Hey ladies!
So begins our journey through the Bible in the year 2011! I'm very excited to see how this all works - as I've never blogged before:) so any suggestions are MORE than welcome! I really hope that you guys post some stuff too -- the more people that participate - the more fun it will be!
Starting with Romans was a treat for me, as Derrita W., Juli F., and I just finished plowing through Romans - - so it was fun to read through 2 whole chapters without stopping to check commentaries & stuff!
I appreciated Paul's boldness about not being ashamed of this Good news (vs 16), I rememeber many times where I've been careful not to say too much or how I said something about my religion - - just because I wanted to make sure I'd fit in with the crowd! Not Paul -- man, he's a man on a mission - - but it's because he cared about people -- all people (and you'll see the word "all" many times in Romans as he talks about people).
I also carefully looked at his list in verse 29 -- and, unfortunately - found some things that God is working on in my life (sigh) -- the Christian walk is a Journey of Surrender, that is for sure.
I thought that Chapter 2 had really really good advice for us Christians - - so put the word Christian in place of Jew and put the word unbeliever in the place of Gentile - - it brings it a bit more closer to home!
OK everyone -- it's your turn! As we travel through week one -- if something sticks out as a new thought or a really important concept - blog away! Linda
I'm very excited to see everyone on Thursday and to have started reading Roman's. I tried to read the bible last year in one year and only made it half way. Wish me luck this year. A prayer would help too! Love Ginger
ReplyDeleteWoo-hoo! Ginger! It works (Ginger and I are new bloggers - so if you are having trouble getting on, Ginger just figured out how to do it!)
ReplyDeleteI'm excited for Thursday too!
Linda, you need your own name when you blog. I'm glad we worked out the blog thing.
ReplyDeleteI think what spoke to me the most was Romans 2:16 where it says God will also judge our hidden thoughts. It pains me to admit that my thoughts are not perfect. I'm human and I make mistakes but it isn't always easy to admit this. In my relationships with others, sometimes my mistakes affect them. It's easier to pretend that something never happened, or that it doesn't matter or maybe I try to justify my action. But God knows my inner thought life and my secrets. And the price I pay when I refuse to own up when I'm wrong is guilt.
ReplyDeleteSo I'm learning to have courage to face my mistakes and to make amends.
It does make you think twice and three times when you realize that God knows our inner thought life & secrets - -
ReplyDeleteThe really great thing, tho, is that our best Friend is the one that judges our hidden thoughts. Our Judge is pulling for us! That is good good news because He has promised to help us overcome if we're willing - - thank you Holy Spirit!
I'm with you, Sam, on developing that courage to face my mistakes and make amends instead of stuffing it or justifying it.
3 Things stand out in the account of creation:
ReplyDelete1) I wish I could have been there - talk about an "awe" moment!
2) 3:9 says they hid . . then the Lord God called to the man, "Where are you?" To me, this shows that God wants to be a part of our lives - - even when we withdraw, He still loves us, he still pursues us.
3) 3:16 - - - my version (NLT) says that one of the disciplines of the woman was that she would have a desire to control her husband. I remember that coming through loud and clear in many cases from the Mary/Martha class. Most of us want to be in control! Who would have thought that had all stemmed from the apple!!
PS - - I can't figure out how to change the title of my posts from "biblejourney" to "Linda!" If I can't figure it out today -- it'll just have to be!
OK everyone! I think (with my son Paul's help) it'll say Linda posted instead of biblejourney! Let's see if it works . . .
ReplyDeleteAll the comments are really helping me with my study. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWhen God asks "where are you?" even though He knows where they are I think He does it so they will stop & think for a moment. He does that with me all the time. I get the "what are you doing?" question & it stops me in my tracks & helps me realize "WHAT AM I DOING?", do I want to continue, should I think about this more, what should I do instead? God doesn't just want robots that He can correct by shutting a door or saying don't do that, He wants us to think & choose for ourselves, it's just that we don't usually think before we choose. He's sooooo patient!
ReplyDeleteAND THEN...Eve added to what God said. He never said "don't touch it". So when she touched it & she didn't die, it emboldened her to eat it. God makes it simple, we complicate it & then screw it up! It's like that Chinese telephone game where one person says something & by the time it gets to the end - it's way off the mark. We do this a lot with the Gospel & then pass it on. Just let the Word speak for itself.
And I'm off my soap box....
