I like the wording of 1:5 "What God has reserved for me in heaven" It's a done deal, my seat is secured!
Here is what Paul advises us to pray for (9) spiritual wisdom and understanding. This will help us grow. And another piece of that wisdom is in 2:3 that Christ himself lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. He's the beginning and the end (the creator of everything as it says in chapter 1) so He's seen it all, He has the wisdom of the ages -- but not just the wisdom of the past; He's the alpha and the OMEGA -- so, He also has the wisdom of the future!
I love the symbolism of circumcision and baptism!
Don't let anyone condemn you for . . . I have heard/seen many people get condemned for the very things mentioned in 2:16. I think it's important to work on our connection & journey with God and to encourage others on their journey, realizing that He has a different timeline for each of us:)
Reading in Matt 20 - the parable of the workers who were hired in the market place at all hours of the day. Just realized that the boss man went out looking for people at all hours of the day. Just like Jesus is constantly looking for us. He is actively searching for His sheep.
Also that the last workers hired, were still actively searching for "work" or truth if you will. They didn't blow off the day because it was late. They lived out their hope of finding work by placing themselves where it was possible to achieve it.
We do have a part to play. We have to accept, we need to search for truth, not always expect it to fall in our laps. And they didn't "qualify" the work but asking what type it was, if it was hard, etc. They just recognized the opportunity & came, no questions asked.
A lot of lessons in this than what I've read or heard before.
had to go back & peruse where you were at Linda. I like the timeline comment. Allowing people to grow & be different than me in their walk. It's harder for me when people are blinded to the plain truth in the Bible & have twisted theories taken out of context. But that's the Holy Spirit's job, not mine. I have to be content to be a seed planter.
Just feeling a need to rest in how Jesus views me today. I put my name in Zech 3:1,2. I want to remember that Jesus rejects the accusations of the enemy & can help me do the same. Also Is 62:1,4,5 God loves me, rejoices & delights in me. Thank you Jesus, because I am very undeserving. Thank you for your patience. Help me accept this & grow in Your love & acceptance. Enable me to share it with others
Even the enemy soldiers knew of Elisha & the power of God. That's an incredible witness. The king actually listened to him & didn't kill the enemy army but made a feast! Definitely heaping coals of fire on their heads.
I sometimes picture God's angels around me when I feel totally surrounded by the enemy. It always boosts my spirits to know that I serve a totally victorious God.
Man alive -- God was SUCH a part of the warfare back then, if I was an enemy King -- I would have thrown in the towel!! Maybe it's because the different kingdoms put so much stalk in the intervention of their gods; God showed them what real intervention looked like!
I LOVE Elisha's calm response "Don't be afraid . . . for there are more on our side than on theirs!" I want to remember that when I'm feeling surrounded by evil.
Elisha must have loved the family at Shunem to warn them of the famine. I wonder if he told anyone else?
Ewe - Hazael was evil. I wonder what that "stare" looked like that Elisha fixed on him; and then the emotion that Elisha showed -- I think it was because evil was so horrifying to him.
Jehu -- driven man; did what he was told, but still had that small golden calf sin; couldn't let it go - -
The stern warning God gives in 81:8,9 is about worshiping other gods. Bowing down & serving them. I was thinking of fear as a god & how I let that control me a lot. It's like a god in that I'm reacting out of my fear, in essence, serving fear because my motivation is from it instead of the pure unselfish love of God. Fear makes me protect myself, my plans and my future. It closes me off from all the possibilities that God has for me because they don't match what I think needs to happen so I feel secure. Love for God opens me up to everything He has planned for me. It is unexpected, sometimes that's GREAT & sometimes it can be bad. But it's an actual, tangible relationship then. There is give & take, not just take on my part. Trust is developed. Trust can never be developed where there is fear. I think that is why satan uses fear so much. It's a natural barrier to trust. In v10 God says to open up so He can fill us with good things. Again, fear closes us, shuts us down, Love & trust open us up. Linda, that verse reminds me of the robin babies always opening their mouths when they sensed (because their eyes weren't open at first) their parents there. They expected food from their parents & you wouldn't believe they could open their little mouths so wide unless you saw it. Am I as quick to sense God's presence & do I totally open myself up to Him & expect Him to fill me? Do I wait for it or try to fill myself? I didn't see the babies doing any pecking around the nest. They always had their open mouths up. God sounds like a parent in the following verses. There are times you just have to let your kids make their own decisions & reap their own consequences in order to learn. I can tell it makes God sad when I don't listen. He wants to offer so much more & I'm satisfied with a dollar store existence.
Wow Chris -- you really made me stop and think today; and I think you are right on. I think fear IS a god -- coming between us and what our God has planned out for us. We cradle it in our arms, using it as an excuse or letting it shut us down. As you say -- it's all about me. Thank you for that thought/warning.
