"Out of the stump of David's family will grow a shoot-yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root." Isaiah 11:1
My Take Aways Something Old:
Every day is my: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Something New:
The LORD, the "Light of Israel"... I love all the things that Spirit of the Lord will rest upon the new Branch. Spirit of:
- Wisdom and understanding
- Counsel and might
- Knowledge and fear of the LORD
- Appropriate judgment
- Justice for all
Preserve
to keep from harm, protect, spare, keep up, maintain, to prepare as to resist decomposition.
Something to Do:
Today I praise God for "that day." verse 6-12
Praise God for prophecy fulfilled. Isaiah 9:6.
35 Comments:
Dear Wendy,
I too loved today! It is a day where I could sit and re-read the passages over and over again; like watching a favorite old movie!
Isaiah 8; so full of instruction (my to do):
13 Make the Lord of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life.
He is the one you should fear.
He is the one who should make you tremble.
14 He will keep you safe.
16 Preserve the teaching of God;
entrust his instructions to those who follow me.
19 But shouldn't people ask God for guidance?
Isaiah 9:1-7 (all of it...:))- my old and loved!
Isaiah 10:15 - justification for God's righteousness and Sovereignty:
15 But can the ax boast greater power than the person who uses it?
Is the saw greater than the person who saws?
Can a rod strike unless a hand moves it?
Can a wooden cane walk by itself?
and 17: the Messiah;
17 The Lord, the Light of Israel, will be a fire;
the Holy One will be a flame.
He will devour the thorns and briers with fire,
burning up the enemy in a single night.
Lastly, Isaiah 11:9:
9 Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain,
for as the waters fill the sea,
so the earth will be filled with people who know the Lord.
It puts me in mind of one of my favorite memory verses from the Song of Moses (Exodus 15:13,17-18)
13 "In your unfailing love you will lead
the people you have redeemed.
In your strength you will guide them
to your holy dwelling.
17 You will bring them in and plant them
on the mountain of your inheritance—
the place, O LORD, you made for your dwelling,
the sanctuary, O Lord, your hands established.
18 The LORD will reign
for ever and ever."
Oh to be in God's Holy Mountain; filled with people who know and love the Lord! 1000 years of peace; Jesus as King, the Light of the World, the Prince of Peace!
Have a great day everyone!
Karen, Basel
Not sure what's going on today, but instead of the vlog I see only a black box. I'll try back later.
I liked the verses foretelling Jesus' birth, too, and seeing just how far in advance it was predicted was great. Helped to see how the Israelites got so confused about thinking they were getting a new earthly ruler and why they were so longing for Him.
I was curious about the last part, though. Is that prediction one that has already come true or one that we're still waiting for?? Some of it sounded like things I've heard that will take place during His 1000 years of reigning on earth, but other parts ... not sure.
Actually, Lori, I chase the kids iwth the hose! Mine love it; the firemuff used to run and hide from it, but now she plays with it, too. Didn't mean to complain about her - I'm just more than ready to be back with just mine. I'm helping out someone else today, and then we're done for the summer! Planning lots of day trips and fun activities. I think we might go pick blueberries tomorrow and make a pie! :-)
Help!!! I can get the written word but not the spoken lesson-any ideas on how to ge my computer to work????
Today's reading was wonderful!!! I love Isaiah, it has such powerful truths that we can apply to our lives everyday.
So many scriptures jumped out at me today:
Isaiah 8 as you talked about Wendy. I also focused on verse 20 in that chapter, "Look to God's instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark." We had a guest pastor speak at our church a few weeks ago and he said that no matter if we choose to believe it or not, God's Word is The Truth. We can deny it, ignore it, and choose to go our own way but that does not take away the fact that it is the truth. Those that choose to not listen and not follow what the Word says are living in darkness. We have to keep praying that they will see the light. As we pray we,"wait for the LORD...I will put my hope in him" (Isaiah 8:17).
Isaiah 10:7, "But the king of Assyria will not understand that he is my tool; his mind does not work that way." This verse stood out to me. God can use people even when they do not even realize they are being used by Him in His plan. I have witnessed this firsthand in my own life as I see answers to prayers in my husband's life and he does not even realize what is going on. His mind does not work that way yet because God's Spirit is not living inside his heart (YET!) but I see God using him because I have prayed.
Isaiah 11- just a great chapter! So many truths. I love what Courson says in his commentary on verses 6-9:
"Here we see the peace of the kingdom.
If you look at creation, you can see something of God. But nature doesn't give a full revelation of God because, although we can gain insight into His ingenuity and creativity, we won't see His love since nature is constantly at war with itself through the survival of the fittest and the devouring of one animal by another. Nature can't tell us of the love of God because Adam's fall affected all of nature. That, however, will be reversed when Jesus comes back-for them a little child will be able to lead a menagerie of otherwise deadly animals."
Again, great reading today!
Rhonda, I want to tell you that I read comments from yesterday this morning and what you wrote about Isaiah 7:9 really spoke to me, especially Matthew 19:26. If I think I can do it myself there is no chance at all, but if I trust God there is every chance in the world. I SOOO needed to hear that today! With all that is going on with my husband I feel like I am on cloud nine one minute and my heart is breaking into a million pieces the next. I stand firm in my faith and trust in God and His perfect plan and He will make me stand firm!
Amy, I agree with what you said about how I can see how the Israelites were looking for an earthly king to overthrow the Romans. They were not expecting what Christ did for eternity, they wanted someone to over throw the oppression they were in at the time.
