9:19 Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. Sometimes I feel a bit that way -- although, nothing like the journey Paul went through. But sometimes, the needs of other people - - take away stuff that the world tells me to hang on to; time, money, privacy; whatever, God calls us to sacrifice (and my, "No, I don't want to" gets in the way). I'm a free person -- I can do what I want, but He asks me to lay that aside for the good of others - - it's pretty clear here. Jesus lived to bless others - and He calls me to do the same.
OK - did a bit of pondering over verse 21 "When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God: I obey the law of Christ.
aren't the law of God and the law of Christ one in the same? What is he saying?
When we're with non-believers, what part of the law should we give up in order to win them over? I'm guessing he's talking about Jewish traditions - not the big 10 - - since later he talks about food. any thoughts?
I love 10:12 - 13. Don't get arrogant - - we're all going to get hit up with temptations, and don't think you can handle it on your own, Linda. Thank you Jesus, for knowing just how much weight I can lift -- like a personal trainer. I might sweat and grunt - it won't be easy, but he'll grow me so I can lift the next set of weights that comes along.
Hey Linda--- Thank you for your prayers--- I'm BAAACK!
I don't know much---but I have learned that the Law of God and the Law of Christ are not the same.
The law of Moses (law of God) exposed everyone as sinners. (Romans 3:19-20)
When Jesus came, it was God’s time for sin to be defeated (Hebrews 9:26). That cannot be done by a set of regulations. It can be done only by God. And that is what God has done in Christ (Romans 3:21-26).
Now we no longer are found guilty under the 10 commandments----but we abound in grace through the law of Jesus Christ, who set us free from the guilt of trying to obey the law. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
9:21-23 "I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn't just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!" And I want to be active in others life too. Not just expecting them to see my example as I walk by them, but stop & take the time to show that they are every much God's child as I am. Love the counsel in 10:11,12 "we are just as capable of messing it up as they were. Don't be so naive and self-confident. You're not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence." I want no confidence in the flesh, only in my Savior! I can (& do...sigh) screw up so easily!
The Message's take on 10:13 "No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it." Even though Israel actually experienced God saving them & providing for them, they still fell to temptation. I have to stay with Him moment by moment or I will too!
Good questions Linda, I think Sherrie's on the right track. I see Jesus putting flesh on the 10 Commandments because he said he didn't come to destroy it but to fulfill (live it) in Matt 5:17. But I too think Paul was talking about all the Mosaic Laws that the Jews had. It was soo important to them so Paul held them when he was ministering to Jews (though he realized they didn't save him) so they Jews wouldn't be biased & listen to him. But to the Gentiles, all they needed to see was Jesus' example, His life. And they were so much more open to listening because they didn't have all those do's & don'ts hindering them.
Jacob blessing the younger ahead of the older makes me wonder if that was God showing him how He would have done it if Jacob & his mom hadn't done it their own way & deceive Isaac.
I'm not sure I would have appreciated or counted some of Jacobs comments as "blessing" me if I were some of his sons.
The brothers fear of retaliation by Joseph after Jacob's death makes me think of us as humans, forgetting we have an All Powerful God who works in our behalf & we get afraid of the circumstances we see around us. I love Joseph's heart when he got the message. It was so tender, another chance he had for revenge but he showed again, true forgiveness had taken over his heart & he only wanted the healing to continue. He was still trusting in God & His Plan, not making his own way. His fiery trials had brought him forth as pure gold like Job said.
It seems to be an interesting custom where the grandfather can "claim" his grandsons -- both Jacob and Joseph did it. As far as I can figure -- it means they'll get an equal share of the inheritance.
I like how Jacob says God has been my shepherd 48:15 - - I don't grasp what that totally means, since I've never been a shepherd; but I think that one sentence is full of surrender, helplessness, and someone who follows and depends.
Yeah -- Reuben, Simeon, and Levi must have wished wished wished they could have a do over. Living with past mistakes has it's consequences -- and we all wish for do overs, that's for sure. Important to not live in the land of regret, but to live in the land of surrender and moving ahead with lessons learned. And, I think that shows in the life of Judah -- the leader of the pack in many previous instances (and not always for the good), but it appears that he learned to lead in a positive way - and God approved.
Lots of opportunities for the "brothers" to continue in their jealousy -- from "why aren't my kids getting an inheritance, to "why does Joseph get such a long and positive blessing?" There's no indication that they had that jealousy in their hearts anymore - - again, they learned to live in a positive way; a generous way.
Joseph's horror at his brother's untrust of him is, as Chris pointed out -- a picture of us and God - - really good thoughts on this Chris; Joseph loved unconditionally and left circumstances to God - - good lesson for me:)
After Jacob died, Joseph's brothers were afraid. They thought that Joseph, who was now a very powerful man would judge them and punish them for what they had done to him as a child. Instead, when the brothers asked for JOseph's forgiveness, he showered them with grace and mercy.
