Paul has a lot to say about dealing with sin within Christianity & not avoiding the issue, hoping it goes away.
The part that struck me the most was the last part of C6 where it was dealing with sex outside of marriage. This is from The Message. 16-20 "There's more to sex than mere skin on skin. Sex is as much spiritual mystery as physical fact. As written in Scripture, 'The two become one.' Since we want to become spiritually one with the Master, we must not pursue the kind of sex that avoids commitment and intimacy, leaving us more lonely than ever—the kind of sex that can never 'become one.' There is a sense in which sexual sins are different from all others. In sexual sin we violate the sacredness of our own bodies, these bodies that were made for God-given and God-modeled love, for 'becoming one' with another. Or didn't you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don't you see that you can't live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body." Since I struggle with commitment, I have a hard time seeing why sex with a guy who doesn't want a commitment either isn't ok, since you both want & don't want the same things. But this really helps me understand it better & gives me something to fall back onto when I'm tempted. If this was the whole reason I "decided" to read The Message paraphrase this year, that alone is worth it! Thank you Jesus for having mercy on your weak child!
Wow Chris - that's exciting to hear how God spoke to you this morning!!
Good to know that God will be there for us day after day after day - - that we can share every part of our lives with Him; and He won't just up and leave us once we have an "encounter." And I know God wants to experience our commitment to Him in the same way -- even through our Jobian experiences.
I think baptism has a similar function to a marriage ceremony. A public declaration of commitment.
OK -- that's not even the part that fascinated me - - Paul definitely had strong views on church discipline. Sometimes church leadership gets criticized for holding people accountable; what about grace, they say? How can you do that when Jesus forgives unconditionally? How can you judge?
Sounds to me like once you commit (ah, that word again!) to believing in Christ - - you commit to the abundant life He's mapped out for you. But, if you fall (and everyone does), accountability is what makes it possible for you to be restored - - (5:5)
I'm also really glad that Paul clarified that we still need to hang out with those not claiming to be believers (5:10) no matter what their life style - - that goes right along with the example Jesus gave us!
I've always liked the story of Joseph because it also shows how God works in spite of our choices & the choices of others that affect our lives. No one can alter God's plans for us, His Word will not return void to Him (like we just read in Isaiah) I like the fact that Joseph had already forgiven his brothers & he was giving them a second chance. A lot of encouragement for me in this story. Interesting that Pharoah recognized Joseph's God & even gave him a name that exalted God.
"Every time she went to the sanctuary of God she could expect to be taunted. Hannah was reduced to tears and had no appetite." This would make it very hard for me to want to go to church. I realize this was once a year but still. It might even make me bitter toward God that He allowed this, but Hannah turned to Him more, she leaned into Him. She must have known His heart. She persevered & was blessed. And when she was blessed, she didn't rub it in Penninah's face, she praised God from an open, freed & grateful heart.
I like 2:8 "He puts poor people on their feet again; He rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope". With God there is always hope, Hannah had this & as I lean into God in hard times, I get this as well.
Samuel -- Hannah must have been an incredible woman. She took her sorrow to the Lord -- but, when her heart's desire was fulfilled, she didn't just throw it off as coincidence - - she acted. Giving her son to God - that took guts. and . . . on top of that her prayer was "My heart rejoices in the Lord! He has made me strong!" no "poor me, I have to follow through on this commitment I made" I want to have the trusting/generous heart of Hanna.
On the flip side of that, we have Eli (2:29) Why do you give your sons more honor than you give me?" So Eli put his sons first, Hannah put God first.
I love the picture of Samuel serving in the temple -- running to meet Eli's needs. 3:19 - - As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said proved reliable. A man of integrity and honor - - that's part of the abundant life God wants for each of us:)
OK - sorry I missed yesterday, but I have a few things to say back on Joseph:
I LOVE how Joseph gives God the glory when he could have taken the honor and power for himself -- both the dreams in the prison and when he was called to Pharaoh himself - - he directed the power to God. I think that's how Pharaoh knew he could trust Joseph; he finally found a man that didn't suck up to him!
I also found it interesting that Judah would ask his dad to trust him (43:8,9) "I personally guarantee his safety. YOu may hold me responsible . . . OK Judah, really? You're the guy that suggested selling Joseph in the first place, and then there was that whole episode with Tamer! Your personal guarentee wouldn't mean much to me . . but then again, I think all of Joseph's brothers had gone through a change as they thought about what they'd done. so . . . maybe I'm being a bit hard on poor Judah!!!
