16 The Lord’s justice will dwell in the desert,
his righteousness live in the fertile field.
17 The fruit of that righteousness will be peace;
its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.
18 My people will live in peaceful dwelling places,
in secure homes,
in undisturbed places of rest.
no great insights today. I just like the way this reads. It sounds very comforting. Like a warm blanket.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Isaiah 26-30
I was reading thru these chapters, looking for something that resonates with me.
There is a lot of "woe to the........" portions of this reading, and I'm paroursing along, and then it hit me. I bet when Isaiah was recording and circulating these prophecies there was a much different feeling amoungst the people toward God. The Old Testament feels much more "fire and brimstone-ish". We have the benefit of looking back on the prophecy, and the benefit of being able to read the New Testament, which is much more based in love and grace and forgiveness. There seems to be more reverence for God in these passages. The people, or at least Isaiah, holds God in more of a position of wonder, and fear (in a good way). I like that approach. Although I strive to make God my friend and my closest relationship, its also important to put him in his proper place of reverence. There needs to be the personal relationship but at the same time the undestanding of who it is that relationship is with. Does that make sense? I tend to make God the proper size to fit into my pocket and take him with me.....when really I should be striving to make myself fit into his pocket, and go along for the ride on his mission.
Is that a stretch coming out of some chapters that are talking about the impending doom of some cities?
prolly
There is a lot of "woe to the........" portions of this reading, and I'm paroursing along, and then it hit me. I bet when Isaiah was recording and circulating these prophecies there was a much different feeling amoungst the people toward God. The Old Testament feels much more "fire and brimstone-ish". We have the benefit of looking back on the prophecy, and the benefit of being able to read the New Testament, which is much more based in love and grace and forgiveness. There seems to be more reverence for God in these passages. The people, or at least Isaiah, holds God in more of a position of wonder, and fear (in a good way). I like that approach. Although I strive to make God my friend and my closest relationship, its also important to put him in his proper place of reverence. There needs to be the personal relationship but at the same time the undestanding of who it is that relationship is with. Does that make sense? I tend to make God the proper size to fit into my pocket and take him with me.....when really I should be striving to make myself fit into his pocket, and go along for the ride on his mission.
Is that a stretch coming out of some chapters that are talking about the impending doom of some cities?
prolly
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Isaiah 25
God will bring down their pride
despite the cleverness[a] of their hands.
12 He will bring down your high fortified walls
and lay them low;
he will bring them down to the ground,
to the very dust.
This one is a reminder to me, that know matter how hard I try to control my surroundings and my life, its really in God's hands. I can fake myself out thinking I'm running the show, but in the end, its all up to God and his will. If I truly was walking in that fact, I would really want to plug into him more intently. If for no other reason, than to be closer to the one that is controlling everything around me....including me. Why is that so hard. I catch glimpses of it, but it doesn't seem to last. Its a daily struggle to stay connected.
despite the cleverness[a] of their hands.
12 He will bring down your high fortified walls
and lay them low;
he will bring them down to the ground,
to the very dust.
This one is a reminder to me, that know matter how hard I try to control my surroundings and my life, its really in God's hands. I can fake myself out thinking I'm running the show, but in the end, its all up to God and his will. If I truly was walking in that fact, I would really want to plug into him more intently. If for no other reason, than to be closer to the one that is controlling everything around me....including me. Why is that so hard. I catch glimpses of it, but it doesn't seem to last. Its a daily struggle to stay connected.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Isaiah 21-24
I read a ways to try to find something that caught my attention. Like we said before, the prophecy stuff isn't my strong suit.
All of the sudden I get to chapter 24! I don't remember reading any of this before. I'm not sure what it is referencing but I find parts of it to be very interesting.
19 The earth is broken up,
the earth is split asunder,
the earth is violently shaken.
20 The earth reels like a drunkard,
it sways like a hut in the wind;
so heavy upon it is the guilt of its rebellion
that it falls—never to rise again.
