I wonder why we have the book of Philemon? I thought of 2 possibilities.
1 is to encourage us to be generous with other people -- even when we have the "right" to make them toe the line, or ask for an apology, or expect an explanation -- error on the side of generosity when possible. There are times where others need to be held accountable for their own growth, or the good of the situation; but I'm thinking we should always view the situation with redemptive eyes.
The second thought on Philemon is, I wonder if it's kindof an illustration (not all aspects fit) of our situation. Us being Onesimus, Jesus being Paul, Philemon as God (of course, we know God' whole goal is to have us come back). But we have some serious mediation going on here, and Jesus is our mediator too. Really fits when Paul says:"if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me. I Paul . . . will repay it.
Many times I read one of these New Testamant books and the author is writing from jail ---He's in there for preaching the gospel. You know---I don't personally know any Christian right now who is in jail for preaching the gospel. But I should! I read on Christian news sites all the time about someone getting arrested for being on fire for God. But I don't know anyone who is that radically on fire for God's word at the moment--who is willing to go to great lengths to get unbelievers into the kingdom. I know I'm not.
I had 2 thoughts also Linda. I like yours & the allegorical reference to our salvation.
I had read somewhere that Onesimus was a runaway slave. So why did he run? Was Philemon a bad master? Was O just rebellious? Seems like Paul had high praise for Philemon so I'm not sure.
I'm thinking it was hard for O to go back or that it took some surrender to God for him to go back & submit to his master again. The psychological warfare that satan must have been trying to play with him. "You're not a man...etc".
And then the other thought was the reconciliation between the 2. Seems like the inference I get is that there was some repairing to do in that relationship. It probably wasn't instantaneous though. Took some time to rebuild. Would have been hard on both their sides. Forgiving is hard to do & God-given, forgetting is a God-thing for sure!
Sherrie, I think here in the US we have the religious freedom so we're not dealing with jail like other countries. But from what I read in Revelation, it'll be taken away & then we'll be in the same boat.
I just see a ton of warning in the story of Balaam. He wasn't in total surrender to God or he would have refused the 2nd time as well to go. But he acted the pious, religious part. Seems like there was a bit of pride there, that he would be summoned by the king. Reminds me of how Jesus didn't commit to mankind because He knew our hearts. He wasn't swayed by praise or flattery. I'm just the opposite. I still think I only matter or people only like me because of what I DO, not who I AM.
Now, if Balaam had been totally abandoned to God's will & God told him to go then I think the Angel wouldn't have been there. And if for some reason He was, then Balaam would have seen him.
So many "if's". Just so much to ponder on this one.
Oh, also, right before this story, Israel was complaining against God BUT when Balaam starts to bless them God says in 23:21 "He has no bone to pick with Jacob, He sees nothing wrong with Israel. God is with them, and they're with him, shouting praises to their King." So forgiving & merciful to them & they were just rebelling!
Finally, I can never get over the fact that Balaam was actually conversing with a donkey & STILL didn't get a clue! Because that happened every day back then? Wow!
Wow---This Balaam character reads like a commentary on today''s Christians.
Balaam seems to have had a reputation for prophecy because Balak was willing to pay handsomely for his services. And apparently he was skilled in his knowledge of blessing and cursing (Numbers 22:6) which are powerful skills. However,--to be skilled in curses, you have to have skills in occult practices.
Balaam was in contact with the true God, but was also using occult practices which are forbidden. It looks like Balaam wanted it both ways--- have faith and be involved with the Lord God, but be involved in occult practices also.
This reminds me of Matthew 7--- Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord," will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?" And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you...
We think that this verse applies only to weird cults. We fail to identify these people within our own Christian groups. We assume that because they say "Lord, Lord" and talk to Jesus, that they're harmless. Sometimes the Holy Spirit will even use them in certain situations. People who doubt or criticize their teaching are warned not to touch God's anointed prophets. I think thats why today--Balaam would be accepted as a true prophet of God.
In ch 21 I've always heard that the snake on the pole represented Christ on the Cross. It reminds me of the song Jesus Messiah (He became sin who knew no sin) He became that snake. And the directions God gave were to simply look at it. Don't look at your snakebite or dwell on the pain (don't wallow in our sin) Look to our only hope.
I googled Balaam -- wanted to know his roots. All it said was that he was a pagan prophet for hire (did you know you could hire a prophet?)
It is confusing to me if Balaam was consulting with THE Lord; asking for His advice or if he was just consulting gods in general -- and if He was consulting with THE God -- how did he get that connection as a pagan? how would he recognize the true God's power, wisdom, and guidance. He obviously knew that you couldn't go against the true God's counsel.
I think God was after Balaam's heart; that's why the angel, the talking donkey, the prophecying blessings when he wanted so desparately to prophecy curses for money and fame. I wonder if Balaam ever turned to God after the angel encounter -- be interesting to know. He was killed later in numbers by the Midianites I think.
