Matt 15:16-20 helps me understand why satan attacks us so much in our minds with lies & evil thoughts. He understands that this is where the process of sin starts. It's where battles are won/lost.
If he can get us to think & mull things over, then there's a possibility our heart will get involved & the seed is planted. We harvest it by letting the thoughts run rampant in our brain. Even fake conversations with people. This in turn affects our emotions & we're hooked into sin.
I think this is why Paul says the weapons & battles we fight are carnal or flesh vs flesh. They are spiritual & only God can fight for us effectively & win. My job is to surrender to Him so I can win.
I see in vs21-28 another example of how we are to be in our prayers to God. The woman didn't give up after her 1st request for her daughter apparently was ignored. Jesus heard her & he gave both his disciples & her a lesson in faith. I'm thankful He doesn't get weary from me asking for the same thing over & over again. I'm also thankful that He doesn't answer every prayer of mine in the way I want it. As after the fact, I've appreciated His answer & timing a LOT better than what I wanted.
We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort. It's not about DO but DONE, why do I have such a hard time accepting His precious gift of done? I always try to throw my feeble do in there!
I LOVE Paul's passion -- I want it to osmosis into my cells: vs 8 Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I've discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage!!
Paul's comment in 12 that he has not achieved perfection makes me think of how life is such a journey -- those life lessons keep rolling in, so much to learn about ourselves, our reactions, our character under pressure and our character in the good times.
But Paul's ONE focus vs 13 is to continually look forward to what lies ahead. Just taking the rest of the chapter along with that ONE focus makes me think that Paul is not after streets of gold or leisure time with harp lessons -- the ONE thing he is intent on is spending time in the presence of Jesus. vs 20 "We are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives.
Take this world and give me Jesus. BUT -- that also makes me stop and think of Chris's statement last week, I think . . . easy words to sing/say, but do we really mean them? Are we ready to turn our back on the known, what we see - - for the unseen promise? It's more than a cute saying, a nice song -- it's a commitment and a passion. Not to worry, tho -- if I'm honest with Him, He will grow me into that commitment and passion -- it's why He gave us the Holy Spirit, because we CAN"T do it on our own.
When Jesus told the disciples to beware of the yeast of the religious leaders, they misunderstood & immediately started fighting amongst themselves about lack of a material possession - food.
How often do I misinterpret what Jesus is trying to tell me & only look at temporal things, what I can see, what fills my physical need.
Jesus was trying to get them to see the big picture. He tries to get me to see the big picture all the time. I'm so narrow minded & have very limited eyesight.
Jesus did to them, what He does to me all the time. He reminded them of how He had provided for their physical needs in the past & to leave those with Him. "The Lord is my shepherd, I have all that I need".
He then gave them the opportunity to try again. Just like He gives me 2nd, 3rd & 100 chances sometimes. He didn't change the way He said it though.
Another way to look at this is that sometimes we'll have to go thru the same thing more than once to understand what He wants us to because our hearts are too dull to get it the 1st or 2nd time.
So thankful for the Lord's patience; and have you ever thought of the word long-suffering? It must be somewhat painful for the Lord that we don't get it and don't get it; but He never gives up!
Aaron must have been not only horrified at his son's death, but also disappointed that they didn't respect the holiness of God, and he was probably embarrassed at their behavior -- he was someone that couldn't just hide away in the shadows; in fact, Moses wouldn't let him leave his post as priest to grieve. Leadership is a tough call. But, I think Moses showed compassion when he listened to Aaron's reason for not entering the temple (at least I think that's what's going on in 10:19-20)
Skipped through the clean/unclean meat -- that's pretty well been drilled in:)
I don't get why having a baby girl makes you unclean for 2 weeks as opposed to one. Just don't understand why God would command that.
I wonder if God was thinking of His son's mother when he made the adjustment for poor people in 12:8 (2 turtle doves in place of a lamb and bird)
I wonder if when Elisha struck the Jordan & cried out "where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?" if he was grieving. It seems like something one would say if they were grieving a loss. Sure, it wasn't death, but Elijah had still been taken from him so it was still a loss. Now all the responsibility rested on him & I'm supposing it was pretty overwhelming at the moment with everything. He tore his clothes in distress so I can see him greatly affected by Elijah being taken so suddenly. If he had been self confident, he would have let Elijah go instead of following him.
