Keep the Faith and Fear Not

O. T. #1659  "Keep the Faith and Fear Not"
March 31, 2020
Isaiah 48

LET IT GLOW

Sometimes it is good to step back and look at the whole picture instead of just verses or chapters as the focus in studying the Word of God. We should know by now that the purpose for Isaiah's prophecies was to bring Judah to repentance of their idolatry, as well as the warning of 70 years in captivity if they did not do so. Also, it was to encourage the Jewish remnant that they would be delivered from the Babylonian captivity. Do we recall that Isaiah wrote this book over 150 years before Babylon became the reigning empire in this region? God keeps His Word and these things came to pass as He said.

I like how Warren Wiersbe, in his book, Wiersbe's  Expository Outlines on the Old Testament summarizes the section of chapters 40-66:
These chapters are often called the "New Testament section" of the book. It has 27 chapters in it, similar to the 27 books of the NT. It begins with John the Baptist (40:3-4 with Matthew 3:1-3) and its emphasis is Christ and salvation.

He gives us 3 major ideas:

1. Fear not-The Jews wear afraid of the great Gentile nations that were moving in conquest across the world. Israel had been taken by Assyria; Judah would be captured by Babylon, and the new empire of Persia would come after them.
2. The greatness of God and the falseness of the heathen idols. God is the true and only God, and there is no other besides Him, so the Jews need not fear.
3. Cyrus, King of Persia, would be the man God would raise up to conquer Babylon and enable the Jews to return to their land. Jesus Christ would come to be Savior and Redeemer of the world. We know this happened, for history reveals that there was a Jesus of Nazareth.

Here are a couple of verses which we have already studied, for us who could use some encouragement to not fear today, as the coronavirus spreads throughout our nation, seeking to devour and kill us, as the devil does:

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee: yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.  (41:10)

For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
(41:13)

Isn't God's timing perfect? Aren't we so glad that we are studying the book of Isaiah during this pandemic? I sure am, for there are so many verses that can encourage us through this time. I heard that President Trump has extended our time of distancing to continue through April. so fear not, friends, we are getting through this with God's help and His righteous right hand holding onto each of us. (I will be sharing more such verses each day for as long as we need them.)

LET IT GROW

Take a look at verse 4: Because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass;

God is describing Judah as being obstinate, having a bronze forehead that nothing can get through, an iron neck that is stiff and cannot turn around.

Obstinate means hard, stubborn, heavy, impudent.

Are we hardheaded and stubborn like the children of Judah?
Will we not turn to God in repentance like we have an iron neck?
Is our brow like brass, in that we won't budge?
If these are not us, in which I pray we have a submissive spirit, then perhaps we have family members with those characteristics. Pray friends for each other.
Remember, God loves us and disciplines us, His children.
Keep the faith and fear not, for you are a child of the King.

LET IT GO
Father, may Your grace and mercy come upon us for we are in need of You.
Our nation needs Your healing of our sin and our bodies.
Please forgive us of our sins and be our God again, ruling over us.
Please protect Israel, Your beloved children.
Without You we will  perish.
To You be the glory forever and ever. Amen

Tight Places

O. T. #1658  "Tight Places"
March 30, 2020
Isaiah 47
As for our Redeemer, the LORD of Hosts is His name, the Holy One of Israel. (verse 4)

LET IT GLOW

Are you in a tight place today? It can be physically, financially, relationships. Here is solution.

I found this appropriate devotional by Charles Swindoll, in his book, Five Meaningful Minutes a Day:

Our final home is not planet earth. Our future is sure. In the meantime, God is in control. Make that in full control.

The literal rendering of Psalm 46:1goes something like this: "God is our refuge and strength; abundantly available for help in tight places."

In a tight place? Don't fear. You are right where He wants you.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Our God continues to proclaim who He is to Israel and Babylon.
In verse 4, who is God declaring Himself to be?

• God is our Redeemer,
• the LORD of Hosts,
• and the Holy One of Israel.

Jesus Christ is our Redeemer, in that He shed His blood so we do not in order to be accepted by God and have a relationship with Him. He took our punishment for our sins; Jesus took our place.
He is the LORD of Hosts, so all creatures are at His command, including the earth.
As the Holy One of Israel, He is a God in covenant with us and faithfully performs all His promises He has made to us.
[Resource: Matthew Henry's Commentary]

Dear friend, is Jesus your Redeemer? If not, He can be if you will trust in Him as your Savior. Simply repent of your sins, admitt you are a sinner and you believe in Jesus, then ask Him to forgive you of your sins. One day we will meet in heaven. What a day that will be, when we see Jesus!
If Jesus is already your Redeemer, then hold on while in your tight place. Jesus is our strength and hope.


LET IT GROW

 In this chapter, God is warning Babylon that they need to repent of their pagan worship and sins. We know that He used Isaiah and Jonah to predict Babylon's fall. You see, Babylon was so prideful that they trusted in astrologers, sorcerers, and idols. They were living in luxury, security, prosperity,wisdom, wealth, and power, so they thought. In one day, Babylon would be in complete ruin, desolation, suddenly. Cyrus of Persia would conquer them, and he did just that. (Sorry we keep repeating this, but notice how many times God repeats this and the number of chances they have to turn to Him and worship only God.)

Happy are those who by faith and prayer deal with one that will be a very present help in time of trouble! (Matthew Henry)

LET IT GO

God, You are my refuge, strength and help in time of trouble.
Jesus, thank You for being  my Redeemer.
Please protect all who come to read this blog, and their family, from the deadly virus, flue, and pneumonia.
May we praise You in the midst of this storm.

Old Age

O. T. #1657 "Old Age"
March 27, 2020
Isaiah 46
And even to your old age I am He; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. (verse 4)

LET IT GLOW

Getting old isn't for the weak ones. Do I hear an amen? Our body begins to wear down and out, our memory fades, and we slow down due to energy gone. And our body's looks have either enlarged, sags, or is gray/white on top. But we can take heart, friend, we are not in this alone. Let's make the most of the time we have left.
We can share how God has been faithful to us throughout our years. Our younger generation needs to hear it, especially now. Through the hard or bad times, God has not left us, nor will He today in this storm. Will you share with us, too?

Our God created us and cares for us. His love is so enduring that He will care for us throughout our lifetime and even through death. (Life Application Study Bible)

Israel was going to be tempted to waver between the Lord God and pagan gods while they were in Babylon for 70 years. So He gave Isaiah these encouraging words (and us). Are we tempted to turn to our bank account or savings or government during this had time?  We must turn to God first. He has a plan and a purpose for this virus. I pray it is to bring our nation to repentance and we heed it. So when we are tempted to pursue anything other than God, for comfort, peace, or security, much less pleasures, we must remember our commitment to God.

What are some promises that our loving God gives to us in our key verse?

• He is God even in our old age.
• He is God even when our hairs are hoary (gray).

Now I find comfort in that. How about you?
There are several verses on this matter of old age-Ps.71:18, 37:25,92:14; Prov. 17:6,16:31)

Lest we think we cannot be useful to God in our old age, senior years, think of Zacharias and Elisabeth, who were John the Baptist's parents, Moses and Aaron, Paul, Daniel, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. They were definitely used by God. So can you and I, dear one.

LET IT GROW

What does God say He will do for us in this verse?

• He will carry (reflex, strong to labor) you and me.
• He has made (to do or make) you and me.
• He will bear (forgive, hold up, pardon, raise up, spare) you and me.
• He will deliver (release, rescue, preserve, save) you and me.

God says He will carry us through this financial crunch.
He has made us.
Because He is God, He is able to spare us and pardon our sins.
Therefore, God can deliver us from the coronavirus  and preserve our life. Right?

