by Whitey | Jun 24, 2013 | Thoughts
“Because I love Zion, I will not keep still. Because my heart yearns for Jerusalem, I cannot remain silent. I will not stop praying… Take no rest, all you who pray to the Lord. Give the Lord no rest until he completes his work, until he makes Jerusalem the pride of the earth.” (Isaiah 62:1, 6, 7 NLT)
I’m really challenged and inspired by the passion Isaiah shows here for his nation, his city and his people; passion that moves him to pray. He says, “I will not stop praying…” He won’t stop praying until he sees God answer. He won’t give up. He just won’t quit.
But not only does he pray with passion and patience, he prays (and encourages others to pray as well) with boldness. He doesn’t only say “take no rest.” He also says “give the Lord no rest.” Like, just keep pestering God till He answers. Reminds me of some stories Jesus told…
Too often today’s believers give up too easily on prayer. Or we pray weak, unspecific, timid prayers. But the Bible encourages bold, restless, ongoing, passionate prayer.
Let’s not miss out on God’s best because we’re afraid to ask for it. Let’s pray with this kind of passion for our own needs, as well as our loved ones, churches, communities and nations.
And please… Pray for Japan!
by Whitey | Jun 15, 2013 | Thoughts
‘”For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the Lord, who has mercy on you.’ (Isaiah 54:10 NLT)
Today I’m thankful for the fact that God is faithful and trustworthy; He keeps His promises and does not forget His people. And all of this comes from a heart of LOVE.
Lord, thank you for Your great, faithful, trustworthy LOVE. Thank You for loving and saving me. Please help me to remember these truths throughout the day, to be grateful. May I live and move in and share Your LOVE today.
by Whitey | Jun 13, 2013 | Thoughts
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7 NLT)
Today I’m reminded that God’s promises are true. He is trustworthy and faithful! As He promised and provided deliverance from captivity for Israel, He also promised and provided a savior — Jesus! — for all of us, to save us from our sins.
God calls us who follow Jesus to be messengers if this good news. May I be found faithful as His messenger today. May my words and actions point people to Him. May it be clear to those around me that our God reigns!
Lord, I’m weak and need Your strength. I can’t carry this burden alone. Thank You that You are with me. Please make me aware of Your presence and strength today, and help me to live, work and minister FOR You as well as WITH You. In Jesus’ name…
by Whitey | May 21, 2013 | Thoughts on Missions
“Now, O Lord our God, rescue us from his power; then all the kingdoms of the earth will know that you alone, O Lord, are God.” (Isaiah 37:20 NLT)
No matter what fear, temptation or challenge you are facing today, God is bigger. God is stronger. He alone is God, and He gets the final word.
by Whitey | Sep 14, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
‘The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.’ (Isaiah 29:13 NIV)
What an easy mistake to make! How often do we find ourselves going through the motions of church attendance, devotions, rituals and rules, without actually connecting with God through these things? How often do we follow man-made rules and do at the expense of following Jesus’ teaching and example of love?
Thus is another great reminder if what true worship looks like. It’s not about rules or rituals; it’s about love. It’s not about ourselves; it’s about Jesus.
