Lots of marriage advice in verse 7 - - some good thoughts on the benfits of being single, being married, being monogamous, and when it's ok to remarry.
Paul was very concerned about the shortness of time -- and that was 2,000 years ago. Or - maybe when he's talking about the "time remains short"(7:29); he's referring to each individual's life, especially in view of the persecution of the day.
Verse 30 sure fit with Pastor Mike's recent sermon series:) Really good advice to keep in front of us.
I'm grateful for Paul's view on what we eat and don't eat -- and that God is not concerned as much about our food intake, as He is about our love intake and output:)
I too noticed his repetition on how short time is, but I like your take that it might have been in view of the persecution then, hadn't thought of that. The last part of C8 Paul tells us to be aware of our example to others & not let our freedom in Christ be something that trips up someone new in the faith. If it's gonna cause someone weaker or maybe a better word is a baby Christian to doubt or cross their conscience then I shouldn't do it. The only way I'm gonna know that though is if I make sure I'm connected to Jesus & asking Him to lead in my decisions not the other way around. There's no "if it feels good, do it" in this kind of relationship. It's looking out for each other & caring about them as well as myself.
I have always marveled at how Joseph treated his brothers. It showed he had truly forgiven them & healed from his past. If he hadn't forgiven them, he would never have healed & he would have been a bitter man & I doubt God would have blessed him as He did or put him in the position of power that He did. There were a lot of years in between being sold as a slave & becoming master of all Egypt. Healing takes time.
Also seeing the changes in his borther's hearts is a reminder for me to allow for God's working in their lives as well. People can change & I need to not judge them by how they've treated me in the past. That is so hard for me to do when the hurt has been so deep. But if God can change me, He can change them as well. I have to TRUST Him in this area & see things through His eyes.
Really good thoughts, Chris. People can change. I tend to live in the moment and think "this is how it will always be" not giving God room to work on me and on others.
Joseph's question in 44:4 was more about the past than the present I think "Why have you repaid my kindness with such evil?"
I like seeing the change in the brothers: vs 10 is clearly their out: The rest of you may go free -- but they didn't bite: Then they loaded their donkeys again and returned to the city (Yeah!) My Lord (16) we've all returned to be your slaves - all of us. Now, here's something -- what about their famiies at home? Who was going to take care of their aging father? their wives? WE know that Joseph was going to let them go free -- but they didn't.
But here's the best part -- seeing the huge change in Judah -- the guy that suggested selling Joseph, and the guy that took advantage (in more ways than one) of Tamar. He must have been the recognized leader of the family pack - - anyway - - he's the one that steps forward and confesses everything - - confession takes courage and humility - - so now, Judah, who was once condemned by me, has become a hero. Yeah Chris, people can change. And isn't it interesting that the humble ones are the heros, not the tough guys? His final plea (maybe he's thinking about the needs of the family back home) Please, let me stayhere as a slave instead of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers.)
Love Joseph's motherly advice "Don't quarrel about all this along the way" Hee hee!
Amazing to me that out off all the family, there's only 2 daughters! Glad they were mentioned!
I like the picture of Joseph and Jacob hugging for a long time. I just soak in that -- and to me, it's a picture of our separation from God. Someday, we'll be reunited. Do you think Jesus will hold on to us, hug us - - like the father/son picture of Jacob and Joseph? I've never pictured that - -
I like the boldness of Jacob blessing Pharaoh. With age comes a lack of feeling impressed by worldly importance, and a realization that man is mortal, God is immortal. Man is dust, God is eternal. I'm not sure if this blessing business was typical, expected, cultural -- or just Jacob thanking Pharaoh - - or Jacob praying for Pharaoh, I wish I could have seen it.
My sister and I have spoken in about 7 yrs. After sitting in Cesar Romano's class, I was convicted to break the silence and messaged her on facebook. I heard back from her today. She says HER mother wouldn't like that her daughters aren't speaking. Now that's head games----just like Joseph is doing with his long lost brothers.
Sher, it's true that we human's are big into head games - - but God is not. He just asks us to be open to His leading (which you were), and reach out (which you did). Now the ball is in His court to cover the situation.
