The third week in Isaiah. We had a dazed and confused man come to church, I pray he will be shown help, assesed medically and walk with the Lord. I pray that attitudes are as they should be. Who knows, maybe an angel in disguise.
God those that earnestly seek You will find You. You are our creator and we submit our lives, the ones You gave us back to You Lord. Help us to discern Your voice in our studies, apply what you teach by speaking the words You would have us to, and complete the tasks You desire.
(4) 5:20 -calling good evil and evil good- the reference said that is confusing morals. In this day "morals" is a nebulous topic, I prefer to think that calling evil good or good evil contradicts God. God that everyone can have a relationship with. If when we hear it we ask - have you asked God about that? God who wants a relationship with you, etc. People also make themselves out to be god by deciding for themselves what is moral, the problem here is that they will often pick things convenient for themselves and leave the price of their choices for humanity to pay.
(5) 5:21 goes with 4 conceited or thinking we have all the answers. Its dangerous to trust anyones "knowledge" as absolute. We absolutely need to search the scriptures and let God talk to us individually. Sharing our experiences is a good thing because God does speak to us, and He may confirm what another has said. We need that confirmation.
(6) 5:22-24 Pervert justice and take bribes. This brings about distress, and unkindness, oppression.
24 blossom blow away as dust because they rejected God- there is the dust again. This happened because people despised the Lord, so they were struck down.
Job - His friends thought his calamity was a result of Job's sin. To them it was proof. Rejecting God brings about calamity, but calamity is not a sure sign that a person has rejected God.
The end of Chapter 5 talks about other nations that God used as instruments of carrying out punishment of those that rejected Him. They are at His beck and call. Assyria in this case, but later Babylon, in our day probably the UN.
Chapter 6
This chapter starts out with a definite time stamp, the year of King Uzziah's death (approx 740 BC). This is about 5 years into what is considered his active ministry (745-695 BC). There is a difference of opinion here on several issues: 1st were the visions in earlier chapters before Isaiah's calling, or did he re-arrange his notes? 2nd- was this a record of Isaiah's calling or maybe just a special call for a certain task God had in mind?
King Uzziah was generally considered a good king, he became leporous when he tried to take over the priest duties (2 Chron 26- records his reign).
This vision came from God, was Isaiah made ready to receive this vision out of his anxiety, the clear decline he saw in the nation? Was he depressed, did that make him receptive? One of the 19th century evangelists wrote of his depression episodes, and that he came to realize that depression was a precursor to an act of God. In our day we regard depression as bad, but if it is a precursor to God moving or acting in our lives.....
The vision was a respite for Isaiah from the true conditions he saw, a reassurance.
verse 5 - Isaiah realizes his condition before God, and confesses it. That is the essence of salvation- knowing our condition before God and then accepting His cleansing us from our condition. Another of the witnessing scriptures- Isa 6:5. Isaiah in verse 8 submits to do what God asks, before God tells him the specifics of what he is to do. Submission.
What was Isaiah called to do? Halley's interprets his call to be the bringing about of the final hardening of the nation of Israel. My life application footnotes say he was to preach to a people who believed they were blessed (and they were) that God was going to destroy them due to their disobedience. God warned them one more time through Isaiah, and yet they had so hardened their hearts that destruction became inevitable.
He was sent to preach to a people that did not care to listen, I think the Lord told him they would not listen so he wouldn't get his hopes up. People who hve the gift of exhortation get terribly depressed when they don't see progress or response. He was going to exhort these people to turn back to the Lord (for a long time also- while the land God had given them was slowly overun with invaders) and they were going to ignore him (for that long).
Were these people hardened beyond repentance? God's grace gave them one more chance. Maybe for the group this was the case, but the righteous remnant that we keep hearing about may have gotten larger through Isaiah's ministry. I think the lessons here are don't give up because it looks hopeless (God doesn't give up on us- ever), and don't get your hopes up either (God did give us the freedom to choose).
Chapter 7
Ahaz is king in Judah. (2 Chron 28) a king who did not do right in the sight of the Lord. From 2nd Chronicles- He was 20 when he came to power (ruled by children?) certainly didn't have experience. He made molten images, burned incense, burned sons in fire, sacrificed everywhere.
Was defeated four times, King of Aram (Syria) defeated him, carried off captives.
King of Israel defeated him inflicting many casualties and carried off captives. He lost a son. Israel was going to make slaves of their Jewish brothers but were warned not to. So they let them go.
Syria and Israel decided to join forces to invade Judah again and set up the king of their choosing over Judah. Ahaz was in the royal line of David. Isaiah was told to go to him that this would fail. Which it did, God directly intervened. God told Ahaz if he would not believe he would not last (9)
Instead of believing God (which when considered "logically" looked improbable- Ahaz asked Assyria for help, instead the Assyrians invaded him. Ahaz gave the king of Assyria a portion of the treasures from the Lords house, which was of no help, the Assyrians still attacked him. The shaving of hair is considered total humiliation. Judah's rich farmland would be trampled to the point nothing would grow. God will redeem it.
Ahaz never turned to God, in fact he sacrificed to the gods of the countries that defeated him. Furthermore he closed the temple.
Ahaz was asked by the Lord, for the Lord to give Ahaz a sign. It was the Lord calling Ahaz to Himself. Ahaz refused - his excuse was he didn't want to test the Lord or bother Him. Do we do that? This prevented Ahaz from hearing from the Lord, and of course Ahaz probably knew that in acknowledging God he would have to acknowledge his sin- which had wreaked havoc on Judah.
The sign? Immanuel in the family of David, the future Messiah born of a virgin.
He was however Hezekiah's dad. God protected the line. Promised Messiah- future looking, but also real time the kings Ahaz dreaded would be forsaken (3 years- approximate time from conception of a baby until the baby talks). They were dead chickens- God promised it.
God whistles for fly and bee, these are signs of God's judgement. I also take it as a sign that the greatest armies in the world are powerless without the Lord. The actual judgement is delayed for several more kings after Hezekiah.
Chapter 8
Maher-shalal-hash-baz - The Lord told Isaiah to name his son that, before the boy can speak (conception- to talking - 3 yrs) Syria and Israel will conquered by the king of Assyria. The name means the spoils speeds, the prey hastens (swift is the booty, speedy is the prey), the immediate threat will fail. How often do we name our children based on what God has told us would happen. He was completely sold out. The Lord further told Isaiah that since Israel rejected Him (Shiloah- God's gentle and sustaining care), He would allow the waters of the Euphrates (abundant)- this is the way the Assyrians would sweep into the land. Reaching into Judah all the way to the neck- Jerusalem alone would remain.
