Bible Scripture Reading

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 30 March 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "God Will Be Gracious"
Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 30:1-33
Today's Keys Verse: Isaiah 30:18 "Therefore the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you; And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you.  For the LORD is a God of justice; Blessed are those who wait for Him."

In Chapter 29, Isaiah denounces those who seek human support, instead of depending on the Lord.  In Chapters 30 and 31, Isaiah addresses the specific folly of depending on Egypt.  This woe oracle consists of a condemnation of dependence on Egypt (verses 1-17) and a promise that the Lord will save Israel and destroy Assyria.

The "rebellious children" in verse 1 are the people of Judah who are determined to "go down into Egypt," that is, to seek an alliance with Egypt against Assyria. "Hanes" in verse 4 is mentioned in the Bible only here in this verse. It was apparently near "Zoan"the largest Egyptian city near the Israelite border.  

Isaiah is commanded by God to write His message in tablet and a book.  He is to write down God's message "for the time to come" (succeeding generations to read). He is to note that the people of Judah are a rebellious people, who are telling the prophets "See not...Prophecy not."  They have refused the truth and would rather hear "smooth things" and "deceits."  Their rebellion and reprobation are so deep that they want the prophets to "cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us."  While that nation was bust sending out emissaries of peace they had failed to make peace with God.  "Returning" and "rest" refer to repentance and faith, which are necessary for a believer to receive "true salvation."

Because our God is "gracious" He was willing to wait for His people to return to Him then, just as He is waiting for us today. "Waiting" is a confidence and dependent trust in God.  The reference to the "bread of adversity, and the "water of affliction" shows that God teaches us lessons through circumstances when we will not listen to our "teachers" who call us to walk in the "way of God."  "Tophet" is used as a symbol for the fires of hell where the "breath of the LORD is like a stream of brimstone," which kindles the flame.  To rely on worldly materialist things is to reject God and all hope.

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from Colossians 3:15-17.

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 who are being persecuted for their Faith and Trust in Jesus. Pray for Youcef Nasdarkhani the Iranian pastor who has been sentenced to death for his refusal to denounce his Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ.  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."

Jesus Reigns. May God's Love, Peace and Grace be with you all.

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi

Bible Scripture Reading for 28 March 2012

"Greetings in the Name of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 28 March 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "Woe to Jerusalem"
Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 29:1-24
Today's Key Verse: Isaiah 29:19 "The humble also increase their joy in the LORD, And the poor among men shall rejoice In the Holy One of Israel."

In verses 1-12 the next prophetic "Woe" is pronounced against, "Ariel, the city where David dwelt." Ariel, the name applied to Jerusalem, means "altar hearth," or "the place of burnt offerings."  It views Jerusalem as the place of sacrifice, an activity in which Judah, oriented to ritual but not heart religion, was all too deeply involved in.  The prophet condemns religious formality, pointing out that their empty religion will not stop the judgment of God.  Therefore, Jerusalem will become "as Ariel," meaning that God will turn it into what in fact it is, a place of burnt sacrifice.

Jesus in Mark 7:6-7, quotes verse 13 as the epitome of Pharisaism.  The prophet condemns his own people for honoring God with their "mouth" and "lips" but not their "heart."  He further notes that their "fear" or reverence was merely an intellectual accommodation "taught by the precept of men."  True worship must begin with a proper reverence for God and His Word.  Isaiah further announces that since the intellectual leaders of Israel will not follow the Lord, the "deaf, blind, meek and poor" (the Gentiles) "shall rejoice" in Him.

God himself will bring about the redemption of His people.  "Holy One of Jacob" refers to the One who Jacob regarded as holy; it is a variant of the expression, "Holy One of Israel."

Today's Biblical Truth: "Seek God. He will give understanding."

Click on the Link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for the Bible Verses from Revelation 22:18-21.

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.  Pray for Youcef Nardarkhani the Iranian pastor who has been sentenced to death for his refusal to renounce his faith and Trust in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  Pray for God's Peace on the city of Jerusalem and His 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."

