A Little Weekend Homework Assignment

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?)  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)  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!!!

 

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  1. 201
    Hannah says:

    1.Amp, NLT, and my favorite, ESV:

    For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel,
    “In returning and rest you shall be saved;
    in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”
    But you were unwilling,
    and you said,
    “No! We will flee upon horses”;
    therefore you shall flee away;
    and, “We will ride upon swift steeds”;
    therefore your pursuers shall be swift.
    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.
    The Lord Will Be Gracious
    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 – an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury or damage.

    My reaction: Threat is a pretty intense word!
    I feel most threatened this season by stress coming from what seems to be all directions: work, marriage, family, fellowship, the state of the world, the USA and Albuquerque.

    3. “Fleeing Mode” for me usually means I shut down in one or more ways (i.e. the chores are too much, so I don’t do them; the communication is too difficult, so I don’t say anything and suffer quietly). I think I’m coming out of Fleeing Mode, and realizing that Jesus will help me successfully face whatever needs to be dealt with. I have definitely been doing some fleeing recently, however!

    6. Thank you Beth! All I need sometimes is a firm reminder that I need to fight my battles (and not run from them) the spiritual way, which is through FAITH and OBEDIENCE. To be reminded of this simplicity is like a fresh spring morning for my spirit. I will not be able to avoid all the world’s troubles, but the Lord is faithful and our suffering is short! Thank you Jesus!!!!

    • 201.1
      Nettie Mitchell says:

      1. The bibles that I read are KJV and Young and World English. I have a Bible collection software.
      2. Threat is a warning or danger. It could be a menace or hazard. It makes me think of the times I have heard a tornado warning. When I growing up in Paris,Texas and heard the warning my mother and I would go to the neighbors and go down in their cellar. Today we tend not to follow God’s warning. We do what we want to do not what God tells to do. The best direction to follow is the path the Word of God tells us to follow.
      3. When I feel that everything is going to fast or falling apart I cry out to my Heavenly Father Help show me what to do. There are times in my life that I have had what one would call a pitty party. I receive more joy crying out to my Heavenly Father.
      4. We are going to have these threats in our life but with God on our side we can know that He knows what is best for us.
      5. We can try to our best to settle down and listen to the voice of God. Sometimes it is hard when there is sickness and disorder in our life or that of our family.
      6. I know that what every trail I am going through that God has it all under His control. Right now a trail I am going through is my youngest son age 40 has cancer that spread all over his body. He has two children who he has custody of and they live with my husband and me. I do not know I would do without my Heavenly Father. Psalm 121 gives me comfort. God Bless

  2. 202
    pam says:

    1.NIV, The Message, AMP
    Isaiah 30:15-18(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 1. a declaration of an intention or determination to inflict punishment, injury, etc., in retaliation for, or conditionally upon, some action or course; menace. 2. an indication or warning of probable trouble 3. a person or thing that threatens.
    The Lord recently lead me to leave the church I have been a part of for the many years. After much agonizing in prayer & in His Word, I knew clearly what He was telling me to do. I hesitated because of my concerns that some church members may react negatively -the threat of dear brothers & sisters being displeased w/me troubled me deeply. I kept praying & the Lord helped me realize I was putting the approval of others ahead of Him & it hit me like a brick. I was appalled when I realized what I was doing & hit my knees in repentance. I now have complete peace & am excited to step out into a new season He has for me.

    3. Fleeing
    When the pressures of life close in I pull away & get alone. I require this to think & process. It also involves running to my Father- through prayer & scripture meditation to remember what I know that I know & as I hear Him in the quiet, I am steadied, ‘settled down’ & can step back out & press on.

    4. James is concise & to the point. Peter gives more detail. But both have the bottom line of telling us that standing immovably firm in the Lord will result in victory–period. In certain battles, we need quick, pointed instruction. At other times we need to meditate on the details. Our Lord wonderfully provides both! His Word & His Ways are so perfectly perfect!

    5.Yes, I need to hear the words “settle down” sometimes! I can get riled up & need to remember not to “knee jerk” react, even if it’s only in my own thoughts. I want to ‘settle down’ in the Lord so firmly & deeply that HE is instantly my first thought for all things.

    6.This assignment was a Divine appointment. It made me reflect a bit more on the recent ‘threat’ I experienced & how the Lord delivered me out of it. The result? More praise to Him! I am gladly praising Him for the gazillionth time for His patience, His goodness & how He is ever-faithful even when my faith falls short. This song line just came to mind…“Praise Him, praise Him ever in joyful song”!!! 😀

  3. 203

    1. NKJV, HCSB, ESV

    15For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel:
    “In returning and rest you shall be saved;
    In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”
    But you would not,
    16And you said, “No, for we will flee on horses”—
    Therefore you shall flee!
    And, “We will ride on swift horses”—
    Therefore those who pursue you shall be swift!
    17One 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
    18Therefore 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. NKJV

    2. Threat- 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. I feel threatened by myself sometimes. Afraid of messing up and make a disaster of my children’s lives. I overanalyze every word and criticize myself too much!

    3. I flee when I feel like a failure. I shut down. I am currently praying about a mission trip to Haiti. I can’t discern God’s will for me right now. My husband has currently been called to pastor our church and I feel like my first priority is here at home. I have been convicted of my role as a helpmate to him during this time. He is however, very supportive of my desire for missions. So, when I become overwhelmed I flee.

    4. We can choose to flee from God or we can choose to flee from our enemy. We can submit to God or submit to satan’s taunts. This is were we can engage in warfare and know that God is gracious and merciful. He will fight for us.

    5. I need to settle down! I want to take more time in my prayer closet. I have 3 small children, I home-school, and I work on the weekends as a nurse. It is a season of life where I feel there is a lack of quite time. I want to be more purposeful in making time for prayer. Real intercessory prayer!

    6. We can run away like and flee on horses, but thankfully God is gracious. I needed to be reminded that He waits for me. I am my own worst enemy and the only real threat to myself. God has already shown me and taught me in His word that the enemy is defeated, his head is crushed under the sweet feet of Jesus. My prayer after doing this assignment is that I will quieten down, rest in Him, and listen for His plan and direction for my life.

  4. 204
    Misti Gil says:

    1. AMP; NASB; HCSB; NLT ( I had to read it in 4…my Saturday morning mush brain was having difficulty!)

    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.
    16
    You said, ‘No, we will get our help from Egypt. They will give us swift horses for riding into battle.’
 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. Definition of THREAT
    a: an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage
    b: one that threatens
    c: an indication of something impending

    When I read these definitions, the first thing that pops in my head is Satan. He has a plan…a plan of intentional evil, injury, and damage. I also know he is sly. Predictable, but sly nonetheless. The threat he has been consistently sliding into my everyday life is typical and common to many women, but that doesn’t make it any easier for me. I am battling with feeling I am not enough. I know it is not about me. I know my only job is to listen to the LORD, follow where He leads, and then let Him equip and work through me. However, I often find myself comparing myself to other women of God and feeling I come up short. Lies. Lies. Lies. Comparison truly is the thief of joy. Current threat: comparison.

    3. When I flee, I isolate. Physically. Emotionally. And if I’m not doing that, I’m pushing family away with irritability. When I feel attacked, I feel overwhelmed and respond with cocooning myself to feel safe.

    4. I must humble myself and put myself under God’s protection instead of my own. Self-preservation is no preservation at all. I also must stand up, face the devil, stand firm in my faith, and resist Him knowing my God is faithful to me! He will strengthen me, but that strength comes from Him, not me!

    5. Settle down your thoughts, Misti! When my thoughts rage against the truth and scream that I’m not as good as whoever, I must settle down into the truth that I am me. I was wonderfully created to be ME and that is who God is asking me to be. I must settle into contentment and joy in that.

    6. There is such a glaring contrast in these verses for me. The picture of me listening to those voices, rolling them over and over in my brain, feeling defeated and then insisting on quietness and isolation because the insecurity is deafening versus the picture of hearing those voices, turning to my Father for the truth, and receiving rest and strength in His presence. I must CHOOSE it. I can either accept the strength and peace He’s offering, or “have none of it”. I don’t want to be a lonely flagpole or tattered banner on a distant mountaintop!! I’m choosing Him today. I’ve decided…BAM!

    Thanks, Beth. What a great way to spend my morning. Love you!

  5. 205
    Sherry A. says:

    1. NIV, HCSB, ESV read
    Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
    15 For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said:
    “You will be delivered by returning and resting;
    your strength will lie in quiet confidence.
    But you are not willing.”

    16 You say, “No!
    We will escape on horses”—
    therefore you will escape!—
    and, “We will ride on fast horses”—
    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 Lord’s 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. threat-the possibility of trouble, danger, or ruin
    I feel threatened by our gvt. Period.

    3. I suppose fleeing usually takes on the form of moving for us. Not sure what to do with these verses versus what we’ve been convinced God has been/is calling us to do, which is to flee, EXCEPT that yesterday my spirit took a nose-dive, wondering what in the world is the hold-up and how much longer are we supposed to wait for deliverance and if we’re going to have to stay put for a while then i want to buy new pillows. Then this assignment came to my inbox last night…

    4. The Isaiah text seems to be discouraging the believer from fleeing and instead put your trust in the Sovereign Lord, whereas both NT scriptures are exclaiming “Flee!”, but keep your trust in the Sovereign Lord.

    5.Yes! I definitely hear “settle down” in the Isaiah text, but not so quite as much in the NT scriptures.

    6. My personal insight so far is that after the utter turmoil my soul was in yesterday, this scripture was God blatantly telling me to “settle down” and keep trusting Him. Brilliant! Glory! Praise the Lord!

  6. 206
    Hilda says:

    SORRY, guys! I can see I didn’t “do” this right. Don’t blame you for striking my comments; I was trying to be pithy. I promise to do better next time.

  7. 207
    Ruth Larkin says:

    1) I read these versions : NIV, NLT, The Message. The one that spoke to me the most was:

    Isaiah 30:15-18
    New Living Translation (NLT) 15

    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.
    16 You said, ‘No, we will get our help from Egypt.
    They will give us swift horses for riding into battle.’
    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: An expression of intention to inflict evil, injury or damage. One that threatens. An indication of something impending. The words “an indication of something impending” make my heart beat faster. I hate that feeling. I have it often. I agree so much with what you said Beth – nothing trips the insecurity switch the feeling threatened. I feel it currently in a relationship I care about very much but it evokes such emotion in me often. The person I’m in relationship with is very sensitive, as am I, and I feel like we both walk on eggshells around each other instead of being able to just enjoy each other. There is also hurt and pain in my heart and sometimes things that are said and done make that pain come to the surface and I’m scared of how I behave when it does. I want to react and behave in a God-honoring way and often in the past have failed. I feel fear over what is to come in that relationship often as it is a key one and sometimes tumultuous.

    3) Fleeing always looks for me like distancing myself from the person I’m feeling so overwhelmed by and perceiving is the source of my stress. Fleeing looks like me telling my husband that I want to move to Montana and raise our children in peace on a farm in the middle of nowhere, where there isn’t anyone to feel threatened by 🙂 Praise be to God though that over the course of a few years I have seen more and more that isn’t my answer – that running from everything that is hard isn’t the answer and I have more revelation on that but it doesn’t mean it doesn’t feel tempting at times. I don’t feel like I’m in fleeing mode right now other than I do tend to try to figure out in my mind exactly how I’m going to “survive” certain things so maybe in a weird way that is a “fleeing” mechanism.

    4) I see the theme of standing firm, humbling yourself before God and allowing HIM to rescue from my enemies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    5) Yes, I DO need that word – SETTLE DOWN. There have been so many questions lately about our future and about how I will handle certain things out in the future and I’m ALWAYS trying to mentally navigate my way through everything instead of SETTLING DOWN and trusting God to show me one step at a time. What an AWESOME WORD!

    6) Something that has really ministered to me is that God WAITS for me to come to Him as the translation says above. Sometimes it can “feel” as if He has failed me in a situation but I have not COME to HIM and allowed HIM to show me his love and compassion. The words “Blessed are those who WAIT for his help” are such key words to me this morning. I see that my “silly efforts” to save myself consist of : fleeing, agonizing, contemplating, meditating on the problems instead of WAITING for HIM. I ACHE to know his compassion and love deeper. I NEED to know it deeper. This WORD this morning has so ministered to me to WAIT before Him. And served as a WARNING to settle down and not move without knowing it is HIM – for then I will be CHASED. It reminds me of the story of Jehoshophat and instead of fleeing and running around and making a battle plan against the enemies that were coming, even though he was SCARED, he humbled Himself before God and the Lord fought the battle for Him.

