Peter views himself as a slave (total abandonment, I'll do whatever He asks) and an apostle (one who has been sent, has a mission) of Jesus Christ. No wonder God loved working with this man -- he's all in!
1:3-7 reminds me of Pastor Mike's sermon. We are saved by believing in Jesus - faith; but in response to that faith (1:5) we have new and changed lives. It's a beautiful pattern of faith & works. Saved by one - responding into the other.
Peter never forgets that day on the mountain when God revealed himself to 3 humble fishermen! I bet the shepherds never forgot their night in the field either! When God shows up in his majestic splendor (vs 16) it's gotta be amazing and humbling.
1:20 - 2:1 False prophets, true prophets. How does their counsel hold up to God's word? Do they direct the glory to God, or to themselves?
I compared 2:11 with James 2:19.
REally good thought, Peter; (2:19) you are a slave to whatever controls you. That can be a hobby, a person, a substance, money -- whatever we can't let go of - - is the master.
3:1 uses this phrase: wholesome thinking - - that's 2 words I don't often hear together.
Sounds like it isn't just in our day that people wonder when this world will end. But Peter makes it clear that God is waiting to give people time to be saved (3:15) It's His love that controls when He acts.
Chapter 3:7-13 seems clear that the earth will be destroyed by fire, and that ungodly people will be destroyed (not burn forever - but destroyed or consumed) (Rev 14:10-11 paints a different picture, but I think Rev is talking about a symbolic torture of being forever separated from the Life-giver) That picture fits with other Bible views of death (Job 14:10-12, Ecc 9:5-6, Ps. 115:17) and with the picture of a loving God that takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:32)
Love the ending 3:18 encouraging us to grow in both grace and knowledge. I think that is growing in the understanding of how much He has done for us (a gift that is hard to comprehend) and also the grace we extend to others. and knowledge - - the Christian walk is uphill, not downhill -- we learn from studying, from tough times, from mentors, and most of all - from listening to Him! But by struggling uphill -- we make it to the top:)
I was really tempted to read 2 Peter today instead of Deut, especially after reading your comments Linda. I have to find time to do that. Had a rude interruption this a.m. that's cutting my time short this a.m. But I did read Deut. Skimmed part of it.
What I found interesting was how God had them remember where they came from, tried to keep it fresh in their minds. Also remembering His powerful deliverance. I think I've said this before, but it's good for us to share our testimonies with each other. Even though we may have heard them many times. It keeps us humble to remember where God has brought us from & reminds us (me) that I haven't arrived. I still have a lot of rough edges & He's still got a LOT of work to do with/in me.
How they were told to get rid of evil points me to how God will finally end it all one day & purge the earth from all the sin & corruption & death!
I didn't realize the kings were supposed to write the Mosiac law down & study it when they became king. Obviously, this wasn't done. Wonder if things would have been different.I think of Josiah (?) rediscovering the scrolls & having them read.
Also makes me think of the importance of having the Bible to read. The last 3 days I haven't had a chance to read the Bible & I feel like it's been an eternity! Reminds me of the verse in Daniel I think it is where there is a famine in the land for the Bible & people are searching all over for it, but it's too late. Fortunately, it's not too late for me...but yuck, what a scarey thought. I feel very outta whack & don't like it!
I was trying to understand God's thinking (hee hee! as if I could understand what GOD is thinking!) with the 3 festivals. I wonder if the Passover was to remind them of deliverance and dependance - - and speaking of dependance, he wanted them to CELEBRATE with great joy HIS ability to provide food (Festival of Harvest) and shelter (Festival of Shelters). and then -- applying that, it stretches to me, remembering His death & resurrection (deliverance from sin) and His ability to provide all my needs if I trust Him:)
I found it interesting that it kept saying in chpt 16 Don't sacrifice in just any of the towns -- but the place the Lord your God chooses for His name to be honored. I know I hear all the time that it doesn't matter what day we worship on (referring to Sunday) - - but apparently there are some areas of worship where it does matter to God, and it sure seems to me that God chose the 7th day as His day of worship; it even refers to it in this chapter 16:8
16:17 All must give as they are able, according to the blessings given to them by the Lord your God. I like this! The amount doesn't matter; but the heart matters - - as you are able, as He blesses you! I remember when we were building the church -- that was the text we patterned giving to the project after - - it made us WANT to give!
Yeah Chris - I thought that was interesting about the King/Copy of instructions too! There were a lot of stuff the King needed to remember (such as 18:9-14) makes it easy to see why God couldn't work with so many of the OT kings.
18:21 -- another test of a prophet 1) do they align with scripture and 2) do their predictions come true!!
19:8-10 God doesn't mind giving us more (enlarging our territory) if He can trust us to obey his commands and put Him first. I know that idea doesn't guarenttee insta-enlargement, and if we're concerned about this get-rich-quick plan, then our hearts are really not in the right place, our motives are a screwed up. BUT -- if we love and trust Him - and leave our lives in HIs hands, and He does enlarge what we have -- I don't think it should come as a big surprise, but all gratitude goes to HIM in that case; and the blessings need to be used generously and wisely.