So, child of God, let us not worry about tomorrow. We must be smart and do what we can to keep our self safe by staying inside and disinfecting our domain. We have a choice-praise and thank our God or grumble 

LET IT GO
God is able and can deliver us from this deadly virus.
But if He does not do so, He has been faithful to me and my hope is in You, Jesus.

Hang In There

O. T. #1656  "Hang in There"
March 26, 2020
Isaiah 45-Part 4
I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captivities, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of Hosts. (verse 13)

LET IT GLOW

Are you showing kindness and love to others during this time of uncertainty? Are you encouraging others that God will see us through? Hang in there friends. We will survive the coronavirus and we can tell our grandchildren about it.

Read our key verse above. What is God telling Israel?

• God was going to raise up and use the unrighteous King Cyrus of Persia to accomplish God's righteous purposes.
• God will direct his ways, actions.
• Cyrus would be used to rebuild Jerusalem, by supplying what they needed and for them to take with them on their journey home.
• Cyrus would let go the Israelites who were captives in Babylon and Assyria.
• Cyrus would do such things not for money nor reward. The king would be rich because he will conquer those two empires, though, but that is not his motive.

The word righteousness appears 6 times in this chapter; it means the right (nationally, morally, legally; just.

It is for God's purposes that Cyrus would do these things.
Friends, what can we learn from this verse for our life?
Our loving God can raise us believers in Christ up in His righteousness, as well as non-Christians.
He can directs our ways and actions.
We can be a part in building the kingdom of God by sharing the gospel.
We can help those who are held captives in their sin to be set free by leading them to salvation in Jesus Christ. Also, we can give hope to people who are captives of porn, immoral practices, financial bondage, doubt and fear.
Our purpose should not be for money or rewards, but for the glory of God as being a faithful servant.

Are we sharing hope to others in this time of instability in our nation?
Are we still faithful to pray for others and our loved ones daily?
Are we sharing and caring as instruments of Jesus?

LET IT GROW

Another word jumped out at me as it appeared 3 times in this chapter. It is the word ashamed, which be (put to) confounded.

In verse 16, who will be ashamed, confounded, or humiliated? It is the makers of idols, those craftsmen.
In verse 17, it is different-Israel will not be ashamed nor confounded because they will be saved.
Verse 24 is talking about someone else-those who are angry with God will come to Him and be ashamed.

There will always be people who will reject the gospel, that they are sinner in need of a Savior; they will not admit they are sinners and their works will not get them to heaven. However, we do not know who they are, so we are obligated to share the love of Jesus with them.

LET IT GO
Jesus, how awesome You are, for You have provided us with salvation.
You are our righteousness, for our is as dirty rags.
Be our strength through these uncertain days.
Help us keep faith in Your deliverance.
Remind us that this too shall pass.
God is telling us to hang in there.
One day we shall declared that You are faithful.
May we not be ashamed when we stand before You in eternity.

Deliverance is Ahead

O. T. #1655  "Deliverance is Ahead"
March 25, 2020
Isaiah 45-Part 3
Thus says the LORD, the HOLY One of Israel, and His Maker: "Ask Me about the things to come concerning My sons, And you shall commit to Me the work of My hands."
(New American Standard verse 11)

LET IT GLOW

We have already read that the LORD is the Holy One of Israel and Maker. That He formed the light and created darkness, made peace and created evil. God established that there is no other God besides Him. The LORD does all these things. He is unique in that God alone can predict the future. He has already foreordained whatever comes to pass.

Verse 8 is a prayer for God to intervene in human history. The imagery is that of a refreshing rain upon a fertile field, which causes it to spring forth abundantly. This wonderful picture is that of the blessing of God coming down from above and beneath simultaneously. (Falwell)

In the hot summer, don't we pray for God to give us rain so our gardens and the national crops can grow? We need a refreshing that rain provides.What about spiritual refreshing? We are in need of it in our nation, today. We need salvation and righteousness springing up together. Immorality is just as rampid in our country as the coronavirus. Perhaps that is why we have this disease, to bring us back to God and His principles for life. Will we surrender under His righteous hand? Will we pray for God to intervene in human history and change hearts?

You know, it is foolish to argue with our Maker. Verses 9 and 10 show that a pot can't question the one who formed it; children don't get to criticize parents for giving them birth. Since God is the Creator of all things, He is the author of the story. We are His, and He gets to decide how the game is played. No one is Israel, then, could question why God did what He did in the way He chose to do it. If He wanted to use an unrighteous king like Cyrus to accomplish His righteous purposes, that's what He would do. (Tony Evans)

Neither should we ask God why He is allowing this deadly virus to kill people worldwide. Maybe we should yield to God's authority in our life and over His creation. We are not in control. Perhaps we should be praying for our churches, neighborhood, families, and friends. We should bow before a holy God and repent of our sins and the sins of our nation. Folks, we have allowed idol worship to come here and influence our children. We have removed prayer and Bible reading in our schools and from public meetings and places. We need to establish God as the God of our nation.

LET IT GROW

Look at our key verse above.
The people of God in captivity, who reconciled themselves to the will of God in their affliction and were content to wait His time for their deliverance, are here assured that they should not wait in vain.
They are invited to inquire concerning the issue of their troubles. God encourages Israel to consult His Word from prophets and the watchmen. Be earnest in your requests, and confident in your expectations, as far as both are guided by and grounded upon the promise. We may not strive with our Maker by passionate complaints, but we may wrestle with Him by faithful and fervent prayer. Bring them to God and leave them with Him. (Mathew Henry)

After 70 years in captivity, God would deliver Israel and return them to their Promised Land. Deliverance would come, for God planned using a heathen to accomplish His will.

We can ask our Maker for deliverance. From what do you need delivering?
Let us not question what God does, but to ask what we need to learn from a problem or situation or trouble. Isn't it for the glory of God and our good?

LET IT GO
Glory, glory, Hallelujah You reign, Jesus.
Bring your sorrows and let Him turn them to joy.
Come to the altar. The Father's arms are open wide.
Oh what a Savior! He is wonderful!
Forgiveness is bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

Hard Measures for Hard Times

O. T. #1654  "Hard Measures for Hard Times"
March 24, 2020
Isaiah 45-Part 2
And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel. (verse 3)

LET IT GLOW

Are you in need today, dear friend? God can supply it. Now I am not a prosperity teacher, but nothing is too difficult for God (Luke 1:37). During this time of isolation and sickness, God has supplied my needs, as always. And I thank Him. I have a fungi in my throat and esophagus, so I require a special diet of no sugar, no milk products, and no carbs. I have things that I can eat while I wait for healing. (Probably the fungi is from my inhaler for asthma.) Although it is definitely an adjustment for this special diet, it is doable. Hopefully, this week is the last of it. so God is my Provider and has been my Sustainer for the past three weeks. (It took that long to diagnosis me.)

Hard measures for hard times. Are you going through hard times now?

Do we stop and think about the greatness of our God (NLT)?

• He choses who is king, ruler. (verse 1)
• He empowers kings and paralyzes kings with fear. (verse 1)
• He makes the crooked places straight. (verse 2)
• He goes before the kings (and us) to level the mountains, smash down gates of bronze, and cuts through bars of iron. (verse 2)
• He gives treasures hidden in the darkness and secret riches. (verse 3)
• He does this so we know that He is the LORD. (verse 3)
• He calls us by name. (verse 3)
• God is the LORD and there is no other God. (verse 5)
• He equips us for battle, so all the world will know there is no other God. (verse 5)
• He sends the good times and bad times; light and darkness. (verse 7)
• He makes peace and evil. (verse 7)
• He does all these things. (verse 7)

God blessed Cyrus with treasures of gold and silver and riches of Babylon, which either belonged to the Babylonian king, the rich leaders, or perhaps it was from the Jewish Temple. He can bless you, dear one, with spiritual and monetary blessings as well as family and friends and neighbors.

