Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Walk in the light of your fires or the light of God?

Isaiah 50:1-11
The Lord said," When I came, why was there no one? When I called, why was there no one to answer? Was my arm too short to ransom you? Do I lack the strength to rescue you?..."
The Lord wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.
Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced.
It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me. Who is he that will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will ear them up.
Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.
But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches, walk in the light of your fires and of the torches you have set ablaze. You will lie down in torment.
Why?
So many questions, so many why to ask us. If we trusted in the Lord why we frustrated, sad and weary to do everything. The Lord almighty is Sovereign God, he can do everything.
God wakens me morning by morning as I wake up reading his word every morning and listen like one being taught.
I am glad that I won't be disgraced because the Sovereign Lord helps me.
Be careful! am I walking in the light of the Lord or walking in the light of my fire?
How?
Always repent before the Lord and ask for the strength to lead my way and help me to do the right things.
Dear Lord, thank you for your mercy and blessing have come on me, I will praise your name, you are the majesty, my God.

 

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

1 Kings 6:1-38

1 Kings 6:1-38


The Lord remember me

2 Kings 9:14-37
Jehu killed Joram , he said to his chariot office ,"Pick him up and throw him on the field that belonged to Naboth. Remember how you and I were riding together i chariots behind Ahab his father when the Lord made this prophecy about him."
Jehu said to the horseman, "What do you have to do with peace?" He asked, "If this is the way you feel, don't let anyone slip out of the city to go and tell the news in Jezreel.
Jehu also killed Ahaziah, they wounded him in his chariot on the way up to Gur near Ibleam, but he escaped to Megiddo and died there.
When Jehu came to Jezreel, he looked up at the window and called out,"Who is on my side? Who?" Two or three eunuchs looked down at him. "Throw her down!" Jehu said. So they threw her down, and some of her blood spattered the wall and the horses as they trampled her underfoot. When Jehu said "Take care of that cursed woman,"  they went out to bury her, they found nothing except her skull, her feet and her hands. They went back and told Jehu, who said,"This is the word of the Lord that he spoke through his servant Elijah."
Why?
Jehoram was a 'bad king', influenced by his wife Athaliah, daughter of Ahab and Jezebel.
Ahaziah was another king who turned from God and went his own way. He reigned only one year in Judah.
Jehu was anointed as king of Israel, and he was followed what the Lord has said to him through prophet whom Elisha commanded.
Jehu didn't let Joram know what he wanted to do, Jehu attacked Joram under undefended situation.
How?
Everything is under the control of the Lord, the Lord remember the blood of innocent people and his servants.
The Lord remember me!


The Lord will restore these land

Isaiah 49:7-13
The redeemer and Holy One of Israel to him who was despised and abhorred by the nations.
"King will see you and rise up, princes will see and bow down, because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Isreal who has chose you." The Lord says to the servant of the ruler.
In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances.
Shout for joy, O heaves; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord comforts his people ad will have compassion on his afflicted ones.
Why?
The Lord will restore, comfort and have compassion on his people and his afflicated one.
In the time of God's favor, is not our time or day, but the day of salvation. God will help us. It is now, for the Jesus Christ has come.
To be a servant of the Lord, King will see you and rise up.
Here this great servatn is the Jesus Christ, we are the followers of Jesus may do great things as Jesus.
How?
Be despised and abhorred by nations are temporary, the Lord will restore these land.

Those who hope in me will not be disappointed

Isaiah 49:14-26
The Lord never forget you!
Even mother may forget his child, the Lord will not forget us!
You will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.
Captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce, but I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save.
All mankind will know that, I, the Lord, am your Savior, yout Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.
Why?
The Lord is full of compassion and righteousness, his words are truth, stands forever.
Any of my loss or stress, the Lord will contend with those who contend with me, for I walk on obendience to his words. Because He is the Lord, my Savior.
Those who hope in the Lord will not be disappointed.
The Lord is my God, my redeemer and the Mighty One.
How?
Be faithful to the Lord, he is my savior, my redeemer and my God. Wait for his mighty hands doing for me. What situation I am, he knows, and he will help me.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

It is too small a thing for you to be my servant, you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth

Isaiah 49:1-6
The servant of the Lord.
From my birth he has made mention of my name. He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver. He said to me, "You are my servant, I will displa my splendor."
But I said, "I have labored to no purpose; I hae spent my strength in vain and for othing. my reward is with my God."
The Lord says "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the trives of Jacob and bring back those of Israe I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth."
Why?
Part two of the larger section(40-55) opens with the econd 'Servant Song'. God's servant is Israel, yet also one who will brig Israel back. COmfort, copassion and restoratio are the keynotes.
Mouth like a sharpened sword is the word of righteousness. Devide the right and wrong things.
We will feel weary and frustrated for many things. We will complain to the Lord, I labored in vain and for nothing, even I believed that my reward is with my Lord.
But the Lord gives us more big misson and vision that I am not only his servant but is the light in Gentile, preach gospel to the ends of the earth.
Do not look down what I am doing and what my position is. All have the purpose of the Lord.
How?
Encourage and get strength from the Lord, I am his servant and I will be the light of Gentil and proclaim his holy name to end of the world.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

