A Look at Isaiah 9:6 {part 2}

Today we are continuing our look at the character aspects of Jesus in Isaiah chapter nine. This week I’m sharing The mighty God, The everlasting Father, and The Prince of Peace.

One fact we need to remember, these are characteristics of God that Jesus has. While they are separate beings, they are yet the same.

The mighty God, The everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace

The mighty God – Just who is this Mighty God? The very Son of God Himself. He is mighty in all things! The work He does, no one else can do. He can only do it because of the mighty power and authority He has. He saves. He delivers. When we go to Him in prayer, He is there listening. We no longer need to have someone go to Him and pray for us because He is available to His children at any time.

The everlasting Father – Jesus has never had a beginning nor will He have an ending. (Isaiah 41:4, Revelation 22:13) Each day our lives change - jobs lost, promotions given, loved ones die or cut relations with family members - Everything about us changes, but nothing can change Jesus. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) Jesus gives eternal life when we accept Him as our Saviour. One day, we will spend all eternity with Him, our Everlasting Father.

The Prince of Peace – Everywhere we look, we see people talking about wanting peace. But the peace most individuals long for is not what they need – Jesus. He is the only One who can give perfect peace in this world. No, we are not promised a smooth road to walk in this life, but the peace that Jesus gives helps alleviate that rough road we deal with every day. When Jesus left this world, He told the disciples, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. (John 14:27)

It’s a joy to know He is what we are looking for in this sin filled world – He is the Prince of Peace.

Jesus is the promised Son of God, who fulfills these titles. He is the One who is worthy of the glory and honor we give. May we accept Him for who He is and what He offers.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, They everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Last week, I wrote about Wonderful Counselor.

If you came here looking for the Thankful Thursdays Linkup, please read this post.

A Look at Isaiah 9:6 Wonderful Counselor

Throughout the pages of the Bible, we see everything pointing to our Lord. No matter where we read, we see God. But when we dig a little further, there is one verse in the Bible that gives us a magnificent view of our Lord.

Within this verse, there are several characteristic aspects identified. A simple comma is used to create Wonderful and Counselor depending on the version you use. While this comma doesn’t change Him or his character, I will share both aspects of our Lord.

For unto us a Child is born; unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor... (Isaiah 9:6)

Wonderful Counselor

Wonderful. God is wonderful, He has done some amazing things. He created our body in a manner that scientists are still learning how parts of it function. The beauty we see scattered throughout creation is marvelous. Every day we experience something wonderful He has done - if you are healthy today, it’s because of Him. If your loved ones are safely at home this evening, it’s because of Him. He gave His only Son to pay our sin debt. Only a WONDERFUL God would do that. The more we learn about the Lord, our hearts should be full of amazement, because He is Wonderful.

Counselor. The Lord, our Counselor is the only One who can lead our lives in the right direction. We can seek council from others or do as we like, but no one will lead us like our Lord. When we are in need of wisdom or advice, we don’t have to make an expensive appointment to talk with someone; all we have to do is call on Him. (James 1:5)

Sometimes we need to hear from someone else on a matter. The Lord may use their advice to help lead us, but we have to make certain it is godly advice being given.

However we combine or separate these character aspects, Isaiah combined them later in chapter 28.
This also cometh forth from the Lord of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel... (Isaiah 28:29)

He is Wonderful; He is a Counselor; He is a Wonderful Counselor.

We can be thankful in saying we know the Wonderful Counselor!

I hope you’ll join me next week as we look at The mighty God, The everlasting Father, and The Prince of Peace.

If you came here looking for the Thankful Thursdays Linkup, please read this post.

A Look Back {Thankful Thursdays Linkup #86}

Several months I prayed for guidance before taking the leap. Writing a weekly subject was something I felt drawn to do, but was afraid of getting off course, as in the past and not being able to keep at it. As a member of a large blogger help group on Facebook, I found my answer, the Thankful Thursdays Linkup.

For 21 months, I’ve hosted the Thankful Thursdays Linkup.  I shared things I was grateful for and the things I was not really all that thankful for when they happened. But as I continued sharing every week, my heart softened towards them.

A Look Back on Thankful Thursdays

Over a brief time span, my Thankful Thursday posts moved on to a study of the names of the Lord found throughout the Bible. Each week, I learned much as I studied and shared what I found. Many of you left words of encouragement or a quick thought that stood out to you. Some of those thoughts and encouragements taught me even more than what I had learned; many of them are written in my devotional journal. It blesses me to know for many months what I have learned helped encourage you.

Because of the Thankful Thursdays Linkup, I have made many online friends who are striving just like me to continue in our walk of faith with the Lord. I’ve found new bloggers who have a genuine heart for the Lord and others and it shows in every word they share. My heart was softened to decisions many families are led to make with their children. Through the linkup, I was introduced to new authors and new books. My reading list is a mile long thanks to the reviews being shared. :)

Since May a lot has taken place within our family. While praying for something, the Lord shook my world. Hopefully, soon I will share our story. During this time, the Lord has shown me a project I  started three years ago that I need to finish. He has also shown me that my family  needs me during those times of visiting, reading, and scheduling links on social media (not just for Thankful Thursdays).

When I started the Thankful Thursdays Linkup, the technical goal I had was to make certain every link shared had a visit and comment by me. I understand what it is like to share a link and not receive a visit with a quick comment from the host(s).  Because of this, I wanted those who took the time to linkup to know I was grateful for them and the post they shared.

When I asked the Lord for direction on what to do in creating more hours in the day, He showed to me to not continue hosting the linkup. While I preferred to wait until the end of the month to share about this decision, the Lord has shown me now is the time.

While I will be writing my Thankful Thursday post every week (hopefully), the linkup will be put on hold until the Lord shows me differently. If/when that time comes, I’ll share it on social media.

Dear friends, I just want to thank you for sharing with me each week for I have truly been blessed. I pray each of you has been blessed by the links you’ve visited while here at Thankful Thursdays. I pray you all have a very Merry Christmas.

Since this is Thankful Thursdays, one last linkup is needed.



You can view the LINKUP HERE.

5 Pages from My Journal: the Book of Psalms

In the autumn of 2012, I started journaling what touched my heart while reading the Bible during my morning devotions. I began this for two reasons: I wanted a way to remember special nuggets I found and for my son and future generations to learn a little something about me through my thoughts on what stood out to me. Since all of my journals except for one are stored away, I’m sharing 5 pages from my journal from the book of Psalms.

5 Pages from My Journal: the Book of Psalms

From chapters 52-57: 

• The goodness of God endures forever.
• I will trust in the mercy of God forever.
• God is my Helper.
• Through everything have FAITH in God. He will HEAR when I call on Him.
• God is for me, His child, all I have to do is put my trust in Him.
• I will sing and give praise to God.
• The glory of the Lord will be exalted above the earth.

From chapters 68-70:

• Life here on earth is a TEMPORARY journey. It comes with a lot of hardships, but the Lord SEES and HEARS everything. He will lift me up and carry me through.
• The Lord hears my prayers. He knows my heart. He knows everything I do – NOTHING is hidden from God.

From chapters 77-78:

• God is good ALL the time! When I feel He is not listening, remember what He has done in the past.
• He hears and will give GRACE and MERCY at the right time.
• God can’t work in my life when I don’t live for Him.
• THINK on the PAST – God has done some amazing things for me. REMEMBER those things and teach them to Jamie and his future family.

GOD CAN DO ANYTHING! There is NOTHING too big for Him. DON’T LIMIT WHAT GOD CAN AND WILL DO!

From chapters 81-82:

• God LONGS to bless me and my family.
• How long will I judge others? – DON’T JUDGE!
• How long will I CONTINUE accepting sin?  Sin is disgusting in God’s eyes; I should see it the same way.

From chapter 89:

• There is NO ONE who can be compared to God.
• No matter what I do, God WILL ALWAYS love me. He will not let me go unpunished, but He will continue to be FAITHFUL.

There are too many wonderful encouragements and directions throughout the Bible for me to keep in my heart. I have found journaling my thoughts on them can be helpful in remembering. It’s nice to look back on these 5 pages from my journal to remember the things the Lord showed me while in a time of distress. Those little comforts were given at the perfect moment and I’m thankful to have a written record of them.

Do you journal your Bible reading?

Because of Thanksgiving, I did not choose a featured post this week, but I will share one again next week.



You can view the LINKUP HERE.

We Have So Much To Be Thankful For

Happy Thanksgiving! With the busyness of the holiday week, I've opened the linkup early.

We have so much to be thankful for and today I’m sharing a few of my favorite things I’m thankful for.

My Salvation and my family’s salvation
My Health and my family’s health
Family
Friends
Laughter
Answered Prayers
Baking
Knitting
Happiness
Love
Freedom
Books
Sweet Tea
Coffee
Chocolate
Apples
Warm fuzzy slippers
The Sound and Smell of a Crackling Fire

No matter where we are in life, we have so much to be thankful for. All it takes is a quick look around to find those things.

Are you struggling with being thankful? Why not print my free download and write your own list of things you can be thankful for. You’ll see you have a lot to be thankful for and it will bring little gratitude attitude to your heart.

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We Have So Much To Be Thankful For

WHEN I LOOK AROUND AND SEE
THE GOOD THINGS HE DOES FOR ME
I KNOW I’M UNWORTHY OF THEM ALL
BUT HIS BLESSINGS HE FREELY GIVES
I OWE MY LIFE TO HIM
I’VE GOT SO MUCH TO THANK HIM FOR.

AND SOMETIMES WHILE ON THIS WAY
I KNEEL AND I STOP AND SAY
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU’VE DONE FOR ME
ONE DAY I’LL REACH SWEET HEAVENS SHORE
OH PLEASE JUST LET ME KNEEL ONCE MORE
I’VE GOT SO MUCH TO THANK YOU FOR

AND I’VE GOT SO MUCH TO THANK HIM FOR
SO MUCH TO PRAISE HIM FOR
WELL YOU SEE NOW HE HAS BEEN SO GOOD TO ME
AND WHEN I THINK OF WHAT HE’S DONE
AND WHERE HE'S BROUGHT ME FROM
I’VE GOT SO MUCH TO THANK HIM FOR

~Robert Deel

What are you thankful for today? Leave me a comment, I'd love to know!

 You can view the LINKUP HERE.

The King in His Beauty {Thankful Thursdays}

When we visited the Grand Canyon, I was speechless at the first peek of what God carved out of the earth with His hand. When we walked along the edge, all I could say was “oh my”. I found myself in the same speechless situation when we drove around the mountain and saw the majestic Glaciers. Again, two words were all I could say when we walked into the open field of flowers seeing Saint Mary Lake flowing towards the glaciers. How I felt during those trips is unforgettable.  Experiencing such beauty, I can only imagine the speechlessness we will have when we see The King in His Beauty.

The King in His Beauty

The Bible is filled with pictures of Jesus. Those pictures are not enough to grasp fully who He is and what He can do because there is so much about Him we have yet to experience. When we watch the sunrise, sunset, or the stars shoot across the nighttime sky we see more of our Jesus. But, there are those who refuse to believe God’s words spoke the beauty into existence. We’ve seen answered prayers when there seemed to be no hope, and we still tend to not keep our faith in Him. There will be a day when we look back on those times and the only thing we will be able to do is shake our head because of our disbelief.

Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty... Isaiah 33:17

For many, the thought of seeing The King in His Beauty stirs a longing in their heart for the day He returns for His children. To see Jesus in another form, we haven’t seen; to see Him reign in royal grandeur is indescribable. We can imagine what it must be like, but there are no words to describe what we will see. There will be awe and speechlessness and our eyes will see The King in His Beauty.

May we ask the Lord to reveal Himself to us and let us live in the expectation of seeing Him.

You can view the LINKUP HERE.

10 Guarantees in the Christian Life

There are many heartbroken people in the world today. Whether the broken heart is from the results of sin, personal choices or just life in general, there are things in life that are guaranteed for us Christians.

We have a hope and peace the lost don’t have. There's a Light at the end of the tunnel we can depend on. We don’t have to weather the storms alone. There is always a Strong Tower we can run to.

10 Guarantees in the Christian’s Life

1. God is on the throne and in control. (Matthew 19:26, Romans 8:28)
2. Jesus is the only way to heaven.
3. The tomb is empty. (Matthew 28: 5-6)
4. Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords. (I Timothy 6:15, Revelation 17:14)
5. There’s room at the cross for more. (Luke 14:22-23)
6. Our sins are forgiven.
7. Prayer works.
8. The Bible has the answers to our problems and encouragements for our day.
9. God will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)
10. We belong to Christ no matter what we do.

While uncertainty and storms rage around us, we can't allow ourselves to be consumed by them. We need to take our eyes off of what is going on around us and put them back where they belong, on the Lord. We need to ponder on the 10 Guarantees we have in Our Christian Life.

>>>Get Your Free Download Here<<<

You can view the LINKUP HERE.

When We Pray, Things Happen {Thankful Thursdays}

The power of prayer is real. I believe in prayer.When we pray things happen. Will you join me in praying?

I have seen many prayers answered within our family the past ten years; I believe in prayer. But our prayers cannot be a once and done thing. We need to get serious when praying for God to move in ways we have not seen. Sometimes we need to go to God continuously for an answer, and some of those times the answer is not always what we want. When we pray things happen.

This time next week we will have a new president-elect. That person may or may not be the one you voted for but they are the one who God allowed in that position. From before the earth was created, God had a plan. He planned for this person and He knew about all of their beliefs and the innermost part of their heart. He is (will not) be surprised!

America is in a crisis. We have terrorism, angry citizens, loss of moral standards, the slow leak of losing our religious freedoms, and many more problems. But with all these problems I still believe we live in the greatest nation of all. It’s not too late to pray for our nation, the candidates, and the voters who have yet to vote. It’s not too late to get serious in our praying.

When We Pray, Things Happen

For some Christians, they've been led to fast over this election. I have not, at least not at the moment of this writing. If you are led to fast and are not following through with it, why? Fasting is a sign of seriousness while God doesn’t lead everyone to fast, He works through it. If you are fasting, I’ve prayed for you. I’ve prayed the Lord gives you the strength to complete it and that He will answer your prayers.

Isaiah 58:6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

Joel 2:12-13 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

Ezra 8:21-23  Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.  So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us."

I’m praying for several areas for our nation and I hope you’ll join me.

The Bible never one time has taught us to follow our heart regardless of what others say. We've gotten away from seeking the Lord’s direction in our daily life and this has brought about the messes we can’t find our way out. I’m praying voters will use the wisdom only God gives before they mark the ballot. While both candidates have shown their fruits, I believe there is one less evil than the other.

Proverbs 3:5-7 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil."

Pastors and preachers of today have changed a lot from those in our past. While many are preaching the old time Gospel, the ones looking for numbers and left the biblical truths outweigh them. I’m praying the Lord will raise up more churches that are on fire for God.

Habakkuk 3:2 O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy."

Good things will not happen in us until our hearts are changed. I can’t pray for a change in others until I do a thorough search of my heart and clean up any sin. I’m praying the Lord will show me where I need to change, so then I can pray for a change in others.

Job 13:23 How many are mine iniquities and sins? make me to know my transgression and my sin.

Lamentations 3:40-42 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens. We have transgressed and have rebelled: thou hast not pardoned.

Ezekiel 18:27-28 Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die."

Heavenly Father, may we first seek through our own hearts and work to remove any sin. Give us the clarity we need when praying for ourselves and others around us. Help us find You, for You are the One in control of everything. Tender our hearts for the souls and minds of those who are leading our nation. Help us to be a light in this dark world and give us the strength to carry on until Your return. In Jesus' name, amen.

2 Chronicles 7:14 - If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

You can visit this Linkup HERE.