Bible Scripture Reading for Monday 31 January 2012

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 31 January 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "Fear God, Heed his Word"
Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 8:1-22
Today's Key Verse: Isaiah 8:10 "Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; Speak the word, but it will not stand, For God is with us."

In verse 1, Isaiah is commanded by God to take a great scroll and write on it.  The witnesses were needed to attest to the date and content of Isaiah's prediction that Syria and Israel, which had then invaded Judah, would soon be destroyed and that Assyria would then "sweep on into Judah".  Later, their testimony would establish that Isaiah had indeed predicted would would happen before the vents took place.

The "waters of Shiloh" refers to the waters of the pool of Siloam was was known for its healing power (John 9:7).  In verse 10, the words, "God is with us" are not the words spoken by Israel or Judah, but words Isaiah places in the mouth of the Assyrians!  In a stunning reversal, God is not with the armies of His people, but with the army of their most deadly enemy.  Yet these words should comfort the faithful in Judah, for they make it clear that God remains in control, even when disaster strikes.

The "tone of stumbling and...rock of offense" in verse 14 is quoted in Romans 9:33 and 1 Peter 2:8 as predicatively referring to Christ.  A "gin" is a trap.  Instead of finding asylum in the Lord, the unbelievers will stumble over Him in disbelief.  Fear of God is holding Him in awe; it's respecting God as One who is Living, all powerful, acting in our lives.  We need to always remember that God is always in control.  If we truly fear God, our respect for his power will free us from fear of constant dangers.  Truly Trust God and you will know peace.

"Familiar spirits" refers to witches, and "wizards" refers to male soothsayers.  "Peep and.....mutter" is better rendered "chirp and whisper."  In times of distress people often turn to witchcraft instead of God.  Isaiah here warns the people not to seek these mediums "for the living to the death," that is , "Do not consult the dead on behalf of the living."  

A godly fear of the Lord brings a sense of security.  A failure to fear God condemns men and women to panic when disaster comes.  Their desperate search for will be futile and they are doomed to "fearful gloom."  How ironic that those who reject God typically end blaming and cursing Him for their fate!    

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness.  Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sister in Christ who are persecuted for their Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ.  Pray also for God's Blessings and Peace be on the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma  in my life and you yell out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi

   

          

Bible Scripture Reading for Friday 27 January 2012

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 27 January 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "The Book of Immanuel"
Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 7:1-25
Today's Key Verse: Isaiah 7:14 "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel."

The Immanuel Prophecy from 7:1 thru 12:6 introduces the hope of the future in spite of pending judgment.  "Ahaz" rules Judah from 736 to 720 B.C.  He was an ungodly king who refused Isaiah's words of encouragement.  "Rezin" was the last "king of Syria" to reign in Damascus.  He was later killed by Tiglath-pileser of Assyria.  "Pekah" was the king of northern Israel from 740 to 732 B.C.  He usurped the throne by assassinating his predecessor, Pekahia, and was later murdered by his successor, Hoshea, the last king of Israel.  "Syria is confederate with Ephraim" refers to the fact that they formed an alliance against Ahaz to force him into an alliance with them against Assyria.  What Ahaz fears is an invasion of Judah by Syria and Israel.

Isaiah is sent by the Lord to warn Ahaz not to form an alliance with Assyria, but to trust God to rid the land of its enemies.  "Shear-jashub," Isaiah's son accompanied him to see the king Ahaz.  The invading kings are described as "smoking firebrands."  Isaiah predicts that the threatened invasion will not succeed and that within "threescore and five years" (65 years) the northern kingdom will fall into captivity.

Isaiah, as the spokesman for Yahweh, urges Ahaz to "ask thee for a sign." However, the king responded with a surprising pious ploy announcing that he "would not" ask for such a sign nor "tempt the Lord."  Isaiah announced that God Himself had chosen a miraculous sign addressed to the hose of David.  It was a prediction of hope: although Israel and Judah may b cut down, a Child shall spring forth as a Branch out of its roots.

In verse 14, "the Lord" here is "Adonai."  "Behold" is used to call attention to the unusual birth that is about to be announced.  A "virgin" is better read "the virgin."  Isaiah sees  the pregnant virgin about to bear a Son.  That this prophecy must refer to the virgin birth of Christ is obvious since the virgin is pregnant and still a virgin!  "Immanuel" is a symbolic name meaning, "God with Us."  He is the incarnate Son of God who is further pictured as the "Child-Prince."