I was thinking that the priests (during Jesus trial) must have known about Deut 19:18 - - it's a wonder they didn't think twice, or someone didn't bring up the warning. It's amazing how blind jealousy and hatred can make us humans.
I think it's pretty cool how God impressed a foreign king, kings actually, to set His people free & GIVE them everything they'd need to go & worship Him. Even to the point of taking funds/people, etc out of their own kingdom. That goes along with Luke where Jesus says that anything is possible WITH Him. Gives me a lot of encouragement. God is not controlled by circumstances.
And it's funny how Darius ordered Tattanei & the people who had tried to stop the exiles from building to help them & give them anything they needed. That must have been hard for them to eat crow like that. Though it doesn't really say the attitude that they had prior to getting this letter. It's just the fact that they tried to stop them, thought they were doing the king a favor, but then were directed to do just the opposite.
If I read correctly, it took 4 months for Ezra to get there. Pretty long journey. Wonder if that included the fasting they did before hand. I would have been eager to get on the road. I usually don't have a lot of patience when I'm about to make a trip. I just want to get it over with & get to my destination. Need to work on that. I'm sure I miss things & people along the way.
Didn't take long before the people did what they wanted by intermarrying instead of listening to God. It's really easy for us to make God's black & white Truth gray. I like Ezra's reaction. It showed the people how bad it was & affected a change in their hearts as well. Good leadership.
Chris---I can relate about wanting to get to your destination quickly. I've very task oriented also and I focus on the job ahead of me and forget about everything else.
This was a section that really spoke to me. It's because of all the king's decrees and the genealogy and God's people marrying the heathen (someone of a different faith who worships a different god) and having children with them.
Pretty impressive how King Darius took very seriously the power of the Israelite God -- searching for truth, making the decree -- sacrificing his own wealth to make it happen. As you say Chris, God has many ways to work in an impossible situation - thnx for that reminder.
7:10 God blessed Ezra for his determination to study and obey his laws -- and also to help others understand (I wonder if he had studied with King Darius - - it seemed that Darius wanted others to know about God's laws and power 7:25)
I like the thought of Ezra turning to God for protection in his travels 8:21 (and with all the riches he traveled with - no wonder he was nervous) but a good reminder to put our day in His hands, whether traveling or staying at home.
I know it was not the wise thing to do to marry the pagan wives -- and this is not the first time this had happened. For instance - Abraham and Hagar - - what happened to those wives, were they sent back, and since they had been married once, where they outcasts in their home town. How do we apply this today do you think? It doesn't seem to fit with Paul's counsel of Christian women to unbelieving husbands: In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over - - tough stuff; mixed marriages - - different priorities; but then, God can work in the impossible!!
How is your trusting heart today ladies? Is it resting or ranting? Just thought I'd ask you since I asked myself that question. I had to take a moment & place myself back in His care, His control.
Good Psalms for that as well. They all make me remember His care for me & I put my name in 135:4 to make it personal.
After reading & getting it pounded into my head that His love never quits, how can I let mine quit? How can I not trust Him to do miracles? It wasn't just in OT times that He worked in such powerful ways. It's my limited trust & abandonment to Him that keeps them from happening today.
I trust You Jesus, I choose Your Presence & Your Peace today. No matter who or what You allow into my path because Your love never quits.
Thank you Chris for those two words: resting or ranting -- I wrote them down in my Bible - - - it's a daily choice of His presence and peace (I love alliterations!)
I found it awesome that we could soak in David's gratitude this morning - the day before we give thanks as a nation. I said 136:1-9, 23-26 out loud -- trying to picture what it would have been like for David the leader/king saying the first part of the verse, and all of Israel responding together with "His faithful love endures forever!" I wish I could have really heard it! Now I need to remember it minute by minute.
Happy Thanksgiving my friends! I feel blessed to have journeyed through the Bible with you this year!!
Ecc 9:5,6,10 doesn't make it sound as if people go to heaven when they die. I know most Christians believe that -- what do they do with Solomon's words here?
I appreciate the fact in 9:7 that God approves of us enjoying life - - sometimes that doesn't come through in Christian thought; it's more about tuffin' it out -- grit your teeth and be good.
10:18 Laziness leads to all kinds of problems. People don't want to work with a lazy person.
And I always thought it was interesting that the saying "a little bird told me" is right out of the Bible!!
You know, I haven't met a person who, when they studied it out, afterwards believe that people go to heaven when they die. The Bible is pretty clear as one of my non Adventist friends say. But, you have to study the truth for yourself & not many people are willing to do that. Change is hard. But the Truth doesn't change.
I like how it says in v.10 "For there's neither work to do nor thoughts to think In the company of the dead, where you're most certainly headed." Pretty obvious there too.
