The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40-41

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:28-31

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, I move on Lesson 15, Day 3b, which looks specifically at Isaiah 40:12-31.  Here, we are urged to see God as incomparable, as both verses 18 and 25 exhort us not to compare the One True God to another.  As we transition from verses 12-26 to verses 27-31, we see God referring to Himself as "the everlasting God," and "the Creator of the ends of the earth." God then describes Himself as never lacking any power or understanding, and available to strengthen those who are weak.  What an incredible description!  We know God is powerful - it is described not just here in Isaiah but elsewhere.  Believers should recognize God's power towards us - see also John Piper's message on the below verses in Ephesians where Paul prays that:

"...you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come." Ephesians 1:18-21

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who strengthens me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God.  I often focus on my weakness - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

 

A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

Isaiah 40-41

A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for  our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 40:3-5

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, I move on Lesson 15, Day 3a, which looks specifically at Isaiah 40:1-11 - with verses 3 through 5 being some of the most referred to verses from the New Testament. All of the gospels refer to these verses, including Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3, and John 1.  It is clear Jesus wants those hearing the Word of God to prepare for Jesus - to look for Jesus, so that when He arrives You will know His voice and be inclined to hear and receive His Word. This post on DesiringGod.com encourages us to clear away earthly and worldly distractions to prepare:

"The logic of Isaiah’s prophecy can be summed up like this: “First some preparing, some rearranging, even some upheaval, and then the glory of the Lord will be revealed.” This world is not ready for the glory of the Lord. Too many of our churches are not ready for his glory.

The barriers against the historic display of his glory are firmly established in the trendy distractions of the world and in the dull routines of our churches. The only one fully ready for the display of Christ’s glory is Christ himself. [J.I.] Packer understood that. He understood that, for our churches to become filled with the felt presence and power of the risen Lord Jesus Christ, “everything superstitious, misleading, and Spirit-quenching must be rooted out.[quoting Packer]”

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has given me a heart of flesh, replacing my heart of stone - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a blessing.  My sin continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40-41

He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:29-31

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, I move on Lesson 15, Day 2, which looks at Isaiah 40. My commentary provides the following divisions for this chapter:

1. The proclaimed glory of God comforts sinners with forgiveness (v1-11)
2. The immeasurable glory of God dwarfs the cosmos and the nations (v12-26)
3. The limitless glory of God strengthens the weary (v27-31)
   

As previously indicated in the past couple of posts, chapter 40 marks a transition as the commentary states that God yearns that his crushed people, humbled and broken under his judgements, will see that atonement for their sin is God's final purpose....Now at last Judah is assured that full atonement is provided for all her sins."

The commentary shares the following applications for Isaiah 40:

1. trust in Christ
2. expect the need for daily strengthening of our faith
3. pray confidently and humbly
4. appreciate our own fragility and mortality
5. set our hope on the grace to be given to us when Jesus Christ returns

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - daily!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love, grace and compassion.  My sin is great and it continues daily.  Please forgive me Jesus!  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

Isaiah 40-41

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 1:18-20

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, I complete  Lesson 15, looking at Day 1, which looks at Isaiah 40-41.  To prepare me for these chapters, my study has me reading Isaiah 1 for review and context, particularly as Isaiah chapters 40-66 mark a more forward looking view for Judah (messianic prophecies, etc.) vs judgement of Judah's sin (chapters 1-39). Isaiah 1 paints a very bleak picture of Judah, during the days of King Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.  Words used by Isaiah to describe Judah include sinful, corrupt, and estranged from the Lord (v4), sick head and heart (v5), inhabiting a land that is desolate, overthrown and besieged (due to punishment from God) (v7-8), full of empty worship rituals and prayers (v10-15), failing to deliver justice and to assist those in need (v17), etc. - a very bleak picture indeed.  Yet contemporary believers cannot escape such sin - just read about recent sin within the Southern Baptist Convention.  As bleak as our sin is - and we all sin - we have a glorious savior who saves and redeems - Jesus Christ!  We need to repent!

