Chapter 15 1-6 reminds us that we all need to encourage each other, and to accept the encouragement of others and scripture. We are SO independent -- I wonder where we learned that? As little kids, we're totally dependent; maybe that's part of Jesus call to become as children. We need each other, we need God.
vs 5 May the God of patience and comfort give you a spirit of unity (amen to that!!) Sometimes, I think unity can only come from Him - and is a real modern day miracle.
I also appreciated Paul's warning to watch out for those who criticize and create problems -- those type of people really wear me out.
15:7 "Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory." I think this is so that God will be given the glory as He grows each one of us. And of course, the fact that we sincerely love each other with all our foibles too!
The next verse says that we should be like Jesus who came as a servant to those He was trying to reach (Jews). Very different from how we approach people we're trying to teach. He was ultimately rejected by these same people. Like missionaries who are killed by the people they are trying to reach but then those very people are converted because their eyes/hearts are opened later.
And yes Linda, I agree. People who stir up debate & petty things wear me out too. I was thinking how Paul tells them not to believe anything contrary to what they'd been taught. They didn't have the Bible to go back to as we do today. In a way they did have to rely on people to be honest & want to help them find the Way, the Truth & the Life. We are so blessed today & so blind to our blessings!
I wonder if it was hard for Jacob to face Isaac with what had just happened. Did they talk about it? Was there any confession/rebuke that happened or did they just act like nothing happened?
And then God appeared to Jacob so I'm thinking Jacob did confess his deception. But the Bible doesn't say. Obviously, what goes around comes around as he was deceived later.
Trying to put myself in Leah's shoes & wondering how low she must have felt to have to trick someone to get a husband. She must have known she wouldn't be truly loved. And the names she gives her sons, you can see the hopelessness she felt. Would she ever feel loved? I wonder what she thought of her dad doing that. Any resentment as her life progressed?
I do like God's promise to Jacob (28:15) that He would not leave him until He had given him everything He'd promised. And when Jacob wakes up, he says IF God does all this THEN he will be my God. So little faith...sounds like me. But yet Jacobs actions show that he does believe God, he lives in a relationship with God. Just thought that word IF was interesting after such a dream & promise.
here's the CW take on the If/then deal Jacob made: "If you'll . . . then I'll know that you have accepted my confession and forgiven me. I will know that you care about me, and I will serve you forever." That take on it makes more sense to me - - I hope it's true, that Jacob was spending time confessing and learning from his failure.
I think that vs 22 is the first indication of tithe - - although, seems like Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek - - so maybe it was the family way. I don't remember reading where God instructed the tithing, do you?
I wonder if Rachel had heard stories of Aunti Rebekah!
I always wonder how Jacob could have mistaken the girls -- but then, at night in a dark tent without any lights -- I guess it makes sense.
Ahhhh the jealousies that fling around in 30 on; are jealousies ever justified? Cuz I know I would have been inflicted with it (both R and L had their own form of jealousy) What a lot of anger, bitterness, sorrow, tension it all caused -- nothing peaceful or happy about this family; and this was the family that God was pouring his blessing out on and through! Guess there's hope for all of us, broken as we are.
I was thinking about the injustice and abuse of Laban, and how God sent Jacob away with plenty. It reminded me of the experience of the Israelites when they left Egypt. We will all walk through times of injustice and abuse, but I believe that God has a plan to bring us out of that pain with plenty. It might not be until he comes again, but He will be our kinsman-redeemer:)
Wow--there is so much to unpack in today's reading that I could research it for a month and not comprehend it all.
Gen 28--Seems to me in that Esau is a man who lets his feelings lead him in his decisions. He doesn't seem to have a plan or seek God for direction. When He realizes the decisions he makes don't work out--he just tries something else.
When God visits Jacob in a dream, It seems to have a huge impact on his life. I am so thankful that our God never changes and still uses dreams and visions today to direct us.
Gen 30---There seems to be a generational curse being passed down. Rachel can't get pregnant and gives her servant to her husband Jacob. Jacob who is the grandson of Abraham and Sarah had the same issues in their marriage. I always find it interesting that when you are dealing with an issue in your life, you can usually find that one of your parents or grandparents dealt with the same thing.
Gen 31--Laban is an unscrupulous man--he lies, cons, and breaks contracts with Jacob again and again. Yet God doesn't allow him to do Jacob any harm.. In fact God makes him wealthy at the expense of Laban. That is a wonderful promise.
I find Gen 31:24 to be significant. Our words have power and life. We have the ability to change the atmosphere around us with our words. And in this verse, God seems to be saying--don't change the atmosphere around Laban. Don't bless him and don't curse him. Leave everything as it is. I find that amazing.
I was thinking the same thing about the generational curse, but more in the way of the lying/deceit that went on. Seems like it was the custom to have the maids of the wives as concubines too. All about popping out babies it seems. Glad it's not like that now! Well, at least not the norm.
I'm a little confused on your last paragraph though. As that verse is where God tells Laban not to harm Jacob. Were you referring to another verse or am I missing something?
As I read Judges today & the story of Samson, I just thought about how easily we can be either the manipulator or the manipulatee (don't think that's a word though).
It's done easily when we give the 1st place in our hearts to anyone but God. God doesn't manipulate. But since we interact more it seems, with the people we can actually see than with God (unfortunately), we give what we can see priority instead of what we can't see.
Which is what faith is about right? Believing, trusting, in what we can't see. Giving up control. When you think about it, giving up control means also giving up stress & who wouldn't want to give that up? But....it's a known & we like knowns, not unknowns...too much risk involved.
Linda, the only place I remember reading about tithing was in Leviticus so all the tithe stuff that is in Genesis is before that.
And even though it was dark...it seems he would have known the difference between Leah & Rachel. I just don't get that all! Seems like sex in marriage was a very impersonal thing back then. That's a blanket stmt without getting into loveless marriages, etc. today.
Here's the last paragraph quote from CW "God said to Laban in a dream, "I don't want you to flatter or threaten Jacob to get him to go back with you. It's time for him to go home." and -- I should have said -- don't change the atmosphere around Jacob; no wonder that was confusing!!! Anyway, we need to let God be God and not try to manipulate situations (I'm speaking to myself here!!!)