I found the book of Genesis to have an odd ending. Joseph make his brothers promise to return his body to Canaan when he died. So they embalmed him and placed him in a coffin in Egypt.
Reminds me of those teasers on TV---Please stay tuned for the rest of the story....
LOL Sher - you're so right about the teaser! It sure does end abruptly!
Joseph must have had a lot of respect from his Egyptian friends -- to let so powerful of a man be buried back in his homeland instead of with the kings and rulers. (that along with the amazing funeral procession of Egyptians for Jacobs trip after he died).
Interesting contrast in 1Sam 13 between Saul & Jonathan. Saul saw his men slipping away, panicked & sacrificed before the 7 days were totally up. He was impatient (so me), Samuel came...just not when Saul thought he needed to. Jonathan on the other hand, said in 14:6 "There's no rule that says God can only deliver by using a big army. No one can stop God from saving when he sets his mind to it." How did Jonathan get this relationship with God when his father didn't give him the example? He must have found a mentor. Wonder who it was?
Again with Saul & the Amalekites I see myself. Changing around what God said to do because I think of "something better", yeah right. How can I do better than what God says? Like Isaiah said...does the clay tell the potter what to make. How stupid or dull or what audacity do I have? Man, God has every reason to wipe us out & start over but "God, simply because of who he is, is not going to walk off and leave his people." 12:22 I am just in awe of His love, & incredible patience with me! There's gotta be a better word than patience though. I just can't believe I'm still alive & He's still willing to teach me & still WANTS to have a relationship with me with all I've done. Wow & WOWWW!!
In just a few short verses, I see SUCH a change in Saul; 11:13 "No one will be executed today, for today the LORD has rescued Israel" Then - - 15:12 "Saul went to the town of Carmel to set up a monument to HIMSELF"
Power can be a huge corrupter - - self was crowding God out -- notice his main worry at the end of chpt 15 wasn't that God had left him, it was "Please, at least honor me before the elders of my people" I fight that attitude, I'm worried about what people will think of me, over what God will think of me.
OK -- I too want to talk Jonathan. I'm very impressed with him, cuz he seemed humble and very God-trusting. He pops up all over this section like a breath of fresh air! No wonder David liked him as a best friend!
He takes off fighting the Philistines right off the bat -- and gets the whole country in a pot of hot water.I LOVE his line to the faithful armor bearer (who must have loved Jonathan to the core to follow him into certain death) Here's Jonathan's courage line: "Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!" MAN - that must have brought a smile to God's face.
Interesting that Jonathan started that thought with the word "Perhaps" Hmmmmm, if I were the armor bearer, I think I would have wanted a little more assurance than Perhaps. But I like it about Jonathan -- he wasn't trying to manipulate - - but if there was a miracle, he was giving it all to God.
He wasn't afraid of Philistines, He wasn't afraid of his dad (14:29)My father has made trouble for us all!
The people loved him, God honored him - - If Saul would have remained faithful, Jonathan would no doubt have been the next king.
I've heard 15:22 many times (obedience better than sacrifice) but 15:23 is also sooooo relevant for me: rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft / stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. - - it's very easy for me to disobey, rebel and be stubborn; I need more time on my knees at His feet.
Samuel must have loved Saul as a son - to morn over his attitude, and his tuning God out - - very easy for a parent to relate to.
I've been thinking about Jonathan's "PERHAPS" some more -- I think it has a good lesson for me. If I'm unclear about a directions/decision; I should step out in faith -- step toward what I think is the way to go - - but then EVALUATE.
He went part way up the mountain -- waited to see what the Philistines did - - evaluated - - advanced. I guess this is like Gideon's fleece.
Appreciate the comments on Jonathan Linda. I like the stepping out & then evaluating part. I think he had more faith than Gideon though. He stepped out without a fleece. I wonder if it was because he had Samuel as a spiritual leader over Israel for so long while Gideon had no one so there wasn't any spiritual leaders to look to. Not that man is enough but at least there was some spiritual stability in the country for Jonathan. Didn't seem like Gideon had ANY!
Wide range of emotions in these 3 chapters of Psalms. I wonder was going on when David wrote in 36:7 “How exquisite your love, O God!” He must have just been delivered from something or God provided for him in a special way.
I like 37, there’s a lot of counsel in there for me. V5-6 “Open up before GOD, keep nothing back; he'll do whatever needs to be done: He'll validate your life in the clear light of day and stamp you with approval at high noon. “ Reminds me to trust Him, let Him take care of me & be my Defender.
V7 “Quiet down before GOD, be prayerful before him.” Other versions say “wait patiently”. I like the “quiet down” part though. It reminds me that I need to shut my mouth & listen…I don’t do that very well.