Those will find a ready road that have God going before them. (Matthew Henry)

Do you need God to equip us for a spiritual battle that you are going through?
Do you need Him to make the crooked places straight so you get on the readied road God has for you?
Are you in need of peace, friend?
Are you praying for people to be turning to God during this stressful time of the spread of the coronavirus? He can be what you need, for God is the Great I AM!

LET IT GROW

As a reminder, we know that Prophet Isaiah wrote this divine message from God, some 150 years before Cyrus was born.

I found some interesting historical background information on Cyrus, the Great (559-530 BC). His father was the Persian King Cambyses (580-559 BC); his mother was a Median princess, daughter of Median King Astyages (585-550 BC). The Persian Empire ruled the eastern area for some 223 years.

The Euphrates River was dried up (by God) so Cyrus' army could enter Babylon via the dry riverbed and opened the gates of the city were open by Him. Some 17 days later, Cyrus himself entered the city in peace as a victorious conqueror, thus ending the Neo-Babylonian Empire. (Falwell)

You might recognize some names of Cyrus's descendants: Cambyses (must have been named for his grandfather),  Darius (a Median), Pericles, Xerxes I (Ahasuerus), Artaxerxes I, Darius II, Artaxerxes II and the III, ruled in sequence.  ((Rose Book of Bible & Christian History Time Lines)

Cyrus' empire spread across 2,000 miles, including the territories of both the Assyrian and the Babylonian empires.(Life Application Study Bible)

It is an interesting note that during the Babylonian and Persian Empires, the false religions of Buddhism and Confucius were founded in those regions. Persia is the current Iran and Babylon is the current Iraq.

Another view of Cyrus, the Great, we find in this chapter, how God used him for His purpose:

• A Gentile ruler, was God's anointed and a type of Christ the Messiah and Redeemer for Israel.
• He had a special task-rebuild Jerusalem, set free the Jewish exiles, and the Temple rebuilt.
• God used an idol-worshiping king to do His work by His power.

How much more can God use His child to accomplish His will?
Are we praying for a special task during this time of confinement?

LET IT GO
How great You are, glorious King Jesus!
Revive Your churches, save the lost, provide for Your children, bless those who read this blog.
Use me for Your purpose.

Do We Get The Message?

O. T. #1653  "Do We Get The Message?"
March 23, 2020
Isaiah 45
I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside Me: I girded thee, 
though thou hast not known Me: that they may know from the rising of the sun,
and from the west, that there is none beside Me. I am the LORD, and there is 
none else. (Verses 5-6)

LET IT GLOW

Let me challenge you to read this chapter first, then continue to read this post. As you read, count how many times God says that He is God, the LORD, and there is none beside Him.

There are seven times where the word none is used by God. They are found in verses 5, 6 (twice), 14, 18, 21, and 22.

The word none in the Hebrew language means to be nothing, not exist, and non-entity.

The same Hebrew word is used for none in all appearances, except the second time it is used in verse 6. Here, a different Hebrew word is used for none, which means an end, no further, thing of naught.
We need not look for another God-He is it, period.

Do you think Israel got the message? Do we get the message?

God keeps telling them and us, that He is:

• the LORD (verse 3, 5,6)
• the God of Israel (verse 3)
• the LORD who does all things (verse 7)
• the Holy One of Israel (verse 11)
• their Maker (verse 11)
• the One who made the earth and created man upon it (verse 12)
• the Savior (verse 15,21)
• the One who created the heavens (verse 18)
• the LORD who speaks righteousness (verse 19)
• a just God (verse 21).

Do we find reassurance in this unstable time in our history? God is in control and has never lost control of all things. He is sovereign and that makes Him God. Am I saying that God made this coronavirus so He could kill people? Not in that way. God allows good and bad things to happen. Job found that out. But, the thing is, are we trusting in Him with everything we have and with our very life? Are we trusting God with our soul and eternity? Then we can trust Him with our physical needs, too. Maybe it is time we get back to the basics-loving God first and most, then serving Him and others. (I'm speaking to myself.) It is time we show His love to others. Jesus taught those were the two greatest commandments.

LET IT GROW

We read that Cyrus was going to be Israel's shepherd and allowing them to rebuild Jerusalem and its Temple. Of course, we know this was a prediction, so it actually happened some 150 years later.
Did this give them hope?
Do we have hope today? There is always a remnant of God's people, like there was a remnant of believers in captivity in Babylon. So don't worry about this contagious and deadly virus. Remain faithful to our God. We can be His remnant that survives it. Let faith arise.
Let us continue to pray for repentance of sin in our nation and around the world.

Sometimes God brings things into our life to draw us back to Him. (Tony Evans)
Pray for Americans to come back to God, His worship, His Word, and His principles for living to glorify Him.

LET IT GO
At the cross, I surrender my life. I owe all to Your, Jesus.
Keep holding me with Your righteous right hand.
Show me the needs of others so You can receive glory as I help encourage them.

Victory is Coming

O. T. #1652  "Victory is Coming"
March 20, 2020
Isaiah 44-Part 3
I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto Me; for I have redeemed thee. Isaiah 44:22

LET IT GLOW

After 70 years in captivity, God was going to blot out Israel's sin of idolatry. He would pardon it as a thick cloud is scattered. It is only Christ who can pardon our sins.
When Babylon fell, there was singing in heaven. God glorified Himself whenever He redeemed Israel. What joy the Jews must have shown as they rebuilt Jerusalem and the Temple!

And there will be joy as the believers across the world gather together again to worship God after the coronavirus has been defeated. The church's foundation is Jesus Christ. When we return to Him as a nation, He will blot out our sins and we will know that He has redeemed us.

So take courage, dear on, God is in control and will hold us with His righteous right hand. He is our hope and strong hold. He is the God who saves and stand with wide open arms. Let us run to Him.
Hang in there, for victory is coming.


LET IT GROW

What is considered one of the greatest prophecies in the Bible? Read on to find out what is.

For a little historical background, Falwell said Cyrus, known as Cyrus II or Cyrus the Great,  was a Persian king of the Achaemenid dynasty. He was the grandson of Cyrus I and may have possibly been known to Isaiah in the prophet's latter years. He conquered his mother's father, Astyages, the Median overlord, and founded the Persian Empire. He soon marched through Assyria, and in 546 he overthrew Croesus and the kingdom of Lydia. In 539, his army conquered Babylon and deposed Belshazzar.

Isaiah prophesied from about 740-681 BC; he called Cyrus by name 150 years before he ruled (559-530 BC). Later historians said that Cyrus read this prophecy and was so moved that he carried it out. Isaiah also predicted that Jerusalem would fall more that 100 years before it happened (586 BC) and that the temple would be rebuilt about 200 years before it happened. It is clear these prophecies came from God, who alone knows the future. (Life Application Study Bible)

Cyrus became king of Persia, set apart by God's providence for divine purposes. He is featured as the Lord's Servant and shepherd of the sheep of Israel who gathered the lost sheep of the house of Israel back to their land (Micah 5:4). In 538, he decreed the rebuilding of the temple, as Ezra tells us. The returning Jews finished the work in 516 BC.

Normally, the term "shepherd" is applied to Christ (Ezekiel 34:23), God Himself (Is. 40:11), and the kings of Israel (2 Sam. 5:2). Falwell

If we read the end of our life's story, would it say that we remained a faithful servant of Christ to the end, that we fought the good fight of faith to the end?

LET IT GO
Father God, You are here beside me. Strengthen my body and soul. Let faith run over like tea poured in a cup. You are my Good Shepherd and I am Your sheep. Guide me on Your paths.

