Good stuff last week -- on to the new week! Hurry back Chris! Can hardly wait to hear how God spoke to you from the mountains and in His other book:) Sher, looking forward to hearing how He speaks to you this week to:) We are BLESSED!
Stay away from the meaningless discussions and concentrate on a life of love, generosity, gratefulness. That will do so much more for you than the petty discussions that take you out of the foundation of love. Everything God does is based on love; even discipline. That should be the same with us as well.
Paul threw out 2 guys and handed them over to Satan -- but I bet they were being unsafe and harmful to other Christians around; again - - each element of our walk and decisions must be based on love -- and sometimes it's tough love.
2:9-15 are the texts that really get women fired up! Pretty strong words for Paul, but I'm guessing it had a lot to do with the culture of the day. I know that Pagans had shrine prostitutes and women priests - - I'm not sure if that is the reason for such caution. Obviously in the OT we had Debra the prophet who gave counsel (that's the only one I can think of right now).
OK -- gotta go -- will be interesting to hear what you guys think!
I enjoyed the MSG take on those opening verses too Linda. Center your life on a love that is uncontaminated with self-interest, not a counterfeit faith & one that is open to God. Love it! The end of 1 is interesting with the 2 men that seemed to think anything was acceptable to God & seemed to have gotten lackadasical in their walk with God. Keeping close to Jesus is our only safety...even when it's not comfortable to do so. 3:8-13 talks about people holding positions in the church & how they shouldn't use those position to run things. Hmmm & hmmm....I've seen that happen a time or 2 & I also catch myself trying to play the Holy Spirit for people. Gotta stay surrendered & let Him work. I'm seeing myself getting in the way a lot lately. Just need to relax more & not have confidence in my abilities to the point of running ahead too much. Like the POG song "Steady On" :D
Ah Numbers. It was full of them in the reading & I just skimmed right over them. I think though that it was very helpful of God to break it down for Moses who was to carry what. That way Moses didn't have to rack his brain to figure out who was in charge of everything.
I think this is what God wants to do with us in our day to day lives as well but we don't listen good enough. I know the few times I have listened, He's told me the "who, what, when & where" exactly as I've needed to do things. Wonder why I don't sit & listen more.
So I went back & read John 3 & 4 since I missed that on Sabbath. I read your comments Linda about Jesus saying "we" when talking to Nicodemus. MSG didn't have that, but I went to another version to get it. Hadn't thought of that before. I always thought He was referring to the Jews, but it could be the HS as well.
I really like the simplicity of 4:23-24 in referring to worship: "...Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration". I just feel like we put on a pretense so much at church sometimes. And because we do that, then we judge each other. If we're being really honest before God, then we won't be concerned with other people in that judgmental way. We'll just be happy they are there.
Chris, on wonder you're so good at scrabble -- if you can spell lackadasical? (I had to copy and paste it!) did you spell check that, or did that spelling just come naturally to your brain?
Love your last comment on worship -- honest before God . . . happy they are there. It's what God wants:)
So, I googled around and found out that the men in Israel (not counting those Levites) was about the same size as the city of Seattle. So - - with women and children, maybe you could figure 3 cities of Seattle (think of rush hour traffic x3) and maybe that'll be a word picture of the size of group Moses was in charge of organizing and moving from place to place. Boggles my mind. But order is the key -- and even the family banners and the "who leaves camp first" is spelled out. I was wondering if the guys in the back ever hollared for the guys in the front to "pick up your feet" I just picture them covered in dust.
Ok---I got tech support to help get the computer back up and running. Until I can buy more memory for the computer, this daily blog assignment may be a hit and miss for me. But today I'm here.
I think what stood out for me in this passage in Numbers is the repetition of the theme that anyone touching the Tabernacle or its holy things who are not from the tribe of Levi are to be executed. Number 1:51,3:10,3:38,4:15, and 4:20 are some of the passages that repeat this statement. God has order in his church and anyone who does not belong there is to be executed.
This was especially meaningful to me since previously this morning, I read an article on "Christianized" occultism in the church. There is a mixture of occult practices in Christian churches today that is accepted and even invited and encouraged. And many Christians do not have discernment or the Biblical knowledge to realize what is going on. This must be an outrage to our Holy God.
There is going to have to be a separation from the common and uncommon, a separation of the goats and the sheep in our midst.
Yes Linda, I did spell check with Google. Though even spelled right the blog said it was wrong LOL. Thanks for checking around & giving a modern day size equivalent to what Moses was dealing with. That's just crazy & draining to think about! I know for me, being in charge of stuff just takes all the fun out of life for me. I feel for Moses, but then again, there are some who are born to be leaders.
That would be an interesting article to read Sherrie. You have the link? And we know from the Bible that Jesus will separate the sheep from the goats at the 2nd coming. As humans, we'd end up taking sheep out with the goats or pulling wheat up with the tares as Jesus said (Matt 13:24-30;25:31-46)
Okay, Numnbers was a skimmer today too. At least for me. But my eye caught the family of Ephraim in chapter 7:20-24 & how 2 of his sons were killed by cattle rustlers. Then he had another son & named him Unlucky (Beriah). I was thinking how sad that he had to carry that all his life. I wonder if he went by his middle name.
Then Ephraim's daughter (Sheerah) is mentioned because she built a couple of cities. So she wasn't just content to be a baby maker & like it seems they made all the women back then. She probably had her grandparents telling her to be normal & settle down. LOL.
I thought somewhere in here was the 5 daughters of Zelophad who came to Moses & asked for their inheritance since they had no brothers. I remember them because one of the girls was named Noah. Oh well, must have skimmed over them last week.
I found some of the same stuff you talked about in 1 Chronicles! amazing:):)
I picked up on the cattle rustlers too -- but my version didn't say that Beriah meant unlucky - - what a bummer name:(
5:2 "the birthright belonged to Joseph - - so God over-ruled Laben's trickery when he married off Leah first. In the end; it was through Rachel that the nations were blessed!
There were 2 groups that interested me: the musicians (wonder why) who lived at the temple, weren't given any other duties -- their whole duty was to develope and execute their craft. It's neat for me to see how important music is to God - - I can hardly wait to hear God sing; can you imagine what that will sound like?
