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08/05 God's Blessing & Favor

Sun, 05 Aug 2012 10:36:14 +0100

Date: Sunday August 05, 2012
Today's Chapters: Isaiah 58-62
Message Title:

Hello My Friend,

We all want God's blessing and favor on our lives, everyone does, whether we admit it or not, we seek the hand of God when no other hand can be found. The problem is not everyone seeks the blessing and favor from the Almighty Himself, they just think they are. Thanks to false religion and people changing the Word of God every day, many people are serving a man made god and wondering where God's blessing and favor really are. “For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.” - 1 Corinthians 8:5-7.

Sometimes the blessing and favor of God are gotten by doing extra special things to get His attention, on of them is spiritual fasting. Spiritual fasting is abstaining from food for a period of time in an attempt to take time away from ones self and focus on God. Through Isaiah, God exposes those trying to seek His attention and blessings through vain fasting. “Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” - Isaiah 58:4,5,7,10,11.

Spiritual fasting is the most unselfish act a person can do and one that does get God's attention when it is done for the right reasons. Fasting is a time to afflict the soul, to think less of ourselves and more of others, to earnestly ask God for the things we need, and to spend the day doing normal things with the expectation that God will do great and miraculous things for all the world to know the glory of God. “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” - Matthew 6:16-18.

Sometimes the blessing and favor of God are gotten by removing known sin from our lives. Every person here on earth is capable of doing some evil, no matter how good we try to be our sin nature makes us capable of corruption and this is why we can never do enough good to measure up to God's standard and why He sent Jesus to give us a chance to be saved from judgment. Through Isaiah, God reminds Israel that He knows their sins and they will suffer for them, but if there is hope for them, the Redeemer. “Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them; In transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood. According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence. And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD.” - Isaiah 59:1,2,12,13,18,20.

So many people get caught up in false religion, they pray, create, and serve a god they do not know so they can live in sin and be justified for it. Ignorance, repentance, or good works cannot justify a person for their past or present actions, God knows everything we have done, even the things we forgot about when we were ten years old. There is only one way to be justified, to be redeemed of all our transgressions, and that is through the Redeemer. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” - Titus 2:11-14.

Israel is not the only nation under judgment, every nation is under the same judgment, and every nation will get a chance to know Christ. Through Isaiah, we get a glimpse of the glorious Kingdom that all who know Christ will inhabit. “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought. For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted. Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations. The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.” - Isaiah 60:1-3,11,12,15,19.

God continues to give us a glimpse of the glorious Kingdom awaiting believers and the fate of those who will not believe, just as the Jews will no longer be despised by the world, the Gentiles will no longer be despised by the Jews. “For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name. Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn to be meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured: But they that have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the LORD; and they that have brought it together shall drink it in the courts of my holiness.” - Isaiah 62:1-3,8,9.

The greatest blessing and favor we can ever receive for God is eternal life, God gives all a chance to get saved, once we die physically that's it, no more chances. Sadly, there are a lot of people, who were religious as could be, suffering in hell today because they did not do that one thing that could have saved their lives. I know so many religions who praise Jesus, but they do not know Him personally. It is not enough to know who Jesus is we bust believe in and receive Him to be saved. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” - Romans 5:8-10.

Today's Prayer: God, Thank you for the Light to enable me to come out from under the darkness. Lord, You picked me up, dusted me off, and gave me a reason to live. No other life has more meaning that one with Your Son, thank You for sending Him, for giving me hope and peace through the endless trials that come and go in my life. Thank You for the assurance of everlasting life as I put my faith and trust in Your Son. Lord, lead me and guide me to the Light, never let me be darkened again from the pains and sorrows of life and let me see the blessings in store as I seek to follow Your will and ways. I love You, Lord and ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

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08/04 Make A Difference

Sat, 04 Aug 2012 10:59:53 +0100

Date: Saturday August 04, 2012
Today's Chapters: Isaiah 54-57
Message Title: Make A Difference

Hello My Friend,

While we as Christians think that everyone that comes to church on a fairly regular basis is saved and living their lives for God, we have no idea what they are really doing. Sadly, I have learned over the years that some saved Christians live a more wicked life than some that never step foot in church. It is no wonder that the world frowns upon the the Christian life, if they are seeing the wicked behavior of someone that is supposed to be a Christian than what is the point of converting into one. Here is the point, the few, faithful, true Christians who do live their lives for Christ actually do make a difference, they make a difference to God. “If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” - 1 Corinthians 3:15.