27-28 “Turn your back on evil, work for the good and don't quit. GOD loves this kind of thing, never turns away from his friends.” I tend to get discouraged easily but this reminds me AGAIN to TRUST Him & His timing…which translates to STOP WHINING! :)
34 “Wait passionately for GOD, don't leave the path.” Wow, wait passionately – what does that mean exactly?
39 “The spacious, free life is from GOD, it's also protected and safe.” I love my open spaces & to be protected & safe…nice feely…getting warm fuzzies. :D
In 38 I see a bit of Christ before His accusers. He didn’t say anything back, but He gave His life for them & asked His Father to forgive them in spite of what they were doing to Him. For me I see how David took it to God & again, waited for Him & His timing. V15 “What I do, GOD, is wait for you, wait for my Lord, my God—you will answer!” A LOT of waiting & trusting. At least, that’s what spoke to me…maybe because I need to learn it so badly!
Chris, I went back and read 38 -- and yup; I bet Jesus read that chapter with keen interest as he was looking at his future here on earth - - I see the connection too.
I like the "quiet down" version -- sound more like something a parent would say to a child these days. Sure something I need more work on; quiet down and wait (PATIENTLY - bother!) Sometimes, I can wait impatiently -- but usually my waiting is filled with finger-tapping "come on, already) feelings. I want to wait with quiet contentment, knowing that He is working things out in His time. Help me Lord.
Have to say that 36 brought up all kinds of thoughts of the 3rd Day "Your Love O Lord" song - - so glad that was set to words. When I thought about the "faithfulness reaches beyond teh clouds," I thought about flying in our airplane and piercing through the gloomy clouds. You pop out of the clouds and you see beautiful sunshine and clear skies everywhere you look. His love IS faithful!
37:4 "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires. Now, I could manipulate this one -- or, maybe as I delight in HIM, my desires become HIS - - so it's a win win for God and me:)
I like all the path stuff 37:23-24 The Lord directs the steps of the goldy. He delights in every detail of their lives (preious promise -- I sat on this for awhile) Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them bythe hand (what a word picture). vs 34: put your hope in the Lord. Travel steadily along his path (like that word steadily - - made me think of hiking and reaching your goal.
Linda, I had to go back & read 36 in a different version because I had that song playing in my head! :) I bet you & Duane would love to go flying right now & get above this gray! :)
I’m sensing that Bildad had the awe of God down. Sometimes that’s as far as we go as Christians too. But that’s not enough to have a real relationship with Him like He wants. That won’t help us make the right choices always. Our choices will be based largely on how much we are in awe, almost like a fear. We won’t serve Him, obey Him because we love Him.
Jesus hadn’t come yet & died on the cross. It’s easier (or should be) for us now because we see this great Sacrifice for us. But then God was still talking with His people. More so than today anyway. He talked with Job. They could have sought a deeper relationship, one that was interactive. Seems though, like Job’s friends are just snorkeling on the surface of the water instead of taking a dive & going deep to actually see, touch & experience firsthand the wonders of God.
I want to dive in & continue to be awed but interact with My God! Makes me think of Stephen Curtis Chapman’s song “Dive” – that’s what I want!
Yeah - - I like the thought! Job talking to God - - he heard from Him; maybe God taught job about heaven, earth, relationships, the history of Satan - - maybe Job understood his evil arch enemy better than I've always thought.
I think sometimes we're Job's friends - - or at least I know I'm guilty. When someone is going through a tough time, I might flippantly say, "yeah, I understand" when really - - I have no clue. I think that's the friend situation here; they're just throwing out cliche's they've heard, and they don't have a clue. I think, just as in Jesus' experience - - Job is experiencing the "Why have you forsaken me" feeling JEsus had on the cross - - that's tough when you have a close friend (God/Job).
Also -- nice that Bildad is short and to the point for once!!
I didn't make it thru all the reading yet. My eyes were glazing over (short night) BUT...
I've always liked the calling of Jeremiah. I haven't read it in a long time so it was good to see God's tender care, His interest in this young man. v5 "Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you..." I know He has plans for each one of us in this way as well. Before we were even born! v 19 "They'll fight you, but they won't even scratch you. I'll back you up every inch of the way." When God's got your back...wow! You're covered! Makes me think of the song that has in it part of Romans.."& if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us? & if our God is with us, no one can stand against!" So cool! But here's an interesting part - Jeremiah suffered a LOT of persecution as we'll see. So easy to get caught up in the small picture right in front of me...what's happening to me, me, me. I need to keep the bigger picture in mind. Maybe it was part of Jeremiah's character building - his furnace - that was making sure his future, in heaven, wasn't scratched. Hmmm, so maybe God's care for me is more about my future than my present. That seems like a "DUH" statement but I get really wrapped up in my present circumstances & expect all His promises to apply RIGHT NOW!!
