Category: Isaiah

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Open House – Open Heart

Growing up our Mom always had an Open House at Christmas. We didn’t live around family so she would bake and then invite our friends to just drop in for a while and spend part of their Christmas with us. I have some wonderful memories of playing with childhood friends, the smell of baking cookies coming from the kitchen and the laughter that filled the air.

When I grew up and had a home of my own, I continued the Christmas Open House tradition because I love entertaining and filling our home with the love and laughter of friends. Someone told me once that my love language is baking. It makes me happy to package up the freshly baked cinnamon rolls and give them to friends and neighbors.

Christmas can be a lonely and depressing time for some. Missing a loved one, being far from home…so many reasons. Think of that first Christmas night when God’s Son came to earth; it was separation for both Father and Son.

Now here’s the good news!

“Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God with us].” Isaiah 7:14 AMP.

Immanuel, God with us, even when we are by ourselves, we’re not alone! God with us, He has promised to never leave us or forsake us…God with us! When we open our heart, He makes it His home.

So this year if your home is filled with family and friends or quiet and only you, remember God came to join us. His presence will certainly fill both heart and home. Invite Him in.

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” Revelation 3:20 NLT

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Listen for the Bugle

Isaiah, the prophet said this about Jesus.

“Like a young plant or a root that sprouts in dry ground, the servant grew up obeying the LORD. He wasn’t some handsome king. Nothing about the way he looked made him attractive to us. 3 He was hated and rejected; his life was filled with sorrow and terrible suffering. No one wanted to look at him. We despised him and said, “He is a nobody!” Isaiah 53:2-3 CEV

According to Isaiah Jesus was common looking, unattractive and nothing special as far as physical traits. He wasn’t Charles Atlas; he wouldn’t have been the captain of the football team or even voted most likely to succeed. His own family and disciples didn’t understand Him.

Remember how the disciples became upset with Jesus because the ship they were in was taking on water and about to sink?

“Jesus was in the back of the boat with his head on a pillow, and he was asleep. His disciples woke him and said, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re about to drown?” Mark 4:38 CEV

If their faith had really been in Jesus as the Son of God, they would have approached the problem differently. “Hey, let’s wake Jesus up because He’ll have the answer to our problem. This storm isn’t a surprise to Him. He’ll know what to do.”

Those who were closest to Jesus had to grow in their faith and accept Him for who He was, the Son of God, just like us. We cry out “Lord, don’t you care I’m about to go under; cancer is about to sink me, the waves of debt are flooding my boat, the storm of rebellious children or a typhoon with my mate is about to capsize me in this ocean? Don’t you care?”

Even when we come to Him in that kind of desperation and fear, He will speak to our storm and say “Peace, be still!” Then He takes time to teach us again – Come boldly to my throne and find help in your time of need. But then, He expects us to accept, by faith, that help is on the way!

In the old Westerns you could always hear the Cavalry bugle before you saw the soldiers. The invitation to come boldly is the sound of the bugle. It’s then our responsibility to “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day” (Exodus 14:13)

Let God be God in your life today. Don’t limit Him but what you see. Say like the young virgin Mary, “with God all things are possible”!

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A Father’s Heart

A couple of days ago I asked you to imagine what it might have been like for Jesus when they discussed the plan of restoring relationship with those of us on earth. He had to lay aside everything glorious and heavenly and become common. Now consider this.

Those of us parents who have had children join the military or enter other dangerous occupations know the heart ache, the apprehension and even the fear of having our children go off into the unknown, into hostile and harmful circumstances.

What if we were Father God? Our Son has been with us every moment from eternity past. We have created universes together, have intervened in the lives of our creation in a powerful way. Never a cross word spoken, never a rebellious thought or action – our Son is our dearest friend, He’s a part of all we do and have ever done.