The Messiah that was promised to the Jews would not only be for the Jews, but Gentiles as well, through Isaiah, God reminds Israel that He will not only be the God of them, but the Gentiles as well. We also get a glimpse at the bride of Christ. “Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited. For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called. For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God. For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.” - Isaiah 54:2,3,5-7.

The Maker, the husband of the Jewish church is God, He is also the husband of the Christian church, through Jesus Christ. Those who believe in Him and accept Him become brides of Christ, members of His church. Christ is the Holy One of Israel, the Mediator of the covenant made with the Old Testament church. He will cleanse from sin, and cause every true believer to rejoice in this sacred union. “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That 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.” - Ephesians 5:23-27.

Through Isaiah God tells all, Jew and Gentile, not to fear the things of the world, just trust in the Savior. “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” - Isaiah 55:1-3,6,7.

In the blink of an eye we are here and gone, in the blink of an eye Jesus will be here and all will be gone, out of the trillions of people who have come, gone, and yet to come, only a few will drink of the living water that only pours out from receiving Christ. If we die before or upon His return have not received His water, we will not be pardoned. “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” - John 7:37,38.

While salvation is not given to us upon our works our works are necessary to develop a solid relationship with God and see His blessings. Through Isaiah God reveals the importance of the saved living righteously. “Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.” - Isaiah 56:1-5

While living right does not determine our salvation, remember, we are saved by grace, it is the living right that God does honor us with as we humble ourselves before Him, never forgetting that we are sinners saved by the grace of God. In fact, the more we live for God the more we realize just how sinful we are and do not deserve God's blessings and that is what gets God's attention. Through Isaiah, God gives more assurance to those who are saved and living the right way, but also gives a warning to those who are not.

“I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee. When thou criest, let thy companies deliver thee; but the wind shall carry them all away; vanity shall take them: but he that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain; And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people. For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” - Isaiah 57:12-15.

Those who claim to live the Christian life and are not are in constant turmoil, oh, they have their bit of fun to try and mask the guilt and shame, but it is all in vain, wasteful, and unprofitable. You cannot accept Christ into your life and continue to live a wicked life, once Christ is in you, conviction never ceases, it can not be masked because God knows everything and let me tell you, people see it too. No one has to live in guilt and shame, but sadly, they do and all they have to do to find peace within themselves is to humble themselves before God and ask for forgiveness, it's that simple. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - 1 John 1:8,9.

Today's Prayer: God, I can not fathom the amazing grace that You gave me and still give me, to take a life that was a complete mess and turn it into one that has meaning and purpose to it is just a miracle that only You can produce. Thank You God, for seeing something in me that is of good use to you, thank you for your grace and mercy and never giving up on me. God, as I humble myself before You, be merciful to me, a sinner, lead me and guide me, help me to never cease from serving You with all my heart, soul, and might. I love You Lord and ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

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08/03 Living The Christian Life

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 10:02:10 +0100

Date: Thursday August 03, 2012
Today's Chapters: Isaiah 50-53
Message Title: Living The Christian Life

Hello My Friend,

It's not always easy being a Christian, especially when you see other people who do not live godly prospering while you are struggling day by day. The devil loves to make the Christian doubt their faith in living for Christ, in fact, the more you live for Him the more you struggles you face. While we cannot stop the devil from causing trouble we can knock him down when he gets in our faces and in due time we will be exalted for our faithfulness. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” - 1 Peter 5:8-11.

Living the Christian life is one of faith, without faith we cannot please God nor can we see the importance of having Christ in our lives in the first place. As soon as we receive Christ there is no turning back, He is ours and we are His. He is faithful to us, even when we are not so faithful to Him, but when we remain faithful we truly see His blessings unfold. Through Isaiah, Jesus tells us that He is always with those who are not ashamed to trust Him. “The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand together: who is mine adversary? let him come near to me. Behold, the Lord GOD will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up. Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.” - Isaiah 50:5,7-10.

