Yayyyy---Ephesians! Eph 1:2--Peace always comes after grace---we can't have peace without the grace of God.
In E:3-6, Paul Blesses God here---I love it. We usually expect God to Bless us.
In vs 11--God chose me and blessed me with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. He's speaking about eternal spiritual gifts---not temporal things here. I've got an inheritance! (notice the use of the present tense)
In vs.13 on it says I've been sealed with the Holy Spirit's Seal. Seals aren't used much today, but they were common throughout the ancient world. I'm God's possession. In the "Once saved, always saved" circle, they would ask---why would God throw away something He's bought and sealed? He who has begun a good work in you...is able to finish it. (Phil 1:6) The power of God is too mighty to allow one one who has been sealed to escape.
One of my favorite verses in the whole Bible is Eph 3:20. I use it as part of my declarations every day. God wants to do exceedingly and abundantly over all I can ever ask. Praise God!
Wow, yeah Sher -- love Eph 1-3!! And you got me to thinking about the "seal" A seal meant this was the "real deal" no fake. So we become authentic, real deal children of God. He put His seal on us!! I see what you mean:)
God blessed us, he chose us, he adopted us, he purchased us, he forgave us, he showered us with kindness, wisdom and understanding. Who would not love a God like that? Apparently, most of humanity -- the angels must shake their heads.
I love Paul's prayer for the Ephesians in 1:16-19. I claimed that prayer this morning for my children.
2:7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us. It's amazing to be used by God this way! Hard to even imagine being personally pointed out by God. humbling . . .
And, Paul's reminder to keep our "human ego" in check: God saved you by his grace (verse 8) and you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God.
And! Each one of us is God's masterpiece!! again, humbling . . . the reason we can be a masterpiece is that in our weakness (very evident in so many aspects) HE is strong!! We are a masterpiece of His grace and kindness!
Interesting in 2:15 He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. I was trying to understand that sentence, and I think what it was ending were all the ceremonies that separated the Jews and the Gentiles. If you look at the context, this little verse comes in Paul's cry that we are all ONE in Christ! We're all adopted, we're all a masterpiece. 3:6 says bot Gentiles and JEws who believe the Good News share EQUALLY in the riches.
That being the case, I don't think it's the big 10 that were done away with (that shows only Love: love to God and love to man) I think it was all the separating stuff like: circumcision and the outer court of the temple rule. 3:12 says that we can now come boldly and oinfidently into God's presence - - no more of this, "You must stay in the outer court"
Doncha LOVE Paul's take on God's love in the end of 3? and, I agree with She on Eph 3:20. If we just sit still, He'll accomplish a mighty work within us!!
Well ladies, I was blessed by your comments! I was wondering how you could start blogging about all the stuff Paul said, there's soooo much!
As I read I was overwhelmed with the delight God took in making my life for me. In developing my salvation, His watching over me & in validating me as His daughter. I am worth something to Someone! Man, how many people need to hear that in today's world! Many who really need it look on the outside like they have it all together.
I agree with the points you guys made so not gonna repeat them. Just was blessed that Jesus loves me today & wants to give me more than what I hope for myself & am too scared to ask for. Makes me think of that Sun Stand Still book I'm reading Linda.
Thankfully we aren't going thru the whole book of Leviticus in one week because I wouldn't get much out of it. I'm only glad I didn't live back then & that all this stuff was nailed to the cross & done away with. I can see how easy it would be for all this stuff to just become a routine & lose it's meaning.
Well - - the good news is, it doesn't take too long to read Lev 1-3:) and that it only comes around once a week!!
I was thinking about how God tried to give people just a taste of the pain that He would go through, giving up His son. Of course, the ultimate taste of His bitterness would be to sacrifice their own sons (but He only required that test of Abraham). Instead, He tried to help them see how ugly sin is with a smaller test -- their animals and food.
A male with no defects - - the very first part of your crop; the very best of your best.
That being said -- I wonder if all the slaughter of animals and birds kindof hardened people to compassion? I sure wouldn't want the priests job - ugh! and why was God so concerned with different parts. I get the yeast (sin--thank you Jesus for giving us that illustration), but what about honey, fat, kidneys, and livers. I wish I understood why those parts were singled out.
I'm thinking the salt (2:11) had something to do with "you are the salt of the earth"?
And no problem for me not to eat blood -- grosses me out, so I'm good with the permanent law in 3:17!
Hmmm Linda, I see the teacher in you coming out - getting something out of that reading. Good thoughts. Leviticus is drudgery for me so I let that cloud my thinking & don't look for anything. I will have to adjust my attitude!
Interesting that the Queen of Sheba had even heard about Solomon's relationship with God, not just about his wisdom & wealth.
I was just thinking this a.m. during my run about Rehoboam not taking the wiser counsel & how applicable that is today too. Sometimes the older counsel is outdated & doesn't apply, but I don't see him seeking any counsel from God. Solomon didn't teach his sons that well or that was their choice. Hard to tell.
