I got the feeling that John was trying to blend old members with new members, there is such an emphasis on believers loving each other -- and then 2:12 - 14 goes back and forth from the mature in the faith to the young in the faith. I wonder what was going on in the church right then?
Another theme I noticed was the relationship between faith and works. Salvation comes only from faith in Jesus Christ -- but that faith has fruit; notice 3:7 when people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous (the works are the evidence of what's going on in the heart), also 3:19 our actions will show that we belong to the truth.
Now obviously -- you can fake actions, but you can't fake what's going on in the heart. Maybe that's why trials help us along; that's where the rubber meets the road - - in the middle of a trial, it's pretty hard to fake faith and keep up the "good works front"
I love the thought that 2:1 we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. Now, the Father is not the one accusing us -- that's Satan. And it's good to hop over to 3:1 with See how very much our FATHER loves us, for HE calls us His children! It is a calming thing to know that the Father loves us deeply, calls us His children, and is the One making the final decision between Satan's accusations and Jesus mediating. (Sometimes the impression is thrown around that Jesus is on our side mediating, and the Father is the One Jesus is trying to convince that we're ok -- in other words, the Father is not on our side. BUT soak a bit in 3:1 - - the Father loves us, allowed His Son to die for us, that means a part of the Father died for us too!)
What do you think about 2:26 The HOly Spirit lives within you, so you don't need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know. . . I can see people abusing this, saying that "The HOly Spirit showed me . . ." without any research into the word.
The other part of this is, it seems that there is so much of the Bible that is focused on advice and teaching. Maybe it's saying that the Holy Spirit will guide you into the truth of the Bible if you are open to His convictions.
I really tried to enter into John joy that he wanted to share with the believers there. That he saw & touched the Son of God (1:1-4). He was so enraptured with the thought of God becoming flesh & dying for him he wanted others to be part of that same joy. This is what should motivate us to share with others as well
Yeah Linda, I noticed the faith/works topic in MSG as well. Really liked the call to live deeply in Christ. Let Him live through us. Don't claim to know it all or be perfect. But I just saw the call in here to be the Berean again. Study it out for ourselves.
MSG put 2:26-27 as "Christ's anointing" that teaches us everything we need to know. And it encouraged them to remember what they were taught so they weren't tripped up with human words & opinions.
It made me think of Rev 2:1-7 with the call to remember my first love experience with Jesus. That openness to His Sword of Truth that cuts away errors, sins & gets right to our heart issue (Heb 4:12).
Jesus said we'd be made pure by His Word in His prayer in John 17:20. And with His promise of the HS guiding us into all Truth in the previous chapter that makes sense to me.
I had a lot more thoughts/experiences come to mind with this text but I want to comment on other things too.
I hadn't thought about the old believer/new believer frictions that might have been happening at the time though Linda, interesting thought. I was impressed with how often I saw the words in MSG to love deeply & live deeply in Christ. To be anchored to Him & the natural out flow would be loving each other & getting along. No hatred or dissension.
But then the advice or warning in 3:12-13 about Cain killing Abel & "So don't be surprised, friends, when the world hates you. This has been going on a long time."
So the end of 3 really caught my attention. Because I always had read 20, 21 to be your conscience convicting you, so of course you're not right with God. But then after hearing what Ptr Mike shared in a sermon one day it made me think of it differently & I've had several conversations with God about it.
MSG puts it in a similar vein: (v18-23ish) "...let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love. This is the only way we'll know we're living truly, living in God's reality. It's also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves. "And friends, once that's taken care of and we're no longer accusing or condemning ourselves, we're bold and free before God! We're able to stretch our hands out and receive what we asked for because we're doing what he said, doing what pleases him."
This is the way I want to live, stretching my hands out toward God, listening to the Truth about me, no fear...just abandonment. This is how I see the men & women of the Bible living for God. It brought to my mind the song from The Story CD "when Love sees you". Have been majorly encouraged by that song the last few days.
Go MSG -- I love the part that says God is greater than our worried hearts! and I loved the word pic also of stretching our hands out to receive! Thank you God -- you are SO good to us!
Linda said: "What do you think about 2:26 The HOly Spirit lives within you, so you don't need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know. . . I can see people abusing this, saying that "The HOly Spirit showed me . . ." without any research into the word."
Father, I ask for my friends that you would fill them with your Holy Spirit. I ask that they wold become acquainted with Him, and know his conviction and His ability to teach them and guide them. Father I pray in Jesus name that they will follow wherever He leads. Amen
Anyway, I do appreciate that Israel gave people a chance to leave & spend time with their wives, etc if they hadn't yet instead of making all go into battle. I wonder how many left because they were afraid?
21:18-20 I wonder if any parents ever did this with their child. Seems like it would be hard, even if he was on their last nerve. I see parents put up with a lot of disrespect from their kids today. Usually though, it's been their own fault though since they didn't ever teach him respect or discipline.
22 starts out in a great contrast from things nowadays. God teaches us to looks out for each other. Man has twisted that to look out only for myself. And consequently, we're in the mess we're in today.
I don't see it being a happy marriage if a woman is forced to live with the man who raped her. It's a punishment. Just another instance of the woman having no rights back then. Just sad.
