Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught. (Isaiah 50:4b)
In my last post, "Learning for Life," I noted that "Every day, I need to get refocused on God, His heart, mind and will." This is the first great applicational principle I see in this verse. The second is equally critical for life and learning. It is repeated two times in this brief sentence, "He awakens."
This may seem like a rather benign statement. It is not. It points us to a critical truth: I cannot awaken myself and I cannot understand spiritual truth unless God awakens me.
This important doctrine of scripture could fill volumes. I was dead in my sin (Eph. 2:1). I was incapable of understanding spiritual truth since an unbeliever [dead man] cannot understand spiritual truth (1 Cor. 2:14). I needed God to awaken me.
And I am still a man in need of a Savior. I still need God to awaken me; to give me life; to work in me to give me the desires and produce the actions that please him (Phil. 2:13); to give me understanding.
We do so much of our thinking and planning relying on and trusting in our own thinking. Or, we consider popular opinion, thinking, and strategies. Way too often, in our thinking, evaluating, and planning we are godless! Though we know the warning against it so well, we still "lean on our own understanding."
Do we realize how desperately we need God to awaken us to truth? Do we realize how desperately we need God to shape and change and correct our thinking? Are we frightened of relying on our wisdom, even our very best wisdom in living our lives. We should be!
We should be scared to death of living our lives based on our human wisdom and our ability to evaluate, plan, discern, and set a course for our lives. Why? Because, apart from God correcting our thinking, apart from God directing our thoughts, that’s exactly where we’re headed. Death. Destruction.
Remember, there is a way that our careful evaluation, wisdom, and intelligence tells us is the way to go, and in reality, it is the path to ruin, heartache, disaster (Prov. 14:12).
Lord God, awaken in me a desire to do Your will. Give me the determination, the energy, and the passion to do Your will. I need You to awaken within me a heart for You every day. I confess that I am helpless, hopeless and lifeless without You. And ignorant. I am clueless about living without You. I can’t even understand truth unless You, by your Spirit give me understanding. I cannot understand Your Word unless Your Spirit gives me understanding. Remind me of this. Don’t let me approach life or Your Word thinking I can figure it out on my own. Don’t let me think without reminding me that I need you to shape my thinking. Remind me that I need You to awaken me to truth.
Soli Deo Gloria
Tomorrow: No Stopping or Standing! (Isaiah 50:5)
Monday, June 29, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Learning for Life (Is. 50:4b)
The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught. (Isaiah 50:4b)
We have thought about what a "word that sustains the weary" looks like. Now, in the second half of Isaiah 50:4, we come back to the idea of learning. Specifically, learning from God. Jesus Messiah was prepared to speak words that brought life because He had learned.
The testimony of the Jesus Messiah is that He is awakened every day, "Morning by mourning he awakens." Every morning He received a fresh lesson for the day. And this was a continual exercise through life. Throughout Jesus’ life, every day, He was awakened by His Father to receive fresh instruction in the heart, mind and will of the Father for that particular day. D. A. Carson notes that "The element of reiteration in the phrase morning by morning suggests a lifelong attentiveness to God’s unfolding will." Every morning He was taught and so every day He was prepared with a word to give to others that would impart life.
Every day, I need to get refocused on God, His heart, mind and will. I need to receive my orders for the day. I am not one who insists that everyone must have their time of Bible study, worship, and prayer in the morning. But I am convinced that I, personally need to get refocused early in the morning.
Every day, I need to fight the battle against the flesh and my natural bent toward doing my own thing according to my own wisdom and understanding, and in my own strength. I know I need time with God early in the morning to reaffirm my absolute dependance on Him to think right, choose right, and do right that day. Because it is my duty and my passion to do what He wants and not miss any opportunities to glorify Him each day, it is necessary to begin my day by gaining laser-like focus on Him, His glory, and fulfilling all His plan for my day.
But there’s another aspect of this which D.A. Carson points out. This is a lifelong process. We will never learn enough that we don’t need to be taught.