Ok, dear friends, need to get off of here, we have a really busy day today and going to be gone all day. Bug Camp is going great and my son is LOVING it! We are going to see a scientist at the library this morning too before camp do some experiments. Praying for you all to have a blessed day.
Love,
Brandee, TN
We have had VBS this week also Wendy. Its been amazing how God is working through our VBS. Yesterday theme was God Word is surprising. And we received a surprise A beautiful sunset last night that was awesome. The colors were so bright and beautiful.
Isaiah 8:6- My care for my people of Judah is like the gentle flowing waters of Shiloah
Isaiah 8:17- I will wait for the Lord, I will put my hope in HIM.
Isaiah 10:20- They will faithfully trust the Lord the Holy One of Israel.
Isaiah 10:17- The Lord, the Light of Israel, will be a fire the Holy one will be a flame.
Isaiah 11- A branch from David's Family.
Thank You Lord, Your awesome!
Love, Debra
Day 4- VBS.
Good morning, GIG's,
Aaarrgh, I just lost a looong post. Okay, take two.
Today's reading was chock-ful of great stuff, and was a relief after the gloomy readings we've been doing in Kings. Thrilling prophesies today, and lots of food for thought.
As in Isaiah 10:12 with the king of Assyria, God uses people in sometimes mysterious ways to accomplish His plans. And later in Isaiah 10:20, we are warned about allies who "seek to destroy us". So-called allies could be used by the evil one to "steal, kill and destroy" our obedience and our peace (or maybe our posts, ha ha ha!) We need to be very careful about who we ally ourselves with. We need to read, ponder and obey God's word, even if it means displeasing others. As women, we tend to want to please and to have everyone have a good opinion of us. But sometimes it is not possible, and we have to care only about God's opinion of us, not other's opinions, even if those others are, for instance, our parents or other family members.
Okay, now I'll get down from the cushioned soap box I borrowed from my Texas sister, Donna. By the way, Donna, let's hear it for us Polly Annas! Isn't that just another way of saying we are "Philippians 4:8 Women" always looking for the positives?
Jacque, your words from yesterday melted me, as they often do. I wholeheartedly agree with your sentiments about this sisterhood!
Rhonda, I'm with you on asking for the Lord's help with everything! If we trust and have faith, He will deliver!
The other Rhonda, thanks for sharing about your 11-year-old listening in. What wonderful seeds you are planting.
Okay, I'm posting this and then coming back.
Have a blessed 4:8 day, friends.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Back again,
Lori, good luck with the Mema move this week. I brought you with me in spirit yesterday on the outing with my dad. I decided to give myself a mental gold star every time I displayed the fruit of the spirit -- self-control -- and did not let him push my buttons. Before I even got him out of his apartment and into the car, I had four gold stars, and smiled to myself about sharing that with you. Then towards the end of our outing, a great big Godwink came my way. We had finished shopping at Kohls' for new sneakers for my dad. He was pushing the cart to help his balance. I asked him to wait in the aisle a moment while I went about 20 feet away to choose new beach towels {smile}. Suddenly I heard a scraping sound. I looked over and saw my dad on his back in the aisle, waving his hands and legs! Apparently he had decided to plunk himself down on a little ottoman in a display of patio furniture, and slid right off!! Well, before I could even walk the 20 feet back to him, a tall young woman pushing an infant in a stroller was at my dad's side, saying "Let me help you, Sir. I'm a certified Physical Therapist. Roll to you knees and then get up." My father did, and was on his feet, unharmed, in a moment. Now you have to understand, if it was just me there, my father would have made this into an epic commotion, and would surely have criticized my efforts to help, and we could have ended the outing in a fiasco. But with the "expert" on hand, my father just meekly obeyed. Thank you, Lord, for working out even the smallest details of my life for my good! I pray that He will work out all your details for good, too!
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Hi there, I know I've been mia (missing in action) this week but I'm still here.
Today the verse that jumped out at me was 8:17 I will wait for the Lord, who has turned away from the descendants of Jacob. I will put my hope in him.
Today I'm going back to my dad's for a few days. On Monday he will be taking me to go meet my Spiritual mom and r two friends for lunch. We wil meet half way between where we all liv because one friend has to get back in the afternoon to get ready for hous guests. My dad will be with us so it won't really be a girl outing but that's alright. I'm just excited to be seeing these friends. I haven't seen my Spiritual mom and one friend in nine months. I saw one of my friends in December.
What a wonderful day!!! As you were reading Isaiah 11, I just wanted to jump and say "Amen". That passage just makes me smile to know that He became the living example for us, for ME. I underlined vs 3 where it says "He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay". Nuggets of truth for us to live by.
Today's reading for me was all about examples of how we should live our life:
Isaiah 8:11---The Lord has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does.
Isaiah 8:13---Make the Lord of Heaven's Armies holy in your life
Isaiah 8:19---But shouldn't people ask God for guidance?
I should not judge by outward appearance, I shouldn't listen to gossip, I need to think on the Lord, He should be holy in my life and the most important thing and I should ALWAYS go to Him for my answers.
Thank you Lord for my guidebook and for your grace. I keep coming back to grace every day when I read and I am SO thankful for that grace.
I have a financial need right now that I am trying not to think on but to let it rest in God's arms. Please be in prayer with me that this need will be met. I keep thinking back to the story of the woman with the jars and my prayer is Lord" just give me enough, I don't need an abundance just enough to pay the debt".
Blessings
Jessica
Hi Everybody….
