Are we a Let-er?

O. T. #1638  "Are We a Let-er?"
Feb. 28, 2020
Isaiah 41-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

Are we a let-er? No, I didn't misspell the word. Will you let me show you what I mean by that question?
Can we let things turn out as God would have them? Can we let our children go when the time comes? Can we let Him have His way in our heart and life? Can we let ...
Or do we need to have our way, maintain control of our children and our circumstances and our life?
Are you a let-er? Am I a let-er? Will we let God...

We can't leave this chapter without looking at a few more things that jumped out at me. God is speaking to Judah through His prophet Isaiah.
How is God identifying Himself to Judah?

• I the LORD (verse 4)
• the First and Last (verse 4)
• I am He (verse 4)
• I am thy God (verse 10)
• thy Redeemer (verse 14)
• the Holy One of Israel (verse 14)
• God of Israel (verse 17)
• King of Jacob (verse 21)

(Capital letters were added by me for they are proper nouns and refer to God, our deity.)
Sometimes we can use a reminder of who God is. It is overwhelming to think that He has always existed, since we are confined to time and space. We have to chew on that a while.  Isn't it comforting to know that God is the Last and He will be with us always, even when the earth is destroyed and a new earth will exist? He is He, He is God, He is our Redeemer.

Another thing, how does God identify Judah (and you and me)?

• dust (verse 2)
• servant (verse 9)
• chosen (verse 9)
• worm (verse 14)
• descendants of Abraham, God's friend (verse 8)

Ann Voskamp had this to say on her website:

When we know we are but dust, when our hearts have been crushed-is exactly when we are meant to entrust all into the hands of the Potter, so He can remake all to be more like Christ. Those of us who are dust have a certain Hope that cannot fade. And those of us who give up our ways, find God makes a sure Way. And those of us who want His Word most, find ourselves wanting for nothing. give up-whatever you need-to hear God speak. God speaks Hope to those who sacrifice for the love of His heartbeat.

Jesus is our Hope, our Way. Come on Ms. Dust or Mr. Dust, let's stir up some dust as we share the Hope that is within us. Because soon for some of us, we will return to dust and our opportunities will be passed. Even though, alone, dust is so very tiny, when many specks of dust stir together, they stir up a cloud of dust and are a strong witness. We can be used by God to proclaim He is our Redeemer.

LET IT GROW

I don't know how I missed it the first time through this chapter, but I found a lot of times the word let is mentioned in the first verse. Although God is talking to the islands (nations of unbelievers) with rhetorical questions, He can be speaking to His children, also.

The answers are designed to bring recognition to the true God who has brought the circumstances into existence. (Falwell)

Let in the Hebrew language has several meanings-to give; apply; bestow; bring; yield.

• Let the people renew their strength. God is the strength of my heart. My portion forever. (Ps. 73:26b)
• Let them come near. Come near to God and He will come near to you. (James 4:8)
• Let them speak. Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbor. (Zechariah 8:16)
• Let us come near together to judgment. What doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? (Micah 6:8)

Do you need strength today? It is found in God, so come near to Him and He will be what you need, all that we need, provide what we need.


LET IT GO
You are my God, my Redeemer, and my King.
I am but dust, created and sustained by You; a worm, yet a child of the King Jesus.
I am chosen and a servant of the Master.
Please bless all who read this today with strength to carry on; draw us near to the heart of God.
Help us to speak truth, live justly, love to show mercy to others, walk humbly before You and by faith.

Are Idols Real?

O. T. #1637 "Are Idols Real?"
Feb. 27, 2020
Isaiah 41-Part 6
That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it. (verse 20)

LET IT GLOW

One thing I enjoy about living in the country are the different kinds of birds that come around. Yesterday morning, there was a red headed woodpecker, a red cardinal, and a blue jay that all came to eat on my front porch. Oh, and the little plain sparrow, too. Isn't God so creative? For a surprise, we had a dusting of snow on the ground. As I look around, the bare trees raise their branches in praise of their Creator.

Can we look around at nature and recognize that God did it? Now if you live in a city, I understand there are not a lot of such evidences, like trees, green plants, and flowers, so look up at the sun, moon, stars, clouds, and around at the people-God created them all. It's good to stop and smell the roses every once in a while, although, they aren't in bloom here.

Looking at the rest of our chapter, beginning with verse 20, we read why God replenished the divested land of Judah after it had been wiped out and taken over by Babylon.

It was so His people would:

• see (experience; view; behold; look) God did it;
• know (recognition) God did it;
• consider (appoint; determine) God did it;
• and understand (to be, make, or act intelligent; wisdom) God did it.

Can we look around us and behold, recognize, determine, and understand that created everything and is in sovereignly control of all things? So instead of saying that is nature out there, tell others that God did it.

Let everything which has breath give praise to the LORD. (Psalm 150:6)

LET IT GROW

The cause for God to judge Judah and Israel was that they turned from worshiping God and worshiped idols. Their God presented a challenge to the idol-gods in which Israel vainly trusted.
God is telling Judah to present a case for their idols:

• Let them show what they can do. (verse 21b)
• Let them try to tell us what happened long ago so we may consider the evidence. (verse 22a)
• Let them tell us what the future holds so we can know what's going to happen. (verse 22b)
• Tell us what will occur in the days ahead. Then we will know you are gods. (verse 23a)
• Do anything good or bad-something that will amaze or frighten us. (verse 23b) 

We know those idols of wood, stone, gold, or silver could do none of the above for they were not real nor alive. They had no foresight, power, nor could speak.

A god with limited or no power at all is not really a god. (Life Application Study Bible)

But our God can do those things. He was going to send His Only Begotten Son, Jesus, their Messiah, in the future. Jesus would predict His own resurrection, which occurred. He would bring good tidings to Jerusalem and to the world.

There is forgiveness of our sins available. We don't have to pay the penalty of our sins-death. Jesus has already done it, fulfilling the requirement of God. Without Jesus, there is no remission of sins.

When we are tempted to put our trust in something other than the living God-money, career, family, or even military power-we should stop and ask some serious questions. Will it come through? Will it unfailingly provide what I am looking for? God delivers. When He makes a promise, He keeps it. He is completely trustworthy. (Life Application Study Bible)

LET IT GO

You alone are Almighty God and worthy of worship. Everywhere I look, I see You.
Thank You for choosing me to be your child.
May I proclaim salvation in no other than Jesus Christ.

Trees and Water in the Desert

O. T. #1636 "Trees and Water in the Desert"
Feb. 26, 2020
Isaiah 41-Part 5
Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. (verse 14)

LET IT GLOW

Are we learning to not fear? We need not be afraid because God is with us, has a relationship with us, and gives us strength, help, and victory. (verse 10)
As Judah is told to not be afraid, three times in this chapter, so are we. Trust and fear don't go together.

