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Isaiah

James

Mon 091102 pm James 1 Isa 60

James 1
1.2 the testing of your faith...  It seems to me as I read this that the "testing of your faith", might be more than just regular hard times.
1.11  in the midst of his pursuits...  He fades away in to insignificance as he goes about his business, not by some big calamity.  A sobering thought.  Are you just fading away or securing heavenly interests?
1.17  Father of lights...
1.19  slow to speak...  Something I am always working on.  :o)
1.21  receive with meekness... a necessary trait if God's Word is going to do its work in us.
1.27  Religion that is pure and undefiled before God...  That who we should be concerned about.

Isaiah 59

Isaiah 60
60. 7  Kedar  2.It is the name for the nomadic tribes of Arabs, the Bedouins generally (Isa. 21:16; 42:11; 60:7; Jer. 2:10; Ezek. 27:21), who dwelt in the northwest of Arabia. They lived in black hair-tents (Song of Songs 1:5). To “dwell in the tents of Kedar” was to be cut off from the worship of the true God (Ps. 120:5). The Kedarites suffered at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar (Jer. 49:28, 29).  http://christiananswers.net/dictionary/kedar.html?zoom_highlight=kedar
60. 7  Nebaioth  The name of the Ishmaelite tribe descended from the above (Gen. 25:13,18). The “rams of Nebaioth” (Isa. 60:7) are the gifts which these wandering tribes of the desert would consecrate to God. http://christiananswers.net/dictionary/nebaioth.html?zoom_highlight=nebaioth

Sun 091101 pm sum of Newton on Paul

An essay on the character of the apostle Paul, considered as an example andpattern of a minister of Jesus Christ
by John Newton, 1769

I. the supreme love he bore to his Lord and Savior. 
II. love to his people.
III. inflexible attachment to the great doctrines of the Gospel
IV. a great tenderness to weak consciences, in matters that were not essential to the faith
V. an unselfish spirit ... labors were directed to no other ends than the glory of God and the good of men
VI. Christian zeal ... It is GOOD to be to be zealous, provided the purpose is good
VII. the manner in which he ... of the Spirit and with power
From what has been said, we may remark two obvious reasons, among others, why we have so much unsuccessful preaching in our days: either the Gospel truths are given up, or the Gospel simplicity departed from. Where either of these is the case, the Lord refuses his power and blessing.
VIII. his sincere humility
But, in an especial manner, humility is necessary and beautiful in a minister! Thegreatest abilities and the most unwearied diligence will not ensure success without it! A secret apprehension of his own importance, will deprive him of the Holy Spirit's assistance, without which he can do nothing!



http://gracegems.org/Newton/115.htm

Sat 091031 pm Isa 58 Heb 13

Isaiah 58
58.6  Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness...   This verse reminds us of the importance of the inner spiritual reality that the religious practices represents.  It also is a thought provoking statement about the nature and purpose of fasting~releasing bonds. Bonds of wickedness, personal burdens, and the captivity of the oppressed.


Hebrews 13
13.3 those who are mistreated...  They are everywhere.  I am thinking of the many who are shunned because they are odd, who are shamed in the church because they are poor, and of course there are other much more obvious cases.
13.7  Those who spoke the Word to you...  This usually weighs heavily on my mind anytime I prepare to preach.
13.16  Do not neglect to do good and share...  This sounds like something straight out of a kindergarten handbook.  The word neglect seems to indicate more thoughtlessness than intentionallity.  
13.17  keeping watch over their souls ... give an account...  This is a heavy one.  Hebrews 13 is always so sobering a convicting for an elder or pastor.

Fri 091030 pm Heb 12 Isa 57

"[There is a]difference between saying prayers, which is an activity, and pryaing, which is a sould attitude~Prayer means keeping company with God who is already present."  Philip Yancey in Prayer: Does it Make any Difference?


Hebrews 12
I really like these first vereses of Hebrews 12, especially in the context of the last part of chapter eleven's description of ""those of whom the world was not worthy."
12.9 the Father of spirits...  This is a fasinating title for God.  I don't remember reading it anywhere else.
12.10  that we may share His holiness...  The goal of God's dicipline, our good and closeness to Him.
12.14  strive for peace with everyone and holiness...  Thinking about the relationship between peace and for the holiness.  Striving hints that sometimes it may not be possible, at least in the short term.

