6:1 how often do I accept the gift of kindness -- happy to receive the kindness; but ignoring the giver -- forgetting gratitude, or extending on the kindness to someone else -- like a stagnant pool who receives water, but the water is just dammed up and quits flowing. Stagnant -- putrid
the right and for attack and the left hand for defense; like a sword fight. How the devil loves to sword fight with us; throwing people to praise us and get us all prideful, and people to critisize us to get us all wounded and isolate - pull back. Yet, Jesus tells us to "put our sword away" If we fall at His feet, ask for His help, live in His presence -- He'll fight for us, and . . . WE WIN!
I was fascinated by 7:5-10, as I'm right now reading a book called "The Gift of Pain" EVERYONE needs to read this, ok? But Paul nailed it when he said, I know it was painful to you . . . I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change. We look at pain as evil, but pain is actually there to protect us, to save us, to alert us that something is wrong and we need to alter course.
Very practical steps and inspiration on giving in 8. Vs 12 "Whatever you give is acceptable IF you give it eagerly" (I'm guessing there must be some unacceptable gifts coming in!!) Also "give according to what you have not what you don't have . . . I don't mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves, I only mean that there should be some equality." How practical is that:)
Apparently slavery was a big part of life back in those days - - I found it confusing where in 21:20, it sounds quite normal to beat a slave, and yet if you knock his tooth out -- vs 27, the slave goes free. Maybe the gist is to simply be kind to slaves; I don't know -- slavery just doesn't seem right anyway I stretch it.
Sounds like God was personally involved in settling disputes back then (vs 8 and9) That'd sure be nice -- I've sat on a couple of juries - - and it feels like a huge weight declaring judgement on someone.
Reading 23: 1-13 I was saddened to see how many of these guidelines were ignored when Jesus was tried and convicted - - I guess God knew what humans became without Him in their lives.
The angel sent before God -- hmm, was that the cloud that they followed 23:20 I guess I always thought the Israelites messed up by not clearing the land of all the idolatrous nations right off the bat; but apparently, God had the better idea of letting them grow into the land. vs 30. And God's idea of not making treaties with other nations -- there was a LOT of treaty making going on and marriages for peace going on down the line -- maybe they skipped that chapter when they were reading the law.
How awesome to see God -- what a beautiful picture of God's feet :under His feet there seemed to be a surface of brilliant blue as clear as the sky itself" "these nobles of Israel gazed upon God" what would THAT be like? Humbling -- something you'd never ever forget.
Tried to read Ex this morning before I got on the plane, but didn't get anything out of it, probably because I couldn't concentrate much.
So I just read Sunday's reading in Corinthians. Seems like Paul would go out of his way so that people couldn't accuse him of any selfish agenda (beg of 6). But invariably people accused him of everything anyway & misinterpreted his motives (v8,9).
I was thinking that those who are seeking God for truth & not manipulation would see the pureness in Paul's motives. Those who were looking for excuses not to believe & things to accuse them of would find those as well.
People tend to find what they are looking for whether they are aware of it or not. But I do think we should always try, as Paul did, not to give people an excuse to not choose Christ. It is their choice though, what they choose to believe. It's always their choice to study out truth for themselves & not be spoon fed or unteachable.
Paul does a lot of administrational things in his letters to the churches. No wonder I always feel exhausted when I read them. So stressful to deal with some things when all you want to do is share the Good News with people.
I like your comments about pain Linda. Very thought provoking. Sounds like an interesting book.
The ruthlessness of war & warriors. I know guys thrive in the fight & conquer mode, but what a cost.
Once headed down the path of trying to cover a sin, it's so hard to stop & listen to God getting you to stop. You don't want to admit your wrong & you actually think you can hide it & get away with it. I wonder if David actually thought it was all good & that no one would find out. Except all his court people did & you know they gossip. People in power usually get to a place where they think they are above the law & can do what they want. Terrible consequences always follow. Just sad.
Seems like his sons followed David's example in this pretty closely. We can always find an excuse for our sin, but it's just that, an excuse.
