Lynne's Old Testament Study Notes

 9/23/2022 – Isaiah 48-49 Chapter 48 : In this chapter, the Lord is inviting the Israelites to return to Him and start keeping their covenants. I believe the most important word in this is the word “invite”. The Lord doesn’t force us to do anything, but He does (in His scriptures and with sudden thoughts in our minds or a beautiful thrill through our chest) give us helps and hints about the ways we think and the ways we behave can help us find more peace and happiness in our daily lives. This is a chapter that Nephi felt was important enough to include in the Book of Mormon. In v’s 1-2 Christ lays it straight: The Israelites “swear by the mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness. For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay {means ‘pretend to rely upon’} themselves upon the God of Israel.” He reminds them of all the truths He has given to them, and that they have ignored. He reminds them that he has “declared the former things from the beginning” ...

 9/22/2022 – Isaiah 46-47 Isaiah 46: In this chapter the Lord is still working to teach the Israelites that idols have no power, no love, no care for them, and no way to help them along their way.  In v ‘s 3-4 the Lord tells them that He known them from the time they were in the womb, and that He will carry them, and bear them, and deliver them throughout their lives –even throughout their old age. I love that verse, for we have felt Him near us throughout the rigors of our old age! And then He switches from describing Himself and instead describes how their idols are created, and points out while the idols might be covered with gold, they are all made by man. They may cry unto the idol, but “yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble.” (v 7). The He confirms Himself in v 8 by telling them to “remember this”, for they are doing the wrong thing now by going to idols. It is a waste of their time and their energy. He then reinforces in v 9 for them to “Remember the f...

9/21/2022 – Isaiah 44-45 Chapter 44 The student manual introduces this chapter: “Isaiah contrasts the Lord’s power to save us with the foolishness of trusting in anything else.”  That makes me ask myself: ‘Where do I turn when I feel the need for help?’ In v’s 2-3 the Lord is speaking to Jacob: “Fear not, O Jacob, my servant…whom I have chosen. For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground; I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessings upon thine offspring.”  As we yearn toward God, he will give unto us the good things that we desire. We can be secure knowing that those desires, added to our efforts to come closer to Heavenly Father WILL have an effect upon us. The Lord knows we will go through good times and bad times. In v 8 He reassures us: “Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee …and have declared it. Emily Bell Freeman has posted the ways that the Lord has said that He will help us: “If you feel unknown; If you are lo...

 9/20/2022 – Isaiah 42-43 Chapter 42 The Lord speaks of Isaiah in the first line of the first verse of chapter 42: “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him….” That sentence reminds me that when we help the Lord, the Lord is able to helps us more! The Lord KNOWS Isaiah…just as He knows each of us. In v 4 the Lord assures us that Isaiah “shall not fail nor be discouraged” until he (Isaiah) finishes the work the Lord has called him to do. That’s the kind of attitude we should have as we work within the callings we have been given. The Lord knows that He has asked Isaiah to do very difficult things, and v 6 is the wondrous promise that the He makes to Isaiah: “I the Lord have called the in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee…” This is the Lord’s concern and caring for Isaiah, and Christ has that same love for each of us. Most likely, we will not be asked to bring an entire nation back to believing i...

 9/19/2022 – Isaiah 40-41 Chapter 40:  Prior to chapter 40, Isaiah had prophesied that the people of Judah would be conquered by the Babylonians—so the purpose of Isaiah in this chapter was to comfort the Lord’s people. Isaiah did this by prophesying of the coming of Jesus Christ. Christ’s coming would occur long after these people were dead, but reminding the people of the greatness of the Lord and of His love for them and of His commandments will would bring them closer to the Lord—and that makes all the difference in our individual lives. Isaiah reminds his people—and us—that Christ “shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” (v11)   Isaiah goes on to remind them of the great love and power that our Heavenly Father has for us, and will give to us: “Have ye not known? Have ye not heart? Hath it not been told you from the beginning? Have ye not understoo...

