"In that wonderful day when the LORD gives His people rest from sorrow and fear, from slavery and chains...."
Isaiah 14:3
My Take Aways
Something to Old:
It is a WONDERFUL day! He gives me rest from sorrow and fear. He removes the chains of slavery. The earth can sing.
Something New:
Isaiah 14:1
I am a descendant of Jacob-I receive mercy from the LORD.
Isaiah 16:4b-5
"When oppression and destruction have ended and enemy raiders have disappeared, then God will establish on of David's descendants as king. He will rule with mercy and truth. He will always do what is just and be eager to what is right."
I love the way He rules!
Something to Do:
Thank you God for Jesus! For fulfilled prophecies that changed my life for eternity.
I might be tangled up in the Loch Ness Monster today.
I might be tangled up in the Loch Ness Monster today.
27 Comments:
Good morning, GIG's,
(Just in case some of our new sisters are wondering, SAP means Stop and Pray.)
Wendy, so often you eloquently put into words just what I am feeling after our reading, but I struggle to put into words. I, too, feel as though the Lord has brought me our of fears and sorrows and slavery and chains that were false, and now I am becoming free on a daily basis.
My nugget from today was Isaiah 16: 3-4
"Help us," they cry. "Defend us against our enemies. Protect us from their relentless attack. Do not betray us now that we have escaped. Let our refugees stay among you. Hide them from our enemies until the terror is past."
My to do: Do not question God about my sorrows and hurts. Trust that all my "pain will be turned to purpose" and that whatever has happened to me or will happen to me can be used to bring You glory or me and mine good.
Thank you Wendy and all of you for your faithfulness to this study, the hearts you show through your words, and your caring for one another. This sisterhood is such an important way that I am encouraged to stay in His Word, to think about and pray for others, and to related His word to my own life.
IT IS A WONDERFUL DAY, for His people, for His children.
Off to pray over the childrens' list. Have a 4:8 day, friends.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle, listening to creation sing His praises on a lake in New Hampshire {smile}
Morning GIGs,
My computer is having trouble loading the video this morning...I will try again later. Our internet connection has been really slow lately. Not sure what is going on?? I am anxious to watch the vlog today because it was one of those days I came up dry and really did not center in on a point. I got out Jon Courson's commentary and read some interesting things referring to Isaiah 14:12-17 and the fall of Satan. If I have some extra time later I will post some of what is said, or G&P if you have time to post I am sure you read it too :)
Kristin from TX, I tried emailing you this morning but it did not go through. I was drawn to the comments you posted last night. If you want to email me you can at bmloftis@gmail.com. The email I had that you posted a while back would not work.
Michelle, having a 4:8 day today!
Prayers and Blessings to all your dear sisters,
Brandee, TN
Good morning GIGs. It is a wonderful day and thank you Wendy for reminding us of that.
We are told that "the day of the Lord is coming" (13:9a), on that day though, for us, the remnants, we will have "relief from suffering and turmoil, from slavery and sin" (14:3), we will have rest and quiet (14:7).
But for today, we have refuge in Jesus (14:32). Oh what a glorious thing that is!
Praying for the needs of you dear ones and those you have shared. Praying for those hurting to run to the Father for in Him only is found relief from the pain.
So thankful for the refuge,
Gaylene
Dear Friends,
Just want to say thank you SO much for your prayers. It is overwhelming to feel all this caring. I know we are being guided in the right direction because of your powerful spiritual support! I was so moved to read all your loving words last night, and I did feel a sense of peace and relief, amidst the heat and labor of moving! And yes, it is so good to have Michael under our roof, and surrounded by his sisters and smothered with love by little nieces and nephews. Last night I slept.
About a month ago, God put into my path (in a supermarket!) my dear friend Patty. We had lost touch as I started working more, and can you believe that in that "chance" encounter, with me going in and her going out, we shared our hearts about our sons? Hers had just finished a treatment program and was living at home, and she gave me such hope that there can be an answer. This was God's plan in motion. We made a plan to get together soon.