Also -- lots of time was spent on those gate-keepers! Security was a big issue, along with checking stuff in and out, baking bread, making sure supplies were in stock. It's really the behind-the-scene guys that make a program run smoothly. They are the real heroes in the success of any large group of people.
I thought the Levites couldn't own any land -- yet they were given a bunch of towns; did they just live & die there without owning any of it, or do I understand that wrong (not a big question in my mind -- just an interesting thought)
A couple of times it shows Janathon's line going on through Merib-baal. For some reason I thought that Mephibosheth was the only survivor of Jonathon. More research needed!!
Linda---I like your commentary today---you said everything I was thinking.
The only other thing that I wondered about were a few names mentioned. In 7:16, Machir's wife was named Maacah--(May-ah-cah?). Then in *: Je-iel's wife was also named Maacah who is mentioned again in 9:35-37. Wives aren't usually mentioned in these Chronicles of names--so I was wondering why that name kept popping up...Maybe the writer was fascinated with that female name Maacah and was thinking of using it as a name for his newborn daughter?
In 7:23 the parents name their newborn son Beriah which means "a tragedy". Who does that? That poor kid has to live with that name the rest of his life.
It's easy to be in awe of God when you are in nature - at least for me. And David spent a lot of time there, obviously, since his psalms abound with inferences to it.
But even nature bows or melts in the presence of its Creator, yet we're so selfish that we put other things before Him in our hearts & our time.
97:11 "Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God's people, joy-seeds are planted in good heart-soil." I want to be that good heart soil in which God can plant & use to reap a harvest of souls for Him.
I LOVE David's painting of the JOY of nature; here's what my version said:
96:11,12 Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! (can just see the whales shouting for all their worth and the delicate jellyfish shouting away!
Let the fields and crops burst out with JOY! (BURSTING! - what a great way to talk about blooms busting into fruit and grain! - for JOY!)
Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise! (Can't you see them rustling away? especially the aspen!!)
98:8 Let the rivers clap their hands in glee! (hee hee! the rivers tumbling and splashing just explode with glee as their water droplets clap for happiness)
Let the hills sing out their songs of joy before the Lord (I picture the hills a bit more stately than the gleeful rivers -- I picture the hills singing in 6 part harmony)
and why is Creation so full of this Joy? In both places it says because the Lord is coming to judge the earth in fairness! Let's take a lesson from creation today!!! Let's SING, be filled with JOY, and clap our hands in GLEE!!
You know Linda, it's interesting to see different personalities reaction to celebration. With people I usually can get caught up in it OR I can have the opposite effect.
But today's reading obviously got you excited & worked up. For me, it gave me peace. When I'm in nature & I see everything in praise of God & hear that rushing mighty water or the waves crashing on the rocks or rippling into the shore I am filled with a great peace & it settles me.
I guess that also makes me happy, but I'm glad that there are all kinds of reactions & we can smile & enjoy each other's! Thanks for sharing your exuberance!
Psalms 96-98 ---a lot of rejoicing and singing and praising goin on. Sing a new song to the Lord--sing it everywhere around the world. Sing!
The only way I know how to sing a new song to the Lord is through the gift of tongues. I don't have the creativity, vocabulary, or anything else to express my feelings of love for the Lord. In 96:4, it says "for the Lord is great beyond description." So for me, it works to sing in tongues. That way He can express through me the new song He wants me to sing and bypass my mental computer which doesn't have the words or song to express any joy beyond description. (My mind wont get in the way).
It also says in verse 4 to worship Him only among the gods. I have an old friend that is a Wiccan. Daily, on fb, I read his description of the world and give praise to HIS god and the earth. (which isn't the Lord Jesus Christ) I have relatives that worship Satan openly on fb. In vs 3, it says to publish our Lords glorious acts throughout the world. To me that means sharing on facebook, tweeting, or whatever, about the goodness of God daily. No need for satan's people to have the prominent point of view published daily.
In 97:2 it says clouds and darkness surround Him. (Living Bible) That doesn't seem to flow with the rest of the chapter. I don't think of clouds and darkness when I think of the Lord.
In the past, in the churches I've attended, the people have a lot of freedom in their worship. I believe the power of the Holy Spirit brings that freedom and allows it. There is a lot of clapping, dancing, shouting for joy where the Holy Spirit is allowed to flow during worship.
Proverbs is so full of good one liners! I can just meditate on a handful & be blessed, instructed & chastised for a lifetime!
17:9 I like because we all have weaknesses & we're never gonna find "perfect" people (thankfully). If I want friends I can't look for or point those out. They come out naturally as we interact with each other. But if we concentrate on those instead of the good & what we see God doing in & thru each other we miss huge blessings & friendships. No one wants to be constantly reminded by a 3rd party of their character flaws. We're usually aware of them already & are trying to work on them with God's help.
17:12 is pretty scary. I wouldn't want to meet a mother bear WITH her cubs, let alone one robbed of her cubs but that's better than meeting a fool up to no good? Yikes!
The second part of v19 is interesting "...build a wall, invite a burglar". I can see the physical, exterior application of this. If you put a lock on a box with nothing in it, someone will break it just to get inside. But I'm thinking of the spiritual, mental, emotional application. Requires more pondering.
22 says that a cheerful disposition is good for the health, but doom and gloom leaves you bone tired. Ever notice how the happy people usually enjoy good health, but those that tend toward the negative ALWAYS have something wrong with them or are sick. I don't think the happy people are necessarily immune to it, but they don't concentrate on it so it doesn't affect them the same way. Duh!
I like the different verses that talk about how smart people say little & think much or even dunces are thought smart when they're quiet. Makes me think of the saying of "better to remain quiet & stupid then to open the mouth & remove all doubt"
18:15 - "Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights." Two things usually done with the mouth shut. :)
Hey Sher, enjoyed your comments yesterday! Do you enjoy listening to knew songs? Cuz Chris always has just the right song for every situation. Her selection blesses me all the time!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KqziOKZ4AE Here's a sermon I went back and looked at after Psalms yesterday. It takes about 40 minutes, but inspired me all over again!!
I gotta admit, Psalms and Proverbs are some of my favorites! So I always look forward to Wed & Th! (Monday and Tuesday are my stretch!!)