A flint is a dull colored quartz stone, it's extremely hard, unbreakable, and strikes fire when struck with steel, it's surface is generally uneven, and covered with a rind or crust, it's also an ingredient used in making glass. The life of a Christian is often as a flint, it seems a little dull and crusty, but no matter how many times we fall, we are unbreakable. The closer we get to Christ the more His strikes our soul with His Spirit, setting it on fire for God, which refines us into glass, resembling Christ Himself. “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” - 2 Corinthians 3:17,18.

Although Christians have to deal with some suffering from time to time, we have an eternal cause to rejoice, because Christ never leaves nor forsakes us. Through Isaiah, Jesus tells all that His judgment stands, but all who come to Him will be saved. “Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people. My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust. Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished. Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.” - Isaiah 51:4-7.

Christians, who let Christ be Lord of their lives never fear death or where they are going because they know their final destination is heaven and the Kingdom Christ when He returns. Jesus confirms this through Isaiah, “For thus saith the LORD, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money. For thus saith the Lord GOD, My people went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there; and the Assyrian oppressed them without cause. Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the LORD; and my name continually every day is blasphemed. Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I.” - Isaiah 52:3-6.

Those who believe in and trust in the only Savior, whether they know Him as the Messiah that was yet to come or Christ whom has yet to return, are protected by Him. Only through Christ can we find true peace, happiness, and rest from His judgment. Only through Christ can we ever see salvation and while our works cannot save us, they do count when we live righteously until the day Jesus comes to take us home. “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” - Revelation 20:12.

Through Isaiah, we get a glimpse of what Christ will look like, how He will be treated when He arrives, and why He came here as the servant of God in the flesh. “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” - Isaiah 53:3,5,10-12.

Thanks to the devil and his war with God he brought sin into the world and a curse on all mankind, the curse, death and hell, but just as good always prevails, God prevailed by sending Jesus. He, who knew no sin, came here to take on sin by becoming the sacrifice that God would accept to redeem all who believe in Him. When we receive Christ He removes all our transgressions, makes us righteous before God, and satisfies the requirement that God demands for all to be reconciled with Him. “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:” - Ephesians 2:13-16.

Today's Prayer: God, It amazes me just how much your grace has done for me, not only have I been reconciled with You through Your Son I also have Your favor. What joy and peace to know that Your grace is enough to help me through every trial, temptation, and affliction. What comfort to know that You are always with me and right there to protect me from immediate danger. I know I will suffer some, but by Your grace I know I will get through it. God, I need Your grace, I can't function without it. Lead me and guide me and fill me full of Your grace. I love You and ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

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08/02 Rebellious Behavior

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 10:45:04 +0100

Date: Thursday August 02, 2012
Today's Chapters: Isaiah 46-49
Message Title: Rebellious Behavior

Hello My Friend,

To rebel means to refuse to submit to authority or obey rules imposed by others, no matter how old we are we all have rules to follow by someone of authority over us to follow. Those who rebel against God have a tough time in life, but sadly they are too arrogant to see that they can have everything they ever want if they just learn to listen to Him. Through Isaiah, God speaks to the ones who rebel against Him. “Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb: And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like? They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a god: they fall down, yea, they worship. Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.” - Isaiah 46:3-6,9,13.

I imagine that God cries a lot for Israel, He chose them to be the nation of God, He birthed them from Abraham, and yet they rebel and refuse to receive His Son. It's just like a child who rebels from their parents and falls into all kinds of hardships as they get older because they have this arrogance to them that no one can tell them what to do. You know, we all want to live the life we want, but it's not always good for us. Anytime we let wickedness lead us to the things we want we are headed for destruction, which is what God is warning Israel. “For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me. Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee. Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it.” - Isaiah 47:10,13,14.

Sooner or later every person that rebels from God will seek advice because things are not going the way they want them to go, the sad thing is, they seek it from the world. Many will turn to horoscopes, psychics, and other spiritual means of find answers and get caught up in a bigger mess. Yes, it is a mess, and those who rely on them are receiving advice from the devil himself, and headed for dstruction. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” - 1 John 4:1-3.