I am regularly amazed as I study scripture at how much there is to learn and understand. I study passages thoroughly, believing I have gained a full understanding that has deeply impacted me, only to come back to that passage at some latter date to learn more. On top of that, lessons I have learned need to be relearned as I fall back to old patterns of thinking and behavior. And the more I learn and grow, the more I see my ignorance of the true glory and will of God. I need to learn . . . every day. And, no matter how much I learn, I will have much I need to learn until the day I die.
This reflection on Isaiah 50 is a perfect example of these truths. I thought I would spend about a week studying and reflecting on this passage. But each day, God leads me to discover more truth and principles to meditate on and put into practice in life. Day by day He awakens me to new truth.
Lord God, awaken me each morning and remind me that I need to hear from You . . . I need to be instructed by you for a new day. Refocus my mind . . . my heart . . . my will . . . to bring it in line with Your perfect mind, heart, and will. Teach me fresh truths from Your Word that I might think as You think. Let me never believe I have learned all I need to learn. This day,. I want to have laser-like focus on You. Oh God, help me . . . guide me . . . correct me . . . that I would do all that you want me to do today. And nothing more. Oh that I could lay my head down on my pillow tonight hearing from You, "You walked with me today and we did all I desired for My glory. Well done my son."
Soli Deo Gloria
Monday: The Awakening (Isaiah 50:4b)
We have thought about what a "word that sustains the weary" looks like. Now, in the second half of Isaiah 50:4, we come back to the idea of learning. Specifically, learning from God. Jesus Messiah was prepared to speak words that brought life because He had learned.
The testimony of the Jesus Messiah is that He is awakened every day, "Morning by mourning he awakens." Every morning He received a fresh lesson for the day. And this was a continual exercise through life. Throughout Jesus’ life, every day, He was awakened by His Father to receive fresh instruction in the heart, mind and will of the Father for that particular day. D. A. Carson notes that "The element of reiteration in the phrase morning by morning suggests a lifelong attentiveness to God’s unfolding will." Every morning He was taught and so every day He was prepared with a word to give to others that would impart life.
Every day, I need to get refocused on God, His heart, mind and will. I need to receive my orders for the day. I am not one who insists that everyone must have their time of Bible study, worship, and prayer in the morning. But I am convinced that I, personally need to get refocused early in the morning.
Every day, I need to fight the battle against the flesh and my natural bent toward doing my own thing according to my own wisdom and understanding, and in my own strength. I know I need time with God early in the morning to reaffirm my absolute dependance on Him to think right, choose right, and do right that day. Because it is my duty and my passion to do what He wants and not miss any opportunities to glorify Him each day, it is necessary to begin my day by gaining laser-like focus on Him, His glory, and fulfilling all His plan for my day.
But there’s another aspect of this which D.A. Carson points out. This is a lifelong process. We will never learn enough that we don’t need to be taught.
I am regularly amazed as I study scripture at how much there is to learn and understand. I study passages thoroughly, believing I have gained a full understanding that has deeply impacted me, only to come back to that passage at some latter date to learn more. On top of that, lessons I have learned need to be relearned as I fall back to old patterns of thinking and behavior. And the more I learn and grow, the more I see my ignorance of the true glory and will of God. I need to learn . . . every day. And, no matter how much I learn, I will have much I need to learn until the day I die.
This reflection on Isaiah 50 is a perfect example of these truths. I thought I would spend about a week studying and reflecting on this passage. But each day, God leads me to discover more truth and principles to meditate on and put into practice in life. Day by day He awakens me to new truth.
Lord God, awaken me each morning and remind me that I need to hear from You . . . I need to be instructed by you for a new day. Refocus my mind . . . my heart . . . my will . . . to bring it in line with Your perfect mind, heart, and will. Teach me fresh truths from Your Word that I might think as You think. Let me never believe I have learned all I need to learn. This day,. I want to have laser-like focus on You. Oh God, help me . . . guide me . . . correct me . . . that I would do all that you want me to do today. And nothing more. Oh that I could lay my head down on my pillow tonight hearing from You, "You walked with me today and we did all I desired for My glory. Well done my son."
