QT 31 Dec 15, Heb 6:13-21, We don't love by living for ourselves

https://www.bible.com/bible/59/heb.6.13-20.esv

NOTE: What are the two unchangeable things that give us hope? God's oath and God's character. We also have this sure and steadfast anchor of the soul. We have salvation in the kingdom. We have a future and a hope. Our life does not consist of this life. There is another life still to come. We don't miss out on anything. No one has given up fields, family, or anything who will not receive 100 times as much in this age and the age to come. We can't lose, so therefore we need to live our lives for others and not for ourselves. We don't really get the peace and happiness we long for by living for ourselves anyway. But when we live for people, experience the joy of the Master. 

QT 30 Dec 15, Eccl 7:8b-10, The secret to contentment

Eccl 7:8b-10 … the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

9  Be not quick in your spirit to become angry,

 for anger lodges in the bosom of fools.

10 Say not, "Why were the former days better than these?"

For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.

NOTE: There are three exhortations in these verses, and I believe the common theme is contentment. When we are content, we are patient with people and life. We do not get angry because things do not go our way because we are content with how things are going and not expecting more. We do not compare today to the past, because we are content with our lot. A lack of contentment is what drives most people today. Certainly it is not wrong to want the most out of life, but the problem is that we believe that this life is all there is to life, and if we don't get what we want in this life, we will forever have missed out. Fortunately for the believer, this life is not all that there is to life. God has promised us eternal life with him. There are many days ahead in the millennial kingdom and the age to follow. We will have opportunity to enjoy and experience life in many old and new ways. God originally designed the earth and life to be eternal, but we rebelled against him. He still plans to restore his original creation and we, who have believed in Christ, will get to experience life as he intended. We don't miss out on anything by living a relaxed and contented life. And we have the added pleasure of experiencing peace now.

QT 29 Dec 15, 1 Sam 7:12-13, Reminders of God

1 Sam 7:12-13 (ESV) Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, "Till now the Lord has helped us." 13  So the Philistines were subdued and did not again enter the territory of Israel. And the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.

NOTE: For some reason, I always associate "Ebenezer" with the pile of stones taken from the Jordan River when Israel crossed over with Joshua. It was not named but did also serve as a reminder of God's saving hand. We seem to need reminders. Either we are forgetful or we are disbelieving. While it is true that we do forget what God has done in the past, I think it is more likely that we are prone to disbelief. So, when faced with an obstacle in the present, we tend to disbelieve what happened in the past. Maybe it was just coincidence; maybe I did not perceive it correctly; maybe I was just lucky. For whatever reason, each new problem raises doubts on past miracles. I think part of the reason is that we don't believe bad things should happen to us, and when they do, we think that maybe God is not real or not in control. There are a lot of errors in that statement. Life is full of bad things, and partly because God is not in control. Shudder! What do I mean by that statement? In the garden, we rebelled against his rule and chose for ourselves to be our own gods. And God gave us what we wanted. So, in a sense, he is not in control of this world. He sees it completely and can intervene where appropriate to accomplish his will, but in general, we get what we mistakenly asked for in the garden--we get human rule and all the associated mess that goes with it. But as I said, God can intervene to accomplish his purpose. The story in Samuel is a case where he intervenes against man's rule to protect the nation of Israel, and his long term plan for redemption. So when bad things happen, they remind us of our need for God's rule in our life because of our rebellion. And when God intervenes, we are reminded that he is not without power to accomplish his will in our lives and in the world.

QT 28 Dec 15, Gal 2:20-21, Undeserved

Gal 2:20-21 (ESV) I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if justification were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.

NOTE: This is one of the first verses I ever memorized. Over the years God has used it in a number of ways in my life. One particular thought is that he loved "ME" and gave himself for "ME." That is how much God loved "ME," and that amazes me and humbles me, because "me" does not deserve such attention. Another thought is the reminder that he lives "IN" me. My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (Corinthians tells me), and yet what do I do with my body? I am so unworthy and such an unclean vessel. I fail so often and yet, he loves me and chooses to live in me. Verse 21 reminds me that I could not earn it (his love or my salvation) anyway. Christ died for a purpose, to redeem a person horribly cosigned to failure. We are weak and cannot save ourselves. We fail, but Jesus died for that very purpose--to save wretched creature and to give them the experience of redeeming love. Thank you Lord!

QT 17 Dec 15, Jer 2:1-5, Christmas reminds us of birth and rebirth

Jer 2:1-5 (ESV) The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 "Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem, Thus says the Lord,

"I remember the devotion of your youth,

your love as a bride,

 how you followed me in the wilderness,

 in a land not sown.

3  Israel was holy to the Lord,

 the firstfruits of his harvest.

 All who ate of it incurred guilt;

disaster came upon them,

declares the Lord."

4 Hear the word of the Lord, O house of Jacob, and all the clans of the house of Israel. 5 Thus says the Lord:

 "What wrong did your fathers find in me

that they went far from me,

 and went after worthlessness, and became worthless?

NOTE: Part of the reason that Jesus wasn't received well during his first coming is that the people went after worthlessness and as a result, became worthless. We are living in a time full of worthlessness. They are so many things, but they are worthless in satisfying our deepest needs. We need a relationship with God but we fill our lives with idols made out of metal, plastic, wood, and precious stones--thinking that they will make us happy. And in our pursuit of happiness through the wrong means, we become blinded to what has true value. We become "worthless," unable to see and realize God's offer of love to us. And yet, God still stands at the door of our heart, knocking, asking to  come in and begin that relationship. Some have told him to go away, but he has not left. Some have ignored the knocking and so it seems pretty faint right now. But if we will wake up and see our need and open the door and ask him in, he will transform our lives and give us the sight to see what we cannot see now. It is not too late, there is still time, but our hearts get harder every day due to the worthlessness that invades us. Someday our heart will stop beating, and then it will be too late. Don't wait. This season of Christmas is a season of rebirth, seek God and ask Jesus to come into your life and begin the transformation.

