Rich Ronald

Isaiah 39. Whatever happens, keep thanking God.

Posted on February 7, 2020February 4, 2020 by richlyspeaking

Even during a spring storm in the Midwest… keep thanking God. From 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

Because of the importance of Israel and its people, and my personal love for The Land, I’m inviting you to join me through the key Old Testament book of Isaiah. Each day I’m posting some simple thoughts about this complex prophet.

Isaiah 39.

“Hezekiah replied to Isaiah, “Good. If God says so, it’s good.” Within himself he was thinking, “But surely nothing bad will happen in my lifetime. I’ll enjoy peace and stability as long as I live.”” (v8, MSG).

This is Hezekiah’s reply to what one might think was bad news. Isaiah has just warned Hezekiah that God says that one day there will be nothing left in the kings’ palace. And that even his sons will be enslaved in Babylon.

Yet Hezekiah has this amazing attitude: “If God says so, it’s good.”

No matter if it appears to be possible bad news, if God is in it, it is all good!

And that really is the truth, you know? It’s all good. We can’t have a bad day when we’ve given the day to the Lord. We might have challenging situations, we might be facing trials, storms, unemployment, hunger or grave illness, but we have a choice. We can allow them to be opportunities to see God’s glory and grace.

This is similar to the advice Paul gives to the believers in Thessalonica: “Always be joyful and never stop praying. Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18, CEV.) There is great power in giving thanks. And that’s what Hezekiah was doing. And it’s what we are to do as well.

If you’re new to this journey through Isaiah, you can start here.

Isaiah 38. Changing God’s Direction? Yes.

Posted on February 6, 2020February 6, 2020 by richlyspeaking

Isaiah 38.

What an interesting and encouraging story! We can change God’s direction through our prayer!

This chapter opens with our friend Hezekiah gravely ill. In fact, he is told to put the affairs of his house in order for he will surely die soon. He begs God: “Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” (v3, (NIV). He weeps before God as the prophet ponders that his work on earth might be finished.

The Lord’s answer? “I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life.” (v5, NIV). And the sunlight went back 15 steps on the stairway!

About his near-death illness, he says: “Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.” (v17, NIV).

“In your love…”

Can I tell you dear child, how much God loves you? How much He loves us all? Yes, He does things that we don’t understand, but they are for our benefit. Our gratefulness for those things is a blessing for our future.

It is up to us to share what God has done with our children: “Only the living can thank you, as I am doing today. Each generation tells the next about your faithfulness.” (v19, CEV).

“The Lord will save me, and we will sing with stringed instruments all the days of our lives in the temple of the Lord.” (v20, NIV).

Worship Him with Hezekiah… today and every day! And tell your kids about God’s trustworthiness. For He has saved you in His great love!

If you’re new to this journey through Isaiah, you can start here.

Isaiah 36 and 37. Pride vs. Humility.

Posted on February 5, 2020February 4, 2020 by richlyspeaking

Isaiah 36 & 37.

These two chapters tell a sad story of pride and the good story of humility before God.

Sennacherib, the king of Assyria arrogantly threatens Hezekiah and blasphemes the name of God in the process. He taunts Hezekiah by bragging about all his victories, and even lies saying “the LORD himself told me to march against this country and destroy it.” (36:10, NIV).

Hezekiah can respond in a couple of different ways. He might panic and accept the bribe of 2000 horses and sell his soul to the devil. Or, he might turn to God. Thankfully, he makes the right choice and lays before the Lord and proclaims “… You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth…” (37:15-18).

God affirms Hezekiah for making the right decision: “I will defend this city and save it, for my sake and for the sake of David my servant!” (Isaiah 37:35, NIV).

And, boy, does God bring His holy vengeance against Sennacherib:

v36: an angel of the LORD put to death 185,000 in the Assyrian camp.

v37: Sennacherib withdraws.

v38: While he is worshiping a false god back in his home temple, his two sons murder him.

