I've always liked the promises of the "alls" in 9:8 in the NIV. Message states it this way "God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done". I like this too because I know God gives me what I need, even when I have no clue what I need. And tho I am astonished at the big blessings He gives, it's the little ones that are consistently given that really amaze me. He's so thoughtful! No wonder He loves it when the "giver delights in giving" (v7, because He does!
Paul's care for the Corinthians is really evident here. It doesn't seem like his pride is coming thru, like he's got low self esteem & that flares up. He's looking at their hearts & wanting to protect them from the people that want to pull the church apart with stupid little arguments & distractions. That is very tiring to have to deal with but it's always around because people don't always give their hearts to God unreservedly. Self creeps up unawares at times in those of us that do & we act out on it. We're human. It takes a lot of patience to be in leadership & deal with people. I know Paul wasn't perfect & he freely admits it but seems like he's a good leader, really wanting the hearts of the people he's worked with/for.
Kindof cool how giving encourages giving -- like an infinite loop (9:2) I know I've felt that tug when others are so generous.
The first part of 9 almost sounds like Paul is guilting them into giving sometimes - - but then it becomes obvious that this gift had already been promised (9:5) and there is no guilt when you see how overwhelmingly God blesses with peace and joy the generous heart. I love the way you said it out of the message Chris -- how God pours on the blessings!! They may not always be material or financial blessings - - but a who can beat the feeling of being blessed; the peace and joy that comes from contentment??
And then -- the whole outcomes of these blessings in God-focused! He'll be praised and honored (not us!!)
I love how Paul wants to grow Christians -- to make the God-dependent; not human dependent. A lot of times people's faith dies when a human they've been focused on sins or moves away. Paul is all for growing Christ-focued Christians that are mature enough to carry on the work so that Paul can move on to others!
And I also like how Paul isn't concerned what people think - - but what God thinks (10:18). Easier said than done; but that is sure the direction I want to grow in.
God was pretty particular about what He wanted His worship place to look like. It shows His involvement, His love of beauty in where He wants to meet us.
I like how He gave particular gifts to different people. Everyone had a part, whether it was in the making, giving, putting together, organizing, etc. It's all there & all needed to make it come together. So there is no part that is not important. All gifts are necessary & God will continue to give His people what we need to do things for Him.
2 things I found interesting about God's plan for his temple were the ark and the clothes.
First of all -- the poles. They were never to be removed -- I think that was a reminder that no one was to touch the ark (Uzzah found that out much later) The cherubim looked down at the ark - - reverence, holiness, protecting (wish we were as careful with God's law today!!) God meets us at the ark -- actually -- I loved his reason for the tabernacle (25:8) that I can live with them, dwell among them. God has always lived with us -- first the ark, then Jesus, now His Holy Spirit -- all 3 have spent their time with us -- and there's no doubt a lot of cross over; but there are 3 specific roles all 3 played.
I love how God fills his artists with skill - - I think He still does that today.
There was a lot of responsibility that went to Aaron (it must have been a huge disappointment to God when Aaron consented to build that golden calf). Anyway -- the names of the 12 stones/tribes on his shoulders - - also, the 12 stones / tribes over his heart (gotta be some symbolism there. The Urim and Thummim over his heart -- God's communication. God uses Holiness to the Lord and puts this on the turbin. So he puts symbols of love and communication over the heart and over the mind.
I know a lot of people get all excited about their birthstones -- each tribe had a stone. I can imagine the little kids pointing to "their" tribe's stone and knowing that they are represented for God. Kind of fun to think about. God wanted everyone to know that they were important to Him:)
Absolum was very crafty and patient -- he took 4 years of sucking up to the people before he made his move - -
It seemed to be a time of fickleness for a lot of people; really sad story - - kindof reminded me about the civil war, the way the countrymen fought against each other.
I appreciate the courage of Joab to confront the King on his lack of appreciation.
Some of this plotting back n forth is incredible soap opera stuff! Can't believe the conniving that goes on. Sounds pretty stressful to me, always having to act a certain way, say the right words, etc. But yet, in some ways we do the same with God & with each other. Put on the mask of our choosing & play the game. Everything's good, everything's fine, but inside we're spiritually dead or we're hurting, dealing with problems, etc. Interesting parallels there.
