3 John---I have to admit that I didn't see the purpose of this book. And I'm so tired this morning that I was not able to hear from the Lord. So I cheated and read a commentary on it.
Wow--this book of John is about confronting your problems with people.
Diotrephes was rejecting John as an elder. And when Diotrephes rejected the missionaries, it was his way of refusing to acknowledge John's authority. This attitude was going to continue.
John’s strategy for resolving this conflict was not to back down, but to personally meet his opponent face to face.
When we need to confront people of strong will--usually our first response is to retreat and hope the situation will work itself out. But that is a passive way to deal with things and not God's way.
Ha ha, love your honesty Sherrie! I am praying for your rest & peace. I know you have a lot on your plate with your grandchildren & your neighbors but I know God has & will continue to give you strength.
I did get that same thought that your commentary brought out when I read this book. It constantly surprises me how people can be so blatantly wrong & yet people think they are right & follow them.
Maybe it's because it appeals to our selfishness & doesn't call for any effort on our part. To be hospitable to strangers is to go out of our comfort zone & mess with our all important schedule.
God & I were having a conversation along these lines this morning while I was running. He really gave me a good preaching to! It was all about the true Christmas story & tied in to the JB we just did. But it can apply to this instance as well. "All I got" is all He needs to complete His will & take it even bigger than I ever imagined. Just like the widows mites. But before I digress too far from 3 John....
I was wondering if this Demetrius mentioned at the end was the same one who in Acts caused such problems for Paul. Or maybe it was in another letter Paul wrote, but maybe just another common name. Pretty neat though if it was a change of heart.
I'm glad God put this little book in here for encouragement in doing what we find at hand to do & do it all as if it were for Jesus Himself.
Ok girls -- here I come! Finally got around to a late afternoon commentary!!
John the elder . . . this used to be the young man that marched by Jesus side. Now he is old, he is a leader, he is wise and has seen a lot over the years. Here's what brings him great joy, "to hear that my children are following the truth" Wow -- that's good good news for any leader, and that certainly includes parents. For John, as I've never heard a peep that he married - - his children were the believers, young and old.
Hospitality - yeah Chris, I like your take on it -- it takes effort, time, it takes moving toward people as opposed to hiding out from them! It takes emotional energy, but in many cases - it rewards with emotional energy (but not all cases!!) I believe that hospitality is a gift, but also something our God desires us to move toward, gifted or not. After all -- He is being the ultimate hospitable Host to share His heavenly home with us:)
11 "Don't let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good" It's so easy to be influenced by others -- and typically, the influence that swirls around us is negative influence. Focus on what is good -- really good advice:)
You're right Linda, sometimes you just feel energized or relaxed after interacting with people & then there are others that just totally drain you. Funny how we remember those draining ones & then cut ourselves off from everyone...even the good ones, as a reaction. Hospitality is definitely a gift.
How many chapters has Moses spent pleading with the people to follow God? He really knows the people he's been leading for umpteen years! How discouraging then for God to tell him that they will definitely go astray & choose other gods. But I guess really, it was just confirming what Moses already knew.
He even told them how compassionate God would be when they returned with their whole heart to Him. Even to the point that God would scrap off their calluses off their heart (30:6,7). Freeing them to love Him again. They couldn't do it.
When we think about making changes in our lives we think of all the obstacles. But God is saying here to just turn around. He'll do the rest, He'll give us the strength, energy & perseverance to continue to make right decisions & stick with them. It so reminds me of a person needing to stop an addiction. There is so much help & support waiting for them & friends tell them that they need to make changes BUT it has to be their choice. Only then is the support put under them & successful.
One hard part about making that choice is that it takes admitting that "I can't handle it & I need help". So with our hearts & God. We have to admit we're stubborn & thick-headed so He can cut through that thick callus & free us to listen & grow. We can't do it without Him, though we keep thinking we can & trudge off...in the wrong direction....AGAIN!
I just love the new start in v8-10 & that God will start "enjoying us again", we won't be a drain on His hospitality, we'll be living it out & helping others in the same predicament we were. So of course He will enjoy us even more...we're helping now instead of hindering! And nothing half-hearted - All In - total commitment!
You hit on something there Chris with our admitting "I can't handle it & I need help" That's when His grace and help can actually penetrate our walls and our calloused heart. Why are we so stubborn and independent? It's a part of all of us! Sheeesh -- you'd think we'd get it after awhile!
29 2-4 Moses is telling them that they saw all these miracles with their own eyes -- yet -- they were totally blind, deaf, and clueless! (good warning for every generation) I think that's why it's important to continually review your blessings -- blessings tend to leak out of us and we forget - we become ungrateful and fall into the horrible trap of entitlement.
29:19 Good warning not to become complacent and figure it doesn't apply to you!
29:29 The Lord our God has secrets known to no one - and we aren't accountable for those; but what He has revealed -- well hello! Pay attention! I appreciate a God who gives us what we can handle, then doesn't hold us accountable for what He has not revealed:) He's on our side!
30:2,3 He's simply waiting for us to turn and return -- He's got blessings and a good life waiting.
30:9 -- The Lord wants to make us successful - - sometimes I think people feel that being successful is a sin; but here it says success in everything you do: your children, your living - - was that a promise for back then only? I don't think so. I think we need to look at success as a blessing and then give back.
31:15 a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster.
31:6-8 Moses is very clear in his parting words to the Israelites, and he made it very clear who his successor would be -- that is imperative for a smooth transition and to eliminate power struggles.
Can hardly wait to read the song next Monday that God gave to Moses. Rev 15:2,3 talks about those with victory singing this song -- but I've never really read it before!!
I liked that verse in Deut 29:29 that talked about being responsible for what God has shown us & Him only giving what we can handle.
So Esther might have thought at first that life was gonna be a cake walk once she was queen. Then Mordecai ruins it with reality.
I like to think that Esther was a very honest, real person. I think that's why she stood out to Xerxes. She was herself & not putting on a show for the king to like her.
