Peace Through Turmoil 08.14.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Thursday August 14, 2008 and today we are completing our studies on the book of Isaiah. Please read Chapters 64-66 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2064-66&version=9

Today we will read and learn about our righteousness as filthy rags; a prayer for God's presence; and the punishment for rebelliousness. Today's message focuses on the importance of seeking God for peace. The more turmoil in our world, the more we need the peace that comes from obeying God's Word.

Isaiah's final prophecies about Jesus are included in these last three chapters, he also speaks of God's people being called by a new name and the creation of a new heaven and earth. "And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name: That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes. For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy." Isaiah 65:15-18).

There is a peace with God that is never ending, this peace is the promised inheritance of every child of God. Isaiah foretold how the Messiah would provide this marvelous peace, "For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees. As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem." (66:12-13).

God did not promise freedom from suffering, but He did promise to give us peace in the midst of them all. However, if we are to enjoy this peace we need to go to Him. God knows our problems and wants to help us, but unless we go to Him ourselves He will not intercede. It is just as if we are continually harrassed or hurt by someone and never seek help, nothing will be done about it until we actually ask for the help. "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." (Matthew 7:78).

The Lord will allow our hearts and faith to be tested by Satan to become troubled and afraid, but His Word is always available to calmly face all troubles and fears. Don't forget it is the source of victory. Since God created us, He did not overlook anything in His Guide through life and knows exactly what we need physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

There is often a conflict between self will and God's will and it is through suffering that God provides an opportunity in which His life in us through Christ may win the victory over our old self willed nature. "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it." (Mark 8:35).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed as the Creator of new heavens and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22)

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
God of hope and joy, we sing for joy because you have given us hope and joy. Our world is full of problems, yet the coming of the Messiah is reason for hope. We have come to worship in your special presence. Give us wisdom as we go to our places in daily life. Teach us and guide us as we deal with the problems of our world. In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Have a great and blessed day!
God Bless,
Christina

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