DAY 11: Isaiah 11

Day 11

The Shoot from Jesse’s Stump: Ch 11

Today we come across the promise of a great leader who will come from the stump of Jesse (that is the house of David). This leader will be unlike any other leader who has come before him. How is this leader described?

What will this leader become for Israel and the nations around Israel?

How do we see this fulfilled in the NT? What are we still awaiting from this chapter?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God for Jesus, the shoot from Jesse's stump, who rules with perfect righteousness and justice. Give thanks that through Him, the knowledge of the Lord will fill the earth as waters cover the sea.

2. Ask God to strengthen Linda McKerrell's connections with her supporting churches.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 10: Isaiah 10:5-34

Day 10

Assyria in God’s Hands: Ch 10:5-34

In this chapter, we see Assyria very much at the centre of the action as the Lord uses them for his own purposes and as well as judging them.

How does the Lord plan to use Assyria?

Why does the Lord judge Assyria for their actions?

We also see Israel in this chapter fairly prominently. We see that there will be a remnant of Israel which will turn back to the Lord, yet at the same time the Lord carry out the destruction that he has decreed on the whole Land. How are the people who live in Zion to feel towards the Assyrians?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God for His absolute sovereignty over all nations and rulers throughout history. Give thanks that He preserves a remnant and that those who trust in Him need not fear worldly powers.

2. Dan & Rachel Djamaludin: People across the region are in shock after the earthquake in Myanmar. Pray for those grieving in Myanmar to find comfort in Christ.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 9: Isaiah 9 - 10:4

Day 9

Light Shines into the Darkness and the Lord’s Anger: Ch 9 - 10:4

Our passage today opens with the promise of a great light which will come into the world.

As we read through verses 1-7, how do we see this fulfilled in the NT? From this promise what do you think the Jews would have expected the Messiah to be like?

We then turn back to what was happening in and around Judah, and the judgment which the Lord will bring about. How do the images that we have in 9:8-10:4 build upon all that we have read in this section of Isaiah?

There is a repeated refrain (v12, 17, 21 and 10:4), what does this refrain add to the description of judgment?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God for the great light that has shone on those walking in darkness through Jesus Christ. Give thanks for the Prince of Peace whose government and peace will never end.

2. Give thanks for those that help us to get into and understand God’s Word. Pray that as we gather around the Word on Sundays and at Growth Groups that we would be growing in faith and love.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 8: Isaiah 8

Day 8

The Darkness Closes In: Ch 8

Chapter 8 follows on from the encounter between Isaiah and Ahaz, speaking figuratively about what is happening in Judah.

What picture do we get with regards to what is coming for the people of Judah in v1-10?

In verse 11, Isaiah is told “not to follow the way of this people”. What will it be like for this people?

What is the contrast drawn between Isaiah and his disciples compared to the rest of the people (v16-22)?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:

1. Praise God that He is our refuge and sanctuary even when darkness surrounds us. Give thanks that we can wait for the Lord and put our hope in Him when others stumble.

2. Pray for the Frasers: Give thanks for Cece and Freddy, and pray for gospel-shaped parenting.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 7: Isaiah 7

Day 7

Immanuel: Ch 7

We now come to a chapter consisting mostly of prose as the kings of Syria and Israel assemble to fight against the kingdom of Judah. Judah is led by Ahaz who refuses to join in Syria and Israel’s opposition to the Assyrians (v1-2). The rest of the chapter is dominated by the encounter between Isaiah and Ahaz.

What is the message that Isaiah gives Ahaz? How should Ahaz have reacted to this message?

What does the Lord say will happen because of the faithlessness of Ahaz and Judah? How is this fulfilled (think both in the short term and the long)?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for His faithfulness in giving the sign of Immanuel - "God with us." Give thanks that this promise was perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ, our Savior.

2. Give thanks for new members. Pray that God would grow our church not just in numbers of people in the building, but of people coming to trust in Jesus and live lives shaped by the gospel in community with the Body of Christ.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 6: Isaiah 6

Day 6

Isaiah’s Calling: Ch 6

Unlike many of the other prophets the calling of Isaiah comes well into the Book of Isaiah, giving his calling a central position in the first section. It is worth looking at 2 aspects of what happens here.

First, what is the image that we get of the Lord? How does Isaiah see himself in relation to the Lord?

And secondly, what is the message that the Lord has given Isaiah to preach? How does this relate to what we have already read in Isaiah?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1.Praise God for His holiness that fills the temple and causes the seraphim to cry "Holy, holy, holy!" Give thanks that He cleanses our lips and calls us to serve Him despite our unworthiness.