Charles Swindoll wrote in  his devotional book, Five Meaningful Minutes A Day,
"But not to trust Him is to doubt His sovereignty and to question His goodness. In order to trust God we must view our adverse circumstances through eyes of faith, not our senses."

God is trying to encourage Judah, which will be later called Israel after the captivity is over, and the divided kingdom will be as one again. God reminds them that they are frail and need Him.

What are the two names for God in our key verse?
Redeemer means to buy back a relative's property; ransom; and The Holy One of Israel, which are  used 5 more times.

We will recall that Boaz was Ruth's kinsman redeemer and so was God when He freed the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. No price was too great for Him to free His people from bondage. He planned to redeem Judah again after their 70 years in captivity.

As the Lord purchased His people from bondage of Egypt by the blood of the Passover Lamb, He is to do the same from their worldwide exile by the blood of the true Lamb, Jesus Christ, when they turn to Him in faith. (Zech 12:10-13:1) MacArthur

Dear friend, if we are in a bondage of fear, Jesus can set us free. Simply ask.

There is no fear in love. but perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. (1 John 4:18)

LET IT GROW

What word does God use to describe Jacob in verse 14?  The answer is worm. The tribe Judah was sons of Jacob, who was also called Israel. One can't get any lower than a worm, can you? They live in darkness under the ground. The exiles would be like worms, a poor and needy people. However, they would have supplies that another, King Cyrus, would give to them, which ultimately comes from God.

What is God promising His children exiles?

• He will not forsake, abandon, them. (verse 17)
• He will open up rivers on high plateaus. (verse 18)
• He will give fountains of waters in the valleys.
• He will fill the desert with pools of water.
• Rivers fed by springs will flow across the dry land.
• He will plant trees in a barren desert. (verse 19)

South of Jerusalem is desert like land. We passed by the clay mountains as we made the trip to the Dead Sea. The people there are using water from the Dead Sea to grow date trees for crops. (I think they are dates, which look like palm trees.) But some day, their using it for irrigation will result in the Dead Sea drying up, our guide informed us. All of this makes it look like an oasis in the desert.

Men will witness the might acts mentioned above. They will acknowledge it to be the handiwork of God, Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel. Have you counted that name which God uses for Himself? The Holy One of Israel is used in verses 14, 16, and 20. Also, I, the God of Israel is mentioned in verse 17 and King of Jacob is found in verse 21.

Not only is God going to be Israel's Redeemer, but also their Provider and King. When Jesus returns again, He will establish His kingdom on earth and He will be its reigning King.

Is Jesus reigning as King of your heart today? He desires to be and rightfully should be.
Are we going to Him as our Master and inquiring what work He has for us to do today for His kingdom? That is why we are hear, dear one-to do God's will.

Let us not be hearers only, but doers of the Word.

LET IT GO
I am a worm. I am a dumb sheep. I am always in need of a Savior and Redeemer.
Jesus, that is who You are.
May I produce fruit as a tree in the desert. Plant me where You want me.
May I share the Living Water with others today, for their soul is thirsty.

Fear and Holding Hands

O. T. #1635 "Fear and Holding Hands"
Feb. 25, 2020
Isaiah 41-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

What is your biggest fear today? Do you desire freedom from fear today? Read on friend, to find it.

We know the Israelites were chosen by God to represent Him to the rest of the world, and that they failed. God punished them by sending them into captivity. However, He had a remnant that did not bow to idols. We will study about them later on-Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, 3 Hebrew boys, many minor prophets, and thousands of others.

Don't you know there were some people who were fearful and dismayed about the gloom that Isaiah prophesied for them? Wouldn't they fear their enemies, the Babylonian Empire? What about us-are we fearful about our future, our children's future?
In verses 10-14, we find some encouragement God gave to them and to us today.

Fear means dread; be afraid; reverence. Now, the first two can be applied to people and circumstances, and the last one to God.

Dismayed refers to gaze at or about; inspect; consider; turn; depart. If we dread some event or happening, then we are looking at it too much; we are giving it too much consideration. I causes us to turn away for our comfort and strength-Jesus Christ. We surely don't want something to cause us to depart from our God, loosing faith.

God sees into our troubled heart and understands what we are going through. In our time of need, how is He there for us?

• When we are afraid, God is with us.
• When we are discouraged and dreadful, He is our God.
• God is ready and able to strengthen and help us.
• He will uphold us with His righteous right hand.

So we should not be weak as water, nor our hearts melt like wax. God will give us grace, peace, strength, and help. He is faithful and trustworthy, able to protect us, meet our needs, fight our battles. It is His almighty power, by His Son, with His right hand, and strength in abundance that God preserves us thought our trials and temptations.

Will we reach out and take His righteous right hand? Will we drink from His fountain of living water?  Will we experience God's presence right now? Surrender, dear one, to Jesus's reign as Master over you. Acknowledge our fears to Him. He does not give us a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Did you know fear is mentioned more than 300 times in the Bible and 35 times in Isaiah? It is found 3 times in this chapter alone. Recon God knew us folks fear a lot?


LET IT GROW

Since we can read the rest of the story, we know that Assyria and Babylon vanished:

• God tells Judah that their angry enemies will lie there, confused and humiliated. (verse 11a)
• They will look for those enemies who conquered them and attacked them, but will not be found. (verses 11b-12)
• For I hold you by your right hand-I, the LORD your God. (verse 13)

There we have it. Take God's righteous right hand and let Him hold your right hand.
Whose hand will we hold today?
After 47 years of marriage, I still find comfort and strength in holding my husband's hand. So it should be with my Strong, Comforting, Loving God.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and He delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with His hand.
 (Psalm 37:23-24)

LET IT GO
I run to You, God.
Hold my hand so I don't fall.

Are You a Servant?

O. T. #1634"Are You a Servant?"
Feb. 24, 2020
Isaiah 41-Part 3
Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art My servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. (verse 9)

LET IT GLOW

As I mentioned earlier, we attended a business conference last week. We would meet together for meals provided by various venders and our franchise. They had great servers, friendly and nice, willing to provide what we needed. I always told them "thank you." It was a wonderful experience, eating out under the stars and twinkling lights. (Twenty degrees warmer than back home.) And the food was exquisite, too, with such a variety. Although, I can't say that I have eaten spicy meat in eggs before, and not so much Mexican food in three days. But of course, it was Arizona. I should not have looked for southern food out there, huh.  :) Judah was to be a servant. Continue reading to find out more.

Judah and Israel's national heritage traces back to Abraham, known as the friend of God, and Jacob, his grandson. God chose each of them to be His servant, according to verse 8.

Friend is an even higher designation than servant and speaks of a greater faithfulness.(MacArthur) See John 15:14-15, 2 Chronicles 20:7, James 2:23.

