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Post by Cindy on Nov 20, 2023 13:53:35 GMT -5
 Yes, just like it is today. It's kind of weird, because some of the unsaved will say they can't understand God's Word, and we know the reason they can't understand it is because they aren't saved and they don't really want to understand it. Others that are unsaved will say they do understand it, and generally come up with meanings that are ridiculous, because again, they don't have the Holy Spirit and only those who do have Him can understand God's Word. That's why I quit posting in apologetics because 99.9% of the people posting there, didn't want to know or understand God's Word. They just wanted a good fight. I wasn't willing to throw my pearls to swine.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,391 
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Post by fearnot on Nov 20, 2023 19:17:23 GMT -5
Cindy: that was great! Thank you!!!
I do have a question tho.
Most of the time, I 'think' I know,
when someone is just wanting to 'fight'
but there are times when, I just don't know.
So my question is:
In those cases... do I continue....
in hopes that they may 'really' want to know
and are 'seriously' questioning,
because they 'honestly' don't understand
But then....
when do I make the determination,
that it really is throwing God's pearls before swine?
I have recently had two online discussions about Jason Lisle
( and tho of course, he is NOT God's scripture)...
Some folks say all manner of mean,
and straight up untrue things
about him
( like he never really got a degree in astrophysics
or
they will say, he did,
but he is a liar
and is telling lies,
to justify his foolish belief in the Bible)
I guess, if they were saying that about me,
I would deal with it,
But it's almost like when someone would 'attack' my children
the mama bear comes out....
But with one of those people
I finally just told them the truth of what I was feeling
( and they stopped replying)
I said that their anger and hatred of Dr. Lisle
just made me sad.
And tho that is not scripture
I did have a scripture go round
on facebook
Someone took a lot of offence
at my posing scriptures about sin.
First they acted like it was MY thoughts:
And they would write:
STOP!!!
the talking about sin.
And then, it was:
everybody is a sinner
and only God can judge
and God will forgive everybody
and so on.
I keep trying to converse
but eventually they went away.
But I did not know for awhile:
if they were JUST arguing,
not understanding
or what....
but then
I did keep replying
in case others might be reading
and really wanting to know????
Or is that still
throwing God's pearls before swine?
Because, someone else reading the 'debate'
could have just contacted me
or someone else like you
or
John MacArthur etc. etc.?
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,391
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Post by fearnot on Nov 20, 2023 20:04:46 GMT -5
Therefore behold, I will once again deal marvelously with this people,
wondrously marvelous;
And the wisdom of their wise men will perish,
And the discernment of their discerning men will be concealed."
Isaiah 29:14
Resorting to human 'wisdom'
has been a curse throughout history...
it doesn't work well.
God will bring severe affliction and disaster,
upon them which shall confuse and perplex,
all the skill and wisdom of their wise men.
Woe to those who deeply hide their plans from the Lord,
And whose deeds are done in a dark place,
And they say, "Who sees us?" or "Who knows us?"
Isaiah 29:15
They attempt to conceal their “real” intentions
under a plausible deniability, lies, hypocrisy
from God,
which is total foolishness,
to attempt such wicked crafty deception.
Since God knows everything....
it is downright silly to think,
that they can cover themselves with a cloud or veil of darkness...
so that not even God himself can see it,
and therefore not punish their evil wickedness.
People attempt the same thing today.
You turn things upside down,
as if the potter were thought to be like the clay!
Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it,
“You did not make me”?
Can the pot say to the potter,
“You know nothing”?
Isaiah 29:16
They had no truth.
They perverted anything close to the truth!!
( like so man in our day)
To leave God out of our decisions
is to reject God.
This reminds us of:
19 One of you will say to me:
“Then why does God still blame us?
For who is able to resist his will?”
20 But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God?
“Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it,
‘Why did you make me like this?’”
21 Does not the potter have the right
to make out of the same lump of clay
some pottery for special purposes
and some for common use?
Romans 919-21
Their pride is amazing
it's as IF,
they created themselves
( Oh wait....that IS the basic idea ( more or less) of evolution).
They give:
"nothingness,
random chance,
nature,
survival of the fittest, etc.
The engineering, coding, information, creating etc. of life
rather than the all knowing God
called here: the potter.
They are truly blind!
Done for today.
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Post by Cindy on Nov 22, 2023 11:59:57 GMT -5
To reply about your question concerning who to keep talking to it's pretty easy to tell who you should and who you shouldn't. If the person is sounding angry, that's a good sign you're throwing your pearls to pigs. If no matter what you say, they come back with an argument, again it's sign you need to stop. You don't have to talk for a long time to figure this out.
