"For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for Him"!
Isaiah 64:4
Isaiah 64:4
Sorry about the video load friends. Here we go!
My Take Aways
Something Old:
Oh, the thought of deliberately sinning right before the Holy God's eyes. It makes me shutter. Forgive me Lord. I am so sorry.
I just noticed this...He works for me. Oh, thank you precious Jesus!
Something New:
"You welcome those who gladly do, good, who follow godly ways" (64:5)
I love the word welcome. The thought of God welcoming me, warms my heart. It means to encounter, meet reach, make intersession)
Something to Do:
Allow the Holy Spirit to refine me each day, to fashion with me a humble and contrite heart.
20 Comments:
Good morning all,
Prayers first thing for Ryan and Dylan. I claim Psalm 27:1-7 for all who are fearful today:
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.
4 One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.
Today I was struck by how many times the Lord said He called and we did not answer; He spoke and we did not listen (He was ready to be found and we did not seek him); Isaiah 65:1, 12, 66:4. How many times have I missed Him? How many times is this true of me?
Dear Lord, let it not be so. Turn my ear to you; Let me seek you and find you. Let me be persistent in my prayer, abiding in Your Word which is true food for my soul.
Another point that I dug in to is Isaiah 66:7 - For before birth pains even begin, Jerusalem gives birth to a son.
My NIV Study Bible cross references Rev. 12:5 here:
5She gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne.
Reference to the Messiah with the iron scepter symbolizing the strength of His rule.
Also loved all the verses on the New Heaven and the New Earth. Isaiah is such a rich tapestry of what was, what is and what is to come! I can hardly take it all in! That is why it is so good to do this reading over and over again.
My prayers are with you all today as you face another day in you individual situations. May the Peace that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the Word and in Christ Jesus. Amen
Karen, Basel
Morning FIG! Another great day to praise our God.
Something Old: Isaiah 64:1 "Oh that You would burst from the heavens and come down!" The thought is so delightful to me! Actually, that is never old to think about!
Something New: I honed in on the "no ear has heard and no eye has seena God like You Who works for those who WAIT for Him" too. What does WAIT look like? I just finished reading Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyers, and she refers to Wilderness thinkiing...the type of thinking that caused the Isrealites to take 40 years to get to the promised land, instead of the 11 days it should have taken. Because the had "wilderness thinking"...and one of her 10 on the list was "I want it now...having no patience to wait"....she says true patience isn't just waiting, it is waiting with a good attitude. Big difference. As we WAIT on the Lord in our lives, are we waiting with a good attitude, or wanting Him to hurry up? So now when I re-read that line, it means God works for me when I wait (patiently with a good attitude) for Him. I have some work to to there friends!
Nugget: Isaiah is such a good read. God created everything; He has a plan; He knows what He's doing; He sent Jesus once and He is coming again in great glory. He loves His people. We are His. Let us "rejoice with Jerusalem! and Be glad with her, all you who love her!" Come, Lord Jesus!
Morgen
Good morning, GIGs,
Karen and Morgen, my nuggets were similar to yours! The idea in 63:4 that "[God] works for those who wait for him!" was developed more fully in a Charles Stanley sermon on radio the past two days called "The Desires of Your Heart." He cites part of Psalm 37 -
"Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart's desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord,
Trust Him and He will help you.
He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.
Be still in the presence of the Lord,
And wait patiently for Him to act."
LOTS of to dos in the above, but a very important one for us is to wait PATIENTLY. Later, this psalm says "don't worry", "don't fret". If we are worrying and fretting we are not being patient. That is the opposite of being patient, and worrying and fretting display a lack of trust in the Lord. Morgen, you said it in your post quoting Joyce Meyers. We need to wait with a good attitude.
Lord, I trust you completely to do, in your own time, what is best for me and mine, for my Wendy Land sisters, for their children, and for all those for whom prayers have been requested. Thank you for everything you are putting into motion to bring about Your perfect plan for us all. Thy will be done, in Jesus' name, Amen.
Jodie, and any others heading to She Speaks,travel mercies to you, and may your mind and heart be fully available to receive, absorb and use all the the Lord has awaiting you there. To all the Proverbs 31 staff providing this experience for God's glory, may He clear the path so that all goes according to plan.
Amy, it's good to see you back on the blog. I don't think an apology was needed for your comment about vacation! I'm sure we all took it exactly as you meant it. Props to your husband for doing the right thing while you were on vacation, and to your pastor for letting you know! Very cool! Hey, how's the canning going?
Lyn, prayers for Dylan. You are a blessed grandma to have your children ask for your prayers! [smile]
Teeny and G&P, thanks for the prayers for Ryan. Ryan said to his dad yesterday heading into surgery "Don't worry about me dad. I am really strong." I will try to get an update today.
