Good morning Mates! Sun pouring in the window as I read from Romans:) This morning I read it outloud (a challenge from the sermon I heard yesterday! Was a fun way to read)
It really strikes me how God's good news of grace is for ALL -- and He has an overall plan how to win the hearts of all. Take a look at 11:11 --
Step 1 (God's people stumbled) Step 2 (God made salvation available to the Gentiles) Step 3 (God's people became jealous) Step 4 (God got the attention of His own people) Step 5 (God wins! Gentiles & those of His own people who got it!!)
This whole plan is encapsulated in verse 25: Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last onlyuntil the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ. And so ALL Israel will be saved!!
Also, I liked verse 29: "God's gifts and his call can NEVER be withdrawn" -- He's always extending -- if one person rejects, that gift extends out to someone else - like a sunbeam; it keeps extending to whoever will turn toward the sun:)
Then I liked verse 36 "for everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory" Well -- that pretty much takes "me" out of the picture! hee hee! Good thing -- I'm so messy in the way I think! It's pretty clear in this verse; it's all about HIM!
In 12: 2 & 3, I'm struck again with the element of faith - - Sometimes I feel guilty that I don't have more faith, and well, that makes me think - maybe I need to develop more, or work on it more. Hmmmmmmm- according to these verses, "measuring yourselves by the faith God has given." Soooooo - if God has given faith (and it says in verse 2 that God is the One that transforms) then faith must also be a gift! That takes a load off! So my job, apparently is to admit my need of Him, and simply ask for the gift that He so freely gives. Not only grace / but faith!
All this makes me want to bust out, right along with Paul in 11:11 "O how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossilbe it is for me to understand His decisions and ways!" I LOVE you God - thank you for this day! and thank you that I don't have to manufacture my faith!!
I really needed to hear the caution in Chapter 11 about thinking I'm all that because I've accepted Christ & judge others who I think haven't. I'm so critical so I always appreciate when God reminds me that it was a gift, a miracle of His doing in my heart that brought me to Him & keeps me in Him & I need to pray that others hearts will be broken & realize what He can be for them. Chapter 12 in The Message is so good, you guys should read it in that cuz I'm not gonna cut/paste it all in here! :) I've always liked this chapter because it's Christian living. Today I was stuck by v. 3 so that part I will cut/paste. "Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him." Looking at myself thru His eyes & what He does for me...not the opposite. So it's kinda like you were saying Linda, I bring nothing to the table, He does it all in me. And it always helps me see that He values me, no matter I feel people here on earth think of me, I am of value to Him! Such a hug from God! I love it!!!
Well - I guess I'd hoped Abraham would have wised up about the "sister" line back in Egypt!
But -- I got to thinking; maybe one of the reasons that God asked him to sacrifice Isaac, was to see if now - - he would put God ahead of family? I don't know, just something I'm thinking about.
I think the real reason was another one of God's amazing illustrations (which He is so generous with through out the OT) just a small picture of the heart break for God to have His Son sacrificed for us - - Abraham, more than anyone else, felt that struggle - -
Do you think Abraham thought God might bring Isaac back to life after the sacrifice? The reason I ask is that he told the servants that "we will return"
So good to watch God's tender love of Hagar - - He hadn't forgotten her, the one that was sent away, even though she was apparently along, rejected, dying - - He was right there with her the whole time.
I wonder if the Israelites were depending on themselves to drive out the different Canaanite tribes & that's why they couldn't drive them out. Then instead of asking God for help, because they ASSUMED He'd been helping them all along. And then, instead of making it an object of intense prayer & soul- searching, they just ASSUMED they couldn't do it & that's what God wanted (forgot His promises & instructions) & settled. Since they didn't seek Him with their whole hearts, He left the people of the land to test them. I wonder if I do the same today? Hmmm & hmmm....
Hmmmmm is right -- great thoughts t - - how many times do I assume and take God for granted.
Every time they cried out for help - He helped; but the assuming didn't seem to work . . . O! I like the way you think! No wondering about it - I KNOW I'm an assuming person - - so, another lesson learned today.