17:1 - - nothing better than peace. I'm loving the long summer days eating out on the back porch - peace filled:)
17:9 Boy God sure gives us the ultimate of this verse. He forgives much; He loves much! and dwelling on others faults just separates us - - so look for the best in others and you'll find it!
It's senseless to pay tuition to educate a fool; yeah that's right - you can't teach someone that doesn't want to learn. I'm amazed at the amount of entitlement that surrounds all of us; and people that feel their entitled don't put the shoulder to the wheel and learn or grow; it's like it's a desease!
17:27 and 28 -- everyone benefits from keeping their mouth shut!! LOL
18:1 Unfriendly people care only about themselves; in other words - they are self-centered so why should they be friendly? The world revolves around them, the only reason to be friendly is for selfish reasons; and in my book, that's not a true pic of friendship -- pretty bleak picture.
18:4 "Wise words are like deep waters. Reminds me of some of the alpine lakes I've looked into; clear as can be and it draws my gaze as deep as I can go. Wise words are spoken from a pure heart, they are clear to understand and it just draws you -- wanting more.
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences - - really good advice to think think think before speaking Linda!!!!
Linda said earlier---- "Hey Sher, enjoyed your comments yesterday! Do you enjoy listening to knew songs? Cuz Chris always has just the right song for every situation. Her selection blesses me all the time!"
I have Christian music on almost 24 hours a day (I leave the radio on all night downstairs, even tho I can't hear it upstairs--sort of a form of warfare against the neighbors onslaught of evil) I didn't know Chris had a song for every situation---that's cool.
Oh thanks a lot ladies---This was so complicated that I was hoping to read what you guys wrote before I commented. And here I am this morning----the lone commentator!
Well---I've done a minute study of Daniel in the past, so here goes---
Daneil the prophet is speaking here about some things that have already taken place (Not in his day, but in ours) and speaking about some things that haven't yet come to pass in this present world.
I think it really helped me when I learned a bit about Daniel himself as much as it did about his prophecies. May not speak to you---but it helped me to learn that Daniel was a Hebrew nobleman who was taken captive in Babylon by the King. Daniel was unusually intelligent so the king put him in a special school of the "wise men". (Conjureres, enchanters, sorcerers--you know---people trained in black majic in the Babylonian empire.) So Daneil was trained in all the wisdom and skills of the Babylonians, but he didn't buy it. They literally tried to brainwash Daniel into the Bablyonion religion, but he kept his belief and faith in God despite all of this training. I like this aspect of his life because I think its good to know your enemy's ways. And the Babylonion kings did not make a move without first consulting their astrologers.
So I'm pretty sure that the 4 empires Daniel is speaking about are 1)Babylon 2)Media/Persia 3)Greece and Alexander the Great 4)Rome (Dan7:19) But it's too lengthy to go into why I believe this. And then we get into the middle of the tribulation in Daniuel 9:27 and Jewish Temple worship ceases and we read about things that I don't believe I will be around to endure. I'm taking the ultimate trip called the Rapture.
Hey Sher -- I appreciated you bringing out the fact that Daniel was thrown in to a culture trying to brainwash him (and his 3 friends) I never thought of it that way -- but I believe you are right. That is why our one on one time with God is so important. We know that Daniel had it (3 times a day he stopped whatever he was doing to talk it out with God) and God blessed his faith giving him the gift of interpretaion and wisdom. He is faithful!
I totally agree with you on the 4 kingdoms 1,2,3,4 - so that sounds good to me, it's how I read it as well. I love a couple of things about Revelation; one is that it repeats and expands. We see reference to these 4 world powers in the Dan 2 dream, in the Dan 7 vision, and now again in Dan 8. It must have been important for Daniel (and us) to see how perfectly in control God was/is.
The other thing I like is that God always throws the pictures of Him and His power and glory, right in the midst of this worlds chaos, pain, and confusion:)
I thought it was so interesting how the messenger from God was detained in ch 10 by the spirit of the prince of Persia and how Michael and the messanger waged ware against this spirit. The battle is on-going, Ladies. We fight not against flesh and blood!
I love how 3 times the messanger tells Daniel, you are very precious to God. That message is for each of us as well.
I appreciated Daniels prayer. Here Daniel was so loved of God, and loved God so much, but he lumped himself in with his countrymen; begging for forgiveness and for God to hear "not because we serve help, but because of your mercy"
Who is the king of the north and the king of the south in Chapter 11? I'd love to hear what you guys thing on this -- I've gotta go back and read only chapter 11 so I don't zone out on it.
The resurrection of the dead here fits with the picture of Revelation in 20:4 & 5. And I love the comforting words to Daniel: go your way until the end. You will rest (I believe Daniel is being told here that he will die), and then at the end of the days, you will rise again to receive the inheritance set aside for you. Hmmm -- I guess I never noticed this little line before; but it fits well with the belief that you don't die and go to heaven, rather; you die, and remain (resting so to speak) until the Lord comes again, and then we're raised to live with him (fits good with 1 Thes 4:16)
Whew- that was a long one; took me forever -- ok guys; who is the King of the North and the king of the South????
King of the north is Russia. King of the south is Egypt. The Egyptian king will attack the king of Israel. (Dan 11:40) Then in Daniel 11:45, Russia will get stuck in Palestine.
Well ladies, I'm still not reading this. Maybe it's because Dad & I studied & restudied it many times & fought about it a lot. Or maybe my heart just needed something else.
I have always liked Daniel's prayer though & like you said Linda, his humility is inspiring.
The 4 kingdoms are as you said Sherrie & if I remember Gabriel even says that in 7, 8 & 10 as he repeats & enlarges on the original dream of Dan 2 as Linda pointed out.
There are a few different trains of thought on the Kings of the North/South. Most agree that the South is Egypt but there's more variety on the North. I think as I studied I found it to be the Papacy or Papal system. But I'd have to look at it all again to really be able to prove that. And if I remember right, there's just enough NOT said to leave it open for debate, which is where people lose their Christian experience. =:0
Do you want to get well? Such a great question! We tend to want things handed to us, that entitlement you were talking about Linda. If we have to put forth the effort, like exercise or change our diet to lose weight, meh, we'll pass. If I have to face my true self to figure out why I keep attracting abusive boyfriends/husbands or getting fired from jobs or never having any money, etc, then it's easier to not deal with it because I would have to change & that takes too much effort.
