Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Jesus - God's Glory

Isaiah 53

Inspired thots

Finally, the CLIMAX! This chapter reveals the best of God's plans... How wonderful and beautiful of Jesus to be SO humbled to take on my transgressions; and yet, we esteem Him not. (v3) How unappreciative! It is necessary to put self into His shoes and feel the fit.

Lord, forgive us not just for our trespasses but the wrong way and attitude we take on You.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

God Motivates His People to Arise

Isaiah 52

Inspired thots

We are indeed SO weak on our own. The chapter starts off with God's call on His people to understand their own pitiful condition and return to Him. How important to acknowledge our weaknesses and be awaken. God's people have been bound so long that they are sometimes immune to the future dangers and dire consequences.

Hence, God is calling forth for awakening! shake off the dust! Arise! Loose the bonds! We are made captives and we know it not; we may know but feel powerless to break free. What irony! Only yielding to God in total surrender will set us totally free from our bondages once and for all.

Call on Him for He is our rear guard. He says... Here am I! God reigns and we can rejoice in Him.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Experiencing God's Favor

Isaiah 51

Inspired thots

Those who face any type of situation can enjoy God's deliverance when they are under the shelter of His hands. He does not forsake His people especially those who call on His name or remain faithful to Him.

God will come through for those whose hearts are in Him and not in idols or self. He is a great and mighty God who knows what is to be. Hallelujah! Fear not the revile of man for God will rouse to my side. He shall answer and comfort. How wonderful!

Take heart and be strong in the Lord; be patient and wait for His right timing of deliverance.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Listening to God

Isaiah 50

Inspired thots

When the Lord God speaks, one should really listen. His words are important for life. He speaks to reveal; how important for one to listen carefully and obey. The first step (listen) may be easy to exercise with practice but the second (obey) is much harder; a lot of will power is needed as we are creatures steeped in sin.

Self-centredness blocks the path of obedience to God. A strong discipline is required to break down the hindrances to obedience. Then the character would be molded more into Christ's image; righteous virtues.

Friday, July 26, 2013

The LORD's Favor on His Beloved

Isaiah 49

Inspired thots

Truly this amazing chapter constantly reminds of how great God's love is for His people. His FAVOR is upon His people no matter how they are. His LOVE for them is unending. He who FORMED us from the womb remembers and will deliver.

His promises are so astounding; his deliverance sure. We are honored in the eyes of God when HE is our STRENGTH. He shall CONTEND WITH THOSE WHO CONTEND with His people.

Truly, if God is FOR us, who can be AGAINST us? Rom. 8:31

The Lord Speaks Up

Isaiah 48

Inspired thots

The Lord is always so merciful; He calls out to His people to return to Him with a true heart to enjoy the manifold blessings He has for them but many are stubborn to His voice.  

The Almighty God voices out to reach His people with reminders after reminders but the more He calls; the more we run the other way. How sad and strange! God has only the BEST for His people; yet, we are not heeding His voice. Not surprising that He keeps quiet more these days...

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Others Will Fail You

Isaiah 47

Inspired thots

How terrifying to depend on self and others but not God! Dire consequences come with God's judgment in due time. Even if one is very wise and capable, one can stand against God; hence, it is better to be on HIS side than depend on others who will surely fail.

Our efforts would be wasted on others whom we think can benefit us in troubled times; selfish man benefits only himself. All will flee when trouble comes but only our God is beside us to deliver and safe. Hallelujah!

NW's input today after devotion ~ MPPtoday When God shakes...start making your choice

God will invade. But I wonder whether people who ask God to interfere openly and directly in our world quite realise what it will be like when He does. When that happens, it is the end of the world. When the author walks onto the stage the play is over.

God is going to invade, all right: but what is the good of saying you are on His side then, when you see the whole natural universe melting away like a dream and something else - something it never entered your head to conceive - comes crashing in; something so beautiful to some of us and so terrible to others that none of us will have any choice left?

