Hang in there everyone! If we can make it through the Levite and concubine -- we can make it through ANYTHING!!! I love traveling through the Bible with friends:)
The dangers of looking to humans instead of God is what I see in ch 3. Paul pleading for them not to get caught up in the messengers, but to focus on God. This shows real growth in us as Christians. We're not supposed to follow people, but God. And then continuing in ch. 4, making judgments without facts. I love the counsel in v6 to see things from God's point of view. Vs 7-8 "For who do you know that really knows you, knows your heart? And even if they did, is there anything they would discover in you that you could take credit for? Isn't everything you have and everything you are sheer gifts from God? So what's the point of all this comparing and competing? You already have all you need. You already have more access to God than you can handle." Such a great reminder that all I have is God's & no one knows me like He does. Anything good in me people see & are drawn to is from God, no if's, and's or but's! v 20 "God's Way is not a matter of mere talk; it's an empowered life." Dear God, please empower me so You are lifted up!
I like that version of vs 7 & 8 Chris -- hard to beat the message for getting to the heart of the matter:)
I love verse 16 - my version says: all of you together are the temple of God and the Spirit of God lives in you. Sometimes I feel like that when a bunch of us are together -- discovering something about God together -- or discovering something we all share in common together. We're God's dwelling place -- He loves to be right in the center of what's going on! Kindof a cool thought:)
and then -- tearing off the masks of humanity 4:3 & 4: it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don't even trust my OWN judgment on this point. My conscience is clear, but that doesn't prove I'm right. It is the LORD himself who will examine me and decide.
The very wonderful aspect of the above verse is - the Lord himself - loves us more than we love ourselves - He's on our side and is with us every step of the way, ready to help if we only ask.
Then -- 12/13: We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us. We appeal gently when evil tings are said about us - - How does this work out with setting boundaries - - maybe it's setting boundaries in a calm, respectful, loving but FIRM way?
and finishing with an action verse - - 20: The Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God's power!! YEEEEEEAHHHHHH!
These 2 chapters are speaking about issues that cropped up in the church in Paul's day, but also apply to churches today. I myself have lived in many different places and have attended many different churches and I've found each one has its own flavor and issues.
But some churches are certainly much better (Christ like) than others. And some can be VERY judgmental.
It appears in 1 Cor 4:3-5 that Paul was being judged negatively by other Christians. They didn't like the things he said and later in Corinthians it says other Christians refused to believe he was even an apostle. But in I Cor 4:4 Paul says he himself feels blameless and only the Lord has the right to judge him.
I can relate. I myself experienced horrendous judgment in one previous church I attended along with many other attendees who did not fit the behavioral standards that had been set. Although in my heart, I felt blameless and righteous in the eyes of the Lord, I was judged unworthy by those who were--- as Paul says in I Cor 4:6-8--- puffed up and inflated with pride and arrogance. I knew of their secret sins, yet they looked and acted so spiritual.
It was a difficult lesson for me to learn to rely upon Gods opinion of me and not on the opinion of man.
I really enjoy seeing what God is sharing with you guys as you're reading. Just gives me more food for thought!
I've always been confused with how cold & impersonal sex was with the Bible characters. The guy never saw the woman's face? How could Jacob have been fooled by Leah if he had seen her face? And then with Judah in today's reading. So instead of it being the culmination between 2 people who were deeply in love & committed with each other, it just seems like something to do. A means to an end to have kids. How sad! I'm not saying I want the Bible to be written like a sex novel with all the details, I'm just saying that's how it comes across to me. Very impersonal. Now Potiphar's wife seems to have a different approach in that regard! She was making it very personal!:D
I really admire Joseph's resolve in resisting her. I know he was avoiding her too. It really wears on you when you have someone who hounds you for sex EVERY TIME they see you. You're just an object to them & I know Joseph spent a LOT of time in prayer for strength to deal with the situation. I wonder if it was almost a relief to be in the prison in some sense. I like what my version says about how God dealt with Him there..."But there in jail God was still with Joseph: He reached out in kindness to him..." Very tender description of God dealing with His child & I love it!
I found it interesting that Esau is the one that moved away from Canaan. Before they made amends, I don't think that would have ever happened.
Joseph must have been clueless to his brother's hatred -- maybe, he was just too young to realize the effect of what he was saying. He didn't seem bothered at all to go find his "loving" brothers. The older a person gets, the less trusting they become of people - - I guess Joseph just hadn't crossed over! Unfortunately for Joseph, ignorance isn't always bliss . . .
Chris - good thoughts about Bible sex - - you can sure see where women were second class citizens - - I don't think this was ever God's intent -- remember when he was talking to the Pharisees about divorce? It was because of the "hardness of their hearts" So - - He continues to work with us in the mess we've made. (He worked with Onan - vs 10) His ultimate way of working though -- was to show us the God & example of love and compassion through His son).