Yesterday morning it took all my courage to call her. She calmed my fears and empathized with every aspect of our problem because she had lived it too. She helped us to set in motion the things we need to start. For her son, she had spent days doing research, calling, hitting dead ends, going through red tape, and here all she did was give me the phone numbers and her well honed advice! Isn't our Lord amazing? We are here for each other, and she and her husband and son are God's instruments for us right now. She also knew that it was not by chance that God put us together in the supermarket that afternoon.
Today we will be traveling to an alcohol evaluation appointment to see if he needs inpatient or outpatient treatment. Yesterday we also contacted the treatment facility in a nearby town where her son went. She can't speak highly enough about it.
Tonight her son is taking Michael to his weekly support meeting at this facility so he can be introduced to what recovery is like. If inpatient is what he needs, God will help us to find a way to cover the cost. Thank you SO MUCH for all your continuing prayers!
I wish I could just read my bible chapters every day, study and apply it to my own life, and add comments to enrich your day the way you all do for me! But my focus is so over the top and out of myself right now, and I apologize. I thank you for listening to me, and I hope if anyone else is feeling hopeless about a child in trouble, take heart and believe there is hope.
I am treasuring the special things you are sharing in your lives, thank you for opening your hearts. Our honesty builds trust. As we all learn to lean on God for our needs, we are growing closer to Him and finding that all we need is to trust in Him.
Have a blessed day. Onward and upward!
Jacque
Good morning, friends
It is a wonderful day! I too, have been having my devotions outside on my patio and am just in awe of the birds singing and the beauty of His creation. It makes me feel refreshed and full of joy to be in His presence.
I am thankful for the verse Wendy pointed out today regarding the wonderful day. I just read right over that. Yes, the Lord does give us rest from sorrow and fear, from slavery and chains. Thinking of you, Jacque, and so encourage to hear your great news. Nothing happens by chance and the Lord put your friend in the right place at the right time. I will continue praying for you, your husband and Michael.
It is the end of the month and wondering how Elizabeth is doing with her job search?
Have a wonderful day everyone,
Kris
Wendy, I just listened to your video, and I have to shout out to the Lord... YES-- it is a WONDERFUL day! He is giving my family rest from sorrow and fear. He is removing the chains of slavery. I am in awe witnessing His mighty works, and so grateful!
Jacque
Dear Jacque, Our LORD is so good. Thank you Lord, not only that you gave this friend to Jacque's family, but did it ahead of time. Lord you are so gracious and loving. The trees also sing out this joyous song. The thought of that is huge. Every time I hear the wind blowing and the leaves rustling I will hear it as singing a joyous song.
Jacque, your words of thanksgiving are so beautiful.
Donna - TX
Dear Jaque,
I am happy to read your report! I prayed for you and your family yesterday.
Diane, I also went to the site you posted (Michael Youssef; leading the way) and watched the video on praying for the next generation. It fit so well with the list and all the other initiatives we have started. I was uplifted to think that we can pray to God not only for our children to survive, but also to thrive under adversity. Then today, the crosswlk devotions were full of 2 Corinthians 12:9 - But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
Devotion after devotion on how suffering for Christ and in Christ is not hopeless. Charles Stanley said it best I think.
"David's psalms reveal that his struggles taught him dependence on God (Ps. 4), perseverance (Ps. 13), and many other valuable spiritual traits. The Lord also provided comfort even as He stretched the warrior-poet's faith (Ps. 86:17). As God intended, David's words offer solace to others who must walk through misery.
By means of affliction, God molds His children into comfort carriers (2 Cor. 1:4). The message we offer is the one we learned in our trials: God is enough. He is sufficient to meet needs when the pit is deep, the obstacle high, or the suffering prolonged. Moreover, our own life proves that hardship makes Christians stronger and wiser."
