Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 57

In this part of chapter 30, I am amazed at the arrogance of the people that turn their backs on God and how they do not want to hear God's truth. They just want to hear nice things. Things that make them feel good. It was good to be reminded back to the beginning of Isaiah that we learned that these people will listen but not perceive, they will look, but not understand. Their ears were dull and their eyes dim.

Sounds like times like now. People want to hear things that sound nice, not the harsh truths of God's judgment. May we be a remnant of people that desire to hear the whole truth of God. Even when the truth hurts.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 56

My kids are sick so I am able to do several lessons a day as I am sitting here with them while they recover from their weakness.

I really never thought that I would get so much out of this book of Isaiah. It is just amazing me that as we are studying these Woe's there are fantastic timeless truths that are hidden in these chapters. Don't you just love the verse in 30:18??? The Lord longs to be gracious to you. He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice. How blessed are all of those who long for Him.

We are to pour over God's word and wait and long for Him. Then will God will be gracious to us and then He will have compassion on us. To walk independently from God is to to walk in sin. In this chapter we see what happens when Israel walks independently from God. Here is an opportunity to learn from the wrong choices of others.

The woe in 30:1 is such a serious warning. The warning of executing a plan that is not the Lord's. I have been convicted of doing this. Of forging ahead with a plan when it might not have been God's plan.

Just loving this study. Loving these truths. So thankful that God led me to this study.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 55

This lesson is covering all of Isaiah 29. This chapter includes 2 woes. The woe to Ariel (Jerusalem - the lion). Here we learn about God's judgment on this beloved city. Yet there is the contrast of how God will judge the enemies of His beloved city. Warnings of those who go against Jerusalem.

There is also a good warning of those who go through the motions of the religion. (29:13). Those that draw near with their words and honor with their lips...but their hearts are removed from God. Are we part of the ones that are coming to God with rote or is it a true relationship?

I love how this study has been both a challenge and and encouragement for me to live in a way that truly glorifies God. Yet at the same time, it is a wonderful history lesson on biblical times. Again we learn about 586 BC the 1st siege (Solomon's temple) which was 100 years after Isaiah prophesied this. And then the mention of 70 AD the 2nd siege (Herod's temple).

Desiring to make sure I come to God in true relationship with Him.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 54

This lesson reinforces the importance of trusting in GOD as our refuge and stronghold. In this passage in Isaiah 28 we see what happens when you trust in falsehood and find our refuge in deception. You can not escape and hide in anything other than God. We must trust in Jesus as our stronghold. Our cornerstone. (1 Peter 2:5-7).

Love that verse about justice as the measuring line and righteousness as the level. Again, another opportunity to let the truth of our faithful God be our refuge and strength.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 53

This lesson starts into Isaiah 28 (after we have had a few lessons of review). Now we are diving into the WOE to the proud crown of the drunkards of Ephraim (Northern Kingdom). This chapter has the contrasts of the proud crown and the righteous crown. Good cross reference to Amos 6.

There is such a strong warning in this lesson about listening to God. When Kay mentioned the celebs of today that people tend to follow, I was reminded of how easy it is to fill your time reading those kinds of gossip magazines. And when you spend time and energy and thoughts on junk like that.

Verse 12 in chapter 28 reminds us that there are consequences to NOT listening to God.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 52

As we move into this new section of Isaiah, this lesson was a great overview of what we have studied so far. As I answered the questions it was so great to recap all what we have learned. I found it helpful to go back over the different segments of Isaiah and make bullet points of the themes of the different segments.

• Segment One (chapters 1-12) -God talking to the southern kingdom (Judah) - God's faithful people who go into exile for their lack of knowledge. Important verse says that "if you do not believe you will surely die."
• Segment Two - (chapters 13-23) God of the Nations - Oracles against the surrounding nations. Babylon, Philistia, Moab, Demascus, Egypt, Wilderness of the Sea, Edom, Arabia, Valley of Vision (Judah), Tyre. "What God has planned, so it will come to pass".
  
• Segment Three - (chapter 24-27) - God of the Earth - Judgment on Earth - the earth is polluted by the inhabitants, broken covenant, scattered inhabitants, earth laid waste, devastates it. "the steadfast of mind, you will keep in perfect peace, because you put your trust in God."
  
• Segment Four - (chapter 28-33) God talks to Judah and Jerusalem- Woes to those who will not trust in the Lord - "God, the holy One of Israel, in repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength".

God is the potter, and I am the clay in the Potter's hand. Oh how I have loved this study. The Word of God has come alive to me as I dig deep into His word.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 51

This lesson starts a new section of Isaiah that includes chapters 28-33 and the 6 woes. This lesson is a little bit of an overview as we begin this new section. We have learned to look at the Northern and the Southern kingdom and we are seeing that when Israel has the enemy (Assyria) they don't understand who to turn to because they were NOT turning to God. That important timeless truth of turning to God is seems to be a theme of Isaiah. Turning to God.

I am almost sure this lesson would be really confusing without a map. I am a map girl. I need to see the map as we study these areas and these woes.