The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeded in everything he did as he served . . . God wants to be involved in our lives - abundant life; that's his goal for each of us (no matter if we're in the palace or the prison). I admire Joseph's commitment - - that's what I want to work on with God.
Chris---I haven't finished today's reading---so can't comment on that yet, but on the question of Rachel and Leah----I think the Lord intended for Jacob to be fooled by Leah. Galatians 6:7 says– A man reaps what he sows. ... Jacob fooled his father Abraham and took Esau's birthright----now Rachel's father is fooling Jacob by giving him Leah as his bride.
Sherrie - I don't know if God intended him to be fooled or not but you're right, he definitely was on the end of "what goes around comes around".
Linda - I was thinking with that whole Tamar incident how weird that would be to sleep with your brother in law. Soooooo glad I wasn't alive back then!
Sherrie - Your comment confused me a bit, I couldn't find where Judah got his name changed to Israel. Jacob was the one who had his name changed to that after he wrestled with the Angel. Let me know where you found Judah's name being changed. And yeah, I was thinking he'd recognize Tamar by her voice & other characteristics.
Ruth is a pretty amazing woman. Nice story after getting thru Judges. I can relate to her leaving her country/people & getting a new life. In all my moves as a kid I really enjoyed when we left one side of the state & moved to the other so I got a new start & could forget the other. She must have realized there was no way she could really grow in Moab & with Naomi, & I think, what Naomi revealed to Ruth about God, she saw hope & change that would be better than what she currently knew & went for it. That was out of her comfort zone but it just had to be better. And it wasn't easy but it did end up better. Very encouraging to me.
First of all -- we're talking 2 incredible women here. Naomi must have been a joy to be around. You hear all kinds of negative mother-in-law stories; but Ruth and Orpah really loved their mother-in-law; on top of that, when Naomi shows up back in town - - 10 years later, everyone is excited!! I wonder what Naomi was like that was so magnetizing?
OK - I'm trying to figure out if there is some kind of a symbolism going on in this story of Ruth? Could it be that we are the Ruths, God is the Boaz our Redeemer? He "bought back" this earth when He died on the cross, and with the earth he also got His bride (that would be us?) What do you think? Maybe I heard a sermon on it once -- or maybe I'm just stretching the brain to make it work.
Boaz was older (the Ancient of Days) - - and was thrilled that Ruth didn't go after a younger man (the world).
So neat that Jesus' family history included Tamar & Ruth - - two people that the world would include in "outsiders" Everything He does has a purpose - - and it seems like often that purpose is extending love and acceptance to every one of us - - no matter who we are or what we've done!
Yep Chris---you're right----Judah's name wasn't changed to Israel. Jacob was the one. This is how false teaching can begin---- It happens when you're chasing a 3yr old on a bike who is trying to run over the dog because it's time to do crafts with sponge dinasaurs and nana's on the computer trying to blog......
I've always liked Ps 27:1 because I'm so afraid of everything. It reminds me to be strong because I have God with me. "So, with him [God] on my side I'm fearless, afraid of no one and nothing." Sigh, I need this in bright neon lights in my brain a LOT!
v4-5 is what I enjoy, the quiet sitting at His feet & learning. There's no struggle there, just listening & surrendering. Well, ok, that does take some struggle but stretched out with my feet up taking in the sounds of the ocean or some birds & hearing His voice in nature is my favorite past time. v5 "That's the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world, the perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic."
I like the encouragement all through out this Psalm, especially the reminder to "stay with God" in v14. Other versions say "wait on God" which I like too because I'm soooo impatient.
28:2 "I'm letting you know what I need, calling out for help and lifting my arms toward your inner sanctum." It's way easier for me to let God know what I need & ask Him for help then other people. And that's how it should be first, but what I'm learning is that sometimes He answers me by having me ask others for help & when I do, BOOM! He comes thru big time! Just keeping me humble I guess, but I think also letting others see me struggle helps them too. I think, well I know I can, put on the act pretty good that everything's hunky dory when it's really not & I'm just spinning inside, going down the drain of life. I know I'm encouraged by others who have been vulnerable enough to be real. Just have to get it thru my thick skull that I can do that too!
Hmmm, think I'll close this chapter, but then there was that thought about His voice...man that was good! Powerful but gentle. What is His voice to me? It's been Truth, Mercy, Peace, Strength....
27:10 Even if our closest earthly ties abandon us - that could be mother, father, kids, spouse; the Lord will hold me close. What a great word picture of His love for us. To be held close - - we all need that sometimes - just sinking into His arms and letting out a deep breath.
The counsel in vs 14 is something I struggle with- - I'm not a good "waiter" Wait PATIENTLY (not good at that either) for the Lord - Be brave and courageous. I think it's that patient waiting to let Him work out our fears, angers, frustrations in His time instead of taking on the task ourselves that's so tough -- control issue I guess. He makes it so easy (just sink into my arms) we make it so tough.