Thank you Sher for your prayers! I appreciate them! I want nothing more than to hear His voice more clearly every day and feel His presence surrounding me -- the journey and adventure of a lifetime!
I loved the first part of 20 -- gotta quote it, as it applies not only to the physical battles 2000+ years ago, but battles you and I fight today -- physical, emotional, spiritual -- He'll fight for us guys!!!
"Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today! Do not lose heart or panic or tremble before them (I've done that!) For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and He will give you VICTORY!"
Very cool that it wasn't the commanding general that was told to stand in front of the troops with the last word, but the priest!
My take on 20:5-9 is that God wanted them to go out boldly and fight -- if someone had something that was standing between them and the Lord's mission (home, occupation, family, self) then He didn't want their service (shades of Matthew 10:37) He wanted people moving out boldly in the assurance that He would fight for them.
21: 17 reminded me of Reuben/Jacob, 21:18-21 reminded me of Sampson - - except he wasn't sonted, 21:22-23 reminded me of Judas.
So 22:5 must be why very conservative Christian women don't wear pants? I wonder if it's talking about something more bold like cross dressing or gender swapping. But then -- you don't see very many people (other than the Jewish race) with 4 tassels on the hem of their coats (vs 12) so there must be either deeper issues or illustrations God is trying to communicate. (boy do I have a lot of questions today - sorry)
22:7 reminds me that God cares for the animals, also, that he wants to make sure we are provided for -- if we kill all the birds; no eggs!
What do you suppose the illustration is about in 22:9-11 -- it definitely has to do with not mixing unlike with like - - but we do it all the time, say in baking. Any clues?
It is hard for me to read about the inequalities of women in Deut. It makes me sad -- I don't think this was God's plan beacause of what Jesus said in Matt 19:8 -- God was trying to work with them in the hardness of their hearts.
I had to go back & read 21 where you said verses reminded you of different people. I had thought of those as well, except for Sampson. And yes, 22:5 is why they don't wear pants but nobody wore pants back then. They all wore dresses. There obviously was a distinction, like there is today in our culture. The designers do try to blur the line a lot it seems. I don't know about the mixing thing. But I know there are sects that hang on to it a lot.
So Nehemiah really had a burden for rebuilding the wall. Walls back then had a symbolical meaning - the city was legit. It was established, it was real. That's why the neighboring powers were so upset. It was something they'd have to recognize & deal with.
I think it's important to note that instead of mustering an army to attack, Nehemiah mustered them to prayer. It was a combo of faith/works that we read about Sunday I think or maybe it was Sabbath.
They had weapons, but they relied upon God to defend them. They were ready & at His command. I'm thinking that Nehemiah might have asked if they should attack or just be ready to defend. But that's just my supposition. They weren't intimidated.
Oh, just had a thought. Maybe it was so that they'd realize their hope & strength was in God & not in Nehemiah. Sounds like he was an inspiring leader, but you don't want to trust in people, what happens when they leave/die? God will never leave us.
Nehemiah 1:4---Nehemiah becomes deeply affected by the news that the walls of Jerusalem are torn down. He cares enough about the situation to do something about it. He could have ignored the problem, but he didn't. This issue goes inside of him.
He repents and asks for favor from God (vs 1:11) and then asks for favor from the king (vs 1:4). And after this, he's BOLD in his requests. Really Bold, I thought. He doesn't only ask for papers to travel, he asks for supplies, (timber to rebuild the wall) and asks for a home for himself while he does these repairs.
Nehemiah 4---When you're doing work that God has put into your heart---the enemy will always attack. In 4:4 Neh asks that the work of the enemies fall back upon their own heads. Love this and have used it many times. Nehs men were always on guard and and they carried their weapons with them at all times during this time of warfare. This is a good example for us when we're under attack from Satan. We need to stay alert and have all our Ephesians 6 armor on.
Well said Sher -- I concur on each idea you put out there -- really important to resist the devil and use our armore; and I thought the same thing about Nehemiah's BOLD request! it's one thing to write a letter -- quite another commitment to let someone chop down your forest:)
Nehemiah admitted the sins of his family -- he wasn't a finger pointer (1:6) and he had amazing leadership; no fear leadership that studied out a problem, and was patient to wait for the right move. It was 6 months from his prayer to when he made the kings request -- he waited for God's timing on this - - and once back in Jerusalem, he studied out the problem before launching into the rebuilding campaign.
I love the picture of all the different groups taking a piece of the wall -- not nearly so overwhelming - - breaking work down into manageable sections - another good sign of wise planning.
working on and carrying a sword - - being on guard for others. A real picture of our battle against Satan daily, and as Sher pointed out - keeping our armor on and ready. Also - praying for others while they are working:)
Also -- just another thought -- Nehemiah was another example of not putting your trust in men. Sanballet and Tobiah were trying to tear down the work with critisism and taunting - - Nehemiah kept pointing his team to God and didn't listen to them:)Centered; abandoned to His presence and power.
138 was my thanks to God as I read. Really am enjoying Psalms in MSG.
End of v8: "Finish what you started in me, God. Your love is eternal—don't quit on me now." I know He won't quit, it's not in His nature, but sometimes I put on Him what humans have done to me when they have just thrown me aside & walked away.