Hope this helps if you didn't print the map. Use this for your reference.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 50

Woo Hoo...for I am only 17 lessons behind.

And don't you just find fantastic comfort in knowing that God has Satan's destiny under His control! It was very interesting to study these verses about the Evil One and see what will happen to the serpent, the beast and the false prophet. Since I had just studied Daniel a year ago, many of these verses and chapters are still fresh in my mind. (The dragon, the serpent of old, the devil). I had never heard the phrase the "unholy trinity" but it makes sense. Again, I find marking the text with colors and symbols really helpful when I am studying difficult texts. I mark the devil with a red pitch fork.

I am off to another study to try and catch up even more.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 49

One note from this lesson that I really appreciated was the truth that God is the one who establishes the peace and performs our works. We can not be righteous with out God working in us as our righteousness.

One of the names of God that I have learned this past year is Jehovah-Tsidkenu -- The Lord our Righteousness. We are righteous, because God is working in us and He is our righteousness. This name of God keeps coming to mind as I mark righteousness in this study in Isaiah. Only through Jesus can we be made the righteous one. Only through Jesus.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 48

I never really thought I would learn so much about persevering through trials in the book of Isaiah. It is so neat to see how God takes these books and teaches so much and such a wide variety through each study that I am involved in.

Clinging to the truths today about understanding more about God's sovereignty. Understanding that God is in control of every detail of my life. Great verses that point to the truth that God is in control of the earth and nature (snow, rain, lightning, drought, famine...it is all in His control). If I can truly understand that, then I will have no problem trusting Him for the details of my life. Trusting in the Almighty God today.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 47

This lesson was such a blessing to me. For some reason the questions and the verses that were in this lesson were just what I needed to remind me of the truths of God. (Not the lesson from Kay, but the "homework" part of the lesson).

The truths that I wrote down about what I learned about God were...

• God sets up walls
• God gives peace
• We can trust in God forever
• God is our everlasting ROCK
• God humbles people
• God makes the path of the RIGHTEOUS level
• God judges
• God's name should be the desire of our souls
• We should seek God diligently

The verse in Deut. 32:4 was fantastic. The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice. Righteous and upright is He. What wonderful truths to cling to in that verse. Things to ponder on, things to focus on. Such great truth.

The notes on pride that I noted were that God will not tolerate pride, because it is independence from God. I had marked pride in Is. 26:5 just like Kay mentioned. I really liked that description of pride.

From Is. 26:7...I found such comfort in the idea that God will make the path of the righteous smooth. Not that I am looking for a perfect path, but knowing that God will make it level for me. Again, trusting that God is making a level place for me to walk.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 46

What a great question to open this lesson with...Can you walk in peace in the midst of the turmoil? Man...can I personally shout God's praises through turmoil in my own life. I personally have been able to experience God's peace as my life has been full of chaos and turmoil, yet...I have felt a peace. God's peace.

What a great encouragement to strive for the steadfast mind...not in our own strength, but God's steadfast mind. Isaiah 26:3 and 4 You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in You. Trust in the LORD forever,
for in God the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.

I also appreciated how there was a good recap in this lesson. With such a long book, it is so helpful to often recap the book.

I love how this verse gives the reason for the peace...because of trusting in God.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 45

Oh how I love Isaiah 25. What a blessing of a chapter and full of God's character. What a wonderful encouragement as we have been studying these passages on God's judgment, yet how fantastic that Isaiah see all of that judgment and yet can still focus on God's character. God is the defense for the helpless, the needy and to be the refuge from the storm and the shade from the heat. What wonderful word pictures.

I love the exhortation verse that was mentioned in 1 Cor. 15:58..."Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

What wonderful encouragement. I, again, have been challenged and encouraged.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 44

This lesson included another time line (something Kay likes to use a lot) that helps understand some of the end times and more about the last 3 1/2 years and also the 1000 year reign of Christ.

Great teaching from Rev. 20 about the great white throne judgment. The final judgment. And then the lake of fire. Again...a fantastic challenge that God does not desire us to live apart from Him. We are accountable to our Creator and we are His creation. I am so grateful that I am God's child and part of His family. Such comfort is almost awe inspiring as we study such strong judgment. But when you are God's child, living in a way that glorifies Him, that is where the comfort is.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 43

I am so far behind on this and I hate the feeling of trying to catch up. Though with my life being full of moving and packing and all the transitions, it seems understandable that I am behind. Though...I know that the reason I have handled all these transitions so well, is because I have been in the word and gaining my strength from the Spirit and not doing things on my own.

I have committed to trying to catch up in the next 3 weeks. I do love when I am in the word and it is more of a blessing than a burden.

As for the lesson, my notes are quick and to the point. I was reminded that God will judge and move in righteousness and we are responsible for our actions here on Earth. Again a reminder to grow in the knowledge of God's truth and live in a righteous way.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 42

This was a great lesson that was an important review of where the everlasting covenant comes from. Good review of the creation, Adam and Eve's sin, all the way to the covenant from God.

