Questions for Reflection for the Study of Isaiah 7 Through 13

Posted on September 3, 2024 by Mark Shields

We live in a busy world with busy schedules and being able to share some thoughts about this journey with others across this world through the Internet is truly a blessing. The below Questions for Reflection will stimulate thought and offer ideas for applying biblical principles. At all stages of life, the Bible is helpful in providing what is needed to thrive in life. If you have not done so yet, click the follow button on the top right side of this page to be notified of future posts.

Isaiah 7 – What sign does God give? Who alone is effective against the rage and fury of war? Does God have enough time to solve your most pressing problems?

Isaiah 8:1-15 – What events lead up to this prophecy of the birth certificate, reliable witnesses, and the visit to the prophetess (See Isaiah 7:14)?  What possible failure of his lips is Isaiah cautioned about? How might God appear in the day of imminent national catastrophe?

Isaiah 8:19-9:7 – Considering the circumstances of God’s clear word, what rebellion is indicated in Judah’s unabashed appeal to the dead? Does this rebellion stand a chance of succeeding? Who will break through in the gathering darkness? In the darkness of your nation, where can you find dawning light and hope?

Isaiah 9:8-10:19 – What sentence is passed down? On what four counts does our Wonderful Counselor take up the case for justice and righteousness on behalf of the world’s plaintiffs? What point is God proving here? To what extent are you enjoying credit that belongs to someone else?

Isaiah 10:20-12:6 – While Assyria invades to reduce Judah to a stump, what will appear from the misery and deceit that was Israel-Judah? What are your misgivings about the future? To what extent can you join in the invitation of 12:5-6? Can you make 12:2 your reply?

Isaiah 13 – What signal is being raised for all to see? At what target is God taking well-timed aim? What are your thoughts on how to fit into God’s purpose and to glorify His name?

Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments.

To store up thoughts that are good for the soul, listen to a sermon. Download the free app in the App Store or on Google Play. Look for First Waco.

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts

Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.

“Sermons.” Sermons | FUMC Waco. N.p., n.d. Web.  <http://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.

“Bible.” The Bible – The Word of God – ChristNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 2017. <http://www.christianity.com/bible/>.

Nicholes, Lou. “Recent Commentaries.” Family-Times.net – Devotional Commentary Index. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/>.

“Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>.

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Looking Back at Isaiah 1-6 for Encouragement on the Journey Ahead

Posted on September 2, 2024 by Mark Shields

For the last few weeks, the journey has taken me through Isaiah 1-6. Life can be a challenge, but we have all we need because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Available is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. The love displayed on the cross changes everything because we receive boldness, courage, and strength to take on each challenge of each day.

On the journey through Isaiah 1:1-17, learned are the results of a lack of discipline and what is needed to get it back. The nation of Israel had rebelled against God and gotten off track. Noted is that we have the road map, the formula, and the game plan to an amazing future in God’s Word that leads one in the right direction. Effective application of His word requires discipline which is a composite of good habits consistently carried out and resulting in good character.

A thought from Isaiah 1:18-31 is the need to overcome the bad influences of society. To ask the Father to be our steady influence as we run the race to victory. To be dedicated to asking others to receive the Redeemer, and desire to be the Father’s feet and hands to carry out His purpose.

Society was in bad shape in Israel during the time of Isaiah the prophet, but the treasure found in Isaiah 2 is that searching and learning about God’s Way leads us to where we want to go. If individuals build their life on the path of God, then the first steps are taken to a brighter future.  

A thought gained from Isaiah 3 is that life throws some curves, but God can give a fresh change if we keep our eyes on the reward. God through Jesus can meet all our needs in life so keep on praising Him.

Brought out in Isaiah 4 – 5 is that the vineyard or nation of Israel had briers and thorns which kept the vines or people from being fruitful. We can be thankful that today we have Jesus as the main vine and His followers are those connected to Him. Briers and thorns like bad habits don’t seem harmful until they grow to entangle the vines and block the sunlight. The Good News is that we can cultivate and remove them one day at a time by seeking the Truth with discipline and following the Way.