I like the contrast David paints of being a basket case in 30:1 ("...I yelled for help and you put me together. God, you pulled me out of the grave...") & v. 11 the result of God's help ("You did it: you changed wild lament into whirling dance; You ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with wildflowers.")
Linda, 31 reminded me of Job a bit. And vs 14-16 remind me of the surrender I need to make daily & how He always blesses me when I surrender because He loves me. "Desperate, I throw myself on You: You are my God! Hour by hour I place my days in your hand, safe from the hands out to get me. Warm me, your servant, with a smile; save me because you love me."
I've always like the illustration David uses in 32:8,9 about listening to instruction instead of having to be like an animal, with no discernment, that has to be bridled in order to listen & be trained/taught. I can definitely be stubborn like a mule at times!
Wow Chris - you're right! I went back and read 31, and sounds like it could be written by Job. Who wrote first, David or Job? Did Job have David's Psalms to read - - I wish I knew; I just googled it. Psalms was written 1000 BC, but no knows when Job was written - - so I guess I won't know here on earth:)
I loved David's contrast both in 30:3 and 30:11-12. He turns our weeping to joy and our morning into dancing!! What a promise to take with you daily as you travel through this world - - everyone of us is touched by the effects of sin.
I also liked 31:19-20. How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You LAVISH it on those who come to you (like thick hand cream; or, if you're more into eating - - thick whip cream!!) and I like the picture of hiding in the Lord's presence for protection from those that conspire against us or accuse us - - a very comforting thought.
and I liked (along with you Chris) the promise in 32:8 I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Now - - if I'll just listen instead of trying to carve out and maniputlate life myself!!
"It's not you I'm complaining to—it's God." Job starts this out pointing his "friends" to God & trying to get them to see he's not whining, he's pleading his case to the only one who can truly help him. They just don't have the same relationship with God though & it's obvious by their comments. Theirs is a works oriented one. Do good & get blessed, do bad, get cursed. This is all for their benefit & their clueless!
I'm also wondering if Eliphaz has always been jealous of Job's wealth because of his comments down in c 22. "Clean house of everything evil. Relax your grip on your money and abandon your gold-plated luxury. God Almighty will be your treasure, more wealth than you can imagine."
Just a thought that popped into my mind. He's always been envious of how Job was blessed & now he's pouring it on. To me there seems to be something underlying his comments. Can't believe these are his "friends" treating him this way.
Hey Chris -- I picked up on that too (about Eliphaz and the jealousy part) not good friends to have - almost like they were gloating. And also, I think the part that irked God was Eliphaz's comment that: 22:19 the righteous will be happy to see the wicked destroyed, and the innocent will laugh in contempt. I don't think Eliphaz was a man after God's own heart. Not only does he make God and the righteous appear compasionless; but he's compassionless--attributing to God the very attitudes he has.
Job's thoughts on the wicked prospering made me think that, of course, Satan would shield them - - after all, they are promoting his ways.
The world isn't a fair place - - but God has the final say, and He won't leave us here forever:) Glorious Day (Casting Crowns!!)
I like God's tender care of the "outsiders" (non Jews, so that's me) & the physically mutilated. He wants them to belong, to belong to Him & as we surrender to Him, He accepts us as His & blesses us, makes us feel wanted.
I've gotten a lot of comfort from 57:1 & 2 after losing friends who were good people. God knows our hearts & knows when it's best for us to rest & not face what's coming. Incredible mercy!
Good smack upside the head in 58 to not just put on the good religious "show" but to be Christ's children in action. Which can only come from a real relationship with Him, real surrender to Him, real love for Him & His other children. A transformation in my heart that only He can do. I know I've changed from the person I was before I gave my heart to Him but I see so much growth needed when I look at Jesus & His example. I'm so glad I'm not having to do it by myself!
60:22 - "I am God. At the right time I'll make it happen." Just a reminder for me & ALL my impatience. Going back to that TRUST word! :)
Hee hee Chris! Every morning I go through these texts with a high lighter -- and you comment on everything I highlight! I love hearing your take on it - and it inspires me too.
I love the way this morning started: Be just and good to all -- seems to be a theme with God (do justly, love mercy, walk humbly)
I wonder if the Jews ever read 56:7 my Temple will be called a house of prayer for ALL nations! And really good for me to remember that it's not a one church or denomination that has claim on God -- you can't box Him in like that; He's for everybody!!
Yeah Chris -- I'd never noticed 57: 1 & 2 before! I got really excited reading that -- really good for the Why's that we all face in tragedy. Rest in His plan of peace of us - - whatever form that might take.