How come God gave Jeroboam 10 tribes & Rehoboam 1 but never mentions what happens to the 12th? Benjamin is mentioned as getting ready to fight Jer but is it that insignificant now? Is that because all the women were wiped out back in Judges?
Jeroboam doesn't seek God's counsel either. I see alot of me in here. God blatantly leads me in one way & then I run with it & go where I think I should go, but I don't check with God to make sure it's where He wants me to continue going. Every step I need to seek His counsel. Like that Rich Mullins song "...step by step You lead me & I will follow You all of my days..."
That old prophet that lied to the other one; was he sent by God to test the 1st one or did he do that all on his own? Seems like on his own, like he wanted his name in there someplace. So I shouldn't throw my hat in with someone just because they say the right things. Again...check with God & if I don't hear anything, then I should go with what I last heard.
10:1 is what it's all about - - "Solomon's fame, which brought honor to the name of the Lord. I think it is amazing that God will use anything to turn people to Him -- to get their attention. Wisdom & Wealth are 2 things He uses in the life of Solomon -- and it works beeeeeeautifully, until Solomon corrupts it.
OK -- I understand putting lots of pretty peacocks around the palace, but apes? There's not a lot pretty about an ape -- must be a man thing.
I wonder what Solomon's reaction was when the Lord visited him a 3rd time in 11:11, letting him know that he had screwed up. Was there remorse, was there defiance? The Bible doesn't say - - for being such a wise person, you'd think he'd repent and make a change. I bet God would have honored a repentant heart. Maybe Solomon figured that since it wouldn't affect his kingdom (but his son's), he just went happily along worshiping with his wives.
The story of Jereboam is really a soap opera. He was a hard worker, and must have had a lot of charisma (since he showed up out of the blue and people wanted to make him king.) It's a mystery to me why these kings didn't "get it" Obey God -- good things happen, disobey -- bad things happen. For Kings, it seemed pretty cut and dried, as God was trying to use their kingdom as a witness.
And then, I never quite understood where the "old prophet" in 13:11 was coming from. Did he intentionally try to trick the man of God -- or did God use him to trick the man of God as a test? I don't understand the lesson in this -- hopefully, you guys have insight on this??
OK Chris -- just read your comments. Yeah-- I think the young prophet would have been safe if he'd checked it out with God...and good point about Rheoboam not checking with God either.
I need a text on the wiped out women! I'm not sure what you are saying here -- what is insignificant.
Solomon had great wisdom and lots of stupidity. Apparently wisdom is no guarantee against foolishness. It's possible to know all the correct things, doctrine, have sound mind and genius intellect and follow after silliness.
In 1Kings 13 16-19, I find an interesting situation between the prophet of God and an old prophet of Bethel. God gave His prophet instructions not to eat or drink anything at Bethel. But in vs.18 the old man of Bethel makes up a story about an angel appearing to him. Wow! This reminds me of the Morman Church. My youngest daughter has a Morman father and 9 Morman brothers and sisters. I know about this false doctrine. And in 1Kings we see the message of the Morman church.
The Mormans claim that the angel Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith with some new revelation which changed what was previously taught. Many people have blindly followed this message. They've fallen into the same trap as this prophet of God in 1 Kings and believed a false prophet.
Linda, I went back & read Judges 20, 21 & they weren't wiped out, the rest of Israel didn't give their wives to Benjamin because of what happened to the Levite's concubine. It does say in 21 that Israel grieved because a tribe (Benjamin) was cut off from them. So it wasn't that Benjamin was insignificant now, I guess they were still considered cut off from that time. Didn't realize that. Unless you have other insights.
I like how David is concerned in 69 that people aren't discouraged to follow God by what happens to him. That's pretty selfless when you're discouraged & getting hit on all sides by the enemy.
Good reminder in v9 too that people who are mad at God blame those who are madly in love with Him for every beef they have with God. So I shouldn't take it personal (but I tend to).
Maybe that's why Jesus asked His Father to forgive them. He realized they didn't get it & were taking out their frustrations on Him. Hadn't thought of that angle before.
v 29 - "I'm hurt and in pain; Give me space for healing, and mountain air." David, needing a time out to recoup & refocus. Nothing like mountain air to do that for me too.
I like how he weaves praise into his cries for help & relief. Really, when I'm focusing on God's character, even if I'm pleading for help, I end up praising how He's come thru for me in the past...gives me hope.
71:3 "give me space for salvation. Be a guest room where I can retreat." Again, I really like the word picture of space for salvation. But the guest room thing...that I don't like because those are just a small room. I like the wide open space - mountain air.