Perhaps more upsetting to God than a rebellious person is one who is rebellious against His Word, they want God in their lives, they just do not want to live the way He wants them to live. Through Isaiah, God addresses those who swear by God, but have not idea who He is. “Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness. I have even from the beginning declared it to thee; before it came to pass I shewed it thee: lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image, hath commanded them. Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them. They are created now, and not from the beginning; even before the day when thou heardest them not; lest thou shouldest say, Behold, I knew them. Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb.” - Isaiah 48:1,5-8.

It is only by God's mercy and grace that we are not struck down every time we put our trust in money, possessions, lifestyles, or people over Him. God wants us to have the things we need and desire, He really does want us to have a prosperous life, He just wants us to have some morals about obtaining them. God wants all of us, not part of us, while He will not cut us off for not living by all of His Word, we can be sure to face some affliction for our actions. Through Isaiah, God reminds His people that He will not cast them away, but can expect some affliction. “For my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off. Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another. Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last. Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me. Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.” - Isaiah 48:9-12,16,17.

God may speak a lot about Israel, but He has not forgotten about the others, He used Israel to be the example for all nations to follow. Through Isaiah, God once again reminds us that He is not only the God of the Jews. “And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places. They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.” - Isaiah 49:6,8-10.

While anyone could have converted to a Jew and follow the laws of the Jews, it was important for them to reject Jesus so that the rest of the world could see the light. “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.” - 2 Corinthians 4:6-10.

Today's Prayer: God, As much as I try to live in Your will and do the things You want me to do I know that the desires of my flesh can overturn my efforts. Lord, give me Your power to live in Your will, to obtain the things I need and desire through Your guidance and not my own. Thank You for Your mercy, grace, and forgiveness and also for your patience in me repenting of any rebellious behavior that I might have. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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08/01 By Faith

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 11:03:45 +0100

Date: Wednesday August 01, 2012
Today's Chapters: Isaiah 43-45
Message Title: By Faith

Hello My Friend,

Faith is the substance that holds the glue of our relationship with God, without faith we do not get very far. While our works do not saved us, our works do help us receive God's blessings beyond salvation as we simply follow Him by faith. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” - Hebrews 11:1-3,6.

Through Isaiah God encourages Israel to not get discouraged and lose faith in Him during their time of judgment. While He does remind them of the rebellion that was the cause of His judgment in the first place, He also reminds them that they are His people, they are redeemed, and He made them who they are. “But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.” - Isaiah 43:1,5-7.

From the second we are conceived God has a purpose for us, whether we rebel or not it's all for His glory, sooner or later all of God's people will realize their purpose for being here and seek to follow the path God has laid out for them. “Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth. Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.” - Isaiah 43:9-11

God's message was not only for the Jews, but for all who believe in Him, God created everyone and everything, but being a creation is nothing compared to being an heir, a child of God. Once a person accepts Christ as their Savior they, in fact, become a child of God and just like earthly parents can never disown their kids God never disown His kids. God assures Israel that even those whom had fallen into idolatry are still His and He will save them. “Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me. I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee. Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.” - Isaiah 44:8,21-23.

By faith we understand that the comforts that flow into the soul when it receives Christ are like no other, it refreshes, cleanses, mends the broken heart, lessens the worry, and reminds us that we are accepted and one of God's children. “And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” - Romans 8:10,11,16,17.

A maker is one that makes, forms, shapes, or molds something into existence. God is the Maker of all and one day we will all meet our Maker, though many will wish they had not. Through Isaiah, God foretells of the fate of unbelievers, but gives hope to all who come to the Savior. “Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.” - Isaiah 45:21-24.

By faith we believe that Jesus is God in the flesh, our Savior and Redeemer, our Maker. He is the only one who can save us from death, hell, judgment, sin, the list goes on and on, but unless we believe and accept Him we will not be saved from any of it. One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess before Christ, the redeemed, fully aware that they are not worthy, will join Him in His Kingdom, those who never received Him will see their shame first hand. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” - Titus 2:11-14.

