Isaiah

We are going to switch gears for the next 66 days and move into the book of Isaiah. I have felt pressed in the spirit to go there. So lets check it out together...Can't wait to see what He has to show us there...

Isaiah is the first book of the prophets and this book is interesting as they all are, but Isaiah is unique in that it is a small version of the entire Bible. There are 66 books in the bible, there are 66 chapters in Isaiah. The first 39 chapters conincide with the 39 books of the Old testament and the remaining 27 chapters conincide with the 27 books of the New testament.

An incredible scripture is given in the first chapter where the Lord says, "Come let us reason together,"
I find that so awesome that God almighty invites us to come and reason with Him...As we move through these chapters keep that in mind...

The Coming of the Lord

"Don't let anyone deceive you in anyway, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over evrything that is called God..."

Stand firm in the truth...

Growing Upward

Right off the bat in this second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul commends them on how their faith is growing and how their love for others is increasing. I love this...As I read this, I reflected on a conversation I had with a dear freind of mine just yesterday. Based on our conversation and the things she shared with me, her faith is growing and her love is ever increasing and she is seeing through new eyes (His eyes). She would tell you the strides she has made in coming out of a dark place are small but I see them as grand. I hear Him saying to her just as he has says to me and to you, " For I know the plans I have for you, dear one, to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future....I am the Lord your God nothing is to hard for me..." I am estatic about the things I know He is doing in her life and ours.  When she  reads this, I am sure she will know it is she that I am refering to. I love you my friend, keep your heart set on Him, water it daily with His word, He is faithful... I could not help but boast about you and thank God for you...

Like the spring flowers that are bursting forth from the earth, so is faith rising up out of the hearts of those who are set on Him...Spring  has a way of resurrecting us, it calls us to grow upward towards him...The heart is the soil, His word is the water and faith is the beautiful flower that blooms in many colors, shapes and sizes...

Mount Up, Let Your Spirit Soar

When we mount up with wings like eagles, our spirit soars to heavenly places, greater heights are before us and the view is incredible....unknown treasures await us and unimaginable joy moves us even higher into a place where there are no spiritual restrictions...Lord, I thank you for my wings like eagles...

God's Fellow Worker

My apologies that I have not had the opportunity to post over the past few days. We were traveling and time at the computor was nill and none. At any rate I do hope you continued to read His Holy word...

In reading through the 1st book of Thessalonians, Paul is encouraging believers to grow in love for one another as we actively wait for the the return of our Lord. I love how in the 3rd chapter, Paul refers to Timothy as God's fellow worker. This brings me to a point, if you haven't noticed by now I am a strong advocate for being actively involved in the activity of God. Paul tells us in verse 5:14, " warn those who are idle, encourage those who are timid, help the weak and be patient with EVERYONE." These are all actions that one can take to be involved in the activity of God. We are fellow workers also. Being a worker implies that one is not sitting idle. Needless to say, God's plans will always come to fruition. We are called by Him to work with Him, if we shun that calling it does hinder His work just like a broken leg or non-functioning body part would hinder us. If we are not actively involved He will call on another who is active. I love being involved in His activity, nothing can compare and I don't want to miss out.

So what is God's will for us, what does He want us to do? People ask this question often. Look at verses 16-18, "Be JOYful always; PRAY Continually; give THANKS in ALL circumstances..." We are not to be idle, laying around dormant as we wait. The previous three things are basic actions that should be a part of our lives. I can hear someone now saying, sure Shelli, how can I be joyful always? Stay In God's presence, How? Pray continually, giving thanks... Remember that God inhabits the praises of His people. He is where there is praise, just like a moth is drawn to light so is God drawn to praise...Oh' Shelli I hear someone saying, this sounds draining to constantly be praying and praising....Consider Isaiah 40:31 that says this, "those who WAIT on the Lord SHALL RENEW their strength; they SHALL MOUNT UP with wings like eagles, they SHALL RUN and not be weary, they SHALL WALK and not faint." Do you see all the  action that is attached to waiting and do you see what is attached to the action?....

Did you read our themed verse today about strength and joy taken from 1st Chronicles? As co-workers of God we stand in His presence, when we are in His presence we move through His strength, through His spirit and boy oh boy does that bring joy...

Don't sit idle. Do not put out the spirit's fire. Do something...Be Joyful, it's contagious. Encourage someone, its uplifting. Just do something dear one, do not lie dormant...

"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else"...To love is to become actively involved...God Bless your sweet heart today and always...