I also like Vashti though. She stood up to a drunk king. She had the dignity to know she was more than just an ornament to be shown off. She wanted to be respected for more than her looks. She had brains too. Paid the consequences for it but I respect that she stood up to him. She would probably fit in better today. Just like the wienie men to make a law to enforce what they couldn't in their homes. Kinda tells you what their marriages were like & how insecure they were.
I was wondering what their bathing & cleanliness was like back then if it took a year to get the stench off! LOL Then again, using natural remedies does take time if there were blemishes or such they wanted to take care of. Who knows.
Of course this makes me think of the song from The Story CD "Born for This" which is from Esther's point of view.
I wonder what went thru her head as she pondered Mordecai's words about being queen for such a time as this. But she obviously respected him & took his counsel & she sought God which tells me she had a relationship with Him as well.
Just wish there was more insight here, but can't wait to talk with her in heaven!
I do love how Haman is totally getting set up & we get to see it all. But in the moment you can't see everything that is happening behind the scenes, you're just going by faith.
This is very encouraging to read when it doesn't seem like things are working out in your behalf...but God is never inactive for His children.
I too say Kudos for Vashti! I'm guessing the crown was probably all he wanted her to wear. I'm glad that she respected herself enough to say no --
and we see lots of good qualities coming out in Esther -- maybe that's because life was not a cake walk from the beginning with her parents dying and her dependance on her cousin. Hegai saw something special in her -- maybe just her beauty, but probably something more. And she trusted him to make her decisions of what to wear to see the king -- smart. She also gives Mordecai credit for the assasination report -- she could have taken the credit herself to find more favor with the king. She is concerned about M. when he's sitting in ashes; so she didn't forget the man that gave her a chance when she was young. and, of course -- she takes his advice and wisdom about taking a risk, even possibly if it means death -- she's quite a lady; beauty and courage, along with a caring, teachable heart.
OK -- let's talk about Xerxes -- I think he's a people pleaser. First, a 6 month party for the big shots -- but beyond that, a week long party for everyone in the kingdom, rich and poor? It's the only time I can think of where that's been done in the Bible or elsewhere. He takes advice from everyone, doesn't seem to use his brain at all -- just does what they want, including Hamen. He needs the wisdom of Esther or Vashti, they were able to make decisions!!
Hamen is controlled by his jealousy. He can't be happy about anything as long as he doesn't have the worship of everyone -- very insecure.
Mordecai -- fearless. Very Danielish in his determination and reliance on God. Not only in the case of Hamen, but 4:14 says that "deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place. He is morning what has happened, but he has confidence that his race will continue. Mordecai is also smart -- telling Esther not to reveal that she is Jewish - - that little secret was Haman's undoing!
I always thought Hamen wanted M hung, not impaled -- yucky ways to die -- both of them.
Esther was smart, using curiosity to work out her plan! I wonder if God revealed that idea to her -- I bet He did, He knows how we are wired!
ooh, good comments about Esther's character & Haman's insecurity. But what version are you reading that says impaled? Mine says Haman made gallows to hang him on. Maybe we should see what the Amplified says.... unless that was what you were reading. I thought it was Living Translation though or something like that.
146:3,4 "Don't put your life in the hands of experts who know nothing of life, of salvation life." So many times Israel turned to Egypt or Assyria to save them when they were invaded. How many times do Christians today turn to non Christians to solve their problems instead of turning to God first? People who don't believe in God give counsel that doesn't involve God & doesn't take that relationship into account. God might send them to someone who is a non-believer so a connection is made & the Good News can be shared, but God needs to be the 1st one talked & counseled with. As v4 states "mere humans don't have what it takes..."
v5 "put your hope in God & know REAL blessing" & then it goes on to tell of God's credentials, His resume if you will. He created everything! Why do we think He can't help us? I think it's because we can't see Him so we want a visible/tangible person. Hmmm, wouldn't that be kinda like idolatry then? I think even if it's a godly person, we can put too much stock in their opinion, so God sometimes let them fail us so we'll realize that it's really Him that we need to turn too.
v10 "God's in charge - ALWAYS!" Reminds me of the Twila Paris song "God is in Control". HALLELUJAH! It's not the "super powers" of the world. They can't even balance their budgets!
147 talks about God as a Restorer, a Healer & He definitely is. I love the care it shows He gives to the stars...and there are so many. It was a great way to illustrate to Abram that he would have unnumbered children. And yet, God knows each of us intimately. Wow. I have trouble keeping track of people's bdays, & holidays & even what the current day/date is & I don't even come close to having that many people to keep track of!
v11 it's those who really fear God that get His attention & can depend on Him standing up for them. I think these are the people who are like Job. No matter if God decides to kill Him, Job does not waiver in his faith of El Shaddai. He is will to give up everything & be sacrificed for his Best Friend. Ultimate trust. I believe Job knew, like Abraham, that God could bring back to life what He desired to. Nothing was impossible with his God & that's why God tested Him & blessed Him. They trusted each other.
v19,20 says that God spoke words that worked to Israel...never did that to other nations. Reminds me of Heb 4:12 that says the Word of God is alive. When we accept His Word into our hearts it is alive & does His work of refining & purifying. Sometimes you have to gut a house in order to remodel it into a beautiful, habitable space. I believe that's what the HS is doing in each of us. And then when Jesus comes to take us home, we get the exterior redone too! :D
I can see more than just David writing 148. Such a call for praise could come from Solomon when the temple was dedicated. He had peace from all his enemies & God had a beautiful dwelling place. I can see him calling the people to praise God using these words. Also Joshua after Jericho. Even Job after God had restored everything. Anyone who has experienced God's deliverance & blessing especially after enduring a trial can relate to this thanksgiving psalm.
I really like the last verse that says we are intimate friends with God. NIV says close to His heart. HALLELUJAH!