If you say something and they argue about it and you reply, and they argue about that, then your next response should be something like, "I'm not willing to discuss this any longer, but Please know that anytime you have a question about God or His Word, all you have to do is sincerely ask Him to show you the answer and then read His Word. He will show you the truth, if you really want to know it." That is speaking the truth in love. It's not mean at all. It's totally true and loving. Then, no matter what they say, don't react to it. If it's on facebook, just ignore them, or, if you want to, you can block them and/or delete their posts from your page.
If it's in person, how you handle it will depend on the person. If they get irate, you can say something like I posted above and then ask them to leave. If they refuse, you can call the police, or simply tell them you will. But I know you won't do that, so instead, the only other way you can handle it is if you leave the room and go into another room and close and lock the door behind you. Or leave your house and go elsewhere.
Now, if someone has argued with you before and returns the next day, or next week and starts to argue with what you've posted, immediately say something similar to my suggestion and then block them. (because the fact that they've started again, shows you didn't block them before lol) Trust me, they won't give up. Blocking them won't mean they can't see God's Word. Remember, God is in control and He will show them what He wants them to see and He will open their minds to understand it when He decides it's time. Blocking them won't stop God or prevent them from being saved or even delay it. If it's in person, again, tell them you won't talk about it and if they're going to insist then they need to leave.
You don't need to reply to them in case others are reading. You can do the above and this in addiction to the above:
State emphatically that you will be happy to discuss scripture with anyone who is sincerely interested, but you will not argue about it and will not allow argumentative posts at all, you'll delete them.
Then you can simply delete the arguments and explain to your hearts content. You don't "owe" anyone an explanation. God can defend His Word and Himself, He doesn't need us to do so. We often think of what the Bible says as a suggestion, but this is a command made by Jesus to us: ““Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.” (Matthew 7:6) Like His other rules and laws, He tells us this for our own protection. That doesn't mean that if we think we can handle it we can go ahead and ignore what He has commanded though! It's ours to trust and obey. 
I like your study but will have to discuss it later this week. 
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,391
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Post by fearnot on Nov 23, 2023 8:19:26 GMT -5
Thank you so much, that was clear,
and step by step... decisive!
I am thinking I probably should have stopped replying
to this one person, sooner.
The only thing that was in my mind,
I was thinking,
maybe someone else reading it
and they would better understand,
that we are all 'sinners'
But, I am thinking,
that was a wrong choice.
At least,
now,
I have the right, godly signals
as to....when to continue,
and
when to stop...
and also perhaps....
when to continue again...
If
they are no longer angry
(but she was)
so now I understand that!!!
and if they were sincerely
wanting to discuss, the issue
so as to really understand what God says in His word.
But I don't 'think' that was the case with this person
since,
I have not heard from her again.
Again, thank you!:)
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Post by Cindy on Nov 23, 2023 10:08:53 GMT -5
Yep, but it's not just if they're angry because some don't show their anger. It's also if they just keep coming back with an argument against whatever you're saying.
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Post by Cindy on Nov 25, 2023 13:52:39 GMT -5
Here's a note from Barbara for everyone. She asked me to let you all know and I figured this was the easiest way to do so:
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,391
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Post by fearnot on Nov 27, 2023 12:47:48 GMT -5
Is it not yet just a little while
Before Lebanon will be turned into a fertile field,
And the fertile field
will be considered as a forest?
Isaiah 29:17
This is a reversal of roles.
It might even point to when Jesus will rule in the 1000 reign.
The nation at that time was sinful,
but in time, a change will come,
and a renovation of the world.
On that day the deaf will hear words of a book,
And out of their gloom and darkness
the eyes of the blind will see.
Isaiah 29:18
The spiritual blindness and deafness will no longer exist.
The afflicted also will increase their gladness in the Lord,
And the needy of mankind
will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
Isaiah 29:19
The messianic age will bring about such a reversal,
that all will rejoice. They will be filled with joy.
Done for today
Sick and also have a shaky computer soooo
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Post by oliverwithatwist on Nov 27, 2023 13:10:45 GMT -5
Praying you feel better soon.
