[Isa. 29:8] It shall even be as when an hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; but he awaketh, and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and, behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, he is faint, and his soul hath appetite: so shall the multitude of all the nations be, that fight against mount Zion.
[9] Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink.
[10] For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.
[11] And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed:
[12] And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned.
[13] Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
A unbelievers’ disappointment in the very height of their confident expectation of holding on to what they have, it shall be as great as that of the hungry man who in a dream fancies he eats, but awakes to hunger still (Ps 73:20); their dream shall be dissolute on the fatal morning (37:36).
Unbeliever is astounded; expressing the stupid and amazed incredulity with which the she/he received this announcement, soon you will be amazed at the sight of the actual event.
Be you blinded (since you choose to be so, though the light shines all round you), and soon ye shall be blinded" in good earnest to your sorrow.
You will not be drunk with wine, but with spiritual paralysis!
A deep sleep shall come over you because of the hardness of your heart, and insensibleness of your danger. You have closed your eyes with the veil of ignorance and stupidity. G-d seals up the truth so that even the learned, because they lack believing obedience, cannot discern it.
The unlearned succeed no better than the learned, not from want of human learning, as they fancy, but from not having the teaching of G-d, all need to pick up the Book. If only you would draw near to the Father in your acts of worship with lips of outward devotions, but you do not pay Me that love, and fear, and obedience which I required but according to men’s inventions, preferring the devices and traditions of their false prophets, before My instructions.
Your fear toward Me was taught by the precept of men, instead of the precepts given in My Book. You also worship external, and by rule, not heartfelt as I required. The vision has become thus to you whose minds the idol of this world has blinded; but it is not so in itself, it is not so to all; the same vision which to you is a savor of death unto death to others is and shall be a savor of life unto life. Knowledge is easy to him that understands.
Study to show thyself approved onto G-d; find out the truth for yourself. 2 Tim. 2:15
Life's Storms
[Isa. 25:1] O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.[3] Therefore shall the strong people glorify thee, the city of the terrible nations shall fear thee.
[4] For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.
[5] Thou shalt bring down the noise of strangers, as the heat in a dry place; even the heat with the shadow of a cloud: the branch of the terrible ones shall be brought low.
6] And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.
[7] And he (Y’Shua) will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations.
[8] He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.
[9] And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.
[26:3] Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
4] Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:
[5] For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust.
[6] The foot shall tread it down, even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy.
[7] The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just.
[8] Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O LORD, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee.
[9] With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.
[12] LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.
[13] O LORD our God, other lords beside thee have had dominion over us: but by thee only will we make mention of thy name.
[20] Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.
Have you been going through a storm with a mountain to cross?
Look to your Maker to get through the stress that is holding you down.
Y’Shua can create "perfect peace" within your mind, though storms of trial rage.
Life is full of storms one must know to turn to Him to weather through.
Wines of the Ancients
Isa. 25:6 Wines on the lees - Heb. lees; that is, of wines kept long on the lees. The word used to express the lees in the original signifies the preservers; because they preserve the strength and flavor of the wine. "All recent wines, after the fermentation has ceased, ought to be kept on their lees for a certain time, which greatly contributes to increase their strength and flavor. Whenever this first fermentation has been deficient, they will retain a more rich and sweet taste than is natural to them in a recent true vinous state; and unless farther fermentation is promoted by their lying longer on their own lees, they will never attain their genuine strength and flavor, but run into repeated and ineffectual fermentations, and soon degenerate into a liquor of an acetous kind. All wines of a light and austere kind, by a fermentation too great, or too long continued, certainly degenerate into a weak sort of vinegar; while the stronger not only require, but will safely bear a stronger and often-repeated fermentation; and are more apt to degenerate from a defect than excess of fermentation into a vapid, ropy, and at length into a putrescent state.Observations on the Wines of the Ancients, the Shiras wine, that, after it is refined from the lees, it is apt to grow sour.
It has much sediment, and therefore is intoxicating. In order to make it more mellow, they strain it through a hypocrites' sleeve, after which it is very clear and less heady. They lay up this wine in great earthen jars, which hold from ten to fourteen carabas: but when a jar is unstopped, it is necessary to empty it immediately, and put the wine into bottles, or carabas; for if it be left thus in the jar, it will spoil and become acid.
The goat's skin drawn off from the animal, having no apertures but those occasioned by the tail, the feet, and the neck. One opening is left, to pour in and draw off the liquor. This skin goes through a sort of tanning process, and is often beautifully ornamented.
This clearly explains the very elegant comparison, or rather allegory, of Jeremiah, 48:11; where the reader will find a remarkable example of the mixture of the proper with the allegorical, not uncommon with the Hebrew poets:
Moab hath been at ease from his youth, And he hath settled upon his lees; Nor hath he been drawn off from vessel to vessel, Neither hath he gone into captivity: Wherefore his taste remained in him, And his flavor is not changed. They change the wine from vessel to vessel in the east; and when they unstop a large one, it is necessary to empty it into small vessels, as otherwise it will grow sour.
Watchman Watchman
I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at My mouth, and give them warning from Me.Watch in the watchtower, eat, drink: arise and anoint the shield.
Make ready for defense.
For thus hath the L-rd said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he sees.
The sight needed to be announced to the prophet by the watchman, unless the watchman is on watch.
A lion: My lord, I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my ward whole nights:
A lion - rather, "(The watchman) cried, I am as a lion"; so as is understood (62:5; Ps 11:1). The point of comparison to "a lion" is in Rev. 10:3, the loudness of the cry. But here it is rather his vigilance. The lion's eyelids are short, so that, even when asleep, he seems to be on the watch, awake; hence he was painted on doors of Temples as the symbol of watchfulness, guarding the place.
Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?
He is to announces future events which he sees in prophetic vision.
The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if Ye will inquire, inquire Ye: return, come.
Reply of the prophet, the morning (prosperity) cometh, and (soon after follows) the night (adversity).
Speak to the children of your people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman:
If the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand.
Night watches:
Six to nine p.m.
Nine p.m. to midnight.
Midnight to three a.m.
Three a.m. to six a.m.
Will you be His watchman?
Thanksgiving hymn
Isa. 12:1] And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.
In that day - When this great work of the reduction of Israel and conversion of the Gentiles is fulfilled.
Though thou wast angry - "For though thou hast been angry but thanks be to G-d, that ye were the slaves of sin; but have obeyed from the heart. But there is also a sense in which we receive chastening or discipline from G-d, which certainly feels like His anger. This chastening feels unpleasant (Hebrews 11:11), but it really shows the fatherly love of G-d instead of His hatred.
In the sense of G-d's chastening or discipline in our lives, how wonderful it is when His anger is turned away, and "spanking" stops!
G-d disciplines us as a perfect parent, knowing perfectly how to comfort us after we have been chastened. Sometimes, like rebellious children, we refuse the comfort of
G-d after discipline, but that is always our fault, not His.
Satan also tempts us by all methods, and employs every expedient to compel us to despair. We ought, therefore, to be fortified by this doctrine, that, though we feel the anger of the G-d, we may know that it is of short duration, and that we shall be comforted as soon as He has chastened us.
[2] Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.
The worshipper wants others to see what He says is true. He is excited about what
G-d has done in his life, and invites all to behold the work of the Father.
The talk about trying to believe and trust is a mere pretence. But whether pretence or no, let me remind you that there is no text in the Bible which says, 'Try to trust and believe’.
This peace and security comes from knowing that G-d is my salvation. When we are our own salvation, it is hard to trust and not be afraid in ourselves.
But when G-d is our salvation, we can trust and not be afraid.
This is a confident statement reflecting the will of the worshipper. He is deciding to trust and not be afraid. There are feelings of trust, but that is different than the decision to trust. We can say to our will, "I will trust and not be afraid."
When the G-d is our strength, it means that He is our resource, He is our refuge.
We look to Him for our needs, and are never unsatisfied. Nor is He here called a part or an aid of our strength, but our complete strength; for we are strong, so far as He supplies us with strength.
This chapter is a Thanksgiving hymn of the restored and converted Jews. Just as Miriam, after the deliverance of the Red Sea (11:16), celebrated it with an ode of praise (Ex 15:1-19).
When G-d is our song, it means that He is our joy, He is our happiness. We find our purpose and life in Him, and He never disappoints.
Many don't ever feel the need for salvation. Instead, they think their lives are fine, and come to G-d for a little help when they feel they need it. But they never see themselves as drowning men in need of rescue, or see themselves as hell-destined sinners in need of salvation.
The worshipper is so immersed in this idea that he repeats it in the same verse:
G-d is my salvation . . . He also has become my salvation.
The idea of salvation was peculiarly associated with the Feast of Tabernacles
(verse 3). Hence the cry "Hosanna," "Save, we beseech thee," that accompanied Y’Shuas’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on that day (the fifteenth of the seventh month) (Matt 21:9; compare with Ps 118:25, 26); the earnest of the perfected "salvation" which He shall bring to His people at His glorious second appearance at Jerusalem (Heb. 9:28). "He shall appear the second time without sin unto salvation." Compare Rev. 21:3, "The Tabernacle of G-d is with men." Compare Lk. 9:33, "three tabernacles: one for thee". (the transfiguration being a pledge of the future kingdom), (Ps 118:15; Zec. 14:16). As the Jew was reminded by the
Feast of Tabernacles of his wanderings in tents in the wilderness, so the Jew-Gentile Church to come shall call to mind, with thanksgiving, the various past ways whereby G-d has at last brought them to the heavenly "city of habitation" (Ps 107:7).
[3] Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
Your thirsty souls shall be filled with Divine graces and comforts, which you may draw from G-d, in the use of gospel-ordinances.
Be of good courage, you very, very timid ones, and alter your tone. Try to put a 'Selah' into your life, as David often did in his Psalms. Frequently, he put in a 'Selah,' and then he changed the key directly. In like manner, change the key of your singing; you are a great deal too low. Let the harp-strings be screwed up a bit, and let us have no more of this fiat, mournful notes.
Draw water out of the wells of salvation is an expressive image in a hot country.
On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles the Jews used to bring water in a golden pitcher from the fountain of Siloam, and pour it, mingled with wine, on the sacrifice on the altar, with great rejoicing. This is the allusion in Y’Shuas' words on "the last day of the feast" (John 7:2, 37-39). The pouring out of water indicated repentance (1 Sam. 7:6; compare, as to the Jews' repentance hereafter, Zec. 12:10). There shall be a latter outpouring of the Spirit like the former one on what we call Pentecost (Joe 2:23).
Wells not mere streams, which may run dry, but ever-flowing fountains (John 4:14; 7:38), "Out of his belly (that is, in and from Himself) - living water" (42:18; Ps 84:6; Zec. 13:1; Re 7:17).
When we remember the semi-arid climate of Israel, we see what a beautiful picture the wells of salvation paint. When water is rare, a well is life. To have a place where you can continually come and draw forth to meet your need is a precious gift.
This means there is something for us to do: You will draw water. G-d's doesn't meet our needs as we sit in passive inactivity. We must reach out and draw forth what He has provided. At the same time, it is His water, His well, His rope, and His bucket that we draw with!
The water is Divine knowledge and the wells the teachers of righteousness. The Targum renders this in a very remarkable manner: "Ye shall receive with joy.”
[4] And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.
Make him your Mediator, or call the people in His name. Preach Him who is the Root of Jesse, and who stands as an ensign for the nations. Call on the people to believe in Him; as in Him alone salvation is to be found.
Make mention in Hebrew, "cause it to be remembered."
[5] Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.
Sing is alluding to Ex 15:21.
[6] Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.
For great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst: This gives two reasons for great praise. First, because of who G-d is: the Holy One of Israel. Second, because of where G-d is: in your midst.
Each of these gives everyone reason to praise G-d!
Hebrew, "inhabitress"; so "daughter of Zion," that is, Zion and its people. Not only the Jewish people, to whom His word of salvation was to be sent first; but also all believers of the Messianic Church: as in them the Holy One of Israel dwells. Paul, speaking of the mystery which had been proclaimed among the Gentiles, sums it up in these words: "which is the Messiah in you, the hope of glory; whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Y’Shua HaMashiach;" Col. 1:27,28. Well, therefore, may the inhabitant of Zion cry oat and shout, and proclaim the greatness of her Redeemer.
In the midst of Jerusalem literally (Jer. 3:17; Ezek. 48:35; Zep. 3:15, 17; Zec. 2:10).
The last three verses here carry repeated instructions to God's people of all ages:
1. Give thanks to Jehovah;
2. Call upon His name;
3. Declare His doings among the people;
4. Make mention that His name is exalted;
5. Sing unto Jehovah;
6. G-d hath done excellent things; let this be known in all the earth;
7. Cry aloud and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion; for great in the midst of thee is the Holy One of Israel.
This brings us to the conclusion of the first great division of Isaiah's prophecy; and in these brief chapters there has emerged the great majority of the themes that Isaiah will discuss throughout the book, "line upon line, here a little and there a little". Such things as ruin and captivity of Israel, the return of a remnant,
G-d's judgments upon wicked nations, the salvation of an obedient remnant, the accomplishment of that redemption by the hand of Immanuel (the Messiah), the coming of the Messiah through the Davidic line, the virgin birth of Messiah, the Messiah's character, His endowment, His ability, the nature of G-d's kingdom, the calling of the Gentiles and their reception into G-d's fellowship and kingdom along with a remnant of the Jews.
In that day - When this great work of the reduction of Israel and conversion of the Gentiles is fulfilled.
Though thou wast angry - "For though thou hast been angry but thanks be to G-d, that ye were the slaves of sin; but have obeyed from the heart. But there is also a sense in which we receive chastening or discipline from G-d, which certainly feels like His anger. This chastening feels unpleasant (Hebrews 11:11), but it really shows the fatherly love of G-d instead of His hatred.
In the sense of G-d's chastening or discipline in our lives, how wonderful it is when His anger is turned away, and "spanking" stops!
G-d disciplines us as a perfect parent, knowing perfectly how to comfort us after we have been chastened. Sometimes, like rebellious children, we refuse the comfort of
G-d after discipline, but that is always our fault, not His.
Satan also tempts us by all methods, and employs every expedient to compel us to despair. We ought, therefore, to be fortified by this doctrine, that, though we feel the anger of the G-d, we may know that it is of short duration, and that we shall be comforted as soon as He has chastened us.
[2] Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.
The worshipper wants others to see what He says is true. He is excited about what
G-d has done in his life, and invites all to behold the work of the Father.
The talk about trying to believe and trust is a mere pretence. But whether pretence or no, let me remind you that there is no text in the Bible which says, 'Try to trust and believe’.