"Butter and honey" is a reference to the best food.  The phrase indicates that the land will be so desolate of people that the best food is available to those who remain.  Though "Immanuel" would not be actually be here for many years to come, His infancy symbolizes the fact that Judah's present desolation will be short lived because her enemies will soon be rendered powerless.  Thus the prophecy has both immediate significance to Ahaz and ultimate significance to Ahaz to the line of David in predicting the virgin birth of the Messiah.

"The day that Ephraim departed from Judah" (verse 17), refers to the division of the kingdom between the northern and southern tribes after the death of Solomon in 931 B.C.  The "king of Assyria is named as the source of the coming destruction of northern Israel, which was fulfilled in 722 B.C.  The "fly" in verse 18 symbolizes Egypt, and the "bee" symbolizes Assyria.  Within two years after Isaiah's prediction, Syria fell to Assyria and Pekah no longer ruled Israel.  Within another 10 years, Israel (Ephraim) had fallen to Assyria.

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com to read Today's Bible Verse from John 14;1-3.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God Moe Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who are being persecuted for their Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ.  Also Pray for God's Blessings on the Nation of Israel. Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out "I CAN'T", GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

Your Sister In Christ,
Cindi           

Bible Scripture Reading for Tuesday 24 January 2012

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 24 January 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "Isaiah Called To Be A Prophet"
Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 6:1-13
Today's Key Verse: Isaiah 6:8: "Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: "Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me."

In Chapter 6, Isaiah recounts his original call to the prophetic ministry, dating it from the year that king Uzziah died, 740 B.C.  With the death of the ungodly Uzziah, Judah's golden age was fast slipping away.  No human leader appeared on the scene to reverse the decadence that had began during Uzziah's final years of isolation due to leprosy.  At this crucial hour, the prophets attention was turned to God Himself, the true Sovereign in affairs of men.  A "throne" refers to the throne of heaven.  "His train" refers to His royal robes.  "Seraphim" (burning ones) are six winged angelic creatures that continually fly in the presence of God, declaring His holiness. "Holy, holy, holy" is a threefold declaration of God's person and may be taken as a suggestion of the Trinity as we see in verse 8 when He uses the word "Us".

Isaiah's confession: Having seen God in the full glory of His holiness, Isaiah pronoinces the prophetic "Woe" upon himself.  This was a legal charge meaning "ruined" or "death."  His self evaluation was "I am undone" meaning, "to be dumb" or "silent."  Thus his responce was a statement of total self-condemnation: "I am dead...I am speechless!"  Recognizing that he has no legitimate excuse for himself, he further realizes that he is "unclean", "defiled" or "polluted."  This self-evaluation is made in ligt of the fact that he has seen "The King, the LORD of hosts."  The heavenly King is identified as "Yahweh" Himself, who is called "LORD of hosts" 62 times in the Book of Isaiah and 261 times throughout the Old Tesyament

Isaiah's Consecration: Isaiah's confession of his personal sin brought the response of God's cleansing to equip him for service to the Lord.  The "altar" was the place of blood sacrifice, called by later rabbinic writers the "paraclete, or place of expiation or intercession.  The "coal" has no redemptive ability of its own but is symbolic of the efficacy of burnt offering consumed on the altar. Thus Isaiah sin was "purged" or "cleansed."

In verse 8 God ask the question, "Whom shall I send?"  God knew the answer and had alraedy chosen Isaiah.  But the question provided Isiah with the opportunity to volunteer.  God values our service, but more than anything we can do, He values our willingness.  Just as God protected Isaiah's freeedom of choice by asking rather than commanding, so He protects His own today.  Our resoibse as Christians today to being forgiven is to eagerly offer our service.  But the Lord will not force you to serve Him, we must volunteer.

Isaiah's Commission: God warns Isaiah that his ministry, for the most part, will fall upon deaf ears.  Isaiah's fellow countrymen will not heed his preaching.  When he ask how long they will be unresponsive, Isaiah's told that generation will follow generation "until the cities lies runied."  God's Word always has an impact, whether it is accepted or rejected.  Yet Isaiah's mission to Judah would only seem to fail. After God's judgment on Judah, new life would spring up, as young twigs struggle up out of seemingly dead stumps.  We as Christians should not be discouraged even when the results are truly discouraging.  

