Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 22

I somehow deleted this lesson from my DVR and had to watch it online before I could write my notes here on the post. I think it is so neat that you can download these and do these lessons all for free. When ever I have watched my lesson online, I start buffering it before I do my "homework". That seems to work pretty well.

This particular lesson got me thinking about those people that I have prayed for for years to come to a right relationship with God. The verses in John about people living in the dark and not wanting the light to expose their deeds really made me think. I think most people like to live in the "ignorance is bliss" stage of life. The less you know, the less you are responsible for.

Again, a great reminder that God is in charge of all circumstances of my life. It rests on His shoulders and He is the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Eternal Father, and the Prince of Peace. Those are more than just Christmas verses. Living in the knowledge of the truth.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 21

In this lesson we got a preview that we are working on the next few chapters of Isaiah. I noted the heads up that there will be 3 major prophecies in these chapters 7-12. This lesson focused on the one in Isaiah 7:14 (the others are in 9:6, then 11:1, 10).

Again a reminder that this is for the faithful remnant. And the challenged that the government of our life should be on the shoulders of God and not on man. In a time of uncertain government, this is such a source of encouragement. God is to be the one authority in our life. The importance to turn to God to make the decisions and not turn to the weak arm of man.

I always love the challenge to get on my knees and to go God with everything. He is the authority and I am going to submit and trust Him.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 20

I will be honest and let you know I took a few days off of this study to finish up my Ephesians study from the summer. I was also trying to slow down a bit to wait for whomever was trying to keep up.

All that to say, I was so blessed by the verse in 8:17 - "And I will wait for the Lord who is hiding His face from the house of Jacob; I will even look eagerly for Him. " The reminder that God was hiding His face because His people choose to turn against Him. Yet that hope of the faithful remnant. Oh to be part of a remnant in our land of ones that will continue to wait for the Lord. To look eagerly for Him. I will be honest, I don't think often enough of the return of the Lord. Though lately, our personal life seems to be a picture of going ahead to prepare a place for you (with Chuck having gone ahead to the new town). I need to have the same longing for Christ's return. In fact oh so much more, as I look forward to Christ and His return for the bride, like I look forward to Chuck coming to get us.

As for other notes from the lesson, I appreciated Kay's strong challenge to be cautious of those who appeal toward our emotion and let our mind lead and not our heart. I have been praying that in the midst of our nations calamity, may we be part of the remnant that are waiting on the Lord. May we be blameless and spotless. Amos 3:6 ...If a calamity occurs in a city has not the Lord done it? May the calamity point others to God and may we respond in obedience and repentance to Him.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 19

What a great challenge to resist the pull by society that encourages us to be like them (the ungodly). To walk like them, dress like them, think like them, talk like them, act like them...to love the same things that they love. And the embrace that we get when we do turn to the worlds ways, because we are like them. Don't you find it is a constant conscious decision NOT to be like the world. We have to determine that we are going to be set apart.

I thought it was a great description of fearing God. To trust Him, to know Him to respect and honor Him, so that we are not tossed to and fro. And dreading God (8:13)...not a demand for perfection, but the dread of displeasing Him, the dread of falling short. The idea that it is a passionate thing that causes you to want to please God. Not out of obligation, but out of desire.

So grateful that God is my sanctuary. My place of refuge. My shelter. My rock. My hiding place. That in times that are unsure, I have the God most high to cling to.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 18

I have to be honest here. I really struggled with understanding these passages (end of chapter 7 beginning of chapter 8) and I am not sure how well I would have done with out the lesson from Kay on this one (maybe the splitting headache had something to do with it). Again, the maps did help and it is like a history lesson and a Bible lesson all in one.

The constant reminder to walk by faith is so important. Saved by faith, maintained by faith, live by faith and walking by faith. Going back to that all important verse, that if we don't believe, we will not last. What comfort to understand that we are in Christ and we are steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.

I love how that goes back to the title of the blog, walking in a manor worthy of the calling ~ thanks for joining me in walking by faith.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 17

I was trying hard to keep the history straight on the kings in this lesson. Again, the maps helped a lot. I think I might be a little lost with out them. I love how it is so black and white weather or not a king was right before the Lord. How clear can it get ~ "he did evil in the sight in the eyes of the Lord." That challenged me to live so black and white. Living RIGHT in the sight of the Lord.

