Trying to avoid dwelling on the parts that deal with administration & drain me. So that negates the majority of this reading. Don't know why it's affecting me so much more this year than last.
12:9 “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” Was trying to think of one of my many weaknesses that I would like God to take away. And I have to say that crying as easily as I do is what I consider my greatest weakness. It embarrasses me. I have asked God to make me stronger, but my idea of strong & His idea of strong are obviously different according to this verse.
Through my weakness He is strong, not me. So I have to trust that His power is working best, somehow, in that weakness of mine.
And yes, like I said above, it is embarrassing & very humbling to become a blubbering fool in public. How that helps Him, I will probably have to wait until heaven to find out! :)
More furniture/sanctuary stuff at the beginning of the reading today. Then we get to the golden calf. I see myself in Aaron in a way. It's a lot easier to pacify than to stand for the right. I can definitely be stubborn & unyielding at times though. I just want to be that way for the Truth & not care what people think. It's also a talent to be able to stand for truth with tact. Don't have to hit people over the head with it. There's a song out now that says it's easier to know what Christians are against than what they're for. Very easy to point fingers because it takes the heat off of us. The fact of the matter is that you can't please everybody no matter what you chose, so it's best to choose the Truth & know that Jesus is standing with you through the attacks & the storms then to placate fickle people. Not saying it's easier, just saying it's better. I don't want to deny Him.
The famine was caused by something that was done by the previous ruler. I've seen where family sins have carried over & the effects are on present generations. Brutal consequences. Can't imagine having soldiers knock on my door & tell me to hand over my kids for something my grandpa did. Yet we do things or are hindered spiritually because of family sins we know nothing about. Interesting to see it played out here.
Seems like at the beginning of 24 that God had David take the census. Was that statement a test like God telling Moses that He'd wipe Israel out for their sin at Sinai & make a great nation of him? Seems like it with Joab's response & the consequences.
The more power you have, the worst the consequences. Innocent people dying because of 1 wrong decision. Wow, can't believe people fight to get into those types of positions. I do not like politics!
Joab kills Amasa, kinda remembered this happening. He is so accustomed to killing that he can do & move on quickly. The other men are shocked & stand around until it's covered up. They aren't as hard as Joab is. Yet there is still some softness of heart as Joab listens to the wise woman & he also remonstrates David for the census. The heart is very intricate. No wonder God told Jeremiah, "...who can know it?" (17:10 I think).
Happy Wednesday! I've gotta leave in 15 minutes -- tomorrow will be my first post this week, but I went back over Chris's remarks and had my appetizer for the filling I hope will come this afternoon when things are a bit calmer.
Hey Chris -- although you view the tears as a weakness, I veiw them as a gift to the rest of it - it tears down the walls and opens us up to take an honest look at ourselves. Seems like that's how it works, one person willing to be honest and vulnerable opens door that otherwise wouldn't open. Those are honest tears, don't be embarrassed by them, they are God-ordained, a gift from Him - a touch of Him.
Yes -- I struggle with people pleasing; it's a tough one. Thanks for helping me look inward at Aaron's blunder, the only finger pointing I can do is right at my heart.
Thanks Linda, needed that view of tears. Looking forward to seeing what you get out of the readings.
It cracks me up when I read some of the intro's to the Psalms. "to be sung to the tune of...." Like we know what they're talking about. Must've been an anal person who put all that in there.
I like the visual of a place of refuge towering over me. Something bigger & stronger than I. It gives me confidence & peace when I'm scared & lonely to know that God is that muscle, that impenetrable place I can hide. (61:3)
Stopped & pondered long on 62:5-8. Posted more on my group page. I like where here & in 61 it says my enemies can't reach me. So when I "suddenly" find myself surrounded by them. Did I go down to them or did I invite them up? Hmmm
Comments on Psalms: what spoke to me from Psalms came from chapter 62 -- twice David reminds us to silently wait for God (vs 1 & 5) and verse 8 tells us to trust Him and to pour out our hearts to Him.
What a hard time I have waiting -- I want to make things happen; or I'll wait for a tiny little bit; then the waiting seems too long and away I go. Wait silently; I want to wait calmly, peacefully, I want to get to the point where I enjoy the wait -- what a long long way I have to go. It seems like it is so much easier for me to pour out my heart to Him, but not as easy to trust Him. and I beg Him to keep changing my heart to become a heart of peace, trust, patience.
on Job: 41:19-20 -- ok, there really must have been fire-breathing dragons! sounds like a beast I don't want to meet!