Gaylene, how is little Mikey doing?
Have a blessed, 4:8 day friends.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Karen, I like the prayer! I'm praying that today especially for all of our cancer requests. It seems like there are so many lately! I just heard yesterday that my grandmother, who was doing better, is now suspected of having thyroid cancer. She'll have a biopsy next week.
I liked the references today to the new heaven and the new earth. The parts about Jerusalem giving birth to a son confused me a bit - I figured that was Jesus but the phrasing just seemed unusual to me for some reason - but this stood out to me:
“Look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth, and no one will even think about the old ones anymore. 18 Be glad; rejoice forever in my creation! And look! I will create Jerusalem as a place of happiness. Her people will be a source of joy. 19 I will rejoice over Jerusalem and delight in my people. And the sound of weeping and crying will be heard in it no more.
God will take delight in us! We make him feel joy! I love that! I love knowing that as hard as things are now, a day is coming when there will be no more crying, only rejoicing over God's creation.
With that said, I'm feeling very upset today over something that I saw yesterday. I former student of mine recently asked to be my FB friend, and yesterday she posted a bunch of pics of herself and her friends in rather scandalous positions wearing only a string bikini, some of which were taken in the bathtub. She's only 13. I'm sad that this is allowed - her mother is also her friend and so sees this - and afraid that bad things could happen because of the way that she has put herself 'out there'. This world is so scary, and we humans make such bad decisions!
“I was ready to respond, but no one asked for help.
I was ready to be found, but no one was looking for me.
I said, ‘Here I am, here I am!’
to a nation that did not call on my name.[a]
2 All day long I opened my arms to a rebellious people.[b]
But they follow their own evil paths
and their own crooked schemes.
God, I don't want to be one of those people ignoring your call and following my own evil path. Show me your way, please, and not just me, but all of our children, too. Guide and direct our steps so that we stay in Your light. Draw those in the shadows back out into the light and protect our walk. Amen.
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Michelle, i'm planning to can a very small batch of tomatoes tomorrow to make into spaghetti sauce later this year, but somehow I missed the green beans this year! My garden looks great (if I do say so myself - it's fun taking care of it with the kids) but it has a blight, and so I had to throw out over 40 tomatoes before we got one that we could eat. This was our first year with our garden in this spot, so we're going to get the soil tested so we can correct those problems before next year. In the meantime, I'm hoping to can lots of applesauce this fall. We have corn and jelly and berries put away already and will work on our plans for next year. Our neighbors are giving us lots of fresh produce to eat now, and our tomatoes are finally starting to come in well, so ... God is taking good care of us!
Last week when I was dropping the kids off in VA I continued to read along but didn't have 'Net access, and I felt very odd. All of you kept coming to mind and I couldn't help but wonder how Michael was doing and what Mikey's condition was and if Wangui found a friend yet and how Teeny's commute was and ...and ..and! I missed all of you so much. This is such a great mixture of friendship and fellowship and study! I'm learning so much from all of you! The one thing I'm not looking forward to next week's vacation is being offline (though I really can't wait to get my kids back!)
The video is up! Sorry about that. have a great day.
Morning, GIGS! Wow! What great truths to read this morning! This is the second time that I've gone through Isaiah--the first was 2 yrs ago in a Precept class. It just didn't click then. Isolating certain books of the Bible and then trying to understand the history behind them is not for me! I am "getting it" this time around!
Karen, I too noticed how many times God said that He calls and speaks to us yet we don't hear Him or answer Him. Seems to me that we are wayyyy too busy to sit and be still and listen. That's what He's been whispering to my heart this week during my quiet time. And, the Bible study is pulling it even closer together! Love how He works!
Wendy, all of you She Speaks gals are in my prayers!!So excited that the Lord has given you all time to fellowship with each other and worship Him.
GIGs, I'll check back later for other prayer requests. Lifitng you up this morning.
Hugs!
Susan
Hi Everybody,
Thanks Wendy…. “The Waiting”…..Thanks for your dedication.
Lyn TX…..“The Waiting”….Your son Layne and his wife Jen …..Their 11 yr. old son Dylan. Reading your comment from last night this morning….I am going to be have them in my prayers to be having God’s strength. Lyn, We were in a situation similar with one of our sons at age 8-11. Not for sure of all of his symptoms. Guess if you would like to talk about some of them ….just let me know…and we could get connected somehow. (fearful and unable to sleep)…Does he deal with anxiety? His situation did some spiritual growing on Us. These here bible verses today are seen and saying yes I was there. Taking me to these bible verses today:
Isaiah 65:1-2
The LORD says,
“I was ready to respond, but no one asked for help. I was ready to be found, but no one was looking for me. I said, “Here I am, here I am! All day long I opened my arms to a rebellious people. But they followed their own evil paths and their own crooked schemes………(No evil paths or crooked schemes just thinking We could do it on our own).