Linda, I too was impressed with Joab confronting David. In some ways he was a good commander, but he was definitely a soldier & only saw things in black n white. Again, that's not a bad thing, but he sure was bloody! Maybe killing Absalom was the best thing to do, he was an underhanded man for sure!
I tend to lean to Meph, since he didn't care about what he inherited, he just was glad to see David back. Ziba probably thought M would be killed so his story wouldn't be questioned.
David says God is the one that holds him together (57:2) & delivers generous love (v3). Amen!
I was struck that David doesn't mention people by name when he's crying out to God for deliverance or vindication. He generalizes it instead, so I don't ever remember reading Saul's name within any of the Psalms, just in the titles. Interesting.
59:10 "God in dependable love shows up on time..." But it's His timing & patience is not a strength of mine.
v17 is similar "Strong God, I'm watching you do it,I can always count on you — God, my dependable love." My dependable love, even when it's painful to me at times, He's always dependable.
I love the word picture of hiding beneath the shadow of your wings (go 3rd day!) So many times I want to hide - - it's good to know we can visualize God's protection - - like a mama hen!
My heart is confident in YOU. When I'm not feeling confident; I can still go forward in His strength.
57:10 comes alive for me, as I've been flying in the clouds this week. The clouds are awesome -- the blue sky above them is soooo far-reaching; another word-picture to expand our small way of thinking.
59:16 - - I will sing about your power, EACH MORNING I will sing with JOY about your unfailing love. Not only do I feel like singing this morning (I won't cuz I'm in a hotel room -- no busting out in loud noise here!) but I'm picturing Chris singing with the birds as she walks around with Toby!!!
The interchange between God & Job intrigues me. I need to dwell on it a bit more. I know when God asks me direct questions, I get like Job, just ready to shut up & listen...finally. He allows me let out all the hot air & then hits my heart with a question that just stops me in my tracks. I just want to listen to more of His wisdom & learn from Him.
Yeah -- this is confusing; you always hear that Job was A-mazing with his trust & his open-ness with God; but here it sounds like God is disappointed with him.
It seems like 40:2 is key here. You are God's critic, but do you have the answers? People in leadership often have to make tough tough decisions - - as they have more facts on a situation than the average Joe Blow. Then here comes Joe - - criticizing and questioning the leader's decision. Sometimes that leader can't divulge all the information about the situation - - so he (the leader) just has to take it.
I think God finds himself in the situation - - a lot! We humans question and criticize "How could a God that loves . . . " and God just has to take it - - He knows the bigger picture. I think He wanted Job to realize that God knows all; from the tiniest creature the the intelligent (and not so intelligent) humans. and sometimes, in this fallen, sinful world with Satan throwing all his darts - - there are no good answers.
Many people accuse God as using Job as an experiment - - but it sure gives the rest of us a peak at what goes on behind the scenes battle, and how frustrating a job leadership of the universe must be for God. How much easier it would be if no one questioned God's wisdom - - seems like God has a right to be frustrated with us ungrateful humans!
PS -- I can hardly wait for next week -- cuz I heard a sermon last week that has a great thought on God's blessing for Job -- BUT; you'll have to wait until next week to see what this amazing fact is!!!!
yeah, that's a good take Linda, I know a friend told me once that as a leader, you'll never be understood, or something like that, since you can never fully explain all of the facts without hurting someone or denying the trust/confidence that was placed in you. I think any of us who have been in leadership positions can relate to that!
Hey Chris! For once I beat you (only because of the 3 hours difference:)
Zedekiah was a weak leader -- always trying to please everyone (I guess that saved your neck back in those days). It appears to me over these 4 chapters that he really did believe Jeremiah, as he was always seeking his advice on the down low, or taking care of him despite his advisers. He was afraid -- but he could have made a difference for the people with strong leadership. What a terrible end he had.
The story of Jeremiah shows God's care for people that trust him. Jeremiah sure had a tough time while he was following God's will -- but in the ed, he had a very gentle life -- no more prophecying - - but he could live wherever he wanted - do whatever he wanted - - God rewarded his faithfulness.