He was so overcome by anger that he carried on the donkey conversation without even thinking. The wording made me chuckle in 30 that Balaam "admitted" to the donkey that he was wrong.
Interesting that Balaam was intent on "killing" his donkey (29) not realizing that God had been intent on killing Balaam (33) The donkey was his mediator taking the beating so Balaam would be spared (hmmmmmm) another illustration?
Really good thoughts today ladies. I've been kinda rushed lately but I've been really appreciating what you both have been sharing. Some good illustrations you picked out Linda. And yeah, Sherrie, I agree with you.
It's nice to see that Solomon was sincere in asking for wisdom from God. He realized his responsibility was great & there was only One whom could give quality help.
I didn't realize that it was the foreigners in Israel who did the manual labor for the temple building. I would think it would have been an honor for an Israelite to do that.
I think out of all the things made for this temple the thing I'd like to see is the Sea with those 12 bulls under it, all made from one piece of bronze. That took some talent.
Didn't realize that the gold nails weighed almost a pound each!
God was pleased with it all & let the people know by His Presence filling the temple once again. That had to have been a warm fuzzy, yet awe-inspiring moment.
1:1 Solomon . . . took firm control of his kingdom. That says a lot about Solomon's personality -- not wishy washy; realizing the big task ahead of him, and it is a great thing that he combined his strong leadership with humility (1:10) He must have been an amazing man.
Yeah Chris -- I thought the same thing about the foreigner -- although his mom was from the tribe of Dan; I think sometimes we think all the "wisdom" can be found in the church -- here is a case where the leaders went outside the "church" to use the best that could be found. Maybe God was after Huram-abi's heart?
I always think of Solomon's temple as about the size of a football field! But it's so much smaller -- good thing too, as it would take 3x's the amount of bronze and gold!!!
It would have been awesome to see those huge cherubim stretching their wings out over the ark. I wonder what happened to the jar of manna and Aaron's rod? (5:10)
Hey -- does this mean that the priests jumped into the sea for a bath? or just washed their hands. Sums up quite a picture:)
I can imagine the JOY everyone felt seeing God's presence fill their attempts at making a temple for Him! It would be creating something special for another person and then watching their acceptance and gratitude when they see it!
112 says that a good person is "...Unfazed by rumor and gossip, heart ready, trusting in God, spirit firm, unperturbed, ever blessed, relaxed among enemies..."
Yesterday at a job a yellow jacket was flying all around me & getting in my face, landing on me at various times, etc. BUT it didn't faze me at all because I knew that they are curious, not aggressive & only strike when defending. So if I KNOW God & trust Him, then I will be unfazed when people are against me as well. Knowledge is power. They can get in my face & may even land blows to my reputation, but I need to rest in My Defender & just keep at my task, keep my focus & I will cross the finish line in due time.
It goes on to say that ..."They lavish gifts on the poor—a generosity that goes on, and on, and on. An honored life! A beautiful life!" They are so focused on what God wants them to do, not getting distracted by petty things. So they continue to live with their arms wide open, on their knees, faces up to God in their hearts & their lives show it.
The last verse says that the wicked rage, but in the end are speechless. Might be awhile before we are justified before our enemies & we have that peace on the outside as well as the inside.
Going back up to my first point, I was just thinking too that knowing that my "enemy" is a defeated foe also helps me stay calm & focused instead of getting myself all worked up into a crisis. I can just say what Jesus said in Jude to satan. "The Lord rebuke you" & leave it at that. Seems so simple when I'm not in the heat of the battle.
David is filled with praise! 111, 112, 113 all start with Praise the Lord! Great way to start each day.
111:1 I thank the Lord with all my heart as I meet with His godly people! I think David had the heart you described in your first and last paragraph Chris; calm and focused and confident in knowing God. As leader of a bunch of people -- no doubt David had more than his share of whiners, complainers - - and assassins; but he continued on in confidence and praise; not worried about his comfort or his convience -- it was all about the abandonment, the arms wide open.
112:1 says we DELIGHT in obeying His commands! Great word DELIGHT! not what you always attach to obeying:)
112:4-9 describe the kind of people I want to be around; they ARE like a light in the dark: generous, compassionate, fair, fearless, confident - - that is Holy Spirit power, because the natural tendancy is to be tight-lipped, tight-fisted, a dark hole of "it's all about me"
Once again God stoops to take care of the underdog (113:6-9) Awesome that we have a GOD who stops and stoops when someone is hurting. Most people in high places don't have the time of day for the hurting; not our God - - we can trust Him.
I'm going to title this chapter "Quiet Patience Pays Off"
(6) don't demand . . or push . . it's better to wait. Good advice in so many situations, both in your own affairs and when dealing with others. Wait - watch.