But -- as in the story of Joseph, it may take a long time to reach God's answer to the story! Keep lookin up:)
Hey Sherrie, That's cool that you even heard back from your sister! It always has to start somewhere! And no, I don't see head games that Joseph's playing. I used to though. Now I realize that forgiveness doesn't equal trust. It would be foolish for me to trust some of the people who have hurt me but I have forgiven them with all my heart. Trust has to be won back once it's broken, it has to be tested & that was what Joseph was doing. He realized he had changed, he was giving them a chance to prove they had too. It would have been head games if he had lorded it over them once they had proved they had changed, but his response to them, pointing them to God, realizing that God was in charge of his future, not them, that was what changed my mind about him playing games with them. It was a reconciliatory statement, not an accusation.
Hmmm, so the Philistine "heathen" were more respectful of the Ark then the Israelites. Interesting. AND, the Philistines were fully aware of Israel's history & how God had worked for them...but Israel forgot & forgot & forgot again. Man, I am so like them. I constantly have to be reminded of how God has worked for me in the past. Why is that? I wonder if it's not because the "heathen" realize their need of God but just don't know how to go about accepting Him & since I think I "have" Him, I take Him for granted. Lord forgive me!
I also liked the power of choice shown (well the first half of it anyway) in God's dealing with Saul. So much God promised him; changed his heart even. BUT since we know the end of the story, it reminds me that God doesn't force our will. He makes every provision to help us when we need it but if we choose not to continue to follow Him, He lets us go. He doesn't force us or throw in our face all He has done for us. Just like Israel rejecting Him & wanting a kind. He reminds them of how He's worked for them, delivered & protected them but He let them have a king anyway. Makes me sad though. Sometimes I wish He would just make the decision for me, but in the long run I know I wouldn't learn as much.
I battle that "taking Him for granted" all the time, Chris -- that's why I really enjoyed your "thought for the day" that you sent me.
I didn't realize that Samuel wasn't always Israel's prophet.
Loved how God promised to change Saul (10:6 - - and then God gave him the new heart. I really really want a new heart - - this one is too attracted to stuff:(
I think part of the new heart and the changing was Saul being able to ignore the scoundrals who complained and scorned him (that's a weakness in this old heart too!)
There are a few similarities to Samuel's discription of a king - - - and government:):)
Ps 33:18-22 "God's eye is on those who respect him, the ones who are looking for his love. He's ready to come to their rescue in bad times...We're depending on God; he's everything we need. What's more, our hearts brim with joy since we've taken for our own his holy name. Love us, God, with all you've got—that's what we're depending on." I want to be one who is constantly looking for God's love in my life. I don't mean the warm fuzzies of life though. I'm realizing that God's love for me includes little things that make me smile & feel like He's hugging me & also times that force me to trust Him or even other people He brings into my life so that I realize I can't do things alone all the time. If I didn't have times that were hard & pushed me to my physical, mental & spiritual limits then I would never grow. Since He loves me, He gives me opportunities to grow, to become complete in Him, because He truly is everything I need. It's not always easy, but His peace, His comfort, can be in me all the time. Makes me think of Joseph & Job. Just because I am a Christian doesn't mean I have a cake walk in life but I'm learning I can always depend on His Love for me.
I liked the picture in 34:4 of God meeting me more than halfway (Message). Made me think of that song "when God ran", the story of the prodigal son. The counsel in 34:5 of "never hide your feelings from Him". v.9 Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness." True worship, I'm still learning what this means, but when we give all, we realize God HAS given us all, we just didn't have the right heart to see & appreciate it. The more I let go, the more treasures I find.
Finally, how about this contrast: v12 "Who out there has a lust for life? Can't wait each day to come upon beauty? vs. v21 "The wicked commit slow suicide; they waste their lives hating the good. Do I embrace the sun when it shines in my eyes or do I grumble & pull down the visor in the car? Do I scowl & sulk as I feel the rain drops slip down my back or do I pull my hood up & look at the trees & soft (sometimes mushy) carpet of green around me that drinks in the water & makes it so beautiful here. What's my perspective?
