Category: Isaiah

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Rest & Renewal

This morning I overslept – that’s a strange statement for someone to make who is retired and has no appointments for the day but it’s true all the same.

I enjoy getting up in the quiet of the morning, having time to read, pray and then write. That generally means I wake up around 3 or 330 and start my day. This morning it was almost 430 before I got out of bed. Whoa.

As I was praying, I felt I really should be sharing on resting. There are so many things that pull on us every day that we fail to really rest. Then I opened my computer and went to BibleGateway to look up a few verses that came to mind. This was the verse on their home page:

“But those who trust in the Lord will become strong again. They will be like eagles that grow new feathers. They will run and not get weak. They will walk and not get tired.” Isaiah 40:31 ERV

The two verses preceding this one read like this:

“He helps tired people be strong. He gives power to those without it. 30 Young men get tired and need to rest.  Even young boys stumble and fall.” Isaiah 40:29-30 ERV

He helps tired people be strong. What an encouragement!

In another version, verse 31 says: “They that wait on the Lord will renew their strength”. Waiting on God will renew our strength. It will give us rest. Waiting on or trusting the Lord brings release from worry which brings rest. When we wait, we pause – we pause to get the Father’s plan and His direction.

Jesus was a prime example of this. He would minister all day and night and then he would send the disciples away or He would go to a place to pray – He would wait on the Father. After leaving these places of waiting, Jesus would go about ministering, rested and renewed.

“Jesus healed many of those who had different kinds of sicknesses. He also forced many demons out of people. But he would not allow the demons to speak, because they knew who he was. 35 The next morning Jesus woke up very early. He left the house while it was still dark and went to a place where he could be alone and pray. 36 Later, Simon and his friends went to look for Jesus. 37 They found him and said, “Everyone is looking for you!” 38 Jesus answered, “We should go to another place. We can go to other towns around here, and I can tell God’s message to those people too. That is why I came.” Mark 1:34-38 ERV

Are you feeling tired today – worn out, exhausted? Take time to WAIT on the Lord. He will renew your strength!!

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Dry Ground

Years ago, when Dave and I were farming alfalfa, the Lord taught me a life lesson about the Word of God being like a seed planted in good ground.

The Lord showed me that His word will bring that same kind of continual harvest in the life of the believers. It was a real encouragement for me to keep the Word of God planted in my heart and to see harvest after harvest from the goodness of His word.

There have been times over the past 40+ years that I have gone through a dry place and have almost felt withered and dead spiritually. During those times I didn’t see much of a harvest – just brittle, dry stubble with no signs of life. I like the growth times much better and yes, I am the one responsible to keep the Word planted in my heart.

However, in the dry and brittle times, I have learned that the life is still there. It’s in the root.

Sometimes the dry branches have to be pruned back for the health of the plant, but I learned not to prune until water has been applied to the root. Living in the desert as long as we have, we see dead looking plants but as soon as the rain comes, they show signs of life.

Life lesson.

“Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that does not produce fruit. He also trims every branch that produces fruit to prepare it to produce even more. 3 You have already been prepared to produce more fruit by the teaching I have given you. 4 Stay joined to me and I will stay joined to you. No branch can produce fruit alone. It must stay connected to the vine. It is the same with you. You cannot produce fruit alone. You must stay joined to me.” John 15:1-4 ERV

Jesus is the Word and when we abide, stay connected to Him, our lives bear fruit.

I’m glad that I’m not responsible for pruning my life or the life of other believers but it’s the Father, the master gardener, who is responsible to prune our lives. He knows when something is dead and He knows exactly where to cut without causing damage. He also knows when all we need is water, the water of His word, and we will flourish once again.

“I will pour water for thirsty people, and streams will flow through the desert. I will pour my Spirit on your children, and I will bless your family. 4 They will sprout like grass in the spring and grow like trees by streams of water.” Isaiah 44:3 ERV

Are you in a dry place? Let God’s Word water your roots and you’ll begin to flourish once again.

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Let It Rain

For the last few weeks we have been waiting for the rain. Aww, we got a nice shower yesterday afternoon.

And it’s supposed to rain again today.

