20 Nov 2014; Isa 6:8-13
And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, " Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here I am! Send me."
The verse speaks about urgency and there is no body to go. Isaiah volunteered. But the people that Isaiah was asked to speak to is worse than the people of Ninevah. The people hear, keep on hearing, but cannot understand. See and keep on seeing but cannot perceived.
But the message Isaiah is to sent is not for these people to understand or to perceive - it is to dull their hearing and seeing, least their hearts understand and turned and be healed.
Wow, is this not the intend of God? Why send Isaiah for such message? and why Isaiah so desire for such a mission?
Isaiah did not know what is the message. He was a servant of God. That speaks with the heart of wanting to serve the Lord.
The people has been dull, stiff neck. So much so that if the mission is for Isaiah to speak the message of repentance and hope, it is a waste of time. so why not speak the message of non repentance or just pray that they will not repent or for false repentant.
Judgement will come.
Pray that I will not be in this state of mind, of hearing and not understand, seeing and not perceive. That the heart will not understand, not turn or be healed.
Come back, turn back. Here I am, send me.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
19 Nov 2014; Isa 6:1-8
19 Nov 2014; Isa 6:1-8
King Uzziah died, and Isa 6: 1 start off with a new king ascend to the throne. But this king is not of man that was pictured in Isa 6. It is the Lord and his robes fill the temple. The majestic creature, the Seraphim, a six winged angle was above the Lord.
Man comes and go, but the Lord sits on the throne forever. The concept of everlasting and eternity is about what hold the importance of what is to come and what is the ultimate things worth to hold on to.
Isa 6:8
Isaiah's Commission from the Lord And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8 ESV)
Prior to that, Isaiah lament that he was not worthy, a sinner among a sinful nation.
And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!” (Isaiah 6:5 ESV)
But he was cleanse. It is not a condemnation and a cast off to hell. But a recognition of sins and unworthiness, but not a self condemnation, but knowing we have a Lord that died for us and has the ability to cleanse our sins - for a prepare and purposeful life, fulfilled in the Lord.
King Uzziah died, and Isa 6: 1 start off with a new king ascend to the throne. But this king is not of man that was pictured in Isa 6. It is the Lord and his robes fill the temple. The majestic creature, the Seraphim, a six winged angle was above the Lord.
Man comes and go, but the Lord sits on the throne forever. The concept of everlasting and eternity is about what hold the importance of what is to come and what is the ultimate things worth to hold on to.
Isa 6:8
Isaiah's Commission from the Lord And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8 ESV)
Prior to that, Isaiah lament that he was not worthy, a sinner among a sinful nation.
And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!” (Isaiah 6:5 ESV)
But he was cleanse. It is not a condemnation and a cast off to hell. But a recognition of sins and unworthiness, but not a self condemnation, but knowing we have a Lord that died for us and has the ability to cleanse our sins - for a prepare and purposeful life, fulfilled in the Lord.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
18 Nov 2014; Isa 5
18 Nov 2014; Isa 5:23-40
Therefore - as a result of the constant and non regrettable sins that continue and continue, a judgement is coming.
Verse 26-30 speaks about the Lord raising an enemy that will overrun the land.
The nation of Singapore has peace. We are contented, but that does not mean that we have no need for God.
What then is that in contend that we still keep God close. Too busy and too much we forget God. Too little, we rob and sin against God. What is that is enough for me.
The work load should be easy - the given time table is not burdensome. Project - I can take or drop and therefore the stress is manageable. What then, am I not contented? More money more pay, more passive income? It seems that I have run out of stream, but I have not tap on God.
What is that that God wants? Is all the doing what I want? Can I be in a work place that lives a impact and the glory of God in the lives of the students, the people that I come in contact? The place I go, is about people, where then is my heart for people.
Let me not dwell in the world of material achievement, pleasure, but one that is filled with joy, energy from the Lord, doing the things best and for the glory of God and not self gratification.
Therefore - as a result of the constant and non regrettable sins that continue and continue, a judgement is coming.
Verse 26-30 speaks about the Lord raising an enemy that will overrun the land.
The nation of Singapore has peace. We are contented, but that does not mean that we have no need for God.
What then is that in contend that we still keep God close. Too busy and too much we forget God. Too little, we rob and sin against God. What is that is enough for me.
