ISAIAH on SUNDAY

It's Sunday!  It is a lovely day outside and I'm so looking forward to the day.  We had a great Men's Conference and it was such a blessing.  I'm looking forward to having Dr. Ray Young speak for us today, and I know that God will use Him among us.  I don't get to preach or teach today, but I'm going to enjoy getting to shake hands with God's people and love on them as their pastor.  (I have the best people in the world!) Here is a thought or two.  I wrote too much yesterday and don't want this to turn into a lengthy blog each day, (though I have plenty to write about).  Here are a few things from Isaiah: 1) OUR EYES SHALL SEE!  I wrote about this last year sometime, but it spoke to my heart once more.  I guess because my dear Father is in Heaven right now looking into the face of Jesus.  I too am looking forward to that day.  I have no fear of death, because that is only a  passage way to the Savior.  If God is through with me.... I'm ready to go any time.  Isaiah 33:17 says: "Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty:"  Job said it this way: Job 19:27  Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.  John said it this way: 1Jn 3:2  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. What a day that shall be, when my Jesus I shall see.... 2) RECIPE FOR DIFFICULT TIMES - I don't know what you are going through, but Hezekiah had some difficult times.  He was besieged by Sennacherib's army and they were greatly outnumbered, out powered, and completely cut off with no one to help.... but God.  Now we know God is all powerful and very capable to handle any difficulty, BUT... how do we get a hold of God in such times?  Here is what Hezekiah did in Isaiah 37, and I think it to be a good recipe for difficult times.  A. Humility- (vs. 1) "He rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth".  Humility catches God's attention!  That is a fact dear friend, not just an opinion.  (Like many churches, this economy can hurt us financially.  February's offerings were low and it was hurting.  So all month long, at our daily staff meeting with the staff men at church (usually 8 of us) would move the furniture in my office and get on our faces before God and pray for about 30 minutes; each man praying.  The results were that in March our offerings jumped up in such a way, that only God could take the credit.  It was a 40% jump in overall giving.  (all ministries included).  Humility works! B. Church- (vs. 1) "and went into the house of the LORD".  So many Christian down play Church, but look at their lives as well.  Church is right even if your life is not rosy.  It is the assembly of believers who are meeting to carry forth God's plan.  Get in Church!   C. Preacher- (vs. 2) "unto Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz."  Hezekiah sent for the preacher!  Ephesians chapter four tells us that the pastor was given as a gift to men.  Take advantage of God's gift to you.  God calls men into ministry to serve His people.  God uses to be a help and blessing to His people.  Let your Pastor be a blessing to your life.  Seek his counsel, follow his preaching and teaching.  God's Word says to "obey those who have the rule over you".  This is talking about the spiritual rule of the pastor.  Not between you and God, but helping you in your relationship with God.  D. Prayer- (vs. 15) "And Hezekiah prayed unto the LORD, saying,"  Pray dear friend... seek His face and call upon God and He will hear you.  These four things are a recipe for help in desperate times!  May God bless you today! Pastor Mike Mutchler