Our Mighty Creator 08.03.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Sunday August 3, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Isaiah. Please read Chapters 5-9 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%205-9&version=9

Today we will read and learn about God's judgment upon sinners; Isaiah's vision of God's holiness; his message for King Ahaz; and the foretelling of Christ's birth and His Kingdom. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that God calls us to be holy in our hearts and our lives in order that we may be effective witnesses.

Isaiah the prophet lived in Jerusalem, the capital of Judah. His ministry continued for 50 to 60 years through the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, and possibly Manasseh. "In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the LORD sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts." (Isaiah 6:1-5). Isaiah saw himself as utterly unfit to stand in the presence of the Almighty Holy One. For guilty men there is cleansing; and lips, once unclean, can be made holy. The greatest obstacle is self-satisfaction and self-sufficiency.

When we see God as the Holy and Mighty Creator, like Isaiah, we can't help but see ourselves as unclean. This self-evaluation is made in response to the fact that we have seen the Most Holy God. He submitted himself as an instrument in God's hand in self-surrender. He was ready to go where God might lead him.

Isaiah was called to prophesy to an unbelieving and sinful generation that had forsaken God, "And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, And the LORD have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land." (6:9-12). It was an age of international political tension and prosperity when only a minority in the kingdom of Judah remained faithful to God. The Northern Kingdom of Israel, under Jeroboam II, also was enjoying prosperity; but it was even more corrupt than Judah.

In the midst of evil and unbelief, God foretold the coming Messiah to Isaiah to proclaim it to an evil king, "And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good." (7:13-15). The name Immanuel means "God with us." Not only does the prophet foretell the virgin birth of Jesus, but he also reveals His deity. He received also another glorious revelation of Christ, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (9:6).

We recognize the fulfillment of that prophecy in Jesus, who was born and later crucified, providing eternal life to all believers by dying on the cross for our sins and by His triumph over death. Not only was His first advent declared, but also His second. We can rejoice as we look forward to the time when He will reign in righteousness on earth as the most Wonderful Counselor.

The call of God demands that we be faithful, not always successful. Men measure by success, but God by faithfulness.

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed as Immnauel (Isaiah 7:13). Other prophecies concerning Jesus are found in Isaiah 8:14, 9:2,6-7.

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
We are so very grateful that our family roots are not the sole source of who we are nor does it dictate what we can accomplish. Our spiritual roots, because of our well-grounded faith in You, goes much deeper and spreads much broader. We are able to accomplish the impossible and overcome life’s difficulties because our roots are connected to the True Miracle Worker and that is You. May the water of Your Holy Spirit quench our thirst and the spiritual food from Your inspired Holy Word satisfy our hunger causing us to grow in spiritual maturity. We remain safe and securely rooted in You, Lord, though the winds and storms may shake us from time to time. It is in You that we live and move and have our being! In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Have a great and wonderful Lord's day!
God Bless,
Christina

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God's Mercy & Grace 08.02.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Saturday August 2, 2008 and today we will begin our studies on the book of Isaiah. Please read Chapters 1-4 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%201-4&version=9

Today we will read and learn about Judah's sins, Isaiah's plea to Judah, God's reasoning with Judah, and Isaiah foretelling Judah's defeat. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing the God forgives all of our sins and to set aside a special time daily to give God thanks for being so merciful and gracious.

The book of Isaiah is the twenty-third book of the Old Testament and contains 66 chapters. The book is the beginning of the last group of books which are the Books of Prophesy. These books contain the writting of the prophets that God used to call His people back to Him. The book is often compared to the entire Bible as it contains the same subjects in both new and old testaments. The book was written by Isaiah to Judah and warns of coming judgment against them because of their sins against God. The purpose of the book is to teach us about correction and rebuke, rebellion leads to punishment, and repentance leads to restoration.

Isaiah opens revealing his credentials, "The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah." (Isaiah 1:1). Judah had been chosen to be the Lord's instrument of blessing to all nations, but they rejected His Word and became a sinful nation. "Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward." (1:4)

Isaiah was greatly burdened over the sins of the nation of Judah and pleaded with them to listen to God. "Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah." (1:10). Even their worship had become an abomination, "Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them." (1:13-14).

