Tag: Isaiah

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Stormy Stormy

With all the crazy weather going on all over the U.S. this week, I can’t help but mention something about storms.  It’s pretty amazing that the weather watchers can predict this odd type of behavior and the approaching storms with relative accuracy.  They told us on Sunday that Tuesday would be an incredible day.  That’s really an impressive thing, and a blessing as it allows us to prepare as much as we can, for whatever weather is sending our way.

Wouldn’t it be nice it the storms of life were predicable like that.  What if you had “the Life Weather Channel”, where two people would tell you that an angry co worker was heading your way, or that the car was going to break down on Thursday, or that whatever day altering event was on the horizon.  But alas, we have not.

What we do have are promises from God to help us prepare and endure the unpredictable.  Check it from Isaiah

10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (New International Version)

and 2 Corinthians

 My grace is enough; it’s all you need.
   My strength comes into its own in your weakness.
Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, The Message)

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A Chance to Renew

Last night I think I witnessed the longest soccer game in the history of the world.  That’s unofficial, but check this out.  After my team, the Bucs, were completed dominated, at least possession wise, for the first 58 minutes of the game, the traditional summer weather pattern produced its traditional afternoon thunderstorms and whamo, we were in a one hour lightning delay.   ( On a side note, I thought that maybe I had missed the supposed ‘rapture’ during this part of the game.  While the players where pulled from the field, and the rain still a few miles away, I decided to run to the restroom, while everyone just milled around waiting for something to happen.  After a rather long line in the restroom, I exited, to see the wind whipping around in circles, the rain starting to fall and to my surprise everyone and everything off of the soccer field.  For a moment I thought I was left behind.  – oh TMI I know, back to the game)

Before this break, the Bucs were beat.  Their faces said it, their body language said it. They were struggling to keep up, but at least they had kept their opponent out of the goal. After the lightning break, they were completely different.  They were renewed, focused, determined, and just barely missed several chances to get the ball into the goal. The game continued scoreless for the remaining 22 minutes and the 30 minutes of extra time- which lead to the famed shootout.  Fortunately, the Bucs put in 3 while keeping the opponent to only 2, to earn quite an impressive hard earned victory almost 5 hours after the kickoff, that really was the product of a renewing of their focus.

Whats interesting to me is how our days are like this some times, and for me yesterday was.  Yesterday, I was being mastered by my insane schedule and the pressure of the world and work.  I felt similar to the Bucs  – running around, chasing a ball, and having to take a highly defensive posture to survive.  However, this is not where we want to be.  We want to be living for our master, not being mastered by the world. It times like this that it may be best to declare a lightning break and regroup and refocus.  With a renewed mind,  you can continue to transform yourself into a champion of life.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.   Isaiah 40:30-31 (New International Version)

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Pure As Snow

Whoa!  Did you know that Taylor Switft broke up with Taylor (New Moon) Launter yesterday.   That’s big news for many of Twilight/country music stars out there!  Anyway moving on..

Yesterday I was able to take a nice run in 18 degree weather in some newly fallen snow.  I am enamored with snow.  I am not sure if its because I have such fond memories from my youth around snow and now I never see it, or if its just so beautiful.  I think, on my run, I discovered some of the reasons why snow is so amazing.  This may seem a little cheesy or corny, but this blog sometimes records the ramblings of my mind, and I find that my mind rambles the most on those early morning runs – especially running in places like those around my home town where I have the pathways memorized.

Anyway, it was so pleasant to see the new snow on the ground, untouched and pure with the morning sun reflecting from it.  The snow was so white, and so pure, and the sun would catch it in ways that would make it sparkle like it contained glitter. ( sappy I know).  Anyway, I could not help but to think about how the snow was covering so many things that we consider lowly and dirty – dirt, rocks, fallen leaves, weeds, water (ice, did I mention it was 18) puddles.  But with this covering all the earth was pure, and white and perfect.  Hm, it just reminded me of judgement day and how we will be presented white and pure – with all of our dirty spots covered up.  What a glorious thought!!  That’s one of the cool things about God.  Since he sent Jesus, he make us holy and clean.  Why do I need that you say?  Well, we all have dirty spots in our lives and we all need to be covered with a cover to hide those blemishes.  Why?  – Thats the way to eternal life.  Its really pretty amazing.

Isaiah 1:18 (New International Version)

 18 “Come now, let us reason together,”
       says the LORD.
       “Though your sins are like scarlet,
       they shall be as white as snow;
       though they are red as crimson,
       they shall be like wool.

So anyway, it was a great refreshing run, with a thought about God’s glory that I hope spurns me on to good works and service to my King.  I hope it helps you as well.  ( by the way – did you know that you can add comments on this blog as well – its fun!)

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Faith?

Wow, so the school Christmas programs are over – that means that big day is pretty soon.  There were several comments on my selected present from yesterday, but I could still use some suggestions for Amy.  Add some comments!  Josh’s countdown continues today with , get ready, The Jonas Brothers!  YES!  Not quite NKOTB, but close – Here it is Girl of My Dreams.

I have still been thinking about those shepherds and magi, and the faith it took for them to go to Bethlehem to find this new born king.  So that on top of the fact that I am slowly going through Crazy Love by Francis Chan. ( I say slowly because the book is so challenging I have to stop and think and process after a few pages, but its a great read.  I recommend it for Christmas).

Anyway, I have been thinking about faith.  The shepherd’s faith and my own faith.  Mr Chan asks this question in the his book “What are you doing right now that requires faith?”  Its a really really tough question.  How much faith does it take for me to go to work?  To type this blog?  To do each of my conference calls?  Recently, I ate lunch with a family who a few years ago, packed up, took their 4 children out of an exception private school, and went to China to live and teach for a year.  I sit in awe when I think about the faith it takes to do that!  I am not saying lets all head to China ( or maybe I am), but I am suggesting as you visit the new born king over the next few days, examine yourself.

Examine yourself, your faith, ask yourself – what are you doing right now that requires faith?  I don’t think this is a flippant question.  Its a hard question.  but its one that we all should examine.  So when you are sitting around at night, think about these shepherds,  think about these Magi.  Think about your faith, and then go visit the new born king, and see what that does to your answer to this question!

Hebrews 11:6

New International Version (NIV)

6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

And then check the whole of Isaiah 58.

oh by the way, I still am finding myself singing

Glória in excélsis Deo

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The Lord will give you a sign

The countdown continues and so, I thought I would just keep sharing Josh’s great list of Christmas Hits.  Yesterday – Winger’s Silent Night ,  Winger – That’s  right- The 80’s rock!  I hope this helps get in the the spirit.  For me personally I have two songs competing for time in my head, this morning I am alternating between

Glória in excélsis Deo

and

Dinkletown children: Ya, hey! We’re glad to say
That Christmas time is here!

We can’t believe it’s Christmas!
Been waiting for a million hours
Can’t believe it’s Christmas,
Oh what a nifty day!

We can’t believe it’s Christmas!

Man, this is a great great time of year! Enjoy it – draw closer to your savior, as you remember his birth. Immanuel, God with us.  That’s something to get exciting about!

Isaiah 7:14 (New International Version)

14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Matthew 1:23 (New International Version)

23“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.”