Bible Scripture Reading for Friday 24 February 2012

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

Today's Blog Title: "Proclamation against Ethiopia"
Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 18:1-7
Today's Key Verse: Isaiah 18:3 "All inhabitants of the world and dwellers on the earth: When He lifts up a hammer on the mountains, you will see it; And when He blows it a trumpet, you hear it."

In today's chapter the prophet Isaiah turns his attention to Ethiopia and he pronounces "Woe" on the  land of Ethiopia (Cush), which rose to such power that it overran all of Egypt in 715 B.C.

Ethiopia, which is called Cush in the Bible, was the southern end of Israel's world.  A Cushite dynasty took over Egypt in 715 B.C. and would probably sent ambassadors to Jerusalem.  Cush may have been a Hebrew term for black African people. The sea in verse 2 refers to the Nile River from which small rivers branched. 

In Isaiah 11:10,12 we see that the word  banner is used for "salvation." the word banner in verse 3 refers to God's "judgment."

The figure of God working in "rest" speaks of His indescibable power and unlimited sovereignty.  Our Almighty God is always steady in is work.  His judgment will be felt "like clear heat in sunshine."  God's judgment will be so severe and extensive that the carcasses of His victims will be devoured in the "summer" and "winter."

You will note in this last verse of this chapter how closely the Lord identifies Mount Zion.  This was the one place for the true worship of the Living God.

Clink on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.

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 Youcef Nadarkhani the Iranian pastor who who been sentenced to death for his not renouncing his Faith and trust in Jesus Christ.  Pray also for God's Peace and Blessings on the Nation of Israel. Always remember that when you have a spititual dilemma in you life and you yell out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN." 

"For Your mercy is great above the heavens, And Your truth reaches to the clouds." Psalm 108:4

Jesus Reigns, and He is ALWAYS in CONTROL
Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi



     


  

Bible Scripture Reading for Thursday 23 February 2012

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 23 February 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "Proclamation Against Syria and Israel"
Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 17:1-14
Today's Key Verse: Isaiah 17:7 "In that day a man will look to his Maker, And his eyes will have respect for the Holy One of Israel."

The burden against Damascus refers to the capital city of Syria.  This chapter is comtemporaneous with chapter 7 and predicts the downfall of the coalition between Syria and Ephraim.  Damascus was destroyed by Assyria in 732 B.C. which was a fullment of this prophecy.

The oracle against Damascus in 17:1 through 18:7 falls into seven sections. (1) an editorial superscription (17:1); (2) the desolate ruin of Damascus (17:2-3); (3) the ruin of Israel, which is left only a remnant (17:4-6); (4) the anticpation that in the future, people will trust Israel's God (17:7-8); (5) the accusation that Damascus replaced God with pagan deities (17:9-11); (6) a proclamination of doom upon the nations "who plunder us" (17:12-14); (7) a prediction that a powerful nation will bring tribute to the Lord (18:1-7).

In verses 1 and 2 where people once lived. conditions would be suitable only for flocks.  Since Damascus the capital of Syria, was allied with Ephraim, the oracle of God's judgment was against both nations.

The nation of Syria would be "harvested" of its people.  The word "Rephaim" is the Hebrew word for "shades" or "ghosts."  Thus the Valley of Rephaim is the Valley of Death.  There would be a remnant left but it would be pitifully small.  The verb translated "look" in verse 7 means "to look with interest" or "to look with favor."

Altars in verse 8 refers to pagan worship.  Asherah was represented by wooden images, which were part of the sexual cults of Baal worship among the Canaanite peoples.  In that day his strong cities will become as fragile as a little branch.

The northern kingdom had committed the very sin that God warned then not to: They had forgotten God who had saved them from slavery.  The lanugage here recalls the first Exodus; the Lord is called "the God of your salvation" and "the Rock."

"Make your plant to grow" alludes to the ancient practice of force-blooming potted plants and allowing them to die.  The pagans believed that this reenactment of the life cycle would secure fertile fields.  But even after preforming this rite, "the harvest" would be in ruin.  Just as the choice vines of the Lord's vineyard disapointed Him, so His errant people would find their harvest hopes shattered.

"Many people" refers to the nations that will plunder Israel and the "seas and mighty waters" speak of chaos and death.  "Chaff" which lacks life, value, and stability, was threshed and winnowed on windy "mountains" or "hilltops."  When God judges the unrelenting, roaring seas, the nation that plundered God'd people, they will become mere tumbleweed "rolling" before the "whirlwind" of God's judgment.  In 17:14 the army would be destroyed between "eventide" and "morning." Isaiah identifies himself with his plundered people.