The dry meadow grasses are getting some much-needed moisture. The dusty earth responded to the welcomed sprinkling and the birds harvested a bounty as the worms popped out of the ground. The smoke and haze has cleared from the skies and the pine pollen has been washed from the yellowed surfaces.

This morning they are singing earlier than unusual. There’s an anticipation of another good shower and all seems well. It’s interesting to observe the countenance of the campers, everyone is thankful for the showers. Everyone is taking deep breaths of the clean, fresh air.

I find it interesting however, that we seem to think that when circumstances bring a type of rainfall to our lives that it is detrimental or unwelcomed. We see it as plans thwarted and opportunities left soggy and washed away.

Shouldn’t we welcome it as we do the natural showers that fall?

“I praise you, Lord God, with all my heart. You are glorious and majestic, dressed in royal robes 2  and surrounded by light. You spread out the sky like a tent, 3 and you built your home over the mighty ocean. The clouds are your chariot with the wind as its wings…13 From your home above you send rain on the hills and water the earth. 14 You let the earth produce grass for cattle, plants for our food, 15 wine to cheer us up, olive oil for our skin and grain for our health.” Psalm 104:1-3,13-15 CEV

Along with rain comes new growth, a replenishing, a promise.

“When I see the rainbow in the sky, I will always remember the promise that I have made to every living creature. 17 The rainbow will be the sign of that solemn promise.” Genesis 9:16-17 CEV

The rainbow is a visible sign of God’s promise to us. It’s a sign of His protection and His provision.

“Rain and snow fall from the sky and don’t return until they have watered the ground.
Then the ground causes the plants to sprout and grow, and they produce seeds for the farmer and food for people to eat. 11 In the same way, my words leave my mouth, and they don’t come back without results. My words make the things happen that I want to happen.
They succeed in doing what I send them to do.” Isaiah 55:10-11 ERV

Look for and welcome the refreshing rain that the Father sends. His word is like the rain, it washes, refreshes and brings new life.

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Guard Your Thoughts

Do you ever daydream? You know what I’m talking about – you’re alone with your thoughts planning for something special, going over the details and then out of the blue a disturbing thought enters in.

It’s some thought that wants to take you in a wrong direction – it can be unnerving and even make you fearful.

How do you counter that?

“ My son, pay attention to what I say. Listen closely to my words. 21 Don’t let them out of your sight. Never stop thinking about them. 22 These words are the secret of life and health to all who discover them. 23 Above all, be careful what you think because your thoughts control your life.” Proverbs 4:20-23 ERV

Be careful how you think…

Good advice from a very wise man, Solomon. Now here are some words from Solomon’s father, King David.

“May my words and thoughts please you. Lord, you are my Rock—the one who rescues me.” Psalm 19:14 ERV

“The heavens tell about the glory of God. The skies announce what his hands have made.
2 Each new day tells more of the story, and each night reveals more and more about God’s power.” Psalm 19:1-2 ERV

These verses are from the same chapter – one from the beginning of the Psalm and the other is the last. King David tells us how to keep our thoughts centered – we stay focused on the glory of God and His power at the beginning and ending of each day, our thoughts will please our Father.

When troubling thoughts come, and they will, we counter them with God’s promises. especially those verses that counter fear.

“And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.” Philippians 4:7 ERV

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3 NLT

I find such peace in the beauty of the morning sunrise and the evening sunset. They are a constant reminder to me of God’s power and provision. For all of time past, there has never been a day that there wasn’t a sunrise or a sunset. Since God keeps all of nature on its course, He surely has established a plan for my well-being. I can trust Him!

“ For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 NLT

Father, I keep my mind fixed on You and Your good plan for me. Your peace will stand guard over my thoughts. I trust you!

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The Trees Will Clap

It has been a windy May and now that we are in June it is starting to subside. I’m glad for that. However, yesterday afternoon’s breeze became my teacher.

“The Lord says, “My thoughts are not like yours.
    Your ways are not like mine.
9 Just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so my ways are higher than your ways,
    and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts.