    Thank you SOOO much Beth for taking the time to issue this assignment. God has used this to confirm things I believe He has already been showing me. I can’t thank you enough!!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
    Love,
    Ruth from KS 🙂

  8. 208
    Shannon Rogers says:

    1.) MSG/NIV/NLT—“God, the Master, The Holy of Israiel, has this solemn counsel: ‘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-The very thing you’ve been unwilling to do. You’ve said, ‘Nothing doing! We’ll rush off on horseback!’ You’ll rush off, all right! Just not far enough! You’ve said, ‘We’ll ride off on fast horses!’ Do you think your pursuers ride old nags? Think again: A thousand of you will scatter before one attacker. Before a mere five you’ll all run off. There’ll be nothing left of you-a flagpole on a hill with no flag, a signpost on a roadside with the sign torn off.” But God’s not finished. He’s waiting around to be gracious to you. He’s gathering strength to show mercy to you. God takes the time to do everything right-everything. Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones. “ Isaiah 30:15-18 MSG
    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. 2.) An indication or warning of probable trouble. Dictionary.com////O yes how I feel so threatened. Beth, this assignment was just for me. Last Thursday, Jan 17th, I was suspended from work with pay, pending accusations that I was rude to my patients. These accusations were false and I had character witnesses. But, to my dismay, I was fired this week, Jan 23rd from my job. Because of lies. But they wanted to eliminate my position and so they did. Because, of course this is a right to work state. Nevermind you, I was the only one employed, carried the family’s benefits in full, and have a husband recovering from knee replacement, a son with diabetes and a history of scoliosis surgery. And yes, I am feeling VERY insecure at this point. Because, I have been in my field for 20 years, worked hard to obtain 3 certifications and never, ever been accused of such things. So am I threatened? You betcha! I don’t know if I can get unemployment, my insurance ends next week and I don’t even know if I can pay COBRA, my husband still can’t find a job and I don’t ever want to return to my profession. Let alone, how are we, with a substantial amount of medical bills, going to pay those, along with all the rest?
    3.) Fleeing in my life: Doing “my own thing”, avoiding things I shouldn’t or things that truly intimidate me. Not taking time for what’s important because I don’t have the time. Am I fleeing now? Uh no….now I don’t have a choice. All my “busy-ness” has gone. I either have to take time to do these things or suffer more. Ha ha, God’s got my attention now!
    4.) They all say the same thing: Flee the devil, because he is out to get you: Take time to be with the Lord, trust Him, and know HE HAS THIS and HE HAS YOU!
    5.) Settle down: Yes I do. I’ve been hearing it, but not heading it. Over the course of the last week and a half I have been hearing not only these same verses from everywhere, but these same verses from everywhere! I need to settle down before God, get my heart straight and see what He will do. I need to truly rely on Him 100% because it’s the only way it’ll ever be right! I know this, have known this, my whole life! I thought I was faithful, but the truth really is, I choose other things and busyness over Him, time and time again. And let’s admit it, being a mom, it’s hard, and it’s hard to find a place to be quiet and alone. But no more, I’m over it. I chose this job because I felt I had to, because of the pay and benefits. And look where it’s gotten me: Stressed out, bottomed out, out of juice and out of a career! By far, worst choice I’ve ever made! My place: I don’t know, ministry is in my heart, we’ll see where HE wants me to be!!! I am and will settle down in Him and wait on Him!
    6.) God is saying to me: You need to be quiet before me, live every moment in me, and truly truly learn what it is to trust me. And then, I will make this SO right in ways you cannot even fathom! You need to figure out what it is you truly desire: Me and my ways, or the world.

    • 208.1
      Darrene says:

      Bless your heart….. I had similar situation a while back. I prayed for the “strength to do what I had to do” …which for me, was to find another job. The Lord blessed in that job and blessed my family. Remember that the Lord is an “on time God” and in His time and just in time, He will make a way.

      He blessed us in ways I could not have planned. God just loves doing that! I pray that He does the same for you. I Know that He will!

      Darrene

  9. 209
    Lucy says:

    1. NIV, NKJV, Message
    THE MESSAGE ISAIAH 30:15-18
    GOD, the Master, The Holy of Israel,
    has this solemn counsel:
    “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—
    The very thing
    you’ve been unwilling to do.
    You’ve said, ‘Nothing doing! We’ll rush off on horseback!’
    You’ll rush off, all right! Just not far enough!
    You’ve said, ‘We’ll ride off on fast horses!’
    Do you think your pursuers ride old nags?
    Think again: A thousand of you will scatter before one attacker.
    Before a mere five you’ll all run off.
    There’ll be nothing left of you—
    a flagpole on a hill with no flag,
    a signpost on a roadside with the sign torn off.”
    18 But GOD’s not finished. He’s waiting around to be gracious to you.
    He’s gathering strength to show mercy to you.
    GOD takes the time to do everything right—everything.
    Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.
    2. Threat: “an expression of intent to do harm. One that threatens.”
    Fear immediately pops up, my heart races and I want to get away.
    3. Fleeing to me can mean “shutting down”, coiling up for protection. Don’t look like such an easy target for more pressure, more threats. Sometimes avoiding all contact with “people” (hiding out) until “I” can get back in control.
    Yes, I am in fleeing mode right now. Hard season, trying to keep going but some issues of the past keep flooding my mind and heart and I fall back into old patterns of fleeing.
    4. I need to draw near to God, humble myself before Him and quit trying to protect myself, but call out to Him and totally depend on Him for my protection.
    5. Settle down is exactly what I need to hear this morning as I have been in a tailspin all week and trying to “settle down” but in my own efforts. I have tried to continue reading my Bible, pray, minister to others and their needs, thinking I just needed to work through this and God would show up.
    I really needed to read the scriptures from Isaiah 30:18 that God is working this all out in His perfect time in His grace for me and to show mercy to me.
    6. God is truly my on time God! I needed the scriptures you gave us to look up to help me refocus and “settle down” in complete dependence on Him.

  10. 210
    Roxanne says:

    1.NET, NLT, MSG Isaiah 30: 15-18
    The Message: “15-17 GOD, the Master, The Holy of Israel,
    has this solemn counsel:
    “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—
    The very thing
    you’ve been unwilling to do.
    You’ve said, ‘Nothing doing! We’ll rush off on horseback!’
    You’ll rush off, all right! Just not far enough!
    You’ve said, ‘We’ll ride off on fast horses!’
    Do you think your pursuers ride old nags?
    Think again: A thousand of you will scatter before one attacker.
    Before a mere five you’ll all run off.
    There’ll be nothing left of you—
    a flagpole on a hill with no flag,
    a signpost on a roadside with the sign torn off.”
    18 But GOD’s not finished. He’s waiting around to be gracious to you.
    He’s gathering strength to show mercy to you.
    GOD takes the time to do everything right—everything.
    Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.

    2. Threat:
    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.
    There is a situation with someone who I feel may be a threat(3) to someone I care about deeply.
    3. This siesta is a “runner” no doubt. The farther I can “flee” from a situation and pretend it isn’t happening, the safer I think I feel.

    4. Isaiah and 1Peter basically say the same thing: Don’t fret and start rushing about in a panic, but wait on the Lord and he will deliver you from your trouble. Be patient…God’s timing is always perfect, ours is not. James says that waiting for God is the same as saying “No” to the devil. By inference, not waiting on God is the same as giving the enemy his way. Sobering thought.

    5. Oh, I need to settle down! As a runner, my first reaction is to panic, even if it’s not externally noticeable, my insides are buzzing like bees. My mind will fly in all different directions in how I can handle/fix something.

    6. I love how Isaiah 30: 18b puts it “God takes the time to do everything right – everything. Those who wait around for Him are the lucky ones.”

    In waiting for God we build our strength and our faith in Him, and the realization of our dependence on Him. Although it’s not always easy to wait, God’s ways always prosper in the end…even if it takes us a while to get there. (Prov 19:21)

    I love how 1 Peter 5:11 puts it (even though it’s not one of the assigned verses) “He [God] gets the last word; yes, he does.” (MSG)

  11. 211
    Barb says:

    1. NLT, MSG AND NKJV
    15 For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” But you would not,16 And you said, “No, for we will flee on horses”– Therefore you shall flee! And, “We will ride on swift horses”– Therefore those who pursue you shall be swift!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.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 indication of something impending
    I feel threatened by the physical ailments of my loved ones (husband, father and brother all had surgery this month and aren’t healing quickly). I worry for them and the stress I cause myself weighs on me as a hysical and mental threat. I feel the evil one is attacking my family.
    3. Fleeing means that I retreat into myself and shut off and usually that is all but in this season I have reached overload and break down but not in front my my “guys”. I go to my girls and share and cry. Yes, I am fleeing
    4.james – submit, resist, flee; 1 Peter – be alert for the roaring lion, resist and be restored. Isaiah – in turning to The Lord you will find quietness and confidence. All say when the roaring lion threat is upon you, you should stand firm in God.. Maybe only the weak flee?
    5.yes, I need to settle soooo badly. I am a mess of nerves and I know the “quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” Especially as today is my birthday and want to enjoy it.
    6. It confirmed what I have been knowing – I need to lean on him and find peace in His quietness and strength in this time of threat. Thinking of this as a threat l and admitting that I flee is helpful.
    Thank you for the homework Beth!

  12. 212
    Mary says:

    1. NIV, NET, and MSG
    Isaiah 30:15-18 (MSG)
    15-17 GOD, the Master, The Holy of Israel,
    has this solemn counsel:
    “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—
    The very thing
    you’ve been unwilling to do.
    You’ve said, ‘Nothing doing! We’ll rush off on horseback!’
    You’ll rush off, all right! Just not far enough!
    You’ve said, ‘We’ll ride off on fast horses!’
    Do you think your pursuers ride old nags?
    Think again: A thousand of you will scatter before one attacker.
    Before a mere five you’ll all run off.
    There’ll be nothing left of you—
    a flagpole on a hill with no flag,
    a signpost on a roadside with the sign torn off.”
    18 But GOD’s not finished. He’s waiting around to be gracious to you.
    He’s gathering strength to show mercy to you.
    GOD takes the time to do everything right—everything.
    Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.
    2. Definition of “threat:” an expression of intention to inflict injury or damage.
    It seems somewhat difficult to classify what I am experiencing at this season as a “threat,” yet in examination of the definition I can see it could be seen as that. Since my husband’s retirement 4 years ago, we have begun to do extensive traveling; and a little over a year ago, we began living full time in our motor home. I enjoy this new lifestyle and I love being on this new adventure with my husband, but at the same time it has been sad to leave my involvement and responsibility in my local ladies Bible study behind. I cherish those experiences and those memories for all the same reasons most ladies on this blog would understand. I miss the interaction with the ladies individually and our combined interaction with the Lord. I know the Lord chooses at periodic times in each of our lives to “make all things new” as we watch “old things pass away,” but I sometimes feel the “threat” of this new lifestyle taking from me who I have come to believe the Lord created me to be. I know the Lord and His Word well enough to know that He has definite plans for this new season of my life and I can anticipate those plans with expectancy and wonder, yet I find myself dealing with a sense of loss because of this new and very different life and that I will not be a “productive” part of the Kingdom any longer.
    3. “Fleeing” for me is generally a withdrawing and keeping to myself. Right now in my life, I guess I have moments of fleeing when conflict arises which can happen when you live in a 43 ft. “box” with another person no matter how compatible you are or how much you love one another! Yet, for the most part I find myself in search of what those “plans” the Lord has for this new season, so I am pressing forward toward that goal.
    4. Contrasting the scriptures in I Peter and James with the Isaiah passage clearly gives a picture of what can occur when one chooses to stand his ground firmly in the Lord and resist his enemy rather than choosing to “flee” from the threats and attacks of his enemy. Instead of the believer running “willy-nilly” in all kinds of the direction, he will watch in amazement as the enemy is the one to flee at the confidence and trust in the Lord which has produced such strength and power.
    5. Without doubt, I often hear the Voice of the Lord telling me to “Be still! Know that I am God (of this situation)!” and “Rest in Me! Wait patiently for Me!” Yet, experience is teaching me (Thanks be to our Lord!) to recognize more quickly those thoughts of anxiety or impatience and bring them into alignment with the Word of God.
    6. This passage has come to be one of my favorites. As a matter of fact, I was just recently drawn back to it as I shared with a friend who needed to hear from the Word to find strength in a particular situation. When I opened your message this morning, Beth, and saw those precious words again, I knew it was imperative that I pay attention. I have focused most often on verses 15 and 18, but as I read the passage today, my heart almost stopped when I read in The Message those words, “There will be nothing left of you!” in verse 17. My only hope for victory over my flesh or my enemy is to stand firmly and confidently in the Lord. That is a Truth I know well and have experienced many times, but I am so thankful for the reminder.
    Thank you for this challenge, Beth. How I thank the Lord for you, your staff and your ministry.
    Mary, “on the road” in Mission, TX

  13. 213
    Lisa says:

    NIV
    NAS
    NLT

    1.Isaiah 30:15-18

    New American Standard Bible (NASB)

    15 For thus the Lord [a]God, the Holy One of Israel, has said,

    “In [b]repentance and rest you will be saved,
    In quietness and trust is your strength.”
    But you were not willing,
    16 And you said, “No, for we will flee on horses,”
    Therefore you shall flee!
    “And we will ride on swift horses,”
    Therefore those who pursue you shall be swift.
    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.

    God Is Gracious and Just

    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 long for Him.

    Threat
    an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage
    one that threatens
    an indication of something impending
    See threat defined for English-language learners
    Examples of THREAT
    He was willing to use violence and threats to get what he wanted.
    She ignored their threats and continued to do what she felt was right.
    a country under threat of civil war

    I have felt threaten for the last 2 yrs. Began working at my husbands buisness and its a family buisness. It was not by my choice to go to work there. Other family members thought it was not fair that I worked at another job and our income was more than theres.(Greedy)are how these people are. This buisness was struggling to stay alive due to the greed these people have. With much prayer I went to work there. I knew in my heart that is where God wanted me to be. I was able to take the bookeeping over and get the company on stable ground with Gods help all along the way! Now these family members are no longer working there. The family is torn apart which really has been years before I came into the picture. It has put a strain on my marriage working with my husband.
    3. I have been fleeing to much prayer and reading Gods word. I have become a quiet person to myself not wanting to share with family or friends of the troubles I have had. Due to not wanting satan to have a chance in causing more problems. I am most defintely in the fleeing mode.
    4. Resisting the devil is what I have been doing for sometime. There are days I forget that God is there and try to handle it on my own.
    5. Yes I needed to hear these words because satan is threatening my marriage and would not have it any other way if it was torn apart like my husbands family is right now. I am not giving up or giving in.
    6.God is telling me to keep submitting to him with the threats that are being shot at my way. That he will prevail and there is justice in all of this mess I am in. He knows my heartaches for the pain and hurt I have felt in the last 2 yrs.and every tear I have shed. I am pressing on toward the goal that is set before me!
    Thanks Beth for this I needed it soooooooooo muchhhhhhh!
    Love you dearly

  14. 214
    jackie says:

    Question 1: NKJV HCSB The Message

    Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
    15 For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said:
    “You will be delivered by returning and resting;
    your strength will lie in quiet confidence.
    But you are not willing.”
    16 You say, “No!
    We will escape on horses”—
    therefore you will escape!—
    and, “We will ride on fast horses”—
    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 LORD’s 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.