QT 15 Dec 15, Matt 28:19,20, The world needs to hear the message!

Matt 28:19-20 (ESV) Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

NOTE: This was the purpose of Christmas, a message of good news that would transform people's lives. I think we forget how transforming the gospel message is. We don't have the same burden to tell others that we once had. We've forgotten that the message is powerful and life-changing and most importantly, NEEDED. The world needs to hear the message of Christmas, that God's son visited his creation to save us from our sin and rebellion. It led to the death of God's son on the cross for our sins. And it culminated on Easter morning with the resurrection. Because of what God did, we now have the assurance of life after death and freedom from the bondage to sin. This is a great message, why am I so timid sharing it with others?

QT 14 Dec 15, Matt 1:18-25, God with us

Matt 1:18-25 (ESV) Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 22  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

23  "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

and they shall call his name Immanuel"

(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

NOTE: I know for a fact that none of us can comprehend the incarnation. We can believe it; we can verbalize it; but, we can't comprehend it. How does God become man? How does the infinite, eternal, unseen one become finite, localized, and seen? I can't begin to answer that question. I know that somehow God limited himself so that we could see and touch him. Only one generation was able to see God personally as Jesus, but his life is recorded in four gospels and 62 other books describe him in a less direct manner. We are without excuse if we say we do not know anything about him or if we say that he did not give enough evidence. The latter is an excuse devoid of logic and reasoning. The evidence is there, but mankind refuses to believe the incarnation. They refuse to believe that the records are an accurate recording of his life. But they really have no evidence to make such a claim. It is wishful thinking on their part. It is their own personal religion, "A Disbelief in God," which they put their faith in for their life. Their faith does not have any evidence, although they fool themselves into thinking it exists, because to dig too deep might upset their apple cart. But God is with us, and he (at least) once physically walked the earth. For those who put their faith in him as their savior, he lives within our hearts. And he is truly with us, every moment of every day.

QT 11 Dec 15, Ps 46:10, Tis the season to be still

Ps 46:10 (ESV)

10  "Be still, and know that I am God.

 I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!"

NOTE: (Thought inspired by Matthew West Devotional). This certainly is not what happens at Christmas. The busiest time of the year along with the fewest amount of work days -- well, for some at least. But no matter, it is so full of activities that we miss out on the most important activity of the year: to be still and reflect on what God did for us; to spend time thanking God for our salvation; and to spend time in awe of the incarnation. Quite frankly, we need time just to be still--no tv, no music, no computer, no phone, no facebook or twitter or instagram--no noise, just the bible, God, and quiet. In this hectic time of year, we need to find time for the truly important activity of the year: stillness and reflecting on God's wonderful gift of salvation.

QT 10 Dec 15, Ex 28:35, The bells of Christmas

Ex 28:35 (ESV) And it shall be on Aaron when he ministers, and its sound shall be heard when he goes into the Holy Place before the Lord, and when he comes out, so that he does not die.

NOTE: (Thoughts inspired by an advent devotional written by Jari Kobe). The bells were required to be worn when Aaron entered the holy place, but there were also a comfort to those outside as they reminded the hearers that Aaron was okay. As long as the bells rang, Aaron was okay. Every day the priests enter the holy place and change the bread, refill the oil for the lamps, and add incense. And so every day a person could hear the tinkling of the bells. Christmas is a time for bells as well. Whether it the salvation army in front of Wal-Mart or the music on our radios, like silver bells. Bells are not unique to Christmas, but certainly more pronounced and emphasized. The bells comfort us as well, reminding us that God humbled himself by being born a man, and then dying in our place on a cross, and most importantly, offering us the same resurrection to eternal life. He loved us, not because we were lovable, but because he is defined by love. But he is also just, and so he paid the price himself for our rebellion. We are so blind. We don't realize all that he has done for us. We need louder bells, we need to shout to others, "the savior of our souls has come and offered us eternal life--we need to believe."

QT 9 Dec 15, Luke 2:13-14, Who pleases God?

Luke 2:13-14 (ESV) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14  "Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"

NOTE: So what does it take to please God? That is the great debate among religions. Christianity says that by yourself, you can't.  Paul argues "None is righteous, no, not one; // no one understands; no one seeks for God. // All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; // no one does good, // not even one. (Rom 3:10-12, ESV)" So, by ourselves, we have and can do nothing that pleases God, EXCEPT, the bible teaches that a person can please God by faith. The author of Hebrews makes that abundantly clear, "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Heb 11:6, ESV)" Faith is how one pleases God. The peace on earth is offered to those who have faith in God, and specifically in context, in the child whose birth we celebrate in this season. God didn't bring peace to the world, he brought peace to those who by faith would experience transformed life. He will bring peace as a result of this birth but that will only occur after he judges the world for its unbelief, rebellion, and sin. And then he will rule as he originally planned (until we rebelled), and we will have eternal life, as he originally planned, in a beautiful kingdom. But for today, there is an offer of peace with God to those who will repent and believe in the miracle of Christmas, God becoming man, and in the cross, the payment for our sin and the proof of life after death. Thank you Lord.

QT 8 Dec 15, Matt 2:3-6, Learning to walk by faith

Matt 2:3-6 (ESV) When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6  "'And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for from you shall come a ruler

who will shepherd my people Israel.'"

NOTE: Israel had the details down but clearly dismissed the interest of the wise men from the east (probably Persians influenced by Daniel). Herod will go back when he learns he has been tricked and based on the information provided about the star will kill every child two years old. But why don't the chief priests and scribes go to Bethlehem?  Were they so proud that they did not think foreigners could see the signs that they could not see? Did they care? Did they believe God would provide since it had been 400 years of silence from God and they were now under the iron rule of Rome? We do give up when we don't see God working in a visible way. Our faith is so weak, we are in constant need of another visible sign. But that is not the faith that God desires. He promises to provide and meet our needs. Why can't we, or better yet, why can't I just believe God on the basis of his promise to me? Why do I need little answers to remind me of his hand at work? Forgive me Lord for my forgetting all that you have done. Forgive me for pursuing my own agenda. I want to wait on your best, not my idea of what is best.

