A thought from reading John 9:18-41 is that the evidence to know Jesus is God comes from the witnesses of His life as documented in the Gospel, from sermons, from Sunday school lessons, from those that talk or sing about Him, and experiences in our own life.
Jesus makes it possible to clear and empty out so we can start over, make a new climb, become unique, and reach a new peak. We can then make Isaiah 12:2 our reply to the gloom and doom around us.
Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense;
He has become my salvation. - Isaiah 12:2
A thought from “New Growth Takes Courage” is that when things are cleared and emptied, something new can come about that is unique and neat that helps us to grow. All one has to do is have courage to clear the weeds, thorns, and briars that stop growth from occurring. Then, something new begins to grow and we can celebrate with songs like Here Is Our King – David Crowder Band.
Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.
Growing up, my grandfather owned some land north of town but some of it was not productive as it had weeds, thorns, and briers which did not produce grass for the cows. He decided to clear out a few acres by starting a controlled fire to burn out the weeds, thorns, and briers. In a couple of months, new growth of green grass covered the acreage.
During the time of Isaiah, Judah was unproductive. The leaders were godless and Isaiah explains that the Lord’s anger would burn against them. It would be devastating as Assyrian invaders would destroy everything. Reducing the nation to a hewn-down and burned-over stump.
In Isaiah 10:20-12:6, we are told that a remnant would remain. This remnant is described as the root of Jesse (David’s father). A Descendant of David who would rule over his kingdom forever. We are told that the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him – the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power (11:2).
Isaiah is prophesizing about Jesus who would reign over the earth bringing peace, harmony, and tranquility. Jesus changes everything so join in on the invitation of Isaiah 12:5-6.
Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things;
let this be known to all the world.
Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
for great is the Holy One of Israel among you. - Isaiah 12:5-6
When things are cleared and emptied, something new can come about that is unique and neat that helps us to grow. All one has to do is not be afraid to clear the weeds, thorns, and briars that stop growth from occurring. Then, something new begins to grow, so we can then make Isaiah 12:2 our reply to the gloom and doom around us.
Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense;
He has become my salvation. - Isaiah 12:2
This day with You God, there are things that keep us from being productive. We ask for courage to clear those things out so new growth can occur. The enemy will frighten and scare but let us remember that Christ will be there. He clears out the unproductive past so there is new growth. He is there for the fearful, the doubting, and the struggling. He clears out these thorns, briars, and weeds that stuns growth. Help us to be patient knowing that the mystery of the Holy Spirit will produce great victory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. – Psalm 118:8
As brought out in the post “Inabilities Are God’s Possibilities”, strengths and talents are given by God so be humble and give the credit to Him. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and take life too seriously because the only one who can get you out alive is God himself.
Give glory to the King and praise with the song Manger Throne by Phil Wickham. Some of the lyrics that inspire me are the following:
Let Heaven and nature sing
This is our King
Who chose meekness over majesty
And wrapped His power in humanity
Who reigns on a manger throne
I give my life, my praise, everything I own
Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.
The world leaders during the time of Isaiah the prophet thought they could be successful on their own. Pride and arrogance of heart dominated. They didn’t understand that inabilities are God’s possibilities. Strengths and talents are given by God so let us be humble and give the credit to Him. Let us not put too much pressure on ourselves and take life too seriously. The only one that can get us out alive is God himself so let us accept God’s plan for us.
Reading today in Isaiah 9:8-10:19, the leaders were godless during the time of Isaiah, and the Lord’s anger against them would be devastating. The sentence passed down had four counts. The counts were unjust laws, oppressive decrees, the withholding of justice from the oppressed, and robbing the fatherless.
Unfortunately, the history of the world seems to repeat itself. Current world leaders believe they have everything under control and believe there is no need to go to God for direction. The result is world leaders that want to control everything with unjust laws. They take advantage of the poor and rob from those who are successful. They create chaos, wars and other crisis situations so they can ask for money to pay for them. That way, they can launder the money into their own bank accounts.
For many years now, we’ve let things slide. We didn’t “nip it in the bud” so to speak. All of us are a little guilty for falling asleep and letting the corruption grow into a cancer. The corruption has metastasized into just about every aspect of society.
We can be thankful though that we have a Wonderful Counselor that has taken the case for justice and righteousness on behalf of the world’s plaintiffs.
For to us a child is born,
To us a son is given,
And the government will be on his
Shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6
We know now about the child born Bethlehem named Jesus. As pointed out in Jesus Changed Everything by Ernis Haas & Signature Sound, Jesus never traveled more than 200 miles from the place of His birth. He never ran for a political office. He was not a war hero. On the other hand, He was a warrior within the spiritual realm as He fought for our soul. He changed the world for the good. Hospitals, education centers, relieve agencies, and orphanages have been built in His name.
You God see in us what we can’t see in ourselves. What seems undoable becomes unstoppable with You God. You are with us to take our inabilities and turn them into possibilities. You can change us to do amazing things to fulfill Your purpose. The evil one has done a number on us with lies, deception, and corruption to kill our soul like a cancer that takes over a healthy body. You have given us a cure for our soul. Jesus, the Great Physician gives new life now and for eternity. We pray in the name who changed everything … in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.
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This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 