Saturday, October 29, 2011

Week 44

Here we go -- into November:)

24 comments:

  1. I'm in Acts 9-10.
    In Acts 9:1 in the Living Bible it says that Paul was threatening with every breath...
    I can really identify with that statement. I've been in situations when every ounce of my body is consumed with an emotion. It seems that Paul's whole existence was consumed with wiping out those Christians. He thought he was doing the work of the Lord. He really believed he was living the life God wanted for him, but he was blind to God's true will. I believe that is one of the reasons that God caused him to go physically blind--as evidence that he was blindly following what he thought was the will of God.

    In Acts 9:31 my Bible says that the believers learned how to walk in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. That is such an awesome statement---I love growing in the Lord and in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

    In the story about Dorcas the people went and got Peter when she died. The room where Dorcas lay dead was filled with weeping widows who were grieving her death.(vs.39) The first thing Peter did was to ask them all to leave the room.
    I think that he did this because of all the unbelief in the room. The widows believed in Dorcas's death.
    You need faith to raise someone from the dead and I think that if those weeping widows and their unbelief remained in the room --then Dorca's wouldn't have been able to come back to life. Unbelief in something is a powerful force and often prevents God from doing what he wants in a Christian's life.

    It's amazing how much unbelief there is in the Christian community. In Acts 10:9-15--God has to put Peter in a trance and show him that he's allowed to eat snakes, birds, pigs and all sorts of food. And Peter says Never Lord---those foods are forbidden by law. God answers and says-- no they're not---don't contradict me--if I say its kosher than its kosher. Christians are still like that today. They get in the habit and rut of following laws and rules instead of God. It's always easier to live with ideas that are familiar to us than to follow God.

    Acts 10:44-47
    The Holy Spirit fell upon them and they were speaking in tongues and praising God.
    I believe we play a role as to whether or not we'll receive the gift of tongues or any of the other gifts. When we live in unbelief it's difficult to surrender to the power of the Holy Spirit. Some of us fear giving up control.
    But in Mark 16:17-18 it says: These are the signs of those who believe--

    In my Name they will use my authority to cast out demons, they will speak with other tongues, they will pick up serpents and if they drink any harmful thing, it will not hurt them!

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  2. Nice Sherrie, I hadn't thought of the correlation of Saul being blindly following God & the blindness he was struck with. Linda & I posted about this reading on last weeks blog as technically we haven't started this week yet.

    I think we've all done this now at least once! LOL

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  3. Hard to pick out pieces from such a rich package as James 4 & 5. But yes -- if there are fights and quarrels, it's a good thing to look deep inside your heart and examine your motives; typically takes 2 to make a quarrel -- and seems like most times it does center around self, jealousy, envy (sigh -- I'm soooo human!)

    it's serious stuff to be divided - sitting on the fence; James says to cry, be sorrowful with deep grief. I remember when my mom died -- that, so far, has been the deepest grief I've felt - - if I could feel that same gut-wrenching grief when I am separated from God!! I think the only way to make that happen is found in vs 8 come close to God, and God will come close to you.

    So vs 13-16 sounds like plans are good -- but to wait on the Lord's leading/timing. Get facts, look for opportunities - - do you think that God can bless more than one option? Say you were interested in 3 different career paths - - does God have you custom fit for just one? or are there many areas He can bless us? This is also a questions for life mate, where you live, what church ministries you take up?

    Remember how Saul was "chosen" yesterday? I think there are people "chosen" for certain parts of God's plan, but I think there are many other followers that are not "chosen" but are used wherever they work - - thoughts?

    Riches can be a blessing or a curse - - depends on how they're used.

    Don't grumble about each other -- really good advice, it's easy to start grumbling. I knew a young man; good friend of one of my sons, that really guarded against this. I really admired his character - - he was a very safe person to be around and "not" to be around because you knew that he would honor you if you were present or not present - - I never heard him grumble or complain about anyone; refreshing!

    And here is what we talked about yesterday Sher -- with Peter asking the women to leave the room. I really appreciated that thought -- the counsel is also to confess your sins to each other and pray for each other for that healing to take place. So 3 things are needed: faith, confession, and prayer.

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  4. Seems like kids know which parent to go to when they want something. Similar point in James. You don't ask God because you know you're asking for what you have no right to. So if I'm not willing to ask God for it...then that's a pretty good hint that it's self at the core of the "need".

