Category: Isaiah

Oops! God’s Word as my Shield

nofearlindaLeave a comment

Chapter 44 of Isaiah begins with another powerful No Fear passage. God is sending the Israelites more encouragement to help them face those long years that were coming during their exile in Babylon. The words of encouragement are just as real and profound for us today! Ancient words with help and love written all over them from our God. Isaiah 44:1-3

“But now listen, Jacob, my servant,
    Israel, whom I have chosen.
2 This is what the Lord says—
    he who made you, who formed you in the womb,
    and who will help you:
Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant,
    Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.
3 For I will pour water on the thirsty land,
    and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring,
    and my blessing on your descendants.

Here are truths and promises I can claim as a believer in Jesus from this passage:

  1. I am chosen by God and special to Him verse 1. 1 Thessalonians 1:4 “For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you
  2. God created me and knew me before I was even born verse 2. Psalm 139:13 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”
  3. God promises to help me during my life verse 2. Psalm 28:7 “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.“
  4. God says I can live without fear because He chose me, blesses and helps me verse 2. Romans 8:15 “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Galatians 3:26 “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith,”
  5. God promises to pour out His Spirit upon me and bless me verse 3. John 16:3 “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”
  6. As a child of God, my descendants and I will receive blessings verse 3. Deuteronomy 30:19 “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”

God meant for us to find and claim these verses as God had placed them repeatedly throughout scripture. Which of these will you claim in your life today? Are you in need of feeling special to God? See verse 1. Are you doubting that God created you for a purpose in a special way? See verse 2. Are you doubting God will help you in your current circumstances? See verse 2. Are you living in fear because of your current situation or pressures in your life? See verse 2. Do you need an outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit upon you today? See verse 3. Are you concerned about your children and grandchildren? See verse 3.

God’s Word is complete and has answers and hope for all of life’s situation! Praise God 2 Samuel22:31 speaks of the flawlessness of God’s Word and how it can be our shield for living. “As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.” David gives the same idea in Psalm 18:30,“As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.” Solomon also says in Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Why not claim God’s promises over you life today and use His word as your shield for living?

Linda

Keys to Repentance, 5th Sunday of Lent

nofearlindaLeave a comment

This 5th Sunday of Lent I want to draw your attention to 2 verses in Isaiah 43. Why Lent? Why have an attitude of repentance and gratitude? Look at these 2 verses:

Isaiah 43:7 “Bring all who claim me as their God,
    for I have made them for my glory.
    It was I who created them.’”

God calls each of us unto Himself. He has made us and created us for a purpose for His glory and our good! I love Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.“

Isaiah 43:25 ““I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sake
    and will never think of them again.

God has the ability and the desire to forgive our sins. When God forgives, the sins are gone to be remembered no more! What is required of us is that attitude of repentance. I am reminded of 1 John 1:9 “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” 2 Corinthians 7:10 “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”

Both of these verses from Isaiah speak to the heart of the Lenten Season. Check your attitude today. Are you thankful for how God has made you and are you looking for His purpose in your life? Do you feel sins burden or are you free in Jesus? I pray as you worship today that you would sense a new purpose and freedom knowing and trusting God. He is good and loves and cares for you.

Linda

Promises to Claim from A Personal God

nofearlindaLeave a comment

In writing my book Fearless Living, today’s passage is one of my favorites. God tells us so much about himself and how He desires to relate to each of us as believers. We are His chosen people by faith and His promises are ones we can readily claim. Isaiah 43:1-5

But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
    Cush and Seba in your stead.
4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
    and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
    nations in exchange for your life.
5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
    I will bring your children from the east
    and gather you from the west.

These promises were given to encourage the people of Israel while they were being held captives in Babylon. God promised to be with them in all circumstances and to bring them home. He did that when King Cyrus allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem. The timing was exactly as God had said and 70 years after being taken they were allowed to return. The king also gave them the articles taken from the temple and money for repairs!

