Day 365 - Isaiah 52.13 - 53.12 & Proverbs 25

 Michelle

Well, today marks the final day of the year and we have made it thru the first year of this plan.  While I have struggled to keep up sometimes, I am proud to have made it all the way thru so far.  My goal is to work on being better about making this happen daily vs a couple times a week.  

This reading sounds like we are reading about what Jesus bore and suffered for us and how he ultimately died for.  It reads like God is telling us, here is the one without sin that has suffered for you.  The devotional talks about God's will for Jesus to suffer.  It tells that God did create the world perfect and without suffering but we sinned and suffering is the punishment for that sin.  God wanting Jesus to suffer was so that he could be saved, as we can all be saved.  God still uses our suffering for our own good and to help build our character.  We just need to remember that as we walk thru life and that is hard to do in the midst of the suffering.

The proverb has more commandments in it.  Talking about testifying against your neighbor and lying.  It also talks about feeding your enemies.  I found it funny that a verse that stood out before about a quarrelsome wife is in this section too.  I've seen it now 3 times I think.  

Julie

I am so very grateful that we are doing this together.

Isn't it beautiful how we are reading about God's promise to save us and then we will get to see how he fulfills that promise. This is fairly distant from when Jesus actually comes so he is already talking about this...

That is funny...I would still like to understand why it's worded that way.

Day 364 - Isaiah 51 - 52:12 & Proverbs 24:23-34

 Julie

The first part talks about what it means to be righteous in/with God. The second explains God's coming salvation for Israel.

This section was more wise sayings, or sayings of the wise.

Michelle

My mind kept getting distracted by other things during this reading.  And then I realized it's because it seems to be the same thing we have read before.  The Lord' wrath, they were sent away, and now they will be redeemed.  As I type, I was thinking it's the same info again, and then I started to wonder is it again showing that God is still there with them?  Is it telling us that all along God has been watching over the people and yet they haven't figured that out?  

This was more about speaking truth, some references to commandments too.  And warnings about becoming a sluggard.

Day 363 - Isaiah 49-50 & Proverbs 24:1-22

 Julie

God is going to protect us as servants of his. We just need to trust and believe. This is talking specifically about Israel, but obviously can apply to us at any time. There are quite a few verses in this reading that could be used to help build that trust and confidence in God.

Do not envy those doing evil and stay away from them. Be kind to all even your enemies. We should be searching for the wisdom of God.

Michelle

You said in yesterday's post that it seemed like this book is repeating itself over and over and I have to agree with you.  Even in today's reading it seems like we have heard all this before.  But then I thought it seems like so far in the entire bible that we have read up to now, that the people keep making the same mistakes over and over so there's that too.  At the beginning of this book it seemed that there were alot of prophesies of things to come in the distant future.  In today's reading, it seemed like we were reading that God will protect us, as you said.  It talks of Israel's restoration and being a servant of the Lord, which we are all called to do.  Be a servant of the Lord and to serve and love others.

I feel like I have not read the previous days when I look in my bible today.  Weird.  Anyway, I think you summed the proverb up well.  There is alot about seeking wisdom and staying away from those that do evil things.  

Day 362 - Isaiah 48 & Proverbs 23

 Michelle

This sounds like God is telling them they will be redeemed and that they must leave where they are. It says that he knew they were rebellious and yet he remained with them always even when they acted against him and turned to other idols. It seems we are being reminded again of God’s presence in our lives and that he is there to guide us. 

The proverb sounds like instruction to stay away from evil, gluttonous people and their ways. Verse 26 stood out to me, “…give me your heart and let your eyes observe my ways”.  This seems a call to keep your eye and you heart on God and not to be ensnared or tempted my those that are lying, drunk, or gluttonous. 

Julie

They said that this is the longest book in the Bible. However, this book seems to repeat itself a lot. It seems to say the same things just in different ways each time. Maybe I am not really applying this enough. 

