I never connected before God's creation--the first day creating light and His light shining from within us. It's almost like one of His illustrations connecting us and physical creation.
I love Paul's answer for making it through tough time -- fix your eyes on the unseen --hmmm; that's not easy to do--to gaze at something,you ca't see. Must be a picture of faith and hope.
5:1-10 must be the scripture most faiths use for going to Heaven when you die. I went back and read Paul's step by step description in 1 Thes 4 and I think the two need to be read together. I was also wondering if the old body/new body was an illustration of our old life/new life in Christ?
5:15 is a challeng each day-- not to live for myself. Very different from what the world screams at us every minute of every day!
1cor 4:2 "We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don't maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes". I'm so tired of the games we play as humans & then as Christians too. I just like Paul's honesty here. Also the trust in God that's pictured. I don't need to manipulate people. Jesus didn't, He just spoke the truth & let people decide. Paul goes on to say the same thing. Everything is done in the open, the truth is proclaimed openly & lived openly so that people can make informed decisions. I don't have to twist anything to persuade people. They have to live with their own choices as I do mine.
Paul also says that it's not about us. And don't look at just us or you'll miss it. Look at Jesus, we're just errand runners. I think it's the Phillips paraphrase that says in v9 that "we're knocked down but not out". What they did to Jesus, they do to us, but "what Jesus did among them, he does in us—he lives!" Man, if He didn't live in me...I'm gone, I'd have no hope. So glad for the hope He gives me every day!
In 5 I love the call for reconciliation. Not just us to God but between each other as well.
Linda - I agree with the need to compare Scripture with Scripture & not take things out of context to prove points. From my studies, I see that's why there are so many denominations. But fortunately, the Holy Spirit will lead sincere truth seekers to a right understanding in God's timing...not human timing. We're all growing - thankfully!
Linda---Not sure what you meant exactly about your statement--- '5:1-10 must be the scripture most faiths use for going to Heaven when you die.' Don't you guys believe you go to Heaven when you die? I was always taught we went immediately to Heaven when we died because of Luke 23:43.
I can really relate to 4:3-4 (Living Bible) If the Good news is hidden to anyone, it's hidden from the one who is on the road to eternal death. Satan has made him blind.
I was telling a friend yesterday about the gospel of Jesus (which I've done repeately with this particular person). I mean---sheesh--Talk about someone who's been blinded to the truth---I can't get through---no matter what I say. That's when I have to rely on the scripture that says not by power, not by might, but by my Spirit saith the Lord. It's only by the Spirit's wooing that brings salvation.
Moses was very teachable - now. Doesn't seem like he'd have been that way or was that way when he killed the Egyptian. He took everything to God & sought counsel from God. When he was young, he just did it himself. Now, he even accepted help from Aaron & Hur & Jethro. Quite the change. I hope it doesn't take 40 years for me to learn that!
When I look at the 10 commandments, I'm so impressed with how practical they are. Simple, really to follow. Still applicable today. I don't understand why people don't appreciate the Sabbath rest or if they honestly believe that Sunday is the Lord's Day, why they don't keep it. My friends that go to church on Sunday, are running errands & doing work before & after church. They have no time to reflect & sit in God's Presence. That isn't being taught anymore. It's hard enough to maintain a relationship with God with one day set apart for Him, I can't imagine trying to have one without Sabbath!
Hey Sher -- we DO believe that you go to heaven (assuming that you believe in Christ's gift of salvation), but not until Jesus 2nd coming.
1 Thes 4:15-17 is pretty clear; a step by step what's going to happen when Jesus comes back. Paul goes over the death/resurection again in 1 Cor. 15: 51-54. Check out Ecc 9:5 as well.
So how does that work with Luke 23:43? Well -- I'd always heard that when translations occurred, punctuation was up to the translator. I'd never really checked that out before your question, so I googled it, and sure enough. If you want to check it out, here's where I found it: http://www.spaceshipsofezekiel.com/html/bible-versions.html
Anyway, consider a different punctuation, like putting the comma after today instead of before. When you do that, this text fits with Paul's take on death. Anyway -- I know that was a long explanation -- but it's one of the views that is very different from mainstream Christianity.
OK -- and on to Exodus!! I love the pic of Moses lifting his arms and staff toward God - - and then on top of that; when he was too weary to lift his hands, his friends came along side of him. When we are confused, weary, beaten-up; strength, power, and over-coming happen as we lift our hands. Christian friends will be beside us, helping us when we need it. The whole focus is Him!!