The work load should be easy - the given time table is not burdensome. Project - I can take or drop and therefore the stress is manageable. What then, am I not contented? More money more pay, more passive income? It seems that I have run out of stream, but I have not tap on God.
What is that that God wants? Is all the doing what I want? Can I be in a work place that lives a impact and the glory of God in the lives of the students, the people that I come in contact? The place I go, is about people, where then is my heart for people.
Let me not dwell in the world of material achievement, pleasure, but one that is filled with joy, energy from the Lord, doing the things best and for the glory of God and not self gratification.
Monday, November 17, 2014
17 Nov 2014; Isa 5
17 Nov 2014; Isa 5:18-23
It is a picture of a nation, of people who has no regards for God.
Imagine, pulling a cart (loads of heavy sins) with cords (thin line) and expect the cart to keep moving without the cord giving way. The cords will sure to give way. There is no way fire can be kept contain in paper - not for long.
The picture is further painted - let the judgement to quick, let it come. Hear the challenge that was issue from the people who played with sin - a total of no regards even for punishment - so what if I sin!
Check our lives, the way we choose to life, especially with regards when we have plenty, when our lives is steady- no worries and peace. Where then is God? Are we then playing with small sins - pulling cart with cords. They are bound to break. Where then is a line for us to say - stop.
The regards for the presence of God - speaks of where is God in our lives, in our heart. Stop pulling carts of sin with cords.
It is a picture of a nation, of people who has no regards for God.
Imagine, pulling a cart (loads of heavy sins) with cords (thin line) and expect the cart to keep moving without the cord giving way. The cords will sure to give way. There is no way fire can be kept contain in paper - not for long.
The picture is further painted - let the judgement to quick, let it come. Hear the challenge that was issue from the people who played with sin - a total of no regards even for punishment - so what if I sin!
Check our lives, the way we choose to life, especially with regards when we have plenty, when our lives is steady- no worries and peace. Where then is God? Are we then playing with small sins - pulling cart with cords. They are bound to break. Where then is a line for us to say - stop.
The regards for the presence of God - speaks of where is God in our lives, in our heart. Stop pulling carts of sin with cords.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
12 Nov 2014; Isa 5
12 Nov 2014; Isa 5:13-17
Today passage is a continuation from Isa 5:8-12
Because of the doing of the people who go on to build their wealth and material pleasure and has no regards for the Lord - therefore v15
Man is humbled, and each one is brought low, and the eyes of the haughty are brought low. (Isaiah 5:15 ESV)
As children of God, how can we have no regards for God. Unless there is no God.
We do as we pleases, through disobedience, and act and do as if there is no justice.
Again, it is about God and Him first that separates us from one with no God.
Keep close to God.
Today passage is a continuation from Isa 5:8-12
Because of the doing of the people who go on to build their wealth and material pleasure and has no regards for the Lord - therefore v15
Man is humbled, and each one is brought low, and the eyes of the haughty are brought low. (Isaiah 5:15 ESV)
As children of God, how can we have no regards for God. Unless there is no God.
We do as we pleases, through disobedience, and act and do as if there is no justice.
Again, it is about God and Him first that separates us from one with no God.
Keep close to God.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
11 Nov 2014; Isa 5
11 Nov 2014; Isa 5:8-17
The passage started off with 2 woes -
Woe to those who constantly tried to build and expand their house.
Woe to those who raise early but run towards wine...
It speaks about a generation that cares only for themselves - who build their material wealth and earthly pleasures.
All of us are somewhat comparing - comparing with what I have and have gain in terms of more land, more capital (wealth) more talents, be able to achieve more...
No wrong, but what the Lord ask is that in the midst -
They have lyre and harp, tambourine and flute and wine at their feasts, but they do not regard the deeds of the LORD, or see the work of his hands. (Isaiah 5:12 ESV)
Where is the regards for God?
It is not a outward show case - but a inner course of a self that constanlty yearns and seek after the delight in God. A pursue of a rested-ness in God, knowing that in all, in all provision, in all situations, He is our refuge.
Indeed, as I look at my own household - there is no need to pursue house after house, but what more urgent is the investment in the next generation - that they are able to anchor right with God and in God - the regards of God.
Help me to continue to find rest in you.
