WHO IS "THE REAL, THE TRUE, THE LIVING" JESUS?
Just sharing some thoughts on the LIVING Jesus (see https://thelivingjesuschrist.wordpress.com/)
Isaiah 42:16
English Standard Version (ESV)
16 “And I will lead the blind
in a way that they do not know,
in paths that they have not known
I will guide them.
I will turn the darkness before them into light,
the rough places into level ground.
These are the things I do,
and I do not forsake them.”
ISAIAH (A Prophet from the Old Testament)
Summary:
The Prophet Isaiah was saying that there has come a breakdown between God and His people.
Isaiah was calling “the people of God” home. Because Because God restores us and gives us new life in Christ
God’s truths to Israel can be applied to the Church and people…today
http://www.livingtruthmedia.com/index2.php?ID=CDN
ISAIAH: CALLING PEOPLE HOME
“The Diagnosis of a Disease” – Part Two
“Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth!
For the LORD has spoken: ‘I reared
children and brought them up, but
they have rebelled against me’.”
Isaiah 1:2
Isaiah, in his opening chapter, gives a diagnosis of a problem with the nation of Judah that is going
to reoccur with different symptoms at different times in different situations, but all derive from one
source. Though he sometimes refers to Israel, he is addressing the people of Judah, therefore the
people of God. Author and Bible teacher, Charles Price, discusses the diagnosis and remedy Isaiah
gives as God’s prophet, which applies to all of us today who form the church of Jesus Christ.
The diagnosis begins in verse 3 where God says through Isaiah, “The ox knows its master, the
donkey his owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.” In verse 4, he
says, “They have forsaken the LORD; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their
backs on him.” Out of familiarity, an ox knows its master and a donkey his manger, but what has
happened is that the people of Judah have neglected God. They’re no longer familiar with Him, and
that has turned into a position of rejecting God – “they turned their backs on Him”. God seeks
active relationships, and whether it’s Israel or the church of Jesus Christ, we don’t just have a
relationship where we can say, “We are the people of God”. Every Israelite could say that, but there
needs to be fellowship and a sense of living out of a relationship with a God that is real and vital.
God did not simply select us and bring us into relationship with Him so He would have another
person He could use, but so that He could bring us to Himself. Jesus defined eternal life as “that
they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent (John 17:3). By that
He doesn’t mean that we may know our eternal destiny or that our sins are forgiven or knowing
Him intellectually, but knowing Him by experiential interaction and involvement with Him. Paul
says in Philippians 3:10, “I want to know Christ.” That is an ever deepening experience of Him
which gives us a greater revelation of Him. It’s an ongoing development of our knowledge and
experiences of God.
The Christian life, however, is not defined by our experiences. They become history a day later. It
isn’t defined by feelings which are up one day, down the next, nor by our activities. The Christian
life is defined by a developing relationship with God. We can know all about Christianity, have a
relationship with our church and be very concerned about Christian doctrine. We can even be born
again of the Holy Spirit and not have that intimate, personal relationship with Christ. A good
question to ask ourselves is, “Is Jesus Christ our friend?”
For many in ministry, Jesus Christ has become a ‘business partner’ and the friendship is neglected.
God and Israel had a good business partnership, but the people had missed the whole point of God
bringing them to the Promised Land. In Exodus 19:4, God said to Moses, “You yourselves have
seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.”
That’s the ultimate purpose for which God brings us into relationship with Him; to bring us to
Himself that we may commune with Him and enjoy Him. He said to Israel, “Out of all the nations,
you are my treasured possession. You will be for me a Holy nation.”
It is the same with the church of Jesus Christ today. We are set apart for God, a Holy church, but we
cannot live that way unless Jesus Christ is our friend. It takes time, discipline and intentionally spending time with God. An intimate relationship will not grow out of a quick “Good morning and
good night, God” with a little routine rhetoric added. We need to converse with Jesus, confess and
confide in Him, just as we would a close friend. Rather than a side by side relationship where we go
through our daily activities with God on the periphery, God is wanting a face to face relationship
where we spend time alone with Him, and make Him our friend and confidante.