I appreciate Jethro and his good advice - - so easy to get warn out meeting the needs and poor choices of people around us (not to mention trying to figure out our OWN poor choices!) But Jethro adds this precious point -- 18:23 "if God commands you to do so" Jethro didn't say -- this is how it is, do it. He said, this is what I see, this is my advice, pray about it.
We can learn so much from Jethros advice to train others, instead of making others dependent on us - - it's a nice feeling to be needed; but an even better feeling to see the project/task carried on by many people! That's what God does for us -- HE certainly could accomplish everything here on the earth by Himself -- but he teaches, guides, and trains us to carry on His mission! Amazing!
God's thundering voice was to convince the people that Moses was God's annointed leader (19:9) Moses, too, wanted the people to take God seriously (20:20) But -- you know how people (we) are. Always looking for someone to blame. They'd rather listen to Moses, and then blame Him when things went wrong.
I LOVE 20:6 -- But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. What a great word -- lavish! and what a love worth living for: unfailing love. I think everyone wants that kind of love to surround their lives -- instead of fickle love, or "what's in it for me" love. Unfailing love, lavished on ME! good thought for the day:)
David sought God when he was fighting, but when it came to something less strenuous, like worship, he took it for granted, that he knew what to do. I need to include God in EVERY part of my day/life, not just the hard times. Then I'm no better than the Bible people of old who just called on Him when they were in trouble.
It says that David "danced with great abandon before God (6:14). He wasn't holding anything back, he didn't care who saw him because he was doing it for his God who had delivered him so many times. This is just a great reminder for me to not be ashamed of my God, who cares what people think. I'm doing it for my God who has delivered me!
Michal shows the reality of arranged marriages. David should have let that part of his life go & not gotten her from her husband. Seems like it was a pride thing with him. She obviously didn't love him, she was in it all for the show. I love David's answer to her in v 21, 22: "In God's presence I'll dance all I want! He chose me over your father and the rest of our family and made me prince over God's people, over Israel. Oh yes, I'll dance to God's glory—more recklessly even than this..." Totally abandoned to God's glory in lieu of his own. I like that picture! How I need to practice this daily!
David became more and more powerful because the Lord God of Heaven's Armies was with him! What a wonderful picture of what God wants to do for and with us! I love how God calls the plays on the Philistines (go around behind and listen for the marching in the trees - - unique!) But it's things like that that let you know that God is the all-powerful one (kindof like the rain always stopping on J to B!!!)
In 6:8,9 it says david because angry, then afraid -- another picture of how we humans relate to God - - and God keeps working with us!
Yeah David -- dancing with all his might! Taking dancing lessons is so Biblical!! Michael was just jealous -- my guess is she was too proud and perfect to be down there dancing, but in her heart - - she wanted to be enjoying life with the best of them. Seems like many times critism comes from an empty heart.
But touche! "the Lord chose me above your father" in other words -- back in the wagon woman, I'm abandoned to the love of my God! and He loves me as well.
7:8 I took you from tending sheep in the pasture and selected you to be the leader of my people - - it is humbling that God works with us, putting us right where he knows we can help the most.
and David's response: "Who am I?" there was no proud "look at me" or "see what I've done" God must have loved working with this man that constantly reflected the glory back to Him!
The story of Mephibosheth is our story. We're the ones that are crippled and helpless because of sin - - yet God says, "don't be afraid! I intend to show kindness to you" and He does! He provides, and invites us to sit at His table and experience His love, His kindness, His provisions, His food (that would be the fruit of the Spirit!) and I love Meph's response: Who is your servant? Sounds similar to David's response to God.
Ps 51:10 - "God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life". This is what I want today, need every day. A realization that He can give me a clean slate & I can start over again. I want a Genesis week experience in my heart.
v16 "Going through the motions doesn't please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you." v 6 "What you're after is truth from the inside out. Enter me, then; conceive a new, true life." These aren't right after each other in the chapter but it stood out to me this way. Back to the creation week in my heart. Please come into my heart & change me God! Thank you that you even want to be in such a messy, disgusting place. And thank you even more that You see the potential in me & can clean me up. Help me let You.
Oooo yeah, one more thing. 51:18,19 "Make Zion the place you delight in, repair Jerusalem's broken-down walls. Then you'll get real worship from us, acts of worship small and large". This just made me think of the church at large. When God repairs hearts that are given to Him, dwells in them, what an incredible display of worship will be seen in our lives. Not just in church services across the world but in our actual daily lives! True worship isn't just confined to a building. But I definitely see a lot of smiles & dancing with abandon before God like David did!
Wow Chris -- love how the living Bible puts that - - a Genesis; a fresh new start!