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from Genesis 1:26.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who are being persecuted for their Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ.  Pray also for God's Blessings on the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T", GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

"You are my hiding place; You shall perserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance." Psalm 32:7

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi

Bible Scripture Reading for Friday 13 January 2012

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 13 January 2101"

Today's Blog Title: "God's disappointing Vineyard"
Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 5:1-30
Today's Key Verse: Isaiah 5:4 "What more could have been done to my vineyard.  That I have not done in in?  Why then, when I expected it to bring forth good grapes, Did it bring forth wild grapes?"

The clearest expression of this metaphor in this chapter in the Bible is found in Galatians 5:22-23, which identifies the fruit God's Spirit produces in the Christian life as "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self control."  This parallel in Isaiah is clear, God looked for his people to produce the fruit of justice and righteousness, but instead the society was marked by injustice and crime.

Chapter 5 opens with what has been called "The Song of the Vineyard (verses 5:1-7).  Israel is frequently spoken of as a vine in the Old Testament (Psalm 80:8,14, 15; Jeremiah 2:21; Hosea 10:1; Zechariah 3:10).  God is the keeper of the vineyard who nurtures and protects His people.  Yet despite God's loving care, the covenant community continued to produce the bitter fruit of sin rather than the pleasing products of righteousness.  Jesus provides prospective when He calls Himself the "true vine" (John 15:1), reminding us that only through an intimate personal relationship with Him can any human being produce the fruit God desires.

It is a mournful song indeed, as God laments the necessary abandonment of the "garden of His delight," the people He cared for so patiently.  The image of a well kept but now abandoned vineyard forcefully drives home the lesson that no generation that produces bloodshed rather than justice can expect to survive.

Isaiah then lists a series of woes, formal announcements of impending judgments, on the wicked who monopolize land ownership (verses 8-10), live profligate lives (verses 11-17), make evil their life's work (verses 18-20), distort good and evil (verse 20), are self important (verse 21), and corrupt justice (verses 22-25).

In verse 8 God distributed the Holy land in small parcels so every family would have a homestead.  For some to have so much at the expense of others who have less and less is a great and terrible social injustice.

"Wine" or "strong drink" is often associated with joyful occasions.  Yet the Old Testament bluntly condemns both drunkenness and love of drink (Proverbs 20:1; 21:17; 23:20-21), and the New Testament views alcohol abuse as a characteristic of a pagan rather than a Christian lifestyle (Ephesians 5:18; 1 Peter 4:3).

We now read in verses 26-30 that God's anger burns against such wickedness and He will bring foreign armies into Judah to judge them.  God will raise an "ensign" (banner) and will "hiss" (whistle) at the nations to come and do His bidding.  The clouds at the end of verse 30  symbolize the coming judgment against Judah.

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, as we as Christians walk in the footsteps of Jesus, may our works, our actions and our words bring glory to Your name.  May we spread the Good News of the free gift of salvation that comes through Jesus Christ.  Holy Spirit prune us and shapen us that we might bring much fruit into tour everlasting kingdom.  Amen

Today's Biblical Truth: "Those who pervert God's evaluation of what is called good by calling evil good are heading down a dangerous path--one that leads to judgment."

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness.  Love God More Today. Pray for our Brothers and Sisters who are being persecuted for the Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ.  Pray also for God's Blessings on the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T,"  GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

"But You, O Lord, shall endure forever, And the remembrance of Your name to all generations."

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi 

Bible Scripture Reading for Tuesday 10 January 2012

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 10 January 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "Jerusalem's Glorious Future"
Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 4:1-6
Today's Key Verse: Isaiah 4:2 "In that day the Branch of the LORD shall be beautiful and glorious; And the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and appealing For those of Israel who have escaped."

Verse 1 serves as a summary of the preceding chapter.  As a result of the coming devastation of the land, "seven women shall take hold of one man," means that the male population will be so devastated that there will be seven women for every surviving male.

"The branch of the Lord," is the Messiah Himself.  This same title is used in Jeremiah 23:5, 33:15, and Zechariah 3:8 and 6:12.  Thus in the midst of his warning of judgment, Isaiah reveals a glorious promise of the the future hope of the coming of the Messiah.  He sees ahead to the millennial kingdom when once again the "cloud" of glory shall rule them by day and the pillar of "fire" shall  lead them by night.   

The prophecy of Zion's restoration has three parts: (1) the branch of the Lord shall be glorious (verse 2); (2) the remnant shall be sanctified (verses 3-4); (3) the Lord will provide protective covering over Mt Zion (verses 5-6).