Isaiah 57
57.4 stick your tongues out... Just a funny expression to see in the Bible.  So sticking your tongue out is Biblical ... if you are mocking someone.  Usually not considered very nice.
57.11  and do not fear me?  in a Romans 2.4b kind of way.
57.15  Great verse about God's greatness and how we get close to Him.
57.18  I have seen his ways, but I will heal him...  That the program that I got saved under.  Woot woot for the God who knows us in all our disapointed details and will still do His good work in us.

Thurs 091029 pm Heb 10-11

Hebrew 10
10.23  our confession of hope...  The hope part is the key to holding fast.  Hope gives us the staying power.  
10.30  The Lord will judge His people... Even saints should live with the awareneness that God is watching, weighing, and rewarding all we do, say, or think.

Hebrews 11
By faith
11.4  Abel
11.5 Enoch
11.7 Noah
11.8 Abraham
11.9 he
11.11 Sarah
11.17 Abraham
11.20 Isaac
11.21 Jacob
11.22 Joseph
11.23 Moses
11.24 he
11.28 he
11.29 the people
11.30 the walls fell
11.31 Rahab
11.32 And what more shall I say...
Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephtheh*, David, Samuel, the prophets
11.35 refusing to accept release...  the unwavering holding fast of their confession.
* and Jephtheh was a mess.

Wed 091028 pm Isa 51-56

Isaiah 51

51.6 the earth will wear out like a garment... This is a very thought expanding comment. I alway thought of the earth as being immutable. The recent enviromental movement has raised the question of how long the earth will be inhabitable. I think awareness of the temporary nature of our planet should help us look toward the eternal treasures and values of heaven.

51.7 Listen to me, you who know righteousness...fear not the reproach of man...

51.13 have forgotten the Lord, your Maker... This is the essence of godlessness and it is fatal in a person's life if we leave our thoughts adrift.

Isaiah 52

This is really a very beautiful chapter. I especially like the last half with verse 7 which is quoted in Romans 10.15 and verse 11 which can flow from the interpretation of the Jews leaving Babylon/Persia and coming back to the promised land to live by the law God had given them to the general application of believers leaving their life before Christ or time of sin in the life a a believer to return to the practice of a sanctified life.

Isaiah 53

53.1 Who has believed... a pressing question

53.5 that brought us peace... This can get lost in the legal emphasis of justification.

53.12 makes intercession for the transgressors... That is reassuring to know. He prays for the group I belong t0--transgressors.

Isaiah 54

54.10 my covenant of peace... says the Lord who has compassion on you... Compassion and peace are good partners.

Isaiah 55

55.2 Why do you spend your money on that which is not bread? Boy! do we ever spend money on things that don't satisfy. God give me the wisdom to focus on things that matter.

55.8-9 These verses desribe a neglected "attribute" of God.

Isaiah 56
56.7 a house of prayer for all peoples...  I like this expression.  The focus on God's intention to call people from across the world and the focus on prayer / worship.  It in a loose way forshadows the scenes in heaven from the book of Revelation.

Sat 091024 pm Isa 49-50

Isaiah 49
49.23 those who wait on Me shall no be put to shame. Lord give us the patient hope to wait for You.
49.26 Then... Everybody does not know now, but they will.

Isaiah 50
50.2 Is my hand shortened...
50.10 Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the voice from His Servant?

Fri 091023 pm Heb 8-9

Hebrews 8

8.2 the true tent (tabernacle)... and 8.5 a copy and shadow of the heavenly things... This is a reminder that we are not just making this up as we go, but should be modeling our lives, etc... on the perfect pattern in heaven.

Hebrews 9

9.1 Now even... seems to imply that the current covenant would most certainly have regulations.

9.7 unintentional sins... You mean there are even more sins than the ones I know about? Uhg!! :o)

9.9 perfect the conscience...

9.10 the time of reformation...

