Isaiah 5: 18-  In quick succession Isaiah declares 4 more "woes" on Judah for their sinful rebellion against  the Lord.  

V. 18 "Woe to those who drag iniquity with the cords of falsehood, and sin as if with cart ropes..." They were crying out to the Lord for help.."let Him make speed" !  Hurry up Lord and help us... "so we can know".  But, they wouldn't let go of their sins.  They wanted to God's blessing without obeying  God's commandments.  God does not honor such prayers. 

V. 20 "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness. Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! 

I'm going to get a bit political for a moment.. I hope you will forgive me. But, as I watch and listen to what is happening in our country today.. I see a movement of people who are calling "evil good" - they are leading America into darkness and sin and calling it "enlightenment" and "progress".  God will judge them for this.  I also hear them calling "good evil".  What is good?   One example is - marriage that is restricted to one man and one woman.  That is God's way... the only right way according to His Word.  

V21 "Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and clever in their own sight!"   Reminds me of        I Corinthians 3:19-20  "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God.. For it is written, 'He is the one who catches the wise in their craftiness.' The Lord knows the reasoning of the wise, that they are useless. "  And , James 3: 15 "This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic." 

V 22 "Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing strong drink; who justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away the rights of the ones who are in the right!" 

Again, we go back to Isaiah's song.. God established Israel for the purpose of true justice and true righteousness -  based on His Laws..They failed to produce anything close to His intentions for them.  So, He would bring judgement.  It would come through foreign nations.  God would "whistle" for them to come and they would come with power and speed. 

There is coming a day of judgement for the whole world, including our nation.  As we see the sins of Judah and Israel repeated today all across the globe, we need to heed the warning of the Almighty God. 

Father in heaven, we cry out to You, for we watch in horror as our nation is led into darkness and evil. We pray for  Your Word to run rapidly and spread freely across our land. We pray for Your grace, to open doors of opportunity for the Word to be shared in ways that lives will be transformed forevermore.  Let Your glory shine through Your people as You are lifted up and exalted on the earth.  You are our salvation and in You we have hope and victory. Let Your Kingdom come, Lord Jesus! Praise Your holy name. Amen. 

 Isaiah 5:11-17   Isaiah sang a song about the Lord's vineyard, Israel.  Planted in love and cared for by her Creator, Israel was meant to produce good fruit - justice and righteousness.  But instead, she produced only "worthless fruit" - "bloodshed... and distress."

Isaiah records 6 "woes" that the Lord declares against Israel.  The first one I wrote about yesterday - God condemned those who took what belonged to others - greedy and arrogant, they ignored God's Law and abused their fellow countrymen.  God promised justice would be done.  The mansions of the rich would be empty -abandoned by those who were taken off into captivity. The vineyards and fields would no longer produce. The land would be desolate. 

The second "woe" is issued in verse 11. "Woe to those who rise early in the morning that they may pursue strong drink; who stay up late in the evening that wine may inflame them!" 

The people of Judah liked to "party."  In fact, they were so enamored by their lifestyle that they started drinking early in the morning and kept on until late at night.  It was all they cared about.  They did not pay any attention "to the deeds of the Lord.."  They never considered "the work of His hands".  Unfortunately, this attitude and lifestyle is more prevalent in our nation than we ever care to admit.

Judah had witnessed Israel being taken into captivity by Assyria.  They had heard the threats of Assyria against their own nation. They had heard the warnings of the prophets.  But, they didn't care.  They lived by the philosophy of the rich man in Luke 12 .. "And I will say to my soul, .. take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry.. "  And like him, God says to Judah, "You fool! This very night your soul is required of you.. " Judah would "go into exile for their lack of knowledge." 

The Lord would send the rich and the poor, the elite and the common folks.. into exile. All would suffer from starvation and thirst. Many would die. "Sheol has enlarged its throat and opened its mouth without measure; and Jerusalem's splendor, her multitude, her din of revelry, and the jubilant within her, descend into it."  Every man, woman, and child experienced God's judgement on Judah. 

 "But the Lord of hosts will be exalted in judgement, and the holy God will show Himself holy in righteousness."

Our country today needs to take heed of God's warning here!  America is not paying attention to the "deeds of the Lord" nor are we considering the "work of His Hands."  Too many in this world are enamored with a lifestyle that ignores the Word of God.  God alone has the final say on what is right and what is sin. 

We need to consider His deeds - He created EVERYTHING!  He chose to establish a people to teach His commandments.  He provided a way of salvation for those who broke His commandments. Even if we  just  consider those three things - we can begin to know Who He is.  

We need to think about what the "work of His Hands" means - Every single life on this earth - present, past, or future - is a work of God's Hands.  If we truly saw the unborn baby as a work of God's hands - how could we... ever... condone or support abortion?  If we read God's Word and learn what is truth, we would know that God created male and female - and He is not confused over which is which! May God help us!

We - as a nation - deserve the same judgement as Israel and Judah. For we also have a lack of knowledge !  The knowledge of a Holy God who has judged in righteousness before - and will do so again. May America turn back to the One True God! 

Father, You are the Sovereign King, perfect in holiness, and ruling in splendor and truth.  Open our ears, Lord. May we take heed of Your words, consider Your deeds and the works of Your hand.   Open the hearts of our leaders, to receive the truth and to repent of their sins. Proverbs 21:1 says, "The king's heart in Adonai's hand is like streams of water, he directs it wherever He pleases."  Direct the hearts of our leaders to the Truth of Your Word, to righteousness, and to true justice.  We ask this in Jesus' name, the name above every name, Amen. 

 Isaiah 5: 1-7  Isaiah writes a song for the Lord.  In this song he tells about the Lord's vineyard.  It was God Himself who planted the vineyard - Israel.  He planted it in a choice land. He planted it with "the choicest vine".  He did everything for His vineyard, so that it would bring forth the best fruit.. but it only produced "worthless" grapes. 