And yes Linda, God wanting us to enjoy life is something I've picked up in Solomon's words here as well. I think that comes also from a grateful, resting, trusting heart. Stress comes, when I try to make my plans happen instead of waiting for God & seeing what He'll do.
A lot of word pics for lazy people vs industrious (read balanced though) people.
10:4 "If a ruler loses his temper against you, don't panic; A calm disposition quiets intemperate rage." I need to remember this with people & or bosses. :)
Chris said: "You know, I haven't met a person who, when they studied it out, afterwards believe that people go to heaven when they die."
There is so much I could say about this soul sleep thing that belongs to 7th Day Adventists. There are so many other scriptures that refute this belief.... Ecclesiastes 12:7, Luke 23:46, Mt 27:50 just for starters.
WE must always interpret the Old Testament by the New Testament, since the New is the fulfillment and culmination of the Old.
When a person is set in their ideas and looks in the Bible to support those ideas they can usually find what they are looking for. Hallelujah Linda---you are one of the few people who is an exception to this rule. (probably because you are a teacher)
I come up against GROUP THINK constantly in the 7th Day group of people.
Janis, Irving L. (1972). Victims of Groupthink. New York: Houghton Mifflin.
Janis, Irving L. (1982). Groupthink: Psychological Studies of Policy Decisions and Fiascoes. Second Edition. New York: Houghton Mifflin.
Symptoms of Groupthink
Janis has documented eight symptoms of groupthink:
"1) Illusion of invulnerability 2)–Creates excessive optimism that encourages taking extreme risks. 3) Collective rationalization – Members discount warnings and do not reconsider their assumptions. 4) Belief in inherent morality – Members believe in the rightness of their cause and therefore ignore the ethical or moral consequences of their decisions. 5) Stereotyped views of out-groups – Negative views of “enemy” make effective responses to conflict seem unnecessary. 6) Direct pressure on dissenters – Members are under pressure not to express arguments against any of the group’s views. 7) Self-censorship – Doubts and deviations from the perceived group consensus are not expressed. 8) Illusion of unanimity – The majority view and judgments are assumed to be unanimous. 9) Self-appointed ‘mindguards’ – Members protect the group and the leader from information that is problematic or contradictory to the group’s cohesiveness, view, and/or decisions.
When the above symptoms exist in a group that is trying to make a decision, there is a reasonable chance that groupthink will happen, When pressures for unanimity seem overwhelming, members are less motivated to realistically appraise the alternative courses of action available to them."
Hee hee! O Sher, you are tooooo kind; I'm as set in my ways as the next person - - but I DO believe that we can find the answers in the Bible -- it's a matter of honestly sorting it out, letting the Bible speak.
But I gotta admit, I don't understand the interpret the OT by the NT; are you sayint the NT supercedes the OT? -- to me, they fit hand in glove, we need them both to get the full picture of God. The OT is all Jesus had to go on when He lived here on earth, so I think the each one compliments the other.
As for death, to me - what I believe is clear, Biblical, simple, and gives me a view of a loving God. But - everyone needs to be convinced in their own mind -- and it's not my job to convince anyone, only to study it out for myself. It IS fun though - to compare the different views, & how they came about - - I think that makes God happy, that we're willing to take the time and energy to look at everything.
A huge part of the confusion that happens with the the word spirit -- is that it can be translated 2 different ways: in Greek, Spirit can be translated as pnuma (breath) or Psykhe (soul). Based on the Bible as a whole, it makes sense to me that the pnuma (breath) is what returns back to God; but most people choose the other translation.
Sorry I didn't get back to you yesterday Sherrie, I'm out of town so wasn't on the internet yesterday.
I've shared with you before many times that when I gave my heart to God I did what Paul did & didn't confer with man about what I was going to to believe (Gal 1:17, 18) I just took a Bible & Concordance & studied things out that way. I didn't want to be swayed by human opinion, I just was taught by the Holy Spirit.
The text you mentioned above were ones that confused me for a while because in other places, like Ecc 9:5,6 & the verses I commented on above, John 11:11-15, & so many others, indicate that death is like a sleep & one doesn't know anything anymore. And why didn't Lazarus, the Nain widow's son, the little girl Jesus raise, etc have any "after death" stories or stories about heaven when they were resurrected?
Why did Jesus tell Mary in John 20:17 that He hadn't gone up to heaven to His Father if He told the thief he'd be with Him today in paradise? Which one was He lying to?
The key is comparing the Bible against the Bible, not man's opinion or throwing out things because I don't like them.
I went back to where life began & found this gem: Gen 2:7 dirt + breath of life from God = living being/soul (depending on your version). That made all the difference in the world when I read that & then the texts you mentioned about made perfect sense & Jesus wasn't lying (which is impossible anyway).
In Ecc the spirit goes back to God who gave it. What did He give when He created life? The breath of life. Who we are, our soul is a combo of the breath of life & dirt. Ps 104:29 confirms this as well.
