Wait Upon The Lord

[Jerod W. Rickert]

OK, I feel that this is where the Lord's heart and leading for me is headed right now, so in the following days (weeks? months? whatever HE chooses to make it, LOL) I want to begin to explore what it means and the value of waiting on the Lord...

My eye is slowly healing and typing (and reading) is getting a bit easier, so we will get this started soon... I am hoping to have up some preliminary groundwork for this in the next day or so...

Thank You all for your support and and patience through the trials of life and testing of my own faith that have slowed this site down at times... God Bless you all in HIS magnificent abundance...

[Jerod W. Rickert]

Let us begin with some simple basics to what "wait" means...

châkâh
khaw-kaw'
A primitive root (apparently akin to H2707 through the idea of piercing); properly to adhere to; hence to await: - long, tarry, wait.

châqâh
khaw-kaw'
A primitive root; to carve; by implication to delineate; also to intrench: - carved work, portrayed, set a print.

This carries not just a sense of a long term waiting or patience, but also a sense of permanence and a changing of the surface and appearance of the original...


dûmâm
doo-mawm'
From H1826; still; adverbially silently: - dumb, silent, quietly wait.

and a season of silence and quietude, not simply asking of the Lord, but in silent reverence to wait for HIS answers, in HIS timing... to not become faint, but to humbly take our place at HIS feet and wait HIS answers and deliverance...


yâchal
yaw-chal'
A primitive root; to wait; by implication to be patient, hope: - (cause to, have, make to) hope, be pained, stay, tarry, trust, wait.

what beauty in this... to be pained and to trust, how precious is this as a reminder to us... Our waiting is not borne always of pleasure or ease, but with great pain, as in labor... and yet to wait patiently and expectantly...


qâvâh
kaw-vaw'
A primitive root; to bind together (perhaps by twisting), that is, collect; (figuratively) to expect: - gather (together), look, patiently, tarry, wait (for, on, upon).

Interesting, bind together, collect, gather... patiently, tarrying, with a sense of expectation... our waiting is not just passive, but active, and expectant...


Next up we will begin to look at some key verses and principles in our waiting process... God Bless you as we learn to wait upon the Lord, together...

[cowgirlvickie]

Wow, what a wonderful insight! It isn't easy waiting on the Lord, but as in The Refiner's Fire, if we endure to the end...the reward will be extremely wonderful! This is a wonderful reminder to wait patiently, without complaining. Thank You Jerod...and God Bless you all. What a wonderful think to be able to go through this together too. It helps to know that your not alone.

[Jerod W. Rickert]

To begin our study, I wanted to look at 2 examples from the life of Mary and Martha... Two women that loved Jesus, and that Jesus loved... Two women who very differently saw their standing and relationship to HIM... And, I believe, two examples of how we as HIS church live our lives everyday... and we must decide who to be, each and every day... each and every moment...

Luk 10:38 And as they went on, it happened, He also entered into a certain village. And a certain woman, Martha by name, received Him into her house.
Luk 10:39 And to this one was a sister being called Mary, who also was sitting alongside, at the feet of Jesus, and heard His Word.
Luk 10:40 But Martha was distracted about much serving. And coming on she said, Lord, is it not a care to You that my sister left me alone to serve? Then tell her that she should help me.
Luk 10:41 But answering Jesus said to her, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,
Luk 10:42 But there is need of only one; and Mary chose the good part, which shall not be taken from her.

This first example is from very early on in their time with Jesus, shortly after meeting HIM... Martha is doing everything that is expected of her, fulfilling her obligations, performing her duties... Being a 'good' hostess and servant... Mary was simply sitting at HIS feet and hearing HIS teachings and words...

Martha had a valid concern and point... While she did the work, her sister simply sat and listened... And takes her petition to the Lord... His response?? So beautiful, So wonderful!!! "You are anxious and troubled about many things, but there is need of only one; and Mary chose the good part, which shall not be taken from her."

