I really relate to 1:4-7 because it's what I've been realizing the benefits of for awhile. I've read stories that are similar to mine & have been blessed & encouraged as they have shown me that it is possible to heal, to change, to grow.
Hopefully now, as I am given opportunities to share what I've learned, it will bless others as well. This is what these verses are saying.
It also seems to imply that Paul is glad that he went thru what he has if it can help someone else find Jesus. I have to say that it took awhile, but I am of the same mind.
There's more in this reading, but it's what spoke to me right at the beginning!
Yes Chris -- I can sure see how that text speaks to you -- you have brought so much encouragement to so many people by being willing to share your struggles and successes and insights -- it's really humbling and amazing to see how God works.
vs 10 He did rescue, He will recue, we have placed our confidence in Him:)
vs 12 . . . relying on God's grace, not on our own human wisdom. Seems like the older I get, the more I realize how little I know and understand in so many areas, but especially spiritually.
vs 21 here's the encouragement: "God enables us . . . to stand firm for Christ . . . by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts (thank you SO much God -- for making it possible, I'm as weak as a dishrag)
3:3 -- I like the illustration of us being a letter! I've met people that just seem to live in the aura of spiritual peace -- it IS a letter, and one I want to read.
and thank you thank you for the promise of 3:18 "the Lord - who is the Spirit - makes us more and more like HIm as we are changed into His glorious image" Notice that we're not immediately changed, it's a process -- more and more, little by little, step by step
That's what God was doing with Israel in today's reading too. He knew they weren't ready to fight a big battle yet. So He took them in the way that would give them opportunities to trust Him little by little.
Well, actually, the Egyptians at the Red Sea was a pretty big one I think. But if I take a look back over my life & my battles & the opportunities for trusting Him, it mirrors this same "process".
I see the ultimate end, my "Canaan" & just want to get there but Jesus sees that I have some growing to do, some healing, trusting, overcoming. So I am trying to learn.
Many times I've gotten to the point where I just have to stand still & watch God work for me. There's nothing more I can do. And yet, just like Israel, I quickly forget & complain about some other inconvenience.
Thank you for Your patience with me Lord. And for the lesson of Israel that shows that You always accomplish Your will in Your time. Thank You for not giving up on me.
God created a special celebration time specifically for looking back at the miracles -- looking back at what the Lord did for me. and then -- don't keep those miracles to yourself, tell you children, tell the people around you. I see Sabbath as a weekly celebration time for the same purpose -- pointing others and ourselves back to him -- remembering. Sabbath is the Lord's gift to you (16:29
We, like the firstborn sons (13:15 are always bought back. We were the sacrifices, the prisoners of sin (thinking of Chronicles of Narnia) we are Edmund -- but Jesus bought us back -- He was the lamb and we are the donkey (how fitting) in vs. 13.
Doncha wish you could see what that pillar of cloud/fire looked like! What a shelter, what a comfort, how awesome!
So Moses KNEW God was up to something with the approaching Egyptian army. I didn't realize God clued him it - - but Moses didn't know exactly WHAT God had in mind (as far as we know), so Moses told them to stand still and watch - - I've heard it said before, if something seems unclear, just wait. But I love God's next command "Get moving!" If we wait, He'll direct, as you say Chris.
Doncha wish you could have experience the "awe" of the Israelites? 14:31... Actually -- I think we will. The Egyptians were to them probably how Satan and his temptations are to us -- we will, no doubt, be filled with the same awe and relief and release as they felt, when Satan is finally destroyed never ever to tempt us or hurt us or bother us -- ever again, hallelujah! We will sing the song of victory - we will dance and pound on our tambourines!
I am again stunned at David's patience in waiting for God to establish him as king. I wonder if there's some reluctance in it too. I can't imagine anyone actually wanting to be a national leader. So many headaches come with administration. It's just a never ending job & very draining.
I do like however, how he just waits. Doesn't scheme or plan how he will become king over all of Israel. He even punishes those who "help" him by devious means.