Ashamed

O. T. #1651  "Ashamed"
March 18, 2020
Isaiah 44-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

God is the ultimate authority on divinity! (Falwell)

There is no God beside Thee. You are the King of kings, the LORD of lords, Redeemer, the LORD of Hosts, the First and the Last. (verse 6)

He is the True and Living God.

The MacArthur Bible Commentary states:
The Lord identified Himself as Israel's King (43:15), Redeemer (43:14), champion in battle (1:9), and eternal One (41:4, 48:12). Jesus is a direct affirmation of His deity, called Himself the First and Last (Rev. 1:17, 2:8, 22:13).

There is coming a day in Israel's future, some 140 years in the future, whenever they will admit that God is LORD.
Will we admit and proclaim that there is only One True Living God?
Will we trust in Him for our present and future?

LET IT GROW

In verses 9-20, God is challenging those who make and worship idols.
What materials did the people make their gods/idols/graven images? They used gold, silver, precious stones, and wood.

Those helpless idols leave their devotees without help or hope. (Falwell)

What word did He repeat 3 times in verses 9-11?
Ashamed, which means to pale; to be confounded; dried up.

Since those idols could neither see, hear, nor think, there was no use in people praying and worshiping them for they were inanimate objects. but, you know, it was the condition of their heart-rebellion.

The trees the men used to make idols were also used for a fire to keep warm by and to cook with. Isn't that foolish and ridiculous?!

Like eating ashes, which provide no nourishment, idolatry is a deception, from which the sinner gets nothing but judgment (Prov. 15:14, Hos. 12:11) (MacArthur)

The time will come when Israel will be proud of belonging to God.  Is we are truly God's, we should be unashamed and delighted to let everyone know about our relationship with Him. the manufactured idols were guilty of false advertising. They made big promises, but they were worthless and helpless. In contrast, God fulfills His claims and delivers on all His promises. God challenges us to be His witnesses. When we share our faith with those who can find no meaning in life or have no hope of eternal life, we are not proclaiming anything shoddy or unreliable. God is real and life with Him is best.
 (Life Application Study Bible)

LET IT GO
May I not be ashamed of myself when I stand before You, my God.
Help me do Your will, not mine.
Use me to share hope, love, and purpose in a life dedicated to You, Jesus.

*Friends, I would appreciate your prayers for my health. I have fungi in my throat and esophagus. Apparently, it is due my inhaler and mouth pieces for teeth. I rinse, but must not have done it correctly. A new doctor gave me a pill to help get rid of it. Anyway, it is affecting my heart, causing palpations. I see my cardiologist Thursday. Thanks so much dear ones.

Hope is Available

O. T. #1650  "Help is Available"
March 17, 2020
Isaiah 44

LET IT GLOW

Thank you friends and believers in Christ for joining me to pray for our nation and our world as we are attacked by a deadly virus. Perhaps we should continue to pray this week.
So if you are staying at home this week, like me, I thought I would play the teacher and you the student with some assignments and questions. A different touch or look to the usual posting. Are you up for it?

Read chapter 44, verses 1-8. Here are some questions (please answer before reading further):

1. To whom is God telling to listen, as Isaiah writes in verse 1?
2. How does He describe them?
3. What are the three verbs that God uses in verse 2?
4. Which two words is God telling His servant and chosen one to do in verse 2b?
5. What four things is God going to give in verse 3?
6. What will those people thrive like, according to verse 4?
7. Who will they belong to and go by what names, in verse 5?
8. In verse 6, what 5 names does God say are His?
9. Do you believe there is only one God?
10. Is there any like our God?
11. Is Israel and Judah supposed to fear and be afraid? (verse 8)
12. What was their purpose that God proclaimed long before then?
13. What does God repeat about Himself?

LET IT GROW

Answers to the above questions:

1. God spoke to Jacob (Judah) and Israel, His children.
2. Jacob is His servant and Israel is God's chosen.
3. The LORD made, formed, and will help them.
4. They are to FEAR NOT.
5. God is going to give water to the thirsty, floods on the dry ground, His Spirit and blessing upon their offspring, seed, children.
6. They will spring up like watered grass and willows on a riverbank.
7. They will proudly claim, "I belong to the LORD," and others say, "I am a descendent of Jacob, Israel."
8. God says He is the LORD, the King of Israel, Redeemer, the LORD of Hosts, the First, the Last.
9. Yes, there is only one God. He is trinity form-our Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
10. No, there is none like our God. None can prove to us its power; none has done as our God has in ancient times when He established a people and explained its future. (New Living Translation)
11. No, they were to not be fearful nor be afraid.
12. They were to be God's witnesses.
13. God repeats that there is no other God besides Him. He does not know of any.

How did you do on those questions?
How does this section apply to you and me?
When we are God's servant and chosen child, then we are the LORD's. He will pour out blessing upon us and our offspring. When Jesus is our King, LORD, and Redeemer, our only God, then we have no reason to fear diseases nor be afraid of deadly viruses or the flu. He is our Rock that we can stand on today and tomorrow and eternally.

LET IT GO

Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.  (Jeremiah 33:3)

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee; because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the LORD forever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.
(Isaiah 26:3-4)

For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. (Isaiah 30:15)

For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: He will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when He shall hear it, He will answer thee.
(Isaiah 30:19)

Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD, even Thou only. (Isaiah 37:20)

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.  (Isaiah 40:31)

Help Us God!

O. T. #1649  "Help Us God!"
March 16, 2020
Isaiah 43-Part 5
I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Put Me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified. (verses 25-26)

LET IT GLOW

President Trump has called us as a nation to a Day of Prayer, so this post is being on early. I began writing it Saturday before I heard this.

Christians, it is time for us to repent of our personal sins and the sins of our nation on our knees. With a deadly virus spreading across our nation and world, our only hope is for God to intervene and stop it. Will you join me on our knees and praying for God's mercy on us? Let us acknowledge our immorality, killing babies, allowing homosexuality, materialism, idols, and lukewarm attitudes.
We have wearied (to be exhausted) our God with our sins, like Judah and Israel did. But, God continued to love them, bring them to repentance through captivity, and brought them back to together to worship Him in Jerusalem, the Holy City. So He will with us. He can set us free of our bondage to sin. Let us not forget to pray for Israel, the medical people, our missionaries, military people, and our President and his cabinet, senators, and representatives. Also, our families and neighbors, and each other.

God's severe punishing of His people was justifiable. God invited them to argue their case together. God's charge was twofold. First, Israel had become weary of God and failed to honor Him with the required sacrifices (verses 22-23). Second, Israel had burdened God with their sins. They had wearied Him (verse 24).  (Tony Evans)

Have we wearied God with our sins? We have as a nation. Individually, how much time do we spend reading and studying God's Word and praying?

Read our key verse. Here are some definitions in the Hebrew language of these important words found in this Scripture:
blotteth-to erase; put out
transgressions-a revolt (national, moral or rebellious); rebellion; sin
justifieth-to be(make) right (in a moral or forensic sense). (be, turn to) righteous(ness)


What do I gather from these verses, the sins that God exposes?

• The Israelites were to show God's praise, which they did not do. (verse 21)
• They were to be His witnesses (furnish proof of, testimony) to the world, which was not done. (verse 10)
• He is their Savior, Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, their Creator and King, which they did not acknowledge. (verses 14-15)
• They did not honor the Lord with their adequate sacrifices unto Him. Their hearts were far from God, as they turned to idols. Others were going through the motions, giving an outward form of worship instead of an inward, worship from the heart.
• They dragged God's reputation down into the mire of their sinful life style.
• They wearied God with their iniquities. (verse 24)

Is not America guilty of those same sins? Is God's house a house of prayer? Are we only singing of the good things He has done for us instead of praising our God for who He is?
We need changed hearts, which can only come through repentance, admitting our sins and asking forgiveness through the blood of Jesus. This we do first and then we will be witnesses to others of His mercy.