What a wealth of vital sustenance to our very relationship to Christ wrapped up in this simple exchange... Note that Christ at no point rebuked Martha for what she was doing, nor for her service... HE, in fact, didn't rebuke her at all... HE only served to remind her that in all her anxious trouble over many things, she was missing the one and only thing that was needed... Time at our Saviour's feet, learning and being taught and hearing the words of the Messiah... and it "shall not be taken from her"!!! why not?? because "Mary chose the good part"...

Christ did not rebuke nor underscore the importance of what Martha was doing, HE simply showed that in 'doing' we so often become "distracted about much serving" allowing ourselves to become "anxious and troubled about many things"... and the result?? Martha rebuked the Lord for allowing Mary to sit and learn... She compared herself with another and questioned the Lord to the fairness of the situation... Though she gave willingly and freely, she did not give selflessly... If she had, she would have not been concerned with what others did... and in this lies the gentle rebuke and reminder to us today... Yes, we must serve, and do so willingly, and even when no one else is helping... Yes, what we DO for the Lord has eternal consequences and rewards... But let us not become so wrapped up in 'doing' that we lose site of what the only needed thing is... To simply sit at the Shepherd's feet and learn... and listen...

Was Martha blessed for her service?? Yes, I believe with all of my heart she was indeed... Was Mary more blessed for her learning?? I believe yes... We must never neglect our time at the feet of the Gentle Teacher and Healer...

Next we will look at the second example of these 2 women that knew and loved Jesus... The Death of Lazarus... May God keep you held tightly in HIS arms of grace and mercy... God Bless you each richly in HIS love...

[Jerod W. Rickert]

Joh 11:20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.
Joh 11:21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
Joh 11:22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
Joh 11:23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
Joh 11:24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
Joh 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
Joh 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
Joh 11:27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
Joh 11:28 And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.
Joh 11:29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.
Joh 11:30 Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.
Joh 11:31 The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.
Joh 11:32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
Joh 11:33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,
Joh 11:34 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.
Joh 11:35 Jesus wept.
Joh 11:36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!
Joh 11:37 And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?
Joh 11:38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
Joh 11:39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
Joh 11:40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
Joh 11:41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
Joh 11:42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
Joh 11:43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
Joh 11:44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
Joh 11:45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

The second example from the life of Mary and Martha is equally powerful to the first and shows how, though we might mature and grow, there are still the personality traits we are born with to the flesh that we must combat and overcome.... the parts of our lives that must mature and, though they are such second nature that we accept them as 'normal', be made holy and perfect in HIM...

First, let us see now how maturity has taken in to Martha... She runs to meet the Lord, still, having to meet the Lord, on her own terms, still questioning HIS great plan "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died." But NOW, she has also tasted and seen that the Lord is good, and even in her doubt and pain, she holds tightly to the faith that would so easily dissolve if allowed to... "But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee." Against all hope and logic, she will hold to faith, precariously and with slipping fingers, but she knows who holds her hand...

to be continued tomorrow...

[Jerod W. Rickert]

Joh 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
Joh 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
Joh 11:27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

This exchange shows so much about Martha's growth and maturity now... Christ poses to her a question about HIS very diety and HIS control... and her answer is full of rich faith and unwavering assurance... there is no trace of maybe, if or I think so, simply YES and then confirms her yes with what she believes... and having answered, she simply goes to get Mary, knowing that something is brewing, she goes to find her sister...

Mary, who rather than run to meet the Lord on her terms, sat and waited for his arrival, knowing HE would meet her where she was, she simply awaited HIS arrival... Until her sister came "The Master is come, and calleth for thee."... then she IMMEDIATELY rose to meet HIM, do we see this difference?? Martha ran to HIM (and WAS rewarded for her zeal, so do not mistake what she did for anything sinful or wrong, simply human nature) on her terms, Mary waited to hear HIS voice... And then hurried to where HE called her...

Now here is the amazing parallel, upon arriving in HIS presence, Mary falls weeping to HIS feet... and utters the EXACT same words Martha did "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died." and this time, Christ was moved adn troubled in HIS Spirit, and went to the tomb, called forth a dead man (4 days dead), to the Glory of God...