David LOVED to praise God -- it consumed him! vs 1 I will praise the Lord as long as I live . . . and with my dying breath. David would remain faithful with love and praise to the Faithful One!
Really appreciated your thoughts Chris on vs 2 and how we always run to the powerful people - and the people we can see. Really good thought on idolatry . . . I think we make idols out of people way more that we realize; turning to them before God in many situations.
147:3 "He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds" Got a beautiful word picture of my mom with this one. I remember crying to her with this or that battle scar. I remember her sitting me up on the counter and applying a band-aide, then I remember her rocking me in the old green rocker while I hick-uped back the tears . . . such a feeling of love and comfort. Isaiah 66:13 - As a mother comforts her child . . .
vs 4 - He counts the stars. In Rev., stars is another name for angels. Now, whether David has him counting physical star/suns here or angels - - it's pretty awesome that He knows each by name, a very personal God -- and He knows the hairs on our head . . . with personal attention like that, it brings us hope of a God that really does care.
148:5 Let every created thing give praise to the Lord - - that's way more than humans (and we probably fail the worst at the praising!) I want to go back to the lifestyle of David in 146:1
NIV puts 5:2 as "I slept but my heart was awake" so she heard her lover knocking on the door. 2 different thoughts on this. One is how the subconscious works while we are physically sleeping or how a parent can wake up from a dead sleep if their child needs them.
The 2nd thought is how we can look like we're spiritually dead, not interested in Jesus at all, but just the right word spoken by someone He puts in their path can awaken the desire to know God, to seek Him. So important to be listening to the HS to know what/when to say things & where to go so He can have you say things.
v3 reminds me of sometimes how "inconvenient" it can be to us to obey the Voice of Truth we hear calling us to toe the line or say something that might be unpopular. We try to pawn it off as not important or like Festus to a "more convenient" time. So the HS leaves, looking for someone who will listen & be used. Fortunately though, God has given me other chances when I haven't listen clearly the first time OR asked for forgiveness.
In v6 it she says "I died inside" when she opened the door & he was gone. So true of how we die when we choose not to listen to God. Look what happened to Adam & Eve. The very moment they disobeyed, they started to die.
v7 is disturbing because the watchmen are supposed to be the protectors. And the watchmen in the Bible also symbolize the pastors that God has entrusted the care of His sheep too. And yet, they abuse the one looking to them for help. See a lot of that coming out into the open these days & not just with clergy.
Also though it could be clergy that spiritually mislead their flock by not studying the Bible themselves. Not understanding or choosing not to have the deep commitment & relationship with God that is necessary to instruct & counsel intelligently.
v9-16 is a chance for the woman (us) to show that she really does love her man (Jesus) & why. It's a chance to witness, to testify of His character & what He's done for her. How much she delights in His presence. A time for Praise!
6:2-3 She knows where she can find him...right where she left him, in the garden. Reminds me of the counsel to the Ephesus church in Rev. Return to your first love experience with Me when things get stale or you get lost. I'm right where you left me. Retrace your steps. It's what we automatically do when we lose something isn't it?
And I just love how Jesus doesn't hold it over us when we return to Him. He just delights in us & tells us how unique (6:9)& beautiful we are to Him. (rest of C 6). There's no one in the world exactly like us & we are each special to Him because of that uniqueness. We don't have to feel jealous of each other's time & relationship with Him because He dotes on each of us individually & uniquely because of how He made us.
Great comments on SOS Chris -- you made it come alive! Not sure I have anything to add, but I'll try!
5:3 is she teasing her lover, or is she finding his knock and incovenience? Either way, when she opens the door - He has gone; I like to think that Jesus woos us, doesn't demand, doesn't insist - - but works with us even if it takes time; He's not impatient with our journey.
Another in"terpretation of the watchman might be "the world and all it hold out. This might be the financial world, the business world, the fashion world - you name it. It offers great ideas, protection, help, advancement, fame - - when often we are abused and set aside - - the world really doesn't care what happens to us.
Loved how you pointed out Chris that when we turn to Jesus - He doesn't say "I told you so" or hold our past over our heads - He just excepts, loves, heals, comforts. She recognizes this in 5:16 when she call him her "lover" and her "friend"
And did you notice how twice in 6:4 it calls her beautiful? What woman doesn't want to be thought of as beautiful? Ever since we're little girls we giggle and enjoy those very precious words.
6:9 I would still choose my dove my perfect one - - another wonderful verse letting us know that He loves us as individuals - it's not a group love (like a group hug only different!)
6:12 Before I realized it, I found myself in the royal chariot with my beloved. At first I was thinking - hmmm, maybe she found herself always turning to Him. Then I thought -- no, she's out on her own business - but He is watching for her, following after her, offering her a ride so they can be close -- I like that!!
Yep Linda, you definitely added. Like the part about Jesus not insisting. And the woman acknowledging his admiration by calling him her lover & friend. I don't usually know what to do with compliments but she seems secure in who she is & accepts what he says/gives. Great point!
Rev 12---We see Satan trying to crush the Christian church.
Rev 13---We have the antichrist coming to power. He recovers from a fatal head wound (raised from the dead by Satan?) and he blasphemies against Gods name and Satan gives him authority to control the earth. (Satan also offered this kingdom to Jesus during his 40 days fast, but Jesus was able to decline.)
Rev 13:6 is interesting. The antichrist blasphemes Gods people in heaven. Now why would he bad mouth those in heaven or even bother? Because you and I will have been raptured out of here. And how is the antichrist going to explain the fact that a few million Christian kooks are missing? He's going to have to discredit the Christian belief, explain it away or blaspheme it and it's believers.
Rev 13:7---Now the antichrist makes war with the saints---and hows he gonna do that when they're gone in the rapture? The saints are the people who are going to believe in Christ during this period of conflict. After the Christians are gone, God is going to reveal himself to 144,000 physical, literal Jews who are going to believe with a vengeance that Jesus is the Messiah.