Through the processes of a purging fire, which outwardly consumes the faithless and inwardly purifies the faithful, God will produce a holy city.  Over the cloud and smoke on each dwelling will be the overshadowing tabernacle, symbolizing God's protection of and communion with His people. (Psalm 91:1; Revelation 21:3.)

Today's Hymn: "Glorious Day"

One day when heaven was filled with His praises, One day whne sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin, dwell amont men, my example is He
Word became flesh and the light shined among us, His glory revealed
Living He loved me, Dying He saved me, Buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified, freely forever, One day He's coming, Oh Glorious Day, Oh Glorious Day

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, how we as Christians look forward to your Second Coming when You shall being the New Heaven and the New Earth.  Thank you Jesus for the power over the enemy who seeks our souls.  How thankful we are that once we have given our life to You, that there is absolutely NOTHING that can ever pluck us out of Your hands.  May we live our life's in praising and glorifying Your name which is ABOVE every NAME." Amen
 
Today's Biblical Truth: "Create is something only God can do."

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from Psalms 48:9 and Psalm 37:4. 

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who are being persecuted for their Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ.  Pray also for God's Blessings on the Nation of Israel . Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T", GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

"Blessed are they they keep his testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart."

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi

Bible Scripture Reading for Monday 9 January 2012

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 9 January 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "Judgment on Judah and Jerusalem"
Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 3:1-26
Today's Key Verse: Isaiah 3:15 "What do you mean by crushing My people And grinding the faces of the poor?" Says the Lord God of hosts."

In Today's Scripture Reading the prophet Isaiah denounces the private sins of the upper class of Judah by warning then that God will take away their leaders and replace them with incompetent ones.  Here again we see Isaiah's gift for powerful imagery.  In the Hebrew society, age was associated with wisdom.  To have boys as officials implies immature leadership sure to make foolish decisions and lead the nation to to disaster.  This prophecy was literally fulfilled when Manasseh at age 12 began his long and wicked rule, which would eventually led to Judah's downfall

The "look on their countenance" means "the look of their faces."  Their guilty faces clearly revealed their sinful hearts.  "Children are their oppressors, and women rule over them," indicates the utter failure of male leadership in their society.  

The oracle against Judah's leaders is in three parts: (1) an affirmation that God repays good and evil (verses 10-11); (2) an accusation that Israel's leaders were leading the people astray (verse 12); (3) a divine lawsuit against the leaders for exploiting their subjects (verses 13-15).  We as Christians who have been righteous can have confidence, that we will surely be rewarded for the good that we do in the Name of Christ.

In the prophets, frequent courtroom images are found.  In verses 13-14, God is viewed here pressing formal charges against sinners.  Here the accused are the leaders who have exploited rather than cared for the poor, who share God's special concern.

In verses 16-26 the Prophet Isaiah condemns the arrogant and fashionable women of Jerusalem for being more interested in the latest fads of fashion that the spiritual well being of the nation.  They are described as haughty, proud, and wanton.  They walk with heads held high and with mincing steps, tinkling the bangles on their feet; they have flashing, seductive eyes.  They have headbands, crescent ornaments, veils, festal robes, tunics, clocks and mirrors.  Isiah predicts that the women of Judah will cease to delight in these feminine accessories and will perish with the men of Judah.  

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, may we as Christians as we go about our everyday lives here on this our temporary home not be caught up in the hustle and bustle of this materialist world and forget to the poor and those that need our help.  May we always remember the last command that you gave to Your disciples, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."   Amen

Today's Biblical Truth: "The demonic forces shudder when we as Christians pray in the Name of "JESUS."

Clink on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from Deuteronomy 6:4-5.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sisters who are being persecuted for their Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ.  Pray also for God's Blessings on the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T",  GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

"With thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God. And the peace of God..shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi

Bible Scripture Reading for Friday 6 January 2012

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 6 January 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "The Day of the Lord"
Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 2:1-22
Today's Key Verse: Isaiah 2:4 "He shall judge between the Nations, And rebuke many people; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore."

Wow!!! What a day that is going to be when Jesus Christ Himself will direct the affairs of nations during His millennial kingdom.   On that glorious day there will be an end to all weapons, an end to all warfare because of the reign of the Prince of Peace, the Savior King whose name is Jesus.

Although Israel was God's chosen people, salvation's blessings are intended for all.  This great truth is powerfully affirmed by Isaiah.  In verses 2-5 he envisions Jerusalem as the capital of the whole Earth, with the nations eager to learn and walk in God's ways.  When God reigns from Jerusalem the world will be at peace, and the Lord Himself will settle international disputes.