Then of course I love 139. And those first few verses (1-6) that again, just confirm that He doesn't leave me, forget about me or play games with me. He's still with me even when I let Him down. I really need to get that in my head more because I want to pass that spirit on to others in my life when they disappoint me.
Makes me think of 1Cor 13:4-7 Great attributes of our God: "Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't always "me first," Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the sins of others, Doesn't revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end."
Seems like being teachable is a reoccurring theme in our reading & v23,24 is no exception. Pleading for God to look at my life & root out the wrong, rip it out by the roots & then please guide me (no matter who else follows or agrees) to eternal life. And living the life He gives with gratitude, just makes it easier to follow Him & not stress about it.
Enjoyed your comments Chris -- and the great paraphrase of the MSG:)
137 -- this must be a prophecy, since Babylon captured Israel after David's time, right?
138 -- again the emphasis of the OT writers on God's unfailing love and faithfulness - - I need to keep that always before me, it calms me down when I'm feeling stressed.
vs 2: your promises are baked by all the honor of your name. I was thinking about how certain brands of "things" are trustworthy because they have a good reputation - a good name; how much MORE the God of the universe, and yet I fail to trust HIM sometimes! What's up with THAT?
vs 3: you encourage me by giving me strength. Sometimes God's answer is not to take the problem away, but to give us strength for the problem!
vs 6: God is GREAT! He cares for the humble and keeps His distance from the proud. Hmmmm - the world's ways are totally opposite! Why do humans have life soooo backwards! No wonder Jesus said, my kingdom is not of this world!
vs 8 The Lord will work out His plans for my life (thank you Lord -- help me to be listening, watching, and submissive!)
139:17 How precious are your thoughts about me! Wow -- the God of the universe has precious thoughts about me -- is that awesome or what? I don't deserve that; another picture of grace.
and yes Chris vs 24 point out anything (yes - that's ANYTHING) in me that offends you. and lead me - - teachability / abandonment
Ecc 11:1, 2 I've been thinking about a lot lately & then I read about it as well! It says to invest in charity. That tells me that it's well thought out & planned, not a last minute thing or impulsive to make one look good. I like the idea of investing in people, not necessarily things. It's risky, but you never know... And besides, God invested in charity when He gave us Jesus, He started the whole idea of investing in people.
v6 I like the idea of working & not being a clock watcher. Always bugs me when people stop in the right in middle of something to take their 10 o clock & 2 o clock breaks. And they are gathering their things to leave at 10 to 5. I always think they have a pretty boring job. I will say that it was easier to know the time when I had a desk job...which is another reason why I hated it.
v7,8 Oh yeah! "How sweet to live in the sunshine!" That's me! & "enjoy each light-filled hour" & boy do I!
v9-10 I like the encouragement to youth to follow their heart BUT be aware that you answer to God for everything. There are consequences to every decision we make. Some are good, some are bad & some are put off until later, but you definitely reap what you sow!
Solomon definitely was writing this in his older years as he's missing his youth. The first few vs in 12 show this for sure.
I was thinking of a spiritual application for v 7. Yes, it's true that the spirit or breath of life God gave goes back to Him but what about the Holy Spirit when people reject Him? I know a lot of people who consider themselves good people & Christians but they don't spend any time in His word, they don't seek to know God & want to know more about Him. Really sad. Those will be some of the ones to whom He says "I never knew you".
That also made me think about in Daniel where it says there will be a famine for the Word of God. We take the Bible for granted here & don't study it like we should. Soon our freedoms will be gone.
12:12,13 I can relate to. Constant studying wears you out! Professional students, never amounting to anything but debt.
Really enjoy the summing up verses of "Fear God, do what He tells you to". Putting the focus back where it should be. If He invested in me, why wouldn't I listen to someone who can see farther than I? Why wouldn't I be grateful for His commitment to me? Why wouldn't I believe Him & trust Him?
Ecc 1 & 2: my version, Chris, doesn't talk about investing in people -- does the MSG? But a really good idea! Mine just talks about dividing up your investments to minimize your risks.
I was looking at all the word pics of 11:3-4. I think the clouds part relates to planning; the tree falling relates to learning from disasters; the waiting relates to taking calculated risks.
And I liked vs 6, as it was talking about dividing up your time, as you don't know what will bring about success -- kind of a neat thought. Our time is no different than our money; it's a gift from God that we need to invest wisely!
How pleasant to see a new day! That's why I LOVE summer! When I wake up -- the day is happening! Right now - it's still dark; blah --- can't wait for SUMMER!
I concur with all the old age/youth thoughts you had Chris
12:11 The words of the wise are like cattle prods - painful, but helpful. AND, like a cattle prod - if you pay attention to those wise words you'll move forward:)
No it doesn't say invest in people. That's just my idea. It says to invest in charity. I hadn't thought about those word pics in v3,4 but I like your thoughts.
I really liked the 1st 5 verses of Malachi that called me to remember how God has loved me. How He has fought for me & defeated my enemies. I see that as essential to fighting what the rest of the chapter describes - the broken, useless worship of God.