Now, there is one other thing here that bears noting, it appears that when Martha went before the Lord, she went alone, but when Mary (who had WAITED to be called) went, the crowd followed her..."Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him."...

When we wait upon the calling of the Lord to be where HE needs us in HIS time, not only do great works and Glory come forth, but the lives of those we love, care for and pray for become blessed and HIS Glory changes lives... There is blessing ANYtime we pursue after the Lord (Martha received more words from the Lord, and actually was the first to receive the promise for Lazarus' life, though she did not fully understand for a bit longer), but when we wait for HIS timing and call, there is blessing that reaches beyond our own selves and impacts the lives of those around us...

God Bless you all as we continue forward, and wait, LOL....

[Jerod W. Rickert]

As always, thank you all for your patience as the trials and realities of life seem to take my time... As I have been through these struggles and trials, it is amazing that the very lessons I am learning are AGAIN, the same lessons HE is calling me to share... As I stand in awe of HIS abundance and Mercy, HE continually opens my eyes, more and more to the realities of HIS Word and Will... Now, LOL, let us continue to wait...

Isa 40:30 Even youths are faint and fatigued, and young men stumbling shall stumble;
Isa 40:31 but the ones waiting for Jehovah shall renew power; they shall go up with wings as the eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not be faint!

Oh such a beautiful and poignant admonition to us all... Let us not forget that it is only when we truly learn to wait (tarry, hold fast, remain, anxiously expect) upon the Lord, that we begin to see the incredible rewards and benefits of this patient anticipation... And the contrast is equally amazing... Youths and young men, in their primes and full of the Human energy and strength, are faint, fatigued and stumbling in comparison to the power and wings that the Lord supplies...

How often do we travail and push forward on our own strength, when if we would simply stop, and WAIT upon the Lord's timing and will, would those obstacles and roadblocks be removed by HIS divine purpose and actions... Oh, teach us to simply tarry at YOUR precious feet Lord, and to seek YOUR face and will... Father, let us seek to follow in YOUR footsteps and divine purpose for what we are given and faced with... How beautiful is it to understand that HE has purposed to everything a time and season... and when we are willing to wait upon that timing and purpose, to not move forward except under HIS umbrella of blessing and protection... we would find that even in the trials and tribulations (for YES, they will still come, LOL) is our path so much more steady, well lit and safer... So often do we struggle and fight through more than we have to, because we are not willingly yoked to Christ... to be yoked to HIM means to follow HIS lead, to learn from HIM... yet we constantly try to pull HIM along to where we perceive our need is to be... How often are we not only fighting the Flesh and the chains of Sin, but the very Master we are to be learning from...

God Bless you richly until next time....

[Jerod W. Rickert]

My precious brothers and sisters, I am so sorry for how long it has been since I have posted here... I have been weathering many storms in my life and (as we are so wont to do in times of trouble) have been somewhat hiding. From myself, from the responsibilities that HE has laid out for me here, from just life in general...

Ironically, (as seems to always be the case with what HE teaches me, LOL) I have also learned so much of "Waiting upon the Lord" in this time. This study that we have begun (and now are moving forward with) has truly been a life lesson in patience and humility...

God Bless you all for your love, and patience with me...

[Jerod W. Rickert]

I want to look today at a small, isolated (and sadly relatively obscure and overlooked) portion of scripture on waiting. We so often pray fervently for something, in HIS name and according to HIS will, and do not understand the seeming lack of response on the part of God. Usually with the passage of time, and growth of our faith and understanding, we come to a point of seeing the purpose in HIS timing. But what of those handful of times that our prayers seem to "hit the ceiling and fall back down" when there truly seems to be no greater purpose in the delay or "lack of response?" Let us look to Daniel for an interesting tale, born to him by one of God's own messengers...

Dan 10:2 In those days, I, Daniel, was mourning three weeks of days.
Dan 10:3 I ate no food for delight, and no flesh or wine came into my mouth. I did not anoint myself at all until three weeks of days were fulfilled.