I think you got this one right. The thing that stood out to me was where it talked about disciplining a child and that it's ok to do that. I think people have forgotten that...

Day 361 - Isaiah 46-47 & Proverbs 22:17-29

 Julie

This seems to be a continuation of God explaining why they should not be worshipping idols. 

This section was titled Words of the Wise. I think that is really what they were trying to do here. 

Michelle

This does sound like more of a reminder to the people of who god is to them.  He seems to be explaining why they shouldn’t have idols. The second chapter seems to be warning these cities of their destruction and that if they continue on this path where it leads.

Agreed.  It seems more instruction for wisdom and to keep away from angry or hot tempered people as we can fall into their same demeanor.   

Day 360 - Isaiah 44.24 - 45.25 & Proverbs 22 1-16

Michelle

I feel a little distracted in my reading today.  I keep going off into my own mind this morning and have to go back and read again.  

This reading sounds like a continuation of the commandment of "No other God's before me".  It says it a few times in this section.  It also sounds like God is basically stating his case to his people, also questioning them at one point.  At the end it says that all descendants will find deliverance in the Lord.  

The proverb seems a continuation of the ways to righteousness.  The generous will be blessed, the eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge, the rod of discipline will drive out the folly in children.  Verse 6 is a well known one for instruction of your children.  "Start children off on they way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it".  Sometimes I think we did not do well starting off Khristopher.  No one is perfect, as we know, but he just continues to go down a path of destruction to himself.  I am not sure if it is due to us or just the choices he makes as he grows up.  I pray he will be put on a better path and make better choices. 

Julie

I am not sure it's you. This chapter and the Proverbs we have been reading have been a little difficult to really comprehend. 

Yes, I believe you are correct. We are reminded that God is the only Savior. I think part of this was talking about how God would use Cyrus as an instrument.

I don't have much more to say than what you have already said. However, I think you need to give yourselves a break. We were all learning with all of our kids and there are definitely some things we did better than others. They were all given a foundation and maybe they are straying, but we can pray that they will return. No matter how we had handled things they still have the ability to make choices...whether good or bad.

Day 359 - Isaiah 44:1-23 & Proverbs 21

 Julie

Merry Christmas!! It would have been cool if the Christmas story is the one that we were reading today, but since it's not...

God tells Jacob that he is going to save Israel and the people will worship the name of the Lord. He reminds him that there is no other God, and then goes on to explain how idolatry works and why it doesn't make sense. Then God tells him that he is going to redeem Israel and forgive their transgressions.

There seems to be a lot of different suggestions or proverbs here that speak to different types of things that could do right and wrong and what the consequences would be. If we pursue righteousness we will find righteousness and honor. If we watch what we say we will avert trouble. There still doesn't seem to be a consistent theme other than continuation of right and wrong.

 

Michelle

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU!!!  I was actually thinking the same thing about the Christmas story, would be great today.  But we did recently read about the coming of Jesus. 

This does sound like God is explaining why there should be NO idols over him.  I think this is also a reminder that we can unintentionally make idols for ourselves when we have too much focus on something or someone.  When we idolize things or people, we are basically breaking the command of God that there should be no other idols/gods before the Lord.  

Ok, I was reading and got lost in thought.  But the things that stood out to me are verse 21 which says, "Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor".  This is a great verse to highlight as it really sums up what we should be following.  There are 2 other verses that stood out and I am not sure why the wife ones keep coming into focus for me.  Maybe I am feeling argumentative or something but verses 9 and 19; "Better to live on a corner of a roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife", and "Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife".  While I have not been the nagging type, there was a time when I was very confrontational and argumentative and have been feeling that lately, but have been biting my tongue.  Maybe that is why I have been clenching my teeth at night.  I don't really know why this has come up now as I haven't felt this way in a while.  I guess it's time to give whatever that is to God to deal with and set me straight.   