Wow! What a story! What a mess for Sennacherib. Our faith lesson? Make the right choice. I used to tease my children when I dropped them off at high school with a similar caution: “If you don’t know which way to turn today, make the right choice.” It was a dad-ism with just a bit more direction than Yogi Berra’s “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” But the point is this: Turn to God. Always. He will not only defend you, He will fight for you. He has a plan. In this case it was to defend Jerusalem for His servant David.

In the same way He has a plan and a warning for us. We might be tempted to believe it when someone – like Sennacherib – says “the Lord told me to tell you…” We must back away, take a moment or season to breathe and worship and seek God’s wisdom. Confirm the advice with a check of Scripture. And then, trust God as Hezekiah did. And we can stand on this promise: “The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this!” (37:32, NIV).

Humbly give your choices and challenges to the Lord and see what He will do!

One additional thought. I love the final words of the angel when he tells Mary that she will give birth to a son, the Messiah. The future mother of Jesus asks the messenger how this might happen. His reply is one we can own in whatever situation we might question: “Nothing is impossible for God.” (Luke 1:37, CEV).

The zeal of the Almighty will accomplish this for you and for me!

If you’re new to this journey through Isaiah, you can start here.

Isaiah 35. Redemption, Gladness and Joy!

Posted on February 4, 2020January 30, 2020 by richlyspeaking

Isaiah 35.

What a joyful vision of redemption! All that was destroyed will be new again. Just two chapters prior (33:9) specific places that were wilted in shame, desolate and experienced loss — Lebanon, Sharon and Carmel — are now called glorious, splendid and majestic. The Message calls these cities a gift, awesome, and stunning. (v1-2, MSG).

The same will be said of us… can be said of us even now, thanks to who were are in Jesus! Yes, now! You are a gift. You are stunning. You are glorious.

“Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” (v3-4, NIV).

Said another way:

“Energize the limp hands, strengthen the rubbery knees. Tell fearful souls, “Courage! Take heart! God is here, right here, on his way to put things right And redress all wrongs. He’s on his way! He’ll save you!” (v:3‭-‬4, MSG).

“Only the redeemed will walk there and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” (v10, NIV).

This whole chapter is a beautiful picture of what is to come. Rivers of Living Water. Glorious flowers will burst forth and rejoice. The blind will see. The deaf will hear. The lame will walk.

Everything will be redeemed in His glory!

That’s our story, too. We have been redeemed by the LORD. Will we walk along this Holy Road? Will we sing joyfully as we head up to Mt. Zion? We will allow gladness to overflow our hearts!

Yes! We will.

If you’re new to this journey through Isaiah, you can start here.

Isaiah 34. Choosing Grace over Wrath.

Posted on February 3, 2020January 30, 2020 by richlyspeaking

Isaiah 34.

This chapter is a very graphic picture of God’s wrath: “The Lord is terribly angry with the nations.” (v2, CEV).

He will start exercising His vengeance with Edom. Who? Scholars say the land south and east of the Dead Sea is typically thought of as the territory of the Edomites. — mostly Jordan today. The family tree of the Edomites began with Esau, the twin brother of Jacob. You might recall, he sold his birthright for a bowl of soup (Genesis 25:31-34). The resulting relationships in the successive generations were complicated. One commentator notes: “Whether deserved or not, Edom is remembered in the biblical record as the sibling who doesn’t live up to family expectations.”

Isaiah spells out horrific doom and gloom on Edom in this chapter. The Edomites reportedly were part of the army that destroyed Jerusalem in the 6th century BC. I wouldn’t want to be remembered as a soldier who destroyed the City of David.

Isaiah clearly states that God is a just judge. The actions of the Edomites deserve His great wrath: “Edom will be called “Kingdom of Nothing.” Its rulers will also be nothing.” (v12, CEV). I believe the Edomites represent any one who turns their back on God.

And yet, because of Jesus and the amazing grace we talked about yesterday, everyone on the resurrection side of the cross and empty tomb has a choice to accept that grace. I’m thankful for that! And once we accept that grace, we need not fear “God’s bad side” nor His coming wrath, which will likely begin in the lands surrounding Israel.