Interestingly, God speaks through Isaiah as a father. “I reared children and brought them up but they
have rebelled against me.” A father’s response to sin and rebellion in his child is grief, which is the
price we pay for love. If we don’t love, we don’t grieve. The nature of the sin of the people of Israel
that God grieves over is their broken relationship with Him. “They have forsaken Me.” This is a
reoccurring diagnosis throughout the book of Isaiah.
What are the symptoms and consequences of this? God says, “The multitude of your sacrifices –
what are they to me? I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened
animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. When you come to appear
before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts? Stop bringing meaningless
offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New moons, Sabbaths and convocations – I cannot bear
your evil assemblies. Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts my soul hates. They have
become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I
will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen” (Isaiah 1:11-15).
This is an extremely discouraging passage because these are things God ordained, but have become
meaningless, because they were done merely out of obligation. The end result – the ritual replaced
the reality. The rituals were the acts, but were only meaningful as they point to the reality, which is
reconciliation and fellowship with God. Take away the reality and the ritual becomes a dead end. It
happened all the time with the people of Israel and it happens with us. In the New Testament, we
are given the symbols of the Lord’s Supper and Baptism, and if we are not in a loving, committed
relationship with Christ, the all-important issue becomes, “Have I been baptized? Have I had
communion lately?” These are merely symbolic acts designed to bring us into a deeper fellowship
with Christ. Detached from that, they become an end in themselves, and God says it makes Him
weary. It makes Him sick.
What is the remedy? Isaiah 1:18-20 says, “Come now, let us reason together’, says the LORD.
‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if
you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword’. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
“Let us reason together” is an incredible picture of the grace of God. No bombardment, but reason
with Me. Reconnect with Me. Bring back that face to face relationship.
We outsource many things in our lives; lawyers to deal with our legal issues, accountants for
finances, doctors for medical issues and the church for our spiritual issues, but sadly, our spiritual
issues are often outsourced without dealing with God directly. God says, “Come to Me, and I will
tell you what I will do; though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow.” That doesn’t
happen in a washing machine. It’s a miracle of God that can only happen in the context of a loving,
active relationship. All the promises God gives us in His word trip over that. They don’t come to
fruition unless we first come to Christ in confession. We are then forgiven, cleansed and God
imparts to us the fullness of Christ, which enables us to live with all the battles that still go on, all
the temptations we struggle with, but we live fruitfully. This was true for Israel and remains true for
us as believers. If our relationship with God has grown cold, we need to pray for a disciplined,
focused intention to revive that face to face relationship with Him and make Jesus our friend.
Charles Price
from http://www.livingtruth.ca
I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
I will not forsake them.
New International Version (NIV)
42 “Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will bring justice to the nations.
2 He will not shout or cry out,
or raise his voice in the streets.
3 A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
4 he will not falter or be discouraged
till he establishes justice on earth.
In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”
5 This is what God the Lord says—
the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out,
who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it,
who gives breath to its people,
and life to those who walk on it:
6 “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness;
I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people
and a light for the Gentiles,
7 to open eyes that are blind,
to free captives from prison
and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.
8 “I am the Lord; that is my name!
I will not yield my glory to another
or my praise to idols.
9 See, the former things have taken place,
and new things I declare;
before they spring into being
I announce them to you.”
10 Sing to the Lord a new song,
his praise from the ends of the earth,
you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it,
you islands, and all who live in them.
11 Let the wilderness and its towns raise their voices;
let the settlements where Kedar lives rejoice.
Let the people of Sela sing for joy;
let them shout from the mountaintops.
12 Let them give glory to the Lord
and proclaim his praise in the islands.
13 The Lord will march out like a champion,
like a warrior he will stir up his zeal;
with a shout he will raise the battle cry
and will triumph over his enemies.
14 “For a long time I have kept silent,
I have been quiet and held myself back.
But now, like a woman in childbirth,
I cry out, I gasp and pant.
