UPDATE: I was floored by how many of you jumped into the classroom and participated in this assignment! (As of noon Monday, several hundred have yet to be moderated but you’ll see them posted soon.) Your papers were FABULOUS. You did exactly what we hoped. You gave the assignment thought and authenticity. My tremendously busy weekend only afforded me a perusal but I look so forward to getting deeper into the stack. You are amazing women. You blow my mind over and over. I wish so much you could all have been at staff prayer today because each coworker brought her homework for us to discuss. We also had a particularly fun and unique translation addition (remember how you were to check 3 translations?)Â because I asked Melissa if she’d read it to us in Hebrew. We got such a charge out of it. It truly was beautiful. To me, one of the most intriguing insights from many of your papers was the varied forms fleeing can take. Those differences were also articulated in our staff circle today. Running takes all sorts of forms, doesn’t it, Sisters? Here’s what we can know: Only when we’re fleeing from God can the enemy catch us. And even then, if we’re in Christ, he cannot have us. Nor can he keep us. Our God be praised. Gotta get back to work! Bible study tomorrow night! I love you, Sisters! And I think about you daily. THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!!
Happy Friday, you wonderful things!
As soon as I push publish on this post, I’ll be heading out the door to the airport. I have a Life Today taping this weekend for the Wednesday program. (Two sessions tonight. Two in the morning.) Please pray for Jesus to fill us, teach us, heal us, and thrill us and that the group will be greatly responsive. Thank you! I do not know where I’d be without prayer. What I’m asking for in this Bible study ministry as a whole is something only Jesus can do. I need Him so much.
OK! So, this morning God impressed something on me in prayer time that I became convinced over the next hour He wanted me to share also with you. It’s coming in the way of a homework assignment I want to offer to any of you who’d like to participate. I have to be sparing in my words this morning because I have very little time but my heart is tremendously enlarged over it.
Here’s the ground rule: Please complete your assignment without reading any of the comments. Let’s resist any comparison or competition. Everybody who participates gets an A+. So you’re not tempted and so that you don’t get well into the assignment and lose your connection and your work, do it first on a Word document or the equivalent and then copy and paste it into your comment. I’m not looking for smart or scholarly sounding responses or ones that demonstrate impressive and great Spiritual prowess. I’m just looking for thought-out answers that are real.
You game? Me, too! OK, here goes. You do not need to include the questions or instructions in your answers but, for the sake of organization, please do list them by number. (1-6)
1. Please go to a website like Bible Gateway or to your Bible software if you have it and look up Isaiah 30:15-18. Please read it thoroughly in 3 different translations. In your response to this first exercise, please tell me what 3 translations you read then copy and paste the one that spoke the most blatantly to you. (In your answer you will have the abbreviations to three translations and then the full text in one of them. Make sense?)
2. Look up the word “threat” in any good English dictionary and write the full definition. After you write the definition, please share how it hits you and how you feel most threatened in this season, if at all. Keep in mind that nothing trips the switch on our insecurity like feeling threatened. Be careful as always in this community not to over-share by telling things about other people who wouldn’t necessarily appreciate it.
3. What does “fleeing” tend to look like in your life? In other words, how are you most prone to flee? And, are you in fleeing mode right now?
4. Compare or contrast the Isaiah text (30:15-18)Â to 1 Peter 5:8-10 and James 4:7.
5. One of my translations this morning for this text was The Message. Here it is on the card I wrote out.
Do you perchance need to hear the words “settle down!” as much as I do? If so, why?
6. Finish your assignment with any particular personal insight you gained from it and, most of all, what you discern God is saying to you through it.
I love this kind of thing! If you don’t, I still love YOU. I will look so forward to reading many of your “papers.” Girl, I do dearly relish a classroom, and from both sides of the desk. Lindsee will be in town moderating your comments then I will start looking at them as soon as I finish up in Dallas.
PRAY FOR US! I LOVE YOU!!!
1. NIV, ESV, and AMP
AMP Isaiah 30: 15-18
15 For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning [to Me] and resting [in Me] you shall be saved; in quietness and in [trusting] confidence shall be your strength. But you would not,
16 And you said, No! We will speed [our own course] on horses! Therefore you will speed [in flight from your enemies]! You said, We will ride upon swift steeds [doing our own way]! Therefore will they who pursue you be swift, [so swift that]
17 One thousand of you will flee at the threat of one of them; at the threat of five you will flee till you are left like a beacon or a flagpole on the top of a mountain, and like a signal on a hill.
18 And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!
2. An indication or warning of probable trouble. The future feels threateningâŠWeâve had 12 years of one thing happening after another… The Lord has always seen us throughâŠbut we have been left weary and weak. My threat is – trepidation of what the future holds.
3. Fleeing tends to look likeâŠbeing anxiousâŠtrying to figure it all outâŠwondering how it will all work outâŠwondering what we are going to do about this or about that⊠trying to plan it all out so I feel secure. I am not in full blown fleeing mode⊠but I am starting to *want* to go there. : )
4. What stood out to me most from 1Peter and James was *submit yourselves/humble yourself*⊠the very beautiful reminder that it is *not* about me⊠that the Lord has a PLAN⊠HE has it all figured outâŠI just need to REST in HIM!!!!
5. Oh My!! That is exactly what I need to hear!! I often feel like a dog that is on a walk with her Master â I am often pulling and pulling on my leash trying to go faster than my Master or figure out where we are going, rather than staying by my Masters side and enjoying the walk.
6. The very much needed reminder that He is HereâŠHe is in controlâŠI just need to settle down and REST in HIM!!
Gee whiz…this is gonna be long. Sorry.
1. I read this in the Amplified, the NASB and The Message. The Amplified version was the one that was most satisfying to me.
âFor thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning [to Me] and resting [in Me] you shall be saved; in quietness and in [trusting] confidence shall be your strength. But you would not,
16 And you said, No! We will speed [our own course] on horses! Therefore you will speed [in flight from your enemies]! You said, We will ride upon swift steeds [doing our own way]! Therefore will they who pursue you be swift, [so swift that]
17 One thousand of you will flee at the threat of one of them; at the threat of five you will flee till you are left like a beacon or a flagpole on the top of a mountain, and like a signal on a hill.
18 And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!â
2. Threat: an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage or one that threatens, also an indication of something impending (Merriam-Webster). It sounds silly but in a nutshell my biggest threat is that Jesus will come back before Iâve got everything straightened out in my life. There are a lot of sins and habits that I havenât really dealt with that I need to put my attention to. I havenât overcome everything completely yetâŠI havenât even made it to what Romans 12 talks about as âreasonable service.â Iâd like to get to the point in my life where Iâm tithing properly (because that shows trust), am spending daily quiet time with Jesus (because thatâs relationship), and am saturated with the Word (because thatâs life to me.) I figure if I can just get these 3 items down, then the rest will follow.
3. Fleeing looks like busywork in my life. Thereâs always something more pressing than spending time in the Word, or reflecting on it and getting it into my spirit. There are complete mountain ranges of laundry and dishes to be done (suddenly, even though I can stop and watch a movie for two hours, those things become of dire importance when I try to read my Word). Fleeing also looks like time spent on Facebook or Pinterest, dreaming and wishing for a life that I donât have, instead of being grateful for the one I do have. Or looking at the news headlines and being so righteously concerned and upset about the state of affairs in the world or things which are beyond my sphere of influence, instead of paying attention to my little plot of ground.
4. GahâŠI always got an F in comparing and contrasting thingsâŠummm in all honesty, Isaiah seems to convey the idea of just stopping and thatâs the only action required. Peter and James go a step further and say that in addition to trusting and relying on Jesus, we must resist the devil. This seems to require more of me than just throwing up my hands and doing my very best Carrie Underwood impersonation and hollering âJESUS TAKE THE WHEEL!â I suppose trusting is an act of resistanceâŠI dunno. It bears more thinking out.
5. Well duhâŠyeah. This part always sort of frustrates me in my walk. As mentioned above thereâs the part where the Spirit is sayingâŠsettle down. Relax and just trust in the work that was done on the Cross. Then thereâs the other part about being a doer of the Word and not just a hearer of the Word and that faith without works is dead. I struggle a lot with the fine line between obedience and living by the law. If, as Paul says, all things are lawfulâŠthen nothing I do can be outside of the limits of Godâs grace. Which is a very freeing thought indeed. And hereâs another struggleâŠalthough I must admit sinning is pleasurable (and Iâm not talking about major biggiesâŠIâm talking about over-eating, worrying, and okay one biggie like letting my mind wander to things it shouldnât) for a moment at leastâŠin that way I am tempted to sinâŠbut at the same timeâŠI donât want to be bad. I donât want to be a disappointment. I want to be saved from the desire to sin. Now. Not in the sweet bye and bye. Iâm not sure if that answers what youâre asking but itâs where Iâm living at.
6. Iâm still working on the insight stuffâŠbut right off the top of my headâŠmaybe itâs that trusting and relying on Jesus isnât sitting around in the lotus position with my eyes closed going âOmmm.â Maybe itâs in the act of resisting the devil. When I do that, Iâm basically saying to JesusâŠYouâre right. Your ways are good. I trust You in that Your word says not to go this way, so instead Iâm going the way You propose for me.
1. NIV84, The Message, NASB
This is what the Sovereign Lord , the Holy One of Israel, says: âIn repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. You said, âNo, we will flee on horses.â Therefore you will flee! You said, âWe will ride off on swift horses.â Therefore your pursuers will be swift! A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will all flee away, till you are left like a flagstaff on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill.â Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! (Isaiah 30:15-18 NIV84)
2. Threat: an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage; one that threatens; an indication of something impending.
I haven’t necessarily associated threat with inflicting evil, so that is really what hit me. And in this season of my life, God is impressing upon me the importance of being aware of and on guard against Satan’s attacks and threats. I don’t necessarily feel threatened at this time, but more have an awareness of threat. As I go through this study, I have a tremendous sense that God is preparing me for something.
3. Fleeing in my life can sometimes look like an ostrich–sticking my head in the sand and hoping that the threat will just go away. Other times, it’s retreating to a place where I feel comfortable, safe and loved (often to my parents!). I’m not fleeing at this point in my life.
4. In 1 Peter: he is sayin to be aware of the threat and to stand firm on God’s word and in the faith. While the road may be bumpy, God has us, so we must rest in Him. In His power, we are strong. No fleeing here!
James: Here I see waiting on The Lord, like in Isaiah. After all, that is where our strength comes from. And when we do so, God will give us all the tools, strength and courage we need to stand up & resist Satan.
5. I need to settle down in The Lord, wait for Him and not try to do things in my own strength (which I do far too often!).
6. This time in the Word was yet another encouragement from God to be alert and that I need to dedicate myself to the study of God’s Word. (Side note: I was blessed to listen to Kay Arthur this weekend in Edmonton, Canada at a conference called Break Forth. She, as you have Mama Beth, urgently urged us to get serious about God’s Word. I am claiming it!!) I need to do this in order to submit myself to God, so that I can resist the Devil and he WILL flee. What are you preparing me for, Lord?
1. Isaiah 30:15-18 New Life Version (NLV) The Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, âIn turning away from sin and in rest, you will be saved. Your strength will come by being quiet and by trusting.â But you would not. 16 You said, âNo, we will go away fast on horses.â So you will go away in a hurry! You say, âWe will go on fast horses.â So those who come to take you will be fast. 17 One thousand will run away as one man stands up against them. You will all run away when five stand up against them, until you are like flags lifted up on a mountain top, like something special to see on a hill. 18 So the Lord wants to show you kindness. He waits on high to have loving-pity on you. For the Lord is a God of what is right and fair. And good will come to all those who hope in Him.
2. Threat: An expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage; one that threatens; an indication of something impending.
I feel threatened by consistently having more to do than I can possibly get done. It threatens my peace of mind. It erodes both quantity and quality of my quiet time with God. I donât know what kind of âimpending doomâ Iâm expecting. Iâm not in school anymore where my final grade is going to suffer because I didnât get all of my homework done. Itâs not very logical to think God will not be pleased with me unless I work myself into a state of burnout. Once again I am facing my people-pleasing tendencies and I need to acknowledge that I am also a âpeopleâ. Maybe I am trying to please myself by working this hard, not God?
3. Fleeing to me is running back to my old fleshly patterns for coping with stress. It is something I feel God has been challenging me to deal with lately. Can I just rest in quiet trust believing that He will work everything out? Or do I kick into high gear, work so many hours that I stop eating healthy, manipulate and control, and put tasks above relationships? Can I really miss a deadline in order to spend time with God in the morning, or do I let my spirit gradually dry up from lack of time abiding in His Word until I reach a point where I am an emotional mess? I am not in âfleeingâ mode right now, but I find it necessary to frequently and consciously choose faith and hope over fear.
4. The verses in Peter and James are similar in the concept of resisting the impulse to take matters into our own hands. Peter indicates that God is the one who will restore us after we have suffered a little while. James shows that submitting ourselves to God is the way to resist the devil, not by trying to work things out for ourselves. All three of these verses state that we really do have a choice in how we respond to circumstances. The previous verse in Peter talks about casting our anxieties on God because He cares for us, just as in Isaiah 30:18. If we truly believe that He cares for us we are then able to choose to rest in quiet trust.
5. I really did need to hear the words âsettle down!â I need to realize that how I act and react is an indicator of whether my faith in God is genuine. I canât just praise God on Sunday morning, then run around in a panic for the rest of the week. And running is never going to solve anything because my urgent tasks overtake me faster than my fastest âhorseâ of self-effort.