Hee hee! I read Sherries last paragraph, and thought I'd written it -- so I was trying to explain something I hadn't even written about! Sorry Sherrie!!!
Gen 14:20 talks about Ab giving Mel a tithe -- that's what I was thinking about Chris on the tithing aspect.
Sams mom wasn't able to have children -- this is the 3rd time I remember God using this situation - - Sarah/Isaac, Hannah/Samuel, and now Sampson -- I think it's so we, once again, will be reminded not to take credit for His miracles.
Sams parents asked for guidelines about how to raise him -- vs 12; even with God's guidelines -- Sam was head strong and did things his own way, but God was still able to work through Sam -- an encouragement to all parents. I'm guessing, since Manoah and his wife were very faith-oriented, they spent a LOT of time on their knees for this son of theirs.
13:18 "It's a name too wonderful for you to fully understand". I think that sometimes I treat God's name too lightly, forgetting the awesomeness of a God who would become my Friend, and just thinking of Him as a friend without the God connection; it's really awful how many in today's world take God's name in vain, linking it with cursing - - and yet, it's a name TOO wonderful.
14:4 "God used the occasion (Samson's desire to marry outside his faith) to confront the Philistines -- who would have guessed that God could use a situation that to Manoah and his wife must have been devastating? All their careful training -- they must have felt as though they'd failed God's call and mission on their lives of raising a son for Him. But with God -- ALL things are possible; a great encouragement for all parents.
The disregard for life is pretty horrific. The 30 men killed for their clothes, the in-laws and wife set on fire, even the jackels/foxes -- just awful stuff.
My paraphrase, but the way, says that Samson eating honey out of a dead lion made the honey unclean. That's why he didn't tell his parents about it -- he gave them unclean honey to eat. Sneaky -- kindof reminds me of an apple at the first of the story.
I just can't figure out why Sam wasn't on to Delilah after she acted on his suggestions 3 times. I think he felt God really wouldn't leave him. After all -- God had continued to help him out up to this point, even tho Sam had gone his own way -- whatever it was, Delilah could tell that this final time, Sam was serious about the source of his strength -- Sam must have believed something about that hair and God's promise -- apparently Manoah and his wife had had some influence on their son's thinking.
O - I also wanted to comment back on 15:20 where the people mad Samson their leader and judge. I think they just wanted someone to take on their enemies for them. They put him in this leadership after he killed 1,000 men with an ass's jawbone. Seems like they were depending more on Samson here than God -- and maybe that's why they continued to be under the Phil's rule; I bet if they had given credit to God, repented -- things would have been way different.
Ok--- Back to Gen:31:24--- Chris said---'m a little confused on your last paragraph though. As that verse is where God tells Laban not to harm Jacob. Were you referring to another verse or am I missing something?"
My Bibles (Amplified and The Living) say: "Don't bless Jacob and don't curse him." So let me explain what I believe.
God says in His word to Decree a thing and it will be established (Job 22:28) The words that we speak bring spirit and life or spirit and death.
Our words go out into the spirit realm and create kingdom reality over our earthly situations. The more of God's word that we speak---the more life will be given. God says I come to bring life and give it more abundantly. (John 10:10)
When you decree in your home, your home will fill up with the glory of the Lord. After I finish a half hour of decrees, I can feel the difference. The word of God goes out and it begins to create life.
In the same way there can be destructive decrees, (curses) Satanists and witches work on this kind of principle. They'll drive by houses or churches and curse the people inside or whatever. And when that happens, it releases the demons to bring that curse about as that curse goes out into the spirit realm.
We as Christians have been given the authority to make decrees into our realm of influence. When we do, in the spirit realm it will begin to create and form the will of God. The word that we decree will also dispatch angels into the spirit realm to bring fulfillment to the word of God.
Can you imagine what would happen if every single Christian decreed the blessings of the word of God into the atmosphere into their realm of influence every day?
So--back to Gen. 31:24---I was amazed that God told Laban not to Bless Jacob and not to curse him-- in other words--don't change the atmosphere around Jacob. God told Laban to leave things the way they are. Leave Jacob's life alone. Hope this clears things up.
I understood Sherrie, no worries. You had just put Laban's name instead of Jacob's in your original post so I wasn't sure if you were referring to another verse where God told Jacob that about Laban & I had missed it.
Good stuff you brought out from today's reading Linda. I was thinking about that as I read thru it today, but I'm glad you had time to post it all as I was reminded of good stuff again tonight! :D
Psalms 21 is a praise for Victory -- the part I like the best (at least in CW) is everything is about God: You . . . You . . . You. . . David is giving credit to God for everything about his (David's) life and kingdom -- glad the power didn't go to his head; and that's saying something when you're the top man in the country and everyone else is singing your praises and giving you the honor and the attention.
I have to believe that Jesus/God inspired David with the details of His crucifixion, so that when He was a young man, He could read over it and understand what was ahead -- but also as an encouragement and reminder of WHY He was on this mission: (vs 26 on) Vs 31 Even future generations will say, "The Lord God is the One who has saved us! He has done it!" I like this quote, as it's what's been done -- not what we do that saves us; why is that gift so hard to accept sometimes? Guess I struggle for control and struggle to keep from drowning, when I really need to relax in the arms of my Life-guard.
I love the peace picture of green meadows and quiet water (I want to add sunshine here too!!) My version changes up the word cup in vs 5 with My heart overflows with gratitude. I like that -- I struggle to live in the peace of gratitude and generosity. (hmmmm - is that an oxymoron? struggle for peace? The struggle is setting down my worries/fears - laying down my sword)
I saw 21 as what David was saying after Absalom was dead. He had been brought back (v3) & his life had been preserved (v4). He was restored to his kingdom (v5,6).
I like your thoughts on 22 Linda. I can see the end of it being said in heaven, especially v25. Praising in the great assembly & Jesus fulfilling His vow to the Father of redemption. And the ultimate fulfillment is when we're in heaven with Him & worshiping in Their presence. Just humbling to think about.