So it's there, but I agree with Linda, I'm not the Holy Spirit & I'm not trying to convince you what you should believe, that's not my job, nor do I want it. I don't want to debate it or argue, but I like that we can share our beliefs & then go back & study things out when different things are presented. I don't think one can spend too much time in God's Word.
Oh, & a couple weeks ago Linda posted a really good reply & Biblical explanation to this as well. I don't know if you were able to read it but there's some more texts for you to study.
I copied/pasted it as the next post for you so you don't have to search for it.
Now maybe I'll get to read today's reading & comment on it or I might have to wait til I get home later. But have a great Sabbath everyone!
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:)
2 posts in 1 (since I didn't post yesterday) Post 1 -- Zachariah 8-14
8:6,9 all this may seem impossible to you now . . . but is it too hard for me? (the answer there is NO) Be strong and finish the task! (Now the trick is -- what is the task that God sets before me?)
8:20 -- God's message is for all. The only reason he singled out the Jewish nation as "His people" was to draw other nations to HIM! They were not to be exclusive, but inclusive -- an example, and a living invitation.
9:9 -- a reference to Jesus. I wonder how Jesus realized this was talking about Himself when He read Zechariah. I'm guessing the Holy Spirit let Him know, as one of the jobs of the HOly Spirit is to guide us into truth (John 16:13) Other references were 11:12, 12:10, 13:7
Hey! Don't you like 9:12 "I will repay two blessing for each of your troubles!"
10:4 -- I like the illustrations of Jesus with the cornerstone, the tent peg, the bow -- without any of the elements, all our best efforts are useless.
I see 12:10 and 13:1 as referring to the Acts 2 church, I believe that we too can enjoy those blessings - but I think that when Peter preached to the people in Acts 2 -- the DID mourn that they had acted so foolishly. Yet -- God openes up a fountain and cleansed them:)
OK -- there's more I could say -- but on to post 2 -- Acts 15,16
Paul, in chpt 17 used scripture to reason with people. I think Scriptures are key. Jesus used them against Satan, He used them while alive on the earth, but also after HIs resurrection (Emmaus) and Paul uses them as he debates.
BUT - Satan blocks the trail of success with one little word, and one big emotion: Jealousy -- still used today wherever God's work succeeds.
Dontcha live the people of Berea? 17:10 they were open-minded, they listened, they searched, they believed!
17:30 talks about Jesus judging the world with justice -- I am glad I serve a God that can't be swayed with bribes or favorites -- He will be just to all. I believe that He is extending mercy now - - up until that day "He has set a day for judging" - - at that point, judgement will happen, and choices of people when then have their consequences (like in Noah's day).
Paul showed a mini mercy/justice moment in 18:6.
Wouldn't it be AWESOME to hear the voice of God 18:9 giving such clear direction! I feel God's presence and I have impressions sometimes, but I have not heard an audible voice -- maybe someday!
Apollos 18:24 on - - was teachable, open, willing to study and think it through -- THAT is the sign of someone God can use! and he WAS used:)
I missed the whole book of Zechariah, the last 2 Fridays have been whirlwinds & no quiet time so I'll have to read it on a rainy Sabbath afternoon I guess.
I loved reading Acts though today. MSG hit the nail on the head in 17:7 when the people said that Paul/Silas were "...attacking everything we hold dear!" And a riot was started. Pride is such a big thing with us. But what a contrast with the Bereans, as you pointed out Linda, they hit the Scriptures to see if it was true or not. I just love that reminder to go back to the Bible, pray & seek the HS guidance. So important. What a difference it made in them too.
Truth is never popular as history has shown. Jesus had to deal with a lot of ridicule so we shouldn't be surprised when we are made fun of as well. The Gospel is really basic & simple. It has to be, so that a child can understand it.
For some reason though, that offends some adults who like the intellectuals in Athens, who try to over complicate it with big words & human reasoning. They talk in circles & can't handle the simple truths that Paul is telling them. It has to be more than that! So unfortunately, it is rejected. (17:32-34) But Paul is a simple seed planter. That is encouraging to me.
Yes Linda, I really like the encouragement Jesus gave to Paul. Directly telling him what he was to do. I noticed in there though that it didn't say it would be a cake walk. People would still verbally make fun of him.
I also noticed in the next few verses that when it did start to get rough, Paul didn't take it personally, he just wanted to share Jesus, it wasn't about him. That is really key. He just moved on. It doesn't record if he questioned God or whined (hard for me to imagine Paul whining though). He just took it that it was time to go elsewhere.
I need to remember that. And Jesus was even Paul's Defender! Paul didn't have to say a word! v 14-16. God has so many ways to work with us & in our behalf. I limit Him so much in my mind. I'm glad He hasn't stopped blowing my mind with His miracles!
Peter views himself as a slave (total abandonment, I'll do whatever He asks) and an apostle (one who has been sent, has a mission) of Jesus Christ. No wonder God loved working with this man -- he's all in!