Joab was the one that helped reconcile Absalom to David & later he would be the one to kill him as well. Wonder if he really wanted them to be reconciled or was he just taking care of his personal agenda of getting back into David's good graces since he had killed Abner. Kinda seems like it in 14:22.
Uriah was a Hitite! Not even an Israelite; yet he took the solemnity of the troops and the Ark very seriously vs 11.
David's sin affected more than Uriah -- many were killed; and look how flippiantly he treats the murders in verse 25 - - makes me sick. Maybe all the fighting and kingship had hardened his compassion for others -- this must have really hurt and disappointed God.
I was thinking the "utter contempt" David showed for the Lord was taking matters into his own hands. How many times do I show "utter contempt" for God - - yikes. Maybe I don't murder people, but I bet I've caused a lot of hurt and confusion.
I thought Joab was pretty generous with making sure David received credit for the win in 12:28 -- and that sounded like one uncomfortable crown; can you imagine walking around with a 75 pound weight on your head? What was the point?
I feel so sorry for Tamar - - she was taken advantage of by all the men in her family.
You can tell David was suspicious by his question in vs 26. And all I'll say about Jonadab is that he seemed to be in everyone's business (vs 3 and 32)
I don't think you can be alive today without having people twist your words, motives & endeavors. It's even more painful when it's someone who was once a friend or is a family member. The more public & successful your ministry, the more these people rise to the surface. Agents of satan, trying to throw discredit on what God is doing.
Jesus experienced it daily, no one is immune. I like the line that David puts in there twice in 56. "...what can mere mortals do?" God is in control. Gotta remember that. Pretty amazing how fast I forget when it starts hitting close to home. Can't let that mindset of entitlement to an easy life creep into my thinking like it does.
Really like the honest feelings being expressed in these chapters. Why do we put on the clothes of being a Super Christian with each other? I know not everyone is safe to be truly open, but we seem to adept at going above & beyond hiding ourselves from each other.
When I am afraid I will put my trust in you -- and there's so many types of fear, so great that God can cover them all - fear of failure, physical harm, controlling people, being out of control, rejection -- you name it, God can cover it. And, as you pointed out and I underlined, Chris -- what can mere mortals do to me! hee hee! We think we're the big shots, but really -- we are MERE MORTALS; I like that -- puts me in perspective:)
Don't you love the word pics: you keep track of all my sorrows, you have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded EACH ONE in your book. How much more personal can our God be? He sees each tear that falls (from He knows my Name)
It always seemed to me like God was coming down pretty hard on Job after all he'd been through -- everyone questioning his integrity and reasoning; and now God challenging him to sit up, take it like a man and answer some questions.
But maybe God is just setting the stage for his final verdict. In other words -- Job had been listening to all these "friends" of his -- maybe questioning himself, loosing his confidence and God is saying -- "OK, if you're going to listen to someone, listen to Me -- I'm the One that really has all the answers" and maybe that's a good lesson for me for today -- I question myself all the time, but God is the One that has always been there, knows the depths of creation, has the wisdom and answer for my days -- my despairs.
I've always thought the same. It seems though, even if it says that God is talking to Job in v1, that He's really talking to his friends. They are so ignorant in what they are saying that it fits more. Especially since God asks Job "Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words?" in v2. Seems like He's referring to a third party.
I can't tell the tone God is using either. It seems indignant. So a lot of my reaction to God speaking is built around my own speculation or putting myself in Job's place. I would want sympathy & someone to fight for me to shut up all these windbags that are hounding me.
God does things so differently thought than I expect. Sometimes He does seem to confront me instead of defend me. But the way He confronts me is so different from people. I can tell instantly that He's right & He loves me. I don't always get that knowledge with people. He just has this special tone that seems to hit my heart, split it open & convict me all at once. Maybe that's the tone He's using with Job.
I like your take on God setting the stage too. We know the end of the story - now. Job didn't. So maybe God is rebuilding Job's trust in His majesty.
The Babylonians are surrounding the place, and the king is cozied up in front of the fire, burning God's direct messages to him - not good. The officials take it seriously, but not the king; leadership is lacking here.
