Paul's comment about delivering the man to satan so that his sinful nature can be destroyed but he would be saved when Jesus comes is a bit confusing. Makes it sound like you can sin & still be saved. But this doesn't jive with the rest of the Bible. Paul does say in 6:9,10 that these people won't inherit heaven so I'm thinking Paul is saying to do this so the man will realize his error & repent.
Seems like the church was boasting about the sin or maybe about the man & his abilities & not dealing with the sin (5:6). I know sometimes we look the other way when people sin because they are holding an important position or we think that they are the only ones who can fill a post. God was pretty adamant about Achan & getting rid of that sin which seems small compared to this one. However, we tend to think of sexual sin as being gross & stealing not gross. It's all sin to God.
6:16 I've learned that especially in sexual sin you can have soul ties with that person, which is what Paul is saying here. Even when you've been abused or raped it happens & those have to be broken.
I think this is why Paul says in v18 "No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body". It's the Godhead that we want the soul tie to. Well, that & our spouses. There are good, godly soul ties. Jonathan & David are another example that come to mind. Maybe even Naomi & Ruth.
5:5 says you need to condemn this man's actions because they are instigated by Satan, and in doing so, you may be able to wake him up, turn his life around and save his soul.
Paul makes it pretty clear that we have no right to judge those outside the church, but it sounds like we are responsible for disciplining members in the church who are openly disgracing Christ. Now -- this is really tough -- as no one likes to be disciplined, and no one likes to discipline -- and it's easier to look the other way.
I remember one member once who was asked to drop membership for sexual sin, and he was grateful later after he had repented, been rebaptised, and rejoined. He said it gave him something to come back to -- as opposed to wallowing along in his sin. But not everyone has that view. And always the thought is -- what right do we have to judge, and hidden sins are just as awful as open sin. It is definitely tricky stuff -- but, it sounds like Paul is more concerned here about God's honor and the effect on non-believers and believers alike concerning what God will tolerate.
6:12 "while I'm free to do all things, I will not be mastered by anything except Jesus Christ" If Jesus is my Master, I'll be searching, praying, listening -- if my eyes are on Him, my decisions about what is right and wrong will have clarity:) So -- freedom will come as a natural outgrowth of living in His plan for my life.
6:19 His (the Holy Spirit) presence in you is a GIFT to you from God! that is a precious thought.
I'm so impatient & yet Joseph had to wait 2 years until the cup bearer remembered him. I'm sure he had to fight bitterness & anger at God for doing this to Him. What had he done to deserve this? What was God punishing him for? Surrender or bitterness?
I don't know that I would have chosen surrender...at least right away. I very much bristle at any injustice done to me & want to always make sure people know if I am wrongly accused. Very self oriented & ugly. So opposite of Jesus & Joseph & countless others here in the Bible. God is giving me ample opportunities to surrender in small things & just let Him defend me, but wow, what an uphill battle!
I so appreciate the stories of the Bible & the ability to see the end of the story & behind the scenes in some cases. It gives me confidence in God & helps me to see a bigger picture. It can't be all about me. It has to be all about God & what He wants & needs to do so we can all go home sooner rather than later.
It is pretty amazing; the behind the scenes forethought of God. Think of His setting up the butler/baker dreams; giving Joseph the ability to interpret, then setting up Pharaoh with the dreams. There had to have been wisdom in the 2 year gap as well -- maybe Joseph growing in dependance (notice how he wasn't phased one bit with the palace, but gave all credit to God for interpreting dreams) maybe the 2 years was needed for politics or Pharaoh's heart.
It kindof reminded me of the "live in the moment" thought I read about today.
Pharaoh asked where I man could be found as wise as Joseph (who would have dreamed -- the prison!!!) It is AMAZING how Joseph went from prison to chief of staff of the world power. With God, ALL things are possible.
Manassah meant "God has made me forget all my sufferings" again -- live in the moment, no regrets of the past.
Joseph picked Simeon to stay. Simeon was second oldest, so I'm guessing he was the main plotter of cruelty to Joseph. Joseph was testing them; I don't think it was retribution, as he had learned to trust God for the outcome of fair.
I'm sure Hannah had been praying before the prayer that is mentioned in our reading today. But obviously, she was at a very low point, really distraught with the taunts of Penninah. Since having children was so important back then, I'm sure satan also was discouraging her with all of her faults & many lies as to why she wasn't able to have children.
Had to have been so hard to give up the only child that you've prayed so hard to have. I'm sure that the fact that she got pregnant after she had prayed this time & Eli had blessed her confirmed in her that she was to fulfill her vow. Still had to be hard though. I'm so glad God blessed her with more children afterwards.
Doesn't say anything about P & her interacting after this. Seems though like Hannah wouldn't have taunted her back. God did silence Penninah (one of H's enemies mentioned in her prayer 2:1; I sure satan was another)
Eli was a very permissive parent. His sons may have seen something in his example of serving God that caused them to have such disrespect for God. Then again, maybe not. We all have our own choices to make & sometimes, even though we have good examples, we make bad choices. The fact that nothing immediate happened as a consequence only hardened them in their sins. God's mercy hardens & melts...just like the sun. Depends on the material that it's shining down on.
