Isaiah 45:1 (KJV) Your Personal Letter

Isaiah 45:1 (KJV)

Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;

Imagine receiving a personal letter from God.
That’s what we have here. God was very specific that this letter was for Cyrus by name. God told him what He would do, and God told him why He would do it. God wanted Cyrus, a man who did not know God, to come to know Him. What’s more, God wrote this very personal letter to Cyrus something like 150 years before he was born. 

We don’t have to imagine. 
Just open the New Testament. It’s is a very personal letter from God to you and me. Though you did not know Him, He knew you from before you were born. He knows you and He wants you to know Him. His letter is very specific about what He will do and why He will do it. He wrote it long before you were born but He wrote it for you. 

Cyrus was not of the Jewish family so there must have been someone, possibly Daniel, who delivered the letter to Him. Have you met Jesus? Please then, take this letter to others who have not seen it. 

To my readers:
First of all, thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. Secondly, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

Donate to Bible Baptist Church every time you make an Amazon purchase through this link, https://smile.amazon.com/ch/91-1265824

For this and more than 5000 earlier Daily Visits with God visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

For more resources from Pastor Marvin McKenzie visit http://puyallupbaptistchurch.com.

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Isaiah 45:1 (KJV) Your Personal Letter

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Isaiah 43:24-25 (KJV) God Alone

Isaiah 43:24-25 (KJV)

Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities.
I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

God’s declaration of verse twenty five is made even more striking in view of verse twenty four (and previous). God promises to blot out their transgressions in the middle of these great transgressions. It is not that there are no consequences, by the way.  Be sure to take a look at verse twenty eight. 

Here is the truth. It is God and He alone who blots out our transgressions so that He will not remember our sins. 

• It is no graven image
• It is no religious process 
• It is no act of good that we do 

He alone blots out our transgressions and He does it for His own sake. He does it through the sacrifice He alone has made, the Cross of Jesus Christ. 

He does not remember our sins because He does remember the Cross. 

To my readers:
First of all, thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. Secondly, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

Donate to Bible Baptist Church every time you make an Amazon purchase through this link, https://smile.amazon.com/ch/91-1265824

For this and more than 5000 earlier Daily Visits with God visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

For more resources from Pastor Marvin McKenzie visit http://puyallupbaptistchurch.com.

My books are available at:
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My author Page for Kindle/Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/author/marvinmckenzie

Isaiah 43:24-25 (KJV) God Alone

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Isaiah 42:9 (KJV) He is Immutable

Isaiah 42:9 (KJV)

Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.

We have here a key truth to understanding the Word of God. First, there are some former things and some new things in the Bible. It is not that God changes. He does not. He is immutable. But He does have a plan and, as that plan progresses, some things “come to pass” and some other things “spring forth.” 

That God changes not is revealed in that, before those new things spring forth, He has already declared them. Consider. Throughout the Old Testament (the former things) God tells us of the coming Christ, His gospel, His death, burial, and resurrection. We are told of His virgin birth. We are told He will come forth of humble stock. We are told He will be rejected and despised by men. We are told He will be wounded for our transgressions, be slain among thieves, and be buried in a borrowed rich man’s tomb. We are told all of these things while the former things are still going on and before the new things spring forth. 

Now consider that in the time of the New Testament there are things to yet spring forth. Jesus will come into the clouds to call the believers. Antichrist will wreak havoc in the world for seven years. Jesus will return to the Mount of Olives to establish His one-thousand-year reign. After this will be the Great White Throne Judgment, the destruction of the heavens and the earth, and the coming of new heavens and a new earth, where the children of God will live eternally. 

Since those things declared in the former times came to pass, should we not accept that those new things yet to come will spring forth exactly as the Word of God describes them?

And should not those, who have yet to accept God’s good gift of salvation do so immediately?

To my readers:
First of all, thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. Secondly, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

Donate to Bible Baptist Church every time you make an Amazon purchase through this link, https://smile.amazon.com/ch/91-1265824

For this and more than 5000 earlier Daily Visits with God visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

For more resources from Pastor Marvin McKenzie visit http://puyallupbaptistchurch.com.

