Built and Maintained

Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation, he that believeth shall not make haste. Isaiah 28:16

How firm a foundation, Jesus is the Rock of my salvation, My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness, The wise man built his house upon the rock. These are just a few of the songs that came to mind as I read this verse. How true that Jesus is the basis upon which our faith and hope is supported and stands. Come what may we know that our salvation is built upon truth that never changes, solid ground that never shifts, and absolutes that never give way to public opinion.

But a new aspect of this verse became apparent to me when I realized another meaning for foundation. It can refer to an organization or institution established by endowment with provision for future maintenance. Think of your life as the organization or institution that was established by Christ. Through faith in Him, He put us in a favorable position with Himself. It was then that we became members of His family and are given the full rights and privileges due to His children.

But the second part is what made my spirit leap. He has made provision for future maintenance. Just like when God created the universe and provided it with the necessary laws to keep it gong and continues to be involved in that process, He does the same thing with us as His new creations. He has given us all the things we need for the journey. As Ephesians 1:3 says, "He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing." The journey is not in seeking to obtain all that God has promised, but in realizing what is already ours. To embrace it, own it, and gain the full advantage of it.

We have a loving heavenly Father who is actively involved in the maintenance of our Christian life. He keeps us, preserves us from failure and decline, sustains us against opposition or danger, upholds and defends us, supports us, and provides for us. Our part is to cooperate with God as He does His work in us. May we not get in His way.

Father, You continue to amaze me with Your personal involvement in my life. May I never resist You. Amen.

The Right Kind of Refuge

For we have made falsehood our refuge and we have concealed ourselves with deception. Isaiah 28:15

Have you ever been lied to or deceived by someone you trusted? Living your life daily under the banner of "buyer beware" can leave you feeling drained. Someone has wisely said, "Growth in the Christian life begins with learning the truth about God, learning the truth about me, and letting the truth about God impact the truth about me."

It is easy to trust others to give us all the answers. I have seen many people follow false leaders to spiritual ruin. For those of you who are old enough to remember Jim Jones, you immediately see the 900 plus dead bodies lying all over the ground of the compound in Guiana. They had been lied to and they sought refuge in those lies. I am sure many people tried to warn them but they could not let go of what they thought the truth was.

At one time I held tightly to numerous lies about God and the Christian life. Let me share a few ~
God's love is dependent on what I do.
God tolerates me more than loves me.
I am saved by grace but must work at staying in His favor.
Conformity to church standards means conformity to God.
Other people can properly define my Christian life for me.

The list could go on and on but my point is this....true freedom in Christ began with letting go of what I THOUGHT was the truth and allowing God to show me what He was really like. He is now my refuge and I am concealed in His hands.

Sometimes the journey gets difficult but not as difficult as it was when I depended on others to tell me what to believe, how to act, what music to listen to, who to fellowship with, what version of the Bible to read, etc..... Now I place my hand in His on a daily basis and together we walk in truth!

Father, You waited decades for me to join You. Thank you for not giving up on me even now. Amen.

Where to Turn

Behold, such is our hope, where we fled for help to be delivered. Isaiah 20:6

Ever turned to someone for help only to find them unable or unwilling to assist you? The truth of the matter is that we live in a world that can leave us feeling abandoned, rejected, and alone. Where we look for warmth we might find a chilly reception. Where we might hope for acceptance we are greeted with rejection. Where we hope to feast we walk away hungry. What we hoped in and sought help from just didn't come through for us. God has a better plan.

Throughout the Psalms, David refers to God as his Hope and Deliverer. Why? Because God never changes and can always be counted on. He knows each of our stories from beginning to end. He is always interested in what we say and never turns a deaf ear to our cries for help.
I am learning to take my concerns and needs to God. It was a big turning point in my life when I realized He could and would meet every need I had. What freedom comes when I finally say, "God, here is what I need" and I allow Him to choose how He will meet that need. It may be the need for encouragement. God has a vast array of options. He may encourage me directly or He may use a person, a book, a song, a thought, a circumstance, or a fresh awareness. Throughout my day as something encouraging makes its way into my life I can then see God's involvement and personal touch.

So today let God know what your needs are. Give Him the freedom to meet your needs in His own way. After all, He knows you better than anyone. THEN watch to see what He does!

Father, so often I run to my own sources and options. May I learn to come to You first each time. It is then that I know I won't be disappointed. Amen.