From now on I will tell you of new things

Isaiah 48:1-22
You who take oaths in the name of the Lord and invoke the God of Israel - but not in truth or righeousness - you who call yourselves citizens of the holy city and rely on the God of Isreal- the Lord Almighty is his name.
For I knew how stubborn you were, therefore I told you these things long ago; before they happened I announced them to you, so that you could not say,' My idols did them.'
The future:
"From now on I will tell you of new things, of hidden things unknowns to you. So you cannot say, 'Yes, I knew of them.'
For my own name's sake I delay my wrath; for the sake of my praise I hold it back from you, so as not to cut you off.
Listen to me, O Jacob, ISrael, whom I have called.
I am he, I am the first and I am the last.
"From the first announcement I have not spoken in secret; at the time it happens, I am there."
If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like ariver, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.
"There is no peace," says the Lord, "for the wicked."
There are harsh words for God's people. Sttubborn, deaf to God, treacherous and rebellious they have fully deserved all they have suffered.
Why?
The Lord won't give glory to the idols.
All that God foretold in their past history has come true. Now he is telling them something new.
God always purposed peace for his people, but there could be 'no peace for the wicked.'
The Lord said to his people, pay attention to what he commanded. Peace and righteousness will be with them forever.
The Lord revealed his way to us clearly, without hidden anything to us.
The Lord has mercy to us for his name and his praise. Let us won't be cut off.
But many of God's people walk not in truth and righteousness.
How?
Am I walking in the turth and righteousness?
Thanks the Lord, he will tell me the new things without secret.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Your wisdom and knowledge mislead you when you proud

Isaiah 47:1-15
The Lord angry with his people; gave them to Babylon's hands, and Babylon showed them no mercy. Even on the old aged, they laid a very heay yoke.
All of these Babylon never thought about will overtake them in a moment, on a single day: loss of childen and widowhood.
Babylonians says ' No one sees me' when they trusted in their wickedness. Your wisdom and knowledge mislead you when you say to yourself, 'I am, and there is none besides me.' Calamity will ome upon him that he cannot ward off with a ransom.
All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! no matter what astrologers, stargazers, let them save you from what is coming upon you. It is in vain. There is not one that can save you.
Why?
Even to be a victory should have mercy to his enemies. For victory is belong to the Lord!
Do not trust in our own wisdom and knowledge, it may mislead us. It it true in this generation.
The Lord is my counsel and my shepherd.
It is a taunt-song to the metre of a funeral proession. Babylon will be shown as little mercy as the Babylonians have shown others.
How?
When I am pursue the knowledge and wisdom, be careful don't let these mislead me. Ir is because of the proud in my heart. Careful listen to what the Lord says.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you

Isaiah 46:1-13
You whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth.
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
To whom will you compare me or count me equal? To whom will you liken me that we may be compared?
I am bringing my righteousness near it is not far away; and my salvation will not be delayed.
The indictment of pagen gods reaches its cliax in th passive submission of the Babylonian gods Bel and Nebo. THese dumb idos burden the backs of their worshippers. The real God is one who carries his peoples burdens, who has power not only to speak but to act.
Why?
The Lord upheld me since I was conceived. He is always with me. It was I focused on others in this world.
Even I am 58 years old, has more gray gairs, the Lord will sustain me. How greate you are the Lord!
Nothing can compare with the Lord, nothing be counted equal to the Lord. Why should I sad for my job lost in US? The Lord has another new mission and job arranged for me. By these event forced me away from here and go back to my country for the Lord has another plan for me.
The salvation from the Lord won't be delayed, I need wait a while and life with joy.
How?
Release my burden, don't carry it anymore, the Lord has release it for me. God will take care all my way and my life. Be joyful and feel free. Don't care too much as other pagans or peples. I am the child of the Jesus Christ.


Wednesday, July 24, 2013

There is no other; apart from the Lord there is no God

Isaiah 45:1-25
I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me.
I bring propsperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.
Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker, to him who is but a potsherd amng the potsherds on the ground.
I will raise up Cyrus in my righteousness: "He will rebuild my city and set my exiles free, but not for a price or reward, says the Lord Almighty".
By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity(公義) a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear. They will say of me, 'In the Lord alone are righteousness and strength.' (v23)
The Descendants of Isreal will be found righteous and will exult.
Why?
God's love reaches beyond Israel to the world. The New Testament applies verser 23 directly to Christ.
Though we do not know the Lord, when we follow him , the Lord will strengthen us. No one can understand what the Lord's plan and wisdom.
The Lord is creator of everything, how can we argue with Him!
The Descendants of Isreal is the people who believes in Jesus Christ is son of God and obey his commands. They are blessed descendants.
How?
There are integrity, righteousness and strength in the Lord. He is the maker of everything. Obey Him, trust in Him, God is the everlasting God. There is no one except God in heaven, there is nothing lasting for ever in the world.


Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Sing for joy, My God has displayed his glory in Israel and He is living God only

Isaiah 44:9-28
He bows down to the idol-- he made, he prays to it and says, "Save me; you are my god." They know nothing, they understand nothing; their eyes are plastered over so they cannot see, and their minds closed so they cannot understand.
No one stops to think, no one has the knowledge or understanding to say, "Half of it I used for fuel; I even baked bread over its coals, I roasted meat and ate.Shall I make a detestable thing from what is legft?"
Sing for joy, O heavens, for the Lord had done this; shout aloud, O earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, for the Lord has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel.
The Lord says: I am the Lord, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself, who carries out the words of his servants and fulfills the predictions of his messengers; who says of Cyrus, 'He is my shepherd and will accomplish all that I please; he will say of Jerusalem, 'Let it be rebuilt," and of the temple,"Let its foudations be laid."
Why?
God's promise that he will set his people free. The general promise that God will rescue his people becomes specific. In the reign of Cyrus, Jerusalem and its Temple will be rebuilt.
Did God reveal the king's atul name, far in advance? This is no doubt he could. He has already set out his unique claim to be the Lord of history, the only one who can truly fortell the future or know the meaning of the past.
How?
Sing for joy, God has done many great things that shows his glory in Isreal and only our God is living God.


Monday, July 22, 2013

Am I the good witness of the Lord?

Isaiah 44:1-8
This what the Lord says -- he who made you who formed you in the womb, and who will help you.
I will pour water on the thirsty land and streams on the dr groud; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blesing on your descendants.
This is the Lord says -- Israel's king and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.
Why?
These chapters continue the themes that run through the whole section : Israel as God's servant, the onject of his love.
Radicule of the lifeless no-gods that humans worship.
The Lord has chosen us when we are in the wormb. We even didn't be born.
The Holy Spirit will pour out on his servant, then has the ability to know the Lord and do the witness of the Lord. All Christians are His witness.
There is not other really God beside the Lord, He is the first and the last. God is  forever lasting God.
How?
Do not afraid the Lord's blessing and help will pour out on me, He will help me, even I don't know what will be in the future. He is my God, my shepher and my king. Am I the good witness of the Lord?

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past

Isaiah 43:14-28
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way i the desert and streams in the wasteland.
I have not burden you with grain offerings not wearied you with demands for incense, or lavished on me the fat of your sacrifices. You have not bouhgt any fragrant calamus for me. But you have burened me with your sins and wearied me with your offenses.
I , even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. Review the past for me, let us argue the matter together;state the case for your innocnce.
Why?
Yes, review the pasr for God. He has redeemed me and resuced me. He has much grace to me and helped me.
I needs forget the former things and do not dwell on the past. See! the Lord is doing new things to me.
The Lord blots out my transgressions for his Holy name, not for what I have done for the Lord.
Both Israel and the nations are on trial. By their constant disobedience, God's people have forfieted all right to his care- yet he forgives.
How?
The Lord is doing new things to me, I do not dwell on the past, but review the past fof God, don't forget the grace of the Lord.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Apart from teh Lord there is no savior

Isaiah 43:1-13
The Lord summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass throught the waters, I will be with you; am when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will ot be burned; the flames will not st you ablaze.
Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.
Lead out those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf. "You are my witnesses."declares the Lord, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understan that I am he.
I am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior.
Why?
God' unfailing love and care.
In all his people's sufferings God is beside them. No matter in water or river or fire. God set them free again. Simply because he loves them.
The Lord summoned us by name for He knows me and loves me.
Lead out thoese who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf is out mission in this world. To be a witness of God among people.
After suffering and stress, I will know and believe and understand that he is the Lord, except the Lord there is no savior. Praise to the Lord!
How?
Praise to the Lord, He is my savior, He calls me by name, He loves me, My am his sheep in his pasture, He is my heaven father.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Are you deaf and blind servant?

Isaiah 42:10-25
Song of praise to the Lord, a song for joy and battle - the Lord will triumph over his enemies.
Hear, you deaf; look, you blind, and see! Who is blind but my servant, and dead like the messenger I send? Who is blind like the one committed to me, blind like the servant of the Lord?
You have seen many things, but have paid no attention; your ears are open, but your hear nothing.
Which of you will listen to this or pay close attention in time to come?
Why?
As the picture develops through the four 'Servant Songs' 42:1-4, 49:1-6, 50:4-11, 52:13-53:12; it becomes clear that no ordinary person or peple fits the description.
A new song follows the announcement of 'new things' to come. It is a song of praise and a battle song. Then God continues his address with a fresh promise of help and a plea that this time his people listen. The exiles need to learn from their experience.
To be a servant of the Lord preach the word of the Lord, but for the first have to trust in Lord and listen to do what God says.
I should careful listen and see what God shows to me. Don't be a deaf and blind servant of the Lord.
How?
O Lord, please remind me with your Holy Spirit, help me conquer my selfhish and my personal mind to be a humble servant in any places, especially in my home to my family.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

