Isaiah 11-16

Here we are moving into the judgement chapters starting in 13. Judgement is a double edged sword, while it can keep us focused and trusting in God and that he has power over all nations and peoples, I think a fear can set in for those who may not be serious about their relationship with God. Heck, fear can sometimes come upon the disciple at times but in a healthy, reverent fear. One that draws us closer to God.

While the prophesies and judgements, mixed with some interesting history, are foretold many years before it happens, I am amazed at the fact that Gods chosen people were in an alliance with the enemy. Contrast that with you and I today. Are you in an alliance with the world? It's beliefs? It's compromises? It's culture? If you are a believer you are expected to separate yourself from the world while remaining in it. 

Romans 12:1-2

12 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Pastor Patrick

Isaiah 8-10

The bible is all about Jesus. The Old Testament points us to Jesus and the future kingdom and promises. The New Testament is all about Jesus' death, burial, resurrection and kingdom living. The bible reads a whole lot different when you read it as it was written. Again, it was witten about Jesus and everything comes together when you read and study Gods word from His perspective.

Isaiah is prophesying this at the command of God some 700 years before the son of God came into the world as Jesus. Isaiah 9:6 tells of a child to be born and he will be called God. John 3:16

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 

Look at the second half of chapters 9 and 10. The Northern Kingdom, despite experiencing God’s increasingly severe discipline, refused to turn back to the Lord. God's hand of judgement and discipline is there to encourage restoration, but they refused. They were saved and a part of Gods kingdom at one time but then they got pridfull (Is 9:9-10). 

Pastor Patrick

Isaiah 5-7

How often do you hear the preacher warn you to repent and turn to The Lord. And how often do you actually repent? Do you really search your heart and repent of anything that is unholy? It amazes me how much priority most who call themselves Christians put on prayer. It's virtually nil. It does not exist in their life, they have no alone time with God at all outside of church on the weekend and even though they know that they should have times of conversation with God they refuse by making every excuse under the sun.

My friend, it is impossible to have a relationship with anyone, of any value, if you do not speak with them everyday. God is not okay with being an acquaintance of yours. I want to encourage you to make the time to get to know the Father. He is an amazing God and worthy of your time.

As you read today's scripture notice how The Lord when he planted the vineyard expected to see fruit. God has expectations that you and I will bear fruit. Fruit worthy of repentance. Are you bearing Holy Fruit?

Pastor Patrick

Isaiah 1-4

I am no longer surprised when the focus of Gods word is on obedience and not sacrifice (works). From the beginning of time and creation all the Father has ever wanted was to have relationship and intimacy with us. Yet, we are so self centered and prideful that we are unable to approach a Holy and pure creator. You may struggle to see Gods hand at work in your life, I suggest opening your eyes to His word and the calling will be revealed. 

Isaiah is a great word from God that will open your eyes to Gods mercy. Mercy is something God gives to all. Even though we deserve annihilation for our selfish sinful hearts and rebellious spirit he chooses to spank you a little to get your attention then restore your relationship with Him as if nothing ever happened. Wow, I am so undeserving of your mercy God! 

Seek his face today,

Pastor Patrick

Song of Soloman

Love between a man and his bride is a beautiful thing. Sexuality and love are fundamental to the human experience. The Song of Songs is a celebration of love and marriage as God created it, between one man and one woman. It is only natural for the bible to address this as it also a picture of Gods love for us as His bride. Pastor Patrick

Ecclesiastes 9/12

Politics, wealth, and just about everything is worthless in the scope of eternity. Eternity is the important. Important enough for God to make a way for you and I to be secured with eternal life through His Son Jesus. He is the first fruit of the resurrection and our promise of the same. Put your efforts and trust into Christ and you will not be disappointed. Pastor Patrick

Ecclesiastes 5-8

There is some very deep thought here. This can go a long way in helping us to not waste to much time trying to contemplate the meaning of life in an unhealthy or ungodly manner. It's like when you buy a #lottery ticket, you made the purchase with the thought that you might win and there is a mindset behind it that life would be so much better with all that #money. Vanity is what this is called by the writer here in #Ecclesiastes. In other words it's empty and possibly damaging to trust in #money, #politics, #religion and such. #Pastor Patrick

Ecclesiastes 1-4

Ecclesiastes 1-4

Education and intellectual pursuits fail to satisfy our deepest needs. The task of the intellectual, the quest to understand life, is itself a hopeless endeavor. Of course, the wise go through life with better understanding of what lies ahead than do fools, but neither can escape death. Only the Christian has hope in Christ through the resurrection. Pastor Patrick