Through Christ, we see the power and faithfulness of God fully revealed.

[Tang Wei Ping]

Isaiah 48:5 :
I have even from the beginning declared it to thee; before it came to pass I shewed it thee: lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image, hath commanded them.

Extended Explanation of the Verse:
In this verse, God reminds His people of why He foretold events before they occurred. He wanted to leave no room for doubt that He alone is sovereign and in control. By announcing His plans ahead of time, God ensures that His people cannot attribute His work to idols or false gods. This verse highlights the futility of idolatry and the contrast between the living God and lifeless images. It also emphasizes God’s desire for His people to recognize His power and give Him the glory He deserves.

Historical Context:
At the time of Isaiah’s ministry, idolatry was a significant problem in Israel and Judah. The people often turned to pagan gods made of wood and metal, believing these idols could provide protection, prosperity, or guidance. Despite repeated warnings from prophets, the Israelites continued to worship these false gods alongside their worship of the Lord. In Isaiah 48, God is addressing their stubbornness and correcting their misplaced trust in idols, reminding them that He alone has the power to control history and fulfill His promises.

Theological Implications:
This verse teaches that God is the sole author of history. He is not only omniscient, knowing the future, but also omnipotent, actively bringing His plans to fruition. It also reveals the folly of idolatry, which misplaces trust in things that have no power. For believers, this verse challenges us to examine where we place our trust. It reminds us that God deserves all the credit for His work in our lives and that no created thing can take His place.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian:
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder to reject modern forms of idolatry. While most of us don’t worship literal statues, we can be tempted to place our trust in money, success, relationships, or personal abilities instead of God. It challenges us to give God the glory for His work in our lives and to acknowledge His hand in both the big and small moments of history.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God: God’s warning in this verse is an act of love. By foretelling events, He seeks to protect His people from the emptiness of idolatry and draw them back to Himself. He knows that idols cannot provide what His people need, and His desire is for them to experience the fullness of life that comes from trusting in Him alone. His loving character is evident in His persistence in revealing Himself to His people despite their repeated rebellion.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan, foretold long before His arrival. Prophecies about the Messiah, such as Isaiah 53, reveal God’s sovereignty in bringing about salvation through His Son. Jesus also exposed the futility of trusting in anything other than God (Matthew 6:24) and taught His followers to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Through Christ, we see the power and faithfulness of God fully revealed.

Prayer for Isaiah 48:17 :
“This is what the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel says: I am the Lord your God, who teaches you for [your] benefit, who leads you in the way you should go.”

Praying through Isaiah 48:17:
Thank You, Father, that You are our Guide and Defender, our Rock and our Stay. Thank You, that You are the same today as You were when You led the children of Israel through their times of difficulties and oppression. Give us a teachable spirit, listening ears, and an attentive heart so that we may learn all that Your Holy Spirit desires to teach us. And continue to guide us we pray, in the way that is best for us. In Jesus' name, AMEN.

 

[Articles]

Tang ###, we are grateful for your reflection on Isaiah 48:5 and the extended explanation you provided. It is crucial to understand that God alone is sovereign and in control, and He desires that we give Him the glory He deserves. This reminds us of the futility of idolatry and the importance of placing our trust in the living God.

We must remember that God is the sole author of history, and He actively brings His plans to fruition. In today's world, idolatry can take many forms, such as money, success, relationships, or personal abilities. We must be vigilant to reject these modern forms of idolatry and trust in God alone.

Let us pray together:

Heavenly Father, we come before You, acknowledging Your sovereignty and power. We thank You for revealing Yourself to us and for guiding us in the way we should go. Help us to reject all forms of idolatry and to place our trust in You alone. Give us a teachable spirit, listening ears, and an attentive heart so that we may learn all that Your Holy Spirit desires to teach us. Continue to guide us, we pray, in the way that is best for us.

We also pray for Tang ###, that You would deepen their understanding of Your word and strengthen their faith. Help them to recognize and reject any idols in their life and to trust in You completely.

Finally, we want to remind Tang ### of the importance of praying in the name of Jesus Christ. It is only by His name that we have access to God, Acts 4:12 WEB Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men by which we must be saved!

Let us close this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan and through whom we see the power and faithfulness of God fully revealed. Amen.

Be encouraged by the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:33 WEB But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.

Continue to seek God with all your heart, and He will direct your paths.

 

[hostadmin]

Isaiah 48:5 reminds us that God has been revealing Himself to us from the beginning, and He desires that we recognize His power and give Him the glory He deserves. Let's pray together, "Lord, help us to acknowledge Your sovereignty and power. Open our eyes to see Your hand in our lives and in history. Help us to reject all forms of idolatry and trust in You alone. Give us a teachable spirit, listening ears, and an attentive heart, so that we may learn all that Your Holy Spirit desires to teach us. Guide us in the way that is best for us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

 

[CJL80]

Praying in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Cinu]

Lord, we pray for this prayer and family for blessings healing and salvation. Heal and bless. May their lives be a praise and glory unto thee.
Come to the Lord's holy presence. Seek him with all your heart. Cling to his Word and meditate on it moment by moment by positive thoughts and joy in the heart (James 1:2-4), knowing that the Lord is good and to him be all the praise. Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Even though life may feel hard, the Lord's hand will be on you, and he will answer in his time. I am praying for you. Amen.

Some resources that might help.

Needs: - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(KJV)

Salvation: - So they said "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved you and your household." Acts 16:31(NKJV)

Healing: - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5(NKJV)

Fulfillment by the Holy Spirit: - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6(KJV)

Persecutions: - But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:27-28(KJV)

Help in Prayer

Dwelling and Thriving in God’s grace where everything happens for good (Romans 8:28)

Pray that the Lord may open the eyes of the nations affected by coronavirus (Specifically forces against God’s people)


sermons

 

[The Encourager]

May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. Thank You Jesus!!!

Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. Bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, and Your righteousness. Help and strengthen me God to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.

God heal me. Deliver and cleansed me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ Jesus. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God solution focused heart, mind, spirit, and attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by Encourager Linda Flagg, M.A., Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach.

New Year's Prayer 2025

be-an-encourager.blogspot.com

 

[hostadmin]

We continue to lift you up in prayer, dear brother or sister, and we are grateful for the opportunity to stand in agreement with you. As we reflect on Isaiah 48:5, we are reminded of God's sovereignty and faithfulness, and we trust that He is working in your life for His good purpose.

If you have seen God's hand in your situation and your request has been answered, we would be delighted to hear your praise report. Sharing your testimony will not only glorify God but also encourage others in their faith journey. Your story can inspire hope and remind us all of God's unfailing love and power.

If your prayer has not yet been answered, or if you find yourself in a season of waiting, we want you to know that we are still here for you. Please consider posting your request again, so we can continue to pray with you and support you in seeking God's will. Remember, God's timeline is not always the same as ours, but He is always faithful and just.

As you continue to seek Him through His son, Jesus Christ, may God bless you with His peace, strength, and unwavering love. We are committed to praying for you and believe that God hears our collective prayers. Keep trusting in Him, for He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.

In Jesus Name.