Now read our key verse. Judah was chosen (to try, select, acceptable, join) by God to be His servant (a slave or bondman). It was an honor to be a servant of God. It pertains to a close intimacy between master and servant. As Judah, and their remnant, remained faithful in obeying God, their light shown to the heathen, idolatrous nations around them. They were to be different and a witness of the power and compassion of their God. However, some in the nation did not remain faithful, so God's judgment fell on them and all were taken away into a foreign land for 70 years, to be servants of the Babylonians.

Who are we serving today-Jesus or our self? Are we remaining a faithful servant of God? Do we go to our Master for instructions concerning what to do and where to go daily as we serve Him? Or do we run on doing our own thing without consulting Him?


LET IT GROW

What is the promise God gave to Judah at the end of our key verse? God would not cast them away.
In the Hebrew language, cast means to spurn, disappear, despise, refuse, reject.

When we fail our God, take comfort friend, He will forgive us and not cast us away, despise us, refuse us, reject us, nor spurn us. People might treat us that way, but our Savior will not. He welcomes us back with open arms. His grace is abundant.

Jesus said in John 15:14, You are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Now don't we want to be Jesus' friend and have Him as our friend? He is a friend that walks closer than a brother.

LET IT GO
Jesus, my heart's desire is to serve You today.
Thank You for choosing me to be your servant and friend.
How wonderful and faithful You are!

Encourage One Another

O. T. #1633 "Encourage One Another"
Feb. 21, 2020
Isaiah 41-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Isn't it encouraging to receive a note or call from a friend or loved one? Just to hear reassurance that we are loved boosts my spirits for the day. Judah was going to need encouragement later on, and Isaiah offers it to them before hand.

The nations would panic when they hear that Cyrus has been chosen as the instrument to carry out God's purpose. Frantically, they set out trying to make more potent gods, in hope to nullify the successes of Cyrus, king of Persia. The workmen would even try to encourage each other. But their hammering and soldering was much wasted effort, for nothing can thwart God's purpose.

Shouldn't we be believers in Jesus be encouraging each other to finish their race with faith? So many churches have squabbles that result in hurt feelings. That is not the loving way for us. John said that unbelievers would know us by our love for one another.

LET IT GROW

Isn't it amazing that Isaiah prophesied some 150 years before Judah went into a 70 year captivity by Babylon? He wrote encouragement to the remnant of believers in God who remained faithful.

Here are some major ideas that stand out, according to Wiersbe:

• Fear not. Israel had already been taken captive by the Assyrian Empire and Babylon was a threat to Judah. However, God would bring the Persians on the scene and free the Jews through Cyrus the Great. (verse 10) 
• The greatness of God and the falseness of the heathen idols is seen.
• God would raise up a man to conquer Babylon and enable the Jews to return to their land. (verses 2-5)

Cyrus is mentioned in Ezra 1:1 and Isaiah 44:28. He reigned about 559-529 B.C. and was a hero to the Jews.
Our ultimate hero is Jesus Christ, through whom we have salvation and redemption. As deliverance from Babylon is mentioned, so it pictures the redemption Christ purchased for us on the cross. We are not going to have to pay for our sins if we trust in Him as our Savior.

LET IT GO
Help me love others today.
May I be an encouragement to all.
You are my glorious Redeemer, Jesus.

Listening

O. T. #1632  "Listening "
Feb. 19, 2020
Isaiah 41
I, the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am He. 
(verse 4b)

I am currently in Phoenix at a business conference soaking up the sun
and enjoying the desert scenery. God has made all things beautiful. Being away from the normal routine gives me a quiet atmosphere to better listen to God speak. A time of renewal is needed every now and then. Here are some good tips for us in this chapter.


LET IT GLOW 

Have you been waiting on the Lord? Are you soaring above your problems? Are you gaining new strength spiritually? How's your walking and running? No more weariness when you leave it with Jesus? Are you walking in His ways and running to your loving Father?

What does God want His people and nations to do in the first 4 verses?

• Keep silent before Him and listen;
• Renew their strength;
• Approach (access, entrance) Him;
• Speak to Him;
• Draw near together. 

God was inviting the Jews of Judah to come to Him. 

He invites us daily, too. How reassuring it is to know God is in charge of diseases and enemies. 

LET IT GROW 

Look back at Abraham 's life. God did a lot for him found here:

• He called Abraham from the east and gave him victory wherever he went. 
•  Gave him nations and conquered kings like Abimelech and Pharoah. 
•  Made them like dust. 
• Pursues them as Abraham followed God's steps, then passed by safely, yet not knowing where he was going, except following God.
•  Gave victory as Abraham kept obeying God. 

 After the time of captivity of the Jews was over, they too would be in no danger like Abraham, if they followed God's path. The same goes for us believers.

In verse 4b, God says, I, the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am He. 

God is the everlasting and eternal God. He exercises control over everything-nations, people, and situations. He doesn't grow old over time. He never surrenders His authority. He regulates the affairs of the world from His throne. He continues to be God even when people reject Him or replace Him with their own gods. He is the Great I Am.
Holy is the LORD God Almighty. He was, is, and is to come. This God loves you and me. How amazing is He!

LET IT GO

Thanks be to Jesus for being the bridge between me and a Holy God.
Help me to listen to You and follow Your path for my life.
How wonderful You are!

How to Carry On When Strength is Gone

O. T. #1631 "How to Carry On When Strength is Gone"
Feb. 18, 2020
Isaiah 40-Part 6
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (verse 31)

LET IT GLOW

Are you so warn out and stressed? Are you running from problem to problem? Are you constantly giving your time and energy to others? Troubles got you down? Feeling weary and fainthearted?
Have I got some good news-we don't have to life that way.

God says he gives power to the faint and increased strength to those who have no might left. (verse 29)
Even the young become weak, tired, and exhausted. (verse 30)
Not only does God have power (verse 28), but He also gives power. (verse 29)
Our God, the Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator, does not faint nor is weary. (verse 28)

Jesus would get tired, so He got away, often times in a garden, and prayed to His Heavenly Father. Although, He was never overwhelmed or inadequate for the task assigned Him.That is the secret to finding renewed strength and the ability to enjoy abundant life that He has for us. We need to slow down and listen to Him, Sometimes, God put me on my sick bed so I had to slow down. Then I would grab my Bible and read it. When we seek His will, God will reveal His will and plans. He will even put our feet to walking on the right road.

LET IT GROW

Another key to our gaining strength to continue on is waiting. Yes, waiting on God.

Wait means to bind together, by twisting; to expect; look; patiently; tarry.

It's like a rope twisted together strands or a spider's web. We let Him become our lifeline, our cord of escape.