Has anyone else ever felt like this? So burdened and overcome with a prayer and supplication to God? Mourning, fasting, depriving ourselves of the basic enjoyment of life because it has no light or flavour to our souls? And wondering at the "silence" of the Lord? Then be encouraged, not only are you in good company (I would contend Daniel is excellent company, LOL), but these next few verses offer a rare insight into some points we often either overlook or are totally unaware of...

Dan 10:11 And he said to me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you and stand up. For I am now sent to you. And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood, trembling.
Dan 10:12 And he said to me, Do not fear, Daniel. For from the first day that you set your heart to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. And I have come because of your words.

An Angel had (finally) arrived with an answer to Daniels prayer. And 2 phrases within this stand out and must surely have made Daniels heart both joyful and confused... "For I am now sent to you." Oh, how precious, how incredible!! An Angel of the Lord most high, sent bearing the answer to the prayer that had been burdening his heart!! But these next words surely must have given him pause and question. "For from the first day... your words were heard. And I have come because of your words." But if my words were heard from the very beginning, why the great delay? If my request was not only heard but to be answered, why was I allowed this time of hurting and mourning and pain? Surely God is not so cold, not so busy... Why? Lord, there surely must be a reason for this delay...

Dan 10:13 But the king of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty one days. But, lo, Michael, one of the first rulers, came to help me. And I stayed there with the kings of Persia.

Wow... such a rare glance into the workings of the heavenlies. I will not pretend to have a full understanding or even begin to try and lay out a "hierarchy" of the Angelic and Demonic ranks. But we CAN see from this a few things that are of note in our understanding of things. The angel that was sent to Daniel was unable to overcome the King of Persia (if you explore the definitions and word usage here, this refers to a Spiritual King of an area, not the physical ruler of a province) by himself. He fought for 21 days to deliver this message before he had to call in back-up, in the form of Michael, an arch-angel, to assist him to break through with Daniels answer. The Spiritual warfare that takes place everyday, the very climate of where we live (spiritually) can affect God's ministering Angels and their ability and speed with which they are able to act.

I realize that this is simply one isolated incident (or at least one isolated REVEALED incident), but i fully contend that there is not even one word of the scriptures that is not there for our edification, learning and instruction. We need to at least see this illustration for the reminder and insight that it is, and to know that no matter how we FEEL or perceive it, there is one phrase here that should bring to us solace and blessing in even our worst moments...

"For from the first day that you set your heart to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard." God is not dead, nor is he sleeping, deaf or unconcerned. Our prayers are heard (when born of humility and true pursuit of HIS knowledge and will) from the very moment we speak them out. HE hears our cries and requests. He loves us and send HIS ministering Angels to attend us. May we always find comfort in the knowledge that our God is alive and well, and that HE takes an active role and interest in our lives and the prayers that we send forth.

Let us remember the blessed words of our brother and mentor, Paul... Gal 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. My precious friends and family, may we never give up, never feel that our prayers do not avail upon the kingdom of Heaven, for they do. But let us pray, and when it seems darkest and that we are unheard, let us pray more, knowing that the very God and Creator of the universe hears our cries and in due season, we WILL see answers and victory... if we faint not... which should always remind us "but the ones waiting for Jehovah... shall walk and not be faint!"

So wait upon the Lord, stand firm in the knowledge that HIS promises are yes and amen!! God did not bring us to ANYTHING that HE is not fully prepared and able to bring us through. The question simply is... Will we wait, and let HIM?

God Bless you all richly in the light of HIS glorious grace and love!!

[Jerod W. Rickert]

Psa 123:2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.

Oh, what a beautiful promise, illustration and admonition all in one!!! In this one simple verse lies so much of how we need to be in our walk with our Lord... Let us take a few minutes to look at truly what a simple yet challenging thing this is...