Day 358 - Isaiah 42-43 & Proverbs 20

 Julie

I love Isaiah 43. The words that God give us in this message, I believe, are meant to be comforting, and he makes bold statements about him and who we are to him. "Fear not, for I am with you." This is actually said a few times through this book, and this is something that I have carried around with me for months to use for comfort and as a reminder to turn to God in the difficult moments. "You are my witnesses." We are to tell others about how God works in our lives, this is how we witness for him and show others that he does what he says. "I, I am the Lord," this is not really the only time this is said, but he reminds us that he is the one true God and that there are no others. There is so much in this one chapter that stands out and I could go on almost line by line...I will refrain.

"Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright." I think that this line really sums up this proverb. It goes through and tells us that the way we conduct ourselves in so many different situations will affect how we are seen by God.

 

Michelle

43 does read as a comforting chapter.  I can see why these verses would bring comfort to people.  At least the first half.  There seems to be alot of reminders in these chapters.  God telling them that he brought them out from where they were and that he holds them in his hand basically.

This devotional with this proverb tells well what it is about, called Paybacks.  It talks about how we should not seek revenge or be vengeful when we have been wronged and how our human need for vengeance can cause us physical ailments.  I can attest to that.   It says, "Revenge is an outward manifestation of an underlying problem: anger".  But that revenge opposes the golden rule.  This proverb encourages us to let go and let God deal with our enemies.  Because God is just.  This made me think back to some times when I really wanted those that hurt me to be hurt in some way.  It is an automatic thought that comes up.  When I released those thoughts to God it changed me and will change you when you let that go and pray for them instead.  It sometimes has to be done multiple times and the thoughts come back from time to time remembering how you were wronged.  But as this devotional shared, getting revenge may get us even with our enemies, but forgiveness places us above them.  It is incredible what happens when you do this and allow God to handle those that have hurt you.

Day 357 - Isaiah 40:12 - 41 & Proverbs 19

 Julie

This one began with God reminding people that he is always there and that he did make everything on earth. The summation of this entire reading though I think boils down to, "You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." I think that this one of the most comforting verses in the entire Bible. When I am afraid and I am unsure I return to this verse to find comfort.

This whole proverb seems to be telling us the consequences for all types of wrongdoing. I had previously focused on verse 20, "Listen to advice and accept instructions, that you may gain wisdom in the future." Does the apply to us in accepting advice and instructions from God and those that the chooses to speak through? 

Michelle

I believe you are right that verses 8-10 really sum it up.  It speaks to God's actions, character, and hop for the future of all mankind and is a reminder that he is always with us and we need only turn to him.

Agreed.  It seems to be consequences of negative actions or bad choices.  That is a good question.  I think we are to listen and accept instruction from God, although sometimes we don't seem to understand what he want us to do.  We have to take it in faith.  I would think that also applies to those he speaks through.  When we are going through something I think it's hard for us to discern where the instruction comes from, God or elsewhere.  We get confused and unsure of ourselves and need to pray for that discernment and wisdom.  There were a couple verses that stood out to me.  V 13-14, "A foolish child is a father's ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof.  Houses and wealth are inherited from parent, but a prudent wife is from the Lord".  This seemed like instruction for the wife.  I have been getting angry about some things lately and have been biting my tongue to keep from arguing or fighting, which I honestly just got tired of doing a long time ago.  But lately, I have been feeling like I need to speak up on some things.  This has me rethinking that for some reason.  Like my concerns aren't valid, even though they seem valid to me.  I don't know how to take this reading.

Day 356 - Isaiah 40:1-11 & Proverbs 18

 Julie

Words of comfort to tell people that God is coming to save them. He will gather them in his arms and carry them with him. 

We should be careful of the words we speak. We should not be foolish. We should have faithful and good friends. I think that is the gist of where this is going. I had underlined previously..."A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion." Which is very telling in the way people are acting right now. 

Michelle

This seems to be a reminder of God's comfort to his people.  Verse 8 stands out, "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever".  It kind of reminds me of the quote you keep saying about God's faithful love endures forever.  Has the same feeling as that.