QT 4 Dec 2015, Luke 2:1-5, The feeling of aloneness even when in the middle of God's will

Luke 2:1-7 (ESV) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

NOTE: Later on, when Jesus is 12 years old, he will be lost among family members as they travel to Jerusalem for a feast celebration. But here, Mary and Joseph are alone, there are no family members, although both families should be traveling for the census. Why? Well, it seems obvious--no one in their families believe them, except Elizabeth, Mary's cousin. Until Joseph's dream, Joseph didn't believe Mary. Joseph's name is attached to all the rumors as well. Sometimes, being right in the middle of the will of God is an uncomfortable place. Things don't go as we would like. People don't look up to us or think good things of us. Life is painful and difficult. Sometimes. And sometimes, being in the middle of the will of God is comfortable as well. But we can't expect comfort or serve God with the idea of being comfortable. It is a false expectation. Mary and Joseph's aloneness is described even more vividly in Matthew, when they can't find an inn. As a husband, it would have been very painful to not be able to protect your wife, your pregnant wife, who is about to have a baby. Left alone by your family, and seemingly left alone by God, since there is no provision of a soft bed and a dry roof. Of course, God does provide, a stable, and while few would consider that a good provision, it serves as a beautiful metaphor of God humbling himself to save an ungrateful, inconsiderate, and uncompassionate people. Thank you Lord. Help me during my times of aloneness to continue in trust.

QT 3 Dec 2015, Luke 1:59-66, Failure is not the end of ministry

Luke 1:59-66 (ESV) And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother answered, "No; he shall be called John." 61 And they said to her, "None of your relatives is called by this name." 62 And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called. 63 And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John." And they all wondered. 64  And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. 65 And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea, 66 and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, "What then will this child be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.

NOTE: I wonder what Zechariah was thinking all those long months as he waited for his child to be born but could not say anything. He was educated and he could write, probably Elizabeth too, since she knew his name was to be John, and Zechariah could not have spoken that to her. So they probably had many slow pen and voice conversations. But still, what was Zechariah thinking? I blew it … why was I so stupid … I'm am so sorry Lord … have mercy on a foolish man … give me another chance … I am okay with your work in my life. Actually, I think that is the progression, or at least, the progression I would have gone through. And then, another chance comes. He did not know if he would ever speak again, since he could not speak after the baby's birth and now 8 days have elapsed. But, in faith and obedience, he writes "His name is John," since they would not believe his wife. This was the opportunity. It was not common with culture to choose a name not in the family line, but he didn't care. This time, he was obeying the Lord. What are the things God is calling me to do that I am struggling against? Are second chances passing me by without me even knowing? God open my eyes to see the opportunities, the field are already white for harvest.

QT 2 Dec 15, Luke 1:18-20, 41b-45, We need the faith of little children

Luke 1:18-20, 41b-45 (ESV) And Zechariah said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." 19 And the angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time."

. . .

And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord."

NOTE: Moses asked a number of clarifying questions too at the burning bush, but apparently there was a difference in the heart of Moses and that of Zechariah. Mary too, asked a question of how a virgin could have a child and was not rebuked. But Zechariah was immediately rebuked for unbelief. Zechariah wanted an additional sign, as if an angel appearing in the most holy place was not enough. In his heart, Zechariah did not believe. And yet, Zechariah was in service to God ministering in the temple. So the first possibility is as stated, Zechariah did not believe at all, and his question was a challenge question, not a question of faith. A second possibility is that more is required of men whom God has given knowledge and ministry opportunity. Zechariah was a Levite, like Moses, but actually serving in the duties of a Levite. Moses grew up as a ruler of Egypt and did not have the knowledge of Zechariah. So, Zechariah really should have known better--more was expected of him. He was a good man, as we saw in the previous verses, but his age, rather than strengthening his faith, has caused him to doubt God. That is a hard thing that we are all susceptible to. Father, protect our hearts, give us the faith of little children--may we never doubt your goodness.

QT 1 Dec 2015, Luke 1:5-7, Give your children to God

Luke 1:5-7 (ESV) In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.

NOTE: There is a certain kindness in how God approaches this. In one case, we see the miracle of a childless couple, old, somehow miraculously having a child. That is special and significant in the many miracles of Jesus' coming. But because Zechariah and Elizabeth are old, they won't live to see John living in the desert and having his head cut off to please a spoiled daughter and an evil wife. They are spared some of the pain of childbirth, that is, seeing your children grow up in an evil world. The pain of childbirth is not just the physical pain the woman experiences, but the emotional pains that are part of raising children. Yes, there are many joys, but with those joys come heartaches and worries and the inability to fix all the things that go wrong. Life is hard and joyful at the same time. So what is the lesson to us? We are reminded of the need to trust God and give him our children. They have free wills, They will choose poorly at times -- do we actually think they could be different than us? We can't force their decisions. That is difficult. But we need to give our worries and cares to God. He sees them. He knows how he will use them. We need to trust God.

QT 30 Nov 15, 2 Chron 25:9, What is my motivation?

2 Chron 25:9 (ESV) And Amaziah said to the man of God, "But what shall we do about the hundred talents that I have given to the army of Israel?" The man of God answered, "The Lord is able to give you much more than this."