    I like how it's followed up in v4-6 saying that "...what he gives in love is far better than anything else you'll find..." I know I've definitely found that true in my life.

    v7-10 "...Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field...Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet." We like to keep our options open, at least I do, not really commit & get stuck doing something I don't like or be with people I don't enjoy. BUT that goes back to trusting God to give me what I truly need. If I can just give up & give Him the steering wheel instead of taking it back, like a jumpy driving instructor, then He will give me what I really need. It's so easy for me to say that, but so hard for me to practice sometimes.

    As for your options comment/question Linda, I think of the v in Jer that says "I KNOW the plans I have for you..." So to me, that means God knows right where He wants me. But because I can choose, He works with my choices to bring about His will.

    I don't know about the "chosen" part though, I think in Ps 139 when it says that He knew me & all about me before I was even formed, well, maybe that goes back to the above paragraph better. Guess I'll have to think on that more.

    5:7,8 Again the call for patience with waiting on God for His timing. I'm so very impatient.

    I see the call at the end to come together & support each other. Pray, encourage & even hold each other accountable, which means asking the really in your face questions at times. I don't really enjoy being on either side of that, but it would be a narrow line to walk before tripping over into the judgmental ditch. Would really take a LOT of prayer. We need to remain so teachable.

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  5. I was personalizing Deut today. Thinking of all the things I thought were more than I could handle, but God either defeated them or walked thru the battles with me, just like He did for Israel. Those victories give me hope for the future battles. But yet, like Israel, I can shrink back & think they're giants & there's no way I can win. Reminding myself of what He's done for me in the past (like Moses is doing here) makes me grateful & gives me the strength to press on. How can you not fight with Someone who always has your back?

    And what God does for me when I do obey & follow Him into battle is 7:13 "...He will love you, He will bless you, He will increase you." What woman doesn't want that type of security?

    v16 made me pause it said to utterly drive out & destroy the nations. Don't feel sorry for them or they will trap you. I had to put myself in their shoes & think if I was in battle & going to actually kill someone & they were pleading for their life...that'd be really hard. It's hard to turn off or sear those emotions, but done once, it's a bit easier the second time. I think part of it too is that God told them to do it, so there was no remorse from a guilty conscience.

    God makes it very clear that what He's telling them to do isn't because they are better than anyone, but because the nations they're destroying are so bad. That should have been an in your face warning so they wouldn't do the same thing. It's amazing how we twist that around & rationalize things until we feel it's okay if we do it. God wouldn't hurt me, I'm His chosen!

    8:1-5 Is worded like God needed to know if they were sincere or not & that's why He tested & tried the Israelites. But really, He knew. The trials were for their benefit. So they could see their own hearts & how selfish & independent they were. And it's no different today. Really, if we didn't have any challenges or hard times then we could all put on a big show & fool each other. But our real character comes out in those instances. Shows what we're really made of, what's in our hearts, Who is in our hearts. Brings things to the surface we didn't realize were there. Wish I could remember this the next time a big one hits me & I start to complain. Feel free to remind me...but stand back a bit...you might get hit. LOL

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  6. Hey this is GREAT! A Monday reading that hits on several important themes!

    I was thinking that this is the passage that must have hit home to whoever the king was that acted when the priests found the scrolls that were hidden away (not sure who that was). Also, I'm wondering if when a king became a king -- these instructions were read to them, because it seems that great weight was put on destroying nations, alters, shrines, poles idols.

    Hey - - I love the thought (personalized here) that vs 6 God has chosen you to be his own special treasure!! (but as Chris points out - - I need to remain humble and teachable, following Him -- not doing life with the air of entitlement)

    I also loved the simple statement of vs 13 He will love you and bless you (but remember -- that statement starts with the little word if) it's a 2-way relationship, not an entitlement.

    4 times between 7:17 and 8:2 it says "Remember" (also thinking of the 4th commandement) God wants us to Remember all the gifts He's given to us. 7:19 "Remember the mraculous signs and wonders" is right out of the song we sang Sabbath:)

    7:25 gives me a clue as to why often the Israelites would bring back idols -- sounds like it might have been for the gold and silver covering them -- and then, once those idols were in their home, they began worshiping what they could see -- a trap. Once Satan gets those "traps" in our home, they are so much harder to resist. I see this with TV and a lot of other media (like computer stuff).

    I enjoyed reading the context of Jesus quote when he faced the Devil's first temptation. 8:3 He humbled you be letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna - - it was the lesson of dependance in the tough times. That's where the rubber meets the road, and as Chris said "our real character comes out . . . shows what we're really made of, what's in our hearts, Who is in our hearts" I've got a looooong way to go - - and it's all about looking back, remembering how He's led in the past and clinging on to Him for our present.

