Insignificant Things Matter

 The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. Isaiah 11:6

Prophecy of the day when all will be at peace; large and small, leaders and servants, kings and slaves, rich and poor. Peace will reign over all.

I chose this verse but am looking at the entire first section of this chapter.  From a stump, a root, a remnant, a child, (that which is small and seemingly insignificant) peace and harmony come to the world.  There will be a new heaven and a new earth, for the old corrupted one will be no more!!!! But in the meantime, I am to pray to see what Jesus sees and hear what He hears and proclaim His truth into those situations. I am to look without prejudice at all and not be influenced by position, rank, money, popularity, or lack or any of the above. That applies in the body of Christ, as well as in the world. I realize today that although I may not have racial or ethnic prejudice, I may be guilty of spiritual prejudice. Those denominations aren’t as “holy” as mine. Those believers have a lot to learn and a long way to grow to earn an “A” in my book!  I’m embarrassed to think I might think or act that way. We are all at different levels with different battles and different personalities, but none of us is loved more, or less by our Heavenly Father.

Lord, help me to feel so secure in Your love that I am free to love and accept those who are in a different place, at a different stage of development, and maybe even obedience. It is not my place to change them, but to love and respect them and pray for Your truth to penetrate all our hearts and minds with the peace of Christ.

Let the Son Shine In

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2

Isaiah continues his prophecy of the future coming of Jesus.  Jesus will bring light into the darkness caused by sin. The NIV says, “to those who walk in the land of the shadow of death…”  When I read that phrase, I was reminded of Psalm 23 where David says, “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.”  This world is the valley of the shadow of death and decay we walk through each day.

The perfect world that Adam and Eve were placed in began decaying the moment they sinned against their Creator and Friend -God.  Vegetation decayed; animal life decayed, human life decayed; all existence on earth decayed. But into all that putrefying decay comes the light and life-giving presence of Jesus Christ!  With that light comes the promise that our souls can be restored and never again decay but live forever with Him in heaven. The earth may pass away, but His promises will remain true and reliable; you can count on them!  There will be no decay in heaven, no sorrow, no sickness, no pain, no death. All signs of decay will vanish in the light of His presence!! The shadow of death will be replaced by the light of the Son.

Father, as I sit here on this rainy day with clouds shadowing the sun, I know that above those clouds is the brilliant light of the Son. I am reminded that no matter how dark it gets the Son is always shining. The darkness of death, disease, and disaster cannot extinguish the Son. The shadows of depression, discouragement and defeat cannot blot out the Son. In fact, the rains of testing and trials are often what cause us to grow and blossom in the light of our faith. Noting hinders the Son from bringing life out of death. Help us to look for the Son

Unexpected Command

If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.’”10 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, 11 “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.” Isaiah 7:9

The Lord had made a promise to Ahaz through the prophet Isaiah that Israel would not be overtaken by two warring kings. He was told to stand firm in his faith in this promise. But then God asked a strange thing of Ahaz; he was to ask for a sign that God he would do what He promised. Ahaz refused!  Normally asking God to prove Himself would be due to lack of faith, but in this instance, God Himself is desiring to give a sign to assure His people of His faithfulness.

I’m not sure I fully understand what is happening here without some research, but I believe God is testing Ahaz’s commitment and faith, but Ahaz refused. Then God gave him a sign which would have been a sign of deliverance but because of Ahaz’s failure to obey, it became a sign of defeat.

Once again, we see that obedience to God does not always follow the standard practice. God looks on the heart not just the actions, and judges man’s motives. Apparently, Ahaz had doubt or pride that prevented him from humbling himself and asking for a sign.  Maybe to him that appeared like weakness. Regardless, he failed to obey, and the result was defeat.

Lord, when I hear Your voice speaking directly to me, help me to listen with a humble, surrendered heart of obedience. Even when I don’t fully understand your command, help me to stand firm on my faith in You.  Give me divine wisdom and discernment to hear your voice and not doubt but obey in faith that You will bless my obedience.

Bad News -Good News

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah 6

Isaiah is brought into the presence of the Almighty God and gets a glimpse of the heavenly hosts praising God. It brings him to his knees in humility and awe.

When I look at this scripture I shiver at the thought of His holiness and glory. Notice it was His holiness and glory that brought Isaiah to his knees, not a condemning command. It wasn’t shame because of all the rules that he had  broken, but the “glory” of the Almighty, Holy, God! When he saw that glory and holiness, he automatically faced his own un-holiness!  That fact makes me ponder why we spend so much time condemning the sinner and pointing out his sin, rather than showing off the glory of God, in love and forgiveness and pointing out all the miracles of changed lives and goodness in our world. Maybe it’s because we spend so much time looking at all the sinfulness around us that we fail to see the goodness, miracles and the Glory of the Lord manifesting itself throughout the world.  How often when we watch the “news’ or read it online or in the paper, do we gravitate toward the negative headlines. The more sensational, the better! 