NOTE: We worry too much about things that are inconsequential. What is money to a person who has infinite resources, like God? Of course, we don't have infinite resources, and so the idea of being swindled or wasting our money, because God has asked us to do something, is difficult for us. If I am in the will of God, I really can't be taken advantage of. Oh, it might look like that to the other person or to a third party, but I would hate to be either of those persons. There are so many things so much more important than money. It should not be my motivation in life. People, and the direction of their lives needs to be my motivation. How can I impact people for good? How can I show them the savior? How can I be different around them in comparison to other people who don't know God. My purpose here, is not to accumulate money. My purpose is to be a light and a witness. If I fail at that, what good is the money. Lord help me to think about people and to think of how to be a light to them. Give me boldness to take advantage of the opportunities as they come up.

QT 26 Nov 15, Eccl 11:4, Faith and action, a balancing act

Eccl 11:4 (ESV) He who observes the wind will not sow,

and he who regards the clouds will not reap.

NOTE: The saying that 'God helps those who help themselves' is nowhere in the bible. It is never said or written down. But, there is certainly the principle of action and prudence combined with faith. Another saying that I was also reminded of recently, "pray as if everything depends on God, work as if everything depends on you." I think the point of these sayings and the verse above is that we do have a responsibility to act. And as a minimum, faith cannot be used as an excuse to be lazy. We must complete the responsibilities before us. Paul said, if a man will not work, he should not eat. Where we get into trouble is where we try to do too much? But what is too much? That is a hard question and I don't have any easy answers, except, I think deep down within our spirit, if we are putting the issue to prayer, we will know in our spirit if we are doing too much or not enough. That is not a very good answer, but it does require the most essential element in determining God's will, and that is prayer.

QT 25 Nov 15, Luke 4:40-41, Even the demons believe and shudder

Luke 4:40-41 (ESV) Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. 41  And demons also came out of many, crying, "You are the Son of God!" But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.

NOTE: The spiritual forces in opposition clearly understood who Jesus was. We might argue that we can't trust what was written, although that is not a logical argument given the evidence. We might argue the supposedly demon-possessed are not good witnesses and the latter argument might make sense. Except for the fact, that what Jesus did is not possible for a normal man. The population recognized very clearly that he was different. The authority of his words and teaching, the healing, the miracles, are undeniable pieces of evidence. His claims force us to deal with the man himself. As someone once argued, he must be classified as a liar or a lunatic or Lord. A reasoned look at his life will dismiss liar and lunatic, and then we are left with Lord. He is the Lord of the universe, the God who created us. He demands our allegiance and our obedience. He is the Son of God. Father, open our eyes to reason and truth.

QT 23 Nov 15, Isa 66:22-24, God's plan is coming to fruition

Isa 66:22-24 (ESV) "For as the new heavens and the new earth

that I make

shall remain before me, says the Lord,

so shall your offspring and your name remain.

23  From new moon to new moon,

and from Sabbath to Sabbath,

all flesh shall come to worship before me,

declares the Lord.

24 "And they shall go out and look on the dead bodies of the men who have rebelled against me. For their worm shall not die, their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh."

NOTE: The book of Isaiah resembles the construction of the Christian bible in some aspects. It ends like Revelation does prophesying a new heavens and a new earth and a finished judgment. Men will die because they refused to believe and they chose to continue in Adam's rebellion. The rest of the world shall come and worship God in the new Jerusalem. It is hard to imagine at times and it is hard to understand. I know that God will remove the worries, fears, and tears of life, and yet some of that is what makes joy so wonderful. But God knows our emotional and relational needs. He will provide life that is meaningful. He will provide lasting joy and peace. He will provide a better place than what we created in our own strength. We tend to think of how great we are in our accomplishments, but they are quite puny and sometimes futile. For the believer, God will provide as he has from the beginning. One thing I've learned from Jacob, is that I would be nothing without God. My personal accomplishments are gifts from God. I can be prudent and smart in my planning, but God is the one who works out my future. I wonder what the next few years, months, even days hold? I need to trust and wait upon my God who richly gives me more than I deserve.

QT 19 Nov 15, Isa 65:2, Asking tough questions about our motives

Isa 65:2 (ESV)

I spread out my hands all the day

to a rebellious people,

who walk in a way that is not good,

following their own devices;

NOTE: This is really the heart of our problem, we don't want to wait on God, but prefer our own devices. And what we don't understand, because we lack God's wisdom and sight, is that our way is not good. Oh, it certainly seems good and we have all of our human arguments why it is good, but we don't know the future or the repercussions of getting what we want and not getting what God desires for us. We are a "rebellious people." We act a good line, but we are duplicitous. So much so, that we actually fool ourselves. We listen to what we want to hear. We take advice from people who tells what we want to hear. We defend ourselves using our human arguments. We really don't want God's will, we just want to say it out loud to others, but really we want our way and our will. The good news is that God can help us to see this in ourselves. David, a man after God's heart, prayed, "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (Ps 139:23,24)." If David knew that his heart could deceive him, how can we believe any less about ourselves? We need to ask the tough questions of God, that is, tough questions about ourselves and our real motives. But the real question is, will we listen to God's answer?

QT 18 Nov 15, Isa 64:4, The need to wait

Isa 64:4 (ESV)

From of old no one has heard

or perceived by the ear,

 no eye has seen a God besides you,

who acts for those who wait for him.

NOTE: I think the key idea here is the importance of waiting up God. Why is waiting so important? Waiting implies trust and God desires our trust. Waiting is also resting, although at times it is hard to rest while waiting for something to come. But true waiting is resting, knowing that what we wait for will be delivered. And in this case, waiting is accepting what comes as the best possible short- and long-term solution to our need. God knows what we REALLY NEED; he also knows what we WANT, but there is a huge difference between the two. We need to have faith that he cares about and will provide what we really need in the perfect time. Waiting is hard. In Michael Card's song Marantha, he sings "… waiting's the most bitter lesson a believing heart has to learn." It is not easy, but it is essential to our growth that we learn to wait and trust.

QT 17 Nov 15, Where is God?

Isa 63:11 (ESV) Then he remembered the days of old,

of Moses and his people.