This peace and security comes from knowing that G-d is my salvation. When we are our own salvation, it is hard to trust and not be afraid in ourselves.
But when G-d is our salvation, we can trust and not be afraid.
This is a confident statement reflecting the will of the worshipper. He is deciding to trust and not be afraid. There are feelings of trust, but that is different than the decision to trust. We can say to our will, "I will trust and not be afraid."
When the G-d is our strength, it means that He is our resource, He is our refuge.
We look to Him for our needs, and are never unsatisfied. Nor is He here called a part or an aid of our strength, but our complete strength; for we are strong, so far as He supplies us with strength.
This chapter is a Thanksgiving hymn of the restored and converted Jews. Just as Miriam, after the deliverance of the Red Sea (11:16), celebrated it with an ode of praise (Ex 15:1-19).
When G-d is our song, it means that He is our joy, He is our happiness. We find our purpose and life in Him, and He never disappoints.
Many don't ever feel the need for salvation. Instead, they think their lives are fine, and come to G-d for a little help when they feel they need it. But they never see themselves as drowning men in need of rescue, or see themselves as hell-destined sinners in need of salvation.
The worshipper is so immersed in this idea that he repeats it in the same verse:
G-d is my salvation . . . He also has become my salvation.
The idea of salvation was peculiarly associated with the Feast of Tabernacles
(verse 3). Hence the cry "Hosanna," "Save, we beseech thee," that accompanied Y’Shuas’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on that day (the fifteenth of the seventh month) (Matt 21:9; compare with Ps 118:25, 26); the earnest of the perfected "salvation" which He shall bring to His people at His glorious second appearance at Jerusalem (Heb. 9:28). "He shall appear the second time without sin unto salvation." Compare Rev. 21:3, "The Tabernacle of G-d is with men." Compare Lk. 9:33, "three tabernacles: one for thee". (the transfiguration being a pledge of the future kingdom), (Ps 118:15; Zec. 14:16). As the Jew was reminded by the
Feast of Tabernacles of his wanderings in tents in the wilderness, so the Jew-Gentile Church to come shall call to mind, with thanksgiving, the various past ways whereby G-d has at last brought them to the heavenly "city of habitation" (Ps 107:7).
[3] Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
Your thirsty souls shall be filled with Divine graces and comforts, which you may draw from G-d, in the use of gospel-ordinances.
Be of good courage, you very, very timid ones, and alter your tone. Try to put a 'Selah' into your life, as David often did in his Psalms. Frequently, he put in a 'Selah,' and then he changed the key directly. In like manner, change the key of your singing; you are a great deal too low. Let the harp-strings be screwed up a bit, and let us have no more of this fiat, mournful notes.
Draw water out of the wells of salvation is an expressive image in a hot country.
On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles the Jews used to bring water in a golden pitcher from the fountain of Siloam, and pour it, mingled with wine, on the sacrifice on the altar, with great rejoicing. This is the allusion in Y’Shuas' words on "the last day of the feast" (John 7:2, 37-39). The pouring out of water indicated repentance (1 Sam. 7:6; compare, as to the Jews' repentance hereafter, Zec. 12:10). There shall be a latter outpouring of the Spirit like the former one on what we call Pentecost (Joe 2:23).
Wells not mere streams, which may run dry, but ever-flowing fountains (John 4:14; 7:38), "Out of his belly (that is, in and from Himself) - living water" (42:18; Ps 84:6; Zec. 13:1; Re 7:17).
When we remember the semi-arid climate of Israel, we see what a beautiful picture the wells of salvation paint. When water is rare, a well is life. To have a place where you can continually come and draw forth to meet your need is a precious gift.
This means there is something for us to do: You will draw water. G-d's doesn't meet our needs as we sit in passive inactivity. We must reach out and draw forth what He has provided. At the same time, it is His water, His well, His rope, and His bucket that we draw with!
The water is Divine knowledge and the wells the teachers of righteousness. The Targum renders this in a very remarkable manner: "Ye shall receive with joy.”
[4] And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.
Make him your Mediator, or call the people in His name. Preach Him who is the Root of Jesse, and who stands as an ensign for the nations. Call on the people to believe in Him; as in Him alone salvation is to be found.
Make mention in Hebrew, "cause it to be remembered."
[5] Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.
Sing is alluding to Ex 15:21.
[6] Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.
For great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst: This gives two reasons for great praise. First, because of who G-d is: the Holy One of Israel. Second, because of where G-d is: in your midst.
Each of these gives everyone reason to praise G-d!
Hebrew, "inhabitress"; so "daughter of Zion," that is, Zion and its people. Not only the Jewish people, to whom His word of salvation was to be sent first; but also all believers of the Messianic Church: as in them the Holy One of Israel dwells. Paul, speaking of the mystery which had been proclaimed among the Gentiles, sums it up in these words: "which is the Messiah in you, the hope of glory; whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Y’Shua HaMashiach;" Col. 1:27,28. Well, therefore, may the inhabitant of Zion cry oat and shout, and proclaim the greatness of her Redeemer.
In the midst of Jerusalem literally (Jer. 3:17; Ezek. 48:35; Zep. 3:15, 17; Zec. 2:10).
The last three verses here carry repeated instructions to God's people of all ages:
1. Give thanks to Jehovah;
2. Call upon His name;
3. Declare His doings among the people;
4. Make mention that His name is exalted;
5. Sing unto Jehovah;
6. G-d hath done excellent things; let this be known in all the earth;
7. Cry aloud and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion; for great in the midst of thee is the Holy One of Israel.
This brings us to the conclusion of the first great division of Isaiah's prophecy; and in these brief chapters there has emerged the great majority of the themes that Isaiah will discuss throughout the book, "line upon line, here a little and there a little". Such things as ruin and captivity of Israel, the return of a remnant,
G-d's judgments upon wicked nations, the salvation of an obedient remnant, the accomplishment of that redemption by the hand of Immanuel (the Messiah), the coming of the Messiah through the Davidic line, the virgin birth of Messiah, the Messiah's character, His endowment, His ability, the nature of G-d's kingdom, the calling of the Gentiles and their reception into G-d's fellowship and kingdom along with a remnant of the Jews.
Cockatrice
[Isa. 11:8] And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.
Cockatrice - A legendary creature about the size and shape of a dragon or wyvern, but in appearance resembling a giant rooster, with some lizard-like characteristics. The cockatrice is a mythological creature with the body of a dragon or serpent, and the head and legs of a rooster. According to myth, they are the product of a rooster egg (a rare thing indeed!) hatched by a serpent or toad. A magical creature, it can kill with a glance, and its breath is poisonous. The terms "cockatrice" and "basilisk" are usually used interchangeably.
Verse KJV 1885 RV NIV NASB NKJV RSV
Proverbs 23:32 adder (margin: cockatrice) adder (margin: basilisk) viper viper viper adder
Isaiah 11:8 cockatrice (margin: adders) basilisk (margin: adder) viper viper viper adder
Isaiah 14:29 cockatrice (margin: adder) basilisk (margin: adder) viper viper viper adder
Isaiah 59:5 cockatrice (margin: adders) basilisks (margin: adders) vipers adders vipers adders
Jeremiah 8:17 cockatrices basilisks (margin: serpents) vipers adders vipers adders
In the 15th century manuscript of a cockatrice being attacked by a weasel,
the only animal believed to be able to kill a cockatrice.
Blind Indifference
When cruelty comes with blind indifference my humanity becomes my best defense.
But if you consider the alternative I really didn't have that much to give.
A tragic victim of my circumstance ‘old age’ has set in with all its finance.
Never give the devil a second chance. If you do you know that you never will advance.
I believe that this subject is very close to the heart of G-d, but sadly many preachers stay away from this subject because they are desperate to hold on to the money coming into their church for operating expenses and building costs. If they could only understand that G-d's abundance is released into our personal lives and into our ministries when we believe and obey the L-rd concerning the care of orphans & widows. I firmly believe that it is vitally important to our financial lives both personally and corporately, because after all, G-d is our provider and it is His command to care for those who can't take care of themselves. So when we obey Him by releasing our finances and possessions, our Provider takes care of us.
Importance in scripture:
Caring for the orphans, widows, & poor - over 118 times, 44 for orphans
I don’t think most of us realize how important caring for orphans and widows is to the Father.
The USA does not have orphans because we have group homes and foster homes.
Do you even know of any church or ministry that helps the widows in the USA? The church has left that responsibility to the government. Now I am taking about true widows, not ones that have a savings account or stocks, but the ones that are in the need of help.
To whom will you flee for help? The idea is, "When you have forsaken others in their time of need, who will you go to for help when you are in need?"
Psalms 68:5 – G-d is to be a Father to the fatherless; & a Defender of widows this very nature of Him has been imparted to the church and is a very vital part of our responsibility as children of G-d.
What is He telling that we are to do to tap into this amazing abundance of His’s blessings?
Share your bread with the hungry.
Don’t hide from your own flesh – deal with its issues.
Don’t avoid caring for those in your own household of faith.
House the poor - the orphans & widows who have no home.
Clothe the naked
Take away the yoke from your midst’s - relieve oppression wherever you find it
Stop pointing your finger in scorn at those who are oppressed or in sin
Stop gossiping and slandering your brothers and sisters
Care for those that are afflicted or sick.
Visit the ‘shut ins’.
It’s not a hard thing to do to fulfill these commands of G-d in order to receive the promises of G-d. If you have unanswered prayers in your life, check this short list to see if you are complying with these things that G-d desires of you.
Recap with the promises in Isaiah 58:
This is the way to get everything in this life that you need from G-d.
It guarantees that your prayers will be answered.
It guarantees that your healing will come quickly.
It guarantees that the glory of the L-rd & the Holy Spirit will be your rear guard
It guarantees that when you call, He will answer “here am I”
It guarantees that your light - your joy, peace happiness - will break forth in the middle of crisis and problems -no darkness can overcome you.
It guarantees that the L-rd will guide you continually.
It guarantees that even in drought - even if all the financial kingdoms of the earth are failing, you will be satisfied - you will not be brought to ruin.
It guarantees that your body will be strengthened, to give you the best quality of life.
It guarantees that you life will be an ever-flowing spring of life that never fails.
If you are sowing into God’s kingdom, He will see to it that your house is cared for.
Don’t go through life with blind indifference to His wishes.
But if you consider the alternative I really didn't have that much to give.
A tragic victim of my circumstance ‘old age’ has set in with all its finance.
Never give the devil a second chance. If you do you know that you never will advance.
I believe that this subject is very close to the heart of G-d, but sadly many preachers stay away from this subject because they are desperate to hold on to the money coming into their church for operating expenses and building costs. If they could only understand that G-d's abundance is released into our personal lives and into our ministries when we believe and obey the L-rd concerning the care of orphans & widows. I firmly believe that it is vitally important to our financial lives both personally and corporately, because after all, G-d is our provider and it is His command to care for those who can't take care of themselves. So when we obey Him by releasing our finances and possessions, our Provider takes care of us.
Importance in scripture:
Caring for the orphans, widows, & poor - over 118 times, 44 for orphans
I don’t think most of us realize how important caring for orphans and widows is to the Father.
The USA does not have orphans because we have group homes and foster homes.
Do you even know of any church or ministry that helps the widows in the USA? The church has left that responsibility to the government. Now I am taking about true widows, not ones that have a savings account or stocks, but the ones that are in the need of help.
To whom will you flee for help? The idea is, "When you have forsaken others in their time of need, who will you go to for help when you are in need?"
Psalms 68:5 – G-d is to be a Father to the fatherless; & a Defender of widows this very nature of Him has been imparted to the church and is a very vital part of our responsibility as children of G-d.
What is He telling that we are to do to tap into this amazing abundance of His’s blessings?
Share your bread with the hungry.
Don’t hide from your own flesh – deal with its issues.
Don’t avoid caring for those in your own household of faith.
House the poor - the orphans & widows who have no home.
Clothe the naked
Take away the yoke from your midst’s - relieve oppression wherever you find it
Stop pointing your finger in scorn at those who are oppressed or in sin
Stop gossiping and slandering your brothers and sisters
Care for those that are afflicted or sick.
Visit the ‘shut ins’.
It’s not a hard thing to do to fulfill these commands of G-d in order to receive the promises of G-d. If you have unanswered prayers in your life, check this short list to see if you are complying with these things that G-d desires of you.
Recap with the promises in Isaiah 58:
This is the way to get everything in this life that you need from G-d.
It guarantees that your prayers will be answered.
It guarantees that your healing will come quickly.
It guarantees that the glory of the L-rd & the Holy Spirit will be your rear guard
It guarantees that when you call, He will answer “here am I”
It guarantees that your light - your joy, peace happiness - will break forth in the middle of crisis and problems -no darkness can overcome you.
It guarantees that the L-rd will guide you continually.
It guarantees that even in drought - even if all the financial kingdoms of the earth are failing, you will be satisfied - you will not be brought to ruin.
It guarantees that your body will be strengthened, to give you the best quality of life.
It guarantees that you life will be an ever-flowing spring of life that never fails.
If you are sowing into God’s kingdom, He will see to it that your house is cared for.
Don’t go through life with blind indifference to His wishes.
Symphony
I went with a dear friend to the Milwaukee symphony Orchestra and as they played so beautifully G-d started downs loading these thoughts:I was to notice that each individual that was playing was gifted in his or her own right. Each one could have preformed individually and been great, but coming together in unity they made one sound and one voice.
They could carry you upward into the heavenly, creating a whole different atmosphere.
Some sat eagerly and ready to go forward, advancing into the next victory.
All they needed was one director to point the way. One that will carry them higher and higher, the director was encouraging each and everyone to reach their full prudential. By doing so he was drawing others into the fold to experience the joy of working as one, and he was looking at the faces that were watching, waiting for the next move that is to be taken, the next note to be played, waiting and anticipating with eager excitement.
Only he could bring in the harmony and send you on the right path.
We could learn from this by choosing to work together in unison instead of marching to our own beat. When coming together we join all our individual gifting into one body, creating a stronger magnitude of G-d’s presents and power.
Are you tired of being a loner?
Are you ready to march to a different drummer?
Are you ready to join forces in His surroundings?
Individuality is maintain when we dedicating ourselves to His cause to bring more glory to His kingdom.
The Father is our director and He sent His Holy Spirit to us to help point the way. We are to keep our eyes on Him continually; well He takes us to the next level as we climb the heavenly staircase doing His will and His bid.
In eagerness watch, wait, observe and listen for your Commander to speak and guide you.