Because of the worthless fruit produced by Israel, God would remove "the hedge.. break down the wall.. and lay it to waste".  It would be consumed, trampled, arid, and full of briars and thorns.  Israel would be as worthless as the fruit it produced.  

The Lord  had desired a nation filled with justice and righteousness. .. good fruit.  But, Israel had become a nation of bloodshed and distress.  Therefore, He would remove His favor and protection from His land. 

v8-10  Isaiah identifies six indictments that the Lord was bringing against His people.  The first one is this, "Woe to those who add house to house and join field to field."  The wealthy were taking over the inheritances of their fellow countrymen. They were not obeying the Law to return the land during the Year of Jubilee. They were building themselves mansions while their brothers became impoverished.  This was not how God's people were supposed to live.  God would judge this injustice and make these houses "desolate".  Empty.  The fields would stop producing grain. The vineyards would stop producing grapes.

 Jeremiah also wrote about this. "Woe to him who builds his house without righteousness and his upper rooms without justice, who uses his neighbor's services without pay and does not give him his wages, who says,' I will build myself a roomy house with spacious upper rooms, and cut out its windows, paneling it with cedar and painting it bright red' Do you become a king because your are competing in cedar?

 Did not your father eat and drink, and do justice and righteousness? Then it was well with him. He pled the cause of the afflicted and needy; Then it was well. Is not that what it means to know Me?' declares the Lord. But your eyes and your heart are intent only upon your own dishonest gain, and on shedding innocent blood and on practicing extortion." Jeremiah 22:13-17

We hear so much about justice these days , indeed "social justice" has become a rallying cry across our country.  We need to understand  what God's Word teaches us about justice..   The Hebrew word here is mishpat - it means a verdict, a judicial pronouncement - the act, the place, the suit, the crime and the penalty.  It implies a correct judgement made in a lawful manner.  Judah's practices of usurping the land of others was a flagrant violation of God's Law. 

If we truly want to "do justice and righteousness" we need to honor God's Word. We need to act in a way that upholds His commands- to help those who are in need, to stop taking what we want at the expense of others... To stop the "lust of the eyes" - never satisfied or content with what we have, but always wanting more.. often at the expense of others.  This was the sin of Judah and Israel.  It is the sin of America.  And it will bring about God's just judgement.. 

Father in heaven, You are a Faithful God, who always does what is right and good and just.  You will always act in accordance with Your own Word.  We pray with the psalmist - " Adonai, teach me your way, so that I can live by Your truth; make me single-hearted, so that I can fear Your name."  Help us to choose justice and righteousness - according to Your Truth - in all we do.  May we learn to be content with whatever we have and treat others with love and grace.  We need You, our God who is "merciful, full of compassion, slow to anger and rich is grace and truth."  We praise Your Name for you alone are God. Thank You for our Savior who clothes us in His righteousness and for Your Spirit who guides us in Your ways.  We pray in Jesus' name. amen. 

 Isaiah 4  Isaiah has painted a picture of devastation and terror, where the women who once walked in high society...with beauty and wealth, had become like Holocaust victims.. wearing sackcloth, smelling putrid, being branded, and their hair plucked out.  They were desperate and frightened and ashamed. 

And, then in the middle of this horror, God gives Isaiah a vision of Zion.. the New Jerusalem.  "In that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious and the fruit of the earth will be the pride and the adornment of the survivors of Israel."   There will be a remnant of believers who will see the glory of the Messiah who will come to reign!

The Lord will wash "away the filth of the daughters of Zion." 

He will "purge the bloodshed of Jerusalem .." 

Jesus will come to Zion! There will be a "cloud by day, even smoke, and the brightness of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory will be a canopy. And there will be a shelter to give shade from the heat of the day, and refuge and protection from the storm and rain." 

Jesus.. Emmanuel, God with us.. will come again to reign on earth. He will come with the "spirit of judgement and the spirit of burning."  And those who will trust in Him fully will see His glory, know His cleansing, and live with Him for eternity.  Hallelujah!

Father in heaven, may Your name be exalted in all the earth!  May we see the Kingdom of Christ come and fill the earth with glory!  We long for that day and thrill at the thought of it. Yet, our hearts break for those who are lost. Those whose hearts are hardened. Those who have listened to the lies of the evil one and forsaken the Truth of Your Word.  Lord, open doors of opportunity for Your people to speak up and to share the Good News of Jesus, the Messiah who comes to wash away the filth of men and women in this world.,. in our country.. in our families.  Help us, dear Lord, to walk in the power of Your Spirit, to live holy and blameless lives before You, and to share the way of Life with those we can.  We ask this in the wonderful and beautiful Name of Jesus. Amen. 

 Isaiah 3 Actions.. choices..have consequences.  The Lord says, "For Jerusalem has stumbled and Judah has fallen, because their speech and their actions are against the Lord, to rebel against His glorious presence. The expressions of their faces bears witness against them. and they display their sin like Sodom; they do not even conceal it. Woe to them! for they have brought evil on themselves." ( v8-9)

"The Lord arises to contend. And stands to judge the people." v13

Because of their sin, the Lord would "remove from Jerusalem and Judah.. bread..water.. the mighty man and the warrior, the judge and the prophet, the diviner and the elder... " etc.  Every segment of society would be removed. He would allow "capricious children to rule.." (immature;  impulsive..erratic.. rulers.. imagine that! ) All the people would be oppressed. Neighbor against neighbor.  Children against parents. "And the inferior against the honorable." 

"Say to the righteous that it will go well with them, for they will earth the fruit of their actions." the Lord tells Isaiah.. but, "Woe to the wicked! It will go badly with him, for what he deserves will be done to him."  

Verse 12 is striking - "O My people! Their oppressors are children, and women rule over them. O My people! Those who guide you lead you astray, and confuse the direction of your paths."  The Lord holds the "elders and princes of His people"  responsible for the fall of Judah.  They "devoured the vineyard.." and plundered their own people.  They crushed the people of God and ground "the face of the poor." 