(Sigh) just lost my whole post! When will I learn? (very similar to 5:21 for today!!)
OK - round 2:) Chris - what you wrote about Jeremiah's future / God having his back reminds me of what Pastor Mike says: God is more concerned about our character than our comfort. I, on the other hand, seem to have those turned around in my own human way!
I love God's command to Jeremiah when he says "I'm too young!" Age doesn't seem to matter to God -- he's after the teachable and compassionate heart!
2:13 Love the comparison of God's way - the fountain of living water compared with the world's way: the well they dug for themselves - - it's all cracked and can't hold any water:)
Notice what God's after by the comparison of 2:35 and 3:13. When we admit that we are helpless -- that's when He can work in us:)
Enjoyed God's parental look at us in 3:19 - - I can hear many parent's cry in this passage.
4:2 shows again God's love fore everyone -- the world -- Israel was on the bearer of the Good News -- the example of God's ability to bless -- only, they didn't come through for Him.
He'd save the city for just one? (5:1) pretty compassionate! Question -- would Jeremiah have qualified for the just one? Sin's influence spreads like honey pouring over a piece of bread. Causes sticky situations too!
I just keep wishing I could have experienced the life of Jesus on earth first hand. It's like you wouldn't know which way to look next, as you might miss something He was going to do, or say!
The people of the village chose the pigs over the healing - - there are miracle healings today; I don't always believe they are from God - - any thoughts on this?
I LOVE how Jesus tells him to Go home to your family and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been. That man must have done his homework -- and what a powerful testimony he had. I can imagine he was merciful to all around him, and how grateful he was to Jesus.
I soaked in the words of Jesus to the woman, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. God in peace. Your suffering is over." What a beautiful phrase "You suffering is over" Someday, He'll say that to each of us in heaven! Hang in there guys!
I think the woman's demonstration of faith was a testimony to Jairus - - who lost the slim thread he had when he heard that his daughter had died. So -- when Jesus said "Don't be afraid, Just have faith" I think he was tagging on to the miracle that Jairus had just witnessed.
So many times Jesus is "amazed" by people's faith - but in Nazareth, he was "amazed by their unbelief (6:6) It must have made Him really sad that they walked away shaking their heads. He was the fountain of life -- they chose instead, their cracked cisterns and wells:(
In the storm, Jesus "saw that they were in trouble" and came to them (how like Him!) His words - - Don't be afraid, Take courage, I am here. Words that I need to remember.
And even though they were amazed at the weather miracle, they'd totally missed the food miracle because their hearts were too hard to take it in - - HELLO! Linda - - I need to be open, to be receptive, to be watching His agenda and not focused on my own.
The Message states that the demon possessed man couldn’t be chained, couldn’t be tied down, no one could restrain him. Those are similar words I use when I don’t want to commit. I want to be free. He was free; no one could tie him down. Of course we know he wasn’t free, but the similarity of the words really struck me. Freedom of commitment means one is free but yet, just as the man was alone in the wilderness, so is the one who has freed themselves from all commitments.
He came & worshiped Jesus. So I’ve always thought the man realized Jesus was his only help even though he was possessed & this is still true. Today however, I was thinking that even the demons realized the Presence of One more powerful than they & they HAD to worship & acknowledge His authority over them. At the end of the world Paul tells us that every knee will bow & confess Him God of all.
Jesus could have easily identified the healed woman, but He needed her to step forward, to take the risk. She doesn’t seem like someone who would be comfortable up front but this was her testing, her growing period. It was incredibly hard…what would people think? She “…stepped up in fear and trembling, knelt before him, and gave him the whole story”. Jesus knew the whole story but this was very healing for her to pour it out to Him. What she learned (& I’m learning this too), is that Jesus affirmed her as she took the risk. "Daughter, you took a risk of faith, and now you're healed and whole. Live well, live blessed! Be healed of your plague." He wants us to live whole, healed & blessed! But it does involve risk – the risk of TRUST.
I like Jesus’ counsel to the 12 before He sent them out in 6:8 "Don't think you need a lot of extra equipment for this. You are the equipment”. He just needs willing people, willing to take risks. I don’t have to meet certain qualifications. I just need to be surrendered.
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ReplyDelete9:19 Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. Sometimes I feel a bit that way -- although, nothing like the journey Paul went through. But sometimes, the needs of other people - - take away stuff that the world tells me to hang on to; time, money, privacy; whatever, God calls us to sacrifice (and my, "No, I don't want to" gets in the way). I'm a free person -- I can do what I want, but He asks me to lay that aside for the good of others - - it's pretty clear here. Jesus lived to bless others - and He calls me to do the same.