Lyn that was us.
Isaiah 64:8
And yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand.
Lyn this clay pot (Me) was a do it yourselfer….His hand gently took us both Me/and our son….and started a new formation.
Today that adversity can be seen as it was well needed to be. I am thankful for it today. Our Father gets all the glory for the wonderful outcome.
Amy…I will join you tonight…. lets pray for your 13 yr. old student.
Michelle…..praying for Ryan….Girl thanks for all you do….you I can see are truly deriving strength through Him. God Bless You.
Karen…..thanks for the wonderful prayers….I was doing them right along as I read through them.
Linda, Dixie, and Teeny‘s daughter Sarah….sending you a (((((warm hug)))))today. Hold on. Truly trust in Him.
Continuing our faith journey,
Rhonda
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I popped back on to give you an update on Ryan, and saw the video was loaded. YAH! Thanks Wendy!
Ryan is home now and got through the surgery very well. He is very groggy, of course. Because of his condition, they will give him a longer recovery period before they make a chemo plan. Praise the Lord this step is over!
Now to the video....
Praise and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
P.S. Amy, I think gardening is God's way of giving us practice with patience! wouldn't you agree, Rhonda? {smile}
Oh My Girls, I have fallen so far behind! Summer with 4 kids and this study are not friends. I have been able stay on track with the reading of both the Bible and Wendy's comments,but apologize for not keeping up with every one here.
Wendy: We are packing up the girls and heading down your way today! Yes,some how God has paved the way for me to go to She Speaks,YAY!My husband is going to make it a mini vacation for the girls.Our boys are too busy to go.(work & college stuff)I have to still some medical things for Claire through out the day,but it should work out well.
Wendy is there any way you could have time to meet Claire? We will be in on Thursday evening. I was at the conference in '08 and I know there is no way time during the conference,unless it would be a quick pass in the hall. If you get a chance e-mail me: 6martinsnest@gmail.com
I covet all the prayer you wonderful girls are giving.I will be doing the speakers track and have a book proposal to submit. Yikes!I have been busy and I hope to join you all again soon on this comment page,I pop in every now & see all you who are so faithful!
Anyone new that wants to know more about us see me at:
http://www.carepages.com/carepages/babyclairespage
Michelle, I agree...gardening gives us practice with patience....Thanks for the update on Ryan....will continue Him in my prayers.
Amy...Just want to tell yhea thanks for being such a great Mother. I can see it in your words and all that you do. Staying at home Mom's today don't get much appriciation. The question others seem to like to ask: "What do you do all day??"....That one drives me crazy. Canning that is so awesome...Keep it up! I do...do some not as much as you do. That is true love there. Your statement your children love gardening took me back quite a few years....Our boys always enjoyed gardening when younger too. Digging the patatoes in the fall one of their favorites...they grew pumpkins lots of them. Quite a few years they grew them and would set them out at the end of our driveway and sold them. Put a little bucket out which read "donations appriciated". They did rather well. Will be doing sweetcorn Middle of August. One I really enjoy is from the gurney magazine where I place a order. the corn name is "Gotta Have It." Amy it is really good...the name holds true. can order on line just google Gurneys.
Okay off to watch the video.
Rhonda
Michelle, I remember Psalm 37 being referred to as the Prescription for Peace. Thank you for the update on Ryan. I will keep praying for him.
Speaking of Ryan, Allie how is yours doing? I have been thinking about you.
Amy, that breaks my heart, too. Will pray for her and her mother.
Rich reading today, dear sisters. I love your insights. They have blessed me so much already.
Isaiah 66:8 Who has ever seen anything as strange as this?
Who ever heard of such a thing?
Has a nation ever been born in a single day?
Has a country ever come forth in a mere moment?"
-This prophecy was fulfilled on May 14, 1948 when the nation of Israel was established.
I am looking forward to Jesus' Millennial reign to this:
Isaiah 6519b And the sound of weeping and crying
will be heard in it no more.
20 “No longer will babies die when only a few days old.
No longer will adults die before they have lived a full life.
No longer will people be considered old at one hundred!
Only the cursed will die that young!"
and further on v. 23 with our worries and concerns for our children now. Look what is in store for us in the future:
23 They will not work in vain,
and their children will not be doomed to misfortune.
For they are people blessed by the Lord,
and their children, too, will be blessed."
And this tells us how the earth as we know it will end.
Isaiah 66:16 The Lord will punish the world by fire
and by his sword.
He will judge the earth,
and many will be killed by him.
