The Sure Foundation For Your Times

I studied Isaiah 33 for awhile, but there was a section I couldn't understand. Since the pandemic (Covid 19) started, it suggests new meaning to me which I would like to share. Here it is (Isaiah 33:10-14 NIV):

10 “Now will I arise,” says the Lord.
    “Now will I be exalted;
    now will I be lifted up.
11 You conceive chaff,
    you give birth to straw;
    your breath is a fire that consumes you.
12 The peoples will be burned to ashes;
    like cut thornbushes they will be set ablaze.”

13 You who are far away, hear what I have done;
    you who are near, acknowledge my power!
14 The sinners in Zion are terrified;
    trembling grips the godless:
“Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire?

    Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning?”

The phrase "your breath is a fire that consumes you" makes me think of this pandemic, the virus is like a fire that takes our breath away.

Is it perhaps a judgement on our global condition, that humans have of late conceived and birthed so many ideas that are not of substance - but worthless and "flammable" the way chaff and straw are flammable shells with no nutrition? I don't mean it's a judgement on individuals who are ill, because it refers to "the peoples" being set ablaze like cut thornbushes (eg. high contagion among everyone) and being "burned to ashes" (eg. many consumed, many cremations). The virus seems indifferent to who it infects.

I imagine everyone across the world will hear of what is happening (see Isaiah 33:13). Those in places more affected will notice changes that seem surreal in their countries. A short time ago, I could not have imagined anything that could cause such profound changes as these in such a short time:

• Vast economies throughout the world slowed and shutdown. 
• Huge cities quickly locked down and halted, except for essential services.
• Massive retailers and industries indefinietly closed.
• Sporting empires worldwide with delayed and cancelled events.
• The entertainment industry unable to film programs and movies, and theatres closed.
• The hospitality industry with empty rooms and vacant buildings.
• Weddings, funerals, conferences, concerts, churches, families - gatherings of all types put on hold.
• Restaurants and bars closed (except for drive throughs and delivery).
• Schools and universities closed, students learning online or at home.
• Airlines and transportation curtailed, highways empty.
• Cruises and travel - formerly a privilege, now a potential source of infection and stranding.
• Places renowned for longevity suddenly dangerous places for the aged to be.
• Powerful people equally as vulnerable as others to this disease.
• Stock markets and oil prices plummeting and erratic.

In short, the most popular - and populous - places and businesses suddenly became places to avoid. And in a world where the "outgoing" are often celebrated, people are suddenly encouraged to "stay home"!

Nothing I have ever witnessed has had such rapid and widespread influence over all the nations of the world, and all the institutions of power within it.

And as a result, people are reaching out to the Lord. It's good news in Isaiah 33:10 that the Lord says He will arise, be exalted and lifted up. I imagine there are many who, in their fear due to sickness or circumstance, will look to the Lord like never before. Perhaps some in their final hours,  but also I hope many who will recover and move forward with new respect for the Lord. I hope it changes this generation in a lasting and positive way by generating renewed interest in and respect for Him. By reaching out to God in this troubling time, people are acknowledging His power (see Isaiah 33:13)

I also hope we will recognize how the Lord works this for good in the lives of us believers. Ways he guides us, strengthens us, restores us, comforts us, changes us, and cares for us through this time and beyond. Isaiah 33:6 says:

6 

6 6       He will be the sure foundation for your times,
          a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;
          the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.

This is in the same chapter (Isaiah 33) as the other verses, so it is referring to these times, our times. The chapter is titled "Distress and Help" in the NIV Bible, and also mentions a time beyond this. So take heart, the Lord is with us, is drawing many to Himself, and is a sure foundation for us in these present times. 

It Happens In Thousands of Livingrooms!

"If you only had one week to live, and could write something guaranteed to impact 1000 people, what would you write?" This question was posed at a writers' workshop I attended, and this was my response: "I would write about Bible Study groups, and why I like them so much". As an introvert they really suit my style, and here is why:

• I like to learn, and as the name implies these studies focus in-depth on topics or sections of the Bible. Excellent study guides and videos are also available for leaders and members which encourage participation and consistency.
• Study groups are often small, which makes it comfortable to interact and share. It's fun to hear spiritual insights from others.
• It's encouraging to hear others pray aloud and pray with them. I learn from this too.
• Often groups meet in homes, which can strengthen friendships.
• Whether a collection is taken is up to the group, and many do not.
• There's always something new to study regardless how long a group meets, whether for a season or years.
• I find it easier to invite a friend to a small group than to a large church service. 
• For a change of pace, invite someone to share their testimony as a speaker.
• Bible studies are a way to find wisdom, solve problems, gain insight, and feel loved by God and others.

I don't know whether this will impact 1000 people - and sadly not everyone is free to gather this way - but I would love it if blessings I've received from such groups would be multiplied to others. Plus, these small gatherings greatly resemble the way Jesus' followers met with Him and continued to spread the word.

