God's Thoughts

 Isaiah 55:8,9
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

God’s love and mercy are beyond human understanding. We are quick to judge and quick to serve justice. Many times our first reaction is, “They deserve what is coming to them.” Israel turned their backs on God. Why should God pursue them? God told Isaiah, tell my people to turn back to me, tell them I have water and food to satisfy their hunger. Tell them I will listen to their cries of confession of sin and unbelief. Let them know that I will not turn them away if they only seek me. Time after time, Israel rejected and left the covenant that God made with them, yet God continues to call out to them. 
We may have friends and loved ones that have turned away from God and their faith for whatever reason. They cannot see their way back to God and don’t feel that they deserve God’s mercy. They have lost their way and in their thinking God is far away, and nowhere to be found. They have failed God over and over again and have given up trying to serve Him, and like the prodigal son, they seek to find happiness in the pleasures of this world. But in their lostness, God's thoughts are toward them and desires that they should turn from their ways of sin and turn and run to Him. With jealous love, God pursues them and shows His love and mercy. His thoughts are of love and forgiveness, thoughts of reconciliation, thoughts of redemption. This type of thinking is beyond comprehension. We must not give up on those that God has not given up on. Let our thoughts be like Jesus, and love others unconditionally and extend hope to all who have lost their way.

In Old Age, He Will Carry Me

 Isaiah 46:4,9
And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you…Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me
One look in the mirror and I know that my time on this earth is growing shorter. If the Lord permits me to live as long as my mother, I am over two-thirds of the way there. It is not uncommon for us to think that we still have plenty of life left, especially if we have maintained our health and are not suffering many ailments.  But the gray hairs that sprinkle my head are not my imagination, old age is at my doorstep. I look back on my life and see how God has carried me through. He carried me through a broken home, through my teens, as I sought to find happiness and a pure conscience. He carried me through my college years as I sought to know God’s will for my life. In the turmoil of church divisions, He carried me through, still trusting Him to keep me true to His word. Through the conflict of work dynamics and interpersonal relationships, He was there to bear me up and let me know He would not leave me alone. As I have entered my retirement years, I realize that I need Him more today than ever. My years of experience living this Christian life is not enough. I must lean hard on Him even more as I enter into this new journey of life. I can see the sun starting to set, and it will be here before I know it. But I remember the past, and He has never failed. He will carry me through until the end. There is none like Him.

Walking in the Desert

 Deut 2:7
For the Lord thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness:..

The testing of our faith is done when we are walking through the desert wilderness of life. I’m told that the desert has its own unique attractions, and in some respects I can see how it might be, but as a general rule, I would choose rather not to live in the dry climate of the hot and lifeless desert. A desert place in life is symbolized as a time of desolation and dryness of spirit. Going through a hard place, circumstances are tough and life giving water is nowhere to be found. The lessons in life are often done when we are walking in the desert. This is the place where our faith is tested and our trust to believe in God, that He knows where we are, and He knows what we need. His will and purpose is being accomplished. He is preparing us for something new. In the desert, He will provide us with what we need. A river will spring forth, and He will bring us through. “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Is 43:19). We all enjoy the “mountain top” experience where all is going well, and we are basking in God’s presence. But when we walk through the desert, God’s presence appears to be absent. We need to know that God sees us and knows what we are going through. We can trust the promises of God and believe that He will provide us with what we need as we walk in the desert places of life. He has promised us a river, a stream that will take us through. “When we have exhausted our store of endurance, when our strength has failed, when the day is half done, when we reach the end of our hoarded resources, our Father’s full giving has only begun”- The river of grace will appear and make a way as we walk in the desert.

He is the Water of Life

 Isaiah 41:18
I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

When going on a hike through the mountains, I always like to find trails that take me to water. It may be a creek, or a lake in the valley, or a waterfall high in the mountains. There is something about water that is calming as I sit and watch it move down the valley creek, or see the reflection of the mountains on the lake surface. The Bible is filled with analogies of water that represents the life-giving presence of God. Jesus said, “​​But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” Jesus is the answer to all who are thirsting for more than what this world has to offer. He is the river to anyone who will seek Him. To the rich in high places, He is there, to those in the valley of despair, He gives hope, to those lost in the wilderness of sin, He brings new life, and to those who are going through hard times, He is a spring of water that will revive the soul.  His presence comes in different forms. It may be a river, fountain, pool, spring, or even a well. We are all given the opportunity to avail ourselves of the water of life that flows from the heart of God.