For this time it will be God without disguise; something so overwhelming that it will strike either irresistible love or irresistible horror into every creature. It will be too late then to choose your side. There is no use saying you choose to lie down when it has become impossible to stand up. That will not be the time for choosing; it will be the time when we discover which side we really have chosen, whether we realised it before or not. 

Now, today, this moment, is our chance to choose the right side. God is holding back to give us that chance. It will not last forever. We must take it or leave it. C. S. Lewis

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

God Abhors Idols

Isaiah 46

Inspired thots

These few chapters have the Lord speaking out for Himself to reveal greater insights of His majesty and virtues. How wonderful to be able to understand more of God from Himself!

And one of the things close to His heart is His steadfast love for His people; hence, He abhors idols that draw His people away from Him. Man's folly is worshiping the created rather than the Creator.

The wise will heed God's revelation while there is time; He has spoken and will bring it to pass. He has purposed and will do it. (v11)

Idols are NOTHING worthy of our attention, effort and time. Turn back to God alone for all we need in life.

Monday, July 22, 2013

The LORD SPEAKS for Himself

Isaiah 45

Inspired thots

The Lord will speak in His own time although many may think it slow of Him to respond to them or the wickedness around. The Lord has His perfect timing to reveal Himself to His people and enemy. He shall not keep silent over the earth.

His declarations and revelations are marvelous! He inspires those who seek Him for they shall know His greatness and majesty. What wonders! What majesty! There is no other god like our God. He has declared it Himself; who can counter His word? He keeps reminding ... "I am the Lord" Faith arises when the Lord speaks to His righteous. Hallelujah to our God!

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Redeemed as God's Witnesses

Isaiah 44

Inspired thots

It is the LORD GOD who is Master of ALL! He executes his plan from start to finish to bear witness of His glory. Man is created to be His witnesses; yet man chooses to worship idols made of wood which they burn to satisfy their physical needs. Indeed it is strange that man does not see his own folly to choose to worship a graven wooden image that serves his needs.

God is our Creator and He has redeemed His people to be His witnesses. We can show forth God's majesty and glory as we are beautifully created. Wait on the Lord for every step in life to be blessed.

How Can We Justify Before God?

Isaiah 43 

Inspired thots

Great and mighty is God alone! There is no one like Him. God is at work in His people and all over the earth. He is patient with those who are arrogant and self-dependent.

How sad to hear God say "Yet you did not call upon me, O Jacob but you have been weary of me, O Israel!" (v22)

He adds on "I have not burdened you... or wearied you... but you have burdened me with your sins, you have wearied me with your iniquities." (v23-24)

How sad that we take God for granted and would have Him serve us instead of we serving Him. Forgive us, O Lord!

Friday, July 19, 2013

God Reveals Himself & Plans

Isaiah 42

Inspired thots

What a Great and Mighty God we have who is mindful of those whom He loves and all around. HE is in Control of Everything and KNOWS what is happening and is to come.

He will do NEW and mighty works to show Himself & His majesty. He sent forth Jesus who did His will to glorify Him.

Again and again, chances are given to man to repent and return to the Lord but man fails. There is a stubborn streak within that steers him off God's path. Yes, it is so easy to fall away from the Lord; only by His mercy and grace we walk in His paths and learn to delight in His will. 

Thank YOU Lord for being there for me when I need You and am too weak to do much. Thank You Lord for stirring my spirit to desire more of You although it is hard to stay on course with You. Indeed, only by Your grace and mercy.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Be NOT Wise in Your Own Eyes

Isaiah 41

Inspired thots

The Lord challenges any man to show his greatness on his claims to be as god. If nature revers Him, what not of man?

Those who seek Him shall be protected and provided for; those who seek to glorify self will come out with nothing. Nature acknowledges God's power and majesty; only arrogant man believes otherwise. Foolishness.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Majestic Powerful God

Isaiah 40

Inspired thots

Such a lovely chapter; how dynamic & vibrant the description of God in His majesty and glory. A deep thinking would acknowledge the words of Isaiah that there can be NO OTHER GOD. Who can liken to God? NONE! Hallelujah!