71:12,13 "My accusers—make them lose face. Those out to get me—make them look like idiots, while I stretch out, reaching for you, and daily add praise to praise." Usually when I'm under attack I tend to withdraw, even physically. So there goes my abandonment to God, my arms fold up close to myself for protection. David is saying just the opposite & I really need to remember this. Then I'm really open to His help, in whatever manner it comes to me. Even if it's by - GASP - humans!
Chris -- you crack me up!! Us "humans" are all in the same boat -- trying to be strong and independent; and all the while God is asking us to be weak and dependent -- on Him first, but on each other too! Yeah, you're not alone in the struggle!
I'm about 3/4 done with the book "Unbroken" about a guys whose plane went down in WWII. He was stranded on a raft forever, and then captured and tortured by the Japanese. Chapter 69 and in some places 70 and 70 as well remind me of how hopeless his situation was. People abusing him. While he did pray and turn to God -- he didn't have the heart of David; finding strength in God, praising God through the heat.
The part I'm reading now is about his recovery after the war -- or rather, his inability to recover. Duane and I were talking about it last night -- maybe one of the reasons that Jesus survived His abuse without loosing His grip on God - - was His God-way of forgiveness. When you read about the abuse Jesus (and the POWs) went through -- my humaness rises up and says; there is no way I could forgive THAT. But Jesus DID - - He forgives us daily through our unthinking ways of rejection. And that forgiveness freed Him to love and to live again.
Forgiveness will free us to love and live again too. Not sure why all that came out of 69-71; but at least now you know what I'm thinking of, processing, and struggling with today:)
WhooHOOO---This is a man in warfare! The full strength of the energy of the enemy has come against David and he is exhausted. He doesn't think he can hang on much longer.
Oh wow--I've been there. When I'm in it deep, I get the victim mentality that no one else has ever gone through what I'm going through and no one can possibly understand-- So why bother to ask for anyone to pray with me.
But God rescues us each and every time. Usually at the VERY last moment---- I can't figure out why God can't be early just once---He and I have a running joke about that issue.
Good point on the forgiveness Linda. Reminded me of a book I have & with out ruining the story - in case you want to borrow it - the last line of the book (& it took me 2x thru it to get this) is what I finally took with me & it started me on my journey of healing. She said "Justice didn't bring healing, but forgiveness did". Thanks for the reminder!
Sherrie, yeah, I think we all can get in that victim mentality pretty easy & think no one else knows - so why bother to ask for HELP. Yeah, I think I can relate...maybe...possibly.... :D
Duane and I sat up late reading the "Unbroken" book, because it had an AMAZING finish! Wait until you guys read it -- the "Justice" line is a perfect clincher to the end of this book. Can't figure out why I've never heard of Louis Zamparini before!!
OK -- on with the morning duties so I can get to my morning reading!
This chapter in Proverbs is exactly the opposite of what Rhehoboam (whatever) did. He didn't take good counsel/instruction. He listen to counsel that oppressed good people just to make himself feel good. The world today (satan) doesn't want me to think about what I am doing. He just wants me to do it because it feels good or makes me look good. God wants me to think about other people first. Sure, there's balance there, but I'm thinking that Jesus' life sure looks out of balance. He was always ministering to people. The time He took for Himself most people would say He should have been sleeping.
I like Solomon saying keep your eyes fixed straight ahead, don't get distracted with sideshows. Reminds me of the Twila Paris song "Fix Your Eyes on Jesus". Also Hebrews 11, how they looked for a country that wasn't earthly to call home. They had their eyes fixed on what is above, not here. So when things didn't go how they thought they should, they could still have that peace. I think it was also because they had the "understanding" that Solomon says was so important here. Not earthly understanding, but heavenly.
Wow -- short reading today! Solomon is almost frantic trying to get the message out to people -- "Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you! Getting wisdom is the wisest think you can do! Whatever else you do, develop good judgment. If you prize wisdom . . . I wonder if he wrote this before or after God visited him about his poor choices in lifestyle?
I too enjoyed the verse in 4:25-27 Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Something we have to remember daily -- so many worldly distractions; and Satan knows exactly which distraction will capture us.
We have to have a plan - - and that plan involves wisdom. The fear of the Lord IS the beginning of wisdom!
First I gotta share this quote from an audio CD I listened to yesterday. It explains the difference between grace and mercy:
MERCY: is God withholding from you what you deserve GRACE: is God giving you what you don't deserve
the two often work together, which is why you'll see them paired up so often in the Bible - cool huh? Never thought about the difference before, I just always thought they were kindof the same!
Well, this reading in Ezekiel shows that even God has a limit with his mercy -- he is about to extend to his people what they deserve. Yet, the reason He is warning them, is that he hopes that they will turn - - so he can again work with mercy and grace. Ahh we humans are so stubborn.
Man was created in the image of God - - that makes sense to me when I read the description of what I assume are the angels/cherubim. Every time a human sees the glory of God, they fall to their face - - I think sometimes we take God's glory, majesty, power for granted; if we could get a glimpse (even of His back) I'd bet we'd be changed people!