Within Isaiah 6 are ideas for carrying out an assignment from the Lord. The first step is going to the Lord in prayer and listening for the call from the Lord. Then, to organize the steps needed to carry it out with plans of action. Transforming these plans into reality may take time and it may not seem to be yielding much fruit, but that’s when we need inspiration and encouragement to keep going.

For this inspiration and encouragement, reflect on the Word and praise the Lord with songs like Here I Am, Lord – Collin Raye. What keeps us going is knowing God’s grace is enough. We just simply accept Jesus in our heart. No need to know it all but just accept the call.  

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Thought From Devotional 08-30-2024

Posted on August 30, 2024 by Mark Shields

A thought gained in John 8:31-47 is that the action that identifies a disciple is holding on to the teachings of Jesus and following through until achievement. Jesus says in John 8:34, “Everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” So, all are slaves to sin, but Christ offers freedom so create a picture in your mind of being free; be drawn towards the Light of Life. The Light will both heal and nourish the heart.

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Carrying Out the Assignment

Posted on August 29, 2024 by Mark Shields

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!”

Brought out in “Reflecting on the Word” are ideas for carrying out an assignment from the Lord. The first step is going to the Lord in prayer and listening for the call from the Lord. Then, to organize the steps needed to carry it out with plans of action. Transforming theses plans into reality may take time and it may not seem to be yielding much fruit, but that’s when we need inspiration and encouragement to keep going.

For this inspiration and encouragement, reflect on the Word and praise the Lord with songs like Here I Am, Lord – Collin Raye. What keeps us going is knowing God’s grace is enough. We just simply accept Jesus in our heart. No need to know it all but just accept the call.  

Index of devotionals

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Reflecting on the Word

Posted on August 28, 2024 by Mark Shields

This day with God, rather than reflecting on the world where our thoughts become blurred, we reflect on the Word.  Like a small ripple in the water, reflecting on God’s Word and sharing with others grows to make a large impact not only in current times but for eternity.

In the previous study of God’s Word, the nation of Israel was described as a vineyard and the vines that God delighted in were His people (Isaiah 5:7). Unfortunately, the vineyard had briers and thorns growing which kept it from being fruitful. The people continued to deny that God would bring judgment on them, but Isaiah the prophet knew about Israel’s future.

In Isaiah 6, we read that Uzziah died. Uzziah had been king of Judah who sought the Lord and God gave him success until pride took over. Faith was a factor in his success, but the lack of humility was his downfall, and the later part of his reign had difficulties. Because he had burned incense to God in the temple where only the priests were consecrated for this activity, leprosy broke out on his forehead (2 Chronicles 26:19) and he spent the rest of his life in seclusion.

After the death of Uzziah, Isaiah knew that Israel was in trouble, so he went to the temple of the Lord. While at the temple, Isaiah saw himself as a sinner, confesses, and accepts the difficult assignment from the Lord to help the people of Israel understand His truths.

Learned from today’s passage are ideas for carrying out an assignment from the Lord. The first step is going to the Lord in prayer and listening to the call from the Lord. Then, to organize the steps necessary to carry out this call into plans of action. Transforming theses plans into reality may take time and it may not seem to yield any fruit, but one must keep going. What keeps one going is knowing God’s grace is enough.

Even if the fruits of our labor do not come to fruition, what we start can be picked up and carried out by future generations. Even though we may have limits, God does not and can send His people out into the world to finish out the assignment. 

This day Lord, we reflect on Your Word, come to You in prayer, and listen for Your assignment. Like Isaiah in today’s passage, here we are to follow where You lead. It may be to plant seeds of faith or do good deeds. It may be to share Truth with youth or lead in praise towards Your Ways. Like during the time of the prophet Isaiah, we are up against worldly thoughts that lead in the wrong direction. We are thankful that Jesus is the solution. For things fall into place because of grace. Because of the Savior, there is a change in behavior. We are delivered from worldly thoughts and become an achiever for Your glory. We pray today that wholesome thoughts from Your Word will overtake worldly thoughts and we take the steps needed towards achieving Your assignment. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

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