He’s leaving now – headed to earth. “unto us a Son is given” Isaiah 9:6

He will be loved by some, treated with ambivalence by most and hated by others and they will plot to kill Him. Although we know all this, we still choose to let Him go and even more than that, we choose to let Him die so that He can provide restoration for all those who are incapable of providing it for themselves.

“When anyone is in Christ, it is a whole new world. The old things are gone; suddenly, everything is new! 18 All this is from God. Through Christ, God made peace between himself and us. And God gave us the work of bringing people into peace with him. 19 I mean that God was in Christ, making peace between the world and himself. In Christ, God did not hold people guilty for their sins. And he gave us this message of peace to tell people.” II Corinthians 5:17

And all of this was not because of our great value or importance but because of His great love.

“Christ died for us when we were unable to help ourselves. We were living against God, but at just the right time Christ died for us. 7 Very few people will die to save the life of someone else, even if it is for a good person. Someone might be willing to die for an especially good person.But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us.9 We have been made right with God by the blood sacrifice of Christ. So through Christ we will surely be saved from God’s anger.” Romans 5:6-9

“Unto to us a Son is given”! Would you be willing to give your son? Aren’t you glad He did!!

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A Hand to Hold

A week or so back we were talking with friends about memories we have made since moving into our Arizona home. So many good times, so many good friends. One memory in particular came to mind.

About three years ago, our youngest daughter and her family had come to visit for the weekend. Sam, our grandson, was about 15 months old. I was in the kitchen cooking and his parents and Pappy were outside on the patio. He stood at the door waiting for someone to let him out but no one came. Sam had been watching our dog, Glory, go in and out the doggie door so he crawled over to it and tried to go through.

He got stuck, high centered in fact. The outside patio is considerably lower than the kitchen floor and as he went through the door, his hands went down to the patio but his feet in the kitchen came up and he no longer had any traction to move himself forward.

I was laughing almost uncontrollably. His Mom saw what was happening and she came to his rescue by offering him a hand to hold, a hand to help.

There are so many of us like little Sam. We just need a helping hand. Sometimes life gives us what seems to be insurmountable obstacles. Our own efforts lack the ability to bring us through successfully. We need a hand to hold.

“For I hold you by your right hand— I, the Lord your God. And I say to you,  ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.” Isaiah 41:13 NLT

I have heard the Lord whisper those same words of encouragement to my heart in times of struggle. “Just take my hand”.

“You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me,  your help has made me great. 36 You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping.” Psalm 18:35-36 NLT

During this time of year, there are so many around us who need a helping hand. They need to know that whatever obstacle, situation, or heart ache they face they aren’t in it alone. They need to know there is a hand to hold. Jesus said when we help the least of those around us we are reaching out as if He were the one in need.

Extend a hand to someone in need. It may be the best gift they receive.

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Grateful to Wait

This morning I woke weary. I don’t plan on staying that way for long. I am praising God for His strength and renewal.

“Surely you know the truth. Surely you have heard. The Lord is the God who lives forever! He created all the faraway places on earth. He does not get tired and weary. You cannot learn all he knows. 29 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. 31 But those who trust (wait on) 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 40:28-31 ERV

Have you ever noticed when people complain about being so tired, they become more tired? Their vision becomes introspective and they began to deplete their stores of energy and also their joy.

Nehemiah said that the “joy of the Lord is our strength”. When we find ourselves “weary” we need to change our prospective – wait on the Lord. Wait in this case doesn’t mean to delay movement but instead means to attend to the needs of, like a waiter in a restaurant.

As I attend to the Father’s needs – His need for my companionship and my worship; my time of communion in His presence – as I give myself over to “waiting” on the Lord my strength is renewed.

Thank you for the opportunity to “wait” on you today Father. Thank you for strength.

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Prayer Warrior

This morning I found myself on the front lines of battle for friends of mine. I was dressed for the offensive, taking back ground that circumstances and the devil have stolen from them.

I knew it was going to be that kind of morning because each time I woke up during the night the lyrics of the song, Prayer Warrior, were going through my mind and settling in my heart.