I also got a word picture going in 28:7. The Lord is my strength and my shield. I trust Him with all my heart. I got to thinking - our strength represents the offensive and our shield represents our defense. So - - He's both our offense and our defense (like in sports) He's the whole team!
OOOOO! Great word pic Chris - sitting at His feet - no struggle - just listening. Feet up - birds/ocean/His voice.
Give me a sunny day at the beach - I'm there! Thanks for sharing - - I LOVE reading everyone's thoughts on this blog! Gives me such courage for the day:)
I like the way you put that middle paragraph Linda, yeah, I agree, its a control issue. Just had the light bulb go off in my head today with something at work. Much easier to sink into His arms. At least writing it seems easier! :) And I like the offense/defense approach. Very nice smack upside my head.
I almost couldn't believe my eyes when I read Psalm 27 and 28. One of my biggest issues this week has been a large rock that I searched for and found and set out in the front of my apt under a tree. I marked this special rock with my apt #. I have a green thumb, I love to plant and grow things and this rock was the beginning of something I've planned out.
Now the rapist/druggies/burglars next door along with their children delight in trying to destroy my gardens and trees or anything that has life around me.
So I put this large rock in a perfect place to surround it with plants. Every day the Mexican's remove the rock with my name and try to destroy my plans.
But in Psalms 27:5 it says for in the day of trouble.....God will set me high upon a Rock. And in Psalms 28:1 it says unto you do I cry, O Lord my Rock.....
No other time can I remember a scripture reading with the word ROCK in it on the same day that I'm grieving over my rock and my plans for a garden. Amazing!
Sherrie - it's nice that God knows the "little" things that are important to us & encourages us with instances like that.
So with Job, we've all established that his friends are nincompoops so I won't beat a dead horse. I wonder if their lack of compassion riles me so because I'm the same way. Hmmmmm.....
I'm very impressed with Job pointing them to God & saying tell Him if you think I'm wrong, He'll convince me, not you, cause I can't see anything I've done wrong, but I know that He's the One behind this & can turn it. Incredible faith in trial & even teachable. He's open to God to show him anything he needs to do to turn the situation but he trusts God.
I wonder if Job had given such a piece of his heart to his friends or was even interceding to God for them & that is why he's so patient with them. He's even trying to get them to see the bigger picture & not focus on his situation. So this makes me think he's a type of Christ. Jesus' disciples didn't get what Jesus was here to do either, didn't understand His mission & what was happening during the Crucifixion. But Christ didn't give up on them, didn't tell them to get lost, He was always pleading with them. Their hearts weren't changed until after the Resurrection, it doesn't tell us if Job's friends hearts were changed after this all plays out. I can't help but wonder...
I KNOW that my Redeemer lives - - just went back and listened to that song on youtube.
Jobs focus and passion are humbling . . . "I will see Him for myself with my own eyes! I am overwhelmed at the thought!"
Hey -- did anyone notice we just got done reading about Boaz the Redeemer -- that took away Ruth's shame at being alone, a widow, with no way to break out of the trap of the culture? We have a Redeemer that lives for us! He takes away our shame - - He rescues us from the trap of this shelter! He is our husband - - and He's coming for His bride:)
So much in this reading today. I don't know where to begin. I hope I can keep this brief... 51:12-16 - I've turned many times to these verses when I'm scared. ""I, I'm the One comforting you. What are you afraid of—or who? Some man or woman who'll soon be dead? Some poor wretch destined for dust? You've forgotten me, God, who made you, who unfurled the skies, who founded the earth. And here you are, quaking like an aspen before the tantrums of a tyrant who thinks he can kick down the world. But what will come of the tantrums?...For I am God, your very own God, who stirs up the sea and whips up the waves, named God-of-the-Angel-Armies. I teach you how to talk, word by word, and personally watch over you..." I love the visual of 52:2 "...Throw off your chains, captive daughter of Zion!..." I relate it to healing of my heart from the past & the cycles of "whatever" I was using to cope & survive. Definitely a picture of the abundant life Jesus gives us, not just getting by. Love how Mandisa sings "take the shackles off my feet so I can dance, I just wanna praise You, I just wanna praise You. You've broke the chains so I can lift my hands, I just wanna praise You, I just wanna praise You..."
There's sooo much more, but I'll just say about the last part of 52 tying into 53 & Christ being tortured for my sins. He was beaten so badly He was disfigured & unrecognizable. And yet, He didn't say a word because He saw me & thought I was worth it. That just breaks me. I cannot fathom that kind of love for me. I am speechless.
Chris -- just went to youtube to listen to the Shackles song -- great message -- I also went back and underlined the 12-16 vs after reading your post:)
Ya know how in the last post I saw a connection to Boaz as the Redeemer; and then Job looked to God as his living Redeemer - - ok, once again a connect.
