There's that little phrase again in 1:3 (at just the right time) God has a plan -- now I need to rest in the "right time" events He has for my life.
I thought it was interesting the emotions that God wants his people to fall into (it's for elders, but I think it applies to each of us): live a blameless life (oops -- not doing so good there), not be arrogant or quick-tempered, not a heavy drinker, violent or dishonest. Enjoy having guests (I wouldn't have thought of that), love what is good (covers a lot), live wisely and be just . . . encourage others. When you read this, well -- it's kindof like the people you enjoy being around:) Safe people, fun people, good people -- and hopefully, people that will model what God's presence can do, so those emotions keep emoting out!
1:16 Such people claim they know God, but they deny Him by the way they live. (food for thought --- I want to live a life that shows my love to God and my love to others -- easier to say than to do many times)
I was thinking about 2:7 Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching - - I was thinking that was to be studious and intentional with your presentation of the gospel -- don't just through something together. And music can be a presentation of the gospel - so to take the time to think through how to make music work for people is a good thing.
The part on slaves -- I was thinking of the example we had with Joseph; God sure blessed him. But there are countless slaves that were also abused too - - their reward is stated in 2:13.
3:1,2 -- OK, be careful what I say about our government leaders (sigh) sometimes I'm not good at that.
and I love the picture of God washing away my sin - - giving me new life and birth through the Holy Spirit. 3:4,5 Verse 6 talks about His generosity -- Paul has that right, He didn't have to pour anything out to me - - I sure don't deserve it, yet He gave me the gift of the Holy Spirit! That's just awesome.
I liked 2:7-8 also Linda, "But mostly, show them all this by doing it yourself, incorruptible in your teaching, your words solid and sane. Then anyone who is dead set against us, when he finds nothing weird or misguided, might eventually come around." People who commit themselves to Jesus & surrender to Him will always be misrepresented & talked about because worldly-minded people don't get it. And Christians are supposed to be different from the world. But it's nothing weird. It's just the Bible. Those that are open will come around eventually to seeing the truth. Sometimes God has more work to do in their lives before their heart is fully ready for the planted seed to sprout.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the wording in MSG of 2:11-14 "We're being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness."
What we experience here with Jesus should just make us antsy to be with Him forever with no boundaries. Can't wait.
Linda, 3:3+ Reminded me of the part in the song we did yesterday "we will remember". Where it talks about remembering when you gave your heart to God. Also reminds me of another song called "Do you remember?" that talks about the same experience. Was just thinking about this yesterday & pleading with God to not let me forget my 1st Love experience with Him. I always want it to be new & growing deeper.
I knew the Levites didn't get an inheritance & knew that they got parts of the offerings for their food, etc. BUT this a.m. it really hit me how they didn't have a pantry per se. Their meals were dependent upon the people. They had to wait for God to move the people to bring their offering so they could eat.
ReplyDeleteGod told them over & over how He was their inheritance or He was their Provider. Just it different from the way we are now. Stocking up on stuff. Not that there's anything wrong with stocking up, it just gives me a different perspective of depending on God for everything, not just big things.
I like how in 18:29 it says to make sure that God's part is the best & holiest. He should be priority, but unfortunately, as selfish as I am, I usually help myself first. I give Him acknowledgement or thanks after the fact. Very sad.
I also realized today the miracle of keeping Aaron's rod budding all the while they were traversing in the desert. Sure it was a miracle for it to happen in the first place, but it wasn't just an old stick they kept as a reminder. It was the one with the buds, blossoms & almonds. So it constantly reminded them that God can do the impossible. And yet they STILL complained. Wow, I forget God's miracles for me a lot too & complain; I'm just like them! His patience once again is incredible!
Wow -- good thought on dependance Chris -- and that dependance and trust would hopefully pass down the generations - - when I read it, I thought -- I'm not sure I'd want to be a Levite, but I'm thinking that there were amazing spiritual blessings attached with it.
ReplyDeleteI would have loved to seen everyone' faces when they brought that budding rod out -- it must have been beautiful with the buds and the nuts - - and yeah, it didn't seem to keep them from complaining. I was surprised they'd start saying "We are doomed" I'd think it'd give them courage - - I didn't follow their line of thought "we can't go near the tabernacle" why was that a concern? The Levites had it under control I thought.
Do you think the Mary, Joseph, Jesus, two turtle doves story was what was going on in 18:15? Jesus being redeemed by Joseph?
