Questions for Reflection for Study of Isaiah 35 Through 39

Posted on December 17, 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 35 – However much beyond recovery it appears, how does the wasteland respond? To what event? What encouragement is given to the people? What hope and joy do you have in the midst of your society? Why?

Isaiah 36 – What last hope has just given out (see 2 Kings 18:13-20 through 20:11)? What kinds of tactics are most devastating in undermining your faith in God? How can you prepare for these attacks?

Isaiah 37 – In what ways are your days a time of distress, of rebuke, and of disgrace? In what ways do you see manifestations of the sovereignty of God in these times? What happened to Assyria? Why?

Isaiah 38 – What happens to Hezekiah now? What does Hezekiah want to live to see? Why is life important to him? Why is life important to you?

Isaiah 39 – What is different about Hezekiah’s response to the king’s son with his earlier concerns (Read Isaiah 37:20 & 38:19-20)? To what extent do you notice a fluctuation in your spiritual interests parallel to the ebb and flow of adversity?  To what extent does the future influence your daily actions? Why?

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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Spiritual Journey Through Isaiah 29-34

Posted on December 16, 2024 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word of God found in Isaiah 29-34 and sharing some thoughts that not only can benefit us now but also help the next generation too! The greatest of all possessions one can hand off to future generations are the guiding principles taught from the Word of God.

A thought from reading Isaiah 29 and shared in the post Acquire Faith is that we are not born with faith, but it is something we can acquire by trusting, taking action, and continuing to work towards. Step by step, we gain confidence that the results will come.

A lesson from reading Isaiah 30:1-17 and shared in the post In Awe of the One Who Has Given All is to turn to God for protection and refuge during difficulty or fear. When afraid, trust in God. Only God can give true confidence so be in awe of the One who has given all. Be committed to Him, plan with Him, and focus on how to act those plans.

From Pearls of Wisdom about thoughts from Isaiah 30:18-33, Isaiah prophesizes that God would manifest himself to bring a glorious transformation in beleaguered Jerusalem. There can be a glorious transformation in each of our lives too! Let us be patient for God will provide what we need. We will find more abundance, comfort, and joy as the past fades and a brighter future is set in motion.

Some run from the past, from fears, difficulties, and failures by turning to alcohol or drugs to escape reality. As explained in The Right Way, there may be a need to turn around. To run towards God where there is true wisdom and a brighter future. He provides long-term relief with far greater resources. He’s everywhere, He’s limitless, and not restricted by time or space. He knows about the future and can put us in a position to have lasting success.

As pointed out in Integrity Leads to Blessings, you can influence or change society. The blueprint to building a better you, community, or nation; getting hearts in the right place for ultimate achievement of peace, quiet, and productivity is found in the Words of the Lord.

Mentioned in Setting Sail on a New Day is the importance of beginning each day by opening God’s word. Like a ship’s sails catching the power of wind, the Word in our heart will catch the energy of the Holy Spirit to push us forward.

The takeaway from Give Him the Honor is that Jesus is the key. Let us put our attention on Jesus so we are sparred “hell on earth”. Let us be inspired by the passion of Jesus, follow His Way, and not let Him down. Let us dedicate each day to Him, be a blessing, and give Him honor.

The road map is at this link and all who accept Jesus will be rewarded because God’s kingdom has abundance, and the Spirit has no limit! The blessings consist of a future with provision, purpose, peace, and a perfect place for you that is beyond what could be imagined.

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Thought From Devotional 12-13-2024

Posted on December 13, 2024 by Mark Shields

A thought from John 13:21-35 is that like Jesus loves us, we are to love one another. To deeply care for each other by praying for each other, encouraging, and hoping the best for each other. When a brother or sister accomplishes something to glorify the Lord, point out this ray of sunshine to the whole world because everyone benefits and there are smiles from heaven for a job well done.

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Be On Guard

Posted on December 12, 2024 by Mark Shields 
Jesus says, “So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time”.

“But in those days, following that distress,
   the sun will be darkened,
      and the moon will not give its light;
   the stars will fall from the sky,
      and the heavenly bodies will be shaken”. - Mark 13:23-25

The takeaway from “Give Him the Honor” is that Jesus is the key. Let us put our attention on Jesus so we are sparred “hell on earth”. Let us be inspired by the passion of Jesus, follow His Way, and not let Him down. Let us dedicate each day to God, be a blessing, and give Him the honor.

Let’s practice our faith and be on guard. Take encouragement from the song Here is Our King by David Crowder Band.

Index of devotionals

Thanks for reading. Please like, follow, and pass on to others … Practice our faith and be on guard!

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Give Him the Honor

Posted on December 11, 2024 by Mark Shields

If you focus on God’s promises, you have hope that inspires you to be persistent even when it is hard to be optimistic because your attention is on the reward rather than the difficulty, so you endure. Your mind is constantly at work finding a solution and your heart acts on these solutions until there is accomplishment because you approach all the activities of your day with the joyful awareness of God’s ability to bring a victorious finish.

In the prophesy of Isaiah 34, God had scathing judgments against Jerusalem, but also is angry with all nations (v. 2). It depicts universal judgment at the end of times when there will be wars, disasters, disease, and famine because the world did not give Him the honor.

I remember seeing a movie called “The End Times”. [1] It explains that in a twinkling of an eye, the Rapture will occur. Those left behind on earth who have never accepted Jesus as Savior will not understand what is going on. There will be seven years of the worst of times … “hell on earth” for those who rejected Jesus. This is called the tribulation.

The earth is made a wasteland and then there is world-wide carnage at the Battle of Armageddon (vv. 8-10). Some may question God about making the earth a wasteland. Others may say God is justified because of the lack of attention given to His power.

The takeaway from today’s passage is that Jesus is the key. Let us put our attention on Jesus so we are sparred “hell on earth”. Let us be inspired by the passion of Jesus, follow His Way, and not let Him down. Let us dedicate each day to God, be a blessing, and give Him the honor.

This day Lord, we focus our hearts and minds on You. Change us from the inside out. As we read Your Word, help us to recognize righteousness and document so we are able to practice our faith. We opt-in to Your Way today by studying Your Word, praying, and living life victoriously together. We are focused and ready because we do not know when You will come or call. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

[1] Amazon Prime Video Directed by Discovery Media Productions. 2006. The End Times

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