58 -- where the rubber meets the road. Love the kind of fasting God wants in verse 6 & 7 - - it's just so easy to get wrapped up in my needs; keep looking out, keep looking up. Christian love is a verb!
I felt like 60:18-22 was a description of Heaven - - can hardly waith until the violence will disappear -- and Chris -- big time highlight on a the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen (reminded me of Pastor Mike's sermon awhile back)
Chapter 61 - - I tried to imagine what this would sound like with Christ reading it out of the scrolls back in his hometown - - what would my reaction have been? Would I have heard Him?
That's funny Linda, I guess if we swapped it'd be the other way around then!:D
Mark is my "immediately" gospel. In the NKJ anyway, whatever word he used, it was translated "immediately" ALOT! In The Message there's more variety which makes more sense to me.
Interesting how people flocked to hear John preach about forgiveness. True repentance & forgiveness brings peace & healing to the heart. I believe the people were tired of the "list" of religious things to do for God. Their hearts were empty & hungry for something that would give them more, that would truly be life-changing as John said. "The real action comes next: The star in this drama, to whom I'm a mere stagehand, will change your life. I'm baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. His baptism—a holy baptism by the Holy Spirit—will change you from the inside out." This is what I need, not a checklist, a inside out change.
Peter, Andrew, James & John must have had some kind of knowledge of Jesus' teaching, some kind of other observation, to just leave their source of income without hesitation. Maybe they also saw what the people did when he was teaching in the church. "They were surprised at his teaching—so forthright, so confident—not quibbling and quoting like the religion scholars." 1:22. Arguing about points of the Bible is so counter productive. It's not our job to convince people, Jesus simply spoke the truth & let people draw their own conclusions. He knew His job & the Holy Spirit's role & He didn't micromanage.
I can only imagine what Jesus' touch of love felt like to that leper who hadn't been touched like that in who knows how long. Human touch, in love anyway, is very healing in & of itself. "Deeply moved, Jesus put out his hand, touched him, and said, 'I want to. Be clean.'" 1:41
Hey all you bloggers (or Chris if you're the only one reading this!!) I accidentally erased my last entry - - so I'll just say ditto to what Chris wrote and move on!!
Paul has a lot to say about dealing with sin within Christianity & not avoiding the issue, hoping it goes away.
ReplyDeleteThe part that struck me the most was the last part of C6 where it was dealing with sex outside of marriage. This is from The Message.
16-20 "There's more to sex than mere skin on skin. Sex is as much spiritual mystery as physical fact. As written in Scripture, 'The two become one.' Since we want to become spiritually one with the Master, we must not pursue the kind of sex that avoids commitment and intimacy, leaving us more lonely than ever—the kind of sex that can never 'become one.' There is a sense in which sexual sins are different from all others. In sexual sin we violate the sacredness of our own bodies, these bodies that were made for God-given and God-modeled love, for 'becoming one' with another. Or didn't you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don't you see that you can't live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body."
Since I struggle with commitment, I have a hard time seeing why sex with a guy who doesn't want a commitment either isn't ok, since you both want & don't want the same things. But this really helps me understand it better & gives me something to fall back onto when I'm tempted. If this was the whole reason I "decided" to read The Message paraphrase this year, that alone is worth it! Thank you Jesus for having mercy on your weak child!
Wow Chris - that's exciting to hear how God spoke to you this morning!!
ReplyDeleteGood to know that God will be there for us day after day after day - - that we can share every part of our lives with Him; and He won't just up and leave us once we have an "encounter." And I know God wants to experience our commitment to Him in the same way -- even through our Jobian experiences.
I think baptism has a similar function to a marriage ceremony. A public declaration of commitment.
OK -- that's not even the part that fascinated me - - Paul definitely had strong views on church discipline. Sometimes church leadership gets criticized for holding people accountable; what about grace, they say? How can you do that when Jesus forgives unconditionally? How can you judge?
Sounds to me like once you commit (ah, that word again!) to believing in Christ - - you commit to the abundant life He's mapped out for you. But, if you fall (and everyone does), accountability is what makes it possible for you to be restored - - (5:5)
I'm also really glad that Paul clarified that we still need to hang out with those not claiming to be believers (5:10) no matter what their life style - - that goes right along with the example Jesus gave us!
Have a good Sunday everyone:)
I've always liked the story of Joseph because it also shows how God works in spite of our choices & the choices of others that affect our lives. No one can alter God's plans for us, His Word will not return void to Him (like we just read in Isaiah)
ReplyDeleteI like the fact that Joseph had already forgiven his brothers & he was giving them a second chance. A lot of encouragement for me in this story.
