“The waters of Nimrim are dried up and the grass is withered; the vegetation is gone and nothing green is left.” v6
This verse gives us a glimpse of what life could be like without the sustainer of life being actively involved in today’s world. The absence of water is the absence of life whether that is in Isaiah’s time or 2009.
Recently while walking around Chichester, we’ve noticed a distinct change in colour... The vibrancy of spring is immense. Lush greens of all shades have appeared from the bleakness of winter. Blue skies and sun, new life and food a plenty. Looking at this verse we see the polar opposite. It occurs to me that without our all loving God who breathes life into everything, who truly is the sustainer of life where might we be? It makes me thankful that His blessing and favour is upon us and we can see it all around!
Matt & Sarah Winfield
Friday 22 May 2009
Thursday 21 May 2009
Isaiah Chapter 14
Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand.
In a chapter that speaks of God’s ultimate victory over Israel’s and His enemies, verse 24 stands out as a beacon. Even when the world seems to be spinning out of control and sometimes our lives can feel that way as well, the victory will be God’s. He has a plan and nothing will thwart it. God is not up in heaven wringing his hands and wondering how to get things back on track. He is not taken by surprise by world events or events in our lives. As He has purposed, so it will stand.
Cindy Crossley
In a chapter that speaks of God’s ultimate victory over Israel’s and His enemies, verse 24 stands out as a beacon. Even when the world seems to be spinning out of control and sometimes our lives can feel that way as well, the victory will be God’s. He has a plan and nothing will thwart it. God is not up in heaven wringing his hands and wondering how to get things back on track. He is not taken by surprise by world events or events in our lives. As He has purposed, so it will stand.
Cindy Crossley
Wednesday 20 May 2009
Isaiah Chapter 13
Every day we see adverts for "Before and after" cures for all ills or house transformations. In Isaiah 13 God declares Babylon will be destroyed "That great city" v19. But tucked away in this chapter and perhaps unnoticed God said in vs 20-22 that it will never be inhabited, etc and today that is exactly what you see. Saddam Hussein offered a prize to re create the hanging gardens. To me these God given prophesies are silent proof that God’s word is reliable. Men think they are affecting the course of history. God has the last word!!
we can rely on His promise.
David Vallance
we can rely on His promise.
David Vallance
Tuesday 19 May 2009
Isaiah Chapter 12
The Lord, the Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
In the light of the day, or 24 hours, that lies ahead, try to answer these 3 questions. (Without being too spiritual!)
1.From where might you get some extra strength? From eating more healthily? From exercising? From taking some rest?
2.Perhaps you’d like to go about the day with a song in your heart. What might make you sing? Some exciting news? Happy times with people you love? Or just some fantastic music?
3.What might ‘save you’ or ‘rescue’ you? Some kind of ‘you’re off the hook’ discussion or a ‘we’ve cancelled all your debts’ type of letter?
The good news is that God has promised and provided three gifts for each day; Strength, Song (joy) and Salvation. All three are on the menu, everyday, and they’re ours for the taking.
Perhaps He is calling some of us to live our lives differently today. Lets step out and allow him to give us the strength we need, lets allow our hearts to sing (even in the darker hours) because of his love, and may the knowledge of our salvation in Jesus, cause us to walk a different walk today.
A prayer;
Father, Thank you that because of you I can be strong today. Thank you that you can put a song in my heart. Thank you that my debt has been cancelled and that my salvation is in you. Amen
Jude Edwards
In the light of the day, or 24 hours, that lies ahead, try to answer these 3 questions. (Without being too spiritual!)
1.From where might you get some extra strength? From eating more healthily? From exercising? From taking some rest?
2.Perhaps you’d like to go about the day with a song in your heart. What might make you sing? Some exciting news? Happy times with people you love? Or just some fantastic music?
3.What might ‘save you’ or ‘rescue’ you? Some kind of ‘you’re off the hook’ discussion or a ‘we’ve cancelled all your debts’ type of letter?
The good news is that God has promised and provided three gifts for each day; Strength, Song (joy) and Salvation. All three are on the menu, everyday, and they’re ours for the taking.
Perhaps He is calling some of us to live our lives differently today. Lets step out and allow him to give us the strength we need, lets allow our hearts to sing (even in the darker hours) because of his love, and may the knowledge of our salvation in Jesus, cause us to walk a different walk today.
A prayer;
Father, Thank you that because of you I can be strong today. Thank you that you can put a song in my heart. Thank you that my debt has been cancelled and that my salvation is in you. Amen
Jude Edwards
Monday 18 May 2009
Isaiah Chapter 11
3 He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;
4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
I am reminded of the gut instinct mankind has to cry out for justice. We see inequality and unfairness wherever we look, and we believe we have experienced this in our own lives.