If I am not constantly grateful for what He has done in me & for me, then I will bring Him 2nd hand time, effort & give $ only after I take what I want. I will only give grudgingly & drag it out, inside of rushing to give it to Him first. Basically, I become selfish & closed. Which means I then operate on a scared & guarded basis so then I live a very stunted life. Nothing like the bountiful, exciting life of adventure that He really longs to give me.
I thought of v 7, 8 what does it mean today to defile the altar? Back then it's where they came to confess their sins & make an offering to God. Today, I'm thinking it could be downplaying that I need to confess. The PC thing is to say we're all winners. No one is a bad person. But that blurs the black & white character of God into this boring gray complacency. We don't call sin sin, we don't want to offend, etc. Yes, there is a balance of doing it in love, but most of the time we don't do it at all. I need more thought time on this one. What do you all think?
v 12,13 we say worship is boring & does nothing for me. The problem is my heart if that's the case. We're only giving a half-hearted effort & we expect gold in exchange for a wilted leaf. Crazy!
2:16 Pretty strong statement about God hating divorce & how flippant we are with it.
I hear the end of v17 alot. "God's too nice & forgiving to judge..."
3:1-3 is good because we always talk about wanting Jesus to come, but could we handle it if He did right now? Just a reminder that we need to be hid in Christ, not just a pretense. No one wants to hear the words "I never knew you". Said to them. Saul was sincere, but he was wrong & if he hadn't been teachable, then he would have been lost. Pretty scary thought when you see how God used Him so mightily.
I've always wondered what people who believe that people are going to burn for ever & ever do with texts like 4:1-3. It says they'll be burned to a crisp & nothing left. v3 We'll walk on their ashes. Fire goes out when there's nothing to burn, which obviously has happened here if we're walking on them.
What a promise though for those who come through the time of trouble & see the Son rise with healing in His wings. It brings to mind backpacking in the mtns & shivering in the cool morning air & as the sun comes up over the top of the mtns & hits me, it warms me & I stop shivering & relax. It'll be even more healing when Jesus comes because we'll be made immortal & get new bodies! Can't wait!
Malachi 1:2 "I have always loved you" says the Lord. Doesn't that just wrap around you like a warm soft blanket?
Once again in 1:8 God reminds us that He is worthy of our very best.
2:5 "The purpose of my covenant with the Levites was to bring life and peace -- I see this as the reason for all God's laws. They are there to bring life and peace to us -- especially the BIG 10; you look at those, and they are just simply laws of love -- laws to bring God, us, and the people around us happiness, respect, peace and purpose:)
I also appreciated the clear call to staying committed in a healthy marriage; guard your heart, says it twice in 2:15,16
3:1 -- I'm thinking this is John the Baptist and I think we can connect this with 4:5,6 (see Matt 17:12)
3:10 -- God's blessings -- and that can come in many forms; crops, money, peace of mind - - but we will be content in His presence that I believe.
3:16 A scroll of remembrance was written -- anyone think this might be connected to Revelation 20:12??
4:2 -- This SO reminded me of the Hind's feet book Chris! Have you read it Sher? I have a copy I can loan you (or anyone else that's reading) -- it's really a great book: Hind's feet on High places.
The Epheseans (however you spell it) must have been really special people. They got 2 gifts of the Spirit, prophesying & speaking in different languages. Sounds like there was a lot of idolatry going on there so maybe that was why. Like we read back in Deut. I think, if someone prophesies & it doesn't come to pass you know they're a fake. And this was one way that the people could tell who was the Real God & which one was just stone/metal.
I'm glad God took care of the counterfeiters (sons of Sceva) & God was revered instead of Paul, the way it was starting out. (v11-12).
Satan always takes things to the extreme & starting at v23 it reminds me of the labor union here & EGT. How the labor union has taken it into their own hands instead of waiting for the courts to decide things. Got good people to do & act stupidly in a riot mentality. And the clerk told the people to act like intelligent beings & if they have an issue, there's a means to deal with it, but not in a riot. Good thing someone with sense was there. Need some people like that now.
20:22-24. Paul was compelled by the HS to go to Jerusalem & the HS let him know it wasn't going to be an easy road. Paul was one who could meet things head on. Definitely a choleric personality. He didn't care if it was hard, bring it on. He was solidly committed to Jesus. I like his steadfastness.
Paul spent 3 moths preaching at the synagogue - - then moved to the lecture hall. I'm thinking maybe this opened his words up more to the gentiles and broadened his audience.
I like it too, Chris that in vs 17 it says that the Lord Jesus was greatly honored. Paul was a safe person to trust with the message, he didn't seem to be tempted to claim the honor of victories for himself.
Demetrius shows his heart in the first sentence of his argument (vs 25) our wealth comes from this business. It's all about money -- but to make it an "acceptable" argument and stir up the emotions - he throws in his concerns about Artemis. Way to make a modern day practicality Chris with the labor union -- people are so quick to follow a riot (also the Wall Street gatherings)
The mayor seemed to know the reputation of Paul's men. A good reputation is a tough argument to beat . . .
Paul -- encouraging encouraging (20:2)
I can imagine it was tough leaving all the new little groups of believers that he worked, prayed, and hoped for - - but He entrusted them to God (vs 32) a good place to leave those we love!
I got the feeling that John was trying to blend old members with new members, there is such an emphasis on believers loving each other -- and then 2:12 - 14 goes back and forth from the mature in the faith to the young in the faith. I wonder what was going on in the church right then?