I like Elkanah -- not only was he most gracious to Hannah, but he served God Joyfully! vs 4 He had to have been a very patient (with 2 wives) gregarious, moment-living man!
I was thinking how very trusting it was of Hannah to put her young son in the care of a poor example of a father. Also, I'm sure Samuel would have interaction with Hophni and Phinehas - - I can't imagine, as a parent, putting a 5 year old in that environment, can you?
I was also thinking that, once again -- God prepared years in advance for His plan to take place. The whole stage was put into motion with Hannah's devotion/vow, for Eli's wicked priesthood to end, and Samuel's prophet-hood to take over.
It sounds like Phinehas's wife believed in the power and presence of God more than her husband did. - - it was an interesting insert into the story; maybe a glimpse of the despair that all of Israel was feeling.
Groin tumors for the Philistines -- mine said it was a symptom of the bublonic plague -- but the P's were pretty sure Who was behind it all. Kind of humorous how easily God can bring about His will! We fight and stew and plan -- He can solve the problem using fleas!!
It must have been a terrible thing to have to share your husband with another woman. But then it must have been horrendous to be the brunt of jokes and abuse by the other wife because she has children and you don't. I got so angry when I read I Sam 1:8 where Elkanah says to Hannah, why make a fuss over having no children---You have me! I also used to have someone in my life that would say that to me whenever I would pray for something. Those words used to make me so angry. I wonder if they made Hannah angry?
Hannah stayed home til the baby was weaned. I wonder how old the child was when he was given over to the priests. I attended a La Leche League in NC when I had my second child, Kymberlee. I used to gasp every time a 4 or 5yr old son would go up to his mother and raise her shirt and take a swig. I see visions of Samuel doing the same thing.
Samuel was handed over to Eli who had evil sons. So not only did Hannah have to give up her son to the Lord, but she gave him up to a guy who was a lousy father. I wonder if that bothered her?
30:4 "Remember what He has done for you and give thanks!" YES for gratitude -- actually LOOKING for the things to be grateful for!
31"5 "Into your hands I commit my life and my spirit" sounds very much like Jesus words on the cross -- but very applicable words to my life every day.
32:1 "Happy is the man whose sins are forgiven and whose faults are covered" I haven't thought of the covering of my faults, my blunders, my bad choices before. A lot of times my faults don't lead to sin -- they just lead to a lousy day; but God will even cover those and turn things around? Wow -- THAT's something to be grateful for!!
32:vs 2 compared to vs 5, 7 "When I refused to admit my sin, I seemed to grow sick; all day long my heart groaned insed of me . . . Then I confessed my sin and righted what was wrong. . . you forgave me and took away my load of guilt". Guilt really does weigh on us -- ripping away our joy.
Finally 32:8 "I will teach you the way that you should go; I will keep my eye on you and guide you along safe paths" Thank you Lord; it's hard to believe You would have your eye on ME! You must be especially fond of me! (and by me I mean each one of us!!)
O! and 32:9 My version added a bit more to the equine illustration: "Lord, help us not to act like a bucking horse or a stubborn mule which has to be controlled by a bit and bridle to make it stay in the way.
OK - I've experienced both bucking horses and stubborn mules -- and I've BEEN a bucking horse; refusing to stay on the trail, but putting up a fight - crow hopping around, holding up the progress -- there is no possibility of making forward progress.
and I've BEEN the stubborn mule; planting my feet - crossing my arms, digging in my heals -- again, no forward progress.
Lord - help me to be led by you; take my reins and help me to trust completely in Your will for my life.
I can relate to David in 30 & 31. He's reminding himself of God's goodness, His inability to lie or default on His promises. This has to encourage him & even give him more to praise God about. Praise & thankfulness always seem to raise me above my circumstances & put my trust/hope where it belongs. In God alone.
He also is honest about his circumstances & feelings. He doesn't try to hide them or brush over them. Really appreciate that. I believe this openness with God allows healing to happen. He says in 31:7 that "You care about the anguish of my soul". God does care & even if I don't feel like it sometimes, I say what my mind knows is the truth out loud. It helps to right my thinking.
32 describes a lot of us. We try to hide our sin or our feelings from God. Especially with sin, it just eats away at us, because we are being separated from the very Source of Life by it. The 2 cannot inhabit the same area. It's like trying to mix light & dark. Doesn't work.
Oh the joy of confessing & the release of the burden! And what freedom is experienced from coming out from behind prison walls that have bound us in so many different ways in our lives. We are free to live the life He wants to give us, a life of abundance! "....when you've been delivered like that you got to shout it out. Lift your hands up in the air, shout hallelujah, lift your hands up in the air, I have been set free!"
I've always like 32:8,9 with the promise from God to guide & instruct us down the best road for our lives.