As I was reading in 54: 5 and 6, I was thinking about Ruth and how Boaz Redeemed her -- the 2 pieces of the Bible have a lot in common.
I just keep wondering what Jesus' thoughts were as he read through Isaiah and made the connections about His life and death - - Jesus must have been aware of these word pictures of His earth life (maybe even inspired them) before He came here -- and I wonder as a young man when He read them - - did He think back to Heaven, forward to His earthly ending -- and, as Chris indicated - - this kind of love is so different from earthly love. The graciousness of it; leaves you speechless.
55:1 - - Thank you Jesus that ANYONE can drink of the water -- rich poor - - all we have to do is come.
55:3 come with your ears wide open (and I'm going to add -- your mouth closed) Be still; that's when you'll realize that I am God:)
Peter was so sure of himself that he didn't even take the counsel of Scriptures into his thinking. He wasn't teachable, he was self-reliant & didn't heed Jesus' warning of denying Him. I definitely can get this way, but I need to be teachable if I'm going to learn anything.
I like Jesus' 1st prayer in the Garden, it shows His honesty with His Father & His struggle to surrender, "My Father, if there is any way, get me out of this. But please, not what I want. You, what do you want?" I find myself in this boat a lot, even this morning as a matter of fact. But since Jesus knew God wanted the best for Him, His next prayer was total surrender. "My Father, if there is no other way than this, drinking this cup to the dregs, I'm ready. Do it your way." I can only surrender as I get to know my Father's heart as well (& I did :D)
I can also relate to His words to His sleeping disciples - "Can't you stick it out with me a single hour? Stay alert; be in prayer so you don't wander into temptation without even knowing you're in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there's another part that's as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire." It describes me so well!
Good stuff & check this out! The last verses of 28 where in other versions it says that when they saw Jesus some "doubted", in The Message it says "The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally." I just LOVE that paraphrase! True worship, giving ourselves in total surrender to God, listening to Him, obeying Him, living in His presence moment by moment is taking a RISK. "What will people think when they hear that I'm a Jesus Freak? What will people do when they find out it's true?" Just heard that song yesterday. I want to take that risk daily, Lord please HELP ME!
What were those disciples thinking? Mary had just poured out a gift to Jesus and they said, What a waste? It's like giving someone a gift at a birthday party, and all the other guests say, What a waste! How do you suppose that made Jesus feel -- these were his best friends, and they were definitely saying, You're not worthy. Do I ever do that?
Yes, Chris -- I got the same thing out of Jesus' prayer. Request - surrender. I'm better at the requesting end of it then the surrender end. Also - - had this new thought. When he said to the disciples Pray, so that you won't give in to temptation, for the spirit is willing,but the body is weak" I think He was talking to Himself as much as the disciples - - because the next move He makes is to pray.
Even when Jesus is arrested (26:56) He's still holding out hope - - this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets - - I think he through that in so that after his resurrection, those present might have an aha moment - - He was still totally focused on saving the people around him. Just got to thinking, when he was in the garden praying; I bet he was praying for Himself to hold firm - - but I bet he was also praying for the people coming to arrest him -- probably Pilate, Herod, Caiphas (this is the kind of love that I don't have - - but it's what He commands us to do!! Oh dear! Love my enemies - - only He can change me, cuz I'm not to the point yet that I want to change!)
Chris -- I saw pieces of Job's situation coming out in this story 27:46.
Also - I got to thinking that maybe the reason we read several chapters one day, and a few the other day is so we'll connect with different stories. Isaiah 53 sure fits with the reading today! Someone did a LOT of planning to work that out!
I have always felt that Isaiah 54 was written personally to me. It's the best chapter in the whole Bible and I always camp out there in times of crisis. It is such a comfort to me.
Linda, I keep forgetting to ask you but the last song we did for Praise today, when we were practicing it Thursday night it fit in perfectly to what we had read in Isaiah 53. "...it was my sin that put Him there, until it was accomplished..." I really enjoyed it that song & the Beauty of the Cross is going around & round in my head now too! :D
Chris -- you mean the offertory? Last song of praise was Softly and Tenderly (country!!!) yeah -- Beauty of the cross has been cycling around my brain all afternoon:)
The dangers of looking to humans instead of God is what I see in ch 3. Paul pleading for them not to get caught up in the messengers, but to focus on God. This shows real growth in us as Christians. We're not supposed to follow people, but God. And then continuing in ch. 4, making judgments without facts. I love the counsel in v6 to see things from God's point of view.
ReplyDeleteVs 7-8 "For who do you know that really knows you, knows your heart? And even if they did, is there anything they would discover in you that you could take credit for? Isn't everything you have and everything you are sheer gifts from God? So what's the point of all this comparing and competing? You already have all you need. You already have more access to God than you can handle."