Today's Prayer: God, I know the importance of living by faith for without it I would not even be sitting here right now talking to You. God, lead me and guide me, help me to follow Your will by living in Your Word. Increase my faith so much so that everything I do and go through reminds me that You are at work in my life and that all things will come to past. Best of all I know that I will be blessed even more as I simply and fully obey Your commands. I love You Lord, and ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

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07/31 Only One Redeemer

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 10:48:36 +0100

Date: Tuesday July 31, 2012
Today's Chapters: Isaiah 40-42
Message Title: Only One Redeemer

Hello My Friend,

In the blink of an eye Jesus will return with His army, He will not be subtle about it, we will definitely know that Jesus us here. He will be claiming His people and judging those who have rejected Him. He will fight face to face with the devil and with the sound of His voice cast him along with all his false prophets into the lake of fire to burn forever and ever. There is not one Christian that does not wonder when things go crazy out there in the world if Jesus will be arriving soon. No one knows when He will return, but we do know that the devil is here and he is creating all kinds of havoc. Jesus warns us of the very things we are dealing with today. “For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” - Matthew 24:5-8,14.

Through many prophets God warned Israel time and time again of the judgment they would face for choosing false gods over Him. The Northern Kingdom had already been judged and broken to pieces, now the Southern Kingdom was heading for judgment because they became more corrupt than the Northern Kingdom. Through Isaiah, God tells of the judgment Judah and Jerusalem will face, but also gives them a glimpse of hope. “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” -Isaiah 40:3-5,10,11.

Just like a shepherd that protects his sheep from the dangers of the world, Jesus, our Shepherd, protects every soul that has accepted Him into their lives. There is only one Christ, who will be revealed to all that He is none other than God Himself in the flesh, and only He can save is from judgment. “Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God? Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” - Isaiah 40:27-31.

Through Isaiah, God shows Israel the judgment that comes from worshiping idols and false gods. God encourages Israel to look to the only redeemer for pardon of the judgment they faced. “Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength: let them come near; then let them speak: let us come near together to judgment. Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he. Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” - Isaiah 41:1,4,10,13,14.

The Holy One of Israel, Jesus Christ, not only saves us from judgment, but also gives us strength and helps us overcome even the judgment we face. Jesus is the only one who can redeem, save a soul headed for hell, but He did not come here just for the Jews, He came here for all mankind. Through Isaiah, God reminds Israel that He is the God of all and will send the Redeemer to save all who believe in Him. “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” - Isaiah 42:1,6-8.

God is not only the God of the Jews, He is the God of all, He created all people through two people, Adam and Eve. It is time that all see this truth and come to the acknowledgment of the Son, because no matter how many people try to deny it, Christ is coming and His judgment will be upon all mankind. “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” - 1 Corinthians 15:52-54,57.

Today's Prayer: God, You truly are the Almighty God, time and time again you have proved that You have the power to do and make anything happen. Let me never forget the joy of my salvation and what you have brought me out of. Work in the hearts of those who are struggling and help them know the joy and comfort that I have as I serve You. Lord, open my heart and eyes to serve you in sincerity and truth just as you serve me. I love you Lord and ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

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07/30 Prepared For Thieves

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 10:46:13 +0100

Date: Monday July 30, 2012
Today's Chapters: Isaiah 37-39
Message Title: Prepared For Thieves

Hello My Friend,

Did you ever stop to think just how cunning and organized thieves are? They appear helpful, blend in with everyone, yet the entire time they are planning their attack. Thieves take more than just possessions, they take identities, lives, and even innocence away from people. It aggravates me, when the media and government tell all the world about the weapons we have and our strengths and weaknesses as a nation, sooner or later it will be used against is. That is why it is very important to watch for thieves, not only as a nation, but as a Christian as well. “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:5-8.

Isaiah gives us a recap of how Hezekiah was able to defeat the Assyrians during his reign in Judah, we learned yesterday of how Rabshakeh tried to get the people to lose their faith and confidence in the living God. Now, with them invading Jerusalem Hezekiah did the only thing he knew he could do to help his people, he began to pray. “And Hezekiah prayed unto the LORD, saying, Incline thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open thine eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God. Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations, and their countries, And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them. Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD, even thou only.” - Isaiah 37:15,17-20.

When we do everything in our strength to prepare for an attack God can do His part, but unless we go to God nothing will change. The most effective way to reach God is through prayer, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” - 1 Peter 5:6-10.

God did help Hezekiah defeat the Assyrians, it had been about thirteen years since the invasion, and Hezekiah grew gravely ill. He receives a visit from Isaiah, “And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying, Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.” - Isaiah 38:2-5.