(8) don't be in a hurry to go to court - - watch, the truth usually comes out in the end, and sometimes as more details surface, you're able to make a better assessment. If you are unsure - wait.
(9) better to keep your mouth shut when arguing (makes it pretty hard to argue doesn't it?) Internet arguing is even worse -- it can be taken the wrong way without a chance to clarify.
(11) Timely advice is lovely. Here's my take on advice; don't give it unless it's asked for. I need to work on this all the time. Most people really don't care what you think, unless they ask you. and that fits right in with (12) There are a few people on this planet, that really DO seek advice. It doesn't mean they'll take it (and they shouldn't always) but they listen and evaluate. I think Solomon would give those people a high 5 in his own Solomon way.
(15) patience and soft speech - - key elements of the person back up in (6) that doesn't demand or push. I enjoy being around these people. The kind of people that are strong on the inside, so when they DO say something, you're anxious to hear it - - but they aren't pushy or dogmatic, they simply pour out wisdom on whoever chooses to take advantage of it:)
man Linda, I'm glad you posted before I did. I read Amos & then started to see what you had to say & realized it was Proverbs day! And I enjoyed Proverbs better!
You commented on just about everything that jumped out to me as well. I like seeing the different versions & how they word differently.
v6 warns against manipulative people. These people just wear me out! But yet, in some ways I've done that too & it's stressful! Jesus promises rest when I sit at His feet. Way more peaceful & relaxing.
v11-12 I'm not into rings & jewelry but I like how the MSG puts the godly counsel of a good friend. "...a wise friend's timely reprimand is like a gold ring slipped on your finger." So to me it's something that adds value to my life...even if it's a reprimand. I'll ponder it more later & be more grateful for it as time goes on.
v15 "Patient persistence pierces through indifference; gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses." I am too impatient so I tend to do just the opposite of this & I usually always end up apologizing. :(
v28 "A person without self-control is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out." Hmmm, improper boundaries?
I kept seeing something like this as I read in Amos: "seek Me & live". We keep chasing the wind & think we're chasing life. We think we've found what makes us happy & it crumbles in our tight grasp. But we keep jumping from one fad to the next anyway. God is the jilted Lover that can't let go of the ones He's created to be with Him forever. I'd think He'd get over us, but tho He get's frustrated at times, He's still there if/when we turn around to our true Love. So hard for me to comprehend that kind of deep, committed Love. But I am grateful for it.
5:21-24 "I can't stand your religious meetings. I'm fed up with your conferences and conventions. I want nothing to do with your religion projects, your pretentious slogans and goals. I'm sick of your fund-raising schemes, your public relations and image making. I've had all I can take of your noisy ego-music. When was the last time you sang to me? Do you know what I want? I want justice—oceans of it. I want fairness—rivers of it. That's what I want. That's all I want." Is it a show or is it really from our (my) heart? Am I just going thru the motions or is God really moving me to do the things I do?
8:11,12 Hard to believe that it'll be hard to find the Word of God one day. Bibles are so prolific here in the States.
There is one way I can see it happening though. As we turn to more "people" & their ideas of success for Christians & tire of hearing the straight preaching of the Sword that cuts to the heart of the matter...God will give us the desires of our heart. That's a promise. And didn't we just read in Timothy that people will seek teachers that please them instead of wanting to hear Truth? (2Tim 4:3,4)
9:9,10 I want to be one of the real pieces of grain, not the junk that is shaken out when things go down. Seems like it's always trials that shift out the wannabes. The hard times show us who we really are holding onto & really refine our characters. Pretty easy to tag a long when things are easy.
Sorry for not commenting the past few days. When I get under severe stress (like no sleep my brain---Hopefully, this will pass and I will be able to post once again.
I hope you can too Sherrie! Been missing your comments! I read another page in Dear Jesus that reminded me of you. Courage sister! If it's taking all you got to deal with what you're going thru, just know we're praying for you still & understand you're not able to post. "We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side; we've been thrown down, but we haven't broken. What they did to Jesus, they do to us—trial and torture, mockery and murder; what Jesus did among them, he does in us—he lives! Our lives are at constant risk for Jesus' sake, which makes Jesus' life all the more evident in us. While we're going through the worst, you're getting in on the best!" 2Cor 4:8-12. And as Scott Kripayne sings...."the best is yet to come, the promise of heaven awaits, I'll finally see my Lord & Savior face to face..."
Sher! We're just so happy that you are hanging with us! Yup -- prayers going up. I went back and read the text Chris quoted in my Bible -- what a promise text; He is able -- when we aren't! Prayin' for you!
Chris -- I LOVE how the message relevantized 5:21-24 -- I had totally skimmed that, as my version was all about burnt offerings (my cooking skills? LOL), peace offerings, grain offerings -- but going back there are other key phrases in there that take me to the Message: religious festivals, solemn assemblies, noisy hymns - - why do we take the precious and mess it up??
