Great reading in Col 1: The Good News. . . is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives! and it even tells us that the good news is about God's wonderful grace. It's THAT message that changes lives:) not all the rule keeping that we'll hear about in ch 2
I love Paul's affirmation that Jesus was the creator; not only of our world, but other thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. It will be amazing when we go to heaven and learn about EVERYTHING that's out there!
1:20,21 He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth . . . this includes YOU who were once far away from God . . . He has brought you into His own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. What a beautiful and humbling picture of grace.
BUT! (he continues) you must continue to believe this truth and stand firm - so there's our part, and we can't let down. Daily believing we're ok, and following Him wherever he goes. that's in 2:6: and now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him (thinking of Chris Tomlin's song "I Will Follow")
Love the symbolism of circumcision and baptism.
and give me some help please on 2:16 - - what's he talking about there? I get the rituals and the ceremonies pointing to Jesus; but what about the Sabbath? That's such a precious gift to me, and as Pastor Mike said - - it all began in the garden before there was any sin or rules or regulations. What does it mean when it says they are shadows of the reality yet to come and Christ is that reality?
1:27 Christ lives in you! another amazing statement!
Linda, --The term shadow means a reflection, a silhouette or a glimpse of something. The law of types and shadows show up all throughout the Bible---which if I understand you correctly--you already know.
A few examples are: The Jews used unleavened bread because yeast represented sin. Abraham took Isaac his son to slay him because it was a type and shadow of the death of Jesus---The blood on the doorposts for the passover meant that when the death angel of the Lord saw the blood --he would pass over and not kill----and now as Christians, the accuser will pass over us when he sees the blood and we are now protected from eternal wrath in Hell. And I could go on and on.
I believe that the Sabbath rest is a type and shadow of the rest we now have every day in Jesus. We don't have to rest on a certain day any longer because there is always moment by moment rest to those who are in Christ. We can call upon Him at any time and say HELP---I'm overwhelmed and need rest here. But I know that's my belief---not yours.
Anyway---I love Colossions 2:10 that says that in Christ you too are filled with the Godhead, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and will reach your full spiritual stature. (Amplified) I'm reaching and praying for that.
I also really connect with Col 2:14 where Christ wiped away the writing of the note with its legal decrees and demands which was in force. Christ nailed these negative decrees that were against us to the cross. Amen! I'm really into decrees and declaring the word of God daily! I love to bring forth God's kingdom here on earth by pronouncing decrees from the word.
And I love Col 2:15 where God disarmed the principalities and powers against us and made a bold display and PUBLIC example of them! Wow---I'm declaring that one daily from now on.
I also like vs.18 where it says let no one defraud you by acting as an umpire and DECLARING (there's that decree again) you unworthy. I've had people in churches tell me---you can't pray like that---you can't do such and such---but I always called them spiritual cops---not umpires as the bible does.
Paul is in prison & he calls this his special assignment from God. He has submitted to God, His will for Him. Wow - I whine when I suffer. Need to toughen up & I do that by surrender. Such an oxymoron there. Makes me smile!
In 1:9-12 Paul says that as I learn how God works I will learn how I am to work. Not gritting my teeth & toughening up that way, but in the glory strength that God GIVES me. Again, I have to hold my hand out to receive. I have to open up to Him, admit I need His help. I'm learning so much about me that has kept me from doing this but He's definitely teaching me a better, stress-less way!
It's this glory strength that gives me the endurance to go beyond what I think I can handle & trust Him & take part in "everything bright and beautiful that He has for (me)" v12. He's rescued me (action verb!) from my dungeon's & dark places I've been (v13) & put me in His Son's kingdom of light & life. So why do I sometimes revert back to my survival tactics of living in the dark places? My mind needs to be constantly renewed! It's funny how quickly we forget we have choices & we just react out of habit in situations.
v20 "Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies..." All because of His love for me, He fixes me & puts me into a vibrant harmony! I love harmony in music, it makes it so alive to hear all the parts & instruments playing together. It's is so much fuller with harmony. I am actually a better person because of the other people God has placed in my life to help me. And I fight this why?
21-23 We're all case studies! Love that! God uses our lives & His saving power that's changing us to showcase His Love & healing Power so that others are attracted to Him. How cool is that!? No matter how messed up we are...He can fix us & use us ANYWAY!
2:2-3 "I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God's great mystery." I want to be woven into this tapestry! I want to be a confident, restful person in Christ!
2:11 is another pause for me because I'm used to trying to figure things out for myself but Paul say's "Entering into this fullness is not something you figure out or achieve." Scrap that! It comes by that paradoxical surrendering!
Linda, what I see of 16-17 is that there was a lot of the Jewish ceremonial laws that pointed to Christ. Once He came & died, those no longer are needed because we have what they pointed to Christ (the substance). There were ceremonial Sabbaths as well as THE Sabbath. Paul is talking about those that kept all the ceremonial laws still vs those who accepted Christ as having done away with those. People get a little confused between the ceremonial vs 10 commandments. They are distinctly different in what they did.