I think you said it perfectly.  It sounds like we are hearing about foolishness vs wisdom and what kind of friends to have.  It also talks about listening, "to answer before listening brings folly and shame".  And I am not sure if it's because of my job but vs 17 made me think a little too.  "In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross examines".  This seems to be saying the first to speak is not always being truthful or is not always right.  

Day 355 - Isaiah 38-39 & Proverbs 17

 Julie

Hezekiah pleads with God as he is dying and asks for help as he has been loyal to God. God does grant him 15 more years on his life and says that he will live up to his promise to protect the people of that nation. 

This is still giving the ways that we can walk in the Lord and the consequences for not following as we should.

Michelle

Hezekiah is ill and is told that he will return to God and needs to get his house in order.  But then he asks God for more time and is granted it after he is ill.  God says he will keep his promise.  I don't really understand at the end when it talks about the Envoys from Babylon that come and he shows them everything he has and then is told that everything he has, along with his servants, will be taken away and put in Babylon and Hezekiah says that word is good and that there will be peace and security in his lifetime.  I was confused by this last bit.  

This proverb seems informational.  It is still sharing how we can lead righteous lives, but feels like we are being given information or knowledge.  Not sure why that is.

Day 354 - Isaiah 36-37 & Proverbs 16

 Julie

Hezekiah prays and asks God to save them. God agrees as he had promised for so long to do but tells them that they did not always act in accordance with God's rules so he gives them some things that they must do if he is to save them. 

We should be righteous, have good sense, speak lovingly and kindly and fear the Lord. We should not get caught up in our own direction, but follow the direction of God.

Michelle

Ok, I just had to read and re-read this and still didn't understand what was going on.   One section is titled "Hezekiah's prayer", another is "Jerusalem's deliverance".  So I assume that is what is happening, but for some reason I was lost in this reading.

I agree with your interpretation.  It says perfectly what this proverb is about.  The verse that stood out to me today is 31, "Gray hair is a crown of splendor;  it is attained in the way of righteousness".  So this made me laugh a little cuz I have been thinking about my gray hair and how it is becoming more prominent.  But it's interesting that it says, it is attained in the way of righteousness.  Like if we follow the righteous path we will end up with gray hair.  I know that is taking it a little too literally but...that is kind of what it sounds like.

Day 353 - Isaiah 34-35 & Proverbs 15.30-33

 Michelle

Today's reading talks about the judgement against all the nations and what that will look like.  It then goes on to talk about the joy of the redeemed, but it starts off talking about the land and not the people.  Only later does it say the blind will have their eyes opened and the lame will leap for joy.  There will be a highway for those that are not wicked and that follow God.  I recall reading or seeing something that talked about how we should mimic nature as it lives as God intended.  Not working against God but moving with God and in accordance with his design.  I realize that we are different from things in nature but if you think about what that means for us as humans it is interesting to think about it that way.  We are constantly working against God and trying to do things our own way, when if we just leave it to him and follow his lead, life would be much more peaceful.  

This reading seems to be talking about gaining wisdom through correction and having humility.  It's a short few verses but really makes you think about what you seek.  Is it wisdom and are you open to the correction/instruction give from God?  Again I think we fight against this at times.  But if we are open to heeding God's word and learning from it and gaining wisdom then we are on the right path. 

Julie

Along with that it also tells us to be strong and not fear because the Lord will come to save us. It is interesting to think that if we took a page out of the animal's book we would live a more peaceful life.

Having fear of the Lord will lead us to that wisdom, but remember to remain humble through it all.

Day 352 - Isaiah 32-33 & Proverbs 15.1-29

 Michelle

This continues to go on with what is to come to the unrighteous and those straying from God.  There is a part that speaks of complacent women and the devotional says they are used as an example in this reading because everyone has found security in everything but God.  Only God can bring us security and comfort.  We should be turning to God in order to find these things.  We rely on so much other things and places, jobs, beauty, houses, people, looking for affirmation and accolades everywhere else but we allow these things to lull us into a false sense of security and any of them can be gone in a second.  Only God can provide a secure home, peaceful dwelling place, a fertile field, quiet and comfort, and undisturbed places of rest.  We only need remain in God's presence and keep our minds focused not on what things/people we have or things we don't have, but on what God gives us.