9.12 once... It is finished.

9.23 Good comment in the Commentary of the NT use of the OT http://www.amazon.com/Commentary-New-Testament-Use-Old/dp/0801026938

9.28 those who are eagerly waiting for Him... That's the crowd I want to be in. It seems like the saints who are dieing now have a stronger sense of that than I do.

Thurs 091022 pm Heb 3-7 Isa 44-48

Tues. - Thursday

Hebrews 3
3.1 Consider Jesus... Even apart from the context of Hebrews 3 this is a powerful thought.
3.5-6 Moses was a servant and Christ is a son.
3.12 Take care... We are not just floating down the stream, but must give attention and effort to.
6.7-8 & 3.15 & 4.7 Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts. Repeated three times and still a good word for today.

Hebrews 4
4.6 So then there remains a Sabbath rest...
4.11 Let us therefore strive...

Hebrews 5
5.5 did not exalt Himself... No self interest.
5.7 and He was heard because of His reverence... First it is interesting that he was heard not because of being God or his important position, but His reverence. Second, He was heard, but the cup was still not passed from Him. Of course he probably prayed many other things that are not recorded that may have been answered yes.
5.13 unskilled in the Word...powers of discernment trained... Apparently you don't just plop down in from of a Bible with the Holy Spirit and be completely skilled right from the git go.

Hebrews 6
6.1 repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.
6.10 love - practically shown toward others
6.11 hope - earnestness to have... something to think about
6.12 faith and patience... Two things needed to inherit the promises.
6.19 anchor for the soul... Reminds me of a hymn I sang with the kids at Mingo.

"WE HAVE AN ANCHOR"
1.
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift or firm remain?

We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love.

2.
It is safely moored, 'twill the storm withstand,
For 'tis well secured by the Savior's hand;
And the cables passed from His heart to mine,
Can defy the blast, through strength divine.

3.
It will firmly hold in the straits of fear,
When the breakers have told the reef is near;
Though the tempest rave and the wild winds blow,
Not an angry wave shall our bark o'erflow.

4.
It will surely hold in the floods of death,
When the waters cold chill our latest breath;
On the rising tide it can never fail,
While our hopes abide within the veil.

Background info here.
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hymnstudies/623480/

This mp3 plays it too slow. It should be sung at an upbeat rejoicing pace. http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/331

Hebrews 7
7.7 the inferior is blessed by the superior... Another reason to be blessing others :o)
7.25 He is able to save to the uttermost... Amen! Eternal, unchanging, always perfect in power, love, grace, and faithfulness.

Isaiah 44
44.6 King...Redeemer...Lord of Hosts... Eternal and the one and only.
44.8 Our confidence in God's Word should dispel fear.
44.19 no one considers... That is more true than ever. I know that I don't spend as much time just thinking as I should.
44.20 a deluded heart has led him astray... A sober thought.

Isaiah 45
45.1 His anointed...Cyrus... I'm not sure that anointing is something we often associate with pagans. That is an interesting thought to ponder. God can anoint whoever He wants to.
45.7 I make well-being and calamity... I wonder if it is a little sketchy to say that God does not allow all these calamities. I suspect that is said in the effort to make God look good to a "anything that hurts me is evil" world.

Isaiah 46
46.9-11 some of my favorite verses
46.12 The Hebrew parallelism matches stubborn of heart with one who is far from righteousness. That seems to be instructive.

Isaiah 47
47.6 angry with - profaned...
47.10 I am, and there is no one besides me. This is a recurring theme in Isaiah.

Isaiah 48
48.1 but not in truth... There are a number of things that come to mind that this could mean, but here it seems to talk about giving just lip service to God.
48.8 from before birth you were called... This speaks of the nation of Israel, but still reminds us that God know (and in some sense) causes all.
48.11 My glory I will not give to another... The interpretation is in reference to God not acting in any way that would not glorify himself. He had His reputation in view. There is also an application for us to know behave in a way the would 1. reflect poorly on God and 2. not reflect poorly on ourselves.
48.18 oh that you had paid attention to my commandments... This is a refrain thought and spoken by many parents of prodigal children.

