I was just SO blessed by these 3 chapters -- for me they put a LOT of stuff in perspective, but it's like a daily perspective I need; as I keep veering back to what the world tells me is important.
I like the first 4 words "Faith is the confidence" Confidence is a settling thing in my life -- I don't always have it, but I always want it. Faith -- putting trust in what I know, even when it seems like nothing is actually working out the way it should; and I guess that was true with all the Bible giants in 11:
Enoch - - living in an evil situation Noah - - building an ark when no rain has ever been seen? People laughing at him! Abraham -- packing up and moving out; leaving all that is known for everything that is unknown. Sarah - - a baby when the body is old and weak
11:13 these people DIED still believing what God had promised them. That means to me that many didn't see the fulfillment of the promise - - but they looked BEYOND what the lifespan was here (a country they can call their own . . a better place, a heavenly homeland. That's where my focus needs to be - - hanging on to what I know, keeping my vision focused on His love, His faithfulness, His promises.
How bout Moses (27) he kept his eyes on the One who is invisible (how do you keep your eyes on the invisible?) that's got to be another description/idea of faith.
and hey! I love 11:39 God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us! That fits so tightly with 1 Thes 4: 16-17 First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to mee the Lord:):) We all get to experience perfection and no sin/temptations together! What a party:)
Heb 12:1-4 is such a picture of endurance and focus -- I thought of you when I read this, Chris -- out there running your 1/2 marathon! Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. I know you've been training since summer - maybe before; such a great illustration of life!
Divine discipline (12:7) look at it as being molded as one of His children. - - verse 11 makes it very practical!! and verse 12 take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees - - don't grow weary ladies, He will run beside us, we will run beside each other!
12:14 - - the work we do is to turn. Repentance, turning toward God and giving control to His Spirit.
12:21 -- I didn't know MOSES was frightened! I always picture him as standing confidently in the presence of God!
12:27 is a review of what faith does -- keeps us confident and unshaken, even when everything around us is falling apart.
13:4 I've been looking for this text for a long time. It seems like there is a lot of shaking up that goes on in our world today - - and if ever needed, I was hoping to find a text that clearly said, marriage and faithfulness is God's plan for a couple -- this is very clear.
13:3 I love the call to feeling satisfied instead of wearing yourself out chasing after "more"
13:15 -- a continual sacrifice of praise to God. I love the thought of living in his presence every minute, and being generous with my praise to God all the time -- my thoughts going up all the time (again -- for me, I'm still in process on this)
and great promise at the end (verse 21) He will equip you with all you need for doing His will! Thank you thank you Jesus!!
MSG says that the faith or trust we have in God is our firm foundation & makes life worth living. I like that. The more trust I have in God, the freer I live, the more I "give myself away" as Mandisa sings.
Yeah Linda, I too think about Noah building for something that's never been heard of before - RAIN! And all these people mentioned, it keeps saying they had faith in what they couldn't see. BUT it was Who they KNEW. It's the opposite today. We get to know people by seeing them & spending time with them. With God, we see evidences of Him & these help us get to know Him. Then we listen to Him & know even more. They listened way more in their conversations with God than I do in mine. Seems like God monopolized the conversations in Genesis. Something to think about.
Yes Linda, the beginning of 12 with it's race comparisons made me think of today a lot. I don't have room to write everything that came to mind. But the focus on the finish was important. Seems like that was what happened to those in 11 & I need to focus on Jesus now, Who has already finished for me but I need to follow Him so I have to pay attention to Him & where He's going! Oh man...another illustration of today...had to pay attention to the people who were directing us on the course.
v3 says that if we start to lose our faith we need to go over Jesus' story again & again. What He went thru, what He endured & all for ME! Like it says...that oughta give me some adrenaline to keep going!
And the discipline of God in my life shows He's an involved parent! Not an irresponsible one. So why exactly do I complain?
14-17 talking about how bitterness rises up & spreads quickly...and dangerously. We need to be so careful.
Have to remember 13:5,6 a LOT! esp. 6
v17 "...Contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its drudgery..." Good counsel for dealing with our pastors & leadership in general.
Good chapters, really enjoy these & liked reading what you brought out Linda. Would have really like to share verbally with everyone on these ones!
As I read about how Israel (1:29-33) got scared & wouldn't trust God to fight for them when the 12 spies came back I see myself. Moses tried to encourage them by reminding them how much God had already provided for them & fought for them so He would of course continue, but they were overcome with fear.
They chose to believe what they could see (the giants, fortified cities, their lack of army training, etc) instead of trusting in something or Someone they couldn't see. Quite the contrast to what we read yesterday in Heb 11. I guess that's why they aren't listed there.