ReplyDelete1:3-7 reminds me of Pastor Mike's sermon. We are saved by believing in Jesus - faith; but in response to that faith (1:5) we have new and changed lives. It's a beautiful pattern of faith & works. Saved by one - responding into the other.
Peter never forgets that day on the mountain when God revealed himself to 3 humble fishermen! I bet the shepherds never forgot their night in the field either! When God shows up in his majestic splendor (vs 16) it's gotta be amazing and humbling.
1:20 - 2:1 False prophets, true prophets. How does their counsel hold up to God's word? Do they direct the glory to God, or to themselves?
I compared 2:11 with James 2:19.
REally good thought, Peter; (2:19) you are a slave to whatever controls you. That can be a hobby, a person, a substance, money -- whatever we can't let go of - - is the master.
3:1 uses this phrase: wholesome thinking - - that's 2 words I don't often hear together.
Sounds like it isn't just in our day that people wonder when this world will end. But Peter makes it clear that God is waiting to give people time to be saved (3:15) It's His love that controls when He acts.
Chapter 3:7-13 seems clear that the earth will be destroyed by fire, and that ungodly people will be destroyed (not burn forever - but destroyed or consumed) (Rev 14:10-11 paints a different picture, but I think Rev is talking about a symbolic torture of being forever separated from the Life-giver) That picture fits with other Bible views of death (Job 14:10-12, Ecc 9:5-6, Ps. 115:17) and with the picture of a loving God that takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:32)
Love the ending 3:18 encouraging us to grow in both grace and knowledge. I think that is growing in the understanding of how much He has done for us (a gift that is hard to comprehend) and also the grace we extend to others. and knowledge - - the Christian walk is uphill, not downhill -- we learn from studying, from tough times, from mentors, and most of all - from listening to Him! But by struggling uphill -- we make it to the top:)
I was really tempted to read 2 Peter today instead of Deut, especially after reading your comments Linda. I have to find time to do that. Had a rude interruption this a.m. that's cutting my time short this a.m. But I did read Deut. Skimmed part of it.
ReplyDeleteWhat I found interesting was how God had them remember where they came from, tried to keep it fresh in their minds. Also remembering His powerful deliverance. I think I've said this before, but it's good for us to share our testimonies with each other. Even though we may have heard them many times. It keeps us humble to remember where God has brought us from & reminds us (me) that I haven't arrived. I still have a lot of rough edges & He's still got a LOT of work to do with/in me.
How they were told to get rid of evil points me to how God will finally end it all one day & purge the earth from all the sin & corruption & death!
I didn't realize the kings were supposed to write the Mosiac law down & study it when they became king. Obviously, this wasn't done. Wonder if things would have been different.I think of Josiah (?) rediscovering the scrolls & having them read.
Also makes me think of the importance of having the Bible to read. The last 3 days I haven't had a chance to read the Bible & I feel like it's been an eternity! Reminds me of the verse in Daniel I think it is where there is a famine in the land for the Bible & people are searching all over for it, but it's too late. Fortunately, it's not too late for me...but yuck, what a scarey thought. I feel very outta whack & don't like it!
I was trying to understand God's thinking (hee hee! as if I could understand what GOD is thinking!) with the 3 festivals. I wonder if the Passover was to remind them of deliverance and dependance - - and speaking of dependance, he wanted them to CELEBRATE with great joy HIS ability to provide food (Festival of Harvest) and shelter (Festival of Shelters). and then -- applying that, it stretches to me, remembering His death & resurrection (deliverance from sin) and His ability to provide all my needs if I trust Him:)
ReplyDeleteI found it interesting that it kept saying in chpt 16 Don't sacrifice in just any of the towns -- but the place the Lord your God chooses for His name to be honored. I know I hear all the time that it doesn't matter what day we worship on (referring to Sunday) - - but apparently there are some areas of worship where it does matter to God, and it sure seems to me that God chose the 7th day as His day of worship; it even refers to it in this chapter 16:8
16:17 All must give as they are able, according to the blessings given to them by the Lord your God. I like this! The amount doesn't matter; but the heart matters - - as you are able, as He blesses you! I remember when we were building the church -- that was the text we patterned giving to the project after - - it made us WANT to give!
Yeah Chris - I thought that was interesting about the King/Copy of instructions too! There were a lot of stuff the King needed to remember (such as 18:9-14) makes it easy to see why God couldn't work with so many of the OT kings.
18:21 -- another test of a prophet 1) do they align with scripture and 2) do their predictions come true!!
19:8-10 God doesn't mind giving us more (enlarging our territory) if He can trust us to obey his commands and put Him first. I know that idea doesn't guarenttee insta-enlargement, and if we're concerned about this get-rich-quick plan, then our hearts are really not in the right place, our motives are a screwed up. BUT -- if we love and trust Him - and leave our lives in HIs hands, and He does enlarge what we have -- I don't think it should come as a big surprise, but all gratitude goes to HIM in that case; and the blessings need to be used generously and wisely.