Be broken, be shattered (shattered means lose courage). Gird yourselves yet be shattered- repeated. Prepare yourselves, but lose courage. God will have His way- it is best for us. We think we know what is best, and we certainly have our wants and desires, but God truly does know what is best for us.
To close I had a wonderful prayer but didn't use it. I prayed we would submit to God and do what He requests without wanting a preview, even if it is hard as in the case of Isaiah's task. The Lord was with him, and will clearly walk with us every step of the way.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
Second week of Isaiah study. Chapter 2-5:19.
May God bless those who read and study His word, in fact I think its a promise.
Chapter 2:
Lord You are our creator, and You have created everything we have. Lord there is none Like you- not even close, and Father we acknowledge You as God. Please speak to us through the discussion of Your word and lead us into the way You would have each of us go. Help us both to listen and to hear You, that we may all be pleasing in Your sight.
In Jesus name
(1-5)Lords will- Jerusalem chief city, ALL nations will stream there, Christ will be teaching the ways of God in the house of Jacob (Israel). People will want to walk in His path and forsake their own way. Disputes will be settled by Christ, of nations and peoples- it will be like Moses or the judges deciding in Israel. No war. No war means that the disputes will be settled- what causes war- selfish ambition -Hitler, misunderstandings, sin. Causes murder- we want what we can't have so we take it- we aren't happy with God has blessed us with so we covet what others have, and it leads to sin.
(6-11) Now from a glimpse of the future to Isaiah trying to appeal to the people of Israel to walk in God's way. God has abandoned them- influenced from the east (other cultures- not God's way- a mixture). They had gods they worshipped at the same time as God. Idols get worshipped too (american Idol- very popular) - the creation of our hands.
Natural to be happy with what we can make, it can - take the place of God in our lives. We worship a creation rather than the creator.
We tend to concentrate on it rather than Him -so we don't serve Him
makes us aware of our own efforts and makes us feel self sufficient
But God's presence remove's those feelings - we will be terrified by His presence. The Lord will be exalted ALONE.
(12-22)A day of reckoning - The Father setting His kids straight- He will only cover so long, then He will affirm His position. Everyone proud and lofty will be abased.
The Lord alone will be exalted (same as vs 11) repeated passages
Idols will completely vanish
men will hide in caves trying to escape the presence of the Lord. We turn away when people say what we don't want to hear, avoid them. God will come and hiding will be impossible we must make our choice. Our priorities will be shuffled putting God first (money will be of no concern- we won't care).
A dust reminder- stop esteeming man our life is in our God given breath. What value is any of us to anyone or anything apart from what God has given us?
Chapter 3
God will remove remove bread and water from Jerusalem and Judah. This describing seige by invading army. Ultimately the capture of Jerusalem and the forced relocation of the leaders and other affluent people.
Children rulers - inexperienced, oppressed- under control of the invading kingdom. Those countries were conquered- people relocated, and those left had to pay tribute.
Jerusalem and Judah's speech and actions are against the Lord (denying God in word and deed). Did not want His presence, their faces expressed a disdain for God
Displaying sin like Sodom - open sin- not trying to conceal it. They bring evil on themselves God didn't send it, but rather their actions brought about those consequences.
Nugget- say to the righteous that it will go well with them, they will reap the fruit of their action. Note "well" may mean they get relocated- in exile (Daniel is a prime example of an exile that things went well for due to his actions of trying to serve the Lord). He was in a foriegn land, but gained respect.
Wicked- it will go badly, they will get what they deserve. Grace is getting something we don't deserve, I think God has been very gracious to us.
oppressors are children, women rule over them. Their leaders lead them astray and confuse them. It is so very important to have a relationship with God. Leaders with an un-Godly heart will tend to lead you astray. God put leaders in place, but He wants us to have a relationship with Him, and get our direction from Him, not blindly follow the leader.
God will arise to contend- arise - used in 2:19,2:21 and 3:13, 2:2 the Lords mountain will be raised in Jerusalem (earthquake- arises to make the earth trembles in that day 2:19).
Lord Judging the leaders of His people. Plunder of the poor is in your houses- riches gained by position. His people crushed, grinding the face of the poor- connotes to me a refusing to see them, and holding them down against the ground, not seeing them as people.
Women- long description 16-24 focus is on the beauty of women, all the adornments, looks have become their god- definitely similar to this time. The idol or perfect image is on magazine covers, and many women become totally consumed by trying to look that way. Their looks become the god they are serving, the teenagers and young women wrecking their lives by comparing themselves to those images and trying to live up to it. Blood donors- low iron
Men fall by the sword- defending Jerusalem to no avail.
Chapter 4
verse 1 seems to be a continuation of Ch 3. After war and most of the men killed and all the beautiful adorning ornaments taken few men left.
However no accidents in God's word. It could be that was the situation (and I'm sure it was when Jerusalem was over run then) , and will be the situation at the beginning of the millenial reign. It didn't have to be written twice.
Chapter four is looking ahead, in the midst of impending doom and destruction, the ultimate fate of Jerusalem is shown. Those in Jerusalem will be called Holy, only those in the book of life will be able to enter. After redemption Jerusalem will have a cloud over it by day (with smoke) and a fire by night, and a canopy over all that for shelter. Just like how God led the Israelites in the desert.
Chapter 5
Parable of the vineyard- Jesus Parables. Matthew 21:33-45 is the parable of the vineyard. The text is the same in terms of setting. Jesus gave Isaiah the parable, and then later used it in His ministry. Another related parable sticks out to me Luke 13:6-9 the parable of the Fig tree in the vineyard. The owner (God) was ready to cut it down, but the vineyard-keeper (Jesus) wanted another year to try and make it produce fruit.
God gave Israel everything they needed and indeed everything they had, and still they rejected Him.
Within Judah he looked for justice and found bloodshed
looked for righteousness and found distress
Do Justice, love kindness, walk humbly
The wicked in israel faced desolation- famine. Ten acres produced one bath (9 gallons of wine), a Homer of seed planted (11 bushels) produced an Ephah ( 1 bushel) of harvest. The wicked would be better off eating the seed rather than planting, God will suspend His sowing and reaping principle in this case. God provides increase of what we sow, do we sow goodness? kindness?
6 things pointed out- (1)5:8-10- exploiting others- putting house to house and field to field together. Acquiring property isn't sin, but getting more than you need while others suffer and are forced to move away is. Its a building up of worldy treasures, and they come between us and God.
(2) drunkeness- 5:11-12-starting early or staying up late to drink. Drinking is about escape- selfish pleasure. Can you serve others when in a drunken state? Your children? family? Bible says give strong drink to those suffering, drinking just for the buzz can make us ignore the Lord, and the work of His hands.