God's servant

Isaiah 42:1-9
God present his servant and commissions him.
The servat of the Lord, who be uphold by the Lord with the Spirit of God.
He will is quiet and bring justice to the nations.
A Bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justie on earth.
The Lord have called him in righteousness; God will keeps him and will make him to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles.
To open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. - missions of Masiah.
I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to aother or my praise to idols.
Why?
A new thee begins to unfold, alongside the forcast of Babylon's downfall God's plan t open the eyes of the whole world and bring them salvation. This was, from the very beginning, the intended role of Israel.
Chapter 42 begins abruptly with the unexplained. Here is my servant.'. It is left to the reader to work out exactly who this is.
Servant of the Lord is humble ad quiet but with Holy Spirit and walking with Mercy and Justice. He is the light for the gentile and is a covenant for the people. Anyone trust in him and repent will be saved from the sins.
How?
Here shows me what is the altitude of servant of God, no quarrel, no shout, be humble, with full of love and walk with justice, faithfulness to bring the justice to others. Give glory to the Lord. Learn from Jesus Christ!


Wednesday, July 17, 2013

The people may see and know, may consider and understand

Isaiah 41:1-29
The Lord - with the first of them and with the last - I am he.
The Lord says to his servant, Jacob. "You are my servant, I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strenghen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
For I myself will help you , declares the Lord, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
The people may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this that the Holy One of Israel has creadted it. He turns the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into springs.
v2 Who has stirred up one from the east, calling him in righteousness to his service?
v 25 I have stirred up one from the north, and he comes- one from the rising sun who calls on my name. He treads on rulers as if they were mortar, as if he were a potter treading the clay.
See, they are all false! Their deeds amount to nothing; their images are but wind and confustion. There works are utterly worthless; he who chooses you is detestable. - the idle and their followers
Why?
The Lord is my God, He is with me, so I do not fear, do not be dismayed. He is my redeemer, the Lord will help me. Almighty God may turn desert to pool of water, creates new thing to me.
One from the North is Babyron and one from east and the rising sun who calls on the name of God, is Cyrus the Persian (from Israel the route was north, then east)
God's tone is that of the stern lawyer as he brigs the nations to court.
With God's own people he is infinitely loving and tender. He is at hand to help They have nothing to fear.
My servant: THe nation as God's servant is a recurring theme in Isaiah.
God calls the gods of the nations - who are no gods- to account. Only God, the one true God, can do that.
The Lord may stir up an enemy to against people who are evildoer and goes with them who follow his words.
How?
Those who hope in the Lord will not dispointed for the Lord creates new ways and new things to me. What I should fear? Praise the name of the Lord!

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Lift your eyes and look to heaven. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing

Isaiah 40:9-31
Say to the towns of Judah,"Here is your God!"
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms ad carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
Who has understood the mind of the Lord, or instructed him as his counselor?
To whom, then, will you compare God? What image will you compare him to?
To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal? says the Holy One. Lift your eyes and look to the heaven:Who ceated all these? Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom(to measure the depth of by means of a sounding linesound.).
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Why?
God is tender and gentle as a shepherd with his lambs.
Israel's God is the Creator: incomparable, eteranl. Yet he never stops caring for his people.
Jesus tool up this picture, describing himself as the good shepherd and his parable of the lost sheep.
Those section speaks so powerfully of God's salvaton that Christians see in it something much bigger than the rescue of Israel at a particular time in history.
God's firm purpose to deliver humandkind from the 'bndage' of sin: his promise of a new life for all who will come to him.
People sometime think the Lord is hidden and my cuase is distegarded by the Lord. Here the Lord answer to us that he is listening and he is working and won't tired or weary. He promised no one of them is missing.
How?
No matter what happen, lift up my eyes to the Lord, he is my savior, he promised not one of his children is missing. Praise to the Lord, Almighty my God!
My strength and my way is rely on the Lord,especially when I go back to Taiwan, is the Lord who gives me the strength to serve Him.