Wendy….The battlefield in my mind does think way to much about what I think. I needed this reminder today. Great reading for me today…..Today’s titles lifted my spirits: *A Call to Trust the LORD…*Hope in the Messiah…*Hope for the LORD’s People…*A Branch from David’s Line
When I came to this one ….it immediately took Me to one of my favorite prayers….from which where it comes from.
Isaiah 11:2, The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, A spirit of counsel and of Strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord,*
*Footnote on 11:2: The source of the traditional names of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Septuagint and the Vulgate read “piety” for fear of the Lord in its first occurrence, thus listing seven gifts.
I was wondering what they meant by Septuagint and Vulgate……By word-nerding found this:
The Vulgate is an early 5th-century Latin version of the Bible and largely ... Septuagint books into Latin;
but these are not found in the Vulgate text. .... as they have been used to be read in the Catholic Church.
The Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who, before ascending into heaven, did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me, that He may perfect in my soul the work of Your grace and Your love.
Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world
and aspire only after the things that are eternal,
the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth,
the Spirit of Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining Heaven,
the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with Thee, and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation,
the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints,
the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable,
the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God, and may dread in any way to displease Him.
Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.
My to do: Do my best to live by the Spirits of Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, Fear of the Lord.
“Preserve the teaching of God.”….I will put my hope in Him.
Rhonda
Jennifer Renee...Welcome Back Friend....Enjoy yourself with your Spiritual Mom and friends. Peace be with You.
Michelle in New England...Bless You!!...What you did with your Dad yesterday. Glad to hear he was okay.
Brandee...Keep standing firm! Your Bible story is an inspiration.
Blessing to You all... would love to comment to each individual.
Michelle! Mercy! So glad that the PT was there in Kohls with your dad! God's perfect timing!!
GIGS, as y'all have said, this was packed with amazing Truths!
Amy, the last part, according to my Precepts Bible Study that I took a few yrs ago, is talking about the future. And what a glorious future it will be! Wow! As a mama, I just cringed when I visualized the little child putting it's hand in a nest of deadly snakes!! Mercy!
Holding onto His faithfulness and the Plan that He has for us! Y'all enjoy your day! Only two days until the boys get back from camp! Austin said that it was so hot on the roof that he is shingling, they have to stop after lunch because parts of the shingles start to melt! And it's burning their hands. yuck!Jacob is still chopping down a field of bamboo trees in the back of someone's yard!
Hugs!
susan
Good Morning Sweet Girlfriend’s~
Michelle, I have “lost” posts before too many times. So, finally figured out a way to solve the problem. I type it in a Word document first (this helps me too, to judge the length as I’ve had another problem with it being ‘rejected’ cuz it’s too long!) Then I just copy it on the comment box. Then I save my post in another file on the computer…I hope to print it out one day and be ready to pass it on to someone with a new Bible, if God leads me to do so.
Michelle, I loved your idea and what you did! Ya know when we set out to anticipate God in our day, He never lets us down! We fail to ‘see’ him, and miss out on those sprinkles of love He’s adding to our day! What a Godwink – thank you for sharing! Perfect timing too, as family members gather to help move Mema tomorrow! My job is organizing it all so I’m going to have to give myself a mental visual, too! Thank you, Jesus for giving Michelle this visual, that we all can benefit from doing!
Today’s reading was so good, just a chock-ful of great stuff, (smile, the teacher coming out in you, Michelle!) -Where to even begin, like Wendy said! Wendy, one thing you talked about has really been on my heart, and in my prayers…you talked about letting Him out –when you’re around other people. Like your example in the dentist office. One of my prayers for myself is that the Lord would really reveal Himself and allow His Word to be on the tip of my tongue. I want to know it inside-out, so well, that simply I would be ready to talk about Him whenever the right time came up. I am not as bold with my unsaved family members (and others’ as well) and I want Him to help me, to lead me when He opens up a time for me to do so. Not in a pushy way, because that would never work. But, just in a natural way, that only God could do. That He would speak out of my mouth. I know it does come from a confidence of being in His Word. The more we read it, the more it is part of us, and ready to come out naturally. That’s my desire, that it would just be there and be ready to come out. I’ve started doing it a little tiny bit, as I’ve heard his whispers. It’s scary, but ya know-it’s even scarier not to obey, and please Him!
I’m telling ya, it’s a whole different experience for me sitting in sporting events now, that I’m walking with God. The world places all the victory on themselves…they give themselves the glory. There is so much brown-nosing, fretting, worry, parents flattering for self-serving motives, people-pleasing, wasted energy (!) amongst the parents. It is sad to me that they place success on how well their child is doing on the court. It’s not done rudely, it’s just a feeling that clearly is present sitting in the bleachers and listening to the words coming out of their mouths. The more I’m in the Word, the more different I feel among ‘the World.’ My son is the shooter on the team. Clearly, it is a gift from God. When he plays I see God moving mountains, giving him power in his arm, that only could be Him revealing himself through my 16-year old. This “attention” comes with worldly acceptance that is not always healthy. He draws attention from friends that are definitely NOT walking on God’s path. My daily prayer is that God would use this talent he has gifted him with, to draw him closer to Him –that he would know his gift is from God and he would do his best to please God, not man. That he would not be drawn to the popular and worldly -self-seeking kids. The Lord has lead me to open up conversations with other parents where I have been able to give Him the Glory when parents try to give it to Connor. The enemy will draw our kids to the world and away from God any chance he gets. Daily, we need to pray over our children.
to be continued...