People will go into exile for lack of knowledge, Isaiah warned them, and yet they did not listen they were marched away hungry and thirsty. So all the extra fields and the drinking of wine was wasted, others got the benefit because of their relationship with God. Men will be abased but the Lord exalted
(3) 5:18-19 Woe to those that drag iniquity with cords of falsehood. The I can't help it crowd- I must sin. Now Christ delivers us from sin, He paid the price, to claim we can't help it makes the sin more powerful than Christ's sacrifice. Untrue. Another interesting statement is the calling for works of God that they may see it. In Jesus time they asked Him for a sign time after time that they might "believe" in other words they did not want to exercise faith. Or did not want to show faith.
May God bless those who read and study His word, in fact I think its a promise.
Chapter 2:
Lord You are our creator, and You have created everything we have. Lord there is none Like you- not even close, and Father we acknowledge You as God. Please speak to us through the discussion of Your word and lead us into the way You would have each of us go. Help us both to listen and to hear You, that we may all be pleasing in Your sight.
In Jesus name
(1-5)Lords will- Jerusalem chief city, ALL nations will stream there, Christ will be teaching the ways of God in the house of Jacob (Israel). People will want to walk in His path and forsake their own way. Disputes will be settled by Christ, of nations and peoples- it will be like Moses or the judges deciding in Israel. No war. No war means that the disputes will be settled- what causes war- selfish ambition -Hitler, misunderstandings, sin. Causes murder- we want what we can't have so we take it- we aren't happy with God has blessed us with so we covet what others have, and it leads to sin.
(6-11) Now from a glimpse of the future to Isaiah trying to appeal to the people of Israel to walk in God's way. God has abandoned them- influenced from the east (other cultures- not God's way- a mixture). They had gods they worshipped at the same time as God. Idols get worshipped too (american Idol- very popular) - the creation of our hands.
Natural to be happy with what we can make, it can - take the place of God in our lives. We worship a creation rather than the creator.
We tend to concentrate on it rather than Him -so we don't serve Him
makes us aware of our own efforts and makes us feel self sufficient
But God's presence remove's those feelings - we will be terrified by His presence. The Lord will be exalted ALONE.
(12-22)A day of reckoning - The Father setting His kids straight- He will only cover so long, then He will affirm His position. Everyone proud and lofty will be abased.
The Lord alone will be exalted (same as vs 11) repeated passages
Idols will completely vanish
men will hide in caves trying to escape the presence of the Lord. We turn away when people say what we don't want to hear, avoid them. God will come and hiding will be impossible we must make our choice. Our priorities will be shuffled putting God first (money will be of no concern- we won't care).
A dust reminder- stop esteeming man our life is in our God given breath. What value is any of us to anyone or anything apart from what God has given us?
Chapter 3
God will remove remove bread and water from Jerusalem and Judah. This describing seige by invading army. Ultimately the capture of Jerusalem and the forced relocation of the leaders and other affluent people.
Children rulers - inexperienced, oppressed- under control of the invading kingdom. Those countries were conquered- people relocated, and those left had to pay tribute.
Jerusalem and Judah's speech and actions are against the Lord (denying God in word and deed). Did not want His presence, their faces expressed a disdain for God
Displaying sin like Sodom - open sin- not trying to conceal it. They bring evil on themselves God didn't send it, but rather their actions brought about those consequences.
Nugget- say to the righteous that it will go well with them, they will reap the fruit of their action. Note "well" may mean they get relocated- in exile (Daniel is a prime example of an exile that things went well for due to his actions of trying to serve the Lord). He was in a foriegn land, but gained respect.
Wicked- it will go badly, they will get what they deserve. Grace is getting something we don't deserve, I think God has been very gracious to us.
oppressors are children, women rule over them. Their leaders lead them astray and confuse them. It is so very important to have a relationship with God. Leaders with an un-Godly heart will tend to lead you astray. God put leaders in place, but He wants us to have a relationship with Him, and get our direction from Him, not blindly follow the leader.
God will arise to contend- arise - used in 2:19,2:21 and 3:13, 2:2 the Lords mountain will be raised in Jerusalem (earthquake- arises to make the earth trembles in that day 2:19).
Lord Judging the leaders of His people. Plunder of the poor is in your houses- riches gained by position. His people crushed, grinding the face of the poor- connotes to me a refusing to see them, and holding them down against the ground, not seeing them as people.
Women- long description 16-24 focus is on the beauty of women, all the adornments, looks have become their god- definitely similar to this time. The idol or perfect image is on magazine covers, and many women become totally consumed by trying to look that way. Their looks become the god they are serving, the teenagers and young women wrecking their lives by comparing themselves to those images and trying to live up to it. Blood donors- low iron
Men fall by the sword- defending Jerusalem to no avail.
Chapter 4
verse 1 seems to be a continuation of Ch 3. After war and most of the men killed and all the beautiful adorning ornaments taken few men left.
However no accidents in God's word. It could be that was the situation (and I'm sure it was when Jerusalem was over run then) , and will be the situation at the beginning of the millenial reign. It didn't have to be written twice.
Chapter four is looking ahead, in the midst of impending doom and destruction, the ultimate fate of Jerusalem is shown. Those in Jerusalem will be called Holy, only those in the book of life will be able to enter. After redemption Jerusalem will have a cloud over it by day (with smoke) and a fire by night, and a canopy over all that for shelter. Just like how God led the Israelites in the desert.
Chapter 5
Parable of the vineyard- Jesus Parables. Matthew 21:33-45 is the parable of the vineyard. The text is the same in terms of setting. Jesus gave Isaiah the parable, and then later used it in His ministry. Another related parable sticks out to me Luke 13:6-9 the parable of the Fig tree in the vineyard. The owner (God) was ready to cut it down, but the vineyard-keeper (Jesus) wanted another year to try and make it produce fruit.
God gave Israel everything they needed and indeed everything they had, and still they rejected Him.
Within Judah he looked for justice and found bloodshed
looked for righteousness and found distress
Do Justice, love kindness, walk humbly
The wicked in israel faced desolation- famine. Ten acres produced one bath (9 gallons of wine), a Homer of seed planted (11 bushels) produced an Ephah ( 1 bushel) of harvest. The wicked would be better off eating the seed rather than planting, God will suspend His sowing and reaping principle in this case. God provides increase of what we sow, do we sow goodness? kindness?
6 things pointed out- (1)5:8-10- exploiting others- putting house to house and field to field together. Acquiring property isn't sin, but getting more than you need while others suffer and are forced to move away is. Its a building up of worldy treasures, and they come between us and God.
