Chapter 52:1
"Awake, awake, O Zion, clothe yourself with strength. Put on your garments of splendor, O Jerusalem, the holy city.."
Generally women are very interested in clothes. We have a closet full of clothes--enough for several women. But there is another closet full of clothing we need to consider- a closet full of beautiful spiritual garments for us to wear. Wouldn't we like to start our day off by putting on patience or joy like a garment and displaying that quality all day long.
God's garments:
-will never out of style
-the best quality , can last forever
-unique
Monday, April 30, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
靠主加力量,凡事都能做
Chapter 50
v.6 " I offered my back to those who beat me,
my checks to those who pulled out my beard.
I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting."
Wow, it is so challenging ! Jesus faced persecution and adversity with such great confidence and love towards people.
How would be my response?
-feel hurt, bitter, angry
-hold back my affection
Where did Jesus get his strength?
It reminds me of our mother's day slogan :
Philippians 4:13
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
v.6 " I offered my back to those who beat me,
my checks to those who pulled out my beard.
I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting."
Wow, it is so challenging ! Jesus faced persecution and adversity with such great confidence and love towards people.
How would be my response?
-feel hurt, bitter, angry
-hold back my affection
Where did Jesus get his strength?
It reminds me of our mother's day slogan :
Philippians 4:13
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Victory
Chapter 43 Israel's only savior
I am moving to a new apartment these few days. I do not like the new decoration . It is not other people's fault. It is mine. The problem is my heart. I like to say, " I should......" I am not content with what I get . Therefore, I did not have a good sleep yesterday.
V.1-13 awaken me . Israelites will be ransomed and restored.
v.14-28 Not because they have earned it but as a free gift.
God loves me so much , he gives me so many blessings. He used his word to wake me up from my sin.
Heb 13:5 Keep my lives free from the love of money(material-my new apartment) and be content with what I have.
Yesterday when I studied bible with Maggie's mom (Mrs. Chan), we read John 8:31-32.
I told her how peaceful I have felt after I accepted God's discipling. He set me free by using his powerful words, amen! Thank God!!!!!!
I am moving to a new apartment these few days. I do not like the new decoration . It is not other people's fault. It is mine. The problem is my heart. I like to say, " I should......" I am not content with what I get . Therefore, I did not have a good sleep yesterday.
V.1-13 awaken me . Israelites will be ransomed and restored.
v.14-28 Not because they have earned it but as a free gift.
God loves me so much , he gives me so many blessings. He used his word to wake me up from my sin.
Heb 13:5 Keep my lives free from the love of money(material-my new apartment) and be content with what I have.
Yesterday when I studied bible with Maggie's mom (Mrs. Chan), we read John 8:31-32.
I told her how peaceful I have felt after I accepted God's discipling. He set me free by using his powerful words, amen! Thank God!!!!!!
Saturday, April 14, 2007
The ideal servant
Chapter 42
The servant of the Lord
- in faithfulness he will bring forth justice;(憑真實將公理傳開)
-will not shout or cry out or raise his voice in the streets
-a bruised reed he will not break (壓傷的蘆葦,他不折斷)
-a smoldering wick, he will not snuff out (將殘的燈火,他不吹滅)
-will not falter , be discouraged (不灰心,不喪胆)
The servant of the Lord
- in faithfulness he will bring forth justice;(憑真實將公理傳開)
-will not shout or cry out or raise his voice in the streets
-a bruised reed he will not break (壓傷的蘆葦,他不折斷)
-a smoldering wick, he will not snuff out (將殘的燈火,他不吹滅)
-will not falter , be discouraged (不灰心,不喪胆)
Friday, April 13, 2007
COMFORT FOR GOD'S PEOPLE
Chapter 39
This is the end of the historical section of Isaiah. How it saddens my heart to read that last verse. Here was a great king, a powerful man of prayer, but at the end, he is only thinking of himself, pure selfishness. We must guard against this.
Chapter 40
v.1-2 神的赦免
v.3-5 神的看顧, 有真理的声音
v.6-8 有信心的声音, 論神的應許
v.9-11有救恩的声音,論神的能力
One of my favourite chapters in the bible . If I have troubles on my mind, I will go through v.28-31 over and over.
This is the end of the historical section of Isaiah. How it saddens my heart to read that last verse. Here was a great king, a powerful man of prayer, but at the end, he is only thinking of himself, pure selfishness. We must guard against this.
Chapter 40
v.1-2 神的赦免
v.3-5 神的看顧, 有真理的声音
v.6-8 有信心的声音, 論神的應許
v.9-11有救恩的声音,論神的能力
One of my favourite chapters in the bible . If I have troubles on my mind, I will go through v.28-31 over and over.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
POWER OF PRAYER
Chapter 37
No matter how many reports Hezekiah received, no matter how many threats, no matter what happened, Hezekiah trusted that God would come through for them. And he did. What about my trust when bad things happen?