6. What I discerned God saying to me most was that He cares about me. I am not in this busy season alone with no one to depend on but myself. He longs to show me kindness (Isaiah 30:18). He cares about my anxieties (I Peter 5:7) and He promises that He Himself will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish me (I Peter 5:10).
1. NLT, ESV, NKJV {& not meaning to be a problem student, but I understood verses 15-17 best in the NLT and verse 18 best in the NKLV}
15 This is what the Sovereign LORD,
the Holy One of Israel, says:
âOnly in returning to me
and resting in me will you be saved.
In quietness and confidence is your strength.
But you would have none of it.
16 You said, âNo, we will get our help from Egypt.
They will give us swift horses for riding into battle.â
But the only swiftness you are going to see
is the swiftness of your enemies chasing you!
17 One of them will chase a thousand of you.
Five of them will make all of you flee.
You will be left like a lonely flagpole on a hill
or a tattered banner on a distant mountaintop.â {Isaiah 30:15-17 NLT}
18 Therefore the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you;
And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you.
For the LORD is a God of justice;
Blessed are all those who wait for Him. {Isaiah 30:18 NKJV}
2. Threat: 1. An expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage 2.one that threatens 3.an indication of something impending {www.merriam-webster.com}
I think my current âthreatâ is one of forgiveness. I was âdamagedâ as a little girl. As an adult, I forgave this personâŠor so I thought. With his passing, seeing him lifted and praised with a new address beside my heavenly Father stirs feeling of anger and resentment. Is this ok? I read Matthew 6:14-16 âFor if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.â What does this mean? Where do I stand? I could make the argument that I have committed far worse sins than he, and I am savedâŠso why canât he be? Why does the thought of him residing in heaven make be uneasy? My threat is one of balancing unforgivness and quarreling with satan as he whispers in my ear that my own salvation is questionable.
3. For me, fleeing is ignoring, walking away from, or burying those things that are threatening. If not asked to address these things, perhaps {prayerfully} time will help to heal. I think I was fleeingâŠand am now blindsided to forcefully deal with these lingering emotions.
4. Isaiah 30:15-18, 1 Peter 5:8-10 & James 4:7 {what a sweet spot I hold for James} tell me that God is justice and One who gives blessings. The devil is one who seeks to kill and destroy. Resting in He who is the Savior will force the evil one to depart so that Christ may show mercy and provide unparallel protection.
5. Getting worked up causes the devil to get the best of us. 1 Peter 5:8 reminds me âBe alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.â I need to be aware that at every turn ad opportunity, satan is looking to trip us, looking to make us fall..and laughing at each measure. Reminded that, as told in James 4:7, âSubmit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. â If I cling to Him, settle in His promises, the scoundrel will flee as he is no match for Him.
6. Itâs amazing that this was posted, a constant reminder that God is in the details. I began this work on Friday and came back in to finish it this Monday morning. This was medicine I needed for a breaking heart. I didnât know what was around the corner this weekend, but the Lord did. He saw what was to come and knew Iâd need this reassurance this morning. Fully resolved? Perhaps not, but seeing my enemy and attacker for who he is gives me better position to fight him off. I have assurance and a resting place in the arms of my Father. Iâll spend my day praying for guidance and peace as He walks me through this pain; begging, longing to just âwait on Himâ and his healing.
A Little Weekend Homework Assignment:
1. NIV, ESV, The Message.
The Message:
God Takes the Time to Do Everything Right
15-17 GOD, the Master, The Holy of Israel,
has this solemn counsel:
âYour salvation requires you to turn back to me
and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves.
Your strength will come from settling down
in complete dependence on meâ
The very thing
youâve been unwilling to do.
Youâve said, âNothing doing! Weâll rush off on horseback!â
Youâll rush off, all right! Just not far enough!
Youâve said, âWeâll ride off on fast horses!â
Do you think your pursuers ride old nags?
Think again: A thousand of you will scatter before one attacker.
Before a mere five youâll all run off.
Thereâll be nothing left of youâ
a flagpole on a hill with no flag,
a signpost on a roadside with the sign torn off.â
18 But GODâs not finished. Heâs waiting around to be gracious to you.
Heâs gathering strength to show mercy to you.
GOD takes the time to do everything rightâeverything.
Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.
2. threat
noun1.
a declaration of an intention or determination to inflict punishment, injury, etc., in
retaliation for, orconditionally upon, some action or course; menace: He confessed under the threat of imprisonment.
2.an indication or warning of probable trouble: The threat of a storm was in the air.
I feel threatened by an emotional infliction that my son is suffering from. My son, who is away at University, became ill with O.C.D. just before leaving for school. I worry so much about him! I wake up in the early morning hours and he is the first thing that comes to my mind. I am learning to leave him in Godâs hands and to trust Him, knowing that He has a plan for my son, and it is good! I feel totally out of control, not knowing if my son is taking his medication or even if it is working. In my own life, my parents didnât know or seem to care how I was or what I did. In reaction to this, I have over parented. I have been overprotective, overly vigilant, and gone overboard with trying to keep my kids safe and healthy. It is a HUGE adjustment to be so out of touch with what is happening with my son. However, I know that God is with him and that it is time for me to let go and allow my son to mature and grow. If it wasnât for this affliction that he has, I wonder if it wouldnât be easier to do so.
3. I tend to flee by shopping. I know that sounds bizarre but it is true. Somehow, in the racks of clothes and sale bins I escape my troubles. However, the feeling is fleeting! Once I get home, remorse and regret replace the âhighâ that I experienced at the store. As well, I have a husband to answer to who is not at all understanding or supportive of this coping mechanism.
4. I need to not flee but resist the devil so that he will flee from me!
5. Your strength will come from settling down
in complete dependence on meâ
I so need to settle down and just trust in my heavenly Father!
6. I am so grateful for this word today! I have found that when I pray, in those early morning hours, and place my son in Godâs incredibly capable hands, I have peace. Who am I to think that I can do a better job at taking care of my son than God? I know that God has been with him since he created him and knit him together in my womb and that He will be with him always! I also know that He has a plan for him an
I know Iâm a little late, but here goes.
Isaiah 30:15-18 (The Message)
Isaiah 30:15-18
The Message (MSG)
God Takes the Time to Do Everything Right
15-17 GOD, the Master, The Holy of Israel,
has this solemn counsel:
âYour salvation requires you to turn back to me
and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves.
Your strength will come from settling down
in complete dependence on meâ
The very thing
youâve been unwilling to do.
Youâve said, âNothing doing! Weâll rush off on horseback!â
Youâll rush off, all right! Just not far enough!
Youâve said, âWeâll ride off on fast horses!â
Do you think your pursuers ride old nags?
Think again: A thousand of you will scatter before one attacker.
Before a mere five youâll all run off.
Thereâll be nothing left of youâ
a flagpole on a hill with no flag,
a signpost on a roadside with the sign torn off.â
18 But GODâs not finished. Heâs waiting around to be gracious to you.
Heâs gathering strength to show mercy to you.
GOD takes the time to do everything rightâeverything.
Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.
(2 )threat – a declaration of an intention or determination to inflict punishment, injury, etc., in retaliation for, or conditionally upon, some action or course; menace: He confessed under the threat of imprisonment.
The thought of threat as defined above makes my heart race. A feeling of panic comes over me. Never a place I like to be and I can definitely see myself going into a flight mode. I am currently not experiencing this type of situation.
(3) Fleeing to me could just simply mean retreating, shutting down or others out, withdrawing to stay safe at home. I would say I have been there and am currently just beginning to come out.
(4) Compare and ContrastâŠ.Our enemy, the devil is always looking to attack us in a weak spot. To fight off the attacks we must submit ourselves to God and He Himself will restore us and make us strong, firm and steadfast.
So, what Iâm hearing as I put all this together isâŠRun to God, not away from Him. We may get reprimanded, but in love He restores us. Running away puts us in a vulnerable position. Sometimes staying in place and working through a tragedy or pain is extremely difficult, but God promises perfect restoration. Something we can truly count on.
Very good study!
1. MESSAGE, AMPLIFIED, ESV — Message was favorite:
âGOD, the Master, The Holy of Israel,
has this solemn counsel:
âYour salvation requires you to turn back to me
and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves.
Your strength will come from settling down
in complete dependence on meâ
The very thing
youâve been unwilling to do.
Youâve said, âNothing doing! Weâll rush off on horseback!â
Youâll rush off, all right! Just not far enough!
Youâve said, âWeâll ride off on fast horses!â
Do you think your pursuers ride old nags?
Think again: A thousand of you will scatter before one attacker.
Before a mere five youâll all run off.
Thereâll be nothing left of youâ
a flagpole on a hill with no flag,
a signpost on a roadside with the sign torn off.
But GODâs not finished. Heâs waiting around to be gracious to you.
Heâs gathering strength to show mercy to you.
GOD takes the time to do everything rightâeverything.
Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.â
2. âThreatâ = noun. âAn expression of an intention to inflict pain, injury, evil, or punishment.â I feel threatened right now by failure and punishment for sin. I worry about holding it all together. I worry Iâll never stop trying to control everyone and how they feel about me, that I will always feel wound up. That I’ll rely on others for what only Christ can give me! I know this, but why do I keep doing it?
3. Fleeing for me is going after pleasing people aggressively. Working extra outside my home (because praise from kids/husband isnât as rewarding), extra volunteering, extra funny facebook posting, whatever gets me recognition. I am for sure in fleeing mode. I am trying to be more aware of when I feel a âneedâ coming and go to God, but mostly I start looking to others. Just bought kids too much stuff to impress others and make kids like me.
4. I Peter. Wow. “The devil would like nothing more than to catch me napping?!” Ouch. I am alert right NOW, but please Jesus help me as my day chugs along. James: “Yell a loud âNOâ to the devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and heâll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin.” ouch again.
5. YES to hearing the words âSettle down.â Yes, yes yes. I get anxious over everything, and it is clear it is directly in relation to not trusting God and relying on myself to people-please (which is really SELF-please).
6. Insights: James 4:7 âŠ.quit dabbling in sin. I am connecting for the first time in my life a little gateway that opens to my anxiety when I spend money selfishly (which is a past stronghold in my life = materialism, debt, therapy shopping. I KNOW better). I just spent a tiny bit too much on a thing that isnât a big deal (kids’ clothing, they need it, right?), but I am shocked at the sudden flow of depression and anxiety. No one else would ever condemn me on paper, but in my heart I knew I was sinning and what a mess Iâve made. Itâll be easy to clean it up, but why did I do it in the first place? âQuit dabbling in sin!!!!â That is exactly the word I would use, not “overcome again by materialism,” not “back in bondage,” but âdabbling.â And what an avalanche of regret.
Thanks, Beth. I love you mucho. I am going to look at other comments now. But a BIG victory for finishing this and not looking first!
1. NIV, NET, NKJV…NET most spoke to me.
15 For this is what the master, the Lord, the Holy One of Israel says:
âIf you repented and patiently waited for me, you would be delivered;
if you calmly trusted in me you would find strength,
but you are unwilling.
16 You say, âNo, we will flee on horses,â
so you will indeed flee.
You say, âWe will ride on fast horses,â
so your pursuers will be fast.
17 One thousand will scurry at the battle cry of one enemy soldier;
at the battle cry of five enemy soldiers you will all run away,
until the remaining few are as isolated
as a flagpole on a mountaintop
or a signal flag on a hill.â
The Lord Will Not Abandon His People
18 For this reason the Lord is ready to show you mercy;
he sits on his throne, ready to have compassion on you.
Indeed, the Lord is a just God;
all who wait for him in faith will be blessed.
2. THREAT:
A statement of an intention to inflict pain, injury, damage, or other hostile action on someone in retribution for something done or not…: “the family has received death threats”
A menace of bodily harm, such as may restrain a person’s freedom of action.
3. I think I flee by acting rashly in my decision-making…just to try and “make it better” quickly.
6. I think I gotta have a hard conversation with someone I love and trust God with the results.
I so don’t wanna.
Ugh.
1. Revised Standard, New International, below, The Message:
15-17 GOD, the Master, The Holy of Israel,
has this solemn counsel:
âYour salvation requires you to turn back to me
and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves.
Your strength will come from settling down
in complete dependence on meâ
The very thing
youâve been unwilling to do.
Youâve said, âNothing doing! Weâll rush off on horseback!â
Youâll rush off, all right! Just not far enough!
Youâve said, âWeâll ride off on fast horses!â
Do you think your pursuers ride old nags?
Think again: A thousand of you will scatter before one attacker.
Before a mere five youâll all run off.
Thereâll be nothing left of youâ
a flagpole on a hill with no flag,
a signpost on a roadside with the sign torn off.â
18 But GODâs not finished. Heâs waiting around to be gracious to you.
Heâs gathering strength to show mercy to you.
GOD takes the time to do everything rightâeverything.
Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.
2. Threat â a declaration of an intention or determination to inflict punishment, injury, etc., in retaliation for, or conditionally upon, some action or course; menace. An indication or warning of probable trouble. A person or thing that threatens
No one has actually ever threatened me personally, to harm me either because of something I did or didnât do, or because they are bullies. I have not been physically threatened. However, threats to me are perceived and occur most often in the spiritual realm. I perceive that the enemy is threatening me, usually with thoughts of despair, negative self-talk, and fear that something bad will happen to my husband or my children. Perhaps I am the enemy, now thereâs a thought⊠In my sane moments, I know God is in control (even know that in my insane moments!) that his plan and purpose for my life (and my husband and childrenâs lives) is for good, for his glory, not to harm but to help, to give hope and future. But, I do like this passage as a reminder to depend on God for the outcome of any threat, real or perceived, and to wait for his perfect timing without trying to fix the situation at hand.