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My Prayer:  Heavenly Father - You are a glorious God indeed!  Worthy of my worship and living sacrifice!  I am not deserving of how You save and bless me.  My sin is great...and daily.  Please forgive me as I chase comfort vs worship and service.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, an apply Your message for me today and every day.

And so in the matter of the envoys of the princes of Babylon, who had been sent to him to inquire about the sign that had been done in the land, God left him to himself, in order to test him and to know all that was in his heart.

 Isaiah 36-39

And so in the matter of the envoys of the princes of Babylon, who had been sent to him to inquire about the sign that had been done in the land, God left him to himself, in order to test him and to know all that was in his heart. 2 Chronicles 32:31

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, I complete  Lesson 14, looking at Day 5, which looks specifically at Isaiah 39 as this chapter also marks a transition to Isaiah chapters 40-66 which are more forward looking vs judgement of Israel's sin. In Isaiah 39, we see a picture of Hezekiah's pride in showing all of the treasures of his storehouses to a visiting envoy from Babylon.  We are encouraged to review 2 Chronicles 32:27-31 where God uses the visit from Babylon to search his heart.  Isaiah questions Hezekiah's motivation and then delivers a stern message to Hezekiah about coming punishment to Judah and Hezekiah shrugs it off as the punishment will not directly impact him but his descendants - a staggering response of selfishness.  My commentary points to several applications:

1.  Focus on the only true hero of the Bible - Jesus Christ
2.  See how God uses circumstances to search the hidden motives of the heart.
3.  Notice how susceptible the human heart is to pride.
4. We should be warned (and avoid) about Hezekiah’s lack of a multi-generational vision, not caring about what would happen to his great-great-great grandchildren.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus - thank You for giving me faith and for my salvation!  I am not deserving!  I know there is more I can do to pass on my faith to my sons and I am often prideful!  Please forgive me and help me turn from and overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Behold, it was for my welfare that I had great bitterness; but in love you have delivered my life from the pit of destruction, for you have cast all my sins behind your back.

 Isaiah 36-39

Behold, it was for my welfare that I had great bitterness; but in love you have delivered my life from the pit of destruction, for you have cast all my sins behind your back. Isaiah 38:17

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, I continue with Lesson 14, looking at Day 4, which looks specifically at Isaiah 38. Here, we see Hezekiah sick and dying, with Isaiah delivering a message from the Lord to him that he should prepare for death. Hezekiah prays to God and God answers his prayer and gives him fifteen more years. In response, Hezekiah pens a poem as he reflects on his journey with God (v9-20).  Broadly, my commentary indicates the main idea from this chapter to be that "God heals Hezekiah from illness and teaches him humility and obedience by what he suffered." My Precept Upon Precept study indicates that a more complete view of this chapter should be viewed with 2 Kings 20:1-11 and 2 Chronicles 32:24-26.  It is in 2 Chronicles 32 where we glean more detail about Hezekiah and his pride.  With all that God does for him Hezekiah remains proud and in response Hezekiah did humble himself, but not without consequences - "the wrath of the Lord did not come upon [Jerusalem] in the days of Hezekiah." My commentary notes we should apply the word as follows:

1. the forgiveness of our sins is our top priority, not the temporary healing of the body this side of death.
2. live every day aware of our mortality, and we should flee to Christ for salvation and power to make the most of the limited time we have.
3. embrace affliction...as working vast spiritual benefits in us: it humbles us and causes us to walk softly in God’s laws.
4. use our own experiences in suffering to make us genuinely compassionate to others who are suffering.

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My Prayer: Lord, You are indeed great - You are full of grace and compassion, even during trials we can see Your love for us.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your love and compassion.  My sin is great and it continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord: “O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth. Incline your ear, O Lord, and hear; open your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to mock the living God. Truly, O Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations and their lands, and have cast their gods into the fire. For they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone. Therefore they were destroyed. So now, O Lord our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone are the Lord.”