23:4 Even when I walk in the dark valley I will not be afraid because You're right beside me. Just was thinking of us & whatever we may be going thru at the moment that is causing us fear. You can't see where you're going, but you're bouncing off of unknowns (which is why it's a dark valley & some I've been in physically are very narrow). It's always nice to have someone, especially Someone, who's been there before & knows the way thru & out. So I can choose to take His hand - which means I have to open mine up to grab His. It also means I have one less to fight with & if I pick up a sword, I might wound Him instead!
So what could I do with the other hand. Usually we think we're the only one in the dark valley, but usually we're not. So I'm thinking the best use of our other hand is to reach back to help someone else that's struggle thru the valley too. That way, we're really connecting them with the right Way, Truth & the Light. I like that visual too!
And I like the end where it says that God's love with pursue us all our lives. In MSG it says it will chase us. I just am in shock of the thought of someone pursuing me, of me being worth that. And THEN, to find out that it's the God of heaven, of all creation to boot! Just blows my mind!
Eliphaz seems very bitter. He also seems happy that Job has suffered a setback & now he's heaping all his bitterness on him. It's like he's the brother to the prodigal. He's served & done all the right things for years, but he hasn't gotten the wealth that Job had or the respect of others. Why else would he tell Job to shut up & listen? Why would he twice say how many elders/gray heads agree with him? Why would he talk about how it seems like the evil prosper & spread out, but it eventually catches up with them? He almost demands that Job repent & confess.
It's like he's eager to find the achilles of Job. To justify all his works & acts that he thought would get him righteousness & the attention of people.
No wonder Job says these guys are miserable comforters. He gets no pity, no sympathy. He's finding out these "friends" are really no better than others who just wanted a handout. They just had more stamina to hang in there & see if they get a bigger handout. They don't really know Job at all. Once again proves the old adage: You really find out who your friends are when you go from wealth to need.
Same with any mental or emotional wealth to need experience. There are people who only expect you to minister to them, but if you need ministering too at any point, they are no where to be found. A real relationship is give & take. One sided relationships get pretty heavy & so they tend to slide off to the side easily. It takes initiative on both parties to develop a real relationship.
That's what God wants with us. As we get better in how we relate to God in that aspect, it should get better with others as well. I'm trying to develop His patience in that whole process as I'm not very good at it.
At the end of 16 Job again puts his hope & trust in God & appeals to Him. Really appreciate how he keeps coming back to that. His friends are worthless!
Even though Job has lost his wealth and his health, it seems that Satan uses Job's friends for the biggest attack against him.
It appears that Elipahaz is becoming exasperated with Job.
I think sometimes we can find ourselves acting the same way Job's friends did--- exasperated--giving empty advice and using our theology and doctrine against people etc.
Everyone involved in this discussion has access to the same knowledge. But all of them come to a different conclusion. Not everyone with access to the Word of God will come to the knowledge of God's perfect will.
I smiled when I read the beginning of Chapter 16. I think Job's thoughts can can be summed up in 2 words.. SHUT UP!
As Job's friends make their accusations against him, they don't seem to change their opinions much. But as we watch Job, he seems to grow and gain more wisdom and insight into his situation.
Chris -- I think you're on to something there with the jealousy aspect coming through in Eliphas's speech -- he brings it up in vs 29; really sad that E was only pretending to be a friend and then went for the jugular when J was hurting.
Yes Sher! I agree with the chapter 16 response! Hee hee
I was thinking about a couple of things in chapter 16 -- how Jesus felt the same vulnerability in His final days that Job describes. I wonder if the story of Job brought courage to Jesus when He went through it. I was also thinking about the similarity to WWII POWs (since I just finished that story) With the behind the scenes look at the story of Job, it's easy to see Satan's colors showing in man's inhumanity to man.
Job's retort in 16:5 "Instead, I would try to encourage you and comfort you with hope to bring you some relief" show's the colors of God. Reminds me of Matt 12:20.
Job really nails his trust in 16:19-21; inspiring -- here's my version; I like it!
"I know my witness is in heaven; the Holy One is my Advocate, ready to testify in my behalf. He is my Intercessor and knows the tears I've shed. He pleads my case with God as a man pleads for his friend."
This makes it sound like God has to be convinced -- but I think it's the universe (jury) that has to be convinced. God is simply the figurehead "judge" that announces the jury's verdict -- does that make sense? I believe that Father God is on our side, rooting for us, giving us every advantage He can (including His own Son) -- HE wants us to turn toward life. I think the world, through Satan's insinuations, has pictured Him as an aloof and uncaring. We hear the pathos of Father God 3 times (right Chris) when Jesus was here saying, "THIS is my SON! Please, please please listen to Him! Please!!
I enjoyed the different pictures/statements of Father God & Jesus taking care of us.
40:11 He carries us like little lambs & holds us close to His heart. Not aloof like it's a job & a duty. But like He really cares.
Rest of C 40 shows God as a powerful Sustainer & Defender. All my strength, guidance & wisdom come from Him.
41:9 I have chosen you & will not throw you away. I will give you strength, help & hold you. Love that promise of not being thrown away when something better comes along.
v13,14 again encouragement, promises to hold & help. Such patience. He knows how fearful & weak we humans are.
v17 promise to never abandon
42:3 prophecy of Jesus encouraging the weakest of His creation. Never discouraging the slightest bit of hope or life.
42:7 freeing captives & prisoners
42:22 freedom promised to His people who are enslaved, imprisoned & trapped. So much here. These are 3 distinct situations. Some aren't even aware they fall into these categories. God wants us to hear Truth so we can be set free!
43:1-4 reassuring promises again. And others were given up so I could be redeemed. I am precious to Him, He loves me! What a chain breaking, lie blowing thought to hear this & choose to believe it.
v13 No one can snatch me from His hand & no one can undo what He has done.
And for all this, I just burden Him with my sins & faults (v24). He wants a relationship & I give Him all my garbage instead & walk away. But He pursues instead of giving up & how can I keep walking away when I finally realize it's love.
