Category: Isaiah

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Going Through

This morning I did a search on the word “bridge”. I wanted to share with you some wonderful thoughts about Jesus being our “bridge over troubled waters” (yes, our church youth choir actually sang that when I was in high school). But there is no bridge Scripture.

I got to thinking about times in the Bible when people would have needed a bridge. Crossing the Jordan, The Red Sea, Sea of Galilee. You know what I found – God either parted the water or gave power to walk on it.

You may be looking for a bridge. Looking for something to help you cross a river of circumstances in your life. I want to offer you a new prospective. Instead of looking for a way over, look for a way through.

“Elijah took off his coat, folded it, and hit the water with it. The water separated to the right and to the left. Then Elijah and Elisha crossed the river on dry ground.” II Kings 2:8 ERV

“But now the Lord who created you, O Israel, says: Don’t be afraid, for I have ransomed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. 2 When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up—the flames will not consume you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, your Savior, the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 43:1-3 TLB

The Father has victory for us if we keep our eyes on Him.

“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.” Matthew 14:27-29 CEV

The first thing you will hear from the Lord is “don’t worry, don’t be afraid”. In other words I can hear Jesus saying, “I’ve got this!” Peter’s problem came when he got his eyes off Jesus and on the circumstances. We must keep our focus and not become distracted from God’s promises.

But if we do get scared, like Peter, we call out for help and Jesus will grab ahold of us and bring us to safety.

“ But Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid! Be strong, and see how the Lord will save you today. For the Egyptians you have seen today, you will never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you. All you have to do is keep still.’…Then Moses put out his hand over the sea. And the Lord moved the sea all night by a strong east wind. So the waters were divided. 22 And the people of Israel went through the sea on dry land.” Exodus 14:13, 14, 21, 22 NLV

So instead of trying to build a bridge today, keep still, step in and go through with God!

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Shaking in the Wind

Yesterday afternoon we had friends stop by for a visit. It was so good to see them, we always enjoy our time with them.

Somewhere in the conversation we began to talk about hurricanes and tornadoes and the fierce winds that come with them. This morning that conversation ties in with my Bible reading.

“When news reached the royal palace that Syria had joined forces with Israel, King Ahaz and everyone in Judah were so terrified that they shook like trees in a windstorm.

3 Then the Lord said to me: Take your son Shearjashub and go see King Ahaz. You will find him on the road near the cloth makers’ shops at the end of the canal that brings water from the upper pool. 4 Tell Ahaz to stop worrying. There’s no need for him to be afraid of King Rezin and King Pekah. They are very angry, but they are nothing more than a dying fire. Ahaz doesn’t need to fear” Isaiah 7:2-4 CEV

I’ve seen those trees shake in the wind. And there are times when I have felt fear that has shaken me to my very core. I know, you have too!

There are no words to express the sense of relief and comfort that come from hearing the Lord’s voice say “Stop worrying, there’s no need to fear”.

I struggled for years with fear. Fear of unknown circumstances, fear of people’s opinions, fear of failure. I remember being on a camping trip and we were warned of bears in the area – that brought a whole new kind of fear.

Fear can be immobilizing.

“ Late in the afternoon, when the breeze began to blow, the man and woman heard the Lord God walking in the garden. So they hid behind some trees…10 The man answered, ‘I was naked, and when I heard you walking through the garden, I was frightened and hid!'” Genesis 3:8&10 CEV

Fear was one of the first emotions that Adam and Eve experienced in the garden after they sinned. The first was shame followed by fear. Fear has been used by the devil for a very long time.

Ever since that time, God has been saying to mankind “Do not fear”! I know I have told you this before but it bears repeating, Bible scholars tell us that there are approximately 365 verses that tell us not to fear or to be worried.

God wants us to live a worry-free life. He wants us to face our fears and say like King David said:

“The Lord is my light and the One Who saves me. Whom should I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life. Of whom should I be afraid? 2 When sinful men, and all who hated me, came against me to destroy my flesh, they tripped and fell. 3 Even if an army gathers against me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if war rises against me, I will be sure of You.” Psalm 27:1-3 NLV

When we see trees blown by the wind let it serve as a reminder to us. Stop worrying, do not be afraid.

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Acquainted with Grief

Just days before Easter and I wanted to share a few thoughts with you about the struggles Jesus went through in the garden before He was arrested.