“Our Lord Jesus was kind to us, and we are saved by faith in Him.” (Acts 15:11, CEV).

We have the opportunity to decide every day. May we choose His grace over His wrath.

If you’re new to this journey through Isaiah, you can start here.

Isaiah 33. Blessings Follow Obedience.

Posted on February 2, 2020February 2, 2020 by richlyspeaking

Isaiah 33.

There is doom again in today’s chapter. But this time it is reserved for the Destroyer, likely Sennacherib, the king of Assyria.

Look at those, however, who will speak to God in this humble and honoring way: “You are the foundation on which we stand today. You always save us and give true wisdom and knowledge. Nothing means more to us than obeying you.” (v6, CEV).

You. Always save. True wisdom. Obeying you.

Nothing means more than obeying God. We want to obey, right? May His Holy Spirit lead us and give us the strength to do so. May we hear and obey His still quiet voice and His promptings deep within our souls.

I believe as we obey, we are assured His blessings.

“But there will be rewards for those who live right and tell the truth, for those who refuse to take money by force or accept bribes, for all who hate murder and violent crimes. They will live in a fortress high on a rocky cliff, where they will have food and plenty of water.” (v15-16, CEV).

Later: “The Lord is our judge and our ruler; the Lord is our king and will keep us safe. The Lord will forgive your sins, and none of you will say, “I feel sick.”” (v22, 24, CEV).

He will provide! He has forgiven us through the grace of Jesus. Paul says often in the New Testament “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” What does this mean? Our pastor recently said it means something like this: “Everything that God is like be upon you.” God is Love. So let love be upon you. God is Joy. So let joy be upon you. Peace. Comfort. Care. Protection. Health. Wellness. Everything that is God. Let every amazing and divine thing that is, be upon you. This is the culture of the Kingdom of God.

I love that as we read the Old Testament it points to Jesus! He forgives. He gives grace. We follow. We trust. We obey. We have life! We have His life and every spiritual blessing that goes with it.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3, NIV).

If you’re new to this journey through Isaiah, you can start here.

Isaiah 32

Posted on February 1, 2020January 29, 2020 by richlyspeaking

Isaiah 32.

“When the Spirit is given to us from Heaven, deserts will become orchards thick as fertile forests.” (v15, CEV). Guess what? I believe the Holy Spirit has been given to us! It happened first on the day Jesus rose again. And then again on the day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2.

From John’s Gospel: “Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”” (John 20:22, CEV).

From Luke’s account of Pentecost: “Peter said, “Change your life. Turn to God and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, so your sins are forgiven. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is targeted to you and your children, but also to all who are far away—whomever, in fact, our Master God invites.”” (Acts 2:38-39, MSG).

Back to the promise from Isaiah 32: “Honesty and justice will prosper there, and justice will produce lasting peace and security.” (v15-16, CEV). He continues: “And where there is right there will be peace… quiet lives and endless trust. My people will live in a peaceful neighborhood in safe houses in quiet gardens.” (v18, MSG).

When does this happen? After the Spirit has been given to His people. Again, this is something that has already happened. He has given us the opportunity to live in peace as we trust in Him.

Deserts will become orchards. Peaceful neighbors. Quiet gardens.

For those with endless trust.

There’s that word again. Can we trust God above all else? We must!

If you’re new to this journey through Isaiah, you can start here.

Isaiah 31. Our Help Comes From the LORD.

Posted on January 31, 2020January 29, 2020 by richlyspeaking

Isaiah 31.

Isaiah 31 begins with the admonition to put our trust in God alone. Don’t trust in Egyptians or Americans or your boss or your favorite sports team. They will fail you. They are mere humans.

“You are in for trouble if you go to Egypt for help, or if you depend on an army of chariots or a powerful cavalry. Instead you should depend on and trust the holy Lord God of Israel.” (v1, CEV).

We’ve seen throughout Isaiah the encouragement to trust God! Why? Because as verse 2 reminds us: God does what He says. He keeps His promises.