First, what an excellent illustration between eyes and hands... The eyes of the servant to the glorious, life giving Hand of the Master... The eyes, the very center of what we perceive and understand... Almost everything that we "know and understand" is sight based...

The Hand, representative of giving, strength, support... The Master's hand was full of the power of life and death... the very next breath of the servant was in the hand of the master....

Due to the constraints of kids and real life, LOL, i must leave it here for today, but will finish this tomorrow, God Bless

[Jerod W. Rickert]

I want to look at the very end of that verse... "so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us."

we, as faithful servants of the Most High God, have not only the obligation, but the beautiful privilege to wait upon the Hand of God, for mercy!!! Undeserved and unearned, HIS mercy to us is a most beautiful gift... if we simply humble ourselves to know that HE is the master, and that nothing we do or have is outside of HIS lovingkindness, then we are truly knowing and learning to wait... A servant did nothing outside of the master's demands and commands... they wait for the word of the master to send them into action... so must we learn to wait upon the voice of God, to know the Shepherd's voice and obey...

Let us not be so presumptuous to pretend to know the heart and will of God, but let us learn to wait quietly and patiently upon the Hand (provision) and word (instruction) of our tender and loving master...

I pray that we will each learn more and more what it means to wait patiently and humbly before the feet of the King... God Bless you my precious brothers and sisters...

[Jerod W. Rickert]

Jer 24:1 The LORD shewed me, and, behold, two baskets of figs were set before the temple of the LORD, after that Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon had carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, and the princes of Judah, with the carpenters and smiths, from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon.
Jer 24:2 One basket had very good figs, even like the figs that are first ripe: and the other basket had very naughty figs, which could not be eaten, they were so bad.
Jer 24:3 Then said the LORD unto me, What seest thou, Jeremiah? And I said, Figs; the good figs, very good; and the evil, very evil, that cannot be eaten, they are so evil.
Jer 24:4 Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Jer 24:5 Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge them that are carried away captive of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans for their good.
Jer 24:6 For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull them down; and I will plant them, and not pluck them up.
Jer 24:7 And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.
Jer 24:8 And as the evil figs, which cannot be eaten, they are so evil; surely thus saith the LORD, So will I give Zedekiah the king of Judah, and his princes, and the residue of Jerusalem, that remain in this land, and them that dwell in the land of Egypt:
Jer 24:9 And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for their hurt, to be a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them.
Jer 24:10 And I will send the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, among them, till they be consumed from off the land that I gave unto them and to their fathers.


Though at first glance these verses may seem out of place here, there is a bit of beauty and wisdom here that can be so quickly overlooked and forgotten (and one that goes against the "feel-good" teachings of today)... We all understand that we serve a holy and righteous Lord, and that there are consequences for choices we make that HE has laid down and set forth... When we fall into disobedience and sin, our forgiveness is there for the asking, irrefutably proven time and again to the humble and contrite spirit of the sinner seeking the Hand of Grace... However, we often forget that even in repentance and forgiveness there is a price and consequence for our choices... King David, after his affair with Bathsheeba was forgiven, RESTORED to God's grace and mercy... and yet, the price of his sin was the loss of his child... Because God is mean or selfish or wills for us to suffer?? No, because in HIS Holy and Righteous nature and will, HE has set forth cause and effect into this universe that are binding laws. Laws that bind not only us, but HIMself, as well...

Now, as we understand that there is a season to everything, and that we will fall subject to the perfect and holy will of our Most High King, let us look closer at these figs...

Jer 24:5 Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge them that are carried away captive of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans for their good.
Jer 24:6 For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull them down; and I will plant them, and not pluck them up.
Jer 24:7 And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.


The GOOD figs, those which were to be blessed and prospered and restored, built up and planted by God's own hand, were FIRST going to have to be carried away, captive, as a consequence of their sin and rebellion against God... They would have to wait in a land not their own, subject to a people NOT Godly, but used and selected of God to teach the children of Judah the price of sin... They would not be forsaken nor forgotten (though how many times it may have seemed so) and were being, even then, primed and readied to be returned to their land of promise...