God also judged the proud women of Judah. They walked with their heads held high, showing off their "bangles" and their beauty.  But, their punishment would be severe - 

Their scalps would be affected with scabs and their hair plucked out.. They would no longer have their "anklets, headbands, crescent ornaments, dangling earrings, bracelets, veils, headresses, ankle chains, sashes, perfume boxes..". etc. ect.  Their men would be killed by the sword... and they would be left, "deserted she will sit on the ground."  What a picture of judgement!

This is what happened to Judah. This is what will happen to America. God will judge justly. He will hold those in leadership or in places of influence accountable for their actions.  Those who lead people into rebellion against God are "wicked" and it will go badly for them.  May we hear the warnings!

But, praise the Lord, our gracious God who will shelter His people who remain righteous, who walk in Truth, and who humble themselves before Him. The message of God's Word to us is always consistent and true.  God will raise up those who bow before Him. He will save.  "For Adonai, God, is a sun and a shield; Adonai bestows favor and honor. He will not withhold anything good from those whose lives are pure." ( Psalm 84:11 CJB). 

Father, we live in a day and age.. in a place.. where wicked choices are being made.. where rebellion against You is prevalent everywhere.  We see the devastation that those choices are bringing as "You arise to contend "with us.  People are being led astray, confused, and oppressed.  Sin is being displayed and there is no longer an attempt to conceal it. Lord, help us! Let Your Word be preached across our nation. Open ears to hear and hearts to receive.. before it is too late. You know those who are Yours, gracious Father, and we trust You to be" our sun and shield." We testify with the psalmist that "Better a day in your courtyards that a thousand days elsewhere."  When we seek You, we find You and we are so grateful for Your love and grace. May Your name be praised in all the earth! May many more turn from wickedness to Truth, to the glory of Jesus Christ the Redeemer and King.  In His name we ask this. Amen. 

 Isaiah 2  In the first 5 verses Isaiah describes what he "saw" - what would happen in the "last days" - when the "house of the Lord will be established as the chief of the mountains.."  It will be a time when the Lord will teach all the nations His ways.  There will be no wars and all the weapons of war will be turned into "plowshares and pruning hooks".   Isaiah exhorts Judah to "walk in the light of the Lord" - to be prepared for that great day when the Lord will reign over all the earth.  (This is considered to be a vision of the Millennium rule of Jesus.) 

The rest of this chapter is a stark revelation of what was happening in Judah during Isaiah's day and what will happen when God brings His judgement.. " a day of reckoning"  upon the earth. 

Judah was practicing divination and other  occult activities. They were obsessed with their silver and gold. They were proud of their horses and chariots.  They were worshiping the works of their own hands.  Pride and arrogance are particularly offensive to the Lord.  Over and over again the Word of God tells us that those who are proud will be brought down, while those who are humble will be exalted.  This passage proclaims this truth loud and clear.

Verse 11 " The proud look of man will be abased, and the loftiness of man will be humbled, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day." 

Verse 17 "and the pride of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men will be abased, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day." 

"From the terror of the Lord and from the splendor of His majesty" -  Men will hide.  They will throw down all their cherished possessions. They will run to caves and caverns in order to hide from God's judgements.  

God will cause the whole earth to tremble. Everything that man thinks is permanent and unshakable will be destroyed - the "cedars of Lebanon.. the oaks of Bashan.. the lofty mountains.. every high tower.. (imagine what that will look like .. think about the twin towers on 9/11.. multiplied .."  every fortified wall.. all the ships.. all the beautiful craft.. the idols will completely vanish.." 

The final statement is so vital - "Stop regarding man, whose breath of life is in his nostrils; For why should he be esteemed."  

Father in heaven, how great is Your glory! You alone are God and You will always be sovereign over all of heaven and earth.  Every man and woman is subject to Your perfect will.  You determine our last breath.. our lives are in Your hands.  Open our eyes, Father, to see that You will bring judgement on those who are filled with pride and arrogance.  You will judge those who look to other sources for life.  Many today are looking to a man or a government, or to their material goods, or to armies and weapons - but none of those things will last.  As Your Word tells us - You will come and the whole earth will tremble.  You alone will be exalted.  Help us, Your people, to walk in the light of the Lord.  Help us to trust and obey.. and to exalt Your name only! May the Word of God run rapidly and be glorified in all the earth so that many more will turn back to You and find true life in Jesus Christ the Lord.  In the name of our glorious King, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. 

 Isaiah 1:21-31 This section of Isaiah 1 has the sub-title of "Zion Corrupted, to be Redeemed" in my Bible. The Lord has spelled out the indictment against Israel already.. their lack of knowledge and understanding,  their complete corruption by sin, and their blood covered hands that made their worship disgusting to Him.  

He has given them a call to holiness, telling them to repent.. to cease evil and do good... to obey His Word.. so that their sins that are like scarlet can be made "white as snow." 

Zion - the city of God- was meant to stay holy and set apart.  This is the place where God would put His Name, where His Presence would be found.  It was to be "full of justice".  A faithful, righteous city.  His city. 

But, He says, it had "become a harlot."  Zion harbored murderers.  Its rulers were rebels. It was full of thieves and those who wanted bribes for their own reward.  They abused the needy, the orphans and the widows, instead of helping them.  And because of these things.. the Lord would bring judgement. 

God was about to purge Zion of His enemies. He would "avenge" Himself. He would turn His own hand against His people and "Smelt away [their] dross as with lye." 

 God will remove the sinners from His sight.  He will redeem His Holy City. 

There is a New Jerusalem that is coming.  It will be called "the city of righteousness, a faithful city."  There will be no sin there. No corruption. No rebellion. No abuse.. and no more tears!

Those who still rebel against God will be "crushed".  They will be "ashamed".  They will be "embarrassed".  They will be burned.. "and there will be none to quench them." 

Jesus spoke about this "unquenchable fire".  Mark 9:43 "And if your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life crippled, than having your two hands, to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire."  There is no sin, no pleasure, no desire.. nothing that is worth having.. if it keeps us from Jesus. 