 9/16/2022 – Isaiah 30 & 35 Chapter 30 tells us that Israel was scattered because the people had rejected the prophets. But it also tells us that Israel will be gathered again, and will be blessed both temporally and spiritually. And after that, the Lord shall come to earth. This shall be a time when there has been apostasy once again to teach and to judge. At this point in time the Israelites, who certainly needed help have turned back toward Egypt. In v 7 the Lord tells them that “their strength is to sit still”. The Lord has cried to them at this time to NOT turn back to Egypt. But the Israelites did not listen to their prophets or the Lord. (v 8) The Lord refers to them as ‘rebellious’. He continues saying they are as lying children that will not hear the law of the Lord. The Israelites have not liked what their prophets have told them, for they want their prophets to “speak unto us smooth things”. (v 10) The Lord tells them that instead of running away from their troubles...

 9/15/2022 – Isaiah 28 & 29 Isaiah 28 In v 9 the Lord stresses the importance of teaching our children of Him and of His doctrine. And then He tells us just how to teach them: “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; Line upon line, line upon line; here a little and there a little.” (v 10). This may be the way we should teach our children, but it is also the way we all find spiritual growth and knowledge. The Lord then tells us the importance of finding, and then continuing, our spiritual growth and knowledge: “…This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing…” (v 12)  V 16 tells that Christ will be the “corner stone” of a sure foundation. How often do we refuse to hear the Lord’s word? Because when we hear-- truly hear—His word we must adjust our patterns of living to be more like Him. For that growth is what brings us true comfort and happiness. V 17 reminds me that when I’m close to the Lord, and am better at making ...

9/14/2022 – Isaiah 26 & 27 A wonderful institute instructor who gave classes for adults in the middle of the week covered this chapter with us. I have his notes written in my Bible.  Chapter 26, v 1 starts with “in that day” which our instructor said means ‘the future, our day’. In v 2: “Open ye the gates that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.” and he pointed out that this speaks of the gates of the temple.  V 3 is my favorite, for it tells us if we make the temple an important part of our life then: “thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”  Staying close to our heavenly Father by starting our day with prayers of thankfulness, and ending out days with going through the things we did, or didn’t do, and speak to Him of the sweet moments of our day, and of the moments we fell short and let Him guide us to do just a little bit better during our tomorrows. V 7 tells us that our course, every...

 9/13/2022 – Isaiah 24-25 Isaiah 24 is the record of a prophecy of the destruction of the wicked at the time of the Second Coming.  Isaiah 25 is a poetic way of celebrating the blessings that the Lord will give to the righteous at that time. The synopsis of chapter 24 reads: “Men shall transgress the law and break the everlasting covenant—At the second coming they shall be burned, the earth shall reel, and the sun be ashamed—Then shall the Lord reign in Zion and in Jerusalem.” V 1 tells us what the Lord is doing at this point: “Behold, the Lord maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the in habitants thereof.” It’s as if the Lord wants to clear the earth of all the evil so many people have fallen into. In fact He confirms the reasons for this destruction in v’s 5-6: “The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Th...

 9/12/2022 – Isaiah 13-14 The first verse of chapter 13 tells us of “the burden of Babylon” (a prophet message about).  It was once a mighty kingdom with a powerful ruler, it is now to be destroyed.  In v 11 the Lord explains the reason for Babylon’s upcoming destruction: “And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity: and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.”  Babylon has now become a symbol of pride, worldliness, and sin.  Not only shall it be destroyed, but “it shall never be inhabited neither shall it be dwelt in form generation to generation; neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there. But the wild beasts of the desert shall lie there.” (v 20).  The student manual explains that Isaiah’s prophesies of the destruction of Babylon can be seen as a type or similitude of the destruction of the wicked that will tak...