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 Peace and Blessings be 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 Monday 20 February 2012

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 20 February 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "Moab Destroyed"
Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 16:1-14
Today's Key Verse: Isaiah 16:14 "But now the Lord has spoken, saying, "Within three years, as the years of a hired man, the glory of Moab will be despised with all that great multitude, and the remnant will be very small and feeble."

Moab's only hope is in making peace with Judah.  "Send ye the lamb" means they must pay tribute to the Davidic dynasty.  "Sela" refers to Petra, the capital of Edom which was carved out of the rocks and served as a natural hiding place.  "Let mine outcasts dwell with thee" seems to be referring to Israel's fleeing to Petra during the last days to escape the invasion from the north (which was predicted in Ezekiel 38 and 39).  The reference to one sitting on the "throne" in the "tabernacle of David" would seem to place this passage in a millennial context.  Moab's salvation ultimately lies in the coming One, Jesus Christ the Messiah, whose throne will be established.

In verse 6 we see the word "pride." The Bible tells us that pride is what was downfall of Lucifer, who thought that even though he was a created being, he considered himself to be above His Creator and was casted out of heaven and there on this planet, he caused the downfall of sinful man, and become the god of this world for now.  "Pride" is a regular target of the Lord's judgment.

In verse 8 "vine" is a figure of speech for Moab.  In Isaiah 5:1-7, we can read about Israel's description as a vine.  The "sea" in this verse, would probably refer to the Dead Sea, because it was the nearest large body of water to Moab.

The people of Moab would come to the sanctuary to pray but it would be of no avail for as long as they worshiped false gods, they would be doomed to pain, judgment and recurring trouble.

In Isaiah 15:11 there is a prophecy against Moab that would was realized 3 years later.  However a remnant would remain (Isaiah 15:9).  Moab had far more hope of Salvation than did either Babylon or Philistia.

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from Exodus 33:14.

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. Also Pray for God's Peace and 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."

Remember that JESUS REIGNS and that He is ALWAYS in TOTAL CONTROL.
Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi 



  

Bible Scripture Reading for Wednesday 15 February 2012

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 15 February 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "Proclamation Against Moab"
Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 15:1-9
Today's Key Verse: Isaiah 15:3 "In their streets they will clothe themselves with sackcloth; On the top of their houses and in their streets, Everyone will wail, weeping bitterly."

In Genesis 19:30-38 we read about Lot and his daughters and the origin of the people of Moab. In Verse 1 we are told that Ar and Kir were cities of Moab.  The high places were sites of pagan worship and the weeping and wailing refers to the mourning over the destruction of the cities of Moab.  Baldness and having one's beard beard cut off were aspects of a mourning ritual as well as sackcloth and weeping part of the Middle Eastern mourning rites.

The weeping and wailing would extend even to the soldiers who were hardened fighting men.  In verse 5 "My heart" refers to Isaiah who felt sympathy for Moab.  The city of Moab was a southwestern border city of Moab on the south side of the Dead Sea.  Because of the numerous refugees the waters and the green grass of the oasis would not survive.

The refugees from Moab were fleeing one tragedy after another in their flight southwest, they turned to Judah in the west for asylum.  As would be the case with Israel in Isaiah 1:9; 6:13; 10:20; and 11:16, but not the case with Assyria (Isaiah 14:22), and Philistia (14:30).  In the close of the chapter 15 it tells us that "a remnant would survive in Moab."

Clink on the link at www.cindi-davis.blotspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from Romans 5:19.

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 also for God's Peace and 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."

Yours in Christ,
Cindi

  

Bible Scripture Reading for Monday 13 Febreuary 2012

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 13 February 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "The Fall of Lucifer"
Today's Scripture Reading: "Isaiah 14:1-32
Today's Key Verse: Isiah 14:12 "How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations!"

Verses 1-11 of Isaiah 14 is a song of triumph over Babylon.  The nation that will one day send Judah into captivity will herself be severely judged by God.  In spite of this displeasure with Israel, there is coming a time when He will have "mercy on Jacob" and will choose "Israel."  This refers to Israel's future restoration in her "own land."  "Hell" (Sheol) is the Old Testaments name for the abode of the dead, a fiery place of judgment for the unrighteous.  In this "proverb" used here, the king of Babylon is viewed as being welcomed into hell by the "kings of the nations" (Gentiles), who are astonished that he has become "weak as we."

