Category: Isaiah

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The Words of a Song

For the last week or so I have been working on remodeling our 5th wheel camping trailer. It needs a face lift and so Dave and I began changing its image. He works outside while I work inside.

The walls needed to be washed, windows taped off, doing the cut work took the most time. Painting around windows, close to the ceiling and then the floor. Keeping the paint on the walls and no place else, it was slow going but at day’s end yesterday we found that we are almost finished.

We still need to find a fabric for the new curtains and the furniture needs to be placed but we are all but done.

The first few days I found some old CD’s and kept myself company with songs by Trace Atkins, Tracy Byrd, Mark Wills, Michael Peterson and James Bonamy. Most of the time I would restart the CD and go through it at least one more time. The songs kept my mind occupied as I sang along.

After a few days I noticed that I was waking up in the night with the melody of those songs running through my mind. As we all know the lyrics in most country songs is not that uplifting and it seemed that those were the words I was hearing in my sleep. Not good.

Time to switch music. Still wanting to listen to some of my favorite country artists but now I was reaching for their Gospel albums. Alan Jackson, Randy Travis and the Forester Sisters were playing loud and I was singing along.

Our youngest daughter called yesterday while I was painting close to the ceiling so I put her on speaker phone. She could hear the music but not the words and then Alan Jackson started singing “How Great Thou Art” and she said “oh, I recognize that one”. Those words are the ones I want stuck in my mind – words that tell of the goodness of God and His great faithfulness.

Everyone probably has a favorite song. One that reminds them of a special time and a special person. You’re probably thinking of yours right now. I have a few but the ones that mean the most and bring tears to my eyes are the ones whose lyrics came to mind when I was going through particularly tough times and with the words came the peace of God.

“To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.” Isaiah 61:3 NLT

“Lord, we lift you up with our songs of praise. We sing and play songs about your power!” Psalm 21:13 ERV

God has promised to give us festive praise instead of despair. He fills our heart with song when we trust Him and allow Him to guide us through life. Even painting ceilings can be a time of praise.

Let God fill your heart with the words of a song.

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Fearful or Fearless

Let’s do a little word study this morning. I hope it will set the course of your day. First, we need to describe the word “fear”. I know we have all experienced it at one time or another, perhaps you are in situation now that causes you to fear.

Fear is “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat”.

Years ago I heard this definition of fear and I have used it ever since. Fear is the opposite of faith. Faith is placing our belief and trust in what God will do and fear takes God out of the equation.

Our title words “fearful” or “fearless” are adjectives used to describe our outlook on life. If we allow ourselves to focus on adverse situations and circumstances our hearts can become filled with fear, fearful. But if we allow ourselves to be focused on God’s protection, provision and promises our hearts will be void of fear, fearless.

Jesus came to bring peace and not fear to our lives.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. 32 So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.” Luke 12:31-32 NLT

Every situation that Jesus found himself in He dispelled fear and replaced it with faith in what God could do. Remember when the disciples were in a raging storm on the sea. Jesus’ words were “Fear not. Peace be still”. Even the angels spoke against fear when they appeared to the shepherds.

“The angel of the Lord came to them. The shining-greatness of the Lord shone around them. They were very much afraid. 10 The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. See! I bring you good news of great joy which is for all people.” Luke 2:9-10 NLV

The prophecy that Isaiah gave regarding Jesus birth told of the good things that Jesus would bring to earth.

“For to us a Child will be born. To us a Son will be given. And the rule of the nations will be on His shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Teacher, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NLV

Jesus came to teach, bring the power of God to earth and to bring peace. Does that mean everything will go well and there will be no problems to face? No, but it does mean that we can live free from fear, fearless but placing our hope and trust in God.

I think the reason Jesus used the phrase fear not little flock is because sheep, especially lambs, are very timid. Every noise and new situation causes them stress. What calms their fears is the presence of the Shepherd and the sound of his voice.

We can hear God’s voice by reading His word. The Bible is God speaking to us and when we read His word we can sense His presence. He is always near.

“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 ERV

Do I ever find myself becoming fearful? Yes, and when I do I remind myself of God’s promises. I keep my thoughts focused in His Word and it brings peace.