Such a great reminder that all I have is God's & no one knows me like He does. Anything good in me people see & are drawn to is from God, no if's, and's or but's!
v 20 "God's Way is not a matter of mere talk; it's an empowered life."
Dear God, please empower me so You are lifted up!
I like that version of vs 7 & 8 Chris -- hard to beat the message for getting to the heart of the matter:)
ReplyDeleteI love verse 16 - my version says: all of you together are the temple of God and the Spirit of God lives in you. Sometimes I feel like that when a bunch of us are together -- discovering something about God together -- or discovering something we all share in common together. We're God's dwelling place -- He loves to be right in the center of what's going on! Kindof a cool thought:)
and then -- tearing off the masks of humanity 4:3 & 4: it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don't even trust my OWN judgment on this point. My conscience is clear, but that doesn't prove I'm right. It is the LORD himself who will examine me and decide.
The very wonderful aspect of the above verse is - the Lord himself - loves us more than we love ourselves - He's on our side and is with us every step of the way, ready to help if we only ask.
Then -- 12/13: We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us. We appeal gently when evil tings are said about us - - How does this work out with setting boundaries - - maybe it's setting boundaries in a calm, respectful, loving but FIRM way?
and finishing with an action verse - - 20: The Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God's power!! YEEEEEEAHHHHHH!
These 2 chapters are speaking about issues that cropped up in the church in Paul's day, but also apply to churches today. I myself have lived in many different places and have attended many different churches and I've found each one has its own flavor and issues.
ReplyDeleteBut some churches are certainly much better (Christ like) than others. And some can be VERY judgmental.
It appears in 1 Cor 4:3-5 that Paul was being judged negatively by other Christians. They didn't like the things he said and later in Corinthians it says other Christians refused to believe he was even an apostle. But in I Cor 4:4 Paul says he himself feels blameless and only the Lord has the right to judge him.
I can relate. I myself experienced horrendous judgment in one previous church I attended along with many other attendees who did not fit the behavioral standards that had been set. Although in my heart, I felt blameless and righteous in the eyes of the Lord, I was judged unworthy by those who were--- as Paul says in I Cor 4:6-8--- puffed up and inflated with pride and arrogance. I knew of their secret sins, yet they looked and acted so spiritual.
It was a difficult lesson for me to learn to rely upon Gods opinion of me and not on the opinion of man.
I really enjoy seeing what God is sharing with you guys as you're reading. Just gives me more food for thought!
ReplyDeleteI've always been confused with how cold & impersonal sex was with the Bible characters. The guy never saw the woman's face? How could Jacob have been fooled by Leah if he had seen her face? And then with Judah in today's reading. So instead of it being the culmination between 2 people who were deeply in love & committed with each other, it just seems like something to do. A means to an end to have kids. How sad! I'm not saying I want the Bible to be written like a sex novel with all the details, I'm just saying that's how it comes across to me. Very impersonal. Now Potiphar's wife seems to have a different approach in that regard! She was making it very personal!:D
I really admire Joseph's resolve in resisting her. I know he was avoiding her too. It really wears on you when you have someone who hounds you for sex EVERY TIME they see you. You're just an object to them & I know Joseph spent a LOT of time in prayer for strength to deal with the situation. I wonder if it was almost a relief to be in the prison in some sense.
I like what my version says about how God dealt with Him there..."But there in jail God was still with Joseph: He reached out in kindness to him..." Very tender description of God dealing with His child & I love it!
I found it interesting that Esau is the one that moved away from Canaan. Before they made amends, I don't think that would have ever happened.
ReplyDeleteJoseph must have been clueless to his brother's hatred -- maybe, he was just too young to realize the effect of what he was saying. He didn't seem bothered at all to go find his "loving" brothers. The older a person gets, the less trusting they become of people - - I guess Joseph just hadn't crossed over! Unfortunately for Joseph, ignorance isn't always bliss . . .
Chris - good thoughts about Bible sex - - you can sure see where women were second class citizens - - I don't think this was ever God's intent -- remember when he was talking to the Pharisees about divorce? It was because of the "hardness of their hearts" So - - He continues to work with us in the mess we've made. (He worked with Onan - vs 10) His ultimate way of working though -- was to show us the God & example of love and compassion through His son).
The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeded in everything he did as he served . . . God wants to be involved in our lives - abundant life; that's his goal for each of us (no matter if we're in the palace or the prison). I admire Joseph's commitment - - that's what I want to work on with God.
Chris---I haven't finished today's reading---so can't comment on that yet, but on the question of Rachel and Leah----I think the Lord intended for Jacob to be fooled by Leah.
ReplyDeleteGalatians 6:7 says– A man reaps what he sows. ...
Jacob fooled his father Abraham and took Esau's birthright----now Rachel's father is fooling Jacob by giving him Leah as his bride.
Jacob was reaping what he had sown.
