ISAIAH 11-20

Today is Tuesday.  I had a good day yesterday.  We had a lengthy staff meeting, but got a lot accomplished and talked a lot about some plans we have for next year.  We have some things we would like to accomplish as a Church, and it will prove to be exciting and a great challenge.  It will broaden our ministry to help reach Portland and it's surrounding areas for Christ.  Today, I read ten chapters in Isaiah and here are a few items to share:

1) THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD- Isaiah 11:2 says:  "And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD."  When the Spirit of the LORD shows up, He brings with Him:  wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the LORD.  What a blessing to have the Holy Spirit show up.  As we look to Him and yield ourselves, we can expect these wonderful attributes of the Holy Spirit to flow through us.  May we yield everyday to the precious Holy Spirit. 

2) HOW GOD OPERATES- Isaiah 14:24 "The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:"  Whatever the LORD thinks comes to pass, and whatever the LORD purposes, shall stand.  It is just that certain with God.  This is how He operates.  He just has to think... and it happens.  He plans, and it unfolds exactly as He has planned.  What a God we serve!

3) NAKED AND BAREFOOT- I'm so glad that I'm not an Old Testament prophet.  Isaiah was one and had to not only preach the Word of God, but illustrate it.  In Isaiah 20:3, it reads:  'And the LORD said, Like as my servant Isaiah hath walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and wonder upon Egypt and upon Ethiopia;"  Now this prophecy didn't even concern Israel, but Egypt and Ethiopia!  He had to walk around naked and barefoot for three years!  Wow!  Thank you Jesus for calling me to be a New Testament preacher!

Well, I've got an early meeting this morning and must get to it soon.  May God bless you my friends.  Dr. Mike Mutchler, Pastor of Grand View Baptist Church.