What we have heard and known about our mighty God we must remember and revere. Many important concepts are repeated. It is good to take note and walk in God's statutes.

How GREAT is our God! As we wait for Him, we shall renew our strength and mount up like eagles. What a majestic scene of glory when walking with our Lord! Hallelujah!

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Be Humble Before the Lord

Isaiah 39

Inspired thots

Though the chapter is short, its lesson points are significant. King Hezekiah grew proud of his riches; he showed his 'friends' all of his treasures when they came to visit. This may have stirred up the greed to covet Israel's riches.

1) Friends can turn Enemies and rob your possessions.

2) What we have belongs to God; we are just stewards. Hence, we should be humble and praise God for all we are enjoying.

3) Man is basically selfish; though judgment is coming, king Hezekiah was not concerned that his next generations would be impacted as long as he is not. He should be remorse and repent to the Lord but did not.

4) Learn to seek God in EVERYTHING for we can be easily deceived by Satan and the world.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Only God Can Change Destiny

Isaiah 38

Inspired thots

How wonderful that God is in control of our lives to give only the best! It is a delight to rest and trust in Him for the best. He has our lives in the palm of His hands and by His word, things come to pass. He gives the word to steer our destiny.

But He is ever loving and gracious; such a merciful God who hears our cries and petitions. O Lord, let the living keep praising You.

Do not let us fall into our own folly! Have mercy on us to honor You all the time.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Do NOT MOCK God

Isaiah 37

Inspired thots

Everything and everyone are created by God; thus, God is the REAL owner, king and charge. Anyone who claims rulership of the world is mocking God and he shall not fare well.

Nothing can happen without the approval of God; only HE can allow matters to arise and situations to differ. We do not have to fight any war as our God fights for us; He fights for Himself when nations mock Him through intimidating His people. But God will stir; and when His anger is stirred, His foes will not triumph.

Only God triumphs!

Rely on God Alone

Isaiah 36

Inspired thots

There will be times when the world will intimidate with their power, strength, wisdom and skills but God's children are never to be afraid for our God is greater than all.

We must wait on the Lord for His answer and direction although it is very tempting to make a compromise or deal with the ungodly. We need not answer to the taunts of the ungodly for the Lord will cover us with His righteous hand. Just wait on the Lord for His deliverance.

Friday, July 12, 2013

The Soon Revealed Majesty of God

Isaiah 35

Inspired thots

The time is coming when the KING shall reveal His power and reign. There shall be great rejoicing and victory as God shows Himself in all His glory and majesty. How wonderful!

We, His people, shall rejoice and move with Him to enjoy the best! What a glorious hope to look forward to. Hallelujah! Maranatha, Lord Jesus!

Thursday, July 11, 2013

God's Day of Vengeance

Isaiah 34

Inspired thots

The day is coming when God shall pronounce His judgment over the earth. Great and terrible will be that day when it is too late to regret or repent for the time is NOW! 

But the Lord's people shall be protected; they shall be welcomed into His presence. How wonderful it is for God's people who draw near to Him NOW and seek safety in His wings, They shall not be disappointed. Endurance! Perseverance!

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Safety & Provision Under Almighty God

Isaiah 33

Inspired thots

The Lord will stir in His RIGHT TIME to deliver His people who are oppressed by the treacherous.

We call upon the Lord to be our ARM every morning; our SALVATION in the time of trouble.
HE will be our STABILITY in our times; HE is our ABUNDANCE of salvation, wisdom and knowledge.

The Lord in Majesty will be FOR US; He is our Judge, our Ruler, our King. We will be forgiven of our iniquity under the shelter of our God.

PRAISE THE LORD!