    Question 2: Threat –declaration of determination to harm another, menace, portending something undesirable

    Response
    Still, I’m ashamed to say, false idols of approval and disapproval at my workplace, and a racing worrying mind gnawing at problems; having wishful conversations, planning sharp remarks etc to those who I feel are threatening to me, and not respecting my self -perceived importance.
    The threat of not being good enough and being shamed is always lurking. I am not in fleeing mode at the moment but it has been a way of life for too long and I know I could easily fall back into this.

    The reality is that I am threatening my peace and joy by still not letting go of some issues from the past and not moving on completely and being frustrated that others do not see things my way. I don’t like being the only one trying to be humble in order to avoid strife. Life is looking good for me now and this is the year I am claiming Jesus’ promise of life in abundance and I do not want to jeopardise this by my own pride.

    Question 3: Fleeing traditionally has meant withdrawing myself through avoiding people, immersing myself in books, extra wine, overeating trashy TV, oversleeping anything to avoid the issues or make the serious life transforming changes that were needed to face the reality of the situation.
    Or over-controlling those areas where I was in control and could make an impact.

    Question 4: The message is really clear to me: we are always going to have trials but we are always at risk, even when things are going well for us. We cannot underestimate the patience of our enemy waiting for us to backslide.
    WE CANNOT DO THIS ALONE – NO MATTER WHAT RESOURCES WE HAVE AND HOW EFFECTIVE WE THINK THEY ARE. He is waiting and there is only one way to deal with this.
    We need to be on our guard all the time and stay close to Jesus and live a life pleasing to God in order to be safe from torment and our enemies -whatever shape they present for us as individuals. God will save and keep us. He is the winner!

    Question 5: I want to settle down, to rest and nestle in Him. To lead a quiet life, God centred and be restored and enjoy my life instead of getting through it. I yearn for more of this in my life. I know I cannot get through alone.

    Question 6: Personal reflection
    This is so apposite in my life at the moment. For decades I have strived to get things right, working hard, worrying, a relentless cycle of torment, self loathing and self criticism and then working harder or trying harder to be noticed and get things right.
    Last year, after a series of some of the worst trials I have undergone in my life (and being very afflicted!) I passed the reins over to God and made decisions about my work and health that few, especially me thought I would ever make voluntarily.
    I want the drama out of my life; the constant living on a knife edge, with me allowing the state of my well being, self esteem and happiness to be determined by the mood of my employer. My stomach used to clench at another of his cold looks and withdrawal and refusal to discuss things with me and I felt constantly drained with the effort of getting it right.

    I know that God is saying to me – ‘Jackie, have you finished with running around in circles? I have shown you what I can do for you out of hard times, when you finally listen to me and call to me. Look at this in my Word: process it, DO IT -don’t be half hearted. We have come a long way don’t throw it all away because we both know you are a prize to be reclaimed by slipping back into old mindsets and draining habits. Build on what I have given you, rest in me let me continue to restore you. Do as I ask. See the difference to your life now you have started to obey me. We can do this together, endure the trials, live an abundant life for the rest of your days – if you really want this, if you are really serious, and you do what I ask rather than just read or listen to my Words.’

    Beth can I add here the power of the memory work is transformational.The work I did last year and doing it all together this year is so powerful in my life. Thank you.

  15. 215
    Amy Sweetland says:

    1. NIV,NLT,GNT
    Isaiah 30:15-18
    Good News Translation (GNT)
    15 The Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says to the people, “Come back and quietly trust in me. Then you will be strong and secure.” But you refuse to do it. 16 Instead, you plan to escape from your enemies by riding fast horses. And you are right—escape is what you will have to do! You think your horses are fast enough, but those who pursue you will be faster! 17 A thousand of you will run away when you see one enemy soldier, and five soldiers will be enough to make you all run away. Nothing will be left of your army except a lonely flagpole on the top of a hill. 18 And yet the Lord is waiting to be merciful to you. He is ready to take pity on you because he always does what is right. Happy are those who put their trust in the Lord.

    2. Threat
    : to utter threats against
    2
    a : to give signs or warning of : portend
    b : to hang over dangerously : menace
    3
    : to announce as intended or possible
    4
    : to cause to feel insecure or anxious
    I feel threatened indirectly by people who can change the lives of family members. The courts can decide custody issues of two women in my life. In both instances the fear that we all feel that these children’s lives are in the hands of strangers is very scary. I pray God will put his hand in the final decisions for the best outcome to these precious lives.

    3. I think our whole family has the wish that we could all flee from the present situation and hide somewhere safe. Unfortunately the world still turns and one day turns into the next and daily responsibilies take precedence.

    4. In 1 Peter he describes similarly that you must go through the trials of life but Gods love will help you get through it all.
    James 4:7 “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

    5. My translation says
    “Come back and quietly trust in me. Then you will be strong and secure.”
    I believe it is saying to me not so much to “settle down” but to keep my focus on my Lord and savior and He will make me strong.

    6. I believe God is telling me not to worry about things I cannot control. Do not be frightened of the unknown. But trust that God will take care of those that love Him.
    Thank you for bringing this lesson to me Beth!

  16. 216
    Nicole says:

    1. God, the Master, The Holy of Israel, has this solemn counsel: “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— The very thing you’ve been unwilling to do. You’ve said, ‘Nothing doing! We’ll rush off on horseback!’ You’ll rush off, all right! Just not far enough! You’ve said, ‘We’ll ride off on fast horses!’ Do you think your pursuers ride old nags? Think again: A thousand of you will scatter before one attacker. Before a mere five you’ll all run off. There’ll be nothing left of you— a flagpole on a hill with no flag, a signpost on a roadside with the sign torn off.” But God’s not finished. He’s waiting around to be gracious to you. He’s gathering strength to show mercy to you. God takes the time to do everything right—everything. Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones. (Isaiah 30:15-18 MSG)

    2. Threat – Declaration of an intention or determination to inflict injury or punishment etc in retaliation for, or conditionally upon, some action or course, menace – (Person whose actions attitudes or ideas are considered harmful or dangerous)

    MY Threat – busyness that is unproductive

    3. I recoil and seclude myself, become protective, hide, if you will. I believe I am powerless to do anything. That I will fail. I believe I was hiding this past week and didn’t realize it. This inactivity, lack of motivation felt similar to the blindness I’ve experienced in the past. Perhaps this time a blindness to see my condition as opposed to a blindness of understanding/beliefs.

    4. The verses speak of turning to God – away from the devil, away from my own selfish tendencies and habits. The enemy is fierce, he will destroy. God is waiting to do His work in us. He wants to! Turn to Him!!

    5. Yes! Settle down but don’t give up.

    6. This idea of intentional, daily surrender. Although I have some good habits that open me up to God, I feel the need for a daily discipline of confession and surrender. The sporadic way I’m doing it now leaves me vulnerable to the devil and myself (habitual selfish tendencies.)

  17. 217
    Wendy says:

    ESV, Amp, NASB

    The message
    God Takes the Time to Do Everything Right
    15-17
    God, the Master, The Holy of Israel,
 has this solemn counsel:
“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—
The very thing
 you’ve been unwilling to do.
You’ve said, ‘Nothing doing! We’ll rush off on horseback!’
 You’ll rush off, all right! Just not far enough!
You’ve said, ‘We’ll ride off on fast horses!’
 Do you think your pursuers ride old nags?
Think again: A thousand of you will scatter before one attacker.
 Before a mere five you’ll all run off.
There’ll be nothing left of you—
 a flagpole on a hill with no flag,
 a signpost on a roadside with the sign torn off.”
    18
    But God’s not finished. He’s waiting around to be gracious to you.
 He’s gathering strength to show mercy to you.
God takes the time to do everything right—everything.
 Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.

    THREAT, n. thret. A menace; denunciation of ill; declaration of an intention or determination to inflict punishment, loss or pain on another.

    My biggest threat right now is the way the enemy keeps me too distracted by fear or lies

  18. 218
    Cheryl says:

    1. NLT, ESV, KJV (NLT I related to the best.)

    15 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.
    16 You said, ‘No, we will get our help from Egypt.
    They will give us swift horses for riding into battle.’
    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.”

    Blessings for the Lord’s 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.

    2. Threat: an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury or damage; an indication of something impending
    I sometimes feel threatened by changes at work.
    3. My fleeing usually consists of withdrawing from people. Lack of involvement in church (other than Sunday morning worship) and no outside interests.I’m actually just coming out of a fleeing mode. The Lord has led me to a new church plant and it’s an exciting time getting involved.
    4. In the Isaiah text, it shows God’s people fleeing from Him to their enemies. In I Peter, God’s people are encouraged to resist the enemy and he will flee. In James, God’s people again are encouraged to submit to God and resist the enemy, then the enemy will flee.
    5. Interesting for me to read this. I just started a devotional book in which the author said she found herself praying for God to unsettle her. I thought to myself that while that worked for her, the thought of praying that for myself was disturbing to me. Thinking further about it today, there are probably areas in my life that need unsettling and others that need settling down.
    6. I enjoyed this homework and got many things from it. What speaks to me most though was confirmation that I was hearing God correctly about a prayed over matter when he told me to “wait” for his help. Thanks for this, Beth. I’m a few weeks out from my next Bible study and I needed it. Prayers for you and the staff of Living Proof = D

  19. 219
    Kelly says:

    1. ESV, NLT, 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]!

    2. threat- an indication of something impending
    I have spent, and wasted, a lot of time worrying about what may be coming instead of living in the moment with the blessings God has given me. I have missed out on times of great fun and joy because I couldn’t leave my anxiety behind. My biggest struggles in life have been around anxiety, worry and fear, not necessarily for me and my situations, but for the ones I love, and cannot control. That’s the real issue- I cannot control them or what happens to them. My name is Kelly, and I am a control-freak. But I am learning to trust them to God and to trust in His plan for them. God has been infinitely patient and gracious, allowing me to see His hand at work in the hearts and lives of those I love dearly. It isn’t going as quickly as I would like, but God is in control and His timing is always right. There is a lot of peace and rest in knowing that- not just hearing it or saying it, but KNOWING it.

    3. Fleeing in my life means shutting down- when the anxiety and worry became so big, I tended to isolate myself, mostly because my anxieties were/are in relation to my loved ones. It’s like if I don’t know what is going on with them, I don’t worry as much. It’s stupid, but I’m an ostrich that would rather have her head buried in the sand than to watch something I don’t want to happen. I have been learning over the years, that may be exactly with GOD wants, and exactly what they need to turn their hearts to Him, no matter how painful or difficult.

    4. When we go our own way, we leave ourselves vulnerable to the roaring lion, Satan, who wants to devour and destroy us. When we don’t submit ourselves to God, we lose His protection, we lose joy, peace, blessing, His companionship (how amazing!), and living with excited expectation of what God will do in us and in our lives.

    5. Yes, the words “settle down” are a reminder that I am weak and foolish in my own strength and “wisdom”. I am only strong through Christ who has saved me. I have access to the Holy God of the Universe! Why am I afraid of anything? He loves those I love infinitely more than I do. I can trust them to Him.

    6. God has been saying this to me for a very long time: Trust Me. I am winning the battle over anxiety with God’s help. Memorizing scripture has been a HUGE part of this. I started memorizing scripture with the SSMT 2 times ago (in 2009?), and I am so grateful for that. Having God’s Word in my heart and mind to fight back when I am attacked, I cannot express in words how powerful that has been. What a weapon our Lord has given us…

  20. 220
    Kathy says:

    1. ESV / NIV / MSG
    Isaiah 30:15-18 – New International Version (NIV)
    15 This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. 16 You said, ‘No, we will flee on horses.’ Therefore you will flee! 
You said, ‘We will ride off on swift horses.’ 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.” 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. Definition of ‘Threat”: A statement of an intention to inflict pain, injury, damage, or other hostile action on someone in retribution for something done or not… Synonyms: menace – danger – intimidation – impedance
    I recognize that when I feel threatened it’s usually not by a verbal expression but an assumption on my part. I connect the dots from unspoken cues – sometimes accurately, I believe – but at other times probably not. I can get worked up over an assumed threat, creating a plan for action/protection for a threat that may not even be real.

    3. ‘Fleeing’ is often a defensive/critical attitude that puts distance (emotional if not physical) between the assumed threat and me.

    4. Be watchful – Stand firm – Persevere – Resist the devil – Jesus will prevail!

    5. Yes, I need to run to the Lord and repent when I feel threatened or feel like fleeing. Rather than reacting to these feelings, I need to deliberately respond.