Psalm 30 begins with "I will Praise you, Lord, for you have saved me from my enemies." Just yesterday in the Daily News once again, the headlines were about the beginning of the trial of my murderous ex neighbors. I Praise the Lord for delivering me.
And verse 2 says "I pleaded with you and you gave me health again." I've been sick since Dec. It's only been this week that I've regained my health and energy. I thought I would be sick forever, but the Lord delivered me from sickness and disease. All morning I've been PRAISING the Lord God of Israel.
Psalm 31--"You have rescued me, Oh God who keeps his promises." The Lord does keep his promises to his people. His answer is always a Divine YES! Yes I will rescue you, Yes I will deliver you--Yes I will heal you, Yes I will save and protect your children.
"I worship only you; how You hate all those who worship idols." There are those in this complex who are blatant Satan worshipers. They brag about it, are proud of it and display their idols and images of Satan. Their children refuse to play with my grandchildren, Praise God! I would bet they don't even know why. (It's a spiritual thing --no words have ever been exchanged)-- and I Praise God for his protection.
Psalm 32--"What happiness for those whose guilt has been forgiven." The Lord loves me today. And if I promise Him that tomorrow I will not use any swear words, or listen to that filthy radio show or end my gluttony and not eat 9 chocolate chip cookies in one sitting--- He can never love me more tomorrow because I am good than He already loves me today when I'm not. I Bless the Holy One of Israel!
I was almost ready to give Eliphaz the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he was sincere & was earnestly pleading for Job to confess any secret sin so he could be right with God.
It's so hard to understand their emotions & what their body language was as they were talking. I don't know how close their friendship was, just assume because they came to comfort him that they would be good friends. But maybe they were a delegation. Chosen because they were "elders in the church" that had a decent rapport with Job. They were to "convict him of his errors". Who knows.
So, like I said, I was ready to give E the benefit of the doubt, but then I read 22:24,25. E seems to think Job is greedy. Is E jealous of the wealth Job had? It seems like in v6-11 he's trying to find the hidden sin & surmising what it could be, throw out examples.
So I'm also wondering if E has experienced the last part of 22. Has life been cake for him so far so he thinks he's good with God? Kinda seems that way. Like maybe it was for all of them & the "church" or way of thought back then.
I was thinking of Jesus' words "Whoever is without sin - cast the first stone" pointing out that we're all warped and filled with sin. Hard to believe how E hammers Job with all kinds of despairing thoughts.
And what's with 22:29"When men are humbled by misfortune and you help them and pray for them, God will save them. I don't see a whole lot of prayer going on here -- or help either; just a lot of finger pointing.
Like Job said, they were pretty miserable comforters!
Every time I thought I found the 1 tidbit to share in today's reading...God one upped me with another one as I continued. And again, I struggled to stay focus & thought about not reading but was deeply blessed with a couple of thoughts.
58:7-9 in NLT Basically, as we listen to God & reach out to those around us, especially those hard for us to do so, THEN our own healing will come quickly. I think it's because we're letting go of self & coming out of our comfort zones & self-protecting or projecting as the case may be, & we're letting God defend us & being ourselves, not who we want people to see. So we're being real.
Also in v8 it says the God's glory or His character, is what protects us from behind. I was thinking about all the mistakes I've made & dread people reminding me of them. And some have done this, suggesting untrue motives & have brought them up at opportune times to taunt me or try to ruin me (all with good intentions of "helping" me of course). I've never thought of God's glory protecting me from my past. Only allowing stuff through that will further His will for me. It may have been painful at the time or even stunning to be accused of things when I had no concept of them, but God worked inspite of them to bring me where I am today. And ultimately, I am glad I am where I am & not back there. So I like that thought.
The last thing I will comment on is 60:15,16. I know these are talking about a land or country in context. However, when I read "though you were despised & hated..." the thought occurred to me that I am the one who has hated & despised me the most. God will make me beautiful inside & out forever if I let Him.
V16 says that I will know He is my God, My Redeemer & My Savior. I can definitely attest to the fact that only God could have made the changes & affected the healing that has gone on in my life in the last 2-3 years. I can only give all the praise, honor & glory to Him. I know He is my Healer & my Savior.
I really like that idea Chris of God's glory as our rearguard -- like "I've got your back" thnx for that.
57:2 "Those who live the way God wants them to will find peace and rest in death" I've met a few people like that -- it's an honor and inspiration to know them. Even as they die they are glorifying God.
57:9,10 talk about how we wear ourselves out looking for answers apart from God - I know I've done it, trying to solve problems and manipulate situations - - God must shake His head.
58:6-9 I LOVE God's version of fasting. It reminds me of the weightier matters that Christ spoke about to the Pharisees of love, justice, and mercy. Something to remember every day.
vs 13, 14 really sum it up: consider others, then you will find JOY! We really get down when the focus is turned in.
I loved all the references to Jesus, and again -- I can only imagine how carefully he combed through these verses to understand his mission. Nothing in there about conquering the Romans -- but the concern was on the poor, the brokenhearted, the captives, the prisoners -- He wants us to be on that same mission apparently if you go back and look at 58:6-8!!