Sherrie - I don't know if God intended him to be fooled or not but you're right, he definitely was on the end of "what goes around comes around".
ReplyDeleteLinda - I was thinking with that whole Tamar incident how weird that would be to sleep with your brother in law. Soooooo glad I wasn't alive back then!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteChris -- what a yucky thought; sleep with your brother-in-law; uck. I just don't wanta go there - - as you say, I'm glad I'm in 2011.
ReplyDelete(O -- and I have some nice brother-in-laws; but that's just TMI!)
Sherrie - Your comment confused me a bit, I couldn't find where Judah got his name changed to Israel. Jacob was the one who had his name changed to that after he wrestled with the Angel. Let me know where you found Judah's name being changed. And yeah, I was thinking he'd recognize Tamar by her voice & other characteristics.
ReplyDeleteRuth is a pretty amazing woman. Nice story after getting thru Judges. I can relate to her leaving her country/people & getting a new life. In all my moves as a kid I really enjoyed when we left one side of the state & moved to the other so I got a new start & could forget the other. She must have realized there was no way she could really grow in Moab & with Naomi, & I think, what Naomi revealed to Ruth about God, she saw hope & change that would be better than what she currently knew & went for it. That was out of her comfort zone but it just had to be better. And it wasn't easy but it did end up better. Very encouraging to me.
First of all -- we're talking 2 incredible women here. Naomi must have been a joy to be around. You hear all kinds of negative mother-in-law stories; but Ruth and Orpah really loved their mother-in-law; on top of that, when Naomi shows up back in town - - 10 years later, everyone is excited!! I wonder what Naomi was like that was so magnetizing?
ReplyDeleteOK - I'm trying to figure out if there is some kind of a symbolism going on in this story of Ruth? Could it be that we are the Ruths, God is the Boaz our Redeemer? He "bought back" this earth when He died on the cross, and with the earth he also got His bride (that would be us?) What do you think? Maybe I heard a sermon on it once -- or maybe I'm just stretching the brain to make it work.
Boaz was older (the Ancient of Days) - - and was thrilled that Ruth didn't go after a younger man (the world).
So neat that Jesus' family history included Tamar & Ruth - - two people that the world would include in "outsiders" Everything He does has a purpose - - and it seems like often that purpose is extending love and acceptance to every one of us - - no matter who we are or what we've done!
Yep Chris---you're right----Judah's name wasn't changed to Israel. Jacob was the one. This is how false teaching can begin----
ReplyDeleteIt happens when you're chasing a 3yr old on a bike who is trying to run over the dog because it's time to do crafts with sponge dinasaurs and nana's on the computer trying to blog......
Patience really isn't in the vocab of a 3 yr Sherrie, too funny!
ReplyDeleteLinda, I can see the symbolism. Didn't think about Boaz being a older man though & Ruth being younger...that gives me the heebie geebies!
I've always liked Ps 27:1 because I'm so afraid of everything. It reminds me to be strong because I have God with me. "So, with him [God] on my side I'm fearless, afraid of no one and nothing." Sigh, I need this in bright neon lights in my brain a LOT!
ReplyDeletev4-5 is what I enjoy, the quiet sitting at His feet & learning. There's no struggle there, just listening & surrendering. Well, ok, that does take some struggle but stretched out with my feet up taking in the sounds of the ocean or some birds & hearing His voice in nature is my favorite past time. v5 "That's the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world, the perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic."
I like the encouragement all through out this Psalm, especially the reminder to "stay with God" in v14. Other versions say "wait on God" which I like too because I'm soooo impatient.
28:2 "I'm letting you know what I need, calling out for help and lifting my arms toward your inner sanctum." It's way easier for me to let God know what I need & ask Him for help then other people. And that's how it should be first, but what I'm learning is that sometimes He answers me by having me ask others for help & when I do, BOOM! He comes thru big time! Just keeping me humble I guess, but I think also letting others see me struggle helps them too. I think, well I know I can, put on the act pretty good that everything's hunky dory when it's really not & I'm just spinning inside, going down the drain of life. I know I'm encouraged by others who have been vulnerable enough to be real. Just have to get it thru my thick skull that I can do that too!
Hmmm, think I'll close this chapter, but then there was that thought about His voice...man that was good! Powerful but gentle. What is His voice to me? It's been Truth, Mercy, Peace, Strength....
Two things in Psalms jumped out at me today!
ReplyDelete27:10 Even if our closest earthly ties abandon us - that could be mother, father, kids, spouse; the Lord will hold me close. What a great word picture of His love for us. To be held close - - we all need that sometimes - just sinking into His arms and letting out a deep breath.
The counsel in vs 14 is something I struggle with- - I'm not a good "waiter" Wait PATIENTLY (not good at that either) for the Lord - Be brave and courageous. I think it's that patient waiting to let Him work out our fears, angers, frustrations in His time instead of taking on the task ourselves that's so tough -- control issue I guess. He makes it so easy (just sink into my arms) we make it so tough.