I'm not planning on commenting every day (although - who knows how this'll all turn out), but Joshua is one of my favorite books. First of all, Joshua 1:9 is a very precious text to me -- I take this advice very seriously - and use it ALL the time, since I ted to get afraid and discouraged quite often!
ReplyDeleteI Love Rahab's declaration in 2:11 that "the Lord your God is the supreme God of the heaves above and the earth below. God really used her to encourage the spies - - and also to let them know how the other nations were feeling. I was wondering if Joshua was nervous about sending out spies (since he and Caleb were the only 2 out of 12 that brought back an encouraging report some 40 years earlier) - - I wonder if he wanted to go himself instead of sending out others - or if God instructed him which 2 would bring back that encouraging report. Anyway - - Rahab made it clear that no matter how things appeared, everyone was terrified of Israel. Did you every wonder why the spies chose a prostitutes home to spend the night? Can't help but wondering why that would be - - maybe that it would look logical. O well -- I'm probably the only one that wondered that; but God sure worked through Rahab! just shows that He can change anyone, use anyone, touch anyone in our world.
Doncha love how God wants to make sure our children remember His goodness and power? 4:6,21,24. As a mom -- makes me really happy to know that he is working for the hearts of my kids as well as my heart.
I love how God rolls away the shame of His people (5:9)
And then I LOVE the amazing Joshua we see in 5:13-15. He has no fear at all (like Reep-a-cheep in the Voyage of the Dawn Treader) Walks up to this sword carrying stranger and says Friend or Foe. As soon as he realizes the messanger is God - he's down on his face. No more the strong warrier - he KNOWS where his strength comes from. What an example of leadership -
I too was wondering about the prostitute thing. Even back then God was trying to get people to not judge others & that He was only interested in people's hearts. I love that!
ReplyDeleteJob 1 & 2 - Job got run over by a freight train with 4 servants bringing him horrendous news & his response shows such a trusting relationship with God that it blows me away! Same thing when his wife told him to curse God & die..."shall we only except the good from God & not the bad?...(2:10) I tend to be the opposite & think I'm being punished for something I did. In the past I've wondered why doesn't God love me?, what have I done that He hates me so much? BUT, now that the majority of the time I know God loves me (thank you Lord for helping me see that! And I know it will continue to grow to ALL the time) I'm beginning to take adversity as a way to grow & learn something. And I'm learning (very slowly) to ask for help when I need it. And veeerrry slowly learning to trust. Job had absolute trust or he wouldn't have made it. Another book I'm reading said today that "When you are weary & everything seems to be going wrong, you can still utter these four words, 'I trust You, Jesus'. By doing so, you release matters into My control, & you fall back into the security of My everlasting arms."
ReplyDeleteI'm so thankful for this book!
really related to what you said, Chris - - and I printed out the 4 words; stuck one on the fridge & one in my Bible. It's like I have to constantly remind myself to put it back in His hands.
ReplyDeleteWhat blew me away about Job is that after his 4 hits (amazing that each bit of bad news arrived while the guy before was just finishing up his tale of woe - talk about overwhelming) that Job stood up and WORSHIPED! I'm definitely not to that point yet -- so I gotta keep those 4 words Chris gave us "I trust You, Jesus" in front of me and keep practicing the habit of giving it to Him!
wow Linda, totally skipped over the word "worshipped" to what he said. That is AMAZING! And no, I'm not there yet either. I whine...but that word does start with "w" so I figure I'm heading down the alphabet to worship! LOL
ReplyDeletehmmmm -- things not looking so good for God's people -- lots of lessons we can learn from their lives.
ReplyDeleteDidn't it give you goose bumps when Isaiah said -- "I saw God!" Notice that his response was the same as Joshua's a couple of days ago - - complete humility. It must have been an awesome site!
a lot of things I read I could apply to us today, insincere Christians, all the blessing we have, especially in the US & we rebel against God. The general attitude of Judah back then I see all around me today & unfortunately, in me as well. Pretty scary...we need to "reason with God" a LOT more then we do so we see ourselves thru His eyes & then take His offered help to change.
ReplyDeleteI like all the questionable characters in Jesus' lineage. He definitely didn't come with a silver spoon in His mouth, He had people in His background with issues, just like us.
ReplyDeleteIf any one would like to know more about some of the characters in Jesus' lineage - - try looking up Genesis 38 for a rundown of Judah & Tamar; or the great fact that God used a Moabite instead of an Israelite mom for David's great grandmother (see Ruth 1) As far all a bunch of the guys listed, such as Manassah (2 Kings 21)- - they were all about worshiping idols & taking on pagan customs. As Chris said -- it's just like us; in one way or another we're all warped - - thank God that He became Immanuel; God with us. Without His help, intervention, willingness to work with us - - the picture would be very bleak.
