John seems intent here on living in God's presence/peace = living in God's love, but not just absorbing that love and stopping there - but extending grace/love to everyone around us -- even the unlovable Christian (hmmm - that includes me! - I need other's grace/love as much as the next person!)
I think that 4:9 and 4:2 are related. A propeht must acknowledge that Jesus Christ came in a real body -- why? because that's the ultimate test of a loving God; a God that sent his one and only Son so that we might have eternal life. Jesus is our link to God -- our evidence of God's love. There are a lot of god claims out there -- but other than our Trinity, none of these other gods offer love. None of these other gods are willing to sacrifice for us!
4:17 and as we live in God, our love grows more perfect! That's a great promise, that I will grow in my love; so if I'm having trouble being or feeling love - - I need to know that God is working on me and it's a process. I don't have to feel defeated, I can feel hope!
"If we don't love people we can see, how can we love God whom we cannot see?" vs 20 -- actually, I'm thinking a lot of times - it's harder to love the unlovable people that are in our face than the God of love; anyone else relate to this?
I thought it was interesting in 5:6 that Jesus' baptism was right up there with his death of evidence that He was from God. I didn't realize that, other than setting an example for us, his baptism had such power in revealing Himself as God's son!
5:16 - Do you think the sin that leads to death is rejection of the HOly Spirit? and at that point, is prayer useless? Is that what John is trying to say? It sounds here like all sins are not all equal. What do you guys think? Are there big sins and little sins - or all sin is sin? Good discussion starter:)
5"19 "the world around us in under the control of the evil one" (sigh) Lord Jesus, come soon -- please. Don't let me ever to become satisfied with this life or complacent with the gift of life and the new earth you have promised.
and with that -- the end warning, John's final pitch - - Dear Children, keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts." Anything -- that includes wealth, homes, hobbies, relationships, family, church - - John's pretty clear here - anything!!
I noticed the part about living in love/peace too Linda. I was thinking about all that John went thru - wasn't he boiled but couldn't be killed? Then the exile. Had to be a lot of persecution before that too. He had a lot of practice loving those who hated him. He's speaking from experience.
I like the counsel right in v1 to not believe everything we're told, but to study it out for ourselves. We've read that many times & I'm glad the different Bible writers keep repeating it. Don't be a know-it-all, don't be complacent, be vigilant & teachable.
v4 The HS in me is way stronger than anything in this world. Since I can't see it though, it's harder for me to trust...but that takes faith & surrender to God's Plan for me. It's all about Him, not me.
v7 & 12 "Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God...But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!" I definitely want God living deeper & deeper in me. Sounds like love for others & myself becomes a natural occurrence when God lives in us. Sometimes, ok, a LOT of times, it's easier for me to love other people than myself. BUT, the HS in me is stronger than this old mindset & God is constantly pouring His Voice of Truth into my mind & defeating this in me. Makes me think of Mandisa's song "Free".
v 14 (I think) continues the relationship theme: "Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God's Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God." I just love this thought. John really understood better, the relational aspect of God's character. Also, the natural consequences of that relationship, obeying Him, keeping His commandments (5:3), the HS (see above), loving others (see above), etc.
v17,18 "There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life..." Makes me think of Much Afraid in Hinds Feet. I can see relate to that crippling factor of fear. It's also very destructive. But this type of life, he goes on to say is not fully formed in love - God's love, not human.
So hard to make the move from what we can see (human love) to what we can't see (God's love). Especially when God uses people to reveal that love at times. It can be very confusing. I am continually amazed as His patience to use us & also as we grow.
I really appreciated the confirmation in 5:13 that we KNOW we have eternal life because we have Jesus. And how bold & free (not disrespectful) that makes us in His Presence. Because we know He loves us!
I do think that rejecting the HS is the fatal sin as Jesus pointed out in Matthew or Luke I think. But how do I know when that line is crossed, since I don't know the heart. Sometimes, people get worse as they are fighting the HS before they surrender to Him. So I figure we're just supposed to keep praying & let God take care of that judgment.
I'm grateful for the end v18 "The God-begotten are also the God-protected. The Evil One can't lay a hand on them. We know that we are held firm by God..." what encouragement!
I've had such a week of confusion. I have not been in the word -- So today I will attempt to comment.
I John 4-- Test the spirits to see if they're from God. There's a Spirit of truth, and a spirit of the antichrist and if we don't know how to test the spirits, we can easily be deceived. Yes---Christians are easily deceived.
I used to think that if someone spoke about Jesus, then it must be the same Jesus that I knew. Wow--was I ever wrong. Many people talk about Jesus, but a lot of times its a different Jesus than the one in the Bible.
Vs.4:6--we need to recognize the Spirit of Truth and the spirit of Error. There have been times when I've sat in churches and I knew immediately that I had to get out of there because the Jesus they were preaching was not the Jesus of the Bible.
I John 5:4 and I John 5:14 were verses that I was told to memorize when I first accepted Christ as my savior. I did and they've come in handy.
In I John 4:16--There is a sin that leads to death. I believe it to be the sin of deception---pretending to preach and follow Jesus Christ when you are actually of the world and the antichrist. (and leading people astray.) Or when you're mixing religions---mixing a little Jesus with a little yoga or for example, mixing Jesus and Islam into the new Chrislam courtesy of Pastor Rick Warren of the Purpose Driven Madness craze.