 Isaiah 36-39

And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord: “O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth. Incline your ear, O Lord, and hear; open your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to mock the living God. Truly, O Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations and their lands, and have cast their gods into the fire. For they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone. Therefore they were destroyed. So now, O Lord our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone are the Lord.” Isaiah 37:15-20

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, I continue with Lesson 14, looking at Day 3, which looks specifically at Isaiah 37. Here, we see Hezekiah - faced with destruction at the hands of Assyria - with nowhere to go but to God as attempts to rely on both Egypt and Assyria itself have failed.  Hezekiah goes to Isaiah and to God and Hezekiah offers a humble and earnest prayer to God to be rescued.  My commentary notes a number of takeaways from Isaiah 37, including:

• God's glory is uppermost in his own affections
• Therefore, God's actions are first for his name, and second for human salvation
• God's power and knowledge are awesome
• God is sovereign over the nations
• God rules over the heart of kings
• The human heart is arrogant
• God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble
• God answers humble prayer
• God's wrath is terrifying
• God's mercy to sinners is amazing

Today, it is Hezekiah's humble prayer to God that convicts me as I seek for God to make me a prayer warrior and of course humility in prayer is key!

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My Prayer: What an awesome God You are - You are always working, You hear our prayers, and You respond - You are faithful!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You work in my life and how You hear and respond to my prayers.  My sin is great and it continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Do not listen to Hezekiah. For thus says the king of Assyria: Make your peace with me and come out to me. Then each one of you will eat of his own vine, and each one of his own fig tree, and each one of you will drink the water of his own cistern, until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of grain and wine, a land of bread and vineyards.

 Isaiah 36-39

Do not listen to Hezekiah. For thus says the king of Assyria: Make your peace with me and come out to me. Then each one of you will eat of his own vine, and each one of his own fig tree, and each one of you will drink the water of his own cistern, until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of grain and wine, a land of bread and vineyards. Isaiah 36:16-17

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, I continue with Lesson 14, looking at Day 2, which looks specifically at Isaiah 36.  Core to Isaiah 36 is how King Sennacherib of Assyria sends Rabshakeh to meet with representatives sent by King Hezekiah of Judah. Rabshakeh mocks both Judah and the Lord and it is the manner in which Rabshakeh does his mocking of Judah and the Lord that is instructive for believers.  My commentary offers great insights here.  Rabshakeh uses God's own words (v10) where it is true that Assyria was led by God to invade Judah (for its sin), and just as Satan does, tries to tempt and entice Judah into submission through a promise of prosperity.  This is how Satan works - by tempting us with empty promises. It is God-alone that gives us prosperity, peace, etc. and He can also take it away.  We should certainly not expect prosperity (we all sin and the wages of sin are death (Romans 3:23, 6:23) - in fact Jesus tells us in John 16:33 that we are to expect trouble, and in the same message, Jesus offers us peace through Him that ultimately we will overcome these troubles because of eternal life in Heaven with Jesus.  I am reminded of how Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4) but does not fall for Satan's empty promises.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and You offer what none other can - peace, patience, kindness, love, joy, etc. - all the fruits of the Spirit.  Most importantly, You offer eternal life - the greatest gift of all time - for all that repent and turn to You. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of any of these blessings or gifts. My sin is great and it continues.  Please forgive me and help me turn from these sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

It may be that the Lord your God will hear the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to mock the living God, and will rebuke the words that the Lord your God has heard; therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left.’”

 Isaiah 36-39

It may be that the Lord your God will hear the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to mock the living God, and will rebuke the words that the Lord your God has heard; therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left.’” Isaiah 37:4