The book of Isaiah gives us this insight.

“For sure He took on Himself our troubles and carried our sorrows. Yet we thought of Him as being punished and hurt by God, and made to suffer. 5 But He was hurt for our wrong-doing. He was crushed for our sins. He was punished so we would have peace. He was beaten so we would be healed. 6 All of us like sheep have gone the wrong way. Each of us has turned to his own way. And the Lord has put on Him the sin of us all.” Isaiah 53:4-6 NLV

For days before the Passover celebration Jesus had nothing else on His mind except the events that were about to take place. He knew his death was eminent.

 “Now My soul is troubled. Should I say, ‘Father, save Me from this time of trouble and pain’? No, this is why I came to this time. 28 Father, honor Your name!” John 12:27-28 NLV

Jesus took time to visit with his dear friends Lazarus, Mary and Martha. He spent time teaching the disciples on the importance of putting others first, laying down their lives for those who needed to hear the Gospel and then instructing them on how to truly love and serve their fellow apostles with pure hearts.

“ I am the Vine and you are the branches. Get your life from Me. Then I will live in you and you will give much fruit. You can do nothing without Me.” John 15:5 NLV

Without Me, you can do nothing.

Those words hold true for us as well. Jesus is our example for living. Having our lives mirror His should be the desire of every Christian.

As He faced His greatest hour of anguish He set His eyes on the Father’s mission; He needed to die as the sinless sacrifice for the sins of the entire world. How did He do it? In His humanity He wanted to quit – He wanted the Father to find another way. The Bible tells us He was in such anguish that He sweat drops of blood.

“And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” Luke 22:44 KJV

Jesus took His disciples to the garden to pray!

He knew the only way He would have the strength and the resolve to endure such anguish and pain was to draw it from His Father in prayer.

Our experiences in life no matter how horrible we think they are can’t be compared to the suffering that Jesus went through for us, for our salvation.

“ Let us keep looking to Jesus. Our faith comes from Him and He is the One Who makes it perfect. He did not give up when He had to suffer shame and die on a cross. He knew of the joy that would be His later. Now He is sitting at the right side of God.” Hebrews 12:2 NLV

Always remember this, Jesus was acquainted with grief for us and He can and will give us His strength in every situation. Look to Jesus!

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Stinkin’ Thinkin’

In my Bible reading yesterday morning I was reminded of a message I heard a cowboy preacher give years ago.

No More Stickin’ Thinkin’

“Look at those people! They say good is bad and bad is good. They think light is dark and dark is light. They think sour is sweet and sweet is sour. 21 They think they are so smart. They think they are very intelligent.” Isaiah 5:20-21 ERV

So many conflicts could be resolved if we took the time to consider what God considers right and wrong. His standard has never changed. All-to-often we become convinced that we are right and others are wrong putting them on the defensive and us on the attack.

It’s important to realize when we have made a mistake and apologize. First, repent to the Lord for not seeking His advice and/or not listening to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Then just as important it’s necessary to apologize to those around us, admitting fault and not offering excuses.

Then trust the Lord to heal and repair the situation.

I am so glad that the Lord doesn’t abandon me to my ignorance or disassociate with me because of my mistakes.

The world, our world, tries on a daily basis to skew our thoughts to a natural way of thinking. It tries to persuade us that right is wrong and wrong is right; that good is evil and evil is good. We are bombarded to “think for ourselves, don’t be brainwashed or old fashioned, the world is changing and we must be progressive”.

However, God’s word tells us that heaven and earth will pass away but God’s word will never pass away. We are told not to change God’s word and that when push comes to shove we “let God be true and every man a liar”.

Trusting God’s word is invaluable! Don’t be swayed to adopt other thinking.

“Don’t ever let love and loyalty leave you. Tie them around your neck, and write them on your heart. 4 Then God will be pleased and think well of you and so will everyone else.

5 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. 7 Don’t trust in your own wisdom, but fear and respect the Lord and stay away from evil. ” Proverbs 3:3-7 ERV

When I think of “stinkin thinkin” I think of the thief on the cross. Three men were crucified the day Jesus was. One of them tried to cast dispersions on Jesus – “what kind of Savior are you? You can’t even save yourself”. There was a jeering in his voice; he was defensive and condemning, his thinking was all wrong.

