I absolutley love Romans 15:8--- Makes me want to jump for joy and shout and dance. It says-- May the God of my hope so fill me with joy and peace that by the power of the Holy Spirit, I'll be bubbling over with hope.
I'm supposed to be bubbling over with hope---Yayyy. This verse says I'll have all my expectations fulfilled by the power of the Holy Ghost.
The other verse that caught my attention was Romans 16:2 where in the Amplified Bible the people are asked to receive Phoebe with a Christian welcome. I'm still pondering how a Christian welcome might be different from a regular welcome. I've been to Hawaii many times and let me tell you that the locals who live there who are old friends give a pretty impressive welcome. (Christian or non Christian) I'm wondering if we're to give a similar kind of welcome if we're to do something else.
I like the reminders at the beginning of 15 to not just look for things that are convenient to do in helping people. If it's not gonna put me out then I think about it but here I am reminded that Jesus wasn't this selfish. The Message says "he waded right in & helped" in our troubles. He didn't look for the easy way. Also the direction to be personable with people, the reminder that we're the only Jesus some people might see. I think this is v5-6 (sometimes it's hard to tell in a paraphrase) "God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all." Jesus help me be empty of me, my plans, the way I think things should go so I can see You working & help You instead of giving You one more thing to work around.
Sher! That's a beautiful version of 15:8 om bubbling over!! (What version was that from?)
and bubbling over with HOPE! That's what we all need - - when you run into a hope-filled person, it's a boost to everyone!
Romans 15/16 seem to be a call for Gentiles and Jews to be united, work together, love each other in Christianity. Maybe that was what Paul was asking -- for the Gentiles in Rome to accept and love Phoebe as a fellow Christian (and not look at her like a Jew). OR - as you say, maybe they had a special greeting! Really good thoughts:)
I love Paul's encouragement that God is the one that gives patience and encouragement for us to live in harmony with each other (15:5) - - In my human-ness I fail at living in harmony with certain other people - - so I'm grateful that His Spirit gives the power to step past me - - and move toward others.
and once again -- the end result of God working with us and through us -- Paul's SO clear on this (15:7) accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that GOD WILL BE GIVEN GLORY!!
So many relationships that work out are totally a God-miracle. When I don't see HOW it could ever be possible - He moves.
Ah right; great version - filled with good descriptions -- Amplified is Pastor Mike's favorite version! I just LOVE how it sayed "bubbling":):) Thnx Sher
It can seem like this reading in Gen is just a story but it's character building. Jacob does repent of his deception but he still has the consequences to go thru & he experiences what it's like to be deceived. I wonder if he thought about what he did to his father when he realized what Laban had done to him with Leah & Rachel. Since he had experienced forgiveness & another chance I like to think it softened his response to Laban. I got a 2nd chance so I'll give him one. And he actually gave Laban several years of 2nd chances. I wonder if he was waiting on God to tell him when to leave, which did happen or if he thought a LOT of times about leaving because that must have been frustrating. If he was really waiting for God to tell Him when to leave, then I'm impressed because he had jumped the gun earlier to get the birthright instead of waiting on God. So many gaps to fill in. Wish I had that much patience. I'm always jumping the gun!
Genesis 28:16 struck me. Jacob says surely the Lord is in this place and I did not know it.
I think of all the situations and places I've been in that have been the Lord's plan and I didn't realize it----I usually assume I'm in a situation by accident or that it's something I've created.
I saw something interesting while reading Genesis 30:30. I think I would call it increase by association. Laban was greatly blessed and everything in his life was increased and multiplied abundantly because he was associated with Jacob. That means I need to be careful who I associate with. Some people can cause me to be blessed and some people can cause me to become cursed and lose what I have.
Really good thoughts Chris and Sher! gave me something to chew on!