Interesting that Pharoah recognized Joseph's God & even gave him a name that exalted God.
"Every time she went to the sanctuary of God she could expect to be taunted. Hannah was reduced to tears and had no appetite."
ReplyDeleteThis would make it very hard for me to want to go to church. I realize this was once a year but still. It might even make me bitter toward God that He allowed this, but Hannah turned to Him more, she leaned into Him. She must have known His heart. She persevered & was blessed. And when she was blessed, she didn't rub it in Penninah's face, she praised God from an open, freed & grateful heart.
I like 2:8 "He puts poor people on their feet again; He rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope". With God there is always hope, Hannah had this & as I lean into God in hard times, I get this as well.
Samuel -- Hannah must have been an incredible woman. She took her sorrow to the Lord -- but, when her heart's desire was fulfilled, she didn't just throw it off as coincidence - - she acted. Giving her son to God - that took guts. and . . . on top of that her prayer was "My heart rejoices in the Lord! He has made me strong!" no "poor me, I have to follow through on this commitment I made" I want to have the trusting/generous heart of Hanna.
ReplyDeleteOn the flip side of that, we have Eli (2:29) Why do you give your sons more honor than you give me?" So Eli put his sons first, Hannah put God first.
I love the picture of Samuel serving in the temple -- running to meet Eli's needs. 3:19 - - As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said proved reliable. A man of integrity and honor - - that's part of the abundant life God wants for each of us:)
OK - sorry I missed yesterday, but I have a few things to say back on Joseph:
I LOVE how Joseph gives God the glory when he could have taken the honor and power for himself -- both the dreams in the prison and when he was called to Pharaoh himself - - he directed the power to God. I think that's how Pharaoh knew he could trust Joseph; he finally found a man that didn't suck up to him!
I also found it interesting that Judah would ask his dad to trust him (43:8,9) "I personally guarantee his safety. YOu may hold me responsible . . . OK Judah, really? You're the guy that suggested selling Joseph in the first place, and then there was that whole episode with Tamer! Your personal guarentee wouldn't mean much to me . . but then again, I think all of Joseph's brothers had gone through a change as they thought about what they'd done. so . . . maybe I'm being a bit hard on poor Judah!!!
I like the contrast David paints of being a basket case in 30:1 ("...I yelled for help and you put me together. God, you pulled me out of the grave...") & v. 11 the result of God's help ("You did it: you changed wild lament into whirling dance; You ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with wildflowers.")
ReplyDeleteLinda, 31 reminded me of Job a bit. And vs 14-16 remind me of the surrender I need to make daily & how He always blesses me when I surrender because He loves me. "Desperate, I throw myself on You: You are my God! Hour by hour I place my days in your hand, safe from the hands out to get me. Warm me, your servant, with a smile; save me because you love me."
I've always like the illustration David uses in 32:8,9 about listening to instruction instead of having to be like an animal, with no discernment, that has to be bridled in order to listen & be trained/taught. I can definitely be stubborn like a mule at times!
Wow Chris - you're right! I went back and read 31, and sounds like it could be written by Job. Who wrote first, David or Job? Did Job have David's Psalms to read - - I wish I knew; I just googled it. Psalms was written 1000 BC, but no knows when Job was written - - so I guess I won't know here on earth:)
ReplyDeleteI loved David's contrast both in 30:3 and 30:11-12. He turns our weeping to joy and our morning into dancing!! What a promise to take with you daily as you travel through this world - - everyone of us is touched by the effects of sin.
I also liked 31:19-20. How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You LAVISH it on those who come to you (like thick hand cream; or, if you're more into eating - - thick whip cream!!) and I like the picture of hiding in the Lord's presence for protection from those that conspire against us or accuse us - - a very comforting thought.
and I liked (along with you Chris) the promise in 32:8 I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Now - - if I'll just listen instead of trying to carve out and maniputlate life myself!!
"It's not you I'm complaining to—it's God." Job starts this out pointing his "friends" to God & trying to get them to see he's not whining, he's pleading his case to the only one who can truly help him. They just don't have the same relationship with God though & it's obvious by their comments. Theirs is a works oriented one. Do good & get blessed, do bad, get cursed. This is all for their benefit & their clueless!
ReplyDeleteI'm also wondering if Eliphaz has always been jealous of Job's wealth because of his comments down in c 22. "Clean house of everything evil. Relax your grip on your money and abandon your gold-plated luxury. God Almighty will be your treasure, more wealth than you can imagine."