Now, having seen quite a few people die and recover the past couple of years I come to realize one thing that gives me peace, God's free will to man. God never forces Himself upon any of us, it's our choice whether or not we accept Christ. It is that same free will that a person can choose to ask God to prolong their life through illness or take them to heaven. I saw my brother go from a willingness to fight his illness to let God take him to heaven. God will never place anything before us that we cannot handle and I believe that if the person wants to prolong their life here on earth that He will do it, just as He did with Hezekiah. God can and still does produce the same miracles for us that He did for every person we learn of in the Bible. The key to seeing those miracles is believing in and remaining faithful to the only living God. “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.” - 1 Timothy 4:8-10.

Now, here is where Hezekiah messed up, after his miraculous recovery he began telling all, even his enemies what God had done for him. Now, the error was not in telling the people about what God had done for him, but it was that he took bribes from the enemy as well as disclosed secret information to them. “At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered. And Hezekiah was glad of them, and shewed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not. Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD of hosts: Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD.” - Isaiah 39:1,2,5,6.

Hezekiah really thought that Merodachbaladan was sincere, but this is a warning to all of us that we cannot trust the enemy, they are thieves and always will be, that is unless they too receive Christ and repent. Many of the circumstances in the world, regardless of whether it is war, disease, or poverty, comes from trusting thieves. Many people wonder if there is a God then why all the war, why all the suffering, why all the disease, but in reality, none of these would have even come into play had we listened to God in the first place. “Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.” - Proverbs 13:18.

God has given us every warning and instructions on how we can be prepared for thieves, Christ is the only one who can protect us, He is life and all who allow Him to guide them will be prepared and be able to watch for thieves. “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” - John 10:9-11.

Today's Prayer: God, I know that you are the only living God and that because I put my faith and trust in Your Son that You are my God. I know the strength of my faith goes up and down like a roller coaster, but I also know that all I need is the faith the size of a mustard seed for you to produce a miracle in me. You already produced one by giving me eternal life, now, I am trusting in You to do more as you help me endure the circumstances in my life. Lead me and guide in me in Your will and Your way, Lord. I love you and ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

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07/29 Bought With A Price

Sun, 29 Jul 2012 10:17:19 +0100

Date: Sunday July 29, 2012
Today's Chapters: Isaiah 34-36
Message Title: Bought With A Price

Hello My Friend,

Jesus Christ came to earth not only to make a way for the sinner to be saved from hell and His judgment, He also came here to show man that they can still live in the world and remain godly. While our works do not save us, our works do help us receive God's blessings, the more we live like Jesus the more blessings we receive, not only in heaven, but here on earth as well. “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.”- 1 Thessalonians 5:15-24.

Salvation is not just for certain people, races, or creeds, it is given freely to all who ask Christ for it, while God chose the Jews as the people who would represent Him He still assures all who come to Him that I am the God of all. Through Isaiah, God calls all nations attention and warns them of His judgment upon all. “Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people: let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world, and all things that come forth of it. For the indignation of the LORD is upon all nations, and his fury upon all their armies: he hath utterly destroyed them, he hath delivered them to the slaughter...For it is the day of the LORD'S vengeance, and the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion. For my sword shall be bathed in heaven: behold, it shall come down upon Idumea, and upon the people of my curse, to judgment. Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them. And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.” - Isaiah 34:1,2,5,8,16,17.

The day of the Lord is coming and no person or nation will be exempt from Judgment Day. It is Christ who will come in the clouds of heaven to execute vengeance, His sword is the Word of God, all He will do is speak the Word and the war upon all nations will begin. Those who make the Book of the Lord their meditation and rule of life will have complete deliverance from the coming judgment. Idumea illustrates nations at enmity with the church, known as the kingdom of antichrist. They along with Satan and every person that has not asked Jesus to save them will receive the ultimate judgment of eternal death. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” - Revelation 20:10,12,15.

Although God did order judgment upon Israel, which included Judah being brought into captivity to Babylon for seventy years and all of God's people to be scattered all over the world in distress, God did promise that the destruction and suffering would not last forever. Through Isaiah, God foretells of the return of His people and the glorious days in which the preserved join Him in His new Kingdom. “Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” - Isaiah 35:3-5,9,10.