Yup! I had 18:25 underlined too -- "Be sure to give to the Lord the best portions of the gifts given to you. It's again the difference between gratitude and entitlement. I KNOW that I bend toward entitlement and strive for gratitude. This is something I need pray for more, as I often try to do this shifting on my own power -- in which case, I'm a "loser"
Must have been tough coming up with enough water to wash your clothes and bathe themselves in the desert (vs 19)
I was wondering if a small part of Moses anger when hitting the rock was his grief at loosing Mariam. It was because of the complaining and mis-trust that the older generation had to die in the wilderness -- and since Mariam just died, Moses may have been feeling that, along with his grief.
Then Aaron - - I can just picture Moses and Aaron holding on to each other at the end -- when you experience some big task with another person, you have a special bonding with them. It must have been a pretty emotional time for Moses. Sometimes I think of the patriarchs as not having many emotions -- just doing what they had to do, but that's not really how it is -- and you can see a lot of emotions coming through in the story of Moses.
Chronicles 25:1---The Lord usually releases His gifts of the Holy Spirit through worship--- prophecy, tongues, healing, words of knowledge etc. Looks like that was happening here.
ReplyDeleteWow---God sets up a music ministry through a family that has 14 sons and 3 daughters.
I repeatedly notice in the Bible, they use a coin toss (25:8)(26:13) to make decisions. I wonder if that is a pattern that we're supposed to follow today. Sure would be easier to make a lot of decisions.
Reading through this passage in Chronicles, I noticed several of the 7 mountains of culture. I'm sure you already are aware of the mtns I'm referring to---if not---
The 7 mtns are the 7 most influential seats of power that exist within the earth as identified by Dr Lance Wallnau
1)the Business mtn
2)the govt mtn
3)family mtn
4)religion mtn
5)media mtn
6) education mtn
7)entertainment mtn
Anyway---that was a little sidetrack--but I noticed that chapter 25 looks like part of the religion mtn, chapters 26 and 27 look like part of the govt mtn, chapter 28 and 29 look like the business and political mtns.
Yes, I think the turtle doves were what the poorer people could bring for redeeming their firstborn. Shows the acceptance that Joseph had even though he knew it wasn't the son from his body, he showed he accepted God's instructions by his actions down to the littlest detail.
ReplyDeleteNice thought too on the emotions of Moses & other Bible leaders. They do seem to come off rather matter-of-fact at times.
Today I noticed in 25:9+ that everyone had 12 son/relatives. And then later it was 24,000 every month who stood guard. I've heard that 12 is one of God's numbers, just like 7. And 24,000 is a multiple of 12 also.
I liked how no one had a preference over others. They all were equal. Each job is important. Like it says whatever we find, do it well & to the glory of God.
I like David publicly addressing Solomon. There's accountability there. I don't always like that for myself, because I feel like I'm boxed in & can't breathe or be myself. I have to be what others want me to be. But I'm thinking that's not the right thing. Here, David counsels all of them to follow God.
I was liking the free giving that was going on & David acknowledging that it was all God's to begin with so they were just giving it back. I need to keep that mentality too. The open hands/arms to God so I can give & receive what He wants me to.
Good morning ladies! You are up early on this Tuesday!!
ReplyDeleteOK -- back to the redeemer concept of yesterday -- I was listening to a CT song and it called Jesus our Redeemer, then I just had to connect it with father's redeeming their first born. I never understood why a father had to redeem their first born (still don't) other than it was an illustration of Christ redeeming us. And then when you mentioned today, Chris that Joseph redeemed Jesus, even though Jesus didn't come from his body, I was thinking maybe that was a further illustration. Jesus redeemed us, even though we didn't physically come from his body - He adopted us (as Paul says) and He is our Redeemer through adoption. Hmmmmm - I'll need to think more on this. Any ideas from you guys why father's needed to redeem their firstborns?
Good thoughts Sher, about the 7 powerful influences that affect us. I hadn't heard that theory before, and I can see where each of those areas have power over people.
I was excited to read the duties of the gate keeper -- as I was still wondering "who" the gatekeeper was in John 10. I'm thinking maybe it's the Holy Spirit? With our invitation, He lives in us -- and has the power to help us with what comes and goes into our heart/mind, also what we store in our heart/mind.
I loved David's charge to Solomon in 28:9,10. Learn to know God . . . intimately. Worship and serve Him with your whole heart and willing mind. Take this seriously. Each sentence is power packed.
Apparently, God chose Solomon for the next king - - I don't think Sol was the oldest of David's sons, I wonder how the oldest felt about this (didn't the oldest have first dibs on kingship?)
Also, I didn't realize that the plans for the temple had come from God's own hand (28:19) I wonder what the story is behind that? To receive plans written up by God! Wouldn't you love to see God's penmenship? Either with this document or the 10 commandments?