And just a little additional note here---I'm sure you've heard the phrase "As the church goes, so goes the nation"
I'd like to add that the Bible says there is a great delusion coming. When we have a Morman presidential candidate whose false religion doesn't seem to be much of an issue in this nation, then it's because we have a church who hasn't been teaching it's people how to test the spirits. Christians, it seems can no longer tell truth from error.
In some things I'm surprised God had to spell them out...like using the bathroom outside the camp. Even animals try to go as far away as possible from their living quarters. Seems like it'd be common sense.
I'm glad He made provision for the foreigner, orphan & widowed to have the gleanings from the harvest.
He keeps reminding them to not forget that they were slaves once & so treat people with respect. Don't become hard task masters, since you didn't like it either.
I like this constant reminder, it keeps me grateful for the deliverance from sin, the bondage that keeps us apart from true happiness - the Presence of God.
Yeah -- the counsel for relieving yourself sounds very much like backpacking etiquette:)
I wonder why the South didn't read 23:15 back when they put the fugitive slave law into effect.
Don't charge interest on the loans . . . and Dave Ramsey would say - don't loan money to a family member - - if you want to give them money, give them money as the borrower is slave to the lender - and that's not the dynamics you want in a family.
If I had a vineyard -- I wouldn't want to live next to large family of growing boys!!! (23:24) hee hee
I'm not in favor of the certificate of divorce (24:1) It all seems so one sided. And it sounds like the culture back then wouldn't favor a divorced woman - I'm guessing her chance at a second marriage would be slim.
24:5 - this is interesting military advice; I wonder if anyone took advantage of it to stay out of the army? I can see that happening today if the military followed this advice.
Many verses in here refer to integrity and respect. I appreciate that about God -- just added wonderful God characteristics along with love and faithfulness -- a God we can trust:)
Nehemiah sure dealt with stuff head on. Didn't matter who the wrong doers were, he confronted them. He must have spent a lot of time in prayer to have the wisdom to deal with everyone & then to know how to answer the people who were trying to distract him.
Also the discernment to know friend from foe & slight of hand. I believe there are good parallels to his time & ours.
So Mordecai came back with the exiles it appears. I'm sure that was a common name back then, but it's the only time I've heard it & it's the same king. So I'm wondering if Nehemiah was away when Haman was plotting the Jews destruction & God had Esther intervene or if it was before Nehemiah.
Once again, we see the people reviewing in detail their heritage, their past. They are remembering God's many mercies & as 9:26-31 says His "bottomless compassion". You have to have a pretty hard heart to not be touched by what God has done for you in the past.
I was also impressed with how the people took the confrontation of their errors each time Nehemiah confronted them. They actually accepted the rebuke & made efforts to change. That's so incredible & encouraging. Tells me that the HS was at work long before, making the ground fertile for the right seed.
So God's ways are best again!! 5:7 was warned against yesterday in Deut 23:19!!
Nehemiah was an amazing leader! He was so focused on getting Jerusalem secure - - he wasn't worried about his own money (5:10), his food (5:14) his land or home (5:16) He focused on his workers & visitors (5:17) and getting that wall done! God certainly knew who would lead this group on fearlessly (I am engaged in a great work, so I can't come (6:3) There is no truth in any part of our story (6:8) Should someone in my position run from danger? (6:11)
What a JOY it would be to have a strong leader like that today:) The wall up in 52 days!! Maybe with THAT kind of leadership, we could get the national debt DOWN in 52 days!! With GOD ALL things are possible:)
I camp out a lot in Neh 6 so I'll comment on that. Neh was called to rebuild the wall of the temple. The Holy Spirit showed him that there was a plot going on to get him off his wall. (vs.2) Four times his enemies (who were posing as his friends) sent him a message to get him off of his wall.
I think that there are going to be times when you're in ministry and you know Gods called you. But there are going to be other people that say ---you just don't look like the right person for the job. When God gives you promises, there will always be an attack from the enemy and its usually from people you know. But you've got to man your post until the work is completed.
Neh 6:15 When Nehs enemies heard that the wall was completed, they became afraid and lost their self confidence. They realized that Nehs work was called by God.
Right you are Sherrie! People close to me have usually been the biggest inserts of doubts in what God has called me to do. But He's helped me realize that it's usually because it's not what THEY want me to do.
These reading in Psalms today I could see David really struggling. I bet they all were when he was a fugitive from Saul. He seems mentally, emotionally & physically exhausted. God is his only Source of any help & he's really pleading his case.
I can just see him in the mtns talking to God & with tears laying it all out before Him. You feel so good after emptying your heart like that to God. You know He's heard you & I'm always more quieted after I've done that. Then I'm able to listen to that small voice that comforts & instructs me. It's like a hug from God, I just can feel His Presence reassuring me.
And that Linda, is why I said everyone needs to go to the mtns alone sometimes. :) But I realize some people can do that in their homes or other places too. It's just that when I'm there, I know I'm really alone with Him & no one knows where I am but Him.
I agree Chris -- it's when we are in the places of quiet that we can hear that voice:)
140 and 141 are pictures of David clinging to God -- asking Him to help; and I see 142 as that final act of submission and relaxing in God's strength and timing.
vs 3 "When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn.
vs 4,5 no one cares a bit what happens to me . . . You are my place of refuge.