Salvation although free for us, came with a price, Jesus paid the ransom for our souls by dying for us, He didn't die some normal death, He was beaten and crucified so we can come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy in His Kingdom. “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” - 1 Corinthians 6:19,20.

The enemies of God’s people are forever trying to frighten them from their confidence in God, during the time that Isaiah prophesied in Jerusalem it was when Hezekiah reigned as king. Hezekiah was a godly man, he was also the last godly king to reign before Jerusalem was completely taken over. Hezekiah would not bow down to Assyrian threats and because of this the Assyrian's caused a lot of friction. “And the king of Assyria sent Rabshakeh from Lachish to Jerusalem unto king Hezekiah with a great army. And he stood by the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field. Then came forth unto him Eliakim, Hilkiah's son, which was over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, Asaph's son, the recorder. And Rabshakeh said unto them, Say ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest? But if thou say to me, We trust in the LORD our God: is it not he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and said to Judah and to Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar? Now therefore give pledges, I pray thee, to my master the king of Assyria, and I will give thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them.” - Isaiah 36:-4,7,8.

Rabshakeh later on saw first hand that Hezekiah's living God was able to deliver them from their threats. Those who do not know the living God have no idea what the difference is between God and some man made god. Therefore, they see all gods as the same, worthless and unable to deliver. Those who put their trust in these false gods will never see the power of God nor will they ever see

Him produce the miracles that only the true Almighty God can make. The only defense against those who try to corrupt God's people is God's Word and standing by it. “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” - 1 John 2:3-6.

Today's Prayer: Jesus, Thank You for taking my place on the cross and for dying for the sins that I committed. While I should be the one crucified, You loved me so much that You gave Your life for me so I can not only be redeemed, but spend my life with You in Your Kingdom. It is a good thing that I do not have to work to keep my salvation because I would never measure up to You, but I do want to live my life with You in it so I can live the best life I can here on earth. Lead me and guide me, give me Your strength to endure all my trials and seek to be more like You in all that I do. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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07/28 When Jesus Returns

Sat, 28 Jul 2012 11:15:19 +0100

Date: Saturday July 28, 2012
Today's Chapters: Isaiah 30-33
Message Title: When Jesus Returns

Hello My Friend,

While we all have to endure some suffering from time to time, God truly loves all people, after all He created every single one of us. It is truly uncomprehending to understand the love of God for His creation, yet out of the billions of people He created from the time He created man, millions will flee and reject Him. Still, no matter how many reject Him He is faithful and true to wait for every single one of His children to receive Him before the day Jesus returns on Judgment Day. “But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” - 2 Peter 3:7-10.

God might have chosen Israel to be the people to represent Him as the Almighty and only living God, He is still the God of all nations and of all people. Through Isaiah, God reveals the reason so many Jews and Gentiles are struggling today. “Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion. For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still.” - Isaiah 30:1-3,7.

The alliance that Egypt and Israel have stems all the way back to Abraham, they know that there is only one living God, yet still today they reject the Messiah for their false gods. Just as Jerusalem fell so will every nation that follows Egypt. Those nations that follow Egypt, who put trust in man and not in the living God will remain in confusion to the truth and will also be judged as Jerusalem was, but there is hope. Through Isaiah, God reveals that while His judgment stands He is patiently waiting for all His people to come to Him before he sends Jesus. “And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him. For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee. And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers: And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” - Isaiah 30:18-21.

There is no escaping the judgments of God, but God protects His children, even if they have gotten away from Him. The truth is, no amount of good saves us from judgment, it is only by our trusting Jesus Christ as our Savior that we are saved or rather made to endure suffering until Jesus comes to get us. “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” - Hebrews 10:36-39.

The wasting and desolation of the land upon the judgment of God was given because His people were living in the pleasures and corruption of the world, ignoring God's commands in pure rebellion. Through Isaiah, God reveals the day that Christ comes to reign in His Kingdom and the hope given to all those who received Him. “Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment. And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear shall hearken. The heart also of the rash shall understand knowledge, and the tongue of the stammerers shall be ready to speak plainly. And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;” - Isaiah 32:1-4,17,18.