Father in heaven, we pray for a new awareness of Your holiness, that we might reverently fear and worship You. We pray that You might show us grace and give us faith to walk in obedience and trust, doing the things that You have commanded us to do, with clean hands and pure hearts.  You alone are God of heaven above and earth below and there is no other. Your Word is Truth.  No other has the authority to say that sin is not sin.. Those who do it,  condone it and promote it.. are in rebellion against You and will be judged. They will be crushed.  They will be ashamed. They will be thrown into the unquenchable fires of hell.  This is what Your Word says, and it is Truth.  God, help us! Turn  our nation from all wickedness.  May we humbly bow before You in repentance.   We plead for Your redemption.  In Jesus' name. Amen. 

 Isaiah 1:10-20  The lack of knowledge and understanding of God's people led them to rebellion - sin filled the nation; they were stricken  from head to toe, bruised and raw; and their land was becoming more and more desolate.. like Sodom and Gomorrah.  ( v 1-9)

The Lord continued to speak to Israel.. condemning even their corrupt attempts to carry on with "worship":

"I've had enough.."(v11)

".. I take no pleasure.." ( vll)

"Bring your worthless offerings no longer.."(v13)

"I cannot endure iniquity and the solemn assembly.." (v13)

"I hate your new moon festivals and your appointed feasts, they have become a burden to Me, I am weary of bearing them. (v14)

"Yes, even though you multiply prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood." (v15)

The Lord makes it very clear that worship that is not accompanied by a cleansed heart is not worship at all.. it is a burden to Him, it is something that He will not accept.   Jesus taught that any sin - even a broken relationship with a brother, was something that needed to be resolved before bringing an offering to the Lord. ( Matthew 5:23-24)  Israel had "hands.. covered with blood".  Their sins were truly like "scarlet".. as are ours.. 

But, there is hope!  It is not too late.. He says,  " Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from my sight. Cease to do evil. Learn to do good.  Seek justice, reprove the ruthless; defend the orphan, plead for the widow." (v16-17)  

Repent. Turn back to God's commands and walk in His ways!

The beautiful words of the Lord bring us a way back from destruction and death.. "Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord, 'Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool. If you will consent and obey, you will eat the best of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.' Truly the mouth of the Lord has spoken."  ( v18-20

Like Israel, we have a choice.  Follow Him and find life and goodness and grace and forgiveness so complete that we are made " as white as snow"!  Or keep rebelling and find death, destruction, and blood on our hands. 

Father in heaven, You are God Almighty and we praise You. Thank You for sending Your Son to shed His blood and take away our sins, that we might we washed clean and made pure and holy in Your sight. Your grace is amazing, Your love so divine.  Adonai, will You bring us back to You?  Our nation is in great need of Your Word.Grant us repentance, please.  Fill this land with truth and give us ears to hear and obey Your Word. Let Your kingdom come!  Let Your will be done.  And Let Your name be honored in all the earth.  In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 

 Isaiah 1:5-10

The charges have been read - Israel is guilty of rebellion.  Their failure to know their own God and to understand His Word and His will -  had brought them to total corruption. They had become like Sodom and Gomorrah ...

Isaiah compares Israel to a person who is stricken with a terrible illness. "The whole head is sick. And the whole heart is faint. From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is nothing sound in it, only bruises, welts, and raw wounds, not pressed out or bandaged, not softened with oil." (v5-6)  The consequences of sinful rebellion are always evident in one way or another.  We see it in the face of the criminal, in the life of the despondent, in the life choices of the rebellious.  Yes, many put on their masks and pretend that all is well, but we see it - even the rich and powerful, the "beautiful" people in our society... who too often succumb to their drinking, drugs, or immorality in an effort  to cover up the sadness of their hearts which have no hope.  

In verse 7 Isaiah points out the stark reality - "Your land is desolate, your cities are burned with fire, your fields - strangers are devouring them in your presence; It is desolation, as overthrown with strangers."  Here is the evidence that God's favor had been removed from the land - desolation, fire, floods, and destruction .  People were sick and the land was being stricken too.  Sounds like the headlines in our newspapers... 

The Lord calls His people -  Sodom and Gomorrah, the cities destroyed by God's terrible wrath because of the extent of depravity that filled them.  The destruction of Sodom was complete - "Then the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven, and He overthrew those cities and all the valley and all the inhabitants of these cities, and what grew on the ground."  (Gen. 19) All that was left the next morning was smoke and ashes. 

Yet, Lot and his daughters were saved out of Sodom.  And a remnant would be saved out of Judah...."like a shack in a vineyard, like a shed in a cucumber field, like a city under siege.."  The CJB calls it a "tiny, tiny remnant.."  And, I am reminded that Jesus said, " For many are called, but few are chosen." ( Matt. 22:14)  

Many are invited.. into the Kingdom.. into fellowship with Jesus Christ.  He is not willing that any should perish! But, we must respond to the invitation and come in the way that He has provided.  

Father, thank You for the Way that You provided, for Jesus, our Savior and King.. the Passover Lamb, slain for our ransom.   I join my voice with the saints -  to testify that "It is worth it all!"  to follow Jesus!  You can heal the sickness of sin and You can heal our land.. if we call to You and seek You and pray, humbling ourselves before You, Lord of Hosts.  Help us! "God, restore us! Make Your face shine, and we will be saved.... God of armies, please come back!" ( Ps. 80;3,14) Thank You for being kind and compassionate.. and patient with us. We give You all praise and glory and honor. In Christ's name we pray. Amen. 

May the Grace of Jesus Christ be with you!

 The Complete Jewish Bible arranges the books in the Old Testament a bit differently than what we are used to.. so following II Kings, we find the prophets beginning with Isaiah, who began his ministry during the time of Uzziah and continued until the days of Hezekiah.  He was there when the kingdom of Israel was captured by Assyria.  He saw what was happening to Judah.  The powerful messages of Isaiah are not only warnings for Judah, but for us as well. Just as the messages of hope, redemption, and restoration, through Jesus Christ, our Messiah, are powerful reminders that God is still in control and will complete what He has planned - in Israel and in us. 

