Isaiah 61

It must have been an exciting day that Jesus stood up to read Isaiah’s words, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.” According to Luke 4, it happened in the synagogue in Nazareth, Christ’s hometown.

My tour of the Holy Land did not include a stop in Nazareth, but we did sit in the synagogue in Capernaum, which probably had a similar feel.

The importance is not in historical correctness. It’s in what happens in our hearts as we read or hear those Words. His Spirit is ALIVE, and it’s IN US.

Isaiah 58

This passage is the most complete scripture on the subject of fasting. It’s most appealing when we read of the powerful impact fasting can have.

Self denial chastens our flesh, but registers loudly in Heaven. We need more of it.

Isaiah 55

Tha prophet declared, “All who are thirsty, come.”

Some of those I pray for don’t appear to want or need to come closer to God. I will hereby adjust my prayer to seek that they will develop a consuming thirst for the Lord. On the surface, they appear content. My aim is below the surface to their deepest human needs and desires.

The Lord deals with hearts. [Ps. 7:9]

Isaiah 53

When I hear this chapter, I frequently weep. (Go to http://www.biblegateway.com and hear it in the NIV Dramatized Audio version.)

All we can say is, “Hallelujah! What a Savior.” We will look upon Him someday soon, see the naiprints in His hands, and fall down and worship Him.

Isaiah 53

Jesus was NOT the most popular guy among His Hebrew classmates. He endured sorrow. He knew what it was like to be picked on. He was made fun of and felt grief that gave Him a sobering view of what many less popular kids go through. It was all for a purpose. He now feels YOUR pain.

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. [Heb. 4:15]

Isaiah 51

Often, people can look back to a time in their life when they had a closer relationship with God than they presently do. God’s Holy Spirit is whispering, “Come back to Me. I miss the closeness we once had.”

After he sinned, David cried out. “Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation. It can be yours RIGHT NOW! Start talking to Jesus and you can be instantly renewed and made clean. You will find open arms with no scolding.

Isaiah 51

We really don’t understand eternity. In this life, things begin, grow old, and fade away. Not so with God. He has made a Way (Jesus) for us to enjoy an unending life with Him in Heaven.

“Eye hasn’t seen, ear hasn’t heard, it hasn’t entered the heart (mind) of man the things God has prepared for them that love Him.” [ 1 Co r. 2:9]

Isaiah 48

… took the Lord’s commands.

Little obedience details mean alot. Live your life to please the Lord.

When you truly love someone, you pay attention to the little details that are important to them. The better you know them, the more sensitive you are to their preferences.

Love is shown in the little things.

Isaiah 44

A witness describes from first-hand knowledge what he has seen or heard. We don’t generate or initiate our own ideas … we tell of what Christ has done for us.

When challenged about his doctrine or credentials, the blind man said, “I was blind, but NOW I see.” He was an effective witness.

Isaiah 43

The fearless can abandon themselves to reckless obedience. It’s as if they have a thousand pound gorilla backing them up when they enter the ring. (Actually an omnipotent God)

Without fear, the soldier enters battle with a great advantage over his enemy. Our God has NEVER been defeated, therefore we don’t need to fear defeat.