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“Basic” Isaiah

IMG_2874      Isaiah?  Why study this book? If you are like me, you tend to study the books in the Bible you already know. In the last year, I made a list of books in the Bible that I have never studied. Isaiah is on top of my list! Challenging? Yes. Do-able? Absolutely. For those of us interested, we are taking this book a “bite at a time”. For example, our Facebook Forum is only reading (or studying) chapters 1-6 by the end of August. Interested? Order the book through Navpress or just jump into the FB  group!  

     Why call this “Basic” Isaiah? Many of us are busy gals who don’t have lots of time but want to stay grounded in the Word. This book is so powerful that learning a little feels like a lot!  

     As I  look through a new bible study, I like to learn the background. The background of a book in the Bible  adds color, depth, & perspective. As I process what I read, I begin to categorize verses and synthesize the chapters. What is the basic theme of a book? Jot down anything that helps you remember. For example, “Rebellion & Restoration” is my personal title of the book to remind me of its theme.    

      The following is compiled from our study (Navpress Isaiah), Ryrie Study Bible, Nelson Study Bible, and my own personal study.

*The name Isaiah means “The LORD is salvation”.

*Written 700 years before Christ.

*This book is written to Judah and Jerusalem (specifically) but Isaiah does occasionally address this to “Israel”). Yet, Israel had already been defeated by the Assyrians.

*Some believe Isaiah only wrote the first part of this book while another “Isaiah” wrote 40-66. But, most believe the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls validate Isaiah as one man who served Israel as prophet and author of this book.

*Isaiah prophesied for 60 years through 5 different kings. These kings are : Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, & Mannaseh.

*During this time, Israel lived in a sad cycle…Rebellion (or forgetting God), Judgment (or discipline), Repentance, and Restoration.

*The Navpress Isaiah study divides the book into 2 parts- Judgment and Comfort. Ryrie divides the book into 2 sections-Denunciation and Consolation. Nelson Study Bible divides the book into 3 catagories-judgment on idolatry/immorality, comfort for the exiles, and exhorting those who had returned from captivity.

*Many refer to this book in the Old Testament as the clearest reflection the Promised Messiah. In fact, Isaiah is quoted in the new Testament more than any other book!   Tristie Fisher 

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EASY WAYS TO LOVE YOUR SPOUSE!

Want a few bite-sized ideas to TAKE YOUR MARRIAGE to the next level?

1. This week, write down 3 things you appreciate about your spouse. Now, tell them! Your won’t believe how much it builds up your better half!  I am absolutely convinced we can all learn to be encouragers in our marriages.  It’s just like learning a language. Do this every week until it becomes a habit. (You could start with a dramatic, “You are the wind in my sails” or it can be the more casual, “Nobody makes bacon like you!” )

2. Train yourself to say, “THANK YOU” 3 times a day for any show of affection. For some, an act of kindness can be fancy flowers, walking the dog, or the way that spouse makes you feel cared for. For others, it’s the ultimate act of mercy -the diaper change. (#stagesoflife👍🏼) 

3. Build gratitude, cultivate kindness, & enjoy your most important person!

Photo by the oh-so-gifted Ashley Monogue!

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WANT better relationships? Say these things. Don’t Say these things.

ALL of us want great relationships! How can we change them? God can help us!

THINGS NOT TO SAY

1. Anything SARCASTIC. Sarcasm is the world’s attempt at humor by tearing another down and then applying the bandage of “Just Kidding!” I learned a quote from my hubby, “Sarcasm always contains a kernal of truth.” In every relationship, sarcasm always leads one person to think, “Do they really think that?”

2. Anything DEMORALIZING about an individual’s appearance or behavior.  We can challenge ourselves to turn away from this age-old (and socially acceptable) form of bullying.

3. Anything impugning AUTHORITY. When my kids were little, I remember thinking, “Wow!The greatest example I can give my kids is to honor God, my husband, the governing authorities in my life, and other people. ” The Bible  is very clear about following well. Great leaders always follow first .

THINGS TO SAY

1. Anything that is BUILDING. A great action verb! Let’s ask ourselves, “Am I an encourager?”. It seems like a discipline but over time, but “verbal building” becomes a language. Gather some gal pals and challenge yourselves to  write down 3 positive things about people in their lives. REHEARSING TRUTH CHANGES LIVES! I’ve seen this rescue marriages!

2. Anything that UNITES.  Many of us know how to do this!This is nearly natural. SHARED EXPERIENCES + SHARED GROWTH=DEEP FRIENDSHIPS. This builds lifetime friendships & encouraging relationships.  This is the kind of positive habit that can actually heal.

3.Anything that LOVES. Maybe the greatest satisfaction in our lives will be that we left a LEGACY. We all  to have a legacy that honors God, our marriages, our children, and our friends.

A legacy of kindness is truly a legacy of reward. God wants to give us this gift today!