Chapter 38
Sickness and recovery of Hezekiah
v.1-8 Hezekiah sick. Isaiah promises 15 more years of life & a sign.
v.9-20 Hezekiah’s song of thanksgiving
The power of prayer to change things
Few years ago, I had a routine mammogram test in Canada. They told me that calcifications are detected in my breast tissue. It would be safer to have a biopsy test. I was so scared and right away, I prayed to God. I asked him to help me not to suffer any unnecessary treatment. Since I was leaving for Hong Kong the next day, I thought I could have another check up in Hong Kong. Before I left Canada, I asked all my best friends in Canada to pray for me the same prayer. I had an ultra-sound scanning in the Hong Kong clinic. The doctor told me to have an operation. I talked to Joan and I decided to return to Canada to have the biopsy or operation if it was needed. I kept on praying for the same prayer:
God , please help me not to have any unnecessary treatment.
After going through some thorough check ups in the Canadian hospital, they told me that I did not need to have biopsy test neither.
Joan was so amazed to see me be able to remain so calm and peaceful in that month. This was not the real Roxana. Both of us knew that it was the power of God. When I surrendered to God's plan, I found the peace that God provided for me. Amen!
No matter how many reports Hezekiah received, no matter how many threats, no matter what happened, Hezekiah trusted that God would come through for them. And he did. What about my trust when bad things happen?
Chapter 38
Sickness and recovery of Hezekiah
v.1-8 Hezekiah sick. Isaiah promises 15 more years of life & a sign.
v.9-20 Hezekiah’s song of thanksgiving
The power of prayer to change things
Few years ago, I had a routine mammogram test in Canada. They told me that calcifications are detected in my breast tissue. It would be safer to have a biopsy test. I was so scared and right away, I prayed to God. I asked him to help me not to suffer any unnecessary treatment. Since I was leaving for Hong Kong the next day, I thought I could have another check up in Hong Kong. Before I left Canada, I asked all my best friends in Canada to pray for me the same prayer. I had an ultra-sound scanning in the Hong Kong clinic. The doctor told me to have an operation. I talked to Joan and I decided to return to Canada to have the biopsy or operation if it was needed. I kept on praying for the same prayer:
God , please help me not to have any unnecessary treatment.
After going through some thorough check ups in the Canadian hospital, they told me that I did not need to have biopsy test neither.
Joan was so amazed to see me be able to remain so calm and peaceful in that month. This was not the real Roxana. Both of us knew that it was the power of God. When I surrendered to God's plan, I found the peace that God provided for me. Amen!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
不是閉口不言,而是同情憐憫
Chapter 36
v. 4 "On what are you basing this confidence of yours?"
A question we should all ask ourselves always. These are my favorite confidence scriptures--for the Word is where I get mine from:
Heb 3:12-14, 10:35-36; 1 John 5:14
v.4-10 The Assyrian commander's first speech, pointing out the folly of relying on Egypt or God.
v.21 "But the people remained silent and said nothing in reply, because the king had commanded "Do not answer him."
This scene is so familar to me. There are always people around me saying the same thing. I used to try my best to defend but end up they still don't get it. Few years ago, I realized and accepted a fact that they are blind and deaf to God. I should feel for them . I should not argue with them. Now I will pray for them instead.
v. 4 "On what are you basing this confidence of yours?"
A question we should all ask ourselves always. These are my favorite confidence scriptures--for the Word is where I get mine from:
Heb 3:12-14, 10:35-36; 1 John 5:14
v.4-10 The Assyrian commander's first speech, pointing out the folly of relying on Egypt or God.
v.21 "But the people remained silent and said nothing in reply, because the king had commanded "Do not answer him."
This scene is so familar to me. There are always people around me saying the same thing. I used to try my best to defend but end up they still don't get it. Few years ago, I realized and accepted a fact that they are blind and deaf to God. I should feel for them . I should not argue with them. Now I will pray for them instead.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
PAY ATTENTION
Chapter 33
v.1-12 the deliverance of Judah from the invader
V.13-24 the consequences of this deliverance on the inhabitants of Jerusalem
The contrasts between the two halves are amazing--the people with God/the people without God. i.e. the church/the world. Why do we still have such a hard time choosing? This blessing of free will is also our curse, and the more "democracy" we get the harder we are.
Chapter 34
"Come near, you nations, and listen; pay attention, you peoples! let the earth hear, and all that is in it,"
Yesterday I went for hiking with Alan. It took us three hours to finish instead of two because we did not pay attention to a road sign. God is gracious . He gave us a clear life direction map(the bible). However, we always overlook , neglect.....it.