ReplyDeleteOK - did a bit of pondering over verse 21 "When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God: I obey the law of Christ.
aren't the law of God and the law of Christ one in the same? What is he saying?
When we're with non-believers, what part of the law should we give up in order to win them over? I'm guessing he's talking about Jewish traditions - not the big 10 - - since later he talks about food. any thoughts?
I love 10:12 - 13. Don't get arrogant - - we're all going to get hit up with temptations, and don't think you can handle it on your own, Linda. Thank you Jesus, for knowing just how much weight I can lift -- like a personal trainer. I might sweat and grunt - it won't be easy, but he'll grow me so I can lift the next set of weights that comes along.
Hey Linda---
ReplyDeleteThank you for your prayers---
I'm BAAACK!
I don't know much---but I have learned that the Law of God and the Law of Christ are not the same.
The law of Moses (law of God) exposed everyone as sinners. (Romans 3:19-20)
When Jesus came, it was God’s time for sin to be defeated (Hebrews 9:26). That cannot be done by a set of regulations. It can be done only by God. And that is what God has done in Christ (Romans 3:21-26).
Now we no longer are found guilty under the 10 commandments----but we abound in grace through the law of Jesus Christ, who set us free from the guilt of trying to obey the law. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
9:21-23 "I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn't just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!" And I want to be active in others life too. Not just expecting them to see my example as I walk by them, but stop & take the time to show that they are every much God's child as I am.
ReplyDeleteLove the counsel in 10:11,12 "we are just as capable of messing it up as they were. Don't be so naive and self-confident. You're not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence." I want no confidence in the flesh, only in my Savior! I can (& do...sigh) screw up so easily!
The Message's take on 10:13 "No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it."
Even though Israel actually experienced God saving them & providing for them, they still fell to temptation. I have to stay with Him moment by moment or I will too!
Good questions Linda, I think Sherrie's on the right track. I see Jesus putting flesh on the 10 Commandments because he said he didn't come to destroy it but to fulfill (live it) in Matt 5:17. But I too think Paul was talking about all the Mosaic Laws that the Jews had. It was soo important to them so Paul held them when he was ministering to Jews (though he realized they didn't save him) so they Jews wouldn't be biased & listen to him.
ReplyDeleteBut to the Gentiles, all they needed to see was Jesus' example, His life. And they were so much more open to listening because they didn't have all those do's & don'ts hindering them.
Jacob blessing the younger ahead of the older makes me wonder if that was God showing him how He would have done it if Jacob & his mom hadn't done it their own way & deceive Isaac.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I would have appreciated or counted some of Jacobs comments as "blessing" me if I were some of his sons.
The brothers fear of retaliation by Joseph after Jacob's death makes me think of us as humans, forgetting we have an All Powerful God who works in our behalf & we get afraid of the circumstances we see around us. I love Joseph's heart when he got the message. It was so tender, another chance he had for revenge but he showed again, true forgiveness had taken over his heart & he only wanted the healing to continue. He was still trusting in God & His Plan, not making his own way. His fiery trials had brought him forth as pure gold like Job said.
It seems to be an interesting custom where the grandfather can "claim" his grandsons -- both Jacob and Joseph did it. As far as I can figure -- it means they'll get an equal share of the inheritance.
ReplyDeleteI like how Jacob says God has been my shepherd 48:15 - - I don't grasp what that totally means, since I've never been a shepherd; but I think that one sentence is full of surrender, helplessness, and someone who follows and depends.
Yeah -- Reuben, Simeon, and Levi must have wished wished wished they could have a do over. Living with past mistakes has it's consequences -- and we all wish for do overs, that's for sure. Important to not live in the land of regret, but to live in the land of surrender and moving ahead with lessons learned. And, I think that shows in the life of Judah -- the leader of the pack in many previous instances (and not always for the good), but it appears that he learned to lead in a positive way - and God approved.
Lots of opportunities for the "brothers" to continue in their jealousy -- from "why aren't my kids getting an inheritance, to "why does Joseph get such a long and positive blessing?" There's no indication that they had that jealousy in their hearts anymore - - again, they learned to live in a positive way; a generous way.
Joseph's horror at his brother's untrust of him is, as Chris pointed out -- a picture of us and God - - really good thoughts on this Chris; Joseph loved unconditionally and left circumstances to God - - good lesson for me:)
After Jacob died, Joseph's brothers were afraid. They thought that Joseph, who was now a very powerful man would judge them and punish them for what they had done to him as a child.
ReplyDeleteInstead, when the brothers asked for JOseph's forgiveness, he showered them with grace and mercy.
I found the book of Genesis to have an odd ending. Joseph make his brothers promise to return his body to Canaan when he died. So they embalmed him and placed him in a coffin in Egypt.
