Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Tuesday August 04, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of Isaiah, please read chapters 15-21 in your Bible or Click Here to read them. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2015-21&version=9

Today's Message: Committed Christian
A committed Christian does not fear this world's destruction nor does he desire this world's goods, but seeks God for comfort and provisions.

The prophet Isaiah was led to turn his thoughts from the glorious future reign of the King of Peace to proclaim the judgment of God upon the unbelieving. First we see the sorrows of Moab, “The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence; He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all their heads shall be baldness, and every beard cut off. In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth: on the tops of their houses, and in their streets, every one shall howl, weeping abundantly.” - Isaiah 15:1-3. What this means is that the cities [Ar] of Moab will be laid waste, because the fortress of Moab will be destroyed and brought to silence. Moab was Lot's son, and was an Adamic person. Lot was the nephew of Abraham, and the name "Lot" means "of his father". Moab was born through the sexual union between Lot and one of his daughters following the destruction of Sodom.

To better understand what is taking place here at Moab we need to learn the translations of these words. The word "Bajith" means the place of false Gods, so what we learn here is that Moab didn't go to the One and Only True God for comfort, but ran to the places of false gods. The word "Nebo" means a prophet to a false religion, which is a liar to bring forth falsehoods, "Medeba" means "waters of rest". These false prophets promised Moab that through them Moab would have waters of rest, but instead they have sorrow. When you start fooling around with other religions, mixing them to change God's Word to conform to other religions, and creating traditions and bylaws to bind God's people, then your in trouble in the eyes of God. Be careful as to how you treat the Word of God, and watch out for those that would take charge over you, whom God has not sent. This is what caused great sorrow to the cities of Moab. Jesus Said, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” - Matthew 7:15

Next, we learn of the burden concerning Damascus (Syria), “The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap. The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid. The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts. And in that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean.” - Isaiah 17:1-4. The fortress of Ephraim refers to the ten-tribe northern kingdom, a symbol of wealth, power, and self-glory, which would be ruthlessly destroyed by Assyria. Surprisingly, he also prophesied that Judah, the glory of Jacob, would fade, a reminder that the kingdom of Judah and the Holy City of God would eventually be destroyed because they too had become involved in worldly pursuits, numerous sins, and idolatry.

Nothing hides the will of God from view as deceptively as success and pride, both of which foster self-sufficiency. Jesus Said, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” - Matthew 6:19-21 . Wealth accumulated for self-interest may lead to greed and can weaken faith, the more we posses, the more we want, then covetousness (greed) leads to an endless pursuit of earthly possessions. Jesus warns us, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” - Luke 12:15. The desire for material possessions or personal pleasure has kept many from being used by the Lord to take His message of eternal life to a lost world. But when we earnestly desire to please Him, we will see that our earthly possessions really belong to God, and that they have only been entrusted to us to give us an opportunity to lay up treasures in heaven. God will give us everything we need and even some thing we desire, but we must be willing to put Him first and follow His command to honor the Great Commission. Jesus Said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” - Matthew 28:19,20.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, we place our complete trust and confidence in the words recorded in the Scriptures that You inspired Your followers to write. All Scripture is inspired by You and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that we who follow You are equipped to do every good work You commission us to do. Your Word is eternal, it stands firmly in the heavens and is established deep in our spirit where Your Holy Spirit resides. We choose to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and those who have carefully navigated their earthly walk along the narrow path that leads to eternal life instead of the broad way that most choose leading to disbelief and destruction. In Jesus' Name..........Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day/night.
God bless you,
Christina