In verses 1-5 shows that God had intended the knowledge of the Lord to flow out from Judah.  Instead paganism, with its corrupt values and its idolatry, has flowed into Judah from foreign nations!  What a danger this is for us today.  We as Christians are to shed light on a dark world, not adopt the world's values and its ways.

Isaiah predicted that in the day of the Lord, the Lord alone would be exalted.  Isaiah warns his listeners to "run for cover" because of the coming judgment of the Day of the LORD.  This will be the time of universal judgment that will result in the overthrow of all human government.  Since this day of judgment is coming, when all human governments shall collapse into the dust, Isaiah stresses and urges his readers to trust in God.

Isaiah predicted that in the Day of the Lord, the Lord alone would be exalted.  The oracle is in three parts: (1) an introduction command to the proud to hide themselves from the terror of the Lord (verses 10, 11); (2) a prediction that in the Day of the Lord every pretension would be humbled (verses 12-18); (3) a concluding command to the righteous to separate themselves from the proud (verse 22).

In closing we need to remember that since God will reject proud idolaters, we as believers should also reject them.  How absolutely ridiculous to trust in something that will not last, is made by mans hands, whose breath is in his nostrils, instead of trusting in the One who gives everyone breath.   

Today's Hymn: "It Is No Secret What God Can Do"

The chimes of time ring out the news, another day is through, Some one slipped and fell. Was that someone you?
You may have longed for added strength, your courage to renew. Don't be discouraged, I have news for you
It's no secret what God can do, what he's done for others He'll do for you, 
With arms wide open, He'll pardon you, it is no secret what God can do.

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, how we are Your children look froward to when You will bring your kingdom and You will rule.  Where there will be no more war, no more suffering, no more tears.    Help us our endeavor to win others to You and to keep our eyes, hearts and minds focused on you and may we like the John in Revelation say, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus."       Amen

Today's Biblical Truth: "Prayer is the weapons that Satan fears the most."

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from John 17:16-19.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness.
Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who are being persecuted for their Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ.  Pray for God's Blessings on the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

"Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him." Proverbs 30:5

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi   

Bible Scripture Reading Tuesday 3 January 2012

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 3 January 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "Red As Scarlett, White As Snow"
Today Scripture Reading: Isaiah 1:1-31
Today's Key Verse: Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are like Scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool."

CHAPTER 1 SUMMARY

Little is known about the prophet Isaiah, but his striking literary gifts suggest upper class birth and education.  Isaiah pictures the southern kingdom of Judah as ungrateful children rebelling against their parents.   Verses 2-4 serve as a "great arraignment" of the chosen people., who have become corrupt and backslidden. The prophet calls them back to obedience to God.  "The Holy One of Israel," is Isaiah's favorite designation for God.  It appears 25 times throughout the Book of Isaiah. 

The nation of Judah is described after a severe beating and is not merely ill.  The desolation described was familiar to the prophet, who lived through several invasions in his lifetime.  Isaiah pictures the nation of Judah as having suffered a brutal assault and being virtually left for dead. The very small remnant refers to the true believers for whose sakes God would yet spare the land. 

Isaiah addressed the people of Judah as if they were the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah. His criticism of their hypocritical religion should not be taken as a reflection of the divinely ordained sacrificial system. Rather it is a condemnation of their superficial worship.  The nation of Judah was merely going through the ritual of religion with no real heart for God.  Vain oblations are worthless offerings.  The very prayers of the unrepentant will be rejected even today as it was in the day of Isaiah.

The prophets appeal to come and reason together reveals God's gracious invitation to all men.  Scarlet and crimson were shades of red drawn from the same source, the crushed body of an insect.  Isaiah chose the image not because of the color, but because this was the most securely fixed dye then known.  Nothing could remove that color from cloth.  Isaiah thus says God can do the impossible and that He stands ready to cleanse and forgive all who will turn to Him.

The concluding verses of Chapter 1  is supplementary to the rest of the Chapter. It looks forward to the millennial kingdom when Jerusalem will again be restored as God's faithful city. In verse 24 it uses three different divine names for God: (1) Lord (Adon) (2) LORD (Yahweh) (3) Mighty One of Israel (Abir Yisrea'el). In closing spiritual sickness (sin) can be healed only by forgiveness and a restored relationship with the Lord.  