But God, in His kindness and wisdom is able to look past the weak king to a better day -- and I take this as a promise for us when we will return to God's plan for us:
32:37 on "I will certainly bring my people back again . . . they will be my people and I will be their God. And I will give them one heart and one purpose: to worship me forever. . . I will never stop doing good for them. I will put a desire in their hearts to worship me, and they will never leave me. I will find joy doing good for them and will faithfully and wholeheartedly replant them in this land.
Heaven cannot come soon enough -- I love the thought that God puts the desire in our hearts to worship Him!
I do like that thought too. We squash it down with so much empty filler though. And satan constantly tries to keep us busy, even with good things so we don't really get to worship.
I was thinking as I read in Luke this a.m. how differently we treat pregnancy nowadays. Elizabeth was very old & she said "how kind the Lord is..." when she found out she was pregnant. I think most of us would be thinking of all the inconveniences of having a child at an old age. I know I would!
Again, I am struck by Mary's spirit. I can see why she was chosen to be our Savior's mother. Just a very gentle & teachable spirit. I don't see her as being a walkover though. Just strong in her love & worship of her Lord.
After being in the baby Jesus' presence, the shepherds told everyone what they had seen. Reminds me of how we are & should be after spending time in His Presence daily. And if I'm not excited about it, did I really SPEND time in His Presence or did I do a drive by? It's like asking someone how they are but not stopping to hear the answer or if I do hear the answer, not respond or blow it off. Why ask, if I don't want to know? Why sit down & go thru the motions of spending time with Someone, when I'm really not engaged. My friends know when I do that, do I think God doesn't?
OOOO! good thought on the shepherds Chris -- you stopped me in my tracks. And the whole story of Jesus' - - whether it's real to us or not was predicted by Simeon in 2:35 "the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed" one verse earlier it talked about many bigwigs will fall and many other non-bigwigs will be filled with JOY!
I was looking at the different customized ways the angel showed up: for Zac, it was quietly appearing at the right hand of the alter; for Mary he appeared and spoke affirmation; for the shepherds, he appeared in a radiance. It caused terror for the men, confusion for Mary -- I don't know what to make of it -- but the angel told Zac that God had sent him, so I'm guessing God customized the appearing:)
For Mary's simple question, How? The angel's simple answer is: Nothing is impossible with Him. I need to get that into my brain.
Yeah! good point on the old-age birth Chris! I know that I don't want to have any more kids -- grandkids are all right tho -- it protects my quiet evenings and mornings!! BUT I was thinking that it was kind of God to take away her disgrace. Maybe our disgrace looks different now-adays; but all of us have something we are ashamed of -- I don't think God has anything to do with shame, only restoration -- and sometimes restoration takes time.
In the preamble to Luke I noticed 3 things. Luke was a Gentile physician. I knew he was a physician, I guess I hadn't really clued in that he was a Gentile:) Maybe that's why Jesus' ministry was so precious to him! Also -- that we will notice outcasts showing up a lot in Luke (again -- maybe because Luke was a Gentile, he knew what it felt like to be an outcast -- love the shepherd emphasis!!) and finally, the HS takes on a predominant role.
Maybe it's because we're right in the middle of The Shake and Sarayu's talk -- but I LOVE the role the HOly Spirit is taking here in 1 and 2. Elizabeth is filled in 1:41, Zac is filled in 1:67, and then there's Simeon. Simeon heard the HS and the Spirit led him right into the temple. I want that kind of leading daily. BUT I know I can't be led if I keep picking up the sword or the reins or picking my own path.
OK -- neighbors and relatives can be a real problem sometimes -- urging us to promote ourselves. I'm so grateful to Eliz and Zac for staying focused on God's commands.
One more thing I thought was quite touching was in Zac's prophecy from vs 76 on: I see him holding baby John (and I hear him repeating this prophecy as John grows) "And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins . . . What a tender picture of a father's love . . . what JOY must have filled Zac and Eliza's hearts as they watched John fulfill this prophecy with no thought of his own self-glory . . .