We must never forget that God loves us, passionately and deeply, and as a good Father, will allow us to discover the truth of sins deadly consequences to return our hearts to HIMself... HE does not desire for us to fall victim to the world and to sin, but loves us enough to correct us, even in seasons of captivity... The watchful eye of the Lord is upon us, no matter where we may feel we have been left alone and stranded...

So whether our time of captivity is born of sin and rebellion (like the Children of Judah, here) or is simply a refining of our walk and a way to position us to where HIS greater glory may abound (like Joseph, sold by the very ones he should have been able to trust), let us never forget that God is in control and what we see only in the here and now, HE sees through the eyes that have known eternity... Let us pray, with all obedience, supplication and repentance... For in HIS due time, we shall be led forth from captivity and into the land of HIS promise, planted and raised up by the Hand of God HIMself...

God Bless you all in the magnificent light of HIS glory and might...

[Jerod W. Rickert]

Isa 30:18 And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.
Isa 30:19 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.
Isa 30:20 And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers:
Isa 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

These precious verses follow a series of admonitions and warnings from the Lord. To a rebellious and stiff-necked people of Israel. Defiant and deaf to the Voice of the Lord through the prophets, they were chastised and warned of the consequences of their disobedience and wandering. And then the Lord follows it up with this beautiful and precious statement that shows, even in HIS anger, the depth of HIS love for HIS people. "And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him." Oh, how glorious these words!!! The Lord WANTS to withhold HIS anger upon us, HE desires to have mercy and grace upon HIS children, IF we will wait upon the day and method of HIS deliverance and salvation.

I will continue this in the next day or so... God Bless

[Jerod W. Rickert]

continuing from the last post, i want to look at verse 19

Isa 30:19 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.

When the Lord brings HIS deliverance and salvation, it is for our betterment, for OUR joy and peace. The roads we take to get to the land of Zion are filled with pain and hurt and troubles and persecution. But be of GREAT cheer, this road is not designed nor destined to harm nor break us, but to bring us to the point that we are equipped and ready to take the land laid out before us. So that when we enter to our rest and peace, we can appreciate what HE has graced us with.

"thou shalt weep no more"... If we are to weep no more, it is only because there ARE tears in the journey. Tears of pain, weariness, inadequacy, anger... this life is full of the things which we feel will break us, those things which strike to our heart and grieve our entire being. but it is through these very sorrows that last for the night, that our joy (which comes in the morning) can be made full... God has not called us to walk in pain and defeat, but in joy and victory... However, that has NEVER meant that we would not see defeat or pain, only that through HIM, we are not destined to walk in it, without hope. When we simply remember to take our eyes off of our situation and put them back on the ONE who is in control of our situation, we find that the very things which threatened to drown us only moments before are so small and temporary. Know that HIS eye is upon us, every second, and that we are NEVER left to face these things alone, if we but reach out to take the nail-scarred hand of a Saviour reaching down in love...

"he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee. " When we have allowed HIM to lead us forth, there will come a season that not only will our weeping cease, but that HE has brought us to. Positioned and ready to receive the blessings and comfort that HE has destined for us. This does not preclude pain nor hurt, but it does serve as a most beautiful reminder, that our cries are NEVER unheard, nor unanswered. But let us learn to petition the throne of grace with our hearts pleadings, and even more to stand with King David in the understanding that God's answer, no matter HOW we see it, is for us. For our prosperity, betterment and protection. Our great God of Love does not withhold from us things to harm or sadden us, but because, as a loving Father, HE sees what it is that we need and is best for us.

Let us never forget the Love that was shown on the Cross of shame and of life. The laying down of a life, perfect and blameless, to open the doors of personal and intimate relationship with the very Creator of not only the universe, but of US. HE did not open this relationship to see us crushed and defeated, but so that we may have life, and life more abundant. There is no roadblock, obstacle or circumstance that HE has not placed there for us to see HIS great glory and grace in action in our own lives.