Ceremonial laws helped keep the people focused on the Savior, the Messiah who was to take away their sin, they looked forward to Him coming. All the killing & blood was to remind them of how atrocious their sin was. Once He died on the cross we look back to it to realized our sin caused the terrible death of an innocent man & the very Son of God at that! I don't need to keep sacrificing sheep to see how bad it is.
The 10 commandments are the very character of God. To do away with them is to do away with God. He is forever, it's as impossible to do away with them as it is impossible to destroy God. We'll still be keeping them in heaven. But again, we won't have a clue we're doing it because just as here on earth, we have Him living in us - doing all the keeping! Just like Paul says in Romans 3 - we establish the law.
Hey Sherrie, I like your idea of the constant rest in Christ - every day, every second. I think we all want that! And remember, we'll be keeping Sabbath in heaven too! (Is 66:22,23)
Thanks again for the reminder of all the decrees & declarations against us being destroy by Christ in one way or another. I've gotten keep that in my mind for all the junk/lies of that tape that keeps replaying in my head. But, I can say that it doesn't play as much as it used to! :D And I will use that again when it plays next.
Pretty tough go to find spiritual enlightenment from Lev 13 - 15:) Thank you Chris for sharing "Dear Jesus" I've read that passage 4 times now, and am looking forward to a day of giving up my controlingness!!!
Man, I don't think I'd like to be a priest. He was also the Dr., the Laundry consultant, the home inspector, and he knew when every woman had had her period! (I used to hate buying tampax at the grocery store - - I'd never go through line where there was a male checker!!!)
But - even though this seemed like ceremonies to them, we know now how harmful mold spores can be, how contagious some of these diseases are - - so once again, it's a matter of trusting that God really does know how we are wired (makes me think of the Sabbath rest - - is it a ceremony, or is there a biological need to set aside all worldly concerns one day a week:)
I like the ceremony (and we've seen it before with the priests) where the blood is put on their earlobe, finger, toe, and forhead. I don't know if it is true -- but to me it's a reminder of dedication to God of the things we hear, what we do, where we go, and what we think.
That brings me full circle to the Dear Jesus reading of glorifying and enjoying Me and letting go of maintaining order!! "What I'm asking you to give up, controllingness - - is something that frustrates you far more than it helps you. Instead . . .endeavor to celebrate your relationship with Me. Learn to walk more consistently in the Light of My Presence"
Elisha is totally surrendered to God - that is obvious. He's calm in the midst of every trial. He doesn't panic. He trusts. He knows that with God on his side, he's assured of success. He knows Whose he is. Reminds me of the passage in John 13 where it says the same about Jesus. This type of knowledge, of assurance, led them both to serve others in whatever capacity needed. This is the confidence I want, to rest in my Jesus, not fight for myself, my rights.
It doesn't mention who the king is that interacts with Elisha in 6-8 but it's obvious the king respected Elisha, even if he wasn't a godly king.
I can see myself being the sarcastic attendant to the king during the famine. I would have been trampled by the people for my smart mouth. I really need God's help to work on keeping it shut & think about what I'm saying BEFORE I open it.
Power corrupts for sure. Hazael became king, I wonder how long it would have been if he hadn't killed the king. Seems like that added emphasis or spurred his actions. Same with Jehu. Were they supposed to patiently wait for the kings to die? Quite the contrast to David & Saul. They had a lot more impatience than David.
David had that quiet time with God as he was a shepherd. He had a developed walk with God. These men didn't it seems. It kinda comes across to me as more the works type of relationship. Like when God shares with me something that needs to change in me I think "oh, then I'll just do this or that instead & that'll accomplish it". This is what Jehu/Hazael did too. I need to wait on God & really see how He wants to accomplish the change in my heart. Especially since He's the only one who can really change it.
I think that ties in to that "cooperating vs manipulating" you were talking about yesterday Linda.
Quite a word picture in 8:11 "Elisha stared a Hazael with a fixed gaze until Hazael became uneasy. Yeah, I can picture that - - Elisha having the power of God in Him. It is a visible of how God can see straight to our hearts and motives. But that uncomfort is a good thing if we'll ask Him to help us change it -- that's David's heart, and what comes out of the quiet time you were talking about Chris. Search me, O God -- and know my heart.
King Ahab really had sway over both Judah and Israel even after his death. Really interesting, as you say Chris, how power corrupts -- and I think the safety is where David found it, in his quiet time with God. Anyone who doesn't have that is on shaky ground I think. It puts life and God's power in perspective.
Jehu was told to destroy the family of Ahab - - just gory stuff; but he obeyed. A human version of the flood I guess - - taking out evil, before evil takes out good.
Jezebel -- what was she thinking? Was she trying to seduce Jehu? I always picture her at this stage as being "old" - - but rulers rose and fell in such a short time, that maybe she wasn't that old. Anyway -- she certainly didn't have a fan club.