However, if we look at this passage from this side of the cross, the promises are just as true for us as God’s children. First, God speaks of creating each of us- who we are, where we live and with purpose. in verse 1. God adds that He has redeemed us and calls us by name. How precious is that? The God of the Universe knows me by name and desires for me to be redeemed, bought back from the penalty of sin. In verse 2, God names various circumstances that would be totally challenging- water, flood, fire, and He promises to be with us. I am reminded of Deuteronomy 31:6 where He makes a similar promise, one I can cling to, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” God reminds us that He is God, the Holy One and our Savior in verse 3. I love the proclamation in verse 4 that I am precious in His sight and honored by Him. What a privilege to be called precious by God! The reason God feels this way is because of His love for me. John 3:16 says it this way, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” God is motivated in all He does towards me by His love as He states in verse 4. Lastly, God reminds us to not be afraid. Fear does not come from God. He plans to see me thought all things and bring me home to be with Him.

Which of these promises do you cherish in your life? Do you need assurance today that God is with you always? Do you know for sure that you are redeemed through you faith in Christ? Do you feel God’s love and care right now? If you are struggling, reread this passage and meditate on the promises given by God. What God says He will do, He will do! Trust Him as He is faithful in all things. Remember Lamentations 3:22-23 and claim it in your life! “The faithful love of the Lord never ends!  His mercies never cease. 23 Great is his faithfulness;  his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Resolve to begin each day walking in His mercies which is possible because of His faithfulness.

Linda

Servant Song #1 Thanks Be to God for Sending Jesus!

nofearlindaLeave a comment

As we begin Chapter 42 of Isaiah we find one of 4 ‘Servant Songs’ within the book of Isaiah that speaks specifically of the Messiah to come. This first servant song is Isaiah 42:1-9

“Look at my servant, whom I strengthen.
    He is my chosen one, who pleases me.
I have put my Spirit upon him.
    He will bring justice to the nations.
2 He will not shout
    or raise his voice in public.
3 He will not crush the weakest reed
    or put out a flickering candle.
    He will bring justice to all who have been wronged.
4 He will not falter or lose heart
    until justice prevails throughout the earth.
    Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction.” Jesus was chosen by God to come and fulfill His plan of redemption for all mankind. He was filled with God’s Holy Spirit and walked justly and humbly during his time on earth spending his time healing, teaching, and reasoning. He ignites the light of life within us as he said in John 8:12 “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

5 God, the Lord, created the heavens and stretched them out.
    He created the earth and everything in it.
He gives breath to everyone,
    life to everyone who walks the earth.
And it is he who says,
6 “I, the Lord, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness.
    I will take you by the hand and guard you,
and I will give you to my people, Israel,
    as a symbol of my covenant with them.
And you will be a light to guide the nations.
7     You will open the eyes of the blind.
You will free the captives from prison,
    releasing those who sit in dark dungeons. Creator God had a purpose for having Jesus walk the earth. Jesus demonstrated God’s love and righteousness. He renewed the covenant with Israel and all believers as He is a guide and savior to all nations. Luke 20:22 “After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.” He opened the eyes of the blind literally and spiritually. He freed those bound by the chains of sin and set us free. Luke 4:18“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free,”

8 “I am the Lord; that is my name!
    I will not give my glory to anyone else,
    nor share my praise with carved idols.
9 Everything I prophesied has come true,
    and now I will prophesy again.
I will tell you the future before it happens.” God reaffirms that He is Sovereign and will not share His Glory with anyone. All his prophesies and promises are true and will be fulfilled!

This beautiful song from Isaiah confirms for us that Jesus, the Messiah, did indeed fulfill all that the Father had said about Him. He was filled with the Holy Spirit, was humble and unassuming, reestablished the covenant in a new way between God and man through his sacrifice on the cross, brought light and righteousness to all mankind and made a way for us to be free from the bondage of sin. Praise God for our magnificent Savior! Christ is the Holy one, the Only one, who can Save us.

Linda

“I’m going to hold your hand”- God

nofearlindaLeave a comment

I love this next portion of Isaiah 41. God shows his love and compassion for His people Israel. He is their heavenly Father and treats them as His precious and special children. God knows they will be in captivity for 70 years and wants to encourage them during that time. Look at the “I”‘s in this passage. Whatever God says He will do, HE WILL DO! God keeps His promises.