As we prepare to conclude this section of verses tomorrow, let us stand strong on the promises of God HIMSELF... HE is faithful and cannot lie... HE who has begun this work WILL see it through to the time of completion... God Bless you all richly in HIS abundant love and mercy

[Jerod W. Rickert]

to conclude this section of verses, let us look at the last 2...

Isa 30:20 And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers:
Isa 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.


Several keys for us here in understanding and successfully facing that which God has laid out before us...

"And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction"

When we begin to let this simple phrase sink in, we find a freedom and beauty there. 'though the Lord GIVE you...' Oh, precious friends, let us never forget nor lose sight of the fact that God Almighty HIMself is in charge and control of any and every thing that we face. We have been given a path and life that is destined for HIS glory, through HIS means. We WILL see affliction and adversity. God sent and given for our betterment and testing and refining. As discipline from a loving Father who desires our best and wants to see us prosper and grow. Though we walk through seasons of discipline, correction and refining, be of good heart that HE who began this work will see it through to completion. EVERY time.

"yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers: And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left."

Such a promise!!! Even in the midst of affliction and adversity, we will not be alone, the Lord will supply teachers, to show us HIS way, to tell us HIS way. If we just rely on HIM, HE will supply not only the route of escape and success but the support and the Godly counsel to achieve it. Let us never falter in the walk that takes us closer to HIM. The way WILL be painful and is not meant to be easy, but the reward is so all-surpassingly greater, let us not lose heart, but keep our eyes on the prize and remember that there is nothing that HE has not already seen accomplished and perfected!!

God Bless you all, let us but learn to wait for the day of the Lord's salvation!!

[Jerod W. Rickert]

Thought that with the theme of this study, that a revisit to the life of Joseph from the Hebrews 11 thread might be in order...

Heb 11:22 When dying, Joseph by faith made mention of the Exodus of the sons of Israel, and he gave orders concerning his bones.

Hmmmm... Joseph, when dying, made prophetic declaration of what would come to pass, though not for MANY years to come. When Joseph passed, the Jews were still the honored and faithful guests of the Phaoroh...

But first, some back story... Joseph was the 2nd youngest and most beloved son of his father, Jacob. Joseph was given dreams and visions by God. Showed glimpses of a future that he would play a major role in. What could be greater than the promise of God using him in a way that would change the world and establish him as a Ruler and exalted man of GOD!!!!

Joseph was beloved and blessed of God, destined for greatness by way of sorrow...

Joseph was blessed of God, but his immaturity did him disservice (not as great as the disservice his brothers would do him, but let's wait...). He spoke rashly of his dreams and could even be argued to have been a bit arrogant in the love of his father and of God. His brothers came to be envious and hateful towards him due to his favored status with his father and his obvious annointing of God.

Joseph, the chosen of God and preferred of his father, wound up in a pit, sold as a common slave and taken far from home. Betrayed by those that should have been protecting and caring for him. NOT an auspicious beginning for a man who would set one of God's greatest plans into motion...

So, poor Joseph is sold to Potipher (see Genesis 39), where God again blesses and prospers him. At this point, I think we can imagine that Joseph may have been feeling less depressed and forsaken. He is now in charge over everything that Potipher has, and runs his masters affairs with full freedom. He is the most highly revered and respected servant in his masters house, living well, cared for beyond what he ever thought possible!!

Potiphers wife... false accusations... punished for doing right... imprisoned for a crime he did not commit... Running from sin only to be thrown into jail... And again the dream dies!!!

So here we sit in jail. The Coat of Many Colors all but forgotten, the Dreams of youth grayed by time and shrivelled by circumstance. The hope reborn in Potiphers home, only ashes in the wake of punishment for doing right. And in replacement of all those things, Joseph is now in charge of the part of the Prison he resides in!!! Wow, talk about keeping the dream alive!!!