The Body in the Reformation
But now are they many members, yet but one body.
1 Corinthians 12.20

Bod·y

A group of persons associated by some common tie or occupation and regarded as an entity; “the whole body filed out of the auditorium”

WordNet ® 2.0, © 2003 Princeton University

1 Corinthians 12

18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body,

as it hath pleased Him.

19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?

20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.

21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

Johann Gutenberg 1398-1399

Without his invention, Martin Luther’s 95 Theses could not have been widely distributed so quickly.

Guillaume Farel 1489-1565

A fiery French preacher who help establish the Reformation in French speaking Geneva, Switzerland and an exhorter and encourager who convinced the great theologian John Calvin

to stay and minister in the city.

Thomas Poyntz

Poyntz was the English business man who provided a way for William Tyndale to stay in an English merchant’s boarding house and do his important work.

Martin Luther’s 95 Theses and other tracts were printed on an invention, the movable type printing press, invented by Johann Gutenberg.

John Calvin was encouraged to stay in Geneva by Guillenum Farrell.

William Tyndale was protected and given a place to stay while he was in hiding by Thomas Poyntz.

Are you part of Christ’s body?

What part will you be in the body?

Sun 091017 pm Isa 41-43

Isaiah 41
41.4 the first and with the last... The wording here "with" the last is curious.
41.29 they are all a delusion... And we are so prone to love delusions. Promises with no subtsance.

Isaiah 42
42.6-7 a light for the nations
to oen the eyes that are blind,
to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,
from the prison those who sit in darkness.
A great description of Christ.
42.19 my dedicated one... Presumably another way to say holy.
42.25 it burned him up, but he did not take it to heart... Burned refers to God's anger which was followed by a foolish response.

Isaiah 43
43.8 blind, yet have eyes... the state of the lost.
43.10 You are my witnesses... Sometimes this seems like a poor plan. :o)
43.21 people who I formed for myself...
43.24 you have wearied me with your iniquites...
43.25 for my own sake... God saves us for his benefit, not our. It's all about him.

Fri 091016 pm Heb 1-2 Jonah

Hebrews 1

1.3 exact imprint of His nature... in the fullest sense, not just moral.

1.4 having become... This seems to refer to His works on earth distinguishing Him, since he had already inherited a more excellent name.

1.5 2 Samuel 7.14 Sometime I will check the Commentary on the NT use of the OT and a couple others and look at the context of these two seeming fairly unrelated passages.

Six mentions of angels in one chapter is rare.

Hebrews 2

2.3 if we neglect... Christ is the only salvation available. We should be diligent.

2.6 It has been testified somewhere... I wonder why he didn't specify a book or something. Psalm 8.4-6

2.18 suffered when tempted... I don't know that I have ever explicitly thought of temptation as being a form of or situation for suffering. There are a number of reasons it could be suffering. For Christ it was definitely an affront to His righteousness. The struggle to remain strong and not give in would cause us to suffer. Hmmmm, a lot to think about.

Jonah 1

1.1 The Word of the Lord came... This phrase almost always captures my imagination. How cool! And what was it like?

1.3 away from the presence of the Lord... While we can never be from the presence of the Lord in an absolute sense, it seems that we could flee His "blessing presence." This seems to be an escape from God's influence and demands. Not a good place to be.

1.4 Perhaps the god will give a thought to us... The mindset of this pagan sailor is fascinating for someone who grew up with the uniform belief in one God.

1.16 Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly... They offered a sacrifice and made vows. I wonder what the vows were and if any were actually kept. At that point they were arguably closer to God than Jonah.

Jonah 2
2.4 yet I shall again look upon your holy temple... This longing for the temple is common in the OT and shows the desire and confidence in God's faithfulness. Even after disobeying God's direct command and in what must have been very discouraging circumstances, he expresses confidence that he will return to God's blessing.
2.8 forsake their own hope... This reminds me of the verse in Jeremiah about leaving the living waters for cisterns. Hopelessness can be what causes us to forsake. Patience and faithfulness are key.