And I love the picture of the little birds. If you change the illustration from them being demanding to them being opened up to the "gift" of nourishment; with their eyes closed they open upward -- wow! thank you -- going to carry that with me today -- opening up with all I am, wider than I thought possible.
What a beautiful word picture in 81:6 "Now I will take the load from shoulders. Thinking of backpacking days of old when someone would help you off with your pack -- you felt free; with springing light steps when you walked without that heavy load on your back. That's what God wants for us -- free from that heavy load.
"I will free your hands from their heavy tasks" When I've got my "to do" list done -- I can do things I love, enjoy! I am free to reach out and help someone else, put my dog, stop and touch something delightful! God wants to put that joy of giving and receiving back in our hands.
I didn't realize when I read your post Chris, that you'd quoted vs 10 "Open your mouth WIDE, and I will fill it with good things" It's the perfect verse for that clip!!
The first 2 sections of 82 seem to dovetail nicely with Christ's admonition to "Do justly" and to "Love Mercy"
I think it's only by walking humbly with your God that the first 2 come as a natural bi-product. Isn't it a nice word pic that He has us walking WITH Him?
Twice this chapter talks about "babbling fools" vs 14 and vs 8 -- really wise advice in verse 19 "Too much talk leads to sin, be sensible and keep your mouth shut!
But -- when you DO talk, godly people encourage:) I LOVE being around people like that!
Here's a tough one for me -- a bold reproof promotes peace (I'm more of a winker at trouble -- hate to rock the boat) I think of the many bold reproofs Jesus made; they didn't always promote peace at the time -- but that is when pride fought for "rights" in the mind of the person being rebuked. I think, as Jesus showed -- speak the truth in love. They might not like it, but if they are wise; they'll process.
Lot's of ideas on the stuff that comes out of our mouth today!
hey cool! My reading in Matt made me think of how my pride can trap my into sin, especially when it's crossed & I think I should defend myself. I become a babbling fool for sure!
I was reading in Matt 22 & the religious leaders all took different approaches to trying to trap Jesus. One was with taxes, the other was the resurrection & marriage & then what is the greatest commandment.
I especially like how the last guy is described "an expert in religious law"! Ha & HA! A human is an expert & he's gonna do battle with the Law Incarnate? REALLY???? Pride can make a person think they are above God even.
It's also a very good illustration that no matter what I may believe it doesn't change the Truth. The rel. leaders did not believe Jesus was the Messiah & it led to all the scenarios in C 22. It didn't change the fact that He was God & He was their Savior.
So when it comes to interpreting the Bible, very important to compare Bible verses with each other to see if they all line up. Not just pick & choose ones that will support my belief system. Because what I believe, won't change the Truth in anyway. If I don't remain teachable & keep searching the Bible to deepen my relationship with God, I will end up just like the people in Jesus' day.
Jesus really tries to get the people to understand the inside out concept in Matt 23. We're the same way today. We praise outward looks & critique every supposed flaw in the way God created us.
Meanwhile, the inside is hidden, shoved under the bed & not developed. It therefore is shallow & easily manipulated by the enemy for his purposes. No wonder we have such low esteem.
Developing our character by following obediently behind our Shepherd, we develop the beauty of who He made us to be & it can't help but flow out. We are beautiful only as we allow Him to live through us. We are ugly & injured when we hold onto sin & selfishness.
The religious leaders Jesus was talking to were all about the outside & didn't realize the inside mattered. Now here's the funny part...they were all MEN! In today's society, it's the women who do this.
Okay, religiously speaking, we all do it but it is a funny thought with how much time they spent on their wardrobe (v5) & wanted people to notice them (v6). Sounds like a woman to me! And yes, I'm stereotyping.
So spiritually, I just want to surrender on the inside & let Him take care of the outside.
I'm so thankful that Jesus didn't care what people thought about Him. He was just looking for 1 searching soul. He was confident that He was greatly loved by His Father & it enabled Him to walk unaffected by the derogatory comments & misconceptions of people around Him.
I wonder why the people in the story didn't want they guy to be their king? It almost sounds like it's a majority if not all of the people, until the end of the story. I guess that is a good comparison though of salvation. Because the gates wide for destruction & narrow for salvation.
Stark comparison between John the Baptist & the religious leaders. When John saw people leaving him to follow Jesus, he said "He must increase, but I must decrease". The leaders were desperately trying any plot to keep their power & influence over the people. They were totally blind to their pride & lost condition. Very scary.
How slowly & subtly the cloth can be pulled over our eyes. We can convince ourselves so easily that we are right & we can be dead wrong.