This is why it's important to get to know God like the men/women of faith did. So they didn't get caught up in what their senses told them. They trusted in what their senses couldn't tell them. It was out of their comfort zone, contrary to custom at that time, had never been done/seen before, etc. But since they KNEW God & conversed & LISTENED to Him, they recognized His voice, it was obvious to them & they obeyed. Because they had obeyed in the small things, it was easier to obey in the large. I'm sure there was a struggle, but they had surrendered before & so it was easier to surrender now.
The Israelites had no concept of this. Their hearts were unchanged. It seems like no one put an effort into having a relationship with God. They all were just going thru the motions, no thought, no desire to get to know God for themselves. They were just in fear of Him.
Sad & yet, there I find myself sometimes. It's a wonder He hasn't given up on me.
Good point about the contrast with Hebrews, Chris -- and yeah they chose to believe what they could see -- but they actually closed their eyes to other things that could be seen (Moses tried to open their eyes -- but they had tunnel vision) All the miracles of the past in Egypt, the pillar of fire at night had to have been a constant reminder and the cloud each day too.
What I thought was interesting is that the PEOPLE had decided to send out spies (vs 22) when God's instruction was -- GO DO THIS THING; no spies needed (vs 21) So even the spy idea was mis-trust, and I guess one doubt just leads to another.
1:2 Normally it takes 11 days to make the journey, instead -- they were wandering for 40 years (hmmmmm -- wonder if there is any relationship to our long time here on the earth and the many lessons we need to learn)
Leadership works best when broken up into managable parts. I've seen some leaders try to do it all -- and no one ends up happy.
I thought it was kindof neat hearing who was the start of some of the different groups (Esau, Lot) but the title I liked the best was the Zamzummites -- that has a real ring to it! Maybe a good name for our next dog or something!
It was interesting too to see how God had appointed lands for other groups.
And now we get to Moses plea to go in. Once again, Moses focuses on God's greatness, His strength - his great love. Please let me go in! "Speak of it no more" and Moses doesn't ask God again. But, as always, God has something better in mind. I need to be still and trust -- this is a really great lesson for me today.
Ok---Am commenting on 2 Chronicles a bit early, but if I don't do it tonite, I wont get it done at all.
There is so much going on in this reading. In 2 Chron:21:6, I was wondering if Jehoram was wicked in his own heart or if he became that way when he married his wife, who was a daughter of Ahab and Jezebel.
In verse 7, the Lord was unwilling to break the covenant He had made with David promising that one of his descendants would always be on the throne. Yayyy--I can trust in the Lord, because Our God keeps His covenants!
Wow--this woman named Athaliah killed her own grandchildren? (22:10) That's sick! This is one evil woman. Today's passage seems to be about the influence of evil women. (including the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel)
2Chron:23:6--I like the thought of being on duty for the Lord.
23:21--All the people of the land rejoiced and the city was quiet and peaceful when Queen Athaliah was dead. It's always amazing to me how one person can ruin a whole community, family or group with all their drama and trauma. Athaliah murdered her grandbabies, influenced her groupies to take everything out of Gods Temple and put it into the Temple of Baalam (24:7-8), caused havoc in her family and community and apparently was successful with this evil for quite some time. She knew how to use oppression. October 17, 2011 4:57 PM
21:20 No one was sorry when he died -- it sounds like the ulitmate disgrace was not to be buried in the royal cemetery (as that happened a couple of times to different king-loosers!) Pretty sad commentary - - no one was sorry, sounded like the life of Scrooge.
Ahaziah -- man, why would you pick evil advisors? Maybe he was weak and his life totally run by his mom - Athaliah. Yeah that was probably it, she was thirsty for power.
Pretty exciting story of how Joash was groomed for the kingdom and became king. I bet Jehoiada took his job seriously and spent time every day going over God's word with him, even as a small child. Good example for parents.
Just a precious comment in 24:15 -- lived to a very old age. I think God blessed him with that. But how sad the Joash turned on all the blessings he had been given, even turned on the family of Jehoiada -- that was a very sad picture.
I know I'm early again, but the kids come at 7am and if I don't do this now---I'll forget or be too tired.
Psalm 120--5-7 Wow---I think this was written for me when it says "my troubles pile high among these haters of the Lord. I'm tired of being here among these men who hate peace.--I'm for peace--they're for war!" (smile)--Reads like my situation here in the complex at times.
Psalms 121 reads like a daily decree! My help comes from the Lord (not myself or other people) He will not allow my foot to slip or be moved. Many times I wonder if I'm slipping, but the Lord says He wont allow it here. He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. God is always on the job-- ever watching, ever working.
The Lord is my keeper---not my children, or my family, or my friends or the church ----- The Lord keeps me! The Lord will keep me from all evil and He will keep my life. The trick here is to ask Him and turn to Him. I have to say I've experience some of the evil mankind has to offer and somehow the Lord kept my life---I didn't die though I often thought I would and the evil was always turned into a huge blessing. I often remind myself of that.
He will keep my going out and my coming in----I can walk out the door and know that the Lord goes with me and when I come home I know that the Lord is here also.