Soli Deo Gloria
Monday: The Awakening (Isaiah 50:4b)
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Speaking Truth (Isaiah 50:4a)
Jesus is the living demonstration of truth – the authentic and accurate demonstration and proclamation of the character of God in human flesh. Jesus spoke truth. He spoke truth that flew in the face of the religious elite and traditions of His day. When Jesus spoke this truth, He sustained the weary, He gave life to those who were burdened down.
One of the heaviest burdens that Jesus lifted from those who listened was the many man-made rules and traditions of the Pharisees. It was a burden they, themselves could not carry. Jesus reserved His harshest words for them and their repressive control of the people.
He spoke truth that was absolute. He spoke with authority. God’s Word records His absolute, authoritative truth that we are bound by. Today we will consider the characteristics of a truth speaker.
1. A truth speaker is governed by God’s standard in His Word, nothing more, nothing less. It is our responsibility in our lives, ministries and in the Church to be biblical, nothing more, nothing less. (Hebrews 4:12-13)
2. A truth speaker will admit and speak the truth in keeping with the mind and heart of God accurately and honestly. (1 Jn. 1:6-10) Admitting and speaking the mind of God means that I will not deny the truth about myself and others as revealed to me by God in His Word even when it is unpopular, even when it hurts.
3. A Truth speaker is careful to base their beliefs and convictions on a careful study of God’s Word. (2 Tim. 2:15) We must study and use God's Word with honesty and integrity, not just to support our interpretations, beliefs and practices.
4. A truth speaker will be careful to leave no area of life, no practice unevaluated, but will scrutinize everything against the commands and principles of God’s Word. (Rom. 14:6) I cannot allow an area of my life or a single practice to go unevaluated, untouched, and unchanged by the truth no matter how painful it may be to admit the truth, change my practice, or give others freedom in their practice.
5. A truth speaker recognizes that the application of Biblical principles is the responsibility of each believer individually before God. (Rom. 14:10-14) Every believer has the responsibility and freedom to get before God and His Word and determine for themselves what God's Word is saying and how they must put it into practice in the multiple, varying circumstances and choices of life.
6. A truth speaker will not constrain others to practice the same application as them but will encourage them to honor their responsibility to follow the Word and the Spirit even if it leads them to a different practice. (Rom. 14:10-14) Our convictions or preferences even though based on the Word of God are not the standard. God's Word alone is the standard. We must be careful to resist holding others to our preferences and convictions and allow them to exercise their God-given responsibility to search the scriptures for themselves to determine how God would have them put His Word into practice.
7. A truth speaker will not allow the traditions or rules of men to take priority over honoring the clear commands of God’s Word but will continually evaluate and assure that God’s Word is being followed. (Mark 7:1-9) Care must be given to assuring that man made traditions and rules do not replace or detract from fulfilling the commands and principles of scripture.
One of the heaviest burdens that Jesus lifted from those who listened was the many man-made rules and traditions of the Pharisees. It was a burden they, themselves could not carry. Jesus reserved His harshest words for them and their repressive control of the people.
He spoke truth that was absolute. He spoke with authority. God’s Word records His absolute, authoritative truth that we are bound by. Today we will consider the characteristics of a truth speaker.
1. A truth speaker is governed by God’s standard in His Word, nothing more, nothing less. It is our responsibility in our lives, ministries and in the Church to be biblical, nothing more, nothing less. (Hebrews 4:12-13)
2. A truth speaker will admit and speak the truth in keeping with the mind and heart of God accurately and honestly. (1 Jn. 1:6-10) Admitting and speaking the mind of God means that I will not deny the truth about myself and others as revealed to me by God in His Word even when it is unpopular, even when it hurts.
