Isaiah

Unclean No Longer

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And it came to pass, as He went to Jerusalem, that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.  And as He entered into a certain village, there met Him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: and they lifted up their voices, and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.”  And when He saw them, He said unto them,
“Go shew yourselves unto the priests.”
And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.  And Jesus answering said,
“Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?  There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.”
And He said unto him,
“Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
Luke 17:11-19

The miracles of Jesus were done by Him as evidence and proof of who He is.  According to the prophet Isaiah 61:1-5 He was sent to preach good tidings to the poor, to heal the broken hearted, to set captives free, and to set prisoners free,  and to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.  It is at that point where Jesus stopped as He was reading Isaiah 61 in the said in the synagogue in Galilee.

When John the Baptist was in prison, he needed some assurance that  Jesus was indeed the Messiah, so he sent some of his disciples to Jesus and asked Him, “Are You the Messiah (Christ), or do I need to look elsewhere?”  Jesus answered by telling them that they had witnessed the miracle which He did, and that proved true to the Scriptures which teach of the Messiah.

Nine Lepers come to Jesus, they are in rags for clothing, they have a horrid stench about them.  No one wants to be near them, but they call on Jesus for healing, and before  they are healed, Jesus tells them to go perform the word of God’s direction for a healed leper, and as they go they are healed.  One of the men who had been a leper returns to Jesus, and praises and worships Him, and he is a Samaritan; a people group who are despised people to the people of Judah.

Jesus says to this lone former leper,  “Arise, go your way: your faith has made you whole.”

No matter how unclean, or unworthy you feel about receiving forgiveness Jesus has paid our sin debt.  If you see yourself as an unclean individual, Jesus will hear your cry for salvation.  If you are one who feels unworthy of God’s love, mercy and grace it is for you that Jesus Christ died, was buried, and rose again.

The LORD Fulfills His Word

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Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,

“Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.  Who is there among you of all his people? His God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (He is the God,) which is in Jerusalem.  And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.”

Ezra 1:1-4

There are millions of Christians in the world, maybe billions (I pray so), that believe the Bible, written by 40 men of God, over a period of 14 hundred years, is indeed the written word of God.  Why?  It is a book of 66 books, we believe and trust that GOD inspired by the Holy Spirit, because it is consistent in its teaching, that the LORD is God, and there is no other God, but the LORD (YHWH or Jehovah).  The Bible is also consistent in its history, and in its knowledge.

What does the above paragraph?  The fulfilling of the words which GOD spoke through His prophet Jeremiah concerning when the people of Judah would return to their homeland.  Notice how Cyrus the king of Persia is told by God to let the people go home, and he is obedient to the LORD and does so, thus fulfilling the prophecy and promise spoken by Jeremiah, and even the prophet Isaiah mentioned Cyrus 100 years or so before the events of their return to Jerusalem (Isaiah 44:28; 45:1).

Every promise and prophecy of God has come to pass, is happening now, or will come to pass in days yet ahead of us.  Whether the promise/prophecy be positive or negative it shall come to pass.

The word of God is also profitable for doctrine, reproof, for correction, and instruction in righteousness, for living a life that pleases God (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Every word spoken of the Messiah/Christ first coming was fulfilled in Jesus the Christ, the Son of the Living God.  The prophecies concerning His first coming have been fulfilled.  The prophecies/promises of the second coming of the Messiah/Christ will be fulfilled sometime in the not too distant future.

Do you know that Jesus the Christ of God, the greatest gift given to Adam kind, was sent from heaven to die for your sins and mine.  He died on the cross, becoming sin for us, He was buried, and He rose up out of that grave alive forever more.  Now when we believe  in Him, turning from our sin, we shall not perish,  but will have everlasting life (John 3:15-17).  He became sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God, in Him (2 Corinthians 5:2).

If you believe in God, you will also believe in His Son.  The Son came to earth to fulfill all of God’s word.  He did.

The LORD Hates Hypocrisy…

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sI will also stretch out Mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests; and them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham; and them that are turned back from the LORD; and those that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for Him.
Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, He hath bid His guests. And it shall come to pass in the day of the LORD’S sacrifice, that I will punish the princes, and the king’s children, and all such as are clothed with strange apparel.  In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the threshold, which fill their masters’ houses with violence and deceit.
Zephaniah 1:4-9

The LORD hates hypocrisy as it shows in the above verses.  He hates it, especially among His own people.

