Is. 55-57

The prophet identifies “willful ways” as one of the characteristics of God’s people that needed a remedy. That remedy was Christ Jesus, One whose cry before His crucifixion was, ‘Nevertheless, not My will be done but Thine.”

Relinquishing our will to do the will of God is a mark of spiritual maturity.

It’s been said, “The cross is where our will meets God’s.”

Is. 54

When God cleans us up, He can take away the memory and reproach of life’s mistakes and stains. The blood of Jesus can penetrate our shame and remove it rather than merely covering it. Like stain in a piece of wood that penetrates into the fibers of the wood is completely removed, so Christ’s blood can remove our sin … even the painful memory of it.

Jesus said “Whom has been forgiven much loves much.” There you have it. Left in the place of the forgiveness is a deep love. Christ’s love displaces the sin.

If Christ has forgiven and forgotten, who are we to keep remembering the blemishes of a person’s life. Let it GO.

Is. 52, 53

“To whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”

God’s truths are revealed to whomever He chooses. It’s as if a drape covers His truths and He can remove the drape so onlookers can then see what has been concealed.

Knowing this can impact our prayer life. We pray that God in His sovereignty would reveal Himself to whomever we are praying for. He sees their entire circumstance and knows How to proceed.

I find myself praying in more general terms … God sees and understands the complexities of life and just needs our prayer to get to work.

“Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened … ” [Is. 35:5]

Is. 51

Multiple times in this chapter the prophet exhorts God’s people to not fear men. If we fear men we are in effect placing them and their power above that of the Lord. Whomever you fear, you place an emotional focus upon them that requires your energy. God wants us to give our energies to serving him. He will defend us and prepare the highways of opportunity for our obedience.

“He’s got the whole world in His hands.” 🎶

Is. 50

“Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will.” [Is. 50:4 TLB]

When I tell people about my middle-of-the-night routine, I hope they don’t think I’m ultra-disciplined. No, I just wake up. I take that chance to listen to the Word and write this blog. I also try to get through my prayer track/list. It has become a habit.

“In the dark night of the soul, it’s 3:00 a.m. in the morning.”

I can’t think of a better way to begin the day. Then, I go back to bed and sleep until I wake up again … PTL I’m retired.

Is. 49

When God triumphs over our enemies He brings glory to His name.

Our enemies of disease, discouragement, and distress are merely opportunities for God to show Himself strong on our behalf.

When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives my brothers, don’t resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends! Realize that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance. … If in the process, any of you does not know how to meet any particular problem he has only to ask God—who gives generously to all men without making them feel foolish or guilty—and he may be quite sure that the necessary wisdom will be given him. [James 1:2-7]

Is. 47, 48

Ever watch a cat play with a mouse? The cat is in TOTAL CONTROL. The tactics of the mouse merely amuse the cat.

God has control over the nations. I’m not saying He plays with them, but nothing they do can outsmart Him or dissuade His will for them. The Psalmist said God sits in the heavens and laughs at the kings of the earth. [Ps 2] (Well, maybe He does have some fun with them)

ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN … they don’t really know what’s going on. They have a foolish narrative they propagandize to the masses. Those of us who read the Word daily have the true narrative.

We don’t have “The Five;” we have ‘The ONE!”

Is. 45, 46

A comforting promise God has given is this: “I will still be the same when you are old and gray, and I will take care of you. I created you. I will carry you and always keep you safe.” [Is. 46:4]

This is a reassuring commitment from the Lord to His people. When we are old, He will give us the necessary help to navigate life.

I will share this promise with my parents this evening when I call them. Dad is 96 and Mom is 92. I have seen the Lord carry them their entire lives. He is faithful.

Is. 43, 44

There is an obscure verse in chapter 44 that says, “(A man) gets hungry and loses his strength;  he drinks no water and grows faint.” This describes a condition of depletion of energy caused by lack of necessary nutrients and water. I have experienced it. Cyclists call it “The bonk.” You need water and energy immediately. If not, you’ve hit the wall and can’t go on.

It’s a big lesson in staying hydrated.

God uses this miracle element called water for many purposes. Critical to the human body, we are wise to drink plenty.

Jesus said, “but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” [Jn. 4:14]

Is. 42

There’s a heart-cry for justice these days. Court battles over elections, executions, ethnic disparities, and economic disputes fill the news media. Judges being thrown, courts being packed, attorneys on the take … where will it end?

It’s comforting to know that God has raised up a righteous judge, Christ Jesus. He will be sensitive to the bruised reed and revive the smoldering wick. He will be unrelenting until true justice is achieved for those He represents.

We can trust the Lord. Pour out your complaint to Him and wait in faith for your court date. He gathers ALL the evidence. He knows the beginning from the end. Consult with Him ANYTIME through prayer. He is the great Counselor.