OK -- I'm not a big fan of cutting off thumbs and big toes - - yuck!
Hurrah for Deborah! She knows who she is and is content to walk in God's will! What a great song of GOD's victory her and Barak sang together - - never really read it before! Jaal got high ratings in the song (not a big fan of temple nails either!)
Gideon - - thank you God for working with us weak in faith people like Gideon. A real sign-asker person. Also, notice that he did God's bidding at night so no one would notice -- and actually, his dad seemed much more bold for God than Gideon! But God doesn't give up on his man; working with him, and when Gideon is finally convinced - watch out.
Ps 16:8 "Day and night I'll stick with God; I've got a good thing going and I'm not letting go." 17:4,5 "I'm not trying to get my way in the world's way. I'm trying to get your way, your Word's way. I'm staying on your trail; I'm putting one foot In front of the other. I'm not giving up."
I think Job needs to choose some new friends! Zophar does NOT have the gift of encouragement . . . Does anyone know if Job was written before or after Psalms? Because, what we read yesterday - Psalms 17 seems to fit hand in glove with Jobs situation -- read Psalms 17 from a Jobian viewpoint (especially 9-12)
I'm thinking that Job's friends are showing us current trends of thought towards God. Nothing new under the sun, a wise man said. It's interesting to read their responses & realize you've heard it in how people relate to God nowadays. As for when Psalms was written, I know Moses, Solomon & David wrote some of them so they were definitely after Job's time but I don't know if all of them were written after him.
Isaiah's reading has a lot that's applicable to today for sure! A lot of good warnings for us to take to heart & make sure we're not just putting on a good show for everyone. A call to be real before God & let Him work in our hearts to have true revival of the Spirit. Also not getting caught up in fear with what's going on around us in this world. Countries lay plans, leaders come to power, but nothing surprises God & no matter how bad it looks to us, He is in total control & we just need to stick close to Him & listen to what He wants us to do. No panic, simply trust. This is developed in the peaceful times we have now so we don't panic in the really big times ahead, cuz we ain't seen nuthin' yet!
Yeah! I like that Chris -- I thought the same thing when it talked about how stupid it was to trust in Egypt when God was the one with all the power! We're so quick to look to human theories & powers to solve situations.
The two thoughts that jumped out at me were both found in Chpt 30. Vs 15 with "only in returning to me and RESTING in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength" Isn't that a great promise??? Who wouldn't want REST and QUIETNESS and CONFIDENCE and STRENGTH? and it's , is the w own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will sou will see yol about returning to Him - RE-turning, and RE-turning each day; as we're constantly pulled away from him by the world.
I also liked VS 20-21: Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to TEACH you. . . . Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, This is the way you should go, whether to the right or to the left.
I am still struggling to "welcome" adversity - - I know that God can use it to grow me, and right here it says he will use it to teach me; I still don't welcome it! But I like this promise of guidance. I believe that's the HOly Spirit power - He will be my guide for life if I'm willing to quiet down, listen and watch.
OK -- that 2nd paragraph I posted a few minutes ago - will be confusing. Right after STRENGHT - go directly to the word RE-turning (not sure what happened there:)
I LOVE ending the week in the gospels! and there's so much I connected with in these 3 chapters -- hard to pick and choose!
In chpt 14 - - did you notice how Jesus needed alone time? (both vs 13 and 23) Ministry - connecting - serving is tough exhausting work; for some more than others. I think we need to support each other when we need that alone time - - no guilt trips - - it gives us the shot we need to head back in to the relationships He calls us to. But also; I think Jesus used that alone time to fill back up on His Father's strength (a good example for me)
Jesus sure had a lot in chapter 15 to say about tradition vs the word of God -- really brings home the need to take each aspect of our walk with Jesus - and compare it with what He asks of us -- God-honoring!
Jesus words in vs 13 "Every plant not planted by my heavenly Father will be uprooted; so ignore them - - is great advice. Just keep focused on ME! Don't worry about what others say or do -- if it's not from God - - it'll die.