Finally -- I'm clinging to 59:1 "The Lord is not so far away that He cannot save you, nor are His ears so deaf that He cannot hear you". What an amazement that the God of the Universe, the Sovereign God -- cares that much about me . . .
Good Morning Ladies---It's a miracle---I'm bringing Tallon to church this morning. My health is good this week, so I may see both of you today.
Mark 1:8--"I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." A guy once said to me that if the Lord wanted him to be baptized then the Lord would dump a bucket of water on his head. It sounds silly, but people approach the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in the same way this guy did with water baptism. They think that if the Lord wants them to be baptized in the Holy Spirit, He'll zap them with it. It doesn't happen that way. The Holy Spirit is a gentleman. We move first than the Lord moves. Everything is done orderly. We seek people out who can lead us into the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, make the appt to be Baptized in the Holy Spirit, and then prepare ourselves the same way things happen with water Baptism.
Mark 1:25--Jesus curtly commanded the demon to come out of the man....the evil spirit screamed and convulsed the man violently and left him. This was done quickly with no mess, no drama, and no trauma. I've seen deliverances that lasted hours and hours and the demons were allowed to manifest in all sorts of ways. It breaks my heart to see this kind of stuff happening in the body of Christ.
Mark 2---Jesus dines with notorious sinners and men of ill repute. He wasn't worried about what other Christians might think if they saw him hanging out with meth heads or strippers. Christians today love to visit the hospital to pray with the saints, but they are Missing in Action on the battle field where the saints are being destroyed.
God DOES care about you. It brought this song to my mind. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BahULUIdf0 I rested yesterday in the picture of this song.
I was thinking about how prominent demon deliverance was in Christ's ministry. Today we tend to think or want to think that demon possession only happens in uncultured areas, say Third World countries.
The reality is that satan has changed his tactics with the times. It is very prominent today. We just don't want to deal with it. Jesus met it head on & conquered it. As Christians, we shouldn't be surprised when we come against them & we shouldn't be afraid of them. They are defeated enemies. In Jesus' name we are able to meet & defeat them as well.
I love the pic in 1:41 of Jesus reaching out & touching an outcast. Who knows how long it had been since that man had felt a loving touch or felt compassion. I totally understand why he went around broadcasting to everyone about Jesus. He felt LOVED! And the healing was icing on the cake!
2:17 "...I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners". I don't want to think I am righteous. But how easy it is to sometimes think I'm doing ok....& then TRIP & fall & realize nope, I'm the biggest sinner, so in need of a Savior.
Takes me back to the words of that song above, "You carry me to the cross". That's where I always need to go back.
Thank you so much Lord for the Sabbath! I love how NLT puts it. "...The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath". Way before Jews, God looked down to us & saw we'd need a break or we'd work & stress 7 whole days! So thankful for His consideration in giving a true break from everything to reconnect with Him, to refocus!
Good comments ladies! Sher, I appreciate how you modernized the Matthew party with meth heads and strippers! Don't you love the openness and incredible love of our God; He loves us right where we are in the journey.
Chris -- loved the NLT version of Sabbath -- really nails it; it's to meet our needs!
John and Jesus were the 2 puzzle pieces perfectly matched for each other. John said (vs 3) "Get ready! The Lord is coming! Prepare the way for Him by turning from your sins!" Jesus said (vs 15)"The time is fulfilled! The kingdom of God is here! Repent! Believe the good news that I'm telling you, and your lives will be changed!" God's perfect plan carried out:)
I love the presence of GOD at the baptism: the Man Jesus, the light of the HS, and the voice of the father. I love the version of God's words in CW: "You are my only begotten Son. I love you and am please with what you have done." What child would NOT want to hear those words from their dad??
Come and Follow: We hear it for Peter and Andrew, James and John, and next -- Matthew. He's got the same message for us: Come and Follow. It's possible to come and not follow (rich young ruler) I guess it's even possible to follow without coming, at least not for awhile. I'm thinking of Nicodemus and Zaccheus -- eventually, tho -- if you follow, that paths are bound to intersect in His timing!
I love the pic of Jesus going up into the hills to a secluded place to talk with His Father. I've had some good conversations in the seclusion of painting and driving; but nothing beats nature:)
Love the touching scene with the leper as well. There is power, healing, and acceptance in touch. We build up walls, God reaches out.
I was contrasting the 4 friends and how they went all out for their paralized friend and Job's 3 friends. Man -- choose your friends wisely!!
2:20 -- an allusion so early in his ministry of His impending death.
2:17 was actually the memory verse in primary today -- but I like the CW wording: "I did not come to call to salvation those who think they've achieved righteousness, but those who are asking God for help!"
Paul's comment about delivering the man to satan so that his sinful nature can be destroyed but he would be saved when Jesus comes is a bit confusing. Makes it sound like you can sin & still be saved. But this doesn't jive with the rest of the Bible. Paul does say in 6:9,10 that these people won't inherit heaven so I'm thinking Paul is saying to do this so the man will realize his error & repent.