Lori
Thank you for today Wendy, I know many of those and I am guilty of that myself at times all that "stinkin thinking". We need to be intentional and follow it with action of perserving God's word. To know he is truth and to seek his council each and every moment of our day. This bears good fruit for all.
Debra, yes you are so correct, God's word is surprising and as I drove home last night from VBS I was so thankful at the wonderful gift our Lord surprised us with, a beautiful Sunset, oh the colors and arrangement he made for us, a beautiful painting!!!
I’ve been feeling lead to pray over the children on our blog more the past couple of months. Daily, they are in my prayers now. The closer we get to God, dear friends, the more the enemy will not be able to fluff our feathers…so, ya know he won’t stop…he will aim his arrows at what is closest to our heart – our kids! I really would like to have a list to keep in my Bible with the kids names on it. A list that we could pray for when God leads us to do so. If you feel comfortable you could list your kids names, and I’m going to pray the specific names. My boy’s are Colton and Connor.
Thank you Jesus for this group of women that live their life to please you, that long to know you more, and that spread Your love around them. Love each one of you! Hugs, Lori
PS Sorry I did not post on the reading – I could have written pages…so rich today! The kids are heavy on my heart right now.
I loved what Brandee mentioned about the using the king of Assyria...I was interested Is 10:20 when he spoke about the remnant(those left in Israel after Assyria had invaded and desolated the land) left in Israel...(did some digging) God wanted His people to see that the alliance with Assyria was wrong...they should have put their trust in God...not the Assyrians. God can use anyone to teach us to rely on Him not others..
Of course I loved all the prophetic passages about our Christ...A banner of salvation...and the land where he lives will be a glorious place..praise you Jesus...
Have a wonderful day
Sue in No Cal
Dear Lori,
Your posts today were so great as always! I am with you on the "letting it out path" and today I really sat down and let my husband know that I think his stumbling block on the job search is that he is trying to do it in his own strength and not turning it over to God. I am convinced that nothing will happen until he gives his burden to God and lets God work it out in His way and in His time. I could go on and on about the negative thinking I see in my husband, how he is not abiding in the vine... But I think you all know the story and the drill. My main point is that today I trampled my timidity and told him what I see and that I am praying daily for him.
Michelle, I also really like the gold star visual! Thanks for sharing and I will try it as well.
Lori, my adult children are Samantha and Maija (my-ya)and I have been modeling a suggestion on this blog (sorry, I forget whose it was) to pray for one possitive step in their lives daily; just one step on the right road, just one God thought or decision that reflect his will... I am sure "the most powerful person in the universe" can take it from there... :)
Rhonda, thanks for the prayer. I love doing that with scripture! Jessica, praying for your need right now. Susan, praying for your boys.
Jen Renee enjoy your time with friends! Brandee good luck hangin' with the bugs.
Karen, Basel
Wendy,
Very timely vlog. Great reminder to stop the stinkin'thinkin'. I have been indulging in that the last couple of days.
Amy,
Your question prompted me to look at the last passages and remembered reading something about the Euphrates river drying up. I looked it up and, well, it's our friend Joel Rosenberg's site:
http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/2009/07/16/euphrates-river-drying-up-new-york-times-notes-prophetic-implications/
I remember hearing (David Hocking, I think) that some of the prophecies both have immediate and future fulfillment. He cited this example:
Isaiah 7:14b "...The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). 15 By the time this child is old enough to choose what is right and reject what is wrong, he will be eating yogurt and honey. 16 For before the child is that old, the lands of the two kings you fear so much will both be deserted. (Future fulfillment in Jesus)
Isaiah 8:3 Then I slept with my wife, and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. And the Lord said, “Call him Maher-shalal-hash-baz. 4 For before this child is old enough to say ‘Papa’ or ‘Mama,’ the king of Assyria will carry away both the abundance of Damascus and the riches of Samaria.” (Immediate fulfillment in Isaiah's life)
Michelle,
I was taking a sip of water when I read your comment and it almost ended up on my screen when you said you already had 4 gold stars before even making it to the car! Praise God for self-restraint. And for the angel He sent over to help your Dad.
Jekka,
May He be your Jehovah Jireh today.
Jen-Ren,
Welcome back. You must be so excited to visit with your Spiritual Mom - finally!
Lori,
You are such a sweetheart. You are going to be walking all over Arizona by the time you finish praying over our kids. It is much appreciated!
Rhonda,
Thank you for the prayer. I am going to copy that since I need much reminding!
Many commentators believe that the seven spirits mentioned here are the same as the seven spirits mentioned in Revelation 1:5 "Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne...." I love how the Word ties everything together.
Have a blessed day, everyone.
Hi, everyone-
For the past week I have been in such a struggle in my mind. The battlefield! I had read the history of the world during the time much of Old Testament and moving into the New Testament. Starting from the time of Babylon's captivity, Alexander the Great's Greek influence and how this effected the prophets and pictures of description in the Bible. Then of the many differing religious groups trying to get back to a more true style Judaism. How there were many such as Jesus and John the Baptist of the times. How it wasn't until Paul who came and pushed Christianity throughout the world of the Gentiles which finally took hold.
I was feeling let down, not sure of my faith--time of doubt due to the knowledge of what was going on in the world during the time of these writings, how the writings were influenced by other cultures and their deities.
So I struggled, still loving God and Jesus, believing in the living Word of the Bible but had that battle in my mind.
What would I do without Isaiah! Who so poignantly prophesy about Jesus--not anyone else living at that time fight the history or prophecy required but Jesus did.
I cross referenced the chapters with the Jewish Tanakh and these verses of the prophecy of Jesus were written in their book of Isaiah so not added in later translation.