These are still instruction for right and wrong.  Some that stand out are about gentle answer vs harsh words, the eyes of the Lord are watching everyone, the lips of the wise spread knowledge, a happy heart makes the face cheerful, better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred, a hot tempered person stirs conflict, but the patient calms a quarrel, Wisdom's instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.

Julie

I like your explanation today. It really encompasses all that we have read in this book.

Another...The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous. That line really sums up where these proverbs have been taking us. 

Day 351 - Isaiah 30-31 and Proverbs 14

 Julie

The Lord will be gracious to those who follow him or confess their sins. However, he will come down with fire and brimstone to cleanse the evil out of these places. If I understood this correctly...

This continues on with ways to please God and what happens when we are being sinful.

 

Michelle

That seems correct.  It sounds like more destruction.  I feel like the writer is just really trying to get the point across that destruction is coming because people are not following as God commanded.  So now everyone will perish in this destruction, but believers should continue to praise and follow the Lord so they don't perish in his wrath.  

This continues with good vs bad, right vs wrong.  For some reason vs 23 stands out to me, "All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty".  Not sure why this seemed prominent. 

Day 350 - Isaiah 28-29 & Proverbs 13

 Julie

I don't know if it's just me today or if this one was just hard to understand. I have read through it twice, but don't really find anything that stands out or really where this was going. I felt like it was all over the place, but again, it could just be me.

The proverb is continuing to explain good vs evil and the consequences of each.

 

Michelle

This sounds like more words of destruction mostly.  There is a part in the second chapter that seems to be talking about those that don't do bad things will remain in the eyes of the Lord, but it mostly sounds like more destruction of everyone.

Agreed.  This proverb continues with the good vs bad, right vs wrong instruction.

 

Day 349 - Isaiah 26-27 & Proverbs 12

 Julie

This verse stood out the most to me today and I think encompasses all that this officially says..."Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock." This continues on to tell us how we should live to gain the favor of God and the ways in which he will not help us if we are acting out of sorts. We should trust the Lord and not man which is one of the ways in which people we going about things during this time. 

This proverb tells us what it is to be righteous and the consequences for being wicked or deceitful. This feels like a list of things where we could easily stray away from God.

 

Michelle

This reading starts with a song of praise and then goes into speaking about the deliverance of Israel.  The deliverance part talks again about wiping out the earth basically and that animals will lie down and branches will be bare, etc.

Yes, this does seem like a list of what to do verses what not to do to stay in God's favor. 

Day 348 - Isaiah 24-25 & Proverbs 11

 Julie

God judges the whole earth. It shows that it doesn't matter your station in life that you are subject to the judgement of God. 

This shows how you gain favor with God and how you can end up struggling if you are not focused on being a righteous and good person. 

 

Michelle

I agree, it tells us that it doesn't matter your position, all are subject to God's judgment and what is to come of the earth.  The second chapter is titled Praise to the Lord and seems to start off as a prayer.  

I think you summed up this proverb well.  It seems to be telling us what brings good vs evil.

 

Day 347 - Isaiah 21-23 & Proverbs 10

 Julie

These are more prophecies for cities and the consequences that they will be facing. A couple of them also explain what will happen when the Lord returns.

Those that are righteous in the Lord are blessed and it explains what happens to those that are not.

 

Michelle

When we first started reading about these prophesies it seemed like they were speaking of things that were happening at the time of the person writing.  As I read today, I understood it differently, that these things will happen over a long span of time.  It was confirmed in the last chapter when it speaks of Tyre and how it will be over seventy years.  So these prophesies span over time and we are just getting the info about what will happen to them.  So now I wonder what will come after.  As we have read we are told that the Lord will return at some point, but the people do not really know when that will come and it won't be in some of their lifetimes.  