You can see that they were worshiping idols made by men, false gods, which are inspired by demons (Leviticus 17:7;  Deuteronomy 32:17; 2 Chronicles 11:15; and Psalm 106:37) for example.  You could also read Psalms 115 and 135 to see what the value and worth is of any idol.  It can do nothing for you, but keep you in the darkness of evil.

Judah was worshiping the heavenlies – the stars, sun and moon and other idols; and at the same time worship the LORD,  The worshiping of idols, and then in pretense worshiping the LORD on the Sabbath is hypocrisy.

You might say to me, “No one worships idols in our country,” but we do.  Power, prestige, money (a big bank accounts), science, government, etc..  I hope you get the point.

May we who are Christians come the conclusion that only GOD is to be worshiped, honored and feared (I do not want to offend Him in any way).  I want to live for Him; and the only way I can do that is through the gift of grace through Jesus Christ who paid my sin debt on the cross, was buried – carrying my sins away, leaving them there in the grave, then, He came out of that grave alive.  Because He did that for me, He alone deserves my allegiance completely; not partial, but wholly.

When Truth Fails

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And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.  Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no judgment.  And He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore His arm brought salvation unto Him; and His righteousness, it sustained Him.  For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon His head; and He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.
According to their deeds, accordingly He will repay, fury to His adversaries, recompence to His enemies; to the islands He will repay recompence.  So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.  And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD.
Isaiah 59:14-20

Judgment is not what a lot of people think it is.  If you go to court charged with a crime nobody really wants judgment.  They need mercy.  Judgment is receiving what one deserves.

Truth is a precious item.  It is very much needed in every age, every millennium, every century, decade, year and every day.  Truth is truth.  It is not whatever you think it is.  I do not  have my truth, and you do not have your own truth.  Truth is what God says is truth.  Jesus Christ Himself said, “I am … the Truth…” (John 14:6)  The truth is much needed in the twenty first century.  With shouts of death, and damnation to one another we need help, and our only help is Jesus Christ

Jesus gives us a new heart and mind.  We have His heart and mind.  When we give ourselves to Him, spending time with Him in His word, and in prayer we grow to be more like Him.  Some of us just got started.  Some of us are headed in the right direction.  We will never be complete until Jesus comes to take us Home to be with Him forever.

Do you know the Christ of Heaven?  His name is Jesus. He gave his life for you and me dying on that old cross.  He was buried.  He rose again.  Turning from your sin, call on His name and be saved today.

When truth fails the LORD puts on Righteousness as righteousness.  He sent His Son Jesus to make us righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21).

One GOD of the Whole Earth

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Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.  For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is His name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall He be called.  For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God.  For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.  In a little wrath I hid My face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer. For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.  For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.
Isaiah 54:4-10

God is speaking here of being kind and merciful to His people.  His mercy and kindness.  He shows that He will do what He says He will.  Using the promise He made with Noah that he would never destroy the earth again with a flood.

Neither will His peace be removed.

The wrath which God  gave rebellious Israel/Judah was not permanent, and was for the good of their eternal destiny.

So is it with the people of God today who are called Christians.  We are disciplined by God for our good, and God’s glory and because we are His children.  It is good for us to remember that He is loving, merciful, kind and gracious.

There is only one true God, and His name is Jehovah/YHWH Elohym, and His Son’s name is Jesus, and Jesus lives in His people by the Person of the Holy Spirit.  He is love.

For Redemption Recipients Only

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The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.   It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.
Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.  Say to them that are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, fear not:” behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; He will come and save you.
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.  Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.  And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes.  And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.   No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there:  and the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Isaiah 35:1-10

I hope you will be one of the recipients of God’s redemption available only through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Let favor be shown to the wicked…

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Yea, in the way of Thy judgments, O LORD, have we waited for Thee; the desire of our soul is to Thy name, and to the remembrance of Thee.   With my soul have I desired Thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek Thee early: for when Thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.   Let favour be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the LORD.
Isaiah 26:7-10

The LORD’S judgments are in all the earth, the inhabitants of the world shall learn righteousness.   If favor is shown to the wicked, if they are not judged, then they cannot and will not learn righteousness.  The righteousness of GOD through the Lord Jesus Christ is given to all who will confess Jesus as Lord, and who believe that He has risen from the dead (Romans 10:9).

Who are the wicked?  The wicked are those who believe in God, but refuse to bow to Him in surrender of their lives.  It is all those who have no heart for God, neither to hear anything from God or about Him.