My books are available at:
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My author Page for Kindle/Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/author/marvinmckenzie

Isaiah 42:9 (KJV) He is Immutable

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Mark 13:3-4 (KJV) A Few More of the Few

Mark 13:3-4 (KJV)

And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,
Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?

Verse one tells us it was all of the disciples who pointed out the magnificence of the Temple, but it was only four of them, Peter, James, John, and Andrew who asked privately about His prophecy. 

All of them liked the beauty of their religion. Only a few of them had an interest in the truth. 

This same is reflected in our churches still today. The majority of people attend for the good that church does them. Whatever that good is – I think it can be different for different people. These souls have little interest in the more challenging aspects of faith. They have little interest in being alone with the Lord and a few others in a private meeting. They are interested in pointing out the value of their faith, but they avoid conversations about the cost of it. 

God, give us a few more of the few. 

To my readers:
First of all, thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. Secondly, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

Donate to Bible Baptist Church every time you make an Amazon purchase through this link, https://smile.amazon.com/ch/91-1265824

For this and more than 5000 earlier Daily Visits with God visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

For more resources from Pastor Marvin McKenzie visit http://puyallupbaptistchurch.com.

My books are available at:
My author spotlight at Lulu.com:
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/marvinmckenzie

My author Page for Kindle/Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/author/marvinmckenzie

Mark 13:3-4 (KJV) A Few More of the Few

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Mark 12:43 (KJV) Public Knowledge

Mark 12:43 (KJV)

And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 

Jesus watched as the people gave into the treasury of the Temple. But He did more than that. He called His disciples and pointed it out to them too. 

Years ago, I did a campaign to raise money for a project in our church. As a part of the campaign I created a chart that divided our church’s people into “giving units.” It doesn’t seem very classy now, but I was young and following the advice of a pastor of a much larger church. There were some people who were upset. It had never occurred to them that I might know what they gave or didn’t give, to the church. Though I did not give names or numbers, it became obvious to them that I had access to their giving records. They were offended. 

Here we learn that Jesus pays attention to people’s giving and He calls attention of it to His disciples. It is, if you will, public knowledge among them. 

My story was years ago. I haven’t looked at the giving records of the people I pastor in more than twenty years. But the point I think is important is that a person ought to be more concerned that God is watching them give than that any man on earth is. 

To my readers:
First of all, thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. Secondly, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

Donate to Bible Baptist Church every time you make an Amazon purchase through this link, https://smile.amazon.com/ch/91-1265824

For this and more than 5000 earlier Daily Visits with God visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

For more resources from Pastor Marvin McKenzie visit http://puyallupbaptistchurch.com.

My books are available at:
My author spotlight at Lulu.com:
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My author Page for Kindle/Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/author/marvinmckenzie

Mark 12:43 (KJV) Public Knowledge

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Isaiah 36:15 (KJV) Don’t Answer Back

Isaiah 36:15 (KJV)

Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us: this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.

The similarities between this history and the circumstances of our time seem obvious to me. We currently have a President[1] who points the American people to the Lord. We also have an enemy of our way of life who has surrounded and laid siege upon us. They speak to the citizens of our country directly and it seems like their most pressing argument is, “Don’t let the believers make you trust in the Lord.”

There was no way for Hezekiah or his men to prevent the enemy from speaking to the people. What impresses me is that the people obeyed the command of Hezekiah and did not answer them back. 

It would be wise if the common citizen did the same today. We may not be able to prevent the mainstream media from publishing their unholy tripe. 

We do not have to give it the dignity of our attention. 

---

[1] As imperfect as he is. Who is perfect?

To my readers:
First of all, thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. Secondly, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

Donate to Bible Baptist Church every time you make an Amazon purchase through this link, https://smile.amazon.com/ch/91-1265824

For this and more than 5000 earlier Daily Visits with God visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

For more resources from Pastor Marvin McKenzie visit http://puyallupbaptistchurch.com.

My books are available at:
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My author Page for Kindle/Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/author/marvinmckenzie

Isaiah 36:15 (KJV) Don’t Answer Back

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Mark 10:1 (KJV) Again and Again

Mark 10:1 (KJV)

And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again.