God is in control (Twila Paris song) no matter what it looks like on the outside so why worry or fret? Why not trust? Why is it easier for me to stress myself out with planning & all the "what if's" & try to have every base covered? You'd think I actually enjoy the stress & anxiety! Good reminders for me in this story.
Bloody times back in David's day. I can't imagine 2 armies picking 12 guys each to go hand to hand and then cheering them on -- yuck; brutal.
And the way to fame and fortune was definitely NOT messing with Saul's family and telling David about it.
David had too many wives. I wonder what Daniel was like (Abagail's first son) I like to think he had her sweet spirit, but you sure don't hear anything about him, maybe that's her sweet spirit coming out, as a leader had to be tough as nails back then.
Ishbosheth comes across as a milk toast leader -- dependent on Abner for his strength -- sounds like Abner was the real leader of Israel.
Yes, I appreciate David's willingness to wait, willingness to ask God, even where he should live -- and willingness to follow God's advice - - but he still had too many wives:)
Ha ha, yeah, he had too many wives. Guess that's where Solomon got his inspiration. I think getting Michal back was just a territorial pride thing. Nothing to do with love. That didn't seem to count for much in Bible times. Or today either I guess. But at least I don't live in a country where parents arrange my marriage. Yuck!
Anyway, Ps 50:14 is what struck me today. The sacrifice God wants today is thankfulness or gratitude. Why would that be considered a sacrifice?
I think to be truly grateful, one has to lose their pride. I acknowledge my need & that it was filled by God & only God. I can not fill it & no other human can either.
So I am grateful for my Savior. He has redeemed me when no one else could or even wanted to. And the work that He continues to do in me is definitely something I did not succeed on my own in doing. The healing & restoring me to the woman He created me to be is a process (that word!) that only He can do since He alone is My Creator.
It's a sacrifice to be patient (argh!) & wait (4 letter word!) & then be grateful when He turns me around to look in the mirror of His eyes. What will I see? What do I see now? Am I grateful now?
OK - so gratefulness must be what the Holy Spirit wants us to focus on, because that is the text that popped out at me as well! I really appreciated your comments on it Chris - -
and I think, unfortunately -- it IS a sacrifice to put away, push away the "all about me" way of living life and simply live in a way of gratitude and worship - - we just naturally slip to the dark side. I agree -- the pride has to go, yuck -- it just clings to me!
I love the looking into his eyes -- and don't you like verse 23 "giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honor me!" all the "stuff" we do to try to honor him (and many times, it's actually -- all about us again) He is simply looking for honest, from the heart - gratefulness. What an amazing God -- he could ask for SO much more!
Yes, I like v23 too. I was just thinking after re-reading your thoughts that when I am grateful, if I have been at odds or just felt "not right" with God, that saying "thank you" to Him for something He has given me (& truly He gives me everything), makes things "right" again. Softens my heart to listen & interact again instead of just demand & see things my way only.
Maybe that's why it honors Him.
From gratefulness to arrogance. Elihu thinks he knows it all for sure. I have no doubt he's sincere, but he's sincerely wrong. And what's with 33:23? An angel has to come down from heaven & intercede for someone for God to change His mind? That's pretty twisted! No wonder they had a warped view of God. Superstition is like ropes of a net & people can't get out without help.
He blatantly accuses Job of hanging with bad people & doing bad things (34:8)
He can't handle being truthful with God as he has an issue with Job defending himself to God & speaking openly from the heart.
I wonder if he moved away in case a lightening bolt came down from the sky. :0
33:7 "you don't need to be afraid of me. I won't come down hard on you." Liar! Good night, look at 34:7, 35-37. Elihu reminds me of the Bird in Unbroken -- out to crush a man's spirit.
Elihu talks about dreams, God whispering, an angel coming down. I'm assuming that Elihu could hear and understand when God talked later in the chapter; I wonder what he thought then? It'd be interesting to hear these guys eat their words.