The outflow of holy displeasure contained in earlier portions of this chapter should prepare us to expect an everlasting condemnation upon all sinners. But, instead, it is surprisingly followed by the most loving appeal ever presented by God all of His creation. "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:" (1:18-19).

Isaiah foretold Judah's devasting defeat, "And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty. Thy men shall fall by the sword, and thy mighty in the war. And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she being desolate shall sit upon the ground." (3:24-26).

As repulsive as sin is to God His loving arms are extended to forgive, to restore, and to comfort all who will come to Him and ask for forgiveness.

It is by His mercy and grace that we are forgiven, "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:14-16). And any sin that is repented is wiped away from the "book of life" never to be remembered. "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels." (Revelation 3:5).

Let us daily meditate and pray the prayer that Jesus has taught us, "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." (Matthew 6:9-13).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed as the One who will judge the nations (Isaiah 2:2-4). Jesus will judge us all, "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;" (II timothy 4:1).

Today's prayer:
Dear Lord,
Nothing brings abiding peace more than knowing that we are saved from the penalty of sin and that we are firmly forgiven by Your mercy and grace. It makes us feel safe in a struggling world that continues to search for knowledge from all the wrong sources. Our wisdom is based upon our knowledge and understanding of You, our eternal Father, the One who changes not. In You we are saved and protected. In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Have a wonderful day and weekend!
God bless,
Christina

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Jesus, Our Bridegroom 08.01.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Friday August 1, 2008 and today we are studying the book of Songs of Solomon. Please read Chapters 1-8 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser:
biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Song%20of%20Solomon%201-8&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the virtues of married love and the symbolic of Christ's love for the Church. Today's messages compares marriage to our relationship with Jesus

Song of Solomon is the twenty-second book of the Old Testament and contains 8 chapters. The book was written by King Solomon to the people in Isreal and all believers. The purpose of the book is to show the relationship between Jesus and the Church as demonstrated by the marriage relationship. What we are to learn from the book is the divine model of love between a man and his wife as the pattern for a relationship between Christ and the Church. Solomon represents the bridegroom (Jesus Christ) and the Shulamite girl is the bride (the Church).

The wholesome enjoyment of married love between a man and a woman is expressed and begins with categorical language in the delight of the bridegroom in the bride and of the bride in her bridegroom. "The song of songs, which is Solomon's. Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine. Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee. Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee." (Song of Solomon 1:1-4).

As the bride, we also wait with great anticipation for the return of our Bridegroom Jesus when we too will be able to say. "He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love." (2:4).

Sometimes we enjoy a very close sense of the presence of Christ. But, all too often, His presence seems far away. Yet our love for Him continues to grow as we wait expectantly for that first glimpse of Him when He welcomes us home as His bride. "My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies." (2:16). Every believer is assured that my beloved is mine, and I am his, for Jesus Christ has entered into our very lives. Our love relationship continues to grow and deepen as we listen to Him speak to us as we read His Word. We become different persons by virtue of our relationship with the coming Bridegroom

The reading of this song should lead us to praise the Creator who made the human body. It was God who led Eve, the first bride, to Adam her admiring bridegroom. Seeing and experiencing the purity and holiness of this earthly bond of love instituted by God will also lead us to a better understanding of and appreciation for that love relationship which is heavenly and eternal, the love relationship that should exist in the believer's heart toward his Lord and His Church.

Many see in this song a parable of the great love of Christ for His Church and the believer's desire for and enjoyment of Christ's love. In fact, the Apostle Paul used marriage to illustrate the bond of love which exists between Christ and His Church (See Ephesians 5:22-33).

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed As the chiefest among ten thousand, (The Song of Solomon 5:10). Jesus is, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." (Revelation 19:16b).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
This journey of faith began for those who believe, the moment we accepted Jesus as our Saviour. After we repented of our sins we began this faith journey and the milestones along the way have assured us that the route we're on leads to eternal life. We reject the philosophies that originate from this world and follow Your roadmap that keeps us on the highway of holiness. The marvelous blessing is that at the end of this earthly journey is really only the beginning of eternal bliss! Thank you, Jesus! In your mighty name, I pray......Amen.