Monday, July 15, 2013

All men are like grass and flower, withers and fall soon, but the word of our God stands forever

Isaiah 40:1-8
Comfort for God's people, for her hard service has been copleted.
Jerusalem has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins.
In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a higway for out God. The rough groud shal be come level, the rugged places a plain.
All men are like grass and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.
Why?
Up to this point the book of Isaiah has been largely taken up with the threat from Assyria.
Isaiah 40-55 addresses these dispirited exiles. Although God has puished them as he had so often warned, and as they deserved - he still loves them. They can trust him. He has the power to help them and fulfil his promises.
These chapter are so full of hope and comfort that they are known as the "Bool of the Cosolation of Israel".
This whole section speaks so powerfully of God's salvaton that Christians see in it something much bigger than the rescue of Israel at a particular time in history. Here is God's firm purpose to deliver himanking from the 'bondage of sin; his promise of a new life for all who will come to him.
People has sin have to paid gouble price for his sins fromt the Lord, but the love of the Lord alway more than the panelty when we turn to the Lord.
Hard service, flighting, or stress, which are the discipline from the Lord prepare for our benefit.
The word of the Lord stands forever! All of human being' glory or name are temporary like grass ad the flower of the field. It will withers and fall. Don't have pay too much attention on it, pay more effot on the credit of the Heaven.
How?
All of the matter on the world is my gifts from the Lord, and used for my witness of God to others. Only the word of the Lord stands forever. Trust in Him! Be faithful and be encourage to serve the Lord

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Peace and security in my lifetime

Isaiah 39:1-8
King of Judah, Hezekiah showed everything found in his treasure to the envoys of Babylon. All of these and his discendents will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.
Hezekiah showed his proud and his wealth.
When Hezekiah heard the prophecy of the Lord through Isaiah, he said "The word of the Lord you have spoken is good." Hezekiah thought "There will be peace and security in his lifetime."
Why?
This event may have been reversed here to provide a lead-in to the following chapters, which focus o Babylon as the world power it later became.
'Peace in my time' was Hezekiah's reaction to the terrible prediction of conquest and captivity. He can not say other words. Isaiah could draw no comfort from the thought.
Hezekiah's recovery is the mercy of the Lord, but his action may lead-in the following diaster of his country. There was selfish mind in Hezekiah.
Even though Hezekiah has peace and security in his life for he followed the commends of the Lord.
How?
All of the propery and health and power is the gift of the Lord, we don't have right to show these to others, what we have to do is praise the Lord gave all of these to us.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Surely it was for my benefit that I sufered such anguish

Isaiah 38:1-22
Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death, Isaiah aid to Hezekiah," you will not recover, you are going to die."
Hezekiah turned to his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, "Remember, O Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with whole hearted devotion and have down what is good in your eyes." And he wept bitterly.
The Lord heard his prayer and saw his tears. The Lord adds fifteen years to Hezekiah and gave him a sign - the shadow cast by the sun go back to ten steps it has gone down on the stairway of Ahaz.
Hezekiah wrote a poem to the Lord after his illness recovery.
Surely it was for my benefit that I sufered such anguish.
In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.
The Lord will save me, and we will sig with stringed instrumets all the days of our lives in the temple of the Lord.
Why?
No mtter what distress or disaster happened, a man walk on the way of the Lord, when pray to the Lord, the Lord will hear and saw what he have done. The Lord loves his people and save them.
Hezekiah have devote himself to the Lord, and he wept bitterly, it turn the mind of the Lord to add him 15 years life. The Lord cares righteous man and one who walked on his way.
Surely it was for my benefit that I suffer such anguish. Walk on the way of God suffered many anguish and stress and trouble. It may not be extended the life, but it is surely that it is our benefit in earth and in the Heaven.
Under the mercy of the Lord, He give us sing to encourage our faith. What is the sign of the Lord, we will know it and it is worthy to going on. We may ask the sing from the Lord. The response is depends on God.
How?
No matter what happen, good or anguish, turn to the Lord, pray to the Lord. For He is my savior, my king, Jesus is my shepherd I am his sheep in his pasture.


Friday, July 12, 2013

Do not be afraid of what you have heard. Listen!

Isaiah 37:1-38
King Hezekiah heard this, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and went into the temple of the Lord. He prayed to the Lord. Prayed for the remnant that still survives.
Isaiah said to King Hezekiah's officials, "Do not be afraid of what you have heard. Listen! I am going to put a spirit in him so that when he hears a certain report, he wil return to his own country, and there I will have him cut down with the sword"
When Sennacherig received a report that Tirhakah the Cushite king of Egypt, was marchig out to fight him, he sent messengers to Hezekiah with his word again.
Hezekiah received the letter from the messensers and read it. He went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord and prayed. "... Now, O Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O Lord, are God."
Isaiah said to the king Hezekiah, " This will be the sign for you, O Hezekiah: .... Once more a remnant of the house of Judah will take root below and bear fruit above...The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this."
Why?
King Hezekiah humble himself and prayed to the Lord, relying on the God, so the Lord almigty save him and Judah. The leader of the king humble to the Lord, so the blessing and savior come upon this country.
Who dear insulted and blasphemed the Lord? Against the Holy One of Israel. All of these the Lord knows and God will revenge it for his Holy name.
Take root below and bear fruit above is the healthy growing and may live longer. So as a church, country and human's spiritual life.
How?
Trust in the Lord, don't afraid what I have heard, the eal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish it for me and his kingdom. Listen to what the Lord says.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