These were great thoughts for me to read before heading off to bed tonight Sher -- it sounds to me like Psalms really brought you comfort today:) He loves it when we dwell in His protection and presence - - I want to get to the place where I am constantly putting myself in His presence:):)
You can post early anytime! As I read these 2 chapters I thought of you Sherrie. I know you could have written them with what you're going thru in your apt complex. I'm glad you were encouraged by it.
120:2 "...They smile so sweetly but lie through their teeth." I'm always amazed at how people can do this. Be so nice to your face when they hate your guts. And I must admit, I kept trying to interact with one person to see if the charade would fall but it never did. She was a good actress.
121:1,2 are the opposite of what we've been reading of the history of the kings of Israel/Judah. They kept turning to man for help, but David (?) realizes here that his true help is from the one who MADE man & nature. How come we settle for the custodian when we could talk directly with the Owner? It's not like He's inaccessible! We're like the Israelites who went for what they could see (the giants of Canaan) instead of remembering all the times God helped them thru their struggles.
v3-8 were more reminders to me to let God fight for me, to be my Defender. I'm amazed at how much I defend myself & go over stuff in my mind way after it's occurred. He keeps reminding me to let Him deal with it though & I choose His Presence/Peace again, but wow! talk about a minute by minute (sometimes seconds) decision!
In MSG in those verses God is referred to as a Guardian. So I have my own Bodyguard. I like that. Now, I wonder if I had a human bodyguard how much I'd argue with him? Probably a LOT until I trusted him. Same thing happening with me & God. As the relationship deepens, I argue less. Just seems like there's a lot of issues I hadn't thought of that I'm not trusting Him in. Just want to be totally abandoned to Him....one day....
Thanks for blessing me once again, ladies with your thoughts! Great way to start my morning:) Love the body guard thought Chris:) and pretty short reading today!
In the Sat am study class, going through James -- we just finished the part about that nasty tongue and how it can get us into SO much trouble!! 120:3 was another reminder to think carefully before speaking.
6 & 7 talk about being tired of living among people who hate peace . . . I search for peace. One way to search is to, again, be careful about that tongue of mine. Careful of lashing out in anger, sarcastic humor, gossip, a million ways that I can destroy peace - it all starts with me.
121:1 I look up to the mountains - does my help come from there? I used to think of this text a lot as I looked at mighty strong mountains around me, they reminded me of my strong and faithful God who takes care of me; but actually -- I think David had a different idea. Notice how it's a question - does my help come from there?
In David's day, there was a constant battle going on with people worshiping Baal -- and Baal worship happened on high places and mountaintops. So David counters the thought that help came from the top of mountains; instead HIS help came from the LORD! (I still like looking at mountains, though and thinking of my strong creator who made them!)
vs 5 The Lord stand beside you as your protective shade - I wonder if this was a reference to the Israelite march with the cloud protecting them by day. I like the thought of living in His presence of protection - Him over me, protecting me; another body guard picture (although I like the thought of the body guard, cuz if anyone tries to mess with me, my Body Guard takes them out!!)
Nice Linda, hadn't thought about the Baal worship up there. I'm like you, love looking at the mtns & how they remind me of God. I like the thought of God taking out my attackers. Won't it be neat in heaven to actually SEE all the time God stepped in & defended us when we weren't even aware of it? Can't wait!
I wonder if Bathsheba was alive & was counseling Solomon to come back to the Lord after he had wandered off as he got older & gathered more of his harem.
I wonder if she's the one describing this perfect woman in the rest of the chapter so that he sees what he SHOULD seek in a wife. Maybe it was the direct opposite of what he had been choosing. They were only seeking pleasure for themselves, not thinking of others.
I like that when she speaks, she has something worthwhile to say (MSG). I also think of the counsel of if you find someone that appears to be the perfect woman to run as fast as you can in the opposite direction because they don't exist & something's not right. So I have mixed thoughts about this.
Though I like the end where it says to find someone that fears the Lord. That would be the most important part for a husband or wife.
I love what you wrote about Proverbs 31, Chris! When I first became a Christian, this Proverb was held up to us young wives as the example of the perfect woman.
I tried and tried and never felt I measured up. I learned to make and sew all my children's clothes as well as my husbands and my own---I kept a garden and canned everything and I worked and volunteered outside the home--- and I became exhausted and irritable. I'm so glad that now I have a much more realistic view of my walk with the Lord.
It makes me exhausted & irritable just reading it so I can imagine how you'd be trying to do it Sherrie. Like I said tho, I think the way it's summed up (fearing the Lord) is the key. It's like our walk with Christ. We do it daily & as we surrender we become more like Him. This isn't supposed to be a check list anymore than the one people invent for being a Christian or proof of being born again. Focus on Jesus & let Him make you into the woman He created you to be. That's all we can do.