I sometimes wonder about the things that are prophecied about the end of the world. I could see reading this after we have completely polluted our planet, and drained it of all of its natural resources, forced many animals into extinction, and caused our own weather to be much more violent with our atmosphere degredation......and saying, "yup, there it was right in front of us, and I didn't see it." In other words, when I read these verses, I immediately thing that these predictions will come true immediately. That God will cause this to happen all at the same time. But, it could happen over hundreds of years, or even thousands......
A little nutty today, but I'm grasping at straws with some of the chapters.
We may have to switch back to some New Testament stuff.
tp out
All of the sudden I get to chapter 24! I don't remember reading any of this before. I'm not sure what it is referencing but I find parts of it to be very interesting.
19 The earth is broken up,
the earth is split asunder,
the earth is violently shaken.
20 The earth reels like a drunkard,
it sways like a hut in the wind;
so heavy upon it is the guilt of its rebellion
that it falls—never to rise again.
I sometimes wonder about the things that are prophecied about the end of the world. I could see reading this after we have completely polluted our planet, and drained it of all of its natural resources, forced many animals into extinction, and caused our own weather to be much more violent with our atmosphere degredation......and saying, "yup, there it was right in front of us, and I didn't see it." In other words, when I read these verses, I immediately thing that these predictions will come true immediately. That God will cause this to happen all at the same time. But, it could happen over hundreds of years, or even thousands......
A little nutty today, but I'm grasping at straws with some of the chapters.
We may have to switch back to some New Testament stuff.
tp out
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Isaiah 19-20
I find it interesting to think about how this prophecy would have been recieved in the day it was written. It would have seemed outlandish to think about toppling the Egyptian empire. But, looking back on it, you can definitely see how Egypt has never been the same.
So, here's my question. When you think about the period of time that the earth has been in existance...., and then you consider how God views time much differently than we do (at leat I think he does), is some of this prophecy still coming true today? All of these empires, and regions that Isaiah talks about feeling God's wrath and destruction, aren't doin' so hot today.......I'm just sayin'. Maybe?
Isaiah live somewhere around 700-800 BC, so that's pushing 3000 years ago. Maybe that's not very long in view of God.
I like how there is a peek at God's grace in this chapter. He spends a lot of time talking about the hardships that will befall them, but then also talks about the healing that he will bring to the country.
That's what I love the most about God, is his un-ending grace when dealing with me. I believe, he believes in me, and is constantly making provisions for me to look at him for the answers.
hola!
So, here's my question. When you think about the period of time that the earth has been in existance...., and then you consider how God views time much differently than we do (at leat I think he does), is some of this prophecy still coming true today? All of these empires, and regions that Isaiah talks about feeling God's wrath and destruction, aren't doin' so hot today.......I'm just sayin'. Maybe?
Isaiah live somewhere around 700-800 BC, so that's pushing 3000 years ago. Maybe that's not very long in view of God.
I like how there is a peek at God's grace in this chapter. He spends a lot of time talking about the hardships that will befall them, but then also talks about the healing that he will bring to the country.
That's what I love the most about God, is his un-ending grace when dealing with me. I believe, he believes in me, and is constantly making provisions for me to look at him for the answers.
hola!
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Isaiah 18
First off I pray for the families and people of Moore OK. What a devastating tornado. My heart truly aches thinking especially of the fear the children had to experience and the absolute heart break of parents who lost a child as well as anyone who lost a loved one.
Thanks for keeping us moving, I continue to read but don't always have time to make my posts.
7
At that time gifts will be brought to the Lord Almighty
from a people tall and smooth-skinned,
from a people feared far and wide,
an aggressive nation of strange speech,
whose land is divided by rivers—
from a people feared far and wide,
an aggressive nation of strange speech,
whose land is divided by rivers—
the gifts will be brought to Mount Zion, the place of the Name of the Lord Almighty.
No take away today but just an observation that this verse made me think of the US. I did some quick research and others have the same thought but some scholars have lengthy explanations why it is not the US. I don't know who is right but it certainly seems it could be the US, one thing is for sure it is some country now or in the future and we need to have our hearts prepared for when that day comes and work to help others find Jesus if they haven't already before the harvest arrives.
good day and God please be with the families in Moore.
knut
Monday, May 20, 2013
Isaiah 16-17
I'm not pulling too much out of these chapters. I think the prophesy probably meant much more to the people that were looking forward, than it does to us looking back. With the exception of having the knowledge that the prophecies did indeed come true.