Most of us are like Pilate with truth. We ask "What is love?" I am only starting to understand it as I spend time sitting at His feet & listening to Him.
God is a God of comfort -- a really beautiful picture 40:1
He's everything! He comes with a strong hand (vs 10), yet hHe feeds, He gathers, He carries, He gently leads! (vs 11) What an amazing leader -- He's what each one of us needs.
Didn't vs 13 on sound a whole lot like Job's defense? Was Isaiah before Job? Could Job have read these verses?
I love the thought of the song Everlasting God pounding through as I read vs 28 to the end! I think I'll use that in my next praise for church:)
41:9 I have choen you -- Fear not . . . I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will hold you up!
More compassion verses in 42:2-4, but did you notice how He includes the Gentiles, both in vs 1 and again in vs 6? Seems like the Israelites had tunnel vision (it was all about them) but alas -- we do the same thing thinking (it's all about us!!)
Another favorite verse in 43:1 I have called you by your name -- You are MINE!!! I think everyone wants to belong to someone or Someone -- I guess we all do!
God promises to blot out our sins -- thank you Lord 44:22 Thank you for blotting them out -- because there's a LOT of stain all over me!
The book of Matthew is written to religious people. Here in chapter 20, These people miss the meaning of what faith is all about. They base their religion on their good works or merit. They think the kingdom of God should be about what someone deserves. (Matt 20:13-15)
When payday came some murmured. they were thinking about the situation on the basis of merit--- how long they had worked, how much they had done.
Matt 21:21---Many believers spend time praying to God about their mountain. They describe the mountain in full detail and inform God of the exact size of their mountain. Some people make up doctrines and traditions about God, to justify why the mountain is still in their life.
I've even heard believers pray to God for Him to speak to their mountain. God will never do what he has commanded you to do.
It is your responsibility to speak to the mountain in your life.
Chapter 22:23---I was always taught that 7th Day Adventists were Sadducees because of all the legalism in the religion. Don't hold it against me---it's what I was taught. I can't speak to it today.
not holding it against you Sher!!! I'm guessing every person alive struggles with the balance between grace & law -- I think that's why Jesus came personally to help us walk through that journey:)
Chapter 20 swirls with the problem man has of looking at others -- instead of looking to God. If the laborers had not been comparing with others - they wouldn't have been filled with jealousy; they would have been satisfied with their personal relationship with the man that hired them. It's so easy to look at others and think, I wish . . . or it's not fair that . . .
James and John's mom -- same song second verse; she wanted so badly for them to be successful (oh, oh -- listen up Linda), and you didn't notice J & J trying to shut her down, they were obviously in on the request -- since they said they were able to stand anything thrown at them for those prized seats!
Jesus tried his best to turn them (us) from this trap of the devil. Pointing them to His death, pointing them to His life of service.
I think it must have been a happy thing for Jesus to grant the blind men their sight. They didn't want riches, or honor, or servants -- they simply wanted to see, a simple pleasure we often take for granted.
21 I would have loved to have been in the triumphal march to Jerusalem! Everyone likes to be on the side of the winning team:) But it must have been really confusing to people having the religious leaders so against Jesus -- they were taught from infancy that these men knew right from wrong. A good lesson for us to know our Bibles for ourselves. -- it's amazing how Jesus continually points them to scripture - like in verse 16; I wonder if they ever went back and read it; probably not, as they were so consumed with jealousy.
The fig tree is a perfect example of of people looking good on the outside or from a distance; but when you get up close, you see how empty and fruitless they are.
Whoever falls on this stone (Jesus, as I understand it) will be broken. It's when we fall at his feet in our broken-ness that he can help us. Just as He was able to help the blind and lame that came to Him; He can help our spiritual blind-ness, our spiritual handicaps - IF we come and admit we're disabled. In the Lord, we're MORE than ABLE! (notice in 22:3 (they were invited, but they were not willing to come)
21:43 The kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. I believe this is all who accept Jesus as their way to salvation; Jew, Gentile, those of us today -- so glad that He made it available to all:)
Hey Sher -- why do people say we're Sadducees when we believe in the resurrection when Jesus comes again?? Why did they label us Sadducees? confusing to me!
23:5 All their works they do to be seen by men (that reminds me of my ramblings at the beginning of this post!) camparing comparing -- jealousy jealousy
I love verse 23 the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith! That's why God GAVE us the law, so we would take care of each other and treat each other with respect and dignity when our natural bent it all about "ourselves" His way is to be on the lookout for others:)When you look at God's law from that angle, it becomes a beautiful guide - - not a tough task-master!!
I am thinking about the 2 sons in Matt 21. The principle is applicable on all levels of relating to people. I don't want a lip service friend, boyfriend, husband or God. God doesn't want lip service from us either.
The first son is honest with God, he says no & that's what's really in his heart. The 2nd one thinks he can hide the truth from God by putting on a good front. We do this with God & with each other by putting on masks & airs all the time.
Like Mandisa sings, "what if we were real"?.
Since the 1st son is honest, he's hiding nothing, God can meet him there & work with him. The 2nd one has so many walls to keep his front standing up that it's really hard for God to break through to his actual heart. But he LOOKS better on the outside than the 1st one.
I'm so glad God looks on the heart. The 1st son would be judged a black sheep & hopeless. Bad attitude, troublemaker. The 2nd son would be judged a nice boy, hard worker, gonna go far! The 2nd son needs way more help than the 1st one. The 1st one just needs time to think about it, maybe a friend that is willing to listen & encourage him.
In the end, the 1st son is justified & the 2nd condemned. God please give me your eyes to see people's heart & not their exterior. I'm so human & only You can judge without fault.
Chapter 15 1-6 reminds us that we all need to encourage each other, and to accept the encouragement of others and scripture. We are SO independent -- I wonder where we learned that? As little kids, we're totally dependent; maybe that's part of Jesus call to become as children. We need each other, we need God.
ReplyDeletevs 5 May the God of patience and comfort give you a spirit of unity (amen to that!!) Sometimes, I think unity can only come from Him - and is a real modern day miracle.
I also appreciated Paul's warning to watch out for those who criticize and create problems -- those type of people really wear me out.