Jesus says to be a truly, whole person, we have to make choices & be willing to put in some effort. Do you really want to be a better person, be happy & content? Not saying it's easy, but it's definitely worth it from what I've personally experienced.
And the man obeys Jesus & does what he says. He's healed, he cleans up after himself & heads out. And some "pious, caring souls" stop him & correct him. "You can't do that! - it's wrong!" I just love the guys answer - "the One who made me well told me to do it" YEAH!!! So simple & what a witness too. The leaders knew there was only One who could do this but what pride! And isn't it just like us to judge someone who does something different than what we've always done or what we've been taught? The man followed Jesus with all his heart & didn't 2nd guess Jesus' instructions - and he didn't even know it was Jesus at first! So cool! So inspiring!
I've always thought it interesting that in v17 when Jesus simply says His Father, that the leaders infer that He meant God. It seems to me then that they knew He was the Messiah but were so full of pride that they just gave into satan & refused Him. Very sad.
5:29 is another great text showing that we just go into the grave when we die & sleep, not heaven or hell because why would Jesus say they would be raised to life or death if they already had it?
v40 again nails those who say they want change but are willing to put forth the effort required. "...here I am, standing right before you, and you aren't willing to receive from me the life you say you want".
6 is great but today I was wondering why the disciples just up & left Jesus when it doesn't appear that He gave them any instructions. And then they have a hard go getting across the lake. Makes me think of myself when I get impatient & leave Him behind. It's always hard & stressful & sometimes scary. Fortunately, Jesus started towards them before they even realized they needed Him - hmmm & hmmm. BUT, they had to call out to Him because He was going to just walk on past. They had to ask for help & that was help from Someone they had left behind in their impatience. How humbling is that? Well I can tell you from experience, it's VERY humbling! Glad He never gloats or holds it over me!
Sher do you have literature on this? I'd like to read about this theory - - is there a link I can go to??
Yeah---the book is called the "Late Great Planet Earth" by Hal Lindsey. Originally written in 1969 (that's the copy I have)---but the book is still available everywhere---nothing has changed.
I need to do some Daniel 11 research; I've always spent way more time in Rev; didn't remember reading before about the N & S King:)
Really appreciated your comments Chris on the healing of the crippled man/entitlement/that we need to actually feed on Christ (6) and part of the process! I was thinking that this man was crippled for 38) years; that's a long time. Daryl (Duane's brother was crippled when he was 20 - he's now 55, so he'd have 3 more years to go, and it seems like he's been in a wheel chair forever.
Jesus really directed people to "stop sinning" or "go and sin no more" He wanted them to take steps toward that abundant life - -
I was thinking that in 5:25 it says "it's here now, when the dead will hear my voice . . and live" That must mean the spiritually dead -- it sure seems to fit -- and then the spiritually dead rising from the dead (baptism) will be played out again physically at His 2nd coming - - He sure mentions that event several times today!
Jesus gave them 3 proofs of His Sonship:
J the B (not sure the leaders wanted to believe John - - it was kindof a grudging belief, and Jesus alluded to that when he says in 35 that you were excited for a while about his message.
The miracles - - they had to grudgingly admit that those did happen
Moses - - hmmm, what to do about that; Moses was their hero.
Philip - - definitely not thinking out of the box. Andrew - - started thinking out of the box, then caught Philip's eye, and went back into his box. The people - - so excited to experience life outside of the box, but couldn't care less how to get out of the box or why they were out of the box. Jesus, always so patient to try and get us to look away from our box and realize that He is the "Way" out.
and wow -- people turned away from Him shortly after the miracle and illustration of the bread. What would happen to the little seed of faith trying to spring up when He was lifted up. At that point, it appeared there was no reason to follow Him -- He wasn't who He claimed, He was dead, it was a sham? Really important when things look hopeless to look back at the miracles, the faithfulness of God. Otherwise the blackness of the situation will swallow us.
Chris---I'm so sorry that you and your father fought over the meaning of scripture. That must have hurt.
Chris said---"5:29 is another great text showing that we just go into the grave when we die & sleep, not heaven or hell because why would Jesus say they would be raised to life or death if they already had it?"
My Bible must not read as yours does. Mine reads (Living Bible) those who have done good go to eternal life and those who have continued in evil go into judgment.
Yep--Chris--Jesus says would you like to get well? My answer is yes yes yes! But after being sick for 60 years, I think it may take some time to reverse the process of eating foods that my body couldn't tolerate or digest. The Lord may accelerate the process and heal me immediately, but so far that hasn't been the case.
But I have met people who like being ill. They don't want to get well---not really. It gives them control over other people who are always fussing over them. Illnes makes them the center of attention and gives them lots of excuses to get away with things. I'm not saying this is always the case with illness. I'm just saying I've met people who like to be sick or they have an owie constantly. It gets the focus off of others and onto them.
In John 5:30---I love the justice of God.
In verse 36---Jesus refers to the miracles he does. I wonder why many Christians who say they are following in His footprints aren't out doing miracles today as Jesus did.
In verses 7-13---I love the increase that God gives. He takes a little and increases it and theres even left overs. Jesus took the loaves and the first thing He did before anything else was to give Thanks to God. I think theres an important principle there.
In verses 53-57, Jesus said it again---Unless you eat the flesh of the Messiah and drink His blood, you cannot have eternal life. I try to do this daily---because somewhere else (don't remember where at the moment) Jesus said to do it oft as we can in remembrance of Him.
I'm always in awe of the discernment of Jesus when He walked on the earth. He knew ahead of time that Judas was going to betray Him.
Stay away from the meaningless discussions and concentrate on a life of love, generosity, gratefulness. That will do so much more for you than the petty discussions that take you out of the foundation of love. Everything God does is based on love; even discipline. That should be the same with us as well.
ReplyDeletePaul threw out 2 guys and handed them over to Satan -- but I bet they were being unsafe and harmful to other Christians around; again - - each element of our walk and decisions must be based on love -- and sometimes it's tough love.