Hey! Make sure you copy what you've written BEFORE you try to post as this blog is acting up & clears it out sometimes, whether you sign in before you post or after. Personally, I think satan just doesn't want us to encourage each other with what we've learned. So copy it all & then if it deletes it, you can just paste it in.
Chris! Your blog today really spoke to me! Both the thoughts on God’s love including both hugs, but also that trust-busting stretching - - good reminder. And your ending thoughts – really really good for me. It’s all about perspective. I WANT to have a lust for life and I WANT to be in a frame of mind where I can’t wait for each day. But your added thoughts really is where the rubber meets the road - - hee hee! I loved your illustrations about the car visor and the rain - - thanks Chris! I love the Bible’s constant reminder of God as the Creator, of His power, I wish I could have seen Him create - - “Let the whole world respect the Lord and let everyone stand in awe of Him” (who wouldn’t be amazed and awed at that power; besides humans - - we’re the ones that ignore & push Him aside as unimportant) 34:5 says in NLT: Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy – great word, that radiant. And they are radiant-looking in their troubles! Also - - you know as kids, we were always taught about our guardian angels? Just twisting the words around makes SO much more sense to me - - 34:7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. I love that word picture of a guard surrounding me and defending me. And 34:18 - - the Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. What a meaningful promise. Brokenhearted, crushed Spirit – and a God (who, by the way, is the CEO of the universe) takes time to be near that very person. Ephesians had it right: how broad, long, high, deep is God’s love. Bring on the SUNSHINE today – no car visors for me!!!
Thanks for the heads up on the blog problem Chris -- I've started typing stuff out on Word first, then copying from the get-go! Always good to be flexi!
Yeah Linda, I would have LOVED to see creation! Can't wait to see Him redo the world when we get to heaven! And that is a great promise about the crushed/brokenhearted. I was thinking about His tender, individual care for each one of us like there was no other one in the universe. Such incredible LOVE!
I have really been encouraged by Job continually putting everything back on God. It shows his heart is void of any self pious boasting. He realizes he is human & God is All Powerful. Job can't change what God has ordered & his submits to whatever God wants to do with him. But Job always knows he has consistently honored God & given Him everything, held nothing back. This is why he can say in 23:10 "But he knows where I am and what I've done. He can cross-examine me all he wants, and I'll pass the test with honors". Or the traditional way "...when He has tried me, I will come forth as gold".
In v12 Job says - "I've obeyed every word He's spoken, and not just obeyed His advice—I've treasured it". Job didn't just put in the time, he let reveled in the revelation of God to him. He longed for time with God, loved everything he saw of God & gave Him his whole heart. I want to treasure God like this too, not just the lip service or when others are looking.
And though Job doesn't understand what's going on, he knows enough of God to still believe that in the end those that trust in God, cry out to Him, will overcome. Those that turn away from God will die; empty, broken, alone & soon forgotten.
So yes, the patience of Job with his friends is impressing me BUT his perseverance with God shows me that he knew His character, he'd spent quality time with Him. He was like Jacob after him "...I won't let You go unless You bless me". They both knew the One they were struggling with & that He was their only Hope. He's my only Hope too. I want to know You more!
YES! here's my vs 12 -- I havae treasured his words more than daily food (and I LOVE food) - - I want to treasure His words that way. I too loved Jobs honest evaluation of his life - - he wasn't afraid to have God test him. He knew his love for God, and his life, but He also knew his God/Father/Friend/Judge that loved him.
It must have been really confusing to Job - - God and him had a tight relationship - - he really had to depend on what he knew to make it through this confusing time when God was silent.
O! and also -- Job realized that the all powerful God could do whatever He wanted - - He controls my destiny, and that was terrifying to God - -
Abandon yourself to the challenges I have chosen for you. Then you will find your days increasingly devoted to sacred adventures shared with Me -- Your King!"
Hmmmm -- some of the challenges might be really scary - terrifying; yet Job was devoted to go through with it and keep trusting the King.