His Inheritance

Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance. Isaiah 19:25

His people! The work of His hands! His inheritance! I love when the picture just keeps getting better and better! As His inheritance we are His possession of high value. Think of the people you value the most. The delight they bring to you. The joy you derive from spending time with them. What they mean to you. Just the thought of them brings a smile to your face. Future visits are anticipated with enthusiasm.

God's fondness of us is no different. The Bible reminds me that He watches us, thinks about us, delights in us, and even rejoices over us. That means a lot to me. I can think of nothing that brings me more pleasure than to realize someone who means the world to me also likes me as a friend. There are many people in this world who will never know of me let alone like me as a friend. But the God of the universe does!

To Him I am not one of many, a small part of a vast crowd, a nameless, faceless person. He knows me personally. He not only knows the number of hairs on my head but also knows the intents of my heart, the desires of my soul, every failure and every accomplishment, each tear and the reason it fell. He knows my moments of laughter as well as my moments of loneliness. He knows the words while they are still in my head as well as when they are spoken. He knows what hurts me and what heals me.

May I learn to see my life through His eyes. What I see, touch, hear, and feel may not always be truthful. That is why I need to know Scripture and my Father's heart well enough to counter lies with the truth. So today I can remind myself that I am part of His family, a work of His hands, and a highly valued inheritance of His.

Father, thank you for the worth, value, and significance You grant me. I come to You often for the reminders and You never fail to give me what I need. Amen.

His People

Blessed is Egypt My people. Isaiah 19:25

God does not see us as we often see ourselves. To Him we are precious. Isaiah says we are His people. Ever wanted to be part of a special group, join an elite club, or be the member of a certain family? Sometimes those cravings are due to feelings of insignificance in our own lives. We somehow think if we could just be part of a certain group it would somehow give us importance. But if we take an honest look we will see that even in the best of settings people still walk empty.

Significance must be a heart thing. It comes from knowing Jesus intimately and allowing Him to show us our worth and value. Outward sources are like garments we wear. They do nothing for our internal world. Blood transfusions and organ transplants are another story all together. God wants to transform us daily. He wants us to know that as His child we are all equally loved, cared for, and delighted in by a loving Heavenly Father.

With Him, we finally belong. We are the apple of His eye and able to bring Him pleasure.
Until we learn the truth about God and His genuine love for us we walk as unwanted orphans. We cannot afford to wait for people to come along and infuse us with this truth. God waits with anticipation for us to turn our faces and our hearts toward Him. He longs to give us what we actually crave.

Father, Your willingness to give so much astounds me. I want to receive all You have to give. Show me where my hands are still closed and clenched. Amen.

God's Way to Rule

A throne will even be established in lovingkindness, and a judge will sit on it in faithfulness in the tent of David; moreover, He will seek justice and be prompt in righteousness. Isaiah 16:5

When Saddam Hussein was brought down and his numerous atrocities were brought out into the open, we saw the result of a kingdom ruled by greed, harshness, abuse, hatred, and evil. The heart of kings definitely affects his leadership as well as the lives of the ones he rules. In the spirit world, Satan is himself that kind of leader. He is void of compassion, mercy, grace, and love. He is the exact opposite of God and his ways are diametrically opposed to God's ways.

Look at one's character and you will quickly see what their leadership is built on. God is righteous so He establishes His kingdom on righteousness. He is also just and makes justice a part of His rule. He epitomizes love, mercy, forgiveness, and compassion. These are His principles whereby He rules.

The recipients of such extravagance experience a joy in His kingdom. They see the benefits of His rule and walk in freedom. Although they will experience pain and injustices in this world they never have to fear those will be brought on by their King.

Father, life can be cruel and people can be hateful, but You are the One I can trust to never treat me thus. Amen.

Two Options

Thus I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity; I will also put an end to the arrogance of the proud and abase the haughtiness of the ruthless. Isaiah 13:11

Have you ever watched the news and felt enraged over the injustices of the world? We see people opposed to God and His ways. Today's verse uses four words that pretty much sum up the darkness of hearts: evil, iniquity, arrogance, and haughtiness.

God has two ways of dealing with His creation. The Bible says "all have sinned" so each of us can now put ourselves in this verse ~ after all, we were born into this world with a sin nature that is capable of the most heinous crimes and perverted life styles. If left on our own we would face God's judgment. He says He will punish evil, put an end to arrogance, and abase haughtiness. Don't think for one minute that God is not witness to every thing that goes on in this world. This verse is a peek into the end of the story. Mistaken is the person who can't see that while God is certainly a God of love, He is also a God of judgment.