We all hit those very low times in our lives -- so I think we can all relate to David's struggle and release of what's happening around him.
1:4 "Take me away with you! Let's run off together!..." My very favorite times have been just God & I together in the mtns. So when I have the Southwest "wanna get away?" moment, that is where I always want to go & escape. I have the hardest time letting people know where I am, so it's like a real elopement with Him (rest of v4)
2:2 He only has eyes for her. She equates herself as lotus blossom in a valley pool (v1) while he sees her as a lotus blossom in a swamp. I like that God sees me like no one else, I am unique & special to Him. So glad He made us all different. How boring & terrible it'd be if we were all alike!
As he calls her out to him (2:10-14), to be with him, she then asks him to defend her from the foxes - great word pic - (v15). That's pretty vulnerable of her to ask for help & to then trust that he will. I'm getting better at that with God...don't know how I'm doing with men though, I think I'm getting better at asking & accepting the help but the trust part...well, I'm still a very skeptical person.
I have issues with Solomon so I had issues with this reading. Solomon talks about intimacy with one woman here, but he had many many concubines---or as they say in today's language---he was a polygamist. I find it difficult to read here how intimate he was with one woman when he had so many relationships.
1:2 Your love is better than wine--Wow---I have celiac, so wine just gives me depression and a headache. Not a great picture for me. But I assume what was meant here is that love made him heady.
You guys are early posters!!! So I was reading this SOS; and trying to see how it related to God and us
1:2-4 talks about almost all the senses - touch, taste, smell, hearing -- everything but seeing. We are able to experience God in all these ways too -- but we have to wait (for Heaven - Yeah!) to see him (faith lesson, right?) So we need to revel in all of the other senses He puts out there for us to experience HIM! Like the Mountains, Chris:)
I believe the young woman in this story if filled with uncertainty, shame, unworthiness -- notice how she is so worried about being "dark" that she was "forced to care for other vineyards" Sounds kindof like the woman caught in adultery, doesn't it? Wanting SO badly for someone to love her for who she is -- and how does her "lover" respond? How does our God respond to us -- the peeps that live down here in this "dark" world? 2:10 "Come away with me, my FAIR ONE!"
What a special Sabbath blessing John gets while in exile. A visit from Jesus & and incredible vision of the future & heaven. John uses the same principle Daniel did of repeating/enlarging on a topic here in Revelation. The 7 churches, 7 seals & 7 trumpets all refer to the same time periods & we learn a bit more as we read each one. But then again, I love history.
But what I like most of the 7 churches is how I can see parts of each one today. Both the good & the bad. And all throughout I see Jesus just wanting His children to connect with Him. To make Him first in their lives. Get to know Him on a deeper & still deeper level.
The last one that applies to our time is so right on in the description of Christianity today. We are so complacent. We take God for granted; we don't want to commit. Nothing worse than lukewarm food. I enjoy my food hot from the griddle, stove, oven, etc. It just hits the spot. When I get lukewarm tea, I just want to spew it out of my mouth, it's just blah! So I can really appreciate that call from Jesus for me to be all in for Him.
I want to remember my 1st love experience with Him (Ephesus), I want to be teachable & willing to give Him everything to grow more like Him every day (Thyatira), to open the door to Him whenever He knocks (Laodicea) - even if it's not on my schedule. I want to live surrendered.
Well this should be interesting since we don't agree that the rapture and the second coming are 2 different events. So let's have a go.
Rev 1:3="If you read this prophecy out loud, you will receive a special blessing." I believe this refers to the speaking of decrees-- where you speak the word of God out loud. It puts Satan on notice that you know the word and he better not mess with you and it puts Gods promises deep inside your heart and helps your faith.
Rev 1:7 refers to the second coming and NOT the rapture. In the rapture, The Lord appears to Believers only. Mat 5:8, John 11:40, Heb 9:28 In the second coming, Every eye will see him, including unbelievers. Rev 1:7, Zech 12:10, Mat 24:30 Luke 3:6 John 19:37
Rev 2:17 Let EVERYONE who can hear, listen...or He who is able to hear let him listen.. You'll begin to notice as we get further thru Rev that after the rapture has taken place that this repeated phrase changes to "IF anyone has an ear, let him hear"---because the believers are gone because of the rapture.
Rev 3:6--"He who is able to hear, let him listen.." the rapture hasn't taken place yet, so the church is still on earth.
Rev 3:8-10--God will keep believers safe from the hour of trial (testing or the tribulation) thru the rapture.
Yeah Chris -- I love that way that God repeats and expands the history of the church. It's like he tries to give us several illustrations, as some people will "get it" if he says it enough times in enough different ways. What a good Teacher He is; He did the same thing when He lived on earth - like when He gave several illustrations about the Kingdom of God.
Sher -- this afternoon, I'm going to read Rev 1-6 out loud -- I like this idea:)
1:5,8 reminds me of the Revelation Song. It's a beautiful description of God -- letting us know that we can trust Him. He IS, He WAS, He IS TO COME! Hang on, hang on! His plan will work out in His time.
Hee hee Sher - you're right, we have different views, but the point is that we are all in the word, digging, searching, listening -- and He will bless that sincerity I believe. It's good for me to hear how others interpret the scriptures -- makes me dig deeper - and compare texts. I'll be going back this afternoon and looking at the texts once again that you listed.
