Oh Oh---It's the LOVE chapter. I used to hate reading chapter 13 when I was married. Now that I'm single--I find that it doesn't bother me at all. LOL
Chapter 14 ---the tongues chapter--- I believe that there are 3 kinds of tongues--- 1)the kind where you use it at home while praying-- when I'm so overjoyed with the awesomeness of the Lord that I don't have the words to express my feelings, and when I'm praying for people or situations and I just don't know how to pray because I don't have enough information. And I use it if I get in a situation when I'm anxious or fearful and don't know why---it calms me. I pray in tongues over my dog Ryleigh when he has seizures and I think he's not going to come out of it and die. I pray over my children and grandchildren in tongues because parents are always the last to know what's going on with the kids. 2)---there is the kind of tongues that are spoken publicly in church when a message is given from the Lord that should always come with an interpretation. 3)---there are tongues when someone may be in a foreign country and doesn't know the language and can suddenly witness about salvation to another person in their own language without having learned it.
LOVE! So - that is the goal (14:1) and what a great goal, if everyone was living out the attributes of love; well -- it'd be heaven on earth, but it's not likely (starting with me), so change me God! Love is a gift, and the result of the Holy Spirit - - this is a gift worth longing for. I find it interesting that of all the gifts LOVE is the greatest -- it makes sense, but sometimes I FEEL like faith would be better. Since God's whole life and His ways are based on love, tho -- Love makes sense.
The gift of tongues - - this is a gift I don't understand. I believe it is a gift of the Spirit -- and it indicates here that not everyone receives this gift; since I don't speak in tongues - I don't understand how it all works (and it sounds like there was a lot of confusion about it in Paul's day as well) - - but I am grateful that God gives this gift to many, along with the gift of prophecy (which I don't have either) Lot's of people - lot's of gifts - one body! It's all good, when it's from God!
Yeah Sherrie -- I like that - - 3 different types. and it sounds like the way you are using or have witnessed tongues is very Biblical according to Chapter 14:)
I struggle so much to understand this word love. It feels like it rolls off my lips & drops right to the floor as a useless word because I don’t understand it. Paul says without it we can do incredible things but they mean nothing. Then the long list describing love & I see everything I don’t do. I feel like Paul is Romans 7:24. What a screwed up person I am, who’s gonna help me straighten this mess of person out? Of course the next verse is my Answer – Jesus. He’s got a lot of work to do!
I like Paul’s clarification on the use of tongues. I’ve been in the presence of those who started speaking in tongues & it did positively nothing to help those attending. There’s just the awkward silence while they finished so we could get back to the Bible. If there’s no one to interpret the language, keep it between you & God.
14:22-25? In The Message puts it simple enough. “So where does it get you, all this speaking in tongues no one understands? It doesn't help believers, and it only gives unbelievers something to gawk at. Plain truth-speaking, on the other hand, goes straight to the heart of believers and doesn't get in the way of unbelievers. If you come together as a congregation and some unbelieving outsiders walk in on you as you're all praying in tongues, unintelligible to each other and to them, won't they assume you've taken leave of your senses and get out of there as fast as they can? But if some unbelieving outsiders walk in on a service where people are speaking out God's truth, the plain words will bring them up against the truth and probe their hearts. Before you know it, they're going to be on their faces before God, recognizing that God is among you.”
We make it harder than it has to be sometimes, get too wrapped up in show. Heb 4:12 says it all about the Word. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” That’s from the NIV because I love where it says the Word is ALIVE, because He is!
Sherrie, that's a pretty good description of the tongues thing. When I've heard others speak it & it's not a foreign language, there's never been anyone to interpret so it's just meaningless babble & showy. I like the prayer language part, this is what The Message brought out as well & that makes more sense. And definitely the foreign language part. Have yet to see anyone interpret that wasn't in cohoots, so to speak, with the one spouting off in tongues. No pun intended there! LOL
Chris -- maybe you struggle to understand it (it being love) - - but I've seen it (it being love) flow out of your life! You touch more people with it (it being love) than you know:):)
I was struck by what happened in Ex 6:9. “But when Moses delivered this message to the Israelites, they didn't even hear him—they were that beaten down in spirit by the harsh slave conditions.” They were so beaten down in spirit – wow. I know I have been & I’ve met people who are so down that even the best encouragement given doesn’t register. It’s a scary, dark place & takes some serious intervention by God. The plagues were some real serious intervention!
I wonder why the magicians just tried to re-create the plague instead of trying to make it go away. Maybe they did & it’s just not recorded.
Oh & this grossed me out. Didn’t realize that Jochebed was Amram’s aunt – YUCK! Had to have been an arranged marriage! Again, sooooo glad I wasn’t alive back then!