Jesus Reigns. May the Grace, Peace and Love of Jesus Christ be with you all.

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi 



    

Bible Scripture Reading for Monday 26 March 2012

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 26 March 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "Woe to Ephraim and Jerusalem"
Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 28:1-29
Today's Key Verse: Isaiah 28:16 "Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily."

 The prophecies of this section which will in this chapter and end in Isaiah 33:24 each announce a "woe" (doom) upon Israel and Judah.  They probably date from the reign of Hezekiah and the time of the Assyrian threat.  Each "Woe" is a legal condemnation of death.  The first one is pronounced against the "crown of pride...the drunkards of Ephrain." the reference is to Samaria the capital of Ephraim (the northern kingdom) which was situated on a hill that resembled a crown. Isaiah denounces them because they have "erred through wine and strong drink."  Both "priest" and "prophet" have joined the debauchery of the nation.  The familiar reference to "precept upon precept; line upon line is to be taken negatively, not positively.  Isaiah is quoting the people who are weary of his prophecies and are complaining that his repetitions that his repetitions message ("rule upon rule") is annoying.  Since they will not listen to God's messenger, He will speak to them with "another tongue," that of the Assyrians who will take them into captivity.

In verses 28:14-19, Isaiah turns his attention to the people of Jerusalem, who have made a covenant by foolishly thinking that a pro-Assyrian alliance will protect them when Samaria falls.  In contrast to their covenant, God promises to "lay in Zion... a precious cornor stone."  New Testament writers clearly identify that cornerstone as Jesus Christ (Romans 9:33; 1 Peter 2:6).  Those who believe in Him and find Him "a sure foundation."  To those who reject Him, He becomes a stumbling stone.

Man-made covenant's are humorously depicted by the illustration of a "bed" that is "shorter than a man can stretch himself on" or by a "covering" that is "narrower that shorter than a he can wrap himself in."  This clever illustration emphasizes the frustration of attempting to sleep in such a manner, and it illustrates the futility of trusting in human alliances.  Isaiah then turns to an illustration of the "plowman" who does plow just for the sake of plowing but that he might receive a crop.  "Fitches" in verse 27, means "Black cummin," a plant with dark seeds used for seasoning.

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 Youcel Nardarkhani the Iranian pastor who has been sentenced to death for is refusal to renounce his faith and trust in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  Always remember that whenever you have a spiritual dilemma in life and you yell out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN ." 

"Bless the LORD, O my soul; And forget not His benefits." Psalm 103:2

Jesus Reigns, and HE IS and ALWAYS WILL BE IN COMPLETE and TOTAL CONTROL.

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi

Bible Scripture Reading for 23 March 2012

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

Today's Blog Title: "The Restoration of Israel"
Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 27:1-13
Today's Key Verse: Isaiah 27:13 "So shall it be in that day: The great trumpet will be blown; They will come, who are about to perish in the land of Assyria, And they who are the outcasts in the land of Egypt, And shall worship the Lord in the holy mount at Jerusalem."

In verse 1, Leviathan is a symbolic monster also referred to here a "that crooked serpent...the dragon," or "Satan."  The context indicates that Isaiah has in view the final victory of God over Satan (Revelation 20:2).  Isaiah then burst into joyful song of the "vineyard" (Israel) of the Lord (Isaiah 5:1-7).  Now the vineyard will succeed because "I the LORD do keep it."  The wandering Israelites will now "take root" and "blossom and bud" during the kingdom age when all the nations will come up to Jerusalem to worship the Lord.

This chapter's viewpoint narrows as Isaiah looks ahead at the destiny of God's ancient people.  God will again tend His vineyard (27:2-4; 5:1-5).  As history's final days draws to a close, Jacob's guilt will be atoned for (27:9).   Here, as often in the prophets, the ancestral name, "Jacob" stands for the Jewish people.  The Jewish people "will be gathered up, one by one," and return to Jerusalem and the "Promised Land" (27:12-13).  The day of the Lord's Second Coming is drawing near, for the people of Israel are indeed returning to the Promised Land, that God had promised to Abraham, Jacob and Isaac.