15:7 "Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory." I think this is so that God will be given the glory as He grows each one of us. And of course, the fact that we sincerely love each other with all our foibles too!
ReplyDeleteThe next verse says that we should be like Jesus who came as a servant to those He was trying to reach (Jews). Very different from how we approach people we're trying to teach. He was ultimately rejected by these same people. Like missionaries who are killed by the people they are trying to reach but then those very people are converted because their eyes/hearts are opened later.
And yes Linda, I agree. People who stir up debate & petty things wear me out too. I was thinking how Paul tells them not to believe anything contrary to what they'd been taught. They didn't have the Bible to go back to as we do today. In a way they did have to rely on people to be honest & want to help them find the Way, the Truth & the Life. We are so blessed today & so blind to our blessings!
I wonder if it was hard for Jacob to face Isaac with what had just happened. Did they talk about it? Was there any confession/rebuke that happened or did they just act like nothing happened?
ReplyDeleteAnd then God appeared to Jacob so I'm thinking Jacob did confess his deception. But the Bible doesn't say. Obviously, what goes around comes around as he was deceived later.
Trying to put myself in Leah's shoes & wondering how low she must have felt to have to trick someone to get a husband. She must have known she wouldn't be truly loved. And the names she gives her sons, you can see the hopelessness she felt. Would she ever feel loved? I wonder what she thought of her dad doing that. Any resentment as her life progressed?
I do like God's promise to Jacob (28:15) that He would not leave him until He had given him everything He'd promised. And when Jacob wakes up, he says IF God does all this THEN he will be my God. So little faith...sounds like me. But yet Jacobs actions show that he does believe God, he lives in a relationship with God. Just thought that word IF was interesting after such a dream & promise.
here's the CW take on the If/then deal Jacob made: "If you'll . . . then I'll know that you have accepted my confession and forgiven me. I will know that you care about me, and I will serve you forever." That take on it makes more sense to me - - I hope it's true, that Jacob was spending time confessing and learning from his failure.
ReplyDeleteI think that vs 22 is the first indication of tithe - - although, seems like Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek - - so maybe it was the family way. I don't remember reading where God instructed the tithing, do you?
I wonder if Rachel had heard stories of Aunti Rebekah!
I always wonder how Jacob could have mistaken the girls -- but then, at night in a dark tent without any lights -- I guess it makes sense.
Ahhhh the jealousies that fling around in 30 on; are jealousies ever justified? Cuz I know I would have been inflicted with it (both R and L had their own form of jealousy) What a lot of anger, bitterness, sorrow, tension it all caused -- nothing peaceful or happy about this family; and this was the family that God was pouring his blessing out on and through! Guess there's hope for all of us, broken as we are.
I was thinking about the injustice and abuse of Laban, and how God sent Jacob away with plenty. It reminded me of the experience of the Israelites when they left Egypt. We will all walk through times of injustice and abuse, but I believe that God has a plan to bring us out of that pain with plenty. It might not be until he comes again, but He will be our kinsman-redeemer:)
Wow--there is so much to unpack in today's reading that I could research it for a month and not comprehend it all.
ReplyDeleteGen 28--Seems to me in that Esau is a man who lets his feelings lead him in his decisions. He doesn't seem to have a plan or seek God for direction. When He realizes the decisions he makes don't work out--he just tries something else.
When God visits Jacob in a dream, It seems to have a huge impact on his life.
I am so thankful that our God never changes and still uses dreams and visions today to direct us.
Gen 30---There seems to be a generational curse being passed down. Rachel can't get pregnant and gives her servant to her husband Jacob. Jacob who is the grandson of Abraham and Sarah had the same issues in their marriage. I always find it interesting that when you are dealing with an issue in your life, you can usually find that one of your parents or grandparents dealt with the same thing.
Gen 31--Laban is an unscrupulous man--he lies, cons, and breaks contracts with Jacob again and again. Yet God doesn't allow him to do Jacob any harm.. In fact God makes him wealthy at the expense of Laban. That is a wonderful promise.
I find Gen 31:24 to be significant. Our words have power and life. We have the ability to change the atmosphere around us with our words. And in this verse, God seems to be saying--don't change the atmosphere around Laban. Don't bless him and don't curse him. Leave everything as it is. I find that amazing.
I was thinking the same thing about the generational curse, but more in the way of the lying/deceit that went on. Seems like it was the custom to have the maids of the wives as concubines too. All about popping out babies it seems. Glad it's not like that now! Well, at least not the norm.
ReplyDeleteI'm a little confused on your last paragraph though. As that verse is where God tells Laban not to harm Jacob. Were you referring to another verse or am I missing something?
As I read Judges today & the story of Samson, I just thought about how easily we can be either the manipulator or the manipulatee (don't think that's a word though).
It's done easily when we give the 1st place in our hearts to anyone but God. God doesn't manipulate. But since we interact more it seems, with the people we can actually see than with God (unfortunately), we give what we can see priority instead of what we can't see.
Which is what faith is about right? Believing, trusting, in what we can't see. Giving up control. When you think about it, giving up control means also giving up stress & who wouldn't want to give that up? But....it's a known & we like knowns, not unknowns...too much risk involved.
Linda, the only place I remember reading about tithing was in Leviticus so all the tithe stuff that is in Genesis is before that.
ReplyDeleteAnd even though it was dark...it seems he would have known the difference between Leah & Rachel. I just don't get that all! Seems like sex in marriage was a very impersonal thing back then. That's a blanket stmt without getting into loveless marriages, etc. today.
Here's the last paragraph quote from CW "God said to Laban in a dream, "I don't want you to flatter or threaten Jacob to get him to go back with you. It's time for him to go home." and -- I should have said -- don't change the atmosphere around Jacob; no wonder that was confusing!!! Anyway, we need to let God be God and not try to manipulate situations (I'm speaking to myself here!!!)
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda, that makes sense. I was more confused by Sherrie's last paragraph though. But maybe it was just a name mix up.
ReplyDeleteHee hee! I read Sherries last paragraph, and thought I'd written it -- so I was trying to explain something I hadn't even written about! Sorry Sherrie!!!