Hah Chris -- I didn't pick up that Jocabed/Amram business; I always skim the who's who list.
I found God's tweaks interesting. First the magicians were allowed to imitate God's power - - maybe that brought it home to them that their power was limited. Notice their response in 8:19 "This is the finger of God"
Also interesting that the first batch of plauges were experienced by the Israelites - - and not the last set. Maybe so they would feel more gratitude to God - - realize again, that it was the finger of God and not a random act of nature.
God's ways are so much more far-reaching then our temporary fixes. If it'd been me, I would have blasted just the Egyptians (here, take some of your own medicine), not let those magicians even come close to imitating Godly power, and finally - I would have spared the beaten down people, giving them a break. It's a good reminder to trust God with my situation, even when it doesn't make sense to me. He has a bigger plan, I need to be patient.
Look at all the stuff God promises for his people in chpt 6: I will free you, I will redeem you, I will claim you, I will be your God, I will bring you into the lad, I will give you the land as your own posession. I think the whole story of Egypt is another one of God's illustrations for us in the last days. These promises are also for us as we look forward to heaven with Him!
I also found it interesting that God revealed himself more powerfully over time in the case of His name: He told Abraham & Issac that He was God Almighty (El-Shaddai) For the Israelites, that needed more reassurance - - He was Yahweh, the Lord. There must be more to this name thing than I understand, but I gotta believe there is significance here.
oh, good thought Linda on why God let the Israelites suffer thru the first few plagues as well. I've often wondered why. That name thing caught my eye as well. The Message says the last time "I am God-Present". That pretty impressive & encouraging. Makes me know that He's right here beside me, not just up in the sky somewhere. So He definitely knows my current situation. And I still whine? Sheesh!
Interesting that when David didn’t ask God for guidance (going to Ahimelech the priest) it turned out bad – they were killed. Same with the Nabal situation. If Abigail hadn’t of acted, that would have been more blood on David’s hand. The madness he had to fake with Achish too. And he tells Abigail in 25:32 or 33 “Bless you for keeping me from murder and taking charge of looking out for me.” These are all times when David’s trying to defend himself instead of letting God fight for him.
The times he does seek God’s counsel, it works out good; defending Keilah, leaving there & listening to Abigail. I really need to soak this in! I’m all about defending myself, haven’t had people defend me early in life & then if they’ve tried to later in my life, I haven’t let them. I don’t trust them to & I’ve transferred this to God. I don’t trust Him to either. I’m in the long process of learning to trust Him & let Him defend me. I have to admit, it’s a LOT less stressful when I do this. Don’t know why I stop at times. I’m pretty slow!
I noticed those very same things Chris - - about how David was put in tight spots because of his impatience and his "I can take care of this attitude" It really shows us a different side of David from what we usually remember.
I'm glad God doesn't give up on David; it shows us that He's willing to hang in there when we mess us and take matters into our own hands.
Sounds like he had quite a crew (men in trouble, dept, or discontent) I bet that was good training for his future kingship, trying to keep all of that group happy and organized!
David's men said "We're afraid" 23:3; that's a different picture of David's men - - David must have had a lot of charisma to turn inspire their trust. Later, it was his men that wanted him to cut down Saul - - finally, we see a David that didn't take things into his own hands (yeah David) - - his pre-cave days must have taught him a lot about trusting God's ways. I have a lot of pre-cave days, but I know I have a lot to learn and unlearn still. David says it all in 24:15.
Saul was totally paranoid - that's all I have to say about him. 23:21 At last someone is concerned about me! O brother, Saul - - you ARE the king - act like one!
Apparently everyone around knew David would be king one day. Saul knew it, Jonathan knew it (again -- high marks for Jonathan), Abigail knew it - - everyone knew it.
Speaking of Abigail - she must have been living a sad sad life with Nabal. He was mean, gready, a drunk. But - there didn't seem to be a "poor me" bone in her body (as opposed to Saul) and when she was asked if she'd marry the future king, her response was so cool "I'd be willing to become a slave, washing the feet of his servants!" I have to imagine that she was loved in Nabal's household, and that EVERYONE was cheering for her as she left the camp!
Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again - - my Savior and my God.
Sometimes, when we are crushed, discouraged, feeling hopeless and abused - - that's all that is left. Clinging to that hope -- and tentatively lifting a praise to Him. (sometimes that praise comes out of an empty heart - - but I believe He honors it with filling us back with hope - - maybe only a mustard seed hope, but the hope grows) Maybe those 2 go hand in hand: praise and hope.