We are depending on the Lord out God

Isaiah 36:1-22
The field commander of king Assyria attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them. He came to Jerusalem and threatens Jerusalem.
He said to them, " The Lord himself told to march against this city and destroy it. 'Has the god of any nation ever delivered his land fro the hand of king of Assyria? How then can the Lord deliver Jerusalem from my hand?"
The Eliakim, the palace administrator, Shebna the sectetary, and Joah the recorder went to Hezekiah, with their clothes torn, and tole him what the field commander had said.
These three chapter (36-39) are a straightforward historical account, after all the prophecies of chapter 1-35. Refer to 2 King 18-20, 2 Chronical 32
Why?
The king of Assyria and his commanders are proud and mocked the king of Judah. The Judah was not righteous, but under the leader of Hezekiah who fear the Lord and saying to JUdah and Jerusalem "We are depending on the Lord out God."
So the Lord strength his hands to save Judah and attack Assyria, for the name of the Lord.
How?
No matter how the situation is worse or helpless, depending on the Lord Almighty. Turn to Him, He is my salvior, my helper and my glory.


Wednesday, July 10, 2013

** Be stong and do no fear, the God will come

Isaiah 34,35
Edom's streams will be rutned into pitch, her dust into burning sulfur; erland will become blazing pitch! From generation to generation it will lie desolate; no one will ever passthrough it again.
Look in the scroll of the Lord and read: None of these will be missing, not one will lack her mate. For it is his mouth that has given the order, and his Spirit will gather them together. They will possess it forever and dwell there from generation to generation.
People will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of out God, full joy of the redeemed.
Say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retrubution he will come to save you."
Then the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstoppd. Then the lame leap like a deer and the mute tongue shout for joy.
And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not hourney on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it. Only the redeemed will walk there.
Why?
Jesus is the redeemer, who will come and his sign are the blind will see, deaf ears open, lame leap and mute tongue shout.
Jesus gave us the Way of Holiness, only the redeemed will walk on it.
God will one day avege the wrong done to his people.
Edom - the enemy par excellence - is singled out as an example. The destruction is total and terrible: the whole land turned to a desert waste.
Bozrah: At various time Edom's capital city.
The scroll is the book of the Lord else where is a record of those saved; it is 'the book of life'
God is coming to bring his people home by a safe highway. At the sight of him everythig is changed. THe dry and lifeless desert, bursting for joy, becomes a paradise of flowing streams, great trees, a carpet of flowers...
There is healing and wholeness, gladness and song, as God's people enter Zion.
The highway is just repent and believe in Jesus, no any other actions like Old Testament described.
How?
Be strong and do not fear, the God will come!
O Lord! appreciated your help to me, resolved what I lack. I realize that I have gone away the beginning of the love, I am caring my love but no action be done, love in heart but not words or action show up. It is an empty love! Please forgive me.





Tuesday, July 9, 2013

The fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure

Isaiah 33:1-24
O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strngth every morning, our salvation in time of distress.    Nice prayer
The fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.  Important key point
He who a)walks righteously and b) speaks what is right, who1) rejects gain from extortion and 2)keeps his hand from accepting bribes, who 3)stops his ears against plots of murder and 4)shuts his eyes against contemplating evil - this is the man who will dwell on the htights, whose refuge will be the mountain fortress.
Its stakes will never be pulled up, nor any of its ropes broken.
This is a chapter with many changes of speaker and mood.
Why?
Not only doing the righteous things and speaks what is right, but also don't do the evil thing and accept bribes. Those men dwell on the hights, not in the low.
Only those who live by their faith in god remain unshaken in circumstances like these.
God never deserts his own: the city defended by him is unassailable. Where God is king, all is safe, all are cared and provided for, sins are forgien, sickness unknown.
How?
O Lord, be gracious to me; I long for you. Be my strngth every morning, be my salvation in time of distress.



Monday, July 8, 2013

The noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands

Isaiah 31,32
Egyptians are men and not God; their horses are flesh and not spirit.
As a lion growls, a great lion over his prey- he is not frightened by their shouts or disturbed y thier clamor- so the Lord Almighty will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and on it heights. Like bird hovering overhead(在頭頂盤旋), the Lord will shield Jerusalem and deliver it, he will 'pass over' it and will rescue it.
The kingdom of Righteousness
The noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands.
You women who are so complacent, rise up and listen to me; you daughters who feel secure, hear what I have to say! stress and desaster will come, till the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the desert becomes a fertile field, ad the fertile field seems lke a forest.
Why?
Fear the Lord for he is the God and he is spirit, do not afraid man or rely on man.
The Lord like a great lion, He has authority, and like bire to shield his children. So lion and eagle usually symbolize the Lord.
Don't be a fool man but a noble man make noble plans, understanding the word of the Lord and follow his command.
Like a lion standing over its prey, like a burd protetig its nest, God will ufailingly defend his people.
God pleads with them yet again to turn to him.
When they did wrong, the and suffered. When everyone does what is right, the land too revives.
Look forward again to a time of ;astig peace, justice and righteousness brought about by the working of god's Holy Spirit in his people.
How?
The Lord is the only one I worship and praise in this world and only one I anticipated in heaven. To be a noble man make noble plan, pray to the Lord, let the Holy Spirit come down upon me to be a noble man.