Even in questionable company, Jehoshaphat still talked about the Lord. I like that. Gives me courage to do the same. I should not be ashamed to say I am a follower of the only true God. It is hard, when I make mistakes all the time & non believers see them, but they seem to be more forgiving than believers at times.
God gave the widow enough to pay her debts & then some. He answered the prayer of faith. He still answers my prayer of faith today, the question is if I have the patience to wait for His timing. I'm not yet in the same dire straits as the widow was.
Gehazi is a forerunner of Judas. He was close to Elisha & saw the miracles but he choose to hold on to greed in his heart & then he even lied to a prophet. How stupid can you be? Then again, I lie to God when I'm not true to myself & hiding behind my "fronts" so I guess that's a rhetorical question. :)
oooo -- good comments about Gehazi and Judas. "There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end is death" That was true for both of them, they thought they knew better than their master -- and yes, I often fall in that trap too; surrender, surrender, surrender - daily!
3 times Elisha seemed to refuse the inevitable -- he shushed up the group of prophets when they tried to alert him of what was going to happen, and he proclaimed that he would never leave Elijah - - hmmm, 3 times Peter denied Christ too -- surrender, surrender, surrender -- listen when God speaks.
I wonder how the prophets in 2:15 'saw" that Elijah's spirit rested on Elisha -- or if it was just a prophet knowing thing.
This reading was full of amazing miracles and the reminder in 3:18 "this is only a simple ting for the Lord" It is hard to get my mind around His power and creativity.
It's interesting in the end of 3; how the king of Moab sacrifices his son; while Elisha in the first part of 4, gives back to the widow the lives of her 2 sons -- and then again with the Woman from Shunem. God is about giving back life -- freeing us from bondage.
And speaking of the Shunam couple -- I wonder why the dad didn't take the boy home when he was so sick -- and why the woman wouldn't tell him where she was going or that his son was dead -- she was totally focused on seeing Elijah and no one else -- persistence. Persistence and gratitude; overwhelmed with gratitude!
I was thinking about how Jesus must have read about Elisha feeding the hundred people -- with leftover food; so similar to his 2 miracles; I wonder if any of Jesus contemporaries remembered the miracle -- they all thought of Elisha as a man of God; maybe this was another sign Jesus gave them of His Sonship.
HAPPY 4TH!!! So many times I wonder what Jesus thought as he read different OT passages. Sometimes it seems like they are directives to Him (like in 78:2), and how did He know -- but maybe they just applied wherever they could (Pauls seems to do that a lot)
78, the first part seems to be a call to make sure and share the stories with your children -- not only did the message of God's love and power move down the generations; but there is something empowering in our own relationships with God as we tell of how He's moved! Gives US encouragement and hope too!
It appears in 78:21 that not trusting God is more than a disappointment to Him -- it makes Him angry. Probably because it's a way of destroying ourselves.
and HE wants to give US "all we can hold" of His blessings (vs 25!)
So many times I give Him "lip service) vs 36 -- He wants more than the exterior (lips) He wants my love to spring from deep - my heart (vs 37) reminds me of the dead men's bones that Jesus talked about.
Yet, (thank You Lord) you remember that we're merely mortals -- it's no excuse for us, but a reminder to us once again that the key to victory is trust in Him, you merely mortal you!
God must love us a LOT! vs 58 said that He is jealous for me (sounds like a song I know) WHY? He could start all over, He could wash His hands of me; but He doesn't! He has a lover's jealousy for me! Wanting MY attention, MY heart, MY devotion, MY love. THAT is humbling . . .
Thanks for the encouragement in your comments Linda. Needed that today. My thought today is John 8:32 from MSG: "Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you." What do you need to be freed of? This doesn't just apply to spiritual truth, but anything that is separating me from Jesus. What "truths" are you holding onto that AREN'T setting you free? Jesus wants to set our minds, bodies & spirits free so we can worship Him unrestrained, in Spirit & Truth.