I love that; after we come out of the affliction, we are "comfort carriers." Further, we become the "fragrance of His care to a hurting world. We carry cheer to the discouraged, relief to the hurting, and the message of Christ's love to all." I am so uplifted!
Wendy, I too parked on Isaiah 16:4b-5, but I resonnate with the NIV version more: The oppressor will come to an end,
and destruction will cease;
the aggressor will vanish from the land.
5 In love a throne will be established;
in faithfulness a man will sit on it—
one from the house of David—
one who in judging seeks justice
and speeds the cause of righteousness.
AMEN!
Rhonda, thank you for sharing your story yesterday. My heart went out to you and my admiration meter went up even higher. You are a brave and capable woman, made strong in Christ.
Jennifer Renee, thank you for answering my question yesterday. That is a beautiful story and truly God at work bringing you a life-long friend (mom). I am so happy for you!
Peace be with you all today,
Karen, Basel
Hi Everybody,
Was in big debate about posting this. It seemed a little negative to Me. How God approaches us differently in His word. Each giving insight. Today after reading all so far put a balance on it for me.
Wendy I feel privileged today …..you focused on the same verse as me. You focused on the word “wonderful day“…..for some reason I was focused on the word “taunt”. So was sent to my New American Bible.
Bible verse Isaiah 14: 4-21.….Didn’t know this : In my New American Bible footnote for
Isaiah 14: 4-21 it says: This taunt-song, or satire, is one of the finest in the Bible.
Isaiah 14:4...You will take up this taunt-song* against the king of Babylon: 4-21
Did some wondering….Went to dictionary.com
taunt 1 (tônt) 
tr.v. taunt·ed , taunt·ing , taunts
1. To reproach in a mocking, insulting, or contemptuous manner.
See Synonyms at ridicule.
2. To drive or incite (a person) by taunting.
n. A scornful remark or tirade; a jeer.
On the day the LORD relieves you of sorrow and unrest and the hard service in which you have been enslaved, you will take up this taunt-song against the king of Babylon…..Just a little confused I guess?? I never want to doubt God. Something’s I believe we will never understand.
Taunt-song vs. Humble, not boasting , not letting our pride seep in. Are we not suppose to Love your enemy…..Could I wish this upon my enemies verse 15.…Yet down to the nether world you go to the recesses of the pit! Verse 10: All of them speak out and say to you, “You too have become weak like us, you are the same as we. What I witnessed in sports. What some do to be on top? So could I sing a taunt-song if they were brought down? After all I am a sinner too.
Lord Thank You for sending Jesus to show us how to live.
Michelle….Takes Me to Our Phil 4:8: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things……Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.
I think this just answered my question.
With that Wendy I am going to make it a Wonderful Day!!
Jacque….I just got done reading your comment a light bulb just went on. A whole new perspective on the “taunt-song” Sing it sweet sister all day long…..that enemy is so worth “taunting” about. I was debating on weather to post about this. "On the day the LORD relieves you of sorrow and unrest and the hard service in which you have been enslaved, you will take up this taunt-song!"....SING IT LOUD!!
It really is a Wonderful Day,
Rhonda MI
Sweet Sisters ~ Hallelujah! My golden nugget -
“then God will establish one of David’s descendants as king” (15:5).
The O.T. telling us: the Messiah is again in view!
Earlier this morning I enjoyed such as sweet time with the Lord. I woke up with Him and He carried me through my walk today as we conversed back and forth. He even let me view butterflies on my path as the sun rose up! Oh sisters, to know His love. He knows us – inside and out! Every detail. He still loves us. Every little part of us. He gave His life for us; He paid the price for mercy! I can’t even explain my worship time with Him; I can’t begin to understand the grace and love He freely gives us. I sit in awe, trying to grasp His loving ways. He has set us free. Through Him we can live in victory. One day at a time, eventually living victoriously with Him.