I love David throwing all His personal money in with the temple funds and then challenging his people: Now then, who will follow my example and give offerings tot he Lord today? What GREAT leadership! Typical David -- right in the trenches! People couldn't help but follow THAT!
They gave willingly! and then they REJOICED! Hey! That's a WONDERFUL change from all the grumbling we've been hearing about in Numbers!! Maybe a generous heart is goooooood medicine! and Chris, I love your word picture of the open hands/arms -- this is where I want the Holy Spirit to lead me.
I also enjoyed how happy and peaceful the transition of power was - - it was the "right time" David lived a ripe old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth, and honor (vs 28) It sounds like David died in a very contented state, because everything was "right" between himself and God. This is a picture of trust in the God he loved.
Hey I didn't realize Sherrie had posted! We must have crossed.
ReplyDeleteSince we're all reading different versions you both made me go back & look at what mine said for flipping a coin (Sherrie). Mine says they pulled it from a hat. I think the KJV says something like casting lots. So sounds like no one really knows what that entailed.
And then Linda, your comment about the plans being from God's own hand made me look. MSG just says God Spirit brought it to David's mind. Still inspired no question.
Then again, not major points, guess sometimes I just notice the details.
Hadn't heard of those influential items listed as mountains before Sherrie. They do loom huge on us though.
Man, we could have had a fun conversation on this & the different points that spoke to us. Not bad for Chronicles!
I can really relate to the 1st part of Ps 108 this a.m. Giving praise out of a grateful heart, that is so full - it's exhilarating! You just want to shout & pound on doors & draw people into celebration with you & dance & sing praises to Him. And most of all, I want to dance with Him! Round & round, just laughing & talking.
ReplyDeleteDavid is human & he's so limited, just like up in what to compare God to, but he uses nature, what God has created, to draw a likeness. I would love to be in the mountains right now. Watching that sun peek over a jagged edge & light an entire valley with just a small portion of it's beams. Just as Christians should be - a light in the dark world.
And then David's in a dark place. Whoever he's talking about must have hurt him deeply. Wonder if it's Nabal?
Love v21 "Oh, God, my Lord, step in; work a miracle for me—you can do it! Get me out of here—your love is so great!" He KNOWS God loves him so he has faith to believe that God will take care of him. Wow!
v26 says to save me thru Your wonderful love! Again, pleading that connection that he KNOWS is there. He knows the character of his Redeemer. So important for us, for me, to keep this in mind.
I like the visual picture of 110 of God the Father talking to Jesus & saying to sit here beside Me, while I take care of your enemies. Taking up for His Son, I know they work together & are one, but it's so cool for me to see the verbal pic of a father fighting for his son.
I like the thought that David's heart is confident in God (108:1) as opposed to an ominous feeling; like an impending doom. Confidence that God is in control -- that He will guide, challenge, and defeat -- brings JOY! It's no longer my problem, God IS in control!
ReplyDeleteI will wake the dawn with my song; I love the exuberant joy that comes through -- especially in the Message version.
109 starts out very "Christian" vs 4 -- I love them, but they try to destroy me with accusations even as I am praying for them! Then in verse 7 on -- David gives them the "what for" Doesn't sound so "turn the other cheek-ish" Hmmmm, well, if it WAS Nabal, then the widow of verse 9 didn't remain a widow for long!!
I was thinking, Chris, that 110:1 was talking about the David/God relationship. Either way, though -- it was a really good word picture for me, the way you explained it. I never understood that text so clearly before.
yes, I think it does also apply to David, Linda. The more I thought & prayed over though, I just pictured God saying that to His Son. And can't you see Him saying that to us too? Sit here, stay in the shadow of My wings (3rd day :D ) while I fight for you & defend you! Woohoo!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh---Psalms was a perfect reading for me today. I think you've heard that I have neighbors that (how shall I say this?)---they don't know the Lord! And----I love decreeing portions of God's word over my life daily. (God's word will not return void--Isaiah 55:11)
ReplyDeleteSo from now on, I will incorporate Psalm 109 into my daily decrees.
God of my praise--don't stand silent and aloof while the wicked slander me and try to destroy me. Let their years be few and brief and MAY THEY BE EVICTED FROM THEIR HOME (vs. 10) YES! YES! YES!
Verses 26-27--Save me from them PUBLICALLY, so everyone will see that the Lord has done it and all their efforts to destroy me will fail. And let them fail in everything they do! YES! YES! YES! AMEN!
Nice Sherrie! I can see how that would be very encouraging to you!
ReplyDeleteSometimes Proverbs is just so common sense, it's a wonder to me that it has to be said! But obviously....!