ReplyDeleteGen 14:20 talks about Ab giving Mel a tithe -- that's what I was thinking about Chris on the tithing aspect.
Sams mom wasn't able to have children -- this is the 3rd time I remember God using this situation - - Sarah/Isaac, Hannah/Samuel, and now Sampson -- I think it's so we, once again, will be reminded not to take credit for His miracles.
Sams parents asked for guidelines about how to raise him -- vs 12; even with God's guidelines -- Sam was head strong and did things his own way, but God was still able to work through Sam -- an encouragement to all parents. I'm guessing, since Manoah and his wife were very faith-oriented, they spent a LOT of time on their knees for this son of theirs.
13:18 "It's a name too wonderful for you to fully understand". I think that sometimes I treat God's name too lightly, forgetting the awesomeness of a God who would become my Friend, and just thinking of Him as a friend without the God connection; it's really awful how many in today's world take God's name in vain, linking it with cursing - - and yet, it's a name TOO wonderful.
14:4 "God used the occasion (Samson's desire to marry outside his faith) to confront the Philistines -- who would have guessed that God could use a situation that to Manoah and his wife must have been devastating? All their careful training -- they must have felt as though they'd failed God's call and mission on their lives of raising a son for Him. But with God -- ALL things are possible; a great encouragement for all parents.
The disregard for life is pretty horrific. The 30 men killed for their clothes, the in-laws and wife set on fire, even the jackels/foxes -- just awful stuff.
My paraphrase, but the way, says that Samson eating honey out of a dead lion made the honey unclean. That's why he didn't tell his parents about it -- he gave them unclean honey to eat. Sneaky -- kindof reminds me of an apple at the first of the story.
I just can't figure out why Sam wasn't on to Delilah after she acted on his suggestions 3 times. I think he felt God really wouldn't leave him. After all -- God had continued to help him out up to this point, even tho Sam had gone his own way -- whatever it was, Delilah could tell that this final time, Sam was serious about the source of his strength -- Sam must have believed something about that hair and God's promise -- apparently Manoah and his wife had had some influence on their son's thinking.
O - I also wanted to comment back on 15:20 where the people mad Samson their leader and judge. I think they just wanted someone to take on their enemies for them. They put him in this leadership after he killed 1,000 men with an ass's jawbone. Seems like they were depending more on Samson here than God -- and maybe that's why they continued to be under the Phil's rule; I bet if they had given credit to God, repented -- things would have been way different.
Ok---
ReplyDeleteBack to Gen:31:24---
Chris said---'m a little confused on your last paragraph though. As that verse is
where God tells Laban not to harm Jacob. Were you referring to another verse or am
I missing something?"
My Bibles (Amplified and The Living) say:
"Don't bless Jacob and don't curse him."
So let me explain what I believe.
God says in His word to Decree a thing and it will be established (Job 22:28)
The words that we speak bring spirit and life or spirit and death.
Our words go out into the spirit realm and create kingdom reality over
our earthly situations. The more of God's word that we speak---the more life
will be given. God says I come to bring life and give it more
abundantly. (John 10:10)
When you decree in your home, your home will fill up with the glory of the Lord.
After I finish a half hour of decrees, I can feel the difference. The word of God
goes out and it begins to create life.
In the same way there can be destructive decrees, (curses) Satanists and witches work
on this kind of principle. They'll drive by houses or churches and curse the people inside or
whatever. And when that happens, it releases the demons to bring that curse about as that curse
goes out into the spirit realm.
We as Christians have been given the authority to make decrees into our
realm of influence. When we do, in the spirit realm it will begin to create
and form the will of God. The word that we decree will also dispatch angels into
the spirit realm to bring fulfillment to the word of God.
Can you imagine what would happen if every single Christian decreed
the blessings of the word of God into the atmosphere into their realm of
influence every day?
So--back to Gen. 31:24---I was amazed that God told Laban not to Bless Jacob and not to curse him--
in other words--don't change the atmosphere around Jacob. God told Laban to leave things the way they are. Leave Jacob's life alone.
Hope this clears things up.
I had difficulty posting the above-- it looks disjointed because I had to rewrite it on notepad and then repaste it here.
ReplyDeleteI understood Sherrie, no worries. You had just put Laban's name instead of Jacob's in your original post so I wasn't sure if you were referring to another verse where God told Jacob that about Laban & I had missed it.
ReplyDeleteGood stuff you brought out from today's reading Linda. I was thinking about that as I read thru it today, but I'm glad you had time to post it all as I was reminded of good stuff again tonight! :D
Psalms 21 is a praise for Victory -- the part I like the best (at least in CW) is everything is about God: You . . . You . . . You. . . David is giving credit to God for everything about his (David's) life and kingdom -- glad the power didn't go to his head; and that's saying something when you're the top man in the country and everyone else is singing your praises and giving you the honor and the attention.
ReplyDeleteI have to believe that Jesus/God inspired David with the details of His crucifixion, so that when He was a young man, He could read over it and understand what was ahead -- but also as an encouragement and reminder of WHY He was on this mission: (vs 26 on) Vs 31 Even future generations will say, "The Lord God is the One who has saved us! He has done it!" I like this quote, as it's what's been done -- not what we do that saves us; why is that gift so hard to accept sometimes? Guess I struggle for control and struggle to keep from drowning, when I really need to relax in the arms of my Life-guard.
I love the peace picture of green meadows and quiet water (I want to add sunshine here too!!) My version changes up the word cup in vs 5 with My heart overflows with gratitude. I like that -- I struggle to live in the peace of gratitude and generosity. (hmmmm - is that an oxymoron? struggle for peace? The struggle is setting down my worries/fears - laying down my sword)
I saw 21 as what David was saying after Absalom was dead. He had been brought back (v3) & his life had been preserved (v4). He was restored to his kingdom (v5,6).
ReplyDeleteI like your thoughts on 22 Linda. I can see the end of it being said in heaven, especially v25. Praising in the great assembly & Jesus fulfilling His vow to the Father of redemption. And the ultimate fulfillment is when we're in heaven with Him & worshiping in Their presence. Just humbling to think about.