This is the real and important prophecy of the Messiah.
I loved the instructions and wished my children would follow these. I pray for their understanding to come.
Susie
Wisconsin
I meant to say fit the requirements listed by prophecy in the Bible. Jesus was the only one who did.
I have not been able to preview my comments so could not correct this at the time of the message.
I am sorry it might sound confusing.
Susie
trouble viewing the blog?
try restarting your computer. some how that fixes most problems.
Lori,
Oh.....How I wish I could sit by you up in the bleachers at any sporting game. I long for a companion who is not focused on self....We could talk about bible study the whole time(smiles. Lori your words about the way you feel about the parents....and where our children’s talents come from.... My heart feel the same way. When I entered my children into sporting events...I was clueless about a lot of it. I for my sons was the assistant coach for their little League baseball. Going to a few coaches meetings. I was brought to a real awakening about sports. I could go on and on...but being in His word Lori he just tapped me on the shoulder and said okay enough said. Live by my spirits...remember Rhonda?? Lori my heart is heavy in this area also my second son in heavy into sports and would love to make it a career. I remind him all the time where His talent comes from. He has a nephew (Our Godchild) whom tried out for the Buffalo-Bills and teaches Him a lot about sports. One day while I was doing up a scrapbook for Him (Our Godchild) for all His accomplishments and mostly to encourage Him. I was listening to Family Life Today. Tony Dungy was on the program...Oh how I wish our sons could have someone like that for a coach. "God filled!!" Lori I would feel honored if you could put Him on your prayer list. His name is Brady. My other sons name is Dillon. I will add your sons Colton and Connor to my list...also Karen's Samantha and Maija. Thanks Lori for your ear today. Blessings special one.
Grace & Peace ...I too, have had stinken thinking lately. Lets take each others hand and walk this journey together with encouragment. thanks for doing just that Wendy and everyone!!
Okay I do have to get some work done! Lori's comment just laid on my heart.
Rhonda in NY...I am Rhonda in MI...the News yesterday said parts of MI felt the the earthquake of yesterday also. Have to say I didn't.
Rhonda MI
My dear beloved GIGs and Wendy,
How I love our scripture today! The prophetic word announcing the Messiah's birth, the Branch, Spirit of the Lord resting on Him, Jesus, and made 700+ years before His birth. I had never realized the number of years between Isaiah's prophecy and Jesus' birth!
How God uses people even when we are unaware of it. Have experienced it in my life many times and had no idea.
Will adopt "stinkin' thinkin'" amd watch what I feed my mind and reject all the negatives.
Lori, please add my adult children: Sarah, Susan, Seth, Steven to your list and please include their families. I have 12 grandchildren and three greatgrands.
What a blessing I receive from your comments, prayers and am praying for the requests.
Jen Ren: May this visit with your spiritual Mom and friends be more than you even expect it to be. Will keep you in my prayers as you travel.
Jessica, lifting your financial need before the Lord, Who owns cattle on a thousand hills and is able to provide your need. Look to Him.
Am adding the children's names to my journal Lori, Karen, Susan, Rhonda and Brandee adding Will's name.
Have a great rest of Thursday.
Oh, am beginning to feel better. Even had energy to vacuum my bedroom and bath this morning with ease. Thank all of you for praying for me. Still in VA with son, Seth.
Teeny
Hello Ladies,
Be assured I have been following, just not commenting. I will admit that I am struggling, trying to be thankful, faithful and obedient. You are so right-on Lori when you talk of the enemy hitting us where it hurts, our children.
We are still struggling with our son Dylan. He seems to have gotten over his non-communicative phase, but things are still not where they should be. If you are the parent of a teen with a cell phone, please have a peek at their conversations. It might shock you. I truly believe kids will say things via text that they wouldn't say verbally.
The verse I highlighted today, was Isaiah 9:1 "Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever." There is hope, but while I am going through the darkness and despair, it really weighs me down.
Ladies, I will be picking off the names of your children as well. I share the burden for them too.
Brandee, I appreciated the comments you made about Isaiah 8:20, how true. My son is trying to twist the scripture to justify his actions, and I'm sure we all know of situations like that. I pray that the eyes of his heart will be opened.
Anyhow, it's a cool day in Ontario, I have yet to experience 96 degree weather at 6:30 PM! We ran the a/c last night for a few hours to cool off the house. Today there is a fresh breeze blowing through, and I have laundry flapping on the line.
God is good, all the time.
Franny
Lori and Karen, I'm so glad the Lord put us together for a time such as this, so we can encourage each other. I,too, am trying to "let Him out" as I talk with others, even if it is just to say "God bless you," as I did to the Physical Therapist yesterday. I've also started bringing God and praying and how very blessed we have been by Him into conversations with my husband (but very gently.)
Lori, thank you so much for sharing your heart with us day after day. I really think of you as the Head Cheerleader of our sisterhood, with Wendy as the Coach. (Pardon the sports reference.) Like today, what a great idea to start a prayer list for our children. I started such a list using all the names we got today and those that I remember. My children are Lauren (prayers for her new marriage, please) and Chuck (prayers for a teaching job, please.) G&P, what is Paolo's brother's name? Rhonda, don't you also have a married daughter? Susie, what is your oldest boy's name? Wendy, (senior moment here) what is your son's name?
Signing off to go pray for the kids {smile}.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Michelle, I agree completely with your sports analogy! Lori, I think a prayer list for our children is a great idea, and I'd be honored if you'd pray for mine. I realize that mine are younger than some of yours, but I still struggle with worrying about what their future will hold, especially the oldest who starts K in August. She's very susceptible to peer pressure! Mine are Andi and Luke.