Today's Hymn: "Jesus Paid it All" (verse 1)

I hear the Savior say, "thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me, thine all in all."
Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, as we begin a study of the Book of Isaiah, I pray that you will open the minds, hearts, and eyes whoever reads these Words from Your Holy Word,
whether they be in the United States, or in another Country.  If Father there is anyone who does not know You as the Only True, Living, and Almighty God it is my sincere prayer that they will come to You for that forgiving Grace and that there sins be as scarlet and though they be red like crimson they shall be white like snow and shall be as wool.  Thank you Jesus for shedding Your blood on the Cross of Calvary that washes us of all our sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness.       Amen

Today's Biblical Truth: "God can forgive us, based on the payment for sin, in the death of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 

Clink on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from Philippians
4:8-9.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord Our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sisters who are being persecuted for their Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ.  Also Pray God's Blessings on the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T,"  GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

"The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows his handiwork." Psalm 19:1

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi


      

Bible Scripture Reading for Monday 2 January 2012

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 2 January 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "Introduction Into the Book Of Isaiah"

Isaiah stands at the peak of the Old Testament as the literary genius of the prophets of Israel.  His Book has more chapters than any other prophetic book and looks further into the future than any other Old Testament Book.  This amazing book includes Isaiah's unique prophecies regarding Immanuel and the Suffering Servant.

The prophet Isaiah was a man on a mission.  The Lord had shown him a glimpse of His glorious throne and placed a call on his life.  As a prophet, he spoke God's words. For the most part, these were words of confrontation, exhortation, and warning, word that made him extremely unpopular.  But even when he faced opposition, Isaiah continued to stand up for the truth.  The Lord had called him yo warn the people of their headlong rush into disaster. 

Isaiah is a towering book of prophecy and is one of the most beautiful and significant of the Old Testament Books.  Its messages of judgement are balanced by matchless words of comfort and hope.  Its vision of the savior is the most moving as well as the clearest of all Old Testament portraits.

One of the Book's greatest  values is found in its unforgettable images of God.  Isaiah's distinctive Title for God, "The Holy One of Israel," is used 25 times and it captures something of the majestic glory with which God is displayed.  He is Creator, King, and savior for His people, the "Mighty God"who send His Servant, the Messiah, to rescue them at a terrible personal cost. Isaiah 53's graphic study of the Servant's suffering is an unmistakably distinct portrait of Calvary, penned some 700 years before the birth of Jesus. 

Isaiah lived and ministered in Judah, then a country reduced in size by the military pressure from Assyria.  Yet in a real way Isaiah dwells in glory and views all things from a heavenly perspective.  Isaiah's viewpoint  was indelibly impressed on him, by a vision in Chapter 6.

The prophet, then a young man, finds himself in the Presence of God. Overcome by God's glory, and deeply aware of his own sinfulness, Isaiah crumbles, only to be cleaned by fire from the temple alter and told his guilt has been taken away and his sin atoned for. When Isaiah hears God ask, "Whom shall I send?" (6:8), he eagerly volunteers to serve as God's messenger.  Isiah is warned that the people of Judah will not heed him and that in the end their houses will be left empty and their fields will become a wasteland.  Yet throughout his long life, Isaiah will never lose sight of God, "seated on a throne, high and exalted" (6:1).  Isaiah will never forget the echoing cry of the angels around God's throne. "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory" (6:3).

As we begin a tour of Isaiah, may we as Isaiah say to the Lord, "Here I Am Lord, Send me!"  As we go into the well written Book, may we as Christians look beyond the present, to remain aware of God, and to be confident in the future that our Almighty God is shaping in accordance to His Will, and His timetable.

KEY PASSAGES IN THE BOOK OF ISAIAH

Isaiah's Call: (Isaiah 6) The prophet is cleansed and commissioned to speak God's Word to a people unwilling to listen.
A promise of Peace: (Isaiah 11) A descendant of David will bring world peace.
A Word of Comfort: (Isaiah 40) God, the Sovereign Lord, is our hope.
God Delivers: (Isaiah 40-48) Trust in God Brings National Deliverance.
The Futility of Idolatry: (Isaiah 44) Trust only in the living God
The Suffering Servant: (Isaiah 53) Scriptures most vivid picture of the Cross and and its       
 meaning, written 700 years before the birth of Christ
The World to Come: (Isaiah 65:17-25) Under God's future rule, man and nature at last find
blessing and rest

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi