Revelations on Isaiah: What is Holy? Who is Holy? Are you?

Holy.  What does it mean to you?  Well, up until a couple of weeks ago when I heard the word “holy” the first thing I thought of was ‘perfection’.  I believed that in order to live a holy life you had to be perfect, free from blemish, or very close to it.  Until two Monday evenings ago, living a holy life seemed impossible to me.  After all, only Christ is perfect.  I believe perfection is one quality of holiness, but not the only.  In that case, man would be destined for failure, with no access to God.  In the Bible it says that all have sinned and fell short of God’s glory (Romans 3:22-24).  But thank God for Jesus!  It is Christ that gives us the righteousness to live holy and not necessarily our own actions.  For me it was good news (and a relief) to learn, through my study of Isaiah, the true meaning of ‘holy’ and that it’s actually attainable.

The biblical terms associated with “Holy” include “separated”, “withheld from ordinary use” or “treated with special care” and “belonging uniquely to the Lord”.  Does being set apart mean that you do everything right in God’s eyes?  I don’t think so.  However, I believe it requires a commitment to live our lives in a way that makes us available to be used by God.  It’s also a lifestyle were God’s principles override what the world classifies as “acceptable” or what everybody else is doing.  Thinking back to 2001 when I rededicated my life to Christ to the present, there are places that I don’t go anymore and things I refrain from doing or saying.  I continue to cultivate my relationship with God.  Yet, despite remaining imperfections, I now realize that this is my path towards holiness and I believe I’m heading in the right direction. God has set me apart for His specific purpose and He will equip me to become the vessel needed to fulfill it.  Now, I can stop trying to be a perfectionist! <wiping sweat from my forehead>

~Alicia

www.aliciahilljones.com

Revelations on Isaiah: God fearing

Traveling through the first five chapters of Isaiah has been scary.  Not in a “ghostly”, goose bumps kind of way, but more like fear of the unknown.  Isaiah chapter five gives a descriptive account of how God’s wrath will overtake those who are not living righteous.  Dead bodies littering the land, food and water supply being stripped away.  A land once filled with the material obsessions of man will end up desolate.  Wow! 

 As I mentioned in the previous blog, this study of Isaiah continues to remind me of the state of the world today.  I can only imagine how God is going to deal with today’s immoralities (which, I believe, are some of the disasters that currently make our headlines).  Yes, God is all the positives… gracious, meek, kind, etc, but he’s also a ruler that reigns over everything and rightfully has to exercise his authority to restore order when needed.  That’s what leaders do. 

 I can only pray that I’m living a life that will spare his wrath.  Which brings me to a question I’ve been pondering over…How will I know if the life I’m living ‘good enough’ for him?  My thought is that his grace and mercy will make up for where I fall short and ultimately, this is what Jesus died for.  Maybe not…Isaiah has put be in self-examination mode big time!  What are your thoughts?

~Alicia

www.aliciahilljones.com

Revelations on Isaiah: Introduction

First, Thank You for taking the time to join me on this journey of ‘ah ha’ moments I will encounter in my study of the Book of Isaiah.  Why am I doing this blog series?  One reason is that I’m excited about the weekly Bible study group I joined last year.  Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) is not your ordinary Bible study.  Women (and men—separately) of various church denominations come together to be taught God’s word.  Each year a different book of the Bible is selected and in-depth, scripture by scripture discussions take place among the class (unbiased and non-opinionated). 

Last year we studied the Book of John.  Through life experiences, I seen and felt God’s love, but studying John illustrated His compassion, grace, and patience on a higher level.  It was an eye-opener for me.  This year we’re studying the book of Isaiah.  Just from going through the first four chapters I’m hooked.  Amazed by the similarities between the state of the world then and now.  Corruption, wars, murders, rebellion, a failing economy, and more were issues then, just as they are now.  Ecclesiastes 1:9 states there’s “nothing new under the sun” and that’s nothing but the truth!  What got my attention more is that in Isaiah chapter 1, he prophesizes that God will destroy the land because of it’s sinfulness and restore it to the state of righteousness He intended it to be.  This is what’s yet to come…   

I hope that my revelations will be enlightening and encouraging in some way.  Maybe even open up some dialogue (not debates) via the comments you leave on my postings.  Ideally, I would like to post something every week, but I won’t force it.  I want God to orchestrate what I write.  Since I’m not a Bible scholar or don’t like to over complicate things, these post will probably be short and simple.  No sermons, just thoughts from a woman who loves God and desires to become more intimate with Him. 

Now, my final reason for this blog is simple.  I love to write!  I feel it’s a God given gift, so what better way to use it than for His glory.  Hope you will enjoy it too! 

To keep track of where Revelations of Isaiah is going be sure to “Subscribe” for updates.  Also feel free to pull out your Bible and leave your comments and/or revelations.

SN:  To learn about BSF visit: www.bsfinternational.org.  It’s never too late to join in your area!

Shut up and Wait!

Recently, I read the first chapter of Luke in the Bible and there were some verses (8-21) that intrigued me.  Or was it conviction?  Maybe so.  As Christians, I believe we’ve all had times were we doubted or didn’t believe at all that God was going answer our prayers.  His soft voice or signs of confirmation may have been all around us, but because the blessing seemed so miraculous we just couldn’t imagine it actually happening.  Yet, we continue to pray for it.

 

Zechariah felt the same way when the angel, Gabriel, came to him and said that God had heard his prayer.  In fact, God was going to bless Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth with a son (John, the Baptist) despite their old age.  Zechariah questioned (and doubted) Gabriel’s message; so much that he had to be silenced until the birth of his son.  Wow! 

 

This is a good example of how sometimes we can block our own blessings.  Negativity and disbelief can have such a powerful presence in our lives and spirit that God can not function in it.  Doubts are a contradiction of our faith and without faith God can not work in our lives.  When we go to God in prayer for something, we first must believe with ALL wholeheartedly that He is capable and will answer. 

 

Here are a few scriptures in the Bible that assures us of this:

 

1.  Psalms 46:10

2.  Matthew 21:22

3.  2 Chronicles 7:14-15

4.  Matthew 17:20

5.  Luke 1:37

 

Lastly, before ending your prayer with thanksgiving of what God is going to do, make sure to ask Him to shut down your mind (and mouth) of any disbelief that could build a wall between you and the blessings He has for you.  There’s a saying that goes “If you’re going to pray about it, don’t worry.  If you’re going to worry about it, don’t pray.”  Answered prayers come from truly letting go and letting God.

 

 

 

 

 

Hang out with the cast of “Blessings of Purpose, A Novel”

The characters of Blessings of Purpose, A Novel have decided to get more acquainted with the readers. 

For 26 weeks (chapters) the “Blessing of Purpose Hang Suite” blog will give you a sneak preview into the thought provoking novel Blessings of Purpose,  written by Alicia Hill Jones.  The cast will make their personal appearance to be your guide along this tour.  If you have already read the book, feel free to add your comments to the blog as they go along.  If you haven’t read the book…what are you waiting for??  You can pick up your copy now and have a weekly commentary as you read…how cool is that?! 

Be sure to subscribe to the “Blessings of Purpose Hang Suite” blog so you won’t miss out on the newest posting.  www.living4bop.wordpress.com

To purchase the book:  http://www.amazon.com/Blessings-Purpose-Alicia-Hill-Jones/dp/0979464609/ref=sr_1_2/105-6264010-0339625?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1180614996&sr=1-2

 

 

Every Man for Himself

Can’t say that I’m surprised that the mud slinging is in effect…after all its politics.  I will say that I don’t agree with people attempting to hold Barack Obama accountable for the words, actions, views of another man.  That man being Reverend Jeremiah Wright.  In Barack’s response to all of the drama, he couldn’t have said it better that how many times have we sat in Sunday service and not agree with what church leaders have said from the pulpit. (This is why it’s SO important in this day and time to have your OWN relationship with God and understanding of the Bible.)   

As another example, how many times have you not agreed with views from someone in your family or a close friend on an issue?  Should you be condemned if they go out in public and upset people by their actions or words?  I don’t think so!  You may even continue to have a relationship with this person, despite your difference of opinions.  There’s no crime against that. The Bible says in Matthew 16:27 that each man will be judged (“rewarded”—or not) by his deeds—not his mother’s, father’s, sister’s, brother’s, or Pastor’s.  No one wants to be blamed for someone else’s wrongdoing—you don’t have to be “religious” to agree with that—it’s just common sense.  

As I said before, digging up dirt is just part of the political game.  But as voters, let’s be informed and stick to the facts—the issues faced by this country.  Obama had spoken out in strong disagreement with Rev. Wright’s statements, so it’s time to move on.  After all, hasn’t this country emphasized keeping “religion separate from state”…why isn’t that the case now???

Now That’s Nothing but God!

Have you ever wondered why no matter how much you try to accomplish something the farther it seems out of reach?  Or maybe the end result is not favorable?  It’s even more frustrating when you hear stories of blessings that just seem to fall in someone else’s lap.  They were so-called in the “right place” at the “right time”.

           In the Christian walk, nothing happens by chance; but anything can happen by faith.  Unfortunately, the desire of success can cause us to overwork ourselves.  We’re so busy being busy that we forget that there’s an easier way to get what we need (and want).  We make our never-ending “to-do lists” without consideration of Proverbs 19:21 that states that despite our plans, it will be God’s purpose that prevails.  In other words, we can work ourselves into exhaustion and still not gain anything, if it’s not in God’s plan.  By allowing Him to order our steps we can save ourselves a lot of headaches and be sure we’re on the right path to prosperity.

           God wants the glory out of our lives, but He can’t get it if we’re standing in the way. More than likely, if someone puts a lot of time and effort into a task they’re going to take the credit for achieving it.  God will not intrude nor will He take away our freewill.  It’s only when we give Him control over our circumstances His power can work.  In Psalms 37 (verses 4 &5), it tells us if we delight and trust in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our heart.  Imagine the miracles and blessings we can receive if our energy is redirected towards faith, first and foremost, versus trying to make things happen on our own.  Things will begin to work in our favor, with little effort on our part.  The outcome may be unexplainable, leaving no doubt that the blessings came from God.  There will be no one to praise, but Him. 

Let’s Talk Spiritual Wealth

Alicia Hill Jones is going on a virtual book tour!   I’m promoting my debut novel, Blessings of Purpose and would love to stop by your blog spot.  The tour begins Monday, March 10, 2008 and will end on Friday, March 21, 2008.  

Here are some of the themes covered in Blessings of Purpose:

¨       Teen & Young Adult Relationships

¨       Finding your purpose and setting goals in life

¨       Using your gifts and talents towards fulfilling your purpose

¨       Faith’s role in achieving and maintaining success

¨       Drug and alcohol abuse

If you have a blog related to one of the above topics and would like to host one of my tours, email me at alicia@destiny11.com. In the meantime, to read my full bio and other details about my novel, please visit www.destiny11.com. 

I look forward to blogging with you!

He say, She say, They say

…but what does God say? 

There’s a game that people play where one person starts a verbal ‘chain message’ in another’s ear to see how the message will turn out in the end.  Nine times out of ten (and to everyone’s amusement) the ending message is not the same.  It may be some version of the original message; something added, something taken away.  But by the time the 3^rd, 4^th, or even 10^th person receives the message it’s been twisted and turned to fit one’s own interpretation. 

With all the versions of the Bible, different church denominations, styles of ministry and preaching today, it’s no wonder some Christians become confused and misinformed about God’s word. When comparing notes with other saints you may find that they may get a different meaning from a scripture than what was revealed to you.  Could this mean your revelation is wrong?  Perhaps God told them something different.  Who’s right and who’s wrong?  What is the truth?  Just remember, God (and His word) is the same today, yesterday, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).  

This is not written to say that we can’t trust what the ministers or other Christians around us say pertaining to God’s word. Godly wisdom can come from various sources.  We all have a role in building His kingdom.  However, your personal knowledge of God and spiritual growth can not be based solely on a message given to someone else.  It’s crucial for us all to have an individual, intimate relationship with Him.   

As in the chain message game mentioned earlier, the real (God’s) message gets lost sometimes through man’s interpretation. However, having a personal relationship with Him allows us to go straight to the source for the truth.  God is an advocate of wisdom; it is the primary focus in the book of Proverbs.  As long as you keep the lines of communication open with Him, you can be sure you won’t be led astray. 

The Glass ‘Half Full’

Reality hit!  You can hear about things over and over again, but it doesn’t become ‘real’ until you experience it for yourself. This past Saturday was an eye-opener for me. I participated in a local arts, crafts, and educational festival that lasted 5 hours and I only sold ONE book (and the purchaser was my Aunt). My revelation: Man, it’s hard to sell books!! Needless to say, I was a little discouraged. 

The Glass Half Full:  Then God tapped me on the shoulder…What about those people you talked to? Oh yeah, I almost forgot! The ones that were interested in learning more about self-publishing or in me doing a presentation at their churches. So, maybe it wasn’t a total day lost and I’ll hear back from those I networked with. I guess if you look hard enough, there’s a blessing in everything.

In the meantime, it’s back to the drawing board and time to give my marketing game a boost. I’m a true believer that persistence (and prayer), pays!