(2) drunkeness- 5:11-12-starting early or staying up late to drink. Drinking is about escape- selfish pleasure. Can you serve others when in a drunken state? Your children? family? Bible says give strong drink to those suffering, drinking just for the buzz can make us ignore the Lord, and the work of His hands.
People will go into exile for lack of knowledge, Isaiah warned them, and yet they did not listen they were marched away hungry and thirsty. So all the extra fields and the drinking of wine was wasted, others got the benefit because of their relationship with God. Men will be abased but the Lord exalted
(3) 5:18-19 Woe to those that drag iniquity with cords of falsehood. The I can't help it crowd- I must sin. Now Christ delivers us from sin, He paid the price, to claim we can't help it makes the sin more powerful than Christ's sacrifice. Untrue. Another interesting statement is the calling for works of God that they may see it. In Jesus time they asked Him for a sign time after time that they might "believe" in other words they did not want to exercise faith. Or did not want to show faith.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Wow its been a while. I'm starting a Wednesday night series on Isaiah. Here are my thoughts so far. Its background info and chapter 1.
First a prayer.
Oh Lord thank you for Your Word. The many generations of faithful hands that have obeyed Your leading to bring us this book. We praise You for Your hand in preserving this record, and may You use it to lead us into submission to Your Will and a walk that is where You desire each of us to go. Help us to hear Your voice. In the name of Your son Jesus thank You, Amen.
Isaiah's background -son of Amoz - King's son, but not in the line to the throne. This certainly gave him access to the palace and meant he was probably well educated and had access to scripture.
Interestingly he wrote books referred to in scripture but not left for us- God didn't think it necessary. What God decided was necessary for us was more like his journal. Isaiah's writings of his walk with God and his experiences - probably unedited and unpolished is what has persevered. He recorded his experiences and probably not as they happened. We all have certain insights we get that we may or may not record and they probably aren't in the order they were received. We like Isaiah may record our thoughts and experiences of our walk with God - God may use them.
The Bible is Sixty six books of a walk with God- not a study but a relationship. What was going on around him? What did he do? What did God show him? What did he record? How does that compare to today? Our actions? and what God shows us?
What did Isaiah experience in his lifetime? The Assyrians were on the scene and he witnessed them taking the Northern most part of the country - then Israel (Samaria) - leaving only Judah. Then they invaded Judah. Then they put a siege on Jerusalem. In other words Israel/Judah were in definite decline throughout his life. Some of that anguish he felt, maybe the helplessness prepared him for God to show him what He had in mind for Israel. The tradition is that Isaiah was sawn asunder (in two) by Mannasseh- It is believed he is the one referred to in Hebrews 11:37.
In preparing this I can tell there are people praying for me, I ask they keep it up. I also ask that they pray that I am faithful in delivering what God gives me through studying this. I would also ask that each of you read it and ponder it, pray about what it means for each of your lives, and share that with the group. We are all special, and God works with us in different ways. We each though have a contribution. I have really been impressed by the following.
We were made of dust by God and He gave us life. A bucket of dust (add water) and we have mud, God makes a person. Its interesting that the potter and the clay are talked about in this book. It has been very strong though, it doesn't mean we are nothing and undeserving (as false humility could lead us to believe) but rather God has made each of us uniquely and specially- He wants us, (parents sometimes don't want their kids) He always does. Our very life is a gift from Him, and so are all the things we treasure. Too bad we too often put created things ahead of our creator.
Isaiah was a bucket of dust that God made a person out of for that place and time. He recorded what God told him, and God saved it for us. The book of Isaiah was one of the dead sea scrolls (so we got a copy that dates back to 200 BC).
Ch 1 v2 and 3- as a parent rears children so has the Lord reared Israel. He has like a parent the very best of hope for them, but they have rejected Him. Become prodigal. Farm animals know their allegiances, but people with the "knowledge of good and evil" miss or ignore His leading, and don't seek or abide by His guidance. Apart from Him we are nothing (dust), He gives us life and the choice whether to serve Him or go our own way. Either way He is still our Creator and the Creator of what is around us.
Animals know their owners, but that "knowledge" has made us so smart, so prideful- we just don't understand. We are blinded by our pride. In Isaiah's day as ours we are blind, prideful and un-acknowledging of the role of God in our lives.
Israel in Isaiah's day turned away, and we turn away - I doubt I'm fully submitted to God are you? Here's a test- think of something dear to you: house, car, job, activity, sport, land, boat, child, health, fitness, church, Krispy Kremes - are you really willing to give them up? I like to hike- if God says no more, would I sulk? would I say - You know best God. Children just make me shudder to think about.
He wants our full submission, not just when its easy. He gave us the choice to submit, just like He gave breath to our bodies. Some of us may not be ready in some areas, and most of us probably aren't ready in an area or two. God is our Father and He knows where we are at. Just like us with our children there may be things they aren't ready for yet and us parents "cover". God covers us with His love. Anyone who thinks they have arrived are probably not being honest.
To Study Isaiah I want to refer to Proverbs 1:24-33 The Lord calls out, the people reject (again- the Lord calls out, and the people reject). When that happens they can expect calamity, fear and dread- exactly what Israel was facing in those days. Is the world facing that in these days?
V7 Leviticus keep commandments and statutes and prevent invasions, strangers devouring fields is invasion.
Calamity brings about sacrifice- we run to God in crisis, they did in that day, we do today (9/11) filled churches for a small season. Calamity or crisis makes us abandon the things we treasure when things are going well. Do you really care about your car if a loved one is seriously ill? The Lord was tired of sacrifices- He wanted them to do justice.
Worthless offerings- offerings to God should cost us something. Something that requires sacrifice on our part. time (time away from favorite shows, but probably deeper- time away from family. Where is the proper mix- God before family, family before God. Offerings should cost us money- something I think we all value. What things do we value? The things we have a hard time submitting to God. Same list- we must put Him before them to show our earnestness. Saul captured sheep to sacrifice to God- what did it cost him?
They had festivals and feasts He did not ordain, they put those celebrations before service to Him. He will hide His eyes from seeing us pray, He will not listen.
In doing our own thing, our own way, our hands bloodstained. They become that way just as how it was in Isaiah's day. He warns us verse 16 -turn from your way put God first. Cleanse yourself- this means acknowledge the dirt and wash it off. Would we take baths if we didn't think we were dirty? We must quit doing evil- remove it from His sight
Where can God see?- Everywhere- so then to remove something from His sight we must? STOP doing it.