2. Give thanks for our NCK & NCY leaders. Pray that they might keep growing in their love for Jesus and in their love for sharing him with the next generation.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 5: Isaiah 5

Day 5

The Lord’s Vineyard: Ch 5

Isaiah opens this chapter with a song about the vineyard of the Lord (v1-7). What picture of Judah do we get from this song?

Verses 8-25 goes through a series of 6 woes spelling out the ‘bad fruit’ that Judah has been producing. What kind of picture do we get of what is occurring in Judah around Isaiah?

What is the final image in this chapter (v26-30)? What can we expect to happen to Judah in the future (from Isaiah’s point of view)?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for His patience and care in tending His vineyard, providing everything needed in Christ for good fruit. Give thanks that even when we fail Him, His sovereignty ensures His purposes will be accomplished.

2. Give thanks for the growth we have experienced at Ann St and the impetus this provides for church planting.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 4: Isaiah 4:2-6

Day 4

Beyond Judgement: Ch 4:2-6

Although this is a short reading it is jam packed with wonderful images of what will come when the Lord has judged his people.

There are 4 major images including, the branch of the Lord, a fruitful land, the holy city and a canopy of glory. What do each of these images show about what the Day of the Lord will look like? And how do these images relate to other parts of the Bible (in particular consider the Exodus and the use of the branch in the NT)?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1.Praise God for the promise of the Branch of the Lord who will bring beauty and glory being fulfilled. Give thanks that He will make His people holy and dwell among them with His protective presence.

2. Pray that we might welcome newcomers and warmly include them in church ministries and relationships

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 3: Isaiah 3-4:1

Day 3

Poor Leadership and the Lord’s Judgement: Ch 3-4:1

In this chapter the Lord is pictured in two ways, firstly, as a warrior (v1 RSV translates it as ‘Lord of Hosts’ where hosts means armies) and secondly in v13, as the judge presiding over a court.

In verses 1-12, what picture do we get about what is happening in Jerusalem? What is the leadership like?

In the second half of this chapter, we see the judgment that the Lord will bring on the leaders (v13-15) and their wives (3:16-4:1). Why would the Lord judge both the leaders and their wives? What is the connection between the leaders and their wives?

NB: It is worth noting the glimmer of hope for the righteous amongst what is happening in v3:10

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God that He is the righteous Judge who sees all injustice and will hold leaders accountable. Give thanks that even in judgment, there is hope for the righteous who trust in Him.

2. Pray for Taste & See that will run again next Term. Pray for good relational connection, honest questions and clear gospel presentation.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 2: Isaiah 2

Day 2

The day and the mountain of the LORD: Chapter 2

There are 2 major images that we get today which look forward to the last days. First, we have the mountain of the Lord. What will happen at the mountain of the Lord in the last days?

The second image we have is that of the day in which the Lord will judge. What are the people like? What do they trust in?

What will this day be like? What will happen?

In both of these images what do we learn about the Lord in regard to His actions/words and how people will view Him?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for His promise that all nations will stream to His mountain in the last days. Give thanks that the Lord will judge with perfect justice and bring lasting peace where swords become plowshares.

2. Pray for a Culture of Gospel-Driven Service: Ask that more people in our church would see serving not as a task to complete, but as a joyful response to the grace of Jesus—an overflow of worship and love for others.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 1: Introduction and Isaiah 1

INTRODUCTION

‘They have forsaken the Lord;
They have spurned the Holy One of Israel
and turned their backs on him.’
(Isaiah 1:4b)

This verse from the first chapter sums up the problem that the book of Isaiah is all about. The people of both the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah) have rejected the Lord and chosen to follow other gods and to not put their trust in him. The question for Isaiah becomes, how can the Holy One of Israel dwell with a rebellious people?

As we read prophesy we should also be asking ourselves the question how does the Lord fulfill his promises in the short term, in the New Testament? And how will he fulfill them in the future?

These notes and prayer suggestions are designed to help you to read through the Bible in your own time. The studies are designed to take about 15mins to complete depending on the passage. It is best to read the passage first and then read the notes and questions. There are 43 readings in this series, depending on how many you do each week it should take you about 2 months to complete.

Context

As we read any book of the Bible it is important that we understand the context in which the book was written. This is particularly important as we read prophesy in the OT. This helps us to understand both what is being said in the book and to whom.

Isaiah was written during the reigns of the kings Uzziah (Azariah), Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, you can read about these kings in 2 Kings 15-20 and also 2 Chronicles 26-32. The book of Isaiah covers a period of about 40 years from late in Uzziah’s reign to late in Hezekiah’s reign (about 740-700BC).

During this time, Judah had been prosperous under King Uzziah and had for some time enjoyed some level of peace in the region. But Assyria to the north began to reassert its control over the region. The Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah) tried to shake off the control of the Assyrians along with other surrounding nations with the support of Egypt. Because of this, the Assyrians destroyed Israel and carried them off into exile scattering them among the other nations. This also led to the crisis during the reign of Hezekiah, when Sennacherib invaded Judah and laid siege to Jerusalem. It was into this difficult situation in which Judah found itself, and Isaiah spoke his words of prophesy.

Map of Assyria during the time of Sennacherib

Note: Notice how dominant the Assyrians were?

SECTION 1 THE LORD IS KING

Day 1

Isaiah’s Vision: Chapter 1

The opening chapter of Isaiah sets out a great vision in which all the Heavens and the Earth are to listen to what the Lord is saying (v2). This vision in the first chapter sets out what the rest of Isaiah is going to be about.

How are the people of the Lord described in this chapter? Who are they like? What things are they doing?

What is the offer that is made to the people of Israel by the Lord (v18-20)? How is it received? What will the Lord do?

The Lord (described as the Holy One of Israel v4) is one of the major themes of the book of Isaiah. The Lord is contrasted with his people, which leaves us with the question that occupies the rest of Isaiah, how can a Holy God dwell with a sinful people?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Pray that Ann Street Presbyterian will be a church that united in Christ, that we will be like minded having the same love, being one in spirit and in purpose and in humility, considering others better than ourselves.

2. Pray for wisdom as Linda McKerrell plans the mission exposure trip with OMF and Ann Street.

3. Good News Week with Glen Scrivener is not far away (August 10-17). Think of 3 people in your life who don't know Jesus and pray for courage to invite them to one of our GNW events with Glen.

DAY 34: RE-READ THE LETTER TO THE PHILIPPIANS

Day 34

Re-read the book of Philippians

How would you summarise the book of Philippians? (Think about Paul’s purpose in writing the letter, the major themes, the major applications for the Philippians).

What questions do you still have that you want to go away and think about more?

What have you learnt about God from this letter?

What have been the main applications for you?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Give thanks to God for how He has grown you through the Book of Philippians in your knowledge of Him and your love for Jesus. Pray that His Spirit would help you live out those main applications you noted above.

2. Pray that the young people who have chosen to be part of Declare will be clear on the gospel and that as they consider their own testimony, they might be clear that this faith is their own and that they are ready to profess that faith among our church family.

3. Pray for new leaders and apprentices at UQES to meet gospel needs on campus.

DAY 33: PHILIPPIANS 4:21-23

Day 33

Philippians 4:21-23

How many times is the word ‘greet’ or ‘greetings’ used in this passage?

What do these final greetings show about Paul’s view of ministry?

How does verse 22 fit with Philippians 1:12-13?

Why do you think Paul includes this final part of the letter?

How are you going at building friendships with other Christians?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for the unity we share in Christ across the world, and ask Him to keep you resting in His grace each day.

2. Pray for MTS information night this week and those who are considering vocational ministry.

3. Pray for Rev. Thang Bwee and ministry in Myanmar: Pray for new ministry candidates as many young men flee conscription.

DAY 32: PHILIPPIANS 4:15-20

Day 32

Philippians 4:15-20

How have the Philippians supported Paul in his ministry?

Why does Paul desire for the Philippians to financially support him?

Why do you think Paul describes the Philippian’s gift as “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God” in verse 18?

What needs do you think Paul is referring to in verse 19?

How are you going at being generous, for the sake of the gospel, with the gifts God has given you (including your money, time, house, car etc)?

If you would like to learn more about how to give financially to church you can get all the info at Giving — Ann Street Presbyterian Church.

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Give thanks to God that He has saved us from slavery to sin (including serving money) and that now we can serve God as our master. Pray that God would grow your heart to be more generous. Pray for wisdom in how to use all of your gifts well for the sake of the Gospel.

2. Pray for us to have the conviction to pray to God regularly. Ask that God might use the Ann Street Daily or other means of bible reading to help us dig deeper in to his word.

3. Pray for J & R. Lift up the preaching clubs and pray they grow bold, faithful preachers.

DAY 31: PHILIPPIANS 4:10-14

Day 31

Philippians 4:10-14

How do the Philippians feel about Paul from verse 10?

In today’s passage Paul says “I can do all things through him who strengthens me”. What does he mean by this statement?

If Paul had learnt to be content in all situations why does Paul say it was good for the Philippians to share in his troubles?

How are you going at supporting people outside of your local church who work to take the gospel out?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Thank God for His provision through others, and ask Him to teach you contentment in every situation by Christ’s strength.

2. Give thanks for the growth we have experienced at Ann St and the impetus this provides for church planting.

3. Give thanks for the gospel opportunities that Dan & Rachel Djamaludin have and pray for new believers to grow.

DAY 30: PHILIPPIANS 4:8-9

Day 30

Philippians 4:8-9

What kinds of things does Paul tell the Philippians they should think about in this passage?

What we think about as Christians is so important. Much of the Christian life comes down to the mind. The words “think about” can also be translated “meditate on”. Here Paul is telling the Philippians to intentionally and regularly reflect on such things.

Read Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 10:5. What do these passages say about the thought life of a Christian?

What areas of your thought life are going well? What areas need to change?

In verse 9 Paul holds himself up as an example to the Philippians to follow. He tells them to put into practice the things they have learned, received or heard from him. Paul really could say to people “follow me as I follow Jesus”. How are you going being an example to others in the way you speak and act?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God that the Gospel is true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, worthy of praise! Pray to God that through the words of our mouth proclaiming the Word of God, we can guard our heart and mind with the Gospel truths daily (Joshua 1:8-9, Psalms 1:2).

2. Pray that we might welcome newcomers and warmly include them in church ministries and relationships.

3. Pray for Griffith Christian Students: Pray that fringe students get connected and grow through God’s Word.

DAY 29: PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7

Day 29

Philippians 4:4-7

In today’s passage Paul tells the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord. This is very similar to the way he starts chapter 3.

After reading chapter 3 and the beginning of chapter 4 are there any other reasons you have found for why Christians can rejoice in the Lord?

In verse 5 why would the Lord being near (Jesus’ imminent return) be a reason to show gentleness to all?

In verse 6, when Paul says not to be anxious about anything, he is not saying that believers should have a complete lack of concern. Nor does it mean that believers should be careless. He is not talking about what we would call anxiety as a medical diagnosis. Rather he is saying that Christians should not be overly fearful, paranoid or unduly worried about their lives.

What does Paul say we should do instead of being anxious?

Why would this guard us from undue worry and fear?

What things are you worried about at the moment that you need to bring to God in prayer?

Extra resources: Paul Grimmond’s “When the Noise Won’t Stop” is an excellent resource to see more of what the Bible says about anxiety.

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Pray for those things now, asking God for help and thanking him for what he has given you. As you do this, spend some time reflecting on who it is that you pray to.

2. Pray for our MTSer: Isobel McLaren. Pray that she would continue to grow in dependence on God in prayer as she serves.

3. Pray for the Fraser family and ask God to save young people in Slovenia and strengthen the faithful.

DAY 28: PHILIPPIANS 4:2-3

Day 28

Philippians 4:2-3

In today’s passage Paul is addressing an issue that has arisen between two Christians in the church at Philippi, Euodia and Syntyche. What does he ask them to do?

How would being of the same mind in the Lord (v. 2) lead to an end to conflict and reconciliation between these two people?

What does the word “plead” (or “entreat” in the ESV) suggest about the importance Paul places on this reconciliation?

Why do you think Paul cares so much that these two women reconcile?

How does this fit with Philippians 1:27 and 2:1-2?

Is there anyone at church that you need to reconcile with? If not, is there someone at church you could wisely help reconcile with someone else they have had conflict with?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Give thanks to God that we can forgive and pray for our enemies because of God’s love for us while we were His enemies. Pray for the people you struggle to love.

2. Pray for the follow-up course starting this term for new Christians. Ask God to use this course to build strong foundations in his Word for new believers.

3. Pray for the Bradley family. Pray for Noah to adjust well to a new sibling and for the family’s good health.

DAY 27: PHILIPPIANS 4:1

Day 27

Philippians 4:1

How does Paul describe the Philippians in this passage?

The word for crown that Paul uses here is the Greek word for a crown of victory that was given to an athlete who won an important race. Paul is saying that as the Philippians stand firm in the Lord they are his crown of achievement and victory.

Based on these descriptions how do you think Paul feels about the Philippians?

How does this passage challenge or encourage you about the way you feel towards the people you serve at church?

Paul gives the command to stand firm in the Lord. The linking word at the beginning of verse 1 “Therefore” suggests that this command is a result of what Paul has just said.

Why do you think Paul would tell the Philippian Christians to stand firm in the Lord based on verses 20 and 21 of chapter 3?

What do you need to remember to help you stand firm in the Lord?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for the joy of Christian brothers and sisters, and ask Him to help you stand firm in the Lord with them.

2. Pray for unity and joy in our serving teams. Pray that all our ministry teams would be united in heart and purpose. Ask that as we serve, we would grow in love for one another, reflect the character of Christ, and be a compelling witness to those around us.

3. Pray for Mark & Anne Osborne: Ask God to bless the new media work recording Scripture readings.