Today's Biblical Truth: Every night of suffering gives way to a dawn of divine blessing for those who belong to the Lord."

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from Titus 2:11-14.

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.  Pray for Youcef Nasdarkhani the Iranian pastor who has been sentenced to death for his refusal to renounce his Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  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 am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6.

Jesus Reign, and HE IS and ALWAYS WILL BE IN COMPLETE and TOTAL CONTROL.

Your Sister In Christ,
Cindi




  

Bible Scripture Reading for Wednesday 21 March 2012

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 21 March 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "A Song of Salvation"
Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 26:1-21
Today's Key Verse: Isaiah 26:3-4 "You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trust in You. Trust in the LORD forever, For in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength."

The "Isaiah Apocalypse" which began in Chapter 24 is continued.  Chapter 26 opens with a great song of praise that will be sung in Judah.  The picture is that of the redeemed who enter the millennial kingdom.  Notice that the "walls and bulwarks" are not physical but spiritual. 

The command, "Open ye the gates" may indicate that the city (New Jerusalem) has never before been occupied.  In this fixed moral and spiritual state Israel is promised "perfect peace."  This emphatic expression indicates a peace that goes beyond human comprehension (Philippians 4:7).  To have one's "mind...stayed" means to lean on God in total confidence and security.  "Trust" is the ultimate expression of the confidence.  You will notice the objects of one's faith is as important as the act of "trust."  Here the object of faith is the "LORD JEHOVAH."

The punishment that God will visit on this earth will purge the world of sin.  His triumph is the vindication of His people and their release from oppression.  Verse 3 is one of the most beautiful of Scripture's "descriptive promises."  It's descriptive in that it portrays the experience of the individual who trusts in God.  It's a promise in that each of us today can rely on the Lord and know that trust will being peace to us as well.

Next Isaiah in verses 12-21 predicts that God will "ordain peace" for those who trust in Him. "Other lords" are other gods they may have previously worshiped.  Now they must recognize that "they are dead."  Though the people of Israel have been "removed...unto the ends of the earth," their depression will be reversed and they will be regathered in their land.

 This section also contains one of the strongest promises of physical resurrection in the Old Testament. "Thy dead men shall live...my dead body shall ...arise" (verse 19).   Those who have previously died are called upon to "awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust."  Isaiah further predicts that the "earth shall cast out the dead."  What a truth to hold fast to in troubled times.

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from 1 Corinthians 1:18-19. 

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 Youcef Nasdarkhani the Iranian pastor who has been sentenced to death for his refusal to renounce Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  Pray for God's Peace on the city of Jerusalem and His 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."

Jesus Reigns, and HE IS and ALWAYS WILL BE IN COMPLETE and TOTAL CONTROL.

Your Sister In Christ,
Cindi

Bible Scripture Reading for 19 March 2012

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 19 March 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "Praise to God"
Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 25:1-12
Today's Main Verse: Isaiah 25:1 "O LORD, You are my God.  I will exalt you, I will praise Your name, For You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth."

Chapter 25 begins with a song of exaltation and praise to God for the triumphs of His judgment of the world.  The survivors of the Great Tribulation life their voices in praise to God for His protection.  The Cities of mankind have fallen into "ruin" and the nations of the world have been "brought low" and "humbled before the Almighty God," who alone has been a "refuge from the storm."  The "veil" does not refer to the veil of the temple but to the "coverings" of death that hangs over "all nations."  Yet God "will swallow up death in victory" (1 Corinthians 15:54) and the "Lord GOD will wipe away all tears" (Revelation 7:17).  This act of His grace will bring in the millennial kingdom.