I was thinking that the priests (during Jesus trial) must have known about Deut 19:18 - - it's a wonder they didn't think twice, or someone didn't bring up the warning. It's amazing how blind jealousy and hatred can make us humans.
I think it's pretty cool how God impressed a foreign king, kings actually, to set His people free & GIVE them everything they'd need to go & worship Him. Even to the point of taking funds/people, etc out of their own kingdom. That goes along with Luke where Jesus says that anything is possible WITH Him. Gives me a lot of encouragement. God is not controlled by circumstances.
ReplyDeleteAnd it's funny how Darius ordered Tattanei & the people who had tried to stop the exiles from building to help them & give them anything they needed. That must have been hard for them to eat crow like that. Though it doesn't really say the attitude that they had prior to getting this letter. It's just the fact that they tried to stop them, thought they were doing the king a favor, but then were directed to do just the opposite.
If I read correctly, it took 4 months for Ezra to get there. Pretty long journey. Wonder if that included the fasting they did before hand. I would have been eager to get on the road. I usually don't have a lot of patience when I'm about to make a trip. I just want to get it over with & get to my destination. Need to work on that. I'm sure I miss things & people along the way.
Didn't take long before the people did what they wanted by intermarrying instead of listening to God. It's really easy for us to make God's black & white Truth gray. I like Ezra's reaction. It showed the people how bad it was & affected a change in their hearts as well. Good leadership.
Chris---I can relate about wanting to get to your destination quickly. I've very task oriented also and I focus on the job ahead of me and forget about everything else.
ReplyDeleteThis was a section that really spoke to me. It's because of all the king's decrees and the genealogy and God's people marrying the heathen (someone of a different faith who worships a different god) and having children with them.
First the decrees of the king--
Sorry---I tried to save the commentary above --not post it.
ReplyDeleteA decree is a statement or order than cannot be opposed.
Pretty impressive how King Darius took very seriously the power of the Israelite God -- searching for truth, making the decree -- sacrificing his own wealth to make it happen. As you say Chris, God has many ways to work in an impossible situation - thnx for that reminder.
ReplyDelete7:10 God blessed Ezra for his determination to study and obey his laws -- and also to help others understand (I wonder if he had studied with King Darius - - it seemed that Darius wanted others to know about God's laws and power 7:25)
I like the thought of Ezra turning to God for protection in his travels 8:21 (and with all the riches he traveled with - no wonder he was nervous) but a good reminder to put our day in His hands, whether traveling or staying at home.
I know it was not the wise thing to do to marry the pagan wives -- and this is not the first time this had happened. For instance - Abraham and Hagar - - what happened to those wives, were they sent back, and since they had been married once, where they outcasts in their home town. How do we apply this today do you think? It doesn't seem to fit with Paul's counsel of Christian women to unbelieving husbands: In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over - - tough stuff; mixed marriages - - different priorities; but then, God can work in the impossible!!
How is your trusting heart today ladies? Is it resting or ranting? Just thought I'd ask you since I asked myself that question. I had to take a moment & place myself back in His care, His control.
ReplyDeleteGood Psalms for that as well. They all make me remember His care for me & I put my name in 135:4 to make it personal.
After reading & getting it pounded into my head that His love never quits, how can I let mine quit? How can I not trust Him to do miracles? It wasn't just in OT times that He worked in such powerful ways. It's my limited trust & abandonment to Him that keeps them from happening today.
I trust You Jesus, I choose Your Presence & Your Peace today. No matter who or what You allow into my path because Your love never quits.
Thank you Chris for those two words: resting or ranting -- I wrote them down in my Bible - - - it's a daily choice of His presence and peace (I love alliterations!)
ReplyDeleteI found it awesome that we could soak in David's gratitude this morning - the day before we give thanks as a nation. I said 136:1-9, 23-26 out loud -- trying to picture what it would have been like for David the leader/king saying the first part of the verse, and all of Israel responding together with "His faithful love endures forever!" I wish I could have really heard it! Now I need to remember it minute by minute.
Happy Thanksgiving my friends! I feel blessed to have journeyed through the Bible with you this year!!
ReplyDeleteEcc 9:5,6,10 doesn't make it sound as if people go to heaven when they die. I know most Christians believe that -- what do they do with Solomon's words here?
I appreciate the fact in 9:7 that God approves of us enjoying life - - sometimes that doesn't come through in Christian thought; it's more about tuffin' it out -- grit your teeth and be good.
10:18 Laziness leads to all kinds of problems. People don't want to work with a lazy person.
And I always thought it was interesting that the saying "a little bird told me" is right out of the Bible!!
Happy Thanksgiving to you too!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I haven't met a person who, when they studied it out, afterwards believe that people go to heaven when they die. The Bible is pretty clear as one of my non Adventist friends say. But, you have to study the truth for yourself & not many people are willing to do that. Change is hard. But the Truth doesn't change.
I like how it says in v.10 "For there's neither work to do nor thoughts to think In the company of the dead, where you're most certainly headed." Pretty obvious there too.