God said in 3:10 Let me words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself. Then go . . . that reminds me of Paul's conversion, and how he spent 3 years I think - - just reading, learning, communing before he began his mission. Good lesson for us -- but we don't want to get stuck in the sinking and listening and never go!
3:14 says I went in btterness and turmoil - - is that because he didn't want to do it? I can relate - - and especially when we read what comes later. To lay on your side for over a year?
I appreciate that even Ezekiel has boundaries with God (human/cow dung), and that God respected Ezekiel's loyalty to his conscience.
That must have been one sharp sword if you're going to shave your head and beard . . . hmmmmm.
His a phrase that jumped out at me: 6:9 They will recognize how hurt I am by their unfaithful hearts and lustful eyes that long for their idols. I guess I don't always think about hurting God -- he seems so BIG so IMPERVIOUS - - but He's not. Our ingratitude and disloyalty must hurt Him terribly. He's given all He can, and I'll admit, I'm happy to take - - Holy Spirit, create in me a clean heart, the heart of a servant.
Linda, thanks for sharing the mercy/grace definitions. I've heard them before, but the refresher was good to think about. I didn't have time to post yesterday but after reading thru your comments - I concur! Those were the points that stood out to me as well. Especially the limit to His mercy - we just think it'll go on forever because the punishment is so often delayed. Oh yeah - & the part about God hurting because of our insolence. Good stuff!
So Luke today - man he stuffs a lot in there! A lot of recap of Matt/Mark but...of course the MSG just puts things so nicely at times.
In the Lord's Prayer - instead of "hallowed by Your name" it's "reveal who You are". That 3rd Day song - "Show Me Your Glory" about Moses comes to mind here. I can never sing that chorus though - I just feel so condemned in His Holy Presence. I don't have that faith to say to Him - show me Your glory. I just feel that would be audacity on my part right now. I know I'm a terrible sinner & I'm just so grateful that He is my salvation because I could NEVER earn it.
11:10 "don't bargain with God - be direct". God doesn't play games & I'm so thankful for that. So tired of the game playing we tend to do in relationships & so called "friendships". I love Mandisa's song "what if we were real". I'm so there!
I so need the reminder in 12:4,5 about not being intimidated by/afraid of people, especially religious bullies. But to just be in awe of God.
12:21 - when the man dies who gets his full barn? "that's what happens when you fill your barn full of Self & not with God". Wow! Really good mental picture for me.
Oh yeah 11:33+ The light on a hill is a person with his arms wide open in abandonment to God. Living in "wide-eyed wonder & trust" as MSG puts it. Or I can be the squinty-eyed, distrustful person - which I unfortunately am most of the time. I can sense God changing me - I just want it to happen NOW! LOL
Finally 12:29+ To not worry about stuff but live in God-reality so I can "relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God's giving". Since I know I am His daughter & He wants to give me the world, I don't have to be afraid I'm missing out on something (like I usually am). He will always give me what's best for me. Doesn't mean I always like it at the time, but I do eventually realize it's the best for me!
Well---I haven't read much yet, but so far I got that our prayers should be short and concerned with the honor and glory of God. Hopefully, I can add more later today.
Ah Chris -- I always come away feeling soaked up in your take of the scripture; you are so real and honest, that it just opens up my heart too:)
Amazing wasn't it, how Pastor Mike preached on the Lord's Prayer today! I Love how JEsus stresses that the prayer starts out where it should -- all about God (Your name, Your Kingdom. I so often make it about me; ha! when will I GET IT? It's all about HIM!
I like how in 11:8-10 it says, keep knocking, keep on asking, keep seeking - - and down in 13, it tells what your a searching/hoping for - - the heavenly Father gives the HOly Spirit to those who ask Him!!
I combined the end of 42 with the end of 41: the "more important things" are "giving gifts to the poor" a life of love, and a loving life - - gives.
In 53 when it says "As Jesus was leaving . . . the Pahrisees treid to provoke Him with many questions. That reminds me of when someone famous is giving a news conference and wraps it up . . there's always a bunch of reporters that bust in with 10 more questions.
In 12:4 it says that God is the one to fear, and then in 12:6 it says Don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. It's all about the relationship.
I really appreciate Jesus' focus on greed -- really good stuff, it's like we're bombarded with that everywhere we turn.
When Jesus becomes vulnerable in 12:50 and sais I have a terrible baptism of suffering ahead of me, and I am under a heavy burden until it is accomplished; maybe He's talking about the cross -- or maybe He's talking about the breakup of relationships that message of grace will create; or maybe He's talking about the whole package - -
Yayyyy---Ephesians! Eph 1:2--Peace always comes after grace---we can't have peace without the grace of God.
ReplyDeleteIn E:3-6, Paul Blesses God here---I love it. We usually expect God to Bless us.