We may see her in the grocery with her children
Or in the city nine to five each working day
She’s a mother or a teacher or a woman all alone
But she’s someone else entirely when she prays

She’s a prayer warrior down on her knees
Wrestling with power and principalities
Standing in the gap for others
For her sisters and her brothers
Reaching heaven with her heart – prayer warrior

We don’t see her lonely nights of intercession
Or that tear she shed with every whispered name
We may not see the simple things hidden in her heart
But the eyes of God are watching her with care

Bridge: And we’ll never wholly know the debt we owe her
For we’ll never know the evil we’ve been spared
Many nights she’s crushed through Satan’s strongholds
Reaching heaven with her prayers

Yes, prayer warriors! When someone tells me they are praying for me, it strengthens me. I honestly believe there is nothing more powerful that we can do than pray. When we pray, we take our need into God’s throne room and He provides the help we need.

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16 NLT

Prayer is getting God involved; using the power He has given us in His word and we have His promise that His word does what it is sent to do.

““The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. 11 It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” Isaiah 55:10-11 NLT

We have specific instruction from the Apostle Paul on what we need to do when we are facing battle whether it be spiritual, physical, financial, emotional or relational.

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:1-18 NLT

Our command is to pray all the time, on every occasion and for all believers everywhere. I hope you never say, “well, all we can do is pray”. That makes it sound like prayer is a last resort – we’ve done everything else so we might as well pray. No, prayer is an offensive attack on the enemy.

Put on your armor. Join me and become a prayer warrior!

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Are You Thirsty?

I have lived in the desert most of my life and I have learned many lessons from the Bible by looking at my surroundings. I recall one time, years ago, when Dave and I were farming alfalfa west of Phoenix. The summer’s were hot and dry.

We had some equipment problems with one of the balers and so we had to go through the fields, cut the baling wire off bales that were broken and needed to be re-baled. It was really hot! Dave had been picking up the good bales with the road sider and it was my job to walk from field to field, cut the wires, spread the hay for re-baling until all was done.

At some point Dave had finished his job, came to check on me and then had gone off to do something else. It was then, as I saw him drive away, that I realized he was leaving with the water! I was so hot and thirsty. I sat on a bale and cried. I felt so alone and forgotten.

I was parched!

Every time I read a verse about “thirsting” for God’s Word I remember that experience. When our soul cries out for strength and help, it’s like that day I cried out for water in a hot, dry land.

“You are my God. I worship you. In my heart, I long for you, as I would long for a stream in a scorching desert. 2 I have seen your power and your glory in the place of worship. 3 Your love means more than life to me, and I praise you. 4 As long as I live, I will pray to you. 5 I will sing joyful praises and be filled with excitement like a guest at a banquet.” Psalm 63:1-5 CEV

Now you need to know that Dave did come back with the water. He didn’t abandon me, he had just gone to get something and returned very shortly.

Our Father doesn’t abandon us either. I am so glad He is faithful to see that I am well watered! He provides streams in the desert.

“Then the eyes of the blind will be opened so that they can see, and the ears of the deaf will be opened so that they can hear. 6 Crippled people will dance like deer, and those who cannot speak now will use their voices to sing happy songs. This will happen when springs of water begin to flow in the dry desert. 7 Now people see mirages that look like water, but then there will be real pools of water. There will be wells in the dry land where water flows from the ground. Tall water plants will grow where wild animals once ruled.” Isaiah 35:5-7 ERV

If you’ve been experiencing a dry and thirsty time, look to the Lord. He is our provider. You will be filled!

“Those who are hungry and thirsty to be right with God are happy, because they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6 NLV

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More Peace

I know how truly blessed I am to get up each morning and enjoy the peace which comes with the start of a new day. The house is silent except for the cycling of the coffee maker and the refrigerator. There are no obtrusive sounds of sirens, planes, trains or automobiles. Just the quiet.