Where I read this a.m. in Matthew 18 is a reminder to extend to others the mercy I have been given. I was thinking of David yesterday & how it seems as though he didn't discipline his boys. I think every time he had to issue punishment for either his kids or his soldiers, he must have thought of all his sins & how God still kept him alive. So he couldn't follow through with it. He left the majority of it for Solomon to do instead.
I think that remembering my past errors & the mercy of God should soften my attitude so I'm not condemning but correction, discipline & consequences are still needful & must be handed out. People still have to be held accountable for their actions.
It's a fine balance between mercy and handing out correction, discipline & consequences. That's why good and fair people in leadership are paid the big bucks -- it's a skill, and it takes wisdom . . . which takes me to proverbs this am! (nice segue!)
In 8 and 9, wisdom is personified as a woman. I think God wants us to form a relationship with wisdom, and that takes . . . time.
Wisdom says in 17 'I love all who love me" relationship:)
21 Those who love me inherit wealth. They don't actually earn it, they inherit it. interesting . . .
But it takes time and intentionality to become wise, it doesn't just fall in your lap. 34 says you have to listen for it (only accomplished when we're not talking) and we need to watch for it (only accomplished when we're focused on what can make a difference)
9:8 & 9 Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return . . . so don't bother. BUT correct the wise, and they will love you (they may not like it, but since they're listening and watching, they evaluate all the same)
Finally the conclusion: If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer! It seems so deliciously simple, yet we throw up so many roadblocks!!
Seems like anything worthwhile takes time & patience to develop/obtain. Not my strong suite! :)
I never realized before that the rich man in Matt 19, when told by Jesus to keep the commandments, replied "which ones?". He wanted to know what 1 thing he could do to get eternal life. I think he would have liked to be able to buy it. Almost sounds like a bucket list. I wonder if "eternal life" is on anyone's bucket list. A BL is things I want to do or accomplish. I have to have the energy, strength, endurance or $$ to do them. They are independent of other people.
Salvation is totally dependent upon Jesus Christ. All I do is accept it & say "thank you!". I don't earn it or strive for it or improve upon it. It is simply a gift.
I think part of our problem comes with the verses where Jesus says we need to count the cost. We need to surrender our lives to gain them. It'd be easier if we could just pay our way or earn our way rather than surrender our desires & wants.
Jesus surrendered, He gave up His rights. He relied on His Father while living here on earth, setting an example for us. He trusted & because of that trust, He suffered. Yet He did conquer! The fact that He rose victorious gives us proof that we too will be more than conquerors over these battles we fight down here. It's proof satan has lost & we've won. It's the hope that keeps me surrendering & trusting each day.
Well -- Ezekiel was a stretch this am! Here are a couple of things:
It is very clear in chapter 20 WHY God gave us Sabbath "it was to remind them that I am the Lord who had set them apart to be holy!" With all the distractions the world throws at us -- we need a consistent reminder - - thank you Lord!
How very sad that God had to use Ezekiel's "dearest treasure" -- his wife as a symbol of the death of a relationship. It is a reminder that we need to count the cost; sometimes God's ways are hard -- but He has a plan that far outweighs what happens here on this earth. All I know is I'm not home yet.
Oh yeah, I remember that part of Ezekiel, it was very sad that his wife died like that. How terrible!
The chapters in Luke were similar to what I read in Matthew yesterday.
The lepers that were cleansed seems to be a mix of both Samaritans & Jews. I find that interesting. The Jews won't have anything to do with them unless they are in the same situation & in need or despised by other Jews.
Kinda like some Christians today. We won't rub elbows with the down n out unless we end up in the same situation. We worry too much what people think. It's pretty plain that God asks us to minister to everyone, not just the people who look good or society accepts.
This morning is about scripture connections; I don't remember scripture connections jumping out at me before I started blogging - - I give that credit to God and the fact that blogging makes me slow down and look for what God might be thinking!
I was looking for connections in the first part of 17. Jesus taught that dealing with sin is 1) the sin, 2) the rebuke, 3) repentance, 4) always forgiveness. So, whether sincere or not -- if there is repentance, there's always forgiveness.
The disciples, no doubt thinking of particular people in their lives (we ALL have those particular people) said - - THAT is going to take amazing faith - - increase our faith. Since this statement came right after his command "you MUST forgive" - - the dialogue must have been connected.