 Where is he who brought them up out of the sea

with the shepherds of his flock?

Where is he who put in the midst of them

his Holy Spirit, …

NOTE: This is a common refrain of God's people, "where is God?" From an Atheist's point of view, they would argue, "he is not there." But that really is too simple of an answer and does not logically answer the times where his hand is clearly seen--one comes with the other--you can't dismiss what you don't like. But neither can we dismiss the times when God does not seem to be there. So, assuming God is there, the real question is, why does he not answer prayer or why does he not provide? Like an earthly father who knows not to give his children everything they ask for and when they ask for it, God provides what is best for us--what we really need and when we really need it. I am absolutely convinced we would be a mess if God gave us everything we asked for without restraint. God is not Santa Claus or the tooth fairy. God is our father and he is keenly concerned with our growth and purpose in his kingdom. Most "things" we really don't need. What we do need is to trust God. And so, the delays and apparent non-answers cause us to trust Him and go to Him even more. We need Him as opposed to we 'use' Him, and that is an important distinction. Lord, forgive us for our lack of faith, help our unbelief.

QT 16 Nov 15, God makes old things new

Isa 62:11-12 (ESV) Behold, the Lord has proclaimed

to the end of the earth:

 Say to the daughter of Zion,

 "Behold, your salvation comes;

behold, his reward is with him,

and his recompense before him."

12  And they shall be called The Holy People,

The Redeemed of the Lord;

 and you shall be called Sought Out,

A City Not Forsaken.

NOTE: No matter what the world has done to us, we are not forsaken. God can make the world's throwaways into something wonderful and beautiful. But we must submit to him and to his work in our life. He desires to recreate us, but we must allow him. God does not force his will upon us. He will not work with the stubborn and prideful (like Israel was most of the time), but desires the humble and broken-hearted, those who are ready for his best (not what they think is best). What a wonderful promise! God has not forsaken us no matter how terrible things might look. Rejoice, seek him again. He longs to redeem us.

QT 12 Nov 15, Isa 61:4, Our future work

Isa 61:4 (ESV) They shall build up the ancient ruins;

they shall raise up the former devastations;

they shall repair the ruined cities,

the devastations of many generations.

NOTE: This passage has more to do with the millennial period than Israel's return to the land after their time in Babylon. It makes sense given the widespread war and devastation from natural disasters (or not so natural). The earth will be a mess after the return of Christ. God could recreate, which he does promise to do after the 1000-year reign, but I think it will be our job to restore the creation during the 1000-year reign. We made the mess; we get to clean it up. It will be hard work but enjoyable work, much like the feeling one gets after cleaning something that has not been cleaned in a while. In the midst of this work, this purpose, we will live life. It will be a joyful life. Justice will reign and our lives will have purpose. We will finally live as God intended and we will experience life as God intended.

QT 11 Nov 11, Isa 60:12-14, The day of justice is coming

Isa 60:12-14 (ESV) For the nation and kingdom

that will not serve you shall perish;

those nations shall be utterly laid waste.

…

14  The sons of those who afflicted you

shall come bending low to you,

 and all who despised you

shall bow down at your feet;

 they shall call you the City of the Lord,

the Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

NOTE: The passage is a promise specific to the nation of Israel and it  concerns other nations and their response to Israel. God is very clearly that he will destroy the nations who would not serve Israel. In the millennial kingdom, the ruler ship of the earth will center in Jerusalem. Jesus will rule over all the nations. David will rule over Israel. The church shall assist in ruling and judging the nations, but we shall all serve Jesus. We will finally have justice and we will finally have peace. Life will be as God originally intended it to be. We shall eat of the tree of life and shall live forever. I suppose I won't really care whether I was proved right or not in that day. I will be happy to be alive and to have been given eternal life by Jesus' sacrifice. Sometimes I wonder, while I am singing in church, if every time I worship in the kingdom, whether I will cry at the thought that God loved me and saved me and I was so unworthy. I wonder if I will ever not cry at that thought. I wonder if I ever would want to not cry. Thank you God for my salvation!

QT 10 Nov 15, Isa 59:1-2, God does hear and can intervene, but he chooses not

Isa 59:1-2 (ESV) Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save,

or his ear dull, that it cannot hear;

2  but your iniquities have made a separation

between you and your God,

and your sins have hidden his face from you

so that he does not hear.

NOTE: This is one answer to the age-old question of why God does not intervene to prevent evil from happening. God says that our sin, our choice to live life without him, is why he refuses to act. It is not an issue of power or lack of knowledge. God knows about it and God could intervene, but he chooses not. This started in the garden during what we call the "fall of man." Essentially, mankind chose self-rule over God's rule. God allowed it, but warned man that he would not like the results of man in charge. Access to the tree of life was cut off, resulting in death. Sin slowly destroyed the foundations of the planet in some unknown way, causing many of the disasters of today. One might argue, "but what about innocent babies?" First, God never calls anyone innocent in scripture, even the most righteous person. Second, if the baby is in fact sinless, the cynic's argument is then based on the fact that life on earth must be better than life in heaven (which would only be speculation, since the original idea of eternal life was life and purpose on earth). Third, in a technical sense, since God is the creator, the potter (so to speak), what difference does it make what he does with the pottery, since he could have just decided to not create as well as to create? But none of these questions or diversions deal with the real issue--we chose life away from God and we need to repent and to return to God.

QT 9 Nov 15, Isa 58:9-11, Expressing our faith

Isa 58:9-11 (ESV) Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;

you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am.'

If you take away the yoke from your midst,

 the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,

10  if you pour yourself out for the hungry

and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,

 then shall your light rise in the darkness

and your gloom be as the noonday.

11 And the Lord will guide you continually

and satisfy your desire in scorched places

and make your bones strong;

and you shall be like a watered garden,

like a spring of water,

whose waters do not fail.

