Fear judges but love discerns

Prayer is the most powerful weapon against all trials. Will you pray with us?
God of Light and Truth,
thank you for giving me
a mind that can know
and a heart that can love.
Help me to keep learning every day of my life,
for all knowledge leads to you.
Let me be aware of your presence
in all things and at all times.
Encourage me when work is difficult
and when I am tempted to give up;
encourage me when my brain seems slow
and the way forward is difficult.
Grant me the grace to put my mind to use
exploring the world you have created,
confident that in you there a wisdom
that is real.
Amen.

Now here’s our bible study.
Fear judges but love discerns.

God especially makes the connection between Himself and His children directly through their fathers. In doing so, He associates Himself with the most respected human being in each person's life - their father.

"They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine."
Isaiah 29:24 KJV
PRAYER - "Presumption Sabotages Prayer"

The LORD rebuked His people for presumptuous praying. "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, ...Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, ...they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God." Sin and hypocrisy sabotage prayer. Repent first!

Isaiah 58:9 - "Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity."

PRINCIPALS - "They Who Publish Good Tidings Of Peace"

It is easy to become obsessed with life's oppressions and oppressors. The Bible writers certainly documented Israel's many hardships at the hands of their enemies. But God requires us to consider the day when all oppressors will cease, and His name is no longer blasphemed. He commends anyone who will publish the good news of His coming kingdom. I volunteer for that task.

Isaiah 52:7 - "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!"

PRINCIPLES - "God Will Turn His Fury From Israel To Their Enemies"

So often in scriptures we find God speaking comforting words to His people. He pleaded with them as "my people," and "my nation," and reminded them that heaven and earth, and all things evil, will pass away. He promised to afflict their enemies as harshly as their enemies afflicted them. Only He would be their everlasting salvation.

Isaiah 51:22-23 - "I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, even the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again: But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee."

PROPHECIES - "The Rereward - God's "Rear Guard""

Isaiah 58 decrees blessings upon those who do the will of God. "Thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward." The archaic word "rereward" simply means "rear guard." So the prophecy says that when you are led by righteousness, God will both go ahead of you, and follow behind you. He will protect you from the front and from behind. You might also interpret that as meaning that God will protect you from your past.

Isaiah 52:12 - "The LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rereward."

Enclosing, The Man, Christ Jesus, was led of the Spirit, into the "wilderness",  to be tested. Strong’s defines the Greek word as literally, "lonesome."

What do we do, when we are led BY GOD, into a "lonesome" place, to be tested? Do we pass the test?
Write us, an let us know your thoughts.
Will you pray, with us. Let’s pray,
Dear God,

We praise you for your love and faithfulness. We thank you for your protection and care over our families. Thank you that you give us the power to love well; the wisdom to lead and teach our friends. We know you’re for us; that you fight for our families today. You are Redeemer, Restorer, and Friend, we believe you have good in store. We confess, some days, are tough. Many days we can feel anxious or overwhelmed. We ask that you would make us more like you, more aware of your constant Presence in our lives. Help us to release ourselves to You, so that You are free to fully accomplish all that You desire, in them, through them. Please fill our families with your truth and cover us with your favor.
Enclosing we want to thank all who have listened or watched our bible study.  Thank you for sharing and winning over your friends and making this a tool of outreach.
Remember to pray for the Ashcrafts, we love you and are praying for you to receive God’s best.