I found most my "food" this morning in Psalms 51 as well - - so, out of David's humanity and humility; we connect -- because we are all in the same sinner's boat.
David claims God's mercy not because David deserved it -- but (vs 1) because of His unfailing love and great compassion. That's David's only hope and claim -- same for us. A really good description of mercy.
And David takes full responsibility - so unlike what I try to do in justifying my actions. (Vs 4) You are proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.
Here's what David longs for: Joy -- (vs 8) give me back my joy again. His joy comes with his connection with God -- I'm guessing right now, he feels disconnected from God.
(vs 10) I know the KJV says renew a right spirit within me; but NLT says a "loyal" spirit within me. That's what I want too -- to be loyal to God - - my dog Toby is SO loyal to me; never lets me out of his sight -- waits patiently to understand my next move. My dog Toby is a MUCH better Christian than I am.
(vs 12) Make me "willing" to obey you. That's really good to know, that even when I'm not wanting to obey, God can still work with me and helps me to be willing!
Wow Chris -- you just made 18 and 19 come alive for me! I just skimmed that the first time; but when you think of the broken walls as part of the temple of our hearts - A-mazing!
God used your understanding this morning for all of us!!
Maybe things were a bit simpler back when Job was alive. Maybe all the people saw was God blessing the righteous & the wicked having a hard time. But who decides which ones are wicked or righteous? Just because of the way things are going with them? Pretty judgmental society I think. Very similar to today as well. We judge by what we see when God knows the heart. I'm so thankful for that! I'm trying to figure out if Elihu is just being totally honest & open with what he's sharing or if he's really as arrogant as he sounds in 36:4 saying he knows these things "inside & out" (Message) or "one who has perfect knowledge is with you (NIV). He's obviously sharing from his experience & not holding back or being tactful. I guess I kinda see myself in his presentation a bit. A little abrupt at times. I wonder if Job's even listening now since it's the same ol', same ol' he's already heard for 30+ chapters! I think I would have tuned it out & would have just been talking to God in my head at this point.
Elihu is a confusing man. Seems to me like he's mixing up truth and error -- and hello; I go with arrogant! My 36:3 & 4 say "I will present profound arguments . . . I am a man of great knowledge"
Anyway -- some of his statements; especially in 35:6 & 7 didn't set well with me. "If you sin, how does that affect God? or If you are good, is this some great gift to Him? I think God is affected by our sins -- that's the reason He gave up His son. and I think He's so disappointed when we sin - no different than a parent.
They must have viewed God as very distant and uninvolved with the individual. Maybe that's why Job couldn't relate to these guys. In Job 1:8 God calls Job his friend (message) A friend is someone that really cares about each bump and dip in your road. I don't think "friend" is a word Elihu would consider for God.
Ha Ha Linda, yeah I think arrogant with that version. And of course I would miss the parental take on things so thanks for bringing that up. Those comments of Elihu I disagreed with as well. Friendship is definitely a 2 way street but these guys only seem to experience the one way with God.
If I were living in Jerusalem or even Babylon in Jeremiah's time I'd probably be going back n forth with who to listen to. I'd love the hope that the false prophets gave me of going back to my own country but would think Jeremiah was a traitor for what he said. And yet, his words would come true so then I'd repent & believe him. It's not like they had the Bible to go to & study for themselves. I hope I would have my own relationship with God so I would have something to stand on. Seems like th people relied to much on the prophets & feelings. Maybe like today with people relying on feelings & pastors to do all their studying for them.
Always have loved 29:11 " I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." What future do I hope for now? I don't know that I think of one here on earth. I'm just thinking of heaven. I feel like here there is no future, I'm just wandering around, like a vagabond from city to city, waiting for heaven.
v13 too - "Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed". I haven't truly been disappointed since really giving God my heart. Instead, I've been happier than ever.
31:2-4 "They found grace out in the desert,these people who survived the killing. Israel, out looking for a place to rest, met God out looking for them! God told them, "I've never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love! And so now I'll start over with you and build you up again". What a thought, God out looking for me, always has loved me & the things He does for me on a daily basis are proving He's my Lover still. A concept I've just been able to accept this year!
I got the same impression Chris -- a group of people sitting around watching these 2 prophets battle it out with their prophecies -- and their heads swinging in unison from one side of the playing field to the other!! I never thought before, how they didn't have scripture -- how in the world DID they know who was speaking the truth. So many times the prophecy didn't come true until it was a bit on the late side. I wonder why it took a couple of months for a false prophet to die? Seems like it would have been a bit more effective if God had immediately struck them dead or blind like he did in NT times sometimes. But then, He's God and I'm not -- maybe He was developing trust or maybe He was after the heart of that false prophet. I just hope I could have discerned truth and error. I'm pretty sure I would have done the human thing - - and just gone with what seemed safest at the moment.