Heal the BrokenHearted

 Isaiah 61:1
… He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound…

Broken hearts result from individuals that have suffered loss. We all have at one time or another experienced the loss that caused great sorrow. Tears are shed day and night and life comes to a stand still. They say that time will heal a broken heart, and to a degree the ache lessens. All loss is painful, but the loss of a son, daughter, or spouse or close friend never seems to ever go away. The pain is greater when such loss happens before death is taken before old age is reached. If you have had such an experience, I don’t pretend to fully understand your pain and sorrow. But I read of One who can heal the broken heart, that is able to bring comfort during times of sorrow. Jesus came to bind up the brokenhearted, and set you free to live again. Such healing does not mean that you will no longer remember or experience sadness, but He has promised, “to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” (vs3). In our brokenness, all things work together for a purpose and reason. All things work together that He may be glorified. Jesus wants to heal the broken heart and set us free to live again.

Trust God for Peace of Mind

 Isaiah 26:3
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind stays on you because he trusts in you.

I often wake up in the middle of the night and my mind starts to think of things that are happening in life. I start to become anxious about things I really don’t have any control over. Or, maybe something I said or did that I now have second thoughts about. I tell myself that I can’t change what has happened and need to leave it in God's hands.  Easy to say, but not always easy to do. Having “peace of mind”does not always happen in a moment of time, at least for me it doesn’t. I know that God desires that I give it to Him, and trust Him to work things out. Like forgiveness, trust is a choice that I must make. Life is not perfect and accepting that not everything is going to go like I want it, life happens, but God also happens when I choose to put my trust in Him. I know that I am not alone, we all have our moments of apprehension and worries. For some, it may be the health of a loved one, or a conflict at work, or in the home. There is no end to what may be the problem, but peace is always possible when we focus our minds and hearts on God and trust Him to take control and let God do what is best. 

To Our Old Age

 Isaiah 46:4
Even to your old age I am he  and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear;  I will carry and will save.

I recently received a photo of myself, and had to take a second look. Surely that was not me? The years are beginning to show on my face. I’m aging to an old age. My hair is gradually turning gray, and my days on earth are becoming fewer and fewer. It is the way of all flesh, Time marches on and our days are numbered. “​The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they are fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.”(Psalm 90:10). I’m at threescore and almost five, and have found God to be faithful. For even in my old age, He has carried me through the valley of life and has brought me to this present day. I don’t know how many more days He will allow me to live, but this one thing I know, He will never leave me or forsake me. His promises are true and I choose to believe that He is able to do all things to His glory. Until He calls me home, I desire to live a life that is unspotted from the world, lifting holy hands, doing His work, and expect Him to return soon to receive the young and old who have given their hearts and life to Him

His Lovingkindness

 Isaiah 63:7a
 I will mention the lovingkindness of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel…

Before Christ came to earth to show His lovingkindness and grace, it was manifested in God the Father throughout the Old Testament. God is often portrayed as a God of judgment before He sent His Son to the world. There is no denying that God hates sin and those who refuse to follow the commandments of God, reaping what they sow. But His goodness and lovingkindness is demonstrated throughout the Old Testament by showing mercy to all who would repent from their wicked way and turn back to Him. Over and over again, Israel would return to their idols and forget what God had done for them, and endlessly, God would entreat His people to return back to the old paths of living according to His righteousness. He still shows His lovingkindness in this present age. His goodness is seen through the work of the Holy Spirit who continues to work and convict the hearts of men. May we keep our hearts and minds open to what God wants and let others know of His lovingkindness

In The Potter's Hand

  Isaiah 64:8

But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand
“Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.” is the chorus often sung in our worship services. We are nothing until we are made into a vessel that God can use. Our humanity is like a lump of clay. It is not until we let God, the maker of life, mold us into something that can be used to His glory.  He is the potter that wants to form us into a vessel that can be filled with the Holy Spirit. Satan would desire to make us a vessel that is filled with self, malice, corrupt communication, and all manner of sinfulness. The Father wants to take the works of Satan and reshape us into His image. When we yield our lives to God, we surrender our desires and ambitions, we allow Him to be the Lord of lives. We are crucified with Christ. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me..” Gal.2:20. This is what it means to allow God to mold us and make us. We are the work of His hand, let God mold you into something special, someone He can use for His Kingdom.

Feed The Poor

 Isaiah 58:7

Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?

