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