It's pretty hard not to center in God's love for us in Jeremiah 29:10-14. And I love to compare it to God ending our captivity here on earth and bringing us home to Heaven. The ultimate plan He has for us! God talks about it again in 30:18-22. I love the ending of that "You will be my people, and I will be your God" a feeling of one-ness. You can see why God uses the marriage illustration for His picture of God and His people. Total committment:) Total love:) Too bad marriage here on earth has been so messed up by us humans, it makes it harder to understand His illustration.
Maybe it's an incredible blessing, Chris, that you're future plans are centered on Heaven -- I think that's where Paul wanted us to be; we're just strangers here. Thank you for sharing that feeling!
O, and one more thing I found. 30:15 "I have had to punish you because your sins are many and your guilt is great. That reminds me again of being a parent - - you don't WANT to punish, but you HAVE to for the good of the child sometimes - - it's the only way to get their attention. And punishment doesn't always work -- either for us, or for God. Yikes - what's a parent to do?
It's so easy to read just words. Words can never come close to expressing what you've experienced or seen. But to enter in to a person's story, hear the emotion in the voice of the story teller, play the scenes in your mind, it can hit a little closer to home.
I found myself shocked at how easy it was to read the story of Jesus' suffering in Mark. It was so short & matter of fact. I had to think of what it would be like, what it would feel like & even then I fell way short.
I gotta believe that Jesus wants us to enter into people's story with them, not just hear the words. I believe that helps me know how to pray for them & how to really press my prayers for them to His Presence. Then I can really rejoice with them as well. I believe this is what Jesus did with the people He met here on earth.
On a completely different note, I was wondering about the mourners at the cross. At JC I was a mourner & it was easy to think of Him dying for my sins & having a repentant heart. But that is after the fact. I know He's my Redeemer now! If I was back then I wonder if my tears would be more out of disappointed hopes/dreams. I would have been so blessed by His life on earth & thinking that things were gonna change & then He's killed just when it looks like He's gonna be king & overthrow the Romans or at least the burdensome religious system. To have my hopes so decisively shattered would have made me cry a lot of tears of disappointment & hopelessness.
I'm hoping I would have been jumping for joy when I heard the resurrection or was one of the converts at Pentecost!
Really good point Chris about the mourners - - maybe it was a selfish mourning, as in - - we've been duped. But 4 of them (the Mary's, Salome, and Joseph of A) were truly mourning. They were more concerned about Him then about their reputation, their safety, their sadness. I love the kind acts of service they showed after he was gone.
I was struck with the loneliness Jesus must have felt -- everyone turned their backs (except some women) Pilot KNEW this was a jealous plot - but he abandoned Jesus; and look at who ridiculed and mocked Him: the soldiers (19), the people (29), the leaders (31), the crimnals (32). Through it all -- he was able to hold up -- but the heart rending reality was when he felt like God had abandoned Him (34).
He was willing to give up all the relationships that gave Him joy -- so that I'd have a chance. I can't get my mind around that. It'd be like me giving up living with Duane, my best friend - who knows me better than anyone; to save someone that was mocking and ridiculing me. It just wouldn't happen! I don't have anywhere near that amount of love and compassion. Heavenly love is a whole different kind of love - - totally selfless.
I am touched that in a world dominated by men - - it was the women that Mark mentioned as sticking by Jesus in verse 40.
And Joseph! It says he was an HONORED member of the high counsil; the same high counsil that met in 15:1. He shows his true colors here. I'm guessing he watched every move Jesus made. How He didn't lash back, how He asked for forgiveness for His murderers, How He bore all the pain and shame. I'm guessing the Joseph saw the darkness and the earthquake. I'm guessing he heard about the temple curtain -- ran to it and was told how it ripped from top to bottom. I'm guessing the Holy Spirit spoke courage and commitment to Joseph and convicted him, along with that Roman Centurian, that this WAS the Son of God.
And I love the compassion for Peter -- the man that love Him and denied Him all in one evening. Thank you Lord that you care enough to assure us that we are still accepted - - even when we make terrible terrible mistakes. YOU are mighty to save.
I never connected before God's creation--the first day creating light and His light shining from within us. It's almost like one of His illustrations connecting us and physical creation.
ReplyDeleteI love Paul's answer for making it through tough time -- fix your eyes on the unseen --hmmm; that's not easy to do--to gaze at something,you ca't see. Must be a picture of faith and hope.