What a blessing to hear from the Lord (10:30) You have done well in following my instructions. I would LOVE to hear that from God! Bummer that he did not obey the Law of the Lord with all his heart and refused to turn - - after God had given him so much victory - - humans are a strange lot (and by them, I mean me)
And I LOVE the story of lepers! I can just imagine them totally living it up in the tents - - and then realizing compassion on the people back in town (I think this is a beautiful story of outcasts reaching out in love to those who had cast them out)
And yes, Chris -- I want to live in total confidence of God's presence like Elisha did. I'm so like the servant: "OH SIR! WHAT WILL WE DO NOW???" I want to be the calm Elisha. Hmmm -- I'm going to put 6:16 on my fridge today "There are more on our side than on theirs! - - open my eyes"
I put myself into today's reading & listened as God told me all that He's done for me, where He's brought me from & what He's brought me through. It was very humbling. The words that MSG uses are really close, if not the verbatim, to how I would describe it.
And then in 81:11-12 I didn't want to listen to Him, I still fight to do it my way at times. God's reply "So I let go of the reins and told them, 'Run! Do it your own way!'" Sometimes I don't want to listen out of fear of what I see. But even though in the past it has been out of a stubborn heart, now it's more out of fear & I'm so thankful that God recognizes the difference & responds with such incredible love, hemming me in so I can wake up & see what I'm doing.
The thing that struck me thru these readings today was how it was/is all God. David isn't saying what he's doing, he's reminding God of what HE'S done & asking Him to fight FOR him. Maybe I'm slow, but it just really hit me this morning. Leaves me a LOT to think about as I go about my day.
Yeah Chris -- really like that; let God fight for us! Good take on David's writings!
I sank into chpt 81 today as well.
First of all -- I loved how our God made it a law or a regulation to have a festival! 81:4,5 God loves parties and celebrations -- can't imagine what He has planned for the ultimate party when we join Him in heaven!
Then I went back to Exodus 17: 5-on to remind myself about Meribah. Meribah meant arguing; so at Meribah - His people were tested - - but they found no water, no refreshment, no survival when they were arguing or turned into themselves. God reminds them (us) in 6 that HE will take the load from our shoulders. He will free our hands from our heavy tasks. When we cry to Him - He'll save us! (You'll notice that in Exodus - - they cried out to Moses -- looking to another human to fix it) I want to get to the place, where the first place I turn in a problem is to God - - laying it at His feet and listening / watching for the way of escape, or the strength to endure.
What a great God that encourages us to cry out to Him! He always has time for us - He saves and answers (vs 7)
A lot of proverbs dealth with people who talk much/listen little in this chapter. Solomon must have had a lot of them around him. But he strikes me as a people observer too. I should definitely keep my mouth shut more & listen better. Or at least think before I speak. I remember my parents taping our mouths shut sometimes, obviously I didn't learn my lesson too well! LOL
v17 - the need to be teachable. "The road to life is a disciplined life; ignore correction and you're lost for good." Who knows who else I lead astray as well.
19 "The more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words." Reminds me of Jesus. He didn't enter into long debates or have to get in the last word. He simply spoke the truth & let the people draw their own conclusions. He let the Holy Spirit do His work & Jesus did His. He didn't have to be in control all the time.
27 "The Fear-of-God expands your life; a wicked life is a puny life." I think this comes from surrender, abandonment to God. With my arms closed I'm a tiny, hoarding, scared person. With my arms open, I'm inviting, transparent & happy because I'm trusting God.
Really good word pic on 27 Chris. I do it all the time; arms closed -- or fist closed - - openness is, as you say inviting adventure!
The godly (6) are showered with blessings! I think those blessings are the fruit of the Spirit! Who wouldn't want to live in the fruit?
A couple of places, NLT talks about the downfall of babbling fools. I need to be more of an observer too - -
The wise are glad to be instructed and the wise accept discipline. Even tho it makes sense to me; I don't always welcome it - - guess I'm not very wise!
(10) people who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace. That's why peace-maker, beat-around-the-bushers, often cause more problems that people that say it straight up. This is an area that God has been working on me, teaching me - - I'm not real good at conflict, but it's a part of life - -and if it's handled calmly and clearly - - it can be almost a blessing! amazing!
The hopes of the goldy result in happiness - - what are you hoping for today?
What about when conflict is caused by ineptness? That's really hard to handle calmly & I don't know that I see the blessing right now. But hopefully one day.
Anyway, today's reading in Ezekiel was the doom/gloom version of Jeremiah. But I was thinking maybe the reason God puts these in here is for us to realize that He does take vengeance against the enemies of His people, just in His time, not ours. So not only is it a warning to us that He does hold us accountable, it's an encouragement that He's not looking the other way, He knows what's going on & He will make it all right "in His time".