In vs 11--God chose me and blessed me with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. He's speaking about eternal spiritual gifts---not temporal things here. I've got an inheritance! (notice the use of the present tense)
In vs.13 on it says I've been sealed with the Holy Spirit's Seal. Seals aren't used much today, but they were common throughout the ancient world. I'm God's possession.
In the "Once saved, always saved" circle, they would ask---why would God throw away something He's bought and sealed? He who has begun a good work in you...is able to finish it. (Phil 1:6)
The power of God is too mighty to allow one one who has been sealed to escape.
One of my favorite verses in the whole Bible is Eph 3:20. I use it as part of my declarations every day. God wants to do exceedingly and abundantly over all I can ever ask. Praise God!
Wow, yeah Sher -- love Eph 1-3!! And you got me to thinking about the "seal" A seal meant this was the "real deal" no fake. So we become authentic, real deal children of God. He put His seal on us!! I see what you mean:)
ReplyDeleteGod blessed us, he chose us, he adopted us, he purchased us, he forgave us, he showered us with kindness, wisdom and understanding. Who would not love a God like that? Apparently, most of humanity -- the angels must shake their heads.
I love Paul's prayer for the Ephesians in 1:16-19. I claimed that prayer this morning for my children.
2:7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us. It's amazing to be used by God this way! Hard to even imagine being personally pointed out by God. humbling . . .
And, Paul's reminder to keep our "human ego" in check: God saved you by his grace (verse 8) and you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God.
And! Each one of us is God's masterpiece!! again, humbling . . . the reason we can be a masterpiece is that in our weakness (very evident in so many aspects) HE is strong!! We are a masterpiece of His grace and kindness!
Interesting in 2:15 He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. I was trying to understand that sentence, and I think what it was ending were all the ceremonies that separated the Jews and the Gentiles. If you look at the context, this little verse comes in Paul's cry that we are all ONE in Christ! We're all adopted, we're all a masterpiece. 3:6 says bot Gentiles and JEws who believe the Good News share EQUALLY in the riches.
That being the case, I don't think it's the big 10 that were done away with (that shows only Love: love to God and love to man) I think it was all the separating stuff like: circumcision and the outer court of the temple rule. 3:12 says that we can now come boldly and oinfidently into God's presence - - no more of this, "You must stay in the outer court"
Doncha LOVE Paul's take on God's love in the end of 3? and, I agree with She on Eph 3:20. If we just sit still, He'll accomplish a mighty work within us!!
Well ladies, I was blessed by your comments! I was wondering how you could start blogging about all the stuff Paul said, there's soooo much!
ReplyDeleteAs I read I was overwhelmed with the delight God took in making my life for me. In developing my salvation, His watching over me & in validating me as His daughter. I am worth something to Someone! Man, how many people need to hear that in today's world! Many who really need it look on the outside like they have it all together.
I agree with the points you guys made so not gonna repeat them. Just was blessed that Jesus loves me today & wants to give me more than what I hope for myself & am too scared to ask for. Makes me think of that Sun Stand Still book I'm reading Linda.
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ReplyDeleteThankfully we aren't going thru the whole book of Leviticus in one week because I wouldn't get much out of it. I'm only glad I didn't live back then & that all this stuff was nailed to the cross & done away with. I can see how easy it would be for all this stuff to just become a routine & lose it's meaning.
ReplyDeleteWell - - the good news is, it doesn't take too long to read Lev 1-3:) and that it only comes around once a week!!
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about how God tried to give people just a taste of the pain that He would go through, giving up His son. Of course, the ultimate taste of His bitterness would be to sacrifice their own sons (but He only required that test of Abraham). Instead, He tried to help them see how ugly sin is with a smaller test -- their animals and food.
A male with no defects - - the very first part of your crop; the very best of your best.
That being said -- I wonder if all the slaughter of animals and birds kindof hardened people to compassion? I sure wouldn't want the priests job - ugh! and why was God so concerned with different parts. I get the yeast (sin--thank you Jesus for giving us that illustration), but what about honey, fat, kidneys, and livers. I wish I understood why those parts were singled out.
I'm thinking the salt (2:11) had something to do with "you are the salt of the earth"?
And no problem for me not to eat blood -- grosses me out, so I'm good with the permanent law in 3:17!
Hmmm Linda, I see the teacher in you coming out - getting something out of that reading. Good thoughts. Leviticus is drudgery for me so I let that cloud my thinking & don't look for anything. I will have to adjust my attitude!
ReplyDeleteInteresting that the Queen of Sheba had even heard about Solomon's relationship with God, not just about his wisdom & wealth.
I was just thinking this a.m. during my run about Rehoboam not taking the wiser counsel & how applicable that is today too. Sometimes the older counsel is outdated & doesn't apply, but I don't see him seeking any counsel from God. Solomon didn't teach his sons that well or that was their choice. Hard to tell.