This poem from Isaiah celebrates God's destruction of the sinful earth.  It is a hymn of praise (verses 1-5), the Lord's feast on Mount Zion celebrating of death (verses 6-8), and a hymn of praise by the congregation (verses 9-12).

"Wonderful things" in verse 1 refers to the wonders only God can do.  "Faithfulness and truth" may be rephrased as "absolute truth."  The "strong" and "ruthless" in verse 3 will honor the "poor" and "needy" verse 4.  Why will this be?  Because the poor, who took refuge in God, will prove to be wiser as well as more righteous than the strong, who rely on their own strength.

What will God's final triumph mean for us?  The shroud, death, will be destroyed (verse 7).  Those who trust in God will praise Him and be glad in His salvation (verse 9).  God's judgments are terrible.  But the result of judgment is cleansing, release, and joy.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord 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 Youcel Nasdarkhani the Iranian pastor who has been sentenced to death for his refusal to denounce his Faith and Trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Pray for God's Peace on the Nation of Israel and His 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."

Jesus Reigns, and HE IS and ALWAYS WILL BE IN COMPLETE and TOTAL CONTROL.

Your Sister In Christ,
Cindi

     

Bible Scripture Reading for Monday 12 March 2012

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 12 March 2012"

Today's Blog Title: Impending Judgment on the Earth"
Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 24:1-23
Today's Key Verse: Isaiah 24:14 "They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing; For the majesty of the LORD, They shall cry aloud from the sea."

Beginning with Chapter 24 and running through Isaiah 27  we have the beginning of Isaiah's prophecies which are often called the "Little Apocalypse" because it looks beyond the immediate judgment of Israel's judgment of Israel's Gentile neighbors to the final judgments of the Tribulation period and the ushering in of the Messianic Kingdom.  These chapters present universal judgments followed by universal blessings.  "The LORD" moves in cataclysmic judgment upon the "earth" not simply on the land of Israel.  

In these verses "land" should read "Earth."  The severity of the Tribulation period is indicated by the statement that "the LORD maketh the earth empty and ...waste."  "Turned upside down" is better read "distorts."  Thus through war God empties the earth and leaves it a devastated and distorted wasteland.  The Cities of the earth are described as "desolate" and "burned" as a result of this universal destruction.

The universal nature of this eschatological judgment leaves the people of the earth "as the shaking of an olive tree" empty and retaining only negligible remains.  The reference "to the uttermost part of the earth" emphasizes the universal extent of this prophecy.  This devastation will be so great that "the foundations of the earth do shake" from the aftershock.  Thus the "earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard." 

God's judgment will rock the very stability of the planet, reminding the people of earth that they have rebelled against Him.  The "host of the high ones" referring to "Satanic powers" and the "kings of the earth" referring to "earthly powers" will be "gathered in the pit...shut up...many days."  After a period of time "shall they be visited" (punished).  You will also note the obvious parallel to Revelation 20:1-3, where Satan is bound in the bottomless pit for a thousand years and then loosed for a "little season," only to be finally casted into the lake of fire for all eternity.  (Praise God)

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 Youcel Nasdarkhani the Iranian pastor who has been sentenced to death for his refusal to denounce his Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  Pray for God's Peace on the city of Jerusalem and His 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." 

"Apply your heart to instruction, And your ears to words of knowledge." Proverbs 23:12

Jesus Reigns and He IS and ALWAYS WILL Be In TOTAL CONTROL.

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi

Bible Scripture Reading for Friday 9 March 2012

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 9 March 2102"

Today's Blog Title: "Proclamation Against Tyre"
Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 23:1-18
Today's Key Verse: Isaiah 23:9 "The Lord of hosts has purposed it, To bring to dishonor the pride of all glory, To bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth."