I also got a word picture going in 28:7. The Lord is my strength and my shield. I trust Him with all my heart. I got to thinking - our strength represents the offensive and our shield represents our defense. So - - He's both our offense and our defense (like in sports) He's the whole team!
OOOOO! Great word pic Chris - sitting at His feet - no struggle - just listening. Feet up - birds/ocean/His voice.
ReplyDeleteGive me a sunny day at the beach - I'm there! Thanks for sharing - - I LOVE reading everyone's thoughts on this blog! Gives me such courage for the day:)
I like the way you put that middle paragraph Linda, yeah, I agree, its a control issue. Just had the light bulb go off in my head today with something at work. Much easier to sink into His arms. At least writing it seems easier! :) And I like the offense/defense approach. Very nice smack upside my head.
ReplyDeleteI almost couldn't believe my eyes when I read Psalm 27 and 28. One of my biggest issues this week has been a large rock that I searched for and found and set out in the front of my apt under a tree. I marked this special rock with my apt #. I have a green thumb, I love to plant and grow things and this rock was the beginning of something I've planned out.
ReplyDeleteNow the rapist/druggies/burglars next door along with their children delight in trying to destroy my gardens and trees or anything that has life around me.
So I put this large rock in a perfect place to surround it with plants. Every day the Mexican's remove the rock with my name and try to destroy my plans.
But in Psalms 27:5 it says for in the day of trouble.....God will set me high upon a Rock.
And in Psalms 28:1 it says unto you do I cry, O Lord my Rock.....
No other time can I remember a scripture reading with the word ROCK in it on the same day that I'm grieving over my rock and my plans for a garden. Amazing!
Sherrie - it's nice that God knows the "little" things that are important to us & encourages us with instances like that.
ReplyDeleteSo with Job, we've all established that his friends are nincompoops so I won't beat a dead horse. I wonder if their lack of compassion riles me so because I'm the same way. Hmmmmm.....
I'm very impressed with Job pointing them to God & saying tell Him if you think I'm wrong, He'll convince me, not you, cause I can't see anything I've done wrong, but I know that He's the One behind this & can turn it. Incredible faith in trial & even teachable. He's open to God to show him anything he needs to do to turn the situation but he trusts God.
I wonder if Job had given such a piece of his heart to his friends or was even interceding to God for them & that is why he's so patient with them. He's even trying to get them to see the bigger picture & not focus on his situation. So this makes me think he's a type of Christ. Jesus' disciples didn't get what Jesus was here to do either, didn't understand His mission & what was happening during the Crucifixion. But Christ didn't give up on them, didn't tell them to get lost, He was always pleading with them. Their hearts weren't changed until after the Resurrection, it doesn't tell us if Job's friends hearts were changed after this all plays out. I can't help but wonder...
I KNOW that my Redeemer lives - - just went back and listened to that song on youtube.
ReplyDeleteJobs focus and passion are humbling . . . "I will see Him for myself with my own eyes! I am overwhelmed at the thought!"
Hey -- did anyone notice we just got done reading about Boaz the Redeemer -- that took away Ruth's shame at being alone, a widow, with no way to break out of the trap of the culture? We have a Redeemer that lives for us! He takes away our shame - - He rescues us from the trap of this shelter! He is our husband - - and He's coming for His bride:)
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ReplyDeleteSo much in this reading today. I don't know where to begin. I hope I can keep this brief...
ReplyDelete51:12-16 - I've turned many times to these verses when I'm scared. ""I, I'm the One comforting you. What are you afraid of—or who?
Some man or woman who'll soon be dead? Some poor wretch destined for dust? You've forgotten me, God, who made you, who unfurled the skies, who founded the earth. And here you are, quaking like an aspen before the tantrums of a tyrant who thinks he can kick down the world.
But what will come of the tantrums?...For I am God, your very own God, who stirs up the sea and whips up the waves, named God-of-the-Angel-Armies. I teach you how to talk, word by word, and personally watch over you..."
I love the visual of 52:2 "...Throw off your chains, captive daughter of Zion!..." I relate it to healing of my heart from the past & the cycles of "whatever" I was using to cope & survive. Definitely a picture of the abundant life Jesus gives us, not just getting by. Love how Mandisa sings "take the shackles off my feet so I can dance, I just wanna praise You, I just wanna praise You. You've broke the chains so I can lift my hands, I just wanna praise You, I just wanna praise You..."
There's sooo much more, but I'll just say about the last part of 52 tying into 53 & Christ being tortured for my sins. He was beaten so badly He was disfigured & unrecognizable. And yet, He didn't say a word because He saw me & thought I was worth it. That just breaks me. I cannot fathom that kind of love for me. I am speechless.