2:9-15 are the texts that really get women fired up! Pretty strong words for Paul, but I'm guessing it had a lot to do with the culture of the day. I know that Pagans had shrine prostitutes and women priests - - I'm not sure if that is the reason for such caution. Obviously in the OT we had Debra the prophet who gave counsel (that's the only one I can think of right now).
OK -- gotta go -- will be interesting to hear what you guys think!
I enjoyed the MSG take on those opening verses too Linda. Center your life on a love that is uncontaminated with self-interest, not a counterfeit faith & one that is open to God. Love it!
ReplyDeleteThe end of 1 is interesting with the 2 men that seemed to think anything was acceptable to God & seemed to have gotten lackadasical in their walk with God. Keeping close to Jesus is our only safety...even when it's not comfortable to do so.
3:8-13 talks about people holding positions in the church & how they shouldn't use those position to run things. Hmmm & hmmm....I've seen that happen a time or 2 & I also catch myself trying to play the Holy Spirit for people. Gotta stay surrendered & let Him work. I'm seeing myself getting in the way a lot lately. Just need to relax more & not have confidence in my abilities to the point of running ahead too much. Like the POG song "Steady On" :D
Ah Numbers. It was full of them in the reading & I just skimmed right over them. I think though that it was very helpful of God to break it down for Moses who was to carry what. That way Moses didn't have to rack his brain to figure out who was in charge of everything.
ReplyDeleteI think this is what God wants to do with us in our day to day lives as well but we don't listen good enough. I know the few times I have listened, He's told me the "who, what, when & where" exactly as I've needed to do things. Wonder why I don't sit & listen more.
So I went back & read John 3 & 4 since I missed that on Sabbath. I read your comments Linda about Jesus saying "we" when talking to Nicodemus. MSG didn't have that, but I went to another version to get it. Hadn't thought of that before. I always thought He was referring to the Jews, but it could be the HS as well.
I really like the simplicity of 4:23-24 in referring to worship: "...Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration". I just feel like we put on a pretense so much at church sometimes. And because we do that, then we judge each other. If we're being really honest before God, then we won't be concerned with other people in that judgmental way. We'll just be happy they are there.
Chris, on wonder you're so good at scrabble -- if you can spell lackadasical? (I had to copy and paste it!) did you spell check that, or did that spelling just come naturally to your brain?
ReplyDeleteLove your last comment on worship -- honest before God . . . happy they are there. It's what God wants:)
So, I googled around and found out that the men in Israel (not counting those Levites) was about the same size as the city of Seattle. So - - with women and children, maybe you could figure 3 cities of Seattle (think of rush hour traffic x3) and maybe that'll be a word picture of the size of group Moses was in charge of organizing and moving from place to place. Boggles my mind. But order is the key -- and even the family banners and the "who leaves camp first" is spelled out. I was wondering if the guys in the back ever hollared for the guys in the front to "pick up your feet" I just picture them covered in dust.
Ok---I got tech support to help get the computer back up and running. Until I can buy more memory for the computer, this daily blog assignment may be a hit and miss for me. But today I'm here.
ReplyDeleteI think what stood out for me in this passage in Numbers is the repetition of the theme that anyone touching the Tabernacle or its holy things who are not from the tribe of Levi are to be executed. Number 1:51,3:10,3:38,4:15, and 4:20 are some of the passages that repeat this statement. God has order in his church and anyone who does not belong there is to be executed.
This was especially meaningful to me since previously this morning, I read an article on "Christianized" occultism in the church. There is a mixture of occult practices in Christian churches today that is accepted and even invited and encouraged. And many Christians do not have discernment or the Biblical knowledge to realize what is going on.
This must be an outrage to our Holy God.
There is going to have to be a separation from the common and uncommon, a separation of the goats and the sheep in our midst.
Yes Linda, I did spell check with Google. Though even spelled right the blog said it was wrong LOL. Thanks for checking around & giving a modern day size equivalent to what Moses was dealing with. That's just crazy & draining to think about! I know for me, being in charge of stuff just takes all the fun out of life for me. I feel for Moses, but then again, there are some who are born to be leaders.
ReplyDeleteThat would be an interesting article to read Sherrie. You have the link? And we know from the Bible that Jesus will separate the sheep from the goats at the 2nd coming. As humans, we'd end up taking sheep out with the goats or pulling wheat up with the tares as Jesus said (Matt 13:24-30;25:31-46)
Glad you're able to post!
Okay, Numnbers was a skimmer today too. At least for me. But my eye caught the family of Ephraim in chapter 7:20-24 & how 2 of his sons were killed by cattle rustlers. Then he had another son & named him Unlucky (Beriah). I was thinking how sad that he had to carry that all his life. I wonder if he went by his middle name.
ReplyDeleteThen Ephraim's daughter (Sheerah) is mentioned because she built a couple of cities. So she wasn't just content to be a baby maker & like it seems they made all the women back then. She probably had her grandparents telling her to be normal & settle down. LOL.
I thought somewhere in here was the 5 daughters of Zelophad who came to Moses & asked for their inheritance since they had no brothers. I remember them because one of the girls was named Noah. Oh well, must have skimmed over them last week.
I found some of the same stuff you talked about in 1 Chronicles! amazing:):)
ReplyDeleteI picked up on the cattle rustlers too -- but my version didn't say that Beriah meant unlucky - - what a bummer name:(
5:2 "the birthright belonged to Joseph - - so God over-ruled Laben's trickery when he married off Leah first. In the end; it was through Rachel that the nations were blessed!
There were 2 groups that interested me: the musicians (wonder why) who lived at the temple, weren't given any other duties -- their whole duty was to develope and execute their craft. It's neat for me to see how important music is to God - - I can hardly wait to hear God sing; can you imagine what that will sound like?
Also -- lots of time was spent on those gate-keepers! Security was a big issue, along with checking stuff in and out, baking bread, making sure supplies were in stock. It's really the behind-the-scene guys that make a program run smoothly. They are the real heroes in the success of any large group of people.
I thought the Levites couldn't own any land -- yet they were given a bunch of towns; did they just live & die there without owning any of it, or do I understand that wrong (not a big question in my mind -- just an interesting thought)
A couple of times it shows Janathon's line going on through Merib-baal. For some reason I thought that Mephibosheth was the only survivor of Jonathon. More research needed!!