The second thief rebuked him for his words. He pointed out that they were guilty of their crimes but Jesus was guiltless. In all humility, he recognized his sin and failings and he repented. To that man Jesus granted forgiveness and compassion. “Today you will be with me in paradise”.

Each decision we make should be guided by love. When we hear that little inner voice saying “you really shouldn’t be doing that or saying that” we need to listen. Replace stinkin thinkin with compassionate contemplation.

What decisions do you need to make today? Trust the Lord not yourself; if you’re uncertain as what to do or say, seek the answer in God’s word. It will never steer you wrong.

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Back Ordered

Just recently I went on-line to order a shirt for our anniversary celebration next week. I had found one in town, but it wasn’t in my size. No problem, I thought. I’ll just find the same one on-line and have it in a couple of days.

It wasn’t that simple. The first three sites I went to didn’t have it in my size either. I will tell you I got a little perturbed. The words “back ordered” were not what I was wanting to hear.

In the last couple of years we, as a collective group, have become so accustomed to instant gratification. If you live in a larger city some companies will deliver your item within hours and not days. The rest of us who live a little more rural have come to expect delivery by the next day and two at the very latest.

This instant society has fed the monster of selfishness that hides within.

This morning the Lord showed me something about Himself. His gifts and blessings are never on backorder, never out of stock.

“Ask, and what you are asking for will be given to you. Look, and what you are looking for you will find. Knock, and the door you are knocking on will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 NLV

I was asking for strength, clarity of thought and wisdom. There is no lack of any of these in the heavenly warehouse.

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The God Who lives forever is the Lord, the One Who made the ends of the earth. He will not become weak or tired. His understanding is too great for us to begin to know. 29 He gives strength to the weak. And He gives power to him who has little strength.” Isaiah 40:28-29 NLV

“For God did not give us a spirit of fear. He gave us a spirit of power and of love and of a good mind.” II Timothy 1:7 NLV

“ If you do not have wisdom, ask God for it. He is always ready to give it to you and will never say you are wrong for asking.” James 1:5 NLV

When the Father tells us to ask for something, He expects us to ask. Not selflessly but from a sincere heart of dependence upon Him and His word. Jesus said his purpose was to bring abundant life to us who believe.

“The robber comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I came so they might have life, a great full life.” John 10:10 NLV

There’s also never a shortage of God’s love – it endures forever, His mercy never comes to an end, His peace flows like a river and His goodness extends to a thousand generations. His word will never pass away.

“ If you love Me, you will do what I say. 16 Then I will ask My Father and He will give you another Helper. He will be with you forever. 17 He is the Spirit of Truth. The world cannot receive Him. It does not see Him or know Him. You know Him because He lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:15-17 NLV

The Father’s delivery system is infinitely better than FedEx, UPS, USPS and Amazon. He delivers from His heart to us via the Holy Spirit. The Father’s love and character are never on backorder.

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Desert Blooms

It takes Dave and I about 15 to 20 minutes to drive to town. Most of the way we travel through sparsely populated desert, which we enjoy, and especially when the Spring flowers and love grass blanket the ground.

All it takes is a few warm days and some moisture and the desert floor comes to life.

Isn’t that how it is with us? A little light, warmth, and watering with kindness and love and our souls respond with beauty.

“The waste-land and the dry land will be glad. The desert will be full of joy and become like a rose. 2 Many flowers will grow in it, and it will be filled with joy and singing…They will see the shining-greatness of the Lord, the wonderful power of our God. 3 Give strength to weak hands and to weak knees. 4 Say to those whose heart is afraid, ‘Have strength of heart, and do not be afraid. See, your God will come ready to punish. He will come to make sinners pay for their sins, but He will save you…Those whom the Lord has paid for and set free will return. They will come to Zion with singing. Joy that lasts forever will crown their heads. They will be glad and full of joy. Sorrow and sad voices will be gone.’” Isaiah 35:1-4, 10 NLV

I really encourage you to read the full chapter of Isaiah 35. It is an amazing description of what the Lord does in the lives of those who love Him.

I can almost hear someone saying, “but Kristi, it also says that He will make sinners pay for their sins. Where’s the good news in that?”

I’m so glad you asked!