How come God gave Jeroboam 10 tribes & Rehoboam 1 but never mentions what happens to the 12th? Benjamin is mentioned as getting ready to fight Jer but is it that insignificant now? Is that because all the women were wiped out back in Judges?
Jeroboam doesn't seek God's counsel either. I see alot of me in here. God blatantly leads me in one way & then I run with it & go where I think I should go, but I don't check with God to make sure it's where He wants me to continue going. Every step I need to seek His counsel. Like that Rich Mullins song "...step by step You lead me & I will follow You all of my days..."
That old prophet that lied to the other one; was he sent by God to test the 1st one or did he do that all on his own? Seems like on his own, like he wanted his name in there someplace. So I shouldn't throw my hat in with someone just because they say the right things. Again...check with God & if I don't hear anything, then I should go with what I last heard.
I just see a lot of warnings in here.
10:1 is what it's all about - - "Solomon's fame, which brought honor to the name of the Lord. I think it is amazing that God will use anything to turn people to Him -- to get their attention. Wisdom & Wealth are 2 things He uses in the life of Solomon -- and it works beeeeeeautifully, until Solomon corrupts it.
ReplyDeleteOK -- I understand putting lots of pretty peacocks around the palace, but apes? There's not a lot pretty about an ape -- must be a man thing.
I wonder what Solomon's reaction was when the Lord visited him a 3rd time in 11:11, letting him know that he had screwed up. Was there remorse, was there defiance? The Bible doesn't say - - for being such a wise person, you'd think he'd repent and make a change. I bet God would have honored a repentant heart. Maybe Solomon figured that since it wouldn't affect his kingdom (but his son's), he just went happily along worshiping with his wives.
The story of Jereboam is really a soap opera. He was a hard worker, and must have had a lot of charisma (since he showed up out of the blue and people wanted to make him king.) It's a mystery to me why these kings didn't "get it" Obey God -- good things happen, disobey -- bad things happen. For Kings, it seemed pretty cut and dried, as God was trying to use their kingdom as a witness.
And then, I never quite understood where the "old prophet" in 13:11 was coming from. Did he intentionally try to trick the man of God -- or did God use him to trick the man of God as a test? I don't understand the lesson in this -- hopefully, you guys have insight on this??
OK Chris -- just read your comments. Yeah-- I think the young prophet would have been safe if he'd checked it out with God...and good point about Rheoboam not checking with God either.
ReplyDeleteI need a text on the wiped out women! I'm not sure what you are saying here -- what is insignificant.
and yeah -- where DID #12 tribe go?
Solomon had great wisdom and lots of stupidity. Apparently wisdom is no guarantee against foolishness. It's possible to know all the correct things, doctrine, have sound mind and genius intellect and follow after silliness.
ReplyDeleteIn 1Kings 13 16-19, I find an interesting situation between the prophet of God and an old prophet of Bethel. God gave His prophet instructions not to eat or drink anything at Bethel. But in vs.18 the old man of Bethel makes up a story about an angel appearing to him. Wow! This reminds me of the Morman Church. My youngest daughter has a Morman father and 9 Morman brothers and sisters. I know about this false doctrine. And in 1Kings we see the message of the Morman church.
The Mormans claim that the angel Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith with some new revelation which changed what was previously taught. Many people have blindly followed this message. They've fallen into the same trap as this prophet of God in 1 Kings and believed a false prophet.
Linda, I went back & read Judges 20, 21 & they weren't wiped out, the rest of Israel didn't give their wives to Benjamin because of what happened to the Levite's concubine. It does say in 21 that Israel grieved because a tribe (Benjamin) was cut off from them. So it wasn't that Benjamin was insignificant now, I guess they were still considered cut off from that time. Didn't realize that. Unless you have other insights.
ReplyDeleteI like how David is concerned in 69 that people aren't discouraged to follow God by what happens to him. That's pretty selfless when you're discouraged & getting hit on all sides by the enemy.
ReplyDeleteGood reminder in v9 too that people who are mad at God blame those who are madly in love with Him for every beef they have with God. So I shouldn't take it personal (but I tend to).
Maybe that's why Jesus asked His Father to forgive them. He realized they didn't get it & were taking out their frustrations on Him. Hadn't thought of that angle before.
v 29 - "I'm hurt and in pain; Give me space for healing, and mountain air." David, needing a time out to recoup & refocus. Nothing like mountain air to do that for me too.
I like how he weaves praise into his cries for help & relief. Really, when I'm focusing on God's character, even if I'm pleading for help, I end up praising how He's come thru for me in the past...gives me hope.
71:3 "give me space for salvation. Be a guest room where I can retreat." Again, I really like the word picture of space for salvation. But the guest room thing...that I don't like because those are just a small room. I like the wide open space - mountain air.