ReplyDeleteSeems like the church was boasting about the sin or maybe about the man & his abilities & not dealing with the sin (5:6). I know sometimes we look the other way when people sin because they are holding an important position or we think that they are the only ones who can fill a post. God was pretty adamant about Achan & getting rid of that sin which seems small compared to this one. However, we tend to think of sexual sin as being gross & stealing not gross. It's all sin to God.
6:16 I've learned that especially in sexual sin you can have soul ties with that person, which is what Paul is saying here. Even when you've been abused or raped it happens & those have to be broken.
I think this is why Paul says in v18 "No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body". It's the Godhead that we want the soul tie to. Well, that & our spouses. There are good, godly soul ties. Jonathan & David are another example that come to mind. Maybe even Naomi & Ruth.
5:5 says you need to condemn this man's actions because they are instigated by Satan, and in doing so, you may be able to wake him up, turn his life around and save his soul.
ReplyDeletePaul makes it pretty clear that we have no right to judge those outside the church, but it sounds like we are responsible for disciplining members in the church who are openly disgracing Christ. Now -- this is really tough -- as no one likes to be disciplined, and no one likes to discipline -- and it's easier to look the other way.
I remember one member once who was asked to drop membership for sexual sin, and he was grateful later after he had repented, been rebaptised, and rejoined. He said it gave him something to come back to -- as opposed to wallowing along in his sin. But not everyone has that view. And always the thought is -- what right do we have to judge, and hidden sins are just as awful as open sin. It is definitely tricky stuff -- but, it sounds like Paul is more concerned here about God's honor and the effect on non-believers and believers alike concerning what God will tolerate.
6:12 "while I'm free to do all things, I will not be mastered by anything except Jesus Christ" If Jesus is my Master, I'll be searching, praying, listening -- if my eyes are on Him, my decisions about what is right and wrong will have clarity:) So -- freedom will come as a natural outgrowth of living in His plan for my life.
6:19 His (the Holy Spirit) presence in you is a GIFT to you from God! that is a precious thought.
I'm so impatient & yet Joseph had to wait 2 years until the cup bearer remembered him. I'm sure he had to fight bitterness & anger at God for doing this to Him. What had he done to deserve this? What was God punishing him for? Surrender or bitterness?
ReplyDeleteI don't know that I would have chosen surrender...at least right away. I very much bristle at any injustice done to me & want to always make sure people know if I am wrongly accused. Very self oriented & ugly. So opposite of Jesus & Joseph & countless others here in the Bible. God is giving me ample opportunities to surrender in small things & just let Him defend me, but wow, what an uphill battle!
I so appreciate the stories of the Bible & the ability to see the end of the story & behind the scenes in some cases. It gives me confidence in God & helps me to see a bigger picture. It can't be all about me. It has to be all about God & what He wants & needs to do so we can all go home sooner rather than later.
It is pretty amazing; the behind the scenes forethought of God. Think of His setting up the butler/baker dreams; giving Joseph the ability to interpret, then setting up Pharaoh with the dreams. There had to have been wisdom in the 2 year gap as well -- maybe Joseph growing in dependance (notice how he wasn't phased one bit with the palace, but gave all credit to God for interpreting dreams) maybe the 2 years was needed for politics or Pharaoh's heart.
ReplyDeleteIt kindof reminded me of the "live in the moment" thought I read about today.
Pharaoh asked where I man could be found as wise as Joseph (who would have dreamed -- the prison!!!) It is AMAZING how Joseph went from prison to chief of staff of the world power. With God, ALL things are possible.
Manassah meant "God has made me forget all my sufferings" again -- live in the moment, no regrets of the past.
Joseph picked Simeon to stay. Simeon was second oldest, so I'm guessing he was the main plotter of cruelty to Joseph. Joseph was testing them; I don't think it was retribution, as he had learned to trust God for the outcome of fair.
I'm sure Hannah had been praying before the prayer that is mentioned in our reading today. But obviously, she was at a very low point, really distraught with the taunts of Penninah. Since having children was so important back then, I'm sure satan also was discouraging her with all of her faults & many lies as to why she wasn't able to have children.
ReplyDeleteHad to have been so hard to give up the only child that you've prayed so hard to have. I'm sure that the fact that she got pregnant after she had prayed this time & Eli had blessed her confirmed in her that she was to fulfill her vow. Still had to be hard though. I'm so glad God blessed her with more children afterwards.
Doesn't say anything about P & her interacting after this. Seems though like Hannah wouldn't have taunted her back. God did silence Penninah (one of H's enemies mentioned in her prayer 2:1; I sure satan was another)
Eli was a very permissive parent. His sons may have seen something in his example of serving God that caused them to have such disrespect for God. Then again, maybe not. We all have our own choices to make & sometimes, even though we have good examples, we make bad choices. The fact that nothing immediate happened as a consequence only hardened them in their sins. God's mercy hardens & melts...just like the sun. Depends on the material that it's shining down on.