23:4 Even when I walk in the dark valley I will not be afraid because You're right beside me. Just was thinking of us & whatever we may be going thru at the moment that is causing us fear. You can't see where you're going, but you're bouncing off of unknowns (which is why it's a dark valley & some I've been in physically are very narrow). It's always nice to have someone, especially Someone, who's been there before & knows the way thru & out. So I can choose to take His hand - which means I have to open mine up to grab His. It also means I have one less to fight with & if I pick up a sword, I might wound Him instead!
So what could I do with the other hand. Usually we think we're the only one in the dark valley, but usually we're not. So I'm thinking the best use of our other hand is to reach back to help someone else that's struggle thru the valley too. That way, we're really connecting them with the right Way, Truth & the Light. I like that visual too!
And I like the end where it says that God's love with pursue us all our lives. In MSG it says it will chase us. I just am in shock of the thought of someone pursuing me, of me being worth that. And THEN, to find out that it's the God of heaven, of all creation to boot! Just blows my mind!
Eliphaz seems very bitter. He also seems happy that Job has suffered a setback & now he's heaping all his bitterness on him. It's like he's the brother to the prodigal. He's served & done all the right things for years, but he hasn't gotten the wealth that Job had or the respect of others. Why else would he tell Job to shut up & listen? Why would he twice say how many elders/gray heads agree with him? Why would he talk about how it seems like the evil prosper & spread out, but it eventually catches up with them? He almost demands that Job repent & confess.
ReplyDeleteIt's like he's eager to find the achilles of Job. To justify all his works & acts that he thought would get him righteousness & the attention of people.
No wonder Job says these guys are miserable comforters. He gets no pity, no sympathy. He's finding out these "friends" are really no better than others who just wanted a handout. They just had more stamina to hang in there & see if they get a bigger handout. They don't really know Job at all. Once again proves the old adage: You really find out who your friends are when you go from wealth to need.
Same with any mental or emotional wealth to need experience. There are people who only expect you to minister to them, but if you need ministering too at any point, they are no where to be found. A real relationship is give & take. One sided relationships get pretty heavy & so they tend to slide off to the side easily. It takes initiative on both parties to develop a real relationship.
That's what God wants with us. As we get better in how we relate to God in that aspect, it should get better with others as well. I'm trying to develop His patience in that whole process as I'm not very good at it.
At the end of 16 Job again puts his hope & trust in God & appeals to Him. Really appreciate how he keeps coming back to that. His friends are worthless!
Even though Job has lost his wealth and his health, it seems that Satan uses Job's friends for the biggest attack against him.
ReplyDeleteIt appears that Elipahaz is becoming exasperated with Job.
I think sometimes we can find ourselves acting the same way Job's friends did--- exasperated--giving empty advice and using our theology and doctrine against people etc.
Everyone involved in this discussion has access to the same knowledge. But all of them come to a different conclusion.
Not everyone with access to the Word of God will come to the knowledge of God's perfect will.
I smiled when I read the beginning of Chapter 16. I think Job's thoughts can can be summed up in 2 words.. SHUT UP!
As Job's friends make their accusations
against him, they don't seem to change their opinions much. But as we watch Job, he seems to grow and gain more wisdom and insight into his situation.
Chris -- I think you're on to something there with the jealousy aspect coming through in Eliphas's speech -- he brings it up in vs 29; really sad that E was only pretending to be a friend and then went for the jugular when J was hurting.
ReplyDeleteYes Sher! I agree with the chapter 16 response! Hee hee
I was thinking about a couple of things in chapter 16 -- how Jesus felt the same vulnerability in His final days that Job describes. I wonder if the story of Job brought courage to Jesus when He went through it. I was also thinking about the similarity to WWII POWs (since I just finished that story) With the behind the scenes look at the story of Job, it's easy to see Satan's colors showing in man's inhumanity to man.
Job's retort in 16:5 "Instead, I would try to encourage you and comfort you with hope to bring you some relief" show's the colors of God. Reminds me of Matt 12:20.
Job really nails his trust in 16:19-21; inspiring -- here's my version; I like it!
"I know my witness is in heaven; the Holy One is my Advocate, ready to testify in my behalf. He is my Intercessor and knows the tears I've shed. He pleads my case with God as a man pleads for his friend."
This makes it sound like God has to be convinced -- but I think it's the universe (jury) that has to be convinced. God is simply the figurehead "judge" that announces the jury's verdict -- does that make sense? I believe that Father God is on our side, rooting for us, giving us every advantage He can (including His own Son) -- HE wants us to turn toward life. I think the world, through Satan's insinuations, has pictured Him as an aloof and uncaring. We hear the pathos of Father God 3 times (right Chris) when Jesus was here saying, "THIS is my SON! Please, please please listen to Him! Please!!
I enjoyed the different pictures/statements of Father God & Jesus taking care of us.
ReplyDelete40:11 He carries us like little lambs & holds us close to His heart. Not aloof like it's a job & a duty. But like He really cares.
Rest of C 40 shows God as a powerful Sustainer & Defender. All my strength, guidance & wisdom come from Him.
41:9 I have chosen you & will not throw you away. I will give you strength, help & hold you. Love that promise of not being thrown away when something better comes along.
v13,14 again encouragement, promises to hold & help. Such patience. He knows how fearful & weak we humans are.
v17 promise to never abandon
42:3 prophecy of Jesus encouraging the weakest of His creation. Never discouraging the slightest bit of hope or life.
42:7 freeing captives & prisoners
42:22 freedom promised to His people who are enslaved, imprisoned & trapped. So much here. These are 3 distinct situations. Some aren't even aware they fall into these categories. God wants us to hear Truth so we can be set free!
43:1-4 reassuring promises again. And others were given up so I could be redeemed. I am precious to Him, He loves me!
What a chain breaking, lie blowing thought to hear this & choose to believe it.
v13 No one can snatch me from His hand & no one can undo what He has done.