LET IT GROW

God continues to speak and plead in verse 26: Put Me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.

The first father of Israel, Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob, the patriarchal forefathers, had sin in their own personal lives.
Their spiritual leaders and teachers (interpreters) sinned by breaking God's laws.

Therefore, God profaned (to wound; break; slay) the princes (a head person; keeper; steward) of the sanctuary (a sacred  place; consecrated (thing); dedicated (thing); holiness; saint.

God announces what He will do in the future for Israel. He will break those in charge of the sanctuary. Lord, break the hearts of our preaches, pastors, and church leaders to confessing sins and turning from a look warm spirit. Some have watered down the gospel today and teach stories from the Holy Bible as if it is only a good story book. Do they admit they are sinners in need of a Savior? Lord, forgive them and stand them upright in the strength of the Holy Spirit to proclaim the truth-Jesus saves.

LET IT GO

And there is no God else beside Me; a just God and a Savior; there is none beside Me. (Isaiah 45:21)

Just means lawful; righteous.
Only God is just and Savior.

Holy Father, we ask your forgiveness of our sins, personally and nationally. We acknowledge You alone are God and faith in Jesus is the only way to be right before You. It is His blood shed on the cross that justifies us before You. Than You for such grace and mercy and love.

You are justified in killing us sinners and wiping us off the face of the earth, for we have failed in being the witness we were called to be. We ask in Jesus' name that You have mercy on us sinners, Your children, and forgive us with Your grace. Blot out our transgressions for Your sake. Open our mouths to proclaim You as the only way to heaven, Jesus.

Father, the devil is trying to destroy Your witness and children on the earth. Help us. If this is Your will to turn us back to You, so be it. We know that all things work together for good, to those who are the called according to Your glory. Will You bring good from evil. If this the working of the devil, please stop him. You are Almighty God.

However, please give us an antidote, a way to stop this deadly coronavirus for Your glory. Let someone in the lab discover it today. Save us Savior. We are helpless. We are nothing but dirt without You, Jesus. You paid the price to purchase us as Your child. Only You can stop this evil. Bring revival to our churches, Your churches. We lay our petitions at Your feet. Your will be done for Your glory. May everyone know that You are the True Living God and Savior.

With all creation, I sing, praise to the King of kings, You are my everything, and I will adore YOU.
You are so loving, gracious, merciful, and wise!
Lord, we wait for You to move mightily and thank You for what You are going to do.
Praise the Father God, the Savior Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit. We love You. Give us faith to carry on today and to wait for Your deliverance.

Please dear child of God, join us across this nation, interceding for those with the deadly virus, those caretakers, medical ones, government leaders in prayer today.

There is a Way

O. T. #1648  "There is a Way"
March 13, 2020
Isaiah 43-Part 4
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth: shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.  (verse 19) 

LET IT GLOW

Not sure there is a way out? Not sure which way to go? Not sure what way to do something? There is a way. Read on to find it.

Today we are looking at verses 14-21. Again, we have titles for God, who He is to Israel and to us:

• your Redeemer (verse 14)
• the Holy One of Israel
• the LORD (verse 15)
• your Holy One
• the Creator of Israel
• your King.

God identifies Himself in verse 15, I am the LORD, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.

Is Jesus your Redeemer, who willingly and lovingly purchased your salvation?
Is Jesus your LORD, Self-Existent and Eternal One in your life?
Do you acknowledge that Jesus is your Creator?
Is He your King, the one who rules your life?

LET IT GROW

Even though Israel remembered their history of God's mighty acts for them, such as parting the Red Sea so they could cross on dry ground, as well as the coming deliverance from Babylon, God told them to not Remember the former things, neither consider the things of old. Why would God say that? Read our key verse again.

The deliverances which God made in Israel's past would not compare to their future deliverance He was going to give His people. Nothing compares with the new thing God would do. Think about the desert lands of Iraq, for Babylon was located there.
We saw a little of the desert as we traveled down from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea. There were mountains of clay rocks. Can you imagine how hot the region was? Iraq's temperatures get up to 120 degrees in the summer. God would provide a pathway through there for His children, as well as provide them with much needed water.

Even though the trip from Babylon back to Israel would lead through treacherous territory, God would go ahead of the people and make a way.(Tony Evans)

Way refers to a road (as trodden); a course of life or mode of action; journey; path; through.

Dear one, do you need God to make a way in your wilderness right now?
Jesus is the way, the truth, the life. (John 14:6)
He has a path of action or a journey for us that is perfect for us, so we need to seek it as we seek Him.
God will make a way, when there seems to be no way, as the song goes.

LET IT GO
Open my spiritual ears and eyes to find the right way You have for me to go.
Help me let go of the baggage that I carry which is not needed or useful for my journey.
Jesus, work out the details and provisions.
Jesus, You are my way.

Witnesses

O. T. #1647 "Witnesses"
March 12, 2020
Isaiah 43-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Looking at verses 11-13, what is God saying to Judah and to us?

• He is the LORD, (Jehovah-Yeh-ho-vaw'  Self-Existent or Eternal); (verse 11)
• Jesus is the only Savior (deliver; defend; preserve; rescue) beside Him there is no Savior; (verse 11)
• God has declared, saved, and showed Himself on behalf of His people; (verse 12)
• Before the first day of creation, God was. (verse 13)
• He works. (verse 14)

Those may be a repeat, but that is how we learn and remember things.
In Exodus 3 and 4, in telling Moses that He would deliverance Israel from Egypt, God declared in advance. Then He delivered them as predicted. He did the same before the Babylonian captivity, which happened, and then they were delivered. So, we see that God keeps His Word. Who shall let (hinder) it? None.

Are we having hesitation in believing that God can deliver us from whatever is big in our life today? Take heed from God's Word-nothing is too difficult for God.

LET IT GROW

In verse 10 and verse 12, God says that we are His witnesses, which according to Webster's Dictionary, means to act as legal witness of; to furnish proof of; testimony; one who has personal knowledge of something.

The Tony Evans Bible Commentary states:

God calls for witnesses, which evokes the imagery of a courtroom (verses 9-10). He called on the nations to testify about the ability of their gods to declare former things (verse 9). Could their idols predict future events? Of course not. But Israel, His servant, was also called to testify; His people were also to function as witnesses (verses 10,12). They could say that the Lord-and not some foreign god-had alone saved. Israel knew this, and their very existence proved God's declaration. God is the only Savior-for Israel and for the world: Besides Him, there is no Savior (verse 11). To look anywhere else for salvation is to look in vain.

Amen!
What kind of witness are we? Are we sharing the truth about our Living God? What Has God done for us? Has He save our soul from hell? Then we should proclaim it.


LET IT GO
What a wonderful and powerful name it is, the name of Jesus!
Such love You showed me when You died on the cross to take my punishment for my sins!
Thank You for choosing me to be Your child!
Glory to God in the highest!

Fearing Coronavirus?

O. T. #1646  "Fearing Coronavirus?"
March 11, 2020
Isaiah 43-Part 2
Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west.
(verse 5)

LET IT GLOW

Look around you, listen to others. Are they fearing the flu or the coronavirus? It is spreading worldwide and so is fear. Read on for a cure for this fear.

Precious one, how is it going? May we never forget that we are loved by our God, the Creator, Savior, Redeemer, King, and Holy One of Israel, just as Israel. Remind yourself that you are loved by this God and are precious to Him.