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Post by Cindy on Nov 28, 2023 11:03:50 GMT -5
Amen! And the Messianic age is coming soon! We call it the Millennial Kingdom, and every day we're a day closer to all of God's promises being fulfilled for everyone. Sadly that means many will be going to Hell. That's not God's desire though, it's their desire. They'd rather spend eternity in Hell, than obey God and be blessed by Him. My own mother was like that and it's so hard for me to understand why she hated God. But she blamed Him for the things people did. I guess a lot of people do that. But for those of us who are saved, the best is coming! This life is the worst thing that will ever happen to those of us who are saved. Think about that for a moment. Once we go in the rapture, instantly getting our new improved body, or our current body dies and we receive our new improved one, we will live forever with nothing but joy, peace, happiness, love, and everything positive. There will be a brand new beautiful world made just for us to live and work and play on for eternity!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,391
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Post by fearnot on Dec 2, 2023 12:10:52 GMT -5
For the ruthless will come to an end
and the scorner will be finished,
Indeed all who are intent on doing evil will be cut off;
Isaiah 29:20
There will be a reversal,
The wicked, scorners, and wicked and evil will
come to an end, in the future.
Who cause a person to be indicted by a word,
And ensnare him who adjudicates at the gate,
And defraud the one in the right
with meaningless arguments.
Isaiah 29:21
Those in authority will no longer be able to oppress
the poor, and use meaningless arguments to defraud.
We see a lot of that in our times.
Therefore thus says the Lord,
who redeemed Abraham,
concerning the house of Jacob:
"Jacob shall not now be ashamed,
nor shall his face now turn pale;
Isaiah 29:22
Israel: The Jewish people, are God's chosen people,
and He loves them,
but they also had a history of failure to Him,
which caused them much shame.
Abraham was brought out of a land of pagan idolaters,
and rescued from that, and made a friend of God.
However, the day is coming when Israel ( the Jewish people),
will turn to Jesus, their Messiah,
and they will no longer be ashamed.
Done for Today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,391
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Post by fearnot on Dec 4, 2023 8:59:02 GMT -5
But when he sees his children,
the work of My hands,
in his midst,
They will sanctify My name;
Indeed, they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob
And will stand in awe of the God of Israel.
Isaiah 29:23
Jacob's children
( offspring, in the future)
will become virtuous,
they will be reformed and recovered from sin by God.
“And it shall be that in the place
where it was said to them,
‘you are not My people,’
There they shall be called sons of the living God.”
Romans 9:26
They will do what we all were created for:
to love, and stand in awe of God.
"Those who err in mind
will know the truth,
And those who criticize
will accept instruction.
Isaiah 29:24
Those who were once astray, scornful, proud, critical, arrogant,
and had haughty and rebellious attitude etc.
But grumbled in their tents;
They did not listen to the voice of the Lord.
Psalms 106:25
but now,
having true respect and love for God....
will have spiritual insight and discernment,
and a willing heart and mind,
to learn the truth,
and thus will become worthy descendants of Jacob,
instead of unworthy ones.
Done for Today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,391
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Post by fearnot on Dec 5, 2023 12:59:04 GMT -5
"Woe to the rebellious children," declares the Lord,
"Who execute a plan,
but not Mine,
And make an alliance,
but not of My Spirit,
In order to add sin to sin;
Isaiah 30:1
They decided to look to Egypt for help,
rather than God.
They were in a hard spot, were weak and scared,
but to go to wicked people for help,
instead of God is a sin.
Also, God had forbidden them to make an alliance with Egypt:
Moreover, he shall not multiply horses for himself,
nor shall he cause the people to return to Egypt
to multiply horses,
since the Lord has said to you,
‘You shall never again return that way.’
Deuteronomy 17:16
also:
when the Lord your God delivers them before you
and you defeat them,
then you shall utterly destroy them.
You shall make no covenant with them
and show no favor to them.
Deuteronomy 7:2
God did not wish that his people
should be corrupted by the superstitions of pagans,
and become accustomed to their corruptions,
and slowly on, to imitate their sins, and adding sins to sin.
Who proceed down to Egypt Without consulting Me,
To take refuge in the safety of Pharaoh
And to seek shelter in the shadow of Egypt!
Isaiah 30:2
They stubbornly follow their own plan, even in the face of God's prohibition.
In fact, they did not even bother to consult God at all.
They sought to hoped for power of evil,
while not trusting in God's power.
However, there are consequences when a person, or a nation does that:
"Therefore the safety of Pharaoh
will be your shame
And the shelter in the shadow of Egypt,
your humiliation.
Isaiah 30:3
This is a lesson for people today.
Those who reject God in their arrogance,
and follow their so called superior intelligence,
will eventually come to shameful and humiliating ruin,
sorrow, disgrace and potentially way worse .