    6. Lord, teach me to rest in the quietness and strength of You. Remind me of your grace and compassion towards me. Remind me that you are a God of justice and that you will right any wrong that comes my way, that You are working out all things for my good, including ‘this’ (Romans 8:28)! What you ask of me is to wait, and rest, and repent of my proactive imagination, my swiftness to take care of things myself. Thank you, Lord, that your grace and compassion pursue me in the midst of my sin (Romans 5:8). If when I feel threatened I would stop to examine my heart and repent of my contributing sin, and rest in knowing that You are my SAVIOR; if I would then be quiet (keep my tongue silent, discussing the matter with no one, but only with You in prayer) and trust in You (my sovereign, all-powerful, loving Father) would I not find your faithful STRENGTH to carry me wisely through whatever lies ahead? Yes!!

  21. 221
    Nicole Carpenter says:

    1. 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)
    CEB
    NET

    2.Threat-an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage
    -one that threatens
    -an indication of something impending
    Thankfully, in this season of my life I don’t feel threatened. I just came out of a terrible season of threat with extended family members that hurt me to the core. God, and only Him, was able to take control of my emotional state and put me back on solid ground with a renewed relationship. Hallelujah!!

    3. I LOVE to flee when things are not going my way or seem harder than I anticipated. It is a weakness of mine. God is helping me to put on my armor and fight. To stick out the hard times that He is testing my faith. To go to Him and not rely on self.

    4.We have to flee the devil, knowing that our fleshly state is what he wants us to walk in. To know that God is always with us, not stepping in prematurely to fix things, but allowing us to come to a state of readiness and give ALL glory to Him that brought us through! God will never forsake us-in this knowledge, I am thankful!

    5. I always need to “settle down”. My mind works overtime and patience is a hard thing. In this season, God is telling me continuously to slow down, look to Him, and know that all things will work for His glory-not mine!

    6. Something like today (posting this assignment) is out of my comfort zone. I am a “stalker” of the blog, not a participator. God is really wanting me to step out and grow my faith beyond my very safe circle I live in. I think He wants me to understand that Yes, there are threats-Yes, in my on flesh I can flee, but if I endure the hard stuff, there is peace at the end! That is His promise to me-I am going to claim it!!

  22. 222
    Michele says:

    Total FOMO on the taping. Remembering Sept when you spoke to me to the camera and then saw me right there. God floored me with His presence that weekend.

    1. I read a bunch, different verses stood out:
    v15 – Message – “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— The very thing you’ve been unwilling to do.

    v16 & 17 – HCSB – ‎‎You say, “No! We will escape on horses”— therefore you will escape!— and, “We will ride on fast horses”— but those who pursue you will be faster. 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.

    v18 – NET – 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 statement of an intention to inflict injury, damage, or other hostile action as retribution.
    2 a person or thing likely to cause damage or danger.
    Current threat – finances & losing my best friend.

    3. Fleeing for me usually means detaching and striving to change the situation. Lately I feel helpless so instead of fleeing I give up.

    4. Wavering between explaining the volumes I see in there and just skipping because not up to it.
    James – Double minded – fractured mind. 1Pet – Prowling lion – Is 30.16 – your pursuers will be faster – that is terrifying (Think I’m getting chomped on). 1Pet – Be firm in the faith – Is 30.18 – wait in faith.

    5. Yes indeed, especially as I walk with my best friend as they analyze his 13cm tumor found Wednesday. The paralyzing fears resurface – in my own efforts I was not able to protect my Cindy, and years earlier, the one person I was attached to, my grandmother, left me here – v17 – alone. On Monday I’ll take my friend in for the biopsy and I cannot protect or help him, physically or spiritually.

    6. In his message this week, Charles Stanley said that anxiety is a faith issue. I completely agree. I begged God to protect my sweet girl, and He did not, so how can I have faith that He will answer any particular prayer? And as I realize my “silly efforts” are insufficient, I flee/resign. I know God is sovereign, wise and good, and is likely trying to teach me through these things. As yet, I apparently have not grasped the lesson, which is why Mark 9.24 is my current memory verse
    “I believe; help my unbelief!”

  23. 223
    Cindy says:

    1. NIV, NKJV, NLT
    NLT – “15 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.
    16 You said, ‘No, we will get our help from Egypt.
    They will give us swift horses for riding into battle.’
    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. noun
    a. 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.
    b. an indication or warning of probable trouble: The threat of a storm was in the air.
    c. a person or thing that threatens.
    In attempting to help establish a new ministry at my church, I have felt the threat of trying to come up with my own plan to make it work, rather than resting and trusting God to bring it together in His way and timing.

    3. I tend to “flee” to my own plans when God doesn’t come through fast enough. If I don’t see him doing something when I think it needs to happen, I start taking care of it myself and usually end up with a big mess!

    4. The passage in James reminds me that it is Satan who should be doing the “fleeing”! When I humble myself before God and trust him to reveal his plans in his time, Satan has to flee. I don’t have to listen to his threats or panic because I don’t think things are happening fast enough. God is the master planner who knows and sees all things, whereas I only see such a tiny piece at a time. He can absolutely be trusted!

    5. Yes! I so easily fall into the trap of, “Well, no one else is doing anything, so I guess I have to make it happen!”. I think God appreciates the willingness to work, but it must be done according to his plan and timetable. If He is saying “Be still and wait!”, then that is exactly what I need to do. He will tell me when it is time to move if I trust him and wait for him.

    6. God is saying, “Trust me and wait for me. I know what I’m doing!”

  24. 224
    Toni says:

    1. NIV, NET and The Message

    Both the NIV and The Message spoke to me. NIV because I have been studying these same verses as I have gone back through the Breaking Free study on a 2 week fast track and God has already done some major work in my heart. The Message version also meant a lot because it said it in fresh language at a fresh time of need again this morning when I read the blog and this challenge.

    Here’s the Message: God Takes the Time to Do Everything Right

    15-17 God, the Master, The Holy of Israel,
    has this solemn counsel:
    “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—
    The very thing
    you’ve been unwilling to do.
    You’ve said, ‘Nothing doing! We’ll rush off on horseback!’
    You’ll rush off, all right! Just not far enough!
    You’ve said, ‘We’ll ride off on fast horses!’
    Do you think your pursuers ride old nags?
    Think again: A thousand of you will scatter before one attacker.
    Before a mere five you’ll all run off.
    There’ll be nothing left of you—
    a flagpole on a hill with no flag,
    a signpost on a roadside with the sign torn off.”
    18 But God’s not finished. He’s waiting around to be gracious to you.
    He’s gathering strength to show mercy to you.
    God takes the time to do everything right—everything.
    Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.

    2. Threat: (Wikipedia) A threat is 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.

    3. “Fleeing” to me right now, and most often is emotional retreat. I hunker down emotionally and lockdown inside. While I have been on an incredible journey of God re-exposing this tendency and tearing down strongholds lately, a new and fresh temptation to retreat into that comfortable MO reared its head just last night…which leads so nicely into #4.

    4.Just as God looks to be compassionate and strong on my behalf, the enemy is prowling to devour. While I am tempted to resist God’s advances at times and to proceed “unwilling,” the better response is to be “unwilling” towards the enemies false threats. Instead of resisting the One who longs to draw me in by compassion, I should put that resistant effort toward the enemy who wants to take me under. Instead of falling for the fruitless efforts of pride, I need to find strength in humbly settling down in the unshakable, unfailing love of my Savior who will fight for me. I need to continue to humbly allow Him all access to my heart so that He can restore, confirm, strengthen and establish me.

    5. Yes, because after weeks of hard heart work, I saw afresh last night and this morning how quickly the enemy can still try to use emotion and false threats to tempt me toward fear and unbelief. Yet, taking time to settle down in the unfailing arms of my Savior’s love allows peace to awash me afresh, to remind me that He will fight for me, that it may take time. I don’t need to be up in arms over what I see because I can rest in what He sees. Bless His name.

    6. I have a hard time connecting with my oldest daughter sometimes and it cuts me to the core. She is emotionally distant towards me and rejects many of my efforts to draw close. (She is only 10, and I know a lot of this is supposed to come with being a teenager, but it feels early and it feels very personal. 😉 ) I struggle with a lot of guilt about it, as well as downright pain. She is very close to her Dad and sometimes I just don’t understand why she can’t let me in a little too. When I reach out to her and get rejected, it makes it extremely difficult to keep trying. The enemy would tempt me to write it off as “just the way she is”, “just the way our relationship is going to be” and to just retreat emotionally and hide under the guise of not trying anymore because it’s “pointless.” He accuses me with false threats that we’ll never grow beyond this, that I should just write her off and invest in our other kids because they’ll respond to me etc. etc. I know that’s not true because I have seen God grow our relationship so much already. The growth has been slow and I have had to choose to take the tiny movements forward instead of letting the grief of the missing pieces take me under in guilt and sadness. I know she belongs to Jesus and I do too and I trust that He will grow us in His time in His way. The enemy repeatedly whispers accusations to me of being a bad mom – I mean “what kind of mom struggles with bonding with her daughter?” But when I look at those accusations in the light of God’s Word, I know those are all just lies. From God’s perspective, I know that the enemy is taking my own insecurities that come with being a cycle breaker and trying to use them against me. He is trying to attack what I know to be, with God’s great and constant help, my efforts to bring my children up every single day in and with and covered by the love of Jesus. In the light of God’s Word, I see that it isn’t about my failures, but about God’s strength to restore and rebuild a new generation. I see that the enemy is a liar who is seeking to devour the seed I KNOW I have planted repeatedly in faith in my family’s lives. I know I am not perfect as a woman or as a mother, but I know my heart is pure by God’s grace and I know HE is able…even when I feel so unable. Feelings lie and the truth of the matter is I am able by His grace to do what He has called me to do. I intend to wait on Him to show me compassion, to restore the years the locusts have eaten, to flex His mighty arm in both of our lives for His great glory. Even so, Lord, come and do in and through me what you desire. My heart is yours. I repent of where I have erred in action in attitude. I rest in you. I will quietly trust you. I know you are at work. You are always at work. I will believe you beyond what I can see.

    • 224.1
      Paula says:

      Hang in there, Toni. Just keep praying for her and for His discernment in your dealings with her and your heart toward her. He is faithful! I have had a similar experience and am now beginning to see the fruit of my patience and trust in Him.

  25. 225
    Lauralee Courtney says:

    Lauralee, Austin, TX

    Thank you, Beth for this great time with the Lord this morning. I loved this assignment and I love you!
    1. ESV
    NIV
    MSG
    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:
    “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—
    The very thing
    you’ve been unwilling to do.
    You’ve said, ‘Nothing doing! We’ll rush off on horseback!’
    You’ll rush off, all right! Just not far enough!
    You’ve said, ‘We’ll ride off on fast horses!’
    Do you think your pursuers ride old nags?
    Think again: A thousand of you will scatter before one attacker.
    Before a mere five you’ll all run off.
    There’ll be nothing left of you—
    a flagpole on a hill with no flag,
    a signpost on a roadside with the sign torn off.”
    18 But GOD’s not finished. He’s waiting around to be gracious to you.
    He’s gathering strength to show mercy to you.
    GOD takes the time to do everything right—everything.
    Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.

    2. Threat – a declaration of an intention or determination to inflict punishment, injury, etc,. retaliation for, or conditionally upon, some action or course; menace: He confessed under the threat of imprisonment.

    An indication or warning of probable trouble: The threat of a storm was in the air.

    A person or thing that threatens.

    Archaic. To threaten.

    I feel most threaten in this season in the area of lack of ministry. We went through a church change and after being with a startup charge for 9 years, we have been going to a mega church and although the move was great for my husband, I have not connected and miss the ministry and serving of my old church so much. It was a good move but I am threatened because life went on and maybe there is not much value in what I was doing – even though I know that is in inaccurate statement, the threat of it being true is.

    3. Fleeing looks like work to me. I have thrown myself into work and used the excuse of I have to work as a reason to not get involved. Because the working so much was affecting my home life and I missed serving so much (but loved the money) I changed jobs to a beautiful environment, slower pace with the values of we work to live, not live to work. I am so blessed and this was a gift from God. I have been at my new job for one week and I love it and so does my family. I flee by working because if I can make more money and do not have to deal with the home pressures and of course the money justifies it. So wrong. God, please forgive my faulty thinking.
    I am not in fleeing mode right now, just got out of it. I would say I am in fleeing recovery mode. Again, thank you, God. All glory goes to him for this and for Him rescuing me.

    4. Isaiah says I will flee and trouble will follow me and yet God being gracious will let me suffer for a while and then save me. 1 Peter 5:8-10 says to be watchful because the devil is out to devour someone and it could be any of my Christian brothers and sisters. We are all under the same attack. The beauty is if we will stay strong, God will make us strong, firm and steadfast. Peter also says God gets the last word…music to my soul. James 4:7 says yell a loud no to the devil and he will flee and a quiet yes to God and He will be here in no time. James says purify my inner life and quit sinning; get on my knees before the Master so I can get on my feet.
    5.I love getting the verification of settling down was the right thing to do, God is so good. I am a past dweller and continuously second guess my decisions but this one is crystal clear. I am where God wants me to be and will use me in a much more productive way. I can always use a good settle down message because if my hair is not on fire and I am not going 90 to nothing, I do not feel like I am doing anything. God is good.

    6. I was fleeing, God rescued me, the devil is after me and my friends, stay strong, say no to the devil, yes to the Lord, God wins. Settle down, the battle has already been won.

