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.

Isaiah 41

The God of the universe actually says to each one of us who love Christ, “I will help you.” [Is. 41:10 NIV]

God’s help is not deserved but He helps us because He loves us and will respond to our request. This all points to His great love and His infinitely powerful awareness. We can only say, “Lord, who am I that you are mindful of me.”

So often we don’t get His help simply because we don’t ask for it and believe He will do it.

“Ask and ye shall receive that your joy may be full.’ [Jn. 16:24]

Is. 39, 40

“Behold Your God!” The prophet strikes a new tone in chapter 40. Some theologians assert that a different writer takes over. Regardless, something refreshing and stimulating is contained in the words of this chapter. It is a seedbed for Christian song lyrics and a hopeful future.

Is. 38

I directed a traveling music ministry group from Christ For The Nations Bible Institute in 1993-95. The group’s name was “Living Praise.”

The dead can’t praise the Lord, but the living SHOULD praise Him. Hezekiah lamented that he wouldn’t be able to praise the Lord if his life was taken away. He begged God for more years of life.

His confrontation with mortality should remind us to open our mouths and praise God while we have breath. If we don’t, the rocks will cry out.

Isaiah 36, 37

Zeal.

Now that’s a word we don’t use very often. We might say New Zealand, but that’s as close as we come.

God’s zeal is an eagerness and ardent interest in accomplishing HIS purposes. One of His promises is that He will defend His people from their enemies.

If a day comes when a government issues harmful legislation against God’s people, KNOW THIS that God’s zeal will kick in and we shall see His mighty power in action.

He says, “Fear not: for I am with you.” [Is. 43:5]

Is. 35

This chapter has provided the lyrics for many songs of the Christian faith to include Handel’s Messiah. It speaks of the privileges and atmosphere of rejoicing, peace, and prosperity of the millennial reign of Jesus Christ.

We would do well to re-read this passage on a semi continual basis to remind ourselves of God’s promises for our future. Meanwhile we can continue to submit ourselves to God’s refinement process in our lives so that we can qualify to walk on the Highway of Holiness.