5:1-10 must be the scripture most faiths use for going to Heaven when you die. I went back and read Paul's step by step description in 1 Thes 4 and I think the two need to be read together. I was also wondering if the old body/new body was an illustration of our old life/new life in Christ?
5:15 is a challeng each day-- not to live for myself. Very different from what the world screams at us every minute of every day!
1cor 4:2 "We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don't maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes". I'm so tired of the games we play as humans & then as Christians too. I just like Paul's honesty here. Also the trust in God that's pictured. I don't need to manipulate people. Jesus didn't, He just spoke the truth & let people decide. Paul goes on to say the same thing. Everything is done in the open, the truth is proclaimed openly & lived openly so that people can make informed decisions. I don't have to twist anything to persuade people. They have to live with their own choices as I do mine.
ReplyDeletePaul also says that it's not about us. And don't look at just us or you'll miss it. Look at Jesus, we're just errand runners. I think it's the Phillips paraphrase that says in v9 that "we're knocked down but not out". What they did to Jesus, they do to us, but "what Jesus did among them, he does in us—he lives!" Man, if He didn't live in me...I'm gone, I'd have no hope. So glad for the hope He gives me every day!
In 5 I love the call for reconciliation. Not just us to God but between each other as well.
Linda - I agree with the need to compare Scripture with Scripture & not take things out of context to prove points. From my studies, I see that's why there are so many denominations. But fortunately, the Holy Spirit will lead sincere truth seekers to a right understanding in God's timing...not human timing. We're all growing - thankfully!
Linda---Not sure what you meant exactly about your statement--- '5:1-10 must be the scripture most faiths use for going to Heaven when you die.' Don't you guys believe you go to Heaven when you die? I was always taught we went immediately to Heaven when we died because of Luke 23:43.
ReplyDeleteI can really relate to 4:3-4 (Living Bible) If the Good news is hidden to anyone, it's hidden from the one who is on the road to eternal death. Satan has made him blind.
I was telling a friend yesterday about the gospel of Jesus (which I've done repeately with this particular person). I mean---sheesh--Talk about someone who's been blinded to the truth---I can't get through---no matter what I say. That's when I have to rely on the scripture that says not by power, not by might, but by my Spirit saith the Lord. It's only by the Spirit's wooing that brings salvation.
Moses was very teachable - now. Doesn't seem like he'd have been that way or was that way when he killed the Egyptian. He took everything to God & sought counsel from God. When he was young, he just did it himself. Now, he even accepted help from Aaron & Hur & Jethro. Quite the change. I hope it doesn't take 40 years for me to learn that!
ReplyDeleteWhen I look at the 10 commandments, I'm so impressed with how practical they are. Simple, really to follow. Still applicable today. I don't understand why people don't appreciate the Sabbath rest or if they honestly believe that Sunday is the Lord's Day, why they don't keep it. My friends that go to church on Sunday, are running errands & doing work before & after church. They have no time to reflect & sit in God's Presence. That isn't being taught anymore. It's hard enough to maintain a relationship with God with one day set apart for Him, I can't imagine trying to have one without Sabbath!
Hey Sher -- we DO believe that you go to heaven (assuming that you believe in Christ's gift of salvation), but not until Jesus 2nd coming.
ReplyDelete1 Thes 4:15-17 is pretty clear; a step by step what's going to happen when Jesus comes back. Paul goes over the death/resurection again in 1 Cor. 15: 51-54. Check out Ecc 9:5 as well.
So how does that work with Luke 23:43? Well -- I'd always heard that when translations occurred, punctuation was up to the translator. I'd never really checked that out before your question, so I googled it, and sure enough. If you want to check it out, here's where I found it: http://www.spaceshipsofezekiel.com/html/bible-versions.html
Anyway, consider a different punctuation, like putting the comma after today instead of before. When you do that, this text fits with Paul's take on death. Anyway -- I know that was a long explanation -- but it's one of the views that is very different from mainstream Christianity.
OK -- and on to Exodus!! I love the pic of Moses lifting his arms and staff toward God - - and then on top of that; when he was too weary to lift his hands, his friends came along side of him. When we are confused, weary, beaten-up; strength, power, and over-coming happen as we lift our hands. Christian friends will be beside us, helping us when we need it. The whole focus is Him!!
I appreciate Jethro and his good advice - - so easy to get warn out meeting the needs and poor choices of people around us (not to mention trying to figure out our OWN poor choices!) But Jethro adds this precious point -- 18:23 "if God commands you to do so" Jethro didn't say -- this is how it is, do it. He said, this is what I see, this is my advice, pray about it.