Isaiah 41:13-14 “For I am the Lord your God
    who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
    I will help you.
14 Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob,
    little Israel, do not fear,
for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord,
    your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

These promises by God were to encourage the Israelites but they are meant for all God’s children. He loves and cares for each of us as His own. Romans 8:14 “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” Galatians 3:26 “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith,” Through our faith in Jesus, we are children of God. We are precious to Him. Psalm 147:11 “The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” Be encourage by the love your heavenly Father has for you and how much He cherishes you. When He says, “I Will”, He means it as a promise to each of us.

There are important truths about God and lessons we can apply to our lives from just these 2 verses.

*God promises to personally lead, guide, comfort and help those who believe and trust in Him.

*By holding our hand, God shows He cares for each of us.

*God promises to help us. He knows our circumstances and how to resolve all our problems.

*Since God will attend to us personally, we can know that we mean something to Him and have value in His eyes. We,

each one of us, are loved by the God of the universe!

*God reminds us that He is Holy, His character is pure and blameless, and He is our redeemer.

Be encouraged today by God’s special love for you.

Linda

Jesus is Upholding You, Be Encouraged!

nofearlinda1 Comment

In Chapter 41 of Isaiah we find encouraging passages that would have strengthened and given hope to the Israelites while in captivity in Babylon and that speak to us today with that same strength and hope.

Isaiah 41:9-10 “I took you from the ends of the earth,
    from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, ‘You are my servant’;
    I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

The Israelites could identify with these words as they knew God had called them while in Egypt and would call them to return to Jerusalem when their captivity in Babylon was finished. They knew that God would keep the promises He made to their fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God was giving them hope that He would strengthen, help and uphold them.

As we look at these verses thousands of years later, what do they mean to us today? We know God kept His promise to return them to the land of Israel after their captivity in Babylon. He also returned them to their land as a nation in 1948 when the Jews returned to establish and the independent country of Israel. We can also take comfort in God’s promise to be with us, strengthen and help us. When God says he will uphold us with His righteous right hand, God is referring to Jesus. Jesus is known as the one who sits at God’s right hand. We can count on Him to uphold us 24/7. Here are some lessons and truths we can glean from these verses that will give us courage, strength and resolve for living:

** God is sovereign and we are chosen by God to serve Him. God is in control of all things in heaven and on the earth. All believers are chosen by God to serve Him. He delights in having a relationship with us. Acts 4:24 “When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.” Psalm 147:11 “the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.”

**God’s presence dispels fear. (God is greater than any fear we might have!) Psalm 34:4 “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”

**Knowing He is my God frees me from discouragement. Nothing or no one can withstand the power of God. Romans 8:31b says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” or Isaiah 49:23b “Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.”

**God promises to provide strength and help. This promise is found elsewhere too. Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Isaiah 40:29 ” He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Psalm 33:20 “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.” Isaiah 50:9 “It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me. Who will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up.”

**God promises to uphold me through Jesus, who is His righteous right hand. Mark 16:19 “After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.” Acts 5:30-31 “The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins.” Ephesians 1:19-20 “ and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.” Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father. He told us he would be with us and uphold us until He returns. John 14:3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:16-17 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

May you be encouraged today by our promise keeping God!

Linda

Isaiah 40, Treasures for Living

nofearlindaLeave a comment

Before I leave Chapter 40 of Isaiah, I want to draw your attention to my favorite verses that give me strength, courage and a feeling of being loved by God.

Isaiah 40:8 shows me the strength I am assured of through God’s Word. “The grass withers and the flowers fall,  but the word of our God endures forever.” God and His Word are eternal and will not change, fade or die out. I can use His Word as an anchor for my soul as God and His Word do not change. Hebrews 13:8 speaks of the immutability of Jesus and confirms our trust in Him. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Proverbs 30:5 speaks of the perfection of God’s Word and its ability to protect us. “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Hebrews 4:12 speaks of how the Word of God is alive and will help us discern our own hearts and the world around us. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” The Word of God is eternal and provides grounding and hope in any situation.