  26. 226
    Missy S says:

    1. Read ESV, NET, and MSG. The wording of The Message stood out to me the most:

    God, the Master, The Holy of Israel,
    has this solemn counsel:
    “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—
    The very thing
    you’ve been unwilling to do.
    You’ve said, ‘Nothing doing! We’ll rush off on horseback!’
    You’ll rush off, all right! Just not far enough!
    You’ve said, ‘We’ll ride off on fast horses!’
    Do you think your pursuers ride old nags?
    Think again: A thousand of you will scatter before one attacker.
    Before a mere five you’ll all run off.
    There’ll be nothing left of you—
    a flagpole on a hill with no flag,
    a signpost on a roadside with the sign torn off.”
    But God’s not finished. He’s waiting around to be gracious to you.
    He’s gathering strength to show mercy to you.
    God takes the time to do everything right—everything.
    Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.
    ~ Isaiah 30:15-18 (MSG)

    2. Threat as defined in the Oxford English Dictionary: a) a statement of an intention to inflict pain, injury, damage, or other hostile action on someone in retribution for something done or not done; b)person or thing likely to cause damage or danger; c) the possibility of trouble, danger, or ruin.

    Currently, I feel threatened in a particular relationship with someone who is wrestling with a stronghold that causes them to be hurtful and vindictive.

    3. This is probably stating the obvious, but I am most prone to flee when I am afraid or just don’t want to deal with something. In the aforementioned relationship (don’t worry, it’s not my marriage), I have been tempted to flee because of the particular stronghold my loved one is wrestling with. I have been down that road before with another loved one, I don’t want to go down it again! I have been praying for discernment lately because I am not sure if my impulse to flee is a Holy Spirit driven sign of the “unauthorized danger” Beth talked about in her lesson on James 5:19-20 or whether my impulse to flee is more like Jonah’s flight from Nineveh. Siestas and Beth, I would covet your prayers!

    4. In Christ, we get to stand firm (Gal. 5:1; Eph. 6:13) and watch the devil flee!! I have had James 4:7b memorized since I was a small child, but I always pictured the act of “resisting” the devil as me fleeing from temptation. I now see that resisting the devil looks a lot more like me planting my feet solidly in the spacious place God has given me (Ps. 18:19) and watching the devil tuck tail and run! What a beautiful reversal!

    5. Yes, I do need to settle down! Even more than that, I need to “stop my silly efforts to save myself.”

    6. As I write this response, “Arms that Hold the Universe” by 33 Miles is playing on my Pandora station. So, the refrain, “Be still and know he’s in control,” is literally playing in the background as I type this. I think I constantly live in a state where I subconsciously tell God, “God, just tell me what I need to do, and I will do it.” As I read The Message translation of Isaiah 30:15, it hit me afresh that my salvation does not require me to DO anything but turn back to God and stop my silly efforts to save myself. Hallelujah!

  27. 227
    Kathryn Hudson says:

    1. NIV, AMP, MSG
    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:
    “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—
    The very thing
    you’ve been unwilling to do.
    You’ve said, ‘Nothing doing! We’ll rush off on horseback!’
    You’ll rush off, all right! Just not far enough!
    You’ve said, ‘We’ll ride off on fast horses!’
    Do you think your pursuers ride old nags?
    Think again: A thousand of you will scatter before one attacker.
    Before a mere five you’ll all run off.
    There’ll be nothing left of you—
    a flagpole on a hill with no flag,
    a signpost on a roadside with the sign torn off.”
    18 But GOD’s not finished. He’s waiting around to be gracious to you.
    He’s gathering strength to show mercy to you.
    GOD takes the time to do everything right—everything.
    Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.

    2. Threat – “an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage”. (from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

    I, unfortunately, very easily feel threatened. I feel threatened by depending solely on my husband financially while I’m staying at home with my three kids. It’s funny how when I feel threatened, it really does feel like I’m in real danger, even if the danger is more of a product of my worry/feelings than realistic danger. Feelings are powerful.

    3. I most commonly flee by turning inward, putting up walls, retracting back from community. I can also flee from myself (ha!) by numbing my feelings, going into denial, to the point where I don’t know what I feel or think. I’m not in fleeing mode at this moment. With the Lord’s help, I try to face each situation that causes me anxiety.

    4. These verses seem contradictory at first. The Isaiah passage seems to be saying “rest”, while 1Peter 5:8-10 is saying to “be alert” and the devil is waiting for you to rest so that he can devour you. However, Isaiah 30:15-18 is saying that my strength, my ability to resist the devil comes from resting in God, waiting on God, being dependent upon Him. When I am glued to God, my faith is strengthened, my strength comes from Him, then I’m able to successfully resist the devil, and when I do, he will flee. My efforts to resist him on my own only fail.

    5. Oh, I need to hear the words “settle down” as much, if not more, than how often I say it to my boys. It’s a conscious effort for me not to worry, because if there’s nothing to worry about, I’ll find something. I need to settle down about finances, God’s plan for my life, if I’m parenting my kids the best way possible, if my baby will sleep through the night. =)

    6. What God is telling me is that He can and is taking care of it all. I can trust Him to take care of all of these details in my life, even the small ones. I can trust Him to lead my husband, so I don’t need to nag my husband. I will find strength and rest not from getting a full night’s sleep or anxiously making a thousand plans, but by standing firm in the knowledge that God’s taking care of it all and staying glued to God.

  28. 228
    Connie says:

    NIV, NKJ, The Message
    15-17 God, the Master, The Holy of Israel,
    has this solemn counsel:
    “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—
    The very thing
    you’ve been unwilling to do.
    You’ve said, ‘Nothing doing! We’ll rush off on horseback!’
    You’ll rush off, all right! Just not far enough!
    You’ve said, ‘We’ll ride off on fast horses!’
    Do you think your pursuers ride old nags?
    Think again: A thousand of you will scatter before one attacker.
    Before a mere five you’ll all run off.
    There’ll be nothing left of you—
    a flagpole on a hill with no flag,
    a signpost on a roadside with the sign torn off.”
    18 But God’s not finished. He’s waiting around to be gracious to you.
    He’s gathering strength to show mercy to you.
    God takes the time to do everything right—everything.
    Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.
    The Message
    2. Threat: an indication or warning of probable trouble: The threat of a storm was in the air.
    I watch the news, talk to other Christians about how their work lives are going, and look at my own experiences that tell me that Christians need to be ready to tell why they believe what they believe, and get ready for persecution. The people in power at the moment are not friendly to people of faith.
    3. I’m afraid “fleeing” to me is going to other things (food, worrying, sleeping) first instead of going to prayer and the word of God. I’m trying to do better at that, with the help of the Holy Spirit.
    4. In comparing the three scriptures, I see similar themes/messages. The devil is always waiting at our elbow to steer us into worry and running away, to keep us from running into our Father’s arms where there is protection, repentance, comfort, compassion, and solutions. All we have to do is resist Satan. Just resist and run to our Father. He’s waiting with compassion to listen, comfort, save, and fight for us.
    5. Settle down? *laughing* Oh yes. Worry likes to invade my mind and start me mulling things over and over, picturing every disaster that can possibly happen. I run to and fro “working” for God (To win his favor? To be a good girl? To be seen by others?). Then the Holy Spirit whispers, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Be still? But there’s so much to do! Help me, Lord, to settle down. Be still. Listen more often to your voice. Wallow in your love, acceptance, solutions.
    This assignment is a good reminder to me. When worry and “busy-ness” takes hold of me, slow down, pray, get out that Bible, listen to God’s voice. Turn off the TV, radio, my own worrying thoughts, and BE with my Lord.

  29. 229
    Pam says:

    Wow, this could be a LONG novel as I am so in the midst of this issue…still processing, so I may have trouble being concise…so forgive me if I ramble…still finding my way.

    1. NASB, MSG, AMP.

    15 For thus the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said,

    “In repentance and rest you will be saved,
    In quietness and trust is your strength.”
    But you were not willing,
    16 And you said, “No, for we will flee on horses,”
    Therefore you shall flee!
    “And we will ride on swift horses,”
    Therefore those who pursue you shall be swift.
    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 flag on a mountain top
    And as a signal on a hill.
    God Is Gracious and Just

    18 Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you,
    And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you.
    For the Lord is a (God of justice;
    How blessed are all those who long for Him.

    2. Threat: An indication of impending danger or harm.

    At 54 years old I find myself, after walking with God for 43 years, finally set free, walls broken down to now be able to discover who He made me to be, not who others have said or who I was trying to be to counter the feelings of being an abandoned, orphan, even with God. Threat….EVERYTHING seems new, EVERYTHING that used to define me is in question. Figuring out who I am, why others would want to be around me if I’m not DOING for them, wondering where I fit, what do I really enjoy….thus everything seems so INTENSE. I want to go forward, but the safety of staying under the covers of my comfy bed is VERY appealing. LOl. Its like I went from a black and white world of performing to suddenly EVERYTHING is in brilliant color. Its GOOD but INTENSE. Not sure if I’m explaining it well. Everything I’ve learned over the years about God and have ministered to many others I now know REALLY is for me His daughter, but WOWZA…its all new, it’s scary, to trust others, to not perform to be noticed, to not give in to maniuplations of others, especially within the body of Christ. The whole world is wondrous, the whole world is a threat, my emotions are a threat, my over thinking abilities are a threat. lol

    3. Fleeing…its an art…I’ve got it down. I used to run the world, leader in so many ways, hosted the parties, sat with the dying, prayed for anyone who approached. Then I ran out of me. For 6 years I couldn’t step foot in a church….because I knew I couldn’t “do”. So my home became my quiet place of retreat. I still went out into the world but I kept my distance to avoid being drawn into others lives which might NEED help…because I knew I CAN’T. Even when we started in a new church and I found help through prayer and counseling I still was in self protect mode. I am VERY good at that as well, having honed that skill my first 18 years of life being abused. I have gotten “being on my own” amongst many down to an science. Now I find myself free, knowing that I am His daughter…I can so “feel” Him draw me close under His arm, to His chest, pulling me tight to hear His heart. Yet the renewing of my mind is going to take time and OFTEN I want to flee, not GO, just go lay in my bed, hidden under the warm comforter with my puppy and pull the cover up.

    4. My mind can not wrap itself around compare and contrast right now, but here is what stood out in those verses.

    And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

    (now bawling…I SO NEED to HANG ON TO THIS)

    So 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 he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.

    (MAKE A CHOICE…to look to Him, trust He can do what I can’t even imagine…in those moments of panic rising up, draw close and listen to His heart)

    5. settle down…LOL, indeed. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet. James 4

    And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter5

    Years ago God directed me to Joel 2:25 that He was going to restore ALL that the evil locusts had destroyed…all that He had allowed. God knew I was bound up and not walking as His daughter. He loved me so much and started chipping away to break through, to set me free. So in connecting all the dots over the years, even this homework assignment I SEE His hand, He is faithful, He will complete the work.

    6. I KNOW I can’t figure all this out, I KNOW I need to take one step at a time, but my mind races. I have NEVER wanted to say NO to God and everything in me thinks turning my back on my old ways of doing is exactly that. The pastors I met with recently who helped me realize I was living like an abandoned orphan told me to not think about DOING for now…just BE with Him. hmmmm…quite a change. I’m thankful He is at work and I’m in awe of the timing of finding your page and this homework. Settle down, STOP, don’t flee (unless its turning into my hiding place with Him) and trust….breathing out, going to write out these scriptures that have popped today. For 54 years I have been strong and protected myself, carried everyone else, flipped and flopped here and there trying to “BE” who others wanted, to be noticed, to be loved. Now I KNOW I am the Kings daughter…still learning what that means, what that feels like, but everything I’ve given OUT to others is now settling into my spirit…for me, just for me. When this season of restoration is done I know I will look like what He intended and I will trust Him to protect me, I will walk out of my hiding place and He will flow out of me and move in others. My hiding place with Him has new meaning. For me it is a constant existence…only interrupted as I go out and notice what He shows me, how to love, what to do, what to give, what to speak…then slide back into that quiet place with Him as I move on. Its not a hide from the world place, it’s becoming “our” place, God and I….so so sweet.

    WOW, did I love this homework….timely, part of His work. So grateful, giving thanks.

  30. 230

    1. New Living Translation, New Kings James Version, & The Voice Translation

    Isaiah 30:15-18
    The VOICE Bible (VOICE)
    (15)Listen the Lord, the Eternal, the Holy One of Israel says,

    Eternal One: In returning and rest, you will be saved. In quietness and trust you will find strength.

    [God invites His people to lean on Him. If they will just stop their busyness and self-reliance, God will be able to take care of them. (Study Note)]

    But you refused. (16) You couldn’t sit still; instead you said, “No! We will ride out of here on horseback. Fast horses will give us the edge in battle.” But those who pursue you will be faster still.

    (17) When one threatens, a thousand will panic and flee. When five terrorize you, all will run pell-mell, until you are conspicuous as a single flag standing high on a hill.

    (18) Meanwhile, the Eternal One yearns to give you grace and boundless compassion; that’s why He waits. For the Eternal is a God of justice. Those inclined toward Him, waiting for His help, will find happiness.

    2.Definition of THREAT (n.) \ˈthret\
    1 : an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage; 2: one that threatens; 3: an indication of something impending (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/threat)

    I have been in this season of a new beginning after a long season of preparation. Everything in this season feels just beyond my reach. It feels as if attack is coming from every side. A close relative and I are at odds, and no matter what I do or how I respond the wedge grows deeper the divide wider. Our finances are decreasing, and income producing work for me is slow. It just feels like we are at the end of our rope and in desperate need. Threats to our physical and emotional well being run rampant. It feels like we are in a holding pattern, pinned down and taking fire – waiting for the reinforcements to come and help us fight our way out.