ReplyDeleteRomans 3:20 stuck out for me. I know many people who think they are righteous because they are following the 10 commandments. But this verse says that the reason for the Law is to show us how sinful we are. We need a Savior. Romans 3:28 says that we are justified by faith independent and apart from good works.
ReplyDeleteI like Romans 4:18 where God had promised Abraham that he would become the father of many nations. Here he is in verse 19---about 100 years old and impotent. Kinda difficult to become the father of ANYTHING when you're impotent. But Abrahams faith grew strong and God kept his word despite the circumstances. I love it.
ReplyDeleteI like how The Message puts Rom 4:13-15. "If those who get what God gives them only get it by doing everything they are told to do and filling out all the right forms properly signed, that eliminates personal trust completely and turns the promise into an ironclad contract! That's not a holy promise; that's a business deal." It's based on God's promise's & we have to trust Him. Abraham trusted when circumstances said NO WAY! This is one of the many things God is working with me on.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Paul's emphasis on faith and trust; and that it's the ONLY way to be saved. There's not one thing I can do! How easy is that! What a great God.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about Jericho (coming up Tuesday) those Israelites had nothing to do with the collapse of the city (all God - as in our salvation), but afterwards He told them to go into the city (following His commands) I think there are a lot of examples of that in the Bible - - and I'd never tied those stories to the way our Salvation works. Stand still and see what the Lord will do for you (Israelites @ the Red Sea) then once the waters parted (all God) they walked through (obey His directions)
My struggle is to wait on the Lord and not pick up stuff & try to solve stuff that is clearly His role in my life. He makes it easy for me; I make it hard for me (sigh) - - when will I learn??
Linda, I know you don't plan to comment every day, but 1 through I had would be for you to put your new comments ( not the ones in answer to someone else) in a separate post. This way it is easier to identify the different bible chapters. You would do this through your dashboard.
ReplyDeleteI found 3:22 and 4:24-25 to be the most comforting! Salvation is for everyone and its free. We only have to believe in Christ. That of course sounds easier than it really is, but what a promise we have there. And since we know that he always keeps his promises...
One line really grabbed me in the story of man's wickedness & the flood. 6:6 "the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart.
ReplyDeleteWhat disappointment we caused Him -- He had such excitement in creating us, creating our perfect world, creating memory moments for men - - but the evil that man clung to and gravitated to "broke His heart" really shows that our God cares about us - gets emotional over our decisions and choices.
After taking Jericho, Joshua/Israel were more confident & didn't consult God about Ai or He would have told them about Achan. Then after the defeat God gave Achan a whole day to come forward, but Achan convinced himself that he had gotten away with it. We sometimes think God's patience with us is getting away with it also. We basically deceive ourselves into thinking that God doesn't know what He's doing but we do & we know how to do it better.
ReplyDeleteAlso when things are going well for some reason we think we don't need to talk to God as much. You'd think we'd at least say "thank you"! But it's only when we're in trouble & hurting that we take the time to spend with Him.
We are so messed up! I'm amazed at His love & patience because we keep doing the same things over & over again & it doesn't seem like we're getting any wiser....although we think we are. Incredulous Love!
Whew! That was a lot of fighting and impaling going on today! I guess it was another example (just like the flood) of how sin must be completely destroyed - or it will take over.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that stood out for me: just like Adam & Eve had their test of loyalty (the tree); the Israelites had their test of loyalty @ Jericho (don't take any stuff for yourselves) Achan failed - - and God made sure the Israelites knew how serious this loyalty question was.
But, what I love about God -- is that He's not greedy. Once that test was past, notice that He said - take all the spoils for yourself at Ai.
I also love the commitment of the Israelites to their promises to God -- even when they realized they were tricked by the people of Gibeon, even when they messed up by not consulting God; they wouldn't go back on their promise since it was sealed with an oath in the presence of God.
So what's the take home for me?
Psalms 4:4 - - Don't sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent -- really good stuff!
ReplyDeletePsalms 5:7 - - I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe. Sometimes I think I take the presence of God for granted. How often do I enter his presence (either my prayer time or church) with deepest awe?
Ps 3:1-2 The Message
ReplyDelete"God! Look! Enemies past counting! Enemies sprouting like mushrooms,
Mobs of them all around me, roaring their mockery:
'Hah! No help for him from God!'"