Also, that I shouldn't be happy when people I don't like or get along with suffer, because who knows whether that's God just disciplining them & perfecting them. I don't want to end up like the destroyed/chastised nations that were throwing parties when God was disciplining Israel. I don't know what's going on in their lives. So I shouldn't be judgmental, wouldn't want them to judge me. Don't want to be on the outside looking in when God blesses them (28:26)
I need God to stir up fresh hope in me like He did for Israel/Ezekiel in 29:21 - the dawn of deliverance. I like that on a weary Friday morning.
I counted at least 15 times in todays reading where it says --- and they shall know that I am the Lord! (Living Bible) That's powerful! Because the enemies of Israel wouldn't acknowledge the Lord---he brought disaster upon them and forced them to acknowledge that He is the Lord.
Wow--listen up all you nation states that exist today in 2011---do not set yourself against the state of Israel. The Lord of the Universe will come against you and destroy you. America is about to make a powerful decision concerning Israel shortly in September of this year. An important vote is coming up. We will be forced to choose Palestine or Israel. I pray Obama chooses Israel or this could be the beginning of the end of the US.
Seems like what God is trying to put down in all these human countries is pride. (Sigh) a human tendency in all of us and it's really magnified when a country feels they are supreme (are you listening USA?) Actually, I love being a US citizen, and I'm proud (oops) of so many things about this country -- but I'm so sad about the turn from recognition of God, as practiced by our founding Fathers. I'm so grateful that God judges each of us on an individual basis - - but He still (as shown by these chapters) deals with countries, which no doubt affects individuals that are true to Him in the process.
Jesus invited Himself over to Zacchaeus' house & Z didn't mind a bit! He was elated! And Jesus' message to Z was life changing - & he still didn't mind! Z was teachable, searching; so when Truth came, his heart recognized & welcomed it. Even if it meant a drastic change.
Z I think is like cold Christians today that want something more, something deeper, but don't like what they have around them. They just don't know how to get it. And a lot of times we don't like it when people invite themselves over & especially if their life rebukes ours. Jesus might use people to help me find a deeper experience with Him so I need to stay teachable like Z was. I wonder how his follow thru was & if it was accepted. That would be fun to be a fly on the wall as he did the restitution to people.
The story of the men with $ to invest & some did & then the last, out of fear, hid it. He was afraid to fail so he didn't risk. But the owner said "Risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of. Play it safe and end up holding the bag(v26)". And other versions say that you lose even the little that you had.
I see myself holding the bag tightly, looking around in fear, afraid of failure. But if I accept Christ's perfect love, it HAS to throw out that fear. Then I can take the risk & know God has my back. Fear prevents trust from growing, love mandates that it grow. And Linda, like you reminded me this week, "with God ALL things are possible". Can't tell you how many times I've said that to myself this week. :D
Seems like I keep circling back to the open arms of abandonment (& happiness, trust, etc) vs closed arms (fear, mistrust, suspicion). That's obviously the area God is working with me on. I don't want to be holding the bag, tight fisted, stressed & afraid. I want the open, happy & trusting relationship with God & therefore with people.
Sure love these stories of Jesus. Wouldn't it be awesome to have been in the crowd - and listened - and watched - and mulled it over? Thank the Lord that his contemporaries wrote it down -- how awful it would be if we didn't have His words to think about!!
Anyhow -- Zac; I can just imagine before Jesus called out to him, that He KNEW that crowds were going to mutter and grumble -- didn't matter to Him, He wasn't about pleasing men and their small minds -- He'd spent time with His Father, and knew what His mission was about - - what a GREAT reaction by Zac! great excitement and JOY! That's how I want to be when Jesus calls me; and you'll notice that Jesus didn't call Zac to some amazing mission or goal -- He just called him, and Zac was drawn to sacrifice.
In the parable of the 10 servants, I'd not noticed before the line "We do not want him to be our king" and there are times where each one of us lives that thought out. We want to be the ruler of our own little kingdom - hmmm; pretty solemn when you look at the outcome of THAT course -- vs 27. I was also thinking about the 3rd guy -- where Jesus said, at least I couldof gotton some interest and trying to apply that to today:
Some people have responsibilities given them by God, or the church they're a part of, but they don't take the responsibility seriously - - sounds like they should let go of the "recognition" they are getting (reminds me of P. Mike's sermon -- that's the only reward they will get) and pass that responsibility on to someone who will love making a difference for God.
I love how the followers in vs 37 gave glory to GOD for the miracles they saw - - that must have made Jesus so happy, that their love and praise was directed to God -- it's why He came!
20:1-8 was all about authority. the leaders were actually asking the same question Jesus through back at them: does your authority come from heaven, or is it merely human? and then the following story deals with the rightful authority of the Father and the Son. Again -- we fight for authority, God calls us to submission.
Great reading in Col 1: The Good News. . . is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives! and it even tells us that the good news is about God's wonderful grace. It's THAT message that changes lives:) not all the rule keeping that we'll hear about in ch 2
ReplyDeleteI love Paul's affirmation that Jesus was the creator; not only of our world, but other thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. It will be amazing when we go to heaven and learn about EVERYTHING that's out there!