42 Job is quick to repent of what he didn't understand. So many times I spout off about what I don't understand. I know that I really appreciate friends or situations that hold me accountable (even though it is so humiliating - ahem, I mean humbling -- humbling sounds better than humiliating, right?) God will use whatever he chooses to show me my errors -- but will I, as Job did, be quick to admit my wrong; to repent in dust and ashes (real sorrow for my mistake and not simply sorrow for getting caught)
I love how God has the friends go to Job to pray for them. And I'm guessing since Job was God's friend, he was honored and anxious to pray for his friends (no Jobian retribution), Job was anxious to help them with their mistake, since God helped Job with his mistake. A reminder to me to forgive as I've been forgiven (I need more work in this area)
I wonder if this creature still exists in the ocean somewhere. There's so much undocumented about the ocean because it is so huge. Pretty easy for God to have them there & unseen for now.
I like that God does vindicate Job & what he was saying about God. He tells the 3 friends that they didn't speak accurately about Him like Job did. Their view of them was wrong. How come He doesn't throw the young upstart Elihu in with them? Was it just a given that he would come with the older ones. Maybe they were mentoring him & were responsible for his believing the way he did. Don't know.
And yes, I too say something when I know nothing or not enough to comment. It's all about show. What I look like in front of others. Got my priorities wrong. Needs to be what does that look like in front of God? Or what is that saying to others about God? What kind of a testimony am I giving?
Ishmael (41:18) murdered Gedaliah -- now everyone in the whole community is paniced!!!
They all say to Jer -- we'll do whatever God says (BUT - as God already knows: 42:20, they'll only do what He says if it's what they want -- fickle people; fickle me -- why can't I trust God completely - no matter if it follows my plan or not??
I thought it was interesting that God had everyone wait - wait and think and wonder (42:7) Waiting is the hardest thing ever for me -- I want insta-answers; but God wants to develop in me patience and trust.
Interesting how hard God worked to free them from Egypt; and how they celebrated once they left -- never to return. O wait - never? Now they are running back to the land of their torture, thinking they'll find safety. What a slap in God's face -- hmmmm, how often do I run back to the place that God once brought me out of.
Women have to be careful -- sometimes they take the reins and make decisions, try to manipulate. It's not always women for sure, but often they are behind the scenes (Linda) trying to make changes instead of the waiting for God. 44:15 Anyway -- whether it's women or men, God reminds that HE is the one that calls the final shots "My Great Name" 44:26 no matter how we plot & plan, He wants us to rest in Him and quit struggling.
I was trying to picture the scene this morning -- apparently it was Peter, Andrew, James and John that had been fishing all night -- tired; washing out the nets, when Jesus shows up with the crowd. He gets in the boat and calls out to Peter.
Peter must stop what he's doing to help Jesus. When Jesus asks him to put out into the deep -- again, Peter must abandon his plans to respond to Jesus. I have plans, will I be as willing as Peter to stop what I'm doing, delay what I need to do when He asks?
When Jesus tells him to put his nets down, it seems like Peter is giving Jesus power an out. (We've fished all night) usually, I think of that as Peter's "I know how to fish better than You" response. But this morning, I'm thinking of it as "I know you can do it -- but if it doesn't happen, here's why" response. I do that sometimes. Pray to Jesus, but give Him an out in case it doesn't happen -- I have a wishy washy faith that needs to dig deeper (wise man and rock coming up later).
When Peter falls down at Jesus feet, Jesus says "don't be afraid" Afraid of what? I think it is -- afraid of the change about to come. All Peter knows is fishing. Now he's about to learn a different occupation, a different way of life. Change can be scarey. I am about to learn a different occupation. All I've known for the last 20+ years is being an involved mom -- no I must lay that down; I am now a mom watching from a distance -- change is scarey, but He says "don't be afraid"
There was so much meat today! but the other verses that spoke to me were about the withered hand. To me, it symbolizes my withered heart. Jesus asks me to stretch it out -- I want to keep it hidden; it's embarrassing - all withered, full of ugly emotions - - but He asks me to stretch it out so He can heal it and "restore it whole"
Jesus goes both to the wilderness (oo -- wasn't that the place He had the battle with the devil?) and the mountains to pray in these chapters -- I wonder if there's any significance to the two places of prayer.
Appreciate Jesus call to reach out and love those we don't want to love -- the difficults in our life . . .
Trying to avoid dwelling on the parts that deal with administration & drain me. So that negates the majority of this reading. Don't know why it's affecting me so much more this year than last.