5:13 those who are smart keep their mouths shut for it is an evil time -- evil men will take whatever you say and turn it against you; I think that's why Jesus was so careful with his comments or made no comment at His trial.
the visions of chpt 7, Amos's prayer to ask God to stop, and the Lord's changing His plan reminded me of Jon's sermon last week, that God adjusts to our sin and to our repentance.
Amos seems to be another man after God's own heart -- he prayers for Israel, really saves them from God's frustration, yet they tell Amos to get out of town. Amos remains true to God's call, even tho he hasn't been professionally trained (7:14) God uses the weak to confound the strong!
Oh oh! 8:5 reminds me of when I was a little girl -- a "day of rest" was NOT my idea of FUN! Now I count it as an amazing gift!
Loved the connection, Chris of 8:11-13 with 2 Tim 4 (wrote that in my Bible - thnx)
9:7 indicates that God was very present with guidance and God-ship to groups of people other than the Israelites. Maybe there are stories (like the stories in the Bible) that we don't have down in print:)
What beautiful promises at the end of Amos. I think God bringing Israel back from exile actually happened, but it is also an illustration of how God will bring us back from our exile into sin - - back to our own land, no more sorrow no more pain - - no more sin and sinful tendancies to deal with - - no more bum knees and gray hair! Can you even imagine sitting under a shady tree with Jesus Himself? One on one! I love that picture! THAT is worth all that Paul talked about in 2 Cor 4
I've always wondered why Pilate had Jesus whipped if he believed he was innocent. That seemed to just incense the priests more, think they were convincing him. Pilate was so weak & dependent on people's opinions. Scary that sometimes I see myself in that same position & cave as well. We tend to judge harshly those that have the same weaknesses as we do. Ever notice that about yourself?
18:21 Whoops, the Jewish leaders realized their mistake but it was too late to take back their declaration that only Caesar (the world) was their king, their god. They publicly denied their Creator & Redeemer. I wonder how many were caught up in the emotion of the moment in that crowd. I wonder what I would have done?
Mary's reaction to seeing angels tells me that it was a more common practice back then. Now, we'd (I'd) be way more skeptical & doubt. BUT if I was connected to Jesus, I'd like to think I'd have a heads up or be listening to the HS to know. I wonder how many times we've interacted with angels & not known?
20:23 MSG puts an interesting spin on this. It says "If you don't forgive sins, what are you going to do with them?" I like this because of course, man can't forgive sins, only God can. However, if I don't forgive someone who has wronged me, I let that person control me since then I'm caught up in revenge or hate or bitterness. Way better to forgive & let God deal with them. Jesus knew the disciples were going to be persecuted & I think He wanted them to know the blessedness of forgiving & living in freedom.
I'm so skeptical, I think I'd be right there with Thomas & needing to see things for myself. Not necessarily a good thing.
Okay, this is kinda funny, not necessarily a devotional thought, but Peter was striped for work & then he put ON clothes to jump into the water? Seems like they'd of left some on the shore. Or let the boat bring them in. Just weird to put on clothes to go swimming. Seems like they would impede
Oh, here's a thought with that: How many times do we try to put on airs or our self righteousness before we come into Christ's presence? When we need to come just as we are to be clothed in His Righteousness. Jesus wouldn't have rebuked Peter if he'd of just jumped over board & knelt at his feet, even if he was naked. He would have just been glad he'd come & then would probably have given him His robe. Hmmm, like that thought & picture.
O Chris -- love the Peter/clothes thoughts -- never thought of that. And it sounds like Jesus sent Peter right back out to help the team. So - when we come to Him, we connect and then He sends us out. Then MORE of us can come.
Back to the beginning -- what a horrible scary thought to think that a human (Pilate) gave orders to whip God, to beat God -- that soldiers spit on God, put a painful crown on God. Being carried away with human passions is what we have to guard against -- as you say, Chris - easy to cave.
Yes, I'm afraid I'm the skeptical Thomas too -- but maybe that's why John put it in; so we'd have courage to believe even when we DON'T see the hard core evidence. The promise is there -- we'll be blessed.
I love Peter's all out abandonment to the moment. First to jump, first to speak, first to affirm, first to deny. He was definitely willing to risk everything to make the move, make the call. Jesus must have loved his abandonment -- his all out everything!
And I really appreciate Jesus words to Peter about John "What is that to you?" It is important not to question or stand in the way of God's call on another persons life -- important not to wish for, be jealous of, impede that call; but to support and rejoice with. I am grateful to that call of Jesus to focus on the mission, the task that He has for me.
I wonder why we have the book of Philemon? I thought of 2 possibilities.
ReplyDelete1 is to encourage us to be generous with other people -- even when we have the "right" to make them toe the line, or ask for an apology, or expect an explanation -- error on the side of generosity when possible. There are times where others need to be held accountable for their own growth, or the good of the situation; but I'm thinking we should always view the situation with redemptive eyes.
