingdom, spoken of in Revelation 20.

What will happen then?

• The Temple in Jerusalem will be reestablished, but this time the worship of  Jesus Christ will be the focal point.
• Jesus will be The Judge who shall discern the affairs of all nations during His millennial kingdom.
• The weapons of war shall be turned into tools of peace and farming as the Prince of Peace reigns.  
• The laws of God will be taught and all will obey them.
• Sin will be removed, as well as the causes of war, conflict, and other problems.
• We will walk in the light of the LORD.

Are we walking (living) as children of the light and of the day? (Ephesians 5:8, Romans 13:12,
 1 Thess. 5:8) If we are, then we are living with peace and joy, for Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

LET IT GROW

Verse 22 in the New Living Translation, says: Don't put your trust in mere humans. They are frail as breath. What good are thy?

We humans are only mortals. We are limited in comparison to God. We are unreliable, selfish, and shortsighted. Yet we trust our lives and futures more readily to mortal human beings than to the all-knowing God. We must beware of people who want us to trust them instead of God. Only God is completely reliable. He is perfect, and we can rely on His mercy and enduring love (Ps. 100:5).
(Life Application Study Bible)

In whom are we putting our trust? Is it government, people, our job, bank account, or Jesus Christ?

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

LET IT GO

Jesus, You are forever faithful. Teach me Your ways, direct my paths, and help me to trust in You with all my heart.

White as Snow

O. T. #1565  "White as Snow"
Nov. 13, 2019
Isaiah 1-Part 5
Come now, let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow: though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18

LET IT GLOW

Look at verse 24. What are the three ways God describes Himself in this verse?

1. the Lord,
2. the LORD of Hosts,
3. the Mighty One of Israel.

Here, God is emphasizing His role as the rightful judge of sinful people. The Mighty One of Israel occurs only here in the Bible, though, the Mighty One of Jacob appears five times. (MacArthur)

This powerful God who formerly was for Judah is now against them. Their hearts needed to be cleansed of sin, like the impurities of silver is purely purged away as dross. (verse 25)

He wanted to make Jerusalem a city of righteousness, the faithful city. Also, the judges and counselors will be restored. (verse 26)

As the temple is Jerusalem was destroyed in 586 BC, it was restored seventy years later in 516 BC under the leadership of Zerubbabel.

What do we need restored in our life?  Is it a deeper walk with Jesus? Is it a dedicated prayer life?

LET IT GROW

Our area finally has received snow. Yeah! Now it is not a 3 inch snow, but a dusting of powdery beads here and there. How white it is. Also, our neighbor raises sheep, which naturally have white wool. These are examples of how God wants to change hearts.

Take a look at our key verse now.
What is it God is calling Judah to do? come and let them reason together.
What is their condition? Their sins are as red as scarlet and crimson.

Life Application Study Bible explains:

Scarlet and crimson were the color of a deep-red permanent dye, and its deep stain was virtually impossible to remove from clothing. the stain of sin is equally permanent, but God can remove sin's stain from our lives as He promised to do for the Israelites. We don't have to go through life permanently soiled. God's Word assures us that if we are willing and obedient, Christ will forgive and remove our most indelible stains (Ps. 51:1-7).  Will you ask Him to make you clean?

How did God desire to change those red sins? He wanted to change them to be white as snow and wool.  Snow and wool are naturally white, but forgiveness is not unconditional. It comes through repentance, agreeing with God that we have sinned. Here we see the life-changing grace of God.
The blood of Christ can cleanse our dirty heart.

LET IT GO

Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. My heart that gets red with sin needs cleansing with the blood of Jesus today.

You alone are the Mighty One of Israel, the only one who can change hearts.

What Pleases God?

O. T. #1564  "What Pleases God?"
Nov. 12, 2019
Isaiah 1-Part 4

LET IT GLOW


Last time we found out that Judah had a very small remnant which God protected. They would remain faithful believers and worshiper of the God of Israel. Even through the 70 years of captivity in Babylon, they would continue on.

Why was God saying that He would not listen to Judah? In their temple worship:

• They paraded through His courts with their ceremony. (verse 12)
• They brought meaningless gifts. (verse 13)
• Their oblations (sacrificial offering) and special days for fasting were sinful and false.(verse 13)
• Their hands were covered with the blood of innocent victims. (verse 15)

Those are the reasons God would not listen to the prayers, was sickened by Judah's offerings, had no pleasure in their sacrifices, was burdened with their feasts and fasting, and wanted no more of their pious meetings.