It used to be myself and the whole of Adam’s race (the human race).  However, I have received the free gift of grace which was given to me by Christ Jesus who became sin for me, taking the whole wrath of God the Father on Himself, and dying, and after three days He rose again.  That I might become the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21),  This gift is available to all will believe Him and call on His wonderful name.  Call on Him now, and He will hear you, and give you His righteousness, and eternal life.

Who Can Stop the Purposes of GOD?

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The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, “Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand: that I will break the Assyrian in My land, and upon My mountains tread him under foot: then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders.  This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.  For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? And His hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?
Isaiah 14:24-27

The short answer is; nothing, neither anyone, can prevent the words and purposes of the LORD of hosts.

Why do people of Adam’s race keep trying to subvert the plans and purposes of GOD?  Such a foolish endeavor.  When will we learn that God’s word is Truth, the only truth, and that every man and woman are liars when compared to God’s truth.

Jesus Christ said of Himself, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me”  (John 14:6).  When an individual believes that there is God, and they refuse to believe God’s word, concerning His Son Jesus, then that is evil.

All of God’s word is true.  God’s word is inerrant, it is God breathed, and inspired by God.  His word and His purposes will not and cannot fail.

Believe the word of God and trust His Son Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.

The LORD Is Salvation

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Just wanted to let you know why I am jumping around seemingly without purpose in these words that I share.  I am reading a Chronological Bible and reading it through by the end of the year, and reading three daily readings most of the time.  If you have ever read the Bible chronologically then, you will know what I am saying.

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
Isaiah 12:2-3

The LORD is my salvation.  I hope and pray that you who read this have experienced the joy of knowing Jesus and the heavenly Father.  If you know the Son, you know the Father.  If you know the Father, you know the Son.

The Power Of The Confession of Faith

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Confession of faith in Jesus Christ, and His finished work on the cross.

Then the Spirit said unto Philip, “Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.” And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, “Understandest thou what thou readest?”  And he said, “How can I, except some man should guide me?” And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the Scripture which he read was this,

“He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened He not his mouth:  In His humiliation His judgment was taken away: and who shall declare His generation? for His life is taken from the earth.”

And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, “I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? Of himself, or of some other man?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same Scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, “See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” And Philip said, “If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Acts 8:29-38

The place where the eunuch was reading was Isaiah 53 and verse 7. He was probably reading the whole book, but at that moment chapter 53.

The man in the chariot was struggling with understanding what he was reading. Philip shows up, and the man asks him to join him in the chariot. Philip does and begins explaining that those Scriptures dealing with Jesus Christ. Most everything written in the Old Testament is about Jesus the Messiah who was going to come. Now He has come, and something happened that no one expected; He died on a cross for our sins. He was buried, and He rose up out of that grave alive forever more.

The eunuch sees a pool of water, and asks Philip, “What is there keeping me from being baptized?” Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart yo may.” He very quickly responded with, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” That is a powerful confession of faith in Christ Jesus, and Philip and the eunuch got out of the chariot, and both of then went into the water. Philip baptized the man.

In order for a soul, and individual to be delivered from sin and iniquity, and become a child of God, that must be one’s confession; Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.  Peter’s confession in Matthew 16 and verse 16 was “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Is that your confession today?

A Change Is Coming

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For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.  And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name. Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.  For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.
Isaiah 62:1-5

A change is coming for God’s people of Zion. I do not believe in “Replacement Theology” which is the replacing Israel [Zion] with the Church, and making all the promises of Israel now being promises to the Church. Those of you who believe that; do you also accept the curses God warns Israel about? (Leviticus 26:14-26).

These verses from Isaiah 62 are promise to Israel of a change that is coming. It has not occurred yet; but that change is coming.

The LORD God loves the people of Israel, and one day they will become, not Forsaken, but Hephzibah or “My Delight”. God’s Delight will be Israel, and their land called, “My Bride.” Yes Israel shall have a remnant return unto the LORD, and He will make them His wife forever more

How will this take place? Only God knows for sure. It seems to me He gives us clues to how it will happen though. Israel will go through a time that the prophet Jeremiah calls the time of Jacob’s trouble,

Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.

Jeremiah 30:7

It will be a period of time when the Church (all those who are born again) will no longer be on earth, but will be with the LORD. Near the end of that time of their trouble, a remnant will have their hearts changed, “They will look on the One whom they pierced,” and they too will be saved, go into a new age of one thousand years, and receive all the promises that have not yet been fulfilled.