71:12,13 "My accusers—make them lose face. Those out to get me—make them look like idiots, while I stretch out, reaching for you, and daily add praise to praise." Usually when I'm under attack I tend to withdraw, even physically. So there goes my abandonment to God, my arms fold up close to myself for protection. David is saying just the opposite & I really need to remember this. Then I'm really open to His help, in whatever manner it comes to me. Even if it's by - GASP - humans!
Chris -- you crack me up!! Us "humans" are all in the same boat -- trying to be strong and independent; and all the while God is asking us to be weak and dependent -- on Him first, but on each other too! Yeah, you're not alone in the struggle!
ReplyDeleteI'm about 3/4 done with the book "Unbroken" about a guys whose plane went down in WWII. He was stranded on a raft forever, and then captured and tortured by the Japanese. Chapter 69 and in some places 70 and 70 as well remind me of how hopeless his situation was. People abusing him. While he did pray and turn to God -- he didn't have the heart of David; finding strength in God, praising God through the heat.
The part I'm reading now is about his recovery after the war -- or rather, his inability to recover. Duane and I were talking about it last night -- maybe one of the reasons that Jesus survived His abuse without loosing His grip on God - - was His God-way of forgiveness. When you read about the abuse Jesus (and the POWs) went through -- my humaness rises up and says; there is no way I could forgive THAT. But Jesus DID - - He forgives us daily through our unthinking ways of rejection. And that forgiveness freed Him to love and to live again.
Forgiveness will free us to love and live again too. Not sure why all that came out of 69-71; but at least now you know what I'm thinking of, processing, and struggling with today:)
WhooHOOO---This is a man in warfare! The full strength of the energy of the enemy has come against David and he is exhausted. He doesn't think he can hang on much longer.
ReplyDeleteOh wow--I've been there. When I'm in it deep, I get the victim mentality that no one else has ever gone through what I'm going through and no one can possibly understand-- So why bother to ask for anyone to pray with me.
But God rescues us each and every time. Usually at the VERY last moment----
I can't figure out why God can't be early just once---He and I have a running joke about that issue.
Good point on the forgiveness Linda. Reminded me of a book I have & with out ruining the story - in case you want to borrow it - the last line of the book (& it took me 2x thru it to get this) is what I finally took with me & it started me on my journey of healing. She said "Justice didn't bring healing, but forgiveness did".
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder!
Sherrie, yeah, I think we all can get in that victim mentality pretty easy & think no one else knows - so why bother to ask for HELP. Yeah, I think I can relate...maybe...possibly.... :D
Duane and I sat up late reading the "Unbroken" book, because it had an AMAZING finish! Wait until you guys read it -- the "Justice" line is a perfect clincher to the end of this book. Can't figure out why I've never heard of Louis Zamparini before!!
ReplyDeleteOK -- on with the morning duties so I can get to my morning reading!
This chapter in Proverbs is exactly the opposite of what Rhehoboam (whatever) did. He didn't take good counsel/instruction. He listen to counsel that oppressed good people just to make himself feel good. The world today (satan) doesn't want me to think about what I am doing. He just wants me to do it because it feels good or makes me look good. God wants me to think about other people first. Sure, there's balance there, but I'm thinking that Jesus' life sure looks out of balance. He was always ministering to people. The time He took for Himself most people would say He should have been sleeping.
ReplyDeleteI like Solomon saying keep your eyes fixed straight ahead, don't get distracted with sideshows. Reminds me of the Twila Paris song "Fix Your Eyes on Jesus". Also Hebrews 11, how they looked for a country that wasn't earthly to call home. They had their eyes fixed on what is above, not here. So when things didn't go how they thought they should, they could still have that peace. I think it was also because they had the "understanding" that Solomon says was so important here. Not earthly understanding, but heavenly.
Wow -- short reading today! Solomon is almost frantic trying to get the message out to people -- "Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you! Getting wisdom is the wisest think you can do! Whatever else you do, develop good judgment. If you prize wisdom . . . I wonder if he wrote this before or after God visited him about his poor choices in lifestyle?
ReplyDeleteI too enjoyed the verse in 4:25-27 Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Something we have to remember daily -- so many worldly distractions; and Satan knows exactly which distraction will capture us.
We have to have a plan - - and that plan involves wisdom. The fear of the Lord IS the beginning of wisdom!
First I gotta share this quote from an audio CD I listened to yesterday. It explains the difference between grace and mercy:
ReplyDeleteMERCY: is God withholding from you what you deserve
GRACE: is God giving you what you don't deserve
the two often work together, which is why you'll see them paired up so often in the Bible - cool huh? Never thought about the difference before, I just always thought they were kindof the same!
Well, this reading in Ezekiel shows that even God has a limit with his mercy -- he is about to extend to his people what they deserve. Yet, the reason He is warning them, is that he hopes that they will turn - - so he can again work with mercy and grace. Ahh we humans are so stubborn.