6:1 how often do I accept the gift of kindness -- happy to receive the kindness; but ignoring the giver -- forgetting gratitude, or extending on the kindness to someone else -- like a stagnant pool who receives water, but the water is just dammed up and quits flowing. Stagnant -- putrid
ReplyDeletethe right and for attack and the left hand for defense; like a sword fight. How the devil loves to sword fight with us; throwing people to praise us and get us all prideful, and people to critisize us to get us all wounded and isolate - pull back. Yet, Jesus tells us to "put our sword away" If we fall at His feet, ask for His help, live in His presence -- He'll fight for us, and . . . WE WIN!
I was fascinated by 7:5-10, as I'm right now reading a book called "The Gift of Pain" EVERYONE needs to read this, ok? But Paul nailed it when he said, I know it was painful to you . . . I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change. We look at pain as evil, but pain is actually there to protect us, to save us, to alert us that something is wrong and we need to alter course.
Very practical steps and inspiration on giving in 8. Vs 12 "Whatever you give is acceptable IF you give it eagerly" (I'm guessing there must be some unacceptable gifts coming in!!) Also "give according to what you have not what you don't have . . . I don't mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves, I only mean that there should be some equality." How practical is that:)
Apparently slavery was a big part of life back in those days - - I found it confusing where in 21:20, it sounds quite normal to beat a slave, and yet if you knock his tooth out -- vs 27, the slave goes free. Maybe the gist is to simply be kind to slaves; I don't know -- slavery just doesn't seem right anyway I stretch it.
ReplyDeleteSounds like God was personally involved in settling disputes back then (vs 8 and9) That'd sure be nice -- I've sat on a couple of juries - - and it feels like a huge weight declaring judgement on someone.
Reading 23: 1-13 I was saddened to see how many of these guidelines were ignored when Jesus was tried and convicted - - I guess God knew what humans became without Him in their lives.
The angel sent before God -- hmm, was that the cloud that they followed 23:20 I guess I always thought the Israelites messed up by not clearing the land of all the idolatrous nations right off the bat; but apparently, God had the better idea of letting them grow into the land. vs 30. And God's idea of not making treaties with other nations -- there was a LOT of treaty making going on and marriages for peace going on down the line -- maybe they skipped that chapter when they were reading the law.
How awesome to see God -- what a beautiful picture of God's feet :under His feet there seemed to be a surface of brilliant blue as clear as the sky itself" "these nobles of Israel gazed upon God" what would THAT be like? Humbling -- something you'd never ever forget.
Tried to read Ex this morning before I got on the plane, but didn't get anything out of it, probably because I couldn't concentrate much.
ReplyDeleteSo I just read Sunday's reading in Corinthians. Seems like Paul would go out of his way so that people couldn't accuse him of any selfish agenda (beg of 6). But invariably people accused him of everything anyway & misinterpreted his motives (v8,9).
I was thinking that those who are seeking God for truth & not manipulation would see the pureness in Paul's motives. Those who were looking for excuses not to believe & things to accuse them of would find those as well.
People tend to find what they are looking for whether they are aware of it or not. But I do think we should always try, as Paul did, not to give people an excuse to not choose Christ. It is their choice though, what they choose to believe. It's always their choice to study out truth for themselves & not be spoon fed or unteachable.
Paul does a lot of administrational things in his letters to the churches. No wonder I always feel exhausted when I read them. So stressful to deal with some things when all you want to do is share the Good News with people.
I like your comments about pain Linda. Very thought provoking. Sounds like an interesting book.
The ruthlessness of war & warriors. I know guys thrive in the fight & conquer mode, but what a cost.
ReplyDeleteOnce headed down the path of trying to cover a sin, it's so hard to stop & listen to God getting you to stop. You don't want to admit your wrong & you actually think you can hide it & get away with it. I wonder if David actually thought it was all good & that no one would find out. Except all his court people did & you know they gossip. People in power usually get to a place where they think they are above the law & can do what they want. Terrible consequences always follow. Just sad.
Seems like his sons followed David's example in this pretty closely. We can always find an excuse for our sin, but it's just that, an excuse.
Joab was the one that helped reconcile Absalom to David & later he would be the one to kill him as well. Wonder if he really wanted them to be reconciled or was he just taking care of his personal agenda of getting back into David's good graces since he had killed Abner. Kinda seems like it in 14:22.