1. We are to wait on the LORD. Waiting is not passive, but active, and eagerly waiting.

2. When we wait upon the LORD, we shall have our strength renewed. We exchange our failing
     strength for God's unfailing strength. Then we discover a new source of power for living. We will
     have strength to labor, to wrestle, to resist evil, to bear the unbearable.

3. Then we shall mount up with wings as eagles. Wintertime in my town means the eagles are coming
    to the lake over yonder in front of my house. They nests and fly around my neighborhood
    scavenging for food. I wonder if it is the daddy of the flock that sits in a tall tree in front of my
    house looking around. Usually, when the neighbors drive by taking kids to school or after my
    husband goes out to his truck to go to work, the big boy flies away. What a sight to see! His wings
    are swift and strong, resulting in the eagles flying upward toward heaven.This huge
    bird flaps his wings very hard and goes up into the sky. They fly high, too. When the wind is
    blowing hard, those eagles soar effortlessly up there, high above the trees. Their eagle eyes are so
    sharp that they can see a rabbit or mouse running below. It is so amazing so watch. Friends, we can
    soar above our problems like the eagle if we only submit to our God. Lay those burdens at the feet
    of Jesus for Him to handle, then soar above them. Jesus wants to take care of those for us.

4. When we do that, then we will run and not be weary, walk and not faint. We have strength to go
     on. In due season we will reap what we have sown.

Patient, praying believers are blessed by the Lord with strength in their trial. (2 Cor. 12:8-10)
Christ offers to guide you so that you will fulfill your heavenly Father's will and gain the strength necessary for each day. (Matthew 11:28)


LET IT GO
Teach me to wait upon You, Lord.
I surrender my will, so Your will is done.
I will praise You now for what You are going to do.

Faith the Size of a Ladybug

O. T. #1630 "Faith the Size of a Ladybug"
Feb. 17, 2020
Isaiah 40-Part 5
Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is wary? There is no searching of His understanding.
(verse 28)

LET IT GLOW

Somehow, a ladybug  landed on a book at my desk the other morning when I was typing a post. I got to look at it close up. Have you seen how tiny their eyes and feet are? It is amazing how God created such a tiny creature that can fly and walk. Judah's faith was going to be the size of that ladybug when Babylon comes and takes them into captivity. Is your faith that tiny today? We know that God gives the encouragement for them, so read on friend.

In verses 12-31, we read that God is incomparable for He is all-powerful Creator and Lord of the universe. Certainly, no one can compare to Him. It is always good for us to step back and look up, soaking in all that God created, from vast planets to the tiny ladybug.

Is there anyone or anything that we can liken or compare to our God? No, an idol is a god created by man and in the image of man. In fact, God provided all those materials that are used to make those idols. Isn't it crazy that mankind dues such a thing, and thin worships it and prays to it for strength and deliverance? An idol is only wood or gold and silver that God made. The thing is, in my opinion, those people are substituting something for God so they don't have to admit they are sinners.

God has already asked the same questions previously in verse 21 as in 28. Our God is the one-and-only Lord of creation and unique. Now whenever Israel and Judah are captives in Babylon, God reminds that He is sovereignly controlling the nations. Can we recognize too much that God is Creator and Ruler?

To bring this home to us, even when the terrorists attacked in 2001 the Pentagon and brought down the Twin Towers, killing thousands, God kept the rest of us safe. They could have done more damage that they did. (I watched a commentary last night. Did you know that at one point, it was thought that the enemies were attempting to kill President Bush? That is why Air Force One flew not to Washington D.C. to return him to the capitol, but went to two other states before that.) We can be grateful for God's protection.) Even those who brought down Flight 93 in Pennsylvania, His hand was on us.

The prophet sarcastically indicated the futility of trying to portray the immensity of God-His power, wisdom, and resources-in the form of a man made idol, no matter how ornate, durable, and immovable. (John MacArthur)

Can we look back throughout the Biblical times, ages, and our lifetime, and praise God for His protection and victories over evil?

LET IT GROW


The Broadman Bible Commentary mentions something that I never thought about:

In order to better understand these verses, one must remember that in ancient times war was regarded not only as a struggle between two nations but also as a test of strength between their respective deities. A nation's defeat, therefore, was interpreted to mean that its gods had failed; its victor, on the other hand, meant that its gods had prevailed over their rivals.

With that in mind, when the Jews go into captivity in Babylon, the pagans considered their deity as supreme. But the Jews were to remain strong in their faith that their Almighty God would provide and protect them. After all, he made innumerable stars, knows the by name, and keeps them in place. He had the power to do so with His children. So during their 70 years of living in a foreign land, they must believe that God had not forgotten them nor was ignorant of their condition.

Keep in mind, God does not faint nor grows weary. Although we may not understand the "why's" in our life, He is still in control. We must trust His good judgment and plans.
Dear one, sometimes we need those reminders in our life. The Ancient of Days can calm our fears, as He did Joshua whenever he took over as leader of Israel. How many times did God tell him to not fear, but to be strong?

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength. (verse 28)

In the Hebrew language, power means to be firm, force, substance; strength refers to powerfulness, abundance.

Are our faint and have no might? God can give you power to stand firm and strength to be powerful.
Is our faith the size of a ladybug? We know where to go. God awaits for us to ask.

LET IT GO

Grow my faith, God.
All things are possible with You.

God is Creator of All

O. T. #1629 "God is Creator of All"
Feb. 14, 2020  
Isaiah 40-Part 4 
Have ye not known? Have ye not heard? Hath it not been told you from the beginning? Have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth? (verse 21)

LET IT GLOW

God asks question after question, showing His sovereignty over the nations; He knows all that is in the universe; He need not ask advice or consult Google because He is all knowing; He is unique, the one-and-only Lord of creation.

We are beginning in verse 18 today. Since humans are not worthy to be compared to God, how much less are idols, which are made with human hands?
Read our key verse. When was the first time you heard about Jesus? I recall hearing about Him in Sunday School as an elementary child. Having grown up on a farm, I knew there was someone who created all things, even before I understood about God. (As a child, I would go outside and sing to Him, before knowing any spiritual songs. Oh, childlike faith, so precious.) God has always been around me.

Recognizing God as our Creator is one of the basics of our faith. His creation can lead us toward Him.
Are we teaching children so they hear and know God? Are we explaining that God created things, in Genesis, and evolution is only man's substitution for acknowledging God did it all. I began teaching a group of children on Wednesday nights at our new church. At least one had not been to church and had not heard about God. Now that is a delight to tell about my God.


LET IT GROW

To whom then will ye liken Me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. (verse 25)

Wasn't Israel foolish to compare such a sovereign, almighty Lord with the gods of the Babylonians?
How is God described here in the New Living Translation?