10 “Rain and snow fall from the sky
    and don’t return until they have watered the ground.
Then the ground causes the plants to sprout and grow,
    and they produce seeds for the farmer and food for people to eat.
11 In the same way, my words leave my mouth,
    and they don’t come back without results.
My words make the things happen that I want to happen.
    They succeed in doing what I send them to do.

12 “So you will go out from there with joy.
    You will be led out in peace.
When you come to the mountains and hills, they will begin singing.
    All the trees in the fields will clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:8-12 ERV

The trees in the fields will clap their hands. I heard the trees clapping yesterday afternoon as the breeze lightly rustled their boughs. I stopped to listen, without complaint, and wondered who the Lord was bringing out of their place of captivity.

That’s what these verses tell us. The Israelites had been held captive and the Lord said “you will go out with joy and peace”. They were coming home and they would hear the mountains singing and the trees clapping at their deliverance.

Was it you the trees were clapping for?

Has sickness or depression held you as a captive? Did the Lord reveal something to you from His word that set you free? In the midst of your circumstance did you experience the joy and peace of being released?

The Lord’s thoughts are higher than ours. When we see only captivity, He sees release. When all we are focused on is the problem, He is formulating the answer. If we say “there is no way out of this”, He is making a way where there seems no way.

And He does is all with His word.

In the same way that the rain and snow moisten the earth and cause the seeds to grow and produce, God sends His word into our lives to soften our hearts, bringing life-giving water to our souls and a change that will nourish us. A change that delivers joy and peace.

Do you understand why I love God’s word as much as I do? His thoughts and ways are higher, much higher than mine, so He sends His Word to change my circumstances and bring me to a better way of life.

Listen carefully. Do you hear the trees clapping for you?

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Hide N Seek

Ready or not, here I come!

As a kid, did you ever play hide and seek? We used to have great games on our block during the summer evenings. Most of the time I would be one of the first caught but then I was one of the youngest and didn’t hide too well.

Occasionally there would be that time when no one could find me and I dreaded hearing them call out “All-y, All-y, ox in free”. I didn’t want to reveal my hiding place because I could use it again. I was safe and well hidden.

In life there have been times that I have stood in the face of trouble and defiantly said “give me your best shot – I can take it”. Sometimes this was a foolish confidence in my own strength and at other times it was a secure declaration of my victory in Christ.

But there have also been those times that my desire was to be securely hidden; not wanting to be seen or found because I needed a time to rest.

God is so good that way! Giving us time to hide under the shadow of His wings; time to regain our strength, time to build spiritual muscle, time to grow in Him.

“You are a hiding place for me. You protect me from my troubles. You surround me and protect me, so I sing about the way you saved me. Selah 8 The Lord says, “I will teach you and guide you in the way you should live. I will watch over you and be your guide.” Psalm 32:7-8 ERV

Whether you’re on the front lines of battle today or in a secure place of hiding I want you to know that the Father is there to give you rest when you’re weary, strength for the battle and victory over the enemy.

“Don’t worry—I am with you. Don’t be afraid—I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. I will support you with my right hand that brings victory.” Isaiah 41:10 CEV

He is our “hiding place”!

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A Safety Line

Four years ago, Dave and I were on the way from our home in Rio Rico to Las Vegas. From Las Vegas we would fly to Chicago and then drive on to Indianapolis for the big Indy 500. This was a bucket list item for Dave.

But on our drive, we were met with a delay. We heard a helicopter whirling overhead and as we made the next bend in the road we saw why.

There, suspended in a safety harness, was a workman who was securing lines on an electrical tower. He seemed to be working confidently as the helicopter pilot held him in place. Attached to the safety harness was a steel cable keeping him tethered to the helicopter.

The helicopter pilot had to adjust to wind currents and the like, holding the workman secure.

We have a safety line from the Father. It’s called an anchor of hope.

“These two things cannot change: God cannot lie when he says something, and he cannot lie when he makes an oath.

So these two things are a great help to us who have come to God for safety. They encourage us to hold on to the hope that is ours. 19 This hope is like an anchor for us. It is strong and sure and keeps us safe. It goes behind the curtain. 20 Jesus has already entered there and opened the way for us. He has become the high priest forever, just like Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:18-20 ERV

Since God cannot lie His promises hold true. They are an anchor for us, an anchor of hope. Jesus is like that helicopter pilot. He is in heaven holding the line that keeps us secure.

