I'm so stirred by the call to radical repentance. What are my motives? What is going on inside of my heart? God has put me in touch at the beach for 2 weeks with what I was most afraid of. HE made me for 2 reasons: communion with Him and conformity to His Image. What about me doesn't look like Him in what I face? Change me, O God. My motives, my thoughts, my intentions. Only You can. It's not about what 'I think' but it is all about what the Holy One thinks. What is alive in Me this day? What are you saying?
Isaiah 49:6-8 - OUR HIGH CALLING IS A PRIVILEGE
Because God should be my strength, He says: It's not a big enough job to be content with little. I'm setting you up as a light for the nations so that my salvation becomes global. It is our high calling, our immense privilege, to be used by Him to advance His Kingdom, in His Ways, not mine. God says: "When the time's ripe, I answer you. When victory's due, I help you. I form you and use you."
Isaiah 49:13 - 15 - NAMES WRITTEN ON THE BACKS OF HIS HANDS
Awake the dead! God has comforted his people. He has tenderly nursed his beaten-up, beaten-down people. Has God forgotten me? "Can a mother forget the infant at her breast, walk away from the baby she bore? But even if mothers forget, I'd never forget you—never. Look, I've written your names on the backs of my hands.
Isaiah 50:5- SET FACE LIKE FLINT
He wakes me up in the morning, Wakes me up, opens my ears to listen as one ready to take orders. The Master, God, opened my ears, and the Master, God, stays right there and helps me, so I'm not disgraced. Therefore I set my face like flint, confident that I'll never regret this. My champion is right here. Let's take our stand together! Who dares bring suit against me? ... Lean on your God! But if all you're after is making trouble, playing with fire, Go ahead and see where it gets you. Set your fires, stir people up, blow on the flames, But don't expect me to just stand there and watch. I'll hold your feet to those flames.
Isaiah 51: 1-4 - GOD'S WORK IN ME IS RIGHT ON TIME
"Listen to me, all you who are serious about right living and committed to seeking God. Ponder the rock from which you were cut, the quarry from which you were dug. Yes, ponder Abraham and Sarah. I'll transform you to a place of exuberance, laughter, gratitude, and song"...Revelation flows from Me; my salvation right on time. I'll bring justice...You made the bottom of the ocean a road for the redeemed to walk across? In the same way God's ransomed will come back, cheering, shouting. Joy eternal wreathing their heads, exuberant ecstasies transporting them— and not a sign of moans or groans.
Isaiah 51:12 I WATCH OVER YOUR DOUBLE DOSE OF TROUBLE
I'm the One comforting you. What are you afraid of? Man who dies? You've forgotten Me Who made you. 51:16 I teach you how to talk, word by word, and personally watch over you, Even while I'm unfurling the skies, setting earth on solid foundations 51:20 -You've been hit with a double dose of trouble—does anyone care? Assault and battery, hunger and death—will anyone comfort? "Look, I've taken back the drink that sent you reeling. God has something to say: "No more drinking from that jug of my anger! I've passed it over to your abusers to drink, those who ordered you, 'Down on the ground so we can walk all over you!"
Isaiah 52:7 PURIFY YOURSELVES/ YOU'RE NOT RUNNING....GOD IS LEADING YOU OUT OF HERE.
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger bringing good news, Breaking the news that all's well, proclaiming good times, announcing salvation, telling Zion, "Your God reigns!"...52:11 - Purify yourselves. You're not running from anybody! God is leading you out of here, and the God of Israel is also your rear guard.
Isaiah 53:6
But the fact is, it was our pains he carried— our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us, and that made us whole. We're all like sheep who've wandered off and gotten lost. We've all done our own thing, gone our own way. And God has piled all our sins, everything we've done wrong, on Him.
On my way home to Austin from Santa Rosa Island FL. Will not have internet unless we stop @ Starbucks with our 9 kids. Probably will be McDonald's. I'm in Dallas...will be back 2 a computer tonite. We had one computer for 9 adults @ the beach & it worked okay 2 post @ odd times 4 past 2 weeks. It was a frenzied soul-searching week for me. I went 2 serve...to cook & clean for 9 adults & 9 kids...my extended family...learned a little about myself & my God was so present in the midst of a difficult time. Too much with all thatls going on. "True religion accounts for the wretchedness & greatness of man." So glad 2 be home on Texas soil. sent from my phone
ReplyDeleteBlessings on you as you go home. He has gone before you in all that you face, He will comfort, guide and protect you. Thankful that you felt His presence. Santa Rosa is a really pretty beach....you so radiate the love of God and your heart reflects that you are truly His...love you...Mary Lou
ReplyDeleteYou are faithful Bev! So thankful for your gift of service here on the blog! Safe travels and welcome home. I'm praying for you this day and in the coming days. I'll save the rest for when we talk.
ReplyDeleteHeard a beautiful song at church today that captured Isaiah for me. It's called God You Reign. One of my favorite hymns is Our God Reigns taken straight from today's scriptures. Anyway, here's a new take on the same message: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGMfNe4ZRoU Hope you can copy and paste that link to hear it.
Love to you all this Lord's Day. A