In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength

Isaiah 30:1-33
Because of you have rejected this message, relied on oppression and depended on deceit, this sin will become for you like a high wall creacked and bulging, that colapses suddenly, in a instant.
In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.
Yet the Lord longs to be graciou to you; he rise to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
How gracious he will be when you cry or help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teacher will be hidde not more; with your eyes you will see them.
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." You will defile your idols overlaid with silver and your images covered with gold.
Why?
Judah is in league with Egypt and they think themselves secure against Assyria despite all Isaiah's earlier warnings.
But when it comes to the crunch Egypt will sit tight while the Assyrians invade Judah.
It is God - the One they would not trust - who will save them in the end.
Rahab: A poetic synonym for Egypt.
Topheth is in the Valley of Hinnom, just outside Jerusalem, where in Israel's darkness days children were sacrificed to the pagan god Molech. The valley later supplied the name for hell, 'Gehenna'.
The Lord, our God is faithful and full of gracious. He listens our pray. Blessed are all who wait for him. The time of God is not our schedule. His help won't late to us.
In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength. How precious it is. Do not worry or anxious to walk on the way of God! Wait and be quiet! Trust in Him!
I believe that the Lord will tell me what is the way He prepares for me.
How?
Be quite and be faithful to the Lord! God is my way, my truth and my life.




Sunday, July 7, 2013

** Don't be a lip-service man

Isaiah 29:1-24
Woe to David city. The Lord will encamp against it all around, encircle it with towers and set up siege work against it.
Be stunned and amazed, blind yourselves and be sightless, be drunk, but not from wine, stagger, but not from beer. The Lord has brought over you a deep sleep; He has sealed your eyes (the prophets); he has covered your heads(the seers).
These people come near to me with their mouth ad honor me with their lips.But their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.
People of Judah turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay.
House of Jacob no longer will be ashamed, their faces grow pale. When they see among them their children, the work of my hands, they will keep my name holy; they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob. Those who are wayward in spirit will gain understanding; those who complain will accept instruction. The Lord, who redeemed Abraham says.
Why?
How sadness is the Lord seal his word to us and covered the heads of the prophets! For the Lord is against those people.
Be aware that the Lord is the creator, who has the authority to do what he like, He is the potter I am the clay.
God is the redeemer of Abraham and is the God of all people.
'Ariel' (the word has several meaning, the most likely here being 'altar of God') stands for Mt Zion/Jerusalem. The city will besieged and then be reprieved.
God's word to his people has a close book, because they pay him only lip-service.
But the day is coming when those who are deaf and blind to his message will hear and see, when God's people will once again fear and obey him.
Humble, needy: People loyal to God, not simply the victims of social injustice.
How?
Don't be a lip-service man!
Praise the Lord, He save us, let us found the tire probelm before we leave here- Huntsville, Alamaba.




Saturday, July 6, 2013

Listen and hear God's voice. Faith can wait patiently

Isaiah 28:1-29
Woe to that wreath, the pride of Ephraim's drunkards, to the fading flower, his glorious beauty, set on the head of a fertile valley- to that city, the pride of those laid low by wine!
"Do and do, do and do, rule on rule, rule on rule, a little here a little there- so that they will go and fall backward, he injured and snared and captured. The Lord Almighty says.
The Lord will lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.
Those who have entered into a covenant with death, made a lie our refuge and falsehood our hiding place, their refuge will be swept away, their agreement with the grave will not stand.
The Lord will rise up to do his work, his strange work, and perform his task, his alien task. Now stop your mocking, or your chains will become heavier.
Listen and hear God's voice; pay attention and hear what God says. To a farmer, his God instructs him and teaches him the right way to plant wheat and barley in its field.
All comes from the Lord Almighty wonderful in counsel and magnificent in wisdom.
Why?
Attention is turned once again to the sins of Isaiah's own day. They belong to the time before the fall of Samaria.
The pleasure loving, luxury-loving city is ripe for the plucking- and Assyria's hand
is 'remnant' will remain.
Religious leaders and rulers alike have not led but misled the people.
They have made a treaty with Egypt, which the prophet mocking refers to as a treaty with death and think themselves safe. They will discover how wrong they are. Real security rests with God.
The farmer knows what to do because God teaches him. God's people would do well to leader that lesson.
Stone/cornerstone: Here the meaning of the stone has to do with trusting God. Faith can wait patiently.
How?
Faith can wait patiently. Stop mocking, Listen and hear God's voice. Every thing happened on God's plan, but is not on our plan.



Thursday, July 4, 2013

Take root, Israel will bud and blossom and fill all the world with fruit.