As the sun starts to give its first glow on the horizon, the birds begin to sing and welcome to the day. The first to voice its song is the bob white and then the quail. The cactus wren joins in, followed by the morning dove. Peace.

Most mornings my heart joins in. It’s very rare for me to wake without a sense of peace. God’s peace! Before I started to write this morning I looked back over the blogs from the past 2+ years and found that I have written about peace over seventy-five times. It’s a subject that occupies much of my teaching.

To many, peace is a fleeting or even elusive sense of well being. There are so many things that rob peace; text messages, phone calls, conversations, career, doctors reports, financial statements, weather, personal relationships and world conflicts. I’ve found that we must fight for peace or our mind will take us down a road of turmoil.

“We live in this world, but we don’t fight our battles in the same way the world does. 4 The weapons we use are not human ones. Our weapons have power from God and can destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s arguments, 5 and we tear down every proud idea that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We also capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.” II Corinthians 10:3-5 ERV

Jesus knew what it was to be bombarded with unsettling and fearful thoughts. In fact, each time he was with someone who was facing a fearful situation His counsel was the same “fear not”. One of his final impartations to his disciples was a message of peace.

“But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. 27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:26-27 NLT

Each day I pray for personal peace and then for the peace of my children and grandchildren. I thank the Lord that He is teaching my children, making them aware of His love and bringing peace to their lives.

“I will teach all your children, and they will enjoy great peace.” Isaiah 54:13 NLT

There are times when we have to make decisions, hard decisions, and we are left wondering what to do. Years ago, Dave and I made a commitment that we would let peace rule and direct us. If we didn’t have a peace about something we didn’t do it. There were times that we told the kids they couldn’t go somewhere or do something because we didn’t have peace. There were times we walked away from what appeared to be good business decisions because we didn’t have peace. And quite frankly, there have been times that we made decisions without that peace and regretted it.

“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. 13 Instead of the thorn bush, the cypress tree will come up. Instead of the thistle, the myrtle tree will come up. It will cause you to remember the Lord, something special to see that will last forever.” Isaiah 55:11-13 NLV

We can always rely on God’s word and His peace to lead us in the right direction.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NLV

Let God’s peace stand guard over your hearts!

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Cure for Discouragement

Do you have times that you get discouraged and struggle when things aren’t going right?

For years I have been putting God’s word into my heart and mind. It brings hope, courage, peace, healing and joy. Many years back I shared some of my favorite Bible verses with you and as I was reading through them I knew it was time to share them again.

I look at Scripture verses like multivitamins. We don’t just take them one time and have them strengthen our physical system for years on end. No, they are called daily vitamins for a reason. Bible verses are better than vitamins. Once they are truly absorbed in our system they can strengthen and encourage for years on end.

“You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the Lord, and he rescued you.
20 By the power of his own word, he healed you  and saved you from destruction. 21 You should praise the Lord for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.” Psalm 107:19-21 CEV

God’s word brings the cure for any ailment.

I want to share a few of my favorite verses with you from the Amplified version of the Bible. I praise God for those who have been called to the work of translating the Bible, not just in foreign languages, but into versions that make it easier for us to use and understand. There are many modern translations and I like using the Amplified version because it gives a greater understanding to some phrases.

These verses have really helped me and I hope that there are one or two that provide what you need!

HE WILL NEVER LEAVE ME OR LET ME DOWN! GOD WON’T LET GO!
“Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]” Hebrews 13:5 AMP

WHEN CHRIST RULES, PEACE REIGNS
“And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].” Colossians 3:15 AMP

HE TAKES MY WORRIES & MY CARES
“Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” I Peter 5:7 AMP

I HAVE AN OVERFLOWING LIFE
“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” John 10:10 AMP

GOD CAN’T LIE! “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken and will He not make it good and fulfill it?” Numbers 23:19 AMP

MOSES AND I HAVE THE SAME GOD, THE GREAT I AM!
“And when that time comes, you will ask nothing of Me [you will need to ask Me no questions]. I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that My Father will grant you whatever you ask in My Name [as presenting all that I Am]. 24 Up to this time you have not asked a [single] thing in My Name [as presenting all that I Am]; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy (gladness, delight) may be full and complete.” John 16:23-24 AMP

MY FATHER’S WORD GIVES ME CONFIDENCE
“And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us. 15 And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him.” I John 5:14-15 AMP

God’s word is filled with the power to change our lives. It never fails!