24:10 "If you fall to pieces in a crisis, there wasn't much to you in the first place." AND...if I fall to pieces in a crisis...hmmm, maybe I created the crisis by jumping off my Rock, my Foundation & running ahead or lagging behind.
v11 & 12 remind me that I have a responsibility to share the Way, the Truth & the Life. No weak excuses. God knows the opportunities He gives me to share.
v17,18 but I really like it when my enemies collapse around me. But yet, Jesus is incredibly sad when people turn away from Him permanently. We should rejoice in His victory for us, but that doesn't include gloating.
v26 "An honest answer is like a warm hug." Hmmm, gotta think about that one a bit more. First thing that comes to mind is that I like honesty, even if it hurts, which doesn't sound like a warm, fuzzy, hug.
23:10-11 once again shows how God is the Defender Redeemer of the underdog; we should be too.
ReplyDelete12 Commit yourself to instruction -- that's a pretty powerful word - commit. Maybe I should be more intentional, pursue that instruction more.
24:5 The wise are mightier than the strong -- I've seen that played out.
16 the godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again -- it's His hope and Holy Spirit that the godly have the courage to keep pressing on.
17 - - right on Chris -- no gloating (I'm convicted!) pretty serious that the Lord will be displeased with you.
26 -- I liked that too an honest answer is like a kiss of friendship. I don't always want to hear it, but if I know someone is being honest in love - - I really respect that person for having the guts to say what needs to be said, not just what I want to hear.
27 - - planning is wise (God planned the world before he created it!) Air first then human beings -- so when we plant first then build, we'll be able to eat. I guess it's not quite the same today, but the concept is true.
I LOVE Proverbs!
Ever have one of those days where you thought--Oh why even bother? Jesus is never going to show up---
ReplyDeleteEver have one of those days where you say--God! Where are you?
I might as well go out and solve my own problems and be my own strength, because the Lord isn't showing up here.
Well---I am having one of those days today---I am really being tested.
Sorry Sherrie, that you're having a testing time. Don't know if it helps but remember He's promised you rest. And to have the rest in every situation..since He can't lie, means trust. Like we read in earlier, though there's no crops in the field & nothing in the barn...still I will trust Him. Rest isn't always a physical occurrence, it's a state of mind, a state of trust. I am praying that you are able to enter it.
ReplyDeleteToday in Amos, I like 4 the best. It helps me see behind the scenes, like in Job. God allows things in our lives to help us realize our need of Him & to deepen our relationship with Him. I tend to whine & think He's abandoned me, BUT He's actually trying to HELP!
I've been learning so much this week about my impatience & then knowing that I've been given a situation to surrender to His timing for me right then...not MY way RIGHT NOW! :) And then to also have the outward appearance that I'm not impatient right now. That's the hardest part. I want people to know that they are screwing up my day! But that's not surrender.
God allows famine..but says in 4:6 "...but you never got hungry for Me."
v7,8 a drought "...but you never got thirsty for Me."
Different signs & calamities, "...but you, didn't notice Me [or look My way], you continued to ignore Me."
v12 "All this I have done to you, Israel, and this is why I have done it. Time's up, O Israel!
Prepare to meet your God!" Wow...am I hungry for Him, thirsty for more & still more of Him? Will I be ready when my time is up?
OR am I like 4:4,5 "Come along to Bethel and sin! And then to Gilgal and sin some more! Bring your sacrifices for morning worship. Every third day bring your tithe. Burn pure sacrifices—thank offerings. Speak up—announce freewill offerings!
That's the sort of religious show you Israelites just love."
I don't want to just be the show. I want to be real.
God's Decree
Sher, I just got your post this morning. Are you doing better today? I would be happy to stop by and pray with you about the battles going on -- you just let me know.
ReplyDeleteAmos was a shepherd -- one of the least of the least in his culture. I love how God uses everyone, and when he uses us unlikely ones, HIS name is glorified even more -- WHO AM I that you would use me? Even David said it shepherd turned king; now Amos -- shepherd turned prophet; and Linda - - curly haired, snot-nosed girl with glasses and pimples turned church secretary! Hee hee!
Lots of doom on the country around, but then doom for Judah (led others astray) and Israel (showed no mercy). It must have been so discouraging for God to see all of this sinning; again and again. And then to have his own people being poor God-connectors (good lesson here for me -- watch for ways to connect others)
3:4-6 basically says to me -- this IS going to happen, you can count on it.
Yet God doesn't do anything without a warning (3:7) the problem is (in 2:12) "you commanded the prophets, Shut up!