Learn to do good- learning is a two step process. 1st gain the knowledge, and then put it into practice refining the practice through experience. Do parents feel more confident of their ability to parent when the second child comes along- as opposed to the first? Does the person who has cooked spaghetti a thousand times feel more confident about how it will turn out than the one trying for the first time?
Repetitively doing good takes practice- some care must be taken against pride here, doing good doesn't make us good.
V17 seek justice
reprove (correct) the ruthless
defend the orphan
plead for the widow (Compare to Micah 6:8)
v19 our basic choice:
trust His judgement- have faith in Him
or
Rely on our knowledge of what is good and evil and do as we see fit
His way is life
Our way is death
Grace- no matter where we are, or how far we have fallen, He is calling us back- the decision to follow Him must be first.
A decline of the city is described. Clear choices have been given by God and yet some will choose other than God. It like us is His city, on His earth and He will redeem it. Repentant ones with righteousness.
Oaks and gardens chosen- things we feel we control but our really idols- creation not the Creator
Men's strength will leave (our strength comes from God- are we not dust otherwise?)
First a prayer.
Oh Lord thank you for Your Word. The many generations of faithful hands that have obeyed Your leading to bring us this book. We praise You for Your hand in preserving this record, and may You use it to lead us into submission to Your Will and a walk that is where You desire each of us to go. Help us to hear Your voice. In the name of Your son Jesus thank You, Amen.
Isaiah's background -son of Amoz - King's son, but not in the line to the throne. This certainly gave him access to the palace and meant he was probably well educated and had access to scripture.
Interestingly he wrote books referred to in scripture but not left for us- God didn't think it necessary. What God decided was necessary for us was more like his journal. Isaiah's writings of his walk with God and his experiences - probably unedited and unpolished is what has persevered. He recorded his experiences and probably not as they happened. We all have certain insights we get that we may or may not record and they probably aren't in the order they were received. We like Isaiah may record our thoughts and experiences of our walk with God - God may use them.
The Bible is Sixty six books of a walk with God- not a study but a relationship. What was going on around him? What did he do? What did God show him? What did he record? How does that compare to today? Our actions? and what God shows us?
What did Isaiah experience in his lifetime? The Assyrians were on the scene and he witnessed them taking the Northern most part of the country - then Israel (Samaria) - leaving only Judah. Then they invaded Judah. Then they put a siege on Jerusalem. In other words Israel/Judah were in definite decline throughout his life. Some of that anguish he felt, maybe the helplessness prepared him for God to show him what He had in mind for Israel. The tradition is that Isaiah was sawn asunder (in two) by Mannasseh- It is believed he is the one referred to in Hebrews 11:37.
In preparing this I can tell there are people praying for me, I ask they keep it up. I also ask that they pray that I am faithful in delivering what God gives me through studying this. I would also ask that each of you read it and ponder it, pray about what it means for each of your lives, and share that with the group. We are all special, and God works with us in different ways. We each though have a contribution. I have really been impressed by the following.
We were made of dust by God and He gave us life. A bucket of dust (add water) and we have mud, God makes a person. Its interesting that the potter and the clay are talked about in this book. It has been very strong though, it doesn't mean we are nothing and undeserving (as false humility could lead us to believe) but rather God has made each of us uniquely and specially- He wants us, (parents sometimes don't want their kids) He always does. Our very life is a gift from Him, and so are all the things we treasure. Too bad we too often put created things ahead of our creator.
Isaiah was a bucket of dust that God made a person out of for that place and time. He recorded what God told him, and God saved it for us. The book of Isaiah was one of the dead sea scrolls (so we got a copy that dates back to 200 BC).
Ch 1 v2 and 3- as a parent rears children so has the Lord reared Israel. He has like a parent the very best of hope for them, but they have rejected Him. Become prodigal. Farm animals know their allegiances, but people with the "knowledge of good and evil" miss or ignore His leading, and don't seek or abide by His guidance. Apart from Him we are nothing (dust), He gives us life and the choice whether to serve Him or go our own way. Either way He is still our Creator and the Creator of what is around us.
Animals know their owners, but that "knowledge" has made us so smart, so prideful- we just don't understand. We are blinded by our pride. In Isaiah's day as ours we are blind, prideful and un-acknowledging of the role of God in our lives.
Israel in Isaiah's day turned away, and we turn away - I doubt I'm fully submitted to God are you? Here's a test- think of something dear to you: house, car, job, activity, sport, land, boat, child, health, fitness, church, Krispy Kremes - are you really willing to give them up? I like to hike- if God says no more, would I sulk? would I say - You know best God. Children just make me shudder to think about.
He wants our full submission, not just when its easy. He gave us the choice to submit, just like He gave breath to our bodies. Some of us may not be ready in some areas, and most of us probably aren't ready in an area or two. God is our Father and He knows where we are at. Just like us with our children there may be things they aren't ready for yet and us parents "cover". God covers us with His love. Anyone who thinks they have arrived are probably not being honest.
To Study Isaiah I want to refer to Proverbs 1:24-33 The Lord calls out, the people reject (again- the Lord calls out, and the people reject). When that happens they can expect calamity, fear and dread- exactly what Israel was facing in those days. Is the world facing that in these days?
V7 Leviticus keep commandments and statutes and prevent invasions, strangers devouring fields is invasion.
Calamity brings about sacrifice- we run to God in crisis, they did in that day, we do today (9/11) filled churches for a small season. Calamity or crisis makes us abandon the things we treasure when things are going well. Do you really care about your car if a loved one is seriously ill? The Lord was tired of sacrifices- He wanted them to do justice.
Worthless offerings- offerings to God should cost us something. Something that requires sacrifice on our part. time (time away from favorite shows, but probably deeper- time away from family. Where is the proper mix- God before family, family before God. Offerings should cost us money- something I think we all value. What things do we value? The things we have a hard time submitting to God. Same list- we must put Him before them to show our earnestness. Saul captured sheep to sacrifice to God- what did it cost him?
They had festivals and feasts He did not ordain, they put those celebrations before service to Him. He will hide His eyes from seeing us pray, He will not listen.
In doing our own thing, our own way, our hands bloodstained. They become that way just as how it was in Isaiah's day. He warns us verse 16 -turn from your way put God first. Cleanse yourself- this means acknowledge the dirt and wash it off. Would we take baths if we didn't think we were dirty? We must quit doing evil- remove it from His sight
Where can God see?- Everywhere- so then to remove something from His sight we must? STOP doing it.
Learn to do good- learning is a two step process. 1st gain the knowledge, and then put it into practice refining the practice through experience. Do parents feel more confident of their ability to parent when the second child comes along- as opposed to the first? Does the person who has cooked spaghetti a thousand times feel more confident about how it will turn out than the one trying for the first time?