ReplyDeleteAnother theme I noticed was the relationship between faith and works. Salvation comes only from faith in Jesus Christ -- but that faith has fruit; notice 3:7 when people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous (the works are the evidence of what's going on in the heart), also 3:19 our actions will show that we belong to the truth.
Now obviously -- you can fake actions, but you can't fake what's going on in the heart. Maybe that's why trials help us along; that's where the rubber meets the road - - in the middle of a trial, it's pretty hard to fake faith and keep up the "good works front"
I love the thought that 2:1 we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. Now, the Father is not the one accusing us -- that's Satan. And it's good to hop over to 3:1 with See how very much our FATHER loves us, for HE calls us His children! It is a calming thing to know that the Father loves us deeply, calls us His children, and is the One making the final decision between Satan's accusations and Jesus mediating. (Sometimes the impression is thrown around that Jesus is on our side mediating, and the Father is the One Jesus is trying to convince that we're ok -- in other words, the Father is not on our side. BUT soak a bit in 3:1 - - the Father loves us, allowed His Son to die for us, that means a part of the Father died for us too!)
What do you think about 2:26 The HOly Spirit lives within you, so you don't need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know. . . I can see people abusing this, saying that "The HOly Spirit showed me . . ." without any research into the word.
The other part of this is, it seems that there is so much of the Bible that is focused on advice and teaching. Maybe it's saying that the Holy Spirit will guide you into the truth of the Bible if you are open to His convictions.
I really tried to enter into John joy that he wanted to share with the believers there. That he saw & touched the Son of God (1:1-4). He was so enraptured with the thought of God becoming flesh & dying for him he wanted others to be part of that same joy. This is what should motivate us to share with others as well
ReplyDeleteYeah Linda, I noticed the faith/works topic in MSG as well. Really liked the call to live deeply in Christ. Let Him live through us. Don't claim to know it all or be perfect. But I just saw the call in here to be the Berean again. Study it out for ourselves.
MSG put 2:26-27 as "Christ's anointing" that teaches us everything we need to know. And it encouraged them to remember what they were taught so they weren't tripped up with human words & opinions.
It made me think of Rev 2:1-7 with the call to remember my first love experience with Jesus. That openness to His Sword of Truth that cuts away errors, sins & gets right to our heart issue (Heb 4:12).
Jesus said we'd be made pure by His Word in His prayer in John 17:20. And with His promise of the HS guiding us into all Truth in the previous chapter that makes sense to me.
I had a lot more thoughts/experiences come to mind with this text but I want to comment on other things too.
I hadn't thought about the old believer/new believer frictions that might have been happening at the time though Linda, interesting thought. I was impressed with how often I saw the words in MSG to love deeply & live deeply in Christ. To be anchored to Him & the natural out flow would be loving each other & getting along. No hatred or dissension.
But then the advice or warning in 3:12-13 about Cain killing Abel & "So don't be surprised, friends, when the world hates you. This has been going on a long time."
So the end of 3 really caught my attention. Because I always had read 20, 21 to be your conscience convicting you, so of course you're not right with God. But then after hearing what Ptr Mike shared in a sermon one day it made me think of it differently & I've had several conversations with God about it.
MSG puts it in a similar vein: (v18-23ish)
"...let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love. This is the only way we'll know we're living truly, living in God's reality. It's also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves. "And friends, once that's taken care of and we're no longer accusing or condemning ourselves, we're bold and free before God! We're able to stretch our hands out and receive what we asked for because we're doing what he said, doing what pleases him."
This is the way I want to live, stretching my hands out toward God, listening to the Truth about me, no fear...just abandonment. This is how I see the men & women of the Bible living for God.
It brought to my mind the song from The Story CD "when Love sees you". Have been majorly encouraged by that song the last few days.
Go MSG -- I love the part that says God is greater than our worried hearts! and I loved the word pic also of stretching our hands out to receive! Thank you God -- you are SO good to us!
ReplyDeleteLinda said: "What do you think about 2:26 The HOly Spirit lives within you, so you don't need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know. . . I can see people abusing this, saying that "The HOly Spirit showed me . . ." without any research into the word."
ReplyDeleteFather, I ask for my friends that you would fill them with your Holy Spirit. I ask that they wold become acquainted with Him, and know his conviction and His ability to teach them and guide them. Father I pray in Jesus name that they will follow wherever He leads.
Amen
Somehow I'm always able to read on Mondays....
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I do appreciate that Israel gave people a chance to leave & spend time with their wives, etc if they hadn't yet instead of making all go into battle. I wonder how many left because they were afraid?
21:18-20 I wonder if any parents ever did this with their child. Seems like it would be hard, even if he was on their last nerve. I see parents put up with a lot of disrespect from their kids today. Usually though, it's been their own fault though since they didn't ever teach him respect or discipline.
22 starts out in a great contrast from things nowadays. God teaches us to looks out for each other. Man has twisted that to look out only for myself. And consequently, we're in the mess we're in today.
I don't see it being a happy marriage if a woman is forced to live with the man who raped her. It's a punishment. Just another instance of the woman having no rights back then. Just sad.