• Our God knows the stars and planets out in space. He calls them by name, such a multitude of stars.  
• He sits above the circle of the earth. the people below seem like grasshoppers to Him! (verse 22)
• He spreads out the heavens like a curtain and makes His tent from them.
• He judges the great people of the world and brings them all to nothing.
• Because of His great power and incomparable strength, not a single star is missing. (verse 26)

How can Israel, Judah, you, and me say that the LORD does not see your troubles? How can we say God ignores our rights? (verse 27) Let's put our name in there and make it personal-Linda, how can you say that God does not see your troubles?
Doesn't it put things in the right perspective? Since God is all-knowing Creator, He is trustworthy. And hasn't He been faithful in our years gone by?

LET IT GO
What a mighty God we serve!
Everywhere I look, I see Your handiwork-in the red birds, kittens, eagles flying by, and babies.
Such love You have shown us.                  

Small Dust

O. T. #1628. "Small Dust"
Feb. 13, 2020
Isaiah 40-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Yesterday we were reassured that the Word of God will stand forever. Things change and people pass away, but one is for certain, God's Word does not change and lasts forever. It will happen as He said, for our God is faithful and keeps His Word. Isn't that reassuring?

Picking up at verse 9, we read about the prophet, who is like a messenger on a mountain, visible and heard by all, and loudly proclaims good news of God's presence to the rest of Judah's cities, "Your God is coming!"
(This can be in reference to whenever the remnant of those in captivity in Babylon return to Jerusalem after 70 years. It can also refer to the millennial rule of Jesus.

How is God described?

• He is coming in power.
• He will rule (over defeated enemies) with a powerful arm (a symbol of His military strength).
• He brings His reward with him as He comes. (verse 10)
• He will feed His flock like a shepherd.
• He will carry His lambs (exiled people) in His arms, holding them close to His heart.
• He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young (back to Jerusalem). (verse 11)

What a metaphor. God is often pictured as a shepherd gently caring for and guiding His flock. We are referred to as His sheep who have gone astray.
Throughout Scriptures, Jesus is called a shepherd
(Ps. 23); the good shepherd (John 10:11,14); the great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20); and the chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). Our Shepherd cares for us defenseless one with His strength. (Life Application Study Bible)

On whom are we depending and trusting?

LET IT GROW

Since I live on a dirt road, I can relate to the metaphor of being like small dust. Although there are rather good sized rocks along my road, there are also small pebbles. As automobiles travel along it, dust flies up. then it settles down in the field or in my house. How amazing it is that tiny dust particles can get in my house. But I see the evidence when I finally get around to dusting furniture. Yep, compared to a vast nation, I am just a little thing, as well in comparison to our big God. However, we are important to Him.

In verses 12-14, there are a series of questions. The answer, of course, is "God alone". He has power to create the physical universe and keep the earth in perfect balance, weigh the mountains and seas perfectly, move the earth in space perfectly. God is omnipotent and omniscient. He keeps everything in balance. No one has directed Him, nor given God counsel. The Spirit of the Lord directs people and circumstances. Nations are as a drop of a bucket and counted as the small dust of the balance. There is no sufficient animal of earth that can be an adequate sacrifice for sin. Therefore Jesus came to be that sufficient sacrifice, shedding His blood for us. Nothing can compare to Him. We worship our Great God, Sufficient Savior, and God speaking as the Holy Spirit, the trinity.

Do you need comfort today? Do you need direction today? Go to God through Jesus our intercessor, the One who has the answer.

LET IT GO

Thank You for gently bring me back to You when I stray, Jesus.
Direct my steps today.
Remind me that I am only a tiny dust in this world, but have a purpose in Kingdom work.

Grass Withers and Flowers Fade

O. T. #1627 "Grass Withers and Flowers Fade"
Feb. 12, 2020
Isaiah40-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Previously, we read about God's comfort that He would give to the remnant of His believers in another hundred years to come. Then, during their seventy years of captivity, and extending into the millennial reign of Christ. Isn't it wonderful how God applies the Word to the present situation and to us, then to future believers? He's like that, you know. It is with a loving, disciplining hand that He turns His people back to Him.

Today, we pick up at verse 6, reading through 8. What are people compared to here? People are like grass and their beauty fades as quickly as the flowers in a field. Plants wilt under the hot summer heat. We fade under the breath of the LORD. Humans are here today and gone tomorrow. Seventy years for a life used to seem old whenever we were children. Now that we are close to it, 70 years do not seem so old, does it? Oh, young folks, accomplish God wants while you are young, for energy passes so quickly.

LET IT GROW

Jesus is our sustainer, healer, Savior, Redeemer, and friend. He is whatever we need-The Great I AM!
How faithful Jesus is, even when we fail Him.

James used this illustration to teach the folly of trusting in material wealth (James 1:10,11). Peter used it to illustrate the passing nature of everything related to humanity (1 Peter 1:24,25). (MacArthur)

What is it that will abide forever? It is God's Word. That means God's divine plan and His promises are lasting, throughout all generations. Mankind is pictured as being so feeble that it cannot stand up to the Spirit of the LORD or the Word of our God.

People are mere mortals, but God's Word is eternal and unfailing. Public opinion changes and is unreliable, but God's Word is constant. We find lasting solutions to our problems and needs in His Word. We find the Truth, the Way, and Life-Jesus. God gives human life and He sovereignly takes it away.
Are we ready to go into eternity? This week we lost my aunt who was in her 90's. Such an inspiring Christian lady. One by one, my relatives are going to heaven. How comforting it is when we know they are with Jesus!


LET IT GO
God, You hold my life in Your hands. I will trust You forever.

Comfort

O. T. #1626  "Comfort"
Feb. 11, 2020
Isaiah 40

LET IT GLOW

Let's consider our time table so we can get a perspective as to when things occur according to the Rose Book of Bible and Christian History Time Lines:

*760-673 B.C. Isaiah prophesied (during that time, the kings of Judah included Uzziah, Jotham,
                        Ahaz, Hezekiah, and Manasseh)
*612 B.C. Babylon conquers Nineveh (capital of Assyrian Empire)
*586 B.C. Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and Temple (70 years of captivity of Jews in foreign land)
*539 B.C. Babylon falls to Persia
*538 B.C. First group of Jews return to Jerusalem to rebuild (Cyrus the Great is king)

III. God's Deliverance of His People or Comfort to the Babylonian Exiles

This third section of this book has three divisions: (1) chapters 40-48 (2)chapters 49-57 (3) chapters 58-66. In the first part, we look at the hope and comfort of a blessed future for Judah after God's judgment of the Babylonian captivity. Living seventy years in captivity of another county that is foreign to them, results in generations dying and being born there. The Jews are God's covenant people and they will never be permanently cast away (Romans 11:2). Judah's forced labor there would end after they experienced the full measure of discipline for their many sins. Over 63,000 Jews returned to the place where Jerusalem once stood, as well as rebuilding the Temple.

