Month: February 2024

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“Basic” Isaiah

IMG_2874      Isaiah?  Why study this book? If you are like me, you tend to study the books in the Bible you already know. In the last year, I made a list of books in the Bible that I have never studied. Isaiah is on top of my list! Challenging? Yes. Do-able? Absolutely. For those of us interested, we are taking this book a “bite at a time”. For example, our Facebook Forum is only reading (or studying) chapters 1-6 by the end of August. Interested? Order the book through Navpress or just jump into the FB  group!  

     Why call this “Basic” Isaiah? Many of us are busy gals who don’t have lots of time but want to stay grounded in the Word. This book is so powerful that learning a little feels like a lot!  

     As I  look through a new bible study, I like to learn the background. The background of a book in the Bible  adds color, depth, & perspective. As I process what I read, I begin to categorize verses and synthesize the chapters. What is the basic theme of a book? Jot down anything that helps you remember. For example, “Rebellion & Restoration” is my personal title of the book to remind me of its theme.    

      The following is compiled from our study (Navpress Isaiah), Ryrie Study Bible, Nelson Study Bible, and my own personal study.

*The name Isaiah means “The LORD is salvation”.

*Written 700 years before Christ.

*This book is written to Judah and Jerusalem (specifically) but Isaiah does occasionally address this to “Israel”). Yet, Israel had already been defeated by the Assyrians.

*Some believe Isaiah only wrote the first part of this book while another “Isaiah” wrote 40-66. But, most believe the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls validate Isaiah as one man who served Israel as prophet and author of this book.

*Isaiah prophesied for 60 years through 5 different kings. These kings are : Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, & Mannaseh.

*During this time, Israel lived in a sad cycle…Rebellion (or forgetting God), Judgment (or discipline), Repentance, and Restoration.

*The Navpress Isaiah study divides the book into 2 parts- Judgment and Comfort. Ryrie divides the book into 2 sections-Denunciation and Consolation. Nelson Study Bible divides the book into 3 catagories-judgment on idolatry/immorality, comfort for the exiles, and exhorting those who had returned from captivity.

*Many refer to this book in the Old Testament as the clearest reflection the Promised Messiah. In fact, Isaiah is quoted in the new Testament more than any other book!   Tristie Fisher 

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Next Gen Bible Study-“Who am I?”

Hi friends-these are my notes from a bible study with some fantastic  gals! This was our first study in a series of 3-all here posted on this blog. (“Who is God?” “Who am I?” and “Life Decisions”) Here’s what we talked about!
I.OUR IDENTITY -World versus Word The World’s view -Exterior not interior. Sexy over smart. What happens to me when the outside goes south?? Where do I choose to place my security? Will we put my trust in an ever-changing society or the never-changing word of God?

GOD’S VIEW “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” What is the CONTEXT of this verse? Matthew 5-7 is designed to show the people the standard (or “exposition”) of the law. He is showing the people God’s standard of perfection in what we do and say…knowing they COULD NOT DO IT WITHOUT HIM. They had to believe in Him before they could receive power to live!*Who is the “you” in this passage? As a believer, certain things true: FORGIVEN, CALLED, & Absolutely IMPORTANT to God’s Plan!

YOU ARE SALT! *Greek word for Salt (HALAS) 8 occurrences

SALT PRESERVES-“The Romans appear to have esteemed salt highly. Its army, for a time, was even paid in salt. (“worth his salt”) The chemical compound is a proven anti-viral and anti-biotic substance. Salt preserves the culture. You are a life-preserver in a drowning culture.

SALT SEASONS– Salt adds to the culture! You add spice, real spice, to the world. This is beyond “nice” or “cool”. This is vitality! You bring life to people who need it!

YOU ARE LIGHT! (*Greek word for “light” (PHOS) phós: light
73 Occurrences (Strong’s Concordance)

LIGHT IS MEANT TO SHINE-If I believe that Jesus was telling the truth when He said “I am the light of the world”, then I must agree with Him that He is the only light-giver in this world. And, He calls us to be too!

 

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A Piece of Peace

Exhausted yet? Everyone is running right now. We are all breathless with school and work as we start to  busily make plans for the next months. No matter what the age or stage, we are just a stressed people. What’s the source of our anxiety? (Ugh. No one likes that question!) More importantly, how do we organize our lives in a way that allows God to be God? I have to consistently step back to check my “control gauges”. No matter how we dress it up in spiritual language, our human nature will try to control all dimensions of life . It’s with conscious daily discipline that we sit before God and give Him our plans. I need to breathe, pray and ask myself certain questions.

1. Do I want God in control of my life? Do I truly believe He knows what He’s doing?

2. If my day doesn’t go my way or unforeseen circumstances occur, how long do I let myself struggle before I receive events as God’s hand?

3. Will I choose to stew through decisions or just release them to God? What Scriptures can I read to exchange my stress for His peace?

Here’s some Soul Food:

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”

Philippians 4:6-7“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Proverbs 3:5-8“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes, fear the Lord and turn away from evil; This will mean health for your flesh and vigor for your bones.

Proverbs 16:2-3 “All one’s ways are pure in one’s own eyes, but the measurer of motives is the Lord. Entrust your works to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.”

What is it about His word that gives us peace? His power is here. He wants to gives us peace for our anxiety, wisdom for our confusion, and humility for our pride. When we lean in to Him, He responds.