Rev 13:9---the repeated phrase of "those who can hear let them hear" we read in the earlier chapters of Rev now becomes "If Anyone is able to hear let them hear"--because the church has been raptured out.
Rev 13:11-18----Now we're introduced to the false prophet (kinda like a devilish John the Baptist)
Everyone will be given a mark or tattoo. He/She must swear allegiance to the dictator before they can buy, sell, get medical care or hold a job etc.
You've probably heard that researchers have developed technology that can tattoo an electronic circuit on people's skin. This is known as “electronic skin”. The technology could transform medical sensing, computer gaming and even spy operations.
And I'm running out of time here---there is just too much to unpack in today's reading. December 23, 2011 7:30 AM
Great point Sher about how the devil offered the world to Jesus - and he declined. I am always amazed and shudder at Satan's counterfit.
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are counterfitted in the dragon, beast, and false prophet (that fits perfectly with the devil offering the world to Jesus, then to the beast.)
Well, I guess it all boils down to when that rapture takes place!! Hee hee, here we go again! I think that the "those who dwell in heaven" in 13:6 are referring to the angels, God Himself, Jesus, the Holy Spirit - and you see so much ugly slander and disrespect hurled at heaven these days -- so much more than even 50 years ago!
and . . . the 13:7 war, I believe will happen here on the earth right before God comes. Several places it talks about Satan making war with the remnant, those who keep God's commandments and have His faith (14:10, 12:17, 12:11,12) BUT! along with this belief -- I believe God will shelter, strengthen, & help us through to the end. However it works out, early rapture or rapture after the end times -- He is faithful, He will be by our sides every step of the way.
War in heaven (12:7) what a strange thought -- you never think of heaven as a place of turmoil, strife, war - - it must have been a very strange mix of emotions for the angels when that happened; never having experienced conflict before.
I LOVE 12:11 the have DEFEATED HIM by the blood of the Lamb and their testimony. I think their testimony is clinging to the truth that God is faithful, God is loving, God is supreme. It comes out again in 17:14!! Praise God!!
How that dragon hates the woman -- the dragon is jealous of the woman and her testimony. He wants that adoration directed toward himself -- He tries to drown her (12:15), he declares war on her children -- every mother has feelings of horror at that thought (12:17) He tries to intimidate her and trick her (13:2)
It was an interesting word picture of the dragon taking his stand on the shore beside the sea (the sea - many people (17:15) He's bringing a power out from us humans - - hmmmmm.
Lot of talk here in Revelation about the Book of Life - - some names NOT written in the book (13:8) and names written in the book (21:27) another contrast is the wicked have the name of the beast (13:17) the righteous have the name of the the Lamb and his Father (14:1)
It all boils down to worship - - who do we abandon our will, our lives, our understanding to? Beautiful picture in 14:4 - - God's people follow the Lamb wherever He goes. Total abandonment -- wherever He goes; Jesus walked a path that wasn't a cake walk; and He warned us about this in John 15:20. So ladies -- let's keep our eyes on the Lamb, don't let Him out of your sight!
Nice comments ladies. I will read the chapters tonight but doubt I will have anything to add. I needed something else this a.m. so I was reading Dear Jesus & it hit the spot! Linda, I think you have the book so it's page 202, if you get time. Sherrie, I'll have to loan you the book if you want when I'm done...if I ever get done. LOL
found one thing to add. I noticed in 12:10 that after satan & angels were kicked out of heaven a voice from heaven says salvation & power are established.
I just thought that was interesting because you always here about the Lamb of God slain before the foundation of the world & here it is. Just hadn't caught that before.
And before my history loving brain gets too far along...I'll stop.
The depths of His love; as in a parent that choose to have a handicapped child, even before conceiving - knowing all the extra work, care and sorrow that child will bring. That's what He did for me; I'm handicapped, I brought so much pain, work, & sadness into His life -- but He loves me through that:)
Paul never lost his focus, his mission - loved reading the total passion of this man in these 2 chapters - - what love HE had for the people around him. He would have REJOICED if the Jewish leaders had turned to God - even after all they'd done to him. And the reason is that Paul got it: It's not about me; it's about God.
Paul's appeal to Caesar would open up the fulfillment of Acts 23:11.
You could tell that Festus was into pleasing, not in to justice; he was convinced that Paul was innocent (25:18, 25)
I love how Paul is a master at reasoning. According to Acts 9:7, Jesus didn't say quite as much as in Paul's defense. But, wow -- Paul made it very clear that Jesus had a plan of to bring hope to the gentiles 26:18. I can imagine the awe that filled the room -- most defenses were all about "I am innocent" Paul's defense was all about the Romans, he wanted them to experience life and forgiveness! (26:27, 29)
Yeah, he definitely was in it all for God, not Paul's admiration & title. I think Paul added to what God told him in Acts 9 because as their relationship developed, this is what God made plain for Paul to do. Remember earlier in Acts when he was talking to the Jerusalem council (15 I think) & said Peter was ministering to the Jews & God had him & Silas ministering to the Gentiles.
I've always been bummed because Paul could have been freed & seems like he could have done more work for God than just going to Rome & writing letters. BUT, if he hadn't written the letters that he did while he was in prison, how many of his epistles wouldn't be in the Bible. And look how many millions more have been impacted by them.
Just another reminder to me that I too need to surrender to what I can't see or understand. It has to be about God, not me. I'm not as totally abandoned as Paul was or as Jesus was. I still fight & whine, but God still works with me & teaches me anyway. And He uses me in spite of it all. Just amazing love & patience!
3 John---I have to admit that I didn't see the purpose of this book. And I'm so tired this morning that I was not able to hear from the Lord. So I cheated and read a commentary on it.
ReplyDeleteWow--this book of John is about confronting your problems with people.
Diotrephes was rejecting John as an elder. And when Diotrephes rejected the missionaries, it was his way of refusing to acknowledge John's authority. This attitude was going to continue.
John’s strategy for resolving this conflict was not to back down, but to personally meet his opponent face to face.