The born again are those who have been changed from a sinner (which includes all of us), into a saint (called so by God Himself, not by some man, or religious institution). To be born again is to realize and receive the marvelous grace of God He displayed on the cross through the death of His only begotten Son Jesus Christ. He was buried, and He rose again.  He said, “I will come again.” Are you ready? All you need is to call on the name of Jesus, He will hear you and give you eternal life. For God’s sake, and your own call on Him now.

The High and Lofty One

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For thus saith the High and Lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.  For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made.  For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid Me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart.  I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.
Isaiah 57:15-18

The LORD God Almighty is giving Isaiah these words. Let me show you what we can know and learn about God, who calls Himself the High and Lofty One.

First of all He is higher than His creation. He inhabits eternity, and that means eternity of our past, present, and future. Also note that He has a certain kind of people who dwell with Him;

Second, God dwells in a high and holy place with them that is of a contrite and humble spirit. They are His for the purpose of reviving the spirit of those who are humble and reviving the heart of the contrite ones (broken, crushed).

Third, God says, “I will not contend forever.” Since Israel had been contentious toward the LORD many times God had a controversy with them. These words have both a negative and positive lesson for us to see, and know;

  1. Negatively – it could be  that God is warning His people that I am through with you;
  2. Positively – it is saying My discipline, My judgment is complete, and I will now give you a new life in Me.

Fourth, God is telling Isaiah that He will not be full of wrath always because He knows that too much will break their spirit, and weaken them spiritually. The spirit of the nation and individuals is what pulls us along, and when the spirit of a man or nation is crushed they need a healer, and though God has shown wrath against our evil; He also displays, and gives us mercy and grace.

Fifth, God says, “I have seen his ways” and yet God shows mercy, and says, “I will heal him.” Who will He heal? Those with a humble spirit, and those with a contrite (broken or crushed) heart.

God wants you today if you have a broken heart, you feel that no one cares for you, you feel beat down; then, call on the name of Jesus Christ. He is the Son of God, God the Son. He came to dwell among us, gave His life on the cross for us was buried: carrying away our sin and shame; and He rose from the grave in which His body was laid.

Call on Him today.

The Servant To Restore Israel

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Thus saith the LORD, “In an acceptable time have I heard Thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped Thee: and I will preserve Thee, and give Thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; that Thou mayest say to the prisoners, ‘Go forth;’ to them that are in darkness, ‘Shew yourselves.’
“They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.  They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for He that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall He guide them.  And I will make all My mountains a way, and My highways shall be exalted.
“Behold, these shall come from far: and, lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim.
Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted His people, and will have mercy upon His afflicted.”
Isaiah 49:8-13

Chapter 49 is the beginning of the Servants song; a prophecy of the work of the Messiah known to most Christians as the Christ. So here we have a prophecy of the Savior of the world, and what He comes to do.

  1. He came at an acceptable time.
  2. He is helped by the LORD, who is His Father.
  3. He is promised to be preserved.  Could that be a hint of His death, burial and resurrection? I believe so.
  4. He is the covenant with the people.
  5. He is given authority to set prisoners free.
  6. He is the light to those in darkness.
  7. He makes a way through the earth, and for life eternal.
  8. He is the source of sustenance, and strength.
  9. He calls people from all nations to Himself.
  10. He brings joy, and singing to the heavens and the earth.

Because the LORD has comforted His people, and will have mercy on the afflicted.

He is still alive, active and still calling the lost to Himself. His name is Jesus Christ, and He is the Son of God who left the glory of Heaven, to become a Man, to die for our sins on the old rugged cross. He was buried, and He rose again.

The LORD God Is Speaking; Hear Him

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Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by Myself, the word is gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.  Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to Him shall men come; and all that are incensed against Him shall be ashamed.  In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.
Isaiah 45:22-25

Have We Not…?

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Have ye not known? Have ye not heard? Hath it not been told you from the beginning? Have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?  It is He that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in: that bringeth the princes to nothing; He maketh the judges of the earth as vanity.
Isaiah 40:21-23

While other nations were making themselves gods to their own liking, the prophet Isaiah was calling of Israel to get back to the worship of Jehovah, the Living and only God who made all things.

Four questions are asked: Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? and Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?

Have you not known? It is He who sits on the circle of the earth. This One is sovereign over all the earth,  He sends the rain, and the drought. He sends the winds of the earth. He sets up kings and kingdoms, and he pulls them down.