ReplyDelete12:9 “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” Was trying to think of one of my many weaknesses that I would like God to take away. And I have to say that crying as easily as I do is what I consider my greatest weakness. It embarrasses me. I have asked God to make me stronger, but my idea of strong & His idea of strong are obviously different according to this verse.
Through my weakness He is strong, not me. So I have to trust that His power is working best, somehow, in that weakness of mine.
And yes, like I said above, it is embarrassing & very humbling to become a blubbering fool in public. How that helps Him, I will probably have to wait until heaven to find out! :)
More furniture/sanctuary stuff at the beginning of the reading today. Then we get to the golden calf. I see myself in Aaron in a way. It's a lot easier to pacify than to stand for the right. I can definitely be stubborn & unyielding at times though. I just want to be that way for the Truth & not care what people think.
ReplyDeleteIt's also a talent to be able to stand for truth with tact. Don't have to hit people over the head with it. There's a song out now that says it's easier to know what Christians are against than what they're for. Very easy to point fingers because it takes the heat off of us.
The fact of the matter is that you can't please everybody no matter what you chose, so it's best to choose the Truth & know that Jesus is standing with you through the attacks & the storms then to placate fickle people. Not saying it's easier, just saying it's better. I don't want to deny Him.
The famine was caused by something that was done by the previous ruler. I've seen where family sins have carried over & the effects are on present generations. Brutal consequences. Can't imagine having soldiers knock on my door & tell me to hand over my kids for something my grandpa did. Yet we do things or are hindered spiritually because of family sins we know nothing about. Interesting to see it played out here.
ReplyDeleteSeems like at the beginning of 24 that God had David take the census. Was that statement a test like God telling Moses that He'd wipe Israel out for their sin at Sinai & make a great nation of him? Seems like it with Joab's response & the consequences.
The more power you have, the worst the consequences. Innocent people dying because of 1 wrong decision. Wow, can't believe people fight to get into those types of positions. I do not like politics!
Joab kills Amasa, kinda remembered this happening. He is so accustomed to killing that he can do & move on quickly. The other men are shocked & stand around until it's covered up. They aren't as hard as Joab is. Yet there is still some softness of heart as Joab listens to the wise woman & he also remonstrates David for the census. The heart is very intricate. No wonder God told Jeremiah, "...who can know it?" (17:10 I think).
Happy Wednesday! I've gotta leave in 15 minutes -- tomorrow will be my first post this week, but I went back over Chris's remarks and had my appetizer for the filling I hope will come this afternoon when things are a bit calmer.
ReplyDeleteHey Chris -- although you view the tears as a weakness, I veiw them as a gift to the rest of it - it tears down the walls and opens us up to take an honest look at ourselves. Seems like that's how it works, one person willing to be honest and vulnerable opens door that otherwise wouldn't open. Those are honest tears, don't be embarrassed by them, they are God-ordained, a gift from Him - a touch of Him.
Yes -- I struggle with people pleasing; it's a tough one. Thanks for helping me look inward at Aaron's blunder, the only finger pointing I can do is right at my heart.
Thanks Linda, needed that view of tears. Looking forward to seeing what you get out of the readings.
ReplyDeleteIt cracks me up when I read some of the intro's to the Psalms. "to be sung to the tune of...." Like we know what they're talking about. Must've been an anal person who put all that in there.
I like the visual of a place of refuge towering over me. Something bigger & stronger than I. It gives me confidence & peace when I'm scared & lonely to know that God is that muscle, that impenetrable place I can hide. (61:3)
Stopped & pondered long on 62:5-8. Posted more on my group page. I like where here & in 61 it says my enemies can't reach me. So when I "suddenly" find myself surrounded by them. Did I go down to them or did I invite them up? Hmmm
two days in one!
ReplyDeleteComments on Psalms: what spoke to me from Psalms came from chapter 62 -- twice David reminds us to silently wait for God (vs 1 & 5) and verse 8 tells us to trust Him and to pour out our hearts to Him.
What a hard time I have waiting -- I want to make things happen; or I'll wait for a tiny little bit; then the waiting seems too long and away I go. Wait silently; I want to wait calmly, peacefully, I want to get to the point where I enjoy the wait -- what a long long way I have to go. It seems like it is so much easier for me to pour out my heart to Him, but not as easy to trust Him. and I beg Him to keep changing my heart to become a heart of peace, trust, patience.
on Job:
41:19-20 -- ok, there really must have been fire-breathing dragons! sounds like a beast I don't want to meet!