Thank you Sher for your prayers! I appreciate them! I want nothing more than to hear His voice more clearly every day and feel His presence surrounding me -- the journey and adventure of a lifetime!
ReplyDeleteI loved the first part of 20 -- gotta quote it, as it applies not only to the physical battles 2000+ years ago, but battles you and I fight today -- physical, emotional, spiritual -- He'll fight for us guys!!!
"Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today! Do not lose heart or panic or tremble before them (I've done that!) For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and He will give you VICTORY!"
Very cool that it wasn't the commanding general that was told to stand in front of the troops with the last word, but the priest!
My take on 20:5-9 is that God wanted them to go out boldly and fight -- if someone had something that was standing between them and the Lord's mission (home, occupation, family, self) then He didn't want their service (shades of Matthew 10:37) He wanted people moving out boldly in the assurance that He would fight for them.
21: 17 reminded me of Reuben/Jacob, 21:18-21 reminded me of Sampson - - except he wasn't sonted, 21:22-23 reminded me of Judas.
So 22:5 must be why very conservative Christian women don't wear pants? I wonder if it's talking about something more bold like cross dressing or gender swapping. But then -- you don't see very many people (other than the Jewish race) with 4 tassels on the hem of their coats (vs 12) so there must be either deeper issues or illustrations God is trying to communicate. (boy do I have a lot of questions today - sorry)
22:7 reminds me that God cares for the animals, also, that he wants to make sure we are provided for -- if we kill all the birds; no eggs!
What do you suppose the illustration is about in 22:9-11 -- it definitely has to do with not mixing unlike with like - - but we do it all the time, say in baking. Any clues?
It is hard for me to read about the inequalities of women in Deut. It makes me sad -- I don't think this was God's plan beacause of what Jesus said in Matt 19:8 -- God was trying to work with them in the hardness of their hearts.
I had to go back & read 21 where you said verses reminded you of different people. I had thought of those as well, except for Sampson. And yes, 22:5 is why they don't wear pants but nobody wore pants back then. They all wore dresses. There obviously was a distinction, like there is today in our culture. The designers do try to blur the line a lot it seems.
ReplyDeleteI don't know about the mixing thing. But I know there are sects that hang on to it a lot.
So Nehemiah really had a burden for rebuilding the wall. Walls back then had a symbolical meaning - the city was legit. It was established, it was real. That's why the neighboring powers were so upset. It was something they'd have to recognize & deal with.
I think it's important to note that instead of mustering an army to attack, Nehemiah mustered them to prayer. It was a combo of faith/works that we read about Sunday I think or maybe it was Sabbath.
They had weapons, but they relied upon God to defend them. They were ready & at His command. I'm thinking that Nehemiah might have asked if they should attack or just be ready to defend. But that's just my supposition. They weren't intimidated.
Oh, just had a thought. Maybe it was so that they'd realize their hope & strength was in God & not in Nehemiah. Sounds like he was an inspiring leader, but you don't want to trust in people, what happens when they leave/die? God will never leave us.
Nehemiah 1:4---Nehemiah becomes deeply affected by the news that the walls of Jerusalem are torn down. He cares enough about the situation to do something about it. He could have ignored the problem, but he didn't. This issue goes inside of him.
ReplyDeleteHe repents and asks for favor from God (vs 1:11) and then asks for favor from the king (vs 1:4). And after this, he's BOLD in his requests. Really Bold, I thought. He doesn't only ask for papers to travel, he asks for supplies, (timber to rebuild the wall) and asks for a home for himself while he does these repairs.
Nehemiah 4---When you're doing work that God has put into your heart---the enemy will always attack.
In 4:4 Neh asks that the work of the enemies fall back upon their own heads. Love this and have used it many times. Nehs men were always on guard and and they carried their weapons with them at all times during this time of warfare. This is a good example for us when we're under attack from Satan. We need to stay alert and have all our Ephesians 6 armor on.
Well said Sher -- I concur on each idea you put out there -- really important to resist the devil and use our armore; and I thought the same thing about Nehemiah's BOLD request! it's one thing to write a letter -- quite another commitment to let someone chop down your forest:)
ReplyDeleteNehemiah admitted the sins of his family -- he wasn't a finger pointer (1:6) and he had amazing leadership; no fear leadership that studied out a problem, and was patient to wait for the right move. It was 6 months from his prayer to when he made the kings request -- he waited for God's timing on this - - and once back in Jerusalem, he studied out the problem before launching into the rebuilding campaign.
I love the picture of all the different groups taking a piece of the wall -- not nearly so overwhelming - - breaking work down into manageable sections - another good sign of wise planning.
working on and carrying a sword - - being on guard for others. A real picture of our battle against Satan daily, and as Sher pointed out - keeping our armor on and ready. Also - praying for others while they are working:)
Also -- just another thought -- Nehemiah was another example of not putting your trust in men. Sanballet and Tobiah were trying to tear down the work with critisism and taunting - - Nehemiah kept pointing his team to God and didn't listen to them:)Centered; abandoned to His presence and power.
ReplyDelete138 was my thanks to God as I read. Really am enjoying Psalms in MSG.
ReplyDeleteEnd of v8: "Finish what you started in me, God.
