Isaiah 60:1-62:5 + Philippians 1:27-2:18 + Psalm 72:1-20 + Proverbs 24:11-12
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Old Testament – Today in Isaiah chapter 60 we read about Jerusalem’s future glory! Verses 4 through 6 tell us – "Look and see, for everyone is coming home! Your sons are coming from distant lands; your little daughters will be carried home. Your eyes will shine, and your hearts will thrill with joy, for merchants from around the world will come to you. They will bring you the wealth of many lands. Vast caravans of camels will converge on you, the camels of Midian and Ephah. From Sheba they will bring gold and incense for the worship of the LORD."
Beautiful imagery in verses 8 & 9 – "And what do I see flying like clouds to Israel, like doves to their nests? They are the ships of Tarshish, reserved to bring the people of Israel home. They will bring their wealth with them, and it will bring great honor to the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he will fill you with splendor."
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Isaiah titled "The Spirit-filled Servant and the Kingdom of God" is at this link.
New Testament – Our readings in Philippians chapter 2 today have some powerful verses on imitating Jesus’ humility. In verses 3 & 4 we read: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Are you doing nothing out of selfish ambition or vanity in your life today? Are you humble? Do you consider others better than yourself? Do you look to the interests of others? I realize these can be hard teachings to put into practice – in fact, it seems almost impossible in our modern world. But, let us remember that indeed all things are possible with Jesus Christ in our lives and hearts. Let us not give up on imitating Jesus’ humility in our lives today. I pray each of us is becoming more like Jesus in some small or significant way each and every day. Don’t stop the transformation process. Don’t quench the Spirit. Let God change you.
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Philippians titled "The Ultimate in Humility – Leaving the Comfort Zone" is at this link.
Psalms – I’ll admit. I pay attention every single time the Bible talks about serving the poor. And it is a lot. And I think it is for a reason. Here it is again in Psalm 72 verses 12 & 13, speaking about Israel’s king – "He will rescue the poor when they cry to him; he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them. He feels pity for the weak and the needy, and he will rescue them." What about us today? Does this Psalm speak to us? Should we perhaps be "kingly" in this regard? Do we rescue the poor when they cry to us? (do we even listen for their cry?) Do we help the oppressed and those who have no one to defend them? Do we feel pity for the weak and needy? Do we rescue them? Do I? Do you?
Verse 20 tells us – "This ends the prayers of David son of Jesse." And below is a painting of an older King David… perhaps playing a Psalm he wrote…?
Proverbs – Today in Proverbs chapter 24 verse 12 we read – “If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?” This reminds me of the old adage that we are “either part of the problem or we are part of the solution”. If we say “we knew nothing about this” related to some issue in our world today, do you think that God will know if this is truth or a lie? What is going on in our world today where you feel like you perhaps should be taking some action on being part of the solution? What is an atrocity that you are being called to help solve? Do you think you should now move forward and be part of the solution? If you do nothing – if you say you “knew nothing about this” – will you then instead be part of the problem? Will you move forward on being part of the solution to issues in our world that God is calling you to?
Worship Video: Today’s readings in Isaiah, Psalms and Proverbs all remind me of the Steven Curtis Chapman song "Yours:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Vu9m8m1lEw
Do you believe than anything is truly yours? Click here and hand it over to God!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.” Philippians 2:14-15 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray that you do everything without complaining or arguing. Pray that you are blameless and pure in this crooked and depraved generation. Pray that you shine like a star in the universe, through your saving faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord & Savior.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you from today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
Isaiah 60:1-62:5
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. (Isaiah 61:1-3 KJV)
Have we ever really stopped to think about these three verses, do we admire the prose more than its content? Jesus stood up in the Temple and proclaimed this about Himself (Luke 4:18-21). I copied in the King James because in the NLT, in this particular case, a lot is lost. It is not just the poor, meaning lack of resources, this preaching/good news, is directed too, but to those who are meek in the Hebrew states:
‛ânâv ‛ânâyv
aw-nawv’, aw-nawv’ depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances (needy, especially saintly)
There are many who have an abundance of resources or at least enough to live on. In fact, God has given to each according to his abilities but we have not recognized either the value of what God has given us, or we like the servant who buried his talent, refuse to acknowledge that we are to do something with it. Poverty, or lack of financial resources, is relative based on the culture, climate and economic system you live in anyway. When I read the above verses I am reminded that my biggest job is to work with people in identifying the gifts God has given them and help them place a true value on that gift. The greatest poverty is spiritual poverty. When you are in “poverty,” you recognize neither the God who created you nor the God who gifted you with your gifts, talents and abilities.
Without seeing yourself as God sees you, without valuing yourself as God values you, you will never be able to get out of spiritual poverty. All of the stated bondage listed in Isaiah 61:1-3 are not physical conditions but spiritual conditions from which everything else flows.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
P.S. Joe—It really doesn’t matter what any of us think about what Isaiah saw; what really matters is this Does what he saw change whether or not our salvation is dependent or completed by trying to figure it out. Whatever the vision was and whether it was and is symbolic as in an allegory, we will not fully know this side of heaven. Maybe you will want to jot down you question as one you want to ask God on the other side of heaven.
Ramona
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Ramona,
Regarding the poor in spirit –
Matthew 5:3 – Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The poor in spirit recognize God and all that He does and they see within themselves that they are poor. They have nothing within themselves. The poor in spirit revere and worship God and will continually look to Him. They will inherit the kingdom of heaven.