Sometimes the winds of life blow fiercely; the earth beneath our feet starts to quake and our knees give way. Flooding torrents of opposition try to swamp us and take us under. But never forget our Father and Jesus, our Savior, hold the lines of our safety.

“God saves me and honors me. He is that mighty rock where I find safety.8 Trust God, my friends, and always tell him each of your concerns. God is our place of safety.” Psalm 62:7-8 CEV

“You are my Lord and God, and I look to you for safety. Don’t let me be harmed.” Psalm 141:8 CEV

Our God knew Daniel would face a lions’ den; He knew that Noah would need an ark. He knew that the widow only had a small cruse of oil and a little flour; He knew the disciples would be on the sea in a storm.

He knew!

And He said: “Descendants of Jacob, I, the Lord, created you and formed your nation. Israel, don’t be afraid. I have rescued you, I have called you by name; now you belong to me. 2 When you cross deep rivers, I will be with you, and you won’t drown. When you walk through fire, you won’t be burned or scorched by the flames. 3 I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, the God who saves you.” Isaiah 43:1-3 CEV

Everyone who has placed their faith in Jesus is a descendant of Jacob and these verses were written for us.

God’s word is our safety line and Jesus, Himself, is holding us secure!

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Come If You’re Thirsty

Yesterday afternoon Dave and I enjoyed some time on the back patio of our RV.

Novel concept this patio. We have a toy hauler and so the back of it acts like a ramp when lowered for ease of loading and unloading motorcycles, dirt bikes and side by sides. When not in use as a ramp, it can be raised to a level position and used as a back patio. So now, you know where we were sitting.

There is an underground spring that surfaces just a few feet from our back patio. As we were sitting there the birds began to come for their afternoon libation. First, the red-breasted robins, then the mountain finches, next came the big black crow and finally the iridescent blue Stellar Jay. All sharing the life-giving water.

These must have been some of the same birds that awakened me yesterday morning with their songs. The Lord has taught me so many lessons through the years by watching these feathered missionaries.

I’m going to use yesterday’s verses again this morning.

“ I tell you not to worry about your life. Don’t worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn’t life more than food or clothing? 26 Look at the birds in the sky! They don’t plant or harvest. They don’t even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren’t you worth much more than birds?” Matthew 6:25-26 CEV

Birds are the ultimate example of faith. They wake up each morning with a song – they know there will be enough worms, seeds, bugs to feed on throughout the day. They sense the danger of a storm and take refuge in the shelter the Lord provides. When they are thirsty, they find pools of refreshing. They live in complete dependence on what the Father provides.

“Jesus said to his disciples: I tell you not to worry about your life! Don’t worry about having something to eat or wear. 23 Life is more than food or clothing. 24 Look at the crows! They don’t plant or harvest, and they don’t have storehouses or barns. But God takes care of them. You are much more important than any birds. 25 Can worry make you live longer? 26 If you don’t have power over small things, why worry about everything else?” Luke 12:22-25 CEV

What has you worried today? Remember the words of Jesus, “you are much more important than any birds”. To us He says:

“All you people who are thirsty, come! Here is water for you to drink. Don’t worry if you have no money. Come, eat and drink until you are full! You don’t need money. The milk and wine are free. 2 Why waste your money on something that is not real food? Why should you work for something that does not really satisfy you? Listen closely to me and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the food that satisfies your soul. 3 Listen closely to what I say. Listen to me so that you will live. I will make an agreement with you that will last forever. It will be an agreement you can trust, like the one I made with David— a promise to love him and be loyal to him forever.” Isaiah 55:1-3 ERV

Are you thirsty? Come. Are you hungry? Come. Have no money? No worries, His supply is free to those He loves. His word is better than any food and more sustaining than the purest water.

Come and find all you need in His promise of love and loyalty!

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Much Fruit

When our oldest children were very little, I received a peach tree for a present. Dave planted it in the backyard. We took very good care of it and the next year it produced 8 large peaches. The following year our harvested crop was much larger in number, but the fruit was smaller, almost half the size of the year before.