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. - Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20 NIV

Yeeee-OUCH!

Physical pain was something I had to deal with for awhile. Oh, I'd had minor things in the past, but this level was something new. When it happened it was like a hammer struck, or I stubbed a toe - times 10! Sometimes when it suddenly, intensely hurt, I heard a stream of swear words pour out of me as I clutched, crumpled, and waited for it to subside. Realizing it was not going to be a one time thing, I began to wonder if I could learn to respond in a better way. When I think of Jesus' suffering, such as when they drove nails through His hands, in my imagination I never envisioned Him swearing. Crying out in pain, perhaps, but not swearing*. So, although anger seems to rise so quickly when I hurt, I am trying to learn to express the pain without the course language. (And today I am grateful that my body has healed, and I feel better). 

^{*Matthew 27:50 NIV  "}And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit."

Life's Seasons Not As Expected

I always thought seasons in life corresponded with our physical growth: spring as youth, summer as adulthood, autumn as middle age, and winter as old age - complete with white hair like snow. This resulted in a somewhat bleak image of old age, and also concerned me because I 
was not prospering when I thought I should be.

However I recently read a description* of the seasons that began with winter, a time when roots spread below the surface in preparation for the future. The author pointed out that there is no harvest during winter. The hard work of planting begins in spring, then summer is characterized by lots of growth and attention, but with minimal harvest. Finally, in autumn there is plenty of harvest achieved with less effort.

I'm not sure our physical environment need be inhospitable for us to experience "winter" in our lives. It can be a time when, try as we might, nothing grows. Or when our enthusiasm or energy are weak. When we are dependant for our provision. The lack of visible results can cause self doubt, and blame from others may cause embarrassment.

Take heart if you find yourself in a period of winter. Spring comes, but like other seasons cannot be forced. In the meantime, it helps to accept that winter happens. Growth beneath the surface prepares us for spring, while kindness comforts those whose lives seem on hold. 
Job 5:26 NIV says "You will come to the grave in full vigour, like sheaves gathered in season." Although death may seem imminent during winter, the person in this scripture lived through it and went on to feel vigorous and reap a harvest before they died. So we have scriptural support that winter can indeed be the beginning of a spiritual journey, and our best days could lie ahead.

* p. 115-116, "Be Yourself, Discover the Life You Were Meant to Live", by John Mason, Baker Publishing Group, 2011.

What Is This Boat's Secret?

Anchored with a plain yellow rope down into the lake, a small aluminum boat covered with a blue tarp bobs in the waves off the shore. Floating there for hours, it detracts from the view of the popular pier nearby. But that little boat was built for speed, and would be fun in spite of it's plain appearance.

Many folks fit that description too. They may not keep up with the newest ideas or fit into flashy surroundings, but they often have gifts that are really a blessing if you give them a chance to shine.

Acts 4:13 NIV  "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus."

A Three Letter Word for Discernment: "And"

I once asked a neighbour, who happened to be a pastor, about how to discern false religions that refer to the Bible. He said to be wary of those who claim to follow the Bible AND also 'something else', such as another book or leader. I have since seen examples of religions that believe they encompass the Bible's teachings along with other texts they believe supersede it. That small word "and" can help one discern these false religions.

John 14:6 (NIV) Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Not Feeling Good Enough to Pray?

Sometimes life leads us down roads we never expected. Have you ever started something you felt bad about, but didn't want to stop? When I was younger, I was surprised to discover that some of the things people warned me about were ... well, fun. How could this be - if sin is bad, shouldn't it hurt? The simple answer is, it can feel good and hurt you (or others) at the same time. That is why it is so hard to stop, and why people warn us not to begin.


When I find myself on the 'wrong side' of this dilemma, I still maintain my relationship with God. People may judge me, and I need not convince anyone I am right or wrong. I pray about what I have done, or am about to do. Why kid myself, God knows my intentions? And I invite him to intervene, and confess my inability to stop. We don't have to be perfect to come before God, or no one would qualify. But thanks to Jesus' work on the cross, we still have access to communicate with God.


Romans 7:19 NIV "For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing."

Anonymity

Anonymity is a concept used at "anonymous" recovery meetings. Christian anonymity is sometimes viewed as being ashamed of one's faith. Don't be a 'secret soldier' we are admonished! A biblical basis for these concerns may be Matthew 10:32-33 (NIV) "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven." 
But anonymity is not necessarily disowning who you are or your beliefs, it is putting them forward without connection to one's name. This can be for safety, or to present the message apart from the messenger. At times Jesus himself hid for safety, or instructed people not to tell who He was.*


* At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds. (John 8:59 NIV)
* Whenever the evil spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” But he gave them strict orders not to tell who he was. (Mark 3:11-12)