Just a thought that popped into my mind. He's always been envious of how Job was blessed & now he's pouring it on. To me there seems to be something underlying his comments. Can't believe these are his "friends" treating him this way.
Hey Chris -- I picked up on that too (about Eliphaz and the jealousy part) not good friends to have - almost like they were gloating. And also, I think the part that irked God was Eliphaz's comment that:
ReplyDelete22:19 the righteous will be happy to see the wicked destroyed, and the innocent will laugh in contempt. I don't think Eliphaz was a man after God's own heart. Not only does he make God and the righteous appear compasionless; but he's compassionless--attributing to God the very attitudes he has.
Job's thoughts on the wicked prospering made me think that, of course, Satan would shield them - - after all, they are promoting his ways.
The world isn't a fair place - - but God has the final say, and He won't leave us here forever:) Glorious Day (Casting Crowns!!)
I like God's tender care of the "outsiders" (non Jews, so that's me) & the physically mutilated. He wants them to belong, to belong to Him & as we surrender to Him, He accepts us as His & blesses us, makes us feel wanted.
ReplyDeleteI've gotten a lot of comfort from 57:1 & 2 after losing friends who were good people. God knows our hearts & knows when it's best for us to rest & not face what's coming. Incredible mercy!
Good smack upside the head in 58 to not just put on the good religious "show" but to be Christ's children in action. Which can only come from a real relationship with Him, real surrender to Him, real love for Him & His other children. A transformation in my heart that only He can do. I know I've changed from the person I was before I gave my heart to Him but I see so much growth needed when I look at Jesus & His example. I'm so glad I'm not having to do it by myself!
60:22 - "I am God. At the right time I'll make it happen." Just a reminder for me & ALL my impatience. Going back to that TRUST word! :)
Hee hee Chris! Every morning I go through these texts with a high lighter -- and you comment on everything I highlight! I love hearing your take on it - and it inspires me too.
ReplyDeleteI love the way this morning started: Be just and good to all -- seems to be a theme with God (do justly, love mercy, walk humbly)
I wonder if the Jews ever read 56:7 my Temple will be called a house of prayer for ALL nations! And really good for me to remember that it's not a one church or denomination that has claim on God -- you can't box Him in like that; He's for everybody!!
Yeah Chris -- I'd never noticed 57: 1 & 2 before! I got really excited reading that -- really good for the Why's that we all face in tragedy. Rest in His plan of peace of us - - whatever form that might take.
58 -- where the rubber meets the road. Love the kind of fasting God wants in verse 6 & 7 - - it's just so easy to get wrapped up in my needs; keep looking out, keep looking up. Christian love is a verb!
I felt like 60:18-22 was a description of Heaven - - can hardly waith until the violence will disappear -- and Chris -- big time highlight on a the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen (reminded me of Pastor Mike's sermon awhile back)
Chapter 61 - - I tried to imagine what this would sound like with Christ reading it out of the scrolls back in his hometown - - what would my reaction have been? Would I have heard Him?
That's funny Linda, I guess if we swapped it'd be the other way around then!:D
ReplyDeleteMark is my "immediately" gospel. In the NKJ anyway, whatever word he used, it was translated "immediately" ALOT! In The Message there's more variety which makes more sense to me.
Interesting how people flocked to hear John preach about forgiveness. True repentance & forgiveness brings peace & healing to the heart. I believe the people were tired of the "list" of religious things to do for God. Their hearts were empty & hungry for something that would give them more, that would truly be life-changing as John said. "The real action comes next: The star in this drama, to whom I'm a mere stagehand, will change your life. I'm baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. His baptism—a holy baptism by the Holy Spirit—will change you from the inside out." This is what I need, not a checklist, a inside out change.
Peter, Andrew, James & John must have had some kind of knowledge of Jesus' teaching, some kind of other observation, to just leave their source of income without hesitation. Maybe they also saw what the people did when he was teaching in the church. "They were surprised at his teaching—so forthright, so confident—not quibbling and quoting like the religion scholars." 1:22. Arguing about points of the Bible is so counter productive. It's not our job to convince people, Jesus simply spoke the truth & let people draw their own conclusions. He knew His job & the Holy Spirit's role & He didn't micromanage.
I can only imagine what Jesus' touch of love felt like to that leper who hadn't been touched like that in who knows how long. Human touch, in love anyway, is very healing in & of itself. "Deeply moved, Jesus put out his hand, touched him, and said, 'I want to. Be clean.'" 1:41
Hey all you bloggers (or Chris if you're the only one reading this!!) I accidentally erased my last entry - - so I'll just say ditto to what Chris wrote and move on!!
ReplyDelete