    3. Hiding out. Pretending things are different than they really are. Just keeping people from finding out the truth about what is really happening. In my prodigal years I sought escape through night clubs, alcohol and men. But these days, it is sugary sweets and facades of peace when my life feels like there is anything but peace on every side. I am trying to find a safe place – so yes. I don’t feel safe, cared for or taken care of in this season. I feel… forsaken.

    4. The Lord commends us through all these Scriptures to live lives of balance, discipline, a guardedness against the plans and schemes of the enemy – not necessarily other people.

    Our strength comes in quietness, submission, humility, guarding our hearts – and not so much from other people as from the influences of the enemy. The Amplified says in 1 Peter 5:8 “Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times…” Well balanced, cautious lives. I don’t think I have ever quite understood this in the way I am right now. Returning and rest, quietness and confidence, humility and submission, well balanced, vigilant and cautious – Faith in God this is what delivers us. We don’t resist the devil and the attacks coming against us by passive indifference, by pretense and denial, but in the quiet stillness of active faith. Full confidence in God’s ability to deliver us from every threat, every fear and every circumstance we face. We are blessed to wait for Him, He is truly where our help comes from. Reminds me of the passages in Psalm 121 and particularly Exodus 14:14 (VOICE) “The Eternal will fight on your behalf while you watch in silence.”

    5. In the VOICE it states, “You could not sit still…” I’m thinking about seasons when I feel the most vulnerable, the most threatened, even tempted. I don’t want to sit quietly with the Lord and inquire of His heart. I don’t want to recognize that He is in His holy temple, and we should just be silent before Him. (Habakkuk 2:20) That our strength, our joy, our deliverance depends on and comes from Him. I want the problem resolved. I want the provision. I want relief, but I don’t want to see it from God’s perspective. I just want Him to act. But, here is God, gently, patiently waiting for me to return and rest, to quietly and confidently rely on Him. A God of justice and a God of faithfulness (NLT). Justice and faithfulness will prevail. So to settle down to me right now means to sit, wait for His direction and His assistance. Stop being so busy and just be.

    6. He has His eye on me. He is waiting patiently on me in this season. He desires to take care of me and bless me, to deliver and provide for me, and the only thing standing in His way is me. That I have my eyes on the circumstances and the suffering when I should be focusing on the God of my circumstances who will deliver me from every threat, all my fears. If I should only stand still I would see His glory as He fights for me.

  31. 231
    Rosalye Baldwin says:

    1. NET,NIV,MSG

    Isaiah 30:15-18 NIV

    This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:“In repentance and rest is your salvation,in quietness and trust is your strength,but you would have none of it.

    You said, ‘No, we will flee on horses.’Therefore you will flee!You said, ‘We will ride off on swift horses.’Therefore your pursuers will be swift!

    A thousand will fleeat the threat of one;at the threat of fiveyou will all flee away,till you are leftlike a flagstaff on a mountaintop,like a banner on a hill.”

    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-a declaration of an intention or determination to inflict punishment, injury, etc., in retaliation for, or conditionally upon, some action or course; menace.
    2-an indication or warning of probable trouble.
    3-a person or thing that threatens.

    At this age in my life (old), I see the dwindling health of those 10 yrs older, my age, and even younger than I , and I see it as a place I frankly don’t care to go! I am so thankful for my physical and mental ability at this point in my life. My desire is to serve my Lord until He calls me home, but the nursing home is not my preferable mission field.

    3. Fleeing-Seclusion into my own comfortable home where I have complete privacy and can block out the world. Here I can commune with my God better than all the busy places I can be. I can run to Him! I stay in fleeing mode when I can.

    • 231.1
      Rosalye Baldwin says:

      (Don’t know why all didn’t paste the first time)
      4. The enemy is the one from whom we must flee, not our God. As long as we flee to Him Who is our Stronghold it’s ok to flee! The Israelites were running from the One Who provides salvation and strength.

      5. Settle Down- yes, mam, I do need to hear those words! Many of the ministries I am involved in at present can be hectic, if not downright crazy! I don’t check my blood pressure during those times. I realize the need to just stop and take a minute to remember Whose ministry it is and call to Him. I learned the need for that in my career as an elementary teacher, but oh, how easily I forget!

      6. My God is the source of my strength and my salvation, no matter what the future holds. He showers me with His compassion and grace to remain faithful no matter what the future holds. Lord, whatever it is, may I do it gracefully without complaining! Thank You for Your precious promises!
      Isaiah 46:4

  32. 232
    Sabrina says:

    1. NIV, NLT, ESV
    15 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.
    16 You said, ‘No, we will get our help from Egypt.
    They will give us swift horses for riding into battle.’
    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.”
    Blessings for the Lord’s 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. (NLT)
    2. Threat: an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage
    I am attending a bible study and to my own insecurities feel unwelcomed. I know deep down the enemy is trying to cause bitterness in me and drive me away.

    3. These past years I’ve been fleeing away from Gods mercies toward false idols.
    4. Stand firm, do not falter in times of trouble, resist the temptation to flee from the Lord
    5. 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.
    6. I’ve been the prodigal daughter. The Lord is calling me back.

  33. 233
    Teresa Henry says:

    NLT, MSG, AMP
    Isaiah 30:15-18 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]!

    Threat: an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage (http://www.merriam-webster.com)
    I know that I have experienced much in my life, many hurts, many poor choices, many traumas which now I see and hold on to as a gift. My story is God’s gift so that I can be an instrument for Him. At this season of my life as others are beginning to see the restored me, I feel the threat of not “feeling good enough”, believing I have wasted too much time and I can’t minister to others, and retreating to the quietness of my home instead of engaging in fellowship with others. The threat is in the damage to my Christ given identity. The treat is the voice of the enemy that I combat each day. The threat is in the “hurry up if you don’t do something you wasted your life” voice I hear.
    Fleeing: In my life fleeing has two looks for me: One is to retreat to the four walls of my home and not engage in the world. The other is to try to move things along in a hurried way so that I feel as if I did try, but failed…failed because I went ahead or beyond what I was suppose to do. I give up, let go, forget the idea, create my own plan…the list goes on.
    The insight that God gave me through this exercise is that in everyone’s life the threat of the enemy is there. The threat looks different to different people. For one it may be a person, to another being held captive by their past, for another fear of being exposed, another food or alcohol issues, poor decisions, traumas, etc. The threat “damages” the path that God has for us. The “threat” damages our identity, our value and our worth.
    The “threat” can make us flee from God’s plan or we can press in to God and trust His plan. We can flee from our purpose or we can flee to God and know that His love, His hope, His path is the safe place. Sometimes we flee back to the thing we are most comfortable in…which can be the destructive, hurt of our past…why not…it is what we know best. And this is where the choice has to be made. Because as James 4:7 says we must “humble ourselves before God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” God restores, redeems, and rescues. I know. I have been redeemed from the death grip of the enemy. But I also know how easy it is to feel the “threat” of the enemy and “flee” back to my own way instead of first fleeing in to the arms of Jesus.

  34. 234
    Laura S says:

    Weekend homework! Fun…I did not put it in word sorry, but I promise I have not read any other comment.
    1. King James, The Message and NIV. My favorite NIV. “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it!…yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you. Blessed are all who wait for Him!”
    2. I feel threatened right now in my birth family. My younger sibling has gotten into some trouble and in my boundaries I do not wish to deal with him. It HURTS. I have “an indication of something impending” with my choice though because I feel like my witness is being attacked by not wanting to be involved with him. He won’t listen to me about Jesus, thinks he knows everything, etc. I fear distancing myself is going against the will of God.
    3. I am a recovering alcoholic so my idea of fleeing is reaching for anything that will help me escape the moment ~ shopping, eating, working out, even cleaning (who needs to vaccuum every single day??) I create a wall between myself and another person to flee from their actions and never have anything to do with that person again.
    4. In comparison these verses from James and 1Peter tells me to stand firm and the devil will flee. Standing still in the faith helps me to resist the devil instead of fleeing where he is sure to follow or meet me there.
    5. Yes I need to hear “settle down” because I look everywhere else when I am in a time of trouble or a season of threat. With my addictive thinking I am always looking for a way out, but can also rationalize my way to get there instead of practicing “in quietness and trust is your strength.”
    6. This week I felt the Lord whisper to me: “Abandon yourself to Me.” I prayed into that and asked Him exactly what that looks like in this world of internet at my fingertips, 5 children growing up so quickly, constant motion…well I believe He is answering that prayer through this homework. The picture of a posture in quietness and repentance and the Lord honoring that as “longs to be gracious to you, he rises to show you compassion.” I mean, what are my running arounds in circles compared to Him rising up to show me compassion when I am still?

    Thank you for this!
    Laura

  35. 235
    Kina says:

    1)
    Isaiah 30:15-18 (NKJV & AMP)
    (ESV)
    For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel,
    “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”
    But you were unwilling, and you said, “No! We will flee upon horses”; therefore you shall flee away;
    and, “We will ride upon swift steeds”; therefore your pursuers shall be swift.
    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.
    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)
    Definition:
    Threat is an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage.
    My response:
    The key word that sticks out to me in this definition is “intention”.
    To truly know this I would need discernment through the presence of the Holy Spirit.
    There are plenty of scriptures to combat this regardless of it’s intent.
    For example;
    Romans 12:21 “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
    Luke 10:19
    “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.”
    1 Peter 4:12-13
    “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
    But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.”

    3)
    I am not physically fleeing from where I believe God has placed me during this season in my life.
    However, I am spiritually and emotionally “fleeing” from the onslaughter of evil thoughts in my mind daily,
    which can affect my action to physically walk away from the Lord. I also am fleeing from those who engage in constant ungodly speech as well as in the media.

    4)
    Ultimately, I am called to TRUST and OBEY. Remain in His will as given in the Word of God.

    5)
    I appreciate constant godly encouragement including “settle down” either for what has already happened to me that my heart my still be healing from, what is currently my situation and when something else may occur in the near future.

    6) Pure confirmation that I am right on course, thank you JESUS! Looking forward to the next assignment – THANKS A BUNCH of PINK ROSES!

  36. 236
    Margo says:

    1. I read NIV, NLT and NAS. I memorized vs 15 in the NIV in the last Siesta challenge and I love that version!

    15 This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:

    “In repentance and rest is your salvation,
    in quietness and trust is your strength,
    but you would have none of it.
    16 You said, ‘No, we will flee on horses.’
    Therefore you will flee!
    You said, ‘We will ride off on swift horses.’
    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.”
    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. Definiton of threat
    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.

    Thankfully I am not facing any threats right now. I am facing a big decision though, pressure to work more, or to stay home with my kids with possible financial stresses.

    3. Fleeing in my life means disconnecting from my friends, spending too much time at home.

    4. Submit to God (reprent and find rest in Him) and stand firm in your faith, resisting the temptation by Satan to make you flee from threats.

    5. Settling down in complete dependence on ME – oh yes, I need to do that.

    6. This was an answer to prayer. Thank you!

  37. 237
    Jenifer says:

    1. NLT, The Message, 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]!

    2. Threat
    Š a declaration of an intention or determination to inflict punishment, injury, etc., in retaliation for, or conditionally upon, some action or course; menace
    Š an indication or warning of probable trouble
    Š a person or thing that threatens.

    This is so timely because my husband has just been diagnosed with a health problem that could “threaten” our lives as we know it. It is up to us to determine “who” gets to use it ~ God or Satan. Satan wants to make some great threats on us right now.

    3. Fleeing looks like me taking control and not yielding to God. It would look like anywhere I would run to for strength, confidence, peace, protection, wisdom ~ that is outside of God’s presence through prayer and His Word. Running anywhere else but to God and to godly friends, refusing to face the facts, refusing to accept the trail and refusing to believe that plunder is waiting. No, I’m not in fleeing mode but working for a prayer ministry helps.

    4. We have the power to turn the tables on our Enemy. When we are “pursued” by him we should never flee. We need to first be alert and pray for awareness to his schemes. Then we must withstand him, resist him with God’s power and He will flee from us. Never turn our back on him! We need to KNOW that if we stand firm in our faith He will be the one to flee. And we will be left stronger, established, more secure in Christ and holding blessings.

    5. Yes, I need to “settle down” ~ in my thinking first. If I can keep my mind steadfast and receive a peaceful mind, controlled by the Spirit then my day goes so much better!! It all starts with my thinking ~ I need a “settled down” and peaceful mind.

    6. I feel that God is reassuring me today that when I feel like I need to “run” ~ I should head straight for His loving arms. I don’t have to be surprised by Satan’s schemes. I have the power through Christ to stand firm and send him running. Fleeing from God literally means creating distance from His presence.

    I loved how verse 18 showed me that God waits for me and I wait for Him. It’s a beautiful picture of His perfect patience next to my imperfect, doubt-filled patience. He is waiting to show me mercy and if I chose to rest in him, I will be waiting for His victory, blessing and favor which are sure to come. When I flee, I will not find the Victory, I will only be mocked and taunted more by the enemy! It is only when I return and rest in the Lord that I can receive all the blessings listed: His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship! The Enemy wants to keep me distracted and fleeing, because when I run back home to the Lord, exhausted by all my own pitiful efforts, this is what I would find. Eternal treasures I could never earn or produce on my own. I believe, Lord help my unbelief!

    “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]!”

  38. 238
    Amy says:

    1. I read actually four translations as I felt like as I read your note card it may be cheating to pick The Message as one of the translations, so I read Holman Christian Standard Bible, New King James Version, New International Version and The Message. This is tough because in each of the versions I find parts that resonate with me particularly verse 15 and 18 in each translation.