Personally I would have liked to have Isaiah 66 end on verse 23 23 “All humanity will come to worship me
from week to week
and from month to month.
But it doesn't. It ends with a vision of what happens to those who rebelled against God and turned their backs from Him. It's not a good ending at all. My heart just breaks for our loved ones who are still blinded. I do not want any of them to end up being devoured by worms and consumed by the never ending fire.
Thank you, Father, that You patiently waited for each one of us to come to the saving knowledge of what Jesus did on the cross. Thank you that You are extending the same patience to those we love who do not yet know you. Give us the boldness to speak out and proclaim Your free gift of grace and salvation. Help us to redeem the time You have given each of us, Father. We look forward to that day when they are gathered with us to worship you from week to week and from month to month. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Waiting on God while He works out His plan for me. Besides looking for a job, I may have to leave my home at the end of August if I don't get a job real soon here. If God does want me to move, I am asking Him what He wants me to do, what is my next step.
I don't have family members that I can live with right now. They know my situation but they cannot help me financially right now.
If I have to leave my home, I appreciate your prayers that God will lead me to the right place where He wants me to live. Truthfully, I feel scared at times because I don't want to end up back on the streets homeless again, but I know I have to give that back to the Lord and believe His promises to me that He will take care of me.
It is of the Lord to help me be patient as I wait for Him to tell me what to do.
I really appreciate this group. Lots of support, love, encouragement. Reading the word, listening to Wendy, your input has helped me a lot. I know it is me that has to be disciplined to be in the word everyday, praying to God, praying for requests shared here.
A friend of mine shared Psalm 37 to me yesterday. I Elizabeth, don't fret or worry. It is in God's hands and He promised that He will never leave me nor forsake me and that He promised that He will take care of me. Trust God.
Psalm 27 talks about trusting in God. verse 14, "Wait (Elizabeth)for the Lord; be strong (Elizabeth) and let your heart (Elizabeth) take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord." There can be peace and joy in my heart when I wait on the Lord.
Praying for all needs here. Wendy, I pray that you and the Proverbs 31 staff have a great meeting and fellowship with one another before the conference starts on Friday.
Thank you again for your prayers as I seek the Lord for His wisdom, direction, guidance in what He wants me to do. I pray that for all of you too.
I hope all of you have a great day.
Elizabeth, CA
On yesterday's posting I forgot to sign my name. Didn't mean to do that, It started out that my toes were sore from the Word stepping on them.
Dear God, we ask for your bending down and seeing how much stress is in Dylan's life. LORD - for a little guy this hurts us. You know all things, You are the Potter, Dylan is the clay. We ask a special blessing and the removal of this distress. We have confidence because of the name of Jesus.
Isaiah's/God's words have been read now by us, and I can't wait until Sept. to dig into this book with BSF. Great joy.
Donna - TX
Hi all,
Was just skimming through some of the old posts...Rhonda-thanks for your prayers. I am trying to go to bed with praise on my lips each night, even if it's just one thing.
Sorry to those who post me a message and don't hear back. I pop on and off as time and my little guy Elliot allow. I often don't get to check out the comments for very long. I am committed to the vlogs but when I post I try to at least have a peak at that specific day.
Thanks To Michelle and others praying for She Speaks. Hope to see some of you ladies there. Leaving tomorrow.
Gotta run, little man Elliot is up from nap time. Have a great week and long weekend to those in Canada :)
Jodie
Michele- Thank You for Ps 37.
Waiting patiently for HIM.
Praying for that Dear Child Ryan.
Dixie=-Prayers for you.
Donna (TX) I had a feeling that unsigned post was you! Isn't it great we can recognize another sister's "voice". I know Jacque's and a few others immediately, too [smile]. I hope your new job is going well.
Elizabeth, you sound strong and faith-filled, Sister. Stepping up the prayers for your provision to come soon! Lord, Elizabeth does delight in You and is in Your word daily. Her heart's desire is for a job so that she can keep a roof over her head. Please, Lord, I pray that you will provide for our sister, Elizabeth, in Jesus'name, Amen.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Thank you sisters for your prayers for Dylan. I am touched and very grateful. Thank you Karen for Psalm 27. I shared it with my son. Rhonda, I'd love to know how God helped you through a similar situation. My e mail is lyn@1scom.net. Michelle, I also recognized Donna's post yesterday. Each of you has your own special "voice". Elizabeth, I am joining Michelle and all the GIG's lifting you up to our Father and praying for His perfect provision for you. "May the God of HOPE fill you with all JOY and PEACE as you TRUST in Him, so that you may overflow with HOPE by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT." Romans 15:13
Today:
I am asking for help for my children and grandchildren.
Father, give me a humble and contrite heart who trembles at your Word.
Love and prayers, Lyn in Texas
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