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, I start Lesson 14, looking at Day 1, which focuses on an overview of Isaiah 36-39.  OverviewBible.com describes these chapters as "Isaiah’s ministry to Hezekiah." In Isaiah 36, we see King Sennacherib of Assyria mocking God and Judah, and Sennacherib invades Judah.  In Isaiah 37, left with no choice, Hezekiah goes to Isaiah and to God for help after several attempts at self-salvation. In Isaiah 37:4, Hezekiah sends a message to Isaiah, seeking prayer and for God to intercede on behalf of Judah.  Hezekiah is appropriate with his cautious (use of the word "may") approach to God, knowing that he has previously not gone to God and God may not be inclined to help such a stiff-necked people.  God DOES want us to cry out to Him with our cares and concerns, but at the same time, He does not want a "fair-weathered" approach in the sense that we ONLY go to God when we need something.  We should acknowledge God in all times - good and bad - and that everything good we experience is from Him and without Him we would cease to exist.  Instead of going to God periodically, we should go to God "without ceasing" - see John Piper on 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me and who provides for all of my needs - every day.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out....My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

John 10

To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out....My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:3, 27

This morning, I pause my study of Isaiah to listen to DesiringGod.com's daily devotion.  Here, John Piper emphasizes how God knows believers fully and intimately - this includes all of our sin and brokenness. This should be highly encouraging because we all want to be loved just as we are.  God does have an expectation that we submit to Him and He will refine and sanctify us, and this may be at times a painful process, but this process is good and for God's glory (and we exist for God's glory). We know that God never leaves or forsakes us, and if we seek Him, we will find Him. We should also approach God confidently.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God - You know everything about me, including my sin and brokenness, yet You still love me - incredible.  I am not deserving of such a God.  My sin is great, it is daily, and it continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Isaiah 33-36:10

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Isaiah 35:10

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, I wrap Lesson 13 by moving to Day 5, which focuses on Isaiah 35. My commentary describes this chapter of Isaiah as one being of great hope and encouragement for the faithful as it portrays a messianic prophecy of "[t]he cursed universe restored to God's original purposes."  God created Adam and Eve and the garden, yet the introduction of sin with the Fall broke the unity humanity had with God, and ushered in brokenness in all of its forms, including disease, decay, corruption...the worst of course being death itself.  The commentary describes several divisions:

1. Creation transformed: from sterile desert to fruitful garden (35:1-2)
2. People transformed: from cursed wickedness to blessed strength (35:3-7)
3. The transforming event: "Your God is coming to save you" (35:4)
4. The journey of the transformed: a highway of holiness (35:8-10)
5. The destination of the transformed: glorious Zion (35:10)

This message brought joy to not just Isaiah's audience of the time but to believers today who are groaning as Paul wrote about in Romans 8:

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:20-25

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My Prayer: Heavenly Father - You are a God of hope as You save and You save for eternity!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation - the greatest gift of all time.  Yet me sin is great and it continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

“Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger.”

Isaiah 33-36:10

“Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger.” Genesis 25:23

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, I move to Lesson 13, Day 4, which focuses on Isaiah 34:5-17.  These verses look at God's judgement of Edom, including how this judgement is the subject of prophecies in other books of the Bible, including Genesis 25, Obadiah 1, Jeremiah 49, and Psalms 137. Edom is of course, a nation from Esau's descendants.  Isaiah's prophecies of Edom's destruction and punishment are consistent with how God said to Rebekah in Genesis 25 that Esau (the older) shall serve Jacob (the younger).  God's words do come to pass - He is faithful.

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My Prayer: Heavenly Father - what an awesome God You are - You never leave or forsake me and Your promises are my anchor - I can trust in You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You are faithful, and how You love me.  My sin is great and it is daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and otehrs. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Seek and read from the book of the Lord: Not one of these shall be missing; none shall be without her mate. For the mouth of the Lord has commanded, and his Spirit has gathered them.

Isaiah 33-36:10

Seek and read from the book of the Lord: Not one of these shall be missing; none shall be without her mate. For the mouth of the Lord has commanded, and his Spirit has gathered them. Isaiah 34:16

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, I move to Lesson 13, Day 3, which focuses on Isaiah 34.  My commentary describes four main divisions for this chapter, including:

• God summons the nations to listen (v1)
• God's wrath is on all nations and their armies (v2-4)
• Edom represents God's enemies (v5-15)
• God's scroll is written and every line will be fulfilled (v16-17)
  

This particular chapter points to end times, with prophecies that echo words similar or the same to those used in Revelation. The commentary points out God's grace in using Isaiah to warn humanity of Christ's second coming - and the terrifying doom and destruction that accompanies Christ. "[God] is not obligated to give such warnings, but he gives them for the salvation of his chosen people from every nation.  The elect will heed these warnings and flee to Christ; the reprobate will scoff and blow them off."

