SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 45 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. [Isaiah 45:22] Isaiah makes the amazing claim that God is directing King Cyrus (of Babylon) to overcome the Assyrians and eventually restore Israel as a nation [read Cyrus’ decree in Ezra 1:1-4]. He…
power and authority
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 44 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: I am the Lord, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself, … who overthrows the learning of the wise and turns it into nonsense, who carries out the words of his servants and fulfills the predictions of his messengers, who says…
a silent witness?
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 43 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the desert and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise. Yet you have not called upon me, O Jacob, you…
update from Nathan
Our son Nathan is on a one year internship with Urban Promise, a ministry “that exists to proclaim the love of Jesus, and to express it through the spiritual, social and educational development of children, youth and families living in government housing.” November 17, 2010 Hello Everyone, I just have to say that I have…
patient or tough love
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 42 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: 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 justice on earth. [Isaiah 42:3-4] Isaiah describes God’s messiah as a loving, gentle leader who will tirelessly work for justice…
no fear, He will help me!
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 41 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. [Isaiah 41:13] Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and,…
question of the week
So here is the question of the week: What are the kinds of things teenagers struggle with? (Check out previous questions here)
in His hands
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 40 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has…
what makes me rich?
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 39 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “The word of the Lord you have spoken is good,” Hezekiah replied. For he thought, “There will be peace and security in my lifetime.” [Isaiah 39:8] Hezekiah has become self-confident: God has promised him a safe life, and so he enjoys his health and wealth in style, showing off to the visiting Babylonians…
for my benefit
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 38 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back. [Isaiah 38:17] What were the benefits for Hezekiah: he faced his own mortality, he realized his dependence on God, he saw the…