15 I will lay waste the mountains and hills
and dry up all their vegetation;
I will turn rivers into islands
and dry up the pools.
16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
I will not forsake them.
New International Version (NIV)
Hope is the anchor of the soul.”
In The Book of Isaiah, the Old Testament welcomes in the New Testament. This rather long book of Isaiah is a beautiful example of God’s strength and the promises He gave to the people, when they needed them most. God sent the Prophet Isaiah to forewarn and prepare the people of Israel for the problems that were to beset them. Like a novelist foretelling his readers of future tragedies and events, God sent the prophet to announce the coming captivity by warring nations and the destruction of Jerusalem. Throughout the historical narrative of these happenings is interwoven the thread of hope – the coming of the Messiah.
“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14 (New King James version)
Isaiah promises the people that the coming Messiah will bring them into a loving relationship with God (see Chapter 53)
In comparing their lives to the desolate wilderness area, the Prophet Isaiah promises that: “Every valley shall be exalted And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight, And the rough places smooth.” – Is 40:4
God promises that even the most desolate and unfortunate life will become successful and productive with His power. God responds to our desperation. We can look to God for strength, for we know that the ultimate outcome is in His hands.
“Behold, I make all things new”
Picture: Stunning seascape by Anton Gorlin (from www.cuded.com and www.inspirefirst.com)
Article Title: THE BOOK OF ISIAH
Submitted by: Craig Lock
Category (key words: Bible, Old Testament, Isaiah, Prophets, Messiah, coming of a Messiah, RH Schuller, Possibiliity Thinkers Bible , Jesus Jesus Christ,
Submitter’s web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html and http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.sharefaith.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.
Other Articles by Craig are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig!)
Publishing Guidelines:
All my articles may be freely published, electronically or in print
“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”
*
THE BOOK OF ISAIAH
“Hope is the anchor of the soul.”
In The Book of Isaiah, the Old Testament welcomes in the New Testament. This rather long book of Isaiah is a beautiful example of God’s strength and the promises He gave to the people, when they needed them most. God sent the Prophet Isaiah to forewarn and prepare the people of Israel for the problems that were to beset them. Like a novelist foretelling his readers of future tragedies and events, God sent the prophet to announce the coming captivity by warring nations and the destruction of Jerusalem. Throughout the historical narrative of these happenings is interwoven the thread of hope – the coming of the Messiah.
“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14 (New King James version)
Isaiah promises the people that the coming Messiah will bring them into a loving relationship with God (see Chapter 53)
In comparing their lives to the desolate wilderness area, the Prophet Isaiah promises that: “Every valley shall be exalted And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight, And the rough places smooth.” – Is 40:4
God promises that even the most desolate and unfortunate life will become successful and productive with His power. God responds to our desperation. We can look to God for strength, for we know that the ultimate outcome is in His hands.
“Behold, I make all things new”
(Rev 21:5)Key word: “Salvation Is of the Lord”
“All we like sheep have gone astray.”
Key Chapter: Isaiah 53
“Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying: ‘Whom shall I send. And who will go for Us?’ 6:8
Then I said: Here am I! Send me.’”
THE DESERT – A GARDEN
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” – Is 40:8
God will make the deserts in our lives bloom with new growth
… with perseverance and patience on our parts.
FACE REALITY WITH HOPE
Whether your problem is big or small, don’t run from it. Instead, face it and give it back to God. Today face reality with hope, and begin to turn your life around. Remember, with God all things are possible!
Light in a Land of Darkness “The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light: Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.”
“Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid.” 12:2
“Now go, write it before them on a tablet, And note it on a scroll, That it may be for time to come, Forever and ever.”
30:8
* *
ON WINGS OF EAGLES
The psalmist compares God’s care for His people to the eagle’s wings. “Hide me under the shadow of your wings.” Ps 17:8
Attempt to do something great for God, even though you might fail, rather than do nothing and succeed.
“But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”
40:31 “Behold My Servant whom I uphold My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon him. He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.”
42:1 “He will bring forth justice for truth. He will not fail nor be discouraged Till He has established justice in the earth.”
42:3,4 “I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them. And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them.”
42:16 “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name: You are Mine.”
43:1 “I will go before you and make the crooked places straight.”
45:2″All we like sheep have gone astray.” 53:6
“And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.” 53:12
“Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’”
58:8 from the New Possibilities Thinkers Bible by Paul D Dunn and Robert H Schuller
(published by Thomas Nelson)
* All quotations New King James version
Shared by craig (“incorrigible encourager and people-builder”)
“The time of the singing of the birds has come.”
“Hope is the anchor of the soul.”
” I don’t believe in God.” I know God.”
– David Rosen, Jungian psycho-analyst
“There is neither east nor west, tribe nor ethnicity, male or female, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist. Christian nor Jew. There is only a God-filled humanity.”
About the submitter:
In his various writings, little by little, one mind, one soul, one life at a time, Craig strives to break down social, cultural, religious and economic barriers through sharing information and “planting, then watering uplifting ideas and seeds of hope”. He truly believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share as ‘human beans’ is way more important than what divides us.
Craig’s new manuscript, ‘A New Dawn’ is set in the Middle East: In it he attempts to find ‘common ground’/principles between different religions and cultures and to try to make some difference in building bridges in an ever more dangerous, turbulent and uncertain world. A passionate story of inspiration: hope, faith, peace and especially love.
The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” (including ‘A New Dawn’) are available at:http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com and www.sharefaith.wordpress.com
“When people’s hearts are full of love, the world is filled with hope.”
“With passion and purpose in our individual lives we can touch others and in so doing illuminate the hearts and minds of humanity to make a better world (through helping raise the ‘collective consciousness’). Let us encourage our leaders towards an alternate vision for the world to embrace: one that banishes the fanatical ideology of intolerance and hatred to the darkness from which it emerged. Each one of us in our own little ways can offer (and most importantly, LIVE) this compelling new horizon: a bright future of justness and justice, tolerance, respect for other traditions and values. Especially a vision of hope and thoughts of peace fuelled by the eternal flame of love, which can light the darkest night… always “
– me
“God, The Essence of Life, the Ground of All Being, is leading us to the light. What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light.”
“Nothing that I can do will change the structure of the universe. But maybe, by raising my voice I can help the greatest of all cause – goodwill among men and peace on earth.”
– Albert Einstein
“What we believe is not nearly as important as how we relate, interact with each other… and how we live. Only when we can say, ‘I am first and foremost a human being, and second a Jew, Muslim, Shi’ite, a Sunni, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, or a Sikh …’ will we progress and break down barriers between peoples, nations and cultures, east and west. Let not our beliefs , but our shared humanity (ALL of us) define who we really are.”
– craig
“Instead of the limits of borders (of countries and of our minds) let us and our leaders expand our sense of possibility… and together let’s look at building bridges to distant horizons, far and great. Lord, help us all lift our eyes a little higher.”
– craig
This article may be published with acknowledgment to the source, thanks
God is a mystery, the ‘mystery of life’, a Creative Presence, Who/That allows me to be who I really want to be and become.”
“God, the Essence of Life, is the great mystery in the vast unknown; yet He (??) is understandable.”
May you all see God’s bright light on the path up head
From http://buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com
In The Book of Isaiah, the Old Testament welcomes in the New Testament. This rather long book of Isaiah is a beautiful example of God’s strength and the promises He gave to the people, when they needed them most. God sent the Prophet Isaiah to forewarn and prepare the people of Israel for the problems that were to beset them. Like a novelist foretelling his readers of future tragedies and events, God sent the prophet to announce the coming captivity by warring nations and the destruction of Jerusalem. Throughout the historical narrative of these happenings is interwoven the thread of hope – the coming of the Messiah.
“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14 (New King James version)
Isaiah promises the people that the coming Messiah will bring them into a loving relationship with God (see Chapter 53)
In comparing their lives to the desolate wilderness area, the Prophet Isaiah promises that: “Every valley shall be exalted And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight, And the rough places smooth.” – Is 40:4
God promises that even the most desolate and unfortunate life will become successful and productive with His power. God responds to our desperation. We can look to God for strength, for we know that the ultimate outcome is in His hands.