    I liked the emphasis on giving the glory to God in 8:10-14. I thought that might be a really good thing to remember and even read at the Thanksgiving table, and then give thanks at the END of the meal!!

    8:18 "Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful!" another great remember text - - and I love Moses' reminder to all of us: YOU are a stubborn people.

    80 days without food! (9:9, 18) God must have miraculously sustained him through this. I've never thought about Moses' dependance on God much before - - it sounds like Moses had reached a level of trust and dependance that God honored.

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  7. O! I went back and read 8:3. The fact that Moses could go 80 days without food fits perfectly with his explanation "people do not live by bread alone; rather we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord -- HE will sustain us when life seems impossible.

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  8. It WAS nice to read a Monday we could pull stuff out of wasn't it? Enjoyed your comments.

    I've always like how comparing the stories of Kings vs Chronicles gave different twists to stories. And we're going to read a big difference next week dealing with Manassah, but I digress.

    A good leader makes all the difference in the world! I didn't pick up in Kings how the people had completely left off worshiping God. It says that no one living had properly celebrated the Passover (30:5). No one came to Jerusalem anymore to worship. It truly was a sad spiritual state for God's chosen people to be in.
    No wonder they kept worshiping/celebrating 7 more days after the Passover was done! There had been a famine in the land for sure!

    Here's the real life application, or one of them, that I got. After all this dedication & coming back to God I would think that God would bless them & give them peace BUT there's a trial instead. The Assyrian army. And it really tests them. Makes fun of them, harasses them, etc. I'd think..."what did I do? why is this happening to me, I've honored God & come back to Him & this is how He thanks me?" Stuff like that - whine, moan, complain, poor me, etc. But Hezekiah encourages the people, reminds them of what God has done for them in the past, exhorts them to have courage & it works! He also prays mightily & humbly to God.

    Really good for me to remember this. And it kinda reminds me of your situation Sherrie at the complex. So be of good courage, God will fight for you, He is fighting for you. Won't be easy & you will have sleepless nights, but in the end I believe God will be lifted up & you'll be stronger in your trust of Him.

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  9. Chris--Thank you so much for your prayers.

    I've been keeping up on the readings, but my mind isn't working on the commentary end of things. Too tired lately to focus. Kids take a LOT of energy.

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  10. So Glad you are staying connected with the readings Sher! That's all part of the fun and encouragement -- and YEAH! Great illustration there Chris -- once again I'm reminded that God is more concerned about my character than my comfort.

    There are a lot of things I could comment on today, but I think I'll just choose one thing -- and it spins off of what you said Chris:

    32:31 However, when ambassadors arrived from Babylon to ask about the remarkable events that had taken place in the land, God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart.

    God was concerned about Hez's character: would he take the glory, would He point the visitors to God who made it all possible. It doesn't say the end of the story here in Chronicles. Sadly, we know that Hez took the glory for himself:( I do that too, more times than I want to admit. "Jesus - all for Jesus; all I am and have and ever hope to be.

    It's a bummer Hez strayed from 31:21 "Hezekai sought his God wholeheartedly. As a result, he was very successful." It's a daily walk, a daily surrender.

    Love to you ALL!

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  11. Hey, did you guys read what I did yesterday about how they sang psalms of David & Asaph? So that tells me that David wasn't the only contributor to Psalms & today 127 is from Solomon.

    Have always liked the visual picture in 125 of God surrounding His people. The mountains are natural barriers around cities. It also allowed the watchmen to see anyone trying to attack the city since the only way in was over the top.

    God is a natural barrier (if I allow Him to be my Defender) to a Christian. This also reminds me of Elisha being surrounded in Dotham I think it was, & his servant panicking. Elisha was calm & collected & prayed for the servants eyes to be opened & then he saw what Elisha knew by faith. There were more with them than against them. God with me is ALWAYS more than those that are against me. So why do I panic so much?

    126:4 "And now, God, do it again—bring rains to our drought-stricken lives." Amen & amen.

    127:2 Shows the foolishness, the stressfulness of working the fingers to the bone to try & get ahead. Those that do succeed in life tend to work smarter...not always harder. Yes, there are those who put in killer hours, but the majority that do, are so stressed that they can't enjoy what they've accumulated or their health is ruined & they eat up their stash with dr. bills. "Don't you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves?" There's nothing like a good sleep to refresh the body & mind. But I can't wait until heaven when we don't have to. There will always be something to do & we'll have forever to do it! Yeah!