I wonder if John was a bit disappointed when and angels sent from his good friend and companion showed up -- and THEN! He sees Jesus vs 13 - glorified Jesus! No wonder He fell down and worshiped! What a sense of awe He must have felt to see His friend in His glorious Heaven-state!!
and then, to hear the familiar words He'd heard so many times before "Don't be afraid!" It's like our Jesus to spread calm over a situation.
as to the messages - I couldn't improve on the overall take Chris wrote - - thanks Chris, I loved the way you put it. and I love how Jesus showed time after time that it will be worth it! He gives all kinds of clues to looking at the overall picture and plan He has laid out.
Also -- 2:17. I'd never thought of it before, but the priest carried 12 stones on his ephod with the name of each tribe written on that stone. It symbolized the priest representing His people, just as Jesus would represent us and carry us -- I'd never connected that before.
2:25 -- hold tightly to what you have until I come -- that big picture. Trust!!!
5:6 -- you find the Lamb among the 24 elders. I'm thinking that maybe the 24 elders represent us once we are in Heaven? I know that we will be judging and worshiping when we get there -- so that fits, and the fact that the Lamb lived among us fits -- hmmmmmmm.
I see the 6 seals as persecution, judgement, rebellion, plea, answer, verdict - - - pretty general ideas, but it makes sense to me, then God will flesh out the picture more as we go along:)
Pretty awesome stuff! Lots of room for lots of ideas -- again, I think God loves to have us dig, that would bring JOY to any good teacher!!
It must please God as He sees His people studying His Word & watching light bulbs go on in our heads as we connect the dots. I bet He can't wait until heaven when He can fill us in on some things.
So in Acts Paul is committed to going to Jerusalem even though the HS showed him that he would suffer for God. Paul is decided & even his friends who also have been shown by the HS that he will be persecuted can't dissuade him.
I think it's interesting that the HS even showed people in Paul's path that they wouldn't see Paul again, that he would be persecuted. I wonder if that was to test Paul's resolve or ??? They showed they were surrendered to God's will though & didn't make a plan to kidnap him to keep him from going OR offer him a job just to keep him there.
I've had spiritual people question my decisions before & offer me opportunities elsewhere because they just don't understand why I would make the decision I did. It made me go back & ask God if this was really what He wanted me to do. As He walked thru the process that led me to the decision I could see that it was the right thing & no one could deter me either. I did feel like they were questioning whether I had a walk with God or not though. Might have just been the devil hitting me with my insecurities also. But God made me firm & I never have doubted where He's led me.
It's good to go through something like that, where you're standing alone with just God on your side. It's very confirming in your relationship with Him & it makes you lean on Him all the more.
Paul is willing to listen to the counsel of the elders in Jerusalem. I like that. He had been the teacher & exhorter throughout his journeys for quite a few years. It's easy to loose your teachability when you've been in that position. But the fact that he listened & took the counsel of the brethren in Jerusalem shows that the HS had his heart. He really meant it when he said "Not I, but Christ lives in me..." Gal 2:20.
There was still so much pride in the Jews, they didn't want to share the Good News with anyone else. That alone tells me they didn't receive it truly in their heart. If it's that good, you ALWAYS want to share it with someone. You can't wait to tell people.
The HS had Paul say just the right thing at the right time & Paul listened. He spoke in Greek to get the captain's attention, Hebrew to the crowd so they would listen & then brought up the part about being a Roman citizen at the right time.
Ever had conversations with people & then later go thru it again & wonder why you didn't say THAT because it would have made more sense or given a different perspective than what came out. But when I've been in a conversation for God, He's always given me the right words & sometimes I have had no control as to what came out....all I know is that it was right, because it was all Him & not me.
I wonder why Paul pressed on to Jerusalem when in 21:4 "these believers prophesied through the Holy Spirit that Paul should not go on to Jerusalem?" I wonder how Paul decided to make that move?
Amazing how quickly a riot can take off - - sounded like the Jews that showed up were from out of town - but it happens today to, I guess people are anxious to follow a leader with a cause; so we need to focus on who we want our Leader to be!
It's amazing to me - - they almost killed Paul before the Romans got there, then they became so violent that the soldiers had to hoist him up on their shoulders -- but through all that (I can picture him all black and blue and bleeding) his main goal was to preach to them! Nothing stopped this man - what passion!
O - good communication skill Paul -- notice 22:3 "I became very zealous to honor God in everything I did, just like all of you today" finding common ground, finding a way to compliment and open hearts before he made his argument/defense.
What an amazing picture painted for us of Paul quietly mentioning that he is a Roman citizen -- everyone draws back, the Commander groans in fear - - and then sets up the trial.
I had to read the next couple verses of 23 -- Paul is fearless! and why is that? well - way back in 21: 13 I am ready not only to be ailed at Jerusalem, but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus. Nothing would stop him -- he simply did not fear death or pain. The focus was sharp, the devotion unfailing. No wonder God loved this man - - it'll be fun to watch Paul and God's joy when they are together in heaven and Paul meets Jesus face to face and in person for the first time.
John seems intent here on living in God's presence/peace = living in God's love, but not just absorbing that love and stopping there - but extending grace/love to everyone around us -- even the unlovable Christian (hmmm - that includes me! - I need other's grace/love as much as the next person!)