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Calling of Noble Women to Rise UP

Isaiah 32

Inspired thots

Interesting how the Lord speaks to women out of the blue. Women are called to rise up from their complacency; to be Fruitful; to continue in their ministry until the HS is poured out upon us (v15)
Then we shall enjoy the FRUITS of God's mightiness;
> Justice
> Righteousness
> Quietness
> Trust
> Happiness ...

when we sow beside all waters...

Monday, July 8, 2013

Folly to Trust in Man & Not God

Isaiah 31

Inspired thots

The strongest man, animal or nation cannot deliver from God's wrath and judgment. Verse 3 says we are but Man, NOT GOD! Animals are flesh NOT SPIRIT!

Our priorities and understanding are marred by the things of the world; by what we Can SEE rather than by SPIRIT as God is Spirit. 

The Lord is great and merciful. He protects those who call upon Him; those who return to Him regardless how far they have wandered. What a mighty and awesome God!

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Great & Merciful Loving God

Isaiah 30

Inspired thots

Although the chapter starts off with a chide, it ends with God's blessings! What a great and wonderful God we have; one who does not spur His anger forever. He knows our frailty. He is compassionate and merciful to His children. He has and wants the best for them.

Why do we not heed His word?

How sad when God says it so obviously in v 15, that "in returning and rest, you shall be saved. In quietness and in trust shall be your strength." Only IN GOD do we have the best for self; why delay returning to Him who loves and supplies all our needs? (Phil. 4:19)

v19 How great is our God who "will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when he hears it, He will answer you." 

The Almighty God is truly our loving ABBA Father! Thank YOU, Abba! Hallelujah!

Friday, July 5, 2013

True Worshipers for God

Isaiah 29

Inspired thots

The Lord knows His people; how they worship Him.
> He wants TRUE WORSHIPERS who worship Him from their hearts and not by rote.
> He wants His people to ACKNOWLEDGE Him as their CREATOR with thanksgiving and bot murmur about His handiwork.
> He wants to BLESS His people as they learn to sanctify His holy name and not be ashamed

What a wonderful God we have who wants the BEST for us! May we who err in spirit come to understand and not murmur but accept instruction from Him. (v24)

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Give Ear & Hear God's Voice

Isaiah 28

Inspired thots

Judgment will surely come; NOW is the time to turn back to God and DRAW CLOSE to Him as only He is our refuge.

WHY be foolish and make a covenant with hell when there is heaven to choose? Strange... why do people still choose the wrong path when they know they have better alternatives?

v9 " Whom will he teach knowledge? and to whom will he explain the message? "

>>> WHO will hear what the Lord has to say to bless?

Man is really so myopic in life.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

The Lord's Deliverance

Isaiah 27

Inspired thots

The DAY will come when God will judge and preserve His people. He will deliver those whom He loves and gather them together in His presence for worship. Blessings and joy will be poured on God's people with peace as the Lord keeps them safe in His vineyard! Hallelujah!

We have HOPE in God...

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

We CAN Rejoice in God

Isaiah 25 & 26

Inspired thots

The Lord is ALWAYS so GOOD to His people! His wrath will come with His judgment upon people but His righteous ones will be kept safe. It is possible to praise and bless God in the midst of any unfavorable circumstances for GOD is our stay! Hallelujah!

Let us then REJOICE in God alone and keep our trust in Him for He gives us PERFECT PEACE. (26:3) Let us ENTER His Chambers to hide ourselves for a little while to find reprieve and protection (27:20). God always provides the BEST and the Necessary for those who trust in Him. 

Thank you Jesus!

Monday, July 1, 2013

God's Judgment

Isaiah 24

Inspired thots

The day will come when the earth and even heavens will come under the judgment of God. The earth will languish but it would be too late. The inhabitants will suffer want and terror comes upon every man.

Now is the time to repent and be restored to God so that His judgment will not fall on His people. Be wise; return to the Lord. Seek His face while He may be found. (Jer 29:11-13)