Grace and Peace, I read the article you linked. Isn't that exciting? I so understand what people like Rosenberg say when they explain it, but I never make those connections between Bible passages and current events myself. I'm never sure how much stock to put in those types of opinions - I don't want to be swayed toward a man when I should be trusting God's word, even if the man seems to be well grounded in that Word - but it sure seems to make sense! It scares me to think about the things that have to happen before Jesus comes back to reign, but it's exciting still to know that we're getting closer to His time. I think I'm going to reread his books again - they're so good!
Off to restart my computer and try again to watch today's video ....
Michelle,
My older son's name is Carlo. He is the one I am praying for to be on fire with the Lord. When he was away at college he did not go to church there at all even after I gave him the names of 2 good churches close to campus. He's back home for the summer so he goes to church with me on Sundays but what happens when he goes back to school? (Ooops, I felt another gray hair pop up.)
Amy,
The events that are happening in the world make me really excited to see Jesus' return. I was practically begging Him yesterday to please, please come now (I wasn't having a good day). But He does not respond to pouting. So we wait a little longer...
Franny,
I know what you mean. When my son was in 8th grade I have confiscated his cell phone and was surprised at the messages sent TO him by a girl from 7th grade.
Rhonda in NY,
I thought we have exclusive rights to earthquakes in California. :) We have had regular ones since that Easter Sunday earthquake. The usgs site gives you the option to receive text messages when an earthquake hits. I was going to sign up but realized I am going to get a text every minute! I don't even check the site anymore unless I feel the movement.
Rhonda in MI,
I was reading a commentary by Pastor Chuck Smith this morning on 2 Cor 10:5 and it fits in with today's lesson. I will paste them in portions because it's too good not to share.
Did I read it right that Teeny is VACUUMING? Take it easy, sister!
I'll be back.
(Amy, I have to give you credit for this because the scripture is based on the 31 Days to Pray for our Husbands. It's the scripture for Day 20)
Commentary on Spiritual Warfare by Pastor Chuck Smith. Source is biblegateway.com.
For though [he said] we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but [they are] mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2Cr 10:3-5);
So we walk in the flesh; that is, we are in a body of flesh. However, our real warfares are not fleshly warfares. Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh. Paul, writing to the Ephesians, said, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, and powers, and spiritual entities in high places" (Ephesians 6:12). Our real battles, our real warfare are not physical battles. They are spiritual battles with these spirit entities that surround us, and there is spiritual warfare constantly going on. We do not and cannot imagine the extent to which this spiritual warfare is being waged in the universe around us.
You remember when Daniel set his heart to seek the Lord in fasting and in prayer. And after twenty-one days, the angel came to Daniel and said, "From the day you first called unto God I was dispatched to bring you the answer; but lo, the prince of Persia captured me and held me until finally Michael, that great prince, came and set me free and now I am come to reveal unto you those things that you desire to know of God."
This great spiritual warfare that was going on hindering the answer to Daniel's prayer for twenty-one days, as this angel dispatched from God was held and captured by the prince of Persia, by the powers and the spirit forces of darkness and held until Michael came and delivered him. We are not really cognizant of the spiritual warfare that does go on in the universe around us. It would be well if we would be more sensitive to the fact that there is a spiritual warfare going on, and many times, we get the flack of that spiritual warfare. The by-product of it oftentimes are feelings that we really don't understand and can't really define. A feeling of heaviness, a feeling of depression, a feeling of discouragement or a feeling of despair, despondency. A feeling of restlessness, just a feeling of agitation. These feelings can often result from the by-product really of the spiritual warfare that is going on around us.
There is a tremendous battle over the souls of men being waged by the Spirit of God and by Satan. That desire to control the mind and the soul of man. And many a time a person is in the midst of that conflict as it is their soul that is in the balance. God's Spirit tugging; Satan holding on. Tremendous spiritual battle. And to be aware of them is vital for us as Christians if we're going to maintain a life of victory.
One of our problems is that we do not always recognize when Satan is attacking. And quite often, we're prone to just pass it off on just, you know, our own nature or our own just feelings or, "I just woke up this morning feeling horrible, and I just get in these cranky moods sometimes. You're just going to have to forgive me and all." And we're not aware of the fact that we are under a spiritual attack. And because we're not aware of the fact that it is a spiritual attack against us, we just go on, rather than standing against it and resisting it. For the Bible tells us if we resist the devil he'll flee from us. But I've got to recognize that it is Satan's attack before I resist it.
So, there are really the three R's I call the spiritual victory. And the one is to recognize the source of the attack. This is the enemy at work. He's attacking me. Having recognized it, then I can deal with it by resisting it in the name of Jesus. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. And then the third key to victory is to rejoice in the victory of the Lord over the powers and the forces of darkness, and as you rejoice you find the depression goes; you find that the irritation leaves, and you begin to really feel victory in Christ. And what a difference the day becomes because you have taken that victory that is yours through Christ over this attack of the enemy against you.
But too many times we just bow our head and we, you know, go on being battered and beaten, feeling lousy and don't know why. Complaining to God because things are going so horribly. Failing to recognize that it's actually a spiritual attack of Satan against you, against your home, against the family. And they can be manifested in so many ways.