When we are in His Word, He is so good to keep us close to Him. And, just like Wendy said, He knows us – He does not have us give everything up at once. He does it gradually, sisters. Little by little, and sometimes you are not even aware of it. Then, it’s a light bulb moment, when you realize what He has done.
Jacque, I prayed that the right people would surround you and carry you and your husband through this trial. When you wrote about meeting Patty in the supermarket, aahh, that was such a God Moment. He knows Michael. He loves Michael. He’s busy working in Michael. I’m praying that He will continue to guide you and give you peace each day. That you will not worry about tomorrow, that you will take it day by day. There was a reason why you joined this journey, too! See, God began working on this whole situation many months ago! He put a prayer group together for you, a group of ladies that would pray across the nation over you and hold you up and keep encouraging you, and keep pointing you back to His Truth. Know, sweet sister that we are praying for you every single day. God is going to let all of us witness the glory through Michael. We will see first hand the power of God when praying sisters join together and cry out to their Savior! There is no need for you to apologize, just take in our prayers and thank our Father for His loving kindness. Our hope is in God, alone.
Hugs to each one of you and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your posts. SAPing for the individual requests.
More hugs, smile…Lori
Sweet Sisters ~ Hallelujah! My golden nugget -
“then God will establish one of David’s descendants as king” (15:5).
The O.T. telling us: the Messiah is again in view!
Earlier this morning I enjoyed such as sweet time with the Lord. I woke up with Him and He carried me through my walk today as we conversed back and forth. He even let me view butterflies on my path as the sun rose up! Oh sisters, to know His love. He knows us – inside and out! Every detail. He still loves us. Every little part of us. He gave His life for us; He paid the price for mercy! I can’t even explain my worship time with Him; I can’t begin to understand the grace and love He freely gives us. I sit in awe, trying to grasp His loving ways. He has set us free. Through Him we can live in victory. One day at a time, eventually living victoriously with Him.
When we are in His Word, He is so good to keep us close to Him. And, just like Wendy said, He knows us – He does not have us give everything up at once. He does it gradually, sisters. Little by little, and sometimes you are not even aware of it. Then, it’s a light bulb moment, when you realize what He has done.
Jacque, I prayed that the right people would surround you and carry you and your husband through this trial. When you wrote about meeting Patty in the supermarket, aahh, that was such a God Moment. He knows Michael. He loves Michael. He’s busy working in Michael. I’m praying that He will continue to guide you and give you peace each day. That you will not worry about tomorrow, that you will take it day by day. There was a reason why you joined this journey, too! See, God began working on this whole situation many months ago! He put a prayer group together for you, a group of ladies that would pray across the nation over you and hold you up and keep encouraging you, and keep pointing you back to His Truth. Know, sweet sister that we are praying for you every single day. God is going to let all of us witness the glory through Michael. We will see first hand the power of God when praying sisters join together and cry out to their Savior! There is no need for you to apologize, just take in our prayers and thank our Father for His loving kindness. Our hope is in God, alone.
Hugs to each one of you and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your posts. SAPing for the individual requests.
More hugs, smile…Lori
Amy, here's today's vlog.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGtQmZ3pbZ4&feature=player_embedded
I haven't done the reading yet but listening to Wendy today gave me peace. I love how she said it's a wonderful day. Even though we might be dealing with troubles in our family and with our children and stress and sadness might be filling our hearts but it's still a wonderful day. God allowed us to see this day and he's not going to put more on us than we can bear. As I listened to Wendy talk about it being a wonderful day I began to realize that right now in my life I'm not upset, I'm not anxious, I'm not emotionally hurting because of my past, and today I'm not irritable or depressed and wanting to end my life or hurt myself in some way. A year ago and even throughout this year I was all these things but today is a wonderful day. I will admit, however, there is something I'm struggling with. As I listen to Wendy and read everyone's comments about having your quiet times I start thinking about how I'm not a very good Christian. What I mean is that I don't study the Bible or write in a journal like most of you do and I have trouble really spending a long time with God. Most of the time my prayers are only five minutes long. I ask God to bless my friends and I say a prayer for the prayer requests but that's about it. I do thank God throughout the day but I can't seem to make myself spend real quality time with God. It's as if I get board when I do start praying. I don't work, I don't have any kids or husband, and I live alone so I should have no problem having quality time with God. When it comes to things like cooking or exercising I get lazy about it and that's how I feel about my time with God. I get lazy about it. If Jesus were to come back today I don't think he'd take me up with him.