With Christmas right around the corner, I always appreciate passages that deal with the birth of Christ. How 7:14 points us right to Matthew 1.

I jotted down a challenge that Kay said that really stuck me. Careful about thinking that you can stand on your own (in your own strength) lest you fall (I know she was quoting a verse but I didn't jot it down). Great challenge.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 16

I have to say, I so greatly appreciated the historical back ground and information on chapter 7. On my first reading of this passage, I was a little more than confused. It helped to get the maps out and understand where these locations are. And I also underlined people in a light brown and double underlined locations in green. That helps me keep it straight.

The lesson from Kay was also helpful in understanding this passage. I often jot down the dates that she mentions and any definitions on my observation worksheets. I had not fully understood where the Samaritans came from. The information about these being a blend of "left over" Jews and "brought in" Gentiles helps me understand so much. I really do appreciate the historical context.

What great comfort to focus on these verse in chapter 7. "take care, and be calm, have no fear and do not be fainthearted..." (verse 4). I will choose to cling to this verse during our difficult times. And a wonderful challenge, "if you will not believe, you surely shall not last." (verse 9).

I appreciate so much to respond to this very high calling - I agree with the thoughts that the Body of Christ is suffering because they don't know the Word of God. It is not a popular thing to challenge others to dig into the Word deeply. People just don't have time. Life if too busy. It takes sacrifice to study. And it is a narrow path, that few will walk down. Thanks for joining me. I am changed person because of the truth that I study.

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 15

I wanted to take a few moments to post my chapter titles. If you printed out the observation worksheets, there is a blank line for each chapter theme. In the spirit of trying to keep them short and to the point, here are mine.

1. Isaiah's vision - God's unfaithful people
2. Day of reckoning
3. leaders removed - women denounced
4. remnant left
5. Well beloved's vineyard - woe to the wicked
6. Lord on the throne - Isaiah's commissioning

I have always had a hard time coming up with good chapter themes. I do think it helps to come up with something to help you remember the main theme. Share yours please. =)

As for this lesson 15, it was neat to see this passage in the gospels (all 4). Also the understanding that Jesus is the glory of God.

I loved the phrase "steeped myself in the word of God". The idea of steeping tea came to mind. When we take time to let the scriptures sink in and allow the Holy Spirit to unfold the Word of God. To fully understand it and ponder it. And to get the full intention of the tea (scriptures). Rather than just brush past it and read it quickly.

Great challenge to do whatever God desires us to do and be willing to be used by God in any way. To go and share the truth. And how comforting to know that we are not responsible to others responses.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 14

Ever since studying Isaiah 6, I have been singing a song in my head about the whole earth being filled with God's glory. One of the things I like about studying the scriptures, it allows my mind to dwell on the right things.

One of the things I jotted down from Kay on this lesson was to think about God and to live accordingly. I appreciate the constant encouragement to live righteously. It is so refreshing compared to societies draw on us to live in a way that goes against God will.

I also have been thinking about the discouraging commission. The idea of going and telling these people about God, yet understanding that they won't listen. God desires them to know, but there are some that won't respond. Wonder if that encouraged you missionaries. Or if there is comfort in knowing that you have obey what God has called you to do.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 13

If I could encourage you to go and listen/watch one lesson, I think it would be this one. I sit here absolutely humbled beyond belief. Humbled and challenged. Understanding how important it is to look at God and not others. How easy it is to let pride well up in me as I compare myself to others. Yet, when I study these verses in Is. 6 I realise that I am unclean. I need to see myself compared to God, not others. To see who I really am and live accordingly. I want to know His presence, His power and His glory. To just get a glimpse of God and understand His holiness.

...I saw the Lord, sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple..."Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory."

Understanding the significance of the coal that the seraphim touched Isaiah mouth with ~ the burning coal from the altar on which the sacrifices were made for cleansing of sin. Understanding that it was after Isaiah humbled himself before God that his iniquity was taken away. Understanding about King Uzziah's pride that took place in his heart and his judgment from God.

Oh, the warning that I need to be careful that I can become so proud that I might think that I could get away with presumptuous sin.

What a great lesson. I am so blessed by the Word. The more I learn, the more I desire to know more...and say "Here am I, send me!"

