Thoughts from the book of Isaiah

[jeremiah7]

Thoughts from the book of Isaiah-1

Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth! For the Lord has spoken: “I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me. The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand. ” (Isaiah 1:2-3)(NIV)

How it grieves the heart of God when his chosen ones rebel against him and do things against his will. Finally the losers are those who rebel against God, though they do not realize it when they disobey him. Are you God's chosen one? Do not rebel against him. Stay in his will. He will bless you.

 

[jeremiah7]

Thoughts from the book of Isaiah-2

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. (Isaiah 1:18) (NIV)

Have you settled the matter regarding your sins with the Creator? The Bible says, " ....for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:23-24 NIV)
Also....
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23 NIV)
Make peace with God if you have not yet done so.

 

[jeremiah7]

Thoughts from the book of Isaiah-3

In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. (Isaiah 2:2-3, NIV)

Have you a teachable spirit? It augurs well for those who have one. And there's no greater wisdom than knowing the Creator personally. God teaches us his ways so that we may walk in his paths. The above verses speaks of God bringing about a great change beginning with the first coming of Jesus Christ and continuing until his second coming and ruling over the earth. As for now, let us keep learning from God's Word and keep walking in his paths till he fulfils his plan and purpose for all his creation.

 

[jeremiah7]

Thoughts from the book of Isaiah-4

Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem? (Isaiah 2:22) (NIV)



You and me, we must trust in Jesus Christ, rather than men and women, who have but a breath in their nostrils. The extent to which humans can help us is limited, but God can help us like no human can, because he is Almighty. He can do immeasurably more for us than we can ask or think. To him be the glory forever and ever.

 

[jeremiah7]

Thoughts from the book of Isaiah-5

Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds. ( Isaiah 3:10) (NIV )

Among the many blessings for the righteous detailed in the Bible, here is one which says that "it will be well with them".How wonderful! The righteous of this generation are the ones who have made Jesus Christ their righteousness and they now, live for him, preparing themselves for the heavenly kingdom promised by their Savior. Truly, they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds, here on earth and also in heaven.

 

[jeremiah7]

Thoughts from the book of Isaiah-6

Then the Lord will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything the glory will be a canopy. It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain. (Isaiah 4:5-6) (NIV )

Even in the days of Moses & Joshua, during the wilderness travel of the Israelites from Egypt to Canaan, God's presence was with them continually as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. God in his love and mercy always desires the good for his people and here again is a great promise for them. God desires to be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain for all of us who are willing to live by his Word. Abiding in Christ and his Word abiding in us brings great blessings to us.

 

[jeremiah7]

Thoughts from the book of Isaiah-7

“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” (Isaiah 6:5) (NIV)

Realization of one's utter helplessness without the mercies of the Creator is often missed by many until God reveals himself to them. The awesomeness of God dawns late in many people's lives because their spiritual eyes are blinded by mere mortals and things of the world, abetted by Satan of course.
The prophet Isaiah here has a fresh revelation of God Almighty and it changed his entire outlook towards God and life. His response to God's “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? ” was immediate and definite. He said, “Here am I. Send me!”
What about you?

 

[jeremiah7]

Thoughts from the book of Isaiah-8

The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is only Remaliah’s son. If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all. ( Isaiah 7:9 NIV)

The message here is that neither Israel nor Aram had God as their leader in those days, only Judah had and if God was in charge, what could any foe do? Standing in the faith per se was not assurance for victory, but standing firm in the faith. And so it is now for believers of Jesus Christ in this generation too. We must stand firm in the faith, fixing our eyes on Jesus and following in his footsteps. The Holy Spirit will guide all who make this their aim in life.

 

[jeremiah7]

Thoughts from the book of Isaiah-9

Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us. (Isaiah 8:10) (NIV)

The strategies and plans of the enemy will not stand against God's people, because God is with them and he is their refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble.
For a while, it may seem that the enemy is winning, but that will not last for long, because God will arise and shatter the enemies of his chosen ones.
The battle is the Lord's and the victory is for God's people.

 

[jeremiah7]

Thoughts from the book of Isaiah-11

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. ( Isaiah 11:1) (NIV )

A prophesy that is fufilled in Jesus Christ. He was born at God's appointed time fulfilling many other prophesies made regarding him 100's of years before his birth. After 33 and 1/2 years of living on earth and proclaiming the kingdom of God and salvation through him in the last 3 and 1/2 years, he was crucified and later resurrected as prophesied. He is all set to come back as is written in the Word of God, the Bible.
Those who believe in his atoning sacrifice on the cross must wait eagerly for his coming. It will happen and another glorious prophesy will find fulfillment.

 

[jeremiah7]

Thoughts from the book of Isaiah-12

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him..the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord.. ( Isaiah 11:2) (NIV)

How wonderful it is when the Spirit of the Lord rests upon a person. Here Isaiah details many qualities of the Spirit of the Lord....wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge and fear of the Lord. These were very obvious in the life of Jesus as he went about proclaiming the kingdom of God.
The Spirit of God empowers as no one else can. Jesus said, "If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” ( Luke 11:13) (NIV)
Lets then pray for more power from on high.

 

[jeremiah7]

Thoughts from the book of Isaiah-13

Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist. ( Isaiah 11:5)(NIV)

Jesus always did the right thing because he was in close communion with the Father in heaven at all times. He was righteous to the extent of giving his life for the salvation of mankind. His faithfulness is beyond compare.
We, as Christians are exhorted in the same manner by the Word of God.....Paul, the Apostle writes.....
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place..... (Ephesians 6:14)(NIV)
Let us then follow in the Master's footsteps day in and day out till we join with him on his appointed day!