Article Title: THE BOOK OF ISAIAH
Submitted by: Craig Lock
Category (key words: Bible, Old Testament, Isaiah, Prophets, Messiah, coming of a Messiah, RH Schuller, Possibiliity Thinkers Bible , Jesus Jesus Christ,Christianity
Submitter’s web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html and http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.sharefaith.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.
Other Articles by Craig are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig!)
Publishing Guidelines:
All my articles may be freely published, electronically or in print
“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”
*
THE BOOK OF ISAIAH
“Hope is the anchor of the soul.”
In The Book of Isaiah, the Old Testament welcomes in the New Testament. This rather long book of Isaiah is a beautiful example of God’s strength and the promises He gave to the people, when they needed them most. God sent the Prophet Isaiah to forewarn and prepare the people of Israel for the problems that were to beset them. Like a novelist foretelling his readers of future tragedies and events, God sent the prophet to announce the coming captivity by warring nations and the destruction of Jerusalem. Throughout the historical narrative of these happenings is interwoven the thread of hope – the coming of the Messiah.
“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14 (New King James version)
Isaiah promises the people that the coming Messiah will bring them into a loving relationship with God (see Chapter 53)
In comparing their lives to the desolate wilderness area, the Prophet Isaiah promises that: “Every valley shall be exalted And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight, And the rough places smooth.” – Is 40:4
God promises that even the most desolate and unfortunate life will become successful and productive with His power. God responds to our desperation. We can look to God for strength, for we know that the ultimate outcome is in His hands.
“Behold, I make all things new”
(Rev 21:5)Key word: “Salvation Is of the Lord”
“All we like sheep have gone astray.”
Key Chapter: Isaiah 53
“Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying: ‘Whom shall I send. And who will go for Us?’ 6:8
Then I said: Here am I! Send me.’”
THE DESERT – A GARDEN
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” – Is 40:8
God will make the deserts in our lives bloom with new growth
… with perseverance and patience on our parts.
FACE REALITY WITH HOPE
Whether your problem is big or small, don’t run from it. Instead, face it and give it back to God. Today face reality with hope, and begin to turn your life around. Remember, with God all things are possible!
Light in a Land of Darkness “The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light: Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.”
“Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid.” 12:2
“Now go, write it before them on a tablet, And note it on a scroll, That it may be for time to come, Forever and ever.”
30:8
* *
ON WINGS OF EAGLES
The psalmist compares God’s care for His people to the eagle’s wings. “Hide me under the shadow of your wings.” Ps 17:8
Attempt to do something great for God, even though you might fail, rather than do nothing and succeed.
“But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”
40:31 “Behold My Servant whom I uphold My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon him. He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.”
42:1 “He will bring forth justice for truth. He will not fail nor be discouraged Till He has established justice in the earth.”
42:3,4 “I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them. And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them.”
42:16 “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name: You are Mine.”
43:1 “I will go before you and make the crooked places straight.”
45:2″All we like sheep have gone astray.” 53:6
“And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.” 53:12
“Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’”
58:8 from the New Possibilities Thinkers Bible by Paul D Dunn and Robert H Schuller
(published by Thomas Nelson)
* All quotations New King James version
Shared by craig (“incorrigible encourager and people-builder”)
“The time of the singing of the birds has come.”
“Hope is the anchor of the soul.”
” I don’t believe in God.” I know God.”
– David Rosen, Jungian psycho-analyst
“There is neither east nor west, tribe nor ethnicity, male or female, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist. Christian nor Jew. There is only a God-filled humanity.”
About the submitter:
In his various writings, little by little, one mind, one soul, one life at a time, Craig strives to break down social, cultural, religious and economic barriers through sharing information and “planting, then watering uplifting ideas and seeds of hope”. He truly believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share as ‘human beans’ is way more important than what divides us.