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 12

I really appreciated how the verse (4:5) that talks about God's presence in the cloud and fire is more understandable after the cross ref. that is done in the TV lesson today. It would have been easy to breeze past that verse and not fully understand the importance of it.

In my #4 question on this lesson, after listing how they turned against God, I was struck by how much is sounds like our present day society. They stumbled, fallen, their speech and actions are against the Lord, they rebelled against His glorious presence, displayed their sin with out concealing it, and brought evil against themselves. This is such a description our our world today.

Again, desiring to be part of the righteous remnant.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 11

What a great lesson. I have been realizing that the more I do these in depth studies, the more my life changes. I desire to have influences that encourage me to be more godly rather than influence me to be more worldly.

I appreciated the description of holy. To be pulled out of the common and ordained for the sacred. Doesn't that just make you want to be holy? And the reminder of our position in Christ. How we are part of this amazing family of God and the body of Christ. That God brought us to Himself and we should obey His voice.

I have personally been faced with the pull toward the dangers of prosperity. Not that doing well in life is bad, but the dangers that it can entangle you with. (And to be honest, it would be Chuck's prosperity ~ not mine). Desiring to be free of all that the world entangles us with, and run the race that has been set before us.

I am glad to have a way to mark pride. I have been very aware of verses of pride and I am starting a list of it for my reference. Making lists seem to really help me notice the warnings. Hope you were blessed too.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 10

Can you believe we are already in chapter 5? I have learned so much about God and His reasons for judgment. I am challenged to take these "woes" to heart. The one in 5:8 was personally convicting. That push to have a bigger home to store all of my unneeded stuff. Just think of all those big houses that are now vacant and empty and hard to sell before the possible doom of forclosure.

It sure seems that our society now makes it a regular habit to call evil good and good evil. TV, movies, music, videos, tabloids, internet...can all twist and change our perspective on right and wrong.

I appreciated the charge at the beginning of the lesson for the local church and pastor. Again, a reminder and a challenge to really be in God's word. I was even thinking of other Bible Studies/home groups that I have been part of that had the main focus to have a good time. As there is a need to have a good time in any fellowship group, I find this kind of a study uniquely refreshing.

I jotted down on my worksheets the quick reminder that the well beloved = God, the vineyard = Jerusalem, and the plant = Judah.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 9

Such challenging scriptures, especially for women. I have recently been convicted that I need to be careful to present myself (and my girls) as pure and clean and righteous. Such a contrast to the description of the daughters of Zion. Interesting that God's judgment is there because of these daughters of Zion that have acted wickedly. I notice some of the language that is used both in the scriptures and on the "show" that we don't regularly use in society today.

• iniquity
• immoral
• seductive
• reproach
• sinful
• evildoers
• corruptly
• rebellion
• desolate

It is easy to sugar coat things and not really call sin what it is. It is a little harder to swallow the truth when there is no coating on it. I am sadden to say our country is full of this description. In fact, our churches are full of it. And that is where God needs to judge.

I want to be part of the holy ones. More alert. More godly. More righteous. I love that these lessons and studies entreat me to be that. And not encourage me to walk the well warn path of worldly living. Thanks for walking the path with me. You know...walking in a manor worthy of the calling. =)

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 8

Quick notes on this lesson...appreciated the verses 3:10-11 "say to the righteous that it will go well with them for they will eat the fruit of their actions. Woe to the wicked! It will go badly with them. For what he deserves will be done to him." Great challenge to be a righteous one and not a wicked one.

It seemed that this time is history is a great time to be doing this study. God knew what we needed as His children to be warned, and challenged. To encourage others to do the right thing. To be an example to others and to point them to be obedient to our Lord Most High.

God is God and there is no other. Let's learn from the lesson of these in the book in Isaiah. Those that were so occupied with self...let's stand for God.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 7

Just a quick note (I am off to the airport so I don't have much time). I have enjoyed this study in Isaiah, especially coming right off of the America at the Crossroads study. I am all the more challenged to pray for our leadership. Today being Thursday, is the call to prayer at noon to pray for our nation. Pray that God raises up leaders who respect Him and revere Him.

I do desire to follow God more than ever and be a light to our world that seems to regard evil as good. Didn't you think of how Americans fall all over celebrities and how we honor them? Desiring to be part of a change...for the good. =)