This proverb has a devotional and speaks about how words can be nourishing to the soul.  That we can bring someone up or knock them down with our words.  I did feel like they were speaking about what you say when reading this chapter.  It's a good reminder to be careful how we speak to people. 

Day 346 - Isaiah 18-20 & Proverbs 9

Michelle

These chapters are more prophesies against various cities.  At the end of 19 though, it says they will be stricken by a plague and healed and will turn to the Lord and plead for healing. The rest just speaks about the various things that will happen to these cities and seems to go into some detail about it.  I feel like this will go on for a while through each city.

The proverb is invitations of Wisdom and Folly.  Starting with wisdom who says leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.  Don't engage with mockers or the wicked.  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and understanding and through wisdom our days will be many.  But then here we go with Folly who is also acknowledged as a woman, and even though both are portrayed as a woman, the mention of Folly being a woman lead to offense on some level.  But maybe because it seems women have been portrayed negatively in the last few proverbs.  Folly also invites the simple to her house but folly leads to death it says and the simple are unaware of that.  

I am trying to figure out how to keep up with this.  Right now I am doing these once or twice a week but it works best if I can do it in the morning, but maybe this needs to be my nighttime routine instead.  With all the noise in the evening that makes it harder for me to concentrate on what I am reading.  This is my challenge as doing these actually makes me feel more connected to you and God.  I need to find a way.

 Julie

It doesn't seem like there is much more to say about these than what you said. It's clear that they are prophesying what will happen and you have to wonder if these prophecies could come true again in our time. 

I think you are right...it explains the way wisdom works.

I agree, it works best for me in the morning as well. When I have to wait until the end of the day to do it I don't feel like I engage the same way or that I can even concentrate the same way. I feel that my day goes better when I start out this way. I know it's hard to get up and do this first thing when you have places to be at a certain time. This has helped us stay connected and I love that you are still doing it with me...even if it's only a couple of times a week. I am sure you will find your way. 

Day 345 - Isaiah 14:28 - 17 & Proverbs 8

 Julie

These were all oracles about different cities. I found interesting their use of the word oracle...would like to know more about that. These all seem to be God telling the people that their cities are in jeopardy because of their sinfulness and their refusal to follow the commandments of the Lord.

Asking for and receiving the wisdom of God will help us to receive more blessings. "Blessed is the one who listens to me..."

 

Michelle

My bible says prophesies so maybe that's what they are meaning.  Like the prophets are telling of things to come?  I got lost in this one again.  While I was reading it I kept thinking about you.  Not sure why that is.  This one verse stood out to me in chapter 16:5, "In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it - one from the house of David - one who in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of the righteousness".  I am unsure why this was so prevalent to me.  

In this proverb, wisdom seems to be the key to literally everything.  Seeking wisdom and gaining knowledge.  It says wisdom has been around from the beginning and those who do not seek it will find harm and death, but those that seek wisdom and find it find favor from the Lord.  

Day 344 - Isaiah 13-14:27 & Proverbs 7

 Julie

God places judgement on Babylon and seeks to destroy them because of the evil that they are inflicting. What really stood out is when he says, "I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for the iniquity." The lines that follow are very telling as well and I guess I am glad to know that God will rid the world of these things...it's just being patient in the interim.

Again, why is it always the woman that we are warned against when it comes to adultery?

 

Michelle

For some reason I got lost during this reading.  It couldn't keep my focus and I kept thinking of other things.  What I got was that Babylon will be overthrown and will be emptied so that the animals will inhabit it, but that God will have compassion on Jacob and will again choose Israel, and will give relief to his people once again.

Good question.  While he seems to be specifically speaking of a prostitute in this one, it does seem like they are always accusing women of being the adulteress and give no blame to the man, even though it takes two and he makes that decision for himself.  It almost seems like they are saying that women influence the men more than we think.  