If this verse was the only option we would have reason to live our life out in fear and hopelessness. But God has something else to offer in place of His wrath and judgment. As a matter of fact, He has a list of gifts to offer. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, God is able, willing, and desirous to offer us grace, mercy, forgiveness, love, compassion, and adoption into His family. Undeserved? Yes! His gifts cannot be earned, bought, or worked for. They can only be believed and received. He is a God who loves to lavish us with Himself.

The next time you are sharing the Gospel with someone, show them the contrast between Isaiah 13:11 and John 3:16. There are only two possibilities: God's judgment or God's grace. One is deserved but the other is offered freely.

Father, You are truly a gracious God. I marvel at Your gift of salvation. May I not keep Your offer a secret. Amen.

Thirst Relief

If anyone is thirsty let him come to me and drink. John 7:37b

I often think of this verse as an invitation for salvation. But now I am coming to realize its daily significance and necessity. The phrase "come to me" strikes me. Many times we tend to fill our lives with various activities and relationships. Even as Christians, we have a list of sources meant to make us feel better on bad days. But I am finding that although they might bring temporary relief they do not possess the ability to meet my needs on a permanent basis.

Jesus didn't say, "If you are thirsty go to church, read a book, call a friend, or get busy." He said, "Come to Me." It is a personal invitation He makes to each of us so that we might have an intimate relationship with Him. How precious this becomes when you realize that one definition for thirst is an ardent desire, craving, or longing. His invitation has no limits or exclusions.
I cannot quench my own thirst. I picture myself coming to Jesus with cup in hand. I drink from His life. He quenches the thirst in me that goes deep. The question is, "How quickly will I go to Him with my needs"?

When I am lonely He wants to be my companion. When I am tired he wants to be my rest. When I am fearful He wants to be my shelter. When I am weak He wants to be my strength. In other words, whatever my needs he wants to be the meeter of them.

My day must start with taking long, hard drinks from Scripture. It is my spiritual breakfast as I take in a portion of what He has prepared for me for that particular day. But throughout the day I become aware of my thirst in various areas. So once again I find myself needing to return to Him for yet another drink.

Isaiah 12:3 says it beautifully. Therefore you will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation. Each time I meet with Jesus it is like I am taking my bucket and filling it at His spring. There is no limit or time constraint when it comes to the number of times I come to Him and drink. May it be often!

Father, Your invitations throughout Scripture are meant for me today. May I internalize all that You have for me today. Amen.

A Source of Comfort

Then you will say on that day, I will give thanks to you, O LORD, for although You were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me. Isaiah 12:1

I love seeing the heart of God in Scripture. For years I would read a verse like this and only see the phrase, "You were angry with me." I know what it is like to be around people who are displeased with me, irritated with me, and just plain angry with me. My response is usually to avoid them if there doesn't seem to be a way to get on their good side. They are the last people I would seek comfort and encouragement from.

On the other hand, I know the people I feel safe with and would easily turn to for comfort and reassurance. Their hugs would be sincere and their soothing words would reach my spirit. True comfort would come because they know my story and don't hold it against me.

I take delight in the fact that while there will be days God is angry with my actions, He is also the One to comfort me. Once the anger is spent and the discipline is complete, He is the One who can make me feel better deep down inside. Whether it is relief from pain, shame, or difficulties, it is His arms that remind me I am His child and He still delights in me.

When I think of being comforted, I think of a person's arms around me and hearing them speak words of assurance to me. The odd part is that I don't usually seek the comfort from someone I have offended or angered. If I got into trouble as a child my experience was to keep my distance until the offense was forgotten or the anger had subsided. As a parent, my heart breaks to see my children respond in the same way.

God is different. The very One who gets angry at me is the One who comforts me.

Father, Your arms never fail to be open and Your heart never stops desiring reconciliation. I come to You! Amen.

Choose and Refuse

He will eat curds and honey at the time he knows enough to refuse evil and choose good. Isaiah 7:15

Go into a grocery store and choices abound. Although we may have our reasons for purchasing certain items one thing cannot be denied. Buying something implies that I refused other things. Eating abounds with choices as well. Whether my selections of food are good for me or not I still refuse some foods as I choose others. The list could go on and on ~ houses, cars, friends, clothes. My life is full of choices I make daily. Refusing and choosing is an on going process.