At a time when I was desperately needing to know God's love for me, to know if I made Him happy; He gave me Isaiah 62 & had me put my name in there instead of Zion or Jerusalem. I found He delighted in me, He sought after me, fought for Me & I made Him happy. I will never forget that revelation. I actually made my Father happy! Incredible!
The other chapters, showing how much God loved His people, fighting for them, chastising them, saving them time & again. It so talks to me of today in Christianity. We chase after things that people make up about God & don't seek the real, the only true God. Especially if we don't like what we have to change about ourselves or our views of God. We just want to be able to please ourselves & see God as "love". But true Love disciplines & it hurts at times, but it's for true reconciliation.
We are the clay, not the Potter, all our good deeds are grease-stained rags, good for nothing. We need a Savior! Seems like this was Isaiah's summary in these final chapters. Rehearsing God's dealings with His people & pointing them to the future - heaven!
64:4 "No ear heard, no eye seen, a God like you who works for those who wait for him." Please help me WAIT for You!
66:2 "But there is something I'm looking for: a person simple and plain, reverently responsive to what I say." This is why I want God to create a new heart in me; so I can be reverently responsive to His Word.
I went back and put my name in there:) Beautiful idea:)
vs 6 -- I love that fact that the watchmen on your walls are praying continually; I think that's could be called our friends who lift us up in prayer.
I love 63:9's picture of In all their suffering He also suffered . . . He lifted them up and carried them through all the years. Man, what a precious word picture. Helps when you see such disaster going on -- both private disaster, and global disaster.
65 also talks about how much God wants to be involved in our lives: I was ready to respond, but no one asked for help. I was ready to be found, but no one was looing for me . . . all day long I opened my arms up . . .
Lord, why am I so dense, so stupid to turn my back on your love poured out on me?
I love the ending of HOPE! Thank you Isaiah, for pointing us to what we are missing when we turn our backs on our loving God -- he has SO much to give us!!
Interesting that we are discussing spiritual warfare in the Captivating book & then reading about Jesus making sure His disciples had authority over demons as well. He realized the true nature of the battle. We're pretty passive about it these days. It's like we think we're too modern to "worry" about it. Surely it's more civilized in today's world! But it's not, it's real & we need to be awake, aware of our enemy. And willing to fight him. He's already beaten!
Linda, I think in C3 we learn a bit more about what we were talking about last week. Why didn't Jesus permit the demons to say who He was. He didn't want to be thrown in with them if He let them identify Him but the religious leaders lumped Him in with satan anyway by using twisted "logic". I like how Jesus uses common sense (not high fluting theology) to combat it. "Does it make sense to send a devil to catch a devil, to use Satan to get rid of Satan? A constantly squabbling family disintegrates. If Satan were fighting Satan, there soon wouldn't be any Satan left." v23-27
Love this advice in 4:24,25 "Listen carefully to what I am saying—and be wary of the shrewd advice that tells you how to get ahead in the world on your own. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes." I want to be the giving, unselfish person. Please help me Lord! I always have more fun than getting anyway, why does my fist seem more closed than open! What stubbornness!
Jesus, who made the Sabbath for man's refreshment, must have been pretty pained that the Pharisees were plotting and planning to accuse him on the Sabbath - - (sigh) we really mess up the gifts He sends our way in our human plotting and planning. He is LORD and worthy of MORE than a whole day of worship:) No wonder he was angry and sad.
And how wearing: your family says you're out of your mind, the regligious know-it-alls say your possessed by Satan - - emotional games, emotional marathon. He experienced every temptation we've experienced - and more.
I've felt that way -- about my real family is the people around me that I can share my God-life with -- they are the ones I can really talk to and connect with (3:34)
Yeah Chris -- I got that too -- love Jesus clear teaching on that.
Here's my 4:24 The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given - - and you will receive even more (what a promise -- now, here's the deal: I need to be quiet and listen!!
Lots of marriage advice in verse 7 - - some good thoughts on the benfits of being single, being married, being monogamous, and when it's ok to remarry.
ReplyDeletePaul was very concerned about the shortness of time -- and that was 2,000 years ago. Or - maybe when he's talking about the "time remains short"(7:29); he's referring to each individual's life, especially in view of the persecution of the day.