We can learn so much from Jethros advice to train others, instead of making others dependent on us - - it's a nice feeling to be needed; but an even better feeling to see the project/task carried on by many people! That's what God does for us -- HE certainly could accomplish everything here on the earth by Himself -- but he teaches, guides, and trains us to carry on His mission! Amazing!
God's thundering voice was to convince the people that Moses was God's annointed leader (19:9) Moses, too, wanted the people to take God seriously (20:20) But -- you know how people (we) are. Always looking for someone to blame. They'd rather listen to Moses, and then blame Him when things went wrong.
I LOVE 20:6 -- But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. What a great word -- lavish! and what a love worth living for: unfailing love. I think everyone wants that kind of love to surround their lives -- instead of fickle love, or "what's in it for me" love. Unfailing love, lavished on ME! good thought for the day:)
David sought God when he was fighting, but when it came to something less strenuous, like worship, he took it for granted, that he knew what to do. I need to include God in EVERY part of my day/life, not just the hard times. Then I'm no better than the Bible people of old who just called on Him when they were in trouble.
ReplyDeleteIt says that David "danced with great abandon before God (6:14). He wasn't holding anything back, he didn't care who saw him because he was doing it for his God who had delivered him so many times. This is just a great reminder for me to not be ashamed of my God, who cares what people think. I'm doing it for my God who has delivered me!
Michal shows the reality of arranged marriages. David should have let that part of his life go & not gotten her from her husband. Seems like it was a pride thing with him. She obviously didn't love him, she was in it all for the show. I love David's answer to her in v 21, 22: "In God's presence I'll dance all I want! He chose me over your father and the rest of our family and made me prince over God's people, over Israel. Oh yes, I'll dance to God's glory—more recklessly even than this..." Totally abandoned to God's glory in lieu of his own. I like that picture! How I need to practice this daily!
Linda - really like the thought of God lavishing His love on me! Thanks for bringing that out!
ReplyDeleteDavid became more and more powerful because the Lord God of Heaven's Armies was with him! What a wonderful picture of what God wants to do for and with us! I love how God calls the plays on the Philistines (go around behind and listen for the marching in the trees - - unique!) But it's things like that that let you know that God is the all-powerful one (kindof like the rain always stopping on J to B!!!)
ReplyDeleteIn 6:8,9 it says david because angry, then afraid -- another picture of how we humans relate to God - - and God keeps working with us!
Yeah David -- dancing with all his might! Taking dancing lessons is so Biblical!! Michael was just jealous -- my guess is she was too proud and perfect to be down there dancing, but in her heart - - she wanted to be enjoying life with the best of them. Seems like many times critism comes from an empty heart.
But touche! "the Lord chose me above your father" in other words -- back in the wagon woman, I'm abandoned to the love of my God! and He loves me as well.
7:8 I took you from tending sheep in the pasture and selected you to be the leader of my people - - it is humbling that God works with us, putting us right where he knows we can help the most.
and David's response: "Who am I?" there was no proud "look at me" or "see what I've done" God must have loved working with this man that constantly reflected the glory back to Him!
The story of Mephibosheth is our story. We're the ones that are crippled and helpless because of sin - - yet God says, "don't be afraid! I intend to show kindness to you" and He does! He provides, and invites us to sit at His table and experience His love, His kindness, His provisions, His food (that would be the fruit of the Spirit!) and I love Meph's response: Who is your servant? Sounds similar to David's response to God.
Ps 51:10 - "God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life". This is what I want today, need every day. A realization that He can give me a clean slate & I can start over again. I want a Genesis week experience in my heart.
ReplyDeletev16 "Going through the motions doesn't please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you."
v 6 "What you're after is truth from the inside out. Enter me, then; conceive a new, true life."
These aren't right after each other in the chapter but it stood out to me this way. Back to the creation week in my heart. Please come into my heart & change me God! Thank you that you even want to be in such a messy, disgusting place. And thank you even more that You see the potential in me & can clean me up. Help me let You.
Oooo yeah, one more thing.
ReplyDelete51:18,19 "Make Zion the place you delight in, repair Jerusalem's broken-down walls. Then you'll get real worship from us, acts of worship small and large".
This just made me think of the church at large. When God repairs hearts that are given to Him, dwells in them, what an incredible display of worship will be seen in our lives. Not just in church services across the world but in our actual daily lives! True worship isn't just confined to a building. But I definitely see a lot of smiles & dancing with abandon before God like David did!
Wow Chris -- love how the living Bible puts that - - a Genesis; a fresh new start!