10 You have forgotten God your Savior;
you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress.
I did like this verse. It should be a daily reminder of where my foundation is, and what to rely on when the times are tough. Many of the cities weren't relying on God, and look where it got them.
tp out
10 You have forgotten God your Savior;
you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress.
I did like this verse. It should be a daily reminder of where my foundation is, and what to rely on when the times are tough. Many of the cities weren't relying on God, and look where it got them.
tp out
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Isaiah 15
v7 They leave, carrying all their possessions
on their backs, everything they own,
Making their way as best they can
across Willow Creek to safety
Living in the US in this modern time its hard to imagine the grief these people were going through. Its easy to breeze by the words like the tears in everyones eyes and the sould of Moab trembles. Living here in Thailand for a month is a little eye opening that way. Where I'm at is very Western and fairly well developed. My hotel is a plush fortress and I can walk out to Nimanhamin road and have a beer and hear music from back home playing. But 2-3 hour drive from where I sit right now are people under military control in Burma. From what I hear they have little to nothing, no possession to put on their backs. They are happy to leave in a heart beat to come to a place that seems poor by my standards. I don't have a point, other than I feel very thankful for all God has given me.
side note, is this verse where Chicago's Willow Creek name comes from?
knut out
on their backs, everything they own,
Making their way as best they can
across Willow Creek to safety
Living in the US in this modern time its hard to imagine the grief these people were going through. Its easy to breeze by the words like the tears in everyones eyes and the sould of Moab trembles. Living here in Thailand for a month is a little eye opening that way. Where I'm at is very Western and fairly well developed. My hotel is a plush fortress and I can walk out to Nimanhamin road and have a beer and hear music from back home playing. But 2-3 hour drive from where I sit right now are people under military control in Burma. From what I hear they have little to nothing, no possession to put on their backs. They are happy to leave in a heart beat to come to a place that seems poor by my standards. I don't have a point, other than I feel very thankful for all God has given me.
side note, is this verse where Chicago's Willow Creek name comes from?
knut out
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Isaiah 14
You know what hit me today?
When you read thru all the prophecy of Isaiah, and think about the portions of the prophecy that came true....like the fall of babylon, and the falling of all the nations around Israel......its pretty violent. Talking about bodies being covered with maggots, and blankets of worms. Its very militant. It talks at great length about the destruction of Israels enemies, and how God will punish them. Right?
Well, Isaiah also talks about the coming Christ. It makes total sense to me that the people were expecting Jesus to come and over-throw the suppressive Roman empire.....cause its the same language that Isaiah uses to describes how Jesus will defeat his enemies. To the people of the day the "enemy" was the Roman government, but to God was looking bigger than that.
I get it why the Jews are still waiting for their conquering king.....
Its bringing to mind lots of questions of why the Old and New Testaments are so completey different.
anyway, different take today, I know...
be safe!
When you read thru all the prophecy of Isaiah, and think about the portions of the prophecy that came true....like the fall of babylon, and the falling of all the nations around Israel......its pretty violent. Talking about bodies being covered with maggots, and blankets of worms. Its very militant. It talks at great length about the destruction of Israels enemies, and how God will punish them. Right?
Well, Isaiah also talks about the coming Christ. It makes total sense to me that the people were expecting Jesus to come and over-throw the suppressive Roman empire.....cause its the same language that Isaiah uses to describes how Jesus will defeat his enemies. To the people of the day the "enemy" was the Roman government, but to God was looking bigger than that.
I get it why the Jews are still waiting for their conquering king.....
Its bringing to mind lots of questions of why the Old and New Testaments are so completey different.
anyway, different take today, I know...
be safe!
Monday, May 13, 2013
Isaiah 12-13
I thought I'd lump 2 together today, since 12 is pretty short.