Verse 30 sure fit with Pastor Mike's recent sermon series:) Really good advice to keep in front of us.
I'm grateful for Paul's view on what we eat and don't eat -- and that God is not concerned as much about our food intake, as He is about our love intake and output:)
I too noticed his repetition on how short time is, but I like your take that it might have been in view of the persecution then, hadn't thought of that.
ReplyDeleteThe last part of C8 Paul tells us to be aware of our example to others & not let our freedom in Christ be something that trips up someone new in the faith. If it's gonna cause someone weaker or maybe a better word is a baby Christian to doubt or cross their conscience then I shouldn't do it. The only way I'm gonna know that though is if I make sure I'm connected to Jesus & asking Him to lead in my decisions not the other way around. There's no "if it feels good, do it" in this kind of relationship. It's looking out for each other & caring about them as well as myself.
I have always marveled at how Joseph treated his brothers. It showed he had truly forgiven them & healed from his past. If he hadn't forgiven them, he would never have healed & he would have been a bitter man & I doubt God would have blessed him as He did or put him in the position of power that He did. There were a lot of years in between being sold as a slave & becoming master of all Egypt. Healing takes time.
ReplyDeleteAlso seeing the changes in his borther's hearts is a reminder for me to allow for God's working in their lives as well. People can change & I need to not judge them by how they've treated me in the past. That is so hard for me to do when the hurt has been so deep. But if God can change me, He can change them as well. I have to TRUST Him in this area & see things through His eyes.
Aw Chris----Looks to me like he was toying with them and playing head games with them...
ReplyDeleteReally good thoughts, Chris. People can change. I tend to live in the moment and think "this is how it will always be" not giving God room to work on me and on others.
ReplyDeleteJoseph's question in 44:4 was more about the past than the present I think "Why have you repaid my kindness with such evil?"
I like seeing the change in the brothers: vs 10 is clearly their out: The rest of you may go free -- but they didn't bite: Then they loaded their donkeys again and returned to the city (Yeah!) My Lord (16) we've all returned to be your slaves - all of us. Now, here's something -- what about their famiies at home? Who was going to take care of their aging father? their wives? WE know that Joseph was going to let them go free -- but they didn't.
But here's the best part -- seeing the huge change in Judah -- the guy that suggested selling Joseph, and the guy that took advantage (in more ways than one) of Tamar. He must have been the recognized leader of the family pack - - anyway - - he's the one that steps forward and confesses everything - - confession takes courage and humility - - so now, Judah, who was once condemned by me, has become a hero. Yeah Chris, people can change. And isn't it interesting that the humble ones are the heros, not the tough guys? His final plea (maybe he's thinking about the needs of the family back home) Please, let me stayhere as a slave instead of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers.)
Love Joseph's motherly advice "Don't quarrel about all this along the way" Hee hee!
Amazing to me that out off all the family, there's only 2 daughters! Glad they were mentioned!
I like the picture of Joseph and Jacob hugging for a long time. I just soak in that -- and to me, it's a picture of our separation from God. Someday, we'll be reunited. Do you think Jesus will hold on to us, hug us - - like the father/son picture of Jacob and Joseph? I've never pictured that - -
I like the boldness of Jacob blessing Pharaoh. With age comes a lack of feeling impressed by worldly importance, and a realization that man is mortal, God is immortal. Man is dust, God is eternal. I'm not sure if this blessing business was typical, expected, cultural -- or just Jacob thanking Pharaoh - - or Jacob praying for Pharaoh, I wish I could have seen it.
My sister and I have spoken in about 7 yrs. After sitting in Cesar Romano's class, I was convicted to break the silence and messaged her on facebook. I heard back from her today. She says HER mother wouldn't like that her daughters aren't speaking. Now that's head games----just like Joseph is doing with his long lost brothers.
ReplyDeleteSher, it's true that we human's are big into head games - - but God is not. He just asks us to be open to His leading (which you were), and reach out (which you did). Now the ball is in His court to cover the situation.