When we need to confront people of strong will--usually our first response is to retreat and hope the situation will work itself out. But that is a passive way to deal with things and not God's way.
Ha ha, love your honesty Sherrie! I am praying for your rest & peace. I know you have a lot on your plate with your grandchildren & your neighbors but I know God has & will continue to give you strength.
ReplyDeleteI did get that same thought that your commentary brought out when I read this book. It constantly surprises me how people can be so blatantly wrong & yet people think they are right & follow them.
Maybe it's because it appeals to our selfishness & doesn't call for any effort on our part. To be hospitable to strangers is to go out of our comfort zone & mess with our all important schedule.
God & I were having a conversation along these lines this morning while I was running. He really gave me a good preaching to! It was all about the true Christmas story & tied in to the JB we just did. But it can apply to this instance as well. "All I got" is all He needs to complete His will & take it even bigger than I ever imagined. Just like the widows mites. But before I digress too far from 3 John....
I was wondering if this Demetrius mentioned at the end was the same one who in Acts caused such problems for Paul. Or maybe it was in another letter Paul wrote, but maybe just another common name. Pretty neat though if it was a change of heart.
I'm glad God put this little book in here for encouragement in doing what we find at hand to do & do it all as if it were for Jesus Himself.
Wow---awesome commentary Chris---and to think that I thought 3 John was just a pointless book. Silly me.
ReplyDeleteOk girls -- here I come! Finally got around to a late afternoon commentary!!
ReplyDeleteJohn the elder . . . this used to be the young man that marched by Jesus side. Now he is old, he is a leader, he is wise and has seen a lot over the years. Here's what brings him great joy, "to hear that my children are following the truth" Wow -- that's good good news for any leader, and that certainly includes parents. For John, as I've never heard a peep that he married - - his children were the believers, young and old.
Hospitality - yeah Chris, I like your take on it -- it takes effort, time, it takes moving toward people as opposed to hiding out from them! It takes emotional energy, but in many cases - it rewards with emotional energy (but not all cases!!) I believe that hospitality is a gift, but also something our God desires us to move toward, gifted or not. After all -- He is being the ultimate hospitable Host to share His heavenly home with us:)
11 "Don't let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good" It's so easy to be influenced by others -- and typically, the influence that swirls around us is negative influence. Focus on what is good -- really good advice:)
You're right Linda, sometimes you just feel energized or relaxed after interacting with people & then there are others that just totally drain you. Funny how we remember those draining ones & then cut ourselves off from everyone...even the good ones, as a reaction. Hospitality is definitely a gift.
ReplyDeleteHow many chapters has Moses spent pleading with the people to follow God? He really knows the people he's been leading for umpteen years! How discouraging then for God to tell him that they will definitely go astray & choose other gods. But I guess really, it was just confirming what Moses already knew.
He even told them how compassionate God would be when they returned with their whole heart to Him. Even to the point that God would scrap off their calluses off their heart (30:6,7). Freeing them to love Him again. They couldn't do it.
When we think about making changes in our lives we think of all the obstacles. But God is saying here to just turn around. He'll do the rest, He'll give us the strength, energy & perseverance to continue to make right decisions & stick with them. It so reminds me of a person needing to stop an addiction. There is so much help & support waiting for them & friends tell them that they need to make changes BUT it has to be their choice. Only then is the support put under them & successful.
One hard part about making that choice is that it takes admitting that "I can't handle it & I need help". So with our hearts & God. We have to admit we're stubborn & thick-headed so He can cut through that thick callus & free us to listen & grow. We can't do it without Him, though we keep thinking we can & trudge off...in the wrong direction....AGAIN!
I just love the new start in v8-10 & that God will start "enjoying us again", we won't be a drain on His hospitality, we'll be living it out & helping others in the same predicament we were. So of course He will enjoy us even more...we're helping now instead of hindering! And nothing half-hearted - All In - total commitment!
You hit on something there Chris with our admitting "I can't handle it & I need help" That's when His grace and help can actually penetrate our walls and our calloused heart. Why are we so stubborn and independent? It's a part of all of us! Sheeesh -- you'd think we'd get it after awhile!
ReplyDelete29 2-4 Moses is telling them that they saw all these miracles with their own eyes -- yet -- they were totally blind, deaf, and clueless! (good warning for every generation) I think that's why it's important to continually review your blessings -- blessings tend to leak out of us and we forget - we become ungrateful and fall into the horrible trap of entitlement.
29:19 Good warning not to become complacent and figure it doesn't apply to you!
29:29 The Lord our God has secrets known to no one - and we aren't accountable for those; but what He has revealed -- well hello! Pay attention! I appreciate a God who gives us what we can handle, then doesn't hold us accountable for what He has not revealed:) He's on our side!
30:2,3 He's simply waiting for us to turn and return -- He's got blessings and a good life waiting.
30:9 -- The Lord wants to make us successful - - sometimes I think people feel that being successful is a sin; but here it says success in everything you do: your children, your living - - was that a promise for back then only? I don't think so. I think we need to look at success as a blessing and then give back.
31:15 a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster.
31:6-8 Moses is very clear in his parting words to the Israelites, and he made it very clear who his successor would be -- that is imperative for a smooth transition and to eliminate power struggles.
Can hardly wait to read the song next Monday that God gave to Moses. Rev 15:2,3 talks about those with victory singing this song -- but I've never really read it before!!
I liked that verse in Deut 29:29 that talked about being responsible for what God has shown us & Him only giving what we can handle.
ReplyDeleteSo Esther might have thought at first that life was gonna be a cake walk once she was queen. Then Mordecai ruins it with reality.
I like to think that Esther was a very honest, real person. I think that's why she stood out to Xerxes. She was herself & not putting on a show for the king to like her.
I also like Vashti though. She stood up to a drunk king. She had the dignity to know she was more than just an ornament to be shown off. She wanted to be respected for more than her looks. She had brains too. Paid the consequences for it but I respect that she stood up to him. She would probably fit in better today. Just like the wienie men to make a law to enforce what they couldn't in their homes. Kinda tells you what their marriages were like & how insecure they were.