And am in awe of the faith of the Gentile woman in Chapter 15 - - if someone ignors or cuts me down -- I leave, I shrink up - - not her; she clings tightly to His compassion.
Finally - - it seems like I can hear weariness in Jesus' voice when he says in verse 16:9 "Don't you understand even yet?" He feeds 5,000, he feeds 4,000 - - He can handle ANY situation that comes along; yet they bicker bicker bicker - - Sorry Lord, I can hear weariness in your voice over my un-faith - - my distractions and bickering.
OK, I am on the laptop and have tried to type this like 3 times. I am getting frustrated, so I will try again...
I was behind, but have been following all of your comments. I have caught up (almost). But I did want to comment on Matthew today.
I love the story of Jesus walking on water. I love the obvious, JESUS WALKED ON WATER! There is so much power and strength there, and to me anyway, it shows HIS faith in God.
But I love v27 But Jesus spoke to them at once, "Don't be afraid," he said. "Take courage, I am here." How often do we forget that????
As part of another bible study I am doing I had to reread Joshua 1:1-9. If you get a chance, reread that little section, in conjuction with Matt 14:22-31. Focus on verses 5-9. Count how many times God tells the Israelites (us) to "have courage". How often he reminds them He is there. How often do we forget that?
How I envy the faith of that lonely gentile woman! How many times have I done what Peter does in v30, looked around and doubted and called for Jesus to SAVE ME?
And how many times has Jesus done what he did, reached out when I was sinking, not when I was drowning and picked me back up. I love that even as Jesus is rebuking Peter, he is holding him up!
The disciples are with him, they see his miracles first hand and still doubt Jesus. I also hear the weariness in his voice, and a tinge of frustration.
I have noticed something in ALL my reading this week. All God asks of us is faith and trust and love. He has given us so much, why is it SO hard to give those three little things to HIM?
Good morning Mates! Sun pouring in the window as I read from Romans:) This morning I read it outloud (a challenge from the sermon I heard yesterday! Was a fun way to read)
ReplyDeleteIt really strikes me how God's good news of grace is for ALL -- and He has an overall plan how to win the hearts of all. Take a look at 11:11 --
Step 1 (God's people stumbled)
Step 2 (God made salvation available to the Gentiles)
Step 3 (God's people became jealous)
Step 4 (God got the attention of His own people)
Step 5 (God wins! Gentiles & those of His own people who got it!!)
This whole plan is encapsulated in verse 25: Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last onlyuntil the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ. And so ALL Israel will be saved!!
Also, I liked verse 29: "God's gifts and his call can NEVER be withdrawn" -- He's always extending -- if one person rejects, that gift extends out to someone else - like a sunbeam; it keeps extending to whoever will turn toward the sun:)
Then I liked verse 36 "for everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory" Well -- that pretty much takes "me" out of the picture! hee hee! Good thing -- I'm so messy in the way I think! It's pretty clear in this verse; it's all about HIM!
In 12: 2 & 3, I'm struck again with the element of faith - - Sometimes I feel guilty that I don't have more faith, and well, that makes me think - maybe I need to develop more, or work on it more. Hmmmmmmm- according to these verses, "measuring yourselves by the faith God has given." Soooooo - if God has given faith (and it says in verse 2 that God is the One that transforms) then faith must also be a gift! That takes a load off! So my job, apparently is to admit my need of Him, and simply ask for the gift that He so freely gives. Not only grace / but faith!
All this makes me want to bust out, right along with Paul in 11:11 "O how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossilbe it is for me to understand His decisions and ways!" I LOVE you God - thank you for this day! and thank you that I don't have to manufacture my faith!!
I really needed to hear the caution in Chapter 11 about thinking I'm all that because I've accepted Christ & judge others who I think haven't. I'm so critical so I always appreciate when God reminds me that it was a gift, a miracle of His doing in my heart that brought me to Him & keeps me in Him & I need to pray that others hearts will be broken & realize what He can be for them.