What I think we fail to do is to acknowledge our own fault in the situations we find ourselves in, or to take responsibility for the impact our choices and lifestyles have on others.
Jesus judges the needy with righteousness. He sees the truth through the wisdom and understanding that the Holy Spirit brings. Let us ask the same Spirit which lives within us to give us His wisdom.
Carol Timney
or decide by what he hears with his ears;
4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
I am reminded of the gut instinct mankind has to cry out for justice. We see inequality and unfairness wherever we look, and we believe we have experienced this in our own lives.
What I think we fail to do is to acknowledge our own fault in the situations we find ourselves in, or to take responsibility for the impact our choices and lifestyles have on others.
Jesus judges the needy with righteousness. He sees the truth through the wisdom and understanding that the Holy Spirit brings. Let us ask the same Spirit which lives within us to give us His wisdom.
Carol Timney
Monday 11 May 2009
Isaiah Blog
If you came looking on the Blog this morning for the latest thought on Isaiah Ch.11 you will have been disappointed! - The Blog is taking a break this week as this coming Sunday Paul Mortimore will be speaking on The Persecuted Church. However, we resume our study of Isaiah (Ch's 11 - 15) the following Sunday and the next entry, on Isaiah Ch 11, will be published on Monday 18th May.
Friday 8 May 2009
Isaiah Chapter 10
Isaiah Chapter 10 v 1
Verse 1 starts on a cheery note!
“You are doomed! You make unjust laws that oppress my people”.
When I hear the words ‘You are doomed’ I am immediately reminded of Private Frasier in Dad’s Army as that was one of his favourite sayings which he used with great gusto!. Of course, in this context, we are talking about something far more serious - “You make unjust laws that oppress my people”. Verse 2 sets out in more detail the nature of the oppression which had caused the Lord’s anger.
Could any of this apply to us as a nation? – What about us as individuals? Are we passionate or indifferent to injustice? In our daily lives, could some of our simple life style choices including how we choose to spend our money have a positive impact on the poor & oppressed?
Paul Woodfield
Verse 1 starts on a cheery note!
“You are doomed! You make unjust laws that oppress my people”.
When I hear the words ‘You are doomed’ I am immediately reminded of Private Frasier in Dad’s Army as that was one of his favourite sayings which he used with great gusto!. Of course, in this context, we are talking about something far more serious - “You make unjust laws that oppress my people”. Verse 2 sets out in more detail the nature of the oppression which had caused the Lord’s anger.
Could any of this apply to us as a nation? – What about us as individuals? Are we passionate or indifferent to injustice? In our daily lives, could some of our simple life style choices including how we choose to spend our money have a positive impact on the poor & oppressed?
Paul Woodfield
Thursday 7 May 2009
Isaiah Chapter 9
(Apologies for the late publication this morning - the Church Administrator slept through his alarm!!)
‘You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy’.
Gloom is certainly something we’re never far from. We only have to switch on the television to hear of the latest swine flu tragedy or the economic downturn.
Don’t you think sometimes, we are responsible for how much joy we allow ourselves to be partaking of and how much joy we impart on others. Verse 3 of Isaish 9 says,
‘You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy’. In this verse, God is imparting the joy.
As Christians we always have something to be joyful for, WE ARE SAVED! Unlike the nations in Isaiah, we know that,
‘Unto us a child (was) born,
And he is called,
Wonderful Councillor
Mighty God
Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace.’
Do your part today; tell someone of the joy that was given to you. Make sure that you add the part about it being a FREE gift.
Emma Hughes
‘You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy’.
Gloom is certainly something we’re never far from. We only have to switch on the television to hear of the latest swine flu tragedy or the economic downturn.
Don’t you think sometimes, we are responsible for how much joy we allow ourselves to be partaking of and how much joy we impart on others. Verse 3 of Isaish 9 says,
‘You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy’. In this verse, God is imparting the joy.
As Christians we always have something to be joyful for, WE ARE SAVED! Unlike the nations in Isaiah, we know that,
‘Unto us a child (was) born,
And he is called,
Wonderful Councillor
Mighty God
Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace.’
Do your part today; tell someone of the joy that was given to you. Make sure that you add the part about it being a FREE gift.
Emma Hughes
Wednesday 6 May 2009
Isaiah Chapter 8
"I will wait for the Lord, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob. I will put my trust in him". - Ch 8 v 17
Waiting, hoping, obeying and trusting. They are all big words for me and this one verse reminds me of the challenge I face. It has been hard at times when I’ve not understood, or when God seems to have gone on holiday and forgotten all about me. It is at those times when I have to keep the knowledge of his perfection and the proof of his love so close.
The determination in this verse of that decision to wait and trust is inspiring. Knowing that the Lord of all is the only one we can fully trust in any situation. Surrendering all my timings and allowing him to work in His perfect and awesome way.