Read the next five words – “but He will save you”. There’s the good news. Salvation!

“‘It will be that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved from the punishment of sin.’” Acts 2:21 NLV

“The Lord isn’t slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost.” II Peter 3:9 CEV

The choice is ours.

Our lives can be dry and brown, filled with thorns and stickers or we can bloom with beauty. The difference between the two is the water.

“On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and shouted, ‘If you are thirsty, come to me and drink! 38  Have faith in me, and you will have life-giving water flowing from deep inside you, just as the Scriptures say.’ 39 Jesus was talking about the Holy Spirit, who would be given to everyone that had faith in him. The Spirit had not yet been given to anyone, since Jesus had not yet been given his full glory.” John 7:37-39 CEV

When we come to faith in Christ, He fills us with the life-giving presence of the Holy Spirit. He causes our lives to blossom with the fruit of love, joy, peace, gentleness, kindness, patience and meekness.

We bloom with joy and strength!

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Spring Training

Right now, Arizona is filled with professional baseball teams. It’s Spring Training!

On any given day baseball fans can go to a number of stadiums and watch the workouts and exhibition games. The teams’ coaches are watching carefully – they will make notes, instruct and critique each players abilities and when Spring Training is over some players will go home, they’ll be cut from the roster.

I remember when I was a kid, I would often be the last one picked for the backyard softball team. I wasn’t very good. I was uncoordinated and couldn’t throw well and my batting skills were less than stellar.

Even now I wouldn’t be chosen for my sense of fashion, education, exceptional good looks, financial status or my athletic abilities. Does that hurt my feelings like it used to? No.

You see I realize that I have been chosen for a team and it’s not because of my talents or abilities but it’s because of the Captain’s amazing love and acceptance.

If you’re feeling left out today, unaccepted, untalented, or lacking, focus on this:

“But you are his chosen people, the King’s priests. You are a holy nation, people who belong to God. He chose you to tell about the wonderful things he has done. He brought you out of the darkness of sin into his wonderful light. 10 In the past you were not a special people, but now you are God’s people. Once you had not received mercy, but now God has given you his mercy.” I Peter 2:9-10 ERV

“Just as I swore in the time of Noah that I would never again let a flood cover the earth,
so now I swear that I will never again be angry and punish you. 10 For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,’ says the Lord, who has mercy on you. Isaiah 54:9-10 NLT

“God was kind and decided that Christ would choose us to be God’s own adopted children. 6 God was very kind to us because of the Son he dearly loves, and so we should praise God. 7-8 Christ sacrificed his life’s blood to set us free, which means that our sins are now forgiven. Christ did this because God was so kind to us. God has great wisdom and understanding, 9 and by what Christ has done, God has shown us his own mysterious ways.” Ephesians 1:5-9 CEV

“I am the Lord your God. I am holding your hand, so don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.” Isaiah 41:13 CEV

“I am with you, and I will protect you everywhere you go. I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised.” Genesis 28:15 ERV

I can hear Jesus speaking these words of acceptance and encouragement. He’s written my name and yours on the roster.

It’s time to swing for the fences because we’ve been chosen by God Almighty!

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Sorrow to Joy

The story I would like to share with you today comes from the Old Testament. It seems I know this dear lady very well. I’ve met her counterparts in every church we have attended and at every retreat I have been blessed to teach.

She’s a sweet lady, one of two wives to a man named Elkanah. He loves her dearly, but she had no children. Her counterpart has children and mocks her. Each year they travel as a family to Shiloh to bring their offerings to the Lord. This is an extremely tough time for Hannah because her heart aches for a child.

In sorrow, Hannah cries out to the Lord.

“Hannah was so sad that she cried the whole time she was praying to the Lord. 11 She made a special promise to God and said, “Lord All-Powerful, you can see how sad I am. Remember me. Don’t forget me. If you will give me a son, I will give him to you. He will be yours his whole life…

13 Hannah was praying in her heart. Her lips were moving, but since she did not say the words out loud, Eli thought she was drunk. 14 He said to her, “You have had too much to drink. It is time to put away the wine.”

15 Hannah answered, “Sir, I have not drunk any wine or beer. I am deeply troubled, and I was telling the Lord about all my problems. 16 Don’t think I am a bad woman. I have been praying so long because I have so many troubles and am very sad.”

