Grateful for Takeways and Insights from Isaiah 40-49

In the quiet moments of my personal scripture study this week, here are a few of the great things I have rejoiced in and want to remember from Isaiah 40-49. 

"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of God shall stand for ever." Isaiah 40:8

Some of My Takeaways I Want to Remember...

With hot temperatures this year, and lack of water, we know grass dies and flowers too, but God's word will not. The imagery is poweful to me. The Bible, other scripture, and words from latter-day prophets is a witness to me of God's word standing forever. I know things I hear and see on the internet and social media will eventually fade, ideas change, and will be forgotten. However, God's word will stand forever. 

19 For I will send my servant unto you who are blind; yea, a messenger to open the eyes of the blind, and unstop the ears of the deaf;

20 And they shall be made perfect notwithstanding their blindness, if they will hearken unto the messenger, the Lord’s servant.

21 Thou art a people, seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears to hear, but thou hearest not.

22 The Lord is not well pleased with such a people, but for his righteousness’ sake he will magnify the law and make it honorable.

23 Thou art a people robbed and spoiled; thine enemies, all of them, have snared thee in holes, and they have hid thee in prison houses; they have taken thee for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, Restore. (JST, Isaiah 42:19–23 - Joseph Smith Translation)

Some of My Takeaways I Want to Remember...

I loved President Nelson's plea to "Hear Him" at the beginning of 2020,  https://youtu.be/sGhQym_vhFU. 

As well as his April 2020 message entitled "Hear Him" https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/04/45nelson?lang=eng. 

As I studied the Doctrine and Covenants last year I would mark an orange box around every "hear" or "hearken" word I noticed. It added to my scripture study. I've continued marking these words this way in my Old Testament reading, such as in Isaiah 42:17-23. In verse 19, there is a footnote to see the Joseph Smith translation for verses 19-23. Very eye opening to me. Don't miss it! My heart is full to have discovered it and grateful I heard the Lord teach me so much through His spirit.

From these verses I hear the Lord tell me that prophets and apostles are true, they are real and are His mouthpieces on the earth today. I've known this, but I'm grateful for another strong and sure witness. President Russell M. Nelson is our living prophet now, I can trust him and his words. For my own spiritual and temporal good, my life will be better if I follow the prophet. I look forward to hearing prophets and apostles share the word of God at General Conference real soon. 

Additionally, the word "restore", used in verse 22, is an interesting find as well because President Nelson has been teaching about restoration, he talks about "restore" a lot. Such as the restoration of Christ's Church, restoration of His priesthood, and the on-going restoration happening today.

President Nelson presented to the Church membership in the April 2020 General Conference, "The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ - A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World". Prophetic and true. What a blessing! 

[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/the-restoration-of-the-fulness-of-the-gospel-of-jesus-christ/a-bicentennial-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng]

"...Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine." Isaiah 43:1

Some of My Takeaways I Want to Remember...

Aren't those words so comforting and hopeful? Imagine Jesus speaking those words directly to you? Often, I like to substitute my name in the scriptures and personalize the words to me. Scripture power!

A friend shared and reminded me of a little video clip, which comes from The Chosen - season 1, episode 1. You can find it by Googling, "The Chosen clip where Jesus calls Mary by her name". As I watched, goosebumps overcame me as I heard the words from Isaiah repeated by Jesus. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIolqFni50w]

Gratefully I am understanding Isaiah more and more, and it feels good.

I am grateful for the scriptures, personal revelation, and all of the many resources that are helping me to better understand what I am learning. I enjoy seeing connections. I like the spirit of peace I feel as I am learning and hearing the truth. The Come, Follow Me study is becoming a happy hobby for me. A blessing in my life.

If you got this far, thank you for reading and being interested. I hope you find it helpful too. Surely something I rejoice in and want to always remember.