1:20,21 He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth . . . this includes YOU who were once far away from God . . . He has brought you into His own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. What a beautiful and humbling picture of grace.
BUT! (he continues) you must continue to believe this truth and stand firm - so there's our part, and we can't let down. Daily believing we're ok, and following Him wherever he goes. that's in 2:6: and now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him (thinking of Chris Tomlin's song "I Will Follow")
Love the symbolism of circumcision and baptism.
and give me some help please on 2:16 - - what's he talking about there? I get the rituals and the ceremonies pointing to Jesus; but what about the Sabbath? That's such a precious gift to me, and as Pastor Mike said - - it all began in the garden before there was any sin or rules or regulations. What does it mean when it says they are shadows of the reality yet to come and Christ is that reality?
1:27 Christ lives in you! another amazing statement!
Linda, --The term shadow means a reflection, a silhouette or a glimpse of something. The law of types and shadows show up all throughout the Bible---which if I understand you correctly--you already know.
ReplyDeleteA few examples are: The Jews used unleavened bread because yeast represented sin. Abraham took Isaac his son to slay him because it was a type and shadow of the death of Jesus---The blood on the doorposts for the passover meant that when the death angel of the Lord saw the blood --he would pass over and not kill----and now as Christians, the accuser will pass over us when he sees the blood and we are now protected from eternal wrath in Hell. And I could go on and on.
I believe that the Sabbath rest is a type and shadow of the rest we now have every day in Jesus. We don't have to rest on a certain day any longer because there is always moment by moment rest to those who are in Christ. We can call upon Him at any time and say HELP---I'm overwhelmed and need rest here.
But I know that's my belief---not yours.
Anyway---I love Colossions 2:10 that says that in Christ you too are filled with the Godhead, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and will reach your full spiritual stature. (Amplified) I'm reaching and praying for that.
I also really connect with Col 2:14 where Christ wiped away the writing of the note with its legal decrees and demands which was in force. Christ nailed these negative decrees that were against us to the cross. Amen! I'm really into decrees and declaring the word of God daily! I love to bring forth God's kingdom here on earth by pronouncing decrees from the word.
And I love Col 2:15 where God disarmed the principalities and powers against us and made a bold display and PUBLIC example of them! Wow---I'm declaring that one daily from now on.
I also like vs.18 where it says let no one defraud you by acting as an umpire and DECLARING (there's that decree again) you unworthy. I've had people in churches tell me---you can't pray like that---you can't do such and such---but I always called them spiritual cops---not umpires as the bible does.
Awesome teaching today.
Paul is in prison & he calls this his special assignment from God. He has submitted to God, His will for Him. Wow - I whine when I suffer. Need to toughen up & I do that by surrender. Such an oxymoron there. Makes me smile!
ReplyDeleteIn 1:9-12 Paul says that as I learn how God works I will learn how I am to work. Not gritting my teeth & toughening up that way, but in the glory strength that God GIVES me. Again, I have to hold my hand out to receive. I have to open up to Him, admit I need His help. I'm learning so much about me that has kept me from doing this but He's definitely teaching me a better, stress-less way!
It's this glory strength that gives me the endurance to go beyond what I think I can handle & trust Him & take part in "everything bright and beautiful that He has for (me)" v12. He's rescued me (action verb!) from my dungeon's & dark places I've been (v13) & put me in His Son's kingdom of light & life. So why do I sometimes revert back to my survival tactics of living in the dark places? My mind needs to be constantly renewed! It's funny how quickly we forget we have choices & we just react out of habit in situations.
v20 "Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies..." All because of His love for me, He fixes me & puts me into a vibrant harmony! I love harmony in music, it makes it so alive to hear all the parts & instruments playing together. It's is so much fuller with harmony. I am actually a better person because of the other people God has placed in my life to help me. And I fight this why?
21-23 We're all case studies! Love that! God uses our lives & His saving power that's changing us to showcase His Love & healing Power so that others are attracted to Him. How cool is that!? No matter how messed up we are...He can fix us & use us ANYWAY!
2:2-3 "I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God's great mystery." I want to be woven into this tapestry! I want to be a confident, restful person in Christ!
2:11 is another pause for me because I'm used to trying to figure things out for myself but Paul say's "Entering into this fullness is not something you figure out or achieve." Scrap that! It comes by that paradoxical surrendering!
Linda, what I see of 16-17 is that there was a lot of the Jewish ceremonial laws that pointed to Christ. Once He came & died, those no longer are needed because we have what they pointed to Christ (the substance). There were ceremonial Sabbaths as well as THE Sabbath. Paul is talking about those that kept all the ceremonial laws still vs those who accepted Christ as having done away with those. People get a little confused between the ceremonial vs 10 commandments. They are distinctly different in what they did.