Done for Today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,391
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Post by fearnot on Dec 6, 2023 17:16:53 GMT -5
"For their princes are at Zoan
And their ambassadors arrive at Hanes.
Isaiah 30:4
The Jews continue with their foolish attempt for an alliance.
They have sent those persons of the highest respectability and honor,
even princes, to secure it.
Zoan was the residence of the kings in Lower Egypt and the place to go,
in order to negotiate an alliance.
It seems in order to try and obtain this alliance,
the Jews had to go thru
much expense and labor.
They could have called on God without all this hardship or expense.
"Everyone will be ashamed
because of a people
who cannot profit them,
Who are not for help or profit,
but for shame and also for reproach."
Isaiah 30:5
So these ambassadors found out
that the Egyptians, either unwilling to enter into an alliance,
or unable to render them any aid.
And then...
they were ashamed,
that they had sought Egypt's assistance,
rather than on their God who was and is:
all powerful.
And here is a glimpse of what they had endured,
on their foolish trek.
The oracle concerning the beasts of the Negev.
Through a land of distress and anguish,
From where come lioness and lion,
viper and flying serpent,
They carry their riches on the backs of young donkeys
And their treasures on camels' humps,
To a people who cannot profit them;
Isaiah 30:6
They trudged along with the caravan heavily laden with treasures,
and lists some of the dangers they encountered.
However, I wonder about the 'flying serpent'....intriguing ( a dragon?).
This is a lesson for us today.
It is so easy to trust in riches, technology, etc.
Rather than God.
Done for today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,391
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Post by fearnot on Dec 7, 2023 12:42:52 GMT -5
Even Egypt, whose help is vain and empty.
Therefore, I have called her
"Rahab who has been exterminated."
Isaiah 30:7
Egypt was unwilling to help
and therefore called Rahab.
I shall mention Rahab and Babylon among those who know Me;
Behold, Philistia and Tyre with Ethiopia:
‘This one was born there.
Psalms 87:4
and
You Yourself crushed Rahab like one who is slain;
You scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm.
Psalms 89:10
Rahab: sitting idle, strength, haughtiness, boastful, prideful.
She (Egypt) boasted of her strength, but sat idle.
Now go, write it on a tablet before them
And inscribe it on a scroll,
That it may serve in the time to come
As a witness forever.
Isaiah 30:8
God instructs Isaiah to make a record,
of Israel's folly, of trusting in Egypt,
instead of God.
This record also shows the patience and forbearance of God,
towards His obstinate and rebellious people.
This is a warning for people today, as well.
For this is a rebellious people, false sons,
Sons who refuse to listen To the instruction of the Lord;
Isaiah 30:9
Because of their unwillingness, and rebelliousness,
God deemed it necessary to keep a permanent record,
of their sins.
And the core issue is the contempt of God's Word,
and thus God Himself.
They openly revolted against Him,
and they did not want to be held accountable to Him,
they could not endure God's authority....
they wanted to be the captains of their own destiny.
Tho one might think this is just ancient history,
but it is 'exactly' what is happening today!
Done for Today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,391
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Post by fearnot on Dec 10, 2023 18:20:43 GMT -5
Who say to the seers,
"You must not see visions";
And to the prophets,
"You must not prophesy to us what is right,
Speak to us pleasant words,
Prophesy illusions.
Isaiah 30:10
The people did not want to hear, what God had to say.
Rather, they want to hear nice pleasant things.
This reminds me of many churches today.
Pastors either say: very very about:
sin, disobedience, sexual sins, and a vast variety of other sins,
and almost never mention Hell...
or
they say nothing at all,
about such 'controversial' and 'upsetting' topics.
And this is so, in a large part,
because if they did preach on such topics,
many people would just stop coming to their church,
if they brought those issues as so-called 'scare tactics.
Instead, people want to go to church,
where the 'worship' music,
is on par
to a really good rock concert;
and the pastor ONLY talks about how God loves you.
Further some churches now, have women and gay pastors,
and so on.
Not unlike, what the people in the past wanted also.
So that, this ancient history,
is repeating itself today.
In fact, their real desire
(then and now)
is like this next verse:
"Get out of the way,
turn aside from the path,
Let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel."
Isaiah 30:11
They were tired of hearing what God wanted,
instead they wanted to be accommodated.
In essence, they did not want the straight and narrow
path of absolute truth,
they preferred deceit and falsehood.
Enter through the narrow gate;
for the gate is wide
and the way is broad
that leads to destruction,
and there are many who enter through it.