Veronica
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Veronica,
If I have failed to write clearly then I am sorry. From where I stand and the Hebrew words translated to the English word poor, which are many, there is a BIG difference between being “poor in spirit,” and spiritual poverty.
May I suggest you do a word study in both the Hebrew and Greek (Aramaic) on the words translated “poor” using the King James as the text. You will be surprised on the full meaning of the words used and their application.
Ramona
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My husband and I had Phil 4:1-11 read at our wedding and I can’t help but think of marriage when I read these verses. This chapter is always such a challenge and an encouragement to me.
Micah Girl
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Does anyone else think that Isaiah is seeing airplanes?
And what do I see flying like clouds to Israel, like doves to their nests?
Joe
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Good morning one and all!
Yesterday I didn’t stop at Philippians 1:26 but instead went on and read the few verses completing that chapter. When I did, Philippians 1:27 jumped off the page to me, and this morning it still jumps out.
Philippians 1:27 (NIV) “Whatever happens, conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” What a powerful and simple verse to commit to our heart! When we become angry, hurt or disappointed or even when we have reason to celebrate, we should conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
My mouth is my big problem! Sometimes I speak before I think about how my words will make someone else feel. Another problem I have is my tone of voice. I was hearing until age 50 and then became deaf overnight. For the past 14 years I have struggled with tone of voice when I speak, and I speak fluently as I had 50 years of practice before deafness! I’m a total communicator – God has blessed me with the abilities to lip read, sign and speak. I have to really work on speaking orally in the right tone, and when I’m upset or tired that is not easy to do. Since I no longer hear what I say, my tone of voice often betrays how I really feel, but it could even come out sounding totally different from how I feel. In sign language the tone is reflected by the speed and size of the signs so it is easier to control. I have to constantly struggle with the fact that people hear how I say something before they hear what I am saying.
I’m going to put Philippians 1:27 as part of my morning prayer, and while the Lord and I are talking I’m going to ask Him to help me conduct myself each day in a manner that is worthy of His gospel! What a wonderful way to start out each day knowing that Christ is there to assist me in conquering not only this problem and all other problems life hands me!
God Bless!
Pat
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ISAIAH 60
14
“The children of your tormentors will come and bow before you. Those who despised you will kiss your feet. They will call you the City of the LORD, and Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
NOTE:
I am praying for the Peace (Shalom = Completeness in every area) of Jerusalem. I am praying that the spirit of terrorism be bound. I am also praying former terrorists will then come and willingly bow before the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – and into the city of Jerusalem to bow down to honor Israel as the city of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
ISAIAH 61
1
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, because the LORD has appointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to announce that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.
2
He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.
3
To all who mourn in Israel, he will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. For the LORD has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory.
4
They will rebuild the ancient ruins, repairing cities long ago destroyed. They will revive them, though they have been empty for many generations.
May the ministry of Jesus – be real IN US and then THROUGH US
ISAIAH 62
1
Because I love Zion, because my heart yearns for Jerusalem, I cannot remain silent. I will not stop praying for her until her righteousness shines like the dawn, and her salvation blazes like a burning torch.
God’s love for the people of God, and the fulfillment of His covenant, is truly amazing!
PHILIPPIANS 1 (NIV)
COMMENT: I really like this in the NIV
27
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel
28
without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.
29
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,
30
since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
We need each other! We need each other to support one another! We need each other to contend as one man for the faith of the Gospel!
Do we know and believe that “…it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for Him” ?
PHILIPPIANS 2
8
And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal’s death on a cross.
9
Because of this, God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name that is above every other name
May we be humble like Jesus—truly in deed and word—so Jesus is seen in us.
We need to be like the Lord Jesus and the world needs to see the Lord Jesus!
I watched the new season opener of “Smallville” last night. In the episode, Jalel (Superman’s father) tells Kalel (Clark Kent) that he must study hard and go through all of the training in order to save the earth. His father Jalel told Kalel (Clark Kent) that his emotions, not controlled, were his weakness.
Thus, his emotions humans must be guided by instruction provided by his father.
It made me think of how Jesus humbled himself before the Lord—which is the same way that we must be humble before the Lord:
HEBREWS 5
HEBREWS 5
7
[JESUS] Who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear,
8
though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.
9
And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,
13
For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.
14
But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
NOTE:
Jesus, the Perfect human, had to learn obedience through what He suffered. Thus, He was made perfect (or, inherent perfection within came through).
We also need to feed on “the doctrine of righteousness—solid food—so our senses are trained by practice to see the difference between right and wrong—and then to obey the right, by the Spirit of Christ within!
Thus, OUR emotions humans must be guided by instruction provided by OUR FATHER through the Word of Righteousness.
Vance
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“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
These verses are so real and true.
BUT
The worldview may look at these verses this way – “Do everything out of selfish ambition and conceit, not in humility, never consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look only to your own interests, never to the interests of others.”
If these were the true verses, than we are living in a very sad state of affairs.
Something to think about.
Henry
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The Lord loves those who take care of His children; He will shower you with love and eternal life if you give from your heart, without expecting a material reward. And when you pray and give alms, do so without bragging. Your gift will mean so much more when you do so for other in silence.
Patricia
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