ReplyDeleteBut -- as in the story of Joseph, it may take a long time to reach God's answer to the story! Keep lookin up:)
Hey Sherrie, That's cool that you even heard back from your sister! It always has to start somewhere! And no, I don't see head games that Joseph's playing. I used to though. Now I realize that forgiveness doesn't equal trust. It would be foolish for me to trust some of the people who have hurt me but I have forgiven them with all my heart. Trust has to be won back once it's broken, it has to be tested & that was what Joseph was doing. He realized he had changed, he was giving them a chance to prove they had too. It would have been head games if he had lorded it over them once they had proved they had changed, but his response to them, pointing them to God, realizing that God was in charge of his future, not them, that was what changed my mind about him playing games with them. It was a reconciliatory statement, not an accusation.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I really like that picture you gave of Jesus hugging us for a long time! Really looking forward to that!
ReplyDeleteHmmm, so the Philistine "heathen" were more respectful of the Ark then the Israelites. Interesting. AND, the Philistines were fully aware of Israel's history & how God had worked for them...but Israel forgot & forgot & forgot again. Man, I am so like them. I constantly have to be reminded of how God has worked for me in the past. Why is that? I wonder if it's not because the "heathen" realize their need of God but just don't know how to go about accepting Him & since I think I "have" Him, I take Him for granted. Lord forgive me!
ReplyDeleteI also liked the power of choice shown (well the first half of it anyway) in God's dealing with Saul. So much God promised him; changed his heart even. BUT since we know the end of the story, it reminds me that God doesn't force our will. He makes every provision to help us when we need it but if we choose not to continue to follow Him, He lets us go. He doesn't force us or throw in our face all He has done for us. Just like Israel rejecting Him & wanting a kind. He reminds them of how He's worked for them, delivered & protected them but He let them have a king anyway. Makes me sad though. Sometimes I wish He would just make the decision for me, but in the long run I know I wouldn't learn as much.
I battle that "taking Him for granted" all the time, Chris -- that's why I really enjoyed your "thought for the day" that you sent me.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize that Samuel wasn't always Israel's prophet.
Loved how God promised to change Saul (10:6 - - and then God gave him the new heart. I really really want a new heart - - this one is too attracted to stuff:(
I think part of the new heart and the changing was Saul being able to ignore the scoundrals who complained and scorned him (that's a weakness in this old heart too!)
There are a few similarities to Samuel's discription of a king - - - and government:):)
Ps 33:18-22 "God's eye is on those who respect him, the ones who are looking for his love. He's ready to come to their rescue in bad times...We're depending on God; he's everything we need. What's more, our hearts brim with joy
ReplyDeletesince we've taken for our own his holy name. Love us, God, with all you've got—that's what we're depending on."
I want to be one who is constantly looking for God's love in my life. I don't mean the warm fuzzies of life though. I'm realizing that God's love for me includes little things that make me smile & feel like He's hugging me & also times that force me to trust Him or even other people He brings into my life so that I realize I can't do things alone all the time. If I didn't have times that were hard & pushed me to my physical, mental & spiritual limits then I would never grow. Since He loves me, He gives me opportunities to grow, to become complete in Him, because He truly is everything I need. It's not always easy, but His peace, His comfort, can be in me all the time. Makes me think of Joseph & Job. Just because I am a Christian doesn't mean I have a cake walk in life but I'm learning I can always depend on His Love for me.
I liked the picture in 34:4 of God meeting me more than halfway (Message). Made me think of that song "when God ran", the story of the prodigal son.
The counsel in 34:5 of "never hide your feelings from Him".
v.9 Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness." True worship, I'm still learning what this means, but when we give all, we realize God HAS given us all, we just didn't have the right heart to see & appreciate it. The more I let go, the more treasures I find.
Finally, how about this contrast:
v12 "Who out there has a lust for life?
Can't wait each day to come upon beauty?
vs.
v21 "The wicked commit slow suicide;
they waste their lives hating the good.
Do I embrace the sun when it shines in my eyes or do I grumble & pull down the visor in the car?
Do I scowl & sulk as I feel the rain drops slip down my back or do I pull my hood up & look at the trees & soft (sometimes mushy) carpet of green around me that drinks in the water & makes it so beautiful here.