I was wondering what their bathing & cleanliness was like back then if it took a year to get the stench off! LOL Then again, using natural remedies does take time if there were blemishes or such they wanted to take care of. Who knows.
Of course this makes me think of the song from The Story CD "Born for This" which is from Esther's point of view.
I wonder what went thru her head as she pondered Mordecai's words about being queen for such a time as this. But she obviously respected him & took his counsel & she sought God which tells me she had a relationship with Him as well.
Just wish there was more insight here, but can't wait to talk with her in heaven!
I do love how Haman is totally getting set up & we get to see it all. But in the moment you can't see everything that is happening behind the scenes, you're just going by faith.
This is very encouraging to read when it doesn't seem like things are working out in your behalf...but God is never inactive for His children.
I too say Kudos for Vashti! I'm guessing the crown was probably all he wanted her to wear. I'm glad that she respected herself enough to say no --
ReplyDeleteand we see lots of good qualities coming out in Esther -- maybe that's because life was not a cake walk from the beginning with her parents dying and her dependance on her cousin. Hegai saw something special in her -- maybe just her beauty, but probably something more. And she trusted him to make her decisions of what to wear to see the king -- smart. She also gives Mordecai credit for the assasination report -- she could have taken the credit herself to find more favor with the king. She is concerned about M. when he's sitting in ashes; so she didn't forget the man that gave her a chance when she was young. and, of course -- she takes his advice and wisdom about taking a risk, even possibly if it means death -- she's quite a lady; beauty and courage, along with a caring, teachable heart.
OK -- let's talk about Xerxes -- I think he's a people pleaser. First, a 6 month party for the big shots -- but beyond that, a week long party for everyone in the kingdom, rich and poor? It's the only time I can think of where that's been done in the Bible or elsewhere. He takes advice from everyone, doesn't seem to use his brain at all -- just does what they want, including Hamen. He needs the wisdom of Esther or Vashti, they were able to make decisions!!
Hamen is controlled by his jealousy. He can't be happy about anything as long as he doesn't have the worship of everyone -- very insecure.
Mordecai -- fearless. Very Danielish in his determination and reliance on God. Not only in the case of Hamen, but 4:14 says that "deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place. He is morning what has happened, but he has confidence that his race will continue. Mordecai is also smart -- telling Esther not to reveal that she is Jewish - - that little secret was Haman's undoing!
I always thought Hamen wanted M hung, not impaled -- yucky ways to die -- both of them.
Esther was smart, using curiosity to work out her plan! I wonder if God revealed that idea to her -- I bet He did, He knows how we are wired!
ooh, good comments about Esther's character & Haman's insecurity. But what version are you reading that says impaled? Mine says Haman made gallows to hang him on. Maybe we should see what the Amplified says.... unless that was what you were reading. I thought it was Living Translation though or something like that.
ReplyDeleteyeah -- it's NLT
ReplyDelete146:3,4 "Don't put your life in the hands of experts who know nothing of life, of salvation life." So many times Israel turned to Egypt or Assyria to save them when they were invaded. How many times do Christians today turn to non Christians to solve their problems instead of turning to God first? People who don't believe in God give counsel that doesn't involve God & doesn't take that relationship into account. God might send them to someone who is a non-believer so a connection is made & the Good News can be shared, but God needs to be the 1st one talked & counseled with. As v4 states "mere humans don't have what it takes..."
ReplyDeletev5 "put your hope in God & know REAL blessing" & then it goes on to tell of God's credentials, His resume if you will. He created everything! Why do we think He can't help us? I think it's because we can't see Him so we want a visible/tangible person. Hmmm, wouldn't that be kinda like idolatry then? I think even if it's a godly person, we can put too much stock in their opinion, so God sometimes let them fail us so we'll realize that it's really Him that we need to turn too.
v10 "God's in charge - ALWAYS!" Reminds me of the Twila Paris song "God is in Control". HALLELUJAH! It's not the "super powers" of the world. They can't even balance their budgets!
147 talks about God as a Restorer, a Healer & He definitely is. I love the care it shows He gives to the stars...and there are so many. It was a great way to illustrate to Abram that he would have unnumbered children. And yet, God knows each of us intimately. Wow. I have trouble keeping track of people's bdays, & holidays & even what the current day/date is & I don't even come close to having that many people to keep track of!
v11 it's those who really fear God that get His attention & can depend on Him standing up for them. I think these are the people who are like Job. No matter if God decides to kill Him, Job does not waiver in his faith of El Shaddai. He is will to give up everything & be sacrificed for his Best Friend. Ultimate trust. I believe Job knew, like Abraham, that God could bring back to life what He desired to. Nothing was impossible with his God & that's why God tested Him & blessed Him. They trusted each other.
v19,20 says that God spoke words that worked to Israel...never did that to other nations. Reminds me of Heb 4:12 that says the Word of God is alive. When we accept His Word into our hearts it is alive & does His work of refining & purifying. Sometimes you have to gut a house in order to remodel it into a beautiful, habitable space. I believe that's what the HS is doing in each of us. And then when Jesus comes to take us home, we get the exterior redone too! :D
I can see more than just David writing 148. Such a call for praise could come from Solomon when the temple was dedicated. He had peace from all his enemies & God had a beautiful dwelling place. I can see him calling the people to praise God using these words. Also Joshua after Jericho. Even Job after God had restored everything. Anyone who has experienced God's deliverance & blessing especially after enduring a trial can relate to this thanksgiving psalm.
I really like the last verse that says we are intimate friends with God. NIV says close to His heart. HALLELUJAH!
David LOVED to praise God -- it consumed him! vs 1 I will praise the Lord as long as I live . . . and with my dying breath. David would remain faithful with love and praise to the Faithful One!