When Elihu asks in 34:7 "has there ever been a man like Job?" He gets his answer in 42:) God makes it clear in 1:8 that no, there hasn't been a man like Job -- he "is the finest man in all the earth." Wouldn't that be something to have God say that about me?? I would love to be a woman of complete integrity -- clear down into the depth of my heart where God knows; THAT only comes from Holy Spirit power.
"Human weakness, consecrated to Me, is like a magnet-drawing My Power into your weakness....When you offer your frailty to Me for My service, I receive it as a sacred act of worship. In response, I dispatch My Power to you. My strength is fulfilled & completed - shows itself most effective in your weakness." DJ 234-235 (ref is 2Cor 12:9)
Good news. I can relate physically right now as I've been too exhausted the last 2 mornings to get up & exercise. But mentally, emotionally & spiritually..He wants the whole package, not just the parts I think are good.
It's an amazing God that can take even the parts I want to hide from others & glorify Himself through my weaknesses that are united to His strengths.
Jesus' words in 13:9-11 remind me of what DJ said in 26-7 about not thinking I am entitled to an easy life. If I'm getting upset & perturbed when things don't go as I see they should now, what am I going to do when the things Jesus foretold start happening to me?
Also reminds me of our convo last night & how Sarayu said that we are subjective in what we call good or bad because we don't see the big picture, we just see our small corner. Goes back to that trust thing I think.
From Christ's words, I can definitely see that the end is approaching. Weird & sad things are happening all over the world. I like His counsel in 32 to stay alert & be on guard since I don't know when He's coming.
When people get in the way of power hungry people then their lives are not valued as they should be. I'm thinking of Mary anointing Jesus' feet. Neither one was valued in the religious leaders eyes. Even Lazarus raised from the dead, was on their hit list because it was all interfering with the religious leaders plans & how they thought it should be.
Same things are happening now all over. Can I think my life will be any more valuable here? I have to know that my value & importance comes from God so that I don't give into people's scheme's to earn their approval instead of God's.
I wonder if the HS told the man with the upper room that Jesus was going to be needing it OR was it prepared for his family instead? Was it an inconvenience to him at first or did he freely give when the opportunity presented itself?
I know I've been thankful when God has told me before hand that people were going to ask me to do something BUT sometimes He asks on the fly & I need to always be listening to see if it's what He wants & not give into my humanness & think of all the inconveniences it will cause.
Interesting how the leaders sent the rabble who didn't even know who they were arresting because Judas had to give them a sign. They didn't want to do the dirty work, they just wanted to be seen as condemning Him, doing the "important" work.
The disciples were looking to things for their security; the strong massive walls and buildings -- and Jesus reminded him not to put their trust in things -- earth and what it has to offer is temporary; why is it hard to get that?? I think it depends on where my focus is -- that's why he says the word "watch" 3 times in verses 34-36.
Tough times, as we talked about last night (I'm glad Chris that you were thinking back on last night too) can be used by God for His glory; as in 13:9 -- it can become our opportunity.
false vs true; deception vs truth; what we see vs what we believe - - it will take faith and clinging to what He has said to make it through. Watch and PRAY so that you won't be deceived or tempted. WATCH (where is your focus) PRAY (whom are you drawing your wisdom, strength, and guidance from)
Did you notice that Peter had 3 opportunities to pray -- and 3 times he was deceived.
I love how Jesus recognized that Mary had done what she could -- in the worlds eyes, a small bottle of perfume wasn't much for a King; in the world's eyes, 2 widow's coins weren't much for the combined budget; but in GOD'S eyes, the gift of love and sacrifice was sweet and noticed far above the convenient gifts given out of surplus or the manipulative gifts given from duty or for a payback.
I really relate to 1:4-7 because it's what I've been realizing the benefits of for awhile. I've read stories that are similar to mine & have been blessed & encouraged as they have shown me that it is possible to heal, to change, to grow.