Craig’s new manuscript, ‘A New Dawn’ is set in the Middle East: In it he attempts to find ‘common ground’/principles between different religions and cultures and to try to make some difference in building bridges in an ever more dangerous, turbulent and uncertain world. A passionate story of inspiration: hope, faith, peace and especially love.
The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” (including ‘A New Dawn’) are available at:http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com and www.sharefaith.wordpress.com
“When people’s hearts are full of love, the world is filled with hope.”
“With passion and purpose in our individual lives we can touch others and in so doing illuminate the hearts and minds of humanity to make a better world (through helping raise the ‘collective consciousness’). Let us encourage our leaders towards an alternate vision for the world to embrace: one that banishes the fanatical ideology of intolerance and hatred to the darkness from which it emerged. Each one of us in our own little ways can offer (and most importantly, LIVE) this compelling new horizon: a bright future of justness and justice, tolerance, respect for other traditions and values. Especially a vision of hope and thoughts of peace fuelled by the eternal flame of love, which can light the darkest night… always “
– me
“God, The Essence of Life, the Ground of All Being, is leading us to the light. What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light.”
“Nothing that I can do will change the structure of the universe. But maybe, by raising my voice I can help the greatest of all cause – goodwill among men and peace on earth.”
– Albert Einstein
“What we believe is not nearly as important as how we relate, interact with each other… and how we live. Only when we can say, ‘I am first and foremost a human being, and second a Jew, Muslim, Shi’ite, a Sunni, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, or a Sikh …’ will we progress and break down barriers between peoples, nations and cultures, east and west. Let not our beliefs , but our shared humanity (ALL of us) define who we really are.”
– craig
“Instead of the limits of borders (of countries and of our minds) let us and our leaders expand our sense of possibility… and together let’s look at building bridges to distant horizons, far and great. Lord, help us all lift our eyes a little higher.”
– craig
This article may be published with acknowledgment to the source, thanks
God is a mystery, the ‘mystery of life’, a Creative Presence, Who/That allows me to be who I really want to be and become.”
“God, the Essence of Life, is the great mystery in the vast unknown; yet He (??) is understandable.”
May you all see God’s bright light on the path up head
From http://buildridgesofunity.wordpress.com
Article Title: THE BOOK OF ISAIAH
Submitted by: Craig Lock
Category (key words: Bible, Old Testament, Isaiah, Prophets, Messiah, coming of a Messiah, RH Schuller, Possibiliity Thinkers Bible , Jesus Jesus Christ,
Web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html
The submitter’s blog (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) is at http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock%22&t=post and http://craiglock.wordpress.com
Other Articles by Craig are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig!)
Publishing Guidelines:
All my articles may be freely published, electronically or in print
“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”
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THE BOOK OF ISAIAH
“Hope is the anchor of the soul.”
In The Book of Isaiah, the Old Testament welcomes in the New Testament. This rather long book of Isaiah is a beautiful example of God’s strength and the promises He gave to the people, when they needed them most. God sent the Prophet Isaiah to forewarn and prepare the people of Israel for the problems that were to beset them. Like a novelist foretelling his readers of future tragedies and events, God sent the prophet to announce the coming captivity by warring nations and the destruction of Jerusalem. Throughout the historical narrative of these happenings is interwoven the thread of hope – the coming of the Messiah.
“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14 (New King James version)
Isaiah promises the people that the coming Messiah will bring them into a loving relationship with God (see Chapter 53)
In comparing their lives to the desolate wilderness area, the Prophet Isaiah promises that: “Every valley shall be exalted And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight, And the rough places smooth.” – Is 40:4
God promises that even the most desolate and unfortunate life will become successful and productive with His power. God responds to our desperation. We can look to God for strength, for we know that the ultimate outcome is in His hands.
“Behold, I make all things new”
(Rev 21:5)Key word: “Salvation Is of the Lord”
“All we like sheep have gone astray.”
Key Chapter: Isaiah 53
“Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying: ‘Whom shall I send. And who will go for Us?’ 6:8
Then I said: Here am I! Send me.’”