3. A Truth speaker is careful to base their beliefs and convictions on a careful study of God’s Word. (2 Tim. 2:15) We must study and use God's Word with honesty and integrity, not just to support our interpretations, beliefs and practices.
4. A truth speaker will be careful to leave no area of life, no practice unevaluated, but will scrutinize everything against the commands and principles of God’s Word. (Rom. 14:6) I cannot allow an area of my life or a single practice to go unevaluated, untouched, and unchanged by the truth no matter how painful it may be to admit the truth, change my practice, or give others freedom in their practice.
5. A truth speaker recognizes that the application of Biblical principles is the responsibility of each believer individually before God. (Rom. 14:10-14) Every believer has the responsibility and freedom to get before God and His Word and determine for themselves what God's Word is saying and how they must put it into practice in the multiple, varying circumstances and choices of life.
6. A truth speaker will not constrain others to practice the same application as them but will encourage them to honor their responsibility to follow the Word and the Spirit even if it leads them to a different practice. (Rom. 14:10-14) Our convictions or preferences even though based on the Word of God are not the standard. God's Word alone is the standard. We must be careful to resist holding others to our preferences and convictions and allow them to exercise their God-given responsibility to search the scriptures for themselves to determine how God would have them put His Word into practice.
7. A truth speaker will not allow the traditions or rules of men to take priority over honoring the clear commands of God’s Word but will continually evaluate and assure that God’s Word is being followed. (Mark 7:1-9) Care must be given to assuring that man made traditions and rules do not replace or detract from fulfilling the commands and principles of scripture.
Are You A Truth Speaker?
Soli Deo Gloria
Tomorrow: Learning for Life (Isaiah 50:4b)
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Speaking Grace (Isaiah 50:4a)
John tells us that when Jesus came into the world, He radiated the glory of God. Specifically, John says Jesus radiated grace and truth (Jn. 1:14). When John describes the glory that Jesus revealed, he draws special attention to grace and truth. So, before I leave this first statement of Isaiah 50:4, "The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary," I want to focus on these two important aspects of Jesus’ message. We begin with grace.
What does it look like to speak grace to others? Here’s what I come up with.
1. A grace speaker leads people to recognize that they can never earn God’s favor; that standing before God as forgiven, redeemed, and righteous is a gift from beginning to end (Rom. 3:23-34). If not, it’s not grace (Rom. 11:6).
2. A grace speaker leads people to understand and appreciate the beauty of grace to such a degree that they are PASSIONATE about honoring this gift by living in freedom from sin for the glory of God (Rom. 6).
3. A grace speaker helps people find freedom from guilt and condemnations in the gracious forgiveness of God and His enablement to live in victory (Rom. 6-8).
4. A grace speaker helps people recognize, "I am nothing, I have nothing, I can do nothing" except by the grace of God (1 Cor. 15:10). Grace is humbling. Pride is a sure sign someone does not understand grace.
5. A grace speaker cuts people some slack and doesn’t require them to be perfect to be loved, accepted, valued, and treated with respect and kindness (Rom. 14:1-4, 15:7). God doesn’t slam you for every weakness, fault, or flaw . . . shouldn’t you do the same for others???
6. A grace speaker treats people better than they deserve, with blessing even when the opposite may be "deserved". If God had waited until man deserved the gift of grace in Christ it NEVER would have happened.
7. Whenever possible and appropriate, a grace speaker will overlook the weaknesses, failures and offences of others because God has forgiven much more! A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense (Prov. 19:11).
8. When it can’t be overlooked, a grace speaker ALWAYS forgives the offence just as God does for us (Eph. 4:32, Col. 3:13). You have been forgiven for much more than you will ever forgive!!!
9. A grace speaker will not nit-pick and find fault in the small stuff because they don’t want everyone to scrutinize every act and decision they make (Phil. 2:14).
10. A grace speaker will not always - in fact, not often - "speak their mind" but will choose to say only what will bless others and build them up in Christ (Eph. 4:29).
Are you speaking grace into your world?