ReplyDeleteI found most my "food" this morning in Psalms 51 as well - - so, out of David's humanity and humility; we connect -- because we are all in the same sinner's boat.
David claims God's mercy not because David deserved it -- but (vs 1) because of His unfailing love and great compassion. That's David's only hope and claim -- same for us. A really good description of mercy.
And David takes full responsibility - so unlike what I try to do in justifying my actions. (Vs 4) You are proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.
Here's what David longs for: Joy -- (vs 8) give me back my joy again. His joy comes with his connection with God -- I'm guessing right now, he feels disconnected from God.
(vs 10) I know the KJV says renew a right spirit within me; but NLT says a "loyal" spirit within me. That's what I want too -- to be loyal to God - - my dog Toby is SO loyal to me; never lets me out of his sight -- waits patiently to understand my next move. My dog Toby is a MUCH better Christian than I am.
(vs 12) Make me "willing" to obey you. That's really good to know, that even when I'm not wanting to obey, God can still work with me and helps me to be willing!
Wow Chris -- you just made 18 and 19 come alive for me! I just skimmed that the first time; but when you think of the broken walls as part of the temple of our hearts - A-mazing!
ReplyDeleteGod used your understanding this morning for all of us!!
Maybe things were a bit simpler back when Job was alive. Maybe all the people saw was God blessing the righteous & the wicked having a hard time. But who decides which ones are wicked or righteous? Just because of the way things are going with them? Pretty judgmental society I think. Very similar to today as well. We judge by what we see when God knows the heart. I'm so thankful for that!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to figure out if Elihu is just being totally honest & open with what he's sharing or if he's really as arrogant as he sounds in 36:4 saying he knows these things "inside & out" (Message) or "one who has perfect knowledge is with you (NIV). He's obviously sharing from his experience & not holding back or being tactful. I guess I kinda see myself in his presentation a bit. A little abrupt at times.
I wonder if Job's even listening now since it's the same ol', same ol' he's already heard for 30+ chapters! I think I would have tuned it out & would have just been talking to God in my head at this point.
Elihu is a confusing man. Seems to me like he's mixing up truth and error -- and hello; I go with arrogant! My 36:3 & 4 say "I will present profound arguments . . . I am a man of great knowledge"
ReplyDeleteAnyway -- some of his statements; especially in 35:6 & 7 didn't set well with me. "If you sin, how does that affect God? or If you are good, is this some great gift to Him? I think God is affected by our sins -- that's the reason He gave up His son. and I think He's so disappointed when we sin - no different than a parent.
They must have viewed God as very distant and uninvolved with the individual. Maybe that's why Job couldn't relate to these guys. In Job 1:8 God calls Job his friend (message) A friend is someone that really cares about each bump and dip in your road. I don't think "friend" is a word Elihu would consider for God.
Ha Ha Linda, yeah I think arrogant with that version. And of course I would miss the parental take on things so thanks for bringing that up. Those comments of Elihu I disagreed with as well.
ReplyDeleteFriendship is definitely a 2 way street but these guys only seem to experience the one way with God.
If I were living in Jerusalem or even Babylon in Jeremiah's time I'd probably be going back n forth with who to listen to. I'd love the hope that the false prophets gave me of going back to my own country but would think Jeremiah was a traitor for what he said. And yet, his words would come true so then I'd repent & believe him. It's not like they had the Bible to go to & study for themselves. I hope I would have my own relationship with God so I would have something to stand on. Seems like th people relied to much on the prophets & feelings. Maybe like today with people relying on feelings & pastors to do all their studying for them.
ReplyDeleteAlways have loved 29:11 " I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." What future do I hope for now? I don't know that I think of one here on earth. I'm just thinking of heaven. I feel like here there is no future, I'm just wandering around, like a vagabond from city to city, waiting for heaven.
v13 too - "Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed". I haven't truly been disappointed since really giving God my heart. Instead, I've been happier than ever.
31:2-4 "They found grace out in the desert,these people who survived the killing. Israel, out looking for a place to rest, met God out looking for them! God told them, "I've never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love! And so now I'll start over with you and build you up again".
What a thought, God out looking for me, always has loved me & the things He does for me on a daily basis are proving He's my Lover still. A concept I've just been able to accept this year!