Jesus said, “For ye have the poor with you always, and whatsoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.” I don’t know why God chose some to be born with a silver spoon in their mouth, and others who live their lives with barely enough substance to survive. There are many who have gone from rags to riches to escape the plight of being poor. Such accomplishments often extol the resilience of man and his ability to overcome difficult situations.There is something to say about man’s determination and will power in the face of adversity. But in all of man’s success, it is still God who provides what is needed to overcome. To those who have been trapped by their circumstances, Jesus instructs us to “Deal bread to the hungry, and whatever you can, do good to them.” Meeting the physical needs of man is often the best way to reach what really matters, and that is the spiritual need of the heart. Humanitarian efforts are often applauded in the news, and I believe that God is pleased when others are willing to give of their means to help others. But there is a higher calling, the calling to feed the flock of God, and share the bread of life to all who hunger and thirst after righteousness. “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men..” “ Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Do good to all men, that others may see your good works and glorify the God you serve.

Turn Back To God

 Isaiah 55:6
Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

There are times in our lives that we sense that God is near. Things in our lives happen, and God reveals Himself to us wanting us to draw near. But in this passage, Isaiah was speaking to a people that turned their heart away from God and living self absorbed lives. They only cared about themselves and only that which gave them satisfaction. They refused to walk in the way of the Lord and follow God. God in His mercy, makes the plea to turn around and return to the right path. He who made heaven and earth and formed man wants his creation to return back to Him and take the way of righteousness. He is near and is calling out to everyone who will listen to turn from their wicked ways, humble themselves, pray, and seek the face of God, He will forgive their sins and wicked ways.

River in the Desert

 Isaiah 43:19
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
The desert is a dry and lonely place. Spiritually, we may be going through a dry spell. A time where God’s presence seems to be far away. We go each day going through the motions of life without praying through and touching God. The spiritual wilderness, not knowing always which way to go. Doubts and fear creep in causing our faith to drain. Wait, what is that I hear? The sound of many waters is near. I see a river in the desert and it is drawing oh so near. God is doing a new thing! He is able to bring new life when it appears that we have exhausted all of our strength. There is a river making its way through our desert. Drink of the water, He is doing a new thing in our lives. Do you not perceive it? Lift up your eyes, for God is working. He is able to make a way through the wilderness, and leads us all the way.

God’s Unchanging Hand

 Isaiah 41:13
I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

Hold on to God’s Unchanging Hand- An old song that was written by Jane Wilson in 1905. The message conveyed the thought that God is the same today, yesterday, and forever more. He does not change. His promises are the same today as they were when He First spoke them. He has not changed today. He is the same God who promises to take hold of our hand and will carry us through any situation or problem we may be facing. We hold on to these promises that He will not let us go. Keep our hand in His, let him lift us up, guide our steps, and wrap us in His arms of tender care.

Keep The Sabbath

 Deut. 5:12
Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee.

What was the purpose of keeping one day out of the week special? A day to be set apart from all the other days to focus on holy things. A day to pull away from the 
demands of labor and rest the body. This is one of the Ten Commandments that God gave to man to follow and observe. Many feel this commandment is no longer required in the dispensation of grace. That Christ is  Lord of the Sabbath, and therefore we have been set free from keeping this commandment. The New Testament does not specifically command in writing that we keep the sabbath day as they did in the OT. But, there are many references in the New Testament that the disciples met on the first day of the week to commemorate the life and death of Christ. A day where they gathered together to break bread and learn more about Jesus. Just like tithing of one’s income the principle of keeping this commandment is conducive to drawing closer to God. It is just good holy practice, and God delights in our willingness to set apart a special day in our lives where we focus on Him. Jesus made it clear that keeping the Ten Commandments does not save us from our sin, but keeping them does show that we love Him and desire to please Him in the way we live. Keeping the Sabbath and paying tithe will not get you to heaven, but to those who love Him, there is a desire to do what is right and holy. 
“If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, From doing your pleasure on My holy day, And call the Sabbath a delight, The holy day of the Lord honorable, And shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, Nor finding your own pleasure, Nor speaking your own words, Isiah 58:13

Carry Us Through

 Isaiah 43: 2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you: when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon you.

As we enter into a new year, we can only hope that things will be better. 2020 brought us unprecedented life changing events. We passed through the waters and the fire, and God was with us all the way. The promise is still true for 2021, we don’t know what we will face, but this one thing we can be certain, that Jesus will not let the rivers overflow us, and though the fires burn all around us, He will protect us from harm. Nothing can happen this year that He does not already know about. Yes, tragedy may happen, life is uncertain, but we can be confident that all things will work together for good to those who have committed their lives to Him. Lean stronger on His everlasting arms, He will carry us through.