Posted on December 28, 2010 at 8:46am.
Just as Isaiah had no idea when the 1st advent of Messiah would come, neither do we know when Christ will return. When Paul spoke to the Corinthian believers about the significance of communion he said that we should observe it “until he comes”. So we wait and look forward to that day but we must also live today. The ministry that God has given us is to carry on the work that Jesus initiated.
Using Isaiah 61 as our guide there are three parts to what he did that we should continue. We are to help those in trouble, help those in bondage and help those who hearts are broken. So my questions are: Do you know someone in one of those categories? If so, what are you doing to help?
Posted on December 27, 2010 at 5:52am.
The prophet Isaiah wrote these words:
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom to the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor…”
Hundreds of years later Jesus read those words in a synagogue and then declared - “Today the scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” With his birth and first advent something began, a picture of hope and joy, in the midst of a hard life. I remember when I was a teenager and life got hard I could turn to my music to get by. Groups like The Beach Boys, CCR and Sly and The Family Stone made life a little easier. Life doesn’t work the simply any more. The need I have and we all do is to find joy in Christ as we live between the two advents.
More tomorrow.
Posted on December 26, 2010 at 10:11am.
I am sitting in my study at home and it is Sunday morning! No, I am not playing hooky - I am watching the snow fall since services were cancelled. My message is all written and laying on the desk. I decided I would bring it to you, over the next several days, via my blog. The title is Advent Conspiracy - 2 ... The sequel.
When the prophets spoke the words of God, they looked into the future where time often blurred. It is similar to when we look at a distant mountain range and see two mountain peaks. From our vantage point they look like they are right next to each other and we are unable to tell that there could be vast distances between them. That is how it was for Isaiah, he knew the Messiah was coming he didn’t know when and couldn’t see there were actually two advents. How has God called us to live between the two advents of Jesus? We will begin looking tomorrow.
Posted on September 27, 2010 at 1:22pm.
Glad to be blogging again. I am not really sure why, for me, it comes and goes? I read an email today that stirred my heart. It was from a young man who was sharing the most recent part of his journey with God. Like all of us that journey has had its ups and downs but here is that bottom line - the story is never over. God is working and pursuing even when we cannot see it. I was reminded that it is always to early to give up. I have read the email three times and will most likely read it again. Each time the story puts a smile on my face. Lord you are truly amazing.
Posted on August 30, 2010 at 2:33pm.
“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10
What a great verse, what a great reminder! God enters our daily worries with the promise of his presence and the provision of his character.