Again and again.

• The people resort unto Him again and
• Jesus taught them again

This is the great work of Christian ministry. It is never finished. People must never believe they have heard all the Lord has to say. Men of God must never tire of studying to be ready to teach and preach. 

Again and again. 

To my readers:
First of all, thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. Secondly, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

Donate to Bible Baptist Church every time you make an Amazon purchase through this link, https://smile.amazon.com/ch/91-1265824

For this and more than 5000 earlier Daily Visits with God visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

For more resources from Pastor Marvin McKenzie visit http://puyallupbaptistchurch.com.

My books are available at:
My author spotlight at Lulu.com:
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My author Page for Kindle/Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/author/marvinmckenzie

Mark 10:1 (KJV) Again and Again

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Mark 9:24 (KJV) Help Thou Mine Unbelief

Mark 9:24 (KJV)

And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

Here is both belief and unbelief in one man. That same contradiction exists in each of us. Some people seem to have a lot or belief, but even in those of great faith, there is a measure of doubt, question, or unbelief. Some people claim not to believe at all. Outwardly it appears that they are purely atheists. The Bible, and frankly human experience, has convinced me that this is not strictly so. Among the most ardent unbelievers, there is a measure of belief, placed there by God. Many times, in extreme circumstances, those so-called atheists have their measure of faith rise to the surface and they too cry out to God. 

I notice that this man says “Lord I believe” in response to the words of Jesus. “It thou canst believe, all things are possible to them that believe.” He has an earnest need, so he says the most natural thing, “Lord I believe.” If I may “embroider”[1] his words a bit, “Of course I believe. Why wouldn’t I believe? If I must believe, then I do believe.” 

But I think maybe he had a second thought. His need was real, earnest, deep, intense. Saying he believed didn’t make it so. Willing himself to believe didn’t make it so. His heart longed for an answer and, in a moment of honesty, he realized saying he believes is not enough. He cried out once again, “Help thou mine unbelief.” 

I wonder if reviving won’t come when we stop talking about how much we believe God and instead get on our faces and ask Him to help our unbelief?

---

[1] I recently heard someone use this term instead of "embellish." I liked it.

To my readers:
First of all, thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. Secondly, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

Donate to Bible Baptist Church every time you make an Amazon purchase through this link, https://smile.amazon.com/ch/91-1265824

For this and more than 5000 earlier Daily Visits with God visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

For more resources from Pastor Marvin McKenzie visit http://puyallupbaptistchurch.com.

My books are available at:
My author spotlight at Lulu.com:
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/marvinmckenzie

My author Page for Kindle/Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/author/marvinmckenzie

Mark 9:24 (KJV) Help Thou Mine Unbelief

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Isaiah 32:17-18 (KJV) The Effect of Righteousness

Isaiah 32:17-18 (KJV)

And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;

I am rather convinced that such a time as this can only be after Jesus returns. Righteousness works toward peace, quietness, and assurance but evil resists all three. 

There appears at this time to be a growing conflict between righteousness and evil. Government authorities have used the fear of the China virus as a tool to target churches. At the first, not knowing the true extent of the virus, and willing to participate in a brief period to “flatten the curve,” churches retreated to online and parking lot services. But governments were not satisfied. Almost six months into this threat, 

• We have learned that the virus is no more problematic than a cold 
• We have seen that government experts are confused and conflicted and 
• We have witnessed liberal leadership using the virus as a weapon to push their unholy agendas

We have to resist. We have to do the righteous thing and we realize such a thing will lead to conflict before it leads to peace. 

Come quickly Lord Jesus. 

To my readers:
First of all, thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. Secondly, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

Donate to Bible Baptist Church every time you make an Amazon purchase through this link, https://smile.amazon.com/ch/91-1265824

For this and more than 5000 earlier Daily Visits with God visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

For more resources from Pastor Marvin McKenzie visit http://puyallupbaptistchurch.com.

My books are available at:
My author spotlight at Lulu.com:
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/marvinmckenzie

My author Page for Kindle/Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/author/marvinmckenzie

Isaiah 32:17-18 (KJV) The Effect of Righteousness

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