Chris---
ReplyDelete"Christianized" occultism ---
http://www.spiritual-research-network.com/christianleaderscontemplativeprayer.html
Linda---I like your commentary today---you said everything I was thinking.
The only other thing that I wondered about were a few names mentioned. In 7:16, Machir's wife was named Maacah--(May-ah-cah?). Then in *: Je-iel's wife was also named Maacah who is mentioned again in 9:35-37. Wives aren't usually mentioned in these Chronicles of names--so I was wondering why that name kept popping up...Maybe the writer was fascinated with that female name Maacah and was thinking of using it as a name for his newborn daughter?
In 7:23 the parents name their newborn son Beriah which means "a tragedy". Who does that? That poor kid has to live with that name the rest of his life.
Thanks for the link Sherrie, I'll check it out.
ReplyDeleteIt's easy to be in awe of God when you are in nature - at least for me. And David spent a lot of time there, obviously, since his psalms abound with inferences to it.
But even nature bows or melts in the presence of its Creator, yet we're so selfish that we put other things before Him in our hearts & our time.
97:11 "Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God's people, joy-seeds are planted in good heart-soil." I want to be that good heart soil in which God can plant & use to reap a harvest of souls for Him.
I LOVE David's painting of the JOY of nature; here's what my version said:
ReplyDelete96:11,12
Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! (can just see the whales shouting for all their worth and the delicate jellyfish shouting away!
Let the fields and crops burst out with JOY!
(BURSTING! - what a great way to talk about blooms busting into fruit and grain! - for JOY!)
Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise! (Can't you see them rustling away? especially the aspen!!)
98:8
Let the rivers clap their hands in glee! (hee hee! the rivers tumbling and splashing just explode with glee as their water droplets clap for happiness)
Let the hills sing out their songs of joy before the Lord (I picture the hills a bit more stately than the gleeful rivers -- I picture the hills singing in 6 part harmony)
and why is Creation so full of this Joy? In both places it says because the Lord is coming to judge the earth in fairness! Let's take a lesson from creation today!!! Let's SING, be filled with JOY, and clap our hands in GLEE!!
You know Linda, it's interesting to see different personalities reaction to celebration. With people I usually can get caught up in it OR I can have the opposite effect.
ReplyDeleteBut today's reading obviously got you excited & worked up. For me, it gave me peace. When I'm in nature & I see everything in praise of God & hear that rushing mighty water or the waves crashing on the rocks or rippling into the shore I am filled with a great peace & it settles me.
I guess that also makes me happy, but I'm glad that there are all kinds of reactions & we can smile & enjoy each other's! Thanks for sharing your exuberance!
Psalms 96-98 ---a lot of rejoicing and singing and praising goin on. Sing a new song to the Lord--sing it everywhere around the world. Sing!
ReplyDeleteThe only way I know how to sing a new song to the Lord is through the gift of tongues. I don't have the creativity, vocabulary, or anything else to express my feelings of love for the Lord. In 96:4, it says "for the Lord is great beyond description."
So for me, it works to sing in tongues. That way He can express through me the new song He wants me to sing and bypass my mental computer which doesn't have the words or song to express any joy beyond description. (My mind wont get in the way).
It also says in verse 4 to worship Him only among the gods. I have an old friend that is a Wiccan. Daily, on fb, I read his description of the world and give praise to HIS god and the earth. (which isn't the Lord Jesus Christ) I have relatives that worship Satan openly on fb. In vs 3, it says to publish our Lords glorious acts throughout the world. To me that means sharing on facebook, tweeting, or whatever, about the goodness of God daily. No need for satan's people to have the prominent point of view published daily.
In 97:2 it says clouds and darkness surround Him. (Living Bible) That doesn't seem to flow with the rest of the chapter. I don't think of clouds and darkness when I think of the Lord.
In the past, in the churches I've attended, the people have a lot of freedom in their worship. I believe the power of the Holy Spirit brings that freedom and allows it. There is a lot of clapping, dancing, shouting for joy where the Holy Spirit is allowed to flow during worship.
Proverbs is so full of good one liners! I can just meditate on a handful & be blessed, instructed & chastised for a lifetime!
ReplyDelete17:9 I like because we all have weaknesses & we're never gonna find "perfect" people (thankfully). If I want friends I can't look for or point those out. They come out naturally as we interact with each other. But if we concentrate on those instead of the good & what we see God doing in & thru each other we miss huge blessings & friendships. No one wants to be constantly reminded by a 3rd party of their character flaws. We're usually aware of them already & are trying to work on them with God's help.
17:12 is pretty scary. I wouldn't want to meet a mother bear WITH her cubs, let alone one robbed of her cubs but that's better than meeting a fool up to no good? Yikes!
The second part of v19 is interesting "...build a wall, invite a burglar". I can see the physical, exterior application of this. If you put a lock on a box with nothing in it, someone will break it just to get inside. But I'm thinking of the spiritual, mental, emotional application. Requires more pondering.
22 says that a cheerful disposition is good for the health, but doom and gloom leaves you bone tired. Ever notice how the happy people usually enjoy good health, but those that tend toward the negative ALWAYS have something wrong with them or are sick. I don't think the happy people are necessarily immune to it, but they don't concentrate on it so it doesn't affect them the same way. Duh!
I like the different verses that talk about how smart people say little & think much or even dunces are thought smart when they're quiet. Makes me think of the saying of "better to remain quiet & stupid then to open the mouth & remove all doubt"
18:15 - "Wise men and women are always learning,
always listening for fresh insights." Two things usually done with the mouth shut. :)
Hey Sher, enjoyed your comments yesterday! Do you enjoy listening to knew songs? Cuz Chris always has just the right song for every situation. Her selection blesses me all the time!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KqziOKZ4AE
Here's a sermon I went back and looked at after Psalms yesterday. It takes about 40 minutes, but inspired me all over again!!
I gotta admit, Psalms and Proverbs are some of my favorites! So I always look forward to Wed & Th! (Monday and Tuesday are my stretch!!)