Isaiah 1:1-4  Isaiah's vision begins with an indictment - the charges against Judah are set forth by the Lord Himself:

 "Sons I have reared and brought up, but they have revolted against Me."  The charge is rebellion. The defendants are God's own children.  The Lord compares them negatively to animals -who know their own owners and can find their ways to their homes - "But Israel does not know, My people do not understand."

Rebellion is the result of a lack of knowledge and understanding - of who we are and of Who God is.  Because of this lack.. Israel had become a "sinful nation".  A nation "weighed down by iniquity."  Corruption and evil were being handed down from one generation to the next. 

"They have abandoned Adonai, spurned the Holy One of Israel, turned their backs on Him!" 

This indictment could be charged just as well on America today.  I think it is fair to say that there is a great lack of knowledge and understanding of God, His Word, and His coming judgement of sin, in our country today.  We have seen God's Word removed from schools, government institutions, and public arenas.  We are seeing the Holy One of Israel spurned.. ignored.. and denied. We are a nation weighed down by iniquity. We have come to the place where sin is accepted and even exalted in some ways. The words of the Lord spoken by Isaiah are warnings and exhortations to us.. to our nation..just as they were in the days they were originally written. 

Father in heaven, You have spoken and You are speaking still.. may we have ears to hear and hearts to receive all that You want to say to us today.  With the psalmist I pray, "Don't count our past iniquities against us, but let Your compassion come quickly to meet us, for we have been brought very low. Help us God of our salvation, for the sake of the glory of Your name. Deliver us, forgive our sins for Your name's sake. " ( Psalm 79:8-9 CJB)  We need You, Lord God, for You alone can bring us out of this rebellion and sin.  May the Word of God spread rapidly.. run freely and be glorified in our land.  Direct our hearts into Your love and into the steadfastness of our Lord Jesus.  May our nation join herself to You and be Your people.  We put our hope and our trust in You, Lord. All things are in Your hands and we know that You will complete all that You have promised. Our eyes are turned to You and we give You thanks and praise, in the name of Jesus, our Mighty King and Deliverer. Amen. 

 II Timothy 4 This is the final chapter of Paul's final letter - addressed to Timothy - but delivered to us.  The charge that Paul gave to Timothy is relevant to us today, ".. preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.. " 

It is more important than ever that we speak and preach.. and write.. the Truth.  The time has come, just as Paul predicted when men "will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.. " ( v3-4) 

I've been thinking about this - in light of our current national situation.  We.. every one of us.. listen to those who say what we want to hear.  We see everything on the news through our own lenses, our own biases, our own preferences. The one side interprets the other's side through their own prejudices and vice versa. No wonder there is such conflict and discord!  Neither side comes to the full knowledge of the Truth.. having turned their ears away. Lord, help us!

But, Paul has made it clear to Timothy and to us that we have a role to play here - "But you, remain steady in every situation, endure suffering, do the work that a proclaimer of the Good News should, and do everything your service to God requires." (v5 CJB)

If we fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith.. we can also testify as Paul did, "in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award to me on that day; and not only me, but also to all who have loved His appearing." ( v8) Jesus, we do long for Your appearing!

As Paul said in chapter 2:19 - "the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, 'The Lord knows those who are His' - God is Sovereign and He knows the heart of every man and woman.  He knows those who believe and those who do not - those who belong to Him through faith in Jesus Christ and those who have rejected Him.  And, 'Let everyone who names the name of the Lord abstain from wickedness.'  We all are personally responsible to turn away from sin, from lies, from myths, from anything that keeps us from the full knowledge of the Truth.  

Holy Spirit lead us in the Truth. Reveal the lies and deceptions that we have been bombarded with by the world. Give to us spiritual discernment.   Father,  deliver us from "every evil deed" and bring us safely to Your heavenly kingdom!  To You "be glory forever and ever. Amen"

"Grace be with you." 

 II Timothy 3  "But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come."   Oh my.. Yes.. we are seeing this right before our eyes... 

"For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; and avoid such men as these."  (v2-5) 

This is a very accurate picture of our world today, is it not? Paul says, "Stay away from these people!" (CJB)  They try to persuade and get control of the "weak-willed women who are heaped with sins and swayed by various impulses, who are always learning but never able to come to full knowledge of the truth." 

Those who have rejected the Truth of God's Word, who have refused to repent of their sin, and who keep seeking knowledge from other sources - will never succeed in finding the "full knowledge of the truth."  

False teaching cannot produce godly living... only moral deficiency.  Men or women " will not make further progress; for their folly will be obvious to all.. " Paul says they are just like "Jannes and Jambres". So who are they?  According to the Bible Knowledge Commentary there was a Jewish legend that they were two of Pharoah's magicians who went up against Moses and lost.  Paul is saying that false teachers (and those who believe them)..  are like these magicians.. ".. opposed to the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected as regards the faith."  And  headed for failure.  

So, what do we do in a world filled with men and women such as these?  We must also follow Paul's example - his "teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, persecutions, and sufferings.. "  We must believe that the Lord will deliver us even though "all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. " 

Evil will increase.  We are seeing it happen.  But we are able to continue to live for Jesus, finding wisdom in His Word. To come to the full knowledge of the Truth we need to keep in the Inspired Word of God.  We must be taught and teach it. We must allow it to reprove us - rebuke us; convict us; correct us; and train us in righteousness.  May the grace of God be with us!

Father in heaven, Your ways are holy.  Your ways are wondrous.  You reveal Your strength in Your people. You led Your people Israel through the waters of the Red Sea.  You led them like a Shepherd leads his flock. You will lead us now through the troubled waters of our day.  The raging winds and agitated waves do not worry You.  The trembling earth.. trembles only  at Your Hand.  So like the psalmist we say, "What god is as great as God?" ( Psalm 77)   There is no other. We will "know today and establish in [our] hearts that Adonai is God in heaven about and on earth below - there is no other." ( Deut. 4) Deliver us from evil, gracious Father. Holy Spirit, we yield to Your leading, to the glory of God the Father and of Jesus Christ the Son.  In His name we pray. AMEN 

 II Timothy 2:19-26  Paul continues his instructions to Timothy, and to us, with an illustration about noble and ignoble vessels.  There are 2 important principles that we need to think about:

1. "The Lord knows those who are His." This is a quote referencing Numbers 16:5 during the rebellion of Korah and his company. They had questioned Moses' authority and accused Moses of exalting himself.  But, Moses replied that the Lord would show who was His.  He would separate the holy from the unholy...the true from the false. 