There is much vanity in making your own god. It is really the worship of self, and the worship of demons.

Have you not heard? It is He who sees the people of earth are as small as a grasshopper, and He can end your life with a whisper. It is He also that loves the people of the planet He populated with billions of us. He loved us so much, even in our fallen estate, that He sent His only begotten Son to die in our place.

There is no hope for you or all of Adam’s race except through God’s Son Jesus Christ.

Has it not been told you from the beginning? It is He who stretches out the heavens like a curtain. He is the One who created the heavens, and the earth and all that is in it; and He started with nothing, but His word.

The LORD God is still working for our good and His glory. He made us in His image, and we disobeyed Him, and lost that being “made in His image.” That “image” is restored through the cross of Jesus and His death, His burial, and His resurrection. Some of you who are reading this have probably heard the story of Jesus since you were small children, and yet you do not believe Him. Why not do so today?

Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is He who laid the foundations of the earth. It is He who knows the end from the beginning. It is He who holds this creation together, and keeps it from flying to pieces. It is He who says, “I am the first and the last, the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega” (Revelation 1:8; 21:6; 22;13).

It is He and He alone in whom you need to trust. Call on His name, and He will hear. His name is Jesus, and He is Christ.

 

Abiding In Devouring Fire

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The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?
He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; he shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.
Isaiah 33:14-16

Here are some of my thoughts on the above verses.

First of all, sinners in all places around the world should be afraid of the fire of God, and especially religious hypocrites who say one thing, and live another.

Second, the question is asked, “Who shall dwell [abide] with everlasting burnings? This reminded me of the question asked in Psalm 15.  Verse one asks the question, “LORD, Who shall abide in Your tabernacle? Who shall dwell in Your holy hill?” Verses 2 – 5 gives us the answer. (You will need to look that up for you.) The answer there is similar to the one given here. So what is this fire that we can dwell with?

The fire that sinners fear, as do the hypocrites, is the great love of God. In His fire of love, fire cleanses, it makes us holy, it consumes, it purifies. In  the first Epistle of the Apostle John God tells us, “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him” (1 John 4:16). Alexander MacLaren said, ”

“The fire of God is the fire of love as well as the fire of purity; a fire that blesses and quickens, as well as a fire that destroys and consumes.”

Third, in short those who are righteous in Christ Jesus, who hate all evil, does not enjoy hearing news of bloodshed, or of seeing any kind of evil. These can endure the fire, abide in the fire of God. Are you in the fire today.

May we abide in the fire of God by the grace of our God, and Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Respect To The Holy One Of Israel

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At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel. And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images.

Isaiah 17:7-8

This morning for my daily reading of the Scriptures I read Isaiah 13 through 20. These chapters are God’s word to surrounding nations of Israel who have been cruel to the people of God, His word to His people as well.

The verses I share today is fitting for any time, and any where.

“At that day…” A phrase used quite frequently in Isaiah’s prophecy is speaking of a day appointed by God Himself. It is a time, a day, which He knows, and the prophet has an knowledge that it could be soon. It is a day that will surly come. Every thing that God says; and every thing that He does has purpose.

“…A man shall look to his Maker…” This is a great thing to think that the LORD is giving this nation, along with Israel a chance, a choice of blessing or judgment. Before one can look to his Maker he must realize that he has a Maker, and that Maker is GOD; and GOD can do things in a person’s life to get him or her to recognize his Maker. What good does it do to recognize your Maker?

“…His eyes shall have respect for the Holy One of Israel…” In the Proverbs God tells us much about the “fear of the LORD,”  and that “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,” and that  “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil.” I do not know how many hunters, rifle men and women read this but here is an illustration I use to illustrate for the fear of the LORD:

I have a twelve gauge single shot, breech load, shotgun. I am not fearful of it as long as I am on the right end of that gun; but if someone else is holding it on me, pointed at me, then I am going to be fearful of what I might get. As long as I am on the right end, I am respectful of what that gun can do, and realize the danger of abuse or misuse of that shot gun.

If I am on the right side with God, I revere Him, and I am in awe of Him, because I know that He loves me, and I love Him. However, if I  get on the wrong side of God, then I am going to be very afraid of what lies down the road of my future. So by the grace of God I am trusting Him for His great salvation, and His power to keep me in His hands.