17 Eli answered, “Go in peace. May the God of Israel give you what you asked for.”

18 Hannah said, “May you be happy with me.” Then she left and ate something. She was not sad anymore.” I Samuel 1:10-18 ERV

Have you been there?

So, upset over a situation that you have wept before the Lord, pouring out your heart and soul, completely oblivious to what others thought about you…just needing God to hear your heart? If you have then you can relate to Hannah.

God heard her heart – children were a sign that you had been blessed by God and Hannah’s heart ached because she had no child. I can assure you, when you pour your heart out to God, He meets you there. He brings comfort and peace.

“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 4:16 KJV

God heard and answered Hannah’s prayer. A year later Samuel was born. He is the same God and Father who hears our heart’s cry.

“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 55:11-12 KJV

Pour out your sorrow before the Lord today. He will turn it into joy!

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Worth The Wait

Years ago, my daughter shared with me this picture which was taken by her friend, Sarah Alston of Federal Way, Washington. I don’t think I have ever seen a wedding gown displayed in such a beautiful setting.

As I looked at this picture and the others in that wedding album, I thought of the preparation, months and months of preparation that goes into planning a wedding. Dave and I had a small home wedding but there was still so much to do. Each day had one more arrangement to be checked off the list of preparations.

Everything had to be done just right to make the day perfect. It was worth the wait!

As Christians we are in a time of preparation. We live each day as an example of God’s love to those around us but we are also waiting the return of our bridegroom, Jesus Christ.

“The LORD makes me very happy. I am completely happy with my God. He dressed me in the clothes of salvation. He put the victory coat on me. I look like a man dressed for his wedding, like a bride covered with jewels.” Isaiah 61:10

A bride covered with jewels. A bride without spot or wrinkle.

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish…32This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” Ephesians 5:25-27, 32

Preparing for His return ties in with the seeds of God’s word we have been planting in our hearts. Love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, humility and self-control, these are adornments that will make us a beautiful bride.

Staying focused on our destination, our heavenly home, is also a part of our preparation.

“If then you have been raised with Christ, keep looking for the good things of heaven. This is where Christ is seated on the right side of God. 2 Keep your minds thinking about things in heaven. Do not think about things on the earth.” Colossians 3:1-2 NLV

Our excitement should be building as we await the bridegroom’s coming. The preparation will be well worth the wait!

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Good News!

Welcome to March. I hope you found some seeds of hope and peace to plant in your heart’s garden yesterday.

“ For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” Hebrews 4:12 NLT

God’s word is powerful! It is created to bring results of peace, joy, strength, forgiveness, healing, grace, and unconditional love. It represents the very heart of God to us, His children.

“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

God’s word is our good news, it brings joy and peace.

The last week or so I have been praying for several dear friends. The news they have received about circumstances in their lives has been less than encouraging. Fear has tried to get a foothold and replace their peace. That’s not from God.

“He will not be afraid of bad news. His heart is strong because he trusts in the Lord. 8 His heart will not be shaken. He will not be afraid and will watch those lose who fight against him.” Psalm 112:7-8 NLV

“Whom have I in heaven but You? I want nothing more on earth, but You. My body and my heart may grow weak, but God is the strength of my heart and all I need forever.” Psalm 73:25-26 NLV

“ We have a great Religious Leader Who has made the way for man to go to God. He is Jesus, the Son of God, Who has gone to heaven to be with God. Let us keep our trust in Jesus Christ. 15 Our Religious Leader understands how weak we are. Christ was tempted in every way we are tempted, but He did not sin. 16 Let us go with complete trust to the throne of God. We will receive His loving-kindness and have His loving-favor to help us whenever we need it.” Hebrews 4:14-16 NLV

There is nothing, NOTHING, that we can’t trust the Lord with. He promises to be our help whenever we need it, to strengthen our hearts, and to replace fear with peace.

Is it easy? No. It requires discipline, we need to stay focused on the promises of our Father instead of the bad report.

“Do not let your heart be troubled. You have put your trust in God, put your trust in Me also” John 14:1 NLV

“You will keep the man in perfect peace whose mind is kept on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 NLV

Fear isn’t from God. Let the Good News of God’s word be your source of strength, your hope and your confidence. God is your help – He’s got this.

Good News!

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