“The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer  and bread for the hungry. 11 It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” Isaiah 55:10-11 NLT

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Say It Again

I hope all of you have experienced hearing someone you love say your name. Words cannot describe what happens in my heart, the center of my emotions, when I hear “Kris” spoken lovingly from David’s lips. That same emotion rises when I hear “Mom” and “Besta”. There’s a tenderness, a caring, a verbal loving embrace.

It reminds me of a scene from the movie Ever After. Some of you have heard me tell of this before but it came to mind again this morning. I think it has something to do with the fact that this last week I have spoken with all of my family except for AJ and Kylee and heard that sweetness in their voices and had them call my name.

In the movie, close to the end, Henry, the prince, realizes he can’t live without Danielle, Cinderella, so he rides out to save her from her indentured life to Jacque LePew. As he comes up the hill to the fortress walls, she is walking out, having gained her own freedom. He apologizes for doubting her, tells her he loves her and can’t live without her. She stops him in his conversation and says, “Say that again.” He starts to apologize again for failing to trust her and then she says “No, not that. Say the part where you call me by name again.” And then he says her name, Danielle, and declares his love. AWWWW!

There is nothing so sweet than to hear the one you love say your name. It stirs the heart and words can’t explain fully explain the feeling it gives you. WOW! It is completely over-the-top.

I’ve been reading about Samuel and how God called him to service:

“The boy Samuel was Eli’s helper and served the LORD with him. At that time the LORD did not speak directly to people very often. There were very few visions…. 4 The LORD called Samuel, and Samuel answered, “Here I am.” 5 Samuel thought Eli was calling him, so he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am. You called me.” But Eli said, “I didn’t call you. Go back to bed.”
…Finally, Eli understood that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 Eli told Samuel, “Go to bed. If he calls you again, say, ‘Speak, LORD. I am your servant, and I am listening.’” So Samuel went back to bed. 10 The LORD came and stood there. He called as he did before, saying, “Samuel, Samuel!”
Samuel said, “Speak. I am your servant, and I am listening.” I Samuel 3:1-10

Can you imagine? The voice of God calling your name, what a joy!

Then I remembered that God called others by name as well; it started with Adam & Eve; Noah, David, Daniel, Jeremiah, Zacchaeus, the disciples, Mary at the garden tomb, Saul on the road to Damascus and John on the Isle of Patmos; all of these and more had that same wonderful experience of hearing God call them by name.

See what Isaiah says to the children of Israel:

“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. I gave up Egypt, Ethiopia, and the region of Seba in exchange for you.
4 To me, you are very dear, and I love you. That’s why I gave up nations and people to rescue you. 5 Don’t be afraid! I am with you.” Isaiah 43:1-5 ERV

God the Father has called us by name as well. Yes, He has! In His love He called our name telling us that He has a plan for our lives; a plan to be in fellowship and relationship with Him; a plan of adoption so that we can call Him “Abba Father.”

Hearing God speak our name shouldn’t be a one time experience, limited only to the day we accept Him as Savior. How sad it would be if I only heard David say my name the one time when he made me his wife. No, daily he says my name and tells me he loves me and it never gets old.

Daily God is calling our name and telling us He loves us. Do you hear it or are you too busy and distracted? Take time to listen…and take time to respond. Can you imagine how it thrills His heart to hear you say, “Abba Father, I love you. I want to spend time with you today”?

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