As Isaiah sees a day of salvation, what is God saying to Judah?

• He is calling for comfort (repent, console) for His people. (verse 1)
• Speak to the heart because Jerusalem's warfare days are gone, her iniquity is pardoned, and she was punished twice by the Lord. (verse 2)
• Clear the way through the wilderness; prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. (verse 3)
• Fill in the valleys and level the mountains and hills; straighten the curves; smooth out the rough places. (verse 4)

John the Baptist had this role in preparing the people for the coming Messiah as he called for repentance of sin. We find this in the Gospels. "Behold, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world," was John's declaration and introduction of Jesus.

Today, there are still some major highways from the Sea of Galilee along the Jordan River, down to Jericho and Jerusalem. Also, on the other side through Nazareth, the Valley of Jezerel, to Jerusalem, on which we traveled during our tour of Israel.

In addition, we are to prepare people spiritually for the Millennial reign of Jesus Christ. The Lord is coming back, a second trip for Him. He will reign with peace for 1,000 years. He will make Jerusalem, His Beloved city, the place where all come from the ends of the earth.


LET IT GROW

And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. (verse 5)

The Jewish remnants' hearts were stirred up by the Lord, as well as King Cyrus, with courage to make it through the hills, valleys, and rough places on their way back to Jerusalem.

The divine glory was a light to lighten the Gentiles, as Jesus offered salvation to them and to us. He offers hope and deliverance from sin for us.
Remove the obstacles and roll out the red carpet for the coming of the Lord. As the wilderness pictures the trials and sufferings in life, we are not immune to them as believers. Our faith is not to be hindered by them either. So when our life seems to fall apart, we can find comfort, God's comfort through it all. In His Word we can find strength and encouragement, and His Holy Spirit's presence.
Let us comfort each other with these word.


LET IT GO
You are forever mine, Jesus.
Glory to You.
I wait for Your soon coming.

A Foolish Mistake

O. T. #1625 "A Foolish Mistake"
Feb. 10, 2020
Isaiah 39

LET IT GLOW

Have you ever made a decision or action and later realized it was foolish? King Hezekiah did. Want to find out what it was? Read on, friend.

We left King Hezekiah being healed of his deadly boil and his life extended 15 more years, which were given by God. He passed the faith test when Hezekiah wept and prayed to God. Apparently word traveled rather swiftly during this time, without internet and phone lines, too. Word spread of his sickness and recovery and the moving back of the sun (as proof from God that Assyria would not attack Jerusalem and that Hezekiah would be healed). (One commentary said that the Babylonians worshiped a sun god.) Could it have been curiosity about the day the sun stood still that resulted in their king sending messengers to Hezekiah?

According to Tony Evans, Babylon was going to be the next great world power in years to come. During Isaiah's day, it was another vassal state under Assyria.

What happened in this chapter?

• The king of Babylon sent letters and a present to Hezekiah by way of messengers.
• This pleased King Hezekiah of Judah. Was it pride and flattery that swelled up the king? After all, he name was great in distant countries.
• He made a foolish mistake in striving to impress his foreign visitors. The king showed them his precious things, treasures, and armory in his palace and kingdom. Nothing valuable remained unseen. (verse 2) He lived to regret it, though.
• The Lord sent His Prophet Isaiah to King Hezekiah with a message. Notice, the king did not seek his advice when these foreign visitors came. (verse 3,5)

Did the Babylonian king think his sun god (a false god) was the source of this miracle and he was rejoicing in it? Or was the Babylonian king seeing the power of Judah's God Almighty, the One and Only God, who worked miracles and he wanted to honor Hezekiah's God? Was Hezekiah trying to impress his visitors by giving a guided tour through his precious things? Just my curiosity.

Anyway, we know it was our God's love and mercy shown to King Hezekiah, after he prayed, that healed and extended the king's life.

LET IT GROW

What was wrong with showing these Babylonians around? Was the Babylonian king planning a revolt against Assyria and was forming an alliance. Did he hope to convince Hezekiah to join this alliance against Assyria. And maybe Hezekiah felt honored by this attention and some sympathy for their proposal. Or was Hezekiah hoping to have Babylon join his alliance against Assyria. (Remember, God told Hezekiah that Assyria would not attack Jerusalem.) Either way, Judah's king did a foolish thing.

The Lord sent Isaiah to Hezekiah. What occurred in that meeting?

• Basically, Isaiah asked the king 3 questions-What did those men want? Where were they from? What did thy see in your palace? (verse 3-4a)
• Hezekiah's answers were: They came from the distant land of Babylon and they saw everything I own, all my royal treasuries. (verse 4)
• The LORD's message to Hezekiah was the captivity of Hezekiah's descendants, sons serving as eunuchs) and all their treasures stored up.(verses 6-7)
• Hezekiah's reply was, Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. There shall be peace and security in my days. (verse 8, NLT)

What was Hezekiah saying? He recognized that God was merciful by not killing him. God's Word is good (precious; gracious; king; loving; pleasant; good in the wildest sense). Did it sound like Hezekiah was convicted of his sins and repented of his pride? Some say so. After all, he had stamped out idol worship and God had granted his faith 15 more years, and he knew Almighty God was LORD.

Was the king being short sighted in that Babylon's captivity would not occur during his reign? That he was blessed with peace with the remainder of his life?
In 5 more generations after Hezekiah, King Jehoiakim of Judah was attacked by King Neb in Babylon; in 6 generations, the second attack was made when King Jehoiachin rebelled against Babylon; in 7 generations King Zedekiah was the third attack and conquered by Babylon.

Are we careful that our treasures do not puff up pride within us? Do we seek the Lord as we make decisions?

In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus warns, Don't collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don't break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Jesus made it clear that having the wrong treasures leads to our hearts being in the wrong place. What we treasure the most controls us, whether we admit it or not. (Life Application Study Bible)

Are we living contently with whatever we have because we have chosen eternal values over temporary, earthly treasures?

LET IT GO
Open my spiritual eyes to see the path for me according to Your will, God.
Thank You for all that You have provided for me.
Use me and my things for Your glory and purpose.
And help me to recognize pride in my life.

A Changed Mind

O. T. #1624 "A Changed Mind"
Feb. 7, 2020
Isaiah 38-Part 2
Lord, your discipline is good, for it leads to life and health. You restore my health and allow me to live! Yes, this anguish was good for me, for You have rescued me from death and forgiven all my sins.  (verse 16-17, NLT)

LET IT GLOW

Beginning with verse 9, we read a hymn of thanksgiving, a poetic song of praise by King Hezekiah. What happened in his life previously, Hezekiah was deathly sick due to a boil. Even Isaiah told him, by word from the Lord, to set his house in order. When Hezekiah prayed and wept, changed his mind and extended his life 15 years.