ReplyDeleteChapter 12 in The Message is so good, you guys should read it in that cuz I'm not gonna cut/paste it all in here! :) I've always liked this chapter because it's Christian living. Today I was stuck by v. 3 so that part I will cut/paste.
"Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him."
Looking at myself thru His eyes & what He does for me...not the opposite. So it's kinda like you were saying Linda, I bring nothing to the table, He does it all in me. And it always helps me see that He values me, no matter I feel people here on earth think of me, I am of value to Him! Such a hug from God! I love it!!!
Well - I guess I'd hoped Abraham would have wised up about the "sister" line back in Egypt!
ReplyDeleteBut -- I got to thinking; maybe one of the reasons that God asked him to sacrifice Isaac, was to see if now - - he would put God ahead of family? I don't know, just something I'm thinking about.
I think the real reason was another one of God's amazing illustrations (which He is so generous with through out the OT) just a small picture of the heart break for God to have His Son sacrificed for us - - Abraham, more than anyone else, felt that struggle - -
Do you think Abraham thought God might bring Isaac back to life after the sacrifice? The reason I ask is that he told the servants that "we will return"
So good to watch God's tender love of Hagar - - He hadn't forgotten her, the one that was sent away, even though she was apparently along, rejected, dying - - He was right there with her the whole time.
I wonder if the Israelites were depending on themselves to drive out the different Canaanite tribes & that's why they couldn't drive them out. Then instead of asking God for help, because they ASSUMED He'd been helping them all along. And then, instead of making it an object of intense prayer & soul- searching, they just ASSUMED they couldn't do it & that's what God wanted (forgot His promises & instructions) & settled. Since they didn't seek Him with their whole hearts, He left the people of the land to test them. I wonder if I do the same today? Hmmm & hmmm....
ReplyDeleteHmmmmm is right -- great thoughts t - - how many times do I assume and take God for granted.
ReplyDeleteEvery time they cried out for help - He helped; but the assuming didn't seem to work . . . O! I like the way you think! No wondering about it - I KNOW I'm an assuming person - - so, another lesson learned today.
OK -- I'm not a big fan of cutting off thumbs and big toes - - yuck!
Hurrah for Deborah! She knows who she is and is content to walk in God's will! What a great song of GOD's victory her and Barak sang together - - never really read it before! Jaal got high ratings in the song (not a big fan of temple nails either!)
Gideon - - thank you God for working with us weak in faith people like Gideon. A real sign-asker person. Also, notice that he did God's bidding at night so no one would notice -- and actually, his dad seemed much more bold for God than Gideon! But God doesn't give up on his man; working with him, and when Gideon is finally convinced - watch out.
Ps 16:8 "Day and night I'll stick with God;
ReplyDeleteI've got a good thing going and I'm not letting go."
17:4,5 "I'm not trying to get my way
in the world's way.
I'm trying to get your way,
your Word's way.
I'm staying on your trail;
I'm putting one foot
In front of the other.
I'm not giving up."
I think Job needs to choose some new friends! Zophar does NOT have the gift of encouragement . . . Does anyone know if Job was written before or after Psalms? Because, what we read yesterday - Psalms 17 seems to fit hand in glove with Jobs situation -- read Psalms 17 from a Jobian viewpoint (especially 9-12)
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking that Job's friends are showing us current trends of thought towards God. Nothing new under the sun, a wise man said. It's interesting to read their responses & realize you've heard it in how people relate to God nowadays.
ReplyDeleteAs for when Psalms was written, I know Moses, Solomon & David wrote some of them so they were definitely after Job's time but I don't know if all of them were written after him.
Isaiah's reading has a lot that's applicable to today for sure! A lot of good warnings for us to take to heart & make sure we're not just putting on a good show for everyone. A call to be real before God & let Him work in our hearts to have true revival of the Spirit.
ReplyDeleteAlso not getting caught up in fear with what's going on around us in this world. Countries lay plans, leaders come to power, but nothing surprises God & no matter how bad it looks to us, He is in total control & we just need to stick close to Him & listen to what He wants us to do. No panic, simply trust. This is developed in the peaceful times we have now so we don't panic in the really big times ahead, cuz we ain't seen nuthin' yet!