For the gate is small
and the way is narrow
that leads to life,
and there are few who find it.
Matthew 7:13-14
Not wanting to hear the truth of God's word,
will mean,
instead,
they WILL hear,
God's judgement.
Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel,
"Since you have rejected this word
And have put your trust in oppression and guile,
and have relied on them,
Isaiah 30:12
This 'rejected; word,
refers to God's word and instructions.
They relied on man's words.
Therefore this iniquity will be to you Like a breach about to fall,
A bulge in a high wall,
Whose collapse comes suddenly in an instant
Isaiah 30:13
This suggests sudden disaster and ruin, as a result.
Destruction, may seem to be delayed so long,
that people think, it will never actually ever happen...
but then it comes in an instant.
Done for Today.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,391
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Post by fearnot on Dec 12, 2023 12:38:29 GMT -5
Whose collapse is like the smashing of a potter's jar,
So ruthlessly shattered
That a sherd will not be found among its pieces
To take fire from a hearth
Or to scoop water from a cistern."
Isaiah 30:14
Just as the wall collapses suddenly and is devastating,
so it is with the smashing of the potters jar.
Thus, so will the nation of Israel be demolished,
the ruin, will be so complete, as to not be able to find any remnant.
Other nations ought to take note of the warning, but for the most part,
they do not.
For thus the Lord God,
the Holy One of Israel, has said,
"In repentance and rest you will be saved,
In quietness and trust is your strength."
But you were not willing,
Isaiah 30:15
They were not willing to rest in the confidence of God.
God had given them the path of safety.
If they had relied on God, His promise was victory.
They did not rest quietly in faith of His promise.
And you said, "No, for we will flee on horses,
" Therefore you shall flee!
"And we will ride on swift horses,
"Therefore those who pursue you shall be swift.
Isaiah 30:16
Their backup plan was to rely on swift horses...
but perhaps also, as a quick way to Egypt..
again, in any case, they are not trusting in God.
They continue in their obstinacy.
In a way, this also reminds me of today.
People reject God,
and trust, and rely on
'science and technology' to be their saviors.
But just like Isaiah points out,
faster horses will pursue them.
I 'think' those who trust in science
may soon find out, something similar.
Done for Today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,391
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Post by fearnot on Dec 14, 2023 8:30:09 GMT -5
One thousand will flee at the threat of one man;
You will flee at the threat of five,
Until you are left as a flag on a mountain top
And as a signal on a hill.
Isaiah 30:17
They will be easily scared, frightened, panicked,and alarmed,
by a very small number of enemies,
sort of like being afraid of their own shadows.
The Lord will take away their courage, they will lose heart.
They will become cowards of even one single enemy.
But those who managed to survive and escape would be like a beacon,
and a warning,to others,
the evil, of not relying on God, or obeying Him, and disrespecting Him.
Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you,
And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you.
For the Lord is a God of justice;
How blessed are all those who long for Him.
Isaiah 30:18
They were not willing to wait on God,
however, God is waiting to have compassion on them.
God is just and will do what is right,
and will also have compassion on them.
O Lord, I have heard the report of you,
and your work, O Lord, do I fear.
In the midst of the years revive it;
in the midst of the years make it known;
in wrath remember mercy.
Habakkuk 3:2
God is encouraging them, as they are despairing.
There is yet hope, for better things, in the future.
There may be some waiting, which is both hope and faith.
Nevertheless:
O people in Zion, inhabitant in Jerusalem,
you will weep no longer.
He will surely be gracious to you
at the sound of your cry;
when He hears it, He will answer you.
Isaiah 30:19
Their foolishness of relying on Egypt for aid,
resulted in calamities....
nevertheless,
God encourages them,
by letting them know, in the future,their weeping will end,
and joy will come.
The Lord will hear them when they turn to Him, and cry out to Him,
in earnest prayer.
He will be gracious.
In other words their sadness and great anguish,
will have an ending.
God's kindness, is not just in words but also in deeds.
I think this can be an encouragement to those of us today.
Many people today, have great sorrows,
but the Lord will comfort us,
and Joy will yet be our blessing.
Done for Today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,391
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Post by fearnot on Dec 18, 2023 17:50:48 GMT -5
Although the Lord has given you bread of privation
and water of oppression,
He, your Teacher will no longer hide Himself,
but your eyes will behold your Teacher.
Isaiah 30:20
They had affliction, and want, distress, and oppression,
because of their disobedience...
but God will open their eyes to the truth,
of the true prophets.