“I want to drink God, deep draughts of God. I'm thirsty for God-alive” - Ps 42:1. The word pictures in The Message version of 42 are really speaking to me this morning. Just really good counsel too. I need to “fix my eyes on God” a LOT more than I do. Then I wouldn’t get so caught up in my circumstances. And it reminds me that He is my Defender, my Provider; it’s all a gift as 44:3 says.
Seems like 44 was written in a time of waiting. It’s that timing issue, when we’re claiming God’s promises, remembering His deliverance of times past, knowing He’s gonna come thru…but we think it should be now & it’s not happening. So we question things; & I think if we question ourselves, our motives, commitments & even God it’s ok. We need to examine everything openly & honestly. God says we’ll find Him when we seek Him with all of our heart, not just a half hearted attempt. Seems like only when I’m waiting on Him am I willing to search myself to see if I’m really being sincere in talking to Him & asking Him to help me. When I can’t think of how He’s come thru for me, I remember stories of how He came thru for others & then my mind unlocks & I remember all His wonders for me too. This must be part of the “fixing my eyes on God” & it always puts a smile on my face & I claim Him again as MY God.
43 & 44 reminded me of Job too & also Christians who are being persecuted for their beliefs even now & for the times that lie ahead.
Chris----I know this will get me in trouble with you, LOL but I Just wanted to add a sentence after I read your last statement: '43 & 44 reminded me of......Christians who are being persecuted for their beliefs even now & for the times that lie ahead.' I think that if someone is not being persecuted today for their beliefs that they're either not speaking out or they're too sheltered by hanging out only in church.
Now on to today's reading---(Living Bible)As the deer pants for water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for the living God. Many days I try to live moment by moment, second by second in the presence of the Lord all day long, being in Him, feeling His Spirit around me.
In chapter 44---You are my King and my God. Decree victories for your people. For it is only by your power and through your Name that we tread down our enemies. I do not trust my weapons. They could never save me. (Living Bible) For years as a businesswoman, I carried a weapon (a gun). Never went anywhere without it, (sometimes carried two) thinking that was my protection. Took me a long time to grow up in the Lord and realize that HE was my protection, (chapter 43:22) whenever I was facing death threats. I Bless your Holy Name O Lord!
The way these 2 chapters of Job are worded it makes me wonder if Job also believed a bit of the lie that if all is going well with you then you are right with God but if it’s bad, then you’re bad. It’s almost like this trial was purging that last bit out. Because even during this defense he’s telling about the good he did. He’s examined his life & his soul & knows that he’s not perfect but he’s done all God has asked him to do. That’s why he can say “when He has tried me I will come out like gold” which we read earlier.
29:4 “Oh, how I miss those golden years, when God's friendship graced my home.” Nice picture here. NIV says God’s intimate friendship. This, I believe, is what took Job through this time of suffering & pain in his life. He knew his Friend. How many times have we read Job saying something like, if He were here I’d present my case & I’d be vindicated. I want to know God like that so I can stop whining all the time. But I like how Job doesn’t put on a stoic front. Everything isn’t FINE. It’s messed up & he’s honest about it, but he’s been upholding God’s character all along. Great balance!
Here's a picture in Job, about how fickle people are: things going good -- there they are, cheering you on. Tough times - - and there they are, pointing fingers.
I know it's not always like that - - there's a lot of people that always believe the best - - on the other hand, there's a lot of people that enjoy seeing successful people go down, even when they have received good from that success.
Seems like 30:16 on, Job slips into "the lie" that Chris talked about. He assigns God as being responsible for his trouble - - today we'd say it as "an act of God" Interesting how media never says, "an act of Satan"
Yeah - I related to 29: 1-5!!! I long for the years gone by, when I was in my prime - loved God's friendship with my children around me!! Sure miss those kids and those exhausting, but wonderful years when they were zooming around!!
Poor Job had lost all of his kids in death - - can't even imagine the empty feeling that would leave.
Good point Chris, about knowing the Friend - - that is what gets us through each day, having Him beside us - - and I too love Job's gut-honesty.
Jer 12:2 “You are always on their lips (they talk as if they are old friends with You – Message), but far from their hearts” (NIV). Am I just saying the rights words or do my actions back up my talk? Jeremiah’s tired of seeing people get away with stuff when there’s so much hypocrisy in “God’s People”. He’s getting distracted by looking at people around him. I can so relate. I’ve always liked God’s response because it’s almost sarcastic, but definitely humorous. V 5 “So, Jeremiah, if you're worn out in this footrace with men, what makes you think you can race against horses? And if you can't keep your wits during times of calm, what's going to happen when troubles break loose like the Jordan in flood?” It’s even that way in the old King James. I struggle to deal with stuff now & it’s nothing compared to what’s coming. My spiritual stamina is pretty pathetic!