Belonging to His orchestra and playing with other members is our goal to making a greater impact. Did He not say if one could chase 10,000 to flight what a greater victory we would have in being of one accord.
Little Match Girl
Written in 1846It was biting cold, and the falling snow, which filled a poor little match girl's heart with woe, who was bareheaded and barefooted, as she went along the street, Crying, "Who'll buy my matches? For I want pennies to buy some meat!"
When she left home she had slippers on; But, alas! poor child, now they were gone. For she lost both of them while hurrying across the street, out of the way of two carriages which were near by her feet.
So the little girl went on, while the snow fell thick and fast; and the child's heart felt cold and downcast, for nobody had bought any matches that day, which filled her little mind with grief and dismay.
Alas! She was hungry and shivering with cold; so in a corner between two houses she made bold to take shelter from the violent storm. Peeking into the windows of those with plenty, while they open their gifts and filled their stomach she watching the fire aglow.
Poor little waif! Wishing to herself she'd never been born.
And she grew colder and colder, and feared to go home for fear of her father beating her; and she felt woe-begone because she could carry home no pennies to buy bread,and to go home without pennies she was in dread.
The large flakes of snow covered her ringlets of fair hair; while the passers-by for her had no care, as they hurried along to their homes at a quick pace, while the cold wind blew in the match girl's face.
As night wore on her hands were numb with cold, and no longer her strength could her uphold, when an idea into her little head came: She'd strike a match and warm her hands at the flame.
And she lighted the match, and it burned brightly, and it helped to fill her heart with glee; and she thought she was sitting at a stove very grand; But, alas! She was found dead, with a match in her hand!
Her body was found half-covered with snow, and as the people gazed thereon their hearts were full of woe; and many present let fall a burning tear because she was found dead on the last night of the year,
In that mighty city of London, wherein is plenty of gold - But, alas! Their charity towards street waifs is rather cold.
But I hope the match girl's in Heaven, beside her Saviour dear, a bright reward for all the hardships she suffered here.
{She had been wearing slippers, but they were too big. Why? The answer is immediate—they were her mother's. As little kids we donned our parent's shoes and hobbled about in them, doubling over in giggles by the very immensity of them, our miniature feet lost in the cavernous depths.
Relating something commonplace to the external world, Andersen opens the door for us to enter into a different world of poverty. We are not the onlookers peering in through the windows but involved directly. We feel the cold, hear the mumbled words of the little girl and feel numbness overtaking our minds as the snow falls in flurries about the child in the thin clothes.
Andersen increases the tension by contrasting the season of generosity with that of utter poverty. She hadn't sold a match all day. The repetition of the thought identifies the child's despair and fear of returning home, the utter hopelessness of her life. The fear of being beaten is softened by the repetition of the unsold matches. The lines dull the pain as she loses consciousness. Reality and hallucination mix as her mind wanders into a different world where food is readily available. Only the very hungry dream of apples and roast goose in technicolor.
We understand and see the misery and beauty surrounding the child as she leaves this world. Her vision gives us hope for the next and peace in this as we return back into the bothersome, bustling season of Christmas when greedy shoppers trample each other in the stores, trying to nab the last bargain of the day.
The portrait haunts us a day later as we pass the beggars on the streets or avoid the homeless people in the metros and train stations, but Andersen had the courage to look within the soul and see that underneath the poverty and hunger, they were people, too, needing as much love and attention as you or I.
Instead of calculating your Christmas presents or Christmas budget to spend on friends; make a commitment of time to care about those whose lives are hard. Dedicate a portion of your time to a community project or involve yourself in establishing a new one. It doesn't have to be a major investment, but only a matter of a few hours per month—visiting the ill or shut-in in the local nursing-home or collecting old magazines to create a magazine exchange in the hospital or library for those who cannot afford to pay
subscriptions.
America is the great wasteland of wealth. So many things could be recycled, but are not. So much can be given directly to those in need. Volunteer at a local youth group; work on a crisis line; help develop resources for a website; organize kids to clean trash off the streets—there's a million things possible. Read stories to kids—do something to make this world a better place. Think how different Malvo's life could have been had someone cared for her and showed her the meaning of love. Inside, she's human, too; but she grew up in a brutal world shaped by blind indifference. What can be expected when kids are taught from very young age to play computer games with the major objective is ultimate destruction and televisions are saturated with violence? Save a life by reaching out to someone in need. Carry an apple in the pocket to give to someone in need of food. It's not the biggest sacrifice you'll make in life, but it might warm someone's heart and offer hope to live.}
Word for me
You are an eagle and eagles fly alone.
The power of the Lord will be upon you in a new Way! You are to bear the vessels of the Lord! You are not to touch the unclean, but to keep pure as you go forth from here. For I will march before you, and I the God of Israel will be your rear guard.
I have appointed you before you were born and made your mouth like a sharpened blade, hiding you in the shadow of My hand. Bring back Jacob to Me!
I will make you a light unto the Gentiles. Say to the prisoners: GO FREE, to those
Who are in darkness: SHOW YOURSELVES, FOR He who loves them, will Lead them.
Pass through the gates! Clear the road for the people. Announce to Zion that
Their Deliver is coming. You will not side with people anymore but will side with Me. You are to do and to speak for Me, don’t wait for a position and don’t wait for a title – just do it! Allow Me to flow through you. For I will remind you, that My Word shall not return onto Me void, sayith the Lord your God! And I sent it into your life, My Word and it shall accomplish and you shall go forth in the name of the Lord. You shall be strong in My name sayith the Lord your God! And you shall not be lacking, you shall not be wanting, and you shall not be wavering. You shall be aware of the calling into the ministry that is given unto you. You shall be bold in your God. You shall say yes and thus and thus sayith the Lord. You shall indeed lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.
Amen and Amen and many shall be the trophies that you shall bring before your God in the coming day. For as the Priest of God, you were given a claw shape fork to stick into the meat on the alter, so the Lord your God has dealt into your life. You will sup with Me daily and I will come into your life in a wonderful way. I came in never the less looking for a sacrifice. And as your realized what I wanted, you stiffen and the Lord Your God seen your stiffen scared face. So I have turned the tables on you, and not only are you a sacrifice but you are called to be a priest, the charnels of sacrifice.
You must learn the prong rules and deliver on to your God. You shall stand before the alter and you shall deliver to your God. And I have called you to understand these things and I have Called you to be trained in these things. And you say the end is not yet, for the Lord of Israel has been reviled onto you, little by little and piece by piece.
You are My pearl of great price in whom I have sent My anointing. I have placed you
on a solid foundation of faith. Feed My sheep and love My lambs.
In His service,
Jim Partington
The power of the Lord will be upon you in a new Way! You are to bear the vessels of the Lord! You are not to touch the unclean, but to keep pure as you go forth from here. For I will march before you, and I the God of Israel will be your rear guard.
I have appointed you before you were born and made your mouth like a sharpened blade, hiding you in the shadow of My hand. Bring back Jacob to Me!
I will make you a light unto the Gentiles. Say to the prisoners: GO FREE, to those
Who are in darkness: SHOW YOURSELVES, FOR He who loves them, will Lead them.
Pass through the gates! Clear the road for the people. Announce to Zion that
Their Deliver is coming. You will not side with people anymore but will side with Me. You are to do and to speak for Me, don’t wait for a position and don’t wait for a title – just do it! Allow Me to flow through you. For I will remind you, that My Word shall not return onto Me void, sayith the Lord your God! And I sent it into your life, My Word and it shall accomplish and you shall go forth in the name of the Lord. You shall be strong in My name sayith the Lord your God! And you shall not be lacking, you shall not be wanting, and you shall not be wavering. You shall be aware of the calling into the ministry that is given unto you. You shall be bold in your God. You shall say yes and thus and thus sayith the Lord. You shall indeed lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.
Amen and Amen and many shall be the trophies that you shall bring before your God in the coming day. For as the Priest of God, you were given a claw shape fork to stick into the meat on the alter, so the Lord your God has dealt into your life. You will sup with Me daily and I will come into your life in a wonderful way. I came in never the less looking for a sacrifice. And as your realized what I wanted, you stiffen and the Lord Your God seen your stiffen scared face. So I have turned the tables on you, and not only are you a sacrifice but you are called to be a priest, the charnels of sacrifice.
You must learn the prong rules and deliver on to your God. You shall stand before the alter and you shall deliver to your God. And I have called you to understand these things and I have Called you to be trained in these things. And you say the end is not yet, for the Lord of Israel has been reviled onto you, little by little and piece by piece.
You are My pearl of great price in whom I have sent My anointing. I have placed you
on a solid foundation of faith. Feed My sheep and love My lambs.
In His service,
Jim Partington
Joy in Affliction
Joy in the midst of affliction
[Isa. 9:2-7] The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. We need to remember the birth, person, office, and kingdom of Messiah, during times of affliction. We sometimes may walk in darkness before we see the great light. During that time we look to the earth, and see trouble and darkness, gloom of anguish; and much affliction. When we keep our eyes upward the glom will not be upon us who may be distressed.
We will rejoice according to the time of harvest, the time when the hard work has paid off and the bounty comes off. And the victory is complete. For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. The reference to every warrior's sandal . . . garments rolled in blood, will be used for burning and fuel of fire means that the battle is over. This is what you did when the battle was finished and you had won!
Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
Each of these promises - the reference to great joy, the breaking of the yoke of our burden and the rod of our oppressor, and the complete victory over all enemies has spiritual application to Y’Shua' work in our lives. These things are ours in Y’Shua!
When is Y’Shua sad or worried or afraid? When does Y’Shua groan under the yoke of His burden? When does Y’Shua feel the sting of the rod of His oppressor? When is Y’Shua' victory incomplete? The risen, glorified, ascended Y’Shua experiences none of these things, and He has raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Y’Shua (Ephesians 2:6). As we are in Y’Shua, we share in His victory! We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37).
At the same time, we recognize the hand of the Holy Spirit in the specific wording.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty G-d, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.This glorious prophecy of the birth of the Messiah reminds Israel that the victory-bringing the Messiah would be a man.
What amazing mystery! There is nothing weaker, more helpless, and more dependent than a child. Theoretically, the Messiah could have come as a fully grown man, created as an adult even as Adam was created. But for Y’Shua to fully identify with humanity, and to display in His life the servant nature that is in G-d, made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men (Philippians 2:7).
What glorious truth! We needed a perfect, infinite Being to offer a perfect, infinite atonement for our sins. We needed Immanuel, G-d is with us (Isaiah 7:14).
The Son had to be given, because the Second Person of the Trinity is eternal, and existed forever as the Son, even before adding humanity to His deity. We rejoice in the Holy Spirit's guidance in every word! Y’Shua, the Messiah, is fully G-d and fully man. There was a time when the eternal Son of G-d, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, added humanity to His deity. He never became less G-d, but He added a human nature to His divine nature, and so became one person with two distinct natures, functioning together in perfect harmony.
That Y’Shua is both G-d and man tells us that man really is made in the image of G-d (Genesis 1:26) and that perfect humanity is more compatible with deity than we imagine. It says that our problems is not our humanity, but our fallenness. To say "I'm only human" is wrong, because Y’Shua was fully human yet perfect. It is more accurate to say, "I'm only fallen." But remember that the humanity that Y’Shua added to His Divine nature is not the sinful humanity we commonly know, but the perfect humanity of Adam and Eve before the fall.
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
And the government will be upon His shoulder: Ultimately, this will be fulfilled in the Millennium, when Y’Shua Christ will rule the earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 20:4-6, Psalm 72, Isaiah 2:1-4, Isaiah 11, Isaiah 65:17-25, Zechariah 14:6-21).
This ultimate fulfillment of this promise is still waiting. But we can still see the government, upon His shoulder in many ways.
Leaders of this day surround themselves with servants. Y’Shua surrounds us with His servant hood.
Leaders of this day use their power to build their empire. Y’Shua uses his power to wash our feet and make us clean and comfortable.
Leaders of this day trade their influence for money. G-d so loved that He gave His Son.
Generals of this day need regular wars to keep their weapons and skills up to date and insure their own advancement. Y’Shua brings peace and rest to hearts.
The higher the plane of importance one reaches in this world, the more inaccessible he becomes. Y’Shua was Emanuel, "G-d with us."
Leaders of this day are desperate to be seen and heard. Y’Shua sought anonymity so He could be useful.
The Father’s government is alive and working often silently, mostly unseen. We can be and are, by choice, governed by G-d. Hope and joy and peace and rest cover its subjects. Justice, mercy and grace, amazingly coexist.
Y’Shua is the One fit to guide our lives, and should be the Beliversn's immediate resource as a counselor. Y’Shua can help you with your problems. He may use the presence and the words of another Believers to do it, but Y’Shua is our Counselor.
The High Counsel of the G-dhead guides our lives. "Remember, there is nothing that happens in your daily life, but what was first of all devised in eternity, and counseled by Y’Shua the Messiah for your good and in your behalf, that all things might work together for your lasting benefit and profit.
Beliver, do you know what sweet counsel is? You have gone to your Master in the day of trouble, and in the secret of your chamber you have poured out your heart before Him. You have laid your case before Him, with all its difficulties remember that the Messiah is The Prince of Peace, and that it is easy for Him quickly to allay all our uneasy feelings. These titles confirm us more and more in the faith of the Messiah, and fortify us against Satan and against hell itself!"
[Isa. 9:2-7] The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. We need to remember the birth, person, office, and kingdom of Messiah, during times of affliction. We sometimes may walk in darkness before we see the great light. During that time we look to the earth, and see trouble and darkness, gloom of anguish; and much affliction. When we keep our eyes upward the glom will not be upon us who may be distressed.
We will rejoice according to the time of harvest, the time when the hard work has paid off and the bounty comes off. And the victory is complete. For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. The reference to every warrior's sandal . . . garments rolled in blood, will be used for burning and fuel of fire means that the battle is over. This is what you did when the battle was finished and you had won!
Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
Each of these promises - the reference to great joy, the breaking of the yoke of our burden and the rod of our oppressor, and the complete victory over all enemies has spiritual application to Y’Shua' work in our lives. These things are ours in Y’Shua!
When is Y’Shua sad or worried or afraid? When does Y’Shua groan under the yoke of His burden? When does Y’Shua feel the sting of the rod of His oppressor? When is Y’Shua' victory incomplete? The risen, glorified, ascended Y’Shua experiences none of these things, and He has raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Y’Shua (Ephesians 2:6). As we are in Y’Shua, we share in His victory! We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37).
At the same time, we recognize the hand of the Holy Spirit in the specific wording.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty G-d, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.This glorious prophecy of the birth of the Messiah reminds Israel that the victory-bringing the Messiah would be a man.