2."Let everyone who names the name of the Lord abstain from wickedness." This may also be a reference to Numbers 16.. a warning to the people to stand back away from the "wicked men, and touch nothing that belongs to them, lest you be swept away in all their sin."  The principle is repeated over and over in the Law - stay away from the unclean things. Stay away from evil. Be separate... be holy. 

Paul says that these two principles are the seal of  "the firm foundation of God.."  The Bible Knowledge Commentary summarizes it like this.. "The two inscriptions emphasize respectively both God's sovereign control over the church and every Christains responsibility to turn away from evil." 

This helps to understand the illustration of the vessels. Some vessels are gold and silver - "vessels of honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work." These are vessels that have been "cleansed" from "these things" - from wickedness and rebellion, from false teachings and useless arguments.  On the other hand, some vessels are wood or clay- dishonored. Not sanctified, not useful for God's work.. needing to be cleansed. God knows each of us - whether we are faithful, honorable, and useful to Him; or whether we are "unclean", contaminated by the world.. by sin in our hearts. 

The  unashamed workman who handles the truth of God's word accurately.. is a vessel of honor.  He pursues "righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart."  

He refuses "foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels." 

 He will be "kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition.."  

He would do all he could to lead them to the "knowledge of the truth." 

Father, You know our hearts.  You have called us to be vessels of honor, cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ, who came so that we might be saved and sanctified....Your Spirit filled servants.  Help us to turn away from those things that are wicked, useless, and argumentative.  Our world is filled with so much of that right now. May we have clean hands and pure hearts as we humble ourselves before You and seek Your face, praying for our brothers and sisters in Christ, and showing kindness to those with whom we may disagree.  Lead us all into the the knowledge of Your truth. Again we pray for understanding that comes from You alone.  In Jesus' name. Amen. 

May God's grace be with you all. 

 II Timothy 2: 7-18

  Paul encourages Timothy.. and us.. to "Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything."  That is a powerful statement!  As we read and meditate on the Word of God, let us ask Him.. and trust Him to give us "understanding in everything." 

Paul's next statement is.. "Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead.. " 

Remember that Jesus is "a descendant of David".  Why is that important? Because He is the fulfillment of God's promise of One Who will sit on the throne forever.  " He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power.... He has inherited a more excellent name.. "  God said, "Thou art My Son, Today I have begotten Thee."  And to the Son, He says, "Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of His Kingdom." ( Hebrews 1)

Paul says that his gospel message is worth suffering hardship for.. "even to imprisonment as a criminal".  He could endure this "for the sake of those who are chosen, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory."  What are we willing to suffer? Are we willing to endure anything if it meant that others would be saved?

Here is Paul's focused message.. the message that governed his life and that he wanted Timothy to gain understanding of and to meditate on: 

"For if we died with Him,

we shall also live with Him;

If we endure,

We shall also reign with Him;

If we deny Him,

He also will deny us;

If we are faithless,

He remains faithful; for He cannot deny Himself."

Paul tells Timothy to remind us of these things. We are to focus on Jesus, and not on words or worldly and empty chatter.. it is all about Truth.. of which we all need to "..be diligent to present [ourselves] approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth." 

Father in heaven, You alone are holy and sovereign, the Lord of heaven and earth, and the only Wise God.  It is by Your grace that we come to receive mercy and forgiveness for our sins and failures. It is to You that we come and pray for understanding and comprehension of the Truth.  It is to You that we bow in humility, asking for help to live fully surrendered and focused on Jesus Christ, our Savior and King.  We have died.. in Him.  We have life.. in Him. We pray that we will endure to the end of this life and reign with Him for eternity! We pray that we will be strong in Your grace so that we will never deny Him, that we will be faithful to Him, and that we will have joy in fellowship with You always. Thank You for Your all-sufficient grace and perfect love. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.  

 

 II Timothy 2  The first verse stopped me in my tracks this morning.. "You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."   

Strong in grace.  Paul ends almost every letter with the blessing - "Grace be with you." ( or something similar).   I have been reflecting on his testimony in I Timothy 1:12-15, where Paul tells of how he was "shown mercy" even though he was a "persecutor and a violent aggressor"; saying " and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant with the faith and love found in Christ Jesus." 

Grace - charis- graciousness; the divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life; acceptable; benefit; favor;  gift; joy; liberality; pleasure; thanksworthy.  

Mercy - eleeo -  to have compassion; - by divine grace; 

Paul received mercy because of the grace of God. Grace precedes mercy.  It is the grace of God that leads us to obtain the mercy of God. 

"Grace be with you.. " is a prayer for what we most need.  It is a proclamation of Who God is and our utter dependance on Him to act according to Who He is - before anything else can happen.  " Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ... "  Paul prays in Ephesians 1.. "In Him we have redemption through His blood ,the forgiveness of our trespasses according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us." 

Paul says to Timothy and to us - ".. be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus..." 

We must be strong in His grace - to suffer hardship. To be a good soldier of Jesus. To compete to win the prize.  To receive the harvest that comes from hard work and diligence. To endure all things.. 

May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. Amen. 

 II Timothy 1  Paul is in a Roman prison.  He is on death row. This is his last letter and it is addressed to Timothy, whom he considers his "beloved son".  Paul wants Timothy to know that it had been worth it all.. to follow Jesus - the suffering, the sacrifices, the isolation - everything that could have been.  For, he could still say, " I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience.. " 

Paul's first letter to Timothy gave a lot of instructions for the church organization.  This one seems to be more personal.  Paul longed to see Timothy again and hoped for him to come before winter.  He knew Timothy's family and legacy of faith. He had personally been part of Timothy's ordination, laying hands on him for the "gift" that came through the Holy Spirit. His love for Timothy is evident throughout this book. 