And yes Linda, God wanting us to enjoy life is something I've picked up in Solomon's words here as well. I think that comes also from a grateful, resting, trusting heart. Stress comes, when I try to make my plans happen instead of waiting for God & seeing what He'll do.
A lot of word pics for lazy people vs industrious (read balanced though) people.
10:4 "If a ruler loses his temper against you, don't panic; A calm disposition quiets intemperate rage." I need to remember this with people & or bosses. :)
Chris said: "You know, I haven't met a person who, when they studied it out, afterwards believe that people go to heaven when they die."
ReplyDeleteThere is so much I could say about this soul sleep thing that belongs to 7th Day Adventists. There are so many other scriptures that refute this belief.... Ecclesiastes 12:7, Luke 23:46, Mt 27:50 just for starters.
WE must always interpret the Old Testament by the New Testament, since the New is the fulfillment and culmination of the Old.
When a person is set in their ideas and looks in the Bible to support those ideas they can usually find what they are looking for.
Hallelujah Linda---you are one of the few people who is an exception to this rule. (probably because you are a teacher)
I come up against GROUP THINK constantly in the 7th Day group of people.
Janis, Irving L. (1972). Victims of Groupthink. New York: Houghton Mifflin.
Janis, Irving L. (1982). Groupthink: Psychological Studies of Policy Decisions and Fiascoes. Second Edition. New York: Houghton Mifflin.
Symptoms of Groupthink
Janis has documented eight symptoms of groupthink:
"1) Illusion of invulnerability 2)–Creates excessive optimism that encourages taking extreme risks.
3) Collective rationalization – Members discount warnings and do not reconsider their assumptions.
4) Belief in inherent morality – Members believe in the rightness of their cause and therefore ignore the ethical or moral consequences of their decisions.
5) Stereotyped views of out-groups – Negative views of “enemy” make effective responses to conflict seem unnecessary.
6) Direct pressure on dissenters – Members are under pressure not to express arguments against any of the group’s views.
7) Self-censorship – Doubts and deviations from the perceived group consensus are not expressed.
8) Illusion of unanimity – The majority view and judgments are assumed to be unanimous.
9) Self-appointed ‘mindguards’ – Members protect the group and the leader from information that is problematic or contradictory to the group’s cohesiveness, view, and/or decisions.
When the above symptoms exist in a group that is trying to make a decision, there is a reasonable chance that groupthink will happen, When pressures for unanimity seem overwhelming, members are less motivated to realistically appraise the alternative courses of action available to them."
Hee hee! O Sher, you are tooooo kind; I'm as set in my ways as the next person - - but I DO believe that we can find the answers in the Bible -- it's a matter of honestly sorting it out, letting the Bible speak.
ReplyDeleteBut I gotta admit, I don't understand the interpret the OT by the NT; are you sayint the NT supercedes the OT? -- to me, they fit hand in glove, we need them both to get the full picture of God. The OT is all Jesus had to go on when He lived here on earth, so I think the each one compliments the other.
As for death, to me - what I believe is clear, Biblical, simple, and gives me a view of a loving God. But - everyone needs to be convinced in their own mind -- and it's not my job to convince anyone, only to study it out for myself. It IS fun though - to compare the different views, & how they came about - - I think that makes God happy, that we're willing to take the time and energy to look at everything.
A huge part of the confusion that happens with the the word spirit -- is that it can be translated 2 different ways: in Greek, Spirit can be translated as pnuma (breath) or Psykhe (soul). Based on the Bible as a whole, it makes sense to me that the pnuma (breath) is what returns back to God; but most people choose the other translation.
Sorry I didn't get back to you yesterday Sherrie, I'm out of town so wasn't on the internet yesterday.
ReplyDeleteI've shared with you before many times that when I gave my heart to God I did what Paul did & didn't confer with man about what I was going to to believe (Gal 1:17, 18) I just took a Bible & Concordance & studied things out that way. I didn't want to be swayed by human opinion, I just was taught by the Holy Spirit.
The text you mentioned above were ones that confused me for a while because in other places, like Ecc 9:5,6 & the verses I commented on above, John 11:11-15, & so many others, indicate that death is like a sleep & one doesn't know anything anymore. And why didn't Lazarus, the Nain widow's son, the little girl Jesus raise, etc have any "after death" stories or stories about heaven when they were resurrected?
Why did Jesus tell Mary in John 20:17 that He hadn't gone up to heaven to His Father if He told the thief he'd be with Him today in paradise? Which one was He lying to?
The key is comparing the Bible against the Bible, not man's opinion or throwing out things because I don't like them.
I went back to where life began & found this gem: Gen 2:7 dirt + breath of life from God = living being/soul (depending on your version). That made all the difference in the world when I read that & then the texts you mentioned about made perfect sense & Jesus wasn't lying (which is impossible anyway).