Fears. I think most of mine have to do with the future, or fear of failing. Boy, have I done that enough times in my life. Are you fearful right now? Is there something or someone that you fear? This must be quite common for people, even down through the ages, because it is mentioned numerous times in the Bible. Even in this book, I counted 35 times that the word fear appears. We might think that Judah had a right to be fearful, for God said they were going into captivity. And we have a right to be afraid of this deadly virus spreading around the world. But they didn't and neither do we, precious one. (Now, this lesson is for me.) So are you fearing that coronavirus will hit your family? TRUST JESUS! He holds us in His hand.

Well, let us be reassured that we need not be fearful. Hey, God said it twice in this chapter to Judah and to us:
In verse 1, God said that Judah was not to fear for He had redeemed them and called them by their name, and they are His.  So, dear one, put your name in the blank: __________, do not fear, for ________ is redeemed; God calls ___________ by your name; __________, you are God's. Isn't that reassuring?

In verse 5, God reassures Judah that He is with them. So do not fear  __________, God is with you.
Fear is a lack of trusting God with whatever we fear. Since He is so trustworthy, then when we do not trust God, we are sinning, right? Are we trusting God or distrusting God with our finances, job, spouse, health, future? This is a question I wrote to myself. If you need some help in trust, I advice studying Lysa Terkeurst's study Trustworthy.

Are we trusting God's timing, protection, provision, answers to prayer, wisdom?
We don't have to understand the why of God's ways, but we do have to keep choosing to follow them.
(Terkeurst)

Do we need to repent of our anxiety, lack of faith and trust in God?

God has planned out our future from eternity past and guaranteed it with His promises. We can trust Him. (David Jeremiah)

LET IT GROW

After the 70 years were completed, Judah was called Israel again. The Jews were gathered at Jerusalem again. They worshiped God there, rebuilt His Temple, and the city. Have you noticed that God does that? Even after the Romans caused the Jews to scatter and destroyed the Temple, it was rebuilt. And in 1948, the Jews came together again to form the nation of Israel. Folks, Jerusalem is God's city and Israel is His chosen nation. Jesus will come back and establish His kingdom  center there and reign from His Beloved Jerusalem.

In verses 9 and 10, the Jews are called God's witnesses (testimony; a recorder), His chosen servant. Why? That you may know and believe in God and understand that He alone is God and Savior.
The witness is to declare this to the nations, Jews, and Gentiles.
Before God there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Him. He is the true and living God.

Do people know what God is like through our words and example? They cannot see God directly, but they can see Him reflected in you. (Life Application Study Bible)


LET IT GO
Trusting Jesus, that is all; trusting Jesus whether great or small; trusting Jesus, that is all.
Use me to share Your love and trustworthiness.
  

You Are Precious

O. T. #1645  "You Are Precious"
March 10, 2020
Isaiah 43
Since thou wast precious in My sight, thou hast been honorable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. (verse 4)

LET IT GLOW

God repeatedly followed messages of judgment on Judah and Israel with promises of their future and ultimate redemption. God dealt differently with Israel than He did with any other people because of their special, covenantal relationship with Him. God's children had a glorious future because of their glorious, merciful God. God adjusts His dealings with people based on their relationship to Him.
(Resource: The Tony Evans Commentary)

In looking at verses 1-7, God declares Himself:

• Redeemer (verse 1 and 14)
• LORD thy God (verse 3)
• The Holy One of Israel (verse 3)
• Savior (verse 3)
• Creator (verse 7)

The theme of redemption (to be the next of kin who bought back a relative's property; ransom) appears 22 times in the Servant passages (chapters 42-45) in Isaiah.

According to W.C.Kaiser's book, toward an Old Testament Theology, he notes the threefold aspect of this redemption is from:

1. physical bondage, (verse 5-7)
2. inward, personal bondage, (verse 25)
3. and the redemption of Jerusalem which shall yet come. (verse 20)

God's plan of redemption was carried out through Jesus Christ when He died on the cross and arose from the grave. It was also when His grace allowed Israel to return to Jerusalem after their 70 year captivity.

Are you trusting in this Redeemer? Has He delivered you from the bondage of sin?

Do you know that you are precious (valuable, be prized) to God?
We are valuable to God. We are His prized possession. So let's keep that in our heart and mind when the world kicks us down.


LET IT GROW

How does God describe His people?

• They are called by their name. (verse 1)
• They are His.
• They are not alone, for God is with them. (verse 2)
• They will not drown when going through rivers of difficulty.
• They will not be burned up when they walk through the fire of oppression.
• They would be ransomed for their freedom by heathen nations; others given in exchange for them; their lives were traded for them. (verse 4)
• They are precious, honored, and loved by God.
• Not afraid, for God is with them; He will call them back to Israel. (verse 5-6)

An example is the three Hebrew boys when they were thrown into the fiery furnace at Babylon because they would not bow down to the idol. God did not let them be burned up, nor was smoke on them. He was in there with them because the king saw a fourth man in there.

We can take that as saying that when we are in the fire due to our stand for God, He will be with us, providing what we need. Isn't that our good, good, God?!

LET IT GO
Let me become more aware of You presence and goodness.
Thank You, Father, for making me Your child.
How You love me, for You died for me, a sinner.
May I proclaim Jesus as my Redeemer.

Pay Attention

O. T. #1644 "Pay Attention"
March 9, 2020
Isaiah 42-Part 6
Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see. (verse 18)

LET IT GLOW

Pay attention, God's child. Listen up, dear one. Will we harken to the voice of God's Word and Holy Spirit? Are we listening with an obedient heart? Will we apply or heed what is heard?

Israel would receive punishment for not obeying the laws of God. As said before, Judah and Israel sinned by worshiping idols. Idols were made from hewn stone or carved wood or metal. Its image was a human being or an animal, made with man's hands. Idols are not capable of seeing, hearing, speaking, or doing anything for their devotees.

God's redemption of His people from exile is not to be complete until His Servant returns to reign over the faithful remnant in the land of Israel who have believed on Jesus Christ. (Rom. 11:25-27; Rev. 11:13). ( MacArthur)

As we look back over chapter 42, how did Christ fulfill Isaiah's prophecies when He came the first time? MacArthur says:

• In reference to verses 1a-3, it was seen when Christ was baptized (Matt. 3:16-17) and at His transfiguration (Matt. 17:5) and His general demeanor.
• In verse 6, Christ extended the benefits of the New Covenant to the church (Heb. 8:6, Luke 4:18).
• Then with verse 7, Jesus healed physical blindness and provided liberty for the spiritual captives (Matt. 11:5, Luke 4:18) and Jesus removed spiritual darkness at His First Coming (Matt. 4:16).

God keeps His Word and promises. In Mark 9:23, Jesus said, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

There is our challenge for today-will we believe Jesus and what He said?

LET IT GROW

Judah and Israel tasted the wrath of God because they paid no to the Lord. The Lord charged Israel, His servant, with unfaithfulness. They were spiritually deaf and blind. In spite of Israel's deafness, blindness, and defective righteousness (verse 24), God will uphold His principles of righteousness. They had to taste the wrath of God because they paid no attention to the Lord. (MacArthur)

Judah and Israel had a choice between God's rich blessings and exile. They chose exile. (Tony Evans)

Isaiah warned Judah and Israel that captivity was coming their way, but they paid no attention to the prophet.

Will we pay attention to what God says to us or not? Do we desire to be overcome by the presence of God? Will we invite the Holy Spirit to speak to us? Do we desire His blessings, then obedience is how we receive them.

LET IT GO

Open my ears and eyes, Jesus.
I want to obey what you have to say to me.
I want to see where You are working and join You in kingdom work.
I want to be a doer of the Word and not just a hearer.