Linda, it's not in the Bible to run the other way if you find a "perfect" woman. It's just been my experience that when people looks so perfect on the outside...it's usually a front. Things aren't really as perfect as they seem. And that counsel was given by a counselor to someone who was looking for the perfect friend. Don't be fooled by perfect fronts. Real people have cracks. God might have glued them so they don't leak, but the crack is still there & will only be removed when Jesus comes & we're all remade.
Is King Lemuel another name for Solomon? I always wondered how Lemuel's mom got into Proverbs. Kindof neat that whoever he was -- he acknowledged his mom (vs 28)
What verse, Chris talked about running the opposite direction -- couldn't fit that in with my version. I'd like to know about your mixed feelings on that one! Just looking over the "Message" thought -- maybe they mean outside perfect, which fits in with verse 30; that's not to say the outside isn't important, but that aspect is pretty temporary.
Leadership needs to take their position responsibly -- keep a clear mind and have fair judgement (vs 4-9)
Some aspects I appreciate that Lem's mom brought out: virtuous (strives to do the right thing) capable (doesn't depend on others when able to accomplish the task) trust (thinks the best of others - including her husband), brings him good and not harm (builds him up, doesn't tear him down to others; again looking for the good, encouraging) Who wouldn't want a friend and partner for life that had these qualities! Works both ways:)
I wonder if Nahum is after Jonah chronologically. If I remember my world history correctly Ninevah was the capital of the Assyrian empire. The Assyrians were especially versed in cruelty. The way they fought, treated their captives, their torture tactics, everything was designed to inflict the most pain & bring a slow death. So I can appreciate God defending His people & saying NO MORE.
In the NKJV 1:9 says something to the effect that sin will not rise up a 2nd time. It doesn't say that in MSG or NIV though. I like the NKJV for that because it's a reminder for me that once we're in heaven....there will be no more sin. There will be no more need to let it play out to see what will happen, who will choose what or the "maybe he has a point" argument like we're doing now. If anyone is stupid enough to start letting pride come in, it'd be squashed. I can't imagine anyone in heaven even dreaming up such a thought but then satan did.
Nahum is just a reminder again to me that God will defend me...even if I need to wait for His timing.
Did a bit of googling and it said Nahum was probably written between 612 and 663BC. Jonah lived 150 years prior to that. So apparently Jonah sent out his message; there was repentance, then came Naham - no repentance and Ninevah was destroyed in 612 BC. A warning for nations in our day; (vs 3) the Lord is slow to get angry, but His power is great and He never lets the guilty go unpunished.
On the flip side of that statement though, is vs 7 "the Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him.
So the question to look at is: are you the oppressor or the oppressed? I don't believe God tolerates cruelty and oppression - - there comes a point where He steps in and says, "enough"
The first part of chpt 3 reminded me of other oppressors such as Egypt, the Germans during the Holocaust, some of the terrorist countries. Power + humans can be very deadly and twisted.
Lesson: Keep your eyes on God, trust Him, He is Mighty to Save and He will in His time -- nothing can stand in His way.
Getting a early start on tomorrow's reading:) In Stephen's speech, he is lavish with his crediting God in all that happened in the lives of Abraham's descendants. I underlined it everytime God shows up. I want to be that lavish in giving God credit for everything (even the tough times like Egypt) that happen in my life.
I was trying to figure what might have made Stephen jump from the history to the rebuke (47-51) I think it was when he indicated that the Holy Spirit wanted to be active in lives (not just temple rituals) and the leaders didn't want to allow the Holy Spirit to work. They were standing in the way, trying to block the Holy Spirit.
Even though the Jewish leaders were ready to pounce (54) Stephen didn't even know. Why? Because his gaze was up -- he was fixed on Jesus - abandoned as we so often talk about.
& what a life of mercy, following in his master's footsteps with almost identical themes (vs 60) "Lord, don't charge them with this sin!" as in, I forgive them, please forgive them as well - - amazing. That kind of love only comes from God.
Pretty bleak picture of persecution for those early believers in the start of 8, but it spread the message as nothing else could. Here we have it so good in our country with religious freedom, and we do very little to spread the message. These people were intent on getting the word out. I loved reading about Phillip -- wherever God put him down, he started preaching immediately!
I thought it was interesting that Peter nailed the heart of Simon -- it wasn't just greed, it was bitter jealousy that was holding him captive. I wonder if Simon's repentance was real, or if he was just afraid of the consequences?
I appreciated the example Phillip left us. A simple question -- Do you understand what you're reading. He didn't cram history down the Eunich's throat; he simply asked if he understood and was immediately invited to join.
I thought of you Sher when I read of the angel telling Phillip where to go and how you often talk in class of listening to and obeying the direction of the Holy Spirit. I want to be way more tuned in to that -- BE STILL Linda and Know that I AM GOD:)
I was just SO blessed by these 3 chapters -- for me they put a LOT of stuff in perspective, but it's like a daily perspective I need; as I keep veering back to what the world tells me is important.