All the family dynamics in these chapters were sad - so full of dishonesty & anger (like when Esau married a Cananite woman just because he knew his parents didn't want him to - - and of course the bridal switch - what a cruel joke. Just kindof made me sad reading the whole thing - -
Again I am in awe that God doesn't give up on us - - instead He bridges the gap (so amazingly illustrated by the ladder with the angels)
I wonder why God used Samson the way He did. From the way it's written he seems so selfish. Nothing done for God's glory, it's all about him. Even his last act he wanted to be avenged for his 2 eyes. But that's just my reading of it. And then he doesn't learn about how manipulative people, especially women, can be from his first wife. Delilah must have been incredibly beautiful & good in bed because he's so brainwashed by her that he doesn't see how she's playing him. Guess this is written so we can see how sin toys with us. We're all sucked in & so weak, thinking we've found something good but it's destroying us & we're clueless. He never once asked for God's help except when He was thirsty. When his hair was cut off, he didn't realize his strength was in his commitment to God, he just thought he'd take care of things as before. He definitely wasn't very discerning. Something else about his parents too. When he wanted a wife from the Philistines, they didn't realize that God was behind it (14:4). So when things don't look right to me on the outside, I need to make it a matter of prayer & let God deal with everything instead of judging & commenting. Who knows the mind of God & what He's doing. I just need to keep my mind on what He has for me to do, not others.
What do you suppose a judge did back then? Did they simply settle disputes, or did they lead people? and how in the world were they picked? It seems rather random! Did they cast lots, did God indicate who was the next judge - - wish I knew.
I was also intrigued by the verse Chris mentioned 14:4 - - His father and mother didn't realize the Lord was at work in this creating an opportunity. We saw in our earlier reading how careful the family was to keep marriages within their belief systems - - so I find it amazing that God worked this way - I know I'd be clueless as a parent if I was Manoah and his wife!
When I read how Samson was suckered 4 times by Delilah - - it makes me think; wise up Samson - - but then, I gotta admit, I tend to repeat and repeat and repeat dumb mistakes too. He must have figured he was in control of his strength/life and not God (hmmmm - - also sounds familiar) - - lots of life lessons here.
I have to think, that even though Samson messed up - God loved him; and even though God left him (once Samson cut the hair - the symbol of God's presence) God came back to honor Samson's last prayer.
Samson had a lot going for him - but, as Chris pointed out, his "all about me" attitude really left him pitiful - blind - dead.
What caught my attention was Judges 12:5-6. When any of the Ephraimites escaped and tried to blend in and pretend to belong to the tribe of Gilead---the men of Gilead would test them by making the Ephraimite say the word Shibboleth. That was a great test because it immediately filtered out the imposters. The Ephraimites couldn't say the word Shibboleth---they pronounced it Sibboleth.
Today we have many people who belong to the congregation of Satan who are sent out to infiltrate Christian churches and render them powerless. Many Christians lack discernment and are unaware of who is a true follower of Christ and who is an imposter according to I Corninthians 12:3. I've seen this passage used on those who are pretending to be Christians. The imposters can say that Jesus is Lord of the Universe or Jesus is Lord of the world, but they cannot say the words---Jesus is Lord of my life.
Glad you're feeling better Sherrie so you can comment! Your last one made me go off in a bunch of different qualifying statements. So important to make sure we're being led by God in what we do & say when dealing with people I guess is the bottom line.
Ps 22 talking about what Jesus went thru on the cross & then in the last verses how that incredible sacrifice of love helps people start to get "it". They turn back to Christ when they see how much He loved them. Fulfillment of John 12:32 "when I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all men unto myself." Long lost families turning back to God, people coming to their senses from all over the world (vs. 27-29) And everyone worshiping Him together no matter what class of society you fall into. All because of the Love on display at Calvary.
Ps 23 I have so enjoyed the care that is explained here. The undivided interest in my well being. Making sure I have all that I need. It's not a one size fits all relationship here. It's individualized so I can't help but feel special to Him. I am gushing over with blessings! The question is more of "do I recognize them?" We tend to think only in terms of BIG blessings. But I'm discovering it's the little things in my day that make or break me in my relationship with God. What "voice" am I listening to? Who is wooing me?