Believers flee to Christ by going to Him and His Word for study and prayer as well as other spiritual disciplines such as service, corporate worship, etc.  God's words WILL come to pass!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - giving me an opportunity to repent and be saved - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such grace and such a gift - the greatest gift of all time!  Yet, again, I am not deserving...my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But there the Lord in majesty will be for us a place of broad rivers and streams, where no galley with oars can go, nor majestic ship can pass. For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver; the Lord is our king; he will save us.

Isaiah 33-36:10

But there the Lord in majesty will be for us a place of broad rivers and streams, where no galley with oars can go, nor majestic ship can pass. For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver; the Lord is our king; he will save us. Isaiah 33:21-22 

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, I resume Lesson 13, moving to Day 2, which focuses on Isaiah 33.  My commentary describes three main divisions for this chapter, including:

1. You will see the destruction of the treacherous (v1-6): God addresses Assyria (or any other warring power against God's people) issuing them a warning that they will be destroyed.  Judah had sent peace envoys and tributes to Assyria (see 2 Kings 16-18) and yet Assyria still sacked Judah - betraying a peace agreement. 
   
2. You will see the King arise in power (v7-16): Here God is angry at not just Assyria, but also sinners in Judah such as those who relied on self-salvation vs God.  God's anger is directed near and far - v13 - who are warned to acknowledge God's might and how it stretches over the entire universe. Sinners in Zion are called out specifically - v14. God's power and His reign must be acknowledged v14-16
3. You will see the beauty of the King and His kingdom (v17-24): pointing to a coming Messiah, Isaiah delivers a message of comfort for the faithful; at the same time, the unrepentant and insolent (v18-19) will see the King but will be damned for eternity. 

This morning, I hang on the promise of how God will be a place of "broad rivers and streams," and how He "is our judge...lawgiver, king, [and how] he will save us."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God and Your promises are where I gain my peace and security - thank You for my salvation and for the comfort and confidence it provides.  I am not deserving of such a gift.  I often fail to go to You first - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Romans 13

Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:13-14

This morning, I pause in my study of Isaiah to listen to DesiringGod's devotion for today - which focuses on digital dangers and temptations. My commentary for Romans indicates that "in view of God's mercy displayed in Christ and in view of the coming day of Christ, believers' ethical lives should be driven and shaped by the realities of the gospel...Paul wants the gospel to saturate every aspect of the Roman believers' thinking and living."  The devotion warns us of five digital "dangers:"

1. the hook of constant curiosity
   
2. world of virtual (un)reality
3. "personal" relations with a machine
   
4. the risk of tryst
   
5. porn

Indeed these are all dangers and we face many other temptations.  Piper urges us to resolve to avoid these temptations.  Of course the anti-dote for these temptations is to lean into God and ask God to "renew" your mind (Romans 12:2).  Paul offers these words as well:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. Ephesians 6:10-18

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You have protected me and armed me against temptation - thank You Jesus!  Although I continue to trip and fall - my sin continues.  Please forgive Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

O Lord, be gracious to us; we wait for you. Be our arm every morning, our salvation in the time of trouble. At the tumultuous noise peoples flee; when you lift yourself up, nations are scattered, and your spoil is gathered as the caterpillar gathers; as locusts leap, it is leapt upon.