My worst enemies are my own negative thought patterns which I've listened to for years. You're worthless, stupid, fat, ugly, unloveable, etc. They do seem to spring up everywhere I turn mentally & they mock my every move. But the Voice of Truth (love that Casting Crowns song) tells me a different story & it's up to me to choose which I will listen to.
Ps 4:7-8 "At day's end I'm ready for sound sleep,
For you, God, have put my life back together."
This has been happening for me & I am so grateful!
Ps 5:11-12
"But you'll welcome us with open arms
when we run for cover to you.
Let the party last all night!
Stand guard over our celebration.
You are famous, God, for welcoming God-seekers,
for decking us out in delight."
This is the Truth I should listen to, God delights in who He created me to be, I am loved & can run to Him anytime for faithful help. And one day we will be able to celebrate His victory for me together!
Ps 3:3 But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, you are myglory, the one who holds my head high.
ReplyDeleteI cried out to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy mountain.
Praise and adoration. My heart is filled with gratitude for a God who cares enough to answer my prayers. One qwho cares about my thoughts enough to rebuke me when I am wrong.
4:7 You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.
Oh to be grateful for what I already have. To not want more and covet what they have. That would be joy.
5:8 Lead me in the right path, O Lord or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow.
Our God in his infinite wisdom! A Book of instruction. A clear path. There are times when I am confused and unsure, but when I pray he will usually show me the way. My enemies are always there, I am surrounded as he said in 3. Food, escape, avoidance... But that is not what he would have me do."Look to me", He says, "I am your shelter, I am your rock, your Savior, your salvation." So I will look to him, and trust he will deliver me from my enemies.
The reading today really spoke to me. It was comforting to read Psalm 3:1-2 and to see that I'm not the only one who has ever gone through trying times--- David was fleeing from his son Absolom who was trying to kill him and take over David's kingdom. Now when your kid is trying to kill you---that's stress!
ReplyDeleteBut in Psalm 4:8 David says--- in peace I will lie down and sleep, for You, Lord alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust.
David's kid is out there trying to kill him, and he lies down and peacefully goes to sleep. Now that's faith in the Lord.
I'm glad God put Chapter 3 in the Bible. I can so relate to what Job is saying. 3:13 "I could be resting in peace right now,
ReplyDeleteasleep forever, feeling no pain," and v. 17, 18 "Where the wicked no longer trouble anyone
and bone-weary people get a long-deserved rest?
Prisoners sleep undisturbed,
never again to wake up to the bark of the guards.
The small and the great are equals in that place,
and slaves are free from their masters." (Message)
I remember when my dad died I was jealous of him because his struggle was over. He had peace & I was wanting that so bad. Things can definitely get overwhelming & like Job said, death is more desirable than life, at least it'd be peaceful.
I'm glad God didn't grant Job's request because then we wouldn't have the inside look, or get the encouragement we can get from his struggles & overcoming, his relationship & growth with Jesus. That's what helps me too. I'm just hoping that God can use my struggles/victories to encourage others. He has a purpose & it all comes back down to TRUST. :)
Wow just read something from Dear Jesus by Sarah Young & it said this:
ReplyDelete"Bearing your circumstances, bravely-even thanking Me for them-is one of the highest forms of praise. This sacrifice of thanksgiving rings golden-toned bells of Joy throughout heavenly realms. On earth, also, your patient suffering sends out ripples of good tidings in ever-widening circles....Beloved, thanking Me for adversity requires a deep level of trust: in My goodness, My mercy, My Love. People who are leaning on their own understanding cannot achieve this depth of trust. So handling difficulties courageously involves relinquishing your demand to understand."
I love how God reiterates stuff for me so I have a better chance of getting it! :D
Job is an amazing man - - even tho he has experienced evil @ it's worst; he doesn't curse God - he only curses the day of His birth. Think about how quick our world is to curse God (it was an act of God). and then -- how quick am I to doubt God's love when things don't go right?
ReplyDeleteI never thought about how death evens us all -- rich, pour, kings, poor, pastors, plumbers - - all rest quietly; no more worldly heirarchy - - makes me wonder why we work so hard to be somebody, instead of resting in God's plan.
I agree with Chris - - so glad that we have the story of Job when we face those struggles and issues of trust.
IN Chapter 3, Job sounds suicidal---Today they'd put him on suicide watch and hand him a prescription for antidepressants.
ReplyDelete