Folks, this is serious. Judah was failing to please God because of their sins. His special people were just going through the motions when they worshiped. Their heart was not in it.
Are we guilty of the same things?
Are our prayers not being answered?


LET IT GROW

What was the solution? God tells Judah in verses 16-20:

• Wash your hands and be clean!
• Get your sins out of God's sight.
• Give up your evil ways.
• Learn to do good.
• Seek justice.
• Help the oppressed.
• Defend the cause of orphans.
• Fight for the rights of widows. New Living Translation  

Wow! Is their anything we are not doing from the list?
How do we get a  clean heart? Confess our sins and ask God to forgive us through the blood of Jesus.

LET IT GO

Lord, it is not my gifts You want from me, but my heart and life.
Teach me what pleases You.
Show me how to meet the needs of others.

A Very Small Remnant

O. T. #1563 "A Very Small Remnant "
Nov. 11, 2019
Isaiah 1-Part 3
Except the LORD of Hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah. Isaiah 1:9

LET IT GLOW 

As I think of celebrating Veterans Day, my heart focuses on those men who gave their life in order to keep America free from communism and dictatorship. Had they not be willing, we would not be free to worship God here. When the service people take an oath to protect their country, it is for life. Were they a very small remnant compared to the millions in Nazi  armies? Such mercy God showed us! Judah had those, too. Read on, dear one to find them.

If the Lord God Jehovah had not spared a few of  the Hebrews in Judah, they would have been wiped out like Sodom  and completely destroyed like Gomorrah. You will recall what those two cities were like (Genesis18-19), where homosexuality was rampant. Abraham went there to rescue the cities from destruction and his nephew Lot and family. He asked God to not destroy it if there were 50, all the way down to 10 righteous people there. However, they were not to be found. Fire and brimstone rained down destroying the cities, except for Lot and his two daughters, who escaped.

God had a very small remnant of 3 people who were saved because of Abraham and God's grace and mercy, not their righteousness. Now Judah faced a coming destruction. God gave them a warning by using the prophet Isaiah and other prophets. And so a very small remnant of true believers God saved. They were the ones who later returned to Jerusalem to rebuild it.

Are we feeling that our nation is headed for destruction because of our sins? What about our family?
Take encouragement folks, God has a very small  remnant of believers here. We included in the remnant? Will we continue to worship our Lord of Hosts no matter the persecution?
May we worship Him only, the One True Living God.
When we get saved, we are agreeing to serve God for the rest of our life.

LET IT GROW 

What was wrong with Judah that God would destroy His holy city of Jerusalem and beloved nation of Judah? We find out in this first chapter. They:

• didn't recognize God's care(verse3);
• loaded down with a burden of guilt(verse 4);
• were evil people and rejected the LORD(verse 4);
• despised the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs in Him(verse4);
• they were rebels(verse 5).

May we not be guilty of such sins! If we are, let us ask forgiveness today. May we be a part of the very small remnant who love, worship, and serve the Savior, Messiah, Jesus Christ. 

LET IT GO

Help me to encourage the remnant. 
God, thank You for loving me, a sinner, enough to die in the cross for me. 
Thank You for a very small remnant of believers You preserve. 

My Sweet Kathy

O. T. #1562  "My Sweet Kathy"
Nov. 8, 2019
Isaiah 1-Part 2
Why should you be stricken again? You will revolt more and more. The whole head is sick, And the whole heart faints. (Isaiah 1:5)

LET IT GLOW

Israel fell captive to Assyria, the great world power at that time. Prophet Isaiah has a vision from God, where He is speaking to Judah. What is this problem Judah has? They are worshiping idols in the high places. They are in disobedience and sin, not obeying God's laws.

In verse 5, what is the nation of Judah's condition?

• Their whole head is sick,
• their heart faints.

Sick, in the Hebrew, means anxiety, calamity, disease, or grief. 
Faint means sick, troubled. 