    2. 1threat
    noun \ˈthret\
    Definition of THREAT
    1
    : an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage
    2
    : one that threatens
    3
    : an indication of something impending

    Work related threats of employment ending due to financial difficulties of workplace, and or closure of workplace. Retirement system under review at the state level to possibly be eliminated.

    3. Avoidance of interactions with direct supervisor, look for other employment opportunities, try to be involved in other things to redirect my mind, or work, work, work(beyond reasonable hours) to ensure every i is dotted and every t is crossed.

    4. All three portions of the word are encouraging us to put our trust in the Lord and the threat, devil or sufferings will go away on the Lord’s timing, not ours.

    5. Absolutely, did I need to hear the words “Settle Down”! I may be a bit too quick to allow my mind to begin to start making plans or in essence getting on a horse to flee or interact with a threat rather than handing it over to the Lord. When I do hand it over to the Lord is can many, many times look like I am handing to Him grabbing it back, handing it to Him, grabbing it back. The amount of time I give the Lord wouldn’t be described as me being patient and waiting on the Lord.

    6. I think the biggest insight I had from the reading this morning was really being redirected to the idea that while I so desperately want to hand things over to the Lord, I still struggle with grabbing the worry and some of the owning back to myself. It is a daily and sometimes multiple time of day exercise to consciously catch myself in worry or fear and hand it over to God. The phrase “silly efforts” jumped right off the page. He is in control of all of decisions that are yet to come so I should not have any fear or worry. Secondly, after some of the things that have happened this particular week, I continue to marvel at how even through this blog post The Lord in His loving gracious manner sent this weekend assignment to me to show His love and concern and remind me of His graciousness and control over all situations.

    Thank you Lord for redirecting my thoughts and encouraging me through your Word and Beth’s post/assignment.

  39. 239
    Dawn says:

    Isaiah 30:15-18
    Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
    15 For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said:
    “You will be delivered by returning and resting;
    your strength will lie in quiet confidence.
    But you are not willing.”
    16 You say, “No!
    We will escape on horses”—
    therefore you will escape!—
    and, “We will ride on fast horses”—
    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 Lord’s 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.
    I also looked at the NIV and Message, but like the HCSB the best
    2. threat, n.; an expression of intention of inflict eve, injury or damage.
    Sometimes I feel threatened by my own thinking sometimes. I’ve had to rewire my thinking so many times I have a tendicy to fall back to the old way of thinking. It doesn’t happen as much anymore and I’m getting better at catching it before it get too deep. Thank God!
    3. Fleeing I am very familiar with, I use to do it all the time. I attend a Celebrate Recovery group at church, and the Lord has been pressing on me to give my testimony. Needless to say I feel like fleeing hard! But I’ve also been praying for God to use me and my testimony. So I know I’m going to have to obey. Its the hard things that we naturally want to flee from, especially our (my) past.

    I sooo hear the Words Settle Down. I use to get up tight quick fast and in a hurry. Not so much anymore, but there are days when it happens and I know that is the opening the evil one is looking for to make his move. I told a girlfriend the other day that I was so tired of running from my past. The Lord has done some mighty things in my life and I’m through with running (fleeing)I’m going to trust Him in ALL THINGS! This excerise just proved that His Word is true and God keeps His promises. I just have to rest and wait.
    Thank you so much Beth for having a heart for women! I heard you say something the other day on “Wednesday with Beth”-quote “I’m a needy woman for the Word of God”. I think I got it right; but I am too siesta, I am too.
    Praying for you always,
    Dawn

  40. 240
    Kate says:

    NIVUK, NET, Message

    This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:
    “In repentance and rest is your salvation,
    in quietness and trust is your strength,
    but you would have none of it. You said, ‘No, we will flee on horses.’
    Therefore you will flee!
    You said, ‘We will ride off on swift horses.’
    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.” 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 NIVUK)

    Threat. A warning that you will punish, hurt or harm a person or thing. A sign of something undesirable. A person or thing causing danger.

    Am feeling threatened in different ways by two different circumstances which are frightening me.

    The way I flee can be summed up in three words, withdrawal, escapism and avoidance.

    I am fleeing from one of these circumstances by avoiding and distancing myself from the situation.

    I love the NT passages, which remind me to stand firm and resist rather than flee…and the reminder to submit, to allow God to do the fighting..that the battle is his not mine. How incredible that promise that when me do these things it is the enemy that flees.

    God has used this assignment to encourage me that in one of my situations, I have chosen the Isaiah 30 path, and he has graciously allowed me in a short space of time to see the fruit of his work in the circumstance and his faithfulness, love and compassion. But he has also challenged me to be obedient in the other circumstance and to trust him with it. I cannot pick and chose how and when I believe and choose Gods way….well, I do so at my peril. I know that I am ‘having none of it’ at the moment, but I need to repent and believe that God is more than able to make things right…that that is what He does best.

  41. 241
    Amber says:

    1. Isaiah 30:15 NLT, CEV, and GNT

    (CEV) – The holy Lord God of Israel has told all of you, “I will keep you safe if you turn back to me and calm down. I will make you strong if you quietly trust me.” Then you stubbornly said, ‘No! We will safely escape on speedy horses.’ But those who chase you will be even faster. As few as five of them, or even one, will be enough to chase a thousand of you. Finally all that will be left will be a few survivors as lonely as a flagpole on a barren hill.” The Lord God is waiting to show how kind he is and to have pity on you. The Lord always does right; he blesses those who trust Him.

    2. Definition of threat: an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage; one that threatens; an indication of something impending

    We are one month into 2013 and my husband and I have experienced more pain and devastation than we have in years. It seems like we have been hit with one blow after another. In the midst of the latest blow, I said out loud, I don’t know how much more I can take right now. To which, God ever so gently reminded me of our blessings and yes siestas there are so many.

    3. I drown myself in the things I feel like I can control; I work more. I am trying so hard in the midst of our circumstances to seek God and not flee.

    4. First Peter and James both warn us to resist the threat of the enemy and submit to God. In Isaiah, God himself spoke to his people but they refused to listen and tried to escape on their own. In all three passages of scripture, we are reminded that God is our strength and our shield. In Him we should place our trust.

    5. In this season of life, I need so much to settle down and rest in Him. I need His peace, His strength and His shield to protect my family.

    6. I am reminded that in times of great distress, we have a choice. We can cleave to God who supplies all our needs (spiritual, emotional, physical) or we can try to fight the battle on our own. I stand firm on His promises and I chose God!

    As I type with tear filled eyes, I have a full heart. Thank you for being faithful to God even when your time was so limited. I needed this desperately!

  42. 242
    Mary says:

    1. NIV, MSG

    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, ‘No, we will get our help from Egypt. They will give us swift horses for riding into battle.’ 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.” Isaiah 30:15-18 (NLT)

    2. Threat “An expression of an intention to do harm.” (Webster) I have a tender relationship that I feel is being threatened by a spirit of exclusion and confusion.

    3. I flee into doubt and insecurity. I flee by trying to satisfy self instead of pressing in with God.

    4. The 1 Peter and James passages clearly identify the devil as the “threat” and cause of “trouble”. In Isaiah there is also the “threat” but it is also clear that “trouble” is compounded by seeking “the horses” to flee on instead of returning to God. All three passages have the importance of returning to our generous and faithful God who aches to be compassionate to us.

    5. Yes, I do need to “settle down” and depend on God. I need His guidance. I keep trying to figure out how to control things (‘what Egypt to go to for horses’) and insecurity does make me want to flee. Instead, I need to trust in God’s compassion and love.

    6. I was also blessed by a verse later in Isaiah 30: “Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left. “ Isaiah 30:21 (NLT) – To know God’s graciousness extends to direction is such a blessing!

  43. 243
    Johnnie says:

    1) HCSB, ESV, NASB

    HCSB—-Isaiah 30:15-18
    15 For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said:
    “You will be delivered by returning and resting;
    your strength will lie in quiet confidence.
    But you are not willing.”
    16 You say, “No!
    We will escape on horses”—
    therefore you will escape!—
    and, “We will ride on fast horses”—
    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.
    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.
    Happy are all who wait patiently for Him.

    2) threat – def. 1) noun—a declaration of an intention or determination to inflict punishment, injury, etc. in retaliation for, or conditionally upon, some action or course; menace; 2) an indication or warning of probable trouble; 3) a person or thing that threatens.

    Wow, upon reading this definition this is exactly what I am going through at this season (this past week in fact!). I definitely feel pressured and threatened at my workplace. I work in the medical records dept. in a practice with many physicians. In response to new healthcare privacy laws our dept. has come under great scrutiny in dealing with medical records. We have been threatened with severe sanctions if, in the regular course of our job duties, it is determined we have breached a patient’s health information, whether intentional or not. It is the “or not” that scares me because everyone makes mistakes but everyone in our dept. is very conscientious to protect our patient’s records. We would not intentionally divulge records but the administration office appears not to be taking that into consideration. All employees were required to sign a statement to abide by the policy manual which I will paraphrase in part: within a 12 month period we are allowed 4 security breaches with progressively heavy sanctions applied, ending with 3 days without pay with the eventual possibility of termination of employment. If I may add, many of the incidences so far have been due to incorrect information placed in the patient’s chart.

    3) What does fleeing look like in my life right now? Run, escape, are you crazy–get out of there as fast as possible from a purely human standpoint!!! But from a spiritual perspective, I know I need to stay and wait upon the Lord to provide deliverance. This is one of the hardest parts of our Christian walk with the Lord….patience. I have been praying for godly wisdom and have enlisted prayer partners to help me discern what to do. I am waiting on God’s timing – do I stay put and do my best, will He open another position within the practice or do I start pursuing other options? Above all, I want to be a good witness and let God use whatever I do for His glory.

    4) Comparing the text with Peter and James — I definitely feel under some spiritual warfare and have thought many times situations like I am experiencing at work were Satan’s efforts to discourage me.

    I am currently leading a group of ladies through the study of James and the fact that I am encountering oppression is no surprise. Just when it happens I am always startled at the ferocity of the attack but we should never underestimate our adversary! We are wise to be on the alert as Peter warns. We need to resist Satan’s efforts to make us want to panic and run because God says in His word,

    —-Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today (Ex. 14:13)

    —You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you (2 Chron. 20:17)

    5) Yes, I need to settle down….my efforts to work things out do seem silly in comparison to God’s better plan for my life. God wants me to depend on Him in all areas of my life.

    6) Final thoughts—I wanted to express my thanks to you, Beth, for your Bible studies and what they have meant to me in my spiritual growth over the years….and for this study of James in particular at this season of my life. In God’s perfect timing, it is helping me so much to stay grounded and focused on God. I am clinging desperately to Him for wisdom and strength in trials, knowing He is perfecting me through it all.

    God waits for us to stop running ahead of Him—He longs to deliver us. God loves justice and works all things out for the good of those who love Him.

    I need to relinquish control….stand back and let Him do a mighty work for me!!!

    —Be still (Stop [your fighting]–HCSB), and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10)

    — … take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. (Eph. 6:13)

    —I have written … declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. (I Peter 5:12)

    My personal word for today is…stand firm, rest in Him…help is on the way!

  44. 244
    C says:

    1.) NIV, MSG, ( ESV,) NET

    NET Isaiah 30:15-18

    15 For this is what the master, the Lord, the Holy One of Israel says:
    “If 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, ‘No, we will flee on horses,’ so you will indeed flee.
    You say, ‘We will ride on fast horses,’ 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.” (*threat)

    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” noun
    • 1.a statement of an intention to inflict pain, injury, damage, or other hostile action on someone in retribution for something done or not done: members of her family have received death threats
    • Law: a menace of bodily harm, such as may restrain a person’s freedom of action.
    • 2.a person or thing likely to cause damage or danger: hurricane damage poses a major threat to many coastal communities
    • [in singular] the possibility of trouble, danger, or ruin: the company faces the threat of bankruptcy thousands of railroad jobs came under threat
    Origin: Old English thrēat ‘oppression’, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch verdrieten ‘grieve’, German verdriessen ‘irritate’

    n.
    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.

    Share how it hits you and how you feel most threatened in this season:

    I feel very threatened by the “fallout” of a situation, mostly because of what I don’t know. I don’t know what really happened; I don’t know what the person is thinking & most importantly if those thoughts are based in reality or not. I don’t know how to help & right now I am shut out – again. I don’t know how long we can sustain the emotional drain. I feel threatened by the conflict & the rift it has caused & how isolated I feel. I have no control; I don’t know how to fix it; I am confused, heart broken, helpless in my own strength. I pray & pray & pray. I’ve given it to God (& snatched it back!) over & over. I am not succeeding in trusting or resting – only agonizing & striving.

    3. “fleeing?” Yes, I’m also fleeing to some extent.

    Since I barely understand it, am shut out of the loop, much less know how to fix it- I would love to flee this situation; denial is grand! If I dwell on it, I might as well curl up in a fetal position & stay in bed. However life beckons & I rise & shine. I do “flee” by choosing not talk about it – very few people know about it anyway & what’s to be gained from talking? I flee by choosing to stay home & lose myself in a book instead of having friends over. I’m not accomplishing much @ home. Cookies are good, till the scale reminds me of the sad state of my metabolism. I flee by avoiding real conversations with people – going to church wearing the smiling “mask” & teaching my class & going home.

    I asked a psychologist if I was “handling” this OK. His response: “Are you taking illegal drugs? Drinking excessive alcohol? Having an affair?” I laughed, “No!” So fortunately for me, my fleeing is minor in comparison; more a closing down of my naturally busy, bubbly self. Isn’t Satan smiling about that!

