Cloudy and cool this morning. A nice ride to Haire Drive. #cycling #Narrabri #Biketooter
Today’s Bike Ride
Month: April 2024
Quote for the Day
Before new Jerusalem descends to the earth, the debris, the rubble, and the garbage must be cleared away. The garbage dump of Revelation is a fiery pit where bad things burn up, and this fiery pit completely eliminates the way of the dragon, doing away with the dragon, the wild things, and Babylon itself. Scot McKnight and Cody Matchett
Be merciful
Reflection on Isaiah 49
Scripture
The Lord, the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel, says to the one who is despised and rejected by the nations, to the one who is servant of rulers: “Kings will stand at attention when you pass by. Princes will also bow low because of the Lord, the faithful one, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”
Observation
The Lord called the servant before he was born and made his words of judgement as sharp as a sword.
The Lord has commissioned him to bring Israel back to Himself, but more than this, he will be a light to the Gentiles and bring salvation to the ends of the earth. The one who is despised and rejected will be honoured by kings and princes.
The Lord will set free the captives and they will be His sheep.
Although Jerusalem feels forgotten by the Lord, He can no more forget them than a mother can forget her child. He has written its name on the palms of His hands.
All the world will know that the Lord is Saviour and Redeemer, the Mighty One of Israel.
Application
This chapter is at one of the Suffering Servant Songs that are unique to Isaiah, and which we can now see describe the Messiah, Jesus our Lord and Redeemer.
Jesus was rejected by the religious leaders of His day. He was despised and eventually crucified. They thought that death was the end of Him. Then He rose again!
Over the centuries, more and more people have come under the reign of King Jesus. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Kings, princes, presidents, and prime ministers bow before Him. They acknowledge that He is the true ruler of all nations and all people.
In many countries there are various attempts to control and muzzle the church. but no earthly ruler will ever control King Jesus.
Prayer
Jesus, you are the one who was rejected and despised. Now you are the King of all creation. Blessed is the name of is the name of the Lord. Amen.
Commit it to the Lord
Today’s Bike Ride
Great ride this morning down Jacks Creek and Gun Club Roads #cycling #Narrabri #Biketooter
Quote for the Day
The tragedy of the story is that some refuse the signs of God in the divine disciplines. Some of those in the nations “will walk” in the light that shines forth from the Lamb (21:24), while others will choose, as Pharaoh responded to the plagues in Egypt, not to repent and turn to God or to follow the Lamb and will therefore experience the judgement of God. Scot McKnight and Cody Matchett
It never comes to an end
Reflection on Isaiah 48
Scripture
Now I will tell you new things, secrets you have not yet heard. They are brand new, not things from the past. So you cannot say, “We knew that all the time!”
Observation
The Lord revealed a long time ago what was to happen, and all of His predictions came true. This way they could not claim that their idols had made it happen.
The Lord says he is going to tell his people new things, things they have never seen or heard before. The Lord will rescue His people for the sake of His reputation.
The Lord is raising up Cyrus of Persia to destroy the Babylonians. The Lord’s people are to leave Babylon and return to Israel.
Application
The Lord is always bringing fresh revelations to His people. This is not knowledge that contradicts the Bible nor information that goes against God’s nature.
In both the Old and New Testaments, there is a thread of teaching in which the Spirit of God, the Lord Himself, is our teacher. We don’t need prophets or pastors to teach us the truth about God because we have the Holy Spirit Himself.
After my wife became a christian, she became aware of truths about tithing and the baptism in the Holy Spirit, even though these things were not taught in the church she attended. She knew these things were true, and scripture confirmed what the Spirit had revealed to her.
There have been many times when the Holy Spirit has revealed to me truth about other people, directions for the church, and so on. Revelations often come as a whisper in my head, rather than a booming voice from heaven. They are real nonetheless
Prayer
Holy Spirit, thank you for the revelations you bring to your people. Please help me to listen carefully for your voice. Amen.
Let Peace Rule You
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