The Prophets Speak

Today's readings are from Isaiah 5, 6, 7, 8

This reading plan is called a "Historical Plan". It's based on reading - more or less - as the Bible was written. While reading about the Kings of Israel and Judah we can see that their failure to trust God, and instead to turn to idols, other "gods", and their own power moves resulted in repeated confrontation with the Prophets of God.
One of those prophets, and perhaps the most famous of all, was Isaiah. The context of his writings is in chapter 6, and the vision he receives, while very well known among Christians, was received in the setting of world powers breathing down on Israel's borders. Isaiah sees the problem, not as political, or military, or threats of invasion; but rather as a faith issue.

That's the real lesson of reading this section. We may fear many things, but Jesus reminded us, the only legitimate fear is the "fear of the Lord".

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Hands Full of Parcels

"A Man whose hands are full of parcels can't receive a gift." - C. S. Lewis Romans 4:13-16 (ESV) 13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression. 16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all... The last four days have been best described by the word "fatigue". It's not an uncommon word in our vocabulary. Listless, tired, sore. 1300 miles of car travel, being sick, not sleeping well, and eating poorly all add up to the word - fatigue. Someone onc...

The Tabernacle

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The difference between defending and explaining

The news of recent has focused the suffering of Christians in the middle east who have been martyred for their faith in Christ at the hands of Islamic Terrorists. Through the centuries many Christians have lost their lives as a result of their faith. For us, who live in America, there is little chance that we would have this happen here - but it's entirely possibly that terrorism will strike out at Christians sometime. But, for many Christians in the western world - especially here in the U.S. - being a Christians who believes God's word there is a form of persecution that is defined by words like "ostracized", "passed over", "ridiculed", and more. What do we do in the face of opposition to faith? When the Apostle Peter writes to the early believers who are undergoing great pressure, even persecution for their faith in Jesus, he gives them this charge. 1 Peter 3:8-18 8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly lov...

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