Isaiah 33-36:10

O Lord, be gracious to us; we wait for you. Be our arm every morning, our salvation in the time of trouble. At the tumultuous noise peoples flee; when you lift yourself up, nations are scattered, and your spoil is gathered as the caterpillar gathers; as locusts leap, it is leapt upon. Isaiah 33:2-4

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, I begin Lesson 13, starting with Day 1, which starts with a read of a high level read of all chapters/verses in the lesson, a prompting for our initial thoughts on these chapters, including how Isaiah chapters 1-35 come to a close.  My commentary discusses how Judah's attempts to save itself by leaning on its own efforts (tributes and alliances with both Assyria and Egypt) have failed, leaving Judah no where else to turn except to God. The commentary states: "[h]ow greatly does turning to God as a last resort dishonor the one who should be our first and only Savior! But God lowers himself and accepts it." There are times in our lives when we feel so broken and abandoned, sapped of strength, etc. God seeks for all of us to seek refuge in Him - of course He wants us to seek Him first.  But God is full of grace and compassion and just like with the prodigal son, God welcomes those back who repent and seek Him. 

Comment and discuss this post. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion - You loved me while I was still sinning, You love me despite my ongoing sin, and You never leave or forsake me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  My sin is daily and it continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

His rock shall pass away in terror, and his officers desert the standard in panic,” declares the Lord, whose fire is in Zion, and whose furnace is in Jerusalem.

Isaiah 30-32

His rock shall pass away in terror, and his officers desert the standard in panic,” declares the Lord, whose fire is in Zion, and whose furnace is in Jerusalem. Isaiah 31:9

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, I completed Lesson 12, wrapping with Day 5 and a review of the lesson in its entirety.  As I review, God's attributes as fire are particularly convicting.  Of course, based on my post a couple of days ago, my commentary for Isaiah notes how, for believers, God's love provides warmth and care.  Fire is also a symbol of God's presence and how God led the Israelites out of Egypt through the wilderness - see Exodus 13. We also have God as a sanctifying and refining fire - see also Malachi 2:2-3 and this post on DesiringGod.com.  Of course, for God's enemies, including Satan and death, God is a destructive fire.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me, cares for me, never leaves or forsakes me and who protects me from harm - I know You are saving a place for me in Heaven.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings and love.  My sin is great and it continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.

Isaiah 30-32

My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. Isaiah 32:18

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, I continued Lesson 12, moving to Day 4 and part of Day 5, with a focus on Isaiah 32. My commentary notes three main themes:

1. God's Purpose: Noble rules instead of wicked ones (v32:1-8)
2. God's Purging: Judgement clearing the building site (v32:9-14)
3. God's Power: The outpoured Spirit producing a harvest of righteousness (v32:15-20)
   

The commentary goes on to discuss how "rich harvest and peaceful security can be realized on earth to the degree that leaders as well as citizens are filled with Christ's Spirit. They will find final consummation in the new heaven and new earth."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who provides for all of my needs, never leaves or forsakes me, and who is saving a place in Heaven for me.  You and Your Word are a lamp for my feet - I am lost with You.  Thank You Jesus for these and all the blessings You pour out for me.  I am not deserving. My sin is great and it continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

His rock shall pass away in terror, and his officers desert the standard in panic,” declares the Lord, whose fire is in Zion, and whose furnace is in Jerusalem.

Isaiah 30-32

His rock shall pass away in terror, and his officers desert the standard in panic,” declares the Lord, whose fire is in Zion, and whose furnace is in Jerusalem. Isaiah 31:9

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, I started Lesson 12, moving to Day 3, which focuses on Isaiah 31. In Isaiah 31, God describes how it is futile to seek man's help during times of trial; God describes how both Egypt and Assyria will fall.  Once again, as we see throughout scripture - core to the gospel message - God is full of grace and compassion.  As I posted yesterday, God does hear our cries and He responds. V4-5 describe, using the analogy of a lion, how God is undaunted by any foe, and how He will protect His people - we simply need to repent and call on His name.  The final verse of this chapter describes how Assyria will "pass away in terror," and how God represents a consuming fire - one of warmth and love for His children, and one of destruction for His enemies.  See additional commentary on this last verse here. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of compassion and love me - despite my sin.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and compassion - my sin continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.