I like God’s warning in v7 to not trust people who “speak well of you”, but those are exactly who we tend to migrate towards.
Seems like the people are taking advantage of God’s character of love. Oh He has to forgive me, it’s His very nature, so I can do what I want. God is love so everybody ends up in heaven or so it seems from listening to people excuse their actions. The day of accountability has come & Judah/Israel don’t know how to re act. Sobering thoughts in these chapters. Good warnings, counsel to study to know truth for ourselves, not just sit in church pews & listen to preachers or tv preachers or friends. If I don’t search out the Bible for God myself, then He’s really just an acquaintance, not MY Friend. He’s just someone I know through so n so.
You know it’s bad when God says even if Moses & Samuel were praying for these people I wouldn’t listen. How many times has God told Jeremiah not to pray for them? Wow!
I like God’s encouragement to Jeremiah when he’s kinda whiney at the end of 15 v 19-21 in The Message. The end of 16 ends with hopeful words. I’m seeing that even when God punishes, He gives hope. Interesting. Maybe He’s giving insight into true discipline.
Spiritual euphoria is a great feeling! What a privilege to actually know you’re in the presence of Jesus. Peter, James & John definitely had that in Mark 9:2-7. Then sometimes we run with our feelings without thinking things thru as Peter did in v 5. For me v 8 puts it in proper perspective. If all this spiritual awakening or awareness leads me to see Jesus, Him only, then it’s right. I have truly been blessed. When it leads me to think more of a person or event, then I need to re-evaluate. Sometimes God does use people/events to draw us to Him, but we need to get past the mechanism used to see Jesus only. If we don’t, when these instruments fail us in some way, & they all do because they are human, our faith suffers.
It is so neat to see how the Father recognized His Son with the words in v7 "This is my Son, marked by my love. Listen to him." This helped Jesus know who He was & where He had come from (see John 13:1-3) at a very vital time.
Jesus dealing with the man, no actually telling me, in v23 “If? There are no 'ifs' among believers. Anything can happen.” I also say the same thing to God the father said, "Then I believe. Help me with my doubts!" And Jesus did & always does.
I see myself in the thick of the argument with the disciples over what place they’d rank in heaven. I can feel the sting of embarrassment of my pride as I read Jesus response to them to become mere servants. I bet more than one of them was thinking – “no one recognizes a servant, just the top dog! That’s so backwards? How will anyone ever notice me?” Maybe it’s just me, but I bet some were thinking that. I’m glad He was so patient with them – gives me hope.
I need to remember Jesus’ response to the disciples in 10:27 when they were asking who has any chance to be saved if the people who they thought were shoo-ins had it hard. "No chance at all if you think you can pull it off by yourself. Every chance in the world if you let God do it." Again, a good reminder for me to let God defend me & save me. I’m definitely not a shoo-in & I’m hopelessly lost on my own. I’m soooo thankful for a Savior!
Man -- this is RICH! 9:5-7 - - Peter is SO me. Ready to exclaim and act, but God simply wants us to Listen!! Listen to Him! Can you imagine how A-mazing it would be to see Jesus transformed, his clothes shining like the sun? Mark must have gotten the story from one of the 3 that went with Him. It would certainly be a moment to cling to as they headed through the Calvary scene - - and the words of God would be a huge source of encouragement too.
I love the response of the father in 9:24 (also me) I believe, but help me overcome my unbelief. I don't know how many times I've cried that prayer; and Jesus did (and does) help - - I bet that father's strength was solid after He watched God's power that day.
9:33 "Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else - - I love Jesus' recognition of the kids - love that he picks one up and sets them on His lap - - kids trust, their quick to believe - had to be refreshing to him. The world turns us sinacle (how do you spell that?)
I also liked 9:38-40. Even others that don't believe just as we do, or are not in our circle, are still in Jesus circle! Anyone who is not against us - - is for us! Such a picture of unity that He wants for us - - lot to think about here.
9:49 everyone WILL be tested with fire - - I think He might be indicating that those fires also keep you salty, I think this is really true -- I haven't experienced much persecution to this point - - so it will be a faith tester for me.
I love Jesus question in 10:17-18. Why do you call me good? ONly God is truly good. Really, what He's saying is: do you believe I'm God?
If you REALLY believe I'm God -- will you follow me - all the way? Lot to think about - -
Oh Oh---It's the LOVE chapter. I used to hate reading chapter 13 when I was married. Now that I'm single--I find that it doesn't bother me at all. LOL
ReplyDeleteChapter 14 ---the tongues chapter---
I believe that there are 3 kinds of tongues---
1)the kind where you use it at home while praying--
when I'm so overjoyed with the awesomeness of the Lord that I don't have the words to express my feelings, and when I'm praying for people or situations and I just don't know how to pray because I don't have enough information. And I use it if I get in a situation when I'm anxious or fearful and don't know why---it calms me.