I have written down the definition of covenant: a solemn binding agreement that comes from the passing through flesh. It has been helpful to understand why it is so important that God will judge for those that break His covenant. (sorry my notes are so short...in the truck today - moving with Chuck).

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 41

Starting with Isaiah chapter 24 God is now talking not only to the nations, but to the whole earth. This chapter shows that God will deal with the earth and those in it. Another call to live in righteousness. God will judge the earth and we need to walk in a way that is pleasing to God. We need to long to live in His presence.

The 3 reasons for Gods judgement in this chapter are...

1. transgressed laws - crossing over the line that God has made
2. violating statues - altering the word and living like there are no absolutes
3. breaking the everlasting covenant

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 40

Words of caution for the one who exalts himself or lives in pride. Our holy God will bring us down.
We should long for holiness.

We need to remember that life is temporary, and we are to live for the eternal. Seeking God's glory.

Final timeless truths from Isaiah 22, when CALAMITY comes...we are to live for the future, depending on God and remember that God judges the individual (not just the nations).

As for the timeless truths for Isaiah 23, God will bring down the pride of man...man may gain things in this life, but God will and can take it away and use it for Himself and give it to someone else.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 39

Trying to catch up on my lessons...

Just a few quick thought son this lesson. I noted the cultural context of Arabia and appreciated the importance of that. Not only that Arabia is the birthplace of Islam, but that there are Christian Arabians and Muslim Arabians. Also that Arabia has 25 % of the worlds petroleum.

The continued timeless truth is still important to note, that we are to seek God and that our calamity is to drive us into the arms of God. Any calamity or difficult time in our life is to bring us to our knees and allow us to learn what God is teaching us.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 38

This lesson really was a great reminder that God is in control of everything, even calamities. Is. 45 reminds us of this.

6That men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun
That there is no one besides Me.
I am the LORD, and there is no other,
7The One forming light and creating darkness,
Causing well-being and creating calamity;
I am the LORD who does all these.

God has reasons and purposes for everything. I can take comfort in this truth about God. He is trust worthy. Faithful. All of my circumstances can be the thing that draws me to God. What every it takes to bring me to my knees to honor God.

I also loved the verses in Amos 3

...If a calamity occurs in a city has not the LORD done it?
7Surely the Lord GOD does nothing
Unless He reveals His secret counsel
To His servants the prophets.

This is the draw for me to know His word and understand the message. This is so important for us to understand why God gives us the Bible.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 37

Again the main point is that God has a purpose and a plan and we can trust Him. It is important to look beyond the difficult life and look to God and know Him more intimately. More deeply. Isaiah 19:12 ...let them understand what the Lord of hosts has purposed....

I can take such comfort in knowing that God is in control of everything and He is trustworthy. As I look at my life and the difficult circumstances that we are in right now, I can trust Him and rest in knowing that He knows what is best. I can also take comfort in knowing that the end result is for me to be in that deep and close relationship with Him, no matter what the cost. I love that I am there in my life. I surrender it all to Him.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 36

This lesson deals with the Oracle to Egypt. The cultural context was helpful to understand a little more about Egypt being one of the oldest civilisations and how that is due to the natural barriers like the Sahara Desert and the natural resources like the Nile river. And how this has helped Egyptians develop such a strong culture in the past.

The main timeless truth that I take away from this lesson is that God is in control. As it states in Isaiah 14:24, Surely just as I (God) have intended so it has happened and just as I (God) have planned so it will stand. The truth can so easily be clung to in our own lives and in our own times.

Remember that when you are frustrated with the goings on of life today that God has a purpose and a plan and no one will thwart it. He is faithful. He is trustworthy. He is steadfastly the same. I will cling to these truths as I face uncertainty in my life.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 35

I really enjoyed both the history from this lesson (also the importance of noticing the geographical locations), but also the challenge. The importance of regarding God as our maker and living in a way that glorifies Him. Not only believing but obeying Him to honor Him as God. The challenge to live for God, the holy one of Israel.

I also spent some time meditating on how it causes God sorrow to bring us sorrow. When we are discipline or chastised by Him, when we have sin that has caused us to turn our back on Him. It seems that God has used my own circumstances to turn me more toward God and given me a desire to glorify Him with everything in my life.

Lastly, I really appreciated the difference between the feel good - tickle your ear kind of messages that focus on things that are enjoyable (accumulation of wealth, health, and happiness). But the idea of regarding God as my maker and focusing on holiness, righteousness, sacrifice, and laying down my life for the sake of the gospel of Jesus.

Isaiah (part 1) - lesson 34

This lesson had some great history about Moab and some history of WW I and history of Jerusalem. Though the history is interesting and important to know, I take to heart the challenge. The importance to make sure to resist pride. How pride is the downfall of man. How important it is to be humbled. How pride can be the deadliest of sins. Believing a lie from Satan and letting that pride creep in and that Independence from God.

Instead, I desire to give God the place in my He deserves. Humbling myself before the God most high and understanding God's righteous heart.