Man was created in the image of God - - that makes sense to me when I read the description of what I assume are the angels/cherubim. Every time a human sees the glory of God, they fall to their face - - I think sometimes we take God's glory, majesty, power for granted; if we could get a glimpse (even of His back) I'd bet we'd be changed people!
God said in 3:10 Let me words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself. Then go . . . that reminds me of Paul's conversion, and how he spent 3 years I think - - just reading, learning, communing before he began his mission. Good lesson for us -- but we don't want to get stuck in the sinking and listening and never go!
3:14 says I went in btterness and turmoil - - is that because he didn't want to do it? I can relate - - and especially when we read what comes later. To lay on your side for over a year?
I appreciate that even Ezekiel has boundaries with God (human/cow dung), and that God respected Ezekiel's loyalty to his conscience.
That must have been one sharp sword if you're going to shave your head and beard . . . hmmmmm.
His a phrase that jumped out at me: 6:9 They will recognize how hurt I am by their unfaithful hearts and lustful eyes that long for their idols. I guess I don't always think about hurting God -- he seems so BIG so IMPERVIOUS - - but He's not. Our ingratitude and disloyalty must hurt Him terribly. He's given all He can, and I'll admit, I'm happy to take - - Holy Spirit, create in me a clean heart, the heart of a servant.
Linda, thanks for sharing the mercy/grace definitions. I've heard them before, but the refresher was good to think about. I didn't have time to post yesterday but after reading thru your comments - I concur! Those were the points that stood out to me as well. Especially the limit to His mercy - we just think it'll go on forever because the punishment is so often delayed. Oh yeah - & the part about God hurting because of our insolence. Good stuff!
ReplyDeleteSo Luke today - man he stuffs a lot in there! A lot of recap of Matt/Mark but...of course the MSG just puts things so nicely at times.
In the Lord's Prayer - instead of "hallowed by Your name" it's "reveal who You are". That 3rd Day song - "Show Me Your Glory" about Moses comes to mind here. I can never sing that chorus though - I just feel so condemned in His Holy Presence. I don't have that faith to say to Him - show me Your glory. I just feel that would be audacity on my part right now. I know I'm a terrible sinner & I'm just so grateful that He is my salvation because I could NEVER earn it.
11:10 "don't bargain with God - be direct". God doesn't play games & I'm so thankful for that. So tired of the game playing we tend to do in relationships & so called "friendships". I love Mandisa's song "what if we were real". I'm so there!
I so need the reminder in 12:4,5 about not being intimidated by/afraid of people, especially religious bullies. But to just be in awe of God.
12:21 - when the man dies who gets his full barn? "that's what happens when you fill your barn full of Self & not with God". Wow! Really good mental picture for me.
Oh yeah 11:33+ The light on a hill is a person with his arms wide open in abandonment to God. Living in "wide-eyed wonder & trust" as MSG puts it. Or I can be the squinty-eyed, distrustful person - which I unfortunately am most of the time. I can sense God changing me - I just want it to happen NOW! LOL
Finally 12:29+ To not worry about stuff but live in God-reality so I can "relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God's giving". Since I know I am His daughter & He wants to give me the world, I don't have to be afraid I'm missing out on something (like I usually am). He will always give me what's best for me. Doesn't mean I always like it at the time, but I do eventually realize it's the best for me!
Well---I haven't read much yet, but so far I got that our prayers should be short and concerned with the honor and glory of God.
ReplyDeleteHopefully, I can add more later today.
Ah Chris -- I always come away feeling soaked up in your take of the scripture; you are so real and honest, that it just opens up my heart too:)
ReplyDeleteAmazing wasn't it, how Pastor Mike preached on the Lord's Prayer today! I Love how JEsus stresses that the prayer starts out where it should -- all about God (Your name, Your Kingdom. I so often make it about me; ha! when will I GET IT? It's all about HIM!
I like how in 11:8-10 it says, keep knocking, keep on asking, keep seeking - - and down in 13, it tells what your a searching/hoping for - - the heavenly Father gives the HOly Spirit to those who ask Him!!
I combined the end of 42 with the end of 41: the "more important things" are "giving gifts to the poor" a life of love, and a loving life - - gives.
In 53 when it says "As Jesus was leaving . . . the Pahrisees treid to provoke Him with many questions. That reminds me of when someone famous is giving a news conference and wraps it up . . there's always a bunch of reporters that bust in with 10 more questions.
In 12:4 it says that God is the one to fear, and then in 12:6 it says Don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. It's all about the relationship.
I really appreciate Jesus' focus on greed -- really good stuff, it's like we're bombarded with that everywhere we turn.
When Jesus becomes vulnerable in 12:50 and sais I have a terrible baptism of suffering ahead of me, and I am under a heavy burden until it is accomplished; maybe He's talking about the cross -- or maybe He's talking about the breakup of relationships that message of grace will create; or maybe He's talking about the whole package - -