Reminds me of those teasers on TV---Please stay tuned for the rest of the story....
LOL Sher - you're so right about the teaser! It sure does end abruptly!
ReplyDeleteJoseph must have had a lot of respect from his Egyptian friends -- to let so powerful of a man be buried back in his homeland instead of with the kings and rulers. (that along with the amazing funeral procession of Egyptians for Jacobs trip after he died).
Interesting contrast in 1Sam 13 between Saul & Jonathan. Saul saw his men slipping away, panicked & sacrificed before the 7 days were totally up. He was impatient (so me), Samuel came...just not when Saul thought he needed to. Jonathan on the other hand, said in 14:6 "There's no rule that says God can only deliver by using a big army. No one can stop God from saving when he sets his mind to it." How did Jonathan get this relationship with God when his father didn't give him the example? He must have found a mentor. Wonder who it was?
ReplyDeleteAgain with Saul & the Amalekites I see myself. Changing around what God said to do because I think of "something better", yeah right. How can I do better than what God says? Like Isaiah said...does the clay tell the potter what to make. How stupid or dull or what audacity do I have? Man, God has every reason to wipe us out & start over but "God, simply because of who he is, is not going to walk off and leave his people." 12:22
I am just in awe of His love, & incredible patience with me! There's gotta be a better word than patience though. I just can't believe I'm still alive & He's still willing to teach me & still WANTS to have a relationship with me with all I've done. Wow & WOWWW!!
In just a few short verses, I see SUCH a change in Saul; 11:13 "No one will be executed today, for today the LORD has rescued Israel" Then - - 15:12 "Saul went to the town of Carmel to set up a monument to HIMSELF"
ReplyDeletePower can be a huge corrupter - - self was crowding God out -- notice his main worry at the end of chpt 15 wasn't that God had left him, it was "Please, at least honor me before the elders of my people" I fight that attitude, I'm worried about what people will think of me, over what God will think of me.
OK -- I too want to talk Jonathan. I'm very impressed with him, cuz he seemed humble and very God-trusting. He pops up all over this section like a breath of fresh air! No wonder David liked him as a best friend!
He takes off fighting the Philistines right off the bat -- and gets the whole country in a pot of hot water.I LOVE his line to the faithful armor bearer (who must have loved Jonathan to the core to follow him into certain death) Here's Jonathan's courage line: "Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!" MAN - that must have brought a smile to God's face.
Interesting that Jonathan started that thought with the word "Perhaps" Hmmmmm, if I were the armor bearer, I think I would have wanted a little more assurance than Perhaps. But I like it about Jonathan -- he wasn't trying to manipulate - - but if there was a miracle, he was giving it all to God.
He wasn't afraid of Philistines, He wasn't afraid of his dad (14:29)My father has made trouble for us all!
The people loved him, God honored him - - If Saul would have remained faithful, Jonathan would no doubt have been the next king.
I've heard 15:22 many times (obedience better than sacrifice) but 15:23 is also sooooo relevant for me: rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft / stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. - - it's very easy for me to disobey, rebel and be stubborn; I need more time on my knees at His feet.
Samuel must have loved Saul as a son - to morn over his attitude, and his tuning God out - - very easy for a parent to relate to.
I've been thinking about Jonathan's "PERHAPS" some more -- I think it has a good lesson for me. If I'm unclear about a directions/decision; I should step out in faith -- step toward what I think is the way to go - - but then EVALUATE.
ReplyDeleteHe went part way up the mountain -- waited to see what the Philistines did - - evaluated - - advanced. I guess this is like Gideon's fleece.
Appreciate the comments on Jonathan Linda. I like the stepping out & then evaluating part. I think he had more faith than Gideon though. He stepped out without a fleece. I wonder if it was because he had Samuel as a spiritual leader over Israel for so long while Gideon had no one so there wasn't any spiritual leaders to look to. Not that man is enough but at least there was some spiritual stability in the country for Jonathan. Didn't seem like Gideon had ANY!
ReplyDeletegood point! God tells us to encourage each other -- and Paul says to "imitate me as I imitate Christ" so - - spiritual mentors are invaluable.
ReplyDeleteLike that -- that Jonathan stepped out without a fleece -- looking forward to seeing/watching/talking to Jonathan someday:)
Wide range of emotions in these 3 chapters of Psalms. I wonder was going on when David wrote in 36:7 “How exquisite your love, O God!” He must have just been delivered from something or God provided for him in a special way.
ReplyDeleteI like 37, there’s a lot of counsel in there for me.
V5-6 “Open up before GOD, keep nothing back; he'll do whatever needs to be done: He'll validate your life in the clear light of day and stamp you with approval at high noon. “ Reminds me to trust Him, let Him take care of me & be my Defender.
