YIKES! 2 Sundays in a row that I've/I'm getting up @ 4am! So -- a pre-emptive strike on ! Thessalonians 4 &5.
These 2 chapters are so packed with good advice, not to mention the clear step by step way that Christ will return for us. I decided that if I'm ever in the last few hours of living, I'll have my family members read these 2 chapter over and over to me. I think it'll be a huge comfort to me, but really -- a huge comfort to them knowing that there IS hope beyond death (this is sounding so morbid!!) Anyway -- that's my plan at this point!!
Paul tells us when dealing with others to urge and encourage -- not brow beat or demand (okay, so I guess I'll encourage my family to read it to me!!)
Love the part about "Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands -- but while you're living that quiet life, you're also encouraging and urging -- so you aren't off the hook for being a recluse. I think he's saying not to give anyone any cause for critisizing the Christian way of life.
I also love how in 5:9 God chose to save us through our Lord. It is the picture of parents adopting a son or daughter who they know isn't perfect -- yet, they chose; He chose.
Warn those who are lazy, encourage those who are timid, take tender care of those who are weak, be patient with everyone. This is a lifetime work of learning from Him, because He does this for us all the time.
5:21 test everything that is said, hold on to what is good. This is good advice, and maybe it's also saying not to throw out a complete message based on part of it being in error; simply grow from the part of the message that alines with scripture.
5:3 When people are saying everything is peaceful & secure then Christ comes suddenly & disrupts it. At least that's what I get out of it. So does that mean that the world has dealt with all the non conformists who stubbornly hold onto the Bible truths & think that world peace will now happen? Just interesting wording there.
Live to please God (4:1) I really like that command. I tend to make choices that will please the people in my life & keep peace. I don't need to seek to rock the boat, but I need to make sure I'm living for God & not for the people around me or myself.
I always love that hope of the resurrection & eternal life pictured in 4. So encouraging.
Man is that easier said than done for me! But I agree.
Reading in 2Kings today. The history of Judah shows that God was just in His punishment of exile into Babylon. It is amazing He held off as long as He did. But from Chronicles, we know that Manasseh repented in captivity. Pretty incredible turn of heart for him. I'm glad God can see the end from the beginning. I know I too often act (or react) without all the facts & it just makes matters worse.
Seems like Joash & Josiah were good kings with similar story lines. I'd have to look back, but I think Joash was a king in Israel, maybe not, I get them confused a lot. But both child kings. I wonder if that made a difference on how they responded to the Lord.
I just know I desperately need a child's heart in my relationship with God.
I could see Moses writing all 3 of these Psalms. Wonder if he did. In both 90 & 92 he speaks of God's unfailing love. After reading about Aaron & now Caleb in a book, that whole story of leading Israel out & how God provided for them & protected them from their enemies is fresh in my mind.
It really made 91 come alive to me & I'm more inclined to attribute 91 to Moses than David right now.
If God were to hold ALL my sins against me. Wow, what a dark hole. I'm so glad it's contrary to His nature to hold onto grudges & throw things back in my face all the time. He is all about redeeming me, not shaming me - as we read last night. 91:2 "This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him." What a declaration. This comes from a mouth & heart that has been delivered; has received salvation undeserved. You trust someone who has helped you & who has taken you out of a hard, if not hopeless spot.
92:4 "You thrill me, Lord, with all You have done for me!" How can my heart not have this sentiment when I look at everything He has given me & where He has brought me from. Well said!
I thought parts of 90 and 91 tied together. When I thought of the Lord being our "home" I thought about a home -- we enter it, it surrounds us, giving us shelter - shade - warmth - we rest in it, we take our nourishment in it -- it's security. Then flipping down to 91 2 "He alone is my refuge, my place of safety" I simply need to make it a practice to enter my "home" enter into His protection and rest.
90:4 For you, a thousand years are as a passing day -- I need to have patience and not demand miracles or outcomes NOW, but rest in His timing -- very tough for me to do; a daily surrender of my plans, my timing.
vs 8 my secret sins are not so very secret!! I have nothing to hide from my God, He already knows - I'm not fooling Him.
vs 10 -- a reminder of the "joy" this world holds out to me; "even the best years are filled with pain and trouble" Lord, please come quickly -- actually, that's what verse 11 says!!