They will be made stronger,
and will be blessed,
after enduring chastisement.
Your ears will hear a word behind you,
"This is the way, walk in it,
" whenever you turn to the right or to the left.
Isaiah 30:21
They will no longer be callous and rebellious.
They will have godly guides, and will train them,
into true obedience.
This teaching, won't be arduous, exhausting, or difficult.
It will be easy to follow, turn to the right, or left.
And you will defile your graven images overlaid with silver,
and your molten images plated with gold.
You will scatter them as an impure thing,
and say to them, "Be gone!"
Isaiah 30:22
They will despise those idols as an abomination and an abhorrence!
They will want to devote their mind, hearts, and spirit to worshiping,
the true God.
Gold and silver are nothing compared to God!
I imagine, there would be, even a great relief, to be rid of them.
The idols did them no good, and a great deal of harm.
Done for Today.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,391
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Post by fearnot on Dec 21, 2023 16:31:46 GMT -5
Then He will give you rain for the seed
which you will sow in the ground,
and bread from the yield of the ground,
and it will be rich and plenteous;
on that day your livestock will graze in a roomy pasture.
Isaiah 30:23
This will be when Jesus reigns for a 1000 years, during the Messianic kingdom....
even nature will be restored.
It will be a peaceful, productive, golden age.
The people will be in want of nothing, and will receive every kindness from God.
God's kindness extends to the animals as well...as seen in the next verse also.
Also the oxen and the donkeys which work the ground
will eat salted fodder,
which has been winnowed with shovel and fork.
Isaiah 30:24
The oxen and donkeys will eat grain that is usually only for humans,
because of the prosperity, goodness and kindness that God has given.
On every lofty mountain and on every high hill
there will be streams running with water
on the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall.
Isaiah 30:25
Water flowing does not usually happen on high mountains,
but when Jesus reigns, it will be so.
Powerful enemies of Israel will fall.
Those who obey God...will be blessed,
even if, delayed until, in the future reign of Jesus.
The light of the moon will be as the light of the sun,
and the light of the sun will be seven times brighter,
like the light of seven days,
on the day the Lord binds up the fracture of His people
and heals the bruise He has inflicted.
Isaiah 30:26
This great increased light, will not be detrimental,
like during the tribulation.
Rather it will be to their advantage.
Done for Today
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Post by oliverwithatwist on Dec 21, 2023 20:20:09 GMT -5
Praying for that wonderful day to come soon!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,391
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Post by fearnot on Dec 22, 2023 11:37:59 GMT -5
Thank you Oliver....you and me both!!!!
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Post by Cindy on Dec 26, 2023 12:42:27 GMT -5
You're posts have been so enjoyable to read and very enlightening. Thank you for taking the time to post what you've been learning. I've been reading Ezekiel and interestingly it's lately been like a parallel to what you've been posting, but adding a little more information. We obviously see how Israel continued to fail God, but for me it shows me my own life and how I've failed God over and over again. I know it's not just me, because we all fail Him, but I think once we're saved, we see ourselves more clearly, and realize how we've failed God. For me, that realization has become clearer practically every year. But along with that realization, it realizing the magnanimous our God is. It shows too, how much He loves and cares for us, because He saves and forgives us while we are still His enemy. It also shames me that I have such a hard time being anywhere near that magnanimous toward other people who have hurt me. It also causes me to look forward to the day when all my sin nature will finally be completely gone and I'll be able to be as loving as our Lord and will always obey Him instantly. I can't wait for that day!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,391
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Post by fearnot on Dec 26, 2023 13:51:23 GMT -5
I so agree with you Cindy! Everything you said, goes for me too!
But, more important yet, is how "magnanimous our God is!
Lately I have been saying to myself and reminding myself to:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Sometimes I have to say this multiple times over and over each day!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,391
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Post by fearnot on Dec 26, 2023 14:28:54 GMT -5
Behold, the name of the Lord comes from a remote place;
Burning is His anger and dense is His smoke;
His lips are filled with indignation
And His tongue is like a consuming fire
Isaiah 30:27
Many people today, only want a God of 'love'...
which of course God is...
However, God is not just one dimensional in character.
There comes a time when His patience runs out
with sinful, evil rebels, and His anger is kindled.
In this verse, the remote place is Heaven.
I think people then, like unbelievers today,
think even IF God exists, He is so far away,
they can mock Him,
and feel confident,
He will not be a bother to them ever.
However, that is a dangerous way to think,
because in a moment,
He can change the tide, to their utter detriment.