Lord, give me a hunger and a thirst after righteous.
Jennifer Renee, I don't post very often, but when you said you think you are not a very good Christian, that could have been me saying that. I have felt that way too. I don't journal and when I pray, I frequently find myself thinking about something else. I get distracted easily. But, Jennifer, I have come to realize that God doesn't expect us to be perfect Christians, He only expects us to love him and accept Him. As long as we are working at getting better, He will accept that and give us the strength to keep going.
And I also believe that when I have those guilt feelings about not being a good enough Christian, that is Satan working on me. He tries to make me feel bad, he tries to make me give up and stop trying. So I cry out to Jesus and ask for help in banning Satan from my mind.
So, hang in there Jennifer Renee. I believe that if Jesus came back today, He would take you and me with Him, because we love Him and have accepted Him and the great sacrifice He made for us on the cross.
your GIG,
Mary from SW Ohio
Jekka, I was touched by what you shared yesterday. This is coming from a fellow-swooper. I am praying for your walk with Jesus that He will draw you closer to Him.
Jacque,
How great of our God to have you meet your friend at the grocery store. He knows just what we need and when. May use her and minister to you in a mighty way.
Jennifer Renee, thank you for sharing your story. ((HUGS)) to you. As to having a hunger for the Word, I would recommend listening to good bible teachers. I cannot speak highly enough about Chuck Missler and Koinonia Institute. You don't have to enroll because I think his materials are available for download. He digs really deep into the Word and you will find out things about the bible that you did not even know - how God designed it, the intricate details embedded within the text. It will amaze you! David Hocking is also another very good teacher who goes through the bible verse by verse. He was the first teacher I heard on the radio. John MacArthur also comes highly recommended. His website is http://www.gty.org/
If you go to blueletterbible there are also audio commentaries there that you could listen to. Here is the link to the audio/video commentaries (I see some of my favorite bible teachers here, Pastor Chuck Smith, Greg Laurie, Mike MacIntosh, look Chuck Missler is also listed, Jon Courson, Bob Coy, Brian Brodersen, etc): http://www.blueletterbible.org/audio_video/
I hope you are blessed.
Comments on today's reading will be forthcoming. Gotta go for now.
Amen to what Mary fr SW Ohio said!
So this is why I did not post this morning. It is so great to spend some time when you guys are all on line to participate in the discussions!
Rhonda,
Babylon was a real place, a real city, but in Revelation, it is a figurative place; the representation of evil.
Revelation 14:8- And another angel, a second one, followed, saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who has made all the nations drink of the wine of the passion of her immorality." The word here is Strongs number 870 (thank you Studylight.org.) and means:
Definition
Babylon = "confusion"
a very large and famous city, the residence of the Babylonian kings, situated on both banks of the Euphrates. Cyrus had formerly captured it, but Darius Hystaspis threw down its gates and walls, and Xerxes destroyed the temple of Belis. At length the city was reduced to almost solitude, the population having been drawn off by the neighbouring Seleucia, built on the Tigris by Seleucus Nicanor.
of the territory of Babylonia
allegorically, of Rome as the most corrupt seat of idolatry and the enemy of Christianity.
More figurative citings include Rev. 16: 17-19. So we should taunt Babylon; the corrupt seat of idolatry, the source of confusion.