On to Chapter 40, and while we are simply sitting and rotting, in charge of the Prison yard, 2 of the kings officials are jailed with Joseph. Through time, these men both have dreams. And again, God's hand upon Joseph, he is able to interpret these dreams to these men. One for good, one for death. And the Butler, knowing Joseph's plight promises to tell Pharaoh of his situation and his talent. Imagine, FINALLY, the truth will be known, Joseph will be restored and his name cleared!! The Butler is released as Joseph had prophesied and predicted. Can't you just see Joseph almost tingling with excitement as the Butler departs with promises of freedom. Joseph is finally going to see the dream take shape!!!

So, two years later... TWO YEARS!!!!! How dead is the dream now?? Forgotten, AGAIN!!! Lied to, decieved, forsaken... Where is God now?? Where are His promise of blessing and help and restoration?? How could you leave me here, Lord?? My life, a tragedy from Pit to Pit!! My faithfulness to not betray Your statutes, ignored and rebuked!! I have spoken truth and lived uprightly!! And here I am left, stripped of my family, my home, my dignity... Did you call me only to abandon me?? Why have you left me here?? Where are You now God?? Where are Your promises and faithfulness now, God???

Two years, and Pharaoh has a dream... And FINALLY, the Butler remembers his promise... When no one could speak to Pharaoh and explain his dream... Finally the Butler comes forard, remembering the promise to Joseph... now, at age 30!!! How many "lost" or "wasted" years had been walked... Do I even now dare to dream this may be the start of what God had promised all along?? Could it be, that in all of this God was working and directing and preparing me for just such a time as this?? Through all the pain and loss and disappointment, could it be that God was truly with me every step?? That I was not forgotten, but merely being refined??

God, dare I even believe now that we are beginning to see your will accomplished?? Please, I have tried to be faithful, but I do not know if Ican take one more disappointment!!! I think I understand now, that my Faith had to be refined and fired in the furnace of affliction. That my doubt had to be tempered in the fires of tibulation. Where You lead, now I will follow,every step, seeking only to stay in the center of Your will and Love. Lead me on...

So God prospers and entire Nation through one man's faithfulness to God... He marries, fathers children, is second only to Pharaoh himself... There is nothing more he could desire, except... HIS BROTHERS!!!

Oh God, will you now torture me with the past?? I have teh power fo life and death over these, and rightly could I take them and see them imprisoned and slain!!! But my father, my precious father and brother, what then would they come to?? Lord, let me but test them, grant me wisdom to discern the men they have become!!! Are they evil still, have they sorrow and repentance for what has happened?? God, I am only here, able to save my entire family by Your hand and direction... Humble my heart, turn my anger and bitterness to thanksgiving and gladness...

And so did he test them, setting in motion the sojurn of his entire family to live in teh Land of Egypt, as blessed guests and friends of the Pharaoh... Chapter's 45-49 of Genesis, tell teh heart-rending restoration and healing of Joseph and his family...

But as we close, let us look to his final words and the promise he invoked from his brothers...

Gen 50:24 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

Here are the final words of a man who knew suffering and trials and persecution and affliction. He was betrayed by his own, only to be betrayed by those he came to secondly (There is Whole nother lesson here, but for now, just think about what that represents)... Yet he had become perfected and strengthened of his faith to understand that no matter what would come against, the Promises of God would not be stopped, slowed or thwarted. And he reminded tehm all to look forward, past all obstacles to the fulfillment of God's promise...


My precious Brothers and Sisters, I weep today as I write these things, knowing full well, how we all release our sight and vision to the obstacles and afflictions that assail us. This is where we need to simply keep going and press on. My precious and beloved Friends, I pray for each of you, that we would each stand and know that He is God. Let us learn to stand, side by side, bearing each others burdens in love...

I have come to understand how weak and broken I truly am, but it is only there that God can rekindle the vision of the dream. When my doubt is so real, it is there that God will lead me to greater faith. I pray for each of you to find the vision that God has spoken into your life and to hold fast, knowing that there are seasons of preparation and winnowing that must come. And it is only when the dream has died, and died again, that the true Vision is birthed...

I love you all so deeply, and pray only for your continued walk in good faith...