    4. Compare/contrast
    NET Isaiah 30:15-18

    15 For this is what the master, the Lord, the Holy One of Israel says:
    “If 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, ‘No, we will flee on horses,’ so you will indeed flee.
    You say, ‘We will ride on fast horses,’ 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.” (*threat)

    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.

    1 Peter 5:8-11 (NIV1984)
    8 Be self-controlled (sober-minded ESV) and alert (watchful ESV). Your enemy (adversary ESV) the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. MSG)
    10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you (will have you put together and on your feet for good. MSG) and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. (He gets the last word; yes, he does. MSG)

    James 4:7 (NIV1984) 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
    James 4:7 (MSG) 7-10 So 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 he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious.
    **Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.

    God’s promise is so clear, yet again & again I choose to struggle against the plots of the Devil in my own (inadequate) power. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:32-33 Resting, waiting trusting, submitting, dependence; they are not a human definition of “resisting.” Yet God defines resisting Satan in I Peter 5:9, “ Resist him, (=) standing firm in the faith,” Why I am I “unwilling?” Why would “I have none of it?” Why is my faith so weak instead of firm? Where else would I want to be but in the middle of His will, God’s plan for me where “all who wait for him in faith will be blessed.”? Is 30:18d. Why? Because reality is not meeting my expectations. No humility there – just incorrect presumption that some things should just NEVER HAPPEN & life should always be grand! My natural optimism on overtime.

    5. Do you perchance need to hear the words “settle down!” as much as I do? If so, why?
    GOD, the Master, The Holy of Israel,
    has this solemn counsel:
    “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—
    The very thing
    you’ve been unwilling to do. Isaiah 30:15 MSG

    I’ve read Tozer devotions which focus on how seldom we “settle down” & let God’s word speak to us. Psalm 46:10 (NIV1984) “Be still, and know that I am God;” Instead my memory strains, my mind mulls the situation over & over, Nancy Drew looking for clues I must have missed because the situation doesn’t line up with reality. I’m “gnawing on a worry bone” as my friend would say. I’m ever optimistic that each turn of events will be the one to bring resolution & yet my hopes are dashed again & again. It seems to get more convoluted at each turn & did I mention – it’s out of my control? I beat myself up. I read Sheila Walsh’s LET GO. I get the concept but it seems I “won’t have anything of it”…… When will I let go of self & “settle down in complete dependence?”

    6. personal insight; what you discern God is saying to you through it.
    Oh how I have prayed for wisdom (James 1:5) & discernment. I find God is constantly speaking His words into my grieving & broken heart from KLOVE radio, devotionals, Christian speakers & authors, friends & family. I need the positive & encouraging support I find there. I know He loves me & I know He’s got this. I just need reassurance about once a minute. The day of the latest disappointment (really a knife in my heart) KLOVE’s verse of the day was Romans 8:28. Why did I want to scream like a bratty teenager, “I know already!” while at the same time my feelings where nowhere in line with the Truth I knew?

    This set of verses & assignment was perfect for me – thank you Jesus for prompting Beth to prompt us to this study. “My Sword” (of Ephesians 6:15) was just improved.

  45. 245
    Annette Leonard says:

    1. ESV, NASB, KJV
    KJV (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. 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. 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. 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.

    2. threat- intent to inflict evil or injury or damage to someone or something…my greatest threat is DOUBT! So many times I allow the enemy to convince me that I don’t deserve God’s love, grace, or mercy…and I don’t! But I can rest (settle myself) that even though I don’t deserve it I have it…each and every day! I can nothing to lose it!

    3. To flee—to run away from danger or to hurry toward a place of security…in the middle of my doubt and fears, I want to FLEE from the enemy and his lies and FLEE to my savior who is truth! Unfortunately many times I withdraw from friendships as a way to deal with my unrest. So sometimes I flee when I shouldn’t!

    4. In comparing Isaiah to I Peter and James, when we submit to God, resist the devil, then he has to FLEE from our presence and from God’s because they are places of danger to him and to his place of security. That spoke to me.

    6. I enjoyed this “homework”…would love to have more of it…it helps me dig in the word!!

  46. 246
    Kendra says:

    1. NIV, KJV, The Message, Holman Christian Standard:
    For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said:
    “You will be delivered by returning and resting;
    your strength will lie in quiet confidence.
    But you are not willing.”
    16 You say, “No!
    We will escape on horses”—
    therefore you will escape!—
    and, “We will ride on fast horses”—
    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 LORD’s 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. 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.
    In my current season, I feel threatened by the overwhelming pressures in my life – my job, my finances, taking care of my home, and my relationships- and my responses to those pressures.
    3. I am tempted to flee by quitting my job, transferring to another school, or moving to where my parents are. I attempt to escape reality by engaging in mindless activities.
    4. 1 Peter 5:8-10 says the same thing as Isaiah 30:15-18 in a different way. Instead of admonishing in a scolding manner, it admonishes us in a cautious tone. Instead of just stating that we will are we weak, it cautions us to be aware of our weaknesses because that is how that devil attempts to defeat us. Both passages end in statements of comfort – that God will help us in our weakness. All three passages state that God is our only solution to the threats around us.
    5. I do need to settle down. I get all worked up over everything that I can control and everything that I can’t control. I believe that the changes in my life have been for his good and perfect will. I believe that he has taken me completely out of my comfort zone and is asking me to completely depend on him. I am more aware of my weakness and my complete need for him each and every day. I just have to remember to ask for what I need and he will give me these things. Sometimes I think that God has a harder job trying to settle me down than it is to actually fight whatever has me worked up.
    6. God has always asked me to trust him. I get easily blinded by the circumstances of life and forget to look towards him. God reminded me this week of his faithfulness this week. I hit a really low point and through a devotional he reminded me of the many ways that he has been faithful my whole life. He even used a coworker to give me the exact encouragement that I needed at that low point. All I had to do was simply ask for his grace, his strength, and his peace and he gave those things to keep going. He showed me that I can trust him.

    On a different note, I read a previous post about the Tuesday Bible study in Houston. I found myself yearning to be involved in a Bible study again. I asked God to help me to find a study to be involved in and this post was an answer to that prayer. It has been too long since I have gone in depth with the word. It has truly fed my spirit this morning.

  47. 247
    Mona says:

    1. NIV, NASB, NET:
    Isaiah 30:15&18

    15 This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. (NIV)
    16 You say, ‘No, we will flee on horses,’so you will indeed flee. You say, ‘We will ride on fast horses,’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.” (NET)
    18 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! (NIV)

    2. Threat [thret] Show IPA; 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.

    ~This passage hits home majorly right now. My trust is definitely being threatened right now. Verse 18 was one of my memory verses in 2011. Verse 15 spells out why I’m feeling the way I am right now. Repentance, rest, quietness, trust – all things I am having difficulty with at the moment. I’ve been waiting (we’re talking years here) on the Lord for an answer to my many prayers about two particular situations, and I still don’t see any “light at the end of the tunnel.” I sometimes think I see a firefly, but alas, it’s gone as soon as it’s seen. I sometimes wish I had a fast horse so I could flee, but I have learned that running doesn’t help. Some things you just can’t run away from. That doesn’t stop me from feeling like an isolated flagpole alone on a rugged mountain.

    3. Fleeing looks like doubt in me (withdrawal.) If God loves me so much, why is this taking so long? Does He even hear me? Am I so out of His will that I’m not asking for the right things? And the questions go on…

    4. The truths in 1 Peter and James are examples of ones which keep me from totally going under in despair.

    5. Yes. I’ve actually been experiencing my stress and worry physically lately, which is really scary. So, I know I need to settle down, I’m just not sure how. Praying for some insight here.

    6. I’m getting all kinds of reminders this morning of what I need to do. I chose a coffee cup (I have a bit of a fetish…) that had Jeremiah 17:7,8 printed on it (also one of my 2011 memory verses.)
    “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD. 8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.”
    Also, the next Bible study we are doing on Tues. PMs beginning in February is…Believing God. I saw the signs and knew I needed a refresher course on this one. I have the tools, I’m just fumbling to use them.

  48. 248
    Kate says:

    1. NRSV, KJV, NIV-1984

    15 This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:
    “In repentance and rest is your salvation,
    in quietness and trust is your strength,
    but you would have none of it.
    16 You said, ‘No, we will flee on horses.’
    Therefore you will flee!
    You said, ‘We will ride off on swift horses.’
    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.”
    18 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
    New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

    2. Threat:
    1: an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage
    2: one that threatens*
    3: an indication of something impending

    *threaten:
    1: to utter threats against
    2 a : to give signs or warning of : PORTEND
    b : to hang over dangerously : MENACE
    3: to announce as intended or possible
    4: to cause to feel insecure or anxious

    I feel threatened by our financial situation and uncertainty in the future with my husband’s job. Also volunteering at church for something I never thought I would do and wondering if I am good enough to be there.

    3. Focusing on fears and mentally putting myself down instead of trusting God to handle the situation. Thinking about all the things I’ve messed up instead of believing God could use me.
    Yes.

    4. Instead of fleeing, be self-controlled and resist the enemy and stand firm, and trust God.

    5. Yes, because I talk too much to myself. I need to be quiet and listen to what God says.

    6. God has been trying to tell me the same thing over and over, I think. I mentally know it’s true, but at the slightest thing that goes wrong, I go back to tearing myself down again. I think God is saying anything I’ve done in the past, or dumb things I’ve said, he already knows about; why don’t I want to believe what He says about me? I don’t have to figure everything out; I just have to stand firm and let Him take care of it.

  49. 249
    Autumn McCafferty says:

    1.ISAIAH 30:15-18
    (NIV, NLT, KJV)
    King James Version (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.

    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 the most threatened by people around me who feel they are “better” than I am because they are of a higher income or different social status than I am. Individuals that are “respecters of persons” threaten me.

    3.FLEEING
    When I feel the need to flee, I have a tendency to pull away from others. I put up a wall and begin limiting my fellowship.

    4.ISAIAH 30:15-18/ PETER 5:8-10 /JAMES 4:7
    Peter 5:8-10 states that Satan is looking for us, threatening us! While he is about this, God is strengthening us, enabling us for battle so we don’t flee in fear, but in stand His righteousness as satan flees US!
    James 4:7 reminds me to submit everything to God. my fears, threats and pain. Lean on Him to resist the threat of satan and he shall FLEE FROM ME! I don’t need to flee him, God is on my side!
    5.SETTLE DOWN
    YES!! Settle down and let God prevail! Quit trying to do it myself, and let Him! The more we flee and buck and resist without seeking God for His grace and help, the longer it will take and the least rest we get. I often forget that I don’t have to do it alone. I get so wrapped up in the problem, it takes me longer to remember to take it to the Solution! If I “settle down” my anxiety and always listen to Him, He can do all things I need!

    6.I needed this! God is telling me it is okay to not be able to be everywhere and do everything and fight everything on my own. I was designed and created to need Him! I need to take a step back and reconnect with my First Love, HIM! Strengthening myself in Him, will enable me to be used by Him as He needs me. It is okay to feel threatened, overwhelmed and needing a rest, as long as I seek HIM when I feel those things, and give them over to His. His yolk is easy, His burden light. He will deliver me and walk beside me to overcome all threats and I won’t flee them, they will flee Him! Press into Him!

  50. 250
    Heather says:

    1. KJV, AMP, NIV84

    Isaiah 30:15-18
    New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
    15 This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says:
    “In repentance and rest is your salvation,
    in quietness and trust is your strength,
    but you would have none of it.
    16 You said, ‘No, we will flee on horses.’
    Therefore you will flee!
    You said, ‘We will ride off on swift horses.’
    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.”
    18 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!

    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
    2. an indication or warning of probable trouble
    3. a person or thing that threatens

    I don’t like the word “threat” nor “to threaten” as it brings dishonoring action upon someone. In this season of my life I’ve gone through being threatened and followed through – loosing my home, the threat of my son’s life may be taken as he recently decided to defend our country becoming a Marine, and to even being threatened of loss of marriage – as the big old “d” word comes into play here and there with him having complete control over practically everything: we live with his mother temporarily (thankfully she took us in after unfortunate events), he makes and keeps all the money…

    I’m taking this new year as I think God intends for me to see these threats as a new beginning! He is by my side, walking with me through each challenge and will hold me up when I stumble.

    3. I’ve fled lots in my life, dealing with care-giving professionally and for family; lead me to “crashing into a wall” with my own illnesses of pneumonia and depression. I didn’t realize the depression was coming on so pressingly, but now notice that I flee to my bed when I “can’t/won’t” handle a situation. Yes, I still flee from time to time, but now that we’ve noticed it together as a family, my MIL, children & husband come to me and cheer me on – to keep going on. Sometimes they’re not around to cheer me on, I have to fight to not flee… I have to lean on God = listening to His music and reading His Word! No, I’m not all better, by far, I do still flee, but in time it will get better.

    4. 1 Peter 5:8-10 & James 4:7 both advice to resist the devil and submit to God. All three Scriptures share that God is gracious and desires to save us, have compassion on us. Although Isaiah 30:15-18 states that the humans thought they could go on there own way and not be devoured… while we know (in 1 Peter 5:8-10) the devils prowls around like a roaring lion to devour us.

    5. To hear “settle down” is greatly needed here… as I usually say to “myself, Be still & know that He is God!!!” I need to pray more, though I pray all the time… so now I focus on not what I want, but what He wants for me. YES – it’s time to settle down and listen.

    6. What I’ve discerned from the lesson is stated throughout

    a. It’s time to settle down and listen, obey Him
    b. Continue on with Him, resisting the devil – guarding my heart, mind, and soul
    c. Turn to Him before fleeing to my bed
    d. Continue on with Him in our New Beginning!!

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