ReplyDeleteI think that 4:9 and 4:2 are related. A propeht must acknowledge that Jesus Christ came in a real body -- why? because that's the ultimate test of a loving God; a God that sent his one and only Son so that we might have eternal life. Jesus is our link to God -- our evidence of God's love. There are a lot of god claims out there -- but other than our Trinity, none of these other gods offer love. None of these other gods are willing to sacrifice for us!
4:17 and as we live in God, our love grows more perfect! That's a great promise, that I will grow in my love; so if I'm having trouble being or feeling love - - I need to know that God is working on me and it's a process. I don't have to feel defeated, I can feel hope!
"If we don't love people we can see, how can we love God whom we cannot see?" vs 20 -- actually, I'm thinking a lot of times - it's harder to love the unlovable people that are in our face than the God of love; anyone else relate to this?
I thought it was interesting in 5:6 that Jesus' baptism was right up there with his death of evidence that He was from God. I didn't realize that, other than setting an example for us, his baptism had such power in revealing Himself as God's son!
5:16 - Do you think the sin that leads to death is rejection of the HOly Spirit? and at that point, is prayer useless? Is that what John is trying to say? It sounds here like all sins are not all equal. What do you guys think? Are there big sins and little sins - or all sin is sin? Good discussion starter:)
5"19 "the world around us in under the control of the evil one" (sigh) Lord Jesus, come soon -- please. Don't let me ever to become satisfied with this life or complacent with the gift of life and the new earth you have promised.
and with that -- the end warning, John's final pitch - - Dear Children, keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts." Anything -- that includes wealth, homes, hobbies, relationships, family, church - - John's pretty clear here - anything!!
I noticed the part about living in love/peace too Linda. I was thinking about all that John went thru - wasn't he boiled but couldn't be killed? Then the exile. Had to be a lot of persecution before that too. He had a lot of practice loving those who hated him. He's speaking from experience.
ReplyDeleteI like the counsel right in v1 to not believe everything we're told, but to study it out for ourselves. We've read that many times & I'm glad the different Bible writers keep repeating it. Don't be a know-it-all, don't be complacent, be vigilant & teachable.
v4 The HS in me is way stronger than anything in this world. Since I can't see it though, it's harder for me to trust...but that takes faith & surrender to God's Plan for me. It's all about Him, not me.
v7 & 12 "Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God...But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!" I definitely want God living deeper & deeper in me. Sounds like love for others & myself becomes a natural occurrence when God lives in us. Sometimes, ok, a LOT of times, it's easier for me to love other people than myself. BUT, the HS in me is stronger than this old mindset & God is constantly pouring His Voice of Truth into my mind & defeating this in me. Makes me think of Mandisa's song "Free".
v 14 (I think) continues the relationship theme: "Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God's Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God." I just love this thought. John really understood better, the relational aspect of God's character. Also, the natural consequences of that relationship, obeying Him, keeping His commandments (5:3), the HS (see above), loving others (see above), etc.
v17,18 "There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life..." Makes me think of Much Afraid in Hinds Feet. I can see relate to that crippling factor of fear. It's also very destructive. But this type of life, he goes on to say is not fully formed in love - God's love, not human.
So hard to make the move from what we can see (human love) to what we can't see (God's love). Especially when God uses people to reveal that love at times. It can be very confusing. I am continually amazed as His patience to use us & also as we grow.
I really appreciated the confirmation in 5:13 that we KNOW we have eternal life because we have Jesus. And how bold & free (not disrespectful) that makes us in His Presence. Because we know He loves us!
I do think that rejecting the HS is the fatal sin as Jesus pointed out in Matthew or Luke I think. But how do I know when that line is crossed, since I don't know the heart. Sometimes, people get worse as they are fighting the HS before they surrender to Him. So I figure we're just supposed to keep praying & let God take care of that judgment.
I'm grateful for the end v18 "The God-begotten are also the God-protected. The Evil One can't lay a hand on them. We know that we are held firm by God..." what encouragement!
I've had such a week of confusion. I have not been in the word -- So today I will attempt to comment.
ReplyDeleteI John 4--
Test the spirits to see if they're from God. There's a Spirit of truth, and a spirit of the antichrist and if we don't know how to test the spirits, we can easily be deceived. Yes---Christians are easily deceived.
I used to think that if someone spoke about Jesus, then it must be the same Jesus that I knew. Wow--was I ever wrong. Many people talk about Jesus, but a lot of times its a different Jesus than the one in the Bible.
Vs.4:6--we need to recognize the Spirit of Truth and the spirit of Error. There have been times when I've sat in churches and I knew immediately that I had to get out of there because the Jesus they were preaching was not the Jesus of the Bible.
I John 5:4 and I John 5:14 were verses that I was told to memorize when I first accepted Christ as my savior. I did and they've come in handy.
In I John 4:16--There is a sin that leads to death. I believe it to be the sin of deception---pretending to preach and follow Jesus Christ when you are actually of the world and the antichrist. (and leading people astray.) Or when you're mixing religions---mixing a little Jesus with a little yoga or for example, mixing Jesus and Islam into the new Chrislam courtesy of Pastor Rick Warren of the Purpose Driven Madness craze.
And just a little additional note here---I'm sure you've heard the phrase "As the church goes, so goes the nation"
ReplyDeleteI'd like to add that the Bible says there is a great delusion coming.