 

Day 343 - Isaiah 11-12 & Proverbs 6:20 - 35

 Julie

The Lord is my strength really sticks out to me today. I am struggling with something right now and I really needed this chapter to try and calm my thoughts and let God control this situation. I think that chapter 11 is telling us ways to be righteous.

This proverb provided more warnings about adultery and the consequences of those actions.

 

Michelle

I was a bit confused at the title of this chapter but maybe it's an analogy of some kind.  I am not sure who the branch of Jesse is supposed to be.  But it seems to be saying that at some point all will get along and a little child will lead them.  It almost seems as if it is another reference for Jesus to come.  It also talks of God gathering his exiled people again.  And then 12 is a song of praise, giving praise knowing that God is your strength and defense, to trust and not be afraid.

Reading this proverb section made me wonder if these are the reasons that women in the middle east wear those coverings.  To keep other men from lusting after them as it seems that it's the woman's fault for men acting foolish in this manner.  As they can't seem to control themselves, or that is how it sounds.   

Day 342 - Isaiah 9-10 & Provers 5 - 6:19

 Julie

This appears to be predicting the coming of Jesus. I didn't get much beyond that. My mind was really focused on that.

It's interesting how the woman seems to be blamed for coercion when a man commits adultery. I imagine that this can be  put in the context of either man or woman, but all of these always seem to blame to woman. Maybe I am reading too much into that...

 

Michelle

This chapter did also give mention to the coming of Jesus.  The rest of the reading talked about the destruction of the people and that only a "remnant" of Israel will remain after all the destruction God brings about.

No, you are correct.  The woman is often blamed for the actions of man.  Maybe that stems from the beginning of time.  It will always be the woman's fault, even though men make their own decisions.  It's not right but that seems to be the case.  It also warns against folly. 

day 341 - Isaiah 7-8 & Proverbs 4

 Julie

Do not follow the ways of the world, do not fear what they fear. Fear the Lord and he will become a place of comfort. Does this speak to what we are experiencing now: "For the Lord spoke thus to me with his strong hand upon me,and warned me not to walk in the way of this people, saying; 'Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, no be in dread. But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many shall stumble on it. They shall fall and be broken; they shall be snared and be taken." Are those that are in fear of COVID the ones we should be staying away from and remember to trust and be fearful of God and not what is happening right now?

This one is telling us about how important wisdom is and I think serves as a reminder or a calling for us to remember to ask for wisdom and then realize when we have received it.

 

Michelle

This could be related to what we are seeing in life right now.  It makes sense that as with anything we are not to follow people, but instead follow the Lord Almighty.  The other part that stood out was in chapter 7 verse 14, there is a prophesy from Isaiah about Jesus being born, or I think that is what it is anyway as it talks of a virgin giving birth to a son.  In 16 it says before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid to waste.   It seems he is speaking of future events and what is to come of the kings of their time.

This proverb tells us to get wisdom at any cost.  No matter the cost get wisdom and hang on to it always, cherish the knowledge and understanding.

Day 340 - Isaiah 6 & Proverb 3

 Julie

Isaiah repents and asks for forgiveness and the Lord grants it through angels. Isaiah gives himself to the Lord and the Lord uses him to warn people of what is coming. 

Trust in the Lord with all of our hearts and not lean on our own understanding. Ask for wisdom and follow God's way and not our own. We owe tithes to God and should give the first fruits of our labor to receive an abundance. Having the wisdom of the Lord will make us blessed and we are told not to fall and not to treat others poorly. We are to love others and treat them with kindness. 

 

Michelle

I recognize verse 8 as being a very popular one.  "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I.  Send me!'."  I didn't see him as warning the people but that makes sense.  

Your words are exactly what I got from this as well.  The main one that stands out is the verses 5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight".  This really is all we need to do.  I mean he does want other things as well, but this is the main one that is called for throughout the bible.  If only people would do this. 