So, we walk in the flesh but we really don't war after the flesh. The warfare is a spiritual warfare, and for this spiritual warfare it takes spiritual weapons. And God has provided us those spiritual weapons. And in Ephesians chapter six, Paul said, "Therefore recognizing that we're wrestling against these spirit forces and powers, put on the whole armor of God, that you might be able to withstand the works of the evil one." That you might stand against them. And he talks about the helmet of salvation; he talks about the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God; the shield of faith whereby we quench the fiery darts of the wicked one. And then having armed you completely, he then concludes by saying, "Praying with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, let your requests be made known unto God" (Philippians 4:6).
So the weapons of our warfare are not carnal. The weapons of the spiritual warfare are spiritual weapons, the word of God, faith, prayer. And by these we come against the attacks of the enemy, and by these we can defeat the enemy. None of you as a child of God need to go on being harassed by Satan. You have the authority and the power through Jesus Christ to put the enemy to flight. And when you come against him in that victory of Christ that was wrought at Calvary, Satan must yield. "Resist the devil and he shall flee from you. Draw nigh unto God, and he will draw nigh unto you" (James 4:8).
Our problem is that so often, rather than coming against the enemy with spiritual weapons, we come against him with the weapons of the flesh. "I'm going to conquer over this. I'm going to, you know, lift myself out of this depression. I'm going to . . . " And we come with our own fleshly devices and schemes rather than with the spiritual weapons that God has placed at our disposal. And so the fight goes on and on and on and on. And I live in a quasi world constantly battling, constantly being harassed and attacked by the enemy, because I'm trying in my flesh to ward off his power and his attacks against me. The "weapons of our warfare are not carnal, they are mighty through God pulling down the strongholds." And that's exactly what we can do through prayer is pull down the strongholds of the enemy.
Now, the area of the battlefield is in the imagination of man and in his thoughts. Satan battles you in your mind. The spiritual battles are waged in your mind. That's where Satan challenges God. "Hath God said? Does God know? Is there knowledge in the most high? Does God see?" And quite often we are deceived by Satan thinking that we are getting by. God doesn't see.
"If God sees, then why didn't He do something about it?" And because God doesn't instantly strike we think, "Well, we're getting by with it." And we've deceived ourselves into thinking that we are somehow getting by with our evil. It's going unnoticed by God. We seem to be prospering in our wickedness. But as the old adage goes: The wheels of justice grinds slowly but exceedingly fine. And it will come out.
But in our minds Satan will plant thoughts, ideas, fantasies. What do I do with them? Do I say, "Oh, I like that. Um-hmm." And I begin to fantasize and see myself in this experience, and I begin to go on in my mind and play with it and, "Oh, you know, it would be so good and I could be so happy. And oh, it's so ideal." And you continue to fantasize, and Satan takes that imagination, that fantasy, and he uses it to trip you up. The law of metaphysics, the visualization. What do you desire? Put it in your mind. Put it before your mind. Write your goal on a piece of paper. Put it on your mirror. And when you shave in the morning, look at it and just see yourself now in this position of power. See yourself in this position of authority. See yourself sitting behind the desk, president on the you know . . . And as you are visualizing, your subconscious will take over and will begin to device the methods and the means whereby your visualization can become an actualization.
And so Satan works. You begin to visualize yourself in these things, doing these things. And your subconscious begins to develop the schemes and the methods whereby it becomes a reality. And suddenly you find yourself caught up in that which you really thought I would never do. But you see, you first of all did it in your mind. That's what Jesus was talking about when He said, "You've heard that it hath been said, 'Thou shalt not commit adultery.' But I say unto you, Whoever lusts after a woman in his heart" (Matthew 5:28). You see, there is where it starts: in the mind, in the fantasizing. You're already guilty. You're on the road. You're on the way. You've already in your mind done the act. And so that's where it has to be checked.
That's where we need the spiritual weapons. To check those imaginations. And "casting down every imagination and anything that would exalt itself against the law of God," that would put me in opposition to what God hath said. "Bringing every thought into captivity unto the obedience of Jesus Christ." If that thought that you have doesn't measure up and match what Jesus would have you to be or to do, then get rid of it. Don't play with it. Don't flirt with it, because it can bring you into damnation.
So the weapons of our warfare. We need the spiritual weapons to fight this spiritual warfare. We may walk in the flesh, but that isn't where the real war takes place. It takes place in my mind. The spiritual battle for the control of my mind. And if I have the mind of the flesh, then I'm going to reap corruption. But if I have the mind of the Spirit, then I'm going to reap life and joy and peace in the Holy Spirit. But the battle is for the mind and Satan is trying to captivate your mind.
And look at the tools that he has today to captivate your mind and to plant things into your mind that would take you away from the Lord. Look at the abundance and the availability of pornography today. Satan is working overtime to bring out things to capture your mind and to cause these fantasies to start going. And you've got to stand in the strength and in the power of the Holy Spirit against these onslaughts of the enemy, or else you will find yourself brought into captivity and in the bondage of your flesh.
My heart goes out to you. It's not easy to live the right kind of life today, because every ungodly pressure in the world is against you. And you cannot in your flesh maintain a spiritual experience. You must take and use everything God has made available for you if you're going to stand in these days.
And that's how Paul concludes this little talk in Ephesus to the Ephesians on the same subject. He said, "Stand ye therefore, and having done all, stand" (Ephesians 6:13). And God knows sometimes that's about all we can do. I mean, after Satan has been through and the battering and the blasting, just the fact that I'm still standing, man, that's all right, you know. Thank God. It's only by the grace of God that I'm standing, because surely Satan is out to destroy you and to pull you down.
- Pastor Chuck Smith's commentary found in blueletterbible.org - I think I said biblegateway earlier.