V7 “Quiet down before GOD, be prayerful before him.” Other versions say “wait patiently”. I like the “quiet down” part though. It reminds me that I need to shut my mouth & listen…I don’t do that very well.
27-28 “Turn your back on evil, work for the good and don't quit. GOD loves this kind of thing, never turns away from his friends.” I tend to get discouraged easily but this reminds me AGAIN to TRUST Him & His timing…which translates to STOP WHINING! :)
34 “Wait passionately for GOD, don't leave the path.” Wow, wait passionately – what does that mean exactly?
39 “The spacious, free life is from GOD, it's also protected and safe.” I love my open spaces & to be protected & safe…nice feely…getting warm fuzzies. :D
In 38 I see a bit of Christ before His accusers. He didn’t say anything back, but He gave His life for them & asked His Father to forgive them in spite of what they were doing to Him. For me I see how David took it to God & again, waited for Him & His timing. V15 “What I do, GOD, is wait for you, wait for my Lord, my God—you will answer!”
A LOT of waiting & trusting. At least, that’s what spoke to me…maybe because I need to learn it so badly!
Chris, I went back and read 38 -- and yup; I bet Jesus read that chapter with keen interest as he was looking at his future here on earth - - I see the connection too.
ReplyDeleteI like the "quiet down" version -- sound more like something a parent would say to a child these days. Sure something I need more work on; quiet down and wait (PATIENTLY - bother!) Sometimes, I can wait impatiently -- but usually my waiting is filled with finger-tapping "come on, already) feelings. I want to wait with quiet contentment, knowing that He is working things out in His time. Help me Lord.
Have to say that 36 brought up all kinds of thoughts of the 3rd Day "Your Love O Lord" song - - so glad that was set to words. When I thought about the "faithfulness reaches beyond teh clouds," I thought about flying in our airplane and piercing through the gloomy clouds. You pop out of the clouds and you see beautiful sunshine and clear skies everywhere you look. His love IS faithful!
37:4 "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires. Now, I could manipulate this one -- or, maybe as I delight in HIM, my desires become HIS - - so it's a win win for God and me:)
I like all the path stuff 37:23-24 The Lord directs the steps of the goldy. He delights in every detail of their lives (preious promise -- I sat on this for awhile) Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them bythe hand (what a word picture). vs 34: put your hope in the Lord. Travel steadily along his path (like that word steadily - - made me think of hiking and reaching your goal.
Linda, I had to go back & read 36 in a different version because I had that song playing in my head! :) I bet you & Duane would love to go flying right now & get above this gray! :)
ReplyDeleteI’m sensing that Bildad had the awe of God down. Sometimes that’s as far as we go as Christians too. But that’s not enough to have a real relationship with Him like He wants. That won’t help us make the right choices always. Our choices will be based largely on how much we are in awe, almost like a fear. We won’t serve Him, obey Him because we love Him.
ReplyDeleteJesus hadn’t come yet & died on the cross. It’s easier (or should be) for us now because we see this great Sacrifice for us. But then God was still talking with His people. More so than today anyway. He talked with Job. They could have sought a deeper relationship, one that was interactive. Seems though, like Job’s friends are just snorkeling on the surface of the water instead of taking a dive & going deep to actually see, touch & experience firsthand the wonders of God.
I want to dive in & continue to be awed but interact with My God! Makes me think of Stephen Curtis Chapman’s song “Dive” – that’s what I want!
Yeah - - I like the thought! Job talking to God - - he heard from Him; maybe God taught job about heaven, earth, relationships, the history of Satan - - maybe Job understood his evil arch enemy better than I've always thought.
ReplyDeleteI think sometimes we're Job's friends - - or at least I know I'm guilty. When someone is going through a tough time, I might flippantly say, "yeah, I understand" when really - - I have no clue. I think that's the friend situation here; they're just throwing out cliche's they've heard, and they don't have a clue. I think, just as in Jesus' experience - - Job is experiencing the "Why have you forsaken me" feeling JEsus had on the cross - - that's tough when you have a close friend (God/Job).
Also -- nice that Bildad is short and to the point for once!!
I didn't make it thru all the reading yet. My eyes were glazing over (short night) BUT...
ReplyDeleteI've always liked the calling of Jeremiah. I haven't read it in a long time so it was good to see God's tender care, His interest in this young man.
v5 "Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you..." I know He has plans for each one of us in this way as well. Before we were even born!
v 19 "They'll fight you, but they won't even scratch you. I'll back you up every inch of the way." When God's got your back...wow! You're covered! Makes me think of the song that has in it part of Romans.."& if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us? & if our God is with us, no one can stand against!"
So cool!