I know as Christians we cannot bury our heads in the sand. We need to be informed and face reality, but what if for every negative piece of news our friends report, we countered with a report of love, mercy, heroism or compassion. What if we reflected that love, mercy, forgiveness and compassion to the point that they realized that we were oddballs and different. What if our love and kindness was so full of God’s glory that it brought them to their knees or at least to an open conversation about our weird views and attitudes.

Lord Jesus, you have shown me Your glory, now it is time for me to show others that same glory – love in its finest expression – compassion, patience, forgiveness, encouragement, understanding…every attitude that expresses God’s character in me. Christ in me, the hope of glory! Father, help me to reflect your glory!

Bitter Grapes

What do you think is going on between me and my vineyard?
Can you think of anything I could have done to my vineyard that I didn’t do?
When I expected good grapes, why did I get bitter grapes? Isaiah 5:2

God had done everything possible to produce juicy sweet grapes but got “sour grapes” instead.  Why? The question God asks is one that probes every generation, why are we not more fruitful when He has done everything needed for our salvation and transformation (our fruitfulness)? 

In our Bible study this week we delved into how difficult it was to prepare the soil, removing all the stones and preparing the soil for the vines. Hours, days, weeks, even months of labor in the hot sun just to prepare the soil. Then tilling the soil, terracing the land to hold the rain waters, preparing a winepress to press the grapes and building a watchtower to provide protection for His vineyard.  He gave His best for this vineyard and what did He get…. sour grapes!!!!

The question was asked of us , “What more could God do for you than He has already done?  What would be your complaint before God?”  We piously say, “Oh nothing! He has done all!”  But in the privacy of our hearts, when no one is watching or listening, we say things like.…Why am I sick? Why don’t you heal me? Why don’t you heal my financial situation? Why isn’t my family saved? Why do I suffer misunderstanding or disrespect at work? Why can’t I figure out my future? Why are my kids bullied? Why is there so much anger, hatred and hunger in our world? Why? Why? Why? Why???

God did everything needed to prepare the vineyard (His children-us) for success and fruitfulness, so why are we not more fruitful?  Could it be that we are more concerned with things “under the sun” than things above “with the Son?”  Is most of our time spent worrying about money, status, looking good, having the perfect life here and enjoying it to its fullest or are we more concerned about “laying up treasures in heaven”? We must live and survive in this world, but we need to THRIVE in the fruit of righteousness that is concerned more with the needs of the oppressed, fatherless, widows, orphans, sick and destitute, spiritually, physically, emotionally and socially.

Oh, Jesus, thank You for providing everything we need to be fruitful for your kingdom. Help us to focus on the needs around us rather than our need for perfection and prosperity and a pain free life in this world.  Help us to see what’s important to You and realize that we need to focus on the needs of those around us for inner transformation that will produce the fruit of righteousness.

A Shelter in the Time of Storm

Then the Lord will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything the glory[c] will be a canopy. 6 It will be shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain. Isaiah 4:5-6(NIV)

Over all will be a shelter and defense, a protective covering of His presence and His divine love. This reminds me of so many references to God’s care for us: under His feathers; a strong refuge; in the cleft of the Rock; a strong tower; under His wings; in the palm of His hand.  If I could but grasp His loving provision of shelter from the storms and calamities of life, my life would truly be transformed. I read it, experience it for a moment, and then when the treat of another storm comes, I sometimes hold my breath reminding myself of His promises, rather than lying back in His arms of protection, relaxed and confident that He is my refuge and shelter during the storm

O Lord, forgive me for my short memory and lack of faith!  Release me from the anxieties of the storm. “Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand. Keep me safe till the storm passes by!”

False Security

10 Tell the righteous it will be well with them,
for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds. Isaiah 3:10

Amid all the horrible judgements on the wicked and unfaithful in Israel, God drops in this word to the righteous. When all hell breaks loose, do not fear, I know your deeds and will reward the fruit of your labor.

There is coming a day of judgement and justice when all deeds will be evaluated and brought to light. Those who think they have it made because of their silver and gold, their high fashion, bold and arrogant words will be disappointed.  Those who have oppressed and plundered the poor, will be brought low and disaster will befall them. BUT, the righteous need not fear this disaster because the Lord will reward them for their faithfulness and kindness to the poor and oppressed spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally.

So, what does that mean for us today? Are we dressed in our royal robes of salvation, with the precious oils of the Holy Spirit, and all the fine jewelry of the church membership, and important positions of church leadership, to see it all destroyed because we did nothing to minister to the poor and oppressed?  The poor and oppressed in spirit who needed a word of encouragement, rather than human judgment. The oppressed who needed to be understood and led to freedom in the Spirit, rather than ignored for their foolishness and lack of spiritual direction. Who have we ignored or brushed aside because we are too busy with committee meetings and Bible Studies, and doing important work for the church? Much to ponder.

God, forgive us if we ever think we are to busy or too spiritual to walk along side a poor or oppressed brother or sister in Christ, or to share Christ with one who is hungry but looking in the wrong places for good food. Open our eyes to see the poor and oppressed and open our hearts to reach out with Your compassion to offer help. You did not offer a reward for our perfect attendance at all the church activities: Bible studies, prayer meetings, staff meetings, special events, conventions or retreats. Not that those are bad, but only if deeds of love and compassion done for the poor and oppressed, and cups of cold water given in Jesus’ name are your top priority. Lord, please help us to keep a holy perspective and realize that only what’s done with compassion in the name and love of Christ will last.