Isaiah 40:11 “He tends his flock like a shepherd:
    He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
    he gently leads those that have young.” This verse is very comforting as God reveals his heart of compassion and love for me. I know that in times of heartache, joy and desperation He will hold me close to His heart and never let me go. There is no one or nothing like our God. He alone can hold and comfort me. However, He uses other believers to come alongside me and bring tangible comfort right when I need it. Thank you God for you exquisite care of me.

Lastly, I love Isaiah 40:28-31. This portion of scripture is a favorite of so many. Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

There is such strength in knowing God is creator of all, sovereign and everlasting. Nothing can outlast God. He is tireless and in my human weariness I can know that God will not give up or not help because He is too tired or preoccupied. He gives strength and power in Jesus’ name. He uplifts when I grow tired and always will renew my strength. He will cause me to soar and not grow faint. God is an amazing God who loves me and will always support me. I am reminded of Lamentations 3:21-23 when reading these verses, “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: 22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning;  great is your faithfulness.” We know that God always loves us and each and every day His mercies are new for us. We can count on His Faithfulness!

I pray you have seen God in new ways as we have spent time in Isaiah Chapter 40.

Linda

Creator God Makes Himself Known

nofearlindaLeave a comment

Chapter 40 of Isaiah has been a treasure trove of insights into the character of God. The last attribute of God is mentioned in several verses. God is the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 proclaims this fact about God, “ In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” God existed before anything was created and there was never a time when God did not exist. He existed before time. No one made God. God as creator made everything from the smallest particle to the expanse of the galaxy. All that we see and experience- the heavens, the angels, the whole spiritual realm, all earth what is inside and on it were made by God alone. Genesis tells us that God spoke things into existence. Genesis 1:3 “And God said, “Let there be light, and there was light.” By the power of His Word He created all things. God alone brought something out of nothing. He is an amazing God!

Isaiah wants to remind us of God’s power and His ability as Creator God.

Isaiah 40:22 “He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth,
    and its people are like grasshoppers.
He stretches out the heavens like a canopy,
    and spreads them out like a tent to live in.”

Isaiah 40:26 “Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:
    Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one
    and calls forth each of them by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength,
    not one of them is missing.”

Isaiah 40:28 “Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.“

In each verse we see a tender aspect of Creator God. Isaiah 40:25 speaks of God stretching out the heavens like a covering to provide us a place to live. God created our home with us in mind. He knew what we needed- water, air, sunlight, shelter, means to grow food, places of beauty to take in his grandeur. I am reminded of the verse in Romans about everyone knowing that God exists because of His marvelous creation. Romans 1:19-20 “ since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”

Isaiah 40:25 talks about the expanse of the heavens that is filled with stars. God named each one when He made them. He watches over all creation and no stars go missing just like no sheep go missing either. The good shepherd, Jesus will seek us out. John 10: 14-15 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.”

Finally, Isaiah 40:28 explain the tirelessness of God. He never ceases to work for His creation. He has as long as it takes as He is eternal and filled with endless energy. His ways are beyond our understanding as His ways are not our ways. He is incomprehensible. There is no way we can totally understand our infinite God. Thank goodness, Jesus knew we would not be able to totally comprehend God so He made provision for us. John 1:18 “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.” John 14:7 “If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Knowing Jesus we can know the Father. Jesus will reveal the Father to us though the power of His Holy Spirit. Thank you Jesus.

What a wonderful picture Isaiah paints for us in Isaiah 40, a treasure to be cherished, studied, prayed over and praised!

Linda

4th Sunday of Lent, God Has NO Equal

nofearlindaLeave a comment

I am comforted today knowing God has no equal. Isaiah Chapter 40 has proof for us that God has no equal in heavens or on earth. Isaiah 40:18 and 25

18 With whom, then, will you compare God?
    To what image will you liken him? ” God’s answers by asking the Israelites which idol that they have made by their own hands has power? Their skilled craftsmen have set up their handmade idols but which of them will never fall over? We can ask ourselves the same questions today. Whom or what do we put above God- education, material things, relationships? What thing, event or person has the power to change life eternally? Only God has the power to change, mold and create new life within us. I am reminded of 2 Corinthians 5:7 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Christ is the Holy one, the Only one, who can Save and transform us.