ReplyDeleteI like the first 4 words "Faith is the confidence" Confidence is a settling thing in my life -- I don't always have it, but I always want it. Faith -- putting trust in what I know, even when it seems like nothing is actually working out the way it should; and I guess that was true with all the Bible giants in 11:
Enoch - - living in an evil situation
Noah - - building an ark when no rain has ever been seen? People laughing at him!
Abraham -- packing up and moving out; leaving all that is known for everything that is unknown.
Sarah - - a baby when the body is old and weak
11:13 these people DIED still believing what God had promised them. That means to me that many didn't see the fulfillment of the promise - - but they looked BEYOND what the lifespan was here (a country they can call their own . . a better place, a heavenly homeland. That's where my focus needs to be - - hanging on to what I know, keeping my vision focused on His love, His faithfulness, His promises.
How bout Moses (27) he kept his eyes on the One who is invisible (how do you keep your eyes on the invisible?) that's got to be another description/idea of faith.
and hey! I love 11:39 God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us! That fits so tightly with 1 Thes 4: 16-17 First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to mee the Lord:):) We all get to experience perfection and no sin/temptations together! What a party:)
Heb 12:1-4 is such a picture of endurance and focus -- I thought of you when I read this, Chris -- out there running your 1/2 marathon! Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. I know you've been training since summer - maybe before; such a great illustration of life!
Divine discipline (12:7) look at it as being molded as one of His children. - - verse 11 makes it very practical!! and verse 12 take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees - - don't grow weary ladies, He will run beside us, we will run beside each other!
12:14 - - the work we do is to turn. Repentance, turning toward God and giving control to His Spirit.
12:21 -- I didn't know MOSES was frightened! I always picture him as standing confidently in the presence of God!
12:27 is a review of what faith does -- keeps us confident and unshaken, even when everything around us is falling apart.
13:4 I've been looking for this text for a long time. It seems like there is a lot of shaking up that goes on in our world today - - and if ever needed, I was hoping to find a text that clearly said, marriage and faithfulness is God's plan for a couple -- this is very clear.
13:3 I love the call to feeling satisfied instead of wearing yourself out chasing after "more"
13:15 -- a continual sacrifice of praise to God. I love the thought of living in his presence every minute, and being generous with my praise to God all the time -- my thoughts going up all the time (again -- for me, I'm still in process on this)
and great promise at the end (verse 21) He will equip you with all you need for doing His will! Thank you thank you Jesus!!
MSG says that the faith or trust we have in God is our firm foundation & makes life worth living. I like that. The more trust I have in God, the freer I live, the more I "give myself away" as Mandisa sings.
ReplyDeleteYeah Linda, I too think about Noah building for something that's never been heard of before - RAIN! And all these people mentioned, it keeps saying they had faith in what they couldn't see. BUT it was Who they KNEW. It's the opposite today. We get to know people by seeing them & spending time with them. With God, we see evidences of Him & these help us get to know Him. Then we listen to Him & know even more. They listened way more in their conversations with God than I do in mine. Seems like God monopolized the conversations in Genesis. Something to think about.
Yes Linda, the beginning of 12 with it's race comparisons made me think of today a lot. I don't have room to write everything that came to mind. But the focus on the finish was important. Seems like that was what happened to those in 11 & I need to focus on Jesus now, Who has already finished for me but I need to follow Him so I have to pay attention to Him & where He's going! Oh man...another illustration of today...had to pay attention to the people who were directing us on the course.
v3 says that if we start to lose our faith we need to go over Jesus' story again & again. What He went thru, what He endured & all for ME! Like it says...that oughta give me some adrenaline to keep going!
And the discipline of God in my life shows He's an involved parent! Not an irresponsible one. So why exactly do I complain?
14-17 talking about how bitterness rises up & spreads quickly...and dangerously. We need to be so careful.
Have to remember 13:5,6 a LOT! esp. 6
v17 "...Contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its drudgery..." Good counsel for dealing with our pastors & leadership in general.
Good chapters, really enjoy these & liked reading what you brought out Linda. Would have really like to share verbally with everyone on these ones!
As I read about how Israel (1:29-33) got scared & wouldn't trust God to fight for them when the 12 spies came back I see myself. Moses tried to encourage them by reminding them how much God had already provided for them & fought for them so He would of course continue, but they were overcome with fear.
ReplyDeleteThey chose to believe what they could see (the giants, fortified cities, their lack of army training, etc) instead of trusting in something or Someone they couldn't see. Quite the contrast to what we read yesterday in Heb 11. I guess that's why they aren't listed there.
This is why it's important to get to know God like the men/women of faith did. So they didn't get caught up in what their senses told them. They trusted in what their senses couldn't tell them. It was out of their comfort zone, contrary to custom at that time, had never been done/seen before, etc. But since they KNEW God & conversed & LISTENED to Him, they recognized His voice, it was obvious to them & they obeyed. Because they had obeyed in the small things, it was easier to obey in the large. I'm sure there was a struggle, but they had surrendered before & so it was easier to surrender now.