17:1 - - nothing better than peace. I'm loving the long summer days eating out on the back porch - peace filled:)
17:9 Boy God sure gives us the ultimate of this verse. He forgives much; He loves much! and dwelling on others faults just separates us - - so look for the best in others and you'll find it!
It's senseless to pay tuition to educate a fool; yeah that's right - you can't teach someone that doesn't want to learn. I'm amazed at the amount of entitlement that surrounds all of us; and people that feel their entitled don't put the shoulder to the wheel and learn or grow; it's like it's a desease!
17:27 and 28 -- everyone benefits from keeping their mouth shut!! LOL
18:1 Unfriendly people care only about themselves; in other words - they are self-centered so why should they be friendly? The world revolves around them, the only reason to be friendly is for selfish reasons; and in my book, that's not a true pic of friendship -- pretty bleak picture.
18:4 "Wise words are like deep waters. Reminds me of some of the alpine lakes I've looked into; clear as can be and it draws my gaze as deep as I can go. Wise words are spoken from a pure heart, they are clear to understand and it just draws you -- wanting more.
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences - - really good advice to think think think before speaking Linda!!!!
Linda said earlier---- "Hey Sher, enjoyed your comments yesterday! Do you enjoy listening to knew songs? Cuz Chris always has just the right song for every situation. Her selection blesses me all the time!"
ReplyDeleteI have Christian music on almost 24 hours a day (I leave the radio on all night downstairs, even tho I can't hear it upstairs--sort of a form of warfare against the neighbors onslaught of evil)
I didn't know Chris had a song for every situation---that's cool.
I can't handle prophecy this a.m. so I'll read it tonight & comment. Enjoy your day ladies!
ReplyDeleteOh thanks a lot ladies---This was so complicated that I was hoping to read what you guys wrote before I commented. And here I am this morning----the lone commentator!
ReplyDeleteWell---I've done a minute study of Daniel in the past, so here goes---
Daneil the prophet is speaking here about some things that have already taken place (Not in his day, but in ours) and speaking about some things that haven't yet come to pass in this present world.
I think it really helped me when I learned a bit about Daniel himself as much as it did about
his prophecies.
May not speak to you---but it helped me to learn that Daniel was a Hebrew nobleman who was taken captive in Babylon by the King. Daniel was unusually intelligent so the king put him in a special school of the "wise men". (Conjureres, enchanters, sorcerers--you know---people trained in black majic in the Babylonian empire.) So Daneil was trained in all the wisdom and skills of the Babylonians, but he didn't buy it. They literally tried to brainwash Daniel into the Bablyonion religion, but he kept his belief and faith in God despite all of this training.
I like this aspect of his life because I think its good to know your enemy's ways. And the Babylonion kings did not make a move without first consulting their astrologers.
So I'm pretty sure that the 4 empires Daniel is speaking about are
1)Babylon
2)Media/Persia
3)Greece and Alexander the Great
4)Rome (Dan7:19)
But it's too lengthy to go into why I believe this.
And then we get into the middle of the tribulation in Daniuel 9:27 and Jewish Temple worship ceases and we read about things that I don't believe I will be around to endure. I'm
taking the ultimate trip called the Rapture.
Hey Sher -- I appreciated you bringing out the fact that Daniel was thrown in to a culture trying to brainwash him (and his 3 friends) I never thought of it that way -- but I believe you are right. That is why our one on one time with God is so important. We know that Daniel had it (3 times a day he stopped whatever he was doing to talk it out with God) and God blessed his faith giving him the gift of interpretaion and wisdom. He is faithful!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you on the 4 kingdoms 1,2,3,4 - so that sounds good to me, it's how I read it as well. I love a couple of things about Revelation; one is that it repeats and expands. We see reference to these 4 world powers in the Dan 2 dream, in the Dan 7 vision, and now again in Dan 8. It must have been important for Daniel (and us) to see how perfectly in control God was/is.
The other thing I like is that God always throws the pictures of Him and His power and glory, right in the midst of this worlds chaos, pain, and confusion:)
I thought it was so interesting how the messenger from God was detained in ch 10 by the spirit of the prince of Persia and how Michael and the messanger waged ware against this spirit. The battle is on-going, Ladies. We fight not against flesh and blood!
I love how 3 times the messanger tells Daniel, you are very precious to God. That message is for each of us as well.
I appreciated Daniels prayer. Here Daniel was so loved of God, and loved God so much, but he lumped himself in with his countrymen; begging for forgiveness and for God to hear "not because we serve help, but because of your mercy"
Who is the king of the north and the king of the south in Chapter 11? I'd love to hear what you guys thing on this -- I've gotta go back and read only chapter 11 so I don't zone out on it.
The resurrection of the dead here fits with the picture of Revelation in 20:4 & 5. And I love the comforting words to Daniel: go your way until the end. You will rest (I believe Daniel is being told here that he will die), and then at the end of the days, you will rise again to receive the inheritance set aside for you. Hmmm -- I guess I never noticed this little line before; but it fits well with the belief that you don't die and go to heaven, rather; you die, and remain (resting so to speak) until the Lord comes again, and then we're raised to live with him (fits good with 1 Thes 4:16)
Whew- that was a long one; took me forever -- ok guys; who is the King of the North and the king of the South????
King of the north is Russia. King of the south is Egypt. The Egyptian king will attack the king of Israel. (Dan 11:40) Then in Daniel 11:45, Russia will get stuck in Palestine.
ReplyDeleteSher do you have literature on this? I'd like to read about this theory - - is there a link I can go to??
ReplyDeleteWell ladies, I'm still not reading this. Maybe it's because Dad & I studied & restudied it many times & fought about it a lot. Or maybe my heart just needed something else.
ReplyDeleteI have always liked Daniel's prayer though & like you said Linda, his humility is inspiring.
The 4 kingdoms are as you said Sherrie & if I remember Gabriel even says that in 7, 8 & 10 as he repeats & enlarges on the original dream of Dan 2 as Linda pointed out.