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  12. I loved reading 25:1 today, as I'd just asked God to increase my trust in Him! Then he answers me with THAT! - how cool! And Chris, I like the thought of the natural barrier, and the advantage of the watchmen:)

    126:3 Yes the Lord has done amazing things for us! What JOY! Joy is from down deep - - not just a flitting happiness, but is built on so much more than external things or experiences.

    And sometimes, the JOY comes from walking through tough times, trials -- that comes out in vs 5: Those who plant in tears, will harvest with shouts of joy! I wrote in my Bible: trials bring growth - - I believe that, but I don't necessarily "like" that! I flipped over to Gal 6:9 and it said: Let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. That's a cool word pic: harvest of blessing! (very Thanksgivingish)

    Children are a gift from the Lord -- I was thinking of how children are planned for, and so much of your life revolves around them; they take most of your time and energy when they are young, take so much emotional energy when they are out on their own and making scarey decisions. I think the blessing comes as you pour your love out on them, it pulls you away from "self" - - and when there is a reward of return from them (love and affirmation) you feel filled up with blessing. I think it has to be how God feels about us!

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  13. Well, I just accidentally closed my blog window & lost my comments. I don't feel like retyping it all. Guess it wasn't meant to be read! :D
    Enjoy your day everyone!

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  14. Rats! I would have loved to have heard what you thought! But good advice on the enjoying your day -- that's kindof what Solomon said: vs 12 "nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can!!!"

    The "time" scriptures: the 2 that stuck out for me was a time to keep and a time to throw away (one of my mantras is eliminate and consolidate -- drives the family nuts!) and a time to be quiet and a time to speak. I'm learning more about that and the power of being quiet.

    God (vs 11) has planted eternity in the human heart . . . I wonder if that is an draw to Him? A draw to look beyond the temporary world that the devil keeps pushing on us as the ultimate?

    Vs 15 gives us the answer to all the kids in school that ask "why do we study history?" I've been asked it more than once -- wish I'd had this verse in my back pocket!

    3:20, 22 talks about what happens when we die -- back to dust we return. Also, there really is no proof for those that say your spirit/soul goes to heaven at death. Biblically, the dead don't know anything after they die Ecc 9:5 No one can bring us back from death. To me this shows that spiritualism is a haox from the devil. God gave Solomon His wisdom, and Solomon makes it very clear here what death is all about.

    Looks like there are 3 ways to handle work:

    4:5 idle hands (folded, lazy, holding nothing)
    4:6 one handful, quiet, balanced
    4:6 two handfuls, rich, but too busy to enjoy

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  15. enjoyed reading your comments Linda, glad you didn't erase them! LOL.
    I did like the vs. in 4 that talked about work as you mentioned above.

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  16. Oh my goodness---I was going to comment on Ecc, but Linda--your comments about what happens to us when we die just blew me away.

    Solomon's statements here are his discouraged opinion and do not reflect Gods truth!
    Our bodies go to the earth --- dust to dust, etc... until the resurrection. But our souls go immediately to heaven or hell.

    Jesus says to the thief on the cross-- tonight you will be with me in paradise. (I consider that HEAVEN!)

    Acts 7:59,
    And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit (soul).


    Matthew 10:28, And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul.


    James 2:26, The
    body without the spirit (soul) is dead.

    Jesus said-- I am the resurrection, and the life-- he that believeth in me, though he were dead-- yet shall he live” John 11.25

    Hosea 4:6--My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee...

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  17. I'm still really astonished at your statement that "there really is no proof for those that say your spirit/soul goes to heaven at death"

    I believe that whenever there is a counterfeit, there has to be the real thing. I believe that Jesus and Christianity are the real thing and satan and the occult are the counterfeit of everything in Christianity.
    Even occultists practice soul travel---(where the body leaves the soul and travels to other places or to people to harass them) but these people have to be careful because if the silver cord is severed than they die.
    "The silver cord" is mentioned in Ecclesiastes 12:6. Remember him--before the silver cord is severed ...

    I believe that the loosening of the "silver cord" is one of the ways in which the physical body and spirit body separate at the time of death. However, clairvoyants or occultists and out-of-body travelers, see the severance of the silver cord involved in every kind of death.

    During astral projection-- some claim they can see a silver cord linking their astral form to their physical body. For the new beginner in astral projection, This cord is the assurance that they wont become lost.

    Ecclesiastes 12:6-7 )King James)

    6-- or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.

    7--Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

    If Satanists are spirit traveling and astral projecting, then you know that Christians have that ability.