But here's an interesting part - Jeremiah suffered a LOT of persecution as we'll see. So easy to get caught up in the small picture right in front of me...what's happening to me, me, me. I need to keep the bigger picture in mind. Maybe it was part of Jeremiah's character building - his furnace - that was making sure his future, in heaven, wasn't scratched.
Hmmm, so maybe God's care for me is more about my future than my present. That seems like a "DUH" statement but I get really wrapped up in my present circumstances & expect all His promises to apply RIGHT NOW!!
Does that make sense?
(Sigh) just lost my whole post! When will I learn? (very similar to 5:21 for today!!)
ReplyDeleteOK - round 2:)
Chris - what you wrote about Jeremiah's future / God having his back reminds me of what Pastor Mike says: God is more concerned about our character than our comfort. I, on the other hand, seem to have those turned around in my own human way!
I love God's command to Jeremiah when he says "I'm too young!" Age doesn't seem to matter to God -- he's after the teachable and compassionate heart!
2:13 Love the comparison of God's way - the fountain of living water compared with the world's way: the well they dug for themselves - - it's all cracked and can't hold any water:)
Notice what God's after by the comparison of 2:35 and 3:13. When we admit that we are helpless -- that's when He can work in us:)
Enjoyed God's parental look at us in 3:19 - - I can hear many parent's cry in this passage.
4:2 shows again God's love fore everyone -- the world -- Israel was on the bearer of the Good News -- the example of God's ability to bless -- only, they didn't come through for Him.
He'd save the city for just one? (5:1) pretty compassionate! Question -- would Jeremiah have qualified for the just one? Sin's influence spreads like honey pouring over a piece of bread. Causes sticky situations too!
I just keep wishing I could have experienced the life of Jesus on earth first hand. It's like you wouldn't know which way to look next, as you might miss something He was going to do, or say!
ReplyDeleteThe people of the village chose the pigs over the healing - - there are miracle healings today; I don't always believe they are from God - - any thoughts on this?
I LOVE how Jesus tells him to Go home to your family and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been. That man must have done his homework -- and what a powerful testimony he had. I can imagine he was merciful to all around him, and how grateful he was to Jesus.
I soaked in the words of Jesus to the woman, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. God in peace. Your suffering is over." What a beautiful phrase "You suffering is over" Someday, He'll say that to each of us in heaven! Hang in there guys!
I think the woman's demonstration of faith was a testimony to Jairus - - who lost the slim thread he had when he heard that his daughter had died. So -- when Jesus said "Don't be afraid, Just have faith" I think he was tagging on to the miracle that Jairus had just witnessed.
So many times Jesus is "amazed" by people's faith - but in Nazareth, he was "amazed by their unbelief (6:6) It must have made Him really sad that they walked away shaking their heads. He was the fountain of life -- they chose instead, their cracked cisterns and wells:(
In the storm, Jesus "saw that they were in trouble" and came to them (how like Him!) His words - - Don't be afraid, Take courage, I am here. Words that I need to remember.
And even though they were amazed at the weather miracle, they'd totally missed the food miracle because their hearts were too hard to take it in - - HELLO! Linda - - I need to be open, to be receptive, to be watching His agenda and not focused on my own.
The Message states that the demon possessed man couldn’t be chained, couldn’t be tied down, no one could restrain him. Those are similar words I use when I don’t want to commit. I want to be free. He was free; no one could tie him down. Of course we know he wasn’t free, but the similarity of the words really struck me. Freedom of commitment means one is free but yet, just as the man was alone in the wilderness, so is the one who has freed themselves from all commitments.
ReplyDeleteHe came & worshiped Jesus. So I’ve always thought the man realized Jesus was his only help even though he was possessed & this is still true. Today however, I was thinking that even the demons realized the Presence of One more powerful than they & they HAD to worship & acknowledge His authority over them. At the end of the world Paul tells us that every knee will bow & confess Him God of all.
Jesus could have easily identified the healed woman, but He needed her to step forward, to take the risk. She doesn’t seem like someone who would be comfortable up front but this was her testing, her growing period. It was incredibly hard…what would people think? She “…stepped up in fear and trembling, knelt before him, and gave him the whole story”. Jesus knew the whole story but this was very healing for her to pour it out to Him. What she learned (& I’m learning this too), is that Jesus affirmed her as she took the risk. "Daughter, you took a risk of faith, and now you're healed and whole. Live well, live blessed! Be healed of your plague." He wants us to live whole, healed & blessed! But it does involve risk – the risk of TRUST.
I like Jesus’ counsel to the 12 before He sent them out in 6:8 "Don't think you need a lot of extra equipment for this. You are the equipment”. He just needs willing people, willing to take risks. I don’t have to meet certain qualifications. I just need to be surrendered.
wow Linda, I really appreciated your thoughts today, that was encouraging. Thank you!
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