Your love is eternal—don't quit on me now." I know He won't quit, it's not in His nature, but sometimes I put on Him what humans have done to me when they have just thrown me aside & walked away.
Then of course I love 139. And those first few verses (1-6) that again, just confirm that He doesn't leave me, forget about me or play games with me. He's still with me even when I let Him down. I really need to get that in my head more because I want to pass that spirit on to others in my life when they disappoint me.
Makes me think of 1Cor 13:4-7 Great attributes of our God:
"Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end."
Seems like being teachable is a reoccurring theme in our reading & v23,24 is no exception. Pleading for God to look at my life & root out the wrong, rip it out by the roots & then please guide me (no matter who else follows or agrees) to eternal life. And living the life He gives with gratitude, just makes it easier to follow Him & not stress about it.
Enjoyed your comments Chris -- and the great paraphrase of the MSG:)
ReplyDelete137 -- this must be a prophecy, since Babylon captured Israel after David's time, right?
138 -- again the emphasis of the OT writers on God's unfailing love and faithfulness - - I need to keep that always before me, it calms me down when I'm feeling stressed.
vs 2: your promises are baked by all the honor of your name. I was thinking about how certain brands of "things" are trustworthy because they have a good reputation - a good name; how much MORE the God of the universe, and yet I fail to trust HIM sometimes! What's up with THAT?
vs 3: you encourage me by giving me strength. Sometimes God's answer is not to take the problem away, but to give us strength for the problem!
vs 6: God is GREAT! He cares for the humble and keeps His distance from the proud. Hmmmm - the world's ways are totally opposite! Why do humans have life soooo backwards! No wonder Jesus said, my kingdom is not of this world!
vs 8 The Lord will work out His plans for my life (thank you Lord -- help me to be listening, watching, and submissive!)
139:17 How precious are your thoughts about me! Wow -- the God of the universe has precious thoughts about me -- is that awesome or what? I don't deserve that; another picture of grace.
and yes Chris vs 24 point out anything (yes - that's ANYTHING) in me that offends you. and lead me - - teachability / abandonment
Ecc 11:1, 2 I've been thinking about a lot lately & then I read about it as well! It says to invest in charity. That tells me that it's well thought out & planned, not a last minute thing or impulsive to make one look good. I like the idea of investing in people, not necessarily things. It's risky, but you never know... And besides, God invested in charity when He gave us Jesus, He started the whole idea of investing in people.
ReplyDeletev6 I like the idea of working & not being a clock watcher. Always bugs me when people stop in the right in middle of something to take their 10 o clock & 2 o clock breaks. And they are gathering their things to leave at 10 to 5. I always think they have a pretty boring job. I will say that it was easier to know the time when I had a desk job...which is another reason why I hated it.
v7,8 Oh yeah! "How sweet to live in the sunshine!" That's me! & "enjoy each light-filled hour" & boy do I!
v9-10 I like the encouragement to youth to follow their heart BUT be aware that you answer to God for everything. There are consequences to every decision we make. Some are good, some are bad & some are put off until later, but you definitely reap what you sow!
Solomon definitely was writing this in his older years as he's missing his youth. The first few vs in 12 show this for sure.
I was thinking of a spiritual application for v 7. Yes, it's true that the spirit or breath of life God gave goes back to Him but what about the Holy Spirit when people reject Him? I know a lot of people who consider themselves good people & Christians but they don't spend any time in His word, they don't seek to know God & want to know more about Him. Really sad. Those will be some of the ones to whom He says "I never knew you".
That also made me think about in Daniel where it says there will be a famine for the Word of God. We take the Bible for granted here & don't study it like we should. Soon our freedoms will be gone.
12:12,13 I can relate to. Constant studying wears you out! Professional students, never amounting to anything but debt.
Really enjoy the summing up verses of "Fear God, do what He tells you to". Putting the focus back where it should be. If He invested in me, why wouldn't I listen to someone who can see farther than I? Why wouldn't I be grateful for His commitment to me? Why wouldn't I believe Him & trust Him?
Ecc 1 & 2: my version, Chris, doesn't talk about investing in people -- does the MSG? But a really good idea! Mine just talks about dividing up your investments to minimize your risks.
ReplyDeleteI was looking at all the word pics of 11:3-4. I think the clouds part relates to planning; the tree falling relates to learning from disasters; the waiting relates to taking calculated risks.
And I liked vs 6, as it was talking about dividing up your time, as you don't know what will bring about success -- kind of a neat thought. Our time is no different than our money; it's a gift from God that we need to invest wisely!
How pleasant to see a new day! That's why I LOVE summer! When I wake up -- the day is happening! Right now - it's still dark; blah --- can't wait for SUMMER!
I concur with all the old age/youth thoughts you had Chris
12:11 The words of the wise are like cattle prods - painful, but helpful. AND, like a cattle prod - if you pay attention to those wise words you'll move forward:)
No it doesn't say invest in people. That's just my idea. It says to invest in charity. I hadn't thought about those word pics in v3,4 but I like your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the 1st 5 verses of Malachi that called me to remember how God has loved me. How He has fought for me & defeated my enemies. I see that as essential to fighting what the rest of the chapter describes - the broken, useless worship of God.