Have you ever felt this way? Friends, today I am in that condition-my head is grieved and I am faint hearted. My cousin Kathy passed away yesterday morning of a massive heart attack.  We were more like sisters than cousins. When we were kids we would play together, as teens we would do things together, as senior adults we would call each other often. Our relationship was a special bond. She didn't have a sister and mine was miles away and 10 years older. We shared what was happening in our family and our pains.

My head tells me she is having a wonderful time in heaven, but I am so grieved, missing her like crazy. My heart is faint, troubled, and sick. There are so many regrets of not calling her more often. However, I know we all feel that way when we loose a loved one.

Sweet Kathy was a kind person, happy, funny, didn't meet a stranger, endured the problems of being a diabetic, had vision problems, but kept going with Jesus. Oh that I could be more like her. Eventually I will get to the point of rejoicing with her.


LET IT GROW


Jesus, there is no one like You. You are our hope. You are the strength of my heart. I know You make no mistakes, doing all things right. Show me how to minister to Kathy's husband, four children, and grand babies.


LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for giving me such a loving friend as I needed.
To You be the glory.

A Vision

O. T. #1561  "A Vision"
Nov. 7, 2019
Isaiah-Chapter 1


LET IT GLOW

If God gave us a vision of what kind of effect our life has on people, would we be ashamed or glad hearted? I know there were times that I was not the kind person I should have been. My words came across as judgmental and harsh, not helping others. That would not be a good thing to watch.

The book of Isaiah is divided into two part-the first half covers chapters 1-39 and the second half covers 27 chapters of 40-66, which is similar to the Old and New Testaments. In the first part, Isaiah calls for Judah, Israel, and surrounding pagan nations to repent of their sins. During the last part, there is hope as the promise of the Messiah unfolds.

Historically, we find that as king of the Southern kingdom called Judah, Uzziah (also called Azariah) reigned 52 years (790-739 BC). We learned about him in 2 Kings 15. He probably served his first 23 years as a co-regent with his father.

Judah has become prosperous during Uzziah's reign. They developed into a strong commercial and military state with a port for commerce on the Red Sea and the construction of walls, towers, and fortifications. Yet, this period was one of decline of spiritual purity. (MacArthur)

Since God loved His people in Judah, He forewarned them of  a coming judgment if they did not repent of their sins. The first chapter opens with Isaiah having a vision of what was happening. Who was his vision concerning? It is aimed at Judah and Jerusalem. What is a vision?

A vision is a sight (mentally); a dream, revelation or oracle, as it is defined in Hebrew, the language of the Old Testament.

This first vision that God gave to Isaiah covers the first twelve chapters. It tells us of Judah's social sins and their political entanglements. They failed to give God the love and obedience He deserved. Even though King Uzziah had Judah worshiping God, he failed to get rid of the idol worship in the high places. In the Ten Commandments, God told His people to have no other gods before Him. God had intended for Israel to be a witness of His blessings to the pagan nations, but they failed by rebelling, so God was going to judge them and bring them back by allowing Babylon to take the captive.

Don't you think this would have been a difficult message for Isaiah to write down and proclaim?
If God had a vision for us, would it be one of judgment or blessing?

LET IT GROW

In verse 4, God calls Israel, specifically Judah, a sinful nation.
Sinful is a participial form of the verb chata' meaning to miss the mark or to offend by sinful actions.

Judah had missed the mark, goal, that God had for Judah:

• Their iniquity was so great that it was pictured as a wagon laden with a heavy load.
• They were the seed of evildoers, whose parents were unspiritual and likely to continue in the same trend.
• They were children of corrupters by corrupting the way of God and following after their own way.
• They provoked the Holy One of Israel to anger. This is the name of God used 12 times in the first half of the book and 14 times in the last half. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

Friends, don't we act like Judah at times? We miss the mark in our life by sinning against God's rules. Like an arrow not hitting the bull's eye target, we miss the mark. However, God is forgiving if we only repent, admitting our failings and disobedience.

The Holy One of Israel waits for us. Is there a hidden sin that we need to confess? Are we going our own way instead of God's way? Are our prayers not getting answered?
All ye that labor and are heavy laden, come to Jesus.

LET IT GO

Forgive me Jesus for going my own judgmental way, not Your loving way.
Help me begin again with words of wisdom and kindness.