What's my perspective?
Hey! Make sure you copy what you've written BEFORE you try to post as this blog is acting up & clears it out sometimes, whether you sign in before you post or after. Personally, I think satan just doesn't want us to encourage each other with what we've learned. So copy it all & then if it deletes it, you can just paste it in.
ReplyDeleteChris! Your blog today really spoke to me! Both the thoughts on God’s love including both hugs, but also that trust-busting stretching - - good reminder.
ReplyDeleteAnd your ending thoughts – really really good for me. It’s all about perspective. I WANT to have a lust for life and I WANT to be in a frame of mind where I can’t wait for each day. But your added thoughts really is where the rubber meets the road - - hee hee! I loved your illustrations about the car visor and the rain - - thanks Chris!
I love the Bible’s constant reminder of God as the Creator, of His power, I wish I could have seen Him create - - “Let the whole world respect the Lord and let everyone stand in awe of Him” (who wouldn’t be amazed and awed at that power; besides humans - - we’re the ones that ignore & push Him aside as unimportant)
34:5 says in NLT: Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy – great word, that radiant. And they are radiant-looking in their troubles!
Also - - you know as kids, we were always taught about our guardian angels? Just twisting the words around makes SO much more sense to me - - 34:7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. I love that word picture of a guard surrounding me and defending me.
And 34:18 - - the Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. What a meaningful promise. Brokenhearted, crushed Spirit – and a God (who, by the way, is the CEO of the universe) takes time to be near that very person.
Ephesians had it right: how broad, long, high, deep is God’s love. Bring on the SUNSHINE today – no car visors for me!!!
Thanks for the heads up on the blog problem Chris -- I've started typing stuff out on Word first, then copying from the get-go! Always good to be flexi!
Yeah Linda, I would have LOVED to see creation! Can't wait to see Him redo the world when we get to heaven!
ReplyDeleteAnd that is a great promise about the crushed/brokenhearted. I was thinking about His tender, individual care for each one of us like there was no other one in the universe. Such incredible LOVE!
I have really been encouraged by Job continually putting everything back on God. It shows his heart is void of any self pious boasting. He realizes he is human & God is All Powerful. Job can't change what God has ordered & his submits to whatever God wants to do with him. But Job always knows he has consistently honored God & given Him everything, held nothing back. This is why he can say in 23:10 "But he knows where I am and what I've done. He can cross-examine me all he wants, and I'll pass the test with honors". Or the traditional way "...when He has tried me, I will come forth as gold".
ReplyDeleteIn v12 Job says - "I've obeyed every word He's spoken, and not just obeyed His advice—I've treasured it". Job didn't just put in the time, he let reveled in the revelation of God to him. He longed for time with God, loved everything he saw of God & gave Him his whole heart. I want to treasure God like this too, not just the lip service or when others are looking.
And though Job doesn't understand what's going on, he knows enough of God to still believe that in the end those that trust in God, cry out to Him, will overcome. Those that turn away from God will die; empty, broken, alone & soon forgotten.
So yes, the patience of Job with his friends is impressing me BUT his perseverance with God shows me that he knew His character, he'd spent quality time with Him. He was like Jacob after him "...I won't let You go unless You bless me". They both knew the One they were struggling with & that He was their only Hope. He's my only Hope too. I want to know You more!
YES! here's my vs 12 -- I havae treasured his words more than daily food (and I LOVE food) - - I want to treasure His words that way. I too loved Jobs honest evaluation of his life - - he wasn't afraid to have God test him. He knew his love for God, and his life, but He also knew his God/Father/Friend/Judge that loved him.
ReplyDeleteIt must have been really confusing to Job - - God and him had a tight relationship - - he really had to depend on what he knew to make it through this confusing time when God was silent.
O! and also -- Job realized that the all powerful God could do whatever He wanted - - He controls my destiny, and that was terrifying to God - -
ReplyDeleteAbandon yourself to the challenges I have chosen for you. Then you will find your days increasingly devoted to sacred adventures shared with Me -- Your King!"