Tomorrow: Speaking Truth
Soli Deo Gloria
What does it look like to speak grace to others? Here’s what I come up with.
1. A grace speaker leads people to recognize that they can never earn God’s favor; that standing before God as forgiven, redeemed, and righteous is a gift from beginning to end (Rom. 3:23-34). If not, it’s not grace (Rom. 11:6).
2. A grace speaker leads people to understand and appreciate the beauty of grace to such a degree that they are PASSIONATE about honoring this gift by living in freedom from sin for the glory of God (Rom. 6).
3. A grace speaker helps people find freedom from guilt and condemnations in the gracious forgiveness of God and His enablement to live in victory (Rom. 6-8).
4. A grace speaker helps people recognize, "I am nothing, I have nothing, I can do nothing" except by the grace of God (1 Cor. 15:10). Grace is humbling. Pride is a sure sign someone does not understand grace.
5. A grace speaker cuts people some slack and doesn’t require them to be perfect to be loved, accepted, valued, and treated with respect and kindness (Rom. 14:1-4, 15:7). God doesn’t slam you for every weakness, fault, or flaw . . . shouldn’t you do the same for others???
6. A grace speaker treats people better than they deserve, with blessing even when the opposite may be "deserved". If God had waited until man deserved the gift of grace in Christ it NEVER would have happened.
7. Whenever possible and appropriate, a grace speaker will overlook the weaknesses, failures and offences of others because God has forgiven much more! A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense (Prov. 19:11).
8. When it can’t be overlooked, a grace speaker ALWAYS forgives the offence just as God does for us (Eph. 4:32, Col. 3:13). You have been forgiven for much more than you will ever forgive!!!
9. A grace speaker will not nit-pick and find fault in the small stuff because they don’t want everyone to scrutinize every act and decision they make (Phil. 2:14).
10. A grace speaker will not always - in fact, not often - "speak their mind" but will choose to say only what will bless others and build them up in Christ (Eph. 4:29).
Are you speaking grace into your world?
Tomorrow: Speaking Truth
Soli Deo Gloria
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Speaking A Word of Life to the Weary Around Me – Part 2 (Isaiah 50:4a)
So, how do I speak words that will sustain the weary? What does this look like in practice?
The weary that Isaiah 50:4 is referring to are the people of Israel, and the world, whom the Messiah would come to. They are those who are burdened down with sin, guilt, and condemnation under the Law. They await the good news of the Messiah and the good news of a New Covenant. A covenant of grace, mercy, redemption, forgiveness, and righteousness before God. These are the words of the Messiah which will sustain the weary and give them life. These are the words we must give to others if we are going to speak words that sustain the weary.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Mat. 11:28).”
People, even genuine believers, are often weary, burdened down by bondage to sin; burdened down by bondage to the Old Covenant when they should be living under the freedom and life of the New Covenant instituted by the blood of Jesus. They are bound by fear, legalistic adherence to man-made additions to God’s Word, and continual effort to earn God’s favor.
What do people need to hear? The gospel. The good news. People need to hear that in Christ there is absolute, perfect, grace, mercy, redemption, forgiveness, and righteousness before God. We need to remind ourselves and others of the truths of the New Covenant. Our salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone (Eph. 2:8-9). We are free from bondage to the Law (Gal. 3-5, Col. 2, Heb. 8:13), free from condemnation (Rom 8:1, 33-34), free to live in righteousness and holiness (Rom. 6:11-13), free from the power of sin over us (Rom. 6:14). There is freedom from dead religious ritual and the traditions of man (Col. 2:15-23).
The weary that Isaiah 50:4 is referring to are the people of Israel, and the world, whom the Messiah would come to. They are those who are burdened down with sin, guilt, and condemnation under the Law. They await the good news of the Messiah and the good news of a New Covenant. A covenant of grace, mercy, redemption, forgiveness, and righteousness before God. These are the words of the Messiah which will sustain the weary and give them life. These are the words we must give to others if we are going to speak words that sustain the weary.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Mat. 11:28).”