Ceremonial laws helped keep the people focused on the Savior, the Messiah who was to take away their sin, they looked forward to Him coming. All the killing & blood was to remind them of how atrocious their sin was. Once He died on the cross we look back to it to realized our sin caused the terrible death of an innocent man & the very Son of God at that! I don't need to keep sacrificing sheep to see how bad it is.
The 10 commandments are the very character of God. To do away with them is to do away with God. He is forever, it's as impossible to do away with them as it is impossible to destroy God. We'll still be keeping them in heaven. But again, we won't have a clue we're doing it because just as here on earth, we have Him living in us - doing all the keeping! Just like Paul says in Romans 3 - we establish the law.
Hey Sherrie, I like your idea of the constant rest in Christ - every day, every second. I think we all want that! And remember, we'll be keeping Sabbath in heaven too! (Is 66:22,23)
ReplyDeleteThanks again for the reminder of all the decrees & declarations against us being destroy by Christ in one way or another. I've gotten keep that in my mind for all the junk/lies of that tape that keeps replaying in my head. But, I can say that it doesn't play as much as it used to! :D And I will use that again when it plays next.
I get so much more out of these texts by bouncing ideas and questions off of you guys! Lots of food to chew on!
ReplyDeletePretty tough go to find spiritual enlightenment from Lev 13 - 15:) Thank you Chris for sharing "Dear Jesus" I've read that passage 4 times now, and am looking forward to a day of giving up my controlingness!!!
ReplyDeleteMan, I don't think I'd like to be a priest. He was also the Dr., the Laundry consultant, the home inspector, and he knew when every woman had had her period! (I used to hate buying tampax at the grocery store - - I'd never go through line where there was a male checker!!!)
But - even though this seemed like ceremonies to them, we know now how harmful mold spores can be, how contagious some of these diseases are - - so once again, it's a matter of trusting that God really does know how we are wired (makes me think of the Sabbath rest - - is it a ceremony, or is there a biological need to set aside all worldly concerns one day a week:)
I like the ceremony (and we've seen it before with the priests) where the blood is put on their earlobe, finger, toe, and forhead. I don't know if it is true -- but to me it's a reminder of dedication to God of the things we hear, what we do, where we go, and what we think.
That brings me full circle to the Dear Jesus reading of glorifying and enjoying Me and letting go of maintaining order!! "What I'm asking you to give up, controllingness - - is something that frustrates you far more than it helps you. Instead . . .endeavor to celebrate your relationship with Me. Learn to walk more consistently in the Light of My Presence"
Elisha is totally surrendered to God - that is obvious. He's calm in the midst of every trial. He doesn't panic. He trusts. He knows that with God on his side, he's assured of success. He knows Whose he is. Reminds me of the passage in John 13 where it says the same about Jesus. This type of knowledge, of assurance, led them both to serve others in whatever capacity needed. This is the confidence I want, to rest in my Jesus, not fight for myself, my rights.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't mention who the king is that interacts with Elisha in 6-8 but it's obvious the king respected Elisha, even if he wasn't a godly king.
I can see myself being the sarcastic attendant to the king during the famine. I would have been trampled by the people for my smart mouth. I really need God's help to work on keeping it shut & think about what I'm saying BEFORE I open it.
Power corrupts for sure. Hazael became king, I wonder how long it would have been if he hadn't killed the king. Seems like that added emphasis or spurred his actions. Same with Jehu. Were they supposed to patiently wait for the kings to die? Quite the contrast to David & Saul. They had a lot more impatience than David.
David had that quiet time with God as he was a shepherd. He had a developed walk with God. These men didn't it seems. It kinda comes across to me as more the works type of relationship. Like when God shares with me something that needs to change in me I think "oh, then I'll just do this or that instead & that'll accomplish it". This is what Jehu/Hazael did too. I need to wait on God & really see how He wants to accomplish the change in my heart. Especially since He's the only one who can really change it.
I think that ties in to that "cooperating vs manipulating" you were talking about yesterday Linda.
Quite a word picture in 8:11 "Elisha stared a Hazael with a fixed gaze until Hazael became uneasy. Yeah, I can picture that - - Elisha having the power of God in Him. It is a visible of how God can see straight to our hearts and motives. But that uncomfort is a good thing if we'll ask Him to help us change it -- that's David's heart, and what comes out of the quiet time you were talking about Chris. Search me, O God -- and know my heart.
ReplyDeleteKing Ahab really had sway over both Judah and Israel even after his death. Really interesting, as you say Chris, how power corrupts -- and I think the safety is where David found it, in his quiet time with God. Anyone who doesn't have that is on shaky ground I think. It puts life and God's power in perspective.
Jehu was told to destroy the family of Ahab - - just gory stuff; but he obeyed. A human version of the flood I guess - - taking out evil, before evil takes out good.
Jezebel -- what was she thinking? Was she trying to seduce Jehu? I always picture her at this stage as being "old" - - but rulers rose and fell in such a short time, that maybe she wasn't that old. Anyway -- she certainly didn't have a fan club.