3. I flee by avoiding contact with others. This gives me plenty of time to be alone with my own crazy thoughts. Probably not a good thingâŠ
4. Compare or contrast the Isaiah text (30:15-18) to 1 Peter 5:8-10 and James 4:7.
The passage in Isaiah talks of us fleeing from the threat or the fear or the enemy. The passages in James talk specifically of the enemy fleeing because God is on our side, as we resist the temptation to put our faith in anything else! If we will wait for God, and not flee ourselves, then God will cause the enemy to do the fleeing! Sounds like a much better position to be in. The passage in I Peter talks about resisting the enemyâs threats and temptations, and standing firm in belief in Godâs ability to work it out. Again, God will work it out.
5. Do you perchance need to hear the words âsettle down!â as much as I do? If so, why? Yes, because my first response is to want to fix something, take care of the uncomfortable, but if I would just stay uncomfortable for a little while and let God fix it, the results are so much more eternal and the lesson of waiting on God is once again lived.
6. Thanks for the reminder to wait for God, stand firm in my faith in God, resist the temptation of fixing something myself, and then be completely blown away as I watch how perfectly God takes care of every little detail.
THANK YOU for the opportunity to grow, Beth! Love your teaching, and always making Godâs word come alive in a personal way for me.
This is what the Sovereign(A) LORD, the Holy One(B) of Israel, says: âIn repentance and rest(C) is your salvation,in quietness and trust(D) is your strength, but you would have none of it.(E) Isaiah 30:15-18 NIV
threat
noun
1. a declaration of an intention or determination to inflict punishment, injury, etc., in retaliation for, or conditionally upon, some action or course; menace: He confessed under the threat of imprisonment.
2. an indication or warning of probable trouble: The threat of a storm was in the air.
3. a person or thing that threatens.
verb (used with object), verb (used without object)
4. Archaic. To threaten
In Isaiah, God wanted repentance and resting (trust) in him, instead at the threat of 1, 1000 fled, with the threat of 5, they all ran. We know there was over 1000, since 1000 fled with one threat. 1000 to 1 odds in favor, and they fled. Wow, sure did give in easy. The odds were definitely in their favor, plus they had God, all they needed to do was rest(trust) in him and they would have had strength to remain.
In 1 Peter we are instructed to be alert, watch what is going on around us, know the odds are in our favor, donât let the devil magnify the threat against us, no threat no matter how large will be greater than Jesus. But none the less, we must resist the devil for him to flee. If we donât use the armour of protection that God gave us through his son Jesus, the devil isnât going to go anywhere, he will continue to cause us to fear and doubt and tuck tail and run, but when we understand the authority we have in Christ, then we will resist and he has to flee.
James 4:10 tells us to Submit ourselves (we canât submit someone else, just ourselves), then resist (we must take action) and then the devil will flee.
So for the devil to flee, there is always two steps that must be taken by us. We must repent or submit ourselves (trust) and then we must resist, we canât keep sinning and expect the devil to just pack up and leave us alone. We have to SUBMIT, RESIST and then he will FLEE. If we donât submit and resist, we will be the ones fleeing from the protection of God. Yet, even when we flee from God, he just patiently waits on us to turn ourselves around and he is waiting there for us.
For myself, it is the little things that I let build up and then want to flee into solitude and then I donât continue my daily Bible readings. The big things, we see easier, the little things we think, âah, I can handle thisâ and honestly, we canât handle anything on our own, we have to have God for even the breath we breathe.
Tammy:Monroe,Ga.
1) NIV HCSB AMP
Isaiah 30:15-18 AMP
15Â For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning [to Me] and resting [in Me] you shall be saved; in quietness and in [trusting] confidence shall be your strength. But you would not,
16Â And you said, No! We will speed [our own course] on horses! Therefore you will speed [in flight from your enemies]! You said, We will ride upon swift steeds [doing our own way]! Therefore will they who pursue you be swift, [so swift that]
17Â One thousand of you will flee at the threat of one of them; at the threat of five you will flee till you are left like a beacon or a flagpole on the top of a mountain, and like a signal on a hill.
18Â And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!
2)threat: “an indication or warning of probable trouble.”
I am presently realizing through a listening prayer class
stuff the Lord wants to work out in me. When learning and
growing in your relationship w/ Jesus it makes the enemy
furious!
3) fleeing: I try to avoid conflict, but realize that is where growth
takes place.
4) In order to stand firm against Devil’s schemes and cause him
flee I must rest and be still before the Lord.
5) settle down, Yes I need to ponder what He is saying and
rest in Him and His Word.
6) The application Jesus wants from me is to spend more time w/
Him. I have not had the long uninterrupted time with Him lately.
I can tell a huge difference!!!!
1) MSG, AMP
NIV
15This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says:
âIn repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it.
16You said, âNo, we will flee on horses.â
Therefore you will flee!
You said, âWe will ride off on swift horses.â
Therefore your pursuers will be swift!
17A thousand will flee
at the threat of one;
at the threat of five
you will all flee away,
till you are left
like a flagstaff on a mountaintop,
like a banner on a hill.â
18Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you;
therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!
2) Threat: 1. a declaration of an intention or determination to inflict punishment, injury, etc., in retaliation for, or conditionally upon, some action or course; menace: He confessed under the threat of imprisonment. 2. An indication or warning of probably trouble: The threat of a storm was in the air. 3. A person or thing that threatens.
Because I am currently doing the Beth Moore study titled âWhen Godly People Do Ungodly Thingsâ I see how this definition relates to that study. Satan is our biggest threat and his attacks are growing.
3) Fleeing is something I do with ease. I shut down, donât confront or speak my mind. I hear the Holy Spirit speaking to me, telling me to speak but I canât open my mouth.
4) 1 Peter 5:8-10: We are under attack from the devil but if we remain in Him and stand firm, He will restore us and make us strong. We are all in this together.
James 4:7: Rely on God and resist the devil. The devil will go away in the end.
Isaiah: Rely on God. Be patient and wait. God will bring justice for you. Donât flee, it will only make things worse.
5) Yes! I do need to hear the words âsettle downâ often. I often want everything to happen NOW and try to take control.
6) I spent January 26-27 at a womenâs retreat and resting in God was part of the focus of that retreat. That is what hits me most in this study. I feel that He is telling me to rest right now because I am about to fight a big fight. I must take some time now to recharge so that I can have the energy I need to do what I am about to do. Not that he is telling me to sit around doing nothing. I must study so that my sword of truth is sharpened. I must be in Him. I donât know what he is preparing me for, but the only way I will make it through is by going through with Him.
1.
NIV
Complete Jewish Bible
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said:âšâYou will be delivered by returning and resting;âšyour strength will lie in quiet confidence.âšBut you are not willing.â
You say, âNo!âš We will escape on horsesâââštherefore you will escape!ââšand, âWe will ride on fast horsesâââšbut those who pursue you will be faster.
One thousand will flee at the threat of one,âšat the threat of five you will flee,âšuntil you alone remainâšlike a solitary pole on a mountaintopâšor a banner on a hill. Isa 30:15-18
2.
THREAT
-an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage
-one that threatens
-an indication of something impending
Merriam-Webster
I facilitate a Bible study. After the Christmas break a lot of the women have not returned.
3.
I go over into âstriving modeâ. (Strive â to devote serious effort or energy).
4.
I am ONLY to:
-Submit to God â return and rest â have QUIET CONFIDENCE IN GOD.
-Resist Satan â be alert â STAND donât âfleeâ.
-PERSEVERE â be firm in the faith.
-Be WILLING to do it GODâs WAY.
5.
Yes, I do. I need to stop striving and rest in quiet confidence. My way will not succeed. His ways alone will succeed. Isa 55:8
6.
Stay where you are! I have placed you there. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Your strength will lie in quiet confidence in Me. I will⊠you can not…
January 28, 2013
Isaiah 30:15-18 Homework Assignment
1. The translations I read:
– The New Century Version
– NIV
– ESV
– The Message:
15-17 GOD, the Master, The Holy of Israel,
has this solemn counsel:
âYour salvation requires you to turn back to me
and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves.
Your strength will come from settling down
in complete dependence on meâ
The very thing
youâve been unwilling to do.
Youâve said, âNothing doing! Weâll rush off on horseback!â
Youâll rush off, all right! Just not far enough!
Youâve said, âWeâll ride off on fast horses!â
Do you think your pursuers ride old nags?
Think again: A thousand of you will scatter before one attacker.
Before a mere five youâll all run off.
Thereâll be nothing left of youâ
a flagpole on a hill with no flag,
a signpost on a roadside with the sign torn off.â
18 But GODâs not finished. Heâs waiting around to be gracious to you.
Heâs gathering strength to show mercy to you.
GOD takes the time to do everything rightâeverything.
Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.
2. The definition to the word âthreatâ:
– an indication of imminent harm, danger, or pain
How do I feel threatened? Iâm not sure that Iâm feeling very threatened in my life right now. I sometimes feel threatened that someone else should maybe be doing what God has called me to do, because in my estimation of them, they seem more equipped to be doing what Iâm doing, even though I can see Godâs hand on my life, placing me exactly where He wants me, but it is still a struggle some days to walk in that faith. I admit there are days when I donât want to do what God has asked of me and feel like sitting âthis one out!â
3. What does fleeing look like?
– Sitting back and letting someone else do what God asked me to do. Thatâs how I flee. I try to become one lost face in the crowd, unnoticed, instead of standing up and crossing the River of Fear to stand in my Promised Land. Itâs easier to watch someone else brave the current and stay right where Iâm comfortableâŠto my shameâŠ
4. Compare Isaiah 30:15-18 to 1Peter 5:8-10 and James 4:7
If the devil is searching fervently for one single person to devour and sees me running from what God has already given me then he has already won without a fight. He may be the one that is planting the doubts in my mind hoping that that will be just enough for me to never move out of fear, or to run in the opposite direction. But knowing that if I submit myself to God, and stay focused on Him, and resist the devilâŠthen he WILL flee. It seems that everything in this Christian walk MUST BE INTENTIONAL!!! I know myself very well, and I know that I can get so caught up in my own comforts that the devilâs lies sound sweet in my ear, because it coddles my own desires. I donât want to be left alone like a âflagpole on a hill with no flag.â Thank God He is âgraciousâ to me!!! Patient with my shenanigans âș
5. Do I hear the words âsettle down!â
-ALL THE TIME!!! When Iâm not settled, I am distracted and can convince my own mind of a lot of nonsense that is just NOT from God. When I settle down and practice being still before my God, I am able to gather strength, and sometimes just the hope of strength to get through the next thing before me.
6. Personal insight: What is God saying to me?
– When He asks something of me, even though I am not qualified in my own strength, and I see many others who are, that if I want to walk with Him in His direction that I need to BE STILL and TRUST that in submitting to His will the devil will flee, no matter how persistent he has been up to that point. Itâs funny because reading over this it seems so simple. But itâs not. Itâs definitely a challenge to not âbecome a forgetful listenerâ and step out and just DO IT AFRAID!!! Knowing God had got my backâŠ
1. NASB; NKJV; AMP
Isaiah 30:15-18
Amplified Bible (AMP)
15 For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning [to Me] and resting [in Me] you shall be saved; in quietness and in [trusting] confidence shall be your strength. But you would not,
16 And you said, No! We will speed [our own course] on horses! Therefore you will speed [in flight from your enemies]! You said, We will ride upon swift steeds [doing our own way]! Therefore will they who pursue you be swift, [so swift that]
17 One thousand of you will flee at the threat of one of them; at the threat of five you will flee till you are left like a beacon or a flagpole on the top of a mountain, and like a signal on a hill.
18 And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!
1. Threat: an expression of intent to do harm; one that threatens â Going through a season of a child experiencing painful divorce and threat of ex trying to take infant grandchild away from only life ever known and from an atmosphere of loving and serving Jesus through lies and deception
3.Fleeing in my life has come to mean falling at the feet of Jesus who alone has all answers (John 6:68). Clinging to our trust in Him and not giving way to fear while at the same time understanding that God doesnât have to do it my way for me to love and serve Him has been particularly challenging lately so standing against fear has been the key.
4.The Isaiah passage in verses 15-17 show that I have a choice to listen to the voice of the adversary (fear) and run and/or go to the wrong place for help while the 1 Peter and James passages speak so loudly what verse 18 in Isaiah says. Hang onto Jesus. Heâs got this. Resisting the enemy is demonstrated by resisting all urges to run to a false god of comfort, security, and help as a response to fear, when God is the only true source.
4. Definitely love ârestâ translated as âsettling downâ and yes I needed to hear that. The first weeks of our struggle were so challenging for me to take captive my thoughts and settle down and not react frantically.
5. Finally after confessing to a desperate need for prayer (to the inmates I minister to ï)the last week has been better. They have been praying for me. How awesome to think of literal prisoners praying for me to be able to take captive my thoughts. I think for me in particular, I have walked with the Lord for a very long time and know His love and faithfulness but had been unable to shake the âwhat if He allows the baby to go âto Egyptâ away from usâ. Even truly knowing that my great God works everything for good for those that love Him, this has been such a challenge. Just sharing my struggle and asking for prayer support has helped so much.