People, even genuine believers, are often weary, burdened down by bondage to sin; burdened down by bondage to the Old Covenant when they should be living under the freedom and life of the New Covenant instituted by the blood of Jesus. They are bound by fear, legalistic adherence to man-made additions to God’s Word, and continual effort to earn God’s favor.
What do people need to hear? The gospel. The good news. People need to hear that in Christ there is absolute, perfect, grace, mercy, redemption, forgiveness, and righteousness before God. We need to remind ourselves and others of the truths of the New Covenant. Our salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone (Eph. 2:8-9). We are free from bondage to the Law (Gal. 3-5, Col. 2, Heb. 8:13), free from condemnation (Rom 8:1, 33-34), free to live in righteousness and holiness (Rom. 6:11-13), free from the power of sin over us (Rom. 6:14). There is freedom from dead religious ritual and the traditions of man (Col. 2:15-23).
“If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed (Jn. 8:36)!” We are free! . . . Eternally free! Hallelujah! . . . That’s a word to sustain the weary! . . . That’s a word to get up and shout about! Hallelujah!
I Am Free
(Jon Egan)
Through you the blind will see
Through you the mute will sing
Through you the dead will rise
Through you all hearts will praise
Through you the darkness flees
Through you my heart screams
I am free
I Am Free to Run
I Am Free to Dance
I Am Free to Live for You
I Am Free
Through you the kingdom comes
Through you the battle's won
Through you the price is paid
Through you I'm not afraid
Through you there's victory
Because of you my soul sings
I am free
Who the Son Sets Free is Free Indeed – Now
Tomorrow: Speaking Grace (Isaiah 50:4a)
Soli Deo Gloria
Soli Deo Gloria
Monday, June 22, 2009
Speaking A Word of Life to the Weary Around Me – Part 1 (Isaiah 50:4a)
The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. (Isaiah 50:4a)
Jesus is my role model for life. God gave me life in Christ to "conform me to the likeness of His Son (Rom. 8:29)." So, after noting how this verse describes Jesus, I look now at myself. I want to be like Jesus. I want to speak life, truth, and grace into the lives of others.
So, I look deep within . . . Do I have "the tongue of those who are taught?" Have I . . . do I have an eagerness to learn and grow so that I can speak as one who knows God? . . . knows God’s Word? . . . thinks God’s way? . . . has Godly wisdom?
I think once again of my profound need to delight in the Word of God. I pray that God will help me to see and really believe that His Word is life . . . it produces life . . . it leads to life . . . it nurtures life . . . it gives insight into how to live life to the fullest. There is no substitute for the Word of God. And there is no other way I can be equipped to minister life to others. If I don’t give them the Word of God then I give them nothing.
So, my life must be saturated with the Word of God. I need to read it, study it, meditate on it until it becomes a part of me . . . until I naturally think biblically . . . until my thoughts are God’s thoughts . . . until my words are spoken as God’s Word overflows from a deep well stored in the depths of my soul.
Until I have been taught, I can’t have the tongue of those who are taught. Until I have the tongue of those who have been taught which comes from being taught, I can’t "know how to sustain with a word" all the weary, broken down people around me.
My passion is to breathe life into those around me. I want to speak words of encouragement . . . words that bring life . . . words that ignite a passion for God and His glory. Don’t you? So, we had better be passionate about the Word of God. We must be determined to have minds, hearts, and lives saturated to overflowing with God’s Word.
Oh God, free me from the frailty and futility of my humanity. I know so keenly that my thoughts are not Your thoughts. My ways are not Your ways. But I desperately want them to be. Create in me a zeal for your Word . . . a passion to learn, to understand, to grow in thinking Your thoughts after you. Give me the tongue of those who have been taught so I can speak the word that will sustain the weary. For your glory now and forever, Amen.