In v6 His "beauty & loves chase after me." or in other translations "pursue" me. God doesn't let me go without a fight nor matter what satan tries to tell me sometimes. Like I heard this a.m. "You never let go...oh what love..."
O Sher! Great text (1 Cor 12:3) I'd never read it thinking that before -- what a great text to have tucked away as a test of Christian committment!
OK Chris -- everything I underlined this am to talk about you already beautifully expressed1 LOL! We are on the same wavelength:)
My version said "pursue" 23:6 -- and I was just living in that text of love. What a beautiful thought -- I don't have to struggle; I just have to turn toward my God who is pursuing me! Thank you God - - you are SO gracious! I love your version too "chase after me" I forget about God's passion for all of us individuals -- what a great thought to take with me today!
On Chapter 22 - - I was thinking about 2 people: David who wrote this chapter. I wonder if he had a clue of the life he was describing? and then I was wondering what Jesus thought when he read these words -- somewhere along the line, He must have realized this was a description of what lay ahead for Him - - I'm thinking He must have focused on the last half of the chapter -- powering through the pain to get to the goal of verse 27.
Hey Chris -- it's snowing out there!! I'll be thinking of you today - take those hand warmers with you wherever you go!!
I would have tossed these "friends" out the door along time ago & definitely after Eliphaz speaks this time. But maybe Job's patience is a forerunner of Christ in the way he listens to them. These guys remind me of Christians who have been in the faith so long they think they know it all & if you don't believe like they do then you're wrong. They didn't have a Bible to study to see if it was true, all they had were stories handed down to them but the messages are definitely tweaked or should I say warped with human, sinful thinking. It's clear their relationship with God is a "just do it" one. There's no back & forth with God. Emotion is definitely out (15:12,13) "Why do you let your emotions take over, lashing out and spitting fire, Pitting your whole being against God by letting words like this come out of your mouth?" The world is still young, as Job was before or a contemporary of Abraham if I remember correctly, & already they've forgotten the story of how Enoch walked with God. Man are we humans thick-headed or what? Unfortunately, I can see myself in some of Eliphaz's comments. Very critical, judgmental. Maybe that's why it bugs me so much. Please change me Lord! Thanks for not giving up on my refining!
It wasn't too cold yesterday, but I was in the Woodland hills in the a.m. & had to chain up 2x to get in/out of places. One place had 4". Today I was scheduled for Clatskanie but hwy 30 is treacherous so, darn, not going! Thanks for thinking of me!
It takes only one poor friend to pull you down, and one good fried to lift you up.
Eliphaz is a POOR friend - - if you can even call him a friend. I'm SO proud of Job for telling him so to his face. 16:2 - - What miserable comforters you are! Won't you ever stop blowing hot air? You tell-em Job.
Soakin' up all the great texts in Isaiah this morning -- so many I could comment on that bring hope and comfort -- but here's just a few:)
I love it right off the bat how God speaks comfort to us -- He speaks tenderly - the sad days are gone; so many situations that we face, were we are hungry for a tender comforting word -- and sometimes He uses us to be that conduit of comfort.
I liked the references to John the Baptist in 40:3-5 - - then I got to thinking that, as Christians - we are John the Baptists proclaiming the glory of the Lord and how that is and will be revealed! Cool!
Love the 40:28-31! Can hardly wait to hear your take on that. When I was getting my private pilot license - - I spoke out LOUD verse 31 on my first solo flight all the way down the taxiway to the runway! Hee hee I was NEEEEEEEERVOUS!
I laughed at the contrast God draws between His strength and power -- and the powerlessness of idols that man foolishly makes.
I'm always up for singing a new song!! 42:10
43:1 -- I have called you by name; you are MINE! He knows exactly who I am on this day - in this minute.