ReplyDeleteReally appreciated your thoughts Chris on vs 2 and how we always run to the powerful people - and the people we can see. Really good thought on idolatry . . . I think we make idols out of people way more that we realize; turning to them before God in many situations.
147:3 "He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds" Got a beautiful word picture of my mom with this one. I remember crying to her with this or that battle scar. I remember her sitting me up on the counter and applying a band-aide, then I remember her rocking me in the old green rocker while I hick-uped back the tears . . . such a feeling of love and comfort. Isaiah 66:13 - As a mother comforts her child . . .
vs 4 - He counts the stars. In Rev., stars is another name for angels. Now, whether David has him counting physical star/suns here or angels - - it's pretty awesome that He knows each by name, a very personal God -- and He knows the hairs on our head . . . with personal attention like that, it brings us hope of a God that really does care.
148:5 Let every created thing give praise to the Lord - - that's way more than humans (and we probably fail the worst at the praising!) I want to go back to the lifestyle of David in 146:1
NIV puts 5:2 as "I slept but my heart was awake" so she heard her lover knocking on the door. 2 different thoughts on this. One is how the subconscious works while we are physically sleeping or how a parent can wake up from a dead sleep if their child needs them.
ReplyDeleteThe 2nd thought is how we can look like we're spiritually dead, not interested in Jesus at all, but just the right word spoken by someone He puts in their path can awaken the desire to know God, to seek Him. So important to be listening to the HS to know what/when to say things & where to go so He can have you say things.
v3 reminds me of sometimes how "inconvenient" it can be to us to obey the Voice of Truth we hear calling us to toe the line or say something that might be unpopular. We try to pawn it off as not important or like Festus to a "more convenient" time. So the HS leaves, looking for someone who will listen & be used. Fortunately though, God has given me other chances when I haven't listen clearly the first time OR asked for forgiveness.
In v6 it she says "I died inside" when she opened the door & he was gone. So true of how we die when we choose not to listen to God. Look what happened to Adam & Eve. The very moment they disobeyed, they started to die.
v7 is disturbing because the watchmen are supposed to be the protectors. And the watchmen in the Bible also symbolize the pastors that God has entrusted the care of His sheep too. And yet, they abuse the one looking to them for help. See a lot of that coming out into the open these days & not just with clergy.
Also though it could be clergy that spiritually mislead their flock by not studying the Bible themselves. Not understanding or choosing not to have the deep commitment & relationship with God that is necessary to instruct & counsel intelligently.
v9-16 is a chance for the woman (us) to show that she really does love her man (Jesus) & why. It's a chance to witness, to testify of His character & what He's done for her. How much she delights in His presence. A time for Praise!
6:2-3 She knows where she can find him...right where she left him, in the garden. Reminds me of the counsel to the Ephesus church in Rev. Return to your first love experience with Me when things get stale or you get lost. I'm right where you left me. Retrace your steps. It's what we automatically do when we lose something isn't it?
And I just love how Jesus doesn't hold it over us when we return to Him. He just delights in us & tells us how unique (6:9)& beautiful we are to Him. (rest of C 6). There's no one in the world exactly like us & we are each special to Him because of that uniqueness. We don't have to feel jealous of each other's time & relationship with Him because He dotes on each of us individually & uniquely because of how He made us.
Great comments on SOS Chris -- you made it come alive! Not sure I have anything to add, but I'll try!
ReplyDelete5:3 is she teasing her lover, or is she finding his knock and incovenience? Either way, when she opens the door - He has gone; I like to think that Jesus woos us, doesn't demand, doesn't insist - - but works with us even if it takes time; He's not impatient with our journey.
Another in"terpretation of the watchman might be "the world and all it hold out. This might be the financial world, the business world, the fashion world - you name it. It offers great ideas, protection, help, advancement, fame - - when often we are abused and set aside - - the world really doesn't care what happens to us.
Loved how you pointed out Chris that when we turn to Jesus - He doesn't say "I told you so" or hold our past over our heads - He just excepts, loves, heals, comforts. She recognizes this in 5:16 when she call him her "lover" and her "friend"
And did you notice how twice in 6:4 it calls her beautiful? What woman doesn't want to be thought of as beautiful? Ever since we're little girls we giggle and enjoy those very precious words.
6:9 I would still choose my dove my perfect one - - another wonderful verse letting us know that He loves us as individuals - it's not a group love (like a group hug only different!)
6:12 Before I realized it, I found myself in the royal chariot with my beloved. At first I was thinking - hmmm, maybe she found herself always turning to Him. Then I thought -- no, she's out on her own business - but He is watching for her, following after her, offering her a ride so they can be close -- I like that!!
Yep Linda, you definitely added. Like the part about Jesus not insisting. And the woman acknowledging his admiration by calling him her lover & friend. I don't usually know what to do with compliments but she seems secure in who she is & accepts what he says/gives. Great point!
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ReplyDeleteRev 12---We see Satan trying to crush the Christian church.
ReplyDeleteRev 13---We have the antichrist coming to power. He recovers from a fatal head wound (raised from the dead by Satan?) and he blasphemies against Gods name and Satan gives him authority to control the earth. (Satan also offered this kingdom to Jesus during his 40 days fast, but Jesus was able to decline.)
Rev 13:6 is interesting. The antichrist blasphemes Gods people in heaven. Now why would he bad mouth those in heaven or even bother? Because you and I will have been raptured out of here. And how is the antichrist going to explain the fact that a few million Christian kooks are missing? He's going to have to discredit the Christian belief, explain it away or blaspheme it and it's believers.
Rev 13:7---Now the antichrist makes war with the saints---and hows he gonna do that when they're gone in the rapture? The saints are the people who are going to believe in Christ during this period of conflict.
After the Christians are gone, God is going to reveal himself to 144,000 physical, literal Jews who are going to believe with a vengeance that Jesus is the Messiah.
Rev 13:9---the repeated phrase of "those who can hear let them hear" we read in the earlier chapters of Rev now becomes "If Anyone is able to hear let them hear"--because the church has been raptured out.