How did this experience change Hezekiah?

• He was in the land of the living. (verse 11,16)
• He gave credit to God-He spoke it and did it.(verse 15)
• He was humbled before the Lord, no longer prideful. (verse 15)
• He would sing God's praises with instruments every day of his life in the Temple. (verse 20)

How wonderful it is when your are about to die and God rescues you, extends your life. Many of you have read my testimony of this happening to me after surgery when I stopped breathing. Every day I try to remember to thank my merciful God for breath of life He has given me. Causes us to have a new perspective on life.

LET IT GROW

The Lord's favorable response illustrates His willingness to alter His stated intentions when His people pray. (David Jeremiah)

We have read examples of God showing mercy as He changed His mind:

• Exodus 32:9-14: Most of the Hebrews would not believe the report of Joshua and Caleb in that they could conquer the Promised Land and wanted to stone them. As a result, God was going to wipe them out and raise up another nation of believers. Mosses interceded for his people, saying the Egyptians would hear of it and declare God was not able to bring them there.
• Genesis 19-God was going to destroy Sodom because of their sin of homosexuality. Abram's nephew Lot and family lived there, so Abram interceded for his family. Lot and his two daughters were the only survivors of the city.

Is there someone we need to pray for, intercede to God for today? God may show them mercy because of your prayer.

Did you notice that after Hezekiah praised the Lord, then God gave the treatment for his boil?

LET IT GO
Thank You, my God, for being so good to me.
You are so merciful and loving.

When Time Stood Still

O.T. #1623 "When Time Stood Still"
Feb. 6, 2020
Isaiah 38
I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.
(verse 5b)


LET IT GLOW

If time stood still for an hour, what we could accomplish! Well, it did stop for Hezekiah, just not an hour. What happened to him during that time? God changed the course of his life.

The events in chapters 38 and 39 occurred before chapters 36 and 37. It happened before Assyria came to surround Jerusalem and their king threatened God's city. What was the "it?" Read on to read about a miracle God did.

King Hezekiah of Judah was deathly ill from a boil (inflammation; an ulcer). (I wonder if it was infected and spread into his blood. Just a thought.) It is interesting to note that this same Hebrew word for boil is the same word for the boils which came as a plague upon the Egyptians. We know they died from their boils.
Well, Hezekiah's sickness was very serious. Isaiah went to visit the king and spoke some startling news from God, "Set your affairs in order, for you are going to die. You will not recover from this illness."
Now this may have been a test of Hezekiah's faith. "Prepare to die" can be some shocking words to hear.
Perhaps you heard the doctor say the word cancer is in your body or an incurable disease. It can be eye opening news. What do we do? Where do we turn when our life is spinning around?

2 Chronicles 32 tells us that Hezekiah had become a prideful man, for he was very wealthy and highly honored. He showed all the treasures in Judah to ambassadors from Babylon. This angered the Lord against the king, Judah, and Jerusalem. god withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart. Hezekiah humbled himself and repented of his pride, as did the people of Jerusalem. So the Lord's anger did not fall on them during Hezekiah's lifetime.

How did Hezekiah react to the terminal news? (Being a man, he may have waited until he was alone.) He turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD.
What did Hezekiah pray?

• Remember, O LORD, how I have always been faithful to you.
• I have served You single-mindedly.
• I always do what pleases You.

Then Hezekiah broke down and wept bitterly. (Doesn't your heart go out to the guy?) Commentators say that Hezekiah didn't have an heir to leave his throne nor all his goods to as an inheritance. God knew ahead of time that He was going to heal Hezekiah and give him a miraculous sign to boot.


LET IT GROW

God sent Isaiah back to Hezekiah with an encouraging message: God heard his prayers and saw his tears; He would add 15 years to Hezekiah's life; He would rescue him and Jerusalem from the king of Assyria.

As proof that God would do as He promised, (healing and he would go to the Temple in 3 days), God offered Hezekiah a choice of either moving the shadow on the steps as a sundial 10 degrees forward or backward.
Which did he choose? Hezekiah chose for the sun to be moved backwards, for the shadow on the steps to go backwards. He knew soon the sun would go down with nighttime coming. So God moved the sun for a miraculous sign to the king. It was the day time stopped, which was about 20 minutes (add 20 more minutes to catch up with time). God supernaturally did it.  So the 20 minutes back and 20 minutes up to the original time, equals 40 minutes.

Did you know that NASA's computer discovered time elapsed a whole day previously. A man who learned this in Sunday School shared that in Joshua's day for 23 hours and 20 minutes, the sun stopped moving so Israel could defeat their enemy in the light. Then if you add the 40 minutes in Hezekiah's day, that explains the day the sun stood still, or time stood still. It calculated. Imagine that!

God can do whatever He wants. He can prove that His promises are true and He is faithful to keep them. But do we trust Him to keep His Word?

LET IT GO

God, You can change the course of my life.
Lead me to Your path for me.
Help me to be a good follower.

An Immediately Answered Prayer

O. T. #1622 "An Immediately Answered Prayer"
Feb. 5, 2020
Isaiah 37-Part 3
But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against Me. (verse 28)

LET IT GLOW

How would we react if we received a letter threatening to destroy us? I would slide on my face all the way to my prayer room and cry out to God, like Hezekiah. Continue reading to find out how it turned out for him.

With all those threats toward Jerusalem and its king, God was still in charge. He was going to give a sign (evidence) that all was well and going to turn out all right. There would be good harvest of crops and fruit. A remnant of Judah would take root downward and bear fruit upward. Judah would be blessed with a divine reprieve to continue its prosperity as a nation.

How did God rescue Jerusalem? He sent an angel of the LORD, who was Christ Himself, to kill 185,000 men in the Assyrian army. It happened that night that Isaiah delivered the message of deliverance (2 Kings 19:35). God didn't waste any time answering Hezekiah's prayer.

What happened to Sennacherib, king of Assyria? Twenty years later, his own sons killed him while he was worshiping his false god.

Sometimes God answers our prayer immediately. We should praise and thank Him for it hearing our prayer. If His answer is no or wait, we have to trust in God's will and praise Him and thank Him anyway. Some of my prayers took 20 and even 40 years to be answered. So keep on believing, friend. God is at work.

LET IT GROW

The king of Assyria thought he was in control of his fate, but boy was he ever wrong. His army was strong, his empire was great, and he had conquered many nations. Although he had overpowered many cities in Judah, he was not going to do so to Jerusalem.

King Hezekiah of Judah had gone to the Temple and laid the threatening letter from the king of Assyria. God gave an answer to Hezekiah's prayer through the Prophet Isaiah-as God had planned long ago, it would come to pass. According to our  key verse, God knew the activity of the king of Assyria, Sennacherib's going out and coming in, and had always an eye upon him. God even knew the rage (to quiver, with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear) that the guy had toward God.