And I love how God recognized Ebed-Melech for his kindness and trust. God notices when we do the right thing and trust Him to the outcome - - it may not be easy at the time; but He will make all things right in His time!
Yep Linda, I was still sawing logs when you posted! :D
Ditto to what you said about the reading. I was really appreciated of the special message to Ebed Melek, how God wanted him to know he didn't have to be afraid of the future. The God he trusted was his Defender.
I can't imagine being stuck in a place where you can't even see your legs/feet because of the mud you're stuck in. I wonder how long Jeremiah was in there or if Ebed came quick. But even an hour or day! Yuck! And we think we have it hard to serve God. HA!
Happy Sabbath everyone! OK -- gotta admit; I'm getting antsy to head home! Starting back Monday morning - - but I miss everyone and everything - - especially celebrating Sabbath with my friends!
3:2 - - John was in the wilderness when God's message came to him - - I wonder what God said - - I wonder if God spoke (as at Jesus' baptism) or if it was an angel.
People came flocking around - - but it sounds like they just wanted to be conveniently saved; no inconvenience on their part -- no sacrifice on their part.
Also -- notice that John didn't say - - become destitute and you will be saved; rather give, share, be fair. You don't have to give all your clothes away - - but if you've got extra; share! Think of others! (very much a God-concept)
I was kindof amazed the Luke didn't say a whole lot about Jesus' baptism! I wonder if Luke was there, or if that was a story he heard from someone else.
The spirit descended like a dove -- then the Spirit lead him to the wilderness. I wonder if the spirit remained dove-like and Jesus followed the dove out into the wilderness (random thought -- but it's what I wondered!)
The geneology -- Luke sure did his research - - but it does prove the lineage that the prophets talked about earlier such as the Messiah would come from the line of Judah and the line of David. I thought it was interesting that Jesus came from Nathan (David's son) not Solomon (even though, as we read earlier, Solomon was loved by God) I wonder if Nathan was named after the prophet that held David accoutable? You never hear anything about this son of David.
After Satan's major temptations in the wilderness it said he (Satan) left Him until the next opportunity came.
The next op had to do with the people that surrounded Jesus. First fame (4:15, 22) turned to rejection. The people were furious. They didn't want to hear the truth - they wanted to feeeeel good about themselves (not so much different today).
Doubt and Discouragement - - the devil uses those on us everyday. We need to keep looking up to the One who is on our side and by our side.
Why didn't Jesus want the devil's to proclaim He was the Messiah? Would it discredit the truth? It had to have been something like that -- as obviously the devil was behind destroying His mission.
John's purpose was to make the road smooth/straight, fill in the ditches, smooth the bumps & straighten the detours. I was thinking of all the spiritual detours, ditches & bumpy roads the religious leaders had made for the people at that time. The gospel really is simple as Jesus said in 4:8 "Serve him [God] with absolute single-heartedness" be totally abandoned to Him. So John was to prep people by making it simple again. He told them in 3:9 "What counts is your life. Is it green and blossoming? Because if it's deadwood, it goes on the fire." This got the people ready to listen to the true Message from heaven in the flesh. They were eager for a change & to realize it was waaaay simpler than they'd been taught - no wonder they flocked to hear Jesus! Hadn't thought of it this way before that I remember. Maybe it was more obvious to the rest of you though. I like your thoughts Linda, I had some of the same (not the dove one thought LOL). Especially like your comment on the temptation to keep Jesus in one location. Hadn't thought of that before. I've always been bothered by Jesus healing Simon's mom n law & then she got up to serve them. Part of me is irked that He did it only to get her to serve Him. I know He didn't do it selfishly, that's impossible for God. I think it was the wording in the older versions though. This time it seemed perfectly natural the way it was written in the Message. It would be natural for me to want to serve Him when He heals me like that...just plain gratitude! And that's how I feel now as He heals me...as I LET Him. ;)
I've always liked the promises of the "alls" in 9:8 in the NIV. Message states it this way "God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done". I like this too because I know God gives me what I need, even when I have no clue what I need. And tho I am astonished at the big blessings He gives, it's the little ones that are consistently given that really amaze me. He's so thoughtful! No wonder He loves it when the "giver delights in giving" (v7, because He does!