The second thought on Philemon is, I wonder if it's kindof an illustration (not all aspects fit) of our situation. Us being Onesimus, Jesus being Paul, Philemon as God (of course, we know God' whole goal is to have us come back). But we have some serious mediation going on here, and Jesus is our mediator too. Really fits when Paul says:"if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me. I Paul . . . will repay it.
Many times I read one of these New Testamant books and the author is writing from jail ---He's in there for preaching the gospel.
ReplyDeleteYou know---I don't personally know any Christian right now who is in jail for preaching the gospel. But I should! I read on Christian news sites all the time about someone getting arrested for being on fire for God. But I don't know anyone who is that radically on fire for God's word at the moment--who is willing to go to great lengths to get unbelievers into the kingdom. I know I'm not.
I had 2 thoughts also Linda. I like yours & the allegorical reference to our salvation.
ReplyDeleteI had read somewhere that Onesimus was a runaway slave. So why did he run? Was Philemon a bad master? Was O just rebellious? Seems like Paul had high praise for Philemon so I'm not sure.
I'm thinking it was hard for O to go back or that it took some surrender to God for him to go back & submit to his master again. The psychological warfare that satan must have been trying to play with him. "You're not a man...etc".
And then the other thought was the reconciliation between the 2. Seems like the inference I get is that there was some repairing to do in that relationship. It probably wasn't instantaneous though. Took some time to rebuild. Would have been hard on both their sides. Forgiving is hard to do & God-given, forgetting is a God-thing for sure!
Sherrie, I think here in the US we have the religious freedom so we're not dealing with jail like other countries. But from what I read in Revelation, it'll be taken away & then we'll be in the same boat.
I just see a ton of warning in the story of Balaam. He wasn't in total surrender to God or he would have refused the 2nd time as well to go. But he acted the pious, religious part. Seems like there was a bit of pride there, that he would be summoned by the king.
ReplyDeleteReminds me of how Jesus didn't commit to mankind because He knew our hearts. He wasn't swayed by praise or flattery. I'm just the opposite. I still think I only matter or people only like me because of what I DO, not who I AM.
Now, if Balaam had been totally abandoned to God's will & God told him to go then I think the Angel wouldn't have been there. And if for some reason He was, then Balaam would have seen him.
So many "if's". Just so much to ponder on this one.
Oh, also, right before this story, Israel was complaining against God BUT when Balaam starts to bless them God says in 23:21 "He has no bone to pick with Jacob, He sees nothing wrong with Israel. God is with them, and they're with him, shouting praises to their King." So forgiving & merciful to them & they were just rebelling!
Finally, I can never get over the fact that Balaam was actually conversing with a donkey & STILL didn't get a clue! Because that happened every day back then? Wow!
Wow---This Balaam character reads like a commentary on today''s Christians.
ReplyDeleteBalaam seems to have had a reputation for prophecy because Balak was willing to pay handsomely for his services. And apparently he was skilled in his knowledge of blessing and cursing (Numbers 22:6) which are powerful skills. However,--to be skilled in curses, you have to have skills in occult practices.
Balaam was in contact with the true God, but was also using occult practices which are forbidden.
It looks like Balaam wanted it both ways--- have faith and be involved with the Lord God, but be involved in occult practices also.
This reminds me of Matthew 7--- Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord," will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?" And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you...
We think that this verse applies only to weird cults. We fail to identify these people within our own Christian groups. We assume that because they say "Lord, Lord" and talk to Jesus, that they're harmless. Sometimes the Holy Spirit will even use them in certain situations. People who doubt or criticize their teaching are warned not to touch God's anointed prophets. I think thats why today--Balaam would be accepted as a true prophet of God.
In ch 21 I've always heard that the snake on the pole represented Christ on the Cross. It reminds me of the song Jesus Messiah (He became sin who knew no sin) He became that snake. And the directions God gave were to simply look at it. Don't look at your snakebite or dwell on the pain (don't wallow in our sin) Look to our only hope.
ReplyDeleteI googled Balaam -- wanted to know his roots. All it said was that he was a pagan prophet for hire (did you know you could hire a prophet?)
It is confusing to me if Balaam was consulting with THE Lord; asking for His advice or if he was just consulting gods in general -- and if He was consulting with THE God -- how did he get that connection as a pagan? how would he recognize the true God's power, wisdom, and guidance. He obviously knew that you couldn't go against the true God's counsel.
I think God was after Balaam's heart; that's why the angel, the talking donkey, the prophecying blessings when he wanted so desparately to prophecy curses for money and fame. I wonder if Balaam ever turned to God after the angel encounter -- be interesting to know. He was killed later in numbers by the Midianites I think.
He was so overcome by anger that he carried on the donkey conversation without even thinking. The wording made me chuckle in 30 that Balaam "admitted" to the donkey that he was wrong.