6. Probably already explained enough. Either Godâs got this or He doesnât and I know that I know that He does. Thanks for the encouragement of His Word to continue in trust that He will show Himself strong and true and ever so compassionate for all of us.
1. I read these three verisons – NIV, NKJV and The Message. I liked the wording from The Message the most …
Isaiah 30:15-18
The Message (MSG)
God Takes the Time to Do Everything Right
15-17 God, the Master, The Holy of Israel,
has this solemn counsel:
âYour salvation requires you to turn back to me
and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves.
Your strength will come from settling down
in complete dependence on meâ
The very thing
youâve been unwilling to do.
Youâve said, âNothing doing! Weâll rush off on horseback!â
Youâll rush off, all right! Just not far enough!
Youâve said, âWeâll ride off on fast horses!â
Do you think your pursuers ride old nags?
Think again: A thousand of you will scatter before one attacker.
Before a mere five youâll all run off.
Thereâll be nothing left of youâ
a flagpole on a hill with no flag,
a signpost on a roadside with the sign torn off.â
18 But Godâs not finished. Heâs waiting around to be gracious to you.
Heâs gathering strength to show mercy to you.
God takes the time to do everything rightâeverything.
Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.
The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson
2. Threat –
noun
1. a declaration of an intention or determination to inflict punishment, injury, etc., in retaliation for, or conditionally upon, some action or course; menace: He confessed under the threat of imprisonment.
2. an indication or warning of probable trouble: The threat of a storm was in the air.
3. a person or thing that threatens.
verb (used with object), verb (used without object)
4. Archaic. to threaten.
I do not feel threatened right now but I remember a time when I was.
I work for a large company that has thousands of employees and offices all over the world. A couple of years ago, my company was laying off people in my division. I heard about it from a friend and I remember feeling like I had been on one of those rides at the amusement park that falls really quickly leaving your stomach somewhere up in the air. I have savings and would not lose my home or security for several months but just the idea of losing my job threw me into a frenzy of worry until I got the call from my boss that my job was safe.
3. I tend to flee by distraction – I escape into a book, a TV show / movie, into a craft project or worst of all I distract myself with food – especially if the threat is emotional.
4. All three of these verses say that the devil is after us but trusting in God and keeping His commands will keep us safe from the devil’s influence. Isaiah 30:18 says that God will wait for us (to turn around from our sin) and we should wait for Him to solve our problems / answer our prayers in His time.
5. I visited Israel with a group from my church in 2008. While I was there I got a ring that has Psalm 46:10 in Hebrew around it. When I am stressed or sad or upset I just have to look at my right hand to be reminded to “Be still and know that I am God”. This works for me like this part of Isaiah – “settling down in complete dependence on me”.
6. It is so tempting to try to solve your own problems especially when they seem small. If you can remember that God knows how many hairs are on your head at any given time, it makes it seem silly to try. God is in charge of everything even the little things in your life. This seems difficult but once you internalize this, it takes a lot of stress and worry out of your life. : )
1. NLT, AMP,CEV
15 For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning [to Me] and resting [in Me] you shall be saved; in quietness and in [trusting] confidence shall be your strength. But you would not,
16 And you said, No! We will speed [our own course] on horses! Therefore you will speed [in flight from your enemies]! You said, We will ride upon swift steeds [doing our own way]! Therefore will they who pursue you be swift, [so swift that]
17 One thousand of you will flee at the threat of one of them; at the threat of five you will flee till you are left like a beacon or a flagpole on the top of a mountain, and like a signal on a hill.
18 And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!
2.threat= a declaration of an intention or determination to inflict punishment, injury, etc., in retaliation for, or conditionally upon, some action or course; menace; an indication or warning of probable trouble;
TO ME: A Bullying, particularly by Satan; I’ve been experiencing this right now as we await news on a job possibility for my son, who lives alone in TX, and has been unemployed for 5 1/2 months. He’s grown by leaps and bounds in the Lord during this time, but is presently so fragile and seems near the breaking point. This job seems like the true “desire of his heart”. He will hear this week, and he and we are just dreading what it will mean if he hears another NO. His birthday is Wednesday, and it just seems to add to the weight of what this answer may be.
I have been feeling “threatened” by the fear of how a no answer may simply push him over the edge emotionally.
3. I have been “fleeing” in the sense of just trying not to think too much about it, keeping busy, pushing it aside, or repeatedly begging the Lord for this, rather than going head-on with God with believing that He will speak to me, and listening for His word, His comfort and assurances, His HOPE, no matter what the outcome.
3.
a declaration of an intention or determination to inflict punishment, injury, etc., in retaliation for, or conditionally upon, some action or course; menace: He confessed under the threat of imprisonment.
2. 1 Peter 5:8-10 is one of the verses the Lord gave my son a few weeks ago! This word is perfect for this! My job (and I can encourage my son in this too) is to Resist the devil and see him flee! To Stand Firm in my faith in my God, who is the God of All Grace, who WILL in the right time restore Matt, and make him strong, firm and steadfast. AMEN!I choose to submit myself and my son and his future to our God!!..and to RESIST the devil and watch him flee at God’s command!
4. I do need to “settle down” because with God it’s already settled! He will be my son’s restoration, if he needs to be restored after this decision. He is the God of All grace and He loves my son far more than I do. He will do what is the very best and we will see His hand provide the exact right job at the exact right time. He is faithful and He will do it!! I need to return to the place of quiet trust and let the Lord settle my heart in these truths. He will prevail! He will fight for my son. He will do immeasureably more than we ask or think. He will build my son up and not tear him down. My heart can safely trust in Him…and settle down in His good, strong, comforting arms. He is my place of safe refuge, and my son’s safe place…and my husband’s safe place. We are His and He is Always Good! Amen.
6. I think God is saying to me, “Karen, I know your heart and your concern for your son, because I see how much you love him. I want you to come to Me and rest in Me. I know you are weary and have gone through a lot. You and Tom and Matt have been faithful to Me in this, and I want you to just rest now, and watch for Me. I will rise up to show you compassion. I am going to work justice for you. I want to show you now what I am going to do. I have heard your prayers. Now just watch and trust in Me. You are going to be very happy in what I do. Just rest your weary head and heart. It’s going to be very, very good. I promise, My darling.”
<<
>>
1. Isaiah 30:15-18 ESB, NRSB, Message: GOD, the Master, The Holy of Israel,
has this solemn counsel:
âYour salvation requires you to turn back to me
and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves.
Your strength will come from settling down
in complete dependence on meâ
The very thing
youâve been unwilling to do.
Youâve said, âNothing doing! Weâll rush off on horseback!â
Youâll rush off, all right! Just not far enough!
Youâve said, âWeâll ride off on fast horses!â
Do you think your pursuers ride old nags?
Think again: A thousand of you will scatter before one attacker.
Before a mere five youâll all run off.
Thereâll be nothing left of youâ
a flagpole on a hill with no flag,
a signpost on a roadside with the sign torn off.â
18 But GODâs not finished. Heâs waiting around to be gracious to you.
Heâs gathering strength to show mercy to you.
GOD takes the time to do everything rightâeverything.
Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.
2. threat: a declaration of an intention or determination to inflict punishment, injury, etc., in retaliation for, or conditionally upon, some action or course; menace, an indication or warning of probable trouble, a person or thing that threatens. I feel that the devil is threatening me in several areas, including our finances and my pre-teen boys. It seems that these are 2 real areas that I feel threatened in right now.
3. fleeing? Yes, probably so. Mostly by not walking in complete obedience to Godâs will in my life.
4. WOW! The message was really good with these 2 scriptures, mainly because that was the version that spoke to me in #1.
5. yes I do need to hear it, to remember to be quiet with God, to remember all the wonderful ways God provides for me, even now. To remember to get on my knees before God.
6. yes God is speaking to me, thanks for this short homework lesson, I really needed it for remembrance most of all!! Thank you all at LPM:)
1. I read the passage out of the NIV, HCSB, NLT
Isaiah 30:15-18 NLT
This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.
But you would have none of it.
You said, âNo, we will get our help from Egypt.
They will give us swift horses for riding into battle.â
But the only swiftness you are going to see
is the swiftness of your enemies chasing you!
One of them will chase a thousand of you.
Five of them will make all of you flee.
You will be left like a lonely flagpole on a hill
or a tattered banner on a distant mountaintop.
So the LORD must wait for you to come to him
so he can show you his love and compassion.
For the LORD is a faithful God.
Blessed are those who wait for his help.
2. Definition of threat: an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage; an indication of something impending
Synonyms: HAZARD, IMMINENCE, MENACE, PERIL, PITFALL, RISK, DANGER, TROUBLE
How do I feel threatened? Not seeking out and finding good Christian friends to be accountable to and not truly giving my life over to Christ â It has to be with ALL MY HEART â in Jeremiah 3 its says, âShe did not return to me with all her heart but only in pretense. I do not want to live a life in Christ only in pretense. God help me!
3. I am fleeing by not praying one on one to my Lord. There is a trust issue I cannot overcome. Can He really hear me?
4. 1 Peter 5:8-10 and James 4:7
I know I am at my weakest when I am not strong in Christ. And there it says – the devil is seeking. I know that Satan can throw me off track. I pray for Christ’s support, strength and his firm foundation.
5. I do need to hear “settle down.” Settle in Christ.
Settle in â and let God do His work in me. I am so willing, Satan is telling me lies. I need to give it all over to Jesus daily.
6. I know that God is continuing to tell me to seek HIM. Settle down in complete dependence â not with half my being, but with my whole being. I do not want the Lord to have to WAIT FOR ME to come to him so that he can show me compassion. I want to be already there â at HIS feet, receiving the blessing. I want to come before him without pretense. Lord help me.
1. NIV, NLT and KJV. The NLT was my favorite.
2. Threat â an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury or damage. Satan has been threatening my health, finances, interfering in my marriage and using fear tactics to block me from fulfilling my calling. He has also been striking our family with sickness and death.
3. Flee â I avoid those things that scare me. I try not to have to deal with them as much as possible. Iâm trying to stand and fight with prayer and not flee.
4. Instead of running from trouble, we need to stand firm, hold onto our faith and resist the devil. We need to turn to God for help above all others! He can and will defeat the enemy.
5. Do I need to hear the words settle down? Yes, there has been so much death and destruction lately in my family. We lost a 37yr family member with 2yr old son last week. My spirit is weary and my heart is sick.
6. Settle down Carla, draw close to the Lord. Lean and depend on him and no one else. Donât be afraid. He will fight your battles. It is in Him that we find rest. The Lord is my light and salvation, whom shall I fear? Ps 27:1
1. NIV, ESV, & HCSB
(HCSB)
15 For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said:
âYou will be delivered by returning and resting;
your strength will lie in quiet confidence.
But you are not willing.â
16 You say, âNo!
We will escape on horsesââ
therefore you will escape!â
and, âWe will ride on fast horsesââ
but those who pursue you will be faster.
17 One thousand will flee at the threat of one,
at the threat of five you will flee,
until you alone remain
like a solitary pole on a mountaintop
or a banner on a hill.
The LORDâs Mercy to Israel
18 Therefore the LORD is waiting to show you mercy,
and is rising up to show you compassion,
for the LORD is a just God.
All who wait patiently for Him are happy.
2. This current season has been a threat to damage me financially every time I turn around. I get one thing going and before I can get it taken care of, something else happens.
3. Because I am a Christian, when I feel threatened, I hurry toward a place of security. In my Fatherâs loving arms. Oh yes, with all that I got going on, you better believe I am fleeing like crazy to my Savior. Lord help!
4. During the most intense times of trouble, it is so important to run toward God for his restoration and strength than to run away from him where you are out there on your own to be devoured by the enemy.
5. Oh yes! At times I exhaust myself with so much worry from whatâs going on that I canât even stand myself at times. I so need to just STOP IT and settle down in Godâs strength.
6. I have been in a really tough season going on six years. I believe that God has been speaking to me that itâs about to be over soon and that my waiting will be rewarded. I just need to settle down and hang in there a little bit longer and rest in Godâs confidence.
1. NIV, NET, MSG, NLT
15 This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: âOnly in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it. 16 You said, âNo, we will get our help from Egypt. They will give us swift horses for riding into battle.â But the only swiftness you are going to see is the swiftness of your enemies chasing you! 17 One of them will chase a thousand of you. Five of them will make all of you flee. You will be left like a lonely flagpole on a hill or a tattered banner on a distant mountaintop.â 18 So the LORD must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help.
2. Threat – an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage. A statement of an intention to inflict pain, injury, damage, or other hostile action on someone in retribution for something done or not…: “the family has received death threats”A menace of bodily harm, such as may restrain a person’s freedom of action.
Being moved outside my comfort zone is how I feel most threatened. Being moved into a place where there is going to be much disapproval, rejection, and judgment, by those who donât agree with the message and mission God has given me. These people are my friends, family, and church family.
3. I flee from situations where there is the possibility of rejection, and situations that cause me to appear vulnerable. I live with a self-protecting fear that paralyzes and prevents me from stepping out of the boat. I have fought walking into the place God is calling me to go and feel like that âtattered banner on a distant mountaintopâ referenced in v17. Itâs been going on for 2 year now and I am tired and worn out from âfleeingâ and fighting God, over this. I have compassion for my city and have a passion to step out and do something to make a difference, but am paralyzed by this self-protecting fear. I fear no one will be there to help me accomplish Godâs mission, I fear being laughed at for having such a big vision of what God could do for our city if Godâs people would just step up. I know that most of the people I know do not believe what I believe about God, and what God wants to do in our cities, through HIS people. I fear the disapproval and rejection. I also I feel unworthy to do such a thing for God and that others will view me as unworthy also. Intellectually, I know the enemy is doing this to me to keep me from being a vessel to be used by God, but thus far I have not taken that step of faith and so the enemy still chases me and is allowed to be victorious over me.