Is story about the servant that followed reminded me of Pastor M's statement: cooperate, don't manipulate. Simply obey my command -- cooperate with me, and don't do it for what you'll get out of the deal, do it because that's what I've asked.
Jumping then, over to 18:10-12 we see a picture of the heart that Jesus is looking for, the cooperating heart (we also see a picture of the manipulating heart.
Another connections is comparing 17:6 "If you had faith . . . you could . . . the real story of faith is shown in the story of the ten healed. They weren't given any promise of the outcome when told to go show themselves. No doubt they'd tried showing themselves to the priest at least once before, maybe more times - - their hope was worn down to nothing. (another story like this is the disciples fishing all night) Anyway -- Jesus commands; will they try again, will they do it even without knowing the end results? It's easier to obey if you know it will get you what you're after, but what about when there IS no promise of success attached?
The story of the Rich man -- where he's told to sell all his possessions; this dovetails with Jesus warning at the end of time in 17:33. Don't cling to your life or you'll loose it. And Speaking of that view of life at the end; notice that everyone is going about their daily business. He doesn't seem to indicate we should drop everything - - until it's obvious that then end comes; then let go of EVERYTHING for the ONE THING!
2 more connections!! When Jesus said that everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake fo the Kingdom (vs 29) it reminded me of Ezekiel.
And lastly, it's interesting in 18:34 that his very clear step by step statement of what was coming was "hidden" from them. They didn't understand, so they chose to skim his statements instead of persisting deeper. What would have happened if one of them had come to Him at a quiet moment and said, please explain this to me, I just don't seem to get it -- what would have happened?? And then -- the very next story is about that very thing happening with the blind man! He shouted all the louder!! "All right" said Jesus, "receive your sight -- you are healed" and the blind man praised God.
IF one of the disciples had taken the time to persist on this confusing thought -- they would have ended up praising God at the cross instead of being in the tomb of despair. Lord, increase my persistence for the ONE thing, the thing that Mary was after.
Matt 15:16-20 helps me understand why satan attacks us so much in our minds with lies & evil thoughts. He understands that this is where the process of sin starts. It's where battles are won/lost.
ReplyDeleteIf he can get us to think & mull things over, then there's a possibility our heart will get involved & the seed is planted. We harvest it by letting the thoughts run rampant in our brain. Even fake conversations with people. This in turn affects our emotions & we're hooked into sin.
I think this is why Paul says the weapons & battles we fight are carnal or flesh vs flesh. They are spiritual & only God can fight for us effectively & win. My job is to surrender to Him so I can win.
I see in vs21-28 another example of how we are to be in our prayers to God. The woman didn't give up after her 1st request for her daughter apparently was ignored. Jesus heard her & he gave both his disciples & her a lesson in faith. I'm thankful He doesn't get weary from me asking for the same thing over & over again. I'm also thankful that He doesn't answer every prayer of mine in the way I want it. As after the fact, I've appreciated His answer & timing a LOT better than what I wanted.
We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort. It's not about DO but DONE, why do I have such a hard time accepting His precious gift of done? I always try to throw my feeble do in there!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Paul's passion -- I want it to osmosis into my cells: vs 8 Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I've discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage!!
Paul's comment in 12 that he has not achieved perfection makes me think of how life is such a journey -- those life lessons keep rolling in, so much to learn about ourselves, our reactions, our character under pressure and our character in the good times.
But Paul's ONE focus vs 13 is to continually look forward to what lies ahead. Just taking the rest of the chapter along with that ONE focus makes me think that Paul is not after streets of gold or leisure time with harp lessons -- the ONE thing he is intent on is spending time in the presence of Jesus. vs 20 "We are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives.
Take this world and give me Jesus. BUT -- that also makes me stop and think of Chris's statement last week, I think . . . easy words to sing/say, but do we really mean them? Are we ready to turn our back on the known, what we see - - for the unseen promise? It's more than a cute saying, a nice song -- it's a commitment and a passion. Not to worry, tho -- if I'm honest with Him, He will grow me into that commitment and passion -- it's why He gave us the Holy Spirit, because we CAN"T do it on our own.
When Jesus told the disciples to beware of the yeast of the religious leaders, they misunderstood & immediately started fighting amongst themselves about lack of a material possession - food.