It is the comfort of the faithful few that blessed times of righteousness and eternal rest are promised when Christ, who is the Prince of peace, shall come to reign on His throne. Even those who have put God on the back burner will find this peace. Why? Our faith in Christ saves us. God knows that the flesh is wretched, it is because we have this sinful flesh that God chose a different way for us to be saved from His judgment and that is through Jesus Christ. “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:10-13.

People ask me all the time, “How can God send people to hell?” God does not want to send anyone to hell, but the truth us only those who call upon the Lord shall be saved. You see, God will not force anyone to believe in and follow Him, we are all free to choose what we believe. That still does not change the fact that God, Christ, Satan, and hell exists just as much as we exist nor does it change the fact that Christ will return one day only for those who believe in Him. While He does not want to see anyone end up in hell, He will allow them to make that choice as well. “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;..The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:” - 2 Peter 2:4,9.

Today's Prayer: God, I know that Jesus will return and while I know I am saved only because I am trusting in my salvation through Your Son, I do not want to take advantage of that gift. I know that as long as I have Your Son with me I will be strong to handle all the trials of life, whether they are ones I caused myself or just something You allowed to bring me closer to You. Lord, lead me and guide me, help me to endure affliction, to always look to You, and seek the peace, comfort, and hope that only You can provide. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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07/27 The Deep Things of God

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 09:57:52 +0100

Date: Friday July 27, 2012
Today's Chapters: Isaiah 26-29
Message Title: The Deep Things of God

Hello My Friend,

Thousands of people preach about God's Word every day, the sad thing is that the majority of them have no clue as to what they are saying. Why and how is that possible? Three reasons, they are not saved and using their own wisdom to instruct them, they are not reading God's Word personally, or they are just going by what others who do not know God's Word are telling them. “Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” - 1 Corinthians 2:6-10.

Israel and their surrounding nations was about to face judgment from God, while we hear of the grim outcome of Israel and even the world we are given a bit of hope as God reveals that He will be with every one of His people. Isaiah encourages all to keep trusting God, who is our strength. “In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength: For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust.” - Isaiah 26:1-5.

The deep things of God brings trials and tribulation to the world, while God has nothing to do with them, it's much easier to blame Him than accept that people cause them themselves. While God would love to knock some sense in hardhearted, wicked people, He cannot, with all His power and might He cannot control a person no more than Satan can. A bulwark is a screen or shelter, it means protection and safety from danger. We never know when today will be our last day here on earth, but we can be at peace and know that God is always with us. “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” - 2 Corinthians 5:1,6-8.

When Jesus returns, vengeance is His, His sword, will be His voice, the force behind His voice is the Word of God, He will speak it and will destroy the power of death, who is Satan himself, that old serpent. “In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea. In that day sing ye unto her, A vineyard of red wine. I the LORD do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day. Fury is not in me: who would set the briers and thorns against me in battle? I would go through them, I would burn them together. Or let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me. He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.” - Isaiah 27:1-6.

The deep things of God reveal that not only will Israel finally accept Christ as King, so will all nations, all who believe in and receive Christ as their Savior will be reconciled with God and will, at last, become one nation under God. God's judgments are true and righteousness and while we may not understand them all we learn from them, that is if we endure them, reminding ourselves that it could be much worse. “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” - Hebrews 12:6-8,11.

The deep things of God not only reveal that He hides the truths of His Word to those who are determined to distort it, it also reveals the eternal life given to those who believe and receive Hjis truths as they are. “For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered. And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned. Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.” - Isaiah 29:10-14.

The Bible is a sealed book to everyone, saved or unsaved, until they begin to study it with a simple heart and a teachable spirit, which only comes when we surrender to the Holy Spirit. God is not going to entrust His precious Word to just anyone, one must believe and follow it to receive that honor. “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” - 1 Corinthians 4:1,2.

Today's Prayer: God, While we may not always understand Your ways, we can understand that You will be there for all who put their faith and trust in Your Son. Lord, I will admit that I will never understand the mind of people who are intent to destroy innocent lives, but I do not have to because I have You, who is my shelter, my protection, and my understanding. If I die today at least I know I get to be with You in heaven, but many cannot say that. I pray that you tender the hearts of those who are too proud to come to Your Son. I also pray for Your power and protection upon me and my family while I am here and help me to be a witness to all who need You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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