What amazing mystery! There is nothing weaker, more helpless, and more dependent than a child. Theoretically, the Messiah could have come as a fully grown man, created as an adult even as Adam was created. But for Y’Shua to fully identify with humanity, and to display in His life the servant nature that is in G-d, made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men (Philippians 2:7).
What glorious truth! We needed a perfect, infinite Being to offer a perfect, infinite atonement for our sins. We needed Immanuel, G-d is with us (Isaiah 7:14).
The Son had to be given, because the Second Person of the Trinity is eternal, and existed forever as the Son, even before adding humanity to His deity. We rejoice in the Holy Spirit's guidance in every word! Y’Shua, the Messiah, is fully G-d and fully man. There was a time when the eternal Son of G-d, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, added humanity to His deity. He never became less G-d, but He added a human nature to His divine nature, and so became one person with two distinct natures, functioning together in perfect harmony.
That Y’Shua is both G-d and man tells us that man really is made in the image of G-d (Genesis 1:26) and that perfect humanity is more compatible with deity than we imagine. It says that our problems is not our humanity, but our fallenness. To say "I'm only human" is wrong, because Y’Shua was fully human yet perfect. It is more accurate to say, "I'm only fallen." But remember that the humanity that Y’Shua added to His Divine nature is not the sinful humanity we commonly know, but the perfect humanity of Adam and Eve before the fall.
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
And the government will be upon His shoulder: Ultimately, this will be fulfilled in the Millennium, when Y’Shua Christ will rule the earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 20:4-6, Psalm 72, Isaiah 2:1-4, Isaiah 11, Isaiah 65:17-25, Zechariah 14:6-21).
This ultimate fulfillment of this promise is still waiting. But we can still see the government, upon His shoulder in many ways.
Leaders of this day surround themselves with servants. Y’Shua surrounds us with His servant hood.
Leaders of this day use their power to build their empire. Y’Shua uses his power to wash our feet and make us clean and comfortable.
Leaders of this day trade their influence for money. G-d so loved that He gave His Son.
Generals of this day need regular wars to keep their weapons and skills up to date and insure their own advancement. Y’Shua brings peace and rest to hearts.
The higher the plane of importance one reaches in this world, the more inaccessible he becomes. Y’Shua was Emanuel, "G-d with us."
Leaders of this day are desperate to be seen and heard. Y’Shua sought anonymity so He could be useful.
The Father’s government is alive and working often silently, mostly unseen. We can be and are, by choice, governed by G-d. Hope and joy and peace and rest cover its subjects. Justice, mercy and grace, amazingly coexist.
Y’Shua is the One fit to guide our lives, and should be the Beliversn's immediate resource as a counselor. Y’Shua can help you with your problems. He may use the presence and the words of another Believers to do it, but Y’Shua is our Counselor.
The High Counsel of the G-dhead guides our lives. "Remember, there is nothing that happens in your daily life, but what was first of all devised in eternity, and counseled by Y’Shua the Messiah for your good and in your behalf, that all things might work together for your lasting benefit and profit.
Beliver, do you know what sweet counsel is? You have gone to your Master in the day of trouble, and in the secret of your chamber you have poured out your heart before Him. You have laid your case before Him, with all its difficulties remember that the Messiah is The Prince of Peace, and that it is easy for Him quickly to allay all our uneasy feelings. These titles confirm us more and more in the faith of the Messiah, and fortify us against Satan and against hell itself!"
Stumbling Stones
An overall view of Isa. 8.The small and gentle stones should be more highly valued by us than the large and rapid rocks of all the nations, and we ought not to envy the great power of the ungodly.
This could be the just punishment of peoples’ distrust and lack of obedience; and we see in it a striking instance of the wicked greediness of men, who cannot be satisfied with the promise and assistance of G-d. One can be broken in pieces if you are thrown into dismay, not watching were you walk and whom you hang out with.
Our nation may throw us into war but G-d's will is going to be done, despite all the plans and preparations. We are tempted to give away to fear and panic in the midst of our troubles, it would be easy to let our heart or mind settle on conspiracies and threats but G-d says “do not fear for He is in control!”
The Father you shall hallow; let Him be your fear. Don't see yourself at the mercy of opposing armies; you are in G-d's hands. Worry about your place with the L-RD instead of your enemies!
Let G-d, and not the problem of the world be the object of your fear. The L-RD will be your sacred place, and your place of protection. He will keep you safe from your enemies, lest you provoke His wrath by your fear of man and distrust of Him.
A stone of stumbling is but an occasion for those who trust Him, the L-RD will be as a resting place. But for those who don't, He will be a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense. Instead of finding protection from the L-RD, they will "trip" over Him, falling to destruction. Indeed, many among us shall stumble; they shall fall and be broken of sin and ruin, at whom they will take offence and stumble, so as to fall and be broken.
We know that Y’Shua is this stone of stumbling and a rock of offense (1 Peter 2:6-8). This is a strong statement of the deity of Y’Shua, because clearly in Isaiah 8:13-14, the L-RD of hosts is the stone, and clearly in 1 Peter 2:6-8, Y’Shua HaMashiach is the stone.
Waiting on the L-rd is not passive inactivity. It means to wait on the L-rd as a waiter would wait on a table. It means to be totally attentive to the L-rd, focused on His every move, and responsive to His every desire. At times it means inactivity, but even that is an "active inactivity," where we stand before the L-rd, totally focused on Him, waiting for what He wants next. We can battle against stumbling stones by setting your focus on the L-rd. Prepare for the coming attack from the world by waiting on the L-rd instead of your enemies. Waiting on the L-rd is connected with His word. We can wait on the L-rd by waiting on His word.
When you are in trouble, shouldn't you seek your G-d? If you can't rely on your G-d when you are in trouble, then what good is your G-d?
Go to G-d's Word! Law and testimony each refer to G-d's Word. We might say that law refers to God's holy commands, and testimony refers to His Glory. How it needs to be proclaimed to our pulpits today: To the law and to the testimony! Enough with your over-use of anecdotes and jokes! Enough with your emphasis on entertainment and sappy stories! Enough with your catering to itching ears! Enough with your hobbyhorses and pet peeves! To the law and to the testimony!
Let us remember, as ministers of the Gospel, what M'Cheyne beautifully said; 'Depend upon it,' said G-d, 'it is G-d's Word not man's comment upon G-d's Word, that saves souls;' and I have marked, that if ever we have a conversion at any time, in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred, the conversion is rather traceable to the text, or to some Scripture quoted in the sermon, than to any trite or original saying by the preacher. It is G-d's Word that breaks the fetters and sets the prisoner free, it is
G-d's Word instrumentally that saves souls, and therefore let us brings everything to the touchstone.
If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them: If there is a disagreement between G-d's word and the word of the messenger, it isn't hard to figure out who is wrong. The messenger is wrong. The word judges the messenger; the messenger doesn't judge the word.
The nations will be driven into darkness: When they forsake G-d's word and trust in mediums and wizards and the dead, they are courting darkness, not light!
Beware of stumbling stones weather they be personal or national.
The Name
[Isa. 7:14] Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
This is one of the most famous prophecies regarding the birth of Y’Shua the Messiah in the Bible. It also illustrates a principle of prophecy, that prophecy may have both a near fulfillment and a far fulfillment, G-d and man meeting in one person, and being a mediator between G-d and men.
It is characteristic of predictive prophecy that it often mingles different times together in one composite picture.
A sign - Of your deliverance. But how was this birth, which was not to happen 'till many ages after, a sign of their deliverance from present danger? This promised birth supposed the preservation of that city, and nation and tribe, in and of which the Messiah was to be born; and therefore there was no cause to fear that ruin which their enemies now threatened.
Notice in Isaiah the Messiah was to be named Immanuel.
The name Jesus in the KJV is not mentioned until the N.C. written by Jews living in Atlantic under Greek rule.
'Jesus' is a Greek Name.
Changed to English would have been 'Joshua'.
Changed to Hebrew would be 'Y'Shua'.
We have adopt to the Greek, not only in His name, but in their calendar and name of week-days.
But His name was to be Immanuel.
What else has satan mislead us to?
This is one of the most famous prophecies regarding the birth of Y’Shua the Messiah in the Bible. It also illustrates a principle of prophecy, that prophecy may have both a near fulfillment and a far fulfillment, G-d and man meeting in one person, and being a mediator between G-d and men.
It is characteristic of predictive prophecy that it often mingles different times together in one composite picture.
A sign - Of your deliverance. But how was this birth, which was not to happen 'till many ages after, a sign of their deliverance from present danger? This promised birth supposed the preservation of that city, and nation and tribe, in and of which the Messiah was to be born; and therefore there was no cause to fear that ruin which their enemies now threatened.
Notice in Isaiah the Messiah was to be named Immanuel.
The name Jesus in the KJV is not mentioned until the N.C. written by Jews living in Atlantic under Greek rule.
'Jesus' is a Greek Name.
Changed to English would have been 'Joshua'.
Changed to Hebrew would be 'Y'Shua'.
We have adopt to the Greek, not only in His name, but in their calendar and name of week-days.
But His name was to be Immanuel.
What else has satan mislead us to?
Whom Shall I Send?
[Isa. 6:8-13] Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
Whom shall I send is spoken after the manner of men; otherwise the L-rd knew whom to send, and whom He would send; and could easily qualify anyone He pleased, and send with such a message.
G-d wants to reach the world, and He wants to reach it through willing people. It isn't that G-d doesn't know who these people are. It is that G-d is waiting for ready hearts to reveal themselves.
Those that would assist others in their correspondence with G-d must not themselves be strangers to it; for how can we expect that G-d should speak by us if we never heard Him speaking to us, or that we should be accepted as the mouth of others to G-d if we never spoke to Him heartily for ourselves?
Have you been waiting for G-d to force you to serve Him? He looks for volunteers!
Who, implying that few would be willing to bear the self-denial which the delivering of such an unwelcome message to the Jews would require on the part of the messenger (compare 1 Chron. 29:5).
The Targum says: ``whom shall I send to prophesy? And who will go to teach?''
For us shows the change of the number, I and us, is very remarkable; and both being meant of one and the same L-rd, do sufficiently intimate a plurality of the persons in the Godhead.
Isaiah emphatically answered G-d's call. He did not hesitate.
He didn't even say, "Here I am, I will go." Isaiah would not go at all unless he knew he was sent by the L-RD. Many are quick to say, "Here I am, I will go" but never wait for the L-RD to send them.
Send me, for he who before thought himself undone, and unworthy to be employed in the service of G-d, now having a discovery and application of pardoning grace, freely offers himself to G-d: this shows the true nature and effect of an application of pardon; it gives a man freedom and boldness in the presence of G-d, and stimulates to a ready and cheerful obedience to His will, and engages him with the utmost alacrity in His service; so far is the doctrine of free and full pardon by the blood of the Messiah from being a licentious doctrine.
What created this kind of heart in Isaiah? First, he had a heart that had been in the presence of G-d. He had a heart that knew its own sinfulness. He had a heart that knew the need among the people, the need for G-d's word. He had a heart that had been touched by G-d's cleansing fire. And he had a heart that heard G-d's heart to reach the nations.
G-d takes Isaiah at his word, and here sends him on a strange errand--to foretell the ruin of his people and even to ripen them for that ruin--to preach that which, by their abuse of it, would be to them a savor of death unto death. And this was to be a type and figure of the state of the Jewish Believers in the days of the Messiah. These verses are quoted in part, or referred to, six times, in the New Testament, which intimates that in gospel time these spiritual judgments would be most frequently inflicted; and though they make the least noise, and come not with observation, yet they are of all judgments the most dreadful.
What preacher could be satisfied with a ministry that made the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes? Isaiah might not be satisfied with it. The people might not be satisfied with it. But G-d would be satisfied with it!
Tell by which is declared that for the malice of man G-d will not immediately take away His word, but He will cause it to be preached to their condemnation, when as they will not learn by it to obey His will, and be saved: by this He exhorts the ministers to do their duty, and answers to the wicked murmurers, that through their own malice their heart is hardened, (Acts 28:26; Romans 11:8).
The Hebrew idiom: "You certainly hear, but do not understand; you certainly see, but do not acknowledge." Seeing this is the case, make the heart of this people fat-declare it to be stupid and senseless; and remove from them the means of salvation, which they have so long abused.
Render them the more hardened by your warnings. The words are quoted in the indicative, "is waxed gross, not the imperative, "make fat"; G-d's word as to the future is as certain as if it were already fulfilled. To see with one's eyes will not convince a will that is opposed to the truth (compare John 11:45, 46; 12:10, 11). One must love divine things in order to understand them!
"Lo! I have given thee a charge this day over the nations, and over the kingdoms; to pluck up, and to pull down; to destroy, and to demolish; to build, and to plant." Jeremiah 1:10
The word of G-d can accomplish when it is received with open eyes, ears, and heart. It brings understanding to our heart, it makes us return, and it brings healing to our lives. If you are under the word of G-d and these things aren't happening to you, ask G-d to work with your eyes, ears, and heart!
Do you ever get tired and ask “how long? We are told only to preach the positive, but some people are assigned to tell the truth, which could be negative. So this is a logical question from anyone who is given such a difficult commission. "I have to preach to those who won't hear, and their rejection of my message will ultimately seal their doom? How long will I have to serve in that kind of ministry?"
G-d’s message is more important than the messenger’s comfort.
G-d always shows unchangeable severity towards sin, but covenant faithfulness in preserving a remnant.
Even the word of G-d oftentimes proves a means of hardening sinners. The prophet makes the heart of people fat, not only as he/she foretells it, passing this sentence upon them in G-d's name, and seals them under it, but as their preaching had a tendency to it, rocking some asleep in security (to whom it was a lovely song), and making others more outrageous, to whom it was such a reproach that they were not able to bear it. Some looked upon the word as a privilege, and their convictions were smothered by it (Jeremiah 7:4); others looked upon it as a aggravation, and their corruptions were exasperated by it.
When the word of G-d, especially the word of the gospel, had been thus abused by them, they shall be un-churched, and consequently undone. Spiritual judgments often bring temporal judgments along with them upon persons and places.
Are you willing to pay the price to say “Send me?” Willing to go where He says go? Do what He says do? Say what He says say?
We are to do as we are told and leave the results in His hands!
Whom shall I send is spoken after the manner of men; otherwise the L-rd knew whom to send, and whom He would send; and could easily qualify anyone He pleased, and send with such a message.