Uriah was a Hitite! Not even an Israelite; yet he took the solemnity of the troops and the Ark very seriously vs 11.
ReplyDeleteDavid's sin affected more than Uriah -- many were killed; and look how flippiantly he treats the murders in verse 25 - - makes me sick. Maybe all the fighting and kingship had hardened his compassion for others -- this must have really hurt and disappointed God.
I was thinking the "utter contempt" David showed for the Lord was taking matters into his own hands. How many times do I show "utter contempt" for God - - yikes. Maybe I don't murder people, but I bet I've caused a lot of hurt and confusion.
I thought Joab was pretty generous with making sure David received credit for the win in 12:28 -- and that sounded like one uncomfortable crown; can you imagine walking around with a 75 pound weight on your head? What was the point?
I feel so sorry for Tamar - - she was taken advantage of by all the men in her family.
You can tell David was suspicious by his question in vs 26. And all I'll say about Jonadab is that he seemed to be in everyone's business (vs 3 and 32)
I don't think you can be alive today without having people twist your words, motives & endeavors. It's even more painful when it's someone who was once a friend or is a family member. The more public & successful your ministry, the more these people rise to the surface. Agents of satan, trying to throw discredit on what God is doing.
ReplyDeleteJesus experienced it daily, no one is immune. I like the line that David puts in there twice in 56. "...what can mere mortals do?" God is in control. Gotta remember that. Pretty amazing how fast I forget when it starts hitting close to home. Can't let that mindset of entitlement to an easy life creep into my thinking like it does.
Really like the honest feelings being expressed in these chapters. Why do we put on the clothes of being a Super Christian with each other? I know not everyone is safe to be truly open, but we seem to adept at going above & beyond hiding ourselves from each other.
When I am afraid I will put my trust in you -- and there's so many types of fear, so great that God can cover them all - fear of failure, physical harm, controlling people, being out of control, rejection -- you name it, God can cover it. And, as you pointed out and I underlined, Chris -- what can mere mortals do to me! hee hee! We think we're the big shots, but really -- we are MERE MORTALS; I like that -- puts me in perspective:)
ReplyDeleteDon't you love the word pics: you keep track of all my sorrows, you have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded EACH ONE in your book. How much more personal can our God be? He sees each tear that falls (from He knows my Name)
and for those of you who don't know this song -- please listen to these precious words:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CC8puwexBBo
It always seemed to me like God was coming down pretty hard on Job after all he'd been through -- everyone questioning his integrity and reasoning; and now God challenging him to sit up, take it like a man and answer some questions.
ReplyDeleteBut maybe God is just setting the stage for his final verdict. In other words -- Job had been listening to all these "friends" of his -- maybe questioning himself, loosing his confidence and God is saying -- "OK, if you're going to listen to someone, listen to Me -- I'm the One that really has all the answers" and maybe that's a good lesson for me for today -- I question myself all the time, but God is the One that has always been there, knows the depths of creation, has the wisdom and answer for my days -- my despairs.
I've always thought the same. It seems though, even if it says that God is talking to Job in v1, that He's really talking to his friends. They are so ignorant in what they are saying that it fits more. Especially since God asks Job "Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words?" in v2. Seems like He's referring to a third party.
ReplyDeleteI can't tell the tone God is using either. It seems indignant. So a lot of my reaction to God speaking is built around my own speculation or putting myself in Job's place. I would want sympathy & someone to fight for me to shut up all these windbags that are hounding me.
God does things so differently thought than I expect. Sometimes He does seem to confront me instead of defend me. But the way He confronts me is so different from people. I can tell instantly that He's right & He loves me. I don't always get that knowledge with people. He just has this special tone that seems to hit my heart, split it open & convict me all at once. Maybe that's the tone He's using with Job.
I like your take on God setting the stage too. We know the end of the story - now. Job didn't. So maybe God is rebuilding Job's trust in His majesty.
The Babylonians are surrounding the place, and the king is cozied up in front of the fire, burning God's direct messages to him - not good. The officials take it seriously, but not the king; leadership is lacking here.