4. Submit, die to self, resist the enemy, and he run away from me and cease his present attack. Anything short of submission to God and death to self, leaves the door wide open for the enemy to remain in hot pursuit of me and will continue to keep me defeated.
5. Yes, I do need to hear the words âsettle downâ and SUBMIT, DIE to SELF. I am running around like a chicken with her head cut off, going to conferences, watching messages, doing Bible study after Bible study in search of the MESSAGE from MAN that will trigger my decision to FINALLY become obedient.
6.âSettle down, submit, die, obey, TRUST ME, and stop looking to âEgyptâ (v16) to help you,â this is what God continues to say to me. Itâs not a struggling, and a striving, itâs a submitting and dying to self! But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on meâ 2 Cor 12:9
1.NIV, AMP, NASB
Isaiah 30:15-18
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
15 For thus the Lord [a]GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said,
âIn [b]repentance and rest you will be saved,
In quietness and trust is your strength.â
But you were not willing,
16 And you said, âNo, for we will flee on horses,â
Therefore you shall flee!
âAnd we will ride on swift horses,â
Therefore those who pursue you shall be swift.
17 One thousand will flee at the threat of one man;
You will flee at the threat of five,
Until you are left as a [c]flag on a mountain top
And as a signal on a hill.
18 Therefore the LORD [d]longs to be gracious to you,
And therefore He [e]waits on high to have compassion on you.
For the LORD is a God of justice;
How blessed are all those who [f]long for Him.
Footnotes:
a. Isaiah 30:15 Heb YHWH, usually rendered Lord
b. Isaiah 30:15 Lit returning
c. Isaiah 30:17 Lit pole
d. Isaiah 30:18 Lit waits
e. Isaiah 30:18 Lit is on high
f. Isaiah 30:18 Lit wait
2.
Threat:
1.a declaration of an intention or determination to inflict punishment, injury, etc., in retaliation for, or conditionally upon, some action or course; menace: He confessed under the threat of imprisonment.
2.an indication or warning of probable trouble: The threat of a storm was in the air.
3.a person or thing that threatens.
A lot of times I feel threatened by my past, that something or someone will come up and I will have to face it all over again.
I feel threatened in my marriage that it wonât last or that Iâll have to go through another separation or divorce.
I feel threatened by my health and aging body and mind.
3.
Fleeing to me means running from the things that hurt, scare, threaten and oppress me. Feeling anxious to me can be fleeing. I feel like I am in fleeing mode most of the time because there is always something in my life that hurts physically and emotionally. There is always a fear of something whether it is finances, my job or my health. With the crushing weight of bills and getting older, itâs hard not to feel oppressed in life.
4.
1 Peter 5:8-10
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 [a]But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your [b]brethren who are in the world. 10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
James 4:7
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
In comparison these verses remind me of my life and an old rock song sung by Van Halen called Running From the Devil. Part of the lyrics go like thisâŠ
âI found the simple life ain’t so simple
When I jumped out, on that road
I got no love, no love you’d call real
Ain’t got nobody, waitin’ at homeâ
5.
Yes I do need to âsettle downâ The past 14 months have been fleeing and running from the devil and the things he throws at me and keeps me distracted with.
6.
Now if I can just slow down, be still and know that He is God and wait on the Lord Iâll not have to run so hard, so fast and so long! How blessed are all those who wait for Him.
Mel Ann Sullivan – Millry, AL
When tempted, no one should say “God is tempting me,” for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempted any man. For each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then after desire is conceived, it gives birth to sin, and after sin is full grown it gives birth to death. Do not be decieved my dear brothers.
James 1:13-16 NIV
1) The Three Versions: NASB; New Living Translation; and The Amplified Bible. I loved the Amplified Version.
Isaiah 30:15-18 — Amplified Bible (AMP)
15 For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning [to Me] and resting [in Me] you shall be saved; in quietness and in [trusting] confidence shall be your strength. But you would not,
16 And you said, No! We will speed [our own course] on horses! Therefore you will speed [in flight from your enemies]! You said, We will ride upon swift steeds [doing our own way]! Therefore will they who pursue you be swift, [so swift that]
17 One thousand of you will flee at the threat of one of them; at the threat of five you will flee till you are left like a beacon or a flagpole on the top of a mountain, and like a signal on a hill.
18 And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!
2) Threat: an indication or warning of probable trouble
I have been threatened by a chronic disabling illness and inability to provide for myself. I went from someone who was highly energetic, healthy and successful, to one who was suddenly — out of the blue — overcome by lupus and permanently disabled. Then the “what-ifs” threatened to overcome me daily. Over a 5 year period, I continually tried to “get moving” to provide for myself, but would always fall flat on my face with another lupus flare. I still struggle with “settling down” to this day. I know I just need to stop and rest and trust God, but I want to provide for myself — lean on horses and Egypt. However, He won’t let me. He is up to something here. I believe He has me in “faith training” mode. But I keep blowing it by turning to horses and Egypt for help, only to be left flat on my face again with another flare. And each time I hear His voice saying, “Be still and know that I am God.” And now, this assignment. Amazing. Oh how these scriptures speak to me in this season. This was a God-mandated homework assignment for me!
3) Flee: How silly that I flee from sitting quietly and trusting God, to lean on the arm of flesh (which is weak and incapable.) But when I look at my circumstances, I want to get up and flee from this trust-training, this “walking on water” faith-building period. It’s hard to sit when you want to run, and can’t even walk.
4) The Roaring Lion: The enemy tortures me with questions like, “What if God doesn’t provide? What are you doing? You’re wasting your life, wasting time, sitting here. Get up and work.” I try, but my body is broken. It will not cooperate. And when I focus on things from the devil’s perspective, I sit in despair thinking the world is passing me by. I always believed I had to provide for myself, work hard, make things happen. God is switching all of that thinking around. I am learning to resist the devil — resist the heavy burden and take upon me the yoke of Jesus’ light burden, sit with Him, learn at His feet and receive training for what He has now called me to do. God is changing my perspective — giving me a champion’s perspective — and I can’t wait to see what He is going to do with His mighty hand on my behalf. As I walk out James 4:7, I know God will perform Isaiah 30:18
5) Settle Down: “Your salvation requires you to turn back to me and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves. Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me.” Perfect. This was a perfect Word from God to me in this season. I hear God speaking that to me in reassuring tones, calming me with His love. I will settle into His arms and rest in peace while trusting Him to fight and win the battle on my behalf. What rest. What peace. What unsearchable loving kindness He has for us!
1. NIV, ERV, MSG
Isaiah 30:15-18 (ERV) 15 The Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, says, âIf you come back to me you will be saved. Only by remaining calm and trusting in me can you be strong. âBut you donât want to do that. 16 You say, âNo, we need fast horses for battle.â That is trueâyou will need fast horses, but only to run away because your enemy will be faster than your horses. 17 One enemy soldier will make threats, and a thousand of your men will run away. And when five of them make threats, all of you will run away. The only thing that will be left of your army will be a flagpole on a hill. 18 So the LORD is waiting to show his mercy to you. He wants to rise and comfort you. The LORD is the God who does the right thing, so he will bless everyone who waits for his help.
2. threat ~ (n) an expression of an intention to inflict pain, injury, evil, or punishment; an indication of impending danger or harm; one that is regarded as a possible danger; a menace.
Particularly during this season of life, the thought of intentional or an indication of impending danger or harm immediately triggers defensive mechanisms and feelings of inferiority especially in the areas of relationships (spouse, kids, & work).
3. For me, fleeing takes on the character of built up (hard, brick) walls that tend to be extremely difficult to break down. I emotionally close down & retreat & tend to lash out to fight back (not in positive ways). Yes, I am in fleeing mode right now. (Wow! That was hard to type!)
4. Isaiah 30: 15 (MSG) âYour salvation requires you to turn back to me
and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves. Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on meâ
I Peter 5:8 â (MSG) Keep a cool head. Stay alert. I Peter 5:9 (ERV) Stand strong in your faith.
James 4:7 (MSG) Give yourselves to God James 4:7 (ERV)- âŠSo let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and heâll be there in no time.
5. Boy do I need to settle down! By mere definition, âsettle downâ requires an act of discontinuing movement and coming to rest in one place (is that possible?)
6. Through this assignment, God has really brought to my attention some issues that need to be dealt with ASAP in my life. First and foremost, my requirement is to âcalm down & trust with complete dependence on HIMâ that He alone has it all worked out. I need to choose today whom I will serve and stop with my âsilly effortsâ to try and control situations. I need to choose not to view my outside worldly circumstances (threats) as a chance to retreat or âfleeâ, but to trust and believe He gets the last word, He will do the right thing, and He will make everything right according to His plans and will for my life!
NIV, NASB, LEXHAM ENGLISH BIBLE
Isaiah 30:15-18
Lexham English Bible (LEB)
15 For the Lord Yahweh, the holy one of Israel, said this:
âIn returning and rest you shall be saved;
your strength shall be in quietness and in trust.â
But[a] you were not willing, 16 and you said,
âNo! For we will flee on horses!â[b] Therefore you shall flee!
And, âWe will ride on swift horses!â[c] Therefore your pursuers shall be swift!
17 One thousand because of[d] a threat of one,
because[e] of a threat of five you shall flee,
until you are left like a flagstaff on top[f] of a mountain,
and like a signal on a hill.
Yahweh Will Show Mercy
18 Therefore Yahweh waits to be gracious to you,
and therefore he will rise up to show you mercy,
for Yahweh is a God of justice;
Threat–an indication or warning of probably trouble. As I thought about this, what hit me is the “indication or warning”…we know it’s coming or we know of the trouble..in the verse, it seems that we know about the trouble and we allow it in or ignore it until it’s too late.
How does fleeing look in my life? I tend to flee from the thought of trouble by worry/anxiety. Then, that become my trouble rather than the “real” issue. When the trouble is actually upon me, I can handle it like a champ but the thought of trouble, brings me down and my life can become a ball of nerves with outreaching arms to my family.
In all three verses I see that in our obedience, submission, turning to God, he always SAVES us. In all circumstances, one way or the other, God is our rescuer.
Thank you for doing this. It really made me think about His Word and gave me peace today about God being our protector and finisher of our faith. God WANTS our love and our loyalty and our attention….He does all the rest so we can rest!
1. ESV, AMP, Message
GOD, the Master, The Holy of Israel,
has this solemn counsel:
âYour salvation requires you to turn back to me
and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves.
Your strength will come from settling down
in complete dependence on meâ
The very thing
youâve been unwilling to do.
Youâve said, âNothing doing! Weâll rush off on horseback!â
Youâll rush off, all right! Just not far enough!
Youâve said, âWeâll ride off on fast horses!â
Do you think your pursuers ride old nags?
Think again: A thousand of you will scatter before one attacker.
Before a mere five youâll all run off.
Thereâll be nothing left of youâ
a flagpole on a hill with no flag,
a signpost on a roadside with the sign torn off.â
18 But GODâs not finished. Heâs waiting around to be gracious to you.
Heâs gathering strength to show mercy to you.
GOD takes the time to do everything rightâeverything.
Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones. The Message
2. Definition of threat that most hit me is âan indication of imminent harm, danger, or painâ in my case it is pain. Not physical pain but my closest friend of many years is moving to another state. I found out last week, we raised our daughters together, we both have 3. Almost exactly the same ages, we started in Elementary school with the oldest ones, and now our youngest ones are in high school. A lot of years, and I just feel this loss. I know she isnât dead, but the friendship will be so different.
3. My fleeing is more of a fleeing to hide. Iâm pulling away so that I donât have to face her leaving. And the thought of the time and energy of making a new really close friendship is scary and tiring.
4. I like when Peter says âsame kinds of sufferingâ boy that makes me thankful that while I feel like Iâm losing her, many of facing true loss of relationship through death. A move while it hurts is an opportunity, but only if I am willing to look at it through those eyes. My only true threat is my emotions and I can make them submit through Jesus. ï
don’t try to “make” things happen. wait for the LORD and He will do the work. Just relax and enjoy. Submit.
Isaiah 5:15-18
1/ Read in AMP, NIV, The Sword KJVer, and ESV. As I read through the different versions there were verses from the different versions that spoke to me, therefore I wrote the verses from those translation.
NIV
v.15 – This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says:
âIn repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it. â NIV
KJVer
v.16-17- But you said; No; for we will flee: upon horses; therefore shall you flee and. We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift. One thousand shall upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on a hill. (ensign â a rallying flag)
AMP.
v. 18 – And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!