A New Path and an Unfamiliar Way

O. T. #1643  "A New Path and an Unfamiliar Way"
March 6, 2020
Isaiah 42-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

New paths, highways, can be a little stressful for me, especially if I am driving alone. I like to stick to those familiar roads. Of course, there have been times that I was forced to go on those new paths. Now, if it is a new job or new house or new church, that is another thing. Those can be exciting times in our life. We meet new people and have new challenges ahead. Are you ready for something new in your life, even if it is unfamiliar?

Have you been singing unto the Lord a new song of praise? Are you looking for the new things God is going to do in your life? Are you listening for Him to tell you before He does it? Those things we previously learned in verses 9 and 10. I don't know about you, friend, but am certainly ready. The thing is, are we willing to move or experience change in order for the new things to happen in our life?

Our focus today is on verses 11-17. Here we read of 6 lets and 11 I wills.

In the Hebrew language, let means to give, used with great application(put, make); bring forth; bestow; offer; yield.

What is God telling Judah and us to let?

1. Let the desert towns and wilderness and cities join in chorus.
2. Let the villages of Kedar rejoice.
3. Let the people of the rock sing.
4. Let them shout praises from the mountaintops.
5. Let the whole world glorify the LORD.
6. Let them sing His praise. 

The joy of the Lord is my strength. In the darkest of times and in the good times. Judah was going to go through dark times. They were going into captivity and forced to move to another country, the fierce Babylonian Empire. Their Temple was going to be destroyed and its silver, gold, and brass contents removed.  Yet, God was going to be with them. We see evidence through the lives of Daniel, Ezekiel, and others.
The new thing God was referring to was the Gentiles will be fellow heirs with the Jews, in Christ. (Ephesians 3:5-6) The coming Messiah would be a New Covenant, one of faith and not of works.

So like the Jews, we are to rejoice, sing praises to Jesus, praise Him from the mountaintops and on the rocks and in the desert. Let us praise our Savior wherever we live-villages, cities.
He alone is worthy of praise. We are like Israelites, in that we are set free from our sinful lifestyle (they worshiped idols).

LET IT GROW

What does God say He will do?

1. He will march forth like a mighty hero. (Verse13). 
2. He will come out like a warrior full of fury. 
3. He will shout His battle cry and crush all His enemies. 
4. He will say, "I have been silent; restrain Myself." 
5. He will cry and groan and pant like a woman in labor, destroying and devouring at once.   (Verse 14)
6. He will level the mountains and hills, dry up all their herbs. (Verse 15)
7. He will turn the rivers and pools into dry land. 
8. He will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way. (verse 16)
9. He will brighten the darkness before them and smooth out the road ahead of them. (verse 16)
10. He will do these things.
11. He will not forsake them. (verse 16)

What does God say concerning those who trust in idols? They will be turned away greatly shamed.
(verse 17)
In His first coming, Jesus was meek and a lowly Servant, but in His second coming, He will come judging the world. The Tribulation Period will result in devastation. However, the spiritually blind will come to the light of God's glorious truth.

Are we ready for a new path and ready for God to guide us along an unfamiliar way? Then we must keep following Jesus. He will not forsake us, His loved children.

LET IT GO
I will sing Your praises, for Jesus is mine.
You are so faithful and keep Your Word.
Lead me down a new path and unfamiliar way.

Can You Carry a Tune in a Bucket?

O. T. #1642  "Can You Carry a Tune in a Bucket?"
March 5, 2020
Isaiah 42-Part 4
Sing unto the LORD a new song, and His praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isle, and the inhabitants thereof.  (verse 10)

LET IT GLOW

Now, I realize that not everyone can carry a tune in a bucket, as the old saying goes. However, we are to sing praises to our God and Savior, Jesus Christ, anyway. God inhabits the praise of His people. So stop confining your singing praises to the closet, shower, or car. He looks upon the heart, not the sound. So let us joyfully sing unto our Jesus a new song of praise, right now.

The God who made heaven and earth also give breath of life to people and a spirit. The One who is the LORD (Self-Existent, Eternal) will hold us by our hand.  He has called us for a righteous purpose. He opens the eyes of the blind and sets free those in prison, spiritually. Jesus is our New Covenant of grace, salvation, and faith.

God bestows many gifts upon us, but two that He does not give us- the right to vengeance and take His glory. God alone is glorious and to be honored. Our praise should be lifted up to Him. Do we give Him credit for the good things in our life?

God brought Judah and Israel through their captivity years. He did it in order to turn His chosen people away from idol worship and back to worshiping Him only. Since the former things would be passed away, after their captivity is over, new things will come to His children. Judah and Israel would once again be reunited as one nation-Israel. The remnant will have experienced God's faithfulness and trustworthiness.

Now, as God proclaimed His greatness here, Isaiah responded with a new song of praise. Israel will praise Him for deliverance and the Gentiles will praise Him for conversion.

You amaze us! You alone are worth of our praises. You deserve our worship. We adore You Jesus!Renew us, consume us.

(These songs on my radio come just at the right time, folks, as I write these posts. Amazing, isn't it?  It's a God-thing.) Will you sing a new song of praise to our God and Savior?

In case your heart is not very joyful today, here is something you can rejoice about from Paul:

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:17-18)

Amen! Pass the bucket so I can sing.

LET IT GROW

Sing a new song to the LORD! Sing His praises from the ends of the earth! Sing, all you who sail the seas, all you who live in distant coastlands. (NLT)

The only appropriate response to this good news of salvation is for people everywhere to sing His praise and give glory to the LORD. (Tony Evans)

Look at all that the Lord will do for us and through us! Majestic works prompt majestic responses. Do you really appreciate the good that God does for you and through you? If so, let your praise Him reflect how you really feel. (Life Application Study Bible)

Wherever we live, be in on an island, by the sea, or inland, sing a song of praise to Jesus today!
No matter if your job is a mariner or a merchant, praise Jesus!

LET IT GO

So much You have done for me since You saved me Jesus, soon to be 50 years ago. My heart thanks You and praises You!!
I can't get over what You have done for me. Such grace when I am not gracious and mercy when I am not merciful and forgiveness of my failures and love when I am not loving and faith when mine falls!
To You be the glory!

Old Things and New Things

O. T. #1641 "Old and New Things"
March 4, 2020
Isaiah 42-Part 3
Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. (verse 9)

LET IT GLOW

I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. (verse 8)

Jehovah, Yahweh, is the LORD's name. That was the name by which He made Himself known to the patriarchs. Also, He manifested Himself by the name of God Almighty.

LORD refers to Jehovah, Self-Existent or Eternal; glory means splendor, honor; praise is laudation (act of praising), a hymn.

Chapter 26 verse 4 says, Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD Jehovah is everlasting strength.

We trust in God as our security and trust in being sustained by Him for He is our object of our faith or trust. We are to give Him honor above all and praise for Who He is. Thank God for what He does.

God is a jealous God. He says so in Exodus 20:5. Jehovah alone is to receive glory and praise and worship. God will not give away His praise and glory to another nor to graven images. Is Judah listening? God would send the Messiah to open the eyes of men so they would turn from serving dumb idols to serving the living God. He will perform His word because He will not lose the honor of being true to it or be ever charged with falsehood by the worshippers of false gods. God will deliver His people from under the power of idolaters because it looks as if He had given His praise to graven images when He gives up His own worshippers to be worshippers of images.
[Resource: Matthew Henry's Commentary]

Are we listening? This is to be taken seriously. The first two Commandments tell us to not have any other gods before Jehovah nor are we to bow down to graven images. He shows mercy, loving kindness, to those who love Him and keep His Commandments.

I there anything that is more important to you and me than God is? If so, then we have made it an idol.