ReplyDeletePaul's care for the Corinthians is really evident here. It doesn't seem like his pride is coming thru, like he's got low self esteem & that flares up. He's looking at their hearts & wanting to protect them from the people that want to pull the church apart with stupid little arguments & distractions. That is very tiring to have to deal with but it's always around because people don't always give their hearts to God unreservedly. Self creeps up unawares at times in those of us that do & we act out on it. We're human. It takes a lot of patience to be in leadership & deal with people. I know Paul wasn't perfect & he freely admits it but seems like he's a good leader, really wanting the hearts of the people he's worked with/for.
Kindof cool how giving encourages giving -- like an infinite loop (9:2) I know I've felt that tug when others are so generous.
ReplyDeleteThe first part of 9 almost sounds like Paul is guilting them into giving sometimes - - but then it becomes obvious that this gift had already been promised (9:5) and there is no guilt when you see how overwhelmingly God blesses with peace and joy the generous heart. I love the way you said it out of the message Chris -- how God pours on the blessings!! They may not always be material or financial blessings - - but a who can beat the feeling of being blessed; the peace and joy that comes from contentment??
And then -- the whole outcomes of these blessings in God-focused! He'll be praised and honored (not us!!)
I love how Paul wants to grow Christians -- to make the God-dependent; not human dependent. A lot of times people's faith dies when a human they've been focused on sins or moves away. Paul is all for growing Christ-focued Christians that are mature enough to carry on the work so that Paul can move on to others!
And I also like how Paul isn't concerned what people think - - but what God thinks (10:18). Easier said than done; but that is sure the direction I want to grow in.
God was pretty particular about what He wanted His worship place to look like. It shows His involvement, His love of beauty in where He wants to meet us.
ReplyDeleteI like how He gave particular gifts to different people. Everyone had a part, whether it was in the making, giving, putting together, organizing, etc. It's all there & all needed to make it come together. So there is no part that is not important. All gifts are necessary & God will continue to give His people what we need to do things for Him.
2 things I found interesting about God's plan for his temple were the ark and the clothes.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all -- the poles. They were never to be removed -- I think that was a reminder that no one was to touch the ark (Uzzah found that out much later) The cherubim looked down at the ark - - reverence, holiness, protecting (wish we were as careful with God's law today!!) God meets us at the ark -- actually -- I loved his reason for the tabernacle (25:8) that I can live with them, dwell among them. God has always lived with us -- first the ark, then Jesus, now His Holy Spirit -- all 3 have spent their time with us -- and there's no doubt a lot of cross over; but there are 3 specific roles all 3 played.
I love how God fills his artists with skill - - I think He still does that today.
There was a lot of responsibility that went to Aaron (it must have been a huge disappointment to God when Aaron consented to build that golden calf). Anyway -- the names of the 12 stones/tribes on his shoulders - - also, the 12 stones / tribes over his heart (gotta be some symbolism there. The Urim and Thummim over his heart -- God's communication. God uses Holiness to the Lord and puts this on the turbin. So he puts symbols of love and communication over the heart and over the mind.
I know a lot of people get all excited about their birthstones -- each tribe had a stone. I can imagine the little kids pointing to "their" tribe's stone and knowing that they are represented for God. Kind of fun to think about. God wanted everyone to know that they were important to Him:)
Absolum was very crafty and patient -- he took 4 years of sucking up to the people before he made his move - -
ReplyDeleteIt seemed to be a time of fickleness for a lot of people; really sad story - - kindof reminded me about the civil war, the way the countrymen fought against each other.
I appreciate the courage of Joab to confront the King on his lack of appreciation.
Who do you believe? Ziba or Mephibosheth?
Some of this plotting back n forth is incredible soap opera stuff! Can't believe the conniving that goes on. Sounds pretty stressful to me, always having to act a certain way, say the right words, etc. But yet, in some ways we do the same with God & with each other. Put on the mask of our choosing & play the game. Everything's good, everything's fine, but inside we're spiritually dead or we're hurting, dealing with problems, etc. Interesting parallels there.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I too was impressed with Joab confronting David. In some ways he was a good commander, but he was definitely a soldier & only saw things in black n white. Again, that's not a bad thing, but he sure was bloody! Maybe killing Absalom was the best thing to do, he was an underhanded man for sure!
