Devotional Time with God

This is the age of a new medium: the internet.  We are now at the 2nd version.  Hence, it’s called Web 2.0.  It’s about blogging and social media.

I thank the Lord for the constant inspiration, even in this world of constant rebellion and cynicism towards God.  I still find a beauty and cohesiveness that can only be God’s work.

Chapters 9-12

• The prophecy of a child, a son, a wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, prince of peace, was offered to Israel. It was fulfilled by Jesus.
• The Son of God will govern in peace.
• Israel would fall because of its arrogance and pride. Not following God’s timing was one reason for the downfall.
• The chastening of Israel was brutal. Attacks would come from all sides, and cannibalism was rampant.
• Despite all that, the people of Israel would still not listen to God, continued to be corrupt, robbed from its people (especially the widows), and continued their sinful lives.

Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised.

Isaiah 10:4b

• Assyria was just part of God’s plan to shape Isreal. Sennacherib, king of Assyria, who so arrogantly confident defeating Israel was his own doing. When God was done with them, He would punish the king by letting Assyria be attacked and their kingdom plundered.
• The “remnants”, or God’s righteous few, would return to the land.
• God told His people in Zion and Jerusalem, not to be afraid. God offered His protection against the Assyrian army. God himself would cut down them down.

He will cut down the forest thickets with an ax; Lebanon will fall before the Mighty One.

Isaiah 10:34

• The root of Jesse (David’s father) would bear fruit. From his branch there would be the messiah, and the spirit of the Lord will be upon Him. He will judge with righteousness and adorn with faithfulness.
• Peace will be in Israel.
• The prophecy described a little child leading the wolf and the lamb, signifying the hope of peace.
• Everyone will rally to the prophesied Messiah. God will also offer Him for the second time to Israel, referencing to Jesus 2nd coming.
• God’s people will praise the Lord, give thanks, make known He has done, and exalt His name.

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.

Isaiah 12:2

I was listening to one of my old CD in the car this morning, and I heard a very familiar tune from Maranatha 30 Years of Hope CD called “You’re Worthy of My Praise”. I reminded me of a time, in late 2001, I was in an unfortunate situation where I was out of a job for a few months. The support from my church and family were tremendous, but it was still a test of our faith in God. Pastor Greg in San Diego gave my wife and I, a scripture, Hebrew 11:1 which simply said,

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Having faith in God will give us hope for the future. Sure, we still have our worries, we are only human, but Jesus has never let us down. We kept believing God will give us something good. In May 2002, I received the baffling call from my current employer: they were offering me a position with an increase in salary! We couldn’t be any more excited and the first thing I did was to play the Maranatha song and gave praises to God. That was one of the significant turning point of our lives, the one that we will never forget.

I will give you all my worship.
I will give you all my praise.
You alone, I long to worship.
You alone are worthy of my praise.

- Maranatha Singers, “You’re worthy of my praise”