Jonah 3

3.1 the second time... Oh, how persistent the Lord is.
3.10 saw how they returned... The translation is a little fuzzy here about whether it is that they turned or the manner in which they turned. But, thinking about the possibility of it being the manner that they turned is good food for thought.

Jonah 4
4.2 for I new that... This is a humorous, in this context, list of God's attributes: gracious, merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, relenting. This is not the stereotype of God in the OT.
4.6 to save him from his discomfort... Primary concern with out comfort is a symptom of spiritual problems.
4.7 God appointed a worm... God can use anybody.
4.11 should I not pity... It is good and right to have pity on the undeserving.

Wed 091014 Isa 40

Isaiah 40

40.1 Handle's Messiah

40.3 John the Baptist

40.7 when the breath of the Lord blows... We are so finite, and He is so amazing.

40.11 tend his flock ... gently lead those that are with young... Reminds me of the tenderness of the Lord.

40.28 does not faint or grow weary... God is always vigilant and on the job. Thanks be...

Tues 091013 pm Isa 35-37

Isaiah 35

35.4 those who have an anxious heart ... be strong. Two things. First, some people have anxious hearts. Second, the solution sounds obvious and unhelpful untill we reflect on the nature and aquisition of spiritual strength.

35.8 the Way of Holiness... Holy in the sense it is free from the unclean.

Isaiah 36

36.17 until I come and take you away... What a sorry consolation the enemy offers.

Isaiah 37

37.4 It may be that the Lord your God will hear... I am curious about the expression "your" God when King Hezekiah obviously trusted in God too.

37.4 It is also instructive with the way he appeals to God's sense of honor and jealousy for His reputation.

37.I planned what I now bring to pass... God's soveriegnty and fulfilled prophecy are evidences God gives for himself. God is the God of history.

37.32 zeal of the Lord of hosts...

DELETE

Isaiah 35
35.4 an anxious heart...

Mon 091012 am Tit 1-3 Isa 34

Titus 1

1.3 at the proper time... God's timing is always right, I struggle to get my watch synchronized.

1.11 & 13 they must be silenced...rebuke them sharply...

1.16 They profess to know God, but they deny Him by their works... Ouch!

Titus 2

2.2 older men

2.3 older women

2.4 younger women

2.6 younger men

2.10 that in everything they many adorn the doctrine of God our Savior... This is a really cool expression, great for meditating on. It stands in contrast to 1.16.

Titus 3

3.1 Remind them... Repetition is the key to retention.

3.8 careful to devote themselves to good works... Give and doing for others is a big theme in the Christian way of life.

Isaiah 34

34.8 A day of vengeance is paralleled with a year of recompense.

34.16 from the book of the Lord... I wonder what this book would be in the context of Isaiah 34.

sat 091010 pm Isa 31-33

Isaiah 31

31.1 do not look to ... do not consult the Lord! It is so easy to get my eyes off the Lord and begin to consult my own good opinion or the "world's" way of looking at things.

31.2 He is wise and brings disaster... In this context against evildoers, but something to think about anyway.

Isaiah 32

32.2 each [prince] will be like a hiding place ... a shelter from the storm... A noble calling for a leader.

32.4 The heart of the hasty... I guess that haste does make waste.

32.7 the poor... The lying is aggravated by its purpose against the poor.

Isaiah 33

33.6 abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge... The abundance of wisdom and knowledge makes sense, but what about salvation. It seems you are either saved or not. This is an interesting one to think on.

33.6 The fear of the Lord is a treasure.

33.15 What does the righteous despise, etc..? gain of opression, a bribe, hearing of bloodshed, looking on evil (which I suspect carries the implication of condoning it).

Sat 0906-0910 am Isa 23-30 1Th 4-5

Isaiah 23

23.9 to defile the pompous pride... The language of defiling pride has a intriguing imagery.

23.17 Her [Tyre] merchandise and her wages will be holy to the Lord... This is a very interesting and instructive use of the word "holy."