What a blessing to hear from the Lord (10:30) You have done well in following my instructions. I would LOVE to hear that from God! Bummer that he did not obey the Law of the Lord with all his heart and refused to turn - - after God had given him so much victory - - humans are a strange lot (and by them, I mean me)
And I LOVE the story of lepers! I can just imagine them totally living it up in the tents - - and then realizing compassion on the people back in town (I think this is a beautiful story of outcasts reaching out in love to those who had cast them out)
And yes, Chris -- I want to live in total confidence of God's presence like Elisha did. I'm so like the servant: "OH SIR! WHAT WILL WE DO NOW???" I want to be the calm Elisha. Hmmm -- I'm going to put 6:16 on my fridge today "There are more on our side than on theirs! - - open my eyes"
I put myself into today's reading & listened as God told me all that He's done for me, where He's brought me from & what He's brought me through. It was very humbling. The words that MSG uses are really close, if not the verbatim, to how I would describe it.
ReplyDeleteAnd then in 81:11-12 I didn't want to listen to Him, I still fight to do it my way at times. God's reply "So I let go of the reins and told them, 'Run! Do it your own way!'" Sometimes I don't want to listen out of fear of what I see. But even though in the past it has been out of a stubborn heart, now it's more out of fear & I'm so thankful that God recognizes the difference & responds with such incredible love, hemming me in so I can wake up & see what I'm doing.
The thing that struck me thru these readings today was how it was/is all God. David isn't saying what he's doing, he's reminding God of what HE'S done & asking Him to fight FOR him. Maybe I'm slow, but it just really hit me this morning. Leaves me a LOT to think about as I go about my day.
Yeah Chris -- really like that; let God fight for us! Good take on David's writings!
ReplyDeleteI sank into chpt 81 today as well.
First of all -- I loved how our God made it a law or a regulation to have a festival! 81:4,5 God loves parties and celebrations -- can't imagine what He has planned for the ultimate party when we join Him in heaven!
Then I went back to Exodus 17: 5-on to remind myself about Meribah. Meribah meant arguing; so at Meribah - His people were tested - - but they found no water, no refreshment, no survival when they were arguing or turned into themselves. God reminds them (us) in 6 that HE will take the load from our shoulders. He will free our hands from our heavy tasks. When we cry to Him - He'll save us! (You'll notice that in Exodus - - they cried out to Moses -- looking to another human to fix it) I want to get to the place, where the first place I turn in a problem is to God - - laying it at His feet and listening / watching for the way of escape, or the strength to endure.
What a great God that encourages us to cry out to Him! He always has time for us - He saves and answers (vs 7)
I related as well to vs 12, 13.
A lot of proverbs dealth with people who talk much/listen little in this chapter. Solomon must have had a lot of them around him. But he strikes me as a people observer too. I should definitely keep my mouth shut more & listen better. Or at least think before I speak. I remember my parents taping our mouths shut sometimes, obviously I didn't learn my lesson too well! LOL
ReplyDeletev17 - the need to be teachable. "The road to life is a disciplined life; ignore correction and you're lost for good." Who knows who else I lead astray as well.
19 "The more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words." Reminds me of Jesus. He didn't enter into long debates or have to get in the last word. He simply spoke the truth & let the people draw their own conclusions. He let the Holy Spirit do His work & Jesus did His. He didn't have to be in control all the time.
27 "The Fear-of-God expands your life; a wicked life is a puny life." I think this comes from surrender, abandonment to God. With my arms closed I'm a tiny, hoarding, scared person. With my arms open, I'm inviting, transparent & happy because I'm trusting God.
Really good word pic on 27 Chris. I do it all the time; arms closed -- or fist closed - - openness is, as you say inviting adventure!
ReplyDeleteThe godly (6) are showered with blessings! I think those blessings are the fruit of the Spirit! Who wouldn't want to live in the fruit?
A couple of places, NLT talks about the downfall of babbling fools. I need to be more of an observer too - -
The wise are glad to be instructed and the wise accept discipline. Even tho it makes sense to me; I don't always welcome it - - guess I'm not very wise!
(10) people who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace. That's why peace-maker, beat-around-the-bushers, often cause more problems that people that say it straight up. This is an area that God has been working on me, teaching me - - I'm not real good at conflict, but it's a part of life - -and if it's handled calmly and clearly - - it can be almost a blessing! amazing!
The hopes of the goldy result in happiness - - what are you hoping for today?
What about when conflict is caused by ineptness? That's really hard to handle calmly & I don't know that I see the blessing right now. But hopefully one day.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, today's reading in Ezekiel was the doom/gloom version of Jeremiah. But I was thinking maybe the reason God puts these in here is for us to realize that He does take vengeance against the enemies of His people, just in His time, not ours. So not only is it a warning to us that He does hold us accountable, it's an encouragement that He's not looking the other way, He knows what's going on & He will make it all right "in His time".