Isaiah 30-32

Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him. Isaiah 30:18

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, I started Lesson 12, moving to Day 2, which again focuses on Isaiah 30. As I posted yesterday, Israel fails to seek protection and refuge from God in the face of a pending Assyrian invasion, but instead seeks an alliance with Egypt.  Despite this, and how Israel heaps sin upon sin by seeking advice from false prophets who only offer only smooth words and positive messages (instead of truth that holds them accountable for their sin - see v30:10), God hears the cry of His people and responds with help. See v30:19-26 for God's response. God does hear our cries and He DOES offer comfort in our pain.

Among the many passages in scripture where God hears our cries, I recall how God heard Israel's cries in Egypt in the book of Exodus.

During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel—and God knew. Exodus 2:23-25

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God - despite our rebelliousness, You hear our cries and You respond - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such grace and love.  My sin continues and it is daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Ah, stubborn children,” declares the Lord, "who carry out a plan, but not mine, and who make an alliance, but not of my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin; who set out to go down to Egypt, without asking for my direction, to take refuge in the protection of Pharaoh and to seek shelter in the shadow of Egypt!

Isaiah 30-32

“Ah, stubborn children,” declares the Lord, "who carry out a plan, but not mine, and who make an alliance, but not of my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin; who set out to go down to Egypt, without asking for my direction, to take refuge in the protection of Pharaoh and to seek shelter in the shadow of Egypt! Isaiah 30:1-2

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, I started Lesson 12, beginning with Day 1, which again focuses on Isaiah 30. With an invasion from Assyria pending, Israel faced limited options, which my commentary describes as (a) fighting on its own (and likely getting slaughtered), (b) aligning with a neighboring Gentile nation such as Egypt, (c) relying on God for deliverance and salvation.  Israel proceeds with an alliance with Egypt, and also seeks self-serving council from prophets (or seers - v10) who refuse to confront sin. God wants Israel's future generations to see the hardness of heart so he instructs Isaiah to write his prophecy on a tablet (v8). Self-salvation is a dangerous path - of course a path the leads to eternal damnation. Viewing others in terms of "what they bring to the table" is core to such a sinful path.  V5 describes the folly:

[E]veryone comes to shame through a people that cannot profit them, that brings neither help nor profit, but shame and disgrace. Isaiah 30:5

In this case, Israel's association with Egypt took them away from God. We must surround ourselves with others who sharpen us and point us to God.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who never leaves or forsakes me, and who delivers and rescues me - You are my personal Lord and Savior - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such salvation. My sin is great and it continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts. And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Isaiah 28-29

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts. And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalm 139:23-24

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, looking at Isaiah 28-29, I move along to Lesson 11, Day 5, which again focuses on Isaiah 29. As I review the symptoms of Israel's heart issues from my post yesterday - spiritual blindness (v29:9-12), cold-hearted worship (v29:13), and a desire for worldly wisdom (v29:14-16) - I am forced to examine how these symptoms manifest themselves in my own life. I am reminded of Psalm 139 where David writes about how God knows everything about us and He asks God to reveal his sin to him. 

Comment and discuss my post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me.  You know everything about me, including my sin, yet You are so patient and full of grace.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love me and are full of grace for me.  My sin is great and it is daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel. For the ruthless shall come to nothing and the scoffer cease, and all who watch to do evil shall be cut off, who by a word make a man out to be an offender, and lay a snare for him who reproves in the gate, and with an empty plea turn aside him who is in the right.

Isaiah 28-29

The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel. For the ruthless shall come to nothing and the scoffer cease, and all who watch to do evil shall be cut off, who by a word make a man out to be an offender, and lay a snare for him who reproves in the gate, and with an empty plea turn aside him who is in the right. Isaiah 29:19-21

I resumed my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, looking at Isaiah 28-29, I move along to Lesson 11, Day 4, which focuses on Isaiah 29 and God's judgement of spiritual hypocrisy. My commentary uses a very helpful analogy to see how God cures such spiritual hypocrisy - surgery. "All surgeries involve cutting through healthy tissue to reach the unhealthy....In a similar way, the Great Physician of Souls must often hurt his people in order to heal them."  The commentary then goes on to state the "common themes" of heart issues that "arise in every generation":