Claire Parker
Waiting, hoping, obeying and trusting. They are all big words for me and this one verse reminds me of the challenge I face. It has been hard at times when I’ve not understood, or when God seems to have gone on holiday and forgotten all about me. It is at those times when I have to keep the knowledge of his perfection and the proof of his love so close.
The determination in this verse of that decision to wait and trust is inspiring. Knowing that the Lord of all is the only one we can fully trust in any situation. Surrendering all my timings and allowing him to work in His perfect and awesome way.
Claire Parker
Tuesday 5 May 2009
Isaiah Chapter 7
It may sound glib but we were never promised that living the Christian life was going to be easy. The reality is that life challenges for us may be no different than for people who claim no allegiance to our God! This chapter conjures up in the mind's eye some disturbing scenes: forests shaken by the wind, smouldering stubs of firewood, tearing apart, plagues of flies and bees and fear of briers and thorns.
However, the big difference for us as God’s people is that we have God’s promises, His resources, His grace and His word so we need never fear!. A sign was given to Isaiah that a virgin will give birth to a son and his name will be Immanuel meaning God with us.
The prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus and so when we trust we can enjoy the privileges of being joint heirs with Jesus, and through God’s Holy Spirit we have the mind of Christ and we can do everything through Christ who strengthens us.
Recognise Immanuel today and experience God working in your life.
Colin Clark
However, the big difference for us as God’s people is that we have God’s promises, His resources, His grace and His word so we need never fear!. A sign was given to Isaiah that a virgin will give birth to a son and his name will be Immanuel meaning God with us.
The prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus and so when we trust we can enjoy the privileges of being joint heirs with Jesus, and through God’s Holy Spirit we have the mind of Christ and we can do everything through Christ who strengthens us.
Recognise Immanuel today and experience God working in your life.
Colin Clark
Monday 4 May 2009
Isaiah Chapter 6
Isaiah Chapter 6 v 8
Isaiah heard the call of God and responded willingly. This verse is special to me because I too had a dramatic calling. It stirs a desire in me to share God’s love with those who are willing to listen. Here we catch a glimpse of the humility of
God when He desires to work in and through us, a reminder of the words of Jesus, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Each time I read this I am challenged and encouraged.
Lynda Wilson
Isaiah heard the call of God and responded willingly. This verse is special to me because I too had a dramatic calling. It stirs a desire in me to share God’s love with those who are willing to listen. Here we catch a glimpse of the humility of
God when He desires to work in and through us, a reminder of the words of Jesus, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Each time I read this I am challenged and encouraged.
Lynda Wilson
Friday 1 May 2009
Isaiah Chapter 5
Isaiah Chapter 5 v 16
“But the LORD Almighty will be exalted by his justice, and the holy God will show himself holy by his righteousness”
What qualities come to mind as making God stand out as different?
He is passionate about justice and righteousness. In these things he is completely out of our league. (“As the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than your ways” Isaiah 55 v 9).
In reality, God gets a lot of bad press about justice. We struggle with how he can allow the innocent to suffer and why he doesn’t intervene more often. Yet when he destroys an evil system (eg Sodom & Gomorrah Gen 19) we struggle with that too.
So how is the LORD Almighty exalted by his justice?
I did jury service many years ago. There was a difficult case of a young man who in a rash moment had overtaken on an unsighted road and killed another driver. It was impossible not to feel overwhelming sadness for everyone concerned yet the emotion that remains strongest for me from that day was a deep satisfaction of the fairness of the judge. I felt admiration for him, he was exalted by his justice.
If we want to make a difference in a society where tolerance and compromise prevail, perhaps we should take a careful look at our own standards of justice and righteousness.
“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream” Amos 5 v 24
Helen Hubert
“But the LORD Almighty will be exalted by his justice, and the holy God will show himself holy by his righteousness”
What qualities come to mind as making God stand out as different?
He is passionate about justice and righteousness. In these things he is completely out of our league. (“As the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than your ways” Isaiah 55 v 9).
In reality, God gets a lot of bad press about justice. We struggle with how he can allow the innocent to suffer and why he doesn’t intervene more often. Yet when he destroys an evil system (eg Sodom & Gomorrah Gen 19) we struggle with that too.
So how is the LORD Almighty exalted by his justice?
I did jury service many years ago. There was a difficult case of a young man who in a rash moment had overtaken on an unsighted road and killed another driver. It was impossible not to feel overwhelming sadness for everyone concerned yet the emotion that remains strongest for me from that day was a deep satisfaction of the fairness of the judge. I felt admiration for him, he was exalted by his justice.
If we want to make a difference in a society where tolerance and compromise prevail, perhaps we should take a careful look at our own standards of justice and righteousness.
“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream” Amos 5 v 24
Helen Hubert
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