Plans and Prophesy

O. T. #1560  "Plans and Prophesy "
Nov. 6, 2019
Introduction to Isaiah-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

You will recall that Israel divided into two nations after King Solomon died.
Isaiah's name means The LORD is salvation. He was a prophet which God called to inform His people in Israel and Judah what would happened to them if the didn't repent of their pride and idolatry. He ministered in and around Judah during the reigns of four kings of Judah-Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Previously, we gave an overview of what happened during their reigns.

This prophet condemned the empty ritualism of his day and the idolatry into which so many of the people had fallen. He foresaw the coming Babylonian captivity of Judah because of their departing from the Lord. (MacArthur)

The Northern kingdom of Israel went into captivity by Assyria some 135 years before Judah was conquered by Babylon. Isaiah was faithful to prophesy this would happen. Isn't it great to trust in a God who has control of events and knows what is next in His plans?

Friends, we need to be careful that things, people, governments do not take the place of God in our life. If something has captivated our thoughts and heart, something we spend more time thinking about than our Savior, then it may have become an idol for us. Dare we ask the Lord Jesus if we have any idols in our life?

LET IT GROW

God used other prophets during this time-Jonah, Amos, Micah, and Hosea, who wrote their own books of prophesy.

There is some good news found in this book. God had a remnant of people who continued to love Him, worship Him, and serve Him. Isaiah prophesied some 100-200 years before it happened that King Cyrus would conquer Babylon and send back Jews  to Jerusalem in order to rebuild the city.

Another thing we will find is the prophesy of the coming Messiah. How wonderfully planned out our God did details of events. Not only did Jesus come to earth to live a sinless life in order to qualify as the perfect sacrifice for each of us sinful people, but He endured a lot of mean people so He could accomplish it.
What an awesome Savior is Jesus our Lord!

LET IT GO

I am trusting in Your plans for my life in this new season.

A Faithful Servant

O. T. #1559  "A Faithful Servant"
Nov. 5, 2019
Introduction to Isaiah
                                                                                                                      Author

The name of Isaiah  means  The LORD is salvation.     
What do we know about this man?
Isaiah was the son of Amos. He was a prominent citizen of Jerusalem, having access to both royalty and priestly leadership in Judah. After Solomon reigned as king of Israel, the nation split into 2 nations-the Northern kingdom called Israel made up of 10 tribes and the Southern kingdom called Judah made up of 2 tribes. So Isaiah lived in the Southern kingdom which had Jerusalem as its capital. God called Isaiah to prophesy during the year of King Uzziah's death. Although Isaiah responded with cheerful readiness, he knew that his ministry would be a fruitless warning and exhortation. Tradition has it that this faithful man met his death under King Manasseh by being cut in two with a wooden saw (Hebrews 11:35).


Background 

It is important that we understand the events which took place during Isaiah's life as God's prophet. Please stay with me during this, friend.
During Isaiah's life, he saw a vision from God concerning Judah and Jerusalem during the reign of 4
kings in Judah: Uzziah, Jordan, Ahz, and Hezekiah. (Verse 1)

Who were these kings and what happened during their reigns?

King Uzziah's 52 year reign, Judah developed into a strong commercial and military nation with ports of commerce in the Red Sea and walls,towers, and fortifications. The king obtained leprosy after he assumed the duty of a priest burning incense on the altar. He later died.

Jotham ruled as co-regent with Uzziah, being his son, then later alone as king. During his reign, Assyria began to emerge as a new international power. Judah incurred opposition from Israel and Syria. Spiritual corruption still existed while Jotham was king.

Ahaz was king of Judah when Israel and Syria formed an alliance against Assyria. He would not join them. King Ahaz got Asyria to help Judah, which resulted in them conquering some of Judah's cities.
Ahaz set up pagan altars in Solomon 's temple. Assyrian then captured Samaria, Israel 's capital.

Last, Hezekiah became king of Judah Reformation was a priority for the king. When he became ill, Hezekiah pleaded with God for more years. He lived 15 more, during which time his son Manasseh was born. (Manasseh became the  worst king in Judah.)

During Isaiah's prophetic years, Babylon conquered Judah due to idolatry. God had removed His hand of protection and judgment came in the nation.
Whew, I think that is a history overload for us.

We can continue this next time. Keep in mind as we study all these happenings, God had a faithful remnant.

