Success 08.05.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Tuesday August 5, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Isaiah. Please read Chapters 15-21 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2015-21&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the prophesy of Moab's ruin; a threat upon Syria (Aram) and Israel; God's judgments; Egypt urged to worship the Lord; and the captivity of Egypt is foretold. Today's message focuses on the importance of seeking God in order to be successful in all that we do.

The prophet Isaiah was led to turn his thoughts from the glorious future reign of the King of Peace to proclaim the judgment of God upon the unbelieving. "The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap. The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid. The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts." (Isaiah 17:1-3). The fortress of Ephraim refers to the ten-tribe northern kingdom, a symbol of wealth, power, and self-glory, which would be ruthlessly destroyed by Assyria.

Isaiah foretold that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin and would be like wasted wheat left scattered on the ground after the harvest had been gathered. "And in that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean. And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim. Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it, as the shaking of an olive tree, two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof, saith the LORD God of Israel." (17:4-6)

The destruction would be complete and, as a result, the few who were left would realize that it was the result of their sin and would recognize that turning to God was their only hope. "At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel. And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images." (17:7-8).

When the Christian looks out upon the world, he sees himself surrounded as by a dark night of unbelief and sin. One sees only moral and spiritual night because evil men love darkness rather than light. God's children alone have a glorious light within them. Every earnest Christian is to be a watchman who longs for the advent of Christ's coming and the world's new morning.

Nothing hides the will of God from view as deceptively as success and pride, both of which foster self-sufficiency. It is one thing to be successful, but when that success takes us away from giving God the glory we will eventually fall. Jesus cautions us, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:19-21). Wealth accumulated for self-interest may lead to greed and can weaken our faith leaving us to become jealous and envious of others no matter how successful we become.

The Lord is able to speak to each of us personally as to how He would have us invest in transforming lives and fulfilling His Great Commission. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:19-20).

Putting God first will lead us to success in all that we do far beyond what we ever imagined. "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." (I Timothy 6:17-19).

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed as the One who will sit on the throne of David (Isaiah 16:5). "He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." (Luke 1:32-33).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
As Your children we need to regularly examine our hearts to see if there are things, pursuits, or attitudes that are drawing us away from Your heart and thrusting us once again into the mindset of the world. Our heart's examinations are not intended to condemn us, but to refresh our spirit and remind us of our godly heritage. Father, since You know our hearts more than we do ourselves, reveal to us that which helps and that which hinders our Christian walk. As we walk in obedience to You we are grateful for the peace and rest we receive in knowing that You do not condemn us, but deliver mercy to help us in our time of need. You do not stand over us in judgment, but You walk alongside us assuring us of Your unwavering love and unending mercy that will see us through on this side of the journey. In Jesus' name....Amen.

Have a great and blessed day!
God Bless,
Christina

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