Week 30. Don't be afraid

We were traveling in Scotland for the last couple weeks.  I took the Daily Walk Bible with me but I confess that I got behind on the daily reading in Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. I do pledge to catch up those books.  Now, I have resumed reading in Isaiah.

I loved these verses in Chapter 32:
"The Lord's justice will dwell in the desert, his righteousness live in the fertile field, 
the fruit of that righteousness will be peace, its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.  

My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.  

Though hail flattens the forest and the city is leveled completely, how blessed you will be, sowing your seed by every stream, and letting your cattle and donkeys range free."

There is much that I do not understand about what I am reading in Isaiah.  I think some of it was prophecy that has been fulfilled, and some of it has not been fulfilled yet.  But what I do understand is that no matter what happens, God will take care of His people and we can have peace, quietness and confidence in Him.

Chapter 40 of Isaiah contains many of the scriptures used in Handel's "Messiah".  Did you recognize them?

One little side note: the word "islands" was used 7 times in Isaiah Chapter 40 - 42.   I wonder why.  I guess I noticed it because we visited the Orkney Islands last week in Scotland.  I was aware of God's presence there, in those remote locations.  His presence fills the earth.

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. (Isaiah 40: 28)


...So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am  your God.  
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand...
for I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand and says to you,
Do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41: 10, 13.) 

Here is a beautiful daily prayer in Isaiah 33: 2:
Lord, be gracious to us;
we long for you.
Be our strength every morning,
our salvation in time of distress.

So, we will keep reading, till next week,
Deep Peace of Christ to you,
Audrey 

Week 27, 28, 29. Half Way Through the Bible!

We are traveling in Scotland for a couple weeks so I am combining week 27, 28, and 29.

On June 30, we were at the half way point through the Bible!  We can do this!
We have finished Psalms.  There were many familiar ones and I discovered some new ones.
I especially liked Psalms 145.
verse 13:  "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations."  What a wonderful meditation!

and Psalms 148 is a great song of praise.  All creation praises God.

Proverbs has been interesting.  Again, we are listening to it it in the Message version.  
...Lots of practical wisdom.  It is interesting to think of wise King Solomon (who we read about previously) writing down all these insights because God gave him such wisdom.  We should all use our minds  more and live better.  Common sense would prevent so much heartache and so many mistakes.

While we are in Scotland, we will be reading Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs and Isaiah.  We will take our "Daily Walk" Bible with us and will try to stay on schedule to read each day.

No matter where we travel on this earth, we are never away from God.

Psalms 145:13   "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations."


Keep reading, and  till next time,  here is a Scottish blessing:

Deep peace of the running wave to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you.
Deep peace of the gentle night to you.
Moon and stars pour their healing light on you.
Deep peace of Christ,
of Christ the light of the world to you.
Deep peace of Christ to you.