Tomorrow: Speaking A Word of Life to the Weary Around Me – Part 2
Soli Deo Gloria
Jesus is my role model for life. God gave me life in Christ to "conform me to the likeness of His Son (Rom. 8:29)." So, after noting how this verse describes Jesus, I look now at myself. I want to be like Jesus. I want to speak life, truth, and grace into the lives of others.
So, I look deep within . . . Do I have "the tongue of those who are taught?" Have I . . . do I have an eagerness to learn and grow so that I can speak as one who knows God? . . . knows God’s Word? . . . thinks God’s way? . . . has Godly wisdom?
I think once again of my profound need to delight in the Word of God. I pray that God will help me to see and really believe that His Word is life . . . it produces life . . . it leads to life . . . it nurtures life . . . it gives insight into how to live life to the fullest. There is no substitute for the Word of God. And there is no other way I can be equipped to minister life to others. If I don’t give them the Word of God then I give them nothing.
So, my life must be saturated with the Word of God. I need to read it, study it, meditate on it until it becomes a part of me . . . until I naturally think biblically . . . until my thoughts are God’s thoughts . . . until my words are spoken as God’s Word overflows from a deep well stored in the depths of my soul.
Until I have been taught, I can’t have the tongue of those who are taught. Until I have the tongue of those who have been taught which comes from being taught, I can’t "know how to sustain with a word" all the weary, broken down people around me.
My passion is to breathe life into those around me. I want to speak words of encouragement . . . words that bring life . . . words that ignite a passion for God and His glory. Don’t you? So, we had better be passionate about the Word of God. We must be determined to have minds, hearts, and lives saturated to overflowing with God’s Word.
Oh God, free me from the frailty and futility of my humanity. I know so keenly that my thoughts are not Your thoughts. My ways are not Your ways. But I desperately want them to be. Create in me a zeal for your Word . . . a passion to learn, to understand, to grow in thinking Your thoughts after you. Give me the tongue of those who have been taught so I can speak the word that will sustain the weary. For your glory now and forever, Amen.
Tomorrow: Speaking A Word of Life to the Weary Around Me – Part 2
Soli Deo Gloria
Friday, June 19, 2009
Words of Life for the Weary (Isaiah 50:4a)
The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. (Isaiah 50:4a)
Our ability to learn is hampered and polluted by our sinful humanity. Not so with Jesus. His mind was pure, never polluted by sin. Luke tells us Jesus grew in wisdom (Lk. 2:52). When He "went to school" as a child, He was never lazy or half-hearted. He listened. He learned. Just the absence of sin would have made His learning curve make the Himalaya’s K-2 look like a speed bump.
And so, when Jesus began His public ministry He spoke with "the tongue of those who are taught." Jesus knew what He was saying! And when He spoke, He would "sustain with a word him who is weary." Jesus spoke words that brought grace, healing, encouragement and life to those who listened.
There is power in the word of Jesus! So, I ask, "Am I listening?" Or am I listening to all the voices around me? Voices in the marketplace, on the T.V., voices from those who scoff at God and His Word. And as I listen to these voices, am I giving ear to the father of lies?
I have been challenged from many passages of scripture lately on this very point. Challenged to delight in the Word of God. To cherish it . . . study it . . . meditate on it . . . saturate my life with it . . . and make sure I’m not listening to any other voice but the voice of God.
Word of God Speak
(Peter Kipley / Mercy Me)
I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say
Monday: Speaking A Word of Life to the Weary Around Me (Isaiah 50:4a)
Soli Deo Gloria
Our ability to learn is hampered and polluted by our sinful humanity. Not so with Jesus. His mind was pure, never polluted by sin. Luke tells us Jesus grew in wisdom (Lk. 2:52). When He "went to school" as a child, He was never lazy or half-hearted. He listened. He learned. Just the absence of sin would have made His learning curve make the Himalaya’s K-2 look like a speed bump.
And so, when Jesus began His public ministry He spoke with "the tongue of those who are taught." Jesus knew what He was saying! And when He spoke, He would "sustain with a word him who is weary." Jesus spoke words that brought grace, healing, encouragement and life to those who listened.