Hmmmm -- some of the challenges might be really scary - terrifying; yet Job was devoted to go through with it and keep trusting the King.
At a time when I was desperately needing to know God's love for me, to know if I made Him happy; He gave me Isaiah 62 & had me put my name in there instead of Zion or Jerusalem. I found He delighted in me, He sought after me, fought for Me & I made Him happy. I will never forget that revelation. I actually made my Father happy! Incredible!
ReplyDeleteThe other chapters, showing how much God loved His people, fighting for them, chastising them, saving them time & again. It so talks to me of today in Christianity. We chase after things that people make up about God & don't seek the real, the only true God. Especially if we don't like what we have to change about ourselves or our views of God. We just want to be able to please ourselves & see God as "love". But true Love disciplines & it hurts at times, but it's for true reconciliation.
We are the clay, not the Potter, all our good deeds are grease-stained rags, good for nothing. We need a Savior! Seems like this was Isaiah's summary in these final chapters. Rehearsing God's dealings with His people & pointing them to the future - heaven!
64:4 "No ear heard, no eye seen, a God like you
who works for those who wait for him." Please help me WAIT for You!
66:2 "But there is something I'm looking for: a person simple and plain, reverently responsive to what I say."
This is why I want God to create a new heart in me; so I can be reverently responsive to His Word.
I went back and put my name in there:) Beautiful idea:)
ReplyDeletevs 6 -- I love that fact that the watchmen on your walls are praying continually; I think that's could be called our friends who lift us up in prayer.
I love 63:9's picture of In all their suffering He also suffered . . . He lifted them up and carried them through all the years. Man, what a precious word picture. Helps when you see such disaster going on -- both private disaster, and global disaster.
65 also talks about how much God wants to be involved in our lives: I was ready to respond, but no one asked for help. I was ready to be found, but no one was looing for me . . . all day long I opened my arms up . . .
Lord, why am I so dense, so stupid to turn my back on your love poured out on me?
I love the ending of HOPE! Thank you Isaiah, for pointing us to what we are missing when we turn our backs on our loving God -- he has SO much to give us!!
Interesting that we are discussing spiritual warfare in the Captivating book & then reading about Jesus making sure His disciples had authority over demons as well. He realized the true nature of the battle. We're pretty passive about it these days. It's like we think we're too modern to "worry" about it. Surely it's more civilized in today's world! But it's not, it's real & we need to be awake, aware of our enemy. And willing to fight him. He's already beaten!
ReplyDeleteLinda, I think in C3 we learn a bit more about what we were talking about last week. Why didn't Jesus permit the demons to say who He was. He didn't want to be thrown in with them if He let them identify Him but the religious leaders lumped Him in with satan anyway by using twisted "logic". I like how Jesus uses common sense (not high fluting theology) to combat it. "Does it make sense to send a devil to catch a devil, to use Satan to get rid of Satan? A constantly squabbling family disintegrates. If Satan were fighting Satan, there soon wouldn't be any Satan left." v23-27
Love this advice in 4:24,25 "Listen carefully to what I am saying—and be wary of the shrewd advice that tells you how to get ahead in the world on your own. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes."
I want to be the giving, unselfish person. Please help me Lord! I always have more fun than getting anyway, why does my fist seem more closed than open! What stubbornness!
Jesus, who made the Sabbath for man's refreshment, must have been pretty pained that the Pharisees were plotting and planning to accuse him on the Sabbath - - (sigh) we really mess up the gifts He sends our way in our human plotting and planning. He is LORD and worthy of MORE than a whole day of worship:) No wonder he was angry and sad.
ReplyDeleteAnd how wearing: your family says you're out of your mind, the regligious know-it-alls say your possessed by Satan - - emotional games, emotional marathon. He experienced every temptation we've experienced - and more.
I've felt that way -- about my real family is the people around me that I can share my God-life with -- they are the ones I can really talk to and connect with (3:34)
Yeah Chris -- I got that too -- love Jesus clear teaching on that.
Here's my 4:24 The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given - - and you will receive even more (what a promise -- now, here's the deal: I need to be quiet and listen!!