I pray that you will have a fear-less day. Remember little flock, your Father will provide and protect you.

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Say It Again!

Did you ever watch the movie Ever After with Drew Barrymore. It was a cinderella-type story. In one of the final scenes, the man she loves finds her in her nemesis castle. All through the movie she has disguised her identity and has been going by an assumed name. But now as he approaches her, the music swells and he says, I love you, Danielle. She says “Say it again” and he repeats “I love you”. “No, not that. Say my name again.”

Now listen to this story of how being called by name changed a woman’s life.

It was early in the morning, about sunrise. The women who loved and followed Jesus, the ones who had their lives changed by His ministry, went to the tomb. They were taking spices to anoint His body properly for burial. Their hearts were aching and they had to do something to show their love and devotion for their Lord. Only one thing – who would roll away the stone? Surely the soldiers who were guarding his body would only laugh and mock but they had to try. When the women approached and saw the stone rolled away their hearts sank – “Where’s Jesus? Where have they taken Him?” Desperation came rushing in.

“The angel said to the women, “Don’t be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus, the one who was killed on the cross. 6 But he is not here. He has risen from death, as he said he would. Come and see the place where his body was.” Matthew 28:5-6 ERV

The women went to the disciples and reported that they had seen an angel, the empty tomb and that Jesus was risen!!! From the pit of depression to the height of ecstasy. The Savior, the Messiah, Jesus was alive! However, the men who heard their report didn’t believe them. I’m not sure why but they didn’t.

Mary Magdalene must have followed Peter and John back to the tomb. If they didn’t believe her and the other women who reported what the angels had told them, “He is not here. He is risen”, could they have been wrong? She needed to know what had happened to Jesus. The tomb was empty and His body was gone. Mary had to know – where is my Lord?

“ … she turned around and saw Jesus standing there. But she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who are you looking for?” She thought he was the man in charge of the garden. So she said to him, “Did you take him away, sir? Tell me where you put him. I will go and get him.” John 20:13-16 ERV

I find myself at a loss of words, I can’t adequately convey the heart ache, the despair, the confusion, the anguish that Mary must have been experiencing. Jesus had saved her, He had delivered her from demons. She had never known life, true life, until Jesus set her free and now He was gone and she didn’t even get to say good bye!

And then it all changed with just a word:

“Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and said in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni,’ which means “Teacher.” John 20:16 ERV

One word, just one word – Jesus spoke her name and she knew! “Mary.” The flood of emotion was overwhelming; relief, joy, love, and peace. Tears.

Have you ever really been at the bottom? I mean the very bottom where you weren’t sure you even wanted to go on living? Everything in your life has come crashing in and all hope is gone – have you been there? I have. And with one word, one short message I heard Jesus speak my name! “Kristi.” Sweet and softly spoken, I knew that I have not been forgotten. Jesus knows me, He loves me and He called me by name.

The story of the resurrection is this: Jesus died and rose again, defeating death, hell and the grave; He faced it all to call us by name and let us know we are truly loved and forgiven.

“Do not be afraid. For I have bought you and made you free. I have called you by name. You are Mine!” Isaiah 43:2 NLV

I hope you can hear Jesus calling you by name today. There’s no greater joy than hearing Him say, I love you!

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Enjoy the Harvest

How’s it going for you this morning? I have to admit, the last few days have been challenging. Physically challenging. Not sure of the what or how but something I did aggravated my back and slowed me down a bit.

I am pleased to report that when I got up this morning most of the pain and stiffness is gone and I am praising God for that. I love to sit in the quiet of the day and praise God! It’s as natural as breathing – inhaling I think “Thank you Father, Praise you Father” and with each exhale I convey my words of love. I love you Lord!

It’s not “Prayer Time” because I’m not asking the Lord for anything. It’s a time of awareness, knowing that my Father and I are sharing this time, enjoying one another’s presence.

“I have placed the Lord always in front of me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be moved. 9 And so my heart is glad. My soul is full of joy. My body also will rest without fear…11 You will show me the way of life. Being with You is to be full of joy. In Your right hand there is happiness forever.” Psalm 16:8,9,11 NLV

I heard two words this morning – peace and joy! Both are internal conditions. There has always been and always will be conflict; peace is the sense of well being in our souls regardless of that conflict. The peace that God gives bypasses our understanding, it goes beyond the natural way of thinking to a place of trust and rest in God and His goodness. Peace is found when we spend time with the Father and joy comes along with it.