NOTE: The emphasis of the passage, and the previous verses, is twofold, in my mind. First, the individual's faith is expressed in kindness and non-judgment of others. My interest should not be in what they do but in who they need to know (which is Jesus). The second part of a correct expression of faith is a concern for hungry and afflicted, people in need and in distress. These two aspects best describe the expression of faith that God wants to see in his children. And God desires to partner with these men and women of faith. He wants to use them as a light, to guide them to places where he can use them, and cause them to be a refreshing spring to those around him. Lord, this is the person I desire to be, a kind and giving person whom you can use to water your creation.

QT 4 Nov 15, Isa 58:1-3, Real worship is not in religious activities

Isa 58:1-3 (ESV) "Cry aloud; do not hold back;

 lift up your voice like a trumpet;

 declare to my people their transgression,

to the house of Jacob their sins.

2  Yet they seek me daily

and delight to know my ways,

as if they were a nation that did righteousness

and did not forsake the judgment of their God;

they ask of me righteous judgments;

they delight to draw near to God.

3  'Why have we fasted, and you see it not?

Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?'

Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure,

 and oppress all your workers.

NOTE: This so much describes the "religious" church or the nominal "believer." They "seek" God but only for their benefit. They go through the motions but only because they believe they will benefit or for some sad good luck ritual reasoning. And then they wonder why God ignores their prayers, and yet there is no "real" spiritual life within their souls. They are more interested in what they gain than in knowing the God of the universe. Quite frankly, God has made it clear that he is sick of this type of worship: of rules, of meaningless activities, of perverse righteousness (the holier than thou attitude)--God is tired of it all. It is not what he wants. It is not AT ALL what he desires. Later in the passage he describes the true actions--actions that show real care for people and a humility before God and man. That is what he has called us to, not this sham that we call religion. Lord, purge us of facades and draw us close to you.

QT 2 Nov 15, Isa 57:15, God revives the contrite and lowly in spirit

Isa 57:15 (ESV) For thus says the One who is high and lifted up,

who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:

 "I dwell in the high and holy place,

and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit,

 to revive the spirit of the lowly,

and to revive the heart of the contrite.

NOTE: We are not like God in knowledge or holiness or many other attributes. We are made in his image, but that does not make us like him. We can love, and freely choose, and can be aware of our place in the universe, but we fall infinitely short of God. And yet, he dwells with those who have a contrite and lowly spirit. Apparently, God enjoys those who recognize their sinfulness and understand the difference between them and God. He enjoys communion with these followers and he desires to revive them. We need revival and, we need restoration. The ultimate restoration will bring us back to where God intended us when he created us to live in a garden without fear of death. That day is coming soon and the change will start in the Millennial kingdom where God begins restoring his creation as he intended it to be at the beginning. But even before then, he works to revive and restore his children. There is no sin or action of the truly contrite that God cannot bring good into the person's life. David failed greatly, but God restored him. There were consequences, but God never left David. God yearns to revive the contrite and lowly. May sin never harden our hearts such that we are not contrite or fail to recognize our lowliness compared to God.

QT 29 Oct 15, Isa 56:10-11, Spiritual blindness blinds us to our blindness

Isa 56:10-11 (ESV)

10  His watchmen are blind;

they are all without knowledge;

they are all silent dogs;

they cannot bark,

dreaming, lying down,

loving to slumber.

11  The dogs have a mighty appetite;

they never have enough.

But they are shepherds who have no understanding;

they have all turned to their own way,

 each to his own gain, one and all.

NOTE: This verse concerns spiritual leaders, specifically the leaders of Israel, but the principles are applicable now and also repeated in Jude and 1 Peter for the New Testament church. There are a number of problems with these leaders. One, is that they are blind and without knowledge, where the latter term really defines the former term. Spiritual blindness is directly related to a lack of knowledge. How can you see or recognize error if you have no foundation upon which to draw a conclusion? Knowledge of God's word is essential for spiritual sight. For the person who does not believe in Christ and has not experienced rebirth, he also suffers from not having the gift that comes with salvation, the Holy Spirit (HS) living within you, which Jesus called our helper. So, with knowledge and the HS, we are able to discern error and consequently see trouble. A person who is not in the word on a regular basis will be blind, and even worse, he will disagree with that assessment because he is blind. If he has the HS, he has some hope, because Jesus promises us that the HS will reveal things to us, like our blindness. But repeatedly ignoring the HS will result in quenching it and hardening our own hearts, and then our blindness becomes near permanent. And because we are spiritually blind, we will never "see" that we are spiritually blind, but will believe that our wisdom can take us through life without anyone else's help.

QT 28 Oct 15, Isa 55:8-11, Why do we think we have the same mental capacity as God?

Isa 55:8-11 (ESV)

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

9  For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts.

10  "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven

and do not return there but water the earth,

making it bring forth and sprout,

 giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;

it shall not return to me empty,

but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,

and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

NOTE: These are two separate thoughts and yet they do have a common thread. We can't expect to completely understand and know God's ways, but his word does work in our lives to change us and reveal some of his ways and thoughts. It would be ridiculous to believe a finite brain could understand an infinite brain, even at the smallest level. It really is like a two-year old comprehending quantum physics in a lecture for PhD candidates. And in that case, the brains are actually close and comparable. But we do not compare to God. We understand what he lets us understand but we would be foolish to think we could understand it all. And yet, the brilliant minds of our day, the intelligentsia and the ones who think they are brilliant (atheists) argue against God's observed ways to prove his non-existence. If God exists, we cannot completely grasp his ways and so any argument on that basis would be foolish. We are such a slow and thick-headed species. Why God are you so patient with us? Thank you that you are.

QT 27 Oct 15, Isa 55:1-2, Only God can satisfy what He created in us

Isa 55:1-2 (ESV)

"Come, everyone who thirsts,

come to the waters;

and he who has no money,

 come, buy and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk

without money and without price.