Rev 13:11-18----Now we're introduced to the false prophet (kinda like a devilish John the Baptist)
Everyone will be given a mark or tattoo. He/She must swear allegiance to the dictator before they can buy, sell, get medical care or hold a job etc.
You've probably heard that researchers have developed technology that can tattoo an electronic circuit on people's skin. This is known as “electronic skin”. The technology could transform medical sensing, computer gaming and even spy operations.
And I'm running out of time here---there is just too much to unpack in today's reading.
December 23, 2011 7:30 AM
Rev 17---We see the emergence of the "one world religion" system where idol worship will become prevalent.
ReplyDeleteGreat point Sher about how the devil offered the world to Jesus - and he declined. I am always amazed and shudder at Satan's counterfit.
ReplyDeleteThe Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are counterfitted in the dragon, beast, and false prophet (that fits perfectly with the devil offering the world to Jesus, then to the beast.)
Well, I guess it all boils down to when that rapture takes place!! Hee hee, here we go again! I think that the "those who dwell in heaven" in 13:6 are referring to the angels, God Himself, Jesus, the Holy Spirit - and you see so much ugly slander and disrespect hurled at heaven these days -- so much more than even 50 years ago!
and . . . the 13:7 war, I believe will happen here on the earth right before God comes. Several places it talks about Satan making war with the remnant, those who keep God's commandments and have His faith (14:10, 12:17, 12:11,12) BUT! along with this belief -- I believe God will shelter, strengthen, & help us through to the end. However it works out, early rapture or rapture after the end times -- He is faithful, He will be by our sides every step of the way.
War in heaven (12:7) what a strange thought -- you never think of heaven as a place of turmoil, strife, war - - it must have been a very strange mix of emotions for the angels when that happened; never having experienced conflict before.
I LOVE 12:11 the have DEFEATED HIM by the blood of the Lamb and their testimony. I think their testimony is clinging to the truth that God is faithful, God is loving, God is supreme. It comes out again in 17:14!! Praise God!!
How that dragon hates the woman -- the dragon is jealous of the woman and her testimony. He wants that adoration directed toward himself -- He tries to drown her (12:15), he declares war on her children -- every mother has feelings of horror at that thought (12:17) He tries to intimidate her and trick her (13:2)
It was an interesting word picture of the dragon taking his stand on the shore beside the sea (the sea - many people (17:15) He's bringing a power out from us humans - - hmmmmm.
Lot of talk here in Revelation about the Book of Life - - some names NOT written in the book (13:8) and names written in the book (21:27) another contrast is the wicked have the name of the beast (13:17) the righteous have the name of the the Lamb and his Father (14:1)
It all boils down to worship - - who do we abandon our will, our lives, our understanding to? Beautiful picture in 14:4 - - God's people follow the Lamb wherever He goes. Total abandonment -- wherever He goes; Jesus walked a path that wasn't a cake walk; and He warned us about this in John 15:20. So ladies -- let's keep our eyes on the Lamb, don't let Him out of your sight!
Nice comments ladies. I will read the chapters tonight but doubt I will have anything to add. I needed something else this a.m. so I was reading Dear Jesus & it hit the spot! Linda, I think you have the book so it's page 202, if you get time. Sherrie, I'll have to loan you the book if you want when I'm done...if I ever get done. LOL
ReplyDeletefound one thing to add. I noticed in 12:10 that after satan & angels were kicked out of heaven a voice from heaven says salvation & power are established.
ReplyDeleteI just thought that was interesting because you always here about the Lamb of God slain before the foundation of the world & here it is. Just hadn't caught that before.
And before my history loving brain gets too far along...I'll stop.
What do you think it means that the Lamb was slain before the foundation of the world? Do you think it means that is when the plan was established?
ReplyDeleteyeah, that they already knew (since God knows everything) what satan would do & they had the plan of salvation before they created the world.
ReplyDeleteWhat does that make you think?
The depths of His love; as in a parent that choose to have a handicapped child, even before conceiving - knowing all the extra work, care and sorrow that child will bring. That's what He did for me; I'm handicapped, I brought so much pain, work, & sadness into His life -- but He loves me through that:)
ReplyDeletePaul never lost his focus, his mission - loved reading the total passion of this man in these 2 chapters - - what love HE had for the people around him. He would have REJOICED if the Jewish leaders had turned to God - even after all they'd done to him. And the reason is that Paul got it: It's not about me; it's about God.
ReplyDeletePaul's appeal to Caesar would open up the fulfillment of Acts 23:11.
You could tell that Festus was into pleasing, not in to justice; he was convinced that Paul was innocent (25:18, 25)
I love how Paul is a master at reasoning. According to Acts 9:7, Jesus didn't say quite as much as in Paul's defense. But, wow -- Paul made it very clear that Jesus had a plan of to bring hope to the gentiles 26:18. I can imagine the awe that filled the room -- most defenses were all about "I am innocent" Paul's defense was all about the Romans, he wanted them to experience life and forgiveness! (26:27, 29)
Yeah, he definitely was in it all for God, not Paul's admiration & title. I think Paul added to what God told him in Acts 9 because as their relationship developed, this is what God made plain for Paul to do. Remember earlier in Acts when he was talking to the Jerusalem council (15 I think) & said Peter was ministering to the Jews & God had him & Silas ministering to the Gentiles.
ReplyDeleteI've always been bummed because Paul could have been freed & seems like he could have done more work for God than just going to Rome & writing letters. BUT, if he hadn't written the letters that he did while he was in prison, how many of his epistles wouldn't be in the Bible. And look how many millions more have been impacted by them.
Just another reminder to me that I too need to surrender to what I can't see or understand. It has to be about God, not me. I'm not as totally abandoned as Paul was or as Jesus was. I still fight & whine, but God still works with me & teaches me anyway. And He uses me in spite of it all. Just amazing love & patience!