The peaches from both years were sweet and flavorful. I wish I could tell you about the harvest from the third year, but we moved from that home and I’m not sure what became of the tree and the fruit.

This was the memory that came back this morning as I was reading these verses.

“Stay joined together with me, and follow my teachings. If you do this, you can ask for anything you want, and it will be given to you. 8 Show that you are my followers by producing much fruit. This will bring honor to my Father.” John 15:7-9 ERV

“The Spirit of the Lord God is on me, because the Lord has chosen me to bring good news to poor people. He has sent me to heal those with a sad heart. He has sent me to tell those who are being held and those in prison that they can go free. 2 He has sent me to tell about the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day our God will bring punishment. He has sent me to comfort all who are filled with sorrow. 3 To those who have sorrow in Zion I will give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes. I will give them the oil of joy instead of sorrow, and a spirit of praise instead of a spirit of no hope. Then they will be called oaks that are right with God, planted by the Lord, that He may be honored.” Isaiah 61:1-3 NLV

Followers producing much fruit – oaks planted by God and honoring Him.

Some years our lives may be like my peach tree and produce a bountiful harvest, other years we may produce larger fruit but not the quantity.

The word honor that is used in both verses, the one in John and the one in Isaiah, can also be translated glorified. I looked that word up and found this definition: “acknowledge and reveal the majesty and splendor of (God) by one’s actions”.

“But the fruit that comes from having the Holy Spirit in our lives is: love, joy, peace, not giving up, being kind, being good, having faith, 23 being gentle, and being the boss over our own desires. The Law is not against these things.” Galatians 5:22-23 NLV

The fruit that comes from the Holy Spirit definitely acknowledges the majesty of our Father.

We used to sing a praise chorus that said this, “In my life Lord be glorified, be glorified, be glorified. In my life Lord be glorified today”.

Maybe your life is just starting to produce blossoms, no fruit yet, but beautiful. Perhaps your life is a tree with many smaller fruits, you are making an impact of nourishing many lives. Or your tree may have larger fruit, which less people will be able to enjoy but they will be filled and nourished.

All in all, no matter the stage of fruit production our actions should bring the Father honor.

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Promise Keeper

Yesterday we had a birthday celebration for Dave and our youngest daughter at our oldest daughter’s home. It was a beautiful day to be in the swimming pool.

There was every pool toy imaginable, including an inflatable rubber duckie. Only one adult made the unsuccessful attempt to get on. It was definitely more suited for little bodies. All three of the littlest grandkids floated on it, across the pool and back. At first, there were tears, loud objections and much coaxing involved. Our grandson wanted nothing to do with it until we started cheering for his little sister and then he made his second attempt which was accompanied by big smiles and giggles.

When he finally got off I heard our oldest daughter tell him. “I want you to always remember, I will never have you do anything that will hurt you. It might be something new, something that makes you nervous and even a little scary but I will never have you do anything that will hurt you. I promise!”

Those words rang out in my heart. “I will never have you do something that will hurt you, I promise!”

Somebody needs to hear that this morning.

“All of God’s promises have their yes in him. That is why we say Amen through him to the glory of God.” II Corinthians 1:20

When God makes a promise, He keeps it because simply put, God cannot lie. Don’t be afraid. Our Father is a promise keeper, He won’t have us do anything that will hurt us

I will ask again, what promise has God made you?

“Christ gives me the strength to face anything.” Philippians 4:13 CEV

“My God will use his glorious riches to give you everything you need. He will do this through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 ERV

“I, the Lord, will teach your children, and they will have real peace.” Isaiah 54:13 ERV

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue that rises up against you, you shall condemn for this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17 KJV

“With all my heart I praise the Lord! I will never forget how kind he has been.3 The Lord forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick,” Psalm 103:2-3 CeV

“ Jesus said to his disciples, “Don’t be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me” John 14:1 CEV

“ A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so everyone would have life, and have it fully.” John 10:10 CEV

God will keep His word; He is faithful to a thousand generations. He hasn’t lied in the past and He’s not going to start now.

Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might! His answer is yes. Our Father is a promise keeper!

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