Jenifer Renee, thank you for sharing your heart. Another devotion I read today was about this very thing. It was by Bayless Conley. He made the point that an indication of how one's spiritual life is progressing, is to look at one's prayer life. By prayer takes patience time and practice. Here is the story he shared:
I once read a story about a World War II soldier who was called in before his commanding officer and accused of spying. The officer said, "You have been seen slipping off into a wooded area where we know enemy patrols have been seen, and we think you're passing information to them."
The commanding officer demanded, "Why did you go there?" and the soldier said, "I just slipped away for a quiet hour of prayer." The officer then commanded him to get on his knees and show him how he prayed.
So the soldier hit his knees, thinking he was likely to get executed for treason, and began to cry out to God. Immediately it was evident that he had an intimacy with God. The commanding officer stopped him and said, "That's enough. You can go." He turned to another officer and said, "No one could pray like that without a long apprenticeship."
(Answers with Bayless Conley; June 30, 2010).
Don't give up, and don't give in. take it little by little, a little here, a little there. If you stop and pray when a thought comes to you; even if it is a 20 second prayer, they add up. Soon you are having an active and on-going conversation with God that never ends.
Be blessed my friends,
karen
Wendy, thank you for being so faithful to this group. I can only speak for myself, but I am soooooo glad that you have chosen to teach us even through your vacation.
Jacque, when you gave your update today I was struck by how great the difficulty was and how it was so evident that God was watching over your family and weaving so many details to get you to today. All the prayers from your spiritual GIGs, your chance meeting with your friend Patty are helping to strengthen you for this battle. We rejoice with you in each small step toward Michael's recovery.
Jekka, Your testimony shows that Satan has such control over us when we succumb to the allure of credit card spending. As you walk the path that you have mapped out know that the Lord is with you and will strengthen you if you reach out and ask him.
My nugget: In agreement with Wendy today, it is a wonderful day for His people. We had a big shower this morning and as I was driving a beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky...I couldn't help but shout and give praise. My face lit up with joy. Phillipians 4:4 Always be full of Joy in the Lord. I say it again, rejoice!
Now it's time to go and to pray over the childrens' list. Have a 4:8 day, everyone.
Hi everyone,
No job for me yet. Lately I have started to feel overwhelmed, being distracted, not being disciplined in what I need to do. I ask for prayer that I would be motivated in what I need to do. I get in that place of closing up and not trying in what I need to do. I do want to work. If someone wants to email me, here is my email address, fuchsias4me@sbcglobal.net
God knows the right job for me. I just haven't seen it yet. There are situations that I need guidance and direction from the Lord about.
I am also in the process of finding another church.
Your comments are encouraging.
Praying for needs shared here.
Thank you and I hope all of you have a great day.
Elizabeth
Jacque, hearing your story of how God is working in your life is so uplifting. Thank you for sharing, and continued mighty prayers for Michael.
Jen Ren, I am currently reading "The Power of a Praying Woman" by Stormie OMartian. I hope some of what she has to say will help you, as the Nike ads say, "Just do it!"
Here are some of Stormie's words -- "When I started learning to pray about every aspect of my life, I asked God to help me be disciplined enough to be daily in His Word, to pray faithfully, and to take the steps of obedience I needed to take. I asked Him to deliver me from depression or anything else that kept me from all He had for me. I was surprised by how quickly God answered those prayers."
Jennifer, Stormie also gives some exact words for such a prayer, which you may want to try. I'll post this now so I won't get cut off, and be right back with the rest.....
Michelle in New England
Michelle, back again. Here is Stormie’s prayer, Jennifer --
“God, help me to set aside time each day to meet with You alone. Enable me to resist and eliminate all that would keep me from it. Teach me to pray the way You want me to . Help me to learn more about You. Lord, You have said, “If anyone thirst, let him come to Me and drink” (John 7:37) I thirst for more of You because I am in a dry place without You. I come to You this day and drink deeply of Your Spirit. I know You are everywhere, but I also know that there are deeper manifestations of Your presence that I long to experience. Draw me close so that I may dwell in Your presence like never before.”