LET IT GROW

Remember that God said He has called you for a righteous purpose, and He will hold you by your hand. (verse 6)
A couple of months ago our church bulletin had that verse on its front, so I saved it. Its background is of a yellow sunset with a dark sky above and stars with clouds. We are reminded that we need Him every hour and every minute.

Now, read our key verse above. God is proclaiming His greatness when He predicts the former things and new things. Nothing catches our God by surprise. He knows everything that has happened and will happen to Israel and us.
What two things are the Lord declaring?

1. First former things have come to pass. The former things are already fulfilled or about-to-be fulfilled prophecies of Isaiah. God brought Israel through many battles, into the Promised Land, and provided for them.
2. Next, the new things pertain to the future accomplishments of the Lord through His Messiah-Servant when He comes. The Lord uses His church to proclaim the gospel to the lost. He brings His church through former burdens, trial, and changes. She has hope for more mercies, care,  compassions, and spiritual blessings that are still new, awaiting in her future. So it is with us believers in Christ.

So let the past be in the past. Look forward to the new thing God is going to do in our life. In the meantime, while we are waiting for the return of the Messiah.

Whom the Son sets free, is free indeed! I'm a child of God, Yes I am. In my Father's house, there's a place for me. I'm a child of God, yes I am.

I enjoy those praise songs to Jesus' glory. What a reunion time of seeing my Savior and loved ones! Woohoo!

LET IT GO
Glory to God in the highest!
How can I say thanks enough for all You have done for me, Jesus!
May I fulfill my purpose while I am living here for Your glory.
And all that is within me praises Your name.

From Creator to New Covenant

O. T. #1640 "From Creator to New Covenant"
March 3, 2019
Isaiah 42-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Who did we discover is the Servant, God's elect, of which God is speaking in this chapter? It is Jesus Christ, Himself, the Messiah, the One in whom God delights, put His Spirit upon, and that will judge the Gentiles. (verse 1) Jesus was set apart for a definite purpose-to bring salvation to the Jews and the Gentiles. He volunteered for such a mission, and no man took His life, for He laid it down willingly.
(John 10)

Take a look at verses 5-10. How does God describe Himself?

• As Creator of the heavens, He stretched them out. God is the being who keeps the planets, Sun, Moon, and stars in place and in orbit by His power.
• As Creator of the earth, He spread it out. God keeps it a place to inhabit.
• As Creator of people, He gives them breath and a spirit. God gave people and animals lungs to take in the air which He provides. He gave us a spirit and a soul.

It is by faith that we recognize God as the Creator of all things. He spoke it, and it become in existence, and out of nothing, too. There wasn't any dust or ameba beforehand. God did it all. You know what? He saw that it was good. Just think about it, God planned the creation of everything with Jesus, before anything was created. He planned us to exist, too. In fact, He loved us so much that He gave His only begotten Son to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins so we can have fellowship with Him, the Almighty God and Wise Creator. Amazing, isn't it? May we never loose our awe for an Awesome God.
Look around, and behold the greatness of our God.

LET IT GROW

I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles. (verse 6)

In reference to Jesus Christ, God (Yahweh) called forth His Servant, put His Spirit upon Him, and sent Him forth both to His covenant people Israel and to the gentile nations. Jesus had a two-fold ministry, to reveal God to the Jews and the Gentiles, to bring them salvation by faith, not works.

Can we bring this verse down to us as individuals?

• God has called us to righteousness, to be in right relationship with Him through Jesus.
• He holds our hand through all of life, showing Himself mightily.
• He keeps us, holding our hand, to keep us for eternity, as His child.
• He gave Jesus as a covenant (compact; made by passing through pieces of flesh) to us, our Mediator. Jesus is the perfect blood sacrifice without sin, as the nails pierced His hands and feet, causing them to bring forth blood.This new covenant is one of grace and blessings.
• Jesus is a light of the Gentiles, you and me. We were once darkness of sin. Christ came to us, shedding His light on us and opening our spiritual eyes so we saw our sins and would confess them and ask forgiveness.

Doesn't that just cling your clapper!
Raise up hallelujah to the King of kings.
Up from the ashes hope will arise.
Jesus has arrived!
Do you know Him, dear friend?
Do those we love know Him, too?

LET IT GO
Jesus, You are my Creator, Savior, Redeemer, New Covenant.
You are my God of grace and light.
Nothing can separate me from You love, which never changes.
I am Yours forever.
Praise to the LORD!

Are You a Burning or Flickering Candle

O. T. #1639 "Are You a Burning or Flickering Candle"
March 2, 2020
Isaiah 42
He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. (verse 3)

LET IT GLOW

I like to burn scented candles in our home. Their lovely fragrance is nice and refreshing. I use them whenever the electricity goes out along my country road, as well. Sometimes they flicker, so I have a match close by to relight them if the candle goes out. Christians can be like the candle. We can stray from God's path and allow sin in and before we know it, our light flickers and goes out. Jesus is the light of the world. He wants to keep our spirit burning for Him. And not just flickering every once in a while, either, like Easter or Christmas time, but all the time.

This is the first of 4 Servant-songs referring to the Messiah. They are found in 49:1-13, 50:4-11, 52:13-53:12. This servant of the Lord is referring the Messiah, Christ Jesus Himself. (Mac Arthur)

In verse 1, how does Almighty God, the Everlasting Father, describe His servant?

• He is the one whom God will uphold (to sustain, keep fast, to help, follow close, maintain, retain).
• He is God's elect (choose, chosen one, select).It can also mean one set apart for a definite purpose.
• He is the one in whom God's soul delighteth (to be pleased with; to satisfy a debt; set affection; favor; pardon).
• God put His Spirit upon Him. Spirit can mean wind; by resemblance of breath; life; courage; mind.
• He shall bring judgment to the Gentiles. Judgment refers to verdict; a sentence or formal decree; divine law; justice.

During His millennial reign, Jesus will be on the throne of David in Jerusalem, ruling over Israel, Gentiles, and other nations.

The early ministry of Jesus was directed to the "house of Israel," it is, nevertheless, obvious that His ultimate ministry was to extend to the Gentiles as well. (Falwell)

All the nations of the world will experience the righteousness and judgment of the Messiah King. He extends salvation to the Jews and Gentiles, alike.

Not only was and is Jesus the servant mentioned, but Israel is too. And we can be God's servant whom He upholds, elects, delights in, and gives His Spirit. but, only Jesus is the ultimate Judge.

Do we find strength in God? If we are His chosen servant, are we pleasing Him? Are we listening to His Spirit? Are we awaiting the second coming of Jesus, God's Servant?

I heard this song while writing this, which is appropriate:
Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty.  Who was and is and is to come. With all creation I sing praise to the King of kings. You are my everything. And I will adore You.

LET IT GROW

Isaiah uses 7 negative verbs to describe the Messiah, in verses 2-4:

1. The Lord will not cry aloud, shouting;
2. nor lift up His voice in praise of Himself,
3. nor raise His voice in public.
4. He will not crush the weakest reed,
5. or put out a flickering candle, a smoking flax (the burning wick and is used symbolically of those who are endangered).
6. He will bring justice to all who have been wronged.
7. He will not falter or lose heart until justice prevails throughout the earth.

Resource: New Living Translation

We know that Jesus came first as the Messiah, a humble Servant of the Lord. His was a universal ministry, extending to the whole world. The next time He comes to earth He will reign as King over all the earth. We cannot find a better king to serve!

Is Jesus reigning as King of your life today? Are we serving Him?

LET IT GO
As a Gentile, I thank You God for choosing me for salvation and to be Your servant.
Jesus, You alone are King and worthy to be praised and worshiped.
Keep my soul burning for You.