9/9/2022 – Isaiah 10-12 Chapter 10 ’s synopsis: “Destruction of Assyria is a type of destruction of the wicked at the Second Coming---Few people shall be left after the Lord comes again—Remnant of Jacob shall return in that day” Isaiah is telling all the things we should NOT do:  1. “Decree unrighteous decrees and write grievousness which they have prescribed: (v1) 2. To ignore the poor, and widows, and the fatherless (v2) 3. They realize they have no place to turn for help, and thus try to hide (v 3-4) 4. Become hypocritical (v 6) 5. Depend and worship idols (v10)…What are our idols?? 6. Don’t think that the good we have done has been only our doing…instead of listening for the Lord and trying always to do His bidding, and remembering to thank him for His help and His love (13-17) In v 20 the Lord tells us that our safe course is to “…stay upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. In v 24 He tells us to be not afraid of what the world will bring, for bad things ...

9/8/2022- Isaiah 8-9 The Israelites have not been following God’s laws, and they refuse to change their ways as Isaiah has pleaded with them to do. In Chapter 8, v 22 warns them of what will happen if they don’t change their lives: “And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish, and they shall be driven to darkness. Isaiah continues to tell them of the Lord’s answer as to how to avoid that and how to live a higher and better life: “Look unto me in every thought, doubt not, fear not.”    In chapter 9 v 6 Isaiah prophecies of Christ’s future coming to the earth: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace”…the Messiah. Israelites have stopped their efforts in establishing their relationship with the Lord, but Isaiah tells them (v10) how to rebuild that relationship: The ...

 9/7/2022 – Isaiah 6-7 In chapter 6, Isaiah is called by the Lord to be a prophet. Isaiah tells us the year that he “saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.” (v 1) Isaiah also tells us that there were two seraphim near the Lord’s throne. The Bible dictionary tells us that seraphim are angelic beings that minister in the courts of God. Their wings are symbolic of the power to move or to act. But at this time, Isaiah heard them calling out “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord or hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.” (v3) At that moment Isaiah was quite concerned and said: “Woe is me! For I am undone; [cut off; overwhelmed by his consciousness of the sins of himself and his people—footnote 5a] because I am a man in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” (v5) At that point a seraphim took a live coal from the alter and put it on Isaiah’s mouth, and then the Lord explained to I...

 9/6/2022 – Isaiah 3-5 Chapter 3 :  V’s 1-7 contains a prophecy about the house of Judah in Isaiah’s day, but this prophecy also applies to our days. He prophesized of changing standards in society, of physical destruction, and of the spiritual loss that would come upon Judah and Jerusalem, and explains that all this came upon them because of their significant disobedience to the Lord’s laws and guidance. V 5: “…the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbor: the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable.” V 8-9: “…Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings are against the Lord…they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul….”  )  The sad part is that the wicked brought evil, and trouble, and disaster upon themselves. And then Isaiah gives us hope in v 10: “Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with hm: for they s...

 9/5/2022 – Isaiah 1-2 I’m excited to read Isaiah for I have found verses in that book that touch my heart and open my eyes. I read somewhere that reading Isaiah was especially important for those who are living in the latter days. My study manual gave this wonderful introduction to the Book of Isaiah: “Why study this book? When Jesus Christ visited the Nephites after His Resurrection, He quoted many of the words of Isaiah to them and then said: “A commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah” (3 Nephi 23:1). He also told them that everything Isaiah had prophesied would be fulfilled (see 3 Nephi 23:3). The book of Isaiah was written during a time of great wickedness and apostasy, and it addresses both events of Isaiah’s era and events that would occur in the future. Perhaps the most important part of the book of Isaiah is Isaiah’s testimony and witness that Jesus is the Christ, the Holy One of Israel, and the promised Messiah...

 9/2/2022 – Ecclesiastes 11-12  The Preacher finishes his writings with these last two chapters, and in them he teaches us that we should prepare now for the Final Judgment.  But the things he prompts us to do are really very simple: the synopsis of chapter 11 is “Do good and give to them that need—God will bring all men to judgment”. V1: Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days.” I think he’s telling us to give freely, for that which we give will always eventually return to us. And there is v 4: “He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regaradeth the clouds shall not reap.”  I simplify this with just three words: “Just do it!”  And v 6: “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” He finishes chapter 12 reminding us that at death our spirit shall return to God who gave it, and that t...