Please feel my prayers for you, Jen Ren, that you would find the way to develop a closer walk with Him through prayer.
Stephanie, where are you? I’ve been missing your posts!
Elizabeth, SAPing for you job situation, your search for a new church, and that your spirits be lifted. Hang in there! He’s working on it.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Jennifer, thanks so much for the link! You're great!
I know what you mean, too, about getting distracted during prayer. I have that problem, too, and am trying really hard to get better. When I was a kid I never heard anybody pray out loud except our paster, who went on forever, it seemed, and so when I became a Christian I didn't know what to do. I got a notebook and started writing down my prayers to God in letter-form, and I still do that when there's really something big on my mind. The rest of the time, I'm working on lengthening my short attention span and turning the thoughts that pop into my mind throughout the day into little mini-prayers. Although I rebelled for years about getting up early to start my day with my Bible, I wouldn't have it any other way now. Lysa TerKeurst says that she doesn't eat until she has her quiet time each day; when I first started, I thought about doing something similar so that I gave it the importance it deserves. Just a thought.
Today is a wonderful day. I need to hear that more often! I thought today's reading was kind of hard, so I'm especially appreciative of all of your comments. Thanks for sharing!
Michelle, thank you so much for sharing Stormie's prayer from her book.
Thank you everyone for your prayers. I feel much better when I do ask for prayer, whether or not I give specifics of my prayer requests.
Elizabeth
I haven't posted in quite awhile, and don't have as much computer time as I would like,but today I have, and I have thoroughly enjoyed all of your comments. Since our computer connection is so slow, I'm not able to view the video, so I rely on what all of you say to glean something of what Wendy has said. Thank you for that.
I was reading Jon Courson's commentary today about the verses in Isaiah 14:13-14 about Satan. He brought up something that really hit me, and I have to share it. I think Brandee was going to, but she hasn't...yet...so I am going to. When you pray, "Lord, I want to be just like You", WHY do you?
Is is so people will appreciate you?
Is it so people will respond to your teaching?
Is it so people will think you're a spiritual giant?
Is it so you'll be successful and see miracles?
Or do you want to be like the Lord so you, too, can be forgotten, despised, misunderstood; a failure in the sight of the world in the eyes of your colleagues?
Next time you pray, "Lord, make me like You," realize that it means carrying the cross and being despised--otherwise your plans are absurd as Satan's.
The next time I sing the chorus, "Lord Make Me Like You", I'll think twice.
Even though I don't get on here everyday, because of work, I still pray for all of you and all the prayer requests...God knows that they are even if I don't. I am also continuing to pray for all the unsaved husbands and wives, and kids.
Jan TN
Jacque - Praying for you and your family. I too have experienced family chemical dependency with my family and my husbands. I am glad you have support. I pray for Michael and your family.
Jen Ren - I can relate to you totally. I don't journal either...some days I read the Bible reading and don't have a clue until I read the blog and PTL for everyone's insight and knowledge. I then sit hear and read how everyone hears God when they pray and how he has laid something on their heart. Some days I actually hold my breath so I might hear him. My husband says I am trying too hard. I do remind myself that this is a journey. I feel closer to God because I am actually getting to "know" him. This is the first time I have read the Bible through. When I turned 50 I decided to put on my big girl panties and get serious. Don't be so hard on yourself and pray like I do...Keep On Keepin' On...just a closer walk with thee Lord.
AB in IN
I wanted to share this scripture verse a friend of mine sent me today.
Isaiah 42:16 "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them."
God's love, mercy and grace to everyone.
Elizabeth
My videos are back but now I'm on the wrong day! I'll try again later .....
Did anyone else have a problem with yesterday's reading? The Proverbs 26:4 & 5? They seem to contradict one another, saying the opposite. I pulled out my parallel Bible and the only version that helped was the NAS which put the word "deserves" ..."as his folly deserves." in verse 5.
Just wondering what others thought.
Believing God,
Linda
Buda, Texas
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