G-d wants to reach the world, and He wants to reach it through willing people. It isn't that G-d doesn't know who these people are. It is that G-d is waiting for ready hearts to reveal themselves.
Those that would assist others in their correspondence with G-d must not themselves be strangers to it; for how can we expect that G-d should speak by us if we never heard Him speaking to us, or that we should be accepted as the mouth of others to G-d if we never spoke to Him heartily for ourselves?
Have you been waiting for G-d to force you to serve Him? He looks for volunteers!
Who, implying that few would be willing to bear the self-denial which the delivering of such an unwelcome message to the Jews would require on the part of the messenger (compare 1 Chron. 29:5).
The Targum says: ``whom shall I send to prophesy? And who will go to teach?''
For us shows the change of the number, I and us, is very remarkable; and both being meant of one and the same L-rd, do sufficiently intimate a plurality of the persons in the Godhead.
Isaiah emphatically answered G-d's call. He did not hesitate.
He didn't even say, "Here I am, I will go." Isaiah would not go at all unless he knew he was sent by the L-RD. Many are quick to say, "Here I am, I will go" but never wait for the L-RD to send them.
Send me, for he who before thought himself undone, and unworthy to be employed in the service of G-d, now having a discovery and application of pardoning grace, freely offers himself to G-d: this shows the true nature and effect of an application of pardon; it gives a man freedom and boldness in the presence of G-d, and stimulates to a ready and cheerful obedience to His will, and engages him with the utmost alacrity in His service; so far is the doctrine of free and full pardon by the blood of the Messiah from being a licentious doctrine.
What created this kind of heart in Isaiah? First, he had a heart that had been in the presence of G-d. He had a heart that knew its own sinfulness. He had a heart that knew the need among the people, the need for G-d's word. He had a heart that had been touched by G-d's cleansing fire. And he had a heart that heard G-d's heart to reach the nations.
G-d takes Isaiah at his word, and here sends him on a strange errand--to foretell the ruin of his people and even to ripen them for that ruin--to preach that which, by their abuse of it, would be to them a savor of death unto death. And this was to be a type and figure of the state of the Jewish Believers in the days of the Messiah. These verses are quoted in part, or referred to, six times, in the New Testament, which intimates that in gospel time these spiritual judgments would be most frequently inflicted; and though they make the least noise, and come not with observation, yet they are of all judgments the most dreadful.
What preacher could be satisfied with a ministry that made the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes? Isaiah might not be satisfied with it. The people might not be satisfied with it. But G-d would be satisfied with it!
Tell by which is declared that for the malice of man G-d will not immediately take away His word, but He will cause it to be preached to their condemnation, when as they will not learn by it to obey His will, and be saved: by this He exhorts the ministers to do their duty, and answers to the wicked murmurers, that through their own malice their heart is hardened, (Acts 28:26; Romans 11:8).
The Hebrew idiom: "You certainly hear, but do not understand; you certainly see, but do not acknowledge." Seeing this is the case, make the heart of this people fat-declare it to be stupid and senseless; and remove from them the means of salvation, which they have so long abused.
Render them the more hardened by your warnings. The words are quoted in the indicative, "is waxed gross, not the imperative, "make fat"; G-d's word as to the future is as certain as if it were already fulfilled. To see with one's eyes will not convince a will that is opposed to the truth (compare John 11:45, 46; 12:10, 11). One must love divine things in order to understand them!
"Lo! I have given thee a charge this day over the nations, and over the kingdoms; to pluck up, and to pull down; to destroy, and to demolish; to build, and to plant." Jeremiah 1:10
The word of G-d can accomplish when it is received with open eyes, ears, and heart. It brings understanding to our heart, it makes us return, and it brings healing to our lives. If you are under the word of G-d and these things aren't happening to you, ask G-d to work with your eyes, ears, and heart!
Do you ever get tired and ask “how long? We are told only to preach the positive, but some people are assigned to tell the truth, which could be negative. So this is a logical question from anyone who is given such a difficult commission. "I have to preach to those who won't hear, and their rejection of my message will ultimately seal their doom? How long will I have to serve in that kind of ministry?"
G-d’s message is more important than the messenger’s comfort.
G-d always shows unchangeable severity towards sin, but covenant faithfulness in preserving a remnant.
Even the word of G-d oftentimes proves a means of hardening sinners. The prophet makes the heart of people fat, not only as he/she foretells it, passing this sentence upon them in G-d's name, and seals them under it, but as their preaching had a tendency to it, rocking some asleep in security (to whom it was a lovely song), and making others more outrageous, to whom it was such a reproach that they were not able to bear it. Some looked upon the word as a privilege, and their convictions were smothered by it (Jeremiah 7:4); others looked upon it as a aggravation, and their corruptions were exasperated by it.
When the word of G-d, especially the word of the gospel, had been thus abused by them, they shall be un-churched, and consequently undone. Spiritual judgments often bring temporal judgments along with them upon persons and places.
Are you willing to pay the price to say “Send me?” Willing to go where He says go? Do what He says do? Say what He says say?
We are to do as we are told and leave the results in His hands!
Seraphims
G-d sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple.
The train was His royal and judicial robe; for He is represented as a judge and which the train of divine perfections fill. The train, the skirts of His robes, filled the Temple, the whole world (for it is all
G-d's Temple, and, as the heaven is His throne, so the earth is His footstool), it was filled with the manifestations of His glory. Shekinah Glory which is filled enriched, and beautified with the tokens of G-d's special presence.
Isa.6:2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
Seraphim - This word is nowhere else in the Bible applied to G-d's attendant majestic beings with 6 wings, human hands or voices in attendance upon G-d. Thus called from fire and burning, which this word properly signifies; to represent either their nature, which is bright and glorious, and pure; or their property, of fervent zeal for G-d's service and glory. The beings as flames of fire, that the immorality of that generation might be exhibited, which worthy of being was totally burnt up.
Wings - The three pairs of wings on each of the seraphim are believed to stand for reverence, humility, and speedy obedience to G-d's will. With two he cover his face (to show they are too lowly to look upon G-d), two wings to cover his feet (to hide this "humble" area of the body, so nothing even possibly deficient is seen in the Father’s presence). Two were made use of for flight; when they are sent on G-d's errands they fly swiftly (Daniel 9:21), more swiftly with their own wings than if they flew on the wings of the wind. This teaches us to do the work of God with cheerfulness and expedition.
The seraphim used four of their wings to express their humility, and used two of their wings to express their willingness and ability to serve G-d. This is the proper balance.
Thus they have four wings for adoration and two for active energy; four to conceal themselves, and two with which to occupy themselves in service; and we may learn from them that we shall serve G-d best when we are most deeply reverend and humbled in His presence. Worship must be in larger proportion than energy, adoration must exceed activity. As Mary at Y’Shua's feet was preferred to Martha and her much serving, so must sacred reverence take the first place, and energetic service follow in due course.
With Twain – in Strongs it means a combination (two, both, double, twice).
[3] And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
One - Father, Son, and Spirit, for all the three Persons appear in this vision V. 8.
They cried unto another - This denotes the publicness of their ministry, and their harmony and unity in it with zeal and fervency they cried aloud; and with unanimity they cried to another. They sang alternately, but in concert, and without the least jarring voice to interrupt the harmony. The formed upon the practice of alternate singing, which prevailed in the Jewish Church from the time of Moses, whose ode at the Red Sea was thus performed, (see Exodus 15:20,21) to that of Ezra, under whom the priests and Levites sung alternately. It was the same with that which is sung by the four living creatures, Revelation 4:8. Praising G-d always was, and will be to eternity, the work of heaven, and the constant employment of blessed spirits above, Psalms 84:4.
Two things the seraphim here give G-d the praise of:
1. His infinite perfections in Himself. G-d's power was spoken twice (Psalms 62:11), but His holiness thrice, Holy, holy, holy. They say it three times because there are Three Persons in the One G-d.
The particular pleasure they take in contemplating the holiness of G-d; this is a subject they love to dwell upon, to harp upon, and are loath to leave. Holiness, at its root, has the idea of apartness. It describes someone, or something, which is set apart from other people or things. An object can be holy if it is set apart for sacred service. A person is holy if they are set apart for G-d's will and purpose.
3. The superlative excellence of G-d's holiness, above that of the purest creatures. He is holy, thrice holy, infinitely holy, originally, perfectly, and eternally so. G-d's holiness is a part of everything He is and does. G-d's power is a holy power. G-d's love is a holy love. G-d's wisdom is a holy wisdom. Holiness is not an aspect of G-d's personality; it is one characteristic of His entire Being.
4. It may refer to the three person in the G-dhead, Holy Father, Holy Son, and Holy Spirit (for it follows, verse 8, Who will go for us? Herein he was, and is, and will be, holy; his ways are equal.
This often repetition signifies that the angels cannot satisfy themselves in praising G-d, to teach us that in all our lives we should give ourselves to the continual praise of G-d.
His glory not only appears in the heavens but through all the world, and therefore all creatures are bound to praise Him.
The whole earth is full of his glory - the Hebrew more emphatically, the fullness of the whole earth is His glory (Ps 24:1; 72:19). The seraphim surrounding the throne of G-d could see this probably more clearly than Isaiah could. We are often blind to the obvious glory of G-d all around us.
[4] And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
Post of the door - rather, foundations of the thresholds.
Voice of him - The seraphim are majestic beings, and their voice carries weight. When they speak, the door posts of G-d's throne room shake! The idea may be that Isaiah was watching from the door way, and when the seraphim cried out, he could feel the door posts shake.
The seraphim have one occupation: Their existence is given over to the praise and worship and honor of the L-RD G-d who is enthroned in heaven. What could we possibly do that is a higher calling than that? They sang so powerfully, the door posts were shaken! Shouldn't we sing with the same passion, the same heart, the same intensity? Do those angels have more to thank and praise
G-d for than we do?
Cried - There are voices in heaven sufficient to drown all the noises of the many waters in this lower world, Psalms 93:3,4. This violent concussion of the Temple was an indication of G-d's wrath and displeasure against the people for their sins; it was an earnest of the destruction of it and the city by the Babylonians first, and afterwards by the Romans; and it was designed to strike an awe upon us. Shall walls and posts tremble before G-d, and shall we not tremble?
House – Temple
Filled with smoke - This smoke reminds us of the pillar of cloud that represented the presence of G-d (Exodus 13:21-22), the smoke on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:18), and the cloud of G-d's Shekinah glory that filled the Temple (1 Kings 8:10-12). A cloud of glory often marks the presence of the L-RD.
[5] Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
Woe –What made Isaiah feel like he was coming apart? Two things. First, the sight and sound of the seraphim. Second, the vision of the L-rd G-D.
I am undone – to be silent because he was a man of polluted lips, and dwelt among a people of polluted lips, and was unworthy, either to join the seraphim in singing praises to G-d, or to be the messenger of G-d to His people.
All men, in the presence of G-d, must inevitably be overcome with a sense of wickedness and unworthiness; but that is a different thing altogether from being as wicked as are those in full rebellion against G-d. Confession of sin here as a conscious realization of the wickedness of all flesh in the sight of G-d, and not as an admission that he was just as wicked as the people generally were in that rebellious era.
G-d will never do anything with us till He has first of all undone us.
Unclean lips – instead of boasting of your excellence, and trusting in your might, or comforting yourself in your comparative innocence, you will also be dumb before Him, because you have been a man of unclean lips, and because you hast still an unclean heart.
By nature, our lips are full of flattery and false intent: With flattering lips and a double heart they speak (Psalm 12:2). By nature, our lips lie and are proud: Let the lying lips be put to silence, which speak insolent things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous (Psalm 31:18). By nature, our lips deceive: Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit (Psalm 34:13). By nature, our lips are violent: Swords are in their lips (Psalm 59:7). By nature, our lips bring death to others: The poison of asps is under their lips (Psalm 140:3).
I have seen the King - not strictly Jehovah Himself (John 1:18; 1 Tim. 6:16), but the symbol of His presence. Isaiah was a righteous, godly man by all outward appearance. Yet when he saw the enthroned King, the L-rd of hosts, he saw how sinful he was in comparison. Isaiah's life may have been as brilliant as a diamond. But when you lay a diamond against a perfectly black background, and have the right light upon it, you can see every flaw and imperfection - flaws that were invisible before. Even so, when Isaiah's righteous life lay against the background of G-d's perfection, it looked different.
L-rd - Hebrew, "JEHOVAH."
[6] Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:
Flew - By G-d's command.
Unto me - The seraphim had been in the temple, Isaiah outside of it.
A coal - literally, "a hot stone," used, as in some countries in our days, to roast meat with, for example, the meat of the sacrifices. Fire was a symbol of purification, as it takes the dross out of metals (Mal. 3:2, 3). Both a token and an instrument of purification.
The tongs - These majestic beings, surrounding the throne of G-d, ministered to Isaiah. One flew to Isaiah with a live coal - which means the coal was still hot and burning. It was so hot that even an angel had to use the tongs from the altar.
The altar - Of burnt-offering, in the court of the priests before the temple. The fire on it was at first kindled by G-d (Lev. 9:24), and was kept continually burning.
[7] And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.
Laid it - So as only to touch my lips, and not to burn them; which G-d could easily effect.
Mouth . . . lips - The mouth was touched because it was the part to be used by the prophet when inaugurated. So "tongues of fire" rested on the disciples (Acts 2:3, 4) when they were being set apart to speak in various languages of Jesus.
Lo - This is a sign that I have pardoned and purged the uncleanness of thy lips.
Iniquity - conscious unworthiness of acting as G-d's messenger.
Purged - literally, "covered," that is, expiated, not by any physical effect of fire to cleanse from sin, but in relation to the altar sacrifices, of which Messiah, who here commissions Isaiah, was in His death to be the antitype: it is implied hereby that it is only by sacrifice sin can be pardoned.
This declares that man cannot render due obedience to G-d, till He has purged us.
The train was His royal and judicial robe; for He is represented as a judge and which the train of divine perfections fill. The train, the skirts of His robes, filled the Temple, the whole world (for it is all
G-d's Temple, and, as the heaven is His throne, so the earth is His footstool), it was filled with the manifestations of His glory. Shekinah Glory which is filled enriched, and beautified with the tokens of G-d's special presence.
Isa.6:2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
Seraphim - This word is nowhere else in the Bible applied to G-d's attendant majestic beings with 6 wings, human hands or voices in attendance upon G-d. Thus called from fire and burning, which this word properly signifies; to represent either their nature, which is bright and glorious, and pure; or their property, of fervent zeal for G-d's service and glory. The beings as flames of fire, that the immorality of that generation might be exhibited, which worthy of being was totally burnt up.