In Ecc the spirit goes back to God who gave it. What did He give when He created life? The breath of life. Who we are, our soul is a combo of the breath of life & dirt. Ps 104:29 confirms this as well.
So it's there, but I agree with Linda, I'm not the Holy Spirit & I'm not trying to convince you what you should believe, that's not my job, nor do I want it. I don't want to debate it or argue, but I like that we can share our beliefs & then go back & study things out when different things are presented. I don't think one can spend too much time in God's Word.
Oh, & a couple weeks ago Linda posted a really good reply & Biblical explanation to this as well. I don't know if you were able to read it but there's some more texts for you to study.
I copied/pasted it as the next post for you so you don't have to search for it.
Now maybe I'll get to read today's reading & comment on it or I might have to wait til I get home later. But have a great Sabbath everyone!
Linda said: (this was week 44)
ReplyDeleteHey 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:)
2 posts in 1 (since I didn't post yesterday)
ReplyDeletePost 1 -- Zachariah 8-14
8:6,9 all this may seem impossible to you now . . . but is it too hard for me? (the answer there is NO) Be strong and finish the task! (Now the trick is -- what is the task that God sets before me?)
8:20 -- God's message is for all. The only reason he singled out the Jewish nation as "His people" was to draw other nations to HIM! They were not to be exclusive, but inclusive -- an example, and a living invitation.
9:9 -- a reference to Jesus. I wonder how Jesus realized this was talking about Himself when He read Zechariah. I'm guessing the Holy Spirit let Him know, as one of the jobs of the HOly Spirit is to guide us into truth (John 16:13) Other references were 11:12, 12:10, 13:7
Hey! Don't you like 9:12 "I will repay two blessing for each of your troubles!"
10:4 -- I like the illustrations of Jesus with the cornerstone, the tent peg, the bow -- without any of the elements, all our best efforts are useless.
I see 12:10 and 13:1 as referring to the Acts 2 church, I believe that we too can enjoy those blessings - but I think that when Peter preached to the people in Acts 2 -- the DID mourn that they had acted so foolishly. Yet -- God openes up a fountain and cleansed them:)
OK -- there's more I could say -- but on to post 2 -- Acts 15,16
Paul, in chpt 17 used scripture to reason with people. I think Scriptures are key. Jesus used them against Satan, He used them while alive on the earth, but also after HIs resurrection (Emmaus) and Paul uses them as he debates.
BUT - Satan blocks the trail of success with one little word, and one big emotion: Jealousy -- still used today wherever God's work succeeds.
Dontcha live the people of Berea? 17:10 they were open-minded, they listened, they searched, they believed!
17:30 talks about Jesus judging the world with justice -- I am glad I serve a God that can't be swayed with bribes or favorites -- He will be just to all. I believe that He is extending mercy now - - up until that day "He has set a day for judging" - - at that point, judgement will happen, and choices of people when then have their consequences (like in Noah's day).
Paul showed a mini mercy/justice moment in 18:6.
Wouldn't it be AWESOME to hear the voice of God 18:9 giving such clear direction! I feel God's presence and I have impressions sometimes, but I have not heard an audible voice -- maybe someday!
Apollos 18:24 on - - was teachable, open, willing to study and think it through -- THAT is the sign of someone God can use! and he WAS used:)
I missed the whole book of Zechariah, the last 2 Fridays have been whirlwinds & no quiet time so I'll have to read it on a rainy Sabbath afternoon I guess.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading Acts though today. MSG hit the nail on the head in 17:7 when the people said that Paul/Silas were "...attacking everything we hold dear!" And a riot was started. Pride is such a big thing with us. But what a contrast with the Bereans, as you pointed out Linda, they hit the Scriptures to see if it was true or not. I just love that reminder to go back to the Bible, pray & seek the HS guidance. So important. What a difference it made in them too.
Truth is never popular as history has shown. Jesus had to deal with a lot of ridicule so we shouldn't be surprised when we are made fun of as well. The Gospel is really basic & simple. It has to be, so that a child can understand it.
For some reason though, that offends some adults who like the intellectuals in Athens, who try to over complicate it with big words & human reasoning. They talk in circles & can't handle the simple truths that Paul is telling them. It has to be more than that! So unfortunately, it is rejected. (17:32-34) But Paul is a simple seed planter. That is encouraging to me.
Yes Linda, I really like the encouragement Jesus gave to Paul. Directly telling him what he was to do. I noticed in there though that it didn't say it would be a cake walk. People would still verbally make fun of him.
I also noticed in the next few verses that when it did start to get rough, Paul didn't take it personally, he just wanted to share Jesus, it wasn't about him. That is really key. He just moved on. It doesn't record if he questioned God or whined (hard for me to imagine Paul whining though). He just took it that it was time to go elsewhere.
I need to remember that. And Jesus was even Paul's Defender! Paul didn't have to say a word! v 14-16. God has so many ways to work with us & in our behalf. I limit Him so much in my mind. I'm glad He hasn't stopped blowing my mind with His miracles!