Paul encouraged Timothy, reminding him that he was given "a spirit of power, love, and discipline."  He encouraged Timothy to not be ashamed of the gospel, but to "accept your share in suffering disgrace for the sake of the Good News.. " ( v8 CJB) 

Paul reminds Timothy that they had both been "called with a holy calling... according to His own purpose and grace.. " 

Paul exhorted Timothy to  "retain the standard of sound words... " and to "Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you." ( v14) 

These personal words are great reminders for all of us.. especially in this day and age. 

We have also been given the same Spirit as Timothy - not of timidity, but of power, love, and discipline. may God help us to live in light of this Truth. 

We must also be strong and courageous, willing to accept our share of suffering for the sake of the Gospel. May God help us to be ready to share in Christ's suffering. 

We must also stand firm in the calling that God has on our own lives - Guarding the Word - this great treasure that God has entrusted to us through His Spirit.  May God enable us to be faithful guardians of His Word. 

We live, unashamed, in the One who brought us life and light, Jesus Christ our Lord. If we suffer, we do so for Him, knowing that it is in Him that we believe and know for sure that He " is able to guard what [we] have entrusted to Him until that day." 

Father, we know that grace, peace, and mercy come through Your Hands. You have given us life in Christ Jesus our Lord. May we serve You daily, with clear conscience, with firm convictions, and with the power, love, and discipline that You have provided through Your Spirit.  May we never be ashamed of the Gospel that is Your gift, a great treasure, that alone can bring the dead to life.  All praise and honor and worship to You, our Great God and Father and to the Son, Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. 

"Grace be with you. "

 I Timothy 6 

 In the beginning of this letter Paul stated that the "goal of [his] instruction is love from a pure heart, and a good conscience and a sincere faith.." ( 1:5)  He went on to instruct Timothy to teach, live, guide, direct, and in every way relate to others from this firm foundation in Jesus Christ...  So that the church - every true believer- would strive to develop the character traits of "righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.."   It is this pursuit, this  "good fight of faith" that lead us to  "take hold of the eternal life to which [we] were called." 

This final section continues with more practical examples: 

A slave with godly character will treat his master with honor, whether that master is a believer or not. 

A true  believer will not argue and bring friction and abuse upon those who have a  different opinion than him, but will seek the Truth. 

A true believer will learn to be content and thankful for what God has provided and not let the love of money lead them into evil things. 

A true believer who happens to be rich will not fix his hopes on his money, but will trust in God "who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy." 

We need to all have our eyes turned to Jesus, who is our hope, so we can "take hold of that which is life indeed."

"Do good.. be rich in good works.. be generous and ready to share..storing up for [ourselves] the treasure of a good foundation for the future.." 

Father in heaven, let our hearts be pure, let our consciences be good - according the the knowledge of the Truth, and let our faith be sincere, without any hypocrisy . Help us to live in all righteousness and godliness, fully surrendered to You, our blessed and Sovereign King.  To You we give honor and praise. Eternal Lord, we are Your children and Your servants.  We ask that Your will be done in us today and every day until we see You face to face.  O what a day that will be! May we stand firm in Your strength until then, we ask in Jesus' name. Amen. 

 I Timothy 5  Paul tells Timothy, "I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality." ( v21)

These principles include:

Treating older men like you would your own father and treating younger men like brothers. v1

Treating older women like your own mother and younger women as sisters. v2

Taking care of widows, discerning those who have real need and those who should be taken care of by their own families. v3-15 

Taking care of elders/pastors who serve faithfully. v17-18

Treating accusations with careful discernment. v19-20

In other words, "pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.." ( 6:11) 

Relationships in the church family are a testimony of God's presence or absence..  How we treat one another is so important.  The character and works of every member are out there for all the world to see..."... deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed." (v25) 

We are reminded here to take time to pay attention to our own attitudes and to the attitudes of the church as a whole.  Are we treating one another like family? Are we taking care of those in need? Are we encouraging each other in good works?  Are we holding one another accountable when there are issues?

Father in heaven, once again we find that what we need most is You!  We see churches fail so often and bring shame upon Your Holy Name because they fail to hold to Your Word and the principles that You have given.  Bring repentance and revival to Your people.  We seek Your Presence and look to You for the power to live godly lives that will exalt Your Name in all the earth. Shower us with Your Spirit, Lord God, like rain upon the dry and thirsty ground.  We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. 

 I Timothy 4  Paul warns Timothy (and us) that there are two opposing factions at work in the world and yes, even in the church.  There is a spirit of "apostasy" - that will cause some to "fall away from the faith".  There are "deceiving spirits" and demonic doctrines, taught by liars- hypocrites, who have seared consciences. 

But, there are also those who "believe and know the truth".  True believers will receive God's gifts with gratitude, "for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer."  

Timothy's job was to constantly nourish the believers with "words of faith and.. sound doctrine". 

Paul uses some strong words to bolster Timothy in this work of serving the church.  It was not an easy job then, as it is still a demanding job today.  Paul says:

".. discipline  yourself for the purpose of godliness.." (v7) or as the CJB translates it - "exercise yourself in godliness... valuable for everything, since it holds promise both for the present life and for the life to come." 

"..labor and strive..  - because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. " 

"Prescribe( command)  and teach.. " 

Let your "speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity" be the example to all who believe.

Give attention to "public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching." 

"Be diligent about this work, throw yourself into it ,so that your progress may be clear to everyone." (v15 CJB)

"Pay attention to yourself and to the teaching... " v16) 

Like Timothy, every pastor or leader... and all the rest of us who are God's "priests"  must take care to follow these guidelines that Paul has provided under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.  Our Christian walk is something that we need to protect.  We need to persevere.  We need to be diligent. 

