SEARCH
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 34-36
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
This Book of the Lord was well used to the glory of God by my Father, Dr. Roy Lake Mainse. The notes attached are for a sermon entitled, “Time to be fully dressed.” If it is enlarged to the full size of the screen I can read his writing. He believed that we need to “Search from the Book.”
Key Verses: Isaiah 34:16a, 35:10
Search from the book of the Lord, and read:
Not one of these shall fail;
Not one shall lack her mate.
…And the ransomed of the Lord shall return,
And come to Zion with singing,
With everlasting joy on their heads.
They shall obtain joy and gladness,
And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Chapter 34 points out the desolation that will come upon Zion (Jerusalem) but the birds and animals will continue as usual. In Genesis chapter one, God created living creatures before He created man. To this day they find a mate and produce after their own kind. When we search the Book of the Lord, we find this to be a fact!
Chapter 35 is a beautiful promise of restoration. The words of our second key verse form a joyous song that we may have sung in the past (I unsuccessfully looked for a Youtube video of the song for us to link to).
Chapter 36 follows this promise with the terrifying threat against Jerusalem by Sennacherib’s mighty army. Sennacherib made two big mistakes. His messengers offended God by their over confidence in their own ability to conquer Jerusalem in spite of any intervention God might make. The Assyrian also overlooked a humble praying man, King Hezekiah. Sennacherib returned home leaving his dead army in the fields outside Jerusalem. In the temple of his god, his own sons murdered him as he worshipped. Click here for a poem by Lord Byron from 1815 that tells the Bible story.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, as I meditate on this story, I’m reminded that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10a). You are an awesome God! I rejoice in You with singing, and I am silent before Your all-powerful and eternally-wise judgments! Teach me more and more of Your ways, O Lord I pray! In the Name of the greatest Teacher ever, the Lord Jesus Christ, I ask these mercies. Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
[Note: This was originally written by David Mainse January 5, 2016]
Yesterday I checked out of the Juravinski Cancer Centre where I was participating in an experimental treatment. I feel great! However, I’m aware that my physical condition, like my spiritual condition, is not dependant on feelings. I need to rest on fact (the doctor’s report) and Fact (Holy Scripture)!!!
Yours for Truth!!!
David
P.S. I’m already two years past my “Best before” date or my predicted “Expiry date.” God is in control.
This song was not likely available when David searched.It is a beautiful song and video of ‘returning’.”Next year in Jerusalem”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_GsKLJcum8
.
Catch The Fire (4 David Mainse)
Though you have walked many oceans
And spread My word to many nations,
I saw in you and your devotions
A servant of joyous exhalations.
You have not asked for earthly wealth,
But just to be my most humble voice
And when adversity was kept in stealth
You still worshiped Me out of free choice.
So out of free choice I give you
More time upon the stage of learning,
Whereby My word you show to be true
And catch the fire that’s forever burning.
G W(Bill) Marshall / 01 February, 2014
David’s “Best After date” will never expire.I just had to add that.May God bless
This is beautiful, William Marshall. Thank you for sharing it with us. I too feel like David Mainse’s date will never expire. When I read this blog I feel his presence.
What today is called ” aliyah” is the act of (God’s chosen) returning to Jerusalem/Zion.I did not know that word when I wrote this.
The Mountains Of The Lord
His mountains shall be above all mountains,
His house above Zion’s hills shall rest,
For this is the pool of the golden fountain,
His people,the chosen few and best.
The rivers will flow to the shores of Zion,
For the world will soon know this King,
The proven Master we could rely on,
The Shepherd worthy above everything.
His exalted name will be widely praised,
When He returns to vanquish the beast,
And everywhere voices will be raised
In celebration with His banquet feast.
Let fair warning go throughout the land
He will return with shield and sword
And as Satan shall take his last stand,
My Friend shall show that He is Lord.
G W (Bill)Marshall /Nov 9,2012
Thank you for sharing William…beautiful and meaningful song as well as your poems. Blessings on all dear saints this and every day.
Missing David but joyful for him also.
Lord God, as we see the turmoil of the nations, help us to trust in You. Help all your people not to listen to the prideful mockery of those who shake their fists in your face. We ask, Lord, that your Word goes out to all the world, accomplishing your good purposes: proclaiming good news to the poor, proclaiming freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, setting the oppressed free, proclaiming the year of the Lord’s favor…
We ask that You strengthen all your people, help each one in the work You given, bless and send out your workers to make You known throughout this world, help people everywhere to hear your Word, and open people’s hearts and minds to turn to You and be saved. We need You so much, Lord. Have your good way here as in heaven, we ask in Jesus’s name, amen
Amen!
Thanks Bill for your meaningful poems.
Amen
Amen
Let Your Will Be Done Lord
To Save Your People
AMEN ROB, AMEN.
Amen!