And my all time favorite promise for the day 44:3
I will pour out my Spirit on your descendants, and my blessing on your CHILDREN! Thank you Jesus -- praying for your blessings on my kids today:)
OK - plane leaves for Phoenix in 90 minutes -- gotta go!
Oh my gosh Linda---I used to fly little Cessna 150's and 152's. Used to practice touch and go's out of Boeing field----Loved it when those huge jets were behind me and had to wait for me to land.
A lot of stories in Matthew today to get people to think about their heart condition. It struck me in 21:31, 32 that sometimes even changed lives can't break thru the hard hearts. So sad! "Jesus said, 'Yes, and I tell you that crooks and whores are going to precede you into God's kingdom. John came to you showing you the right road. You turned up your noses at him, but the crooks and whores believed him. Even when you saw their changed lives, you didn't care enough to change and believe him.'" The story at the beginning of 20 also hit home to me because I would be with the complaining group when He gave me what we agreed upon. Why should I be upset? I won't be that others are in heaven who have made last minute decisions to follow Him, but here on earth I'll compare & I need to just concentrate on our relationship instead of comparing it to others. Who knows what they're really dealing with? Only Jesus.
WOW! Sher - we're both pilots! That's amazing! Speaking of pilots -- I'm sitting in a little airport in Sedona AZ -- they have wifi; so - - I'll get next weeks blog all ready to go!
Really beautiful red rock -- looks like Monument Valley -- the landscape has it's own kind of beauty - way different from the NW!!
Listened to an amazing sermon this morning - - filled me up:) I'll be back into regular blogging next Tuesday! Linda
I absolutley love Romans 15:8--- Makes me want to jump for joy and shout and dance.
ReplyDeleteIt says-- May the God of my hope so fill me with joy and peace that by the power of the Holy Spirit, I'll be bubbling over with hope.
I'm supposed to be bubbling over with hope---Yayyy. This verse says I'll have all my expectations fulfilled by the power of the Holy Ghost.
The other verse that caught my attention was Romans 16:2 where in the Amplified Bible the people are asked to receive Phoebe with a Christian welcome. I'm still pondering how a Christian welcome might be different from a regular welcome. I've been to Hawaii many times and let me tell you that the locals who live there who are old friends give a pretty impressive welcome. (Christian or non Christian) I'm wondering if we're to give a similar kind of welcome if we're to do something else.
I like the reminders at the beginning of 15 to not just look for things that are convenient to do in helping people. If it's not gonna put me out then I think about it but here I am reminded that Jesus wasn't this selfish. The Message says "he waded right in & helped" in our troubles. He didn't look for the easy way.
ReplyDeleteAlso the direction to be personable with people, the reminder that we're the only Jesus some people might see.
I think this is v5-6 (sometimes it's hard to tell in a paraphrase)
"God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all."
Jesus help me be empty of me, my plans, the way I think things should go so I can see You working & help You instead of giving You one more thing to work around.
Sher! That's a beautiful version of 15:8 om bubbling over!! (What version was that from?)
ReplyDeleteand bubbling over with HOPE! That's what we all need - - when you run into a hope-filled person, it's a boost to everyone!
Romans 15/16 seem to be a call for Gentiles and Jews to be united, work together, love each other in Christianity. Maybe that was what Paul was asking -- for the Gentiles in Rome to accept and love Phoebe as a fellow Christian (and not look at her like a Jew). OR - as you say, maybe they had a special greeting! Really good thoughts:)
I love Paul's encouragement that God is the one that gives patience and encouragement for us to live in harmony with each other (15:5) - - In my human-ness I fail at living in harmony with certain other people - - so I'm grateful that His Spirit gives the power to step past me - - and move toward others.
and once again -- the end result of God working with us and through us -- Paul's SO clear on this (15:7) accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that GOD WILL BE GIVEN GLORY!!