Chris verse 4 totally reminded me of your prayer for me (I went through it again this morning) 4 says "He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection" Your prayer said, "I just want to place Linda under Your shield of faith right now & be sheltered under Your wings of comfort, peace & quiet strength." Thank you for filling out that armor with faith and those wings with comfort, peace & quiet strength.
91:12 They will hold you up with their hands -- a beautiful picture, kind of like what we had last night with God sitting down next to us and holding us.
Finally, I love the book end view of trust given in 92:2
It is good to proclaim your unfailing love IN THE MORNING, your faithfulness IN THE EVENING.
So this morning I am expecting to see evidences of God's love surrounding me, and tonight my goal is to look back and review His faithfulness. This habit, I believe, will strengthen my trust in Him.
Had a great time last night before going to sleep -- just soaking in God's faithfulness of the day:)
14:15 The prudent carefully consider their steps; God wants us to use our brains; to think before we act, to think before we speak. But as we think it through - the WISE person will ask for wisdom from Him and many advisors (15:22) once, thought out, I think it's important to WATCH as part of being prudent and see if He leads a different way. Lots of senses involved in prudency!
14:26 meant a lot to me: "He will be a refuge for their children" A refuge is something you can run to, something you know about, but maybe aren't hiding in at the time. But, once you experience that safety, you think twice before leaving the refuge! Many don't seek the refuge until they experience the need for shelter and safety. Some never make it back, but most will run toward it.
14:30 The opposite of jealousy is a peaceful heart; you can't experience both - it's one or the other.
15:2 The tongue of the wise make knowledge appealing. DR has that gift; who would have EVER thought I'd find finances interesting!!
15:15 for the happy heart, life is a continual feast; it's what you look for. But sometimes I don't want to even look for happy! Sometimes I feel like wallowing, but I'm glad I don't stay there -- it gets old quick.
15:31 and 32 wisdom and understanding all come from listening. So again; be still - listen.
Yes, I really liked your comment about closing the day out recounting God's faithfulness to me. Really invokes a grateful heart. But I have to do it before I crawl in bed because sometimes I'm asleep before I hit the pillow!
John 5:1-11 The story of the man who had been sick for 38 years & was lying at the pool of Bethesda, hoping to get cured, but not finding a way to get into the water when it was moved.
Jesus came & asked if he wanted healing. The man offered an excuse as to why it wasn't possible. How many times do I do that when Jesus asks me if I want healing or deliverance or help in some manner?
I tend to look at the obstacles that block the solutions I know about. I get tunnel vision. Jesus asked the man to step back & look at a bigger picture. If the man had simply said "Yes!" I wonder if right then he would have been healed.
Jesus' command was very startling, bold & direct. It wasn't a mamby pamby "well, if you'd maybe, you know, like to kinda try to stand up a little..." It was "stand up, pick up your mat & walk!"
3 very distinct commands that all required action. He could have left the mat there in case it didn't work out. That was his comfort zone for 38 years after all. His friends were there.
Jesus wanted him out of his former life & to walk into the unknown. No turning back. No safety net, that's Jesus' job.
38 years; Daryl's been handicapped for 35 years - - it's a long time to be trapped in a body; hope for anything different is hard to get a mind around.
I wonder why Jesus asked him to pick up his mat and take it with him instead of leaving it there? It may be all he had, and Jesus asks us to use what gifts we have in our new life?
It's interesting, Chris that you noticed the bit about no turning back -- out of the former life. One of the few things I was able to find in the Ezekiel temple reading today was about people walking through the temple. They had to go out the opposite door they came in and I thought the same thing -- when you are in the Lord's presence; He changes you -- no turning back (Ez 46:9)
I think Jesus didn't wanted him out of that community of disease & wallowing in it. He needed to find new friends that would support him in his new life of health. A new mind set. AND, I also think Jesus wanted to get people to think outside their box on the Sabbath. They were so miserable on it. This was a cause for celebration & the leaders only saw that he was "working". I really like the man's response to them. Just so much here for me. Really like this story.
Reading the Content section of John, the translators point out that John is about showing what Jesus actions show about HIM! He wants us to be convinced that Jesus IS the Messiah. All of His works are "signs" to prove who He (God) is.