Also, that I shouldn't be happy when people I don't like or get along with suffer, because who knows whether that's God just disciplining them & perfecting them. I don't want to end up like the destroyed/chastised nations that were throwing parties when God was disciplining Israel. I don't know what's going on in their lives. So I shouldn't be judgmental, wouldn't want them to judge me. Don't want to be on the outside looking in when God blesses them (28:26)
I need God to stir up fresh hope in me like He did for Israel/Ezekiel in 29:21 - the dawn of deliverance. I like that on a weary Friday morning.
I counted at least 15 times in todays reading where it says --- and they shall know that I am the Lord! (Living Bible) That's powerful! Because the enemies of Israel wouldn't acknowledge the Lord---he brought disaster upon them and forced them to acknowledge that He is the Lord.
ReplyDeleteWow--listen up all you nation states that exist today in 2011---do not set yourself against the state of Israel. The Lord of the Universe will come against you and destroy you. America is about to make a powerful decision concerning Israel shortly in September of this year. An important vote is coming up. We will be forced to choose Palestine or Israel. I pray Obama chooses Israel or this could be the beginning of the end of the US.
Seems like what God is trying to put down in all these human countries is pride. (Sigh) a human tendency in all of us and it's really magnified when a country feels they are supreme (are you listening USA?) Actually, I love being a US citizen, and I'm proud (oops) of so many things about this country -- but I'm so sad about the turn from recognition of God, as practiced by our founding Fathers. I'm so grateful that God judges each of us on an individual basis - - but He still (as shown by these chapters) deals with countries, which no doubt affects individuals that are true to Him in the process.
ReplyDeleteJesus invited Himself over to Zacchaeus' house & Z didn't mind a bit! He was elated! And Jesus' message to Z was life changing - & he still didn't mind! Z was teachable, searching; so when Truth came, his heart recognized & welcomed it. Even if it meant a drastic change.
ReplyDeleteZ I think is like cold Christians today that want something more, something deeper, but don't like what they have around them. They just don't know how to get it. And a lot of times we don't like it when people invite themselves over & especially if their life rebukes ours. Jesus might use people to help me find a deeper experience with Him so I need to stay teachable like Z was. I wonder how his follow thru was & if it was accepted. That would be fun to be a fly on the wall as he did the restitution to people.
The story of the men with $ to invest & some did & then the last, out of fear, hid it. He was afraid to fail so he didn't risk. But the owner said "Risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of. Play it safe and end up holding the bag(v26)". And other versions say that you lose even the little that you had.
I see myself holding the bag tightly, looking around in fear, afraid of failure. But if I accept Christ's perfect love, it HAS to throw out that fear. Then I can take the risk & know God has my back. Fear prevents trust from growing, love mandates that it grow. And Linda, like you reminded me this week, "with God ALL things are possible". Can't tell you how many times I've said that to myself this week. :D
Seems like I keep circling back to the open arms of abandonment (& happiness, trust, etc) vs closed arms (fear, mistrust, suspicion). That's obviously the area God is working with me on. I don't want to be holding the bag, tight fisted, stressed & afraid. I want the open, happy & trusting relationship with God & therefore with people.
Sure love these stories of Jesus. Wouldn't it be awesome to have been in the crowd - and listened - and watched - and mulled it over? Thank the Lord that his contemporaries wrote it down -- how awful it would be if we didn't have His words to think about!!
ReplyDeleteAnyhow -- Zac; I can just imagine before Jesus called out to him, that He KNEW that crowds were going to mutter and grumble -- didn't matter to Him, He wasn't about pleasing men and their small minds -- He'd spent time with His Father, and knew what His mission was about - - what a GREAT reaction by Zac! great excitement and JOY! That's how I want to be when Jesus calls me; and you'll notice that Jesus didn't call Zac to some amazing mission or goal -- He just called him, and Zac was drawn to sacrifice.
In the parable of the 10 servants, I'd not noticed before the line "We do not want him to be our king" and there are times where each one of us lives that thought out. We want to be the ruler of our own little kingdom - hmmm; pretty solemn when you look at the outcome of THAT course -- vs 27. I was also thinking about the 3rd guy -- where Jesus said, at least I couldof gotton some interest and trying to apply that to today:
Some people have responsibilities given them by God, or the church they're a part of, but they don't take the responsibility seriously - - sounds like they should let go of the "recognition" they are getting (reminds me of P. Mike's sermon -- that's the only reward they will get) and pass that responsibility on to someone who will love making a difference for God.
I love how the followers in vs 37 gave glory to GOD for the miracles they saw - - that must have made Jesus so happy, that their love and praise was directed to God -- it's why He came!
20:1-8 was all about authority. the leaders were actually asking the same question Jesus through back at them: does your authority come from heaven, or is it merely human? and then the following story deals with the rightful authority of the Father and the Son. Again -- we fight for authority, God calls us to submission.