I like Elkanah -- not only was he most gracious to Hannah, but he served God Joyfully! vs 4 He had to have been a very patient (with 2 wives) gregarious, moment-living man!
ReplyDeleteI was thinking how very trusting it was of Hannah to put her young son in the care of a poor example of a father. Also, I'm sure Samuel would have interaction with Hophni and Phinehas - - I can't imagine, as a parent, putting a 5 year old in that environment, can you?
I was also thinking that, once again -- God prepared years in advance for His plan to take place. The whole stage was put into motion with Hannah's devotion/vow, for Eli's wicked priesthood to end, and Samuel's prophet-hood to take over.
It sounds like Phinehas's wife believed in the power and presence of God more than her husband did. - - it was an interesting insert into the story; maybe a glimpse of the despair that all of Israel was feeling.
Groin tumors for the Philistines -- mine said it was a symptom of the bublonic plague -- but the P's were pretty sure Who was behind it all. Kind of humorous how easily God can bring about His will! We fight and stew and plan -- He can solve the problem using fleas!!
It must have been a terrible thing to have to share your husband with another woman. But then it must have been horrendous to be the brunt of jokes and abuse by the other wife because she has children and you don't.
ReplyDeleteI got so angry when I read I Sam 1:8 where Elkanah says to Hannah, why make a fuss over having no children---You have me!
I also used to have someone in my life that would say that to me whenever I would pray for something. Those words used to make me so angry. I wonder if they made Hannah angry?
Hannah stayed home til the baby was weaned. I wonder how old the child was when he was given over to the priests. I attended a La Leche League in NC when I had my second child, Kymberlee. I used to gasp every time a 4 or 5yr old son would go up to his mother and raise her shirt and take a swig. I see visions of Samuel doing the same thing.
Samuel was handed over to Eli who had evil sons. So not only did Hannah have to give up her son to the Lord, but she gave him up to a guy who was a lousy father. I wonder if that bothered her?
30:4 "Remember what He has done for you and give thanks!" YES for gratitude -- actually LOOKING for the things to be grateful for!
ReplyDelete31"5 "Into your hands I commit my life and my spirit" sounds very much like Jesus words on the cross -- but very applicable words to my life every day.
32:1 "Happy is the man whose sins are forgiven and whose faults are covered" I haven't thought of the covering of my faults, my blunders, my bad choices before. A lot of times my faults don't lead to sin -- they just lead to a lousy day; but God will even cover those and turn things around? Wow -- THAT's something to be grateful for!!
32:vs 2 compared to vs 5, 7 "When I refused to admit my sin, I seemed to grow sick; all day long my heart groaned insed of me . . . Then I confessed my sin and righted what was wrong. . . you forgave me and took away my load of guilt". Guilt really does weigh on us -- ripping away our joy.
Finally 32:8 "I will teach you the way that you should go; I will keep my eye on you and guide you along safe paths" Thank you Lord; it's hard to believe You would have your eye on ME! You must be especially fond of me! (and by me I mean each one of us!!)
O! and 32:9 My version added a bit more to the equine illustration: "Lord, help us not to act like a bucking horse or a stubborn mule which has to be controlled by a bit and bridle to make it stay in the way.
ReplyDeleteOK - I've experienced both bucking horses and stubborn mules -- and I've BEEN a bucking horse; refusing to stay on the trail, but putting up a fight - crow hopping around, holding up the progress -- there is no possibility of making forward progress.
and I've BEEN the stubborn mule; planting my feet - crossing my arms, digging in my heals -- again, no forward progress.
Lord - help me to be led by you; take my reins and help me to trust completely in Your will for my life.
I can relate to David in 30 & 31. He's reminding himself of God's goodness, His inability to lie or default on His promises. This has to encourage him & even give him more to praise God about. Praise & thankfulness always seem to raise me above my circumstances & put my trust/hope where it belongs. In God alone.
ReplyDeleteHe also is honest about his circumstances & feelings. He doesn't try to hide them or brush over them. Really appreciate that. I believe this openness with God allows healing to happen. He says in 31:7 that "You care about the anguish of my soul". God does care & even if I don't feel like it sometimes, I say what my mind knows is the truth out loud. It helps to right my thinking.
32 describes a lot of us. We try to hide our sin or our feelings from God. Especially with sin, it just eats away at us, because we are being separated from the very Source of Life by it. The 2 cannot inhabit the same area. It's like trying to mix light & dark. Doesn't work.
Oh the joy of confessing & the release of the burden! And what freedom is experienced from coming out from behind prison walls that have bound us in so many different ways in our lives. We are free to live the life He wants to give us, a life of abundance! "....when you've been delivered like that you got to shout it out. Lift your hands up in the air, shout hallelujah, lift your hands up in the air, I have been set free!"
I've always like 32:8,9 with the promise from God to guide & instruct us down the best road for our lives.
Psalm 30 begins with "I will Praise you, Lord, for you have saved me from my enemies."