There are a few different trains of thought on the Kings of the North/South. Most agree that the South is Egypt but there's more variety on the North. I think as I studied I found it to be the Papacy or Papal system. But I'd have to look at it all again to really be able to prove that. And if I remember right, there's just enough NOT said to leave it open for debate, which is where people lose their Christian experience. =:0
I'm looking fwd to tomorrow to John! :D
Do you want to get well? Such a great question! We tend to want things handed to us, that entitlement you were talking about Linda. If we have to put forth the effort, like exercise or change our diet to lose weight, meh, we'll pass. If I have to face my true self to figure out why I keep attracting abusive boyfriends/husbands or getting fired from jobs or never having any money, etc, then it's easier to not deal with it because I would have to change & that takes too much effort.
ReplyDeleteJesus says to be a truly, whole person, we have to make choices & be willing to put in some effort. Do you really want to be a better person, be happy & content? Not saying it's easy, but it's definitely worth it from what I've personally experienced.
And the man obeys Jesus & does what he says. He's healed, he cleans up after himself & heads out. And some "pious, caring souls" stop him & correct him. "You can't do that! - it's wrong!" I just love the guys answer - "the One who made me well told me to do it" YEAH!!! So simple & what a witness too. The leaders knew there was only One who could do this but what pride! And isn't it just like us to judge someone who does something different than what we've always done or what we've been taught? The man followed Jesus with all his heart & didn't 2nd guess Jesus' instructions - and he didn't even know it was Jesus at first! So cool! So inspiring!
I've always thought it interesting that in v17 when Jesus simply says His Father, that the leaders infer that He meant God. It seems to me then that they knew He was the Messiah but were so full of pride that they just gave into satan & refused Him. Very sad.
5:29 is another great text showing that we just go into the grave when we die & sleep, not heaven or hell because why would Jesus say they would be raised to life or death if they already had it?
v40 again nails those who say they want change but are willing to put forth the effort required. "...here I am, standing right before you, and you aren't willing to receive from me the life you say you want".
6 is great but today I was wondering why the disciples just up & left Jesus when it doesn't appear that He gave them any instructions. And then they have a hard go getting across the lake. Makes me think of myself when I get impatient & leave Him behind. It's always hard & stressful & sometimes scary. Fortunately, Jesus started towards them before they even realized they needed Him - hmmm & hmmm. BUT, they had to call out to Him because He was going to just walk on past. They had to ask for help & that was help from Someone they had left behind in their impatience. How humbling is that? Well I can tell you from experience, it's VERY humbling! Glad He never gloats or holds it over me!
Sher do you have literature on this? I'd like to read about this theory - - is there a link I can go to??
ReplyDeleteYeah---the book is called the "Late Great Planet Earth" by Hal Lindsey. Originally written in 1969 (that's the copy I have)---but the book is still available everywhere---nothing has changed.
I need to do some Daniel 11 research; I've always spent way more time in Rev; didn't remember reading before about the N & S King:)
ReplyDeleteReally appreciated your comments Chris on the healing of the crippled man/entitlement/that we need to actually feed on Christ (6) and part of the process! I was thinking that this man was crippled for 38) years; that's a long time. Daryl (Duane's brother was crippled when he was 20 - he's now 55, so he'd have 3 more years to go, and it seems like he's been in a wheel chair forever.
Jesus really directed people to "stop sinning" or "go and sin no more" He wanted them to take steps toward that abundant life - -
I was thinking that in 5:25 it says "it's here now, when the dead will hear my voice . . and live" That must mean the spiritually dead -- it sure seems to fit -- and then the spiritually dead rising from the dead (baptism) will be played out again physically at His 2nd coming - - He sure mentions that event several times today!
Jesus gave them 3 proofs of His Sonship:
J the B (not sure the leaders wanted to believe John - - it was kindof a grudging belief, and Jesus alluded to that when he says in 35 that you were excited for a while about his message.
The miracles - - they had to grudgingly admit that those did happen
Moses - - hmmm, what to do about that; Moses was their hero.
Philip - - definitely not thinking out of the box. Andrew - - started thinking out of the box, then caught Philip's eye, and went back into his box. The people - - so excited to experience life outside of the box, but couldn't care less how to get out of the box or why they were out of the box. Jesus, always so patient to try and get us to look away from our box and realize that He is the "Way" out.
and wow -- people turned away from Him shortly after the miracle and illustration of the bread. What would happen to the little seed of faith trying to spring up when He was lifted up. At that point, it appeared there was no reason to follow Him -- He wasn't who He claimed, He was dead, it was a sham? Really important when things look hopeless to look back at the miracles, the faithfulness of God. Otherwise the blackness of the situation will swallow us.
Chris---I'm so sorry that you and your father fought over the meaning of scripture. That must have hurt.
ReplyDeleteChris said---"5:29 is another great text showing that we just go into the grave when we die & sleep, not heaven or hell because why would Jesus say they would be raised to life or death if they already had it?"
My Bible must not read as yours does. Mine reads (Living Bible) those who have done good go to eternal life and those who have continued in evil go into judgment.
Yep--Chris--Jesus says would you like to get well? My answer is yes yes yes! But after being sick for 60 years, I think it may take some time to reverse the process of eating foods that my body couldn't tolerate or digest.
The Lord may accelerate the process and heal me immediately, but so far that hasn't been the case.
But I have met people who like being ill. They don't want to get well---not really. It gives them control over other people who are always fussing over them. Illnes makes them the center of attention and gives them lots of excuses to get away with things. I'm not saying this is always the case with illness. I'm just saying I've met people who like to be sick or they have an owie constantly. It gets the focus off of others and onto them.
In John 5:30---I love the justice of God.
In verse 36---Jesus refers to the miracles he does. I wonder why many Christians who say they are following in His footprints aren't out doing miracles today as Jesus did.
In verses 7-13---I love the increase that God gives. He takes a little and increases it and theres even left overs. Jesus took the loaves and the first thing He did before anything else was to give Thanks to God. I think theres an important principle there.
In verses 53-57, Jesus said it again---Unless you eat the flesh of the Messiah and drink His blood, you cannot have eternal life.
I try to do this daily---because somewhere else (don't remember where at the moment) Jesus said to do it oft as we can in remembrance of Him.
I'm always in awe of the discernment of Jesus when He walked on the earth. He knew ahead of time that Judas was going to betray Him.
Linda---
ReplyDeleteI grew up with a father who was in a wheelchair. I was always trying to protect him against the world.