So many relationships that work out are totally a God-miracle. When I don't see HOW it could ever be possible - He moves.
Linda---
ReplyDeleteMy Bible is called the Amplified Bible
Ah right; great version - filled with good descriptions -- Amplified is Pastor Mike's favorite version! I just LOVE how it sayed "bubbling":):) Thnx Sher
ReplyDeleteIt can seem like this reading in Gen is just a story but it's character building. Jacob does repent of his deception but he still has the consequences to go thru & he experiences what it's like to be deceived. I wonder if he thought about what he did to his father when he realized what Laban had done to him with Leah & Rachel. Since he had experienced forgiveness & another chance I like to think it softened his response to Laban. I got a 2nd chance so I'll give him one. And he actually gave Laban several years of 2nd chances. I wonder if he was waiting on God to tell him when to leave, which did happen or if he thought a LOT of times about leaving because that must have been frustrating. If he was really waiting for God to tell Him when to leave, then I'm impressed because he had jumped the gun earlier to get the birthright instead of waiting on God. So many gaps to fill in. Wish I had that much patience. I'm always jumping the gun!
ReplyDeleteGenesis 28:16 struck me. Jacob says surely the Lord is in this place and I did not know it.
ReplyDeleteI think of all the situations and places I've been in that have been the Lord's plan and I didn't realize it----I usually assume I'm in a situation by accident or that it's something I've created.
I saw something interesting while reading Genesis 30:30. I think I would call it increase by association. Laban was greatly blessed and everything in his life was increased and multiplied abundantly because he was associated with Jacob. That means I need to be careful who I associate with. Some people can cause me to be blessed and some people can cause me to become cursed and lose what I have.
Really good thoughts Chris and Sher! gave me something to chew on!
ReplyDeleteAll the family dynamics in these chapters were sad - so full of dishonesty & anger (like when Esau married a Cananite woman just because he knew his parents didn't want him to - - and of course the bridal switch - what a cruel joke. Just kindof made me sad reading the whole thing - -
Again I am in awe that God doesn't give up on us - - instead He bridges the gap (so amazingly illustrated by the ladder with the angels)
I wonder why God used Samson the way He did. From the way it's written he seems so selfish. Nothing done for God's glory, it's all about him. Even his last act he wanted to be avenged for his 2 eyes. But that's just my reading of it. And then he doesn't learn about how manipulative people, especially women, can be from his first wife. Delilah must have been incredibly beautiful & good in bed because he's so brainwashed by her that he doesn't see how she's playing him.
ReplyDeleteGuess this is written so we can see how sin toys with us. We're all sucked in & so weak, thinking we've found something good but it's destroying us & we're clueless. He never once asked for God's help except when He was thirsty. When his hair was cut off, he didn't realize his strength was in his commitment to God, he just thought he'd take care of things as before. He definitely wasn't very discerning.
Something else about his parents too. When he wanted a wife from the Philistines, they didn't realize that God was behind it (14:4). So when things don't look right to me on the outside, I need to make it a matter of prayer & let God deal with everything instead of judging & commenting. Who knows the mind of God & what He's doing. I just need to keep my mind on what He has for me to do, not others.
What do you suppose a judge did back then? Did they simply settle disputes, or did they lead people? and how in the world were they picked? It seems rather random! Did they cast lots, did God indicate who was the next judge - - wish I knew.
ReplyDeleteI was also intrigued by the verse Chris mentioned 14:4 - - His father and mother didn't realize the Lord was at work in this creating an opportunity. We saw in our earlier reading how careful the family was to keep marriages within their belief systems - - so I find it amazing that God worked this way - I know I'd be clueless as a parent if I was Manoah and his wife!
When I read how Samson was suckered 4 times by Delilah - - it makes me think; wise up Samson - - but then, I gotta admit, I tend to repeat and repeat and repeat dumb mistakes too. He must have figured he was in control of his strength/life and not God (hmmmm - - also sounds familiar) - - lots of life lessons here.