2/ Threat =
Definition of THREAT
1
: an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage
2
: one that threatens
3
: an indication of something impending
Pronunciation: thret
Function: noun
1 : an expression of an intent to do harm
2 : something that threatens
3 : an indication of something impending
1: a statement saying you will be harmed if you do not do what someone wants you to do [count] âȘ He was willing to use violence and threats to get what he wanted.âȘ She ignored their threats and continued to do what she felt was right.âȘ bomb/death threatsâȘ He carried out his threat. [=he did the thing that he threatened to do]âȘ She said she would leave him, but he knew it was an idle/empty threat. [=he knew that she did not mean it] [noncount] âȘ an action done under threat [=done by someone who has been threatened with harm]
2 a [count] : someone or something that could cause trouble, harm, etc. â usually singular âȘ The country is a great/major/serious threat to world peace.âȘ He perceived the question as a threat to his authority.âȘ These people are not a threat to the social order.âȘ Their financial problems are a threat to their marriage.
b: the possibility that something bad or harmful could happen [count] â usually singular âȘ We can’t ignore the threat posed by nuclear weapons.âȘ The weather forecast calls for cloudy skies with a threat of rain.âȘ There is a real threat of civil war. [noncount] âȘ a country under threat of civil war
This word is used a lot within Bible passages; I was surprised to see the many uses of the word, THREAT. Surprised not to see it in any bible dictionaries I look at. When I look at the Word THREAT and think of my own life I can see many times how I have felt threaten, to the point of a school girl waiting to be called to spell a word or say a speech in front of class, I would say please donât call me, over and over again in my head. Even one night last week I was out to a ladies meeting and the speaker had a game to play and was calling four people up to play, and yes there were those words again, please donât call me. When it boils done to insecurity. There have been times when Iâve been in an argument and felt very threaten like I was in danger. I could most likely give many more examples. Right I would have to say nope to threaten yet today and Thank you God that there will be none today.
3/ Fleeing:
Yes I can say I have fled many times in my life. Even asking to leave room as need to go to the bathroom. (school days) There is someone in my life that has alot of anger in them and many times I try flee the other direction or to another room if in the same place. I can stand up and share my testimony and or teach a class, and do all I can to talk myself out of it even to the point of feeling sick. God is with me though and where He wants me I will go in His strength. Flee into HIS arms.
4/ Compare Isaiah 30:15-18 with 1 Peter 5:8-10, and James 4:7.
As I Read over these verse it was good combination for me today as I am waiting for results from some tests I had and there are many changes happening in our lives right now. In Peter we are warned to watch out for Satan, as when there are changes and illness and feelings of loneliness, wherever we feel vulnerable he will attack. And we are to keep our eyes on Jesus at all times and in every situation. In my Bible it said …in comparison to eternity there suffering will only last a little while. All of faithful followers are assured of eternal life with Jesus and Amen to that. God has defeated satan already, with the Holy Spirits power we can resist the devil and he will flee from me. I need to submit to God and be will to follow God and give HIM total control and to the best of my ability He has it all.
5/
Yes I need to hear these words âsettle downâ allot. I do have anxiety a lot at times and I need to settle down when it arises and give God my heart mind and soul to give me the peace I need to cope. And the other settle down is donât take too much on as I canât do it and do have trouble saying no if I see a need.
6/ This was awesome thank you for giving it to us. Most of this was all familiar but yes I needed to hear it and be reminded again of what MY LORD can do for me and is doing for me and need to run to HIM faster than I do for the protection that is needed for the circumstance I am in right now. Keep my eyes focused on Him and Run straight into His arms and now where else, no side roads just go straight. And in His strength He will protect me and get me to where He wants me.
God Bless
Debbie.can
Don’t know if I’m too late:
1. ESV, NET, NIV(84)
NET:
15 For this is what the master, the Lord, the Holy One of Israel says:
âIf you repented and patiently waited for me, you would be delivered;
if you calmly trusted in me you would find strength,
but you are unwilling.
16 You say, âNo, we will flee on horses,â
so you will indeed flee.
You say, âWe will ride on fast horses,â
so your pursuers will be fast.
17 One thousand will scurry at the battle cry of one enemy soldier;
at the battle cry of five enemy soldiers you will all run away,
until the remaining few are as isolated
as a flagpole on a mountaintop
or a signal flag on a hill.â
18 For this reason the Lord is ready to show you mercy;
he sits on his throne, ready to have compassion on you.
Indeed, the Lord is a just God;
all who wait for him in faith will be blessed.
2. Threat: 1) A stated intention to inflict injury, damage or other hostile action on someone. 2) A person or thing likely to cause damage or danger. 3) the possibility of trouble or danger.
What I feel most threatened by, at this time, is the absolutely sinful and sick condition of our culture – and what that means for my grandchildren. If I dwell on it at all, it almost overwhelms me. I have to shut off the news – sometimes can’t even listen to it.
3. I guess “fleeing” would be the fact that I shut off the news – I try to keep myself isolated from all that “stuff” that creeps in and destroys my peace.
4. The I Peter and James texts encourages us to RESIST the devil, and be strong in our faith, submitting to God. Isaiah says if we repent, calmly trusting in him, we would find strength and be delivered.
So they all encourage repentance and a calm trusting or leaning into God. However, I love that Isaiah goes on and says, “hey, I know you blew it this time, but I (God) am sitting here on my throne waiting patiently for you to come around, now that you know what I will do for you, if you will just let me.”
5. Settle down – something I said to my kids a lot when they were all in an uproar about something. đ Like a Daddy to his daughters, God says the same thing. Love it!
6. “Though the world around my soul gives way, HE, then is all my hope and stay! On Christ, the solid rock, I stand. All other ground is sinking sand.”
My life song. đ
Will be praying for you tomorrow night!
1. NIV, NLT, KJV
15 For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.
16 But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.
17 One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill.
18 And therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the Lord is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.
Isaiah 30:15-18 (KJV)
2.threat (per Meriam-Webster) – an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage. The word that most strikes me is ‘evil.’ I had never associated threat with that amount of malice, but in retrospect see that rarely is threat meant WITHOUT malice. The word threat most makes me think of protecting my child, and thus the recent school shootings come to mind.
3.I am most prone to fleeing from conflict and change. Fleeing currently looks like finding reasons not to accept a new job.
4. The verse from 1 Peter seems to mean the same thing, but with a more positive spin. I would think of the verse in 1 Peter when I’m doing well and the verse from Isaiah when I’m tempted to run. The verse from James is even more positive.
5. YES! The comment I need to hear most often is settle down! It’s like I know it in my heart and head that I need to settle down, but I just need an outside source to blare it back at me sometimes.
6.This is one of those verses that I want to continually have on a bulletin board in front of me. It’s ANOTHER verse that applies to me on a daily basis. Have you started Pinterest? I feel like this is telling me to quit looking at Pinterest because I just can’t do it all! I say this with some flippance, but the meaning to just settle down and slow down definitely hits a nerve.
You don’t have to post this comment but please share with Mrs. Moore how greatly this assignment helped me today. I’m sure the scriptures spoke to people differently but for me these verses and my time thinking on the answers helped me out of the funk I had put myself.
You see, I’m in an emotional rollercoaster ride with my pregnancy and doubting myself as a wife, mother, women’s ministry leader, and pastor’s wife (and all that that entails). But as I did this assignment and answered each of the questions the words just poured out of my heart onto the paper and straight up to heaven as prayers. By the time I finished I had shed a few tears but was also reminded that my identity is in Christ and he doesn’t ask me to fight my own battles (even with my hormones) but instead to lean on Him and he will strengthen me and restore me.
So thank you!
1. ESV/NIV/HCSB
New International Version (NIV)
15 This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says:
âIn repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it.
16 You said, âNo, we will flee on horses.â
Therefore you will flee!
You said, âWe will ride off on swift horses.â
Therefore your pursuers will be swift!
17 A thousand will flee
at the threat of one;
at the threat of five
you will all flee away,
till you are left
like a flagstaff on a mountaintop,
like a banner on a hill.â
18 Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you;
therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!
2. Threat: 1) an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage; 2) one that threatens; 3) an indication of something impending.
The third part of this definition strikes me the most because threat implies that the danger has not yet occurred. So, in these verses, those who fail to trust God are fleeing from something that has not even happened yet.
Right now, Iâm feeling most threatened by the unknowns of the future. My husband is graduating from seminary in May and we do not yet know where God is leading us nextâŠwhere we will live, where the paycheck will come from, etc.
3. Fleeing, for me, tends to mean withdrawing. This can be because I am feeling insecure, or because I am just overwhelmed by too much responsibility/too many choices/etc. I am currently in a cycle of âfleeingâ, but I actually already realized this and I am working on forcing myself to stay engaged with those things in my life that are important even when I just want to hide from life.
4. I really like comparing the Isaiah passage to James 4:7 because James seems to be offering such a practical solution to my need to flee. Itâs as if heâs saying, I get your desire to flee the situation and to hide, but hereâs what you do⊠Submit to God. Like vs. 15 of Isaiah says, âtrust is your strengthâ. Resist the devil. âIn repentance and restâŠin quietness and trustâŠâ Then the devil will flee from you!
5. I donât feel that this is particularly striking me right now, but the concept of âsettling down in complete dependenceâ on God is always one that I need to work on. Itâs so easy to want to be independent and hyperactive instead of dependent and calm.
6. God has used this assignment to remind me to keep trusting Him and doing my best even when I feel like Iâve messed up too much or overcommitted myself too far to be able to dig my way out. Heâs reminding me to not let the threat intimidate me but to trust Him moment by moment in His reality.
1- Amplified, NIV, The Message â
AMP – 15 For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning [to Me] and resting [in Me] you shall be saved; in quietness and in [trusting] confidence shall be your strength. But you would not,
16 And you said, No! We will speed [our own course] on horses! Therefore you will speed [in flight from your enemies]! You said, We will ride upon swift steeds [doing our own way]! Therefore will they who pursue you be swift, [so swift that]
17 One thousand of you will flee at the threat of one of them; at the threat of five you will flee till you are left like a beacon or a flagpole on the top of a mountain, and like a signal on a hill.
18 And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!
2. THREAT – a declaration of an intention or determination to inflict punishment, injury, etc., in retaliation for, or conditionally upon, some action or course; menace: He confessed under the threat of imprisonment.
2.
an indication or warning of probable trouble:
-kindness My teenage niece and nephew have just lost the life of their non-custodial mother to a horrendous crime involving drugs and alcohol. They are believers and so was their mom but are not walking with Him. This is a major decision point in their life as well as my brotherâs (their dad), to become angry and follow this world or to turn into Him and find satisfaction and healing only He can provide.
3. Fleeing means to run from the satiuation. To withdraw, which is what I normally do. This time Iâm fighting for themâŠ..I donât live close but prayer is what Iâve been called to do for them, for now.
4. Isa shows the prideful mind and how we as humans think we need to keep going, keep doingâŠ..something, something. Our something will make us scatter and be vulnerable. But He loves us so much that even when we are being prideful of âknowing whatâs bestâ He waits for our return to Him. In Him we are âwell balancedâ standing firm so that satan can not blind side us. Even when we suffer for a little while, it is so He can build us up again. God ALWAYS gets the last word. Stand in victory of what I know about Him and what is true, because He is coming for my niece and nephewâŠ.PRAISE GOD!!!!
5. I need to settle my mind down about âwhat ifâsâ in the kids futures. To be diligent in prayer, reading the Truth and watching God work through this mess, because He works all things together for good to those who love Him.
6. Doing what I think is right and preaching to my brother and the kids about how I think they should move forward what a fool does. WAIT for HIM to move. He will get the last word on this, yes He will! Pray, stay in His word, be firm against tempation to fix it my way. Wait for His leading. This period will only last for a short time so be on guard for my niece and nephew, praying that they stand up to Satan and flee from Him. Pray that they will not turn out like their parents. PRAISE God they are believers and are sealed by the HS with their salvation.
1. NIV, GNT, MSG
Isaiah 30:15-18 (MSG)
God Takes the Time to Do Everything Right
15-17 GOD, the Master, The Holy of Israel,
has this solemn counsel:
âYour salvation requires you to turn back to me
and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves.
Your strength will come from settling down
in complete dependence on meâ
The very thing
youâve been unwilling to do.
Youâve said, âNothing doing! Weâll rush off on horseback!â
Youâll rush off, all right! Just not far enough!
Youâve said, âWeâll ride off on fast horses!â
Do you think your pursuers ride old nags?
Think again: A thousand of you will scatter before one attacker.
Before a mere five youâll all run off.
Thereâll be nothing left of youâ
a flagpole on a hill with no flag,
a signpost on a roadside with the sign torn off.â
18 But GODâs not finished. Heâs waiting around to be gracious to you.
Heâs gathering strength to show mercy to you.
GOD takes the time to do everything rightâeverything.
Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.
2. Threat: An expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage, one that threatens, an indication of something impending
I feel most threatened in this season by the changes in my empty nest household and how I may lose control or input over circumstances regarding these changes.
3. Fleeing–that’s easy–done it –may be an expert. It looks like a cessation, an abrupt halt, a retreat, a 180 degree turn in the opposite direction. I am not in fleeing mode now.
4. The verses in Isaiah are the truth about how we frequently react to problems or threats. The passages in I Peter and James are God’s choices for how we should react to problems or threats that we face.
5. I do need to hear the words settle down, but I frequently find myself saying those words that my Grandmother used to say to me as a child. I need to settle down long enough to look to God’s guidance before taking my own action or fleeing.
6. Four parts of the scripture strike a chord with me as steps to take when feeling threatened
1. Turn Back to Me–look back to God, get back on track
2. Stop your Silly Efforts-stop depending on self
3. Keep a Cool Head–calm down
4. Get down on your knees-humble yourself, seek guidance
God is saying to me: Joy, you need to turn toward Me for help, stop trying to solve everything yourself, calm down and get on your knees in prayer.