2  Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,

and your labor for that which does not satisfy?

Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,

and delight yourselves in rich food.

NOTE: I love this chapter in Isaiah. There are so many meaningful verses. These two describe two worldviews, the Babylonian worldview of things and accomplishments, which can't satisfy, and God's worldview, that diligently listening to his word can satisfy our deepest desires. And he offers it free to all who would come to him. But coming him means admitting our need for him. And admitting our need for him, means accepting his rule in our life. That is the cost--to go back to the way God originally intended and created us for--his rule over our life. And the benefit, that which we were created for, we actually can experience. But Satan has so corrupted our thinking that we don't believe God. We believe we can satisfy our souls with things and accomplishments. And yet, it doesn't work. But our response, is that we just need more things and more money and more power and more accolades--then we will be happy, finally happy.

QT 26 Oct 15, Isa 54:9-10, Just as God fulfilled his promises in Jesus' coming so will he fulfill his promises of judgment

Isa 54:9-10 (ESV)

9 "This is like the days of Noah to me:

as I swore that the waters of Noah

should no more go over the earth,

so I have sworn that I will not be angry with you,

and will not rebuke you.

10 For the mountains may depart

and the hills be removed,

but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,

and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,"

says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

https://www.bible.com/bible/59/isa.54.9-10.esv

 

NOTE: I believe this is in reference to the end of days, the end times, when God will pour out his judgment upon the earth for unbelief, rebellion, and sin. Finally, God will bring about the long-promised justice. His current long-suffering is mercy toward us in order that we might repent and turn back to him. But, at some point, he must exercise justice, and his standard is such that there is no person on earth who is not deserving of his wrath. For those, who have exercised belief in his Son, and repented of their rebellion and sin, God promises to protect them. Jesus has paid their price. They are not guilty any longer. No matter how bad things might get, especially for the tribulation saints, he promises that his love and peace will not leave. The time of judgment is coming. It is not a myth or a pipedream. Just as Jesus promised coming was fulfilled, so the last part of God's prophecies will also be fulfilled. The message is very clear to us, even today, repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

QT 22 Oct 15, Isa 53:10-11, The evidence is overwhelming

Isa 53:10-11 (ESV)

10 Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him;

he has put him to grief;

 when his soul makes an offering for sin,

he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;

 the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

11 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;

by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,

 make many to be accounted righteous,

 and he shall bear their iniquities.

https://www.bible.com/bible/59/isa.53.10-11..esv

NOTE: The entire chapter, Isaiah 53, may be the greatest prophetic book in the bible. Only a blind man could ignore the implications of the prophecy. In the last century, before the discovery of the dead sea scrolls, some skeptics claimed that Christians rewrote the chapter to fit the prophecies of Jesus -- although, no one explains why the Jews would have let that happen. The dead sea scrolls contradicted that claim and confirmed that the chapter existed before Christ just as it does today after Christ's birth. It is a very powerful passage, one of many such passages throughout scripture related to the coming messiah. It is undeniably a picture of Jesus and his mission on earth, to die for the sins of mankind. The full chapter is even more prophetic than the summary I quoted here. We really have no excuse for not believing. The proof is in plain sight. Men choose not to believe and it is not for a lack of proof but for a refusal to acknowledge God's rule over their life.

QT 21 Oct 15, Isa 52:11-12, God goes before and covers our backs

Isa 52:11-12 (ESV)

11  Depart, depart, go out from there;

touch no unclean thing;

go out from the midst of her; purify yourselves,

 you who bear the vessels of the Lord.

12 For you shall not go out in haste,

and you shall not go in flight,

 for the Lord will go before you,

 and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.

https://www.bible.com/bible/59/isa.52.11-12.esv

NOTE: The verse is very specific to the nation of Israel, but I believe that there is a basic principle that is true for believers in God in all situations. The principle is twofold: as we face changes in life, God promises to go before us and to be our rear guard. Changes in life suggest new and unexpected challenges. God is fully aware of those. He promises to "work for good" in those unknown occurrences. He does not promise to take away the pain, but he does know what is best for us and he will work for our good (Rom 8:28). Also, he promises to be our rear guard. What does that mean, since God often lets us experience the consequences of our bad decisions? I think it is similar to the first point. He knows what is coming (from behind as a result of our previous choices) and he will work it for good in our life. He is not surprised. He will not be surprised. He is committed to our relationship with him. He may deflect some of the consequences or reduce them in his mercy, but he will certainly work for our good. That is his promise to the New Covenant believer. He is on our side. He is going before us and he is covering our backs. It will be for our best in the long run. Trust him!

QT 19 Apr 15, Isa 51:14, It is the one who prays who is answered

Isa 51:14 (ESV) He who is bowed down shall speedily be released;

he shall not die and go down to the pit,

neither shall his bread be lacking.

https://www.bible.com/bible/59/isa.51.14.esv

NOTE: What is the point of the verse? We need to pray and we need to accept his will for our life. It will not always be as we would like and that is a difficult thing to let go. But, it will be for our good because he loves us, cares for us, and knows what is best for us.

Father I specifically thank you for two recent answers to prayer. There are some more, but you are fulfilling them and you are bringing good. My goal today is to use idle moments to continually thank you, cast my concerns upon you, and appeal to you for your intervention. Thank you -- we are so undeserving of your mercy, and of your grace.

QT 15 Oct 15, Isa 50:10-11, Be careful of lighting your own way

Isa 50:10-11 (ESV)

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.

https://www.bible.com/bible/59/isa.50.10-11.esv

NOTE: This has always been a favorite verse of mine. It was a warning many years ago when I was considering writing a girl that I had an interest in, but had not seen for a year. I was praying about writing her and actually spent a lot of time discussing it with God while I walked up and down an civil airstrip. Later that morning, this was my quiet time verse, Isa 50:10-11. The words, "you shall lie down in torment" hit home. I decided not to write her. I decided to wait upon God. A couple of months later I met my future wife. It would still be a few years later before we married, but God provided. We have been married 31 years now. We have had good times and hard times, but I am glad I waited upon God.