I love how 1:14 captures the contests of Ps 92:2, once again highlighting God's unfailing love and His faithfulness. I was also thinking about John just closing his eyes and once again recapturing the awesomeness of Jesus transfiguration (His glory) then I was thinking about the song Chris, surrounded by His glory, what will my heart feel?
1:16 From His abundance, we have all received one gracious blessing after another -- man, if we can just dwell in THAT thought day after day, there won't be any bricks weighing us down -- we will soak in gratitude and thankfulness.
John the B declared (vs 26) "I'm not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of His sandle" That was J the B -- why would I ever take for granted the adoption God has provided for me. Again, I want to remain surrounded by His glory and come to understand the incredible gift He has given.
Veses 1:40-46 are all about looking, finding, seeing, coming -- the relationship with Jesus will not just fall in our laps, we have to be proactive, slowing down, stopping, looking, seeking -- He is there; a treasure, but we also have a part in that relationship.
When Jesus tells Mary "My time has not yet come" I think it's explained further in vs 11; the time to reveal His glory. Jesus did not trust any human; including his own mother -- that makes sense, as mother's tend to be controlling (guilty)! Jesus waited for the Father's direction - yet Mary had complete dependence on Jesus to solve her problem, whether that was done as a miracle/sign or a physical solution - she trusted His abilities to help. "Do whatever He tells you" -- even if it didn't make sense, she trusted.
So -- who did Jesus reveal (vs 11) his glory to? It wasn't to the master or the bride and groom. It was to the servants, the disciples, Mary. Shades of the shepherds being the first one to hear that the Messiah was born; now it's servants and fishermen that see His first sign. Doncha love that about God? Wealth, position, fame doesn't sway him in the least; big surprise -- since He IS GOD!!! Yet His in His Godship, He seems most comfortable seeking out the outcast, the humble, those that live in a state of gratitude and not entitlement.
YIKES! 2 Sundays in a row that I've/I'm getting up @ 4am! So -- a pre-emptive strike on ! Thessalonians 4 &5.
ReplyDeleteThese 2 chapters are so packed with good advice, not to mention the clear step by step way that Christ will return for us. I decided that if I'm ever in the last few hours of living, I'll have my family members read these 2 chapter over and over to me. I think it'll be a huge comfort to me, but really -- a huge comfort to them knowing that there IS hope beyond death (this is sounding so morbid!!) Anyway -- that's my plan at this point!!
Paul tells us when dealing with others to urge and encourage -- not brow beat or demand (okay, so I guess I'll encourage my family to read it to me!!)
Love the part about "Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands -- but while you're living that quiet life, you're also encouraging and urging -- so you aren't off the hook for being a recluse. I think he's saying not to give anyone any cause for critisizing the Christian way of life.
I also love how in 5:9 God chose to save us through our Lord. It is the picture of parents adopting a son or daughter who they know isn't perfect -- yet, they chose; He chose.
Warn those who are lazy, encourage those who are timid, take tender care of those who are weak, be patient with everyone. This is a lifetime work of learning from Him, because He does this for us all the time.
5:21 test everything that is said, hold on to what is good. This is good advice, and maybe it's also saying not to throw out a complete message based on part of it being in error; simply grow from the part of the message that alines with scripture.
5:3 When people are saying everything is peaceful & secure then Christ comes suddenly & disrupts it. At least that's what I get out of it. So does that mean that the world has dealt with all the non conformists who stubbornly hold onto the Bible truths & think that world peace will now happen? Just interesting wording there.
ReplyDeleteLive to please God (4:1) I really like that command. I tend to make choices that will please the people in my life & keep peace. I don't need to seek to rock the boat, but I need to make sure I'm living for God & not for the people around me or myself.
I always love that hope of the resurrection & eternal life pictured in 4. So encouraging.
Good reminder of a great focus for my day today, Chris -- "live to please God!"
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking what would please Him the most is if I simply love the people around me with His kind of self-less love:)
Man is that easier said than done for me! But I agree.
ReplyDeleteReading in 2Kings today. The history of Judah shows that God was just in His punishment of exile into Babylon. It is amazing He held off as long as He did. But from Chronicles, we know that Manasseh repented in captivity. Pretty incredible turn of heart for him. I'm glad God can see the end from the beginning. I know I too often act (or react) without all the facts & it just makes matters worse.