I pray in tongues over my dog Ryleigh when he has seizures and I think he's not going to come out of it and die. I pray over my children and grandchildren in tongues because parents are always the last to know what's going on with the kids.
2)---there is the kind of tongues that are spoken publicly in church when a message is given from the Lord that should always come with an interpretation.
3)---there are tongues when someone may be in a foreign country and doesn't know the language and can suddenly witness about salvation to another person in their own language without having learned it.
I've witnessed all three.
LOVE! So - that is the goal (14:1) and what a great goal, if everyone was living out the attributes of love; well -- it'd be heaven on earth, but it's not likely (starting with me), so change me God! Love is a gift, and the result of the Holy Spirit - - this is a gift worth longing for. I find it interesting that of all the gifts LOVE is the greatest -- it makes sense, but sometimes I FEEL like faith would be better. Since God's whole life and His ways are based on love, tho -- Love makes sense.
ReplyDeleteThe gift of tongues - - this is a gift I don't understand. I believe it is a gift of the Spirit -- and it indicates here that not everyone receives this gift; since I don't speak in tongues - I don't understand how it all works (and it sounds like there was a lot of confusion about it in Paul's day as well) - - but I am grateful that God gives this gift to many, along with the gift of prophecy (which I don't have either) Lot's of people - lot's of gifts - one body! It's all good, when it's from God!
Yeah Sherrie -- I like that - - 3 different types. and it sounds like the way you are using or have witnessed tongues is very Biblical according to Chapter 14:)
ReplyDeleteI struggle so much to understand this word love. It feels like it rolls off my lips & drops right to the floor as a useless word because I don’t understand it. Paul says without it we can do incredible things but they mean nothing. Then the long list describing love & I see everything I don’t do. I feel like Paul is Romans 7:24. What a screwed up person I am, who’s gonna help me straighten this mess of person out? Of course the next verse is my Answer – Jesus. He’s got a lot of work to do!
ReplyDeleteI like Paul’s clarification on the use of tongues. I’ve been in the presence of those who started speaking in tongues & it did positively nothing to help those attending. There’s just the awkward silence while they finished so we could get back to the Bible. If there’s no one to interpret the language, keep it between you & God.
14:22-25? In The Message puts it simple enough. “So where does it get you, all this speaking in tongues no one understands? It doesn't help believers, and it only gives unbelievers something to gawk at. Plain truth-speaking, on the other hand, goes straight to the heart of believers and doesn't get in the way of unbelievers. If you come together as a congregation and some unbelieving outsiders walk in on you as you're all praying in tongues, unintelligible to each other and to them, won't they assume you've taken leave of your senses and get out of there as fast as they can? But if some unbelieving outsiders walk in on a service where people are speaking out God's truth, the plain words will bring them up against the truth and probe their hearts. Before you know it, they're going to be on their faces before God, recognizing that God is among you.”
We make it harder than it has to be sometimes, get too wrapped up in show. Heb 4:12 says it all about the Word. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” That’s from the NIV because I love where it says the Word is ALIVE, because He is!
Sherrie, that's a pretty good description of the tongues thing. When I've heard others speak it & it's not a foreign language, there's never been anyone to interpret so it's just meaningless babble & showy. I like the prayer language part, this is what The Message brought out as well & that makes more sense. And definitely the foreign language part. Have yet to see anyone interpret that wasn't in cohoots, so to speak, with the one spouting off in tongues. No pun intended there! LOL
ReplyDeleteChris -- maybe you struggle to understand it (it being love) - - but I've seen it (it being love) flow out of your life! You touch more people with it (it being love) than you know:):)
ReplyDeleteI was struck by what happened in Ex 6:9. “But when Moses delivered this message to the Israelites, they didn't even hear him—they were that beaten down in spirit by the harsh slave conditions.” They were so beaten down in spirit – wow. I know I have been & I’ve met people who are so down that even the best encouragement given doesn’t register. It’s a scary, dark place & takes some serious intervention by God. The plagues were some real serious intervention!
ReplyDeleteI wonder why the magicians just tried to re-create the plague instead of trying to make it go away. Maybe they did & it’s just not recorded.
Oh & this grossed me out. Didn’t realize that Jochebed was Amram’s aunt – YUCK! Had to have been an arranged marriage! Again, sooooo glad I wasn’t alive back then!
Hah Chris -- I didn't pick up that Jocabed/Amram business; I always skim the who's who list.