The passage started off with 2 woes -
Woe to those who constantly tried to build and expand their house.
Woe to those who raise early but run towards wine...
It speaks about a generation that cares only for themselves - who build their material wealth and earthly pleasures.
All of us are somewhat comparing - comparing with what I have and have gain in terms of more land, more capital (wealth) more talents, be able to achieve more...
No wrong, but what the Lord ask is that in the midst -
They have lyre and harp, tambourine and flute and wine at their feasts, but they do not regard the deeds of the LORD, or see the work of his hands. (Isaiah 5:12 ESV)
Where is the regards for God?
It is not a outward show case - but a inner course of a self that constanlty yearns and seek after the delight in God. A pursue of a rested-ness in God, knowing that in all, in all provision, in all situations, He is our refuge.
Indeed, as I look at my own household - there is no need to pursue house after house, but what more urgent is the investment in the next generation - that they are able to anchor right with God and in God - the regards of God.
Help me to continue to find rest in you.
Monday, November 10, 2014
10 Nov 2014; Isa 5
10 Nov 2014; Isa 5:1-7
The Lord give the very best and prepared the best for His people. BUT yet the return was just the opposite.
Here was a picture of a vineyard - conditions on a fertile land, guarded and well taken care. But when the seasons came - wild grapes. A disappointment by the Lord, the farmer who sow, but not reap.
Is it that the people of Israel or Judah failed to work hard? The land condition was right, the weather was right, and indeed then it was the result of a divided attention of heart - that has laid waste the land.
Our lives - is that land. Will then our undivided heart distracted us from the fulfillment that the Lord?
We are given different talents. Why crave for more of the material things beyond the talents? Or why not depend on the Lord for his multiplication.
As such, today reflection on the word is: - Keep the Lord in your midst- it is Him that you must please. The land is the Lord who provides, the weather is Him who provide. Why the grapes cannot be yield? It is you that He has put to tend the farm - be not be distract - be that faithful servant and enjoy the fruit of the farm.
I lift my hands to the Lord. I lift my plans to Him, to do the will that my rest is found in the Lord.
The Lord give the very best and prepared the best for His people. BUT yet the return was just the opposite.
Here was a picture of a vineyard - conditions on a fertile land, guarded and well taken care. But when the seasons came - wild grapes. A disappointment by the Lord, the farmer who sow, but not reap.
Is it that the people of Israel or Judah failed to work hard? The land condition was right, the weather was right, and indeed then it was the result of a divided attention of heart - that has laid waste the land.
Our lives - is that land. Will then our undivided heart distracted us from the fulfillment that the Lord?
We are given different talents. Why crave for more of the material things beyond the talents? Or why not depend on the Lord for his multiplication.
As such, today reflection on the word is: - Keep the Lord in your midst- it is Him that you must please. The land is the Lord who provides, the weather is Him who provide. Why the grapes cannot be yield? It is you that He has put to tend the farm - be not be distract - be that faithful servant and enjoy the fruit of the farm.
I lift my hands to the Lord. I lift my plans to Him, to do the will that my rest is found in the Lord.
Friday, November 07, 2014
7 Nov 2014; Isa 4
7 Nov 2014; Isa 4
Isa 4 is short.
It painted a picture of the days to come when the branch of the Lord will be glorified. Of course the branch of the Lord is none other than Jesus.
The first question is so what. Jesus seem not important to modern days living. Isaiah has set a tone on the righteous things and the unrighteous things that ought and ought not to do. The moral standard and value of Godly living is no longer adhere. Now people live by the standards of conforming to the "norm" and that "norm" is changing from generation to generation.
If the first cannot be answered, then what is the point of glorifying Jesus. The intent of Jesus coming makes no different. Isaiah spelled out
when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and cleansed the bloodstains of Jerusalem from its midst by a spirit of judgment and by a spirit of burning. (Isaiah 4:4 ESV)
If then, we don't even recognize the filth, the bloodstains, how then we can appreciate Jesus.
The last 2 verses, then paint a picture of what is that to come:
Then the LORD will create over the whole site of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud by day, and smoke and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory there will be a canopy. There will be a booth for shade by day from the heat, and for a refuge and a shelter from the storm and rain. (Isaiah 4:5-6 ESV)
Open my eyes to see the unworthiness of myself. That it is and a need to have it cleanse. Even the attitude need to be corrected. Nothing should beat the importance of centering around God, live a moral life but recognize that Jesus is all that make that standard possible.