"The burden of Tyre" focuses the prophet's message on the major coastal city of the Phoenicians to the north.  The Greeks called them "purple-folk" because of their famous purple dye.  They were shipping merchants of the Near east.  "Zidon" (Sidon) was another prominent Phoenician coastal city.  Isaiah foresees the coming destruction of this great commerical empire.  "Tarshish" is the common designation for the westernmost part of the Mediterranean, as far as Spain.  "Chittim" refers to western lands, especially the island of Cyprus.  Thus, the prophet announces that trade with these distant places will cease because of Tyre's destruction.  Both Isaiah and Ezekiel (chapters 27-28) predicted the fall of Tyre.  Ezekiel prophesied that the entire city would be thrown into the sea.

The "Chaldeans" refers to the founders of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, including Nebuchadnezzar who besieged and destroyed Tyre.  The "Assyrian" people thought of themselves as being an older people than the Chaldeans, but the Assyrians were conquered by them in 612 B.C.  The prophet Isaiah predicts that Tyre will be laid waste, yet will survive, being forced to "sing as a harlot," meaning that she would no longer enjoy her independence but would have to pander to the desires of her conquerors.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God in 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 Nasdarkhani the Iranian pastor who has been sentenced to death for his refusal to denounce his Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  Pray for God's Peace on the city of Jerusalem and His 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."

"Forsake me not, O Lord: O my God, be not far from me. Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation." Psalm 38:21-22

Jesus Reigns and He IS, and ALWAYS WILL Be In TOTAL CONTROL

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi

Bible Scripture Reading for Wednesday 7 March 2012"

"Greeting in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 7 March 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "Proclamation against Jerusalem"
Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 22:1-25
Today's Key Verse: Isaiah 22:22 "The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder; So he shall open, and no one shall shut; And he shall shut; and no one shall open."

"The valley of vision" refers to Jerusalem, located on the hills surrounded by dominating mountain ranges.  The gathering storm of judgment will dump its greatest torrents on Jerusalem herself.  The coming Babylonian invasion will cause the people to go up to the housetops to observe the siege of the city. 

"Kir" and "Elam" are pictured as mercenaries of Babylon. The "choicest valleys," which had known the blessing of prosperity, will then be "full of chariots" of the invading army. The prophet calls for "weeping, mourning and sackcloth" (repentance), but instead the people have developed the attitude of "eat and drink; for tomorrow we shall die."  The point here seems to be that Jerusalem has received message after message and yet failed to really hear.  What a warning to us even today.  Our first resort in time of trouble must be to appeal to God.

Shebna is referred to as the "treasurer" and apparently was the leader of the Egyptian faction in Jerusalem.  Thinking that his position was secure, he had ordered a large "sepulcher" (tomb) to be raised in his memory. Pride is the sin of this official, who like the pharaohs of Egypt sough to build himself a lasting monument while his own land was in peril.  Perhaps we can see a parallel between Shebna and those of modern elected officials who put the reelection of themselves above the good of the nation.  Isaiah predicts that he soon will demoted and will eventually die a pauper in a foreign country.  Shebma was replaced by "Eliakim" during the reign of Hezekiak, as indicated in 2 Kings 18:18. 

Eliakim who was the successor of Shebna is first commended.  When he first takes office he will function as a tent peg that gives stability to the kingdom (verse 23).  But Eliakim's advancement will corrupt his family, as they seek constant advancement, until the weigh breaks another peg, that drives into the wall of a house on which the kitchen utensils were held (verses 24-25).  Let's as Christians hang our hopes only on the Lord. "The key of the house of David" refers to the responsibility of protecting the Davidic line.  

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 Nasdarkhani the Iranian pastor who has been sentenced to death for his refusal to renounce his Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  Pray for God's Peace on the city of Jerusalem and for His 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."

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." Ephesians 1:3

Jesus Reigns, and He Is Still and ALWAYS WILL Be In TOTAL CONTROL. 

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi






  

Bible Scripture Reading for Monday 5 March 2012

Greeting in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 5 March 2012

Today's Blog Title: "The Fall Of Babylon Proclaimed"
Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 21:1-17
Today's Key Verse: Isaiah 21:9 "And look, here comes a chariot of men with a pair of horsemen!" Then he answered and said, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen! And all the carved images of her gods, He has broken to the ground."