Seems like Joash & Josiah were good kings with similar story lines. I'd have to look back, but I think Joash was a king in Israel, maybe not, I get them confused a lot. But both child kings. I wonder if that made a difference on how they responded to the Lord.
I just know I desperately need a child's heart in my relationship with God.
I could see Moses writing all 3 of these Psalms. Wonder if he did. In both 90 & 92 he speaks of God's unfailing love. After reading about Aaron & now Caleb in a book, that whole story of leading Israel out & how God provided for them & protected them from their enemies is fresh in my mind.
ReplyDeleteIt really made 91 come alive to me & I'm more inclined to attribute 91 to Moses than David right now.
If God were to hold ALL my sins against me. Wow, what a dark hole. I'm so glad it's contrary to His nature to hold onto grudges & throw things back in my face all the time. He is all about redeeming me, not shaming me - as we read last night.
91:2 "This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him." What a declaration. This comes from a mouth & heart that has been delivered; has received salvation undeserved. You trust someone who has helped you & who has taken you out of a hard, if not hopeless spot.
92:4 "You thrill me, Lord, with all You have done for me!" How can my heart not have this sentiment when I look at everything He has given me & where He has brought me from. Well said!
I thought parts of 90 and 91 tied together. When I thought of the Lord being our "home" I thought about a home -- we enter it, it surrounds us, giving us shelter - shade - warmth - we rest in it, we take our nourishment in it -- it's security. Then flipping down to 91 2 "He alone is my refuge, my place of safety" I simply need to make it a practice to enter my "home" enter into His protection and rest.
ReplyDelete90:4 For you, a thousand years are as a passing day -- I need to have patience and not demand miracles or outcomes NOW, but rest in His timing -- very tough for me to do; a daily surrender of my plans, my timing.
vs 8 my secret sins are not so very secret!! I have nothing to hide from my God, He already knows - I'm not fooling Him.
vs 10 -- a reminder of the "joy" this world holds out to me; "even the best years are filled with pain and trouble" Lord, please come quickly -- actually, that's what verse 11 says!!
Chris verse 4 totally reminded me of your prayer for me (I went through it again this morning) 4 says "He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection" Your prayer said, "I just want to place Linda under Your shield of faith right now & be sheltered under Your wings of comfort, peace & quiet strength." Thank you for filling out that armor with faith and those wings with comfort, peace & quiet strength.
91:12 They will hold you up with their hands -- a beautiful picture, kind of like what we had last night with God sitting down next to us and holding us.
Finally, I love the book end view of trust given in 92:2
It is good to proclaim your unfailing love IN THE MORNING, your faithfulness IN THE EVENING.
So this morning I am expecting to see evidences of God's love surrounding me, and tonight my goal is to look back and review His faithfulness. This habit, I believe, will strengthen my trust in Him.
Had a great time last night before going to sleep -- just soaking in God's faithfulness of the day:)
ReplyDelete14:15 The prudent carefully consider their steps; God wants us to use our brains; to think before we act, to think before we speak. But as we think it through - the WISE person will ask for wisdom from Him and many advisors (15:22) once, thought out, I think it's important to WATCH as part of being prudent and see if He leads a different way. Lots of senses involved in prudency!
14:26 meant a lot to me: "He will be a refuge for their children" A refuge is something you can run to, something you know about, but maybe aren't hiding in at the time. But, once you experience that safety, you think twice before leaving the refuge! Many don't seek the refuge until they experience the need for shelter and safety. Some never make it back, but most will run toward it.
14:30 The opposite of jealousy is a peaceful heart; you can't experience both - it's one or the other.
15:2 The tongue of the wise make knowledge appealing. DR has that gift; who would have EVER thought I'd find finances interesting!!
15:15 for the happy heart, life is a continual feast; it's what you look for. But sometimes I don't want to even look for happy! Sometimes I feel like wallowing, but I'm glad I don't stay there -- it gets old quick.
15:31 and 32 wisdom and understanding all come from listening. So again; be still - listen.