There is power in the word of Jesus! So, I ask, "Am I listening?" Or am I listening to all the voices around me? Voices in the marketplace, on the T.V., voices from those who scoff at God and His Word. And as I listen to these voices, am I giving ear to the father of lies?
I have been challenged from many passages of scripture lately on this very point. Challenged to delight in the Word of God. To cherish it . . . study it . . . meditate on it . . . saturate my life with it . . . and make sure I’m not listening to any other voice but the voice of God.
Word of God Speak
(Peter Kipley / Mercy Me)
I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say
Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak
Monday: Speaking A Word of Life to the Weary Around Me (Isaiah 50:4a)
Soli Deo Gloria
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Isaiah 50
The book of Isaiah is an exciting and fascinating book that wonderfully magnifies God's glory. It has a number of unique passages that describe the life and ministry of the Messiah that was still to come. In several of these passages, we leap into the future as the Messiah is seen as describing thoughts and events that have already taken place. They are known as the "Servant" passages because they refer to Messiah as the Servant of Jehovah. Isaiah 50 contains such a Messianic prophecy. As you read verses 4-11 you quickly recognize that this passage refers to Jesus. It gives us rich, challenging, and practical insights that we will explore over the next several days. Read it slowly and begin forming your own insights.
The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught. (5) The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward. (6) I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting. (7) But the Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame. (8) He who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who is my adversary? Let him come near to me. (9) Behold, the Lord GOD helps me; who will declare me guilty? Behold, all of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up. (10) Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God. (11) Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who equip yourselves with burning torches! Walk by the light of your fire, and by the torches that you have kindled! This you have from my hand: you shall lie down in torment. (Isaiah 50:4-11 ESV)
Tomorrow: Words of Life for the Weary (Isaiah 50:4a)
Soli Deo Gloria!
The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught. (5) The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward. (6) I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting. (7) But the Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame. (8) He who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who is my adversary? Let him come near to me. (9) Behold, the Lord GOD helps me; who will declare me guilty? Behold, all of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up. (10) Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God. (11) Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who equip yourselves with burning torches! Walk by the light of your fire, and by the torches that you have kindled! This you have from my hand: you shall lie down in torment. (Isaiah 50:4-11 ESV)
Tomorrow: Words of Life for the Weary (Isaiah 50:4a)
Soli Deo Gloria!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Labor in Vain?
Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. (Psalm 127:1-2)
I can do nothing today of value in God’s eyes unless He is in it. It must be His plan and by His enablement. I remember one of the key thoughts from Experiencing God, "Look to see what God is doing and join Him in it."
If I am following God in what He wants me to do today, I am assured of success as defined by His will and purpose for the task. If it’s my will, my plan, my effort, then I "labor in vain," I "stand guard in vain." If I’m not following God in it, it is vain. Worthless . . . wasting my time . . . wasting my life. I don’t want to live a wasted life.
Join God in what He is doing today or you're spinning your wheels, working your fingers to the bone to produce only a dead skeleton.
God, help me to take every step today following the lead of Your Spirit. Oh that I could lay my head down on my pillow tonight and say, "I kept in step with the Spirit today."
Soli Deo Gloria!
I can do nothing today of value in God’s eyes unless He is in it. It must be His plan and by His enablement. I remember one of the key thoughts from Experiencing God, "Look to see what God is doing and join Him in it."
If I am following God in what He wants me to do today, I am assured of success as defined by His will and purpose for the task. If it’s my will, my plan, my effort, then I "labor in vain," I "stand guard in vain." If I’m not following God in it, it is vain. Worthless . . . wasting my time . . . wasting my life. I don’t want to live a wasted life.
Join God in what He is doing today or you're spinning your wheels, working your fingers to the bone to produce only a dead skeleton.
God, help me to take every step today following the lead of Your Spirit. Oh that I could lay my head down on my pillow tonight and say, "I kept in step with the Spirit today."
Soli Deo Gloria!
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