Verses 12-23 deal with the downfall of Lucifer.  We as Christians have been fascinated with these verses.  We see a shift from the first 11 verses a shift in focus from proud Babylon to an even more arrogant being, Satan.

Certainly reference to Satan is indirect if present, but Christ in Luke 10:18 applies language used in verse 12 to Satan.  It is not at all unusual for the prophets to see in the pride of pagan rulers an arrogance which reflects satanic principles, even David and certain kings of his line reflect qualities found in Christ.

In these verses we have a unique insight into the essence of Satan's original fall.  The five vaunting "I will" statements in verses 13-14 reveal a twisted passion of the creature to replace the Creator as Lord.  But the arrogant effort to rise higher than God leads only to a devastating fall.  Isaiah pictures the ruler cast down to the depths, a pitiful creature now and an object of wonder that any might have feared at all.

There are several lessons for us in these verses. First, pride does as the saying goes. "lead to a fall."  When you put "I" on the throne of life rather than the Lord, then we too are doomed to failure and disappointment.  Perhaps this kind of attitude is the ultimate source of evil, first in the universe and surely in our lives.  We need to be sure to walk humbly with our God.

Second, it reminds us that Satan is a fallen, and now defeated, foe (Thank You Jesus).  Satan may be mighty now, but God's power is absolute.

In verses 24-32 Isaiah ends chapter 14 when he turns his attention to the Assyrians.  He promises that God will "break" the Assyrians "upon my mountains.  The promise was later fulfilled during the prophet's own lifetime when the Assyrian army was struck by the Angel of the Lord (Isaiah 37:36). 

In verse 28 we are told that King Ahaz dies (720 B.C.).  Then the oracle against Philistia falls roughly into two cycles: (1) the annihilation of the Philistines and the preservation of God's poor and needy (verses 29 and 30).  (2) the destruction of Philistine cities and the founding of Zion (verses 31 and 32).  The destruction of Philistia would leave no refuge for the Philistines.  The only place they could go to be saved would be Jerusalem, the city built by God.  That would be the place to which the poor of all nations could come, becoming God's "people" (Psalms 87).

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from James 4:5-10. 

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 Peace and Blessing be 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 Friday 10 February 2012

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

Today's Blog Title: "The Doom of Babylon Predicted"
Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 13:1-22
Today's Key Verse: Isaiah 13:I will punish the world for its evil, And the wicked for their iniquity; I will halt the arrogance of the proud, And will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible."

In Verses 1-5 of Isaiah 13 deals with Isaiah's prophecy concerning the message of God's Judgment against Israel's neighbors.  The prophet's message of judgment begins with the word "burden", which also may be rendered "oracle."  The fact that Isaiah "did" see these events indicates that He saw them in a vision as though they were actually happening.  The prophet's first message was delivered against Babylon, the very nation that would eventually carry Judah into captivity.  "Sanctified ones" and 'mighty ones" are the armies of Med-Persia, which God will rise up against Babylon to fulfill His purpose.

In Verses 6-18, Isaiah reference to the 'day of the Lord" is both immediate full of words of judgment and promise. with the darker side of the future emphasized.  The "destruction" that he has immediately in view is the fall of Babylon in 539 B.C.  But here he also saw the ultimate fall of 'Babylon in the last days (Revelation 14:18).  The Medes are named in advance in verse 17, since they rose to power before the Persians.

In verse 19-22, Isiah closes this chapter by predicting that Babylon will be destroyed and never be rebuilt.  Instead it will remain desolate and "shall never be inhabited."  The reference to wild beast should be taken literally and not interpreted as demons.  "Owls, satyrs, and dragons" are better rendered ostriches, wild goats, and jackals.

Clink on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from 2 Timothy 2:1.

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 Peace and Blessings on the nation of Israel.  Always remember that hen have a spiritual dilemma in you life and you yell out "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

"Let the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi
     

Bible Scripture Reading for Wednesday 8 february 2012

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 8 February 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "A Hymn of Praise"
Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 12:1-6
Today's Key Verse: Isaiah 12:2 "behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation."

This chapter is a song of triumphant and serves as a climax and doxology to the Immanuel prophecy (Isaiah 7:1-12:6).  "I will praise thee" is an imperfect verb expressing continual action.  "Behold, God is my salvation" literally means, "My salvation is God Himself!"

"The Lord JEHOVAH" is our "strength, song, and salvation."  The expression is similar to the song of deliverance sung by the people of Israel when they crossed the Red Sea (Exodus 15:12).  John 4:14 is reminiscent of the "water out of the wells of salvation."  "Excellent things" are majestic things.  