 That ruthless king would return home by the same road he came on and would not attack Jerusalem because God would put a hook in his nose and a bridle in his lips and turn him back. (verses 28-29)
His army would not even shoot an arrow, nor march around Jerusalem's gates with shields, nor try to tear down the walls.

When things look hopeless for us, we should pray to our God. After all,  He knows all that is going on in our little world, sees all that is happening to us, and our comings and goings. He even knows how we have been mistreated. He can mend broken hearts. God can change our attitudes, too. Dear child of God, He can turn things around for us. So, take comfort in His will being done as we yield to it.

Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for His mercy is great. (2 Samuel 24:14)

LET IT GO

Jesus, how good You are!
Thank You for hearing my prayers and answering according to the right way.
Glory to Your name.

Help!

O. T. #1621  "Help!"
Feb. 4, 2020
Isaiah 37-Part 2
Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that Thou are the LORD, even Thou only. (verse 20)

LET IT GLOW

In the last chapter, we read where the king of the Empire Assyria sent his cupbearer to deliver a nasty threatening message to King Hezekiah of Judah. Now Hezekiah had sent three of his trustworthy men to receive it. When the king heard it this first message, he went sorrowfully to the Temple to pray. Also, he sent two of those men and priests to Isaiah the prophet so he would pray. God's reassuring message to Hezekiah was that He would take care it Assyria.

Before the king of Assyria left the area, he sent a letter to Hezekiah by way of his messengers so Judah would know he had not abandoned his plan to conquer Judah. This time, Hezekiah sorrowfully went to the Temple to pray a tremendous prayer. Laying out the letter before the Lord, how did the king pray?

• He recognized the God of Heaven was the God of Israel, who God is and their utter dependence upon Him (verse  16);
• He requested God to see and hear the reproach (to defame, defy, blaspheme) of their enemy (verse 17);
• He realized the success of Assyria to conquer other nations and cities, but recognized their gods were only the work of men's hands and had not power (verse 19);
• He humbly and genuinely prayed for God to rescued Jerusalem and save them from their enemy; and that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that God is the only God (verse 20);

What a prayer! It is a good example for us as we pray.

God was glorified as the only Creator and Sovereign of the world. The king did not presume upon God's grace, but asked God to judge the Assyrians for the right reason-everyone would know He alone was God. (Tony Evans)

LET IT GROW

What was God's response through Isaiah to Hezekiah's prayer concerning Assyria's king?

• Even though God allowed Assyria to conquer the northern kingdom of Israel, because of their rebellion against Him, He would not allow them to conquer Judah. (The virgin daughter of  Zion was Jerusalem.) (verse 22)
• Assyria had ultimately mocked God when they defied, ridiculed, and mocked Judah. (verse 23)
• God was going to cut down Assyria like a tree and stop up the rivers. (verse 24)
• Long ago God decided a plan and now He was making it happen. (verse 26)
• God knew Assyria well, their comings and goings, their rage against the Lord, and their arrogance. (verse 28)

In other words, don't mess with God's children and don't reproach and blaspheme God. Those are some things He will not stand for, put up with, allow to continue.

The word reproach is used 4 times in this chapter-verses 4,7,23, 24.
The word blasphemed means a revilement (verbal abuse), and is used twice-verses 6 and 23.

Woe be unto the king of Assyria. He done it, as our slang would say it. God has had it with those people. We will read more about them next time and how God judges those heathens.

"For I know the plans I have for you;" declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11

Hezekiah persisted in prayer and faith even though he could not see the answer coming. When we pray, we must have faith that God has already prepared the best answer. Our task is to ask in faith and wait in humility. (Life Application Study Bible)

Do we acknowledge God's holiness, power, and sovereignty when we pray?
Do we lay out our problems before the Lord as the king did here?
Do we declare God's wisdom and He knows best how to handle this?
Are we leaving it with Him?

LET IT GO
God, You are my Savior, Redeemer, Sustainer, Healer, Protector, Provider.
Everything I have ever needed, You have always been.
God is the Great I AM.

When The Threats Come

O. T. #1618  "When The Threats Come"
Feb. 3, 2020
Isaiah 37

LET IT GLOW

What do we do when threats come? Are we like Judah, compared to a woman who is trying to give birth to a child  but is too weak to deliver? How did King Hezekiah handle the threats? He didn't give up.

Previously, we heard the words of the cupbearer, Rabshakeh, of the king of Assyrian and their threats so Jerusalem would surrender to them. He made the mistake of mocking the ability of Jerusalem's God.
[Keep in mind that Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44) as we apply these verses to us.]

What happened on the day of trouble, insults, and disgrace?

• When King Hezekiah heard the report of Assyria's threat, what did he do? He did the right thing-tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and went to the house of the LORD. Hezekiah sent the same messengers to Prophet Isaiah.
• The message was: There was no strength after hearing the threats; the Assyrian king defied the Living God; perhaps He will punish him; pray for the remnant let.
• Isaiah's response was: Don't be disturbed by this blasphemous speech. God will move against them; the king will receive a message that he is needed at home, so he will return to his land; God will kill the king with His sword. (This is what the Lord said.)
• Before King Sennacherib left, he sent a letter to Hezekiah: Don't let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you with promises that Jerusalem will not be captured by the king of Assyria. You know perfectly well that we have completely destroyed everyone who stood in our way.

Well, well, well, the Lord heard the mocking message and threat to God and Jerusalem, God's beloved city. God would defend His people and vindicate His great name. Hezekiah knew this.

Friends, do we recognize that our God fights for His children? Do we have that strong faith in our times of threats and troubles from our enemies?

LET IT GROW

When King Hezekiah received that letter from the king of Assyria, what did he do? He spread it out before the LORD while in the Temple.

What can we learn from this story? If you missed the first seven points Kay Arthur taught about the blessings that can come when the enemy threatens us, read our previous lesson. Now, let's continue with it:
8. The enemy drives us to the house of God, praying, and rallying the troops, Christian prayer
     warriors. (verse 4)
9. The enemy causes us to see the divine sovereignty of God over the hearts of men.
10. The enemy causes us to remember who God is. He alone is our deliverer.
11. The enemy provides us with stories of God's deliverance.

Rest assured, God will protect His name and reputation. When we are a child of God, make sure we do not become a slave to fear. Then, make our goal to give glory to God when He delivers us from the evil one.

When threats and problems come into our life, we should take it to the Lord our God, and ask others to pray for us. Then watch God move as only He can.

LET IT GO
                              ... and let God handle my situation.
                              ... and say, "I am a child of God."
                              ... and do not fear, for God has this.