In this case, in this verse,
His anger was directed at the Assyrians,
and He completely overwhelmed them.
Furthermore:
His breath is like an overflowing torrent,
Which reaches to the neck,
To shake the nations back and forth in a sieve,
And to put in the jaws of the peoples the bridle which leads to ruin.
Isaiah 30:28
God will come so suddenly,
upon the proud, wicked, rebellious people,
it will be like a great violent storm and flood.
The shaking the nations back and forth in a sieve,
is also a violent destruction metaphor.
So although God demolished the Assyrians,
God's people rejoiced.
You will have songs as in the night when you keep the festival,
And gladness of heart as when one marches to the sound of the flute,
To go to the mountain of the Lord , to the Rock of Israel.
Isaiah 30:29
The people of God rejoiced,
with thankfulness and gratitude to God,
that God destroyed Assyrian army.
Done for Today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,391
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Post by fearnot on Dec 28, 2023 16:23:46 GMT -5
And the Lord will cause His voice of authority to be heard,
And the descending of His arm to be seen in fierce anger,
And in the flame of a consuming fire
In cloudburst, downpour and hailstones.
Isaiah 30:30
God gives His command to destroy the enemy,
and they know that it is His voice of authority.
At first, it might seem a little hail could not destroy an army!
But then, if you have seen images and videos of some severe hailstorms...
that smashed car windows,
and dented cars badly,
broken off huge tree limbs, and stripped off all the bark on trees,
etc. etc....
If a human army is camped outside,
( in this case, it was the Assyrian army)
such huge hail can break hands, gash heads,
and do all manner of damage.
Depending on exactly how big the hail is ( or was),
and how long it went on,
and there was no place to get away from it...
then indeed, such fierce weather could kill many people,
and cause such overwhelming injuries,
so as to, decimate such an army.
Oh and added to the hail,
a deluge or an extreme flood ( and mud etc.), that would end the battle.
Yes, even to this very day, many people die in such extreme weather conditions.
For at the voice of the Lord Assyria will be terrified,
When He strikes with the rod.
Isaiah 30:31
Assyrians were brutal, cruel, and savage...
they were accustomed to smite people with rods
therefore:
For in the way you judge,
you will be judged;
and by your standard of measure,
it will be measured to you.
Matthew 7:2
A lesson for us today might be,
it is foolish to rely and trust
in the power and might,
of seemingly strong rulers and awesome terrifying weapons...
because if God so chooses,
He needs only to use His voice to decimate them.
After all God created the whole universe, by just speaking!
Never mind all the rest of His unlimited power and knowledge etc.
And every blow of the rod of punishment,
Which the Lord will lay on him,
Will be with the music of tambourines and lyres;
And in battles, brandishing weapons,
He will fight them.
Isaiah 30:32
The victory is/was certain and the Jews celebrated with joyful music.
For Topheth has long been ready,
Indeed, it has been prepared for the king.
He has made it deep and large,
A pyre of fire with plenty of wood;
The breath of the Lord ,
like a torrent of brimstone, sets it afire.
Isaiah 30:33
Topheth or Gehenna reminds us of the eternal torments of the wicked in hell.
The everlasting punishment of the wicked in Hell is in view here.
Sometimes it seems the wicked are living high on the hog,
and no justice or punishment comes to them....
But God has prepared justice, judgment and punishment,
from a long time ago,
for those who refuse to repent of their evil.
God does not favor the entitled, privileged, wealthy, nobles, and kings,
over the poor, needy and humble, if they are unrepentant and wicked,
they will face ever lasting punishment.
Done for Today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,391
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Post by fearnot on Dec 29, 2023 14:32:46 GMT -5
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help
And rely on horses,
And trust in chariots
because they are many
And in horsemen because they are very strong,
But they do not look to the Holy One of Israel,
nor seek the Lord !
Isaiah 31:1
First, when scripture starts with WOE!
That is not a good sign....
it is one we also ought to pay attention to!
That being said,
I think that Israel's military command,
back in those days,
might have, at first, thought,
that it was a very excellent strategy and tactic,
to acquire many horses, chariots etc. from Egypt,
in order, to fight against Israel's enemies....
Sadly, they did not think any deeper,
or past that first tactical error...
of depending on man,
the strength of flesh etc.
as the first and only priority.
But what was even worse,
was they did not even include God in their equation,
they did not seek or ask His help and direction.
Thus they were rebellious and disobedient sinners.
Yet He also is wise and will bring disaster
And does not retract His words,
But will arise against the house of evildoers
And against the help of the workers of iniquity.
