Psalm 72: 11-20….The prayer for Solomon continues.

Introduction: A couple of weeks ago, amid the prayer prayed over Solomon at his induction, because of the Church Calendar and the Ascension of Jesus, I took a break from Psalms. On that occasion I wrote in the introduction “Solomon isn’t one of my favourite Bible heroes. He started well but ended up badly…..On theContinue reading “Psalm 72: 11-20….The prayer for Solomon continues.”

Isaiah 34: 8-17….The future told in graphic pictures!

Introduction: Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, after whom the Israelis are named, had a brother Esau. Esau, and later his descendants, occupied the land of Edom. Edom was mentioned in yesterday’s tale of woes and here again at the very centre of today’s opening Edom, Israel’s neighbour, holds centre stage! 8 For theContinue reading “Isaiah 34: 8-17….The future told in graphic pictures!”

Isaiah 34: 1-8….If you are squeamish Beware!

Introduction: If there is a real story on the TV involving visible trauma there is often a warning that something is coming up which might be upsetting! In movies they just pile trauma, upon blood and guts. If you have an imagination this passage deserves a warning! I remember the scenes and smells from theContinue reading “Isaiah 34: 1-8….If you are squeamish Beware!”

Isaiah 33: 1-12….Prepare for a reversal!

Introduction: Initially God speaks to Sennacherib the enemy who had conquered and destroyed Israel! (v1): This is followed by. a prayer by the people of Israel, the prayer results presumably because they have realized that they have made wrong decisions in not following Jehovah and so they plead with God for help. (v2): ‘The tumultuousContinue reading “Isaiah 33: 1-12….Prepare for a reversal!”

Psalm 68: 19-27….Victory Assured!

19 Blessed be the Lord,who daily bears us up;God is our salvation. Selah – Think about that! Never forget it!20 Our God is a God of salvation,and to GOD, the Lord, belong deliverances from death.21 But God will strike the heads of his enemies,the hairy crown of him who walks in his guilty ways. –Continue reading “Psalm 68: 19-27….Victory Assured!”

Isaiah 29: 1-10….The prophet – a Master of Imagery!

Introduction: As you probably know -el at the end of Jewish words ‘means God’. Thus Daniel means God judges, Gabriel means God’s Strong Man. Here we have Ariel tying together the two words for lion and God. Used as a name for Jerusalem in this prophecy it refers to Jerusalem because of the Power ofContinue reading “Isaiah 29: 1-10….The prophet – a Master of Imagery!”

Isaiah 28: 23-29….Do city kids know where milk comes from?

23 Give ear, and hear my voice;give attention, and hear my speech.24 Does he who plows for sowing plow continually?Does he continually open and harrow his ground?25 When he has leveled its surface,does he not scatter dill, sow cumin,and put in wheat in rowsand barley in its proper place,and emmer as the border? – EmmerContinue reading “Isaiah 28: 23-29….Do city kids know where milk comes from?”

Isaiah 28: 16-23….Better Listen when God Speaks!

16 “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion,a stone, a tested stone,a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation:‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’ – What does ‘not be in haste’ mean? Other translations translate this as meaning ‘to make the wrong decision ie be confused; or be ashamedContinue reading “Isaiah 28: 16-23….Better Listen when God Speaks!”

Isaiah 28: 1-8….A review

Introduction: Before I began a series of run up to Easter and Easter devotionals I wrote about this passage. Because it is the start of a long prophecy I repeat it and add a bit more comment! In all languages the same word is used in different contexts to mean different things. Ephraim, although theContinue reading “Isaiah 28: 1-8….A review”

Various passages….about second chances!

Still these verses refer to yesterday, the day of the Cross, but Jesus was very definitely dead and entombed!..John 19: 38-42 -After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave himContinue reading “Various passages….about second chances!”