Isa 4 is short.
It painted a picture of the days to come when the branch of the Lord will be glorified. Of course the branch of the Lord is none other than Jesus.
The first question is so what. Jesus seem not important to modern days living. Isaiah has set a tone on the righteous things and the unrighteous things that ought and ought not to do. The moral standard and value of Godly living is no longer adhere. Now people live by the standards of conforming to the "norm" and that "norm" is changing from generation to generation.
If the first cannot be answered, then what is the point of glorifying Jesus. The intent of Jesus coming makes no different. Isaiah spelled out
when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and cleansed the bloodstains of Jerusalem from its midst by a spirit of judgment and by a spirit of burning. (Isaiah 4:4 ESV)
If then, we don't even recognize the filth, the bloodstains, how then we can appreciate Jesus.
The last 2 verses, then paint a picture of what is that to come:
Then the LORD will create over the whole site of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud by day, and smoke and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory there will be a canopy. There will be a booth for shade by day from the heat, and for a refuge and a shelter from the storm and rain. (Isaiah 4:5-6 ESV)
Open my eyes to see the unworthiness of myself. That it is and a need to have it cleanse. Even the attitude need to be corrected. Nothing should beat the importance of centering around God, live a moral life but recognize that Jesus is all that make that standard possible.
Wednesday, November 05, 2014
5 Nov 2014; Isa 3
5 Nov 2014; Isa 3
Isa 3 opened with a solemn setting. The physical provision of a country was taken away. The military abilities was taken away, the social and political system was dismantled.
Imagine the chaos and the confusion, the weakness both internal and external.
Is this the God we know? I cannot imagine in Church a sermon is preach in this manner. Sermon is suppose to give people a positive feeling - something good "to carry on for the week". But the fact is not about the sermon, it is about the internal and external weakness - for a person as well as for the nation.
The opening message came as a warning. There was no regards for God and unrighteous deeds prevail.
For Jerusalem has stumbled, and Judah has fallen, because their speech and their deeds are against the LORD, defying his glorious presence. (Isaiah 3:8 ESV)
The people had opening defied God! Have you and will you?
It is at this point - is there a God in your heart or is there not? Rach pointed out that in all these years, my project always end and complete. The Lord has always provided.
Am I then running my own? Where then is my God that I should have trust and call upon.
The LORD said: Because the daughters of Zion are haughty and walk with outstretched necks, glancing wantonly with their eyes, mincing along as they go, tinkling with their feet, therefore the Lord will strike with a scab the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will lay bare their secret parts. (Isaiah 3:16-17 ESV)
The Lord correct so that we can come back to Him. Unless you want Him to leave you alone ...
The message is turn back and the Lord is doing all that He can so that you will be back.
Isa 3 opened with a solemn setting. The physical provision of a country was taken away. The military abilities was taken away, the social and political system was dismantled.
Imagine the chaos and the confusion, the weakness both internal and external.
Is this the God we know? I cannot imagine in Church a sermon is preach in this manner. Sermon is suppose to give people a positive feeling - something good "to carry on for the week". But the fact is not about the sermon, it is about the internal and external weakness - for a person as well as for the nation.
The opening message came as a warning. There was no regards for God and unrighteous deeds prevail.
For Jerusalem has stumbled, and Judah has fallen, because their speech and their deeds are against the LORD, defying his glorious presence. (Isaiah 3:8 ESV)
The people had opening defied God! Have you and will you?
It is at this point - is there a God in your heart or is there not? Rach pointed out that in all these years, my project always end and complete. The Lord has always provided.
Am I then running my own? Where then is my God that I should have trust and call upon.
The LORD said: Because the daughters of Zion are haughty and walk with outstretched necks, glancing wantonly with their eyes, mincing along as they go, tinkling with their feet, therefore the Lord will strike with a scab the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will lay bare their secret parts. (Isaiah 3:16-17 ESV)
The Lord correct so that we can come back to Him. Unless you want Him to leave you alone ...
The message is turn back and the Lord is doing all that He can so that you will be back.
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