ReplyDeleteI found God's tweaks interesting. First the magicians were allowed to imitate God's power - - maybe that brought it home to them that their power was limited. Notice their response in 8:19 "This is the finger of God"
Also interesting that the first batch of plauges were experienced by the Israelites - - and not the last set. Maybe so they would feel more gratitude to God - - realize again, that it was the finger of God and not a random act of nature.
God's ways are so much more far-reaching then our temporary fixes. If it'd been me, I would have blasted just the Egyptians (here, take some of your own medicine), not let those magicians even come close to imitating Godly power, and finally - I would have spared the beaten down people, giving them a break. It's a good reminder to trust God with my situation, even when it doesn't make sense to me. He has a bigger plan, I need to be patient.
Look at all the stuff God promises for his people in chpt 6: I will free you, I will redeem you, I will claim you, I will be your God, I will bring you into the lad, I will give you the land as your own posession. I think the whole story of Egypt is another one of God's illustrations for us in the last days. These promises are also for us as we look forward to heaven with Him!
I also found it interesting that God revealed himself more powerfully over time in the case of His name: He told Abraham & Issac that He was God Almighty (El-Shaddai) For the Israelites, that needed more reassurance - - He was Yahweh, the Lord. There must be more to this name thing than I understand, but I gotta believe there is significance here.
oh, good thought Linda on why God let the Israelites suffer thru the first few plagues as well. I've often wondered why.
ReplyDeleteThat name thing caught my eye as well. The Message says the last time "I am God-Present". That pretty impressive & encouraging. Makes me know that He's right here beside me, not just up in the sky somewhere. So He definitely knows my current situation. And I still whine? Sheesh!
Interesting that when David didn’t ask God for guidance (going to Ahimelech the priest) it turned out bad – they were killed. Same with the Nabal situation. If Abigail hadn’t of acted, that would have been more blood on David’s hand. The madness he had to fake with Achish too. And he tells Abigail in 25:32 or 33 “Bless you for keeping me from murder and taking charge of looking out for me.” These are all times when David’s trying to defend himself instead of letting God fight for him.
ReplyDeleteThe times he does seek God’s counsel, it works out good; defending Keilah, leaving there & listening to Abigail.
I really need to soak this in! I’m all about defending myself, haven’t had people defend me early in life & then if they’ve tried to later in my life, I haven’t let them. I don’t trust them to & I’ve transferred this to God. I don’t trust Him to either. I’m in the long process of learning to trust Him & let Him defend me. I have to admit, it’s a LOT less stressful when I do this. Don’t know why I stop at times. I’m pretty slow!
I noticed those very same things Chris - - about how David was put in tight spots because of his impatience and his "I can take care of this attitude" It really shows us a different side of David from what we usually remember.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad God doesn't give up on David; it shows us that He's willing to hang in there when we mess us and take matters into our own hands.
Sounds like he had quite a crew (men in trouble, dept, or discontent) I bet that was good training for his future kingship, trying to keep all of that group happy and organized!
David's men said "We're afraid" 23:3; that's a different picture of David's men - - David must have had a lot of charisma to turn inspire their trust. Later, it was his men that wanted him to cut down Saul - - finally, we see a David that didn't take things into his own hands (yeah David) - - his pre-cave days must have taught him a lot about trusting God's ways. I have a lot of pre-cave days, but I know I have a lot to learn and unlearn still. David says it all in 24:15.
Saul was totally paranoid - that's all I have to say about him. 23:21 At last someone is concerned about me! O brother, Saul - - you ARE the king - act like one!
Apparently everyone around knew David would be king one day. Saul knew it, Jonathan knew it (again -- high marks for Jonathan), Abigail knew it - - everyone knew it.
Speaking of Abigail - she must have been living a sad sad life with Nabal. He was mean, gready, a drunk. But - there didn't seem to be a "poor me" bone in her body (as opposed to Saul) and when she was asked if she'd marry the future king, her response was so cool "I'd be willing to become a slave, washing the feet of his servants!" I have to imagine that she was loved in Nabal's household, and that EVERYONE was cheering for her as she left the camp!
3 Times David reminds himself:
ReplyDeleteWhy am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again - - my Savior and my God.
Sometimes, when we are crushed, discouraged, feeling hopeless and abused - - that's all that is left. Clinging to that hope -- and tentatively lifting a praise to Him. (sometimes that praise comes out of an empty heart - - but I believe He honors it with filling us back with hope - - maybe only a mustard seed hope, but the hope grows) Maybe those 2 go hand in hand: praise and hope.