I got the same impression Chris -- a group of people sitting around watching these 2 prophets battle it out with their prophecies -- and their heads swinging in unison from one side of the playing field to the other!! I never thought before, how they didn't have scripture -- how in the world DID they know who was speaking the truth. So many times the prophecy didn't come true until it was a bit on the late side. I wonder why it took a couple of months for a false prophet to die? Seems like it would have been a bit more effective if God had immediately struck them dead or blind like he did in NT times sometimes. But then, He's God and I'm not -- maybe He was developing trust or maybe He was after the heart of that false prophet. I just hope I could have discerned truth and error. I'm pretty sure I would have done the human thing - - and just gone with what seemed safest at the moment.
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty hard not to center in God's love for us in Jeremiah 29:10-14. And I love to compare it to God ending our captivity here on earth and bringing us home to Heaven. The ultimate plan He has for us! God talks about it again in 30:18-22. I love the ending of that "You will be my people, and I will be your God" a feeling of one-ness. You can see why God uses the marriage illustration for His picture of God and His people. Total committment:) Total love:) Too bad marriage here on earth has been so messed up by us humans, it makes it harder to understand His illustration.
Maybe it's an incredible blessing, Chris, that you're future plans are centered on Heaven -- I think that's where Paul wanted us to be; we're just strangers here. Thank you for sharing that feeling!
O, and one more thing I found. 30:15 "I have had to punish you because your sins are many and your guilt is great. That reminds me again of being a parent - - you don't WANT to punish, but you HAVE to for the good of the child sometimes - - it's the only way to get their attention. And punishment doesn't always work -- either for us, or for God. Yikes - what's a parent to do?
It's so easy to read just words. Words can never come close to expressing what you've experienced or seen. But to enter in to a person's story, hear the emotion in the voice of the story teller, play the scenes in your mind, it can hit a little closer to home.
ReplyDeleteI found myself shocked at how easy it was to read the story of Jesus' suffering in Mark. It was so short & matter of fact. I had to think of what it would be like, what it would feel like & even then I fell way short.
I gotta believe that Jesus wants us to enter into people's story with them, not just hear the words. I believe that helps me know how to pray for them & how to really press my prayers for them to His Presence. Then I can really rejoice with them as well. I believe this is what Jesus did with the people He met here on earth.
On a completely different note, I was wondering about the mourners at the cross. At JC I was a mourner & it was easy to think of Him dying for my sins & having a repentant heart. But that is after the fact. I know He's my Redeemer now! If I was back then I wonder if my tears would be more out of disappointed hopes/dreams. I would have been so blessed by His life on earth & thinking that things were gonna change & then He's killed just when it looks like He's gonna be king & overthrow the Romans or at least the burdensome religious system. To have my hopes so decisively shattered would have made me cry a lot of tears of disappointment & hopelessness.
I'm hoping I would have been jumping for joy when I heard the resurrection or was one of the converts at Pentecost!
Really good point Chris about the mourners - - maybe it was a selfish mourning, as in - - we've been duped. But 4 of them (the Mary's, Salome, and Joseph of A) were truly mourning. They were more concerned about Him then about their reputation, their safety, their sadness. I love the kind acts of service they showed after he was gone.
ReplyDeleteI was struck with the loneliness Jesus must have felt -- everyone turned their backs (except some women) Pilot KNEW this was a jealous plot - but he abandoned Jesus; and look at who ridiculed and mocked Him: the soldiers (19), the people (29), the leaders (31), the crimnals (32). Through it all -- he was able to hold up -- but the heart rending reality was when he felt like God had abandoned Him (34).
He was willing to give up all the relationships that gave Him joy -- so that I'd have a chance. I can't get my mind around that. It'd be like me giving up living with Duane, my best friend - who knows me better than anyone; to save someone that was mocking and ridiculing me. It just wouldn't happen! I don't have anywhere near that amount of love and compassion. Heavenly love is a whole different kind of love - - totally selfless.
I am touched that in a world dominated by men - - it was the women that Mark mentioned as sticking by Jesus in verse 40.
And Joseph! It says he was an HONORED member of the high counsil; the same high counsil that met in 15:1. He shows his true colors here. I'm guessing he watched every move Jesus made. How He didn't lash back, how He asked for forgiveness for His murderers, How He bore all the pain and shame. I'm guessing the Joseph saw the darkness and the earthquake. I'm guessing he heard about the temple curtain -- ran to it and was told how it ripped from top to bottom. I'm guessing the Holy Spirit spoke courage and commitment to Joseph and convicted him, along with that Roman Centurian, that this WAS the Son of God.
And I love the compassion for Peter -- the man that love Him and denied Him all in one evening. Thank you Lord that you care enough to assure us that we are still accepted - - even when we make terrible terrible mistakes. YOU are mighty to save.
great points on the women & Joseph. I like the insights into what Joseph must have seen/felt.
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