What is God supposed to do to get our attention -- what an arrogant little ping pong ball of humanity we are. Forgive us Lord, change us - please!
Thanks Chris for reminding me of the words to the song I wrote in the back pages of my Bible years ago: I wrote-- Even in the Hard times Lord, I make the commitment to praise you.
ReplyDeleteThough the fig tree fails to blossom and no fruit be on the vine, and the fields yeild no food--I will praise Thee Lord Divine. That song is so old, I think I have it on cassette tape.
Anyway--- on to Amos. I had to read this a few times before I got it. But I think what surprised me is that Amos isn't speaking to the unsaved world. Amos is speaking here to church people.
When Amos went to the people and gave them God’s warning, they were probably shocked. I'm sure they had their own prophets who were giving the people a message that was really different from that of Amos--God’s true messenger.
And wow---that is a warning for God's people today. I saw Pastor Joel Osteen on a talk show yesterday proclaiming his message of --Be happy, get wealthy---everything is okay. And then I read in Amos today that judgment is coming upon God's church. Two very different messages.
Linda---it would be awesome if you stopped by and prayed. I would really appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteLadies, I appreciated being able to soak in your comments tonight. When I read them this a.m. on my cell, I couldn't make it thru them all. It was just a blessing to know Sabbath is just around the corner & to enjoy how God spoke to you this a.m. Really good stuff!
ReplyDeleteJesus said that the Friend who comes doesn't draw attention to Himself (16:12-15) The Trinity was truly united. Just an incredible selfless picture for me to see. The HS just glorified God, reminded them (us) about Jesus & His words/actions. Didn't try to take the place or promote Himself. Wow
ReplyDeleteAnd above that, in v8-11 it says He will "...expose the error of the godless world's view of sin, righteousness, and judgment: He'll show them that their refusal to believe in me is their basic sin; that righteousness comes from above." We always try to bend the Truth to OUR point of view or desires. Truth doesn't bend, it's always the same, we're the ones in error.
I think it's 17:10 "Everything mine is yours, and yours mine, and my life is on display in them." Wow, I really want to live an open, unashamed life filled with Christ on display in me. Just to be on my knees, arms wide open in my mind on a constant basis.
Running short on time but can't help think of how Peter getting into the court because he WAS a disciple & knew the one that got in but then denied being a disciple is so much like us. We want the privileges but not the suffering. Maybe that's just me though. I gotta remember that it's a privilege to suffer for Him too.
Wow Chris -- I love bouncing off your thoughts! That trinity unity; where none of them draw attention to themselves is exactly the unity God has in mind for us! No individual kingdoms, just all pulling together and finding giving all glory and honor to God (17:21) may they be in us so that the world will believe ou sent me!)
ReplyDeleteand truth doesn't bend -- fits perfectly with Jesus words to pilate -- all who love the truth and pursue that, as opposed to hanging on to their own views will recognize truth -- it doesn't bend:) love it. But another cool thing is that the HS will guide us (if we ask) to the truth (16:13) which is a relief, as I can usually twist my view of truth in which ever direction I want -- so to try to look at the whole picture of Bible truth. Anything worth having takes work -- and God wants us to study and persist in knowing Him! This life is a marathon not a sprint!
I stopped, closed my eyes, and pictured myself on my knees with my arms open -- thanks for that word pic.
I never thought of the Peter getting in & then denying in that light -- really good.
Jesus tried several times and several directions to let his friends down gently for what lie ahead. It's easy to recognize what he was telling them in hind sight -- but I imagine it was way different from their perspective. Plus -- no one wants to admit that their friend or family member is facing imminent death. There's gotta be a way out, we think. Here is a picture of Jesus and abandonment to the Father's will vs the human perspective of plan B to the Father's will.
I soaked in the words of 16:27 "the Father himself loves you dearly. 6 little words, but so precious to hear -- thank you God; hard to believe that you would have such deep love for me and my friends.
There's also reality and comfort in Jesus statement on peace in 16:33. Admit it - - you're in this world and it's a hard place; but nothing; no one can take away the peace that He brings. It's stated again in another way in 17:15
Eternal life = knowing God (17:3)
You can hear the longing in 17:24 that He's already looking forward to His disciples sharing in the peace and joy with Him of their time in Heaven. Can hardly wait to see that reunion of Jesus and the boys! Man, will they have some amazing memories to share together!! Can you imagine having one on one time with Jesus? Duane and I were just talking about that this week.
I was struck that Jesus conversation with Pilate were 2 different conversations. Pilate was trying get to the heart of an earthly judgement. Jesus was trying to get to the heart of the heavenly judgement. He (Jesus) was after Pilate's heart.