“I want to drink God, deep draughts of God. I'm thirsty for God-alive” - Ps 42:1. The word pictures in The Message version of 42 are really speaking to me this morning. Just really good counsel too. I need to “fix my eyes on God” a LOT more than I do. Then I wouldn’t get so caught up in my circumstances. And it reminds me that He is my Defender, my Provider; it’s all a gift as 44:3 says.
ReplyDeleteSeems like 44 was written in a time of waiting. It’s that timing issue, when we’re claiming God’s promises, remembering His deliverance of times past, knowing He’s gonna come thru…but we think it should be now & it’s not happening. So we question things; & I think if we question ourselves, our motives, commitments & even God it’s ok. We need to examine everything openly & honestly. God says we’ll find Him when we seek Him with all of our heart, not just a half hearted attempt. Seems like only when I’m waiting on Him am I willing to search myself to see if I’m really being sincere in talking to Him & asking Him to help me.
When I can’t think of how He’s come thru for me, I remember stories of how He came thru for others & then my mind unlocks & I remember all His wonders for me too. This must be part of the “fixing my eyes on God” & it always puts a smile on my face & I claim Him again as MY God.
43 & 44 reminded me of Job too & also Christians who are being persecuted for their beliefs even now & for the times that lie ahead.
Chris----I know this will get me in trouble with you, LOL but I Just wanted to add a sentence after I read your last statement:
ReplyDelete'43 & 44 reminded me of......Christians who are being persecuted for their beliefs even now & for the times that lie ahead.'
I think that if someone is not being persecuted today for their beliefs that they're either not speaking out or they're too sheltered by hanging out only in church.
Now on to today's reading---(Living Bible)As the deer pants for water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for the living God. Many days I try to live moment by moment, second by second in the presence of the Lord all day long, being in Him, feeling His Spirit around me.
In chapter 44---You are my King and my God. Decree victories for your people. For it is only by your power and through your Name that we tread down our enemies. I do not trust my weapons. They could never save me. (Living Bible)
For years as a businesswoman, I carried a weapon (a gun). Never went anywhere without it, (sometimes carried two) thinking that was my protection. Took me a long time to grow up in the Lord and realize that HE was my protection, (chapter 43:22) whenever I was facing death threats.
I Bless your Holy Name O Lord!
Nope, no problem Sherrie.
ReplyDeleteThe way these 2 chapters of Job are worded it makes me wonder if Job also believed a bit of the lie that if all is going well with you then you are right with God but if it’s bad, then you’re bad. It’s almost like this trial was purging that last bit out. Because even during this defense he’s telling about the good he did. He’s examined his life & his soul & knows that he’s not perfect but he’s done all God has asked him to do. That’s why he can say “when He has tried me I will come out like gold” which we read earlier.
ReplyDelete29:4 “Oh, how I miss those golden years, when God's friendship graced my home.” Nice picture here. NIV says God’s intimate friendship. This, I believe, is what took Job through this time of suffering & pain in his life. He knew his Friend. How many times have we read Job saying something like, if He were here I’d present my case & I’d be vindicated. I want to know God like that so I can stop whining all the time. But I like how Job doesn’t put on a stoic front. Everything isn’t FINE. It’s messed up & he’s honest about it, but he’s been upholding God’s character all along. Great balance!
Here's a picture in Job, about how fickle people are: things going good -- there they are, cheering you on. Tough times - - and there they are, pointing fingers.
ReplyDeleteI know it's not always like that - - there's a lot of people that always believe the best - - on the other hand, there's a lot of people that enjoy seeing successful people go down, even when they have received good from that success.
Seems like 30:16 on, Job slips into "the lie" that Chris talked about. He assigns God as being responsible for his trouble - - today we'd say it as "an act of God" Interesting how media never says, "an act of Satan"
Yeah - I related to 29: 1-5!!! I long for the years gone by, when I was in my prime - loved God's friendship with my children around me!! Sure miss those kids and those exhausting, but wonderful years when they were zooming around!!
Poor Job had lost all of his kids in death - - can't even imagine the empty feeling that would leave.
Good point Chris, about knowing the Friend - - that is what gets us through each day, having Him beside us - - and I too love Job's gut-honesty.
Linda I was seeing that fickleness of people as well. You really find out who your friends are when things go bad & go bad for a long time!
ReplyDeleteJer 12:2 “You are always on their lips (they talk as if they are old friends with You – Message), but far from their hearts” (NIV). Am I just saying the rights words or do my actions back up my talk? Jeremiah’s tired of seeing people get away with stuff when there’s so much hypocrisy in “God’s People”. He’s getting distracted by looking at people around him. I can so relate. I’ve always liked God’s response because it’s almost sarcastic, but definitely humorous. V 5 “So, Jeremiah, if you're worn out in this footrace with men, what makes you think you can race against horses? And if you can't keep your wits during times of calm, what's going to happen when troubles break loose like the Jordan in flood?” It’s even that way in the old King James. I struggle to deal with stuff now & it’s nothing compared to what’s coming. My spiritual stamina is pretty pathetic!