ReplyDeleteHow often do I misinterpret what Jesus is trying to tell me & only look at temporal things, what I can see, what fills my physical need.
Jesus was trying to get them to see the big picture. He tries to get me to see the big picture all the time. I'm so narrow minded & have very limited eyesight.
Jesus did to them, what He does to me all the time. He reminded them of how He had provided for their physical needs in the past & to leave those with Him. "The Lord is my shepherd, I have all that I need".
He then gave them the opportunity to try again. Just like He gives me 2nd, 3rd & 100 chances sometimes. He didn't change the way He said it though.
Another way to look at this is that sometimes we'll have to go thru the same thing more than once to understand what He wants us to because our hearts are too dull to get it the 1st or 2nd time.
So thankful for His patience with me!
So thankful for the Lord's patience; and have you ever thought of the word long-suffering? It must be somewhat painful for the Lord that we don't get it and don't get it; but He never gives up!
ReplyDeleteAaron must have been not only horrified at his son's death, but also disappointed that they didn't respect the holiness of God, and he was probably embarrassed at their behavior -- he was someone that couldn't just hide away in the shadows; in fact, Moses wouldn't let him leave his post as priest to grieve. Leadership is a tough call. But, I think Moses showed compassion when he listened to Aaron's reason for not entering the temple (at least I think that's what's going on in 10:19-20)
Skipped through the clean/unclean meat -- that's pretty well been drilled in:)
I don't get why having a baby girl makes you unclean for 2 weeks as opposed to one. Just don't understand why God would command that.
I wonder if God was thinking of His son's mother when he made the adjustment for poor people in 12:8 (2 turtle doves in place of a lamb and bird)
I wonder if when Elisha struck the Jordan & cried out "where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?" if he was grieving. It seems like something one would say if they were grieving a loss. Sure, it wasn't death, but Elijah had still been taken from him so it was still a loss. Now all the responsibility rested on him & I'm supposing it was pretty overwhelming at the moment with everything. He tore his clothes in distress so I can see him greatly affected by Elijah being taken so suddenly. If he had been self confident, he would have let Elijah go instead of following him.
ReplyDeleteEven in questionable company, Jehoshaphat still talked about the Lord. I like that. Gives me courage to do the same. I should not be ashamed to say I am a follower of the only true God. It is hard, when I make mistakes all the time & non believers see them, but they seem to be more forgiving than believers at times.
God gave the widow enough to pay her debts & then some. He answered the prayer of faith. He still answers my prayer of faith today, the question is if I have the patience to wait for His timing. I'm not yet in the same dire straits as the widow was.
Gehazi is a forerunner of Judas. He was close to Elisha & saw the miracles but he choose to hold on to greed in his heart & then he even lied to a prophet. How stupid can you be? Then again, I lie to God when I'm not true to myself & hiding behind my "fronts" so I guess that's a rhetorical question. :)
oooo -- good comments about Gehazi and Judas. "There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end is death" That was true for both of them, they thought they knew better than their master -- and yes, I often fall in that trap too; surrender, surrender, surrender - daily!
ReplyDelete3 times Elisha seemed to refuse the inevitable -- he shushed up the group of prophets when they tried to alert him of what was going to happen, and he proclaimed that he would never leave Elijah - - hmmm, 3 times Peter denied Christ too -- surrender, surrender, surrender -- listen when God speaks.
I wonder how the prophets in 2:15 'saw" that Elijah's spirit rested on Elisha -- or if it was just a prophet knowing thing.
This reading was full of amazing miracles and the reminder in 3:18 "this is only a simple ting for the Lord" It is hard to get my mind around His power and creativity.
It's interesting in the end of 3; how the king of Moab sacrifices his son; while Elisha in the first part of 4, gives back to the widow the lives of her 2 sons -- and then again with the Woman from Shunem. God is about giving back life -- freeing us from bondage.
And speaking of the Shunam couple -- I wonder why the dad didn't take the boy home when he was so sick -- and why the woman wouldn't tell him where she was going or that his son was dead -- she was totally focused on seeing Elijah and no one else -- persistence. Persistence and gratitude; overwhelmed with gratitude!