Interesting that Balaam was intent on "killing" his donkey (29) not realizing that God had been intent on killing Balaam (33) The donkey was his mediator taking the beating so Balaam would be spared (hmmmmmm) another illustration?
O - and do you think the star rising from Jacob/ scepter from Israel is talking about Jesus or David?
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts Sher -- Jesus said we need to be as wise and serpents and as harmless as doves (Matt 10:16)
ReplyDeleteReally good thoughts today ladies. I've been kinda rushed lately but I've been really appreciating what you both have been sharing.
ReplyDeleteSome good illustrations you picked out Linda. And yeah, Sherrie, I agree with you.
It's nice to see that Solomon was sincere in asking for wisdom from God. He realized his responsibility was great & there was only One whom could give quality help.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize that it was the foreigners in Israel who did the manual labor for the temple building. I would think it would have been an honor for an Israelite to do that.
I think out of all the things made for this temple the thing I'd like to see is the Sea with those 12 bulls under it, all made from one piece of bronze. That took some talent.
Didn't realize that the gold nails weighed almost a pound each!
God was pleased with it all & let the people know by His Presence filling the temple once again. That had to have been a warm fuzzy, yet awe-inspiring moment.
1:1 Solomon . . . took firm control of his kingdom. That says a lot about Solomon's personality -- not wishy washy; realizing the big task ahead of him, and it is a great thing that he combined his strong leadership with humility (1:10) He must have been an amazing man.
ReplyDeleteYeah Chris -- I thought the same thing about the foreigner -- although his mom was from the tribe of Dan; I think sometimes we think all the "wisdom" can be found in the church -- here is a case where the leaders went outside the "church" to use the best that could be found. Maybe God was after Huram-abi's heart?
I always think of Solomon's temple as about the size of a football field! But it's so much smaller -- good thing too, as it would take 3x's the amount of bronze and gold!!!
It would have been awesome to see those huge cherubim stretching their wings out over the ark. I wonder what happened to the jar of manna and Aaron's rod? (5:10)
Hey -- does this mean that the priests jumped into the sea for a bath? or just washed their hands. Sums up quite a picture:)
I can imagine the JOY everyone felt seeing God's presence fill their attempts at making a temple for Him! It would be creating something special for another person and then watching their acceptance and gratitude when they see it!
112 says that a good person is "...Unfazed by rumor and gossip, heart ready, trusting in God, spirit firm, unperturbed, ever blessed, relaxed among enemies..."
ReplyDeleteYesterday at a job a yellow jacket was flying all around me & getting in my face, landing on me at various times, etc. BUT it didn't faze me at all because I knew that they are curious, not aggressive & only strike when defending. So if I KNOW God & trust Him, then I will be unfazed when people are against me as well. Knowledge is power. They can get in my face & may even land blows to my reputation, but I need to rest in My Defender & just keep at my task, keep my focus & I will cross the finish line in due time.
It goes on to say that ..."They lavish gifts on the poor—a generosity that goes on, and on, and on. An honored life! A beautiful life!" They are so focused on what God wants them to do, not getting distracted by petty things. So they continue to live with their arms wide open, on their knees, faces up to God in their hearts & their lives show it.
The last verse says that the wicked rage, but in the end are speechless. Might be awhile before we are justified before our enemies & we have that peace on the outside as well as the inside.
Going back up to my first point, I was just thinking too that knowing that my "enemy" is a defeated foe also helps me stay calm & focused instead of getting myself all worked up into a crisis. I can just say what Jesus said in Jude to satan. "The Lord rebuke you" & leave it at that.
Seems so simple when I'm not in the heat of the battle.
David is filled with praise! 111, 112, 113 all start with Praise the Lord! Great way to start each day.
ReplyDelete111:1 I thank the Lord with all my heart as I meet with His godly people! I think David had the heart you described in your first and last paragraph Chris; calm and focused and confident in knowing God. As leader of a bunch of people -- no doubt David had more than his share of whiners, complainers - - and assassins; but he continued on in confidence and praise; not worried about his comfort or his convience -- it was all about the abandonment, the arms wide open.
112:1 says we DELIGHT in obeying His commands! Great word DELIGHT! not what you always attach to obeying:)
112:4-9 describe the kind of people I want to be around; they ARE like a light in the dark: generous, compassionate, fair, fearless, confident - - that is Holy Spirit power, because the natural tendancy is to be tight-lipped, tight-fisted, a dark hole of "it's all about me"
Once again God stoops to take care of the underdog (113:6-9) Awesome that we have a GOD who stops and stoops when someone is hurting. Most people in high places don't have the time of day for the hurting; not our God - - we can trust Him.
I'm going to title this chapter "Quiet Patience Pays Off"
ReplyDelete(6) don't demand . . or push . . it's better to wait. Good advice in so many situations, both in your own affairs and when dealing with others. Wait - watch.