1. NRSV, NIV1984, MSG
GOD, the Master, The Holy of Israel,
has this solemn counsel:
âYour salvation requires you to turn back to me
and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves.
Your strength will come from settling down
in complete dependence on meâ
The very thing
youâve been unwilling to do.
Youâve said, âNothing doing! Weâll rush off on horseback!â
Youâll rush off, all right! Just not far enough!
Youâve said, âWeâll ride off on fast horses!â
Do you think your pursuers ride old nags?
Think again: A thousand of you will scatter before one attacker.
Before a mere five youâll all run off.
Thereâll be nothing left of youâ
a flagpole on a hill with no flag,
a signpost on a roadside with the sign torn off.â
But GODâs not finished. Heâs waiting around to be gracious to you.
Heâs gathering strength to show mercy to you.
GOD takes the time to do everything rightâeverything.
Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.
2. Threat – declaration of intent to cause harm, sign of something bad, somebody or something likely to cause harm
My family is waiting on an answer and our anxiety is threatening us.
3. Fleeing – ignore the issue, not fleeing right now, asking for prayers from everyone
4. I truly see that God is always asking us to look to Him for safety and turn away from all the trickery of the Devil.
5. Settle down is a perfect command from my Father – I need discipline from Him to stop being anxious and wait on Him!
6. God is telling me through His word to rely on His timing. He has great plans for us per Jeremiah 29:11!
Dear Beth,
Laying here in my bed with fever & chills today…….needed a distraction…..looked up Living Proof and found this blog entry. It was good for me to look up the verses….spend some time with each homework question, and leave with a little refreshment for a tired soul. Thanks so much! Too tired to actually do the homework at present, but this is a wonderful idea!
Blessings to you Beth, the one who helped bring God’s word alive for me đ
1. NLT, MSG, AMP
“For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning [to Me] and resting [in Me] you shall be saved; in quietness and in [trusting] confidence shall be your strength. But you would not, And you said, No! We will speed [our own course] on horses! Therefore you will speed [in flight from your enemies]! You said, We will ride upon swift steeds [doing our own way]! Therefore will they who pursue you be swift, [so swift that] One thousand of you will flee at the threat of one of them; at the threat of five you will flee till you are left like a beacon or a flagpole on the top of a mountain, and like a signal on a hill. And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!”
(Isaiah 30:15-18 AMP)
2. “A declaration of an intention or determination to inflict punishment, injury, etc., in retaliation for, or conditionally upon, some action or course.”……..
I feel threatened by society. Being a bold, single, poor 30 year old who teaches in high school & college ministries & is working towards a long-term future in missions in Kenya gets unique responses. When people see I have no successful career but am passionate about being a Worldchanger instead, their reactions often leave me feeling isolated, judged, attacked, lectured, and looked down upon. And I become threatened by all that surrounds me and all our Babylonian society stands for. (ME! ME! ME!)
3. I am prone to fleeing after speaking in high school and college ministries. Every time I speak, I begin doubting I did anything but embarrass myself and tend to disappear or hide for a while from that group of people.
4. I see very similar themes in all three of these passages. They are each worded differently, but if you strip them bare they each say very loudly that you must be diligent and cautious in keep your eyes focused straight ahead, on The Lord and what He says or commands. And that if we fail to, we begin to succumb to the enemy who’s just itching for a chance to distract and devour us. And we are only heaping trouble upon our own heads and asking for destruction to follow us and trample us; that He will even LET it!
5. Yes!!! I need “Settle down!” Very badly right now. I am usually worked up over where my life is headed because I’m making minimum wage & barely surviving and refuse to live a normal American life. I insist on huge, powerful, miraculous, insane, adventurous travel and ministry which leaves me 30, single, broke, no answers on what He’s up to, and constantly being questioned about what the heck I’m doing. I can’t help being uptight with wonder. All the time. *WHEW* I need a chill pill.
(I’m believing God. I’m believing God. I’m believing God. I’m believing God.)
6. This assignment was a drink of water for my spirit. What a reminder to focus on what I know I need to do and where I know I need to be. Refuse to let society even whisper into my ear. Keep my eyes on what I know He’s said. Thank Him in advance that He promises to take me and do HUGE things with me. And simply keep Believing “God is who He says He is. God can do what He says He can do. I am who God says I am. I can do all things through Christ. And God’s Word is alive and active in me.” BAM.
1. NIV
English Standard Version
New King James Version:
15 For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel:
âIn returning and rest you shall be saved;
In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.â
But you would not,
16 And you said, âNo, for we will flee on horsesââ
Therefore you shall flee!
And, âWe will ride on swift horsesââ
Therefore those who pursue you shall be swift!
17 One thousand shall flee at the threat of one,
At the threat of five you shall flee,
Till you are left as a pole on top of a mountain
And as a banner on a hill.
God Will Be Gracious
18 Therefore the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you;
And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you.
For the LORD is a God of justice;
Blessed are all those who wait for Him.
2.THREAT: An act of coercion wherein an act is proposed to elicit a negative response. It is a communicated intent to inflict harm or loss on another person.
My time feels most threatened with increased responsibilities.
3. I flee from responsibility and things I am supposed to get done, including fleeing from pursuing a meaningful relationship with God and filling my time with other things that are trivial in comparison.
4. They all seem to be saying rest in the Lord and he will take care of you.
5. Yes because as soon as I have any opening in my time I immediately fill it with something else.
6. I believe God has been telling me for some time to settle and slow down in my life â several months ago when I broke my ankle when I was 36 weeks pregnant I said it was the only thing that was able to slow me down and put me on my butt for any significant amount of time. Itâs extremely difficult because it feels like my mind is always heading in a 1000 directions and I always want to try and accomplish 1000 things at once. Realistically I barely have time to do the stuff I am already committed to, but always want to pile more on top. I think part of it is that I try and add stuff to my plate that I think by accomplishing will make me happy, when it wonât, it will most likely just stress me out more. Learning to rest and be peaceful with God I forsee as definitely being the part of my life that needs the most work for 2013.
Molly from Stafford, Texas
Philippians 4:7-9 NAS “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you.”
LPM Blog â January 23, 2013
1) NASB, NIV, NKJV, The Message, ESV
Isaiah 30:15â18 (ESV) 15 For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, âIn returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.â But you were unwilling, 16 and you said, âNo! We will flee upon horsesâ; therefore you shall flee away; and, âWe will ride upon swift steedsâ; therefore your pursuers shall be swift. 17 A thousand shall flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you shall flee, till you are left like a flagstaff on the top of a mountain, like a signal on a hill. 18 Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.
2) Threat:
geÊżÄrÄh: A feminine singular noun meaning rebuke. It occurs fifteen times in the Bible, always in poetic passages. Both God and humans are the subject of such rebukes (2 Sam. 22:16; Isa. 50:2). (The Complete Word Study Dictionary Old Testament: by Spiros Zodhiates)
Websterâs New Collegiate Dictionary (1977 âș ): an indication of something impending; an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage;
The All Nations Christians Home & School Dictionary (1992): A warning that one intends to hurt or punish someone. A warning of possible danger.
YES â I feel threatened!! In this season of life at 52, I feel threatened as my body does not look like it used to â howâs that for Babylonian indoctrination??? âș My face wrinkles are fast becoming creases! They tell me I need more Vitamin D (living in Arizona with all this sun??? â go figure!) and that I need to be on thyroid. YES â I FEEL THREATENED BY ENCROACHING OLD AGE, FEEBLENESS & LOSS OF SHARP BRAIN FUNCTION! âș And God whispers in my ear that it is PRAISE that is comely (beautifying) to the upright! WELL â I better get on my PRAISE shoes because older age is knocking at my door! âș
YES â I feel threatened by perpetual encroachment of governmental control over our freedoms and God whispers in my ear that we have no rights as children of God! We are the meek â those with surrendered rights! (I still do not have a file for any of this! âș An adopted Bethism )
Bottomline â I feel threatened by our sin â our God is a just, loving and forgiving God but we are not a repentant people and I know God judges nations! I fear His judgment â As Beth might say âI donât have a file for this!â AND I DONâT! I donât have a file for a nation under Godâs judgment. YES â I know that mercy triumphs over judgment and that it is His mercy that leads us to repentance (KJV) but I fear my little apple cart being disrupted! I fear losing my comforts! I know what happened to nations that did not repent! And yet – God whispers in my ear, âI will never leave you or forsake you!â SIGH â yes Lord! Thank you for never leaving me alone in this ever increasing chaotic world.
3. What does âfleeingâ tend to look like in your life? In other words, how are you most prone to flee? And, are you in fleeing mode right now?
YES â there are times I want to flee to another country because it is so hard to watch my country deteriorate! There are times I just want to escape into a really good clean movie and never come out! âș No â I am not in fleeing mode right now; but any of these threats can quickly send me into a tailspin of insecurity!
4. Compare or contrast the Isaiah text (30:15-18) to 1 Peter 5:8-10 and James 4:7.
I Peter 5:8-10 )ESV) 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
James 4:7 (ESV)7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
In comparing and contrasting Isaiah 30:15-18, I Peter 5:8-10 and James 4:7, I see that satan is the master of all threats! He is behind them all it seems! He deceives me into thinking that his threats are bigger than my God! He roars his lies at me as a lion seeking to devour me! He seeks to scare me with vain imaginative roaring about the future and the future of this nation. This gets my eyes off of God and what HE is doing and allowing in our land and most of all my role in all of this as HIS ambassador! Satan is the master attacker of my faith! It is amazing how subtle he chips away at my faith until I am fleeing from his roars â but â God tells me to resist his roars, to stand firm in faith and to submit myself to God and HIS plan for our nation, etc.!
5. Do you perchance need to hear the words âsettle down!â as much as I do? If so, why?
I need to settle down in His Word and believe it â the present active participle kind of believing! âș I need to utterly depend on HIM for the future â HIS provision â HIS TRUTH about providing for my every need!
6. Finish your assignment with any particular personal insight you gained from it and, most of all, what you discern God is saying to you through it. I need to trust â trust the Truths of Godâs Word! I need to pray through the verses on the Great Forsake and Take â the verses Beth gave us on fear! I need to pray it through when feel threatened and fearful and struggle with trust! Thanks Lord for this assignment!
1.) NIV, The Message,
New Living Translation:
This is what the Sovereign Lord,
the Holy One of Israel, says:
âOnly in returning to me
and resting in me will you be saved.
In quietness and confidence is your strength.
But you would have none of it.
You said, âNo, we will get our help from Egypt.
They will give us swift horses for riding into battle.â
But the only swiftness you are going to see
is the swiftness of your enemies chasing you!
One of them will chase a thousand of you.
Five of them will make all of you flee.
You will be left like a lonely flagpole on a hill
or a tattered banner on a distant mountaintop.â
So the Lord must wait for you to come to him
so he can show you his love and compassion.
For the Lord is a faithful God.
Blessed are those who wait for his help.
2.)Threat:
1)an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage
2)one that threatens
3)an indication of something impending
What stands out to me in this definition is the word âintention.â I have been cycling in and out of a pit for quite some time and I am beginning to see that the enemy is very intentional in inflicting harm to the places in my life where I am most vulnerable. Unless I fortify my heart and mind with the truth of Godâs Word and turn over those places of deep hurt in my life to God, I am leaving a door open for the enemy.
3.Out of fear and distrust, I tend to run (i.e. flee) in the opposite direction from God. I tend to seek comfort in people or things that often bring me great pain and harm, rather than falling to the feet of my Healer. I so want to begin falling at the feet of Jesus each and every time I feel threatened, rather than to keep fleeing from Him.
4.)The Isaiah verse speaks about Godâs people fleeing from the enemy through means of their own efforts, rather than returning to God and resting in Him. The other verses talk about standing firm in the faith and submitting ourselves to God as a means to fortify us from the threats of the enemy.
5.)Oh, do I ever need to continuously hear the words âsettle downâ! I tend to get very reactionary and emotional, especially when I feel threatened, which often puts me in fleeing mode. I must return to God and rest in Him in order to be saved. I am learning this!
6.)Our God loves us so. He longs for us to return to him for rest and peace. I am learning God’s protection is offered through submission. By submitting myself to Him, I will receive rest and protection.
Praying for you, Beth, and the entire staff at LPM. Much love to you all!
1.I read the NAS, NLT, and NKJV of Isaiah 30:15-18. The NKJV spoke the most to me.
Isaiah 30:15-18 NKJV â âFor thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: âIn returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.â But you would not, and you said, âNo, for we will flee on horsesâ–Therefore you shall flee! And, âWe will ride on swift [horses]â–Therefore those who pursue you shall be swift! One thousand [shall flee] at the threat of one, At the threat of five you shall flee, Till you are left as a pole on top of a mountain And as a banner on a hill. One thousand [shall flee] at the threat of one, At the threat of five you shall flee, till you are left as a pole on top of a mountain And as a banner on a hill.â â
2.Threat according to Merriam-Webster dictionary means one of three possibilities: âan expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage; one that threatens; or an indication of something impeding.â http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/threat 2013 Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
I cannot deny the threat of the devil to children, families, marriages, youth, singles, and anyone for that matter. He honestly is the greatest threat despite whatever threats have been made through life. However, I am thankful my Lord God and Savior, Jesus Christ, is faithful and true in spite of the lies to many by Satan.