ReplyDeleteBut God, in His kindness and wisdom is able to look past the weak king to a better day -- and I take this as a promise for us when we will return to God's plan for us:
32:37 on "I will certainly bring my people back again . . . they will be my people and I will be their God. And I will give them one heart and one purpose: to worship me forever. . . I will never stop doing good for them. I will put a desire in their hearts to worship me, and they will never leave me. I will find joy doing good for them and will faithfully and wholeheartedly replant them in this land.
Heaven cannot come soon enough -- I love the thought that God puts the desire in our hearts to worship Him!
I do like that thought too. We squash it down with so much empty filler though. And satan constantly tries to keep us busy, even with good things so we don't really get to worship.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking as I read in Luke this a.m. how differently we treat pregnancy nowadays. Elizabeth was very old & she said "how kind the Lord is..." when she found out she was pregnant. I think most of us would be thinking of all the inconveniences of having a child at an old age. I know I would!
Again, I am struck by Mary's spirit. I can see why she was chosen to be our Savior's mother. Just a very gentle & teachable spirit. I don't see her as being a walkover though. Just strong in her love & worship of her Lord.
After being in the baby Jesus' presence, the shepherds told everyone what they had seen. Reminds me of how we are & should be after spending time in His Presence daily. And if I'm not excited about it, did I really SPEND time in His Presence or did I do a drive by? It's like asking someone how they are but not stopping to hear the answer or if I do hear the answer, not respond or blow it off. Why ask, if I don't want to know? Why sit down & go thru the motions of spending time with Someone, when I'm really not engaged. My friends know when I do that, do I think God doesn't?
OOOO! good thought on the shepherds Chris -- you stopped me in my tracks. And the whole story of Jesus' - - whether it's real to us or not was predicted by Simeon in 2:35
ReplyDelete"the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed" one verse earlier it talked about many bigwigs will fall and many other non-bigwigs will be filled with JOY!
I was looking at the different customized ways the angel showed up: for Zac, it was quietly appearing at the right hand of the alter; for Mary he appeared and spoke affirmation; for the shepherds, he appeared in a radiance. It caused terror for the men, confusion for Mary -- I don't know what to make of it -- but the angel told Zac that God had sent him, so I'm guessing God customized the appearing:)
For Mary's simple question, How? The angel's simple answer is: Nothing is impossible with Him. I need to get that into my brain.
Yeah! good point on the old-age birth Chris! I know that I don't want to have any more kids -- grandkids are all right tho -- it protects my quiet evenings and mornings!! BUT I was thinking that it was kind of God to take away her disgrace. Maybe our disgrace looks different now-adays; but all of us have something we are ashamed of -- I don't think God has anything to do with shame, only restoration -- and sometimes restoration takes time.
In the preamble to Luke I noticed 3 things. Luke was a Gentile physician. I knew he was a physician, I guess I hadn't really clued in that he was a Gentile:) Maybe that's why Jesus' ministry was so precious to him! Also -- that we will notice outcasts showing up a lot in Luke (again -- maybe because Luke was a Gentile, he knew what it felt like to be an outcast -- love the shepherd emphasis!!) and finally, the HS takes on a predominant role.
Maybe it's because we're right in the middle of The Shake and Sarayu's talk -- but I LOVE the role the HOly Spirit is taking here in 1 and 2. Elizabeth is filled in 1:41, Zac is filled in 1:67, and then there's Simeon. Simeon heard the HS and the Spirit led him right into the temple. I want that kind of leading daily. BUT I know I can't be led if I keep picking up the sword or the reins or picking my own path.
OK -- neighbors and relatives can be a real problem sometimes -- urging us to promote ourselves. I'm so grateful to Eliz and Zac for staying focused on God's commands.
One more thing I thought was quite touching was in Zac's prophecy from vs 76 on: I see him holding baby John (and I hear him repeating this prophecy as John grows) "And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins . . . What a tender picture of a father's love . . . what JOY must have filled Zac and Eliza's hearts as they watched John fulfill this prophecy with no thought of his own self-glory . . .