(8) don't be in a hurry to go to court - - watch, the truth usually comes out in the end, and sometimes as more details surface, you're able to make a better assessment. If you are unsure - wait.
(9) better to keep your mouth shut when arguing (makes it pretty hard to argue doesn't it?) Internet arguing is even worse -- it can be taken the wrong way without a chance to clarify.
(11) Timely advice is lovely. Here's my take on advice; don't give it unless it's asked for. I need to work on this all the time. Most people really don't care what you think, unless they ask you. and that fits right in with (12) There are a few people on this planet, that really DO seek advice. It doesn't mean they'll take it (and they shouldn't always) but they listen and evaluate. I think Solomon would give those people a high 5 in his own Solomon way.
(15) patience and soft speech - - key elements of the person back up in (6) that doesn't demand or push. I enjoy being around these people. The kind of people that are strong on the inside, so when they DO say something, you're anxious to hear it - - but they aren't pushy or dogmatic, they simply pour out wisdom on whoever chooses to take advantage of it:)
man Linda, I'm glad you posted before I did. I read Amos & then started to see what you had to say & realized it was Proverbs day! And I enjoyed Proverbs better!
ReplyDeleteYou commented on just about everything that jumped out to me as well. I like seeing the different versions & how they word differently.
v6 warns against manipulative people. These people just wear me out! But yet, in some ways I've done that too & it's stressful! Jesus promises rest when I sit at His feet. Way more peaceful & relaxing.
v11-12 I'm not into rings & jewelry but I like how the MSG puts the godly counsel of a good friend. "...a wise friend's timely reprimand is like a gold ring slipped on your finger." So to me it's something that adds value to my life...even if it's a reprimand. I'll ponder it more later & be more grateful for it as time goes on.
v15 "Patient persistence pierces through indifference; gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses." I am too impatient so I tend to do just the opposite of this & I usually always end up apologizing. :(
v28 "A person without self-control is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out." Hmmm, improper boundaries?
I kept seeing something like this as I read in Amos: "seek Me & live". We keep chasing the wind & think we're chasing life. We think we've found what makes us happy & it crumbles in our tight grasp. But we keep jumping from one fad to the next anyway. God is the jilted Lover that can't let go of the ones He's created to be with Him forever. I'd think He'd get over us, but tho He get's frustrated at times, He's still there if/when we turn around to our true Love. So hard for me to comprehend that kind of deep, committed Love. But I am grateful for it.
ReplyDelete5:21-24 "I can't stand your religious meetings. I'm fed up with your conferences and conventions. I want nothing to do with your religion projects, your pretentious slogans and goals. I'm sick of your fund-raising schemes,
your public relations and image making. I've had all I can take of your noisy ego-music. When was the last time you sang to me? Do you know what I want? I want justice—oceans of it. I want fairness—rivers of it. That's what I want. That's all I want." Is it a show or is it really from our (my) heart? Am I just going thru the motions or is God really moving me to do the things I do?
8:11,12 Hard to believe that it'll be hard to find the Word of God one day. Bibles are so prolific here in the States.
There is one way I can see it happening though. As we turn to more "people" & their ideas of success for Christians & tire of hearing the straight preaching of the Sword that cuts to the heart of the matter...God will give us the desires of our heart. That's a promise. And didn't we just read in Timothy that people will seek teachers that please them instead of wanting to hear Truth? (2Tim 4:3,4)
9:9,10 I want to be one of the real pieces of grain, not the junk that is shaken out when things go down. Seems like it's always trials that shift out the wannabes. The hard times show us who we really are holding onto & really refine our characters. Pretty easy to tag a long when things are easy.
Sorry for not commenting the past few days. When I get under severe stress (like no sleep my brain---Hopefully, this will pass and I will be able to post once again.
ReplyDeleteI hope you can too Sherrie! Been missing your comments!
ReplyDeleteI read another page in Dear Jesus that reminded me of you. Courage sister! If it's taking all you got to deal with what you're going thru, just know we're praying for you still & understand you're not able to post.
"We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side; we've been thrown down, but we haven't broken. What they did to Jesus, they do to us—trial and torture, mockery and murder; what Jesus did among them, he does in us—he lives! Our lives are at constant risk for Jesus' sake, which makes Jesus' life all the more evident in us. While we're going through the worst, you're getting in on the best!" 2Cor 4:8-12. And as Scott Kripayne sings...."the best is yet to come, the promise of heaven awaits, I'll finally see my Lord & Savior face to face..."
Sher! We're just so happy that you are hanging with us! Yup -- prayers going up. I went back and read the text Chris quoted in my Bible -- what a promise text; He is able -- when we aren't! Prayin' for you!