The Israelites had no concept of this. Their hearts were unchanged. It seems like no one put an effort into having a relationship with God. They all were just going thru the motions, no thought, no desire to get to know God for themselves. They were just in fear of Him.
Sad & yet, there I find myself sometimes. It's a wonder He hasn't given up on me.
Good point about the contrast with Hebrews, Chris -- and yeah they chose to believe what they could see -- but they actually closed their eyes to other things that could be seen (Moses tried to open their eyes -- but they had tunnel vision) All the miracles of the past in Egypt, the pillar of fire at night had to have been a constant reminder and the cloud each day too.
ReplyDeleteWhat I thought was interesting is that the PEOPLE had decided to send out spies (vs 22) when God's instruction was -- GO DO THIS THING; no spies needed (vs 21) So even the spy idea was mis-trust, and I guess one doubt just leads to another.
1:2 Normally it takes 11 days to make the journey, instead -- they were wandering for 40 years (hmmmmm -- wonder if there is any relationship to our long time here on the earth and the many lessons we need to learn)
Leadership works best when broken up into managable parts. I've seen some leaders try to do it all -- and no one ends up happy.
I thought it was kindof neat hearing who was the start of some of the different groups (Esau, Lot) but the title I liked the best was the Zamzummites -- that has a real ring to it! Maybe a good name for our next dog or something!
It was interesting too to see how God had appointed lands for other groups.
And now we get to Moses plea to go in. Once again, Moses focuses on God's greatness, His strength - his great love. Please let me go in! "Speak of it no more" and Moses doesn't ask God again. But, as always, God has something better in mind. I need to be still and trust -- this is a really great lesson for me today.
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ReplyDeleteOk---Am commenting on 2 Chronicles a bit early, but if I don't do it tonite, I wont get it done at all.
ReplyDeleteThere is so much going on in this reading. In 2 Chron:21:6, I was wondering if Jehoram was wicked in his own heart or if he became that way when he married his wife, who was a daughter of Ahab and Jezebel.
In verse 7, the Lord was unwilling to break the covenant He had made with David promising that one of his descendants would always be on the throne. Yayyy--I can trust in the Lord, because Our God keeps His covenants!
Wow--this woman named Athaliah killed her own grandchildren? (22:10) That's sick! This is one evil woman. Today's passage seems to be about the influence of evil women. (including the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel)
2Chron:23:6--I like the thought of being on duty for the Lord.
23:21--All the people of the land rejoiced and the city was quiet and peaceful when Queen Athaliah was dead. It's always amazing to me how one person can ruin a whole community, family or group with all their drama and trauma.
Athaliah murdered her grandbabies, influenced her groupies to take everything out of Gods Temple and put it into the Temple of Baalam (24:7-8), caused havoc in her family and community and apparently was successful with this evil for quite some time. She knew how to use oppression.
October 17, 2011 4:57 PM
21:20 No one was sorry when he died -- it sounds like the ulitmate disgrace was not to be buried in the royal cemetery (as that happened a couple of times to different king-loosers!) Pretty sad commentary - - no one was sorry, sounded like the life of Scrooge.
ReplyDeleteAhaziah -- man, why would you pick evil advisors? Maybe he was weak and his life totally run by his mom - Athaliah. Yeah that was probably it, she was thirsty for power.
Pretty exciting story of how Joash was groomed for the kingdom and became king. I bet Jehoiada took his job seriously and spent time every day going over God's word with him, even as a small child. Good example for parents.
Just a precious comment in 24:15 -- lived to a very old age. I think God blessed him with that. But how sad the Joash turned on all the blessings he had been given, even turned on the family of Jehoiada -- that was a very sad picture.
I know I'm early again, but the kids come at 7am and if I don't do this now---I'll forget or be too tired.
ReplyDeletePsalm 120--5-7 Wow---I think this was written for me when it says "my troubles pile high among these haters of the Lord. I'm tired of being here among these men who hate peace.--I'm for peace--they're for war!"
(smile)--Reads like my situation here in the complex at times.
Psalms 121 reads like a daily decree! My help comes from the Lord (not myself or other people)
He will not allow my foot to slip or be moved. Many times I wonder if I'm slipping, but the Lord says
He wont allow it here. He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. God is always on the job--
ever watching, ever working.
The Lord is my keeper---not my children, or my family, or my friends or the church -----
The Lord keeps me!
The Lord will keep me from all evil and He will keep my life. The trick here is to ask
Him and turn to Him. I have to say I've experience some of the evil mankind has to offer
and somehow the Lord kept my life---I didn't die though I often thought I would and the
evil was always turned into a huge blessing. I often remind myself of that.
He will keep my going out and my coming in----I can walk out the door and know that the
Lord goes with me and when I come home I know that the Lord is here also.