42 Job is quick to repent of what he didn't understand. So many times I spout off about what I don't understand. I know that I really appreciate friends or situations that hold me accountable (even though it is so humiliating - ahem, I mean humbling -- humbling sounds better than humiliating, right?) God will use whatever he chooses to show me my errors -- but will I, as Job did, be quick to admit my wrong; to repent in dust and ashes (real sorrow for my mistake and not simply sorrow for getting caught)
I love how God has the friends go to Job to pray for them. And I'm guessing since Job was God's friend, he was honored and anxious to pray for his friends (no Jobian retribution), Job was anxious to help them with their mistake, since God helped Job with his mistake. A reminder to me to forgive as I've been forgiven (I need more work in this area)
I wonder if this creature still exists in the ocean somewhere. There's so much undocumented about the ocean because it is so huge. Pretty easy for God to have them there & unseen for now.
ReplyDeleteI like that God does vindicate Job & what he was saying about God. He tells the 3 friends that they didn't speak accurately about Him like Job did. Their view of them was wrong. How come He doesn't throw the young upstart Elihu in with them? Was it just a given that he would come with the older ones. Maybe they were mentoring him & were responsible for his believing the way he did. Don't know.
And yes, I too say something when I know nothing or not enough to comment. It's all about show. What I look like in front of others. Got my priorities wrong. Needs to be what does that look like in front of God? Or what is that saying to others about God? What kind of a testimony am I giving?
Ishmael (41:18) murdered Gedaliah -- now everyone in the whole community is paniced!!!
ReplyDeleteThey all say to Jer -- we'll do whatever God says (BUT - as God already knows: 42:20, they'll only do what He says if it's what they want -- fickle people; fickle me -- why can't I trust God completely - no matter if it follows my plan or not??
I thought it was interesting that God had everyone wait - wait and think and wonder (42:7) Waiting is the hardest thing ever for me -- I want insta-answers; but God wants to develop in me patience and trust.
Interesting how hard God worked to free them from Egypt; and how they celebrated once they left -- never to return. O wait - never? Now they are running back to the land of their torture, thinking they'll find safety. What a slap in God's face -- hmmmm, how often do I run back to the place that God once brought me out of.
Women have to be careful -- sometimes they take the reins and make decisions, try to manipulate. It's not always women for sure, but often they are behind the scenes (Linda) trying to make changes instead of the waiting for God. 44:15 Anyway -- whether it's women or men, God reminds that HE is the one that calls the final shots "My Great Name" 44:26 no matter how we plot & plan, He wants us to rest in Him and quit struggling.
I was trying to picture the scene this morning -- apparently it was Peter, Andrew, James and John that had been fishing all night -- tired; washing out the nets, when Jesus shows up with the crowd. He gets in the boat and calls out to Peter.
ReplyDeletePeter must stop what he's doing to help Jesus. When Jesus asks him to put out into the deep -- again, Peter must abandon his plans to respond to Jesus. I have plans, will I be as willing as Peter to stop what I'm doing, delay what I need to do when He asks?
When Jesus tells him to put his nets down, it seems like Peter is giving Jesus power an out. (We've fished all night) usually, I think of that as Peter's "I know how to fish better than You" response. But this morning, I'm thinking of it as "I know you can do it -- but if it doesn't happen, here's why" response. I do that sometimes. Pray to Jesus, but give Him an out in case it doesn't happen -- I have a wishy washy faith that needs to dig deeper (wise man and rock coming up later).
When Peter falls down at Jesus feet, Jesus says "don't be afraid" Afraid of what? I think it is -- afraid of the change about to come. All Peter knows is fishing. Now he's about to learn a different occupation, a different way of life. Change can be scarey. I am about to learn a different occupation. All I've known for the last 20+ years is being an involved mom -- no I must lay that down; I am now a mom watching from a distance -- change is scarey, but He says "don't be afraid"
There was so much meat today! but the other verses that spoke to me were about the withered hand. To me, it symbolizes my withered heart. Jesus asks me to stretch it out -- I want to keep it hidden; it's embarrassing - all withered, full of ugly emotions - - but He asks me to stretch it out so He can heal it and "restore it whole"
Jesus goes both to the wilderness (oo -- wasn't that the place He had the battle with the devil?) and the mountains to pray in these chapters -- I wonder if there's any significance to the two places of prayer.
Appreciate Jesus call to reach out and love those we don't want to love -- the difficults in our life . . .