ReplyDeleteJust yesterday in the Daily News once again, the headlines were about the beginning of the trial of my murderous ex neighbors. I Praise the Lord for delivering me.
And verse 2 says "I pleaded with you and you gave me health again."
I've been sick since Dec. It's only been this week that I've regained my health and energy. I thought I would be sick forever, but the Lord delivered me from sickness and disease. All morning I've been PRAISING the Lord God of Israel.
Psalm 31--"You have rescued me, Oh God who keeps his promises."
The Lord does keep his promises to his people. His answer is always a Divine YES!
Yes I will rescue you, Yes I will deliver you--Yes I will heal you, Yes I will save and protect your children.
"I worship only you; how You hate all those who worship idols."
There are those in this complex who are blatant Satan worshipers. They brag about it, are proud of it and display their idols and images of Satan. Their children refuse to play with my grandchildren, Praise God! I would bet they don't even know why. (It's a spiritual thing --no words have ever been exchanged)-- and I Praise God for his protection.
Psalm 32--"What happiness for those whose guilt has been forgiven."
The Lord loves me today. And if I promise Him that tomorrow I will not use any swear words, or listen to that filthy radio show or end my gluttony and not eat 9 chocolate chip cookies in one sitting---
He can never love me more tomorrow because I am good than He already loves me today when I'm not.
I Bless the Holy One of Israel!
So glad you're feeling better Sherrie!
ReplyDeleteI was almost ready to give Eliphaz the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he was sincere & was earnestly pleading for Job to confess any secret sin so he could be right with God.
It's so hard to understand their emotions & what their body language was as they were talking. I don't know how close their friendship was, just assume because they came to comfort him that they would be good friends. But maybe they were a delegation. Chosen because they were "elders in the church" that had a decent rapport with Job. They were to "convict him of his errors". Who knows.
So, like I said, I was ready to give E the benefit of the doubt, but then I read 22:24,25. E seems to think Job is greedy. Is E jealous of the wealth Job had? It seems like in v6-11 he's trying to find the hidden sin & surmising what it could be, throw out examples.
So I'm also wondering if E has experienced the last part of 22. Has life been cake for him so far so he thinks he's good with God? Kinda seems that way. Like maybe it was for all of them & the "church" or way of thought back then.
I was thinking of Jesus' words "Whoever is without sin - cast the first stone" pointing out that we're all warped and filled with sin. Hard to believe how E hammers Job with all kinds of despairing thoughts.
ReplyDeleteAnd what's with 22:29"When men are humbled by misfortune and you help them and pray for them, God will save them. I don't see a whole lot of prayer going on here -- or help either; just a lot of finger pointing.
Like Job said, they were pretty miserable comforters!
ReplyDeleteEvery time I thought I found the 1 tidbit to share in today's reading...God one upped me with another one as I continued. And again, I struggled to stay focus & thought about not reading but was deeply blessed with a couple of thoughts.
58:7-9 in NLT Basically, as we listen to God & reach out to those around us, especially those hard for us to do so, THEN our own healing will come quickly. I think it's because we're letting go of self & coming out of our comfort zones & self-protecting or projecting as the case may be, & we're letting God defend us & being ourselves, not who we want people to see. So we're being real.
Also in v8 it says the God's glory or His character, is what protects us from behind. I was thinking about all the mistakes I've made & dread people reminding me of them. And some have done this, suggesting untrue motives & have brought them up at opportune times to taunt me or try to ruin me (all with good intentions of "helping" me of course). I've never thought of God's glory protecting me from my past. Only allowing stuff through that will further His will for me. It may have been painful at the time or even stunning to be accused of things when I had no concept of them, but God worked inspite of them to bring me where I am today. And ultimately, I am glad I am where I am & not back there. So I like that thought.
The last thing I will comment on is 60:15,16. I know these are talking about a land or country in context. However, when I read "though you were despised & hated..." the thought occurred to me that I am the one who has hated & despised me the most. God will make me beautiful inside & out forever if I let Him.
V16 says that I will know He is my God, My Redeemer & My Savior. I can definitely attest to the fact that only God could have made the changes & affected the healing that has gone on in my life in the last 2-3 years. I can only give all the praise, honor & glory to Him. I know He is my Healer & my Savior.
I really like that idea Chris of God's glory as our rearguard -- like "I've got your back" thnx for that.
ReplyDelete57:2 "Those who live the way God wants them to will find peace and rest in death" I've met a few people like that -- it's an honor and inspiration to know them. Even as they die they are glorifying God.
57:9,10 talk about how we wear ourselves out looking for answers apart from God - I know I've done it, trying to solve problems and manipulate situations - - God must shake His head.
58:6-9 I LOVE God's version of fasting. It reminds me of the weightier matters that Christ spoke about to the Pharisees of love, justice, and mercy. Something to remember every day.
vs 13, 14 really sum it up: consider others, then you will find JOY! We really get down when the focus is turned in.
