How can we summarize Isaiah? Is the book a collection of 66 chapters about a man names Isaiah? Does the book only apply to the people of Israel in a time long past? Is the book of Isaiah a prophetic view of God working through humanity despite the inherent unfaithfulness exhibited? How does the way we look at the book of Isaiah impact our faith today over two thousand years after the death of Jesus Christ. Looking back upon the book of Isaiah the unfaithfulness and disobedience of people is consistently evidenced. Time after time Isaiah tells the people of Israel that they are straying from God. Is the book just a repetitive collection of warnings against idolatry? If you leave your view of Isaiah upon this door step of negativity, disappointment, and discipline you will miss the true joy contained in the text. Continue Reading…
True joy glimpsed in a Promise: Isaiah Summary
Shine your light of hope to the world around you: Psalm 15
How do we cling to God? How does someone love the Lord with all of their heart, mind, soul and strength? Do you ever feel lost in your walk with God? There is no magical solution that will cause our faith in God to grow but we do have a roadmap in God’s Word. What are the character traits of a disciple of God? David gives a brief look at what an upright man in Psalm 15. We need to strive to walk in the truth, speak with wisdom and be above reproach. If we stand upon the foundation of God’s truth we will be unmoved no matter what happens.
What kind of impact will wholly devoted followers of Jesus Christ have on the world? We will bring healing to the people around us as we seek to imitate Jesus Christ. We will be a sign post pointing to the hope the world is craving. What a blessing we have been given to proclaim the wondrous glory of God as we are used by Him to help those around us. Rejoice and embrace the work God has for you to love Him and love those around you with the same love God has bestowed upon you.
Peace, hope and purpose found in a proper perspective: Job Summary
The story in the book of Job is portrayed on two distinct levels. At the macro-level we see the impetus for the calamity that befalls Job when God discusses His servant with Satan resulting in God allowing Satan to bring calamity upon Job. On the micro-level we see the loss of family, wealth and health for Job along with the futile comfort offered by his friends Zophar, Bildad and Eliphaz. How do we cope when calamities come upon us when outwardly we only see our life from the midst of trouble and tribulation? Can hope be had in the midst of calamity? How do we deal with the anger and despair that vies for our attention when we are in the midst of trouble?
Job was faced with his way of life being disturbed and radically changed when his children, livestock and health were struck by Satan. Job had no foreknowledge that these events that transformed his life were ordained and allowed by God. His main concern was questioning why these events happened to him, an upright man who sought God above all. The knowledge and faith that Job had in God was great but his perspective on his situation was fixed inwardly and not upon God. Continue Reading…
Do your words bring comfort to hurting hearts: Job 35 and 36
What is the point of Elihu’s discord after the discussion of Job, Zophar, Bildad and Eliphaz? I find myself reading the words that Elihu spoke with great caution. Why is this? What about the words of Elihu make me wary? What was the motive of this young man? Does Elihu have a greater degree of head knowledge concerning God only to have little of that knowledge transform his heart? I cannot know the heart of Elihu but it seems that there is an underlying self righteousness to Elihu’s arguments.
“How much less when you say you do not behold Him, the case is before Him, and you must wait for Him! And now, because He has not visited in His anger, nor has He acknowledged transgression well, so Job opens his mouth emptily; he multiplies words without knowledge.” Job 35:14-16 Continue Reading…
Healing is depressing
I have been feeling down lately. I am sick of having to keep waiting to heal. I really can’t stand this any more. It has been over 5 years that I have been dealing with these foot surgeries. I have lost any and all motivation in life. I know that this will pass but it is not easy feeling this way. Add to that the fact that I still have side effects from stopping my pain med… So I am feeling really “wonderful” right now. Tomorrow is another day.
Speechlessness best becomes me when awe ensues
It has been a week since I found out about my foot starting to heal. I am still completely speechless when I think of what God has done for me. I am in total awe. I am thinking of how faithful He is to me. I am so thankful! Never doubt what God is able to do! Enjoy who God is this week and trust in His unfailing love! God bless you all during this next week.
The sovereignty of God expressed in a mortal man
So, today I went to the doctor to find out what will be happening to my foot. First let me say that I went to the doctor with my mind prepared that I would be looking at a major surgery and months of recovery. I know God is in control and I rest and trust in Him.
The doctor last saw me 6 weeks ago and at that point my foot was moving a good amount. Today they preformed a stress test on my foot. A stress test requires the doctor to use a lot of force to move my foot and measure how far it moves. It is not a “happy” thing to go through. So, I grit my teeth and the doc moved my foot around. I thought that it moved a lot and I was preparing to schedule the surgery in my mind. I am so sick of being sick….. yet I know that God is in control. Continue Reading…
Death best becomes me at times
It is amazing how you can view the frail life that we have. I have just had another major surgery and I am sick of being sick. You never know how much good health is true life than when your health sucks. I am at wits ends with the current problems. But I find that this is the point where my faith in God is true and strong. I know my faith has wavered in recent days but as I recover from my hospitalization God is healing my weary heart. It is in the moments of total helpless fear that you see who you are. Are you a complete fake and you have no substance or are you a genuine person who has bad days but you love God and want to do his will. Continue Reading…
