Friday, January 17, 2020

ARISE! SHINE!

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 59-60

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

 

Here is a panorama of the southern wall of the Old City of Jerusalem. In the distance you can see the Mount of Olives. Jerusalem seems to be the focal point of the war between God and all the forces who oppose Him. Isaiah writes of a time when they “Shall call your walls Salvation and your gates praise!” (Isaiah 60:18).

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verses: Isaiah 59:1-2, 60:5a

Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened,

That it cannot save;

Nor His ear heavy,

That it cannot hear.

But your iniquities have separated you from your God;

And your sins have hidden His face from you,

So that He will not hear.

…Then you shall see and become radiant,

And your heart shall swell with joy…

 

Sin is a wall which keeps God out and destroys us from within. When the people of Jerusalem were without hope, except for Isaiah and a remnant who cried out to God for Salvation, God Himself took the initiative. The great “Intercessor,” the One to whom Isaiah refers in dozens of personal pronouns throughout his book, appears. “His own arm brought Salvation for Him” (59:16). The Lord signed into the law of the universe a covenant (He cannot break His covenant!). What Hope! Isaiah 59:21 is one of incurable optimism. God has put His Spirit upon His people and put His Word in their mouths from generation to generation, and this promise includes us almost 3,000 years later, “from this time and forevermore!!!”

Chapter 60 begins with a direct command from God! “Arise, Shine; for your light has come!” Jesus, the Messiah (Christ), has dispelled the darkness and has come as “The Light of the world.” Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the Light of life” (John 8:12). What makes us “Shine!” is, as the moon reflects the sun, spending time in Jesus’ Presence, in His Word and in prayer, and we cannot help but “Shine!” Most of us are “Gentiles.” Isaiah 60:3 is an encouragement to us all. Isaiah 60:5 is the result, “Then you shall see and become radiant, and your hearts will swell with joy!”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Swell my heart with Your joy, Lord, I pray! Make my heart big enough for people everywhere. May Your Spirit be upon me in a greater and greater way, and may Your Words not depart from my mouth. I ask these mercies in the Name of “the Light of the world,” Jesus Christ. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’ve read ahead into Isaiah 61. I simply couldn’t resist reading again the very words which Jesus read in His introduction of His Light, as it burst forth in His public ministry (Luke 4:16-21). But I’m getting ahead of myself. The key verse says, “Behold the Lord’s hand is not shortened that it cannot save!” I’m reminded of a TV series I hosted back in the early 1970s which was sponsored by approximately 15,000 “Assemblies of God” churches in the USA. The communications director suggested that the average person watching would not understand the word “saved.” However, after the first show where I interviewed a medical doctor whose life had been in absolute shambles, and for whom the Lord had done an amazing transformation, I used the word “saved.” Everyone understood what this great word meant. A lifeguard understands exactly what it means when someone is going under and cries out “Save me!” Our readings in Isaiah show a world going under for perhaps the last time, but God’s long, long arm reaches out to humanity and we are saved! The Scripture says, “For whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved” (Read Romans 10:8-15). I ask every reader, “Have you been saved?” If not, or if you are not sure, read carefully those words from God through the Apostle Paul and call out to the Lord, “Save me, O Lord!” Then call the 100 Huntley Street prayer line toll free at 1-866-273-4444, and ask them for help in understanding how we can know we are saved.

Yours with determination to “ARISE” and to “SHINE” during this new day and every day,

David

12 thoughts on “Friday, January 17, 2020

  1. Wonderful scripture and message, today. Just called the prayer lines and was uplifted with mighty prayer. Where two or more pray together, it will be done by our Father in heaven. We lift our needs up to You Lord. We claim victory in Your Holy Name. For You alone are most worthy. You alone are most high. Our Prince of Peace. Our King of Kings. Our Lord God Adonai. We thank You and we praise You. It is all for Your glory. Amen.

    I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
    Philippians 4:13 NKJV

    Jesus Paid it All – Fernando Ortega – Lyrics
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5DyeCx8H4U

  2. I want to thank all precious bloggers who have prayed for Cheryl and her brother David re Kidney Transplant on Monday of this week.
    Your prayers are so appreciated by our family. No update at this time
    Bless you all

  3. Thank You, Lord God, with all our hearts. You are truly mighty to save. We ask that You pour out your Spirit on all people, convict us all and help us to turn away from all our sin, and turn to You. May your Word go out to all people everywhere. Strengthen your people, Lord, in whatever situation they are in. You came to save, to heal, to bring freedom, so we ask that You do just that through all your workers here on earth, your church. Help us, as David said, to rise up and let your light shine through us, we ask in Jesus’s great name, amen

  4. Praying for the peace of Jerusalem. -30 here today–getting used to it:-).

    “If we will study and submit to God’s word, we will become “competent, equipped for every good work” (v. 17). Living biblically prepares us to serve Jesus in every dimension of our lives and world.
    You and I can live by our feelings as fallen, finite human beings. Or we can live by the facts of biblical truth.” Dr. Jim Denison

    God bless.

  5. Yes, wonderful scripture and message. Isaiah is a powerful book. Keep well saints of God. The Lord bless and keep you Irene, Cheryl and brother David and Beverlee. A month ago today I called an ambulance and spent three days in the hospital. Am taking care that I don’t repeat that today. Is very cold and windy out there so changed my plans and staying inside. Amen Rob to your prayers.

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