Isaiah 27:1-13
When its twigs are dry, they are broken off and women come and make fires with them. For this is  people without understanding; so their Maker has no compassion on them, and their Creator shows them no favor.
In that day the Lord will thresh from the flowing Euphrates to the Wadi of Egypt, and you, O Israelites, will be gathered up one by one.
In days to come Jacob will take root, Israel will bud and blossom and fill all the world with fruit.
The song of vineyard contracts with chapter 5. The day will come when God's purpose for his punishment is intended as a corrective. The exile will end.
In the final harvest all God's people will be brought home.
Why?
In chapter 5 the Lord forsake the vineyard, here the Lord will rebuild the vineyard.
People who do not understanding the Lord's messages, like dry twigs and will be throw into fire.
Understanding their Maker is the Lord, Almighty.  God is the beginning and is the end. He is my all in all.
In days to come: Jacob will take root, Israel will but and blossom and have many fruit. It is the life growing steps.
How?
May my life be firmed by the Holy Spirit and bud, blossom and have good Holy Spirit fruit.




Take root, Israel will bud and blossom and fill all the world with fruit.

Isaiah 27:1-13
When its twigs are dry, they are broken off and women come and make fires with them. For this is  people without understanding; so their Maker has no compassion on them, and their Creator shows them no favor.
In that day the Lord will thresh from the flowing Euphrates to the Wadi of Egypt, and you, O Israelites, will be gathered up one by one.
In days to come Jacob will take root, Israel will bud and blossom and fill all the world with fruit.
The song of vineyard contracts with chapter 5. The day will come when God's purpose for his punishment is intended as a corrective. The exile will end.
In the final harvest all God's people will be brought home.
Why?
In chapter 5 the Lord forsake tthe vineyard, here the Lord will rebuild the vineyard.



Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, is the Rock eternal!

Isaiah 26:1-21
Faith
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, is the Rock eternal.
Though grace is shown to the wicked, they do not learn righteousness, even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil.
O Lord, our god, your establish peace for us, for that we have accomplished you have done for us. Other gods besides you have ruled over us, but your name alone do we honor.
They came to you in their distress, when you disciplined them, they could barely whisper a prayer.
Your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead. --The righteousness will reveal over the world.
Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passe by.
See, the Lord is coming out of his dwelling to punish the people of the earth for their sins.
Why?
In life there is waiting, suffering and failure. But God holds fast his own, even through dead.
The Dew: expresses God's power to receive the dead, who lie in the earth.
How?
This is our life with waiting, stress and failure. But trust in the Lord, under God's discipline, we turn to the Lord, I can barely whisper a prayer.





Tuesday, July 2, 2013

God have done marvelous things, things planned long ago

Isaiah 25:1-12
O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.
He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth.
"Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation."
On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples.
The hand of the Lord will rest on this mountain.
God removes the cloud of sorrow that has been hanging over all the nations.
A song of joy in God, who makes the weak and helpless his concern, leads into a description of the joys awaiting God's people on the far side of judgment.
Why?
Moab: The current enemy of God's people stands for all such enemies.
All things planned long ago, God's plan will be done, his mind will be executed.
God is righteousness and his judgement will wipe the tear of all faces, let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.
The mountain is the Holy place of the Lord, he will be there when the day is come. All his people will be there to worship the Lord and enjoy his banquet.
Mountain has high and strong symbol.
How?
Surely this is our God, be faithful and still before Him. The Lord will do marvelous thing for me. I will exalt you and praise your name, O Lord!

Monday, July 1, 2013

Terror and pit and snare await you, O people of the earth!

Isaiah 24:1-23
When the Lord is going to lay waste the earth and devastate it; there is not occupation,  position or prosperity difference, all have the same suffering.
After that, from the ends of the earth we hear singing:"Glory to the Righteous One."
But Isaiah said, "I waste away, I waste away! Woe to me! The treacherous betray! " Terror and pit and snare await you, O people of the earth.
The floodgate of the heavens are opened, the foundations of the earth shake.
In that day the Lord will punish the powers in the heavens above and the kings on the earth below.
The moon will be abashed, the sun ashamed; for the Lord Almighty will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before its elders, gloriously.
Why?
From the particular - God's judgment on specific nations - we move to the universal: the time when God will judge the whole world and everyone in it. Life will not go on for ever just as it is. One day God will step in and end the world as we know it. there will be a shaking of the foundations, and the world. Isaiah was in no doubt about this. Neither was Jesus.
But God's purpose is not just to condemn.(24) on judgment is followed by three on rescue and saving, when God removes 'the cloud of sorrow that has been hanging over all the nations.
The nations will sit down at God's great celebration banquet.
That day: same as chapter 19
That day are terror, both Isaiah and Jesus say the same thing will be happened.
How?
No matter what this world will be in Christ we have hope and peace. Pray for the people who have not know the Lord and Jesus Christ.