Repetitively doing good takes practice- some care must be taken against pride here, doing good doesn't make us good.
V17 seek justice
reprove (correct) the ruthless
defend the orphan
plead for the widow (Compare to Micah 6:8)
v19 our basic choice:
trust His judgement- have faith in Him
or
Rely on our knowledge of what is good and evil and do as we see fit
His way is life
Our way is death
Grace- no matter where we are, or how far we have fallen, He is calling us back- the decision to follow Him must be first.
A decline of the city is described. Clear choices have been given by God and yet some will choose other than God. It like us is His city, on His earth and He will redeem it. Repentant ones with righteousness.
Oaks and gardens chosen- things we feel we control but our really idols- creation not the Creator
Men's strength will leave (our strength comes from God- are we not dust otherwise?)
Monday, July 21, 2008
I am heart broken. Some people would say I am depressed and in reading the Bible you might think "depression" is a natural state. I think it certainly is something used by God.
I forgot which great preacher in history talked about depression as a precursor to the moving of God. There was one.
How can anyone not be depressed, I see so many people "spinning their wheels", "pushing a chain" - working diligently at going nowhere. There are so many examples of hunger in this world, injustices against one human by another, and yet a general acceptance of that as normal. Its not normal, it is the result of sin in our lives as humans. Selfishness, wanting our way, promoting our agenda.
We can't legislate it, we can't make people do it, they have to decide to put others first, then we can solve problems. I see the answers to the problems as a need for more gospel, but that notion is rejected out of hand as not being for me, I want to do it my way (selfish).
I see people struggle, looking for and easy way, a quick fix. They don't want to invest the effort or time into real solutions. They don't want to serve others. They want their gratification now.
I also am experiencing joy. God is big enough to bring about change, and one day things will be different. There will be a other focused world and not a self focused one. He will establish His world over the course of 7 years, so truly nobody should be left behind. It will be their choice. Its interesting that Moses charged the Israelites with reading the law to everyone every 7 years -Deut 31:10-11.
Imagine a world where people do look out for each other, do make sure their neighbor is fed, do place resources where they are needed. I so long for that world. A world where children can play, there are no wars, and everyone encourages each other. Thy Kingdom come.
I'm starting Joshua, I normally associate crossing the Jordan with going to heaven, I love the song "Elijah" and the artist that did that is gone. But Joshua can be considered an entering into God's blessings, or accepting His promises. The Israelites knew of God in the dessert, but didn't accept Him. It took them forty years (actually an entire generation) for God to get them to a position where He could bless them. Well that isn't exactly true- God is not time limited- my point however is that the stiff-necked people weren't ready to receive what God wanted to give them.
A new believer is like that in some respects, he/she knows of God and wants the things of God but hasn't crucified their flesh or their non-Godly (fleshly) ways. Therefore they can't truly receive His blessings and His best for them. It may take (and probably does) years for God to work in a life to prepare a person to truly walk with Him. Again its not because God is limited but that we are "stiff-necked". God has the "time" and it is His nature to be ready when we are. He stays ready- we have to come to Him.
Well back to Joshua and God's charge to Joshua in getting ready to cross the Jordan. Verse 3 for the ready Christian everywhere we step foot God has given to us- powerful, awesome, amazing. This means to me that any Christian ready to receive God's blessing - He promises it.
Verse 5 No man will be able to stand before you ... I will not fail you or forsake you. That is the thing I struggle with the most, I can see His Hand in my life in the past but I still entertain fear of the future and His continuing presence. Yet the Bible is full of promises just like that one. No person can hinder God's work in our lives or the blessings He has for us- WOW.
Be strong and courageous-its repeated a couple times, meditate on His word. I feel I have one down- the habit of reading and meditating, the strong and courageous part I need His help. Don't look at circumstances, people, but trust Him.
May I be strong and courageous in my continued walk with Him, accepting what He wants to give me and fearing no man. Please Lord help us in our weak areas.
I forgot which great preacher in history talked about depression as a precursor to the moving of God. There was one.
How can anyone not be depressed, I see so many people "spinning their wheels", "pushing a chain" - working diligently at going nowhere. There are so many examples of hunger in this world, injustices against one human by another, and yet a general acceptance of that as normal. Its not normal, it is the result of sin in our lives as humans. Selfishness, wanting our way, promoting our agenda.
We can't legislate it, we can't make people do it, they have to decide to put others first, then we can solve problems. I see the answers to the problems as a need for more gospel, but that notion is rejected out of hand as not being for me, I want to do it my way (selfish).
I see people struggle, looking for and easy way, a quick fix. They don't want to invest the effort or time into real solutions. They don't want to serve others. They want their gratification now.
I also am experiencing joy. God is big enough to bring about change, and one day things will be different. There will be a other focused world and not a self focused one. He will establish His world over the course of 7 years, so truly nobody should be left behind. It will be their choice. Its interesting that Moses charged the Israelites with reading the law to everyone every 7 years -Deut 31:10-11.
Imagine a world where people do look out for each other, do make sure their neighbor is fed, do place resources where they are needed. I so long for that world. A world where children can play, there are no wars, and everyone encourages each other. Thy Kingdom come.
I'm starting Joshua, I normally associate crossing the Jordan with going to heaven, I love the song "Elijah" and the artist that did that is gone. But Joshua can be considered an entering into God's blessings, or accepting His promises. The Israelites knew of God in the dessert, but didn't accept Him. It took them forty years (actually an entire generation) for God to get them to a position where He could bless them. Well that isn't exactly true- God is not time limited- my point however is that the stiff-necked people weren't ready to receive what God wanted to give them.
A new believer is like that in some respects, he/she knows of God and wants the things of God but hasn't crucified their flesh or their non-Godly (fleshly) ways. Therefore they can't truly receive His blessings and His best for them. It may take (and probably does) years for God to work in a life to prepare a person to truly walk with Him. Again its not because God is limited but that we are "stiff-necked". God has the "time" and it is His nature to be ready when we are. He stays ready- we have to come to Him.
Well back to Joshua and God's charge to Joshua in getting ready to cross the Jordan. Verse 3 for the ready Christian everywhere we step foot God has given to us- powerful, awesome, amazing. This means to me that any Christian ready to receive God's blessing - He promises it.
Verse 5 No man will be able to stand before you ... I will not fail you or forsake you. That is the thing I struggle with the most, I can see His Hand in my life in the past but I still entertain fear of the future and His continuing presence. Yet the Bible is full of promises just like that one. No person can hinder God's work in our lives or the blessings He has for us- WOW.