9/1/2022 – Ecclesiastes 1-3 No one knows who wrote Ecclesiastes, but we do know that the writer describes himself as “the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.”  The study manual says this: He presents a series of questions—and conclusions-- in search of the purpose of life.  And he seems to direct his writings to those who do not believe in God, or who are not yet fully committed to Him. He helps us all to see how much purpose and meaning can come into our lives when we seek to live in accordance with God’s will.  He starts by speaking of the vanities in our lives, which are of no real use to us. The footnotes describe vanities as something empty, fleeting and unsubstantial. He goes on to say that in the basic things of this would, “there is no new thing under the sun”. (1:9) In chapter 2, he tells us that he had become the most wealthy man—greater than any who had come before him. Anything he saw and wanted, he attained. Then in 2:12: “And I turned myself to be...

 8/31/2022 – Proverbs 22 & 31 Proverbs 22: Verse 1 starts with “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches”. The Lord sent us here to grow in faith and in love. As far as the reason we are on this earth, money is not all that important to the desired outcome we had in mind as we left our Father’s home.  V 2 appropriately follows v 1: “The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all.” And then there is v 4: “By humility and fear [reverence of the Lord] of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.”  Then v 5 tells us how to make our earthly journey smoother and easier: “Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward [perverse]: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.”  We are to think of others, not just of ourselves: “He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.” (v9) And then v 10 tells  us a way to have a life without contention: “Cast out the scorner, and contention shall g...

8/30/2022 - Proverbs 15-16 These proverbs are among those scriptures that offer counsel to us as to how better to gain wisdom and understanding. Just as 16:16 encourages with “How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!” Another thing that is very good for us to remember: “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” (15:1) And I have discovered, at least with myself, that anger seems to slow my rational thinking, which can easily cause one to make bad decisions.  15:8 reinforces the fact that “the prayer of the upright is His delight”, and those are prayers that the Lord can answer quickly as usually those who are ‘upright’ within the gospel, work to be aware of personal spiritual promptings. 15:16 “Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.” I always find things that I want to ask for in my prayers, but I hope to pay more attention to the fact that I sim...

 8/29/2022 – Proverbs 1-4 Someone described the Book of Proverbs as a book that contains wise statements about how to live a godly life.  We know that Solomon wrote many of these proverbs which are written  as poetry. The first 9 proverbs are attributed to Solomon, and are an invitation for us to seek after and acquire true wisdom, and clues to the meaning of life and the path to success. Proverbs 1 :5 - “A wise man will hear, and will increase in learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:”   1:7 – “The fear [reverence] of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:23-25  tell us how to draw closer to the Lord. He seems to be speaking to those who have disregarded His words: “Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. Because I have called, and ye refused: I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded. But ye have s...

 8/26/2022 – Psalms 146-150 I love the synopsis that is at the beginning of Psalm 146 : “Happy are they whose hope is in the Lord—The Lord looseth the prisoners, loveth the righteous, and reigneth forever”.  And then we are told of more of the reasons why we should truly praise the Lord.  In v’s 8-9 we are reminded how the Lord reaches out to help us when our hearts our sad: “The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down…The Lord preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow…”.   These are verses that I want to keep in my heart, for there have been times – and there will surely be more times – when I fall into one or more of these categories. And when those times come upon me, I want to remember that my comfort is in Him and that I can, and should, ask for His comforting warmth. I have done so in the past, and have felt His love and His care. I want to remember, in the future, to continue to go to Him every d...

8/25/2022 – Psalms 135-139 Psalm 135 is a psalm of praise for our Heavenly Father. The writer goes through the history of the Lord giving help and comfort to those that believe in, and follow, Him. It is an appropriate reminder that as we go to our Father for help and comfort, we should be just as focused on going to Him in thanks as we recognize the help He gives to us, and the “map” His scriptures provide for our returning to Him. Psalm 136 also reminds us of the importance of giving “thanks unto God for all things, for his mercy endureth forever”.  He helps us in so many ways, if we can just look and listen for the mercy He gives to us, for the wisdom that He will share with us just for the asking, for the function and beauty of our earth, for all the times He has heard our prayers and has answered them. He sees us, He knows us, He loves us, and He wants us to return to Him having learned important skills, and having strengthened our faith. Psalm 137 speaks of some of the most...

8/24/2022 – Psalms 127, 128 Psalm 127 speaks of our children being a cherished gift from the Lord. The first 2 verses speak of the importance of having the Lord as a part of our family, a sure part of our home, and a part of all of our endeavors.  I wrote this beside these verses during one of my times of reading the Old Testament: “Invite the Lord into all your efforts – or they are for naught”. Having His spirit close to us, changes the way we do things and how we think of those efforts. His spirit lifts us and teaches us and brings a sweet happiness into all our efforts. V 1: “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it”. V 2 promises that keeping close to the Lord will always help us—especially during our difficult times when “he giveth his beloved sleep”. He won’t keep difficult times away from us, as we can learn much as we make our way through those times, but He certainly softens those times with comfort and with the courage to continue forward. But ...

 8/23/2022 – Psalms 110, 116, 117, 118 Psalm 110 is one of the psalms written by David. It is one that is difficult for me to understand. As I tried to find more information about this psalm I found this paragraph: “This is a very old psalm. Today, Bible students are not sure what many of the verses really mean. But it is a very important psalm. Jesus repeated part of it just before his enemies killed him. He was talking to the Pharisees, who were Jewish leaders. He asked them what they thought about the Christ. Christ is the Greek word for messiah. Messiah is the Hebrew word for "anointed". Anointed means "someone with oil poured over them". The oil came from plants called olives. It was not the oil that we use in our cars. The Jews anointed men when they made them kings. So "Christ" really means a king that someone has anointed.” I also found this at www.easyenglish.bible:  Psalm 110 “(This is) a Psalm of David. v1   The LORD spoke to my Lord.   "S...

 8/22/2022 – PSALMS 102-103 Psalm 102   is labeled as “a prayer of the afflicted, when he is over-whelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the Lord.” This man describes himself: his “days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth. My heart is smitten and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread…my bones cleave to my skin….I am as a sparrow alone…Mine enemies reproach me all the day; they that are mad against me are sworn against me….My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass.” After this very sad picture he gives the Lord, he then praises the Lord and asks for the Lord’s mercy. In v’s 15 & 16 he speaks of when the Lord will come to earth in His glory. In v 26 he expresses his testimony that the Lord “shalt endure”, and then he continues that the Lord can change us all…for the Lord “shall have no end”. And he ends with the sure knowledge that “the children of thy servants shall continue and their seed shall b...

 8/15/2022 – Psalms 49-51 In Psalm 49 the Lord assures us that wealth has nothing to do with our status when we leave this earth.  It is our gaining understanding and wisdom, and I would think humility that will help us come back to the Lord with our earth lessons well learned and followed. Psalm 50 speaks of the time the Lord will come to earth in glory. Then will come the time of our judgement. The Lord will be looking to see if we have made our covenants, and kept those covenants. (v6). We are to have offered unto God thanksgiving; and completed the vows we have made with Him. Our thanks given to the Lord are all part of our worshiping Him. In v 15 He pleads with us to “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”  And then He goes over the things we should NOT be doing: (v 17 we are not to hate instruction and cast his words behind us.  V 18- we are not to be adulterers. V 19 we are not to speak evilly or deceitfully. V 2...

 8/13/2022 – Psalm 46 I read this psalm and am reminded to “be not afraid—even in the tumults of the Last Days.  This psalm can help us remember the Lord’s love and caring for us: “God is our refuge and strength. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake…” (v’s 1-3) V 10 “Be still and know that I am God.”  Sometimes our search for the Lord needs to be conducted away from our worldly demands, concerns, and pace. The Lord used this same sentence in D&C 101:16 for people in our time: “Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.”  As we come nearer to Him, He comes nearer to us!  I have felt this & when I am not trying to be near to Him, I have felt His presence fade. It didn’t take me long to realize that going through life WITH H...

8/12/2022 – Psalm 40 I love the very first verse of this particular psalm that David wrote: “I waited patiently for the Lord, and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.”  The word “patiently’ is important! The Lord knows when and how He can help us. Our part of this is to be ever alert to His promptings, and ready to follow them immediately.  David then continues on to assure us of the wonder the Lord as He works with us during our good times and our bad times, and always with love.

 8/11/2033 – Psalms 31-33 These are more of the psalms of David.  In Psalm 31 David starts out with the firm statement: “In thee, O Lord, I do put. my trust…” And then he continues asking for continued help from the Lord: “be thou my strong rock” (v2); “lead me, and guide me” (v 3); “thou are my strength” (v 4); “I trust in the Lord” (v 6); “I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy” (v 7).   Even in David’s most difficult times he tells us “But I trusted in thee, O Lord… .Thou art my God” (v 14). He goes on in v 16 to ask for the Lord’s continued help: “Make thy face to shine upon they servant”.  And then David once again recognizes the Lord’s help in his life: “Oh how great is thy goodness which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee” (v 19). And finally David gives his best advice to all of us: “O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful”, “Be of good courage, and he shall s...

8/10/2022 – Psalms 27-30 Psalm 27 is another psalm written by David. He starts with “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” And then there is v 4 where the goal of his life is simple stated: “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.” We could all do well by adopting this has our goal in life. In v 10 David shows his firm beliefs in his Father: “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.” The Lord’s love and concern for us goes beyond any we know. V 13: “I had fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”  There are times in our lives when only faith in the Lord can see us through.  In v 14 David tells us exactly what we need to do: “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, an...

 8/9/2022 – Psalms 19-26 Psalm 19 :7-8 was written by David. I love his statement: “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statues of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.”…and David ends with his plea to the Lord in v 14 “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.” In Psalm 20 David cautions us about where to look for help in hard times: “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” (v 7) He’s reminding us where sure help and safety can be found. Psalm 23 is one that I continue to try to memorize: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name sake. Yea, t...

 8/8/2022 – Psalms 1-2, 8 I love the way the study manual starts Psalms: “The psalms in Hebrew are called Tehillim, a word coming from the Hebrew word halal, “to praise” (Clarke, Bible Commentary, 3:199). The same root forms the word hallelujah, meaning “praise to Yah” (Jehovah)… the psalms have the power to lift one toward God. The psalms are a collection of some of the very finest of the world’s inspirational literature.” Psalm 1 speaks of the differences that will come into our lives—depending on where and how we find delight. He assures us that if our delight comes from following His commandments, then we “shall be like a tree planted by the rives of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season” and we shall not whither, but instead we shall grow! Psalm 2 speaks of the different between following kings that rule against the Lord’s commandments, and our following of the Lord’s commandments—for “blessed are all they that put their trust in him.” Psalm 8 : David wrote this...

 7/18/2022 - Ezra 1; 3-7; Nehemiah 2; 4-6; 8 (We are heading to Redmond OR for a Waits’ Family Reunion! I thought I better do my weekly scripture study now because I want us to be able to spend every minute with all our children and grandchildren.) Ezra 1 The book of Ezra provides an account of the return of two groups of Jews from Babylon to Jerusalem, and how they began to rebuild the temple and their community. We can learn much about how the Lord helps His people to overcome opposition and accomplish His will.  After so many years of captivity “the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all this kingdom, and put it also in writing…” (v1) letting the Jews go back to Jerusalem in order to build the temple once again. This happened after the Jews had been held captive in Babylonia for about 70 years. The Lord’s promise is found in Jeremiah 29:10:  I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to ...