When we have a Morman presidential candidate whose false religion doesn't seem to be much of an issue in this nation, then it's because we have a church who hasn't been teaching it's people how to test the spirits. Christians, it seems can no longer tell truth from error.
In some things I'm surprised God had to spell them out...like using the bathroom outside the camp. Even animals try to go as far away as possible from their living quarters. Seems like it'd be common sense.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad He made provision for the foreigner, orphan & widowed to have the gleanings from the harvest.
He keeps reminding them to not forget that they were slaves once & so treat people with respect. Don't become hard task masters, since you didn't like it either.
I like this constant reminder, it keeps me grateful for the deliverance from sin, the bondage that keeps us apart from true happiness - the Presence of God.
Yeah -- the counsel for relieving yourself sounds very much like backpacking etiquette:)
ReplyDeleteI wonder why the South didn't read 23:15 back when they put the fugitive slave law into effect.
Don't charge interest on the loans . . . and Dave Ramsey would say - don't loan money to a family member - - if you want to give them money, give them money as the borrower is slave to the lender - and that's not the dynamics you want in a family.
If I had a vineyard -- I wouldn't want to live next to large family of growing boys!!! (23:24) hee hee
I'm not in favor of the certificate of divorce (24:1) It all seems so one sided. And it sounds like the culture back then wouldn't favor a divorced woman - I'm guessing her chance at a second marriage would be slim.
24:5 - this is interesting military advice; I wonder if anyone took advantage of it to stay out of the army? I can see that happening today if the military followed this advice.
Many verses in here refer to integrity and respect. I appreciate that about God -- just added wonderful God characteristics along with love and faithfulness -- a God we can trust:)
Nehemiah sure dealt with stuff head on. Didn't matter who the wrong doers were, he confronted them. He must have spent a lot of time in prayer to have the wisdom to deal with everyone & then to know how to answer the people who were trying to distract him.
ReplyDeleteAlso the discernment to know friend from foe & slight of hand. I believe there are good parallels to his time & ours.
So Mordecai came back with the exiles it appears. I'm sure that was a common name back then, but it's the only time I've heard it & it's the same king. So I'm wondering if Nehemiah was away when Haman was plotting the Jews destruction & God had Esther intervene or if it was before Nehemiah.
Once again, we see the people reviewing in detail their heritage, their past. They are remembering God's many mercies & as 9:26-31 says His "bottomless compassion". You have to have a pretty hard heart to not be touched by what God has done for you in the past.
I was also impressed with how the people took the confrontation of their errors each time Nehemiah confronted them. They actually accepted the rebuke & made efforts to change. That's so incredible & encouraging. Tells me that the HS was at work long before, making the ground fertile for the right seed.
So God's ways are best again!! 5:7 was warned against yesterday in Deut 23:19!!
ReplyDeleteNehemiah was an amazing leader! He was so focused on getting Jerusalem secure - - he wasn't worried about his own money (5:10), his food (5:14) his land or home (5:16) He focused on his workers & visitors (5:17) and getting that wall done! God certainly knew who would lead this group on fearlessly (I am engaged in a great work, so I can't come (6:3) There is no truth in any part of our story (6:8) Should someone in my position run from danger? (6:11)
What a JOY it would be to have a strong leader like that today:) The wall up in 52 days!! Maybe with THAT kind of leadership, we could get the national debt DOWN in 52 days!! With GOD ALL things are possible:)
I camp out a lot in Neh 6 so I'll comment on that.
ReplyDeleteNeh was called to rebuild the wall of the temple. The Holy Spirit showed him that there was a plot going on to get him off his wall. (vs.2) Four times his enemies (who were posing as his friends) sent him a message to get him off of his wall.
I think that there are going to be times when you're in ministry and you know Gods called you. But there are going to be other people that say ---you just don't look like the right person for the job. When God gives you promises, there will always be an attack from the enemy and its usually from people you know. But you've got to man your post until the work is completed.
Neh 6:15 When Nehs enemies heard that the wall was completed, they became afraid and lost their self confidence. They realized that Nehs work was called by God.
Right you are Sherrie! People close to me have usually been the biggest inserts of doubts in what God has called me to do. But He's helped me realize that it's usually because it's not what THEY want me to do.
ReplyDeleteThese reading in Psalms today I could see David really struggling. I bet they all were when he was a fugitive from Saul. He seems mentally, emotionally & physically exhausted. God is his only Source of any help & he's really pleading his case.
I can just see him in the mtns talking to God & with tears laying it all out before Him. You feel so good after emptying your heart like that to God. You know He's heard you & I'm always more quieted after I've done that. Then I'm able to listen to that small voice that comforts & instructs me. It's like a hug from God, I just can feel His Presence reassuring me.
And that Linda, is why I said everyone needs to go to the mtns alone sometimes. :) But I realize some people can do that in their homes or other places too. It's just that when I'm there, I know I'm really alone with Him & no one knows where I am but Him.
I agree Chris -- it's when we are in the places of quiet that we can hear that voice:)
ReplyDelete140 and 141 are pictures of David clinging to God -- asking Him to help; and I see 142 as that final act of submission and relaxing in God's strength and timing.
vs 3 "When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn.
vs 4,5 no one cares a bit what happens to me . . . You are my place of refuge.
We all hit those very low times in our lives -- so I think we can all relate to David's struggle and release of what's happening around him.