Day 339 - Isaiah 4:2 - 5 & Proverbs 2

 Julie

So it starts out talking about how the Lord will be glorified and everyone will be cleansed. Then it moves into the vineyard being destroyed...I am not sure if this is an analogy for something bigger or they really mean a vineyard. It seems that since they are talking about the vineyard of the Lord that it might be the people are destroyed for their wickedness. 

This one talks about the value of wisdom and what we can gain by asking God for wisdom. Again, we have to remember that it is not freely given we must ask him for it. Once granted we are then led in the right direction if we choose to follow.

 

Michelle

I think you got that right about the vineyard of the Lord.  I think it's an analogy for the people and the Lord being the vintner.  It sounds like those that remain in the Lord will be covered by his cloud and those that continue sinning will be destroyed like the vineyard.  That we all stem from God and when we don't stay connected, we dry up and become something else.  

In my bible this is titled "Moral Benefits of Wisdom".  I understand it to say that if we ask for wisdom and keep to it then it will protect us and save us from wicked ways.   

Day 338 - Isaiah 2.6 - 4.1 & Proverbs 1.8 - 33

 Michelle

I am playing catch-up this morning.

I agree with your interpretation.  It starts by speaking of what they have and then what they will lose by not following the Lord.  This is a revolving theme throughout the bible so far.  As a people, we can't seem to keep our focus and are easily swayed by others.  Probably because we aren't really focusing on God and instead on what we have or have been given or what we want and the fact that we don't always get what we want.  It does seem like they are being taught a lesson once again and you are right, material things aren't necessary.  

The psalm speaks of warning to stay away from sinners so you don't get caught up in their sins.  Also, wisdom's rebuke for not seeking wisdom in all things.

Julie

Me too...although it is the 6th. :)

I think what I am getting from this is that God is trying to humble people as they have gotten too haughty. This still talks about how people are sinning so they explain the judgement that God is placing on the people of Judah and Jerusalem for what they are doing. In humbling them he is taking away all of their riches and showing them that material things are not necessary.

We have to be careful not to be enticed by sinners into sinning. We should ask for wisdom as God is offering it to us, but will not give it unless we ask. We should ask him for wisdom every day in all that we do.

Day 337 - Isaiah 1 - 2:5 & Proverbs 1:1-7

 Julie

I found it a bit amusing that people are being compared to ox and donkeys and showing that the people don't seem to be as smart as the animals. The animals understand their place in the pecking order, but people don't seem to. This reading brings up every way that people are sinning and the evil that they are a part of. What I found most interesting that God seems to be tired of people sacrificing in vain, at least that is what I am getting from that. Almost as if he is saying that is their way of trying to release the guilt of what they have done and that they continue to do wrong and sacrifice in hopes of forgiveness, but God is tired of them using that as an excuse for sinning.

We should ask for wisdom, listen, and do as instructed. I had previously underlined verse 7, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." 

 

Michelle

I mean he is not wrong in using that comparison.  I feel like that is relevant for some even today.  There are many people who do not seem as smart as the animals.  I read the same in that God seems to be tired of the ritual sacrificing as it is no longer being used as intended but as a way for them to be "cleansed" in their minds and not really cleansed in God's eyes.   

We should use these proverbs as a way to gain wisdom and instruction, for this is what we should be seeking.  I remember that last verse standing out as well. 

Day 336 - Psalm 150

 Julie

Praise the Lord with all of our hearts!!

 

Michelle

Praise the Lord everywhere and with all types of music and instruments and dancing.  Praise the Lord with every breath. 

Day 335 - Psalm 149

Julie

We are still in a theme of Praising the Lord within these Psalms. I did not really didn't see anything that stands out and separates it too much from the others that we have read recently.

 

Michelle

Yes, still Praising the Lord.  The only part that stood out to me was vs 6 says "May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands" and then goes on in the following verses to be inflicting vengeance and carrying out sentences.  This caught me off guard a little for some reason, like it didn't fit.