But, the funny thing is, they couldn't be more different from each other.
12 is talking about the grace of God.
5-6 “Sing praise-songs to God. He’s done it all!
Let the whole earth know what he’s done!
Raise the roof! Sing your hearts out, O Zion!
The Greatest lives among you: The Holy of Israel.”
13 is a prediction of dire circumstances for Babylon.
But tough luck to stragglers—they’ll be killed on the spot,
throats cut, bellies ripped open,
Babies smashed on the rocks
while mothers and fathers watch,
Houses looted, wives raped.
that's about as harsh as it gets. The words used here couldn't be taken the wrong way. Its spells the end of the Babylonian empire, which was pretty strong in that day. It must've sounded like a crazy prophesy to the people of the time.
no great thoughts today. Just reaction to what I'm reading.
PS - nice elephants!
But, the funny thing is, they couldn't be more different from each other.
12 is talking about the grace of God.
5-6 “Sing praise-songs to God. He’s done it all!
Let the whole earth know what he’s done!
Raise the roof! Sing your hearts out, O Zion!
The Greatest lives among you: The Holy of Israel.”
13 is a prediction of dire circumstances for Babylon.
But tough luck to stragglers—they’ll be killed on the spot,
throats cut, bellies ripped open,
Babies smashed on the rocks
while mothers and fathers watch,
Houses looted, wives raped.
that's about as harsh as it gets. The words used here couldn't be taken the wrong way. Its spells the end of the Babylonian empire, which was pretty strong in that day. It must've sounded like a crazy prophesy to the people of the time.
no great thoughts today. Just reaction to what I'm reading.
PS - nice elephants!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Isaiah 11
His words will bring everyone to awed attention.
A mere breath from his lips will topple the wicked.
I love this reference. It exudes POWER!
A mere breath from his lips will topple the wicked.
I love this reference. It exudes POWER!
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Isaiah 10
v3 What will you have to say on Judgment Day,
when Doomsday arrives out of the blue?
I'll keep this one short. I'm not sure I'm using this verse appropriately, but thinking of Doomsday arriving as before I can strike my next keystroke--would I be ready? I want to say yes and I am really trying to live my faith more than I have ever before but I'm not always as successful as I aspire to be. But I should be, I don't want to get caught.
when Doomsday arrives out of the blue?
I'll keep this one short. I'm not sure I'm using this verse appropriately, but thinking of Doomsday arriving as before I can strike my next keystroke--would I be ready? I want to say yes and I am really trying to live my faith more than I have ever before but I'm not always as successful as I aspire to be. But I should be, I don't want to get caught.
Isaiah 10
Today's reading made me think a little bit about the prophecy that is in the Old Testament. A lot of it points toward the coming of Christ....and I get that. But, the more I read thru Isaiah, the more I see that there's a lot of prophecy about Israel's situation, and their relation to other nations around them. Which leads me to think about the idea of prophets in general terms. If God chose to speak thru prophets back then, and because we are so far removed from that time, we can see that the predictions all came true....is God speaking thru people today? If not, why not? Makes me wonder if there are people that have that gift today. Or is that type of communication available, but we aren't listening correctly.
just somethink to ponder.......
just somethink to ponder.......
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Isaiah 9
Those who were supposed to lead this people
led them down blind alleys,
And those who followed the leaders
ended up lost and confused.
That’s why the Master lost interest in the young men,
had no feeling for their orphans and widows.
All of them were godless and evil,
this type of treatment by God could explain a lot of things that are happening in our society today.
If leadership is looking in the wrong direction, then the masses are led astray. In the bible, there are periods of hundreds of years where God turns his back on his people, due to their lack of faith. I sometimes wonder why we don't see God more today.............maybe that's the answer.
sheesh....a bit of a debbie downer today, huh?
led them down blind alleys,
And those who followed the leaders
ended up lost and confused.
That’s why the Master lost interest in the young men,
had no feeling for their orphans and widows.
All of them were godless and evil,
this type of treatment by God could explain a lot of things that are happening in our society today.