Wings - The three pairs of wings on each of the seraphim are believed to stand for reverence, humility, and speedy obedience to G-d's will. With two he cover his face (to show they are too lowly to look upon G-d), two wings to cover his feet (to hide this "humble" area of the body, so nothing even possibly deficient is seen in the Father’s presence). Two were made use of for flight; when they are sent on G-d's errands they fly swiftly (Daniel 9:21), more swiftly with their own wings than if they flew on the wings of the wind. This teaches us to do the work of God with cheerfulness and expedition.
The seraphim used four of their wings to express their humility, and used two of their wings to express their willingness and ability to serve G-d. This is the proper balance.
Thus they have four wings for adoration and two for active energy; four to conceal themselves, and two with which to occupy themselves in service; and we may learn from them that we shall serve G-d best when we are most deeply reverend and humbled in His presence. Worship must be in larger proportion than energy, adoration must exceed activity. As Mary at Y’Shua's feet was preferred to Martha and her much serving, so must sacred reverence take the first place, and energetic service follow in due course.
With Twain – in Strongs it means a combination (two, both, double, twice).
[3] And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
One - Father, Son, and Spirit, for all the three Persons appear in this vision V. 8.
They cried unto another - This denotes the publicness of their ministry, and their harmony and unity in it with zeal and fervency they cried aloud; and with unanimity they cried to another. They sang alternately, but in concert, and without the least jarring voice to interrupt the harmony. The formed upon the practice of alternate singing, which prevailed in the Jewish Church from the time of Moses, whose ode at the Red Sea was thus performed, (see Exodus 15:20,21) to that of Ezra, under whom the priests and Levites sung alternately. It was the same with that which is sung by the four living creatures, Revelation 4:8. Praising G-d always was, and will be to eternity, the work of heaven, and the constant employment of blessed spirits above, Psalms 84:4.
Two things the seraphim here give G-d the praise of:
1. His infinite perfections in Himself. G-d's power was spoken twice (Psalms 62:11), but His holiness thrice, Holy, holy, holy. They say it three times because there are Three Persons in the One G-d.
The particular pleasure they take in contemplating the holiness of G-d; this is a subject they love to dwell upon, to harp upon, and are loath to leave. Holiness, at its root, has the idea of apartness. It describes someone, or something, which is set apart from other people or things. An object can be holy if it is set apart for sacred service. A person is holy if they are set apart for G-d's will and purpose.
3. The superlative excellence of G-d's holiness, above that of the purest creatures. He is holy, thrice holy, infinitely holy, originally, perfectly, and eternally so. G-d's holiness is a part of everything He is and does. G-d's power is a holy power. G-d's love is a holy love. G-d's wisdom is a holy wisdom. Holiness is not an aspect of G-d's personality; it is one characteristic of His entire Being.
4. It may refer to the three person in the G-dhead, Holy Father, Holy Son, and Holy Spirit (for it follows, verse 8, Who will go for us? Herein he was, and is, and will be, holy; his ways are equal.
This often repetition signifies that the angels cannot satisfy themselves in praising G-d, to teach us that in all our lives we should give ourselves to the continual praise of G-d.
His glory not only appears in the heavens but through all the world, and therefore all creatures are bound to praise Him.
The whole earth is full of his glory - the Hebrew more emphatically, the fullness of the whole earth is His glory (Ps 24:1; 72:19). The seraphim surrounding the throne of G-d could see this probably more clearly than Isaiah could. We are often blind to the obvious glory of G-d all around us.
[4] And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
Post of the door - rather, foundations of the thresholds.
Voice of him - The seraphim are majestic beings, and their voice carries weight. When they speak, the door posts of G-d's throne room shake! The idea may be that Isaiah was watching from the door way, and when the seraphim cried out, he could feel the door posts shake.
The seraphim have one occupation: Their existence is given over to the praise and worship and honor of the L-RD G-d who is enthroned in heaven. What could we possibly do that is a higher calling than that? They sang so powerfully, the door posts were shaken! Shouldn't we sing with the same passion, the same heart, the same intensity? Do those angels have more to thank and praise
G-d for than we do?
Cried - There are voices in heaven sufficient to drown all the noises of the many waters in this lower world, Psalms 93:3,4. This violent concussion of the Temple was an indication of G-d's wrath and displeasure against the people for their sins; it was an earnest of the destruction of it and the city by the Babylonians first, and afterwards by the Romans; and it was designed to strike an awe upon us. Shall walls and posts tremble before G-d, and shall we not tremble?
House – Temple
Filled with smoke - This smoke reminds us of the pillar of cloud that represented the presence of G-d (Exodus 13:21-22), the smoke on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:18), and the cloud of G-d's Shekinah glory that filled the Temple (1 Kings 8:10-12). A cloud of glory often marks the presence of the L-RD.
[5] Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
Woe –What made Isaiah feel like he was coming apart? Two things. First, the sight and sound of the seraphim. Second, the vision of the L-rd G-D.
I am undone – to be silent because he was a man of polluted lips, and dwelt among a people of polluted lips, and was unworthy, either to join the seraphim in singing praises to G-d, or to be the messenger of G-d to His people.
All men, in the presence of G-d, must inevitably be overcome with a sense of wickedness and unworthiness; but that is a different thing altogether from being as wicked as are those in full rebellion against G-d. Confession of sin here as a conscious realization of the wickedness of all flesh in the sight of G-d, and not as an admission that he was just as wicked as the people generally were in that rebellious era.
G-d will never do anything with us till He has first of all undone us.
Unclean lips – instead of boasting of your excellence, and trusting in your might, or comforting yourself in your comparative innocence, you will also be dumb before Him, because you have been a man of unclean lips, and because you hast still an unclean heart.
By nature, our lips are full of flattery and false intent: With flattering lips and a double heart they speak (Psalm 12:2). By nature, our lips lie and are proud: Let the lying lips be put to silence, which speak insolent things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous (Psalm 31:18). By nature, our lips deceive: Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit (Psalm 34:13). By nature, our lips are violent: Swords are in their lips (Psalm 59:7). By nature, our lips bring death to others: The poison of asps is under their lips (Psalm 140:3).
I have seen the King - not strictly Jehovah Himself (John 1:18; 1 Tim. 6:16), but the symbol of His presence. Isaiah was a righteous, godly man by all outward appearance. Yet when he saw the enthroned King, the L-rd of hosts, he saw how sinful he was in comparison. Isaiah's life may have been as brilliant as a diamond. But when you lay a diamond against a perfectly black background, and have the right light upon it, you can see every flaw and imperfection - flaws that were invisible before. Even so, when Isaiah's righteous life lay against the background of G-d's perfection, it looked different.
L-rd - Hebrew, "JEHOVAH."
[6] Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:
Flew - By G-d's command.
Unto me - The seraphim had been in the temple, Isaiah outside of it.
A coal - literally, "a hot stone," used, as in some countries in our days, to roast meat with, for example, the meat of the sacrifices. Fire was a symbol of purification, as it takes the dross out of metals (Mal. 3:2, 3). Both a token and an instrument of purification.
The tongs - These majestic beings, surrounding the throne of G-d, ministered to Isaiah. One flew to Isaiah with a live coal - which means the coal was still hot and burning. It was so hot that even an angel had to use the tongs from the altar.
The altar - Of burnt-offering, in the court of the priests before the temple. The fire on it was at first kindled by G-d (Lev. 9:24), and was kept continually burning.
[7] And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.
Laid it - So as only to touch my lips, and not to burn them; which G-d could easily effect.
Mouth . . . lips - The mouth was touched because it was the part to be used by the prophet when inaugurated. So "tongues of fire" rested on the disciples (Acts 2:3, 4) when they were being set apart to speak in various languages of Jesus.
Lo - This is a sign that I have pardoned and purged the uncleanness of thy lips.
Iniquity - conscious unworthiness of acting as G-d's messenger.
Purged - literally, "covered," that is, expiated, not by any physical effect of fire to cleanse from sin, but in relation to the altar sacrifices, of which Messiah, who here commissions Isaiah, was in His death to be the antitype: it is implied hereby that it is only by sacrifice sin can be pardoned.
This declares that man cannot render due obedience to G-d, till He has purged us.
Dietary Laws Barnabas
From Barnabas chapter 9 tells us how all were designed for a spiritual signification. 1. But why did Moses say ‘you shall not eat of the swine, neither the eagle nor the hawk; not the crow; nor any fish that has not a scale upon him? The answer, that in the spiritual sense, he comprehended three doctrines, that were to be gathered from thence.
3. Now the sow he forbade them to eat; meaning thus much; you shall not join yourself to such persons as are like unto swine; who whilst they live in pleasure, forget their G-d; but when any want pinches them, then they know the L-rd; as the sow when she is full knows not her master; but when she is hungry she makes a noise; and being again fed, is silent.
4. Neither, says, he shall you not eat the eagle, nor the hawk, nor the kite, nor the crow; that is you shall not keep company with such kind of men as know not how by their labor and sweat to get themselves food: but injuriously ravish away the things of others; and watch how to lay snares for them; when at the same time they appear to live in perfect innocence.
5. So these birds alone seek not food for themselves, but sitting idle seek how they may eat of the flesh others have provide; being destructive through their wickedness.
6. You shall eat the lamprey, nor the polypus, nor the cuttle fish; that is, you shall not be such men, by using to converse with them; who are altogether wicked and adjudged to death. For so those fishes are alone accursed, and wallow in the mire, nor swim as other fishes, but tumble in the dirt at the bottom of the deep.
7. Neither shall you eat of the hare. To what end? To signify this to us; You shall not be an adulterer; nor liken yourself to such persons. For the hare every year multiplies the places of its conception; and so many years as it lives, so many it has.
8. Neither shall you eat of the hyena; that is, again, be not an adultery, nor a corruptor of others; neither be like to such. Because that creature every year changes its kind, and it sometimes male and sometimes female.
9. For which cause also he justly hated the weasel; to the end that they should not be like such persons who with their mouths commit wickedness by reason of their uncleanness; nor join themselves with those impure women, who with their mouths commit wickedness. Because the animal conceives with its mouth.
10. Moses, therefore, speaking as concerning meats, delivered indeed three great precepts to them in the spiritual signification of those commands. But they according to the desires of the flesh, understood him as if he had only meant it of meats.
11, And therefore David took aright the knowledge of his three-fold command, saying in like manner.
12. Blessed is the man that has not walked in the counsel of the ungodly; as the fishes before mentioned in the bottom of the deep in darkness.
13. Nor stood in the way of sinners, as they who seem to fear the L-rd, but yet sin, as the sow.
14. And hath not sat in the seat of the scorners; as those birds who sit and watch that they may devour.
15. Here you have the Law concerning meat perfectly set forth, and according to the true knowledge of it.
18. In short, with those who know that to meditate is a work of pleasure, and therefore exercise themselves in the word of the L-rd.
19. But why might they eat those that clave the hoof? Because the righteous lives in this present world; but his expectation is fixed upon the other. See, brethren, how admirably Moses commanded these things.
20. But how should we thus know all this, and understand it? We, therefore, understanding alright Commandments, speak as the L-rd would have us. Wherefore he has circumcised our ears and our hearts, that we might know these things.
The signification of which is this: that we go down into the water (baptism) full of sin and pollutions; but come up again, bringing forth fruit; having in our hearts the fear and hope which is in Y’Suha, by the spirit. And whosoever shall eat of them shall live forever.
Corrupt by Choice
Isa. 5: 3-7 This section of Isaiah is a masterpiece. First, Isaiah concealed the identity of the vineyard and the One who planted; and then, when He explained what happened, He asked His hearers to "Judge" between the owner and the vineyard. It is easy to know what the judgment of the people was certain to be in that situation. Next, notice the dramatic shift to the first person on the part of the prophet. Why? Isaiah was G-d's mouthpiece here and was speaking for G-d Himself. Notice the promise to "command the clouds". Only G-d could do that. At that point, no doubt, the more discerning of Isaiah's hearers had begun to understand; but then the prophet hit them squarely with the full, literal, unvarnished truth. G-d indeed had planted the vineyard which was composed of Israel and Judah. He would now remove all of the protection from His people and cause them to be overrun and destroyed. Furthermore, He restated their guilt in some of the most dramatic words in the Bible, utilizing the device of paronomasia. The Hebrew here uses pairs of words to contrast what G-d looked for and what He received. These words, similar, and almost identical in sound have radically different meanings.
"G-d looked for justice (mishpat] in Hebrew) but received bloodshed, or oppression, (mispah] in Hebrew). G-d looked for righteousness (tsedakah] in Hebrew) but received a cry (seakah] in Hebrew). This play upon the contrasting meanings of similar words is called paronomasia, and will be noted often in this prophecy. Of course, much of the force of such contrasts is lost in translation from one language to another.
The ground was carefully prepared (dug it up and cleared out its stones). It was planted with good stock (planted it with the choicest vine). It was protected (a tower in its midst). Provision was made for the fruit to be processed (made a winepress in it).
With all these advantages, it is not surprising that He expected it to bring forth good grapes. What else would be expected? In the story, there was nothing left undone by the owner of the vineyard. He did all he could do. In the same way, G-d cannot be blamed at all for the wild grapes people brought forth. G-d did all He could do, apart from making men robots, acting apart from or against their wills.
We are dealing here with something worse than unfruitfulness. The New Testament also speaks of a faith that brings forth fruit, but the fruit is dead works, which pollute the air like a cadaver. The wolfs-bane, or wild vine (2 Kings 4:39), does bear beautiful berries, but they are bitter, foul-smelling and poisonous in nature. This is a precise description of the self-willed and false religion of the unfaithful covenant people.
Wild grapes mean that the vineyard produced just what you would expect it to produce if nothing had been done to it. All the love, care, time, work, and investment resulted had no result.
Has it been so with us? Have we rewarded the Well beloved thus ungratefully for all His pains? Have we given Him hardness of heart, instead of repentance; unbelief, instead of faith; indifference, instead of love; idleness, instead of holy industry; impurity, instead of holiness?
Vine-dressers use to dig up and open the earth about the roots of the vines. The vineyard will receive nothing from the L-rd. The vineyard resisted and protested the "pruning" and "digging" and "watering" the owner did. So now, the owner says, "Fine. No more pruning or digging or watering. You will see for yourself if that is better."
Many discouraged children of G-d wish the L-rd would stop pruning, stop digging, and stop watering. Those things may be hard, but it is even worse when the L-rd stops doing them!
The parable is partly dropped and Jehovah, is implied to be the Owner: for He alone, not an ordinary husbandman (Matt. 21:43; Lk. 17:22; Matt. 21:43.), could give such a "command."