Be strong and courageous-its repeated a couple times, meditate on His word. I feel I have one down- the habit of reading and meditating, the strong and courageous part I need His help. Don't look at circumstances, people, but trust Him.
May I be strong and courageous in my continued walk with Him, accepting what He wants to give me and fearing no man. Please Lord help us in our weak areas.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Isaiah is a walk with God, studying the Bible doesn't have to be Bible study in the conventional experience. He recorded his experience with God, what are yours? Its about seeing his relationship, the insight given to him that is available to everyone that asks (and seeks diligently).
Not having wisdom is because you haven't made it a goal, and sought it out. To deny God is to deny wisdom, think of the people who make questionable decisions (not that we should judge them) but is it an indicator of their relationship with God. Worldly folks have the same opinion of us, some of our decisions seem questionable- like why go to church when you can sleep in?
World's problem are the result of the lack of relationship with the Lord, I can't think of one that isn't.
Competition - no need - we should be cheering each other on.
How can my faith be expressed in a way that isn't considered "threatening" ? My position makes me more of a threat to students than any other possible influence. As far as being a Christian we are not a threat to anyone. We have the heart that all should come to know the Lord, so harming anyone is contrary to that belief. Any threat anyone feels from a Christian is not from that particular person, and so to say things like the Bible are "hate speech" shows the condition of the world.
I am not a threat! I am a sinner just like everyone else. A person that has somewhat grasped the vision that God's way is the best way, and that God wants the best for everyone.
Not having wisdom is because you haven't made it a goal, and sought it out. To deny God is to deny wisdom, think of the people who make questionable decisions (not that we should judge them) but is it an indicator of their relationship with God. Worldly folks have the same opinion of us, some of our decisions seem questionable- like why go to church when you can sleep in?
World's problem are the result of the lack of relationship with the Lord, I can't think of one that isn't.
Competition - no need - we should be cheering each other on.
How can my faith be expressed in a way that isn't considered "threatening" ? My position makes me more of a threat to students than any other possible influence. As far as being a Christian we are not a threat to anyone. We have the heart that all should come to know the Lord, so harming anyone is contrary to that belief. Any threat anyone feels from a Christian is not from that particular person, and so to say things like the Bible are "hate speech" shows the condition of the world.
I am not a threat! I am a sinner just like everyone else. A person that has somewhat grasped the vision that God's way is the best way, and that God wants the best for everyone.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
This week you get the notes I'm speaking off of tomorrow night.
We can't have enough knowledge of God.
Slide 1
God created the earth and everything in it, He also created us. May He come soon and establish is kingdom. In establishing His kingdom he doesn't need us, but He did charge us with taking the gospel to the ends of the earth. How are we doing?
Slide 2
Do we even know the Gospel, do we even know God's heart? How do we get to know someone- spend time with them.
__________________________
In listening to people's thoughts over the last month or so the most discussed issues don't even have a God element or influence. If there is one it is along the lines "the Bible says that is a sin". In industry I used to hear we do it that way "because that is the way we've always done it". That frustrated me terribly because it isn't an answer, so to quote the Bible and to say "because ... God said so" is correct, but God has His reasons, and we should search them out, Get to know Him and learn the whys.
We must get fed regularly, and we must be God focused- I was struck recently by the following:
__________________________
Slide 3
Numbers 13:2 (God speaking to Moses) Send out for yourself men so that they may spy out the land of Canaan, which I am going to give to the sons of Israel...
Moses got the twelve and sent them out saying (13:18) see what the land is like, AND whether the people who live in it are strong or weak. The types of cities they have... make an effort to get some fruit.
Slide 4
The report back verse 27 the land flows with milk and honey NEVERTHELESS the people are strong. The Lord promised them the land, but the bad report was people focused.
Focus on God not people, He promised them the land what/why did they care about the people?
___________________________
As a result of the report, those people never entered the promised land (except two- read what they said about the land and the people), instead they wandered about in the wilderness. Where are we?
___________________________
Slide 5
Hosea 4:1 Listen to the word of the Lord, O sons of Israel, For the Lord has a case against the inhabitants of the land, Because there is no faithfulness or kindness Or knowledge of God in the land.
verse 3 Therefore the land mourns...
Verse 6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.
____________________________
We can't have enough knowledge of God.
____________________________
Slide 6
everything we have is from God- we don't deserve anything good on our own merit. We can't praise Him enough
Hosea 6:1-3 Come let us return to the Lord. For He has torn us, but He will heal us: He has wounded us, but He will bandage us. He will revive us after two days: He will raise us up on the third day, that we may live before Him. So let us know, let us press on to know the Lord. His going forth is as certain as the dawn: and He will come to us like the rain, Like the spring rain watering the earth.
6:6 I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
____________________________
10:12 Sow with a view to righteousness, reap in accordance with kindness; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord until He comes to rain righteousness on you.
____________________________
Slide 7
want to serve God?- want to get to know Him? -so many distractions
be His light , be people that reflect Him. It will flow freely out of an even closer relationship with Him.
_____________________________
We'll fulfill the great commission.
prayer earnestly- Dogback Mtn.
_______________________________
Icebreaker question - who has read the Bible through. I wonder how over the years the number of people who might answer that question has changed? Is it becoming less?
We can't have enough knowledge of God.
Slide 1
God created the earth and everything in it, He also created us. May He come soon and establish is kingdom. In establishing His kingdom he doesn't need us, but He did charge us with taking the gospel to the ends of the earth. How are we doing?
Slide 2
Do we even know the Gospel, do we even know God's heart? How do we get to know someone- spend time with them.
__________________________
In listening to people's thoughts over the last month or so the most discussed issues don't even have a God element or influence. If there is one it is along the lines "the Bible says that is a sin". In industry I used to hear we do it that way "because that is the way we've always done it". That frustrated me terribly because it isn't an answer, so to quote the Bible and to say "because ... God said so" is correct, but God has His reasons, and we should search them out, Get to know Him and learn the whys.
We must get fed regularly, and we must be God focused- I was struck recently by the following:
__________________________
Slide 3
Numbers 13:2 (God speaking to Moses) Send out for yourself men so that they may spy out the land of Canaan, which I am going to give to the sons of Israel...
Moses got the twelve and sent them out saying (13:18) see what the land is like, AND whether the people who live in it are strong or weak. The types of cities they have... make an effort to get some fruit.
Slide 4
The report back verse 27 the land flows with milk and honey NEVERTHELESS the people are strong. The Lord promised them the land, but the bad report was people focused.
Focus on God not people, He promised them the land what/why did they care about the people?