I was thinking about how Jesus must have read about Elisha feeding the hundred people -- with leftover food; so similar to his 2 miracles; I wonder if any of Jesus contemporaries remembered the miracle -- they all thought of Elisha as a man of God; maybe this was another sign Jesus gave them of His Sonship.
HAPPY 4TH!!! So many times I wonder what Jesus thought as he read different OT passages. Sometimes it seems like they are directives to Him (like in 78:2), and how did He know -- but maybe they just applied wherever they could (Pauls seems to do that a lot)
ReplyDelete78, the first part seems to be a call to make sure and share the stories with your children -- not only did the message of God's love and power move down the generations; but there is something empowering in our own relationships with God as we tell of how He's moved! Gives US encouragement and hope too!
It appears in 78:21 that not trusting God is more than a disappointment to Him -- it makes Him angry. Probably because it's a way of destroying ourselves.
and HE wants to give US "all we can hold" of His blessings (vs 25!)
So many times I give Him "lip service) vs 36 -- He wants more than the exterior (lips) He wants my love to spring from deep - my heart (vs 37) reminds me of the dead men's bones that Jesus talked about.
Yet, (thank You Lord) you remember that we're merely mortals -- it's no excuse for us, but a reminder to us once again that the key to victory is trust in Him, you merely mortal you!
God must love us a LOT! vs 58 said that He is jealous for me (sounds like a song I know) WHY? He could start all over, He could wash His hands of me; but He doesn't! He has a lover's jealousy for me! Wanting MY attention, MY heart, MY devotion, MY love. THAT is humbling . . .
Thanks for the encouragement in your comments Linda. Needed that today.
ReplyDeleteMy thought today is John 8:32 from MSG: "Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you."
What do you need to be freed of? This doesn't just apply to spiritual truth, but anything that is separating me from Jesus. What "truths" are you holding onto that AREN'T setting you free?
Jesus wants to set our minds, bodies & spirits free so we can worship Him unrestrained, in Spirit & Truth.
Where I read this a.m. in Matthew 18 is a reminder to extend to others the mercy I have been given. I was thinking of David yesterday & how it seems as though he didn't discipline his boys. I think every time he had to issue punishment for either his kids or his soldiers, he must have thought of all his sins & how God still kept him alive. So he couldn't follow through with it. He left the majority of it for Solomon to do instead.
ReplyDeleteI think that remembering my past errors & the mercy of God should soften my attitude so I'm not condemning but correction, discipline & consequences are still needful & must be handed out. People still have to be held accountable for their actions.
It's a fine balance between mercy and handing out correction, discipline & consequences. That's why good and fair people in leadership are paid the big bucks -- it's a skill, and it takes wisdom . . . which takes me to proverbs this am! (nice segue!)
ReplyDeleteIn 8 and 9, wisdom is personified as a woman. I think God wants us to form a relationship with wisdom, and that takes . . . time.
Wisdom says in 17 'I love all who love me" relationship:)
21 Those who love me inherit wealth. They don't actually earn it, they inherit it. interesting . . .
But it takes time and intentionality to become wise, it doesn't just fall in your lap. 34 says you have to listen for it (only accomplished when we're not talking) and we need to watch for it (only accomplished when we're focused on what can make a difference)
9:8 & 9 Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return . . . so don't bother. BUT correct the wise, and they will love you (they may not like it, but since they're listening and watching, they evaluate all the same)
Finally the conclusion: If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer! It seems so deliciously simple, yet we throw up so many roadblocks!!
Seems like anything worthwhile takes time & patience to develop/obtain. Not my strong suite! :)
ReplyDeleteI never realized before that the rich man in Matt 19, when told by Jesus to keep the commandments, replied "which ones?". He wanted to know what 1 thing he could do to get eternal life. I think he would have liked to be able to buy it. Almost sounds like a bucket list.
I wonder if "eternal life" is on anyone's bucket list. A BL is things I want to do or accomplish. I have to have the energy, strength, endurance or $$ to do them. They are independent of other people.
Salvation is totally dependent upon Jesus Christ. All I do is accept it & say "thank you!". I don't earn it or strive for it or improve upon it. It is simply a gift.