ReplyDeleteI like God’s warning in v7 to not trust people who “speak well of you”, but those are exactly who we tend to migrate towards.
Seems like the people are taking advantage of God’s character of love. Oh He has to forgive me, it’s His very nature, so I can do what I want. God is love so everybody ends up in heaven or so it seems from listening to people excuse their actions. The day of accountability has come & Judah/Israel don’t know how to re act. Sobering thoughts in these chapters. Good warnings, counsel to study to know truth for ourselves, not just sit in church pews & listen to preachers or tv preachers or friends. If I don’t search out the Bible for God myself, then He’s really just an acquaintance, not MY Friend. He’s just someone I know through so n so.
You know it’s bad when God says even if Moses & Samuel were praying for these people I wouldn’t listen. How many times has God told Jeremiah not to pray for them? Wow!
I like God’s encouragement to Jeremiah when he’s kinda whiney at the end of 15 v 19-21 in The Message. The end of 16 ends with hopeful words. I’m seeing that even when God punishes, He gives hope. Interesting. Maybe He’s giving insight into true discipline.
Spiritual euphoria is a great feeling! What a privilege to actually know you’re in the presence of Jesus. Peter, James & John definitely had that in Mark 9:2-7. Then sometimes we run with our feelings without thinking things thru as Peter did in v 5. For me v 8 puts it in proper perspective. If all this spiritual awakening or awareness leads me to see Jesus, Him only, then it’s right. I have truly been blessed. When it leads me to think more of a person or event, then I need to re-evaluate. Sometimes God does use people/events to draw us to Him, but we need to get past the mechanism used to see Jesus only. If we don’t, when these instruments fail us in some way, & they all do because they are human, our faith suffers.
ReplyDeleteIt is so neat to see how the Father recognized His Son with the words in v7 "This is my Son, marked by my love. Listen to him." This helped Jesus know who He was & where He had come from (see John 13:1-3) at a very vital time.
Jesus dealing with the man, no actually telling me, in v23 “If? There are no 'ifs' among believers. Anything can happen.” I also say the same thing to God the father said, "Then I believe. Help me with my doubts!" And Jesus did & always does.
I see myself in the thick of the argument with the disciples over what place they’d rank in heaven. I can feel the sting of embarrassment of my pride as I read Jesus response to them to become mere servants. I bet more than one of them was thinking – “no one recognizes a servant, just the top dog! That’s so backwards? How will anyone ever notice me?” Maybe it’s just me, but I bet some were thinking that. I’m glad He was so patient with them – gives me hope.
I need to remember Jesus’ response to the disciples in 10:27 when they were asking who has any chance to be saved if the people who they thought were shoo-ins had it hard. "No chance at all if you think you can pull it off by yourself. Every chance in the world if you let God do it." Again, a good reminder for me to let God defend me & save me. I’m definitely not a shoo-in & I’m hopelessly lost on my own. I’m soooo thankful for a Savior!
Man -- this is RICH! 9:5-7 - - Peter is SO me. Ready to exclaim and act, but God simply wants us to Listen!! Listen to Him! Can you imagine how A-mazing it would be to see Jesus transformed, his clothes shining like the sun? Mark must have gotten the story from one of the 3 that went with Him. It would certainly be a moment to cling to as they headed through the Calvary scene - - and the words of God would be a huge source of encouragement too.
ReplyDeleteI love the response of the father in 9:24 (also me) I believe, but help me overcome my unbelief. I don't know how many times I've cried that prayer; and Jesus did (and does) help - - I bet that father's strength was solid after He watched God's power that day.
9:33 "Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else - - I love Jesus' recognition of the kids - love that he picks one up and sets them on His lap - - kids trust, their quick to believe - had to be refreshing to him. The world turns us sinacle (how do you spell that?)
I also liked 9:38-40. Even others that don't believe just as we do, or are not in our circle, are still in Jesus circle! Anyone who is not against us - - is for us! Such a picture of unity that He wants for us - - lot to think about here.
9:49 everyone WILL be tested with fire - - I think He might be indicating that those fires also keep you salty, I think this is really true -- I haven't experienced much persecution to this point - - so it will be a faith tester for me.
I love Jesus question in 10:17-18. Why do you call me good? ONly God is truly good. Really, what He's saying is: do you believe I'm God?
If you REALLY believe I'm God -- will you follow me - all the way? Lot to think about - -