As in the Psalms, this hymn uses several terms for the praise of God.  "Praise" means "to give public acknowledgment" or "to declare aloud in public." "Call upon His name" may be rephrased as "proclaim in His name."  "Declare" means "to cause to remember."  Each of these verbs designates public, vocal acknowledgment of the wonders and works of God.

These great things are to be preached to the whole world and sung and shouted aloud, "for great is the Holy One of Israel".  With beautiful imagery, Isaiah closes this section of prophecy with a triumphal doxology of praise.

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.  Also Pray for God's Peace and Blessings be with 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    

God's Words of Wisdom from the Bible for 7 February 2012

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 7 February 2012" 

Today's Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:18-19 "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent."

The word "fool" or "foolish" indicates those who look at reality with distorted perspective, typically because they fail to take God into account.

The message of the Cross is the gospel, the Good News about Christ's death and resurrection for our sins.  The gospel penetrates to the core of self centerness.  For those who exalt self, the message sounds absurd.  But for those who bow humbly in faith, it becomes the power that is able to take us from death and gives us eternal life.

We as Christians, must hold to the central reality of our faith, Christ, for He is the source of all our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

Today's Hymn: "Christ Liveth In Me"

As rays of light from yonder sun, the flowers of earth set free
So life and light and love come forth, from Christ living in me
Oh! What a salvation this, that Christ liveth in me

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, than you that because of the Cross, and because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we as believers have been released from the death penalty that we deserve, and have been given Eternal Life through You.   Amen

Today's Biblical Truth: "Real Praise is not half hearted; it involves one's whole being."

Click on the link at www.cindidavis.blogspot.com for Scripture Reading from Isaiah 11 which is Titled: "The Reign of Jesse's Offspring."

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 Peace and Blessings be 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."

"Uphold my steps in Your paths, That my footsteps may not slip." Psalm 17:5

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi

Bible Scripture Redaing for Monday 6 February 2012

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

Today's Blog Title: "The Reign of Jesse's Offspring"
Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 11:1-16
Today's Key Verse: Isaiah 11:10 "And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; For the Gentiles should seek Him, And His resting place shall be glorious."

The millennial reign of Christ is described in verses 11:1-12:6.  The time on the Messiah's coming was undoubtedly a puzzle in the Old Testament time.  In this section the prophet indicates that His coming is yet in the distant future.  Isaiah predicts that the "tree" of the line of David will be cut down and that a shoot must grow out of the stock of Jesse before it will flourish again.  He predicts that a rod ("shoot" or "sprout") will come forth from the stem ("root" or "stump") of Jesse (David's father and forefather of the Davidic line).  "Branch" is used in paralled with rod.

The Branch is personalized in verse 2 as the Messiah Himself.  "The spirit of the LORD" refers to the seven fold Spirit of God (Revelation 4:5) described here in relation to His seven attributes.  The words for "counsel" and "might" are the same that were used is Isaiah 9:6 to describe the divine Child.  Because the Spirit of God is upon Him, the Messiah will not "judge after the sight of His eyes," for He will have true spiritual vision and judge the poor with "righteousness." He will rule the earth with the "rod of His mouth," the power of His spoken word, by which He will slay the wicked with His "breath" (Revelation 19:15).

Peace and harmony will characterize the Messiah's kingdom. Ravenous predatory animals--"wolf", "leopard", "lion" and "bear"--are set in deliberate contrast to the more defenseless "lamb", "kid", "calf", "cow", and "ox."  That the "lion shall eat straw"implies a change of diet.  Even the "asp" and "snakes" will be harmless to a small child.  Isaiah see the Messiah ruling the world in righteousness and a peace that extends even to the animal kingdom.  During the restoration of Judah to a time when the Messiah will rule the entire world.

In verse 10, the Messiah is again referred to as a "root" of Jesse as in verse 1.  He is clearly Jewish, for He will "stand for an ensign of the people.  Yet Isaiah goes on to say that this manner the Gentiles seek.  Thus Isaiah is predicting a time when salvation will come to the Gentiles as well as the Jews.

The prophet foresees a time when the hostile enemies of Israel will be at peace with her during the millennial kingdom.  "Assyria" to the north and "Egypt" to the south are especically in view as are "Pathroa" in upper Egypt, "Cush" (Ethiopia), "Elam" (the Persian Gulf), "Shinar" (Babylon), and "Hamath" (on the Orontes River in Syria).  The "highway" in verse 16, symbolizes the certainty of the return for no obstacles would hinder the Lord's returning exiles. 