Chris -- just went to youtube to listen to the Shackles song -- great message -- I also went back and underlined the 12-16 vs after reading your post:)
ReplyDeleteYa know how in the last post I saw a connection to Boaz as the Redeemer; and then Job looked to God as his living Redeemer - - ok, once again a connect.
As I was reading in 54: 5 and 6, I was thinking about Ruth and how Boaz Redeemed her -- the 2 pieces of the Bible have a lot in common.
I just keep wondering what Jesus' thoughts were as he read through Isaiah and made the connections about His life and death - - Jesus must have been aware of these word pictures of His earth life (maybe even inspired them) before He came here -- and I wonder as a young man when He read them - - did He think back to Heaven, forward to His earthly ending -- and, as Chris indicated - - this kind of love is so different from earthly love. The graciousness of it; leaves you speechless.
55:1 - - Thank you Jesus that ANYONE can drink of the water -- rich poor - - all we have to do is come.
55:3 come with your ears wide open (and I'm going to add -- your mouth closed) Be still; that's when you'll realize that I am God:)
55:6-9 -- good verses to soak in:)
Hey - I just went back and read Chpt 53 really really carefully, putting "me" and "I" in the places it says "us" Pretty much worth doing - - daily!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, there's so much in there, we could blog forever! And I always like to make it personal!
ReplyDeletePeter was so sure of himself that he didn't even take the counsel of Scriptures into his thinking. He wasn't teachable, he was self-reliant & didn't heed Jesus' warning of denying Him. I definitely can get this way, but I need to be teachable if I'm going to learn anything.
ReplyDeleteI like Jesus' 1st prayer in the Garden, it shows His honesty with His Father & His struggle to surrender, "My Father, if there is any way, get me out of this. But please, not what I want. You, what do you want?" I find myself in this boat a lot, even this morning as a matter of fact. But since Jesus knew God wanted the best for Him, His next prayer was total surrender. "My Father, if there is no other way than this, drinking this cup to the dregs, I'm ready. Do it your way." I can only surrender as I get to know my Father's heart as well (& I did :D)
I can also relate to His words to His sleeping disciples - "Can't you stick it out with me a single hour? Stay alert; be in prayer so you don't wander into temptation without even knowing you're in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there's another part that's as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire." It describes me so well!
Good stuff & check this out! The last verses of 28 where in other versions it says that when they saw Jesus some "doubted", in The Message it says "The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally." I just LOVE that paraphrase! True worship, giving ourselves in total surrender to God, listening to Him, obeying Him, living in His presence moment by moment is taking a RISK. "What will people think when they hear that I'm a Jesus Freak? What will people do when they find out it's true?" Just heard that song yesterday. I want to take that risk daily, Lord please HELP ME!
What were those disciples thinking? Mary had just poured out a gift to Jesus and they said, What a waste? It's like giving someone a gift at a birthday party, and all the other guests say, What a waste! How do you suppose that made Jesus feel -- these were his best friends, and they were definitely saying, You're not worthy. Do I ever do that?
ReplyDeleteYes, Chris -- I got the same thing out of Jesus' prayer. Request - surrender. I'm better at the requesting end of it then the surrender end. Also - - had this new thought. When he said to the disciples Pray, so that you won't give in to temptation, for the spirit is willing,but the body is weak" I think He was talking to Himself as much as the disciples - - because the next move He makes is to pray.
Even when Jesus is arrested (26:56) He's still holding out hope - - this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets - - I think he through that in so that after his resurrection, those present might have an aha moment - - He was still totally focused on saving the people around him. Just got to thinking, when he was in the garden praying; I bet he was praying for Himself to hold firm - - but I bet he was also praying for the people coming to arrest him -- probably Pilate, Herod, Caiphas (this is the kind of love that I don't have - - but it's what He commands us to do!! Oh dear! Love my enemies - - only He can change me, cuz I'm not to the point yet that I want to change!)
Chris -- I saw pieces of Job's situation coming out in this story 27:46.
Also - I got to thinking that maybe the reason we read several chapters one day, and a few the other day is so we'll connect with different stories. Isaiah 53 sure fits with the reading today! Someone did a LOT of planning to work that out!
I have always felt that Isaiah 54 was written personally to me. It's the best chapter in the whole Bible and I always camp out there in times of crisis. It is such a comfort to me.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I keep forgetting to ask you but the last song we did for Praise today, when we were practicing it Thursday night it fit in perfectly to what we had read in Isaiah 53. "...it was my sin that put Him there, until it was accomplished..." I really enjoyed it that song & the Beauty of the Cross is going around & round in my head now too! :D
ReplyDeleteChris -- you mean the offertory? Last song of praise was Softly and Tenderly (country!!!) yeah -- Beauty of the cross has been cycling around my brain all afternoon:)
ReplyDeleteyeah, sorry, they're all praise songs to me! :)
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