I think part of our problem comes with the verses where Jesus says we need to count the cost. We need to surrender our lives to gain them. It'd be easier if we could just pay our way or earn our way rather than surrender our desires & wants.
Jesus surrendered, He gave up His rights. He relied on His Father while living here on earth, setting an example for us. He trusted & because of that trust, He suffered. Yet He did conquer! The fact that He rose victorious gives us proof that we too will be more than conquerors over these battles we fight down here. It's proof satan has lost & we've won. It's the hope that keeps me surrendering & trusting each day.
Well -- Ezekiel was a stretch this am! Here are a couple of things:
ReplyDeleteIt is very clear in chapter 20 WHY God gave us Sabbath "it was to remind them that I am the Lord who had set them apart to be holy!" With all the distractions the world throws at us -- we need a consistent reminder - - thank you Lord!
How very sad that God had to use Ezekiel's "dearest treasure" -- his wife as a symbol of the death of a relationship. It is a reminder that we need to count the cost; sometimes God's ways are hard -- but He has a plan that far outweighs what happens here on this earth. All I know is I'm not home yet.
Oh yeah, I remember that part of Ezekiel, it was very sad that his wife died like that. How terrible!
ReplyDeleteThe chapters in Luke were similar to what I read in Matthew yesterday.
The lepers that were cleansed seems to be a mix of both Samaritans & Jews. I find that interesting. The Jews won't have anything to do with them unless they are in the same situation & in need or despised by other Jews.
Kinda like some Christians today. We won't rub elbows with the down n out unless we end up in the same situation. We worry too much what people think. It's pretty plain that God asks us to minister to everyone, not just the people who look good or society accepts.
This morning is about scripture connections; I don't remember scripture connections jumping out at me before I started blogging - - I give that credit to God and the fact that blogging makes me slow down and look for what God might be thinking!
ReplyDeleteI was looking for connections in the first part of 17. Jesus taught that dealing with sin is 1) the sin, 2) the rebuke, 3) repentance, 4) always forgiveness. So, whether sincere or not -- if there is repentance, there's always forgiveness.
The disciples, no doubt thinking of particular people in their lives (we ALL have those particular people) said - - THAT is going to take amazing faith - - increase our faith. Since this statement came right after his command "you MUST forgive" - - the dialogue must have been connected.
Is story about the servant that followed reminded me of Pastor M's statement: cooperate, don't manipulate. Simply obey my command -- cooperate with me, and don't do it for what you'll get out of the deal, do it because that's what I've asked.
Jumping then, over to 18:10-12 we see a picture of the heart that Jesus is looking for, the cooperating heart (we also see a picture of the manipulating heart.
Another connections is comparing 17:6 "If you had faith . . . you could . . . the real story of faith is shown in the story of the ten healed. They weren't given any promise of the outcome when told to go show themselves. No doubt they'd tried showing themselves to the priest at least once before, maybe more times - - their hope was worn down to nothing. (another story like this is the disciples fishing all night) Anyway -- Jesus commands; will they try again, will they do it even without knowing the end results? It's easier to obey if you know it will get you what you're after, but what about when there IS no promise of success attached?
The story of the Rich man -- where he's told to sell all his possessions; this dovetails with Jesus warning at the end of time in 17:33. Don't cling to your life or you'll loose it. And Speaking of that view of life at the end; notice that everyone is going about their daily business. He doesn't seem to indicate we should drop everything - - until it's obvious that then end comes; then let go of EVERYTHING for the ONE THING!
2 more connections!! When Jesus said that everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake fo the Kingdom (vs 29) it reminded me of Ezekiel.
And lastly, it's interesting in 18:34 that his very clear step by step statement of what was coming was "hidden" from them. They didn't understand, so they chose to skim his statements instead of persisting deeper. What would have happened if one of them had come to Him at a quiet moment and said, please explain this to me, I just don't seem to get it -- what would have happened?? And then -- the very next story is about that very thing happening with the blind man! He shouted all the louder!! "All right" said Jesus, "receive your sight -- you are healed" and the blind man praised God.
IF one of the disciples had taken the time to persist on this confusing thought -- they would have ended up praising God at the cross instead of being in the tomb of despair. Lord, increase my persistence for the ONE thing, the thing that Mary was after.