ReplyDeleteHopefully now, as I am given opportunities to share what I've learned, it will bless others as well. This is what these verses are saying.
It also seems to imply that Paul is glad that he went thru what he has if it can help someone else find Jesus. I have to say that it took awhile, but I am of the same mind.
There's more in this reading, but it's what spoke to me right at the beginning!
Yes Chris -- I can sure see how that text speaks to you -- you have brought so much encouragement to so many people by being willing to share your struggles and successes and insights -- it's really humbling and amazing to see how God works.
ReplyDeletevs 10 He did rescue, He will recue, we have placed our confidence in Him:)
vs 12 . . . relying on God's grace, not on our own human wisdom. Seems like the older I get, the more I realize how little I know and understand in so many areas, but especially spiritually.
vs 21 here's the encouragement: "God enables us . . . to stand firm for Christ . . . by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts (thank you SO much God -- for making it possible, I'm as weak as a dishrag)
3:3 -- I like the illustration of us being a letter! I've met people that just seem to live in the aura of spiritual peace -- it IS a letter, and one I want to read.
and thank you thank you for the promise of 3:18 "the Lord - who is the Spirit - makes us more and more like HIm as we are changed into His glorious image" Notice that we're not immediately changed, it's a process -- more and more, little by little, step by step
Man, that process stuff....always in the mix.
ReplyDeleteThat's what God was doing with Israel in today's reading too. He knew they weren't ready to fight a big battle yet. So He took them in the way that would give them opportunities to trust Him little by little.
Well, actually, the Egyptians at the Red Sea was a pretty big one I think. But if I take a look back over my life & my battles & the opportunities for trusting Him, it mirrors this same "process".
I see the ultimate end, my "Canaan" & just want to get there but Jesus sees that I have some growing to do, some healing, trusting, overcoming. So I am trying to learn.
Many times I've gotten to the point where I just have to stand still & watch God work for me. There's nothing more I can do. And yet, just like Israel, I quickly forget & complain about some other inconvenience.
Thank you for Your patience with me Lord. And for the lesson of Israel that shows that You always accomplish Your will in Your time. Thank You for not giving up on me.
God created a special celebration time specifically for looking back at the miracles -- looking back at what the Lord did for me. and then -- don't keep those miracles to yourself, tell you children, tell the people around you. I see Sabbath as a weekly celebration time for the same purpose -- pointing others and ourselves back to him -- remembering. Sabbath is the Lord's gift to you (16:29
ReplyDeleteWe, like the firstborn sons (13:15 are always bought back. We were the sacrifices, the prisoners of sin (thinking of Chronicles of Narnia) we are Edmund -- but Jesus bought us back -- He was the lamb and we are the donkey (how fitting) in vs. 13.
Doncha wish you could see what that pillar of cloud/fire looked like! What a shelter, what a comfort, how awesome!
So Moses KNEW God was up to something with the approaching Egyptian army. I didn't realize God clued him it - - but Moses didn't know exactly WHAT God had in mind (as far as we know), so Moses told them to stand still and watch - - I've heard it said before, if something seems unclear, just wait. But I love God's next command "Get moving!" If we wait, He'll direct, as you say Chris.
Doncha wish you could have experience the "awe" of the Israelites? 14:31... Actually -- I think we will. The Egyptians were to them probably how Satan and his temptations are to us -- we will, no doubt, be filled with the same awe and relief and release as they felt, when Satan is finally destroyed never ever to tempt us or hurt us or bother us -- ever again, hallelujah! We will sing the song of victory - we will dance and pound on our tambourines!
I am again stunned at David's patience in waiting for God to establish him as king. I wonder if there's some reluctance in it too. I can't imagine anyone actually wanting to be a national leader. So many headaches come with administration. It's just a never ending job & very draining.
ReplyDeleteI do like however, how he just waits. Doesn't scheme or plan how he will become king over all of Israel. He even punishes those who "help" him by devious means.