These were great thoughts for me to read before heading off to bed tonight Sher -- it sounds to me like Psalms really brought you comfort today:) He loves it when we dwell in His protection and presence - - I want to get to the place where I am constantly putting myself in His presence:):)
ReplyDeleteYou can post early anytime! As I read these 2 chapters I thought of you Sherrie. I know you could have written them with what you're going thru in your apt complex. I'm glad you were encouraged by it.
ReplyDelete120:2 "...They smile so sweetly but lie through their teeth." I'm always amazed at how people can do this. Be so nice to your face when they hate your guts. And I must admit, I kept trying to interact with one person to see if the charade would fall but it never did. She was a good actress.
121:1,2 are the opposite of what we've been reading of the history of the kings of Israel/Judah. They kept turning to man for help, but David (?) realizes here that his true help is from the one who MADE man & nature. How come we settle for the custodian when we could talk directly with the Owner? It's not like He's inaccessible! We're like the Israelites who went for what they could see (the giants of Canaan) instead of remembering all the times God helped them thru their struggles.
v3-8 were more reminders to me to let God fight for me, to be my Defender. I'm amazed at how much I defend myself & go over stuff in my mind way after it's occurred. He keeps reminding me to let Him deal with it though & I choose His Presence/Peace again, but wow! talk about a minute by minute (sometimes seconds) decision!
In MSG in those verses God is referred to as a Guardian. So I have my own Bodyguard. I like that. Now, I wonder if I had a human bodyguard how much I'd argue with him? Probably a LOT until I trusted him. Same thing happening with me & God. As the relationship deepens, I argue less. Just seems like there's a lot of issues I hadn't thought of that I'm not trusting Him in. Just want to be totally abandoned to Him....one day....
Thanks for blessing me once again, ladies with your thoughts! Great way to start my morning:) Love the body guard thought Chris:) and pretty short reading today!
ReplyDeleteIn the Sat am study class, going through James -- we just finished the part about that nasty tongue and how it can get us into SO much trouble!! 120:3 was another reminder to think carefully before speaking.
6 & 7 talk about being tired of living among people who hate peace . . . I search for peace. One way to search is to, again, be careful about that tongue of mine. Careful of lashing out in anger, sarcastic humor, gossip, a million ways that I can destroy peace - it all starts with me.
121:1 I look up to the mountains - does my help come from there? I used to think of this text a lot as I looked at mighty strong mountains around me, they reminded me of my strong and faithful God who takes care of me; but actually -- I think David had a different idea. Notice how it's a question - does my help come from there?
In David's day, there was a constant battle going on with people worshiping Baal -- and Baal worship happened on high places and mountaintops. So David counters the thought that help came from the top of mountains; instead HIS help came from the LORD! (I still like looking at mountains, though and thinking of my strong creator who made them!)
vs 5 The Lord stand beside you as your protective shade - I wonder if this was a reference to the Israelite march with the cloud protecting them by day. I like the thought of living in His presence of protection - Him over me, protecting me; another body guard picture (although I like the thought of the body guard, cuz if anyone tries to mess with me, my Body Guard takes them out!!)
Nice Linda, hadn't thought about the Baal worship up there. I'm like you, love looking at the mtns & how they remind me of God.
ReplyDeleteI like the thought of God taking out my attackers. Won't it be neat in heaven to actually SEE all the time God stepped in & defended us when we weren't even aware of it? Can't wait!
I wonder if Bathsheba was alive & was counseling Solomon to come back to the Lord after he had wandered off as he got older & gathered more of his harem.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if she's the one describing this perfect woman in the rest of the chapter so that he sees what he SHOULD seek in a wife. Maybe it was the direct opposite of what he had been choosing. They were only seeking pleasure for themselves, not thinking of others.
I like that when she speaks, she has something worthwhile to say (MSG). I also think of the counsel of if you find someone that appears to be the perfect woman to run as fast as you can in the opposite direction because they don't exist & something's not right. So I have mixed thoughts about this.
Though I like the end where it says to find someone that fears the Lord. That would be the most important part for a husband or wife.
I love what you wrote about Proverbs 31, Chris! When I first became a Christian, this Proverb was held up to us young wives as the example of the perfect woman.
ReplyDeleteI tried and tried and never felt I measured up. I learned to make and sew all my children's clothes as well as my husbands and my own---I kept a garden and canned everything and I worked and volunteered outside the home--- and I became exhausted and irritable.
I'm so glad that now I have a much more realistic view of my walk with the Lord.
It makes me exhausted & irritable just reading it so I can imagine how you'd be trying to do it Sherrie. Like I said tho, I think the way it's summed up (fearing the Lord) is the key. It's like our walk with Christ. We do it daily & as we surrender we become more like Him. This isn't supposed to be a check list anymore than the one people invent for being a Christian or proof of being born again. Focus on Jesus & let Him make you into the woman He created you to be. That's all we can do.