Yeah! I like that Chris -- I thought the same thing when it talked about how stupid it was to trust in Egypt when God was the one with all the power! We're so quick to look to human theories & powers to solve situations.
ReplyDeleteThe two thoughts that jumped out at me were both found in Chpt 30. Vs 15 with "only in returning to me and RESTING in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength" Isn't that a great promise??? Who wouldn't want REST and QUIETNESS and CONFIDENCE and STRENGTH? and it's , is the w own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will sou will see yol about returning to Him - RE-turning, and RE-turning each day; as we're constantly pulled away from him by the world.
I also liked VS 20-21: Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to TEACH you. . . . Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, This is the way you should go, whether to the right or to the left.
I am still struggling to "welcome" adversity - - I know that God can use it to grow me, and right here it says he will use it to teach me; I still don't welcome it! But I like this promise of guidance. I believe that's the HOly Spirit power - He will be my guide for life if I'm willing to quiet down, listen and watch.
OK -- that 2nd paragraph I posted a few minutes ago - will be confusing. Right after STRENGHT - go directly to the word RE-turning (not sure what happened there:)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE ending the week in the gospels! and there's so much I connected with in these 3 chapters -- hard to pick and choose!
ReplyDeleteIn chpt 14 - - did you notice how Jesus needed alone time? (both vs 13 and 23) Ministry - connecting - serving is tough exhausting work; for some more than others. I think we need to support each other when we need that alone time - - no guilt trips - - it gives us the shot we need to head back in to the relationships He calls us to. But also; I think Jesus used that alone time to fill back up on His Father's strength (a good example for me)
Jesus sure had a lot in chapter 15 to say about tradition vs the word of God -- really brings home the need to take each aspect of our walk with Jesus - and compare it with what He asks of us -- God-honoring!
Jesus words in vs 13 "Every plant not planted by my heavenly Father will be uprooted; so ignore them - - is great advice. Just keep focused on ME! Don't worry about what others say or do -- if it's not from God - - it'll die.
And am in awe of the faith of the Gentile woman in Chapter 15 - - if someone ignors or cuts me down -- I leave, I shrink up - - not her; she clings tightly to His compassion.
Finally - - it seems like I can hear weariness in Jesus' voice when he says in verse 16:9 "Don't you understand even yet?" He feeds 5,000, he feeds 4,000 - - He can handle ANY situation that comes along; yet they bicker bicker bicker - - Sorry Lord, I can hear weariness in your voice over my un-faith - - my distractions and bickering.
some good thoughts Linda, I had similar ones.
ReplyDeleteOK, I am on the laptop and have tried to type this like 3 times. I am getting frustrated, so I will try again...
ReplyDeleteI was behind, but have been following all of your comments. I have caught up (almost). But I did want to comment on Matthew today.
I love the story of Jesus walking on water. I love the obvious, JESUS WALKED ON WATER! There is so much power and strength there, and to me anyway, it shows HIS faith in God.
But I love v27 But Jesus spoke to them at once, "Don't be afraid," he said. "Take courage, I am here." How often do we forget that????
As part of another bible study I am doing I had to reread Joshua 1:1-9. If you get a chance, reread that little section, in conjuction with Matt 14:22-31. Focus on verses 5-9. Count how many times God tells the Israelites (us) to "have courage". How often he reminds them He is there. How often do we forget that?
How I envy the faith of that lonely gentile woman! How many times have I done what Peter does in v30, looked around and doubted and called for Jesus to SAVE ME?
And how many times has Jesus done what he did, reached out when I was sinking, not when I was drowning and picked me back up. I love that even as Jesus is rebuking Peter, he is holding him up!
The disciples are with him, they see his miracles first hand and still doubt Jesus. I also hear the weariness in his voice, and a tinge of frustration.
I have noticed something in ALL my reading this week. All God asks of us is faith and trust and love. He has given us so much, why is it SO hard to give those three little things to HIM?