“The rain and snow come down from heaven and do not return there without giving water to the earth. This makes plants grow on the earth, and gives seeds to the planter and bread to the eater. 11 So My Word which goes from My mouth will not return to Me empty. It will do what I want it to do, and will carry out My plan well. 12 You will go out with joy, and be led out in peace. The mountains and the hills will break out into sounds of joy before you. And all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:10-12 NLV

For a number of years Dave and I spent our summers in eastern Iowa. They say that you can watch the corn grow – literally. One day the stocks are knee high and the next they are waist high. Give it a few days and they will tower over your head. All the conditions are right – fertile soil, rain, sunshine and humidity.

Just like rain causes the seeds to sprout and the corn to grow, God’s word causes peace and joy to grow in our lives. God’s word, like a seed, planted in our hearts will bring a harvest. I guess that’s what I do each morning as I sit here in my quiet place – I’m planting seeds of joy and peace. And then when the challenges come, I can pick an ear of joy and an ear of peace and enjoy the harvest of God’s word.

Enjoy the planting process today. Before you know it, you will also be enjoying the harvest!

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True Freedom

This morning started a little differently for me. I woke at 2:30 and thought I should sleep just a little longer…Yikes! Woke at 4:50 am. My youngest daughter and I had committed to walking the “God Shed His Grace on Thee” 5k so I had enough time to change out of my jammies and into my walking clothes. We were out the door by 5:05.

We participated in a virtual 4th of July 5K. Walk done. Cool down in progress and now it’s time to share some thoughts on freedom with you. True Freedom.

On this day of independence, it’s important to remember that we are truly free through our relationship with Jesus Christ. We are no longer held captive or enslaved by sin and/or the devil because the Son, Jesus Christ, broke the chains of bondage and set us free! Hallelujah!

“So if the Son makes you free, you are really free.” John 8:36 ERV

Our nation was founded by men who were seeking a better way of life; an opportunity to achieve life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They trusted in God’s leading and direction in the founding of this nation.

Many of us have become disheartened, during the recent past months and years, by the events taking place in our nation. But one thing has not changed, God is still, and forever will be, Lord God Almighty who rules and reigns in mercy, truth and justice!

We can trust Him and Him alone! He is our hope, He is our peace, He is our joy, the Everlasting God!

“Don’t be afraid. I am with you. Don’t tremble with fear. I am your God. I will make you strong, as I protect you with my arm and give you victories” Isaiah 41:10 CEV

Kingdoms and nations will rise and fail but the kingdom of God and the liberty that we have in Christ will remain forever. We should be grateful to live in this country that we have but the most important thing of all is that our citizenship is secure in heaven.

“But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.” Philippians 3:20 NLT

Make today a celebration of freedom!

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An Empty Page

Each morning I sit with my laptop and before me on the screen is an empty page. My heart’s prayer is “Lord let me fill it with Your words. I want to make an impact for you”.

This morning was different, I sat here for the longest time wondering what to write or if I should write at all. Then I realized that ‘s exactly what the Lord wants us to do – He wants us to sit each day with an empty page and ask Him to fill it.

People constantly sought Jesus out. Most of them were wanting some kind of a miracle; healing, deliverance from demonic oppression, or help with an impossible life situation but others were wanting to criticize and entrap Him. He needed to know what the Father wanted Him to do each day so He would rise early and spend time in prayer.

“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.” Mark 1:35 ERV

He offered the Father the blank page of His day and asked Him to fill it. There were times when Jesus’ disciples would say we should go here or there and Jesus would respond with a no or not yet. It’s important that we know which way the Father wants us to go.

“If you wander from the right path, either to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice behind you saying, “You should go this way. Here is the right way.” Isaiah 30:21 ERV

A blank page can be intimidating or it can be exhilarating. If we feel that we need to fill the page on our own, without help or direction, we might become timid or immobile. But when we know that we can trust God to give us insight and instruction it brings a new excitement to what otherwise could be ordinary.

“Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way.” Proverbs 3:5-6 CEV

“The Lord’s kindness never fails! If he had not been merciful,  we would have been destroyed. 23 The Lord can always be trusted to show mercy each morning. 24 Deep in my heart I say, ‘The Lord is all I need; I can depend on him!’” Lamentations 3:22-24 CEV

When we start our day by bringing the Lord our empty page to fill we are in for an exciting and glorious day!

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Where Do I Go?

Over the years I have had numerous friends tell me the different places they go to sense the presence of God. Some find that closeness sitting on a deserted beach, watching the waves come to the shore. Others have said that when they are sitting on the back of horse and feel its strength beneath them that they have a tangible sense of God’s presence.

And then I’ve been told that holding their sleeping child or grandchild heightens their awareness of the Father’s love. The mountains’ grandeur is a place that sparks some to focus on the greatness of our loving God.

Where do you go to find God’s presence?

As a young mother and someone who was just learning to hear God’s voice and sense His presence, my place was the clothes line. Strange as that may sound, it was my favorite place.

I remember the house so vividly. We lived on the corner lot, in a brick house with a carport and on the back patio was a laundry room with a washer and a deep sink but no dryer. At first I was disappointed to learn I would have to carry the laundry out to the backyard and pin them up on the line. To be truthful, I think I was grumbling with that first load and in my complaining I realized that I should be grateful for the clothes my family had to wear. I went from complaining to praising.

Those times at the clothes line were mine and the Lord’s. Occasionally one of the kids would come out to ask a question but no one wanted to stand out there and watch or help. It was my time – my time to have an uninterrupted conversation with my Father. I learned so much about His love and patience standing there in the sunshine and the “Sonshine”.

Let me ask again – where do you go to feel close to the Lord? It doesn’t have to be somewhere exotic or faraway. Abraham just walked outside and looked at the stars, Moses herded sheep on Mount Sinai, Peter went fishing and Paul went to prison. If we are looking for God, we WILL find Him.

“The angels were calling to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord All-Powerful. His Glory fills the whole earth.” Isaiah 6:3 ERV

Wherever we are, anywhere that we go, if we look for the Lord we will find Him. His glory, power and presence fill the whole earth. And when we look for Him, we will find that He has a life of blessing planned for us.

“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

Wherever we go looking for the Father, even to the clothes line, we will find Him if we look for Him with an honest and open heart.

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A Place of Comfort

I’ve been up for several hours now, in fact, it was just about 2 am and I knew I needed to get up and spend time with my Father. I went to bed last night after learning our governor had set a statewide crew extending from 8 pm to 5 am. This is to continue for at least the next week.

Communities all across this nation are in a state of turmoil and fear. I only know one way to maintain inner peace and that’s by reading God’s word and talking with my heavenly Father. I have been praying for my family and loved ones but I have also been praying for those of you reading this. I may not know you by name but God does and He desires to be your protection and your peace.

What was the first thing on your mind this morning? The kids, your job, health, finances, a relationship, the world crisis – whatever it is, the Lord has a solution. He cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.

“God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.” I Peter 5:7 CEV

His lap is big enough to have room for us to cuddle up and draw strength from Him. I love this picture I’m using this morning. That’s me sitting in my dad’s lap and yes, that’s an open Bible there too. This may be the reason that I find it so easy to imagine that I am always welcome in my heavenly Father’s lap. In times of joy and sorrow, triumph or tragedy, victory or defeat I find great solace in knowing that I am always welcome in my Father’s presence.

His Word is powerful enough to change the course of rivers and set the boundaries in the sky; so at His word our world can change from disorder to order. We shouldn’t let anything hold us back from enjoying the Father’s presence, His power and His word.

“You will teach me the right way to live.  Just being with you will bring complete happiness.
  Being at your right side will make me happy forever.” Psalm 16:11 ERV

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

“So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:16 CEV

In our Father’s presence there is joy, peace, kindness and help. Rest in Him!

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Have Fun!

Have you ever been around a small child with the giggles? It’s infectious! Sometimes they giggle at the most inappropriate time but if you try to stop them, it doesn’t work. The giggles get louder and before long you are joining in.