Made to Worship

The tribe of Dan officially adopts the idolatry that Micah built.. Judges 18:30

The tribe of Danites seeking for a place to settle, came against Micah and stole his idols and priest for their own worship and threatened him if he came after them.  I see in this story man’s need to worship something or someone.

We were created with a heart for worship, meaning all humanity must worship something. That sounds so simple, but it explains all sin and evil as people worship whatever or whoever meets the needs and expectations of their sinful desires. That explains cults and unbelievable “religious” practices. This tells me why religious people believe half-truths, those that tickle their ears and promise success, and why it is important for us to give people the absolute truth of God’s Word. God’s story ends differently than all others and is guaranteed by the God of all creation. He doesn’t ask you to beat your body, sacrifice your children, crawl up hundreds of stairs to prove your dedication, or violate yourself sexually in His name! Instead, He gives you hope and a future, changes your heart, mind, attitudes and desires. He offers a clear conscience, a purpose in life, and a deep settled peace that only a true believer can understand. He does not offer health, wealth, success or a rose garden life which all pass away and can be taken from us. Instead, He offers the promise of a forever life free of pain, sorrow, competition, jealousy, and the compete satisfaction of all needs, especially our need to WORSHIP!!

OH, Lord, may those of this world desperate to worship anything, see the error of their ways as your children share the absolute truth about true worship of the One and only Creator, God. Open our hearts and eyes to things we may be tempted to worship or make an unhealthy priority in life.  Help us to keep our focus and worship centered on You. Help us to seek Your truth, know Your truth, share Your truth and offer others the opportunity for a relationship with the One who is worthy of worship. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive honor, and glory and praise forever!

Harassment vs. Obedience

Delilah said to Samson, “Until now you have mocked me and told me lies. Judges 16:13

Observation

The story of Samson is a much sadder story than I imagined from childhood. This story has so much to it but I will settle here for the sake of one point.  Samson was dedicated to the Lord from birth and took the Nazarite vow in order to fulfill God’s purpose, but time and again he betrayed his vow. Now he is enamored with Delilah. He is full of lust and desire and once again seems to excuse his sinful behavior. He knows instinctively that Delilah is out to get him, so he lies to her three times. Then finally her mocking and harassment is more than he can handle, and he tells her the truth. Samson knew what was happening, knew he should dump Delilah, but refused to act on the truth and chose to trust in himself rather than his God. Little did he realize without his God, he had no strength.

How often do we choose to ignore sin or choose to convince ourselves that God surely understands our sins. I remember a few relationships when I was younger that I knew instinctively (spiritually) were not the best, but chose to think that I had good intentions and God surely understood. I was sure I could change that boyfriend or make that friend see truth. Like Samson, I refused to see or listen to God’s voice in my heart and only made things worse. Thankfully, I did not stray long or far, but who knows how my life would have changed if I had not stopped and listened to that still small voice and obeyed . I repented and God has been faithful to me over the years, but I could have saved myself many tears and some regret had I been obedient the first time. Our strength is never in ourselves, and it never will be. Our strength is in the One who died that we could live in victory over sin, Jesus!

Lord Jesus, thank you for this reminder of how important it is to keep our eyes and minds focused on You and Your strength for daily obedience. Help us not to excuse our sins and think we will still have Your favor. When we repent , You forgive, You can use our failures for Your glory to teach others the truth of your love and the destruction of sin. May our obedience bring You glory and our lives be enriched by Your continual presence.

No Shortcuts

And Manoah said to his wife, “We shall surely die, because we have seen God!” But his wife said to him, “If the LORD had desired to kill us, He would not have accepted a burnt offering and a grain offering from our hands, nor would He have shown us all these things, nor would He have told us such things as these at this time.”Judges 13:21-22

Manoa and his wife had been told by the angle of the Lord (Jesus) that they would have a son and gave specific instructions about her pregnancy. When they offered a burnt sacrifice, the angel disappeared in the cloud of smoke and they realized they had just seen God, face to face! Manoah, possibly remembering Moses experience thought they would surely die, having seen the face of God. His wife corrects him with the facts of the message and the logic that the message would make no sense if they were dead!

This so reminds me of Jeremiah 29:10- 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. What an encouragement to know that God doesn’t ask us to do something and then not fulfill His promise. He does not reveal Himself and then punish us for recognizing His presence. What He says, He will do. What He commands of us, He will provide the way to accomplish. And He calls us to obey His instruction to the “T”, not take shortcuts! He makes it simple, but we often make it sound complicated. Obey and be blessed; disobey and suffer the consequence.

Lord Jesus, You have revealed You plan and directions for living out Your will, in Your Word. You don’t play “cat and mouse” with us. Help me not to complicate what You have made simple. Help me to have confidence in the hope and future You have planned for me and not question Your ways. Help me to trust and obey!