___________________________
As a result of the report, those people never entered the promised land (except two- read what they said about the land and the people), instead they wandered about in the wilderness. Where are we?
___________________________
Slide 5
Hosea 4:1 Listen to the word of the Lord, O sons of Israel, For the Lord has a case against the inhabitants of the land, Because there is no faithfulness or kindness Or knowledge of God in the land.
verse 3 Therefore the land mourns...
Verse 6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.
____________________________
We can't have enough knowledge of God.
____________________________
Slide 6
everything we have is from God- we don't deserve anything good on our own merit. We can't praise Him enough
Hosea 6:1-3 Come let us return to the Lord. For He has torn us, but He will heal us: He has wounded us, but He will bandage us. He will revive us after two days: He will raise us up on the third day, that we may live before Him. So let us know, let us press on to know the Lord. His going forth is as certain as the dawn: and He will come to us like the rain, Like the spring rain watering the earth.
6:6 I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
____________________________
10:12 Sow with a view to righteousness, reap in accordance with kindness; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord until He comes to rain righteousness on you.
____________________________
Slide 7
want to serve God?- want to get to know Him? -so many distractions
be His light , be people that reflect Him. It will flow freely out of an even closer relationship with Him.
_____________________________
We'll fulfill the great commission.
prayer earnestly- Dogback Mtn.
_______________________________
Icebreaker question - who has read the Bible through. I wonder how over the years the number of people who might answer that question has changed? Is it becoming less?
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Week of June 27, 2008 thoughts.
It has been a while (about two weeks). I took my mother for her HS reuinion out of state and we had a marvelous time. I personally don't believe in coincidenses although sometimes I use the term (out of habit), but rather I believe its the favor of God. She called them "God winks" so I looked the term up Biblically and wink doesn't have too much of a positive connotation. We certainly experienced His favor. My thoughts are at the end.
Numbers 14:18 our iniquity affects our children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. Actions have consequences which is the way God made it (of course He can change those things, we cannot). He doesn't harm our children because of what we did - we do, it is a consequence of our actions.
Numbers 14:41, the people see that they have missed their chance at the promised land and God told them they had. They decide to go anyway. They even confessed their sin, but their not entering the promised land is a consequence of their previous actions. We also can't be God and do what we want, its still about what the Lord says.
Numbers 20:4-5 the Israelites ask why they left Egypt to die in the wilderness. They died in the wilderness out of their choices and actions having seen the cloud by day and the fire by night. Imagine being able to walk not very far and seeing the presence of the Lord. This statement is interesting because some people don't want to leave their bondage, they want to be slaves.
Balak and Balaam, talking donkey. Donkey saw angel of the Lord, Elisha (or Elijah- I need to look that up) saw the hosts of heaven that were there for us but his servants did not. It would be nice to see the angels working for us.
Daniels visions - after mourning three weeks, no tasty food. Tremendous visions- after a sacrifice (of sorts) and a centering on God.
Hosea 1:8 Good things for Israel come from God, good things for us from God.
What did I see on the trip to NY? A room full of people apprehensive of the future. The economy, the election, the .... References to past, lots of well wishing, Public acknowledgement of God was very rare, and it is something that isn't just in NY but everywhere I go. Sure we hear "God forbid" but that is habitual, a saying we pick up, it is seldom thought about. But I saw the favor of God constantly, and I prayed that He would bless those we came across.
A show came on TV where to gay men where raising children. A woman that did not believe this should be allowed was going to spend time there "getting to know", its all for TV and I'm sure she got paid in some way. It struck me that the real issues aren't discussed. God made it to where it takes a man and a woman to have a child (a blessing on their union) and legislation calling them a family or parents cannot change that fact. The other fact is that you can't legislate morality, preventing these people from raising (someone else's unwanted or inconvenient children) isn't going to happen just because we pass a law. Loop holes will be found. So the show focused on the woman's belief that it was wrong -although she couldn't articulate it, versus their belief that being part of this family was better than foster care. They cared for their children deeply.
Today's sermon was wonderful- submit to Christ and let Him use us as He will. I so needed that, and that we are living in His kingdom now.
It has been a while (about two weeks). I took my mother for her HS reuinion out of state and we had a marvelous time. I personally don't believe in coincidenses although sometimes I use the term (out of habit), but rather I believe its the favor of God. She called them "God winks" so I looked the term up Biblically and wink doesn't have too much of a positive connotation. We certainly experienced His favor. My thoughts are at the end.
Numbers 14:18 our iniquity affects our children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. Actions have consequences which is the way God made it (of course He can change those things, we cannot). He doesn't harm our children because of what we did - we do, it is a consequence of our actions.
Numbers 14:41, the people see that they have missed their chance at the promised land and God told them they had. They decide to go anyway. They even confessed their sin, but their not entering the promised land is a consequence of their previous actions. We also can't be God and do what we want, its still about what the Lord says.
Numbers 20:4-5 the Israelites ask why they left Egypt to die in the wilderness. They died in the wilderness out of their choices and actions having seen the cloud by day and the fire by night. Imagine being able to walk not very far and seeing the presence of the Lord. This statement is interesting because some people don't want to leave their bondage, they want to be slaves.
Balak and Balaam, talking donkey. Donkey saw angel of the Lord, Elisha (or Elijah- I need to look that up) saw the hosts of heaven that were there for us but his servants did not. It would be nice to see the angels working for us.
Daniels visions - after mourning three weeks, no tasty food. Tremendous visions- after a sacrifice (of sorts) and a centering on God.
Hosea 1:8 Good things for Israel come from God, good things for us from God.
What did I see on the trip to NY? A room full of people apprehensive of the future. The economy, the election, the .... References to past, lots of well wishing, Public acknowledgement of God was very rare, and it is something that isn't just in NY but everywhere I go. Sure we hear "God forbid" but that is habitual, a saying we pick up, it is seldom thought about. But I saw the favor of God constantly, and I prayed that He would bless those we came across.
A show came on TV where to gay men where raising children. A woman that did not believe this should be allowed was going to spend time there "getting to know", its all for TV and I'm sure she got paid in some way. It struck me that the real issues aren't discussed. God made it to where it takes a man and a woman to have a child (a blessing on their union) and legislation calling them a family or parents cannot change that fact. The other fact is that you can't legislate morality, preventing these people from raising (someone else's unwanted or inconvenient children) isn't going to happen just because we pass a law. Loop holes will be found. So the show focused on the woman's belief that it was wrong -although she couldn't articulate it, versus their belief that being part of this family was better than foster care. They cared for their children deeply.
Today's sermon was wonderful- submit to Christ and let Him use us as He will. I so needed that, and that we are living in His kingdom now.
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