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  18. You know Sherrie, I'd like to challenge you to take just a Bible & concordance & study out death, dead, spirit, soul, etc. Don't use any human commentary. Just let the HS teach you & be willing to see what the Bible says & read things in context.

    You'd see things from a truly Biblical perspective then.

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  19. Here again is God taking up for the underdog, as you like to point out Linda. It's a very comforting aspect of our God.

    Men may think they've succeeded in putting God out of their mind. Or that they are in control & God isn't because there are no consequences for their evil. But here, God plainly tells them - "Judgment is coming".

    Even to Israel, letting them know how He has afflicted them or let things happen to them so they will realize He has left them & they'd return to Him. But we are so stubborn.

    However, He does recognize the remnant, the faithful few who have not bowed the knee to satan & forgotten God (2:3).

    2:7 "...Their very own God will look out for them. He'll make things as good as before." Great comforting promise

    3:9-13 describes these faithful few. A couple choice descriptions:
    "...What's left of Israel that's really Israel.
    They'll make their home in God."
    "Content with who they are and where they are,
    unanxious, they'll live at peace."

    These people are truly trusting God because they've taken the time to actually KNOW Him.

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  20. Hey Sherrie -- you gotta know, I appreciate your honesty and your questions!

    here we agree to disagree, and I think the difference is in our view of what soul is: I take it back to Genesis when God first created man 2:7. 2 elements were used when God formed man: from the DUST of the ground. He breathed the BREATH of life into the man's nostrils -- and the man became a living person (or soul or being in other versions.)

    This process is reversed when we die (in my understanding) Ps 104:29 says when you take away their breath, they die and turn again to dust.

    Again, in Gen 3:19 it says you were made from dust, and to dust you will return.

    So, as I understand it -- God didn't PUT a living soul into Adam, Adam BECAME a living soul from the the 2 elements body and God's breath. I understand it as "the breath" is what goes back to God.

    I don't buy the fact that Solomon was having a bad day when he said Ecc 9:5, the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing. If you say, "he was having a bad day -- so that doesn't count", then you could use that same opinion with any Bible statement you disagreed with -- we really don't now what frame of mind the writers were in when they wrote it down, but we DO know that Paul told Timothy that All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

    Then there's Ps 115:17: The dead cannot sing praises to the Lord, for they have gone into the silence of the grave?

    OK -- some other thoughts -- I know that you've heard the punctuation problem - - does the comma go before or after today in "I say to you today you will be with me in paradise" and you don't buy that thought -- but what do you do with Jesus' statement to Mary 3 days after his death in John 20:17?

    Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. According to Jesus account -- he wasn't in heaven on Friday -- something to think about.

    So, we have different viewpoints of how it all plays out. You believe you have a soul (living entity?) that goes straight to heaven when you die; I believe we rest in the grave until God returns - - for me, the way things play out is very clear in 1 Thes 4:15-17 (and I know you read the meaning of this text differently) For me, it's at that coming that we are given our immortality and that is why we don't have to fear a death here on this earth (that's how I understand Matthew 10:28 and John 11:25.

    But again -- what Jesus wants is our hearts; He wants us to believe in Him and obey Him to the best of our understanding. We may interpret Bible truths differently, but I believe He knows our hearts and our motives. Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Love that text:)

    Thanks for sharing your ideas with me Sher, it makes me go back and look and think and process -- I appreciate it more than you know:)

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  21. I don't think I've ever read Zephaniah in it's entirety before! Lots of gems tied up in it. And boy do I like the message version in chpt 3 that you quoted Chris: Content with who they are and where they are,unanxious, they'll live at peace - - I think we're all hoping to arrive at this kind of living!!

    so Zeph is the great great grandson of Hez? I'm guessing this is King Hez? -- so Zeph was royalty!

    What is really ticking God off is the Baal and Molech worship -- again something standing between God and his people. I've felt that way sometimes, when a situation or another person comes between me and a family member; it's amazing how quickly I can feel anger! But God's anger is so justified, not only are people separated from His love, but also His plan of abundance and eternal life!

    Pretty solemn words here in 1:6: I will destroy those who used to worship me but no longer do. They no longer ask for the Lord's guidance or seek my blessings:(

    vs 12 They think the Lord will do nothing to them - either good or bad. Basically, they don't believe God has any control over their lives, maybe don't even believe He exists -- or if He does, they ignore Him.

    vs 18 Your silver and gold will not save you -- way different from the world's standpoint. We've read this idea many times before.