ReplyDeleteChris -- I LOVE how the message relevantized 5:21-24 -- I had totally skimmed that, as my version was all about burnt offerings (my cooking skills? LOL), peace offerings, grain offerings -- but going back there are other key phrases in there that take me to the Message: religious festivals, solemn assemblies, noisy hymns - - why do we take the precious and mess it up??
5:13 those who are smart keep their mouths shut for it is an evil time -- evil men will take whatever you say and turn it against you; I think that's why Jesus was so careful with his comments or made no comment at His trial.
the visions of chpt 7, Amos's prayer to ask God to stop, and the Lord's changing His plan reminded me of Jon's sermon last week, that God adjusts to our sin and to our repentance.
Amos seems to be another man after God's own heart -- he prayers for Israel, really saves them from God's frustration, yet they tell Amos to get out of town. Amos remains true to God's call, even tho he hasn't been professionally trained (7:14) God uses the weak to confound the strong!
Oh oh! 8:5 reminds me of when I was a little girl -- a "day of rest" was NOT my idea of FUN! Now I count it as an amazing gift!
Loved the connection, Chris of 8:11-13 with 2 Tim 4 (wrote that in my Bible - thnx)
9:7 indicates that God was very present with guidance and God-ship to groups of people other than the Israelites. Maybe there are stories (like the stories in the Bible) that we don't have down in print:)
What beautiful promises at the end of Amos. I think God bringing Israel back from exile actually happened, but it is also an illustration of how God will bring us back from our exile into sin - - back to our own land, no more sorrow no more pain - - no more sin and sinful tendancies to deal with - - no more bum knees and gray hair! Can you even imagine sitting under a shady tree with Jesus Himself? One on one! I love that picture! THAT is worth all that Paul talked about in 2 Cor 4
I've always wondered why Pilate had Jesus whipped if he believed he was innocent. That seemed to just incense the priests more, think they were convincing him. Pilate was so weak & dependent on people's opinions. Scary that sometimes I see myself in that same position & cave as well. We tend to judge harshly those that have the same weaknesses as we do. Ever notice that about yourself?
ReplyDelete18:21 Whoops, the Jewish leaders realized their mistake but it was too late to take back their declaration that only Caesar (the world) was their king, their god. They publicly denied their Creator & Redeemer. I wonder how many were caught up in the emotion of the moment in that crowd. I wonder what I would have done?
Mary's reaction to seeing angels tells me that it was a more common practice back then. Now, we'd (I'd) be way more skeptical & doubt. BUT if I was connected to Jesus, I'd like to think I'd have a heads up or be listening to the HS to know. I wonder how many times we've interacted with angels & not known?
20:23 MSG puts an interesting spin on this. It says "If you don't forgive sins, what are you going to do with them?" I like this because of course, man can't forgive sins, only God can. However, if I don't forgive someone who has wronged me, I let that person control me since then I'm caught up in revenge or hate or bitterness. Way better to forgive & let God deal with them. Jesus knew the disciples were going to be persecuted & I think He wanted them to know the blessedness of forgiving & living in freedom.
I'm so skeptical, I think I'd be right there with Thomas & needing to see things for myself. Not necessarily a good thing.
Okay, this is kinda funny, not necessarily a devotional thought, but Peter was striped for work & then he put ON clothes to jump into the water? Seems like they'd of left some on the shore. Or let the boat bring them in. Just weird to put on clothes to go swimming. Seems like they would impede
Oh, here's a thought with that: How many times do we try to put on airs or our self righteousness before we come into Christ's presence? When we need to come just as we are to be clothed in His Righteousness. Jesus wouldn't have rebuked Peter if he'd of just jumped over board & knelt at his feet, even if he was naked. He would have just been glad he'd come & then would probably have given him His robe. Hmmm, like that thought & picture.
O Chris -- love the Peter/clothes thoughts -- never thought of that. And it sounds like Jesus sent Peter right back out to help the team. So - when we come to Him, we connect and then He sends us out. Then MORE of us can come.
ReplyDeleteBack to the beginning -- what a horrible scary thought to think that a human (Pilate) gave orders to whip God, to beat God -- that soldiers spit on God, put a painful crown on God. Being carried away with human passions is what we have to guard against -- as you say, Chris - easy to cave.
Yes, I'm afraid I'm the skeptical Thomas too -- but maybe that's why John put it in; so we'd have courage to believe even when we DON'T see the hard core evidence. The promise is there -- we'll be blessed.
I love Peter's all out abandonment to the moment. First to jump, first to speak, first to affirm, first to deny. He was definitely willing to risk everything to make the move, make the call. Jesus must have loved his abandonment -- his all out everything!
And I really appreciate Jesus words to Peter about John "What is that to you?" It is important not to question or stand in the way of God's call on another persons life -- important not to wish for, be jealous of, impede that call; but to support and rejoice with. I am grateful to that call of Jesus to focus on the mission, the task that He has for me.