It was a devastating blow. Like all devoted citizens, Isaiah had venerated King Uzziah. For fifty-two years, King Uzziah had led Judah in an administration of peace and prosperity. It was an era of expansion and achievement. Now he was dead. The throne sat empty. It was unfortunate that the king had rebelled against the … Continue reading In the Presence of a Holy God – Isaiah 6
Isaiah
The Marks of a Redeemed Community – Worship Reflections
The below reflections come from studying Isaiah 56:1-8. God wants his gathered people to seek him for Himself, not merely for His blessings, great though they are. He wants us “to minister to Him, and to love His name, and to be His servants” (Isaiah 56:6). Then, he promises to “make us joyful” in his … Continue reading The Marks of a Redeemed Community – Worship Reflections
The Bruised Reed and Smoldering Wick
What are we to understand by the bruised reed and smoldering wick in Matthew 12:20? "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory." This language is no doubt figurative. What is it that these two expressions mean? The simplest … Continue reading The Bruised Reed and Smoldering Wick
A Worship Guide for Good Friday
Grieving on Good Friday REFLECTIONS O all ye who pass by, behold and see; man stole the fruit, but I must climb the tree; The tree of life to all, but only me: Was ever grief like mine? — From the poem “The Sacrifice” by George Herbert Is it nothing to you, all you who … Continue reading A Worship Guide for Good Friday
For Zion’s Sake, Church Hopping and Anti-institutionalism
In recent days, I have spent time with people from various parts of our country who have a legitimate beef with the church of Jesus. They have been hurt or disappointed by the church. Church leaders have failed them. Pastors come for counsel who have been hurt and betrayed by their leaders. Church leaders have … Continue reading For Zion’s Sake, Church Hopping and Anti-institutionalism
When Your Church Frustrates You… Remember
Ray Ortlund Jr. writes in his commentary on Isaiah that "every faithful church is a gateway into the future of the world." If we are honest, it doesn’t seem that way at times. We are quickly annoyed, frustrated, and challenged by living, worshiping and serving Jesus together as vital participants in the body of Christ. … Continue reading When Your Church Frustrates You… Remember
Personal Worship Guide: The Transforming Power of God’s Book
Teach: The Transforming Power of God’s Book (click on the link here for guide) I. God’s Book grants us discernment into how He works (Isaiah 29:1-8) The Holy Spirit uses His Word to show us how God has worked in the past. The first eight verses of this passage show us two things: God humbles … Continue reading Personal Worship Guide: The Transforming Power of God’s Book
Personal Worship Guide – When God’s Word Pours Down Like Rain
Personal Worship Guide - When God's Word Pours Down Like Rain God’s Word is like the rain. It fulfills God’s purpose of causing life to flourish. It comes from beyond us. We can’t control it. We only receive it… much like this invitation to feast at God’s banquet of grace. Isaiah 55:1-13 reminds us that … Continue reading Personal Worship Guide – When God’s Word Pours Down Like Rain
True Worship and the Way of the Cross
In my studies this past week I came across a helpful insight from a commentary written by John Oswalt that covers Isaiah chapters 40-66. The focused Scripture of his comment is Isaiah 66:5 which says: "Hear the word of the LORD, you who tremble at his word: "Your brothers who hate you and cast you … Continue reading True Worship and the Way of the Cross
The Lord’s Mercy and The Black Horse of Affliction
In the Fellowship of the Ring, the ominous Nazgul ride into the peaceful Shire on huge black horses pursuing Frodo and the other hobbits looking for the ring of power. This graphic scene portrays what oftentimes happens in our lives: All is peaceful, happy, and simple. Then the black horse of affliction rides into our … Continue reading The Lord’s Mercy and The Black Horse of Affliction
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