Isaiah 24

24.5 The earth lies defiled under its inhabitants... A couple interesting thoughts. First, this is phrased like the inhabitants belong to the earth rather than the other way around. I don't see a new doctrine to get started here, but it is an interesting thought. Also, the verse speaks of the transgression of laws and breaking the everlasting covenant and causing the earth itself to be defiled. It reminds me of the blood of Able crying up from the ground.

24.20 the transgression lies heavy upon it [the earth]... and cause the earth to stagger. This is an interesting description of something I have usually thought of as morally inert and neutral.

24.21 that day... So far I have noticed almost 20 references to "that day." It is a theme that would be expected in Isaiah, but I just haven't noticed it's prominence before.

Isaiah 25

25.4 a stronghold for the poor... another frequent theme in Psalms and the OT.

25.4 a shelter from the storm... This reminds me of an old, but great, hymn ("A Shelter in the Time of Storm) that did not make the cut for the newer hymnals.

25.8 and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces... Bring it on! Lots of people ready for this one.

Isaiah 26

26.3 Great verse and good reminder.

26.10 A solemn and sober warning along the lines of Romans 2.4-5

26.21 the earth will disclose the blood shed on it... when the Lord comes out from His place to punish. Again the intriguing imagery of the earth holding the blood of the slain for the right time. That will be better than DNA evidence. I am wondering what that will look like.

Isaiah 27

27.11 a people without discernment; therefore He who made them will not have compassion on them... Maybe discernment is underrated. It is like God has little patience for those who have no spiritual sense.

Isaiah 28

28.11 Refer to 1 Corinthians 14 for this one.

28.12-13 This is rest ... this is repose ... but they would not hear it so the Word will be a snare to them. Do the weary really even want rest? They won't take God's Word to heart. This is often the case with the weary.

28.23-29 A useful parable for young people from a using good sense angle and a loving reminder that God has and uses that same kind of good sense in dealing with His people.

Isaiah 29

29.13 There is a lot of this going around. And is it a good reminder for me not to leave off before the most important part.

29.16 Boy! We sure are mouthy pots sometimes.

29.23 they will sanctify the Holy One of Israel... "because they now hallow the name of the LORD, and respect the holiness of the LORD." --Guzik http://www.studylight.org/com/guz/view.cgi?book=isa&chapter=029

"The Lord would halt the downward course of the history of Jacob's family, and transform them. The Israelites would at last confess their God as holy and acknowledge His holiness as central in their lives. They would be fruitful rather than barren. 356The text gives no basis for interpreting the people in view as the spiritual seed of Jacob, the church, as Young, 2:332, did." --Dr. Constable's Expository (Bible Study) Notes http://www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/pdf/isaiah.pdf

Isaiah 30

30.7 Rahab who sits still... According to Unger's Commentary on the OT, "Rahab was the 'sea dragon,' which became a symbol for Egypt, threatening in appearance but laggard in action."

1 Thessalonians 4

4.2 your sanctification... Practical advise on what it means to be set apart for the Lord.

4.6 the Lord is an avenger... A raw fear of God's judgement invoked here.

4.9 brotherly love... alone would be an improvement for many.

1 Thessalonians 5

5.6&8 be sober... associated with the light and day.

5.14 admonish, encourage, help, be patient with all... Different responses for different problems and situations.

Mon 091004 pm Isa 20-22

Isaiah 20

20.3 walked barefooted and naked for three years... Okay, this is just a little extreme. I am thinking he would not be invited to speak in most churches when word of that god around. :o)

Isaiah 21

21.17 for the Lord, the God of Israel, has spoken... Each day is a battle for that kind of faith in God's word.

Isaiah 22

22.

22.15 Shebna “treasurer” over the house in the reign of Hezekiah, i.e., comptroller or governor of the palace

On account of his pride he was ejected from his office, and Eliakim was promoted to it (Isa. 22:15-25). He appears to have been the leader of the party who favored an Alliance with Egypt against Assyria. It is conjectured that “Shebna the scribe,” who was one of those whom the king sent to confer with the Assyrian ambassador (2 Kings 18:18, 26, 37; 19:2; Isa. 36:3, 11, 22; 37:2), was a different person.

http://christiananswers.net/dictionary/shebna.html?zoom_highlight=shebna