They see life in a different light. Unencumbered by what’s right to society they find joy in the little things. I remember our oldest daughter began laughing uncontrollably after seeing my mother put a jello mold on a plate. The wiggling mass tickled her funny bone and before I knew it Mom and I were joining her in the laughter.

The joyful heart of a child. Their innocence allows them to be free and happy.

I’ve often pictured the scene in the Bible where the children came to Jesus. I’m sure He had been teaching the adults and everyone was listening intently. After all, this was the Teacher. But the kids could only sit still so long and then they had to run and play, they had to enjoy the beautiful day and the people around them.

Surely Jesus would want to join in their playtime.

“But let me run loose and free, celebrating God’s great work, Every bone in my body laughing, singing, “God, there’s no one like you. You put the down-and-out on their feet and protect the unprotected from bullies!” Psalm 35:9-10 MSG

The disciples must have been trying to keep some semblance of order and they scolded the children. However, Jesus welcomed them and told them to “Come”. He then used their carefree attitude and visible trust to teach the adults a lesson.

“But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” Matthew 19:14 ERV

Trusting, innocent, joyful and full of life is how God wants us to be. We all need to be more childlike! Trust the Father to take care of all our needs, free from prejudice and judgment, expend every once of energy living to the full and find the joy in being alive.

“I will sing for joy in God, explode in praise from deep in my soul! He dressed me up in a suit of salvation,  he outfitted me in a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom who puts on a tuxedo and a bride a jeweled tiara.” Isaiah 61:10 MSG

Now – go have fun and enjoy the day! Jesus loves to hear us laugh.

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Safe in the Storm

What keeps us grounded when life’s storms have our boat rocking? Storms will come. The last two and one half months have proven that. And it doesn’t appear this current storm is over yet.

Storms of life: health, finances, accidents, death, divorce, family issues or physical storms (tornadoes, blizzards, hurricanes, earthquakes). Where do we find peace and safety?

Peter was in a physical storm and he learned that he would sink or walk based on one thing – the Word of God. Jesus said “Come” and on that one word directive from the mouth of the Son of God, he walked.

And then he took his eyes off Jesus and the Bible tells us he started to sink. Jesus grabbed him and together, they walked back to the boat.

During all this COVID-19 crisis some have been content to stay in the boat just like most of the disciples. Some have seen Jesus, coming towards them, walking on the water and asked to join Him and have heard Him say “Come”. Quickly they jump out of the boat and head for Jesus. Then there’s a news report about failing businesses or a neighbor/loved one is diagnosed with the virus and they start to sink.

Jesus reaches down and lifts them up and together they walk back to the boat. Safety in life isn’t in the boat. The disciples that were in it were scared, almost frozen with fear. Their place of safety was with Jesus. He was the One the winds and the waves obeyed. He was the One who brought peace.

“When they saw him, they thought he was a ghost. They were terrified and started screaming. 27 At once, Jesus said to them, “Don’t worry! I am Jesus. Don’t be afraid.” 28 Peter replied, “Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come on!” Jesus said. Peter then got out of the boat and started walking on the water toward him.

30 But when Peter saw how strong the wind was, he was afraid and started sinking. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Right away, Jesus reached out his hand. He helped Peter up and said, “You surely don’t have much faith. Why do you doubt?”32 When Jesus and Peter got into the boat, the wind died down. 33 The men in the boat worshiped Jesus and said, “You really are the Son of God!” Matthew 14:26-33 CEV

Jesus spoke just a couple of words but when it’s a Word from God, it’s enough. “Come”. “Light be”. “Lazarus come forth”. The power of God is expressed in His word and His word will not fail.

In the midst of the storm we will be at peace, safe, when we are trusting in God’s word. If we are going to be grounded, we have to be standing on the word of God. It is the only sure and firm foundation.

“Grass dies and flowers fall, but the word of our God lasts forever.” Isaiah 40:8

” Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35

“Whoever hears these teachings of mine and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house. But it did not fall because it was built on rock.” Matthew 7:24-25

There’s an old hymn that came to mind, it was written in 1876 by Russell Carter. The second stanza is particularly relevant.

2. Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
by the living Word of God I shall prevail,
standing on the promises of God.
Refrain:
Standing, standing,
standing on the promises of Christ my Savior;
standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.

Stand on His Word – it will never fail!

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