Yes, I really liked your comment about closing the day out recounting God's faithfulness to me. Really invokes a grateful heart. But I have to do it before I crawl in bed because sometimes I'm asleep before I hit the pillow!
ReplyDeleteJohn 5:1-11 The story of the man who had been sick for 38 years & was lying at the pool of Bethesda, hoping to get cured, but not finding a way to get into the water when it was moved.
ReplyDeleteJesus came & asked if he wanted healing. The man offered an excuse as to why it wasn't possible. How many times do I do that when Jesus asks me if I want healing or deliverance or help in some manner?
I tend to look at the obstacles that block the solutions I know about. I get tunnel vision. Jesus asked the man to step back & look at a bigger picture. If the man had simply said "Yes!" I wonder if right then he would have been healed.
Jesus' command was very startling, bold & direct. It wasn't a mamby pamby "well, if you'd maybe, you know, like to kinda try to stand up a little..." It was "stand up, pick up your mat & walk!"
3 very distinct commands that all required action. He could have left the mat there in case it didn't work out. That was his comfort zone for 38 years after all. His friends were there.
Jesus wanted him out of his former life & to walk into the unknown. No turning back. No safety net, that's Jesus' job.
A lot of application in this short story.
38 years; Daryl's been handicapped for 35 years - - it's a long time to be trapped in a body; hope for anything different is hard to get a mind around.
ReplyDeleteI wonder why Jesus asked him to pick up his mat and take it with him instead of leaving it there? It may be all he had, and Jesus asks us to use what gifts we have in our new life?
It's interesting, Chris that you noticed the bit about no turning back -- out of the former life. One of the few things I was able to find in the Ezekiel temple reading today was about people walking through the temple. They had to go out the opposite door they came in and I thought the same thing -- when you are in the Lord's presence; He changes you -- no turning back (Ez 46:9)
I think Jesus didn't wanted him out of that community of disease & wallowing in it. He needed to find new friends that would support him in his new life of health. A new mind set. AND, I also think Jesus wanted to get people to think outside their box on the Sabbath. They were so miserable on it. This was a cause for celebration & the leaders only saw that he was "working".
ReplyDeleteI really like the man's response to them. Just so much here for me. Really like this story.
Reading the Content section of John, the translators point out that John is about showing what Jesus actions show about HIM! He wants us to be convinced that Jesus IS the Messiah. All of His works are "signs" to prove who He (God) is.
ReplyDeleteI love how 1:14 captures the contests of Ps 92:2, once again highlighting God's unfailing love and His faithfulness. I was also thinking about John just closing his eyes and once again recapturing the awesomeness of Jesus transfiguration (His glory) then I was thinking about the song Chris, surrounded by His glory, what will my heart feel?
1:16 From His abundance, we have all received one gracious blessing after another -- man, if we can just dwell in THAT thought day after day, there won't be any bricks weighing us down -- we will soak in gratitude and thankfulness.
John the B declared (vs 26) "I'm not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of His sandle" That was J the B -- why would I ever take for granted the adoption God has provided for me. Again, I want to remain surrounded by His glory and come to understand the incredible gift He has given.
Veses 1:40-46 are all about looking, finding, seeing, coming -- the relationship with Jesus will not just fall in our laps, we have to be proactive, slowing down, stopping, looking, seeking -- He is there; a treasure, but we also have a part in that relationship.
When Jesus tells Mary "My time has not yet come" I think it's explained further in vs 11; the time to reveal His glory. Jesus did not trust any human; including his own mother -- that makes sense, as mother's tend to be controlling (guilty)! Jesus waited for the Father's direction - yet Mary had complete dependence on Jesus to solve her problem, whether that was done as a miracle/sign or a physical solution - she trusted His abilities to help. "Do whatever He tells you" -- even if it didn't make sense, she trusted.
So -- who did Jesus reveal (vs 11) his glory to? It wasn't to the master or the bride and groom. It was to the servants, the disciples, Mary. Shades of the shepherds being the first one to hear that the Messiah was born; now it's servants and fishermen that see His first sign. Doncha love that about God? Wealth, position, fame doesn't sway him in the least; big surprise -- since He IS GOD!!! Yet His in His Godship, He seems most comfortable seeking out the outcast, the humble, those that live in a state of gratitude and not entitlement.