Isaiah, in Chapter 21 continues his predictions of judgment destined to soon strike contemporary nations. The prophet foresees the fall of pagan Babylon, not due to emerge as a dominant world power for yet another 100 years.  He also prophesies briefly against Edom and Arabia, who will try futilely to resist Assyria's power.

Wilderness in verse 1 means "desert."  The phrase "Wilderness of the Sea" may be a sarcastic parody of Babylon, whose southern region on the Persian Gulf was called the "Land of the Sea."  Elam and Media are pictured as going up against the Babylon.  Thus, in this vision Isaiah sees the Medo-Persian invasion of Babylon.  The reference to "night of my pleasure" may well refer to Belshazzar's banquet in Daniel 5, for in 539 B.C. on a night, the self-sufficient Babylon fell.  "Babylon is fallen, is fallen" is repeated twice for emphasis.  This same exclamation is used in Revelation 14:8, to refer to the fall of symbolic "Babylon."

In verse 11, Dumah refers to Edon, which was south of  Moab.  Seir is another name for the same area where the descendants of Esau settled.  Here Edom is pictured as hiding in Seir wondering if it is safe to come out.  Isaiah is called a "watchman" and warns them of impending judgment unless they "return" (repent).

The burden upon Arabia beginning in verse 13 refers to the various Arabian tribes of the desert beyond Edom.  "Dedanim" refers to Dedan a region in Arabia.  "Tema" was an oasis where Nabonidus spent much of his time while his son Belshazzar ruled over Babylon.  "Kedar" is a tribe of Ishmaelite descent.  The prophet predicts that these desert tribes will be no match for on the oncoming Assyrians invasion. 

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 Youcel Nardarkhani the Iranian pastor who has been sentenced to death for his refusal to denounce his Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  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 is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"  Psalm 27:1

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi    

Bible Scripture Reading for Friday 2 March 2012

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

Today's Blog Title: "Egypt In Biblical Times"

In the last blog from Isaiah 19, Egypt is mentioned throughout, and I would like to write more  on Egypt during Biblical Times.

More is known of Egypt than any other ancient society.  Wall paintings on tombs, profusely portray daily life.  Documents preserved in the dry climate with inscriptions carved in rock, display Egypt's many cultural achievements.  These would include works on medicine, astronomy, and literature, as well as treatises on magic and religion. In addition, the tombs of Pharaohs have contributed many artifacts which display and artistic skills of the Egyptians.

Scripture acknowledges the accomplishments and even the legendary wisdom of the Egyptians (1 Kings 4:30).  Scripture also displays an appreciation for Egypt as a land of refuge.  Abraham found food there when famine stalked Canaan (Genesis 12:10).  Joseph rose to power in Egypt (Genesis 41-46).  There the Jewish population explodes to an estimated 2.5 million persons.  Also in the New Testament when King Herod was killing all male boys 2 years and younger Joseph took Mary and Jesus to Egypt to avoid the slaughter of Innocent children (Matthew 2:13-15, 19-21).  Thus, Egypt is viewed with appreciation for its contribution to the shaping of the race.

But Egypt also was the land of bondage, where God's people were persecuted and mistreated.  In Egypt, the Children of Israel learned corrupt religious practices: displayed in the Exodus generation's worship of a golden calf (Exodus 32) and nearly 1,000 years later in the corrupt worship described in Ezekiel 8-11.  Throughout the time of Israel's kingdom, Egypt was either an unreliable ally or an open enemy of the Jewish state.  So Scriptures attitude toward Egypt is ambivalent.  While its  contribution is recognized and honored, Egypt's sins must also be punished.