Here is the link for the entire message: http://tinyurl.com/Spiritual-Battle
Grace & Peace, thank you for giving us that wonderful sermon to read!
Amy, I just want to say I admire you tremendously for your efforts to be in the word, to be positive, and to trust in the Lord. I think you are wise waaaaaay beyond your years! Your children are so very blessed to have you as their mother. I would be privileged to pray for Andi and Luke. Don't underestimate the difficulty of dealing with a first-born going off to kindergarten, as it definitely brings the family into a whole new world where mother and father are not solely in control any more. I remember feeling a significant shift at that point in our lives 20 years ago! And here I am at another significant shift as that same child begins her married life. Ah, it never ends...... Thanking God, as I do daily, for this wonderful fellowship of GIG's that help me so much.
Stephanie, how is your dad doing?
A blessed, 4:8 evening to you all!
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Still can't get today's video ... maybe tomorrow ....
Grace and Peace, that was awesome! Thanks for sharing. :-)
Michelle, thanks, but I have SOOOO much to learn! You are all teaching me so much and I love that God has put me at home this year where I get your messages sent to me all day, so that I'm constantly getting happy thoughts and new takes on scripture sent right to my inbox. I am very worried about Andi going to school next year. She'll be in the school where I used to teach, so I know many of the positives and negatives, and unfortunately, there are many of the latter. Several of my Bible study friends have kids at other schools in lower grades and have been dealing with classmates bringing pornography (1st grade) and bullies on the bus. Andi can already read and will do well academically, and she'll love the opportunity for new friendships; but I worry about those times when she sees other kids doing things we don't allow. She - like most of us! - wants approval and can be 'sheepy' and go with the crowd. I SOOO appreciate your prayers for my little ones!
On another note, I kept my new baby again today. He's so good! We're going to have fun next year. His parents are not Christians, however, and although they're well aware of my faith, I'm praying that they won't be upset when they hear my son praying in front of theirs or some similar display of faith. For their salvation, as well!
Whew! I'm sure you're all tired of hearing from me! Off to fold laundry and get ready for bedtimes! Am coming back in a bit to record all the kids' names. :-)
Hi GIGS&FIGS
As we have read through the kings of Israel, this statement has come over and over again:
'He refused to turn from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had led Israel to commit.'
Jeroboam is the mark at which sin in Israel is seen. every time a king became evil, he was compared to Jeroboam.....something to ponder about.
Lord, allow us to be the mark of holiness in the generations we are starting .....AMEN
loice-melbourne
Hey Everyone!
Just caught up again tonight and hoping to start on target tomorrow. :) I'm so thankful for the Spirit's assistance in helping me to consistently study His Word in this season of life...how vital it is...and I'm feasting like I've been starving or something. He is truly good and satisfies.
Loved your many insights on the video, Wendy, especially on Isaiah 8:12 and 8:16...so good to remember in these times. I also was moved afresh by "...so the earth will be filled with people who know the Lord." I realize that's referring to the new earth later (right?), but it's also a strong admonishment to humble seek Him and know His heart each day, in order to share that knowledge, love and truth with my children and future generations...what a responsibility, yet what a privilege!! (Btw, our almost 17 month old daughter is Emmi, short for Jocelyn Emerald, and we're expecting a son in Nov. -- Baby Boy Matthews, our last name. Thank you for your prayers for my children, you sweet ladies who have committed to pray. I value that so dearly.)
You know, Isaiah 8:19-20 reminds me of the movie AVATAR; we recently saw it with a family, friends of ours, and I realized how very pagan it is...well done, admittedly, but very anti-Christ, in so many aspects. So much of this kind of stuff is woven all into our entertainment and media around us, and if we aren't careful to know the Lord and His truth in the Word, we can become so desensitized to much of it, not realizing later how our children and their children may eventually accept it all as the norm. These verses also reminded me of the practices of Native American tribes...the Enemy will keep "reinventing the wheel" and even though it may come in a different package, we need to recognize it for what it is and "Look to God's instructions and teachings!" (Isaiah 8:20a)
Thank you all for this community of believers, truly seeking out the heart of God in His Word. I'm so enriched by IT and by you all.
Blessings,
Amber (Nix) Matthews
Good morning all, I start watching Wendy's blog knowing that I won't comment today. And then I do. God gave me 45,000 words today and here some of them are Michelle - you can use the soap box anytime, and anyone else can also. :-). It seems this morning that so many expressed having trouble with stinking thinking. I truly believe that alot of it comes from the TV. TURN IT OFF. Even the best of it, is geared to saying things in such a way that you must feel like you need to know it. I am not saying that I never have it on, but I try to have it on for some noise (since it is only my puppy and me). Not negative stuff. You can become really concerned when you see animals marching 2 X 2 toward Cape Canaveral (sp).
Lori, I love you heart. I can see our Lord all over it. Thank you for your service and humility. My children are Tammy and Dee, grandchildren are Nicole, Kimberly (not believers) Robert, Eric, Kelly, believers. Something about Nicole, my son, her father was killed on the highway just before she was 2. Her mother has kept us apart all those years. She is almost 27 and we have good telephone conversations now, but I am always fearful that it won't last. She lives in Chicago , long ways from TX.
Jen Rene so good to hear from you again. I get concerned when we don't. You are so special in our lives.
I want to remind you that Bible Study Felowship, BFS, will be studying Isaiah this winter. If any of you are interested I will tell you more. It is a study something like we are doing with Wendy.
Thanks for listening
Donna - TX
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