No rain - I will deprive you of all My blessings.
Judgment and righteousness are true fruit of the fear of G-d and therefore in the cruel oppression there is no religion.
When errors and corruptions, vice and immorality, go without check or control, no testimony borne against them, (no one speaking up) no rebuke given them or restraint put upon them, the vineyard is un-pruned, is not dressed, or ridded; and then it will soon be like the vineyard of the man void of understanding, all grown over with thorns.
G-d in a way of righteous judgment, denies His grace to those that have long received it in vain. The sum of all is that those who would not bring forth good fruit should bring forth none. The curse of barrenness is the punishment of the sin of barrenness, as Mark 11:14.
The departure of G-d's Spirit from those persons who have long resisted Him and striven against Him and the removal of His gospel from those places that have been long a reproach to it, while it has been an honor to them. It is no loss to G-d to lay His vineyard waste.
He looked for judgment and righteousness that the people should be honest in all their dealings and the magistrates should strictly administer justice.
It is very sad with a soul when instead of the grapes of humility, meekness, patience, love, and contempt of the world, which G-d looks for, there are the wild grapes of pride, passion, discontent, malice, and contempt of G-d instead of the grapes of praying and praising, the wild grapes of cursing and swearing, which are a great offence to G-d.
Since the Father made us with “free will”, we can choose to be as the good grapes bearing much fruit or we can choose to be corrupt. There are too many corrupt societies; maybe it is the sign of the times.
Remember who owns the vineyard; He will one day come as fire (judgment).
Choose wisely for we will be held accountable!
"G-d looked for justice (mishpat] in Hebrew) but received bloodshed, or oppression, (mispah] in Hebrew). G-d looked for righteousness (tsedakah] in Hebrew) but received a cry (seakah] in Hebrew). This play upon the contrasting meanings of similar words is called paronomasia, and will be noted often in this prophecy. Of course, much of the force of such contrasts is lost in translation from one language to another.
The ground was carefully prepared (dug it up and cleared out its stones). It was planted with good stock (planted it with the choicest vine). It was protected (a tower in its midst). Provision was made for the fruit to be processed (made a winepress in it).
With all these advantages, it is not surprising that He expected it to bring forth good grapes. What else would be expected? In the story, there was nothing left undone by the owner of the vineyard. He did all he could do. In the same way, G-d cannot be blamed at all for the wild grapes people brought forth. G-d did all He could do, apart from making men robots, acting apart from or against their wills.
We are dealing here with something worse than unfruitfulness. The New Testament also speaks of a faith that brings forth fruit, but the fruit is dead works, which pollute the air like a cadaver. The wolfs-bane, or wild vine (2 Kings 4:39), does bear beautiful berries, but they are bitter, foul-smelling and poisonous in nature. This is a precise description of the self-willed and false religion of the unfaithful covenant people.
Wild grapes mean that the vineyard produced just what you would expect it to produce if nothing had been done to it. All the love, care, time, work, and investment resulted had no result.
Has it been so with us? Have we rewarded the Well beloved thus ungratefully for all His pains? Have we given Him hardness of heart, instead of repentance; unbelief, instead of faith; indifference, instead of love; idleness, instead of holy industry; impurity, instead of holiness?
Vine-dressers use to dig up and open the earth about the roots of the vines. The vineyard will receive nothing from the L-rd. The vineyard resisted and protested the "pruning" and "digging" and "watering" the owner did. So now, the owner says, "Fine. No more pruning or digging or watering. You will see for yourself if that is better."
Many discouraged children of G-d wish the L-rd would stop pruning, stop digging, and stop watering. Those things may be hard, but it is even worse when the L-rd stops doing them!
The parable is partly dropped and Jehovah, is implied to be the Owner: for He alone, not an ordinary husbandman (Matt. 21:43; Lk. 17:22; Matt. 21:43.), could give such a "command."
No rain - I will deprive you of all My blessings.
Judgment and righteousness are true fruit of the fear of G-d and therefore in the cruel oppression there is no religion.
When errors and corruptions, vice and immorality, go without check or control, no testimony borne against them, (no one speaking up) no rebuke given them or restraint put upon them, the vineyard is un-pruned, is not dressed, or ridded; and then it will soon be like the vineyard of the man void of understanding, all grown over with thorns.
G-d in a way of righteous judgment, denies His grace to those that have long received it in vain. The sum of all is that those who would not bring forth good fruit should bring forth none. The curse of barrenness is the punishment of the sin of barrenness, as Mark 11:14.
The departure of G-d's Spirit from those persons who have long resisted Him and striven against Him and the removal of His gospel from those places that have been long a reproach to it, while it has been an honor to them. It is no loss to G-d to lay His vineyard waste.
He looked for judgment and righteousness that the people should be honest in all their dealings and the magistrates should strictly administer justice.
It is very sad with a soul when instead of the grapes of humility, meekness, patience, love, and contempt of the world, which G-d looks for, there are the wild grapes of pride, passion, discontent, malice, and contempt of G-d instead of the grapes of praying and praising, the wild grapes of cursing and swearing, which are a great offence to G-d.
Since the Father made us with “free will”, we can choose to be as the good grapes bearing much fruit or we can choose to be corrupt. There are too many corrupt societies; maybe it is the sign of the times.
Remember who owns the vineyard; He will one day come as fire (judgment).
Choose wisely for we will be held accountable!
Church of God Doctrines
The Apocrypha and the lost books of the Bible lost me a position or was it just the excuse? I was going to the Church of God and the pastor kept telling me I was getting old and needed a church family so I tried to get involved. There are nice people that were going there. They got flooded with babies, and lack enough 'teachers'. So I volunteered, thinking maybe it was time to put out what
G-d had deposited in me. My hearts compassion is having everyone love G-d's Word.
I think my gifting is making the Book come alive and give it understanding.
The pastor had rules and conditions that one must jump through before he gives a answer; I started jumping through all his hoops. Knowing one cannot be too careful in whom they learn Scripture from. (2 Tim. 2:15.)
When it came down to D-day, I was pulled aside and the pastor said he had called his supervisor to look at my blog. Does that seem strange to you? Does he call his supervisor to check out all his people? It was going to be only a small group teaching.
His supervisor did not like the fact that I had some 'Apocrypha writings in there and science research topics'. He said it was 'against their doctrines', so the answer was 'no' because they do not believe in extra writings.
Believe what? That they never existed? Here is a list of some mention in the King James Bible - and there is also a list for the New Covenant.
I have never taught on any of them, but I do rabbit trails as G-d leads me. I will be lucky to get the Scriptures done before I pass on to Glory Land. The Apocrypha was one of the college courses I had taken and found interesting, but my calling is to research the Scriptures.
The lesson I learn is that G-d used me to challenge one of His servants. My prayer is he will take 'this issue' to prayer and see what G-d says. I will continue to keep my nose to the books! G-d has set me aside for a reason. G-d lead me to having a blog as a way of releasing what was deposited and teaching who-so-ever cares to read it.
24 Lost books of the Old Covenant:
1. Book of Wars (Num. 21:14).
2. Book of Jasher (Josh. 10:13; 2 Sam. 1:18). On line: http://www.bibleufo.com/anomlostbooks6.htm#Jasher
3. Book of Nathan (1 Chron. 29:29; 2 Chron. 9:29).
4. Book of Samuel the Seer (1 Chron. 29:29)
5. Book of Gad (1 Chron. 29:29).
6. Acts of Solomon (1 Kgs. 11:41).
7. Prophecy of Ahijah (2 Chron. 9:29).
8. Vision of Iddo (2 Chron. 9:29).
9. Iddo Genealogies (2 Chron. 12:15).
10. Story of prophet Iddo (2 Chron. 13:22)
11. Chronicles of the kings of Judah (1 Kgs. 15:19).
12. Chronicles of the kings of Israel (1 Kgs. 15:31).
13. Prophecy of Jonah (2 Kgs. 14:25).
14. Book of Shemaiah (2 Chron. 12:15).
15. Book of Jehu (2 Chron. 20:34).
16. Acts of Uzziah (2 Chron. 26:22).
17. Lamentations for Josiah (2 Chron. 35:15).
18. Sayings of the Seers (2 Chron. 33:19). On line:
http://www.topical-bible-studies.org/04-0018.htm
19. The manner of the Kingdom (1 Sam. 10:25)
20. Book of the Covenant (Ex. 24:7)
21. Epistle to Corinth (1 Cor. 5:9).
On line: http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/anf01.toc.html
22. Acts of Uziah (2 Chron. 26:22).
23. The Annals of King David (1 Chron. 27:24).
24. Book of Enoch (Jude 1:14). On line: http://www.bibleufo.com/anomlostbooks6.htm
G-d had deposited in me. My hearts compassion is having everyone love G-d's Word.
I think my gifting is making the Book come alive and give it understanding.
The pastor had rules and conditions that one must jump through before he gives a answer; I started jumping through all his hoops. Knowing one cannot be too careful in whom they learn Scripture from. (2 Tim. 2:15.)
When it came down to D-day, I was pulled aside and the pastor said he had called his supervisor to look at my blog. Does that seem strange to you? Does he call his supervisor to check out all his people? It was going to be only a small group teaching.
His supervisor did not like the fact that I had some 'Apocrypha writings in there and science research topics'. He said it was 'against their doctrines', so the answer was 'no' because they do not believe in extra writings.
Believe what? That they never existed? Here is a list of some mention in the King James Bible - and there is also a list for the New Covenant.
I have never taught on any of them, but I do rabbit trails as G-d leads me. I will be lucky to get the Scriptures done before I pass on to Glory Land. The Apocrypha was one of the college courses I had taken and found interesting, but my calling is to research the Scriptures.
The lesson I learn is that G-d used me to challenge one of His servants. My prayer is he will take 'this issue' to prayer and see what G-d says. I will continue to keep my nose to the books! G-d has set me aside for a reason. G-d lead me to having a blog as a way of releasing what was deposited and teaching who-so-ever cares to read it.
24 Lost books of the Old Covenant:
1. Book of Wars (Num. 21:14).
2. Book of Jasher (Josh. 10:13; 2 Sam. 1:18). On line: http://www.bibleufo.com/anomlostbooks6.htm#Jasher
3. Book of Nathan (1 Chron. 29:29; 2 Chron. 9:29).
4. Book of Samuel the Seer (1 Chron. 29:29)
5. Book of Gad (1 Chron. 29:29).
6. Acts of Solomon (1 Kgs. 11:41).
7. Prophecy of Ahijah (2 Chron. 9:29).
8. Vision of Iddo (2 Chron. 9:29).
9. Iddo Genealogies (2 Chron. 12:15).
10. Story of prophet Iddo (2 Chron. 13:22)
11. Chronicles of the kings of Judah (1 Kgs. 15:19).
12. Chronicles of the kings of Israel (1 Kgs. 15:31).
13. Prophecy of Jonah (2 Kgs. 14:25).
14. Book of Shemaiah (2 Chron. 12:15).
15. Book of Jehu (2 Chron. 20:34).
16. Acts of Uzziah (2 Chron. 26:22).
17. Lamentations for Josiah (2 Chron. 35:15).
18. Sayings of the Seers (2 Chron. 33:19). On line:
http://www.topical-bible-studies.org/04-0018.htm
19. The manner of the Kingdom (1 Sam. 10:25)
20. Book of the Covenant (Ex. 24:7)
21. Epistle to Corinth (1 Cor. 5:9).
On line: http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/anf01.toc.html
22. Acts of Uziah (2 Chron. 26:22).
23. The Annals of King David (1 Chron. 27:24).
24. Book of Enoch (Jude 1:14). On line: http://www.bibleufo.com/anomlostbooks6.htm
Woe Unto Them
Woe unto them occurs in 21 verses in Scripture. Check six of them located in Isaiah 5and see what the Father is trying to tell us.
Verse 8 Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth!
The world and the flesh are the two great enemies that we are in danger of being overpowered by; yet we are in no danger if we do not ourselves yield to them.
Woe - the first was against covetousness.
Join house to house - takes it to be expressive of crying and groaning, on account of future punishments; and he observes, that as there are twenty two blessings pronounced in the book of Psalms, on those that keep the Law, so there are twenty two woes pronounced by Isaiah upon the wicked.
Lay field to field - the sin of covetousness is exposed and condemned in these words; not that it is unlawful in itself for a man that has a house or field of his own to purchase another that is next unto it; but when he is insatiable, and not content with his houses and lands, but is always coveting more, this is his sin, and especially if he seeks to get them by fraud or force.
Till there be no place - for others to dwell in and possess, city, or field; till they have got all the houses in the town or city, and all the pieces of ground in the field, in their own possession.
Alone - If they could succeed, they would be placed alone in the midst of the earth, would monopolize possessions and preferment's, and engross all profits and employments to themselves. Not that it is a sin for those who have a house and a field, of they have wherewithal, to purchase another. That they alone may be the lords and owners, and all others only their tenants and servants.
Verse 11 Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!
Woe - the second woe against intemperance.
Rise up early in the morning - To rise up early in the morning is healthful, and to rise to do business is commendable; but to spend the day in drunkenness and intemperance is very criminal, which is here meant.
They may follow - strong drink; not only drink it, but follow on to drink; diligently seek after it, where the best is to be had; go from house to house till they have found it; closely follow the drinking of it, till inebriated with it.
Strong drink - in the Greek of both Testaments, rendered by us by the general term strong drink meant properly palm wine, or date wine, which was and is still much in use in the Eastern countries. Judea was famous for the abundance and excellence of its palm trees; and consequently had plenty of this wine. In Hebrew likewise the wine has its name from its remarkably inebriating quality.
That continue until night - drinking all day till evening at their pots, with their drinking companions, even all the day till night comes, the twilight either of the evening or of the morning.
Till wine inflame them - their bodies with heat, and their souls with lust.
Verse 18 Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope:
Woe - Third woe against obstinate perseverance in sin, as if they wished to provoke divine judgments.
That draw - That is not only drawn to sin by the allurements of the world; but are active and illustrious in drawing sin to themselves.
Iniquity - An evil inclination is at first like a fine hair-string, but the finishing like a cart-rope. Wickedness increasing from small beginnings, till it arrives to a great magnitude. An evil inclination is at the beginning like a fine hair-string, but at the finishing like a thick cart-rope. By a long progression in iniquity, and a continued accumulation of sin, men arrive at length to the highest degree of wickedness; bidding open defiance to
G-d, and scoffing at his threatened judgments.