1:4 "Take me away with you! Let's run off together!..." My very favorite times have been just God & I together in the mtns. So when I have the Southwest "wanna get away?" moment, that is where I always want to go & escape. I have the hardest time letting people know where I am, so it's like a real elopement with Him (rest of v4)
ReplyDelete2:2 He only has eyes for her. She equates herself as lotus blossom in a valley pool (v1) while he sees her as a lotus blossom in a swamp. I like that God sees me like no one else, I am unique & special to Him. So glad He made us all different. How boring & terrible it'd be if we were all alike!
As he calls her out to him (2:10-14), to be with him, she then asks him to defend her from the foxes - great word pic - (v15). That's pretty vulnerable of her to ask for help & to then trust that he will. I'm getting better at that with God...don't know how I'm doing with men though, I think I'm getting better at asking & accepting the help but the trust part...well, I'm still a very skeptical person.
I have issues with Solomon so I had issues with this reading. Solomon talks about intimacy with one woman here, but he had many many concubines---or as they say in today's language---he was a polygamist. I find it difficult to read here how intimate he was with one woman when he had so many relationships.
ReplyDelete1:2 Your love is better than wine--Wow---I have celiac, so wine just gives me depression and a headache. Not a great picture for me. But I assume what was meant here is that love made him heady.
And I'm out of time---gotta go
You guys are early posters!!! So I was reading this SOS; and trying to see how it related to God and us
ReplyDelete1:2-4 talks about almost all the senses - touch, taste, smell, hearing -- everything but seeing. We are able to experience God in all these ways too -- but we have to wait (for Heaven - Yeah!) to see him (faith lesson, right?) So we need to revel in all of the other senses He puts out there for us to experience HIM! Like the Mountains, Chris:)
I believe the young woman in this story if filled with uncertainty, shame, unworthiness -- notice how she is so worried about being "dark" that she was "forced to care for other vineyards" Sounds kindof like the woman caught in adultery, doesn't it? Wanting SO badly for someone to love her for who she is -- and how does her "lover" respond? How does our God respond to us -- the peeps that live down here in this "dark" world? 2:10 "Come away with me, my FAIR ONE!"
We see, feel dark -- He sees fair!
2:8 reminded me so much of the Hind's feet book:)
Wow, great post Linda, needed that! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a special Sabbath blessing John gets while in exile. A visit from Jesus & and incredible vision of the future & heaven. John uses the same principle Daniel did of repeating/enlarging on a topic here in Revelation. The 7 churches, 7 seals & 7 trumpets all refer to the same time periods & we learn a bit more as we read each one. But then again, I love history.
ReplyDeleteBut what I like most of the 7 churches is how I can see parts of each one today. Both the good & the bad. And all throughout I see Jesus just wanting His children to connect with Him. To make Him first in their lives. Get to know Him on a deeper & still deeper level.
The last one that applies to our time is so right on in the description of Christianity today. We are so complacent. We take God for granted; we don't want to commit. Nothing worse than lukewarm food. I enjoy my food hot from the griddle, stove, oven, etc. It just hits the spot. When I get lukewarm tea, I just want to spew it out of my mouth, it's just blah! So I can really appreciate that call from Jesus for me to be all in for Him.
I want to remember my 1st love experience with Him (Ephesus), I want to be teachable & willing to give Him everything to grow more like Him every day (Thyatira), to open the door to Him whenever He knocks (Laodicea) - even if it's not on my schedule. I want to live surrendered.
Well this should be interesting since we don't agree that the rapture and the second coming are 2 different events. So let's have a go.
ReplyDeleteRev 1:3="If you read this prophecy out loud, you will receive a special blessing." I believe this refers to the speaking of decrees-- where you speak the word of God out loud. It puts Satan on notice that you know the word and he better not mess with you and it puts Gods promises deep inside your heart and helps your faith.
Rev 1:7 refers to the second coming and NOT the rapture.
In the rapture, The Lord appears to Believers only. Mat 5:8, John 11:40, Heb 9:28
In the second coming, Every eye will see him, including unbelievers. Rev 1:7, Zech 12:10, Mat 24:30 Luke 3:6 John 19:37
Rev 2:17 Let EVERYONE who can hear, listen...or He who is able to hear let him listen.. You'll begin to notice as we get further thru Rev that after the rapture has taken place that this repeated phrase changes to "IF anyone has an ear, let him hear"---because the believers are gone because of the rapture.
Rev 3:6--"He who is able to hear, let him listen.." the rapture hasn't taken place yet, so the church is still on earth.
Rev 3:8-10--God will keep believers safe from the hour of trial (testing or the tribulation) thru the rapture.
Yeah Chris -- I love that way that God repeats and expands the history of the church. It's like he tries to give us several illustrations, as some people will "get it" if he says it enough times in enough different ways. What a good Teacher He is; He did the same thing when He lived on earth - like when He gave several illustrations about the Kingdom of God.
ReplyDeleteSher -- this afternoon, I'm going to read Rev 1-6 out loud -- I like this idea:)
1:5,8 reminds me of the Revelation Song. It's a beautiful description of God -- letting us know that we can trust Him. He IS, He WAS, He IS TO COME! Hang on, hang on! His plan will work out in His time.