Are we going to remain faithful even as our nation's morals decline?
Do we desire to hear that we were a good and faithful servant of Jesus? Then we can enter His rest.

[Resources: The MacAuthor Bible Commentary]

Our Beloved

O. T. #1558  "Our Beloved "
Nov. 4, 2019
Summary of Song of Solomon


LET IT GLOW

Whew! We made it through the book together. I think this is the second time I have studied it. It's not the type of material I enjoy reading. Anyway, we made it. All the way through, we studied the Song from the view point that the Shulamite farm-girl-turned-queen didn't love Solomon, but a shepherd back home. After reading the material from that view, I tend to think it was not the correct one for me. Maybe she really did forget her fellow back home and fell in love with the king. He certainly did fall head over heels in love with her.

So, for sure we can gleam from this book that love in a marriage needs to be kept alive and actively showing it. We need to ward off pride, resentment, unforgiveness, selfishness, and neglect. Those "little foxes" have the potential of chewing away at the vines and blooms to destroy them.

Since God is the Author of love and the Creator of the institution of marriage, we can see how this book exalts both. A Christ-honoring marriage can have an effect on their children grandchildren, church, friends, and neighbors, as well as the happiness and well-being of the couple.
[Resource: The Jeremiah Study Bible]

Are there any little foxes threatening your marriage. Listen, we have to always be on guard, alert to anyone or anything that is trying to destroy our marriage. It may come in the form of a job that keeps us separated for lengths of time, a flitting person looking for love, or just our taking each other for granted. So let this be a wakeup call to us. We must guard our love relationship.  Let our sweetness of love continue.

LET IT GROW

Usually for a summary of a book of the Bible, I review any verses that meant something to me. I consider Jesus to be our Beloved. Here we go:

I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. (2:1)
My beloved is mine, and I am His. (2:16)
How fair and pleasant Thou art. (7:6)
Who is this coming up from the wilderness, leaning upon her Belived? (8:5)
Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death. (8:6a)

We have learned that our God's love for His children is strong, sweet as the fragrance of roses, and as beautiful as the lily. His filling of us with this love is a gift from the Lord. How can we but share it?
He seals us with the Holy Spirit to reassure us of this love.
Is Jesus our Beloved?

LET IT GO

Help me be a more loving wife today.
Thank You Jesus that I am Yours and You are mine.

A Seal of Love

O. T. #1557  "A Seal of Love"
Nov. 1, 2019
Song of Solomon-chapter 8
Set me as a seal upon your heart,
As a seal upon your arm;
for love is as strong as death.  (verse 6, The Jeremiah Study Bible)

LET IT GLOW

A seal showed ownership and great value. The Shulamite expressed her desire for security. Very little in life provides security like a godly marriage (1 Cor. 13:7) (TJSB)

The maiden admonishes her shepherd, whom she loves, to set her as a seal, an imprint upon his heart and his arm like imprinting of a seal that forever ratifies a contract. She covets a settled assurance of his unwavering love. He love for him is like a raging flame and is as strong as death. It is utterly irreversible. No earthly influence can destroy or drown her love for him. It cannot be bought, for it is a spontaneous gift; and all she asks is the love of his heart and the strength of his arm for abiding protection.
Too long they have been separated. Now united (at the end of this book, she longs for his voice and presence. Unrelentlessly she beseeches him to always hasten to her side with the speed of the swift-footed gazelle. (verse 14)
(Liberty Bible Commentary)

We like good endings for stories, in this case, a song. With the seal of marital love, the couple is finally united with joy. Their love remained faithful throughout their time of separation. A good ending, don't you think?

LET IT GROW

Dear friend, is your heart sealed?
In Ephesians 1:13-14, Paul says, In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

When something is sealed, it is marked with the owner's name and secured as being his or her possession. god marks believers as His very own by sending His Holy Spirit to live in them. The Holy Spirit Himself is the seal. (David Jeremiah)

The price Jesus paid for His live for us was death on the cross.
Nothing is able to separate us from His love, according to Romans 8:38-39.

The church, who is the bride of Christ, should be be looking for her bridegroom to return for her.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus.  (Revelation 22:20)

Are we looking for our Beloved today?

LET IT GO

Thanks be to Jesus for His unchanging, never failing love.
I stand in awe of Your amazing grace.
How wonderful is Your Holy Spirit of seal on my heart.