Bible Reading Thread!

[BigBlueHen53]

I love that - using some of the other translations to help clarify. I have been using the KJV. Some of the footnotes are very helpful, and praying to know the meaning has also been helpful. But the book of Isaiah is so completely full of mysteries and meanings. The writings are just incredible. Written as much for our day as his day. Looking back on this work (as well as many of the other books in the Bible) it truly is astounding and very clear that they were true prophets of God! I feel like I could study Isaiah every day for the rest of my life and still learn something new every time!!!

Anything in particular that especially moves you?

 

[Slothinc]

Anything in particular that especially moves you?

I want to study Daniel and Ezekiel after I finish Isaiah! They are amazing also!!! I have only been doing about 1 chapter in Isaiah per week so it is going very slow. But I am enjoying it so much.

Here are two things that stood out to me in my reading recently.

The first is Isa. 41:9-10 (pictured, marked in blue.) I read and it gave me so much comfort. But the amazing thing was, that immediately after I read it, I listened to a live devotional on the radio, and the speaker read these very verses and talked about them. It touched my heart deeply - it was more than a coincidence. It was just a special witness to me that God is mindful of me and knows that I am trying to do His will in my life.

The second is Isa. 49:23. (Pictured, marked in purple) I am looking forward to the second coming of Jesus Christ more than anything else in life. Sometimes friends and family seem to make me feel like I need to focus on other things, and stop “worrying so much about the second coming.” But when read this verse, I felt such strong confirmation that the day will shortly come that those who are watching with oil in their lamps, like the 5 wise virgins, will not be ashamed, and will rejoice. And I do not have to be ashamed, nor embarrassed of my love of the Savior that I am looking forward to seeing Him, no matter what calamities will ensue before He comes.

I think most naysayers in my life are worried about His coming because they do not want to change their lives, or they are scared that they aren’t living worthily. Anyways, now I’ve gone off on a tangent - sorry

Oh yes! I forgot one other thing!! In December I was able to attend Handel’s Messiah. It was so beautiful, the tears were flowing! I have been listening to the music from that amazing production ever since, and I have loved reading much of the lyrics/inspiration of the songs in Isaiah! Handel was simply a musical and spiritual genius. I am so grateful for him for bringing that uplifting entertainment to the world, and that we can still enjoy it to this day!!!

Anyways, I have said so much! Someone else’s turn

 

[cubalaya]

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I want to study Daniel and Ezekiel after I finish Isaiah! They are amazing also!!! I have only been doing about 1 chapter in Isaiah per week so it is going very slow. But I am enjoying it so much.

Here are two things that stood out to me in my reading recently.

The first is Isa. 41:9-10 (pictured, marked in blue.) I read and it gave me so much comfort. But the amazing thing was, that immediately after I read it, I listened to a live devotional on the radio, and the speaker read these very verses and talked about them. It touched my heart deeply - it was more than a coincidence. It was just a special witness to me that God is mindful of me and knows that I am trying to do His will in my life.

The second is Isa. 49:23. (Pictured, marked in purple) I am looking forward to the second coming of Jesus Christ more than anything else in life. Sometimes friends and family seem to make me feel like I need to focus on other things, and stop “worrying so much about the second coming.” But when read this verse, I felt such strong confirmation that the day will shortly come that those who are watching with oil in their lamps, like the 5 wise virgins, will not be ashamed, and will rejoice. And I do not have to be ashamed, nor embarrassed of my love of the Savior that I am looking forward to seeing Him, no matter what calamities will ensue before He comes.

I think most naysayers in my life are worried about His coming because they do not want to change their lives, or they are scared that they aren’t living worthily. Anyways, now I’ve gone off on a tangent - sorry

Oh yes! I forgot one other thing!! In December I was able to attend Handel’s Messiah. It was so beautiful, the tears were flowing! I have been listening to the music from that amazing production ever since, and I have loved reading much of the lyrics/inspiration of the songs in Isaiah! Handel was simply a musical and spiritual genius. I am so grateful for him for bringing that uplifting entertainment to the world, and that we can still enjoy it to this day!!!

Anyways, I have said so much! Someone else’s turn

Thank you for sharing, that was so beautiful! I, too, am eagerly anticipating the soon return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Everything else is a distant second in importance. Those are indeed "great and precious promises," and full of comfort in this troubling and uncertain world. Thank you so much for sharing!

 

[Slothinc]

Thank you for sharing, that was so beautiful! I, too, am eagerly anticipating the soon return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Everything else is a distant second in importance. Those are indeed "great and precious promises," and full of comfort in this troubling and uncertain world. Thank you so much for sharing!

Thank you for your beautiful words!! I wish that more people in my life shared your same perspective! This past Christmas, I sent out a card to everyone on my list, religious or not, proclaiming that Jesus will soon return, with lots of cited sources. It was well received by a few, and I hope that it gave the non-religious or not serious people something to think about. I always tell myself “If the Savior is coming in my life time, what else matters???” And I believe very strongly that He will be here in my lifetime. But even if not, it will still be a life well-lived if I am preparing to meet him at any time!

Another comforting thing that I drew from Isa 49:23 is that those who are waiting (and watching) for the Savior will KNOW Him. I was so happy to read that! Because I have had on my mind lately that I do not want to be like the Jews of old, who did not recognize their Savior when He came.

I believe that before He comes in great glory, there will be other appearances, and it is quite possible that many will be deceived. And also probable that an anti-Christ figure will be known to all the world, and try to deceive the world as well. These last days are going to be crazy! Anyways, it is so important that we are vigilant during this time, and that we learn to hear Him so that we may recognize our Savior when He does come.

Sorry I have gone off on a tangent again. Jesus and Chickens, my two favorite subjects. No wonder I love this forum so much

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Many will absolutely be deceived, the majority, in fact. Scripture says so. So... read your Bible and pray so you do not be deceived. Follow whatever you believe the Lord requires of you. Obey His Word even if everyone else is going the other way. Be faithful to the end and He will bless you and count you as one of His own!

 

[Slothinc]

Many will absolutely be deceived, the majority, in fact. Scripture says so. So... read your Bible and pray so you do not be deceived. Follow whatever you believe the Lord requires of you. Obey His Word even if everyone else is going the other way. Be faithful to the end and He will bless you and count you as one of His own!

I agree completely. I worry for my close family members who are not seeking Him at this time. And I worry for myself that I will be deceived, as even the very elect will be deceived.

The last days will be filled with miracles. The Lord has not ceased working miracles, as so many think that He has. May we have eyes to see and ears to hear. Thank you so much for your sound advice!!!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Lol. As to miracles, I wish I had a bumper sticker or T-shirt that reads, "I don't BELIEVE in miracles .. I DEPEND on them!"

 

[cubalaya]

 

[GodLovesU]

I finally finished reading the Bible all the way through! I skimmed some of it, but I did it!! It took at least 2 years.