• spiritual blindness (v29:9-12)
  
• cold-hearted worship (v29:13)
  
• worldly wisdom (v29:14-16)

We cannot fully understand God's thoughts or ways (Isaiah 55:8), but we should know that God is always at work, and that "for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).  In Isaiah 29, we should view God's judgement and punishment of Israel as an example of how harsh discipline is often needed for our own good, but that does not mean that God does not love His people and for those that return to Him, He will welcome them just as He does with the Prodigal Son.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father - what a great God You are that You welcome us back, even as we sin.  You punish and discipline us out of love - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of the second chances You provide - the amazing grace - particularly the salvation You provide.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

Revelation 20

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. Psalm 119:18

This week marks (meeting Monday nights) the final week of my D-Group's study of Revelation - using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide. For this week's study, we are collapsing the Epilogue (week 11) and the Summary/Conclusion (week 12) into a single week. For today, I wrapped my viewing of the video An Evening of Eschatology. 

Building on my post yesterday, I viewed the balance of the video, and as the video began to wrap, I watched as John Piper suspected that most viewers - as I did - would feel overwhelmed and challenged by how to both follow and apply the messages discussed.  In light of this, Piper asked each of the panel participants to end the talk by offering one thought of encouragement to not be overwhelmed and refuse to "dig in" to difficult aspects of the Bible.

1. Don't give up - continue to read the Bible and use the powers given to You by God and the Holy Spirit to better understand the Bible - Jim Hamilton
   
2. Keep the Gospel message front and center - Doug Wilson
3. God is honored when we sharpen our thinking by examining different Biblical interpretations - Sam Storms
   

Yesterday, I highlighted a passage from 2 Timothy - about how all scripture is breathed out by God and profitable.  Indeed I believe this and feel let to highlight another passage by scripture.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who gives me Your Word, and I am able to read about You, and I am able to spend time with You. Thank You Jesus.  What a blessing!  I am not deserving of such a blessing.  My sin is great and it continues. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Revelation 22

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 

This week marks (meeting Monday nights) the final week of my D-Group's study of Revelation - using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide. For this week's study, we are collapsing the Epilogue (week 11) and the Summary/Conclusion (week 12) into a single week. For today, I start my viewing of the video An Evening of Eschatology. Eschatology is simply defined as "last things" or Biblical end times. The talk examines three different perspectives on Biblical end times, including:

• "Premillennialism (represented by Jim Hamilton): The return of Christ happens before (pre-) the thousand-year reign of Christ, which is a reign of the risen Christ on the earth."
• "Amillennialism (represented by Sam Storms): The return of Christ happens after the thousand-year reign, a reign that occurs in heaven, in the intermediate state, and not upon the earth. Those who have died in faith and entered into the presence of Christ share his rule and reign during the current church age in which we now live."
• "Postmillennialism (represented by Doug Wilson): The return of Christ happens after (post-) the thousand-year reign, which corresponds to the Christian age, and the reign of Christ from heaven leads the church to triumph by and through the gospel to such an extent that the Great Commission will be successfully fulfilled, and the Christian faith will pervade all the cultures of all the nations of men. All Christ’s enemies will be subdued in this way, with the exception of death, which he will destroy by his coming."

The focus of all of these views is the period in Revelation 20 where Satan is bound for a thousand years - the millennium.  According to DesiringGod.com, Revelation 20 is the "only place in the Bible where the length of this period is mentioned."  All of the views above share a common thought that the thousand years referred to as the millennium is not "an exact number" but instead "symbolic of a very long time."

As I start my effort to unpack and I must reinforce for myself Paul's writing to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 that all scripture - including Revelation 20 and how we are to interpret it - "is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God that You provide Your Word - as it is a lamp unto my feet, and I KNOW it is profitable!  I am better off because of Your Word.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your love and blessings of Your Word.  My sin is daily and I know it will continue until that moment when I die and meet You face to face.  Please forgive me Jesus for my sin Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.