Hee hee Sher - you're right, we have different views, but the point is that we are all in the word, digging, searching, listening -- and He will bless that sincerity I believe. It's good for me to hear how others interpret the scriptures -- makes me dig deeper - and compare texts. I'll be going back this afternoon and looking at the texts once again that you listed.
I wonder if John was a bit disappointed when and angels sent from his good friend and companion showed up -- and THEN! He sees Jesus vs 13 - glorified Jesus! No wonder He fell down and worshiped! What a sense of awe He must have felt to see His friend in His glorious Heaven-state!!
and then, to hear the familiar words He'd heard so many times before "Don't be afraid!" It's like our Jesus to spread calm over a situation.
as to the messages - I couldn't improve on the overall take Chris wrote - - thanks Chris, I loved the way you put it. and I love how Jesus showed time after time that it will be worth it! He gives all kinds of clues to looking at the overall picture and plan He has laid out.
Also -- 2:17. I'd never thought of it before, but the priest carried 12 stones on his ephod with the name of each tribe written on that stone. It symbolized the priest representing His people, just as Jesus would represent us and carry us -- I'd never connected that before.
2:25 -- hold tightly to what you have until I come -- that big picture. Trust!!!
5:6 -- you find the Lamb among the 24 elders. I'm thinking that maybe the 24 elders represent us once we are in Heaven? I know that we will be judging and worshiping when we get there -- so that fits, and the fact that the Lamb lived among us fits -- hmmmmmmm.
I see the 6 seals as persecution, judgement, rebellion, plea, answer, verdict - - - pretty general ideas, but it makes sense to me, then God will flesh out the picture more as we go along:)
Pretty awesome stuff! Lots of room for lots of ideas -- again, I think God loves to have us dig, that would bring JOY to any good teacher!!
It must please God as He sees His people studying His Word & watching light bulbs go on in our heads as we connect the dots. I bet He can't wait until heaven when He can fill us in on some things.
ReplyDeleteSo in Acts Paul is committed to going to Jerusalem even though the HS showed him that he would suffer for God. Paul is decided & even his friends who also have been shown by the HS that he will be persecuted can't dissuade him.
I think it's interesting that the HS even showed people in Paul's path that they wouldn't see Paul again, that he would be persecuted. I wonder if that was to test Paul's resolve or ??? They showed they were surrendered to God's will though & didn't make a plan to kidnap him to keep him from going OR offer him a job just to keep him there.
I've had spiritual people question my decisions before & offer me opportunities elsewhere because they just don't understand why I would make the decision I did. It made me go back & ask God if this was really what He wanted me to do. As He walked thru the process that led me to the decision I could see that it was the right thing & no one could deter me either. I did feel like they were questioning whether I had a walk with God or not though. Might have just been the devil hitting me with my insecurities also. But God made me firm & I never have doubted where He's led me.
It's good to go through something like that, where you're standing alone with just God on your side. It's very confirming in your relationship with Him & it makes you lean on Him all the more.
Paul is willing to listen to the counsel of the elders in Jerusalem. I like that. He had been the teacher & exhorter throughout his journeys for quite a few years. It's easy to loose your teachability when you've been in that position. But the fact that he listened & took the counsel of the brethren in Jerusalem shows that the HS had his heart. He really meant it when he said "Not I, but Christ lives in me..." Gal 2:20.
There was still so much pride in the Jews, they didn't want to share the Good News with anyone else. That alone tells me they didn't receive it truly in their heart. If it's that good, you ALWAYS want to share it with someone. You can't wait to tell people.
The HS had Paul say just the right thing at the right time & Paul listened. He spoke in Greek to get the captain's attention, Hebrew to the crowd so they would listen & then brought up the part about being a Roman citizen at the right time.
Ever had conversations with people & then later go thru it again & wonder why you didn't say THAT because it would have made more sense or given a different perspective than what came out. But when I've been in a conversation for God, He's always given me the right words & sometimes I have had no control as to what came out....all I know is that it was right, because it was all Him & not me.
I wonder why Paul pressed on to Jerusalem when in 21:4 "these believers prophesied through the Holy Spirit that Paul should not go on to Jerusalem?" I wonder how Paul decided to make that move?
ReplyDeleteAmazing how quickly a riot can take off - - sounded like the Jews that showed up were from out of town - but it happens today to, I guess people are anxious to follow a leader with a cause; so we need to focus on who we want our Leader to be!
It's amazing to me - - they almost killed Paul before the Romans got there, then they became so violent that the soldiers had to hoist him up on their shoulders -- but through all that (I can picture him all black and blue and bleeding) his main goal was to preach to them! Nothing stopped this man - what passion!
O - good communication skill Paul -- notice 22:3 "I became very zealous to honor God in everything I did, just like all of you today" finding common ground, finding a way to compliment and open hearts before he made his argument/defense.
What an amazing picture painted for us of Paul quietly mentioning that he is a Roman citizen -- everyone draws back, the Commander groans in fear - - and then sets up the trial.
I had to read the next couple verses of 23 -- Paul is fearless! and why is that? well - way back in 21: 13 I am ready not only to be ailed at Jerusalem, but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus. Nothing would stop him -- he simply did not fear death or pain. The focus was sharp, the devotion unfailing. No wonder God loved this man - - it'll be fun to watch Paul and God's joy when they are together in heaven and Paul meets Jesus face to face and in person for the first time.