God is in control (Twila Paris song) no matter what it looks like on the outside so why worry or fret? Why not trust? Why is it easier for me to stress myself out with planning & all the "what if's" & try to have every base covered? You'd think I actually enjoy the stress & anxiety! Good reminders for me in this story.
Bloody times back in David's day. I can't imagine 2 armies picking 12 guys each to go hand to hand and then cheering them on -- yuck; brutal.
ReplyDeleteAnd the way to fame and fortune was definitely NOT messing with Saul's family and telling David about it.
David had too many wives. I wonder what Daniel was like (Abagail's first son) I like to think he had her sweet spirit, but you sure don't hear anything about him, maybe that's her sweet spirit coming out, as a leader had to be tough as nails back then.
Ishbosheth comes across as a milk toast leader -- dependent on Abner for his strength -- sounds like Abner was the real leader of Israel.
Yes, I appreciate David's willingness to wait, willingness to ask God, even where he should live -- and willingness to follow God's advice - - but he still had too many wives:)
Ha ha, yeah, he had too many wives. Guess that's where Solomon got his inspiration. I think getting Michal back was just a territorial pride thing. Nothing to do with love. That didn't seem to count for much in Bible times. Or today either I guess.
ReplyDeleteBut at least I don't live in a country where parents arrange my marriage. Yuck!
Anyway, Ps 50:14 is what struck me today. The sacrifice God wants today is thankfulness or gratitude. Why would that be considered a sacrifice?
I think to be truly grateful, one has to lose their pride. I acknowledge my need & that it was filled by God & only God. I can not fill it & no other human can either.
So I am grateful for my Savior. He has redeemed me when no one else could or even wanted to. And the work that He continues to do in me is definitely something I did not succeed on my own in doing. The healing & restoring me to the woman He created me to be is a process (that word!) that only He can do since He alone is My Creator.
It's a sacrifice to be patient (argh!) & wait (4 letter word!) & then be grateful when He turns me around to look in the mirror of His eyes. What will I see? What do I see now? Am I grateful now?
OK - so gratefulness must be what the Holy Spirit wants us to focus on, because that is the text that popped out at me as well! I really appreciated your comments on it Chris - -
ReplyDeleteand I think, unfortunately -- it IS a sacrifice to put away, push away the "all about me" way of living life and simply live in a way of gratitude and worship - - we just naturally slip to the dark side. I agree -- the pride has to go, yuck -- it just clings to me!
I love the looking into his eyes -- and don't you like verse 23 "giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honor me!" all the "stuff" we do to try to honor him (and many times, it's actually -- all about us again) He is simply looking for honest, from the heart - gratefulness. What an amazing God -- he could ask for SO much more!
Yes, I like v23 too. I was just thinking after re-reading your thoughts that when I am grateful, if I have been at odds or just felt "not right" with God, that saying "thank you" to Him for something He has given me (& truly He gives me everything), makes things "right" again. Softens my heart to listen & interact again instead of just demand & see things my way only.
ReplyDeleteMaybe that's why it honors Him.
From gratefulness to arrogance. Elihu thinks he knows it all for sure. I have no doubt he's sincere, but he's sincerely wrong. And what's with 33:23? An angel has to come down from heaven & intercede for someone for God to change His mind? That's pretty twisted! No wonder they had a warped view of God. Superstition is like ropes of a net & people can't get out without help.
He blatantly accuses Job of hanging with bad people & doing bad things (34:8)
He can't handle being truthful with God as he has an issue with Job defending himself to God & speaking openly from the heart.
I wonder if he moved away in case a lightening bolt came down from the sky. :0
33:7 "you don't need to be afraid of me. I won't come down hard on you." Liar! Good night, look at 34:7, 35-37. Elihu reminds me of the Bird in Unbroken -- out to crush a man's spirit.
ReplyDeleteElihu talks about dreams, God whispering, an angel coming down. I'm assuming that Elihu could hear and understand when God talked later in the chapter; I wonder what he thought then? It'd be interesting to hear these guys eat their words.