Even though Egypt will suffer God's judgment, the Old Testament also looks froward to the day when Egypt will be converted to the Lord and worship Him.  Yesterday in Isaiah 19 we read about Egypt's judgment and it's salvation. In verse 2 of Chapter 19 we saw that there would civil strife, national defeat in verse 4, and terrible calamity's in verses 5-17.  Yet our Loving and Gracious Almighty God will send them a Savior in verse 20, He will also heal them and hear their prayers in verses 23-25.  When the Egyptians are converted in verses 18-22, they will openly honor God with an altar and memorial in verses 19-20.  They will pray to God and offer Him sacrifices and gifts in verses 20-21.  Then, with Assyrians and Israelites, the Egyptians too will serve the Lord in verses 23-25.

Other major predictive passages concerning Egypt are Jeremiah 46 and Ezekiel 29-30.  Jeremiah warms of Egypt's imminent defeat by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar, but promises the land will remain habitable.  Ezekiel, and Jeremiah, both predict a Babylonian victory.  Yet each of these may well the ultimate judgment and subsequent salvation of the Egyptian people, who through God's mighty acts of power will once again, realize the He truly is the One, True, Powerful and Merciful and Living Almighty God .    

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from Mark 10:14-16.

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 Nasdarkhani the Iranian pastor who has been sentenced to death for His for his refusal to denounce Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  Pray for God's Peace on Jerusalem and His 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."

"Spiritual victories are often followed by testing."

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

Bible Scripture Reading for Thursday 1 March 2012

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ  for 1 March 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "Proclamation Against Egypt"
Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 19:1-25
Today's Key Verse: Isaiah 19:1 "The burden against Egypt.  Behold, the LORD rides on a swift cloud, And will come into Egypt; The idols of Egypt will totter at His presence, And the heart of Egypt will melt in its midst."

The burden of Egypt is a message of both judgement and hope for Egypt.  Isaiah then pictures the coming Egyptian civil war of the seventh century B.C.  "Idols, charmers, familiar spirits wizards" refer to various aspects of Egyptian religion, which was dominated by the occult.  The "Cruel lord" and "fierce king" are references to the Assyrian overlords who were dominate Egypt for nearly 20 years.  

The economy of Egypt has always been totally dependent on the Nile River, and Egypt's population still lives in the narrow, vital strip of green that can be irrigated by that stream.  God's judgment of drying up the Nile will totally devastate Egypt.

Isaiah predicts the failure of Egyptian wisdom, the pride of Egyptian culture.  "Princes of Zoan" refers to the capital city of Tanis.  "Noph" is Memphis, located at the apex of the Delta.  Egypt will fall into utter confusion because the Lord has "mingled a perverse spirit" among the Egyptians to cause them to err in their discernment.  "Judah shall be a terror unto Egypt" because Egypt is so weakened that even little Judah frightens her. The warning must seem absurd. Could tiny Judah, only a few hundred square miles  in extent, terrorize mighty Egypt?  Yet even today even without open divine intervention, we've seen the forces of "tiny Israel defeat Egypt and other Arab nations as well.  Reliance on human wisdom, like reliance on pagan deities (19:3), is futile.  God's purpose cannot be thwarted.  All who presume to try to relay on human wisdom, give lunatic ("senseless," verse 11) advice.

The "city of destruction" comes from a deliberate alteration of the name Heliopolis "City of the Sun."  Isaiah sees a day when Egypt will be converted to the knowledge of the Lord.  The "savior, and a great one" in verse 20 who brings universal blessing, must refer to Christ Himself ruling over Egypt during the millennial kingdom.  

In verse 23 the "highway" running from Egypt to Assyria through Israel pictures a time of international peace when Egypt and Assyria will become "My people" (verse 25). Does the idea of no more wars, no more pain, no more sickness, no more tears and no more SIN excite you as much as it does me? If not, it should.  As John said, as he closed the Book of Revelation, we as Christians should be saying every day, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus."  

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 has been sentence to death for his refusal to denounce Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and 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."

"Now hope does does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:5

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