“…The work of his hands…” The man who recognizes the Holy One of Israel will no longer brag about what he has done; what he has built with his own hands. He will trust in the LORD, and be in awe of Him with great reverence, because of who He is.

Who is this Holy One of Israel? He is the Messiah. He is the Christ of God. He is Jesus. He died on the cross for our sins, was buried carrying our sins away, casting them as far away as the east is from the west; and to prove that all He said, and that the work of salvation was done, He rose from the tomb, and lives forever more.

 

Praising The Holy One Of Israel

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Isaiah reminding the people, in his hearing, of the power of God in their deliverance from Egypt hundreds of years prior to this day of which he is speaking.

The song is still good for the Christian and one that needs to be expressed and remembered continually. God is still Holy, Righteous, and Just. He is worthy of our worship and praise.

And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise Thee: though Thou wast angry with me, Thine anger is turned away, and Thou comfortedst me.
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, “Praise the LORD,” call upon His name, declare His doings among the people, make mention that His name is exalted.
Sing unto the LORD; for He hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

Isaiah 12:1-6

Do we as Christians remember from where we came? Do we remember the way we were before we called on the name of Jesus, and was born again?

The way we often speak evil words, and sow evil thoughts, and treat other people it seems that we have. If we are honestly seeking to glorify the LORD with our lives let us make our lives a song of praise and worship. Being filled continually with the Holy Spirit we will sing songs, and make melody in our hearts to the Lord, submitting to Him in all things. Husbands will love their wives as Christ loved the Church and give Himself for her; and wife will submit to her husband. Children will be obedient to their parents. Fathers will not provoke their children to wrath. Employees will do their work as unto the Lord. Employers will pay their employees well, and bless them (Ephesians 5:18-6:24). These are evidences of one filled with the Spirit.

Words of praise and worship to the Lord, singing them to the Lord, with a heart for Him comes from the Spirit of God the Holy Spirit. Everyone who has been born again has the Holy Spirit living within them, but we are not always filled with the Spirit, and that is mostly because we have let sin enter our lives. Keeping short accounts with God is a necessity when it comes to our sin against Him.

God the LORD of hosts is the Holy One of Israel is calling you to trust in Him, by believing in His only Son Jesus Christ who died for our sins on the cross, He was buried carrying our sins away. and He arose and came out alive forever more.

 

To Reason With GOD

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Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.  If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
Isaiah 1:18-20

God loves His people and is willing, and able to listen to us, to hear us, and we come to terms with Him when we see His holiness, righteousness, and justice; as well as His love, mercy, and grace.

It goes well with God’s people when we submit to His will and purposes for our lives. Today, it begins by submitting to what He say about His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus, is submitted to the Father, and showed that He was by going to the cross, and laying His own life down for all who will come to Him.

That was what Jesus did for you and me. I have trusted Him with every area of my life. He has protected me, blessed me in so many ways. He will do the same for you when you give your life to Him.

The First And The Last

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Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his Redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the First, and I am the Last; and beside Me there is no God.  And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for Me, since I appointed the ancient people? And the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them.  Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? Ye are even My witnesses. Is there a God beside me? Yea, there is no God; I know not any.
Isaiah 44:6-8

The King In His Beauty

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Thine eyes shall see the King in His beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.  Thine heart shall meditate terror. Where is the scribe? Where is the receiver? Where is he that counted the towers?
Thou shalt not see a fierce people, a people of a deeper speech than thou canst perceive; of a stammering tongue, that thou canst not understand.  Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities: thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down; not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken. But there the glorious LORD will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby. For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our Lawgiver, the LORD is our King; He will save us.
Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey. And the inhabitant shall not say, “I am sick:” the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.
Isaiah 33:17-24

The Mouth Of The LORD Has Spoken

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“Come now, and let us reason together,” saith the LORD: “though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword:” for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
Isaiah 1:18-20

Peace…Like A River

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For thus saith the LORD,

“Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees.  As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.  And when ye see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward His servants, and indignation toward His enemies.”
For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with His chariots like a whirlwind, to render His anger with fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire.  For by fire and by His sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many.

Isaiah 66:12-16

The Everlasting Light

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For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness.  Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.  The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.  Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.  Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of My planting, the work of My hands, that I may be glorified.  A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time.

Isaiah 60:17-22

Everlasting Kindness

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Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.  For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is His name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall He be called.  For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God. For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.
In a little wrath I hid My face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.  For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.  For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.
Isaiah 54:4-10