25 “To whom will you compare me?
    Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. God is asking them, and us, whom do we have to compare to God? Will our education, our accomplishments, our relationships, our jobs, our families, our vacations, or our money compare to God and His power, might, forgiveness and hope? Whom can offer us eternity? Whom can offer us a personal relation ship with Almighty God? No one and nothing can be substituted for God.

Thinking of Who God is and His power and might brings me to Psalm 18. Here are a few verses that show us How our God is alive and will intervene and sustain us.

1 I love you, Lord, my strength.

2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

3 I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
    and I have been saved from my enemies.

30 As for God, his way is perfect:
    The Lord’s word is flawless;
    he shields all who take refuge in him.
31 For who is God besides the Lord?
    And who is the Rock except our God?
32 It is God who arms me with strength
    and keeps my way secure.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
    he causes me to stand on the heights.
34 He trains my hands for battle;
    my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
35 You make your saving help my shield,
    and your right hand sustains me;
    your help has made me great.
36 You provide a broad path for my feet,
    so that my ankles do not give way.

May you be in touch with God today as you worship Him. He is worthy of all our worship and there is NONE like Him! There is NONE EQUAL to GOD!

Linda

Sovereign God Has It Within His Control

nofearlindaLeave a comment

Chapter 40 of Isaiah has a lot to say about God as Ruler of all nations and the heavens! The image Isaiah is presenting is one of God who is the preeminent ruler of all creation whether He is acknowledged by the Israelites or even us. He is in control of all things showing His sovereignty. The Sovereignty of God is defined as: God is the one who is in control of all things. There is nothing outside of God’s wise control, even the exact time and place for each person to live. No one tells God what to do or how things are to happen. God plans are set by Him and no event, natural disaster, person, not even Satan can stop God’s plans. When God permits evil we can trust that He has planned to use it for our good and His glory. God planned the time for His son, Jesus, to come into the world and He determines when the time is right for Jesus to return. God will accomplish His plan because He alone has the power to do it.

Isaiah begins this portion of the Chapter 40 with a few rhetorical questions. He does not expect the people to answer Him but to know that the answers should be obvious to them. Isaiah 40:12-14 sets the stage for God’s comments about the earth, its rulers and inhabitants as they are seen by Him.

Who else has held the oceans in his hand?
    Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers?
Who else knows the weight of the earth
    or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale?
13 Who is able to advise the Spirit of the Lord?
    Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him?
14 Has the Lord ever needed anyone’s advice?
    Does he need instruction about what is good?
Did someone teach him what is right
    or show him the path of justice?

Isaiah 40:15 “No, for all the nations of the world
    are but a drop in the bucket.
They are nothing more
    than dust on the scales.
He picks up the whole earth
    as though it were a grain of sand. God’s answer to the questions is there is no one, no nation under heaven and on earth that can give Him advice, teach Him or show Him the pathway of justice.

Isaiah 40:17 “The nations of the world are worth nothing to him.
    In his eyes they count for less than nothing—
    mere emptiness and froth.” The nations of the world are temporary and their own splendor is limited.

Isaiah 40:40:22 “God sits above the circle of the earth.
    The people below seem like grasshoppers to him!
He spreads out the heavens like a curtain
    and makes his tent from them.” God looks down from heaven over all His created beings and provides for them.

Isaiah 40:23 ““He judges the great people of the world
    and brings them all to nothing.” God can and will judge all people. Their own lofty purposes will count for nothing.

God concludes this reminder of who He is and who we are with 2 more questions in verses 25-26.

“To whom will you compare me?
    Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One. 26 Look up into the heavens.
    Who created all the stars?
He brings them out like an army, one after another,
    calling each by its name.
Because of his great power and incomparable strength,
    not a single one is missing.

I love the conclusion God reaches. As we gaze at the stars in the heavens and look at the majestic beauty of God’s creation, we are faced with the realization that there has to be an all-powerful, sovereign God guiding all of this. Not man, his nations or governments can create and sustain the things of God. Today send a few minutes in prayer thanking God for who He is and the beauty and power of His creation. Be comforted that God is in control and we do not need to fear the governments of man as God is Sovereign and will bring about all things that are for our good and His glory! Praise God!

Linda