Cords of vanity - the prophet seems to refer to idol sacrifices. The victims they offered were splendidly decked out for the sacrifice. Their horns and hoofs were often gilded, and their heads dressed out with fillets and garlands. The cords of vanity may refer to the silken strings by which they were led to the altar, some of which were unusually thick. The offering for iniquity was adorned with fillets and garlands; the sin-offering with silken cords, like unto cart-ropes. Pride, in their acts of humiliation, had the upper hand.
Sin - added to sin, and one sin drawing on another, till the whole comes to an enormous length and magnitude; compared to the work of a rope-maker still increasing and lengthening his rope, with the continued addition of new materials.
Cart rope - As a long cable lengthened beyond its natural measure.
Verse 20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Woe - Fourth woe against those who confound the distinctions of right and wrong.
Call evil good, and good evil - that call evil men good, and good men evil.
Put darkness for light, and light for darkness - as if the perversion of these things was not merely through ignorance and mistake, but purposely and willfully against light and knowledge; so people acted when they preferred the darkness of their rites and ceremonies, and human traditions, before the light of the glorious Gospel of Y'Shua.
Bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter - sweet shall be the words of the Law to them that do them; but bitterness ("rebellion") shall come to the wicked; and they shall know, that in the end sin is bitter to them that commit it.
Verse 21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
Woe - Fifth Woe against those who were so "wise in their own eyes" as to think they knew better than the prophet, and therefore rejected his warnings.
Wise in their own eyes - And yet betray such stupidity, as to call things by their wrong names; and make such a perverse judgment of them, as before described.
Prudent in their own sight - being wise above what was written; leaving the word of G-d, and following the traditions of the elders.
Verse 22 Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:
Woe - Sixth Woe against corrupt judges, who, "mighty" in drinking "wine" (a boast still not uncommon), if not in defending their country, obtain the means of self-indulgence by taking bribes ("reward"). The two verses 22-23 are closely joined.
Mighty to drink wine - That can bear a great deal, and not be overcome and intoxicated with it but woe their strength was weakened.
Men of strength - That can bear a great deal, and not be overcome and intoxicated with it but to drink wine; by which their strength was weakened.
To mingle - To drink: the antecedent being put for the consequent: for they mingled it in order to drinking.
Mingle strong drink - not with water, but spices to make it intoxicating (Prov. 9:2, 5; SOS 8:2). Some men show not their strength in combating their enemies, but in drunkenness and debauchery.
Sins described which will bring judgments upon a people: and this perhaps is not only a charge drawn up against the particular articles of that charge, but is rather intended for warning to all people, in all ages, to take heed of these sins, as destructive both to particular persons and to communities, and exposing men to
G-d's wrath and His righteous judgments. Those are here said to be in a woeful condition, has time improved or do we fit into that era?
We are by long custom and confirmed habits so hardened in sin that we cannot get clear of it. Those that sin through infirmity are drawn away by sin; those that sin presumptuously draw iniquity to them, in spite of the oppositions of Providence and the checks of conscience. Some by sin understand the punishment of sin: they pull G-d's judgments upon their own heads as it were, with cart-ropes.
Whose who glory in it as a great accomplishment that they are able to bear a great deal of strong liquor without being overcome by it, who are mighty to drink wine, and use their strength and vigor, not in the service of their country, but in the service of their lusts. Let drunkards know from this scripture that,
1. They ungratefully abuse their bodily strength, which G-d has given them for good purposes, and by degrees cannot but weaken it.
2. It will not excuse them from the guilt of drunkenness that they can drink hard and yet keep their feet.
3. Those who boast of their drinking down others glory in their shame.
4. How light so ever men make of their drunkenness, it is a sin that will certainly lay them open to the wrath and curse of G-d.
The judgments described, which these sins would bring upon them. Let not those expect to live easily who live thus wickedly; for the righteous G-d will take vengeance! One errs in vision, and stumbles in judgment when drinking and go counter to all rules of fairness. Is it worth it all to satisfy the flesh?
Verse 8 Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth!
The world and the flesh are the two great enemies that we are in danger of being overpowered by; yet we are in no danger if we do not ourselves yield to them.
Woe - the first was against covetousness.
Join house to house - takes it to be expressive of crying and groaning, on account of future punishments; and he observes, that as there are twenty two blessings pronounced in the book of Psalms, on those that keep the Law, so there are twenty two woes pronounced by Isaiah upon the wicked.
Lay field to field - the sin of covetousness is exposed and condemned in these words; not that it is unlawful in itself for a man that has a house or field of his own to purchase another that is next unto it; but when he is insatiable, and not content with his houses and lands, but is always coveting more, this is his sin, and especially if he seeks to get them by fraud or force.
Till there be no place - for others to dwell in and possess, city, or field; till they have got all the houses in the town or city, and all the pieces of ground in the field, in their own possession.
Alone - If they could succeed, they would be placed alone in the midst of the earth, would monopolize possessions and preferment's, and engross all profits and employments to themselves. Not that it is a sin for those who have a house and a field, of they have wherewithal, to purchase another. That they alone may be the lords and owners, and all others only their tenants and servants.
Verse 11 Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!
Woe - the second woe against intemperance.
Rise up early in the morning - To rise up early in the morning is healthful, and to rise to do business is commendable; but to spend the day in drunkenness and intemperance is very criminal, which is here meant.
They may follow - strong drink; not only drink it, but follow on to drink; diligently seek after it, where the best is to be had; go from house to house till they have found it; closely follow the drinking of it, till inebriated with it.
Strong drink - in the Greek of both Testaments, rendered by us by the general term strong drink meant properly palm wine, or date wine, which was and is still much in use in the Eastern countries. Judea was famous for the abundance and excellence of its palm trees; and consequently had plenty of this wine. In Hebrew likewise the wine has its name from its remarkably inebriating quality.
That continue until night - drinking all day till evening at their pots, with their drinking companions, even all the day till night comes, the twilight either of the evening or of the morning.
Till wine inflame them - their bodies with heat, and their souls with lust.
Verse 18 Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope:
Woe - Third woe against obstinate perseverance in sin, as if they wished to provoke divine judgments.
That draw - That is not only drawn to sin by the allurements of the world; but are active and illustrious in drawing sin to themselves.
Iniquity - An evil inclination is at first like a fine hair-string, but the finishing like a cart-rope. Wickedness increasing from small beginnings, till it arrives to a great magnitude. An evil inclination is at the beginning like a fine hair-string, but at the finishing like a thick cart-rope. By a long progression in iniquity, and a continued accumulation of sin, men arrive at length to the highest degree of wickedness; bidding open defiance to
G-d, and scoffing at his threatened judgments.
Cords of vanity - the prophet seems to refer to idol sacrifices. The victims they offered were splendidly decked out for the sacrifice. Their horns and hoofs were often gilded, and their heads dressed out with fillets and garlands. The cords of vanity may refer to the silken strings by which they were led to the altar, some of which were unusually thick. The offering for iniquity was adorned with fillets and garlands; the sin-offering with silken cords, like unto cart-ropes. Pride, in their acts of humiliation, had the upper hand.
Sin - added to sin, and one sin drawing on another, till the whole comes to an enormous length and magnitude; compared to the work of a rope-maker still increasing and lengthening his rope, with the continued addition of new materials.
Cart rope - As a long cable lengthened beyond its natural measure.
Verse 20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Woe - Fourth woe against those who confound the distinctions of right and wrong.
Call evil good, and good evil - that call evil men good, and good men evil.
Put darkness for light, and light for darkness - as if the perversion of these things was not merely through ignorance and mistake, but purposely and willfully against light and knowledge; so people acted when they preferred the darkness of their rites and ceremonies, and human traditions, before the light of the glorious Gospel of Y'Shua.
Bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter - sweet shall be the words of the Law to them that do them; but bitterness ("rebellion") shall come to the wicked; and they shall know, that in the end sin is bitter to them that commit it.
Verse 21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
Woe - Fifth Woe against those who were so "wise in their own eyes" as to think they knew better than the prophet, and therefore rejected his warnings.
Wise in their own eyes - And yet betray such stupidity, as to call things by their wrong names; and make such a perverse judgment of them, as before described.
Prudent in their own sight - being wise above what was written; leaving the word of G-d, and following the traditions of the elders.
Verse 22 Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:
Woe - Sixth Woe against corrupt judges, who, "mighty" in drinking "wine" (a boast still not uncommon), if not in defending their country, obtain the means of self-indulgence by taking bribes ("reward"). The two verses 22-23 are closely joined.
Mighty to drink wine - That can bear a great deal, and not be overcome and intoxicated with it but woe their strength was weakened.
Men of strength - That can bear a great deal, and not be overcome and intoxicated with it but to drink wine; by which their strength was weakened.
To mingle - To drink: the antecedent being put for the consequent: for they mingled it in order to drinking.
Mingle strong drink - not with water, but spices to make it intoxicating (Prov. 9:2, 5; SOS 8:2). Some men show not their strength in combating their enemies, but in drunkenness and debauchery.
Sins described which will bring judgments upon a people: and this perhaps is not only a charge drawn up against the particular articles of that charge, but is rather intended for warning to all people, in all ages, to take heed of these sins, as destructive both to particular persons and to communities, and exposing men to
G-d's wrath and His righteous judgments. Those are here said to be in a woeful condition, has time improved or do we fit into that era?
We are by long custom and confirmed habits so hardened in sin that we cannot get clear of it. Those that sin through infirmity are drawn away by sin; those that sin presumptuously draw iniquity to them, in spite of the oppositions of Providence and the checks of conscience. Some by sin understand the punishment of sin: they pull G-d's judgments upon their own heads as it were, with cart-ropes.
Whose who glory in it as a great accomplishment that they are able to bear a great deal of strong liquor without being overcome by it, who are mighty to drink wine, and use their strength and vigor, not in the service of their country, but in the service of their lusts. Let drunkards know from this scripture that,
1. They ungratefully abuse their bodily strength, which G-d has given them for good purposes, and by degrees cannot but weaken it.
2. It will not excuse them from the guilt of drunkenness that they can drink hard and yet keep their feet.
3. Those who boast of their drinking down others glory in their shame.
4. How light so ever men make of their drunkenness, it is a sin that will certainly lay them open to the wrath and curse of G-d.
The judgments described, which these sins would bring upon them. Let not those expect to live easily who live thus wickedly; for the righteous G-d will take vengeance! One errs in vision, and stumbles in judgment when drinking and go counter to all rules of fairness. Is it worth it all to satisfy the flesh?
Lukewarm
Truly My ways are My ways and My thoughts are to be your thoughts!Too many of My people do as the world thinks then they wonder why things don't go right for them.
I called you out to be separated from the world. Many need to get off the rail of the fence and make a decision whom they choose to follow.
I ask you to become holy and you will then see the lame walk and the dead rise!
You will be bless My children, if you walk in My ways and separate yourselves.
This is not the time to be playing church My people, get in or get out of the Spirit's way.
Wolfs clothing will be made visible for I am separating the wolfs from My lambs.
Watch whom you run with, for you are guilty by association.
Place yourself with one that will speak out My word, for My word brings life!
Walk in holiness and righteousness.
I see your heart, lay it open and I will do the operation.
I will cut out all the wrong done if you will let Me change a heart of stone into one that is apply able. I will write My word in such a heart.
Speak to thy self, speak to your soul, speak My words of life.
Do what you say and receive it.
Believe what you say, for My promises are true.
The things of the world will soon be fading away, as you speak daily My words.
I don't want to be your all in all - I want to be your everything!
See My word written in Eph. 4:22-24, 29, 31-32:
And that ye put on the new man, which after G-d is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.
"Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Neither give place to the devil.
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as G-d for Y'Shua's sake hath forgiven you."I love you when you were even in your mother's womb.
I love you with a everlasting love!
Peope of Valor
Wake up people of valor! Heaven is not as far away as you may think.
If you have invited Y'Shua into your heart, then you have heavenly in you.
All you have to do is bring the inside out.
Then you live in heavenly surroundings.
Create your own atmosphere!
Don't look to the right nor to the left.
Don't look up and don't look down.
Look within to the One you invited in.
Allow Him to be your guide and your strength!
Joel 3: "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision, for the day of the L-rd is near in the valley of decision."
This month you will run into two people, your physical self and your spiritual self.
Which one will you embrace?
The word for the month is MUCH.
If you have been faithful in the little things, G-d is going to give you MUCH.
MUCH is in the horizon!
MUCH more fruit!
MUCH more gifting that has been lying dormant inside of you!
MUCH is in the horizon!
Stay steadfast for MUCH more is headed your way.
Reach high in your praising and receive MUCH more to glorify His Kingdom!
Wake up people of valor, for the harvest is ripe.
This is not the time to slumber. Don't let the fruit fall to the ground to spoil.
Faith without works is dead.
He needs warriors that are ready to reap in and raise up the harvest.
Wake up, I say wake up!
Fall Season
The fall season is upon us if you stand sill for a moment you can feel G-l's presents all around you. The soft blowing wind is raining down all the beautiful colored leaves, what a marvelous display of colors, He has made! Aren’t we a mixture of beautiful colors also? We sometimes go through different seasons too, We sometimes go through different seasons too, were we may fall but we still can be used in different territory or ways.
Liken onto the fall leaves that can be gathered up to make decoration. Some leaves get turned over and over until they die to themselves and get used as compose to nourish the ground. All things in G-d's nature have a purpose for each season they pass through.
The sky and the waters are filled with His geese as they gather together, discussing their flight to warmer weather. Have you ever noticed their V shaped in fight? What organization! The leader takes the blunt of the wind, shielding those that following him. When he grows tired he will drop in the back of the line, allowing another to take the lead. Looks like all will get a change on leading the flock to better ground.
Do you think it is like our so-called training and equipping of the saints?
One can't do it by themselves so we need to be developing more leaders. Even Moses had to learn that lesson.
As I sit quietly by the lakeshore, I am surrounded with all sizes and colors of rocks. They come in all shapes and forms. I can imagine the day when they too will sing their praises to our Heavenly Father.
Waves of restoration are rolling in.
There is a change in the weather; the wind of the Spirit is overtaking all that are acceptable in its path.
New beginnings are coming upon G-d's people!
Get ready for the change!
Old things that were holding you down will be removed. This has to be done to make room for the right things and people to come into your life. When times are tough, the right people well be put in place that will encourage you to stand up and go the distance,.
New anointing are being poured out.
More of His gifting is being distributed.
The creative G-d is hearing your prayers.
Your part is to flow with G-d's wind, allowing His breath to bring in the changes needed in your life.
Just let go and let G-d!
You need to develop good skills in discernment and filter all things through the Father.
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