    2:3 - - God still holds out hope for those that humble themselves and follow Him. He gives us way more chances than we deserve - - grace in action.

    He cites the strongest cities on earth to show that He has the power to flatten them all -- listen up folks!!

    3:9-end might be talking about Judah in the days of Zeph; but I find a lot of application for end times as well. For instance -- I compared vs 8 with Rev 20:9. History repeats itself; as it was in the days of Noah, you know! Anyway -- the ending is so beautiful -- I can see this as a description of Heaven:

    17 He is a mighty Savior! He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will cal all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs . . (20) on that day I will gather you together and bring you home again!" Even so Lord Jesus, come quickly!

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  22. I like the teachableness of the converted Jews. They reacted like Jews would if one of them went & ate with the unclean gentile when they heard Peter's story. But as they listened to how God showed him by lowering the sheet of unclean animals 3 times that the 3 gentiles coming were not to be considered unclean, that Peter should go with them & how the HS gave them the same gift as them, that convinced them. They were teachable & not stuck on their old teachings. They showed they had a learning heart & a heart that really wanted others to share in the Good News.

    I just really like how God worked with their bias & directly attacked it, but not in a confrontational way. Just in the way that would show the Jews that the Gentiles were humans & should be treated as such. There were still obstacles, but that was a huge victory for equality.

    So James, John's bro was killed. So I guess this means the James in C 15 was probably Jesus' brother & the same one who wrote the Book of James. Hadn't realized that he was the one in C15 before today.

    Barnabas going to Antioch & not trying to make them do it his way, but observing & encouraging them. I've learned that when I go into a place & am supposed to teach something, it's better to sit back & observe for a while to see the dynamics of a place & the people. And adapt what I'm teaching to them. It's less confrontational that way. It's so easy to go in & say my way or the highway. But everyone learns differently. And if I'm a stranger coming in to evaluate them & I'm going to communicate something that I KNOW will improve their situation or ability, it's better to listen & observe for the majority of the time.

    It's harder with friends/family though. We figure they know us & should accept us so we can confront them & disregard any listening/observation. Doesn't always end up too good...just speaking from personal experience. :/ I like Barnabas' approach.

    Peter was sleeping. What a powerful representation of his trust in God. He wasn't pacing or stressing. He was sleeping. Wow & WOW!

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  23. Aaaaah -- leadership is hard! Peter, following the direct command of the Lord was criticized by his fellow Jews. Good thing he didn't stuff it; he just told them what happened and hurrah! As you say Chris -- very teachable. His fellow Jews could have just said he'd been dreaming with the sheet, or they could have just said he was making it all up -- that's what human thinking would have done (to justify that they hadn't been mistaken) So, I'm thinking that they (the Jews) were convicted by the Holy Spirit that Peter was sincerely directed by God. Another very good reason to ask the Holy Spirit daily for an open heart and wisdom with all the many events and theories that happen around us!

    12;12 The Holy Spirit told me to go with them and not to worry that they were Gentiles. Again, this is evidence that Peter relied heavily on direction from the Holy Spirit!

    vs 17 who was I to stand in God's way? OH! I love that -- again, God is seeking the heart of EVERYONE! He's after unbelievers, all nations, rich, poor -- you name it; reminder not to let anything prejudice me against anyone!!

    vs 23 the power of the Lord was with them and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord! Pour out your power today Lord!

    Really good comments on Barnabas and application for today Chris -- I loved how he watched and encouraged! Great advice:)

    Yes! I noticed the James/James too -- I was thinking the same thing. Jesus' brother must have taken a strong leadership role (can you just see Jesus smiling in heaven!!) and I'm thinking when James (John's brother) was killed, there were seeds of doubt planted, as in -- maybe we're on the wrong track here? So Peter was anxious to encourage everyone that they were on firm footing and the right track -- God was with them no matter if there was persecution or divine intervention. Peter was anxious anxious to spread the word of God's intervention -- didn't even stay at house #1 for long and he was off to house #2! I like that picture:)

    I tried to imagine what it would be like to be Peter and see that light and follow the light out of prison:)

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  24. Ooo, yeah Linda, good points. I just thought now of a totally different thing with Peter.
    How satan must have tried to load him with guilt about his betrayal when he was in prison - "this is what you get, God's finally left you to what you deserve", etc. But he just slept.

    AND the other Jews could have thrown that in his face & doubted, as you said Linda. "I wasn't there, he can't be trusted anyway, he betrayed Jesus, now he's off doing his own thing". Something like that. But he didn't. Good point.

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