I have to think, that even though Samson messed up - God loved him; and even though God left him (once Samson cut the hair - the symbol of God's presence) God came back to honor Samson's last prayer.
Samson had a lot going for him - but, as Chris pointed out, his "all about me" attitude really left him pitiful - blind - dead.
What caught my attention was Judges 12:5-6. When any of the Ephraimites escaped and tried to blend in and pretend to belong to the tribe of Gilead---the men of Gilead would test them by making the Ephraimite say the word Shibboleth. That was a great test because it immediately filtered out the imposters. The Ephraimites couldn't say the word Shibboleth---they pronounced it Sibboleth.
ReplyDeleteToday we have many people who belong to the congregation of Satan who are sent out to infiltrate Christian churches and render them powerless. Many Christians lack discernment and are unaware of who is a true follower of Christ and who is an imposter according to I Corninthians 12:3. I've seen this passage used on those who are pretending to be Christians. The imposters can say that Jesus is Lord of the Universe or Jesus is Lord of the world, but they cannot say the words---Jesus is Lord of my life.
Glad you're feeling better Sherrie so you can comment! Your last one made me go off in a bunch of different qualifying statements. So important to make sure we're being led by God in what we do & say when dealing with people I guess is the bottom line.
ReplyDeletePs 22 talking about what Jesus went thru on the cross & then in the last verses how that incredible sacrifice of love helps people start to get "it". They turn back to Christ when they see how much He loved them. Fulfillment of John 12:32 "when I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all men unto myself." Long lost families turning back to God, people coming to their senses from all over the world (vs. 27-29) And everyone worshiping Him together no matter what class of society you fall into. All because of the Love on display at Calvary.
ReplyDeletePs 23 I have so enjoyed the care that is explained here. The undivided interest in my well being. Making sure I have all that I need. It's not a one size fits all relationship here. It's individualized so I can't help but feel special to Him. I am gushing over with blessings! The question is more of "do I recognize them?" We tend to think only in terms of BIG blessings. But I'm discovering it's the little things in my day that make or break me in my relationship with God. What "voice" am I listening to? Who is wooing me?
In v6 His "beauty & loves chase after me." or in other translations "pursue" me. God doesn't let me go without a fight nor matter what satan tries to tell me sometimes. Like I heard this a.m. "You never let go...oh what love..."
O Sher! Great text (1 Cor 12:3) I'd never read it thinking that before -- what a great text to have tucked away as a test of Christian committment!
ReplyDeleteOK Chris -- everything I underlined this am to talk about you already beautifully expressed1 LOL! We are on the same wavelength:)
My version said "pursue" 23:6 -- and I was just living in that text of love. What a beautiful thought -- I don't have to struggle; I just have to turn toward my God who is pursuing me! Thank you God - - you are SO gracious! I love your version too "chase after me" I forget about God's passion for all of us individuals -- what a great thought to take with me today!
On Chapter 22 - - I was thinking about 2 people: David who wrote this chapter. I wonder if he had a clue of the life he was describing? and then I was wondering what Jesus thought when he read these words -- somewhere along the line, He must have realized this was a description of what lay ahead for Him - - I'm thinking He must have focused on the last half of the chapter -- powering through the pain to get to the goal of verse 27.
Hey Chris -- it's snowing out there!! I'll be thinking of you today - take those hand warmers with you wherever you go!!
I would have tossed these "friends" out the door along time ago & definitely after Eliphaz speaks this time. But maybe Job's patience is a forerunner of Christ in the way he listens to them. These guys remind me of Christians who have been in the faith so long they think they know it all & if you don't believe like they do then you're wrong. They didn't have a Bible to study to see if it was true, all they had were stories handed down to them but the messages are definitely tweaked or should I say warped with human, sinful thinking.
