Devotional Time with God

The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’ ”

“You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Genesis 3:2-5

All my life, I want to be in control.  I want to control what can happen to me.  I want to control what people say about me.  I want to control what people can do to me.  I want everyone and everything to behave the way I like.  I want to be the god of my life.

Now that I’m married with a kid, it’s them that I’m in control now.  Not 100%, mind you, but I definitely want all control.

At work, I want to make sure my projects gets down the way I want it: less unknowns, on-schedule, and keeping it simple.

If there’s something that I do every day, like driving, riding a bike, etc., I want to be very good at it so I’m in full control.

When people see me as a weak person (because of my boyish look and figure), I tend to lash out, quick to judge, give the stink-eye, and in some cases, I would curse under my breath.  My face scowls to give an impression I’m tough.  I walk upright and shoulder scrunched up to show strength. I walk with loud thumps using a pair of heavy soled shoes/boots, to tell others that I’m coming.

I’ve denied having problems with anger, being wrong more than usual, looking at dirty pictures, give up too easily, and having a short attention span.  I don’t admit to be the poster child of what’s wrong with being a man – or a human being, for that matter.

I have my fair share of fear, frustration, fatigue, and failures.

However, I am glad that God cares for me.  He takes away my bad habits, painful hurts, and bothersome hang ups.  Not just one time, but all the time!  I just tell Him, “I’m sorry.” and He will give me another chance in life.

I have to admit I’m powerless to change myself.  I’m powerless to take control, when it’s not mine in the first place.

Jesus, you’re full of grace. I sin and constantly sin.  But every time, you always forgive me.  You always let me live everything as if they’re a fresh start.  I love you for it.  You’re the God of 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and all of the chances!  Thank you, Lord, for saving me.  I give you control of my life.  Amen.

prodo/thv (Prodotes)

• a betrayer, traitor

I put backstabbers in the same league as murderers.  That’s basically what they are: killers of good character and reputation.  They undermine trust.  They’re just dangerous.

Yet this kind of behavior is the favorite way of making Hollywood movies. Anything that stirs up strong emotions like murder, rape, and betrayal are famously rewarded in box office numbers.  Do we, as a society, really need more examples on how bad this world is?  Are we so “comfortable” with the subject that we’re numb to it?  Are we expecting people to be like this?

I hope not.

The good news is, God will expose the wolf in sheep clothing.  God knows what’s inside the heart, as Jesus did by identifying Judas.  Jesus is all about the truth.  Salvation is only through Him, so I must embrace the truth.  I shall not betray anyone, that includes God.

They will betray their friends…

2 Timothy 3:4

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

The study of the book of Isaiah begins with Chapter 1.

1. Isaiah described his message as a “vision” or prophecy, a sight/word from God. It concerns Judah and Jerusalem. He was concerned about their moral condition.
2. During his time, it was reigned by King Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, approximately 739-690 BC.
3. God called the heaven and earth as witnesses against Israel.
4. God brought charges to Israel for being rebellious children who don’t know their Father.
5. The nation was described as sinful and corrupt. It turned away from God.
6. God described the nation suffering wounds and sores, but still wanted more.
7. Jerusalem is besieged and the country side overthrown by strangers (The Asyrians).
8. God had left some survivors (remnant), otherwise it would have become like Sodom and Gomorrah.
9. God could not longer endure their “religious” activities: the hypocrisies and the meaningless offerings.
10. God would not answer their prayers, for their hands were full of blood.
11. The people must stop sinning and wash themselves clean from wrong doing. As well as do good, seek justice, reprove the oppressor, defend the fatherless and widow.
12. God still offer salvation even after the most wicked acts.
13. God offers blessings for those who obey, and dire consequences for those who are rebellious.
14. The corrupt condition of Jerusalem: was once a place for the faithful became a sinful place. Once full of justice became a place for murderers. A polluted city, corrupt officials, heartless, and not caring about its people.
15. God promised justice to the wicked and refuge for the righteous. He will purify Zion by getting rid of His enemies and restore Jerusalem back to a righteous and faithful city.
16. Those who forsake the Lord would be destroyed. God would make the people be ashamed of the idols (trees and gardens). They would be consumed like dry vegetation.

You will be ashamed because of the sacred oaks in which you have delighted; you will be disgraced because of the gardens that you have chosen. You will be like an oak with fading leaves, like a garden without water. The mighty man will become tinder and his work a spark; both will burn together, with no one to quench the fire.

Isaiah 1:29-31