 

[jeremiah7]

Thoughts from the book of Isaiah-14

The Lord will dry up the gulf of the Egyptian sea; with a scorching wind he will sweep his hand over the Euphrates River. He will break it up into seven streams so that anyone can cross over in sandals. ( Isaiah 11:15) (NIV)

Such is the astounding power of the Creator that he can do anything he wills with his creations. And it doesn't take a season but just a word from him. Yet it's amazing when it comes to his foremost creation i.e. man; for he exercises restraint and patience even though most of mankind is rebellious to him, their Creator. In this matter then, it's best to take to heart a word of caution from the Psalmist ......He sings...

Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.
Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. ( Psalm 2:11,12) (NIV)

 

[jeremiah7]

Thoughts from the book of Isaiah-15

In that day you will say:
“I will praise you, Lord. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me. (Isaiah 12:1)(NIV)

Whenever God's chosen people (those who were redeemed from Egypt) faced his wrath because of their iniquities, they would become desperate and cry out to him for forgiveness; God forgave them but they had to suffer 'the time' that he had set as punishment.
Then he comforted them, for they were 'his people.'
The best thing about Almighty God is that he is sin forgiving and does not keep a record of our sins once we repent and confess them.
The saints of God then, are very apt when they say.......
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5) (NIV)
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. (Lamentations 3:32) (NIV)

 

[jeremiah7]

Thoughts from the book of Isaiah-16

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense ; he has become my salvation. (Isaiah 12:2) (NIV)

When dire situations do not change despite persistent prayer, the Word of God can rejuvenate hope, rekindle faith and strengthen us. Truly God, God himself is our strength, our defense and our salvation.
Believers wait in prayer, for so many things in their lives. They pray knowing that they have a God who hears and answers prayers. They know that situations will change for their good sooner or later, for they have tasted the Lord and found him to be good.
Blessed are such who trust in the Lord always and blessed will be their life in eternity, for they serve the Creator faithfully.

 

[jeremiah7]

Thoughts from the book of Isaiah- 17

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. (Isaiah 12:3)

This is such a rich verse; a verse which by itself which can satisfy a weary soul. The wells of salvation are so full of treasures, that anyone who draws water from them will find joy, peace and satisfaction. Soul and spirit thirst can be quenched by nothing other than the water in the wells of salvation. The Word of God, The Bible, is so full of promises from the Eternal God, that any one who draws them with faith will be blessed immeasurably. From the newborns in Christ to the veterans, all can find solace in this wonderful treasure from God. The remarkable fact about the wells of salvation is that one can keep drawing and drawing and it will never run dry.
Have you been drawing lately?

 

[jeremiah7]

Thoughts from the book of Isaiah-18

Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. ( Isaiah 12:5) (NIV)

What God desires is that everyone who has tasted his goodness should worship him in spirit and in truth and be a witness of his saving grace....Let all the world know.....is what the prophet says here. During Isaiah's time and even when Jesus lived on earth, the extent to which one could propagate the TRUTH had it's limitations, but now things have changed so dramatically that one can have a far wider reach and the possibilities of being an effective witness of Christ has increased tremendously.
Much remains to be done and every believer has ample opportunity to proclaim the Gospel.
The Holy Spirit of God will strengthen them who stand for the Lord and declare his salvation. Are you among them?

 

[jeremiah7]

Thoughts from the book of Isaiah-19

Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the glory of the Babylonians' pride, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah. (Isaiah 13:19)

During Isaiah's times, Babylon was like "the jewel of kingdoms". It had wonderful temples and gardens, a beautiful city. The hanging gardens of Nebuchadnezzar were one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Isaiah prophesied the destruction of this proud nation and it happened as it was prophesied. Babylon fell to the Medes and the Persians. The Persian King Xerxes I finally destroyed Babylon.

Every unfulfilled prophesy that we read of in the Bible will be fulfilled sooner or later. However impossible it may seem, God can change everything in a moment. He is Almighty. Regarding Him, Daniel, the prophet said, "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. (Daniel 2:20, 21)
YES...."He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them........."
Praise be to his Holy Name.

 

[jeremiah7]

Thoughts from the book of Isaiah-20

Wail, for the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty. (Isaiah 13:6) (NIV)

Judgement day of the present world is fast approaching and it will be so calamitous and destructive that the whole world will be in ruins. We have heard, seen and read of destruction of kingdoms, but this will be the judgement upon the whole world.
And why is God destroying? What's the reason? God says.....
I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless.
(Isaiah 13:11) (NIV)
But there's a wonderful promise for them who serve God faithfully.........
But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. (Malachi 4:2) (NIV)
Let's be faithful to Almighty God then and see the fulfillment of this promise in our lives.

 

[jeremiah7]

Thoughts from the book of Isaiah-22

Isaiah 14:12 NIV
How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!

Some consider this as referring to the fall of satan, others to the tragic destruction of the king of Babylon. More importantly, it signifies how God Almighty deals with the arrogant and haughty. Though they may seem to flourish for a while, their destruction is imminent and they are brought low.
Regarding the proud, what we read in the book of Job is very apt....

Job 20:6-9 NIV
Though the pride of the godless person reaches to the heavens and his head touches the clouds, he will perish forever, like his own dung; those who have seen him will say, ‘Where is he?’ Like a dream he flies away, no more to be found, banished like a vision of the night. The eye that saw him will not see him again; his place will look on him no more.

But God looks on the humble with favor and exalts them in due time. He is good and what he does is good and righteous. Blessed be his holy name.