Have a great and wonderful Friday and weekend.
God bless,
Christina

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God's Purpose 07.31.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Thursday July 31, 2008 and today we are completing our studies on the book of Ecclesiastes. Please read Chapters 9-12 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiates%209-12&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the struggles of the righteous and the wicked; that wisdom is better than strength; the wise versus the foolish; and the remembering our creator. Today's message focuses on the purpose God created us for.

"Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment." (Ecclesiastes 11:9). Solomon was famous for his wisdom, but he could be misunderstood if he implied that he was encouraging youth to let passion and pleasure go unchecked, but he reminds us that God will judge all that we do.

Solomon spent his lifetime searching for pleasure from every worldly source, but he used the word vanity over 30 times in the Book of Ecclesiastes and concluded that ignoring the Word of God was the vanity of vanities. Before finishing his message, Solomon restated the basis for true wisdom, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." (12:13-14).

Since all of us were created for the purposes of God, all else in life should be seen as opportunities to advance the Kingdom of God by fulfilling those purposes. Satisfaction in life results from giving one's time, talents, and resources to fulfill the will of God. This is the only true source of happiness, peace of mind, and genuine enjoyment in life. Once we place God at the center of all that we do everything falls into place and we become prosperous in all that we do and even during trials we find enjoyment.

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the statement: God shall bring every work into judgment (Ecclesiastes 12:14). Jesus will judge all, "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:" (John 5:22).

Have a great and wonderful afternoon and day!
God bless,
Christina

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Wednesday July 30, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Ecclesiastes. Please read Chapters 5-8 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to yoyr browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiates%205-8&version=9

Today we will read and learn about cautions against hasty vows; the emptiness of riches; the encouragement of wisdom and goodness; and respect for rulers. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that hypocrisy is an insult to God, as well as spiritually self-destructive.

The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream in which Solomon asked for wisdom. (See II Chronicles 1:7-11). Yet, we have no record that Solomon ever copied the Law by his own hand, as God had instructed Israel's kings to do, and he also broke all of the laws specifically given to kings (See Deuteronomy 17:14-20). As the years passed, he searched for satisfaction everywhere except from the Lord and His Word where it should have. Years later Solomon discovered that the rich and poor were equally obsessed with such fruitless endeavors and the only way to be fruitful is to have the Lord in their lives.

Solomon's thoughts then turned from the secular to the religious life, and he noted that many attended the House of God offering insincere prayers and making vows that were never kept. "Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few." (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2). "

The word hypocrisy means to falsely claim of having admirable principles, beliefs, or feelings toward God. It may seem as if God did not hear the groanings of the innocent or see the hypocrisy of the evildoers who intrude into the sanctuary of God. "All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt. And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this is also vanity." (8:9-10). However, He knew exactly what was going on and always has a meaning for allowing affliction to happen in our lives.

Often God does not immediately intervene or bring His judgment. Not only during life, but even in death itself, the wicked are often praised and buried with all the inappropriate recognition of their popularity. Yet, with all the flare, visibility, and demonstrations of these external appearances which are carried on even to the grave, they failed to deceive either God or a person who has spiritual and biblical knowledge. "When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:). Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea farther; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it." (8:16-17).

The Psalmist reminds us, "Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (37:1-4).

While the course of life seems to run smoothly for those who live for the world instead of God the sinner begins to imagine that God is indifferent and not necessary. Even Christians, ignorant of God's Word, are staggered by the delay of Divine justice to inflict penalty for the wicked sins of mankind, but the judgment which God's Law attaches to sin is not an empty threat. "Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." (Galatians 6:6-7).

The seemingly successful course of sin will have an end, for none have final success. "There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt. But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand. As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand." (5:13-15)

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed as the One who expects us to keep our vows made to Him. (Ecclesiastes 5:4). "But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil." (Matthew 5:37).

Enjoy the rest of your day!
God Bless,
Christina

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