Today I have read a similar news about not paying attention:
拜山婦只顧講電話墮墓
Hebrews 2:1
"We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away."
v.1-12 the deliverance of Judah from the invader
V.13-24 the consequences of this deliverance on the inhabitants of Jerusalem
The contrasts between the two halves are amazing--the people with God/the people without God. i.e. the church/the world. Why do we still have such a hard time choosing? This blessing of free will is also our curse, and the more "democracy" we get the harder we are.
Chapter 34
"Come near, you nations, and listen; pay attention, you peoples! let the earth hear, and all that is in it,"
Yesterday I went for hiking with Alan. It took us three hours to finish instead of two because we did not pay attention to a road sign. God is gracious . He gave us a clear life direction map(the bible). However, we always overlook , neglect.....it.
Today I have read a similar news about not paying attention:
拜山婦只顧講電話墮墓
Hebrews 2:1
"We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away."
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
自滿--變得一無所有
Chapter 32
v.9-13 why did Isaiah specifically pick out women here? Are we really so complacent( Especially after we got married) ? A wake up call for married sisters . We should not just think our husbands have to stay with us, we need to help him WANT to stay with us. We need to try our best to stay healthy and look good even after we have children or getting old.
Chapter 33
v.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."
TREASURE: SALVATION, WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE
HOW TO GET IT : FEAR OF THE LORD
v.9-13 why did Isaiah specifically pick out women here? Are we really so complacent( Especially after we got married) ? A wake up call for married sisters . We should not just think our husbands have to stay with us, we need to help him WANT to stay with us. We need to try our best to stay healthy and look good even after we have children or getting old.
Chapter 33
v.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."
TREASURE: SALVATION, WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE
HOW TO GET IT : FEAR OF THE LORD
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
UNFAILING LOVE TO OBSTINATE CHILDREN
Chapter 30
人一次又一次悖逆神, 就如這批以色列人在国難中沒有尋求神, 反去尋求埃及的蔭庇, 神雖感到非常失望, 但是仍然等候(V.18) " yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you, he rises to show you compassion."
Salvation belongs to those who repent and return to God and surrender to him. He does not force us . When we choose to have our own way, he gives us freedom to go. Justice is not God's angry side. It is His righteousness working for his people. He wants to be able in fairness to show love and compassion.
Chapter 31
v.3 "But the Egyptians are men and not God; their horses are flesh and not spirit...."
How often we think men are Gods. Sometimes we we do not feel or act like it but we treat them that way, and then pride kicks in. It happened so much in the bible . eg. Saul and its how the early church go so messed up. We have to guard against this today too. Respect - sure -- but God is GOD .
人一次又一次悖逆神, 就如這批以色列人在国難中沒有尋求神, 反去尋求埃及的蔭庇, 神雖感到非常失望, 但是仍然等候(V.18) " yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you, he rises to show you compassion."
Salvation belongs to those who repent and return to God and surrender to him. He does not force us . When we choose to have our own way, he gives us freedom to go. Justice is not God's angry side. It is His righteousness working for his people. He wants to be able in fairness to show love and compassion.
Chapter 31
v.3 "But the Egyptians are men and not God; their horses are flesh and not spirit...."
How often we think men are Gods. Sometimes we we do not feel or act like it but we treat them that way, and then pride kicks in. It happened so much in the bible . eg. Saul and its how the early church go so messed up. We have to guard against this today too. Respect - sure -- but God is GOD .
Monday, April 2, 2007
次序和 步驟
Chapter 28
v.23-29 a parable showing how God works. This parable uses a farmer as an example. he has a set plan for dealing with his work. It shows :
-how he uses different methods to treat & harvest different crops.
v.27 "原來打小茴香,不用尖利的器具,...用杖打小茴香,用棍打大茴香"
It reminds me of discipling , studying with others........I believe it will take my whole life to learn. I trust that God will not give me more than I can handle. Just be humble :
- keep on learning from God's word
-asking for other's advise and input
-imitating other disciples' godly examples
Philp 4:13"I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
v.23-29 a parable showing how God works. This parable uses a farmer as an example. he has a set plan for dealing with his work. It shows :
-how he uses different methods to treat & harvest different crops.
v.27 "原來打小茴香,不用尖利的器具,...用杖打小茴香,用棍打大茴香"
It reminds me of discipling , studying with others........I believe it will take my whole life to learn. I trust that God will not give me more than I can handle. Just be humble :
- keep on learning from God's word
-asking for other's advise and input
-imitating other disciples' godly examples
Philp 4:13"I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
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