Tending The Crops

In the book of Isaiah, chapter 5, it starts out with someone building a great vineyard.  For the vineyard, you use the best soil, protect it from savage elements and other violent threats, you clear away all of the stones and tend to it the best of your ability.  Then, what does it produce?  Worthless grapes.  You expect the best, but get the worst.

What do you do?

For much of this chapter, the vineyard is like the land of Israel.  God tended to Israel like one would the vineyard.  But instead of the best, He got lawlessness and debauchery.  People became greedy by snatching up large patches of land for themselves, not sharing with others so everyone can have a piece of paradise.

Then, by verse 11, you see people who drink to get drunk, either early in the morning or late at night.  Or both.  The evils of vast consumptions of alcohol drives for evil to exist.

So much in these verses I see today in today's world.  Evil is celebrated.  The wicked are found not guilty or are celebrated as heroes.

By verse 26, the lands of Israel lift up a flag of distress and lands from far away come to their aid.  This is so reminiscent of what is happening in today's world.

Read this chapter many times and reflect, asking God to help you understand the message and what His plans are for you.

The Complete Protection Of The Lord

Continuing on in the book of Isaiah, chapter four is the shortest chapter of the book by far.  Only six verses, and honestly it took me a while to catch the meaning behind it all.

From what it appears, it should be a continuation of chapter three.  And this would only be the first verse, as it speaks of the women asking to take the shame of not being married away from them, and in exchange they would provide their own food and clothing.

In it, the chapter talks about the Lord creating a complete protection of Zion, washing away the blood of the past and creating a brilliant and glorious defense for all of those under its canopy.

The Parading Of Sin

I know I said this last time, but I will make it a point of returning to this blog a lot more frequently.  When I looked at the last few posts, I didn't realize it had been so long.

Returning to the book of Isaiah, chapter 3, I am reminded of how much of this chapter is reflected in our society today.

This chapter is titled "Judgement against Judah" and in it the Lord took away everything from Jerusalem and Judah, everything they depended on.  All food, water, soldiers, high officials, judges.  Everyone.

A line in verse 5 gave me the chills: ". . .Young people will insult their elders, and vulgar people will sneer at the honorable."  My mind goes to our current political climate (take off your left/right hat for a moment and stand back.)  If you viewed the latest speech by our President with vileness, remember verse 5.  Be better than that.

Line 9 was especially troubling too: ". . . they display their sin like the people of Sodom and don't even try to hide it."  Sin is being paraded around us everywhere, on our streets, on our social media feeds, news, and on the shows we watch.

Finally, starting at verse 16, the "beautiful" is flirting with their eyes, flaunting their wares.  But the Lord will strip away all of the beautifulness, the physical objects, and will judge them for their sins.

Whom Do You Trust?

Continuing on in chapter two from the book of Isaiah, I am touched by how much is relevant in today's society.  Not only in society as a whole, but in each of our daily lives.

In verse 6, it speaks of superstitions and pagan practices being taught, people embracing those practices, and turning away from the Lord.  The people worships their idols, bowing down to only work with their hands (being selfish), and human pride overcame them.

By verse 12, the Lord has a day in store for those prideful souls.  A day when their idols will disappear and they are humbled by His presence.

Verse 22, the last verse of that chapter, says, "Stop trusting in here humans . . ."

Put your trust in the Lord, not by humans.

Pray For Your Church Leaders Too

I had an experience over the weekend that made me realize something important: our leaders need our prayers too.  Even our church/religious leaders.  They are no exception.

This particular pastor was going through a difficult time with the passing of his mother.  The passing was six months or so prior, and a memorial service was being planned.  Lots of memories flooded back to him, as he poured his soul out at the pulpit.

I prayed for this pastor, for healing.

Then it dawned on me that church leaders are not exempt from needing prayers too.

So the next time you pray, include your church leaders too.

Residing in God's House

Psalm 84 is a love letter to the Lord, to dwell in His House.

There is a saying that goes, home is where the heart is.  That is also true when we talk about the Lord's House.

In much the same way a sparrow finds a home in its nest, so should we when we dwell with the Lord.  That is where we find our strength, where the Lord hears ours prayers.

Verse 10 says, "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere."

The Lord blesses those who trust in Him.

God's House may not necessarily by church specifically, but rather our own hearts.  Keep the Lord within us by praying daily and often.

Reminiscent of the nation today

I know, I know, it's been a long time since I've blogged on here.  I'm making a commitment to write more often and consistently.

That being said, I'm now in the book of Isaiah, and in reading chapter 1, I get the feeling that this could've been written in today's time.

The chapter starts out with how the children is Israel have turned their backs on the Lord, how they have rebelled against Him.  In verse 3, it says that an ox knows its master, a donkey recognizes its caregiver, but the Lord's people do not.

In verse 7, it speaks of foreigners plundering the fields and destroying everything, and in verse 9 it compares Israel to Sodom and Gomorrah--and we all remember what happened to those places.

In verses 11-13, God states that he is tired of our meaningless prayers and offerings, because at the same time the people celebrate their sins and ungodly celebrations.

By verse 17, He says to learn to do good, seek justice, and help the oppressed.  Defend orphans and help widows.  Repent of your sins and Israel will become a Godly place once again.