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 Peace and Blessings be on the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell our, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

"Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid, For Yah, the LORD, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation." Isaiah 12:2 

Your sister in Christ,
Cindi           

Bible Scripture Reading for Saturday 4 February 2012

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 4 February 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "Arrogant Assyria Also Judged"
Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 10:1-34
Today's Key Verse: Isaiah 10:5 "Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger And the staff in whose hand is My indignation."

A prophetic "Woe" is pronounced against those administrators who perverted justice.  These government officials have abused their power and are now called to God's bar of justice.  God's sovereign power enables Him to use His people's enemies to accomplish His purposes.  Isaiah calls Judah to see God's hand in painful experiences.

Like an offended father dealing with a disobedient son, God used Assyria as a "rod of anger" to discipline Israel.  While God intends the Assyrian invasion as discipline, Assyria's motive in attacking Israel is rooted in godless arrogance and pride.  Thus God says, "I will punish the king of Assyria."  It is "intend" that makes the difference.  Let's remember that we may suffer discipline, even though we outwardly conform to Christian standards.  God is concerned about motivation as well as actions, and will judge both.

"The remnant of Israel" in verse 20 are those who have come to trust in the Lord.  Those who survived the invasion will "truly rely on the Lord."  Suffering purges those who will not believe and deepens the faith  of those who do.

Verse 28-32 depicts Isaiah's vision of of the king of Assyria's relentless march south over difficult terrain from "Aiath", that is "Ai".  Ai was ten miles north of Jerusalem on a point over looking the city. The cities listed in these verses are closer and closer to the capital at Jerusalem.  Each town conquered was another step closer to the impending defeat of the holy city. 

"Lift up your voice" turns to that of panic which is a reaction of a frightened people facing defeat and disaster.  The army was near Jerusalem itself.  In verse 33, "bough" is the king of Assyria and "thickets" in verse 34 is his army.  The point here is that God will bring judgment on the instruments He used to judge Israel.

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from 1 Timothy 2:1.

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 Peace and Blessing be 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." 

"I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him will I trust." Psalm 91:2

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi

Bible Scripture Reading for 2 February 2012

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

Today's Blog Title: "The Birth of the Prince of Peace"
Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:1-21
Today's Key Verse: Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

The "dimness" of Israel's rejection was especially prevalent in the northern tribal areas of "Zebulen" and "Naphtali" which would suffer greatly under the Assyrian invasion.  He promises that these territories now "walking in darkness," will also be the first to see "a great light."  In Matthew 4:15-16 we see this being fulfilled in the ministry of Jesus in Galilee.  Isaiah sees these events as though they were already happening.  Therefore he predicts the future with certainty, as though it had already come to pass.

Verse 6 is a reference to Jesus the Messiah is also prophetic.  Jesus came into our world as an infant even though He existed from eternity as God the Son.  The Gift-Child is this passage is the same Child as Immanuel.  Again using the prophetic perfect, the prophet see Him as though He was already born. 

"Wonderful," "Counselorr," are actually one term in Hebrew.  A wonder is indicative of a miracle.  This miraculous counsel is given by this God-like King.  "The Mighty God" (El Gibor) is the strongest of these titles. In Isaiah, "El" is always used of God and never refers to man.  "Gibor" means "Hero."  Together they describe One who is God Himself.  "Everlasting Father" literally means "Father of Eternity."  He alone is the source of eternal life.  "Prince of Peace" indicates that the Almighty God will be a benevolent ruler bringing eternal peace on earth through the establishment of His kingdom.  Thus the obscure figure of "Immanuel" is brought to clear light:  He is Himself God incarnate!

The rest of the chapter 9 deals with the judgments about to come down on the Northern Kingdom, Israel.  The prophet warns Ephraim that she cannot rebuild with the bricks that are fallen down.  This will refer to the invasion of Israel by Tiglath-pileser.  All hope of building the Northern kingdom will finally be lost.  "His hand is stretched out still" in verse 12, means that God's hand of judgment is still stretched out in anger to punish Israel.

"The people turneth not unto Him" in verse 13 means that they refused to repent and turn back to the Lord.  To "turn" means to repent with a change of mind that results in a change of direction.  The leaders are condemned for misleading the people.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and serve the Lord with Gladness.  Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who are been persecuted for their Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ.  Pray also for God's Peace and Blessings be 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 Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy." Psalm 147:11

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi