The Seven Streams Method

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Hosea 1-2 We are in the Exile Stream starting a new book - Hosea. We are reading from the World English Bible this week. 7streamsmethod.com | #7Streams | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis What we read of Hosea the Prophet is found almost solely in this book.  There is precious little written about Hosea elsewhere.  He came on the scene just before Isaiah and Micah, and was younger than Amos.  His work of living and prophesying to the north was right around 760 B.C. - 720 B.C.  For what it's worth, the first stones of the city of Rome were being laid and the first columns and colonnades were being erected as Hosea was beginning his painful years of ministry.  When he began, the northern Kingdom had been split from the south for about 200 years and was at it's height of power and wealth.  During Hosea's lifetime it went from it's height under King Jeroboam II to being decimated as the Assyrian Army ransacked the nation under Israel's King Hoshea. God had sent Elijah, Elisha, Jonah, and Amos to the north. All four had come from the south. Now he was sending Hosea into ministry - he was from the north. So they may have referred to him as "a local". Hosea is addressing the nations rampant problem of adultery. They had worshiped an idol of a calf for two centuries and that had long morphed into a horrendous mess. The population in the north was utterly degraded. Hardly a child, nor a home, nor a marriage was intact. Chastity was not valued or protected.  At the rate they were going, it would not be long before God would "vacuum up" THESE particular people and throw them it into the dustbin of history.

Hosea 1 - notice the kings listed here are the same kings listed in Isaiah 1.  From the start, Hosea is ordered to 'do as the locals': have children with a prostitute. SHE will be your wife. God had been true to these people all through their history, and yet they go about "whoring" - to use KJV term.  Imagine the pain that adultery causes God. We are called to one God and to live it out with one spouse.  But humans want a dark version of "freedom" from this...and from God. Hosea, under God's orders, has three children with Gomer the prostitute. Jezreel, Lo-Ruhamah, and Lo-Ammi. Jezreel is the first son's name because the House of Israel would finally end here (722BC) The bloody mess that Jehu responded to would be avenged (see II Kings 10:1ff)  Son; Jezreel's birth was a statement that retribution was on its way. The decapitations in  II Kings 10 would be repeated by the Assyrians swarming in (II Kings 17:5 ca. a century later).  It would be a horror show sequel to put it lightly.  Only the death scale would rise "1000" times over. Lo-Ruhamah, a daughter is born and her name means "not loved". The love and mercy from God is soon overwith for Israel. They had smacked God in the face for two centuries. He had had enough of the Northern Kingdom. Lo-Ammi another son is born and his name means "not my people".  It's sad symbolism, isn't it?!  The death of a people was imminent Still God's goodness comes forth in the final two verses as God tells of his intention to grow his people and to unite them. Hosea 2 - The 2nd and 3rd children are referenced in the first verse here.  Mr. "not my people" and Miss "not loved (no mercy)" are to be told, "you ARE my people, You ARE loved."  Mother is to stop the prostitution.  All are to come home again to where she was truly cared for and not just offered gifts and luxuries at a pimp's place - though soon to be deserted by this liar.  God wants to call them home like parents call children for supper.   But they won't come. but He still loves them, still they won't come. But He still loves...  So God's love will be opened up (Hosea 1:10) to whosoever will (Romans 9:24-26). The Romans' reference is worth checking before the day passes.  God is certainly good to us, regardless how we dismiss, ignore, or swat away his love. Lord make us like you, please make us like you. Your goodness, even in the face of being treated treacherously by your own children, is nearly unfathomable. May we be infused with your relentless love. Amen

Isaiah 50-54 We are in the Prophetic Stream today. We will be covering the famous chapter Isaiah 53 as we read from the World English Bible this week. 7streamsmethod.com | #7Streams | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis Lord, you serve and send The Savior.  It is truly you and your work for us that saves.  Keep us filled with faith and gratitude.  Bless you Lord,  Amen.

The theme of this section of scripture is that the LORD will serve His people; they will be redeemed and restored and The Servant of the LORD will aid and protect them in Zion. This idea has been seen scattered throughout Isaiah but the resumption of this thinking comes into full view here as this concept has been accumulating through Isaiah's book.

50 - it begins with the nation in dismay, but God assures immediately they he can redeem from any situation. God has full control over nature, the LORD speaks, he gives us "ear to hear", He helps, The Lord calls all to come to Him and trust Him - to stop trusting in their own plans; contrare~ plans that they think are going to be of any protection. 51 - These next two chapters are devoted to telling of Zion's redemption and restoration. Judah would go into captivity in the future, but God's plan for His own has never wavered. His commitment to Abraham and Sarah has not been down graded or altered in the least. God's plan is endless - so listen to God, come to God, look to God, He will strengthen - but they needed to adorn themselves in Him. Remember ALL He has done!  He comforts and calms and liberates. The delirium that comes from disobedience is akin to drunkenness and need never be a problem to them again. 52 - This chapter is also pure wonderment.  It is the day of Zion's triumph.  It's so beautiful it is actually a song.  There's no way to list all the great things God is up to and not simply recite the whole chapter --> again.  This is truly a song of happy days.  People who've sung "Our God Reigns" since for-ev-er may wonder where it comes from.  It's from here! v. seven has the whole song within it.  The rest of the chapter is just as marvelous. 53 - The fascination of this chapter merely grows with time.  Isaiah told so many details about a Savior and he is describing Him 700 years before His arrival.  The details cannot be ignored or altered if one religions' description of a Savior doesn't match God's. Some have tried to explain this chapter away as being some other person from some other era or to be someone who is coming yet in the future.  This chapter is Jesus and what He has done to heal, to forgive, and to save. 54 - The fascination here is that Zion is going to expand; expand in every way, the people, the land, the blessing, the dwellings, and the beauty; the adornment, the jewels, oh my!  It will all be the wonderful work of God.  The people of Zion have suffered, but God's mercy and comfort and lovingkindness will prevail and 'win the day'.  Zion will prevail in righteousness.

Psalm 18-21 We are in the Wisdom Stream today reading from the book of Psalms. We are using the World English Bible this week. 7streamsmethod.com | #7Streams | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis God, we want to walk with you as David did; so completely caught up into your goodness and faithfulness and comprehensive care that the world all around us is a mere reminder of how good you are to us.  Thank you for your goodness, Lord.  Amen.

Into the Wisdom stream today we reach Psalm 18 - a highlight of the Bible!  If any student of the Psalms made a list of their favorite Psalms to count on one hand, Psalm 18 is one of them.  It's David's triumphant praise after "the battle is over".  His enemies are neutralized. King Saul, who hated him, is gone now. David's kingdom is realized and he is Ruler of Israel. Note the traits of the Psalm: God is all the things David needed all along, needs now, and what David is grateful for.  David calls and claims that God is his rock, his shield, his high tower.  The false religions of the world idolatrously claim "this rock is my god, this shield is my god, this tower is my god." The pagan religions have things perfectly backward.  This is why David is a hallmark of our faith and devotion. This Psalm is so pivotal and landmark in David's life that it is repeated in II Samuel 22.  We will reach that section in the "nation stream" next week.

19 - The wonder of nature as David is in awe of what God has done morphs straight into David's wonderment over what God has said; His Word.  It is perfect, right, pure, ...Gold. 'Makes y'want to read the rest of the Bible doesn't it?!  Praise God 20 - twenty has a nice variation - 18 was David rejoicing in all God had done for him.  This Psalm of prayer is asking God to grant all that is desired and sought for - for you!   It rings as a rally cry for battle.  It is a request for victory.  As in all of David's life, he is not distracted by objects and trusting in them.  He trusts in God alone, for himself and for others - even as he is headed into the thick of battle. 21 - David is yet enraptured with his marvelous God.  In 20 he is asking for victory as he seems destined to head into battle.  In 21, David is thanking God for victory in this same conflict that seems imminent.  Notice that all that God is going to do is in the future tense.  God will find them (David's enemies), He will burn them, He will destroy them. David is as certain of this as he was on his first battlefield in I Sam. 17.  He is basically teaching us a very clear prayer lesson.  Thank God in advance.

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I Samuel 17-20 We are in the Nation Stream today as we experience that classic story of David & Goliath. We are reading from the World English Bible. 7streamsmethod.com | #7Streams | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis

Lord, thank you for David's example here.  We can shine with you and walk with you no matter who is against us, or how fierce the attitude is against us or how bleak the odds seem against us.  You will always give us the human and spiritual comfort that we need.  Amen.

David and Goliath - the battle seems to be a preview or a "trailer" of world history.  We've heard of this reference in so many contests.  Well the original story comes from here;

I Samuel 17.  It is intriguing that historians of all stripes and creeds will confess that monotheism hung upon the outcome of this battle. Theologically, God is bigger than our perspectives, but for that assessment [the fate of montheism] to be attached to this David/Goliath showdown is impressive.  David's courage and confidence and skill; to be assured that he could drop this behemoth pagan goon in a single pop testifies to the fact that David was in touch with more than his dismissive brothers were aware of.  Saul tried to dress David in Saul's armor so that any victory would be associated with Saul.  David doesn't need it.  If David can take on a several hundred pound lion and a several hundred pound bear, then he can take on a several hundred pound man who lacks claws and teeth. Pastor Chuck Swindoll once called Goliath a "cross-eyed discus thrower" - he didn't have much talent or break many records, but he sure kept the spectators awake!   We know the story of the five smooth stones. Goliath did have four other brothers so if the Philistines wanted to break contract and charge them in, David was ready to drop them too. Analyze this fascinating story from any angle and the discussion of it remains endless 18 - Saul's character and paranoia are only further revealed in this string of stories. He treats David as an enemy AND has to hide that fact that he loathes him, is jealous, and scared of David.  David becomes all the more entwined in the Kingdom as Jonathan [Saul's son] and David become "friends for life". The chanting about David's prowess is making Saul crazy.  Still, Saul wants him close (like Mafia thinking that is determined to keep enemies close-by). He throws spears at him after using music to make David vulnerable  He mocks David in offering his daughter then revoking the deal. He sends David on a fool's mission to kill Philistines ... time and again Saul shows his vapid character and David shows his faithfulness. 19 - things only get worse for Saul as it turns out his own home is committed to David over Saul.  Jonathan is caught in a duplicitous position in his sonship to the king and his friendship to the future king who is hated by the present king; his father.  Jonathan becomes vital informant to David and is strangely yet secretly protected by Jonathan. Michal, Saul's daughter is Davids' wife and she is eventually protecting David against the king; her father.  Saul might do well to read into the obvious but the LORD had left him and he is too crazed to see reality anymore.  In his effort to apprehend David, the LORD God of Israel intercepts again and "slays" all Saul's messengers through using them to prophecy.  It's certainly an odd scene.  It seems to only prove the mangled hilarity of trying to fight God or anyone who is indeed on God's side. 20 - Then there's the dinner, and David's failure to appear for saying he was going to meet his family in Bethlehem, [remember I Sam. 18:2; Saul had forbidden this]. Jonathan's attempting to cover for David threw Saul into a manic rage and now he is throwing spears at Jonathan; his own son!  The scene with Jonathan and David meeting, the part of the little boy present as a decoy and informant during the "arrows routine" - of which the young boy is oblivious - all this is nothing short of clever.  It shows more of the same mind of David that would win him numerous other battles and verify why Jonathan and he are such dear friends.  This would seem to be the benediction put upon their friendship as Jonathan is now starkly aware of his father's hatred of David. Jonathan was a true hearted fellow and in his right mind, but he wasn't going to trigger an open rebellion against his own father; the King.  So Jonathan and David part company and it is a sad day for the both of them.  Their final encounter is in ch. 23, but this one here in ch. 20 feels like they are both bracing themselves emotionally to part company. The friendship between them had become so costly.  And this made it all the more dear.

Genesis 49:29-Exodus 3:22 We are in the World Stream today and will compete the book of Genesis and start the book of Exodus. We are reading from the World English Bible this week. 7streamsmethod.com | #7Streams |  @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis Dear Lord Jesus, seasons come and go as the reading today encompasses a 400 year period. Let us take this calling of Moses very seriously for you call us to lead enslaved people into freedom. You've told us to receive nations into your Kingdom. We are to live for our Deliverer too;  Assure us also as you assured Moses - that you will be with us.  Amen.

Jacob's departure is upon us. I like his determination to not be buried in Egypt. They were a culture obsessed with the process and their definition of the afterlife. For Egyptian royalty, death was what one's entire life was spent preparing for. It's one of the matters Jesus is hinting about when he declared he was the God of the Living / not the Dead. Jacob wants to be sure that he is buried back on the other side of the Nile with his father Isaac and his grandfather Abraham near Hebron. He finished his speech and ... he was gone.

Gen. 50 - the funeral for Jacob is ornate, and as soon as this is overwith, Joseph shows his good ethics yet again to assure his brothers that they were family and not enemies.  Jump to the end of Joseph's life and what does he insist? that his bones be carried out of Egypt when the Israelites leave.  Fascinating reference to an Exodus that would take place 400 years later!  Joseph soon breathes his last after being in Egypt 93 years.  Interesting "book-ends" in Genesis: the warning in Genesis 2, "do not eat this fruit or you will surely die."  At the end of the book, Jacob dies - and Joseph dies just a chapter later.  Genesis seems to end with "I told you that this is where your disobedience would take you."  At any rate the 4,000 year march from leaving Eden to the Calvary event is well on it's way.  Chronologically, we are 2200 years into it with 1800 years to go. Exodus 1 - As time goes by, the Israelites multiply being in very fertile ground in the Nile delta region. The new Pharaoh was the one that took command following the Hyksos Invasion of 1700 B.C. The Hyksos were in charge of north Egypt until Egypt pulled together again after it's own civil wars and were able to defeat the Hyksos after 108 years of them being there.  Egypt re established and the "New Kingdon" was upon them.  Thus there was a new Pharaoh who "knew nothing about Joseph" as it reads in Ex.1:8. The Israelites are enslaved to keep them under wraps.  The boys are sentenced to die at birth to keep numbers down and to keep a rebellion at bay. 2 - This is the chaos that Moses is born into. Moses is the most important figure of the Ancient World. From Eden to Jesus, no more important man than Moses comes along. He is hid from Pharaoh and his murderous edict - and then found by Pharaoh's daughter! He could not have come closer to death!  [We see the same developments around Jesus' birth in Matthew when Herod tries to kill the threat to his rule.]  Note that from vv. 1:10-12 --> 40 years went by; Moses spent 40 years in Pharaoh's Palace - learning the ways of the Egyptians, [Ex. 2:5-11a] 40 years in the desert - learning that place and learning to be with God. during his 40 years in the desert [Ex. 2:11-22].  He starts a family there and come that time, the slavery back in Egypt is becoming unbearable under a different Pharaoh. 3 -  God calls Moses to lead the delivery of His people from bondage.  It's one of the most vital and miraculous passages in the Bible.  So much hinges upon this incident.  Moses is in near disbelief at what is happening.  He gives four huge reasons that prove his personal inadequacy to lead this endeavor.  God flushes all Moses excuses.  God tells him that they will come and worship on "this mountain" - OUT of Egypt. God will take them to a good and rich land, He will show them miracles and there will be provision, they will leave Egypt with great riches.

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Acts 27:27-28:30 We are in the Church Stream today as we finish the book of Acts. We are reading from the God's Word Translation this week. 7streamsmethod.com | #7Streams | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis

Dear Lord, we bid farewell to Paul for now. Thank you for his inspiring life.  Let us be encouraged to make our days count for you and for your Kingdom.  Amen.

If you look on the map in the back of your Bible or the map we provide in these show notes, take note the route of Paul's final missionary journey listed in Acts.  The story picks up today between his departing from Myra; the south point of Asia Minor and the wreck in Malta.  Paul took one ship from Caesarea to Myra, another from Myra to Malta, and a third from Malta to Puteoli/ Italy.  This month of Paul's life, he had the greatest challenges relating to natural calamity.  The dramatic events seem like a cruise gone bad with storms, a damaged vessel, near death at every turn, a fear of starvation, prisoners escaping, painful dilemmas and decisions, people finally swimming to shore or getting there by clinging to a chunk of wood from the broken ship.  Paul ministers to these men even in this setting and they are all encouraged by his gracious deeds and dining with them (if we can use that word).  Paul uses his status even as a prisoner to defend the incarcerated so that they are treated properly. Paul promised that all would reach shore and no one would be harmed and that is what happened. 28 - they discover that they are on Malta from the locals and voila, the locals are friendly.  The snake in the fire incident merely verifies that God is up to something and Paul is soon revered. Paul is then given access to Publius (the leader and his family) and Paul is used to heal his father.  Soon others who are sick come and are healed.  It is fascinating the way Paul makes the most of every opportunity for the gospel and advancing the Kingdom.  The final leg of the journey [from Malta to Rome] is on an Alexandrian ship.  There is excitement to meet and be with Paul as Believers were in many places throughout the Roman Empire by now.  It was 61 A.D. An entire second generation of Christians were growing up and Paul was a celebrated and very honored man to the new Believers.  His teaching was priceless to them.  His letters were prized more than gold by the early church.  His writings became what we follow as most of the New Testament.  Luke finishes the Book of Acts at about this time.  Paul did have impressive audiences to speak to in Rome.  Most were encouraged, some Jews converted through his teaching, other Jews were only made more stubborn thereby.  While he was in Rome, Paul wrote to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and his book to Philemon.  Paul was later acquitted of his charges later in AD 61 or early the next year.  There is some information telling that Paul made a trip to Spain.  We know he planned one; Romans 15:28.  There is some evidence that there was another missionary journey Paul took to Greece and Asia Minor (and Spain as mentioned).  He wrote his letters to Timothy and Titus during these years between 63-67 A.D. His influence cannot be overstated in Christian History.  Some have clearly stated that Apostle Paul is the most influential person that ever lived for his explanations of Christ clearly changed the way the world thought.  This affect seeped into the dealings of religion, commerce/business, education, administration, hospitality, social structures, civility, ad infinitum.  Even honest secular scholars admit Paul's colossal affect on the world.

Matthew 26 We are in the Christ Stream as we lead up to the crucifixion of Jesus. We reading from the God's Word Translation this week. 7streamsmethod.com | #7Streams | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis Lord Jesus, may we realize that your Word and your Person and your Salvation is what you are training us to prize the most.  Keep us in your care and may we live with all the assurance that David prayed with in Psalm 91 - wherever life may take us - you are there.  Amen.

The plans to kill Jesus have passed the point of no return.  Jesus knew it was coming within 48 hours. He tells his disciples of it again - whether they heard it this time or not... who knows.  Jesus is about to have his last night of sleep.  The parallel narratives are in Mark 14 and Luke 22.  John follows a different order if you feel like comparing in Jn. 13 and 14.  The journey of this almost last day of Jesus' life in this state is as such:  He prophesies of his death, the schemers confer on how to arrest him AND make it look like Jesus is a problem to be treated via the "final solution", a girl with a shady past anoints Jesus' feet in Bethany - and Jesus turns the event into a sermon for the ages, Judas planned his betrayal for pay, preparations for the Last Supper are made, Jesus informs of his betrayer and his prevenient knowledge of it, their Last Supper is served, Peter pledges his loyalty and gets updated on the coming reality of his own denial of Jesus/Peters' relationship, Jesus and 11 of the 12 are in Gethsemane by now and Jesus prays in anguish...the Disciples keep falling asleep, Judas arrives with the armed crowd from the priests and leaders of Jerusalem and Jesus gets arrested in dramatic fashion, the Disciples scatter and Jesus goes before Caiaphas; the High Priest, the illicit trial is carried out against the Law (as they had planned it) and the abusing of Jesus begins.  btw, the High Priest and his crew broke 19 of their own Jewish laws in arresting, trying and crucifying Jesus in the manner that they did it.   Then again, how else are they going to condemn an innocent man to death?  The chapter and reading today ends with the scene of Peter following along at a distance and denying Christ. Peter's revelation of his unfaithfulness hits him harder than it hits anyone else.

What a day it has been.  It looks like this Jesus and followers movement is about to come to a close.  That's what it LOOKS like anyway.  What is happening and what is about to happen is the most important day in all of history.  The literature and art and stories and churches planted and souls changed and nations touched by this crucified Jesus will not be tallied in full on this side of heaven. Again, what a day that has just past, . . and what a day that is coming.  There doesn't need to be a whole lot of protracted comment about this reading.  We do want to leave you with a final thought to ponder as you proceed in your day and life and wonder about your own soul and that of your friends and wonder who you can count on to the end.  Please think of this as we all exercise discernment and being a blessing:   --> would you rather be kissed by Judas or screamed and swore at by Peter? Remember that life in this world is not what it seems. Death to this world and saying "yes" to Jesus is not what it seems. Loss of what we think we have lost is not what it seems.  And Security in THIS world is not what it seems.

Daniel 11:36-12:13 We are in the Exile Stream and will finish the book of Daniel as we read from the God's Word Translation this week. 7streamsmethod.com | #7Streams | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis Jesus, we thank you that our destiny is as glorious as Daniel's and that our home is paradise with you. Amen.

-11:36 ff. This part of this chapter in Daniel is about Antiochus Epiphanes - the worst menace of the time; the 400 years between the Old Testament and the New Testament. Some have called these four centuries "the silent years".  They were not silent at all.  A.E. was beyond horrible. His life was a murder spree aiming at genocide. Verse 41, "he will invade the beautiful land and tens of thousands will be defeated" is when he went into Israel and Jerusalem and killed 80,000 people just because he was mad.  And he was mad because of his failures to be victorious in other countries - so he vents his rage at the Jews. He was so completely treacherous that by the time his end comes, no one comes to his aid. That's why it ends (chapter 11 and his life) it says. "no one comes to help him."  He really was a bad bad man. That section of scripture in some ways is an overlay of the Anti-Christ.  It refers to Antiochus Epiphanes AND the antichrist at the same time. 12 - This is the End Times; no mistaking or multiple meanings. Michael, is Michael the Archangel. Also in v. 1 "everyone written in the book." is the Lamb's Book of Life more definitively spoken about in Revelation 21:27. The trouble and distress spoken of certainly is what is seen and growing today. But far worse is coming. Verse 2 speaks of the great resurrection and the judgment that is coming for unbelievers.  V. 4 talks of increased travel and knowledge.  That is certainly today. A journey that took weeks and months all through history is now taken in hours. Anyone anywhere in the world can be on the farthest part of the earth less than 24 hours later. As for knowledge increasing - one patent attorney was describing the process and its acceleration as being dizzying. The process of inventing and learning about new things is going way far faster than it ever has.  Some products, especially in technology, as soon as they reach the shelf at the stores, there is already another product going through the patent process that will make the prior invention obsolete. The learning and revelation process is happening that quickly now!  Messages were taken across the U.S. by rail train and it took days and days. Messages are sent in seconds to anywhere on earth now. Satellites relay information at the speed of light. Daniel is being told this over 2500 years ago. The 1290 days is 3 + 1/2 years and it refers to tribulation.  The timing of it all, who is inflicted, who is protected from it, Christ's Return, the Millennium, all this is further and more completely explained in Revelation and by Jesus.  To understand the end times requires a cross comparison of Daniel, Revelation, and Jesus words about the end times; the apocalypse. Jesus comments are found in Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21. God tells us what is coming because He cares about us, He wants us to know that He is in charge and that there is nothing to fear. God is this way because he loves us. The intent of this apocalyptic literature is not to frighten - it is written to assure. Let's let it affect us this same way. Let's let it make us more loving. Let' s also resist the urge to get into arguments and get ugly toward others.  Too many have declared that anyone who views the end times differently than they personally do, THAT person is a heretic, and needs to be put out of THEIR church.  This is the wrong way to immerse into end time studies.  Let's let end time studies make us more loving people.  It does finish well for us.  Daniel is told, "go on until the end. You will rest, and you will rise to receive your inheritance at the end of time."  Our finale~ is as glorious as Daniel's and this is cause for rejoicing.  The angel was talking to Daniel who is talking to us.  This is Amazing!

Isaiah 46-49 We are in the Prophetic Stream in the book of Isaiah today reading from the God's Word Translation. 7streamsmethod.com | #7Streams  | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis Lord God, do your work in us. May we serve you with our whole heart and allow ourselves to be blessed as you serve us through your Spirit,  Amen.

Pausing to look at the big picture, the northern Kingdom has been hauled off by Assyria and scattered.  This was, by now a generation or two prior.  Babylon is going to capture the south in about a century or so.  God is going to let Babylon seize Jerusalem and Judah/the southern Kingdom since they will not yield and obey God.  He makes it plain in the first section of ch. 46 that He has the whole picture in mind. 46 - Babylon, with their false gods is going to rule for a bit and execute their plans over Israel.  It's almost like God is telling the Hebrews, "...So,you like dabbling with false gods, huh? Well guess where that will lead you... to being overtaken by a nation who really follows their false gods.  Let me know how you feel as false gods and their frothing followers bust into your homes, towns, and your whole lives!"  Isaiah has a skill for keeping the fate of the wicked ever in front of us, the Lord's impatience with rebellion, HIS faithfulness that will redeem - these things continue to be juggled in the literature and we are reminded of them throughout Isaiah's writing.  "I am God, and there's no one like me." is especially good in v. 9 47 - Babylon's day is coming too. [remember we are looking about a century ahead] They have done their deeds against the Jews and here's what's next for them:  They will be thrown in the dirt, dethroned, stripped, driven away, destroyed, they will be widowed, bereft of children, their witchcraft will betray them, Babylon had been a refined and decorated culture, a powerful and wealthy Kingdom. But God is done with Babylon. Their deeds and behavior have come full circle (by the time this prophecy is fulfilled and they will be well on their way to being an archaeological site.) 48 - This chapter reads like a visit to an incarcerated person you knew when they were once free. God tells His children (while captive in Babylon) what they need to hear before they are to be released from Babylon.  People who are not reformed before they are freed again simply go back to what they were deviant in and perhaps are even worse in their ways.  But God has some beautiful and sobering reminders of what the destiny of His nation is. As they return, the Lord will teach them, and guide them, there will be worship.  And they must remember their LORD and follow Him and not stray again.  This ends Isaiah's run of prophecies that have gone on for nine chapters simultaneously. The point being driven at is that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the God to go to for answers and direction.  The rest of the gods are false and lead people on the road to nothing. 49 - The thinking that encompasses 49-55 is the "Servant of God".  The Messiah concept and the nation of Israel both feather together intermittently to reveal this truth. Messiah will come and serve God- Isaiah is saying this 650-700 years before Jesus arrives. And Israel's role of serving God is ongoing.  The assignment for those who serve God is to come to God and bring others also who will serve Him. The Servant brings back the Tribes to God, he is also a Light to the nations.  The task of serving God and being served by Him involves faith, favor, salvation, freedom, supply, satisfaction and comfort.  The faithful will be brought to God, reunited like a family, This will be the mighty work of God

Psalm 9-17 We are in the Wisdom Stream today while using the God's Word Translation this week.  7streamsmethod.com | #7Streams | @7Streams Method |  @serenatravis Harp music - Healing And Relaxing Music For Meditation (Harp 09) - Pablo Arellano  Commentary by Drake Travis Lord God thank you for this sterling reading from King David who is yet to take his throne.  Let it inspire us to walk with you and hang on to you though the road be rough or the next steps of our pilgrimage may seem uncertain.  Thank you Lord that our destiny is salvation as your word states.  Amen.

In Psalm 9, David is thankful for victories; victories that he personally has experienced and also those that affected Israel, his nation.  Miracles have happened, there is joy and music and praise.  The Lord has been true and the enemies of the Lord are in a bad way and going down further.  God triumphs and the truth of this is evident to those who look to God for their refuge. In Psalm 10, David starts the Psalm feeling that God is far off and that the wicked get to have their run of things.  David lists the things he sees about oppressors. They boast, rob, curse, oppress, deceive, they pounce, and crush.  David calls for God to arise and deal with them justly and to do so as the God who is able to.  David seems to be encouraging himself with the truth that he knows God to be v.s. the justice that may seem delayed as he is witnessing it. The Psalm ends with a mighty praise about God's encouragement and protection for the orphan and the oppressed. For Psalm 11 and following: The next three Psalms are David asking desperate questions and feeling very troubled about wicked people who seem to be everywhere and running everywhere and behaving with ill will.  He was running from Saul during these times [ I Sam. 18-26 ].  He is vexed when he sees enemies all around.  He is at the same place blessed when he is able to pause and look to God knowing of His righteousness

In Psalm 12, David is feeling almost completely alone and that liars include just about the entire human race. Somehow David knows that God's promises are pure and good and the Lord will protect him. In Psalm 13, David did feel alone in human terms.  Now he feels alone spiritually. It seems God uses these days in David's life to embed in him deeply the need to seek the Lord with all his heart.  We find David doing this fervently. We find him trusting God, enjoying his salvation and singing to God for His goodness to David!  David declares this in spite of his current sentiments. In Psalm 14, David articulates his disgust for fools, for the godless who have no regard for God.  The corruption, the rebellion - David finds it all sickening.  St. Paul quotes this passage in his observation of the same perversion [Romans 3:10-12].  For such behavior there is a judgment day coming and there will be sheer panic for them.  On that same day, God's people will rejoice for their fate will be much different. In Psalm 15, This is a great testament of who gets to be with God; in His Presence.  The traits of those who walk with God are clearly listed.  'Such an inspiration is this man of integrity, commitment, wholesome speech, righteous dealings, forthrightness and stability Psalm 16 is a marvel of all that is good and the resurrection that is destined.  It would do us good to be reading and learning; even memorizing this Psalm.  We can hear echoes of Paul's theology metaphorically showing up in this chapter.  v. 10 is a reference to Jesus and the protection from death afforded to those who pledge their lives to Jesus.