I loved all the references to Jesus, and again -- I can only imagine how carefully he combed through these verses to understand his mission. Nothing in there about conquering the Romans -- but the concern was on the poor, the brokenhearted, the captives, the prisoners -- He wants us to be on that same mission apparently if you go back and look at 58:6-8!!
Finally -- I'm clinging to 59:1 "The Lord is not so far away that He cannot save you, nor are His ears so deaf that He cannot hear you". What an amazement that the God of the Universe, the Sovereign God -- cares that much about me . . .
Good Morning Ladies---It's a miracle---I'm bringing Tallon to church this morning. My health is good this week, so I may see both of you today.
ReplyDeleteMark 1:8--"I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
A guy once said to me that if the Lord wanted him to be baptized then the Lord would dump a bucket of water on his head. It sounds silly, but people approach the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in the same way this guy did with water baptism. They think that if the Lord wants them to be baptized in the Holy Spirit, He'll zap them with it. It doesn't happen that way. The Holy Spirit is a gentleman.
We move first than the Lord moves. Everything is done orderly. We seek people out who can lead us into the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, make the appt to be Baptized in the Holy Spirit, and then prepare ourselves the same way things happen with water Baptism.
Mark 1:25--Jesus curtly commanded the demon to come out of the man....the evil spirit screamed and convulsed the man violently and left him. This was done quickly with no mess, no drama, and no trauma. I've seen deliverances that lasted hours and hours and the demons were allowed to manifest in all sorts of ways. It breaks my heart to see this kind of stuff happening in the body of Christ.
Mark 2---Jesus dines with notorious sinners and men of ill repute. He wasn't worried about what other Christians might think if they saw him hanging out with meth heads or strippers. Christians today love to visit the hospital to pray with the saints, but they are Missing in Action on the battle field where the saints are being destroyed.
God DOES care about you. It brought this song to my mind. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BahULUIdf0
ReplyDeleteI rested yesterday in the picture of this song.
I was thinking about how prominent demon deliverance was in Christ's ministry. Today we tend to think or want to think that demon possession only happens in uncultured areas, say Third World countries.
The reality is that satan has changed his tactics with the times. It is very prominent today. We just don't want to deal with it. Jesus met it head on & conquered it. As Christians, we shouldn't be surprised when we come against them & we shouldn't be afraid of them. They are defeated enemies. In Jesus' name we are able to meet & defeat them as well.
I love the pic in 1:41 of Jesus reaching out & touching an outcast. Who knows how long it had been since that man had felt a loving touch or felt compassion. I totally understand why he went around broadcasting to everyone about Jesus. He felt LOVED! And the healing was icing on the cake!
2:17 "...I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners". I don't want to think I am righteous. But how easy it is to sometimes think I'm doing ok....& then TRIP & fall & realize nope, I'm the biggest sinner, so in need of a Savior.
Takes me back to the words of that song above, "You carry me to the cross". That's where I always need to go back.
Thank you so much Lord for the Sabbath! I love how NLT puts it. "...The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath". Way before Jews, God looked down to us & saw we'd need a break or we'd work & stress 7 whole days! So thankful for His consideration in giving a true break from everything to reconnect with Him, to refocus!
Cool Sherrie! Can't wait to see you guys!
ReplyDeleteGood comments ladies! Sher, I appreciate how you modernized the Matthew party with meth heads and strippers! Don't you love the openness and incredible love of our God; He loves us right where we are in the journey.
ReplyDeleteChris -- loved the NLT version of Sabbath -- really nails it; it's to meet our needs!
John and Jesus were the 2 puzzle pieces perfectly matched for each other. John said (vs 3) "Get ready! The Lord is coming! Prepare the way for Him by turning from your sins!" Jesus said (vs 15)"The time is fulfilled! The kingdom of God is here! Repent! Believe the good news that I'm telling you, and your lives will be changed!" God's perfect plan carried out:)
I love the presence of GOD at the baptism: the Man Jesus, the light of the HS, and the voice of the father. I love the version of God's words in CW: "You are my only begotten Son. I love you and am please with what you have done." What child would NOT want to hear those words from their dad??
Come and Follow: We hear it for Peter and Andrew, James and John, and next -- Matthew. He's got the same message for us:
Come and Follow. It's possible to come and not follow (rich young ruler) I guess it's even possible to follow without coming, at least not for awhile. I'm thinking of Nicodemus and Zaccheus -- eventually, tho -- if you follow, that paths are bound to intersect in His timing!
I love the pic of Jesus going up into the hills to a secluded place to talk with His Father. I've had some good conversations in the seclusion of painting and driving; but nothing beats nature:)
Love the touching scene with the leper as well. There is power, healing, and acceptance in touch. We build up walls, God reaches out.
I was contrasting the 4 friends and how they went all out for their paralized friend and Job's 3 friends. Man -- choose your friends wisely!!
2:20 -- an allusion so early in his ministry of His impending death.
2:17 was actually the memory verse in primary today -- but I like the CW wording: "I did not come to call to salvation those who think they've achieved righteousness, but those who are asking God for help!"