As we think about God’s exclusive nature in Isaiah 49, keep in mind that we are not talking about his exclusivity in regards to himself (his holiness…i.e., he is intrinsically different), nor are we talking about his exclusivity in regards to the world (his sovereignty). … Read More
Applying the Restoration/Renewal Principle
Okay, here is Isaiah 34-35 in a sentence: God will restore fully one day, and he fully renews today. But what do we do with this principle we have learned about God’s character. It’s great that he is a God of restoration one day, and … Read More
God’s Restoration and God’s Renewal: The Difference
Isaiah 34-35, as a unit, is a coin with two sides….a battery with two teminals. Is. 34 talks about God’s retribution (-), and Is. 35 talks about God’s restoration (+). And this restoration will be a perfect completion to his 1) kingdom, 2) people, and … Read More
God’s a Great Farmer (Isaiah 28:23-29)
Three verbs tell us how we should appraoch this first WOW passage — “listen” … “hear” … “pay attention.” Here’s why: Isaiah is laying out for us God’s real intent in plowing — fruit! (29:24-26) If we aren’t listening we could miss this and think … Read More
Jeremiah’s Positive Side to God’s Discipline
As I was meditating on the five WOW passages in Isaiah 28-33, God’s Spirit brought a verse from Jeremiah to mind that also speaks of God’s positive intent even in the middle of seemingly negative discipline/training — Jeremiah 29:11! “For I know the plans I … Read More
God’s Discipline is His Delight
The main chapters in view for March 2 are Isaiah 28-33, all of which begin with “Woe” except for one (ch. 32). I call them the 5 “Woes,” for they talk about the chastening/discipline God is bringing upon the nation and city because of their … Read More
God is a Disciplining Daddy
As I pull together my thoughts/notes for Sunday, March 2 (Isaiah 28-33 and God’s chastening nature), it is accompanied by a glaring passage in Hebrews 12 that echoes and reinforces what Isaiah is saying: God always brings out the best in his kids! Sure, in … Read More
God’s Sovereignty—It’s Not About Us!
Often we like God’s Sovereignty when it makes sense to us…when it makes my life “work out” or look better. But that is really not the filter to use when trying to get a grasp on God’s sovereignty, for it leaves us as the end … Read More
God’s Sovereignty – Rick Davis Style
I was struck last night (at our event “Marriage: Unplugged”) by the number of times Rick, our Featured Mobilizer this month for missions, encouraged us to “let God be God.” Granted — God isn’t waiting on our permission or approval (duh!)…but it’s just our human … Read More
God’s Sovereignty
The focus of this week’s message was the sovereign nature of God, and all I can say is WOW! (By the way, don’t expect me to cover it in a week!) 🙂 Anyway, amazing, eh? We say we have choice, and it certainly appears that … Read More