When Elihu asks in 34:7 "has there ever been a man like Job?" He gets his answer in 42:) God makes it clear in 1:8 that no, there hasn't been a man like Job -- he "is the finest man in all the earth." Wouldn't that be something to have God say that about me?? I would love to be a woman of complete integrity -- clear down into the depth of my heart where God knows; THAT only comes from Holy Spirit power.
Really blessed today by DJ pg 26-7. My ongoing tutor
ReplyDeleteah yes, I just read it. Very good. Not running away or rebelling, but being teachable. Very good, very good. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete"Human weakness, consecrated to Me, is like a magnet-drawing My Power into your weakness....When you offer your frailty to Me for My service, I receive it as a sacred act of worship. In response, I dispatch My Power to you. My strength is fulfilled & completed - shows itself most effective in your weakness." DJ 234-235 (ref is 2Cor 12:9)
ReplyDeleteGood news. I can relate physically right now as I've been too exhausted the last 2 mornings to get up & exercise. But mentally, emotionally & spiritually..He wants the whole package, not just the parts I think are good.
It's an amazing God that can take even the parts I want to hide from others & glorify Himself through my weaknesses that are united to His strengths.
Jesus' words in 13:9-11 remind me of what DJ said in 26-7 about not thinking I am entitled to an easy life. If I'm getting upset & perturbed when things don't go as I see they should now, what am I going to do when the things Jesus foretold start happening to me?
ReplyDeleteAlso reminds me of our convo last night & how Sarayu said that we are subjective in what we call good or bad because we don't see the big picture, we just see our small corner. Goes back to that trust thing I think.
From Christ's words, I can definitely see that the end is approaching. Weird & sad things are happening all over the world. I like His counsel in 32 to stay alert & be on guard since I don't know when He's coming.
When people get in the way of power hungry people then their lives are not valued as they should be. I'm thinking of Mary anointing Jesus' feet. Neither one was valued in the religious leaders eyes. Even Lazarus raised from the dead, was on their hit list because it was all interfering with the religious leaders plans & how they thought it should be.
Same things are happening now all over. Can I think my life will be any more valuable here? I have to know that my value & importance comes from God so that I don't give into people's scheme's to earn their approval instead of God's.
I wonder if the HS told the man with the upper room that Jesus was going to be needing it OR was it prepared for his family instead? Was it an inconvenience to him at first or did he freely give when the opportunity presented itself?
I know I've been thankful when God has told me before hand that people were going to ask me to do something BUT sometimes He asks on the fly & I need to always be listening to see if it's what He wants & not give into my humanness & think of all the inconveniences it will cause.
Interesting how the leaders sent the rabble who didn't even know who they were arresting because Judas had to give them a sign. They didn't want to do the dirty work, they just wanted to be seen as condemning Him, doing the "important" work.
The disciples were looking to things for their security; the strong massive walls and buildings -- and Jesus reminded him not to put their trust in things -- earth and what it has to offer is temporary; why is it hard to get that?? I think it depends on where my focus is -- that's why he says the word "watch" 3 times in verses 34-36.
ReplyDeleteTough times, as we talked about last night (I'm glad Chris that you were thinking back on last night too) can be used by God for His glory; as in 13:9 -- it can become our opportunity.
false vs true; deception vs truth; what we see vs what we believe - - it will take faith and clinging to what He has said to make it through. Watch and PRAY so that you won't be deceived or tempted. WATCH (where is your focus) PRAY (whom are you drawing your wisdom, strength, and guidance from)
Did you notice that Peter had 3 opportunities to pray -- and 3 times he was deceived.
I love how Jesus recognized that Mary had done what she could -- in the worlds eyes, a small bottle of perfume wasn't much for a King; in the world's eyes, 2 widow's coins weren't much for the combined budget; but in GOD'S eyes, the gift of love and sacrifice was sweet and noticed far above the convenient gifts given out of surplus or the manipulative gifts given from duty or for a payback.