Isaiah 31:2
God is all wise, but this verse also is a censure,
against those puffed up in pride of their own wisdom.
He captures the wise by their own shrewdness,
And the advice of the cunning is quickly thwarted
Job 5:13
And
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God.
For it is written,
“He is the one who catches the wise in their craftiness.
1 Corinthians 3:19
What does this proud boasting in one's own wisdom gain?
It provokes God's wrath at such a gross insult!
Here is the Truth, they did not grasp
( but then, many or most people today, do not get it either!)
Now the Egyptians are men
and not God,
And their horses are flesh
and not spirit;
So the Lord will stretch out His hand,
And he who helps will stumble
And he who is helped will fall,
And all of them will come to an end together.
Isaiah 31:3
The Egyptians were just people, like all other people,
and horse are just brute strength....
neither can compare at all to God!
Do not trust in princes,
In mortal man,
in whom there is no salvation.
Psalms 146:3
and
Thus says the Lord,
“Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind
And makes flesh his strength,
And whose heart turns away from the Lord.
Jeremiah 17:5
No Human, animal, weapon etc. can stop what God plans are.
So why ever make them, first and often one's only priority?
Unrepentant sin and wickedness, will not go unpunished!
Done for Today.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,391
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Post by fearnot on Dec 29, 2023 15:46:59 GMT -5
Thank you Oliver! :)
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,391
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Post by fearnot on Jan 1, 2024 17:20:36 GMT -5
For thus says the Lord to me,
"As the lion or the young lion growls over his prey,
Against which a band of shepherds is called out,
And he will not be terrified at their voice
nor disturbed at their noise,
So will the Lord of hosts come down to wage war
on Mount Zion and on its hill
Isaiah 31:4
God compares Himself to a lion,
who is not afraid of, even,
a band of shepherds.
When God chooses to protect us,
nothing can stand in His way.
So God says,
He will be in defense of Jerusalem.
Another example of comparison:
from the animal world,
doing whatever it can,
to protect the young ones safety,
So God will do,
in order to protect Jerusalem:
Like flying birds
so the Lord of hosts will protect Jerusalem.
He will protect and deliver it;
He will pass over and rescue it.
Isaiah 31:5
Therefore, it would behoove the Jews of that day,
to return to Him
( but also, people of today).
Return to Him
from whom you have deeply defected,
O sons of Israel.
Isaiah 31:6
We all need to repent,
because God has been so kind and gracious,
in dealing with us.
Done for Today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,391
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Post by fearnot on Jan 2, 2024 14:45:10 GMT -5
For in that day
every man will cast away
his silver idols
and his gold idols,
which your sinful hands have made for you as a sin.
Isaiah 31:7
Not only are idols useless,
but they are sinful superstitions,
dishonoring their true God.
However, tho these idols,
are named as being of,
silver and gold,
they could also be wood or stone.
Yet furthermore,
they can be 'anything'
man puts above the one and only true God!
Though we humans often like to play the victim:
So and so, made me do it,
it was really someone else's fault... etc.
This verse clearly points the finger of accountability,
at the person(s) themselves...
they made the idols.
So do we today!
No, maybe not material 'idols',
but we today often worship:
money,power, sex, fame,
singers, athletes,politicians, movie stars
and the list goes on and on...
but 'WE' made the choice.
And the Assyrian will fall by a sword not of man,
And a sword not of man will devour him.
So he will not escape the sword,
And his young men will become forced laborers.
Isaiah 31:8
It will not be by strong human warriors,
but by God.
In this case, the Assyrians,
but also, in the future, in the time of
Jacob's trouble, it will be God,
who wins against their enemies.
"His rock will pass away because of panic,
And his princes will be terrified at the standard,
" Declares the Lord ,
whose fire is in Zion
and whose furnace is in Jerusalem.
Isaiah 31:9
Both near and in the distant future,
God will make Jerusalem His 'headquarters'.
From there He will judge nations.
He is the fire.
Done for Today.
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Yes, just like it is today. It's kind of weird, because some of the unsaved will say they can't understand God's Word, and we know the reason they can't understand it is because they aren't saved and they don't really want to understand it. Others that are unsaved will say they do understand it, and generally come up with meanings that are ridiculous, because again, they don't have the Holy Spirit and only those who do have Him can understand God's Word. That's why I quit posting in apologetics because 99.9% of the people posting there, didn't want to know or understand God's Word. They just wanted a good fight. I wasn't willing to throw my pearls to swine. 