I tend to lean to Meph, since he didn't care about what he inherited, he just was glad to see David back. Ziba probably thought M would be killed so his story wouldn't be questioned.
David says God is the one that holds him together (57:2) & delivers generous love (v3). Amen!
ReplyDeleteI was struck that David doesn't mention people by name when he's crying out to God for deliverance or vindication. He generalizes it instead, so I don't ever remember reading Saul's name within any of the Psalms, just in the titles. Interesting.
59:10 "God in dependable love shows up on time..." But it's His timing & patience is not a strength of mine.
v17 is similar "Strong God, I'm watching you do it,I can always count on you — God, my dependable love."
My dependable love, even when it's painful to me at times, He's always dependable.
I love the word picture of hiding beneath the shadow of your wings (go 3rd day!) So many times I want to hide - - it's good to know we can visualize God's protection - - like a mama hen!
ReplyDeleteMy heart is confident in YOU. When I'm not feeling confident; I can still go forward in His strength.
57:10 comes alive for me, as I've been flying in the clouds this week. The clouds are awesome -- the blue sky above them is soooo far-reaching; another word-picture to expand our small way of thinking.
59:16 - - I will sing about your power, EACH MORNING I will sing with JOY about your unfailing love. Not only do I feel like singing this morning (I won't cuz I'm in a hotel room -- no busting out in loud noise here!) but I'm picturing Chris singing with the birds as she walks around with Toby!!!
The interchange between God & Job intrigues me. I need to dwell on it a bit more. I know when God asks me direct questions, I get like Job, just ready to shut up & listen...finally. He allows me let out all the hot air & then hits my heart with a question that just stops me in my tracks. I just want to listen to more of His wisdom & learn from Him.
ReplyDeleteYeah -- this is confusing; you always hear that Job was A-mazing with his trust & his open-ness with God; but here it sounds like God is disappointed with him.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like 40:2 is key here. You are God's critic, but do you have the answers? People in leadership often have to make tough tough decisions - - as they have more facts on a situation than the average Joe Blow. Then here comes Joe - - criticizing and questioning the leader's decision. Sometimes that leader can't divulge all the information about the situation - - so he (the leader) just has to take it.
I think God finds himself in the situation - - a lot! We humans question and criticize "How could a God that loves . . . " and God just has to take it - - He knows the bigger picture. I think He wanted Job to realize that God knows all; from the tiniest creature the the intelligent (and not so intelligent) humans. and sometimes, in this fallen, sinful world with Satan throwing all his darts - - there are no good answers.
Many people accuse God as using Job as an experiment - - but it sure gives the rest of us a peak at what goes on behind the scenes battle, and how frustrating a job leadership of the universe must be for God. How much easier it would be if no one questioned God's wisdom - - seems like God has a right to be frustrated with us ungrateful humans!
PS -- I can hardly wait for next week -- cuz I heard a sermon last week that has a great thought on God's blessing for Job -- BUT; you'll have to wait until next week to see what this amazing fact is!!!!
ReplyDeleteyeah, that's a good take Linda, I know a friend told me once that as a leader, you'll never be understood, or something like that, since you can never fully explain all of the facts without hurting someone or denying the trust/confidence that was placed in you. I think any of us who have been in leadership positions can relate to that!
ReplyDeleteHey Chris! For once I beat you (only because of the 3 hours difference:)
ReplyDeleteZedekiah was a weak leader -- always trying to please everyone (I guess that saved your neck back in those days). It appears to me over these 4 chapters that he really did believe Jeremiah, as he was always seeking his advice on the down low, or taking care of him despite his advisers. He was afraid -- but he could have made a difference for the people with strong leadership. What a terrible end he had.
The story of Jeremiah shows God's care for people that trust him. Jeremiah sure had a tough time while he was following God's will -- but in the ed, he had a very gentle life -- no more prophecying - - but he could live wherever he wanted - do whatever he wanted - - God rewarded his faithfulness.