THE DESERT – A GARDEN
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” – Is 40:8
God will make the deserts in our lives bloom with new growth
… with perseverance and patience on our parts.
FACE REALITY WITH HOPE
Whether your problem is big or small, don’t run from it. Instead, face it and give it back to God. Today face reality with hope, and begin to turn your life around. Remember, with God all things are possible!
Light in a Land of Darkness “The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light: Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.”
“Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid.” 12:2
“Now go, write it before them on a tablet, And note it on a scroll, That it may be for time to come, Forever and ever.”
30:8
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ON WINGS OF EAGLES
The psalmist compares God’s care for His people to the eagle’s wings. “Hide me under the shadow of your wings.” Ps 17:8
Attempt to do something great for God, even though you might fail, rather than do nothing and succeed.
“But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”
40:31 “Behold My Servant whom I uphold My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon him. He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.”
42:1 “He will bring forth justice for truth. He will not fail nor be discouraged Till He has established justice in the earth.”
42:3,4 “I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them. And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them.”
42:16 “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name: You are Mine.”
43:1 “I will go before you and make the crooked places straight.”
45:2″All we like sheep have gone astray.” 53:6
“And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.” 53:12
“Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’”
58:8 from the New Possibilities Thinkers Bible by Paul D Dunn and Robert H Schuller
(published by Thomas Nelson)
* All quotations New King James version
Shared by craig (“incorrigible encourager and people-builder”)
“The time of the singing of the birds has come.”
“Hope is the anchor of the soul.”
” I don’t believe in God.” I know God.”
– David Rosen, Jungian psycho-analyst
“There is neither east nor west, tribe nor ethnicity, male or female, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist. Christian nor Jew. There is only a God-filled humanity.”
About the submitter:
In his various writings, little by little, one mind, one soul, one life at a time, Craig strives to break down social, cultural, religious and economic barriers through sharing information and “planting, then watering uplifting ideas and seeds of hope”. He truly believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share as ‘human beans’ is way more important than what divides us.
Craig’s new manuscript, ‘A New Dawn’ is set in the Middle East: In it he attempts to find ‘common ground’/principles between different religions and cultures and to try to make some difference in building bridges in an ever more dangerous, turbulent and uncertain world. A passionate story of inspiration: hope, faith, peace and especially love.
The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” (including ‘A New Dawn’) are available at:http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com and www.sharefaith.wordpress.com
“When people’s hearts are full of love, the world is filled with hope.”
“With passion and purpose in our individual lives we can touch others and in so doing illuminate the hearts and minds of humanity to make a better world (through helping raise the ‘collective consciousness’). Let us encourage our leaders towards an alternate vision for the world to embrace: one that banishes the fanatical ideology of intolerance and hatred to the darkness from which it emerged. Each one of us in our own little ways can offer (and most importantly, LIVE) this compelling new horizon: a bright future of justness and justice, tolerance, respect for other traditions and values. Especially a vision of hope and thoughts of peace fuelled by the eternal flame of love, which can light the darkest night… always “
– me
“God, The Essence of Life, the Ground of All Being, is leading us to the light. What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light.”
“Nothing that I can do will change the structure of the universe. But maybe, by raising my voice I can help the greatest of all cause – goodwill among men and peace on earth.”
– Albert Einstein
“What we believe is not nearly as important as how we relate, interact with each other… and how we live. Only when we can say, ‘I am first and foremost a human being, and second a Jew, Muslim, Shi’ite, a Sunni, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, or a Sikh …’ will we progress and break down barriers between peoples, nations and cultures, east and west. Let not our beliefs , but our shared humanity (ALL of us) define who we really are.”
– craig
This article may be published with acknowledgment to the source, thanks
God is a mystery, the ‘mystery of life’, a Creative Presence, Who/That allows me to be who I really want to be and become.”
“God, the Essence of Life, is the great mystery in the vast unknown; yet He (??) is understandable.”
May you all see God’s bright light on the path up head
From http://buildridgesofunity.wordpress.com
WHO IS "THE REAL, THE TRUE, THE LIVING" JESUS? 
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