And for all this, I just burden Him with my sins & faults (v24). He wants a relationship & I give Him all my garbage instead & walk away. But He pursues instead of giving up & how can I keep walking away when I finally realize it's love.
Most of us are like Pilate with truth. We ask "What is love?" I am only starting to understand it as I spend time sitting at His feet & listening to Him.
I love the book of Isaiah. I camp out in it a lot. It provided so much hope for me today.
ReplyDeleteGod is a God of comfort -- a really beautiful picture 40:1
ReplyDeleteHe's everything! He comes with a strong hand (vs 10), yet hHe feeds, He gathers, He carries, He gently leads! (vs 11) What an amazing leader -- He's what each one of us needs.
Didn't vs 13 on sound a whole lot like Job's defense? Was Isaiah before Job? Could Job have read these verses?
I love the thought of the song Everlasting God pounding through as I read vs 28 to the end! I think I'll use that in my next praise for church:)
41:9 I have choen you -- Fear not . . . I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will hold you up!
More compassion verses in 42:2-4, but did you notice how He includes the Gentiles, both in vs 1 and again in vs 6? Seems like the Israelites had tunnel vision (it was all about them) but alas -- we do the same thing thinking (it's all about us!!)
Another favorite verse in 43:1 I have called you by your name -- You are MINE!!! I think everyone wants to belong to someone or Someone -- I guess we all do!
God promises to blot out our sins -- thank you Lord 44:22 Thank you for blotting them out -- because there's a LOT of stain all over me!
The book of Matthew is written to religious people.
ReplyDeleteHere in chapter 20, These people miss the meaning of what faith is all about. They base their religion on their good works or merit. They think the kingdom of God should be about what someone deserves. (Matt 20:13-15)
When payday came some murmured.
they were thinking about the situation on the basis of merit--- how long they had
worked, how much they had done.
Matt 21:21---Many believers spend time praying to God about their mountain.
They describe the mountain in full detail and inform God of the exact size of their mountain.
Some people make up doctrines and traditions about God, to justify why the mountain is still in their life.
I've even heard believers pray to God for Him to speak to their mountain. God will never do what he has commanded you to do.
It is your responsibility to speak to the mountain in your life.
Chapter 22:23---I was always taught that 7th Day Adventists were Sadducees because of all the legalism in the religion. Don't hold it against me---it's what I was taught. I can't speak to it today.
not holding it against you Sher!!! I'm guessing every person alive struggles with the balance between grace & law -- I think that's why Jesus came personally to help us walk through that journey:)
ReplyDeleteChapter 20 swirls with the problem man has of looking at others -- instead of looking to God. If the laborers had not been comparing with others - they wouldn't have been filled with jealousy; they would have been satisfied with their personal relationship with the man that hired them. It's so easy to look at others and think, I wish . . . or it's not fair that . . .
James and John's mom -- same song second verse; she wanted so badly for them to be successful (oh, oh -- listen up Linda), and you didn't notice J & J trying to shut her down, they were obviously in on the request -- since they said they were able to stand anything thrown at them for those prized seats!
Jesus tried his best to turn them (us) from this trap of the devil. Pointing them to His death, pointing them to His life of service.
I think it must have been a happy thing for Jesus to grant the blind men their sight. They didn't want riches, or honor, or servants -- they simply wanted to see, a simple pleasure we often take for granted.
21 I would have loved to have been in the triumphal march to Jerusalem! Everyone likes to be on the side of the winning team:) But it must have been really confusing to people having the religious leaders so against Jesus -- they were taught from infancy that these men knew right from wrong. A good lesson for us to know our Bibles for ourselves. -- it's amazing how Jesus continually points them to scripture - like in verse 16; I wonder if they ever went back and read it; probably not, as they were so consumed with jealousy.
The fig tree is a perfect example of of people looking good on the outside or from a distance; but when you get up close, you see how empty and fruitless they are.
Whoever falls on this stone (Jesus, as I understand it) will be broken. It's when we fall at his feet in our broken-ness that he can help us. Just as He was able to help the blind and lame that came to Him; He can help our spiritual blind-ness, our spiritual handicaps - IF we come and admit we're disabled. In the Lord, we're MORE than ABLE! (notice in 22:3 (they were invited, but they were not willing to come)
21:43 The kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. I believe this is all who accept Jesus as their way to salvation; Jew, Gentile, those of us today -- so glad that He made it available to all:)
Hey Sher -- why do people say we're Sadducees when we believe in the resurrection when Jesus comes again?? Why did they label us Sadducees? confusing to me!
23:5 All their works they do to be seen by men (that reminds me of my ramblings at the beginning of this post!) camparing comparing -- jealousy jealousy
I love verse 23 the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith! That's why God GAVE us the law, so we would take care of each other and treat each other with respect and dignity when our natural bent it all about "ourselves" His way is to be on the lookout for others:)When you look at God's law from that angle, it becomes a beautiful guide - - not a tough task-master!!
I am thinking about the 2 sons in Matt 21. The principle is applicable on all levels of relating to people. I don't want a lip service friend, boyfriend, husband or God. God doesn't want lip service from us either.
ReplyDeleteThe first son is honest with God, he says no & that's what's really in his heart. The 2nd one thinks he can hide the truth from God by putting on a good front. We do this with God & with each other by putting on masks & airs all the time.
Like Mandisa sings, "what if we were real"?.
Since the 1st son is honest, he's hiding nothing, God can meet him there & work with him. The 2nd one has so many walls to keep his front standing up that it's really hard for God to break through to his actual heart. But he LOOKS better on the outside than the 1st one.
I'm so glad God looks on the heart. The 1st son would be judged a black sheep & hopeless. Bad attitude, troublemaker. The 2nd son would be judged a nice boy, hard worker, gonna go far! The 2nd son needs way more help than the 1st one. The 1st one just needs time to think about it, maybe a friend that is willing to listen & encourage him.
In the end, the 1st son is justified & the 2nd condemned. God please give me your eyes to see people's heart & not their exterior. I'm so human & only You can judge without fault.
thanks Chris for soaking in the son story -- gave me a lot to think about and a challenge to move toward real every day
ReplyDelete