Father in heaven, help us to hear Your voice and to do Your will.  You are God alone and all things have come from You. We give thanks to You for the Word of Life that nourishes us so that we can walk in Truth and know You more and more.  By Your Grace, may we exercise godliness, strive for faithfulness, and live as an example of what a believer in Jesus Christ should be. Deliver us from lies and deceptions and all falsehoods.  Lead us in paths of righteousness for Your Name's sake. You are our hope and our salvation and in You we trust.  May Your Name be glorified in all the earth we pray, in Jesus' name, amen. 

 I Timothy 3  In this chapter Paul gives Timothy instructions about leadership roles in the church.  It is very practical.  These are specifically targeted towards pastors, deacons, and deaconesses.. but they also give us insight into character traits that all of us, who call on the Name of Jesus, can and should develop in our own lives.. regardless of any position we have in the church.  As Paul says in verse 15, ".. I write so that you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth."  

I Peter 1-2 also addresses the conduct of believers. Peter wrote, "But you are a chosen race, a royal Priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God.. " ( 2:9-10)  So, ".. like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;.. " 

Paul's letter gives us the specific details of what holy living looks like:

 We should  ".. be above reproach".  The greek word here is anepileptos - not arrested; inculpable; blameless, unrebukeable.  The Christian who is in trouble with the law or living a worldly, sinful life would not reflect the Light of Jesus in his or her behavior.  Yet, we know that all of us have sinned and fallen short of that standard at one time or another.  Thankfully, we have a Savior who has cleansed us and made us "blameless"!   As new creations in Jesus, filled with His Spirit,  we can now live up to the holy life He has called us to live. 

Paul addresses marriage and family conditions... ".. be husbands of only one wife and good managers of ... children.. " ( v2, 4, 12)  The emphasis here seems to be on moral conduct, dignity, and integrity in the family.  Our marriages are to reflect the mutual love and submission that Christ has for His bride, Paul tells us in Ephesians 5.  A broken home or failed marriage happens even to Christians.  It is not what God desires for us, but it is something that God can redeem us from.  As believers who desire to serve the Lord Jesus, we need to be careful how we conduct ourselves in our own homes, in our own marriages, and in raising our own children.  May we do ALL things for the glory of our Lord Jesus!

Our personalities, our dispositions, and even our emotions are reflections of the Lord Jesus whom we serve.  Paul says that being "temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable..  not addicted to wine, gentle, uncontentious, free from the love of money...  dignified, not malicious gossips.. faithful in all things.. "(verses 2-3; 11) are specific attitudes that mark the believer's life. 

Again we can see that the lack of these qualities mar our testimony of knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and King of our lives. When we  have a problem with anger, lose our tempers.. or are quarrelsome and argumentative..when we are  conceited or greedy.. we bring shame to our Savior's reputation as well as to our own. 

Paul reminds us of the Truth on which our lives are built and which are reflected in our conduct:

"He who was revealed in the flesh" - His incarnation

"Was vindicated in the Spirit" - His resurrection

"Beheld by angels" - His Exaltation

"Proclaimed among the nations" - His Proclamaion

"Believed on in the word." - Bringing Redemption

"Taken up in glory" - His ascension 

Our lives are built on the Rock.. the Cornerstone.. on Jesus Christ our King!

Father  in heaven.. may our conduct reflect only Jesus!  May our lives be surrendered fully, our hearts filled with Your Spirit, and lived out by Your power and in Your love.. so that Jesus is seen in each of us.  We ask this in the name of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen and amen. 

 I Timothy 2: 1-8  "First of all... "  Paul is writing to Timothy about leading the church. He has emphasized the need to stop all false teaching  (pursuit of any other means to try to find salvation) and  that all instruction should be for the purpose of "love from a pure heart and a good conscience and  a sincere faith."  The gospel message is the only message that will bring about these goals.  God, by grace, has shown us His mercy by sending Jesus Christ "into the world to save sinners.. " In Jesus we find faith and love. 

As we join with all believers, to fight the good fight, to keep " faith and a good conscience", then our first priority is prayer. " .. I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men."  

Entreaties - to plead with, beg

Prayers - worship ; earnest prayer and supplication

Petitions - intercession

Paul uses three distinct words to describe the kind of prayers that we are to make on behalf of others. "This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior who desires all men to be saved and to come the the knowledge of the truth." ( v3-4) 

Paul wrote that we should pray for  "all human beings, including kings and all in positions of prominence ; so that we may lead quiet and peaceful lives, being godly and upright in everything..."

What or Who  keeps us from leading quiet, peaceful, godly lives?  This is who we are to make intercession for.. that they might come to the "knowledge of the truth".  That they might be saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus.  That they might know "there is one God and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." 

Paul gives us some requirements for this kind of praying:

The CJB says it this way.. "Therefore, it is my wish that when the men pray, no matter where, they should lift up hands that are holy - they should not become angry or get into arguments." 

For women, Paul says, "Likewise, the women, when they pray, should be dressed modestly and sensibly in respectable attire, not with elaborate hairstyles and gold jewelry, or pearls, or expensive clothes. Rather they should adorn themselves with what is appropriate for women who claim to be worshipping God, namely good deeds." 

No pretenses. No arrogance. No prideful attitudes.  We are to come into God's presence with clean hands and pure hearts ( Psalm 24:4) We come in truth, in love, and in surrender to God's perfect will. 

Father, we give You thanks and praise for the grace that You have lavished on us, that we should be called Your children.  We desire Your will to be done, here in our lives, in our world.. as it is done in heaven. Teach us to pray, Lord. May we come to You with pure hearts to worship and adore You. May we come to lovingly bring intercession for the lost ones.. including presidents and senators and congressmen... for family and friends.. any enemies too.   May we be faithful to pray for those who have hurt us or have disrupted our quiet and peaceful lives.  As we begin this new year, Lord, start a new work in us.. may we be people of prayer more than ever before.  Fill Your church Lord, with the power of Your Holy Spirit. We plead with You in the name of our Mediator, Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.