And then there’s this:

“I, the Lord All-Powerful, will protect Jerusalem like a mother bird circling over her nest.” (v5, CEV). One translation says “like a huge eagle…”

God has a special place in His heart for Jerusalem and its people. He also has great fondness and love for those who believe Jesus is the Messiah. Believers in Yeshua are like those who live in Jerusalem. We are included in that group, thanks to His “grafting us in” via the cross and the empty tomb! So, we can say that God has a special place in His heart for you and me. And like an eagle or a mother bird, He will watch over us and protect us!

I’m reminded of this beautiful Psalm:

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” (Psalms 121:1‭-‬8, NIV).

He is watching over you today! He sees your hopes, dreams, challenges and struggles. He will lead you to straight paths, meadows of rest and streams of living water.

He loves you and is proud of you, dear child of God. You can trust Him.

If you’re new to this journey through Isaiah, you can start here.

Isaiah 30. Trust God. Be Blessed.

Posted on January 30, 2020January 27, 2020 by richlyspeaking

Isaiah 30.

More warnings and doom for those who continue to sin and turn their back on the Almighty. These words might be found anywhere in today’s media: “Don’t tell us what God has shown you and don’t preach the truth. Just say what we want to hear, even if it’s false. Stop telling us what God has said! We don’t want to hear any more about the holy God of Israel.” (v10-11, CEV). Sounds like a spoiled child with their hands over their ears, right?

Yet for those who will put their trust in God: “The holy Lord God of Israel had told all of you, “I will keep you safe if you turn back to me and calm down. I will make you strong if you quietly trust me.” (v15, CEV).

Another promise to those who trust Him: “The Lord God is waiting to show how kind he is and to have pity on you. The Lord always does right; he blesses those who trust him.” (v18, CEV).

He blesses us when we trust Him! King Solomon echoes these words: “God blesses everyone who trusts him.” (Proverbs 16:20, CEV).

Can I tell you from firsthand experience: I have trusted God and He has blessed me. Many others can repeat those words, too.

Blessings come through trust. Blessings come through the truth, if we are open to hear it and receive it. The Lord always does right.

If you’re new to this journey through Isaiah, you can start here.

Isaiah 29: Holy God. Holy Worship. Holy Lives.

Posted on January 29, 2020January 26, 2020 by richlyspeaking

Isaiah 29.

Here is a humbling, yet, an encouraging chapter today.

The Master said: “These people make a big show of saying the right thing, but their hearts aren’t in it. Because they act like they’re worshiping me but don’t mean it, I’m going to step in and shock them awake, astonish them, stand them on their ears. The wise ones who had it all figured out will be exposed as fools. The smart people who thought they knew everything will turn out to know nothing.” (v13-14, MSG).

How many times have we made a big show out of worship? How may times have I, as a pastor and prior to that an event producer, made a big show out of worship? Once I was responsible for 12,000 people coming together for one church service at a public arena. It was a big deal! Hopefully, those who attended saw past the big stage, the celebrity worship leader, the lights and sound system. With humility, I believe most worship leaders, pastors and producers do their best to make worship about providing a space where a heart to heart connection with God is encouraged and facilitated.

Isaiah’s word for the day is a good reminder to bring our heart-felt worship to the Father, every day, not just on Sundays. And to not act arrogantly. I don’t want to be stood on my ear or called out by God as a fool, do you?

There is great reassurance as this chapter ends with a true promise:

“And finally this, God’s Message for the family of Jacob, the same God who redeemed Abraham: “No longer will Jacob hang his head in shame, no longer grow gaunt and pale with waiting. For he’s going to see his children, my personal gift to him—lots of children. And these children will honor me by living holy lives. In holy worship they’ll honor the Holy One of Jacob and stand in holy awe of the God of Israel.”” (v22-23, MSG).

That’s life change! That’s true heart transformation! We are called to live holy lives and honor God in holy worship. Let’s do that!

We don’t need to hold our head in shame. Can we stand in holy awe of God and worship Him in Spirit and in truth today? Sunday? Every day?

If you’re new to this journey through Isaiah, you can start here.

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