ReplyDeleteLinda, it's not in the Bible to run the other way if you find a "perfect" woman. It's just been my experience that when people looks so perfect on the outside...it's usually a front. Things aren't really as perfect as they seem. And that counsel was given by a counselor to someone who was looking for the perfect friend. Don't be fooled by perfect fronts. Real people have cracks. God might have glued them so they don't leak, but the crack is still there & will only be removed when Jesus comes & we're all remade.
Is King Lemuel another name for Solomon? I always wondered how Lemuel's mom got into Proverbs. Kindof neat that whoever he was -- he acknowledged his mom (vs 28)
ReplyDeleteWhat verse, Chris talked about running the opposite direction -- couldn't fit that in with my version. I'd like to know about your mixed feelings on that one! Just looking over the "Message" thought -- maybe they mean outside perfect, which fits in with verse 30; that's not to say the outside isn't important, but that aspect is pretty temporary.
Leadership needs to take their position responsibly -- keep a clear mind and have fair judgement (vs 4-9)
Some aspects I appreciate that Lem's mom brought out: virtuous (strives to do the right thing) capable (doesn't depend on others when able to accomplish the task) trust (thinks the best of others - including her husband), brings him good and not harm (builds him up, doesn't tear him down to others; again looking for the good, encouraging) Who wouldn't want a friend and partner for life that had these qualities! Works both ways:)
I wonder if Nahum is after Jonah chronologically. If I remember my world history correctly Ninevah was the capital of the Assyrian empire. The Assyrians were especially versed in cruelty. The way they fought, treated their captives, their torture tactics, everything was designed to inflict the most pain & bring a slow death. So I can appreciate God defending His people & saying NO MORE.
ReplyDeleteIn the NKJV 1:9 says something to the effect that sin will not rise up a 2nd time. It doesn't say that in MSG or NIV though. I like the NKJV for that because it's a reminder for me that once we're in heaven....there will be no more sin. There will be no more need to let it play out to see what will happen, who will choose what or the "maybe he has a point" argument like we're doing now. If anyone is stupid enough to start letting pride come in, it'd be squashed. I can't imagine anyone in heaven even dreaming up such a thought but then satan did.
Nahum is just a reminder again to me that God will defend me...even if I need to wait for His timing.
Did a bit of googling and it said Nahum was probably written between 612 and 663BC. Jonah lived 150 years prior to that. So apparently Jonah sent out his message; there was repentance, then came Naham - no repentance and Ninevah was destroyed in 612 BC. A warning for nations in our day; (vs 3) the Lord is slow to get angry, but His power is great and He never lets the guilty go unpunished.
ReplyDeleteOn the flip side of that statement though, is vs 7 "the Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him.
So the question to look at is: are you the oppressor or the oppressed? I don't believe God tolerates cruelty and oppression - - there comes a point where He steps in and says, "enough"
The first part of chpt 3 reminded me of other oppressors such as Egypt, the Germans during the Holocaust, some of the terrorist countries. Power + humans can be very deadly and twisted.
Lesson: Keep your eyes on God, trust Him, He is Mighty to Save and He will in His time -- nothing can stand in His way.
Getting a early start on tomorrow's reading:) In Stephen's speech, he is lavish with his crediting God in all that happened in the lives of Abraham's descendants. I underlined it everytime God shows up. I want to be that lavish in giving God credit for everything (even the tough times like Egypt) that happen in my life.
ReplyDeleteI was trying to figure what might have made Stephen jump from the history to the rebuke (47-51) I think it was when he indicated that the Holy Spirit wanted to be active in lives (not just temple rituals) and the leaders didn't want to allow the Holy Spirit to work. They were standing in the way, trying to block the Holy Spirit.
Even though the Jewish leaders were ready to pounce (54) Stephen didn't even know. Why? Because his gaze was up -- he was fixed on Jesus - abandoned as we so often talk about.
& what a life of mercy, following in his master's footsteps with almost identical themes (vs 60) "Lord, don't charge them with this sin!" as in, I forgive them, please forgive them as well - - amazing. That kind of love only comes from God.
Pretty bleak picture of persecution for those early believers in the start of 8, but it spread the message as nothing else could. Here we have it so good in our country with religious freedom, and we do very little to spread the message. These people were intent on getting the word out. I loved reading about Phillip -- wherever God put him down, he started preaching immediately!
I thought it was interesting that Peter nailed the heart of Simon -- it wasn't just greed, it was bitter jealousy that was holding him captive. I wonder if Simon's repentance was real, or if he was just afraid of the consequences?
I appreciated the example Phillip left us. A simple question -- Do you understand what you're reading. He didn't cram history down the Eunich's throat; he simply asked if he understood and was immediately invited to join.
I thought of you Sher when I read of the angel telling Phillip where to go and how you often talk in class of listening to and obeying the direction of the Holy Spirit. I want to be way more tuned in to that -- BE STILL Linda and Know that I AM GOD:)