3.James 4:7 does say to âresist the devil, and He will flee.â Certainly I do believe there is a de-conditioning of the mind, heart, spirit and soul from the world that takes place in the Lord through the power of the Holy Spirit; however, I think I daily flee from anything that keeps me from intimacy with the Lord and His purpose for me, be it a thought, distraction, or anything. I remember several years ago being on an interview with an organization that sounded fabulous: handsome salary; perks; fun people; and freedom. I met with various people who described the organization. They described themselves as the âwatchdogâ if you will on a variety of others. After hearing much of the same response from a variety of people I finally asked, âI am just curious. Who holds this organization accountable? To whom would we (if I join your organization) report?â The response was, âThatâs the great thing. No one.â I can only imagine what my face must have looked like: pale white; eyes wide; and frozen still. I remember hearing those words and praying, âLord, get me out of this, and QUICK, or help me to speak or communicate a truth gently to shine Your light in this.â I spent the next two weeks on my face praying to the Lord, âFather, keep me grounded, and keep me humble.â I know many Christ followers say the Lord can make our lives so conditioned that the devil flees at the sight of the one who honors the Lord in spirit and in truth. However, the moment I think I have attained to something so great that I donât think I have anything to flee from on this side of heaven, is the moment I have lost humility. I think that is true for all. Lord God, and Savior, KEEP ME GROUNDED, AND KEEP ME HUMBLE.
4.The Bible tells us in I Peter 5:8, âto beware that our adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion seeking someone He may devour.â We are told to âbe sober and vigilantâ because of the threat of the devil, I believe, in the lives of many. I know God is victorious. He can, and already has proved, victorious over the devil. In the New Testament book of I Peter, the author was writing to a group of people facing the threat of persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ. In Isaiah 30, on the other hand, the prophet of this Old Testament book was warning Judah, the southern kingdom of alliances with impure motives. For both groups addressed in the two passages, the devil was still the primary threat: In I Peter 5, people may have been tempted to deny their faith to escape persecution, and in Isaiah 30, people may have been tempted to deny their faith to receive favor, wealth, or prestige from a foreign nation. I Peter addressed believers in Jesus Christ while Isaiah addressed those primarily of Jewish decent. James hoped to encourage those of Jewish background to have faith in Jesus Christ. In James 4:7, James addressed people who were caught in between living a life âsold outâ to Jesus and those who were considering a life in the flesh. Like the childhood game âHot and Cold,â I Peter addressed those âwarm;â Isaiah addressed those âcold;â and James addressed those that could go either way. In all three passages, however, the authors convey the redemptive, saving grace of our God who gives us rest and true freedom through the power of the Holy Spirit as we trust in Him.
5.Those words âsettle downâ remind me much like the word âselahâ after the crescendo in the psalms to transition from the exciting and boisterous music and phrasing to the more subtle and calm. I often need to be reminded of those words on intense work days and am thankful to have Jesus to whom I can turn for praise, prayer, and sweet surrender. My true confession is, though, that I have become so accustomed to âwaiting on the Lord,â as He asked, that I pray I go, in a manner that pleases Him, when He says, âGO!â I am learning that now. I am longing to hear, âwell done.â
6.The Bible says, âAll have sinned,â in Romans 3:23. Jesus said, âIn this world we will have tribulation, but take heart, He has overcome the world,â John 16:33. I believe in Jesus overcame sin by dying on the cross. He has a plan for all who will believe. Though the devil may try to dissuade, he will not prevail over the Mighty Hand of God and the Love of a Forgiving Savior.
1) Message, Amplified, New Living Translation
Isaiah 30:15-18
New Living Translation (NLT)
15 This is what the Sovereign LORD,
the Holy One of Israel, says:
âOnly in returning to me
and resting in me will you be saved.
In quietness and confidence is your strength.
But you would have none of it.
16 You said, âNo, we will get our help from Egypt.
They will give us swift horses for riding into battle.â
But the only swiftness you are going to see
is the swiftness of your enemies chasing you!
17 One of them will chase a thousand of you.
Five of them will make all of you flee.
You will be left like a lonely flagpole on a hill
or a tattered banner on a distant mountaintop.
18 So the LORD must wait for you to come to him
so he can show you his love and compassion.
For the LORD is a faithful God.
Blessed are those who wait for his help.
2) Threat:
1. a declaration of the intention to inflict harm, pain, or misery
2. an indication of imminent harm, danger, or pain
3. a person or thing that is regarded as dangerous or likely to inflict pain or misery
I am struggling with anxiety bouts since my dog of 10 years passed away on 1/1/13. I have never felt this ânervousnessâ so regularly. Sure when I am going to stand in front of a crowd but not when I am home alone. I am struggling with threats to my âcontrolâ of this grief of losing my dog.
I am also in the midst of a threat that has continued to worsen since 11/15/12. My company has cut benefits and pay and laying off people. I am expected to do certain parts of my job without pay that I used to be paid for, before the new changes. I think the biggest consistent threat is to my perceived control over a situation.
3) I flee by stuffing my feelings until I lose it on someone totally unrelated to the issue. I also flee by talking about the situation to anyone who will listen until the âemotion/feelingsâ have lost their punch. I also tend to turn inward when my mood is depressed
4) IS. 30:18 (NLT) So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. When I perceive a threat, I must run to God immediately for He is faithful. He is able. He is waiting for me to stop fleeing into depression, fear and anxiety as I respond to the threat. Both of the NT passages point this out to resist the evil one and flee to God not away from him. Is 30:18 tells me that He is waiting for me to follow his directions.
5) Yes, settle down is great phrase. Especially, as I realize the anxiety response in my body is an adrenaline response. I love the NAS rendering of Ps 46:10. a]Cease striving and (A)know that I am God.
6). I had at least 3 fronts that were threatening me. I was fighting them independent of the other (if that makes sense). I thought I was taking them to God and turning it over to him. I am beginning to understand why I started to have physical signs of anxiety. I had been fleeing Godâs care for 6-8 weeks over the âunfairnessâ of my work situation. I was just coming to point of giving it to God. Then my dog died. She has been sick on and off for months. I was internally battling/stuffing my fear of having to make the decision to put her to sleep. I prayed to God about helping me know when to do this, but I didnât take him the emotions/fears. God mercifully took her on 1/1/13 so I didnât have to decide. Since coming to faith in Jesus in 2006, I began feeling again. To feel and work through grief is awful. Yet the grace in it is: blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.
What I am realizing in writing this out is that just because it isnât the most obvious threat, I am tempted to think it is âhandledâ. I also need to take the emotions and feelings around the threat to him also. I think feelings and emotions associated with a non-immediate or future threat can stay âhandledâ until another threat. By this time, the threat may not be really be a big deal but it has become one. Feels/emotions need to be taken to the mercy seat just as much as the ârealâ threat/problem.
Isaiah 30:15-27 NIV, NAS
New Living Translation (NLT)
15 This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:
âOnly in returning to me
and resting in me will you be saved.
In quietness and confidence is your strength.
But you would have none of it.
16 You said, âNo, we will get our help from Egypt.
They will give us swift horses for riding into battle.â
But the only swiftness you are going to see
is the swiftness of your enemies chasing you!
17 One of them will chase a thousand of you.
Five of them will make all of you flee.
You will be left like a lonely flagpole on a hill
or a tattered banner on a distant mountaintop.â
18 So the Lord must wait for you to come to him
so he can show you his love and compassion.
For the Lord is a faithful God.
Blessed are those who wait for his help.
2. threat
1 an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage
2 one that threatens
3 an indication of something impending
What hits me in this definition is that there is a reality to a threat, not made up but it is clearly understood.
3. Flee: Head toward a place of security
Fleeing? I guess since the fall of 2008 the Lord has shown me that when I am overwhelmed I am to look up, and see Him, and run into His presence knowing that He is on His throne, that He has heard my cries and concerns and that I am welcomed there with Him. That isnât to say that I have perfected quietness and rest but spending time learning from Him in His word has certainly changed my perspective because I was really wigged out.
4. In Isaiahâs passage Israel was reprimanded for not standing firm, and for not being obedient and in the end they were devoured in a sense.
5. I think so. Honestly in one instance I am having a fit over something and that isnât really becoming of His daughter. I need to just settle down and listen to what He is showing me and just simply do it. Could use some prayer on that for sure.
6. What I have gained from doing this, is a reminder to look at the areas of my life where I am not depending on Him but depending on my own âwisdomâ. I need to seek Him, and to make sure every part of my life aligns with His ways and by being obedient. I know that there are places I still have a good hold on. I just need to obey.
I hope that this is okay, but the context of these verses is really important too. Israel was in big butt trouble because they turned their back on Him, and refused to acknowledge Him as if it was beneath them. They would rather rely on their human counterparts than they would on the One who had promised to protect them. He had told them that if they would obey that they would be the ones chasing a thousand, along with other awesome blessings. But they didnât obey. They wanted to be like all the other nations. He even told them, His own, that they had thought up things (sin) that even Sodom or Gomorrah hadnât. God implored them to return to Him but they would have none of it. As a result, He brought judgment.
I am really concerned that we, as a nation, are in the same place. We certainly do the exact same things as Israel did and have the exact same attitude toward Him. We really need to settle down, to require the necessity of His face, to hear what He is saying to us, to move according to His ways. That can only begin with those who are His. You and me. It is going to require a lot of adjustment, and humbling, to drop what we think and turn completely to Him and let Him show us what is truth, His truth and to walk in it. I dont’ think we have any other hope.
1. NIV, The Message, NLV
NLV translation: 15 The Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, âIn turning away from sin and in rest, you will be saved. Your strength will come by being quiet and by trusting.â But you would not. 16 You said, âNo, we will go away fast on horses.â So you will go away in a hurry! You say, âWe will go on fast horses.â So those who come to take you will be fast. 17 One thousand will run away as one man stands up against them. You will all run away when five stand up against them, until you are like flags lifted up on a mountain top, like something special to see on a hill.
18 So the Lord wants to show you kindness. He waits on high to have loving-pity on you. For the Lord is a God of what is right and fair. And good will come to all those who hope in Him.
2. a declaration of an intention or determination to inflict punishment, injury, etc..
How do I feel threatened? I feel like my hope and trust in the Lord Jesus has been threatened. I am often worried and fretting over things that are a lot of times out of my control. ie: getting a job I really want, etc. I want to trust and not be so anxious and worried something will happen that is out of my control.
3.Fleeing for me tends to mean that I flee from what I know to be true–which is Jesus and His plan for my life. I often try to control everything and immerse myself up to my elbows..until I am sucked dry.
4. I feel like these verses all remind me that we do not have our lives under control, only Christ does. There is an enemy waiting for me to stumble so he can swallow me up. jsut as Isaiah 30 says in The Message, “Stop your silly efforts to save yourself.” I am thankful that God has everything under control and the battle has already been won.
5. I really need to be diligent in prayer and petition to God…reading His word on a consistent basis and relying on Him and not my own strength and powers to do things. Jesus has all my days laid out before me and I just need to trust Him and that He has my best interest in mind.
6. I recently had a job interview for my dream job. I am terrified really that I will not get the job. I know God has everything under the sun under control and my worrying and fretting over whether or not I will be accepted into this new role is not going to add anything but less sleep and tense nerves to my plate. I am thankful for these verses and how they reminded me I need to trust and let God handle my life. đ
((HUGS)) to you Beth, I saw on facebook that you were in Dallas this past weekend, and was praying for you. I hope everything was amazing and everyone felt Him there. What you wrote on the index card hit home with me this morning. I’ve written down my assignment, and am excited about completing it and posting soon:)
NIV, NLT, NKJV
Isaiah 30:15-18
New Living Translation (NLT)
15 This is what the Sovereign Lord,
the Holy One of Israel, says:
âOnly in returning to me
and resting in me will you be saved.
In quietness and confidence is your strength.
But you would have none of it.
16 You said, âNo, we will get our help from Egypt.
They will give us swift horses for riding into battle.â
But the only swiftness you are going to see
is the swiftness of your enemies chasing you!
17 One of them will chase a thousand of you.
Five of them will make all of you flee.
You will be left like a lonely flagpole on a hill
or a tattered banner on a distant mountaintop.â
Blessings for the Lordâs People
18 So the Lord must wait for you to come to him
so he can show you his love and compassion.
For the Lord is a faithful God.
Blessed are those who wait for his help.
THREAT – NOUN:
1. An expression of an intention to inflict pain, injury, evil, or punishment.
2. An indication of impending danger or harm.
3. One that is regarded as a possible danger; a menace.
This is a strong word but I can’t say that I feel threatened by anything right now. I do have fear but it’s mostly of what I know I must do and I am afraid to step out in faith.
I think my procrastination for stepping out in faith is a sort of fleeing from God, or fleeing from what I know I need to do. I am not turning to Him in this time; rather I am hiding my face and trying to make a way in my own strength.
However, the Lord has been speaking to me about waiting and trusting in Him because that is where my strength comes from (see Isaiah passage below). Our strength is always in Him, whether we are facing an enemy or just our own fears and weaknesses. So my fleeing does me no good. I must return to Him and find strength in His wings.
Isaiah 40:26-31
New Living Translation (NLT)
26 Look up into the heavens.
Who created all the stars?
He brings them out like an army, one after another,
calling each by its name.
Because of his great power and incomparable strength,
not a single one is missing.
27 O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles?
O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights?
28 Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
29 He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
30 Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
Thank you for the homework assignment! It was a good reminder of where my help comes from. May God strengthen me for the journey and lead me by His Spirit down the road ahead.
God bless you!