The Lord points out an important feature for me to be aware of...refuse evil and choose good. What a concept to instill in our children and to embrace for ourselves. If truly lived out, think of the ramifications that would follow. How different our actions and attitudes would be if we simply applied this principle of refusing evil and choosing good to the choices we make each day.
I must ask myself how it would affect my conversations, my treatment of people, my television viewing, my job performance, my driving, my family life....the list is endless. I would venture to say the change would be noticeable. Think of what it would do to gossip, impatient responses to loved ones, treatment of enemies, desires for revenge, and response when things do not go my way.

People who know me well know that I love to look words up in the dictionary. It's like shining a light in a darkened room. So once again I have decided to get a better understanding of these two words. In light of what I've written so far, meanings become even more precious.

Refuse means "unwillingness to accept, do or comply with. Deny, give up, renounce." And my favorite is "to withhold acceptance, compliance, or permission." All are good ways to respond to evil.

Choose is also rich with meaning. It means "to select freely, to decide on, to have a preference for, to take an alternative." That should be my desire for good. And Scripture is full of verses that start with the word choose. May I choose and refuse wisely today.

Today, Father, I want Your principle of refusing and choosing to guide my steps, decisions, and activities. May the results astound me! Amen.

Just Ask

Ask a sign for yourself from the LORD your God; make it deep as Sheol or high as heaven. Isaiah 7:11

We have a God who loves to lavish us with Himself! In Isaiah 7, God has just finished telling Ahaz not to be afraid because He is going to bring down his enemies. God was aware of the threats on His people and He was aware of the fear His people walked in. I love His answer! Basically He says, "I know your situation. Don't be afraid. I will handle this for you." Then instead of a message on trust He opens the door for Ahaz to request a sign for himself and lets him know there is no limit to the invitation.

God understands our weaknesses and frailties. He is not offended when we are in need of assurance. Gideon was a man who knew how to ask God for evidence of His direction. We too can ask God to confirm things for us. I have a dear friend who is teaching me the wisdom of asking God to confirm whether or not she is making wise choices in matters. She says He often does this in threes. It helps me to see God as a meeter of individual needs. Right in today's verse He says, "Ask a sign for yourself." I think of all the miracles in Scripture that were performed for an audience of one. God does not need a large number of people before He shows up. He delights in one on one meetings. How rare that is in great leaders or popular people.

I also love the fact that God does not limit what can be asked of Him ~ deep as Sheol and high as heaven. It is like asking for a drink of water and being given an artisan well. He is willing to go to great lengths to bring assurance to His children.

There are times that assurance may come as I stand on the promises made in His Word. But there are also times God graciously shows me visible signs and confirmation of His direction. Many times He'll even choose people to guide my steps.

Today may be a day I get extravagant in my requests of Him. How precious to know my requests are not met with a Scrooge mentality. I take comfort in the instances where people in the Bible were granted extraordinary answers. May I join them!

Father, may my view of You continue to be enlarged. For decades I missed seeing Your kind heart, willing interventions, and abundant availability. I lived in spiritual poverty and blindness. Thank you for riches and eyesight that leave me speechless. Amen.

Rich Conversations

Hear the word of the LORD.....give ear unto the law of our God. Isaiah 1:10

Isn't it remarkable how we can be in a room full of people and we only hear what we are tuned in to listen to? If I am involved in a conversation I am not really interested in, my ears will begin to search out other voices in the room. Although I may still be talking with the same person, I am straining to hear the other conversations. My relationship to and feelings for the person I am talking with have a lot to do with how receptive I am to what they are saying.

In the same way, my desire to hear what God has to tell me is a measure of my relationship with Him and my feelings toward Him. But many times His words fall on deaf ears as I strain to hear other people in my life. He knows whether or not He has my undivided attention. His heart is grieved when His conversation with me does not take priority.

He longs for communion with His children. He has much to say to us through His word and in prayer. Am I tuned in to Him? Am I hanging on every word and walking away savoring the time we spent together?

He not only wants me to hear what He is saying, He wants me to take it in, mull it over, digest it thoroughly , and live off the feast all day long. Each time I meet with Him is meant to be a feast I freely partake in. His words are meant to be health to my very bones.

I often reference my friendships as ways to measure my connection with God. I have several close friends who literally speak life into me. Conversations with them leave me feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Their words play over and over again in my mind long after our conversation has ended or their email has been read. I find myself anticipating the next time we can sit down together indulge in rich fellowship.

THAT is the way I want it to be with God. THAT is God's desire as well. Jesus said if I ask anything according to my Father's will He will do it for me. This is a guarantee concerning having conversations with God being better than even those with my closest friends.

God, I want that!!!! Amen!