If leadership is looking in the wrong direction, then the masses are led astray. In the bible, there are periods of hundreds of years where God turns his back on his people, due to their lack of faith. I sometimes wonder why we don't see God more today.............maybe that's the answer.
sheesh....a bit of a debbie downer today, huh?
Monday, May 6, 2013
Isaiah 8
12 “Do not call conspiracy
everything this people calls a conspiracy;
do not fear what they fear,
and do not dread it.This one seems really appropriate lately. In both the Sandy Hook mess, and the Boston Marathon bombing...somehow, on my facebook I'll see posts that are telling me that its fake. This seems so crazy that there are people out there that really believe the government is out to get em...at any cost. Even as much as the lives of kids/people.....nuts
19 When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? 20 Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.
In our American society. People are so hungry to have someone tell them what there future is going to hold. We are always busy looking ahead, to when everything will be great, and we will finally feel satisfied with ourselves. And, because we are looking in the wrong places for that satisfaction, it never comes. Sad really. We should be ensuring that we are plugging into the creator of the universe......the giver of light. Why does that seems so simple to write and rationalize, but so difficult to do consistently?
don't know.
have a good one!
everything this people calls a conspiracy;
do not fear what they fear,
and do not dread it.This one seems really appropriate lately. In both the Sandy Hook mess, and the Boston Marathon bombing...somehow, on my facebook I'll see posts that are telling me that its fake. This seems so crazy that there are people out there that really believe the government is out to get em...at any cost. Even as much as the lives of kids/people.....nuts
19 When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? 20 Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.
In our American society. People are so hungry to have someone tell them what there future is going to hold. We are always busy looking ahead, to when everything will be great, and we will finally feel satisfied with ourselves. And, because we are looking in the wrong places for that satisfaction, it never comes. Sad really. We should be ensuring that we are plugging into the creator of the universe......the giver of light. Why does that seems so simple to write and rationalize, but so difficult to do consistently?
don't know.
have a good one!
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Isaiah 7
9 If you don’t take your stand in faith,
you won’t have a leg to stand on.”
There are obvious references to the coming Christ in this chapter, which is pretty cool. I find it interesting that the subject of that prediction really isn't about Jesus at all. Its about the state of Isreal, and how it relates to the current situation of being surrounded by multiple armies. God is telling them not to worry. By the time the Christ comes, those 2 armies won't even exist, and you will!
But, I like verse 9. It reminds me of a country song. "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything." It reminds me to live my life as if my faith is my most prized possession. How would my life look if that was truly the case? HHHHHHmmmmmmmmmmm....something to think about.
peace
you won’t have a leg to stand on.”
There are obvious references to the coming Christ in this chapter, which is pretty cool. I find it interesting that the subject of that prediction really isn't about Jesus at all. Its about the state of Isreal, and how it relates to the current situation of being surrounded by multiple armies. God is telling them not to worry. By the time the Christ comes, those 2 armies won't even exist, and you will!
But, I like verse 9. It reminds me of a country song. "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything." It reminds me to live my life as if my faith is my most prized possession. How would my life look if that was truly the case? HHHHHHmmmmmmmmmmm....something to think about.
peace
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Isaiah 6
“Look. This coal has touched your lips.
Gone your guilt,
your sins wiped out.”
And then I heard the voice of the Master:
“Whom shall I send?
Who will go for us?”
I spoke up,
“I’ll go.
Send me!”
Gone your guilt,
your sins wiped out.”
And then I heard the voice of the Master:
“Whom shall I send?
Who will go for us?”
I spoke up,
“I’ll go.
Send me!”
I love that image of God asking who will go for him........and me standing up to say, "send me"
that send chills down my spine. Am I ready to step up to that challenge? How many times have I had the chance to do it, and failed him? It always sounds like some GRAND event.....but, I really think it can be a little thing. When the conversation comes up at work, and people are laughing at how religion is clouding the vision of people when it comes to social issues.....do I step in with God's intention in my mouth? I definitely try. If you think about it, when that situation comes up, and I DON'T say anything, I'm really denying him.
hope you had a good trip.
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