And I love how God recognized Ebed-Melech for his kindness and trust. God notices when we do the right thing and trust Him to the outcome - - it may not be easy at the time; but He will make all things right in His time!
Yep Linda, I was still sawing logs when you posted! :D
ReplyDeleteDitto to what you said about the reading. I was really appreciated of the special message to Ebed Melek, how God wanted him to know he didn't have to be afraid of the future. The God he trusted was his Defender.
I can't imagine being stuck in a place where you can't even see your legs/feet because of the mud you're stuck in. I wonder how long Jeremiah was in there or if Ebed came quick. But even an hour or day! Yuck! And we think we have it hard to serve God. HA!
Happy Sabbath everyone! OK -- gotta admit; I'm getting antsy to head home! Starting back Monday morning - - but I miss everyone and everything - - especially celebrating Sabbath with my friends!
ReplyDelete3:2 - - John was in the wilderness when God's message came to him - - I wonder what God said - - I wonder if God spoke (as at Jesus' baptism) or if it was an angel.
People came flocking around - - but it sounds like they just wanted to be conveniently saved; no inconvenience on their part -- no sacrifice on their part.
Also -- notice that John didn't say - - become destitute and you will be saved; rather give, share, be fair. You don't have to give all your clothes away - - but if you've got extra; share! Think of others! (very much a God-concept)
I was kindof amazed the Luke didn't say a whole lot about Jesus' baptism! I wonder if Luke was there, or if that was a story he heard from someone else.
The spirit descended like a dove -- then the Spirit lead him to the wilderness. I wonder if the spirit remained dove-like and Jesus followed the dove out into the wilderness (random thought -- but it's what I wondered!)
The geneology -- Luke sure did his research - - but it does prove the lineage that the prophets talked about earlier such as the Messiah would come from the line of Judah and the line of David. I thought it was interesting that Jesus came from Nathan (David's son) not Solomon (even though, as we read earlier, Solomon was loved by God) I wonder if Nathan was named after the prophet that held David accoutable? You never hear anything about this son of David.
After Satan's major temptations in the wilderness it said he (Satan) left Him until the next opportunity came.
The next op had to do with the people that surrounded Jesus. First fame (4:15, 22) turned to rejection. The people were furious. They didn't want to hear the truth - they wanted to feeeeel good about themselves (not so much different today).
Doubt and Discouragement - - the devil uses those on us everyday. We need to keep looking up to the One who is on our side and by our side.
Why didn't Jesus want the devil's to proclaim He was the Messiah? Would it discredit the truth? It had to have been something like that -- as obviously the devil was behind destroying His mission.
O and one other thing in the end of 4 -- another temptation Satan hit Jesus with was to keep Jesus isolated in one area.
ReplyDeleteOK -- just checked Matthew 1 and in this chapter, Jesus came through the lineage of Solomon - - not Nathan. Maybe Nathan was Sol's nick name?
ReplyDeleteJohn's purpose was to make the road smooth/straight, fill in the ditches, smooth the bumps & straighten the detours. I was thinking of all the spiritual detours, ditches & bumpy roads the religious leaders had made for the people at that time. The gospel really is simple as Jesus said in 4:8 "Serve him [God] with absolute single-heartedness" be totally abandoned to Him. So John was to prep people by making it simple again.
ReplyDeleteHe told them in 3:9 "What counts is your life. Is it green and blossoming? Because if it's deadwood, it goes on the fire." This got the people ready to listen to the true Message from heaven in the flesh. They were eager for a change & to realize it was waaaay simpler than they'd been taught - no wonder they flocked to hear Jesus!
Hadn't thought of it this way before that I remember. Maybe it was more obvious to the rest of you though.
I like your thoughts Linda, I had some of the same (not the dove one thought LOL). Especially like your comment on the temptation to keep Jesus in one location. Hadn't thought of that before.
I've always been bothered by Jesus healing Simon's mom n law & then she got up to serve them. Part of me is irked that He did it only to get her to serve Him. I know He didn't do it selfishly, that's impossible for God. I think it was the wording in the older versions though. This time it seemed perfectly natural the way it was written in the Message. It would be natural for me to want to serve Him when He heals me like that...just plain gratitude! And that's how I feel now as He heals me...as I LET Him. ;)