I think the key thought in this verse is the danger of lighting your own torches to find your way through a difficult time. Now, there are some things you should certainly do, things that are responsibilities. But some of the other clever ideas, well, those are the things we need to be careful about. We need to pray. We need to listen. And we need to be careful of doing too much. We need to trust God.

QT 14 Oct 15, Isa 49:14-15, God is like a mother, he will never forget us

Isa 49:14-15 (ESV)

14 But Zion said, "The Lord has forsaken me;

my Lord has forgotten me."

15  "Can a woman forget her nursing child,

that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?

Even these may forget,

yet I will not forget you.

https://www.bible.com/bible/59/isa.49.14-15.esv

NOTE: It is interesting that God uses the image of a mother instead of a father to answer the complaint of Zion that God has forgotten them. In the midst of suffering, it often feels as if God has forgotten us. Our prayers seem to go un-answered and if answered, not in the way we would desire. A father can be harsh at times as he trains his children. A mother, on the other hand, is often overly tender. She intervenes and cares when maybe she shouldn't. God is both, he knows what is best, but he has the deep yearning of a mother for us. He will never forget us. He loves us greatly. This is where faith is required and this is the definition of faith: that God knows our situation, he understands, he CARES, and he is working to bring about good in our situation. We must believe God cares; we must not think his silence suggests he does not care our has forgotten us. Look for him--He will answer.

QT 8 Oct 15, Isa 48:18, Good flows out of obedience

Isa 48:18 (ESV)

18  Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments!

 Then your peace would have been like a river,

and your righteousness like the waves of the sea;

https://www.bible.com/bible/59/isa.48.18.esv

NOTE: This is certainly an old covenant-based statement. It goes back to the provisions in Deuteronomy 29, the curses and the blessings. We misinterpret the old covenant as applying to us and that is not true. We are under the new covenant. But the old covenant does teach us and does provide insight into God's plan and workings with people (Rom 15:4). Additionally, the book of Hebrews teaches about discipline as a father disciplines his son for disobedient believers (Heb 12:7). So, there is a certain amount of truth in this verse that is applicable today. We are NOT in a health and wealth gospel, but God does bless obedience. The blessings may not be material as in the old covenant, but God does bless his children. Peace and righteousness are internal blessings which relate very nicely to the new covenant. I don't think it is unusual to expect a certain amount of peace by living obediently to God. And an obvious effect would be for our righteousness and our witness to be affected by our obedience. Finally, there is a reward in heaven for us at the end of times that will be dependent upon how we lived on earth. 

QT 7 Oct 15, Isa 47:7-9, The worldview of Babylon seems to be winning today, but its' end is already decreed

Isa 47:7-9 (ESV)

7 You said, "I shall be mistress forever,"

so that you did not lay these things to heart

or remember their end.

8 Now therefore hear this, you lover of pleasures,

 who sit securely,

who say in your heart,

 "I am, and there is no one besides me;

 I shall not sit as a widow

or know the loss of children":

9  These two things shall come to you

in a moment, in one day;

the loss of children and widowhood

shall come upon you in full measure,

 in spite of your many sorceries

and the great power of your enchantments.

https://www.bible.com/bible/59/isa.47.7-9.esv

NOTE: The "you" is Babylon, many years before it would be a world power, but I believe the prophecy is for today. Babylon is two thing or has been two things. It was and will be again a real nation and it is a real philosophy or worldview. The real nation does not exist now, although I believe it will exist again. The worldview has never stopped. It is a mistress who has always had lovers. She has never known loss because she has always found followers. Today, she has more followers than any other time in history. It is a philosophy based upon pleasure, and a denial of God as ruler of mankind. The Babylonian worldview believes that man is god of this world and that man alone will provide the answers necessary for life and existence. The philosophy deeply hates the Christian God, preferring anything to it. The heart of the philosophy is a mixture of atheism and humanism. Spiritualism is tolerated, so long as all ways lead to God. Of course, that position is logically untenable and self-defeating, but Babylon does not care since it is committed to the ultimate destruction of the idea of a God. The message of the bible is that God has decreed and end to the nation, Babylon, and to the worldview of Babylon. It will happen. It is coming.

QT 5 Oct 15, Isa 46:8-11, God rules even in our rebellion

Isa 46:8-11 (ESV) "Remember this and stand firm,

recall it to mind, you transgressors,

9 remember the former things of old;

for I am God, and there is no other;

I am God, and there is none like me,

10  declaring the end from the beginning

and from ancient times things not yet done,

saying, 'My counsel shall stand,

and I will accomplish all my purpose,'

11  calling a bird of prey from the east,

the man of my counsel from a far country.

 I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass;

I have purposed, and I will do it.

https://www.bible.com/bible/59/isa.46.8-11.esv

NOTE: My view of God's sovereignty has evolved over the years. I believe that because of the rebellion in the garden, God has for the most part given us what we wanted: life without his rule. And so we misinterpret this, and come to the conclusion that God is somehow not loving, or not powerful, or not knowledgeable as explanations for the evil in the world. We choose not to recognize that evil and death did not exist in the world God created for us, but only came into being after we rebelled against his rule in our life. Evil has become God's megaphone yelling out to us, "repent and return to me and you will experience the life I always intended." God has promised to "recreate" our planet during the millennial kingdom as he had originally intended.

But, despite the fact that life is as it is because of our rebellion, God maintains a certain amount of control. He knows the end from the beginning. And he sees a purpose. Actually, that person is  justice and his rule over our lives again. He is working in the big picture to bring the end to fruition. He does work in individual's lives but for our good (not our perceived good). But for the most part, life happens, because it is what we wanted.