The Bible shapes our perspective on life and events. This is true of the chapters in Isaiah about God’s judgment of the nations and the world (Isaiah 13-23) and in light of the terrorist attacks on the nation of Israel. The judgments pronounced on the nations...
The feedback I received from last week’s Words of Grace lets me know that I am not alone in asking why I pray. Apparently, that question resonates with some of you. Gratefully, you are still praying. Last week I mentioned three reasons to pray having to do with...
If you have taken prayer seriously and given significant time to pray about the concerns of life and God’s work in your life, then you have likely asked yourself, “Why am I praying?” That question is not theoretical in nature. You are not asking about the...
In Isaiah 6, the prophet recorded his own words twice. First, at the sight of the Lord seated on a throne and the sound of the seraphim calling out, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts”, Isaiah said, “Woe is me! For I am lost.” Then, after...
Built into the well-known vision that Isaiah had of the holiness of God is the lesser-observed contrast between two very different kings. Isaiah 6 begins with the death of King Uzziah as the backdrop for the message that the Lord is the one true and living King...
This Sunday at Grace Community Church we will consider the parable of the failed vineyard in Isaiah 5. While letting the weight of Isaiah’s words land as they will in our hearts, we will look beyond Isaiah to Jesus, the true vine from which a new...
We are using the word “judgment” a lot these days. Isaiah describes God’s attitude and actions toward the sin of Judah and the nations in what can only be called judgment. So, what are we to make of this word considering all that we have heard...
Sometimes there is no middle ground. The contrast is real and makes a difference. The ability to understand options, weigh alternatives, and make compromises can be a sign of maturity. Not every decision has only one clear choice, every problem only one solution, or every issue...
J.I. Packer wrote about the feeling of distance we often have when we read the Bible with its unfamiliar places, names, customs, and history. “Some Christians seem to resign themselves to following afar off, believing the Bible record, but neither seeking nor expecting for themselves such...
During July we are reposting previous Words of Grace on the topic of prayer. We hope these posts will encourage you in your prayer life. Originally posted August 2, 2019 One morning this week, the text messages and emails started coming in early. One message was from...