ReplyDeleteIf I am not constantly grateful for what He has done in me & for me, then I will bring Him 2nd hand time, effort & give $ only after I take what I want. I will only give grudgingly & drag it out, inside of rushing to give it to Him first. Basically, I become selfish & closed. Which means I then operate on a scared & guarded basis so then I live a very stunted life. Nothing like the bountiful, exciting life of adventure that He really longs to give me.
I thought of v 7, 8 what does it mean today to defile the altar? Back then it's where they came to confess their sins & make an offering to God. Today, I'm thinking it could be downplaying that I need to confess. The PC thing is to say we're all winners. No one is a bad person. But that blurs the black & white character of God into this boring gray complacency. We don't call sin sin, we don't want to offend, etc. Yes, there is a balance of doing it in love, but most of the time we don't do it at all. I need more thought time on this one. What do you all think?
v 12,13 we say worship is boring & does nothing for me. The problem is my heart if that's the case. We're only giving a half-hearted effort & we expect gold in exchange for a wilted leaf. Crazy!
2:16 Pretty strong statement about God hating divorce & how flippant we are with it.
I hear the end of v17 alot. "God's too nice & forgiving to judge..."
3:1-3 is good because we always talk about wanting Jesus to come, but could we handle it if He did right now? Just a reminder that we need to be hid in Christ, not just a pretense. No one wants to hear the words "I never knew you". Said to them. Saul was sincere, but he was wrong & if he hadn't been teachable, then he would have been lost. Pretty scary thought when you see how God used Him so mightily.
I've always wondered what people who believe that people are going to burn for ever & ever do with texts like 4:1-3. It says they'll be burned to a crisp & nothing left. v3 We'll walk on their ashes. Fire goes out when there's nothing to burn, which obviously has happened here if we're walking on them.
What a promise though for those who come through the time of trouble & see the Son rise with healing in His wings. It brings to mind backpacking in the mtns & shivering in the cool morning air & as the sun comes up over the top of the mtns & hits me, it warms me & I stop shivering & relax. It'll be even more healing when Jesus comes because we'll be made immortal & get new bodies! Can't wait!
Malachi 1:2 "I have always loved you" says the Lord. Doesn't that just wrap around you like a warm soft blanket?
ReplyDeleteOnce again in 1:8 God reminds us that He is worthy of our very best.
2:5 "The purpose of my covenant with the Levites was to bring life and peace -- I see this as the reason for all God's laws. They are there to bring life and peace to us -- especially the BIG 10; you look at those, and they are just simply laws of love -- laws to bring God, us, and the people around us happiness, respect, peace and purpose:)
I also appreciated the clear call to staying committed in a healthy marriage; guard your heart, says it twice in 2:15,16
3:1 -- I'm thinking this is John the Baptist and I think we can connect this with 4:5,6 (see Matt 17:12)
3:10 -- God's blessings -- and that can come in many forms; crops, money, peace of mind - - but we will be content in His presence that I believe.
3:16 A scroll of remembrance was written -- anyone think this might be connected to Revelation 20:12??
4:2 -- This SO reminded me of the Hind's feet book Chris! Have you read it Sher? I have a copy I can loan you (or anyone else that's reading) -- it's really a great book: Hind's feet on High places.
The Epheseans (however you spell it) must have been really special people. They got 2 gifts of the Spirit, prophesying & speaking in different languages. Sounds like there was a lot of idolatry going on there so maybe that was why. Like we read back in Deut. I think, if someone prophesies & it doesn't come to pass you know they're a fake. And this was one way that the people could tell who was the Real God & which one was just stone/metal.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad God took care of the counterfeiters (sons of Sceva) & God was revered instead of Paul, the way it was starting out. (v11-12).
Satan always takes things to the extreme & starting at v23 it reminds me of the labor union here & EGT. How the labor union has taken it into their own hands instead of waiting for the courts to decide things. Got good people to do & act stupidly in a riot mentality. And the clerk told the people to act like intelligent beings & if they have an issue, there's a means to deal with it, but not in a riot. Good thing someone with sense was there. Need some people like that now.
20:22-24. Paul was compelled by the HS to go to Jerusalem & the HS let him know it wasn't going to be an easy road. Paul was one who could meet things head on. Definitely a choleric personality. He didn't care if it was hard, bring it on. He was solidly committed to Jesus. I like his steadfastness.
Paul spent 3 moths preaching at the synagogue - - then moved to the lecture hall. I'm thinking maybe this opened his words up more to the gentiles and broadened his audience.
ReplyDeleteI like it too, Chris that in vs 17 it says that the Lord Jesus was greatly honored. Paul was a safe person to trust with the message, he didn't seem to be tempted to claim the honor of victories for himself.
Demetrius shows his heart in the first sentence of his argument (vs 25) our wealth comes from this business. It's all about money -- but to make it an "acceptable" argument and stir up the emotions - he throws in his concerns about Artemis. Way to make a modern day practicality Chris with the labor union -- people are so quick to follow a riot (also the Wall Street gatherings)
The mayor seemed to know the reputation of Paul's men. A good reputation is a tough argument to beat . . .
Paul -- encouraging encouraging (20:2)
I can imagine it was tough leaving all the new little groups of believers that he worked, prayed, and hoped for - - but He entrusted them to God (vs 32) a good place to leave those we love!