ReplyDeleteIt's clear their relationship with God is a "just do it" one. There's no back & forth with God. Emotion is definitely out (15:12,13) "Why do you let your emotions take over,
lashing out and spitting fire,
Pitting your whole being against God
by letting words like this come out of your mouth?"
The world is still young, as Job was before or a contemporary of Abraham if I remember correctly, & already they've forgotten the story of how Enoch walked with God.
Man are we humans thick-headed or what?
Unfortunately, I can see myself in some of Eliphaz's comments. Very critical, judgmental. Maybe that's why it bugs me so much. Please change me Lord! Thanks for not giving up on my refining!
It wasn't too cold yesterday, but I was in the Woodland hills in the a.m. & had to chain up 2x to get in/out of places. One place had 4". Today I was scheduled for Clatskanie but hwy 30 is treacherous so, darn, not going! Thanks for thinking of me!
ReplyDeleteIt takes only one poor friend to pull you down, and one good fried to lift you up.
ReplyDeleteEliphaz is a POOR friend - - if you can even call him a friend. I'm SO proud of Job for telling him so to his face. 16:2 - - What miserable comforters you are! Won't you ever stop blowing hot air? You tell-em Job.
Soakin' up all the great texts in Isaiah this morning -- so many I could comment on that bring hope and comfort -- but here's just a few:)
ReplyDeleteI love it right off the bat how God speaks comfort to us -- He speaks tenderly - the sad days are gone; so many situations that we face, were we are hungry for a tender comforting word -- and sometimes He uses us to be that conduit of comfort.
I liked the references to John the Baptist in 40:3-5 - - then I got to thinking that, as Christians - we are John the Baptists proclaiming the glory of the Lord and how that is and will be revealed! Cool!
Love the 40:28-31! Can hardly wait to hear your take on that. When I was getting my private pilot license - - I spoke out LOUD verse 31 on my first solo flight all the way down the taxiway to the runway! Hee hee I was NEEEEEEEERVOUS!
I laughed at the contrast God draws between His strength and power -- and the powerlessness of idols that man foolishly makes.
I'm always up for singing a new song!! 42:10
43:1 -- I have called you by name; you are MINE! He knows exactly who I am on this day - in this minute.
And my all time favorite promise for the day 44:3
I will pour out my Spirit on your descendants, and my blessing on your CHILDREN! Thank you Jesus -- praying for your blessings on my kids today:)
OK - plane leaves for Phoenix in 90 minutes -- gotta go!
Oh my gosh Linda---I used to fly little Cessna 150's and 152's. Used to practice touch and go's out of Boeing field----Loved it when those huge jets were behind me and had to wait for me to land.
ReplyDeleteFYI for next weeks blog. It'll be setup either late Sunday or on Monday a.m. But we can put our comments for Sunday's reading here if we want.
ReplyDeleteA lot of stories in Matthew today to get people to think about their heart condition. It struck me in 21:31, 32 that sometimes even changed lives can't break thru the hard hearts. So sad!
ReplyDelete"Jesus said, 'Yes, and I tell you that crooks and whores are going to precede you into God's kingdom. John came to you showing you the right road. You turned up your noses at him, but the crooks and whores believed him. Even when you saw their changed lives, you didn't care enough to change and believe him.'"
The story at the beginning of 20 also hit home to me because I would be with the complaining group when He gave me what we agreed upon. Why should I be upset? I won't be that others are in heaven who have made last minute decisions to follow Him, but here on earth I'll compare & I need to just concentrate on our relationship instead of comparing it to others. Who knows what they're really dealing with? Only Jesus.
WOW! Sher - we're both pilots! That's amazing! Speaking of pilots -- I'm sitting in a little airport in Sedona AZ -- they have wifi; so - - I'll get next weeks blog all ready to go!
ReplyDeleteReally beautiful red rock -- looks like Monument Valley -- the landscape has it's own kind of beauty - way different from the NW!!
Listened to an amazing sermon this morning - - filled me up:) I'll be back into regular blogging next Tuesday! Linda