Good comparison Chris -- J the B and the leaders -- never thought of that. And so many little comments show how weak and insecure they were: 19:19 (rebuke your followers -- they didn't want to make the waves) 20:19 (they were afraid) 20:14 (no one dared to ask him any more questions)
I was thinking about Zac. He was wealthy -- in that respect people maybe thought he was blessed by God, he was a tax collector -- in that respect people thought he was a sinner. But the cool part about Zac was, even though he was wealthy, he was empty -- looking for more, and he did whatever it took to see Jesus. No haughty pride, just did whatever he could. When Jesus went to his house -- there's a genuine gratitude that Jesus would notice him, and gives his heart - - along with his wealth. No one can serve 2 masters. It says nothing about Jesus telling him he needed to give his wealth away, he just seemed happy to give out of his joy and gratitude. Thanks Zac -- you are an inspiration, and no doubt your joy brought great JOY to Jesus and all of heaven!!
I like the wording of 1:5 "What God has reserved for me in heaven" It's a done deal, my seat is secured!
ReplyDeleteHere is what Paul advises us to pray for (9) spiritual wisdom and understanding. This will help us grow. And another piece of that wisdom is in 2:3 that Christ himself lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. He's the beginning and the end (the creator of everything as it says in chapter 1) so He's seen it all, He has the wisdom of the ages -- but not just the wisdom of the past; He's the alpha and the OMEGA -- so, He also has the wisdom of the future!
I love the symbolism of circumcision and baptism!
Don't let anyone condemn you for . . . I have heard/seen many people get condemned for the very things mentioned in 2:16. I think it's important to work on our connection & journey with God and to encourage others on their journey, realizing that He has a different timeline for each of us:)
Reading in Matt 20 - the parable of the workers who were hired in the market place at all hours of the day.
ReplyDeleteJust realized that the boss man went out looking for people at all hours of the day. Just like Jesus is constantly looking for us. He is actively searching for His sheep.
Also that the last workers hired, were still actively searching for "work" or truth if you will. They didn't blow off the day because it was late. They lived out their hope of finding work by placing themselves where it was possible to achieve it.
We do have a part to play. We have to accept, we need to search for truth, not always expect it to fall in our laps. And they didn't "qualify" the work but asking what type it was, if it was hard, etc. They just recognized the opportunity & came, no questions asked.
A lot of lessons in this than what I've read or heard before.
had to go back & peruse where you were at Linda. I like the timeline comment. Allowing people to grow & be different than me in their walk. It's harder for me when people are blinded to the plain truth in the Bible & have twisted theories taken out of context. But that's the Holy Spirit's job, not mine.
ReplyDeleteI have to be content to be a seed planter.
Just feeling a need to rest in how Jesus views me today. I put my name in Zech 3:1,2. I want to remember that Jesus rejects the accusations of the enemy & can help me do the same. Also Is 62:1,4,5 God loves me, rejoices & delights in me.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jesus, because I am very undeserving. Thank you for your patience. Help me accept this & grow in Your love & acceptance. Enable me to share it with others
Even the enemy soldiers knew of Elisha & the power of God. That's an incredible witness. The king actually listened to him & didn't kill the enemy army but made a feast! Definitely heaping coals of fire on their heads.
ReplyDeleteI sometimes picture God's angels around me when I feel totally surrounded by the enemy. It always boosts my spirits to know that I serve a totally victorious God.
Man alive -- God was SUCH a part of the warfare back then, if I was an enemy King -- I would have thrown in the towel!! Maybe it's because the different kingdoms put so much stalk in the intervention of their gods; God showed them what real intervention looked like!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Elisha's calm response "Don't be afraid . . . for there are more on our side than on theirs!" I want to remember that when I'm feeling surrounded by evil.
Elisha must have loved the family at Shunem to warn them of the famine. I wonder if he told anyone else?
Ewe - Hazael was evil. I wonder what that "stare" looked like that Elisha fixed on him; and then the emotion that Elisha showed -- I think it was because evil was so horrifying to him.
Jehu -- driven man; did what he was told, but still had that small golden calf sin; couldn't let it go - -
The stern warning God gives in 81:8,9 is about worshiping other gods. Bowing down & serving them. I was thinking of fear as a god & how I let that control me a lot. It's like a god in that I'm reacting out of my fear, in essence, serving fear because my motivation is from it instead of the pure unselfish love of God.
ReplyDeleteFear makes me protect myself, my plans and my future. It closes me off from all the possibilities that God has for me because they don't match what I think needs to happen so I feel secure.
Love for God opens me up to everything He has planned for me. It is unexpected, sometimes that's GREAT & sometimes it can be bad. But it's an actual, tangible relationship then. There is give & take, not just take on my part.
Trust is developed. Trust can never be developed where there is fear. I think that is why satan uses fear so much. It's a natural barrier to trust.
In v10 God says to open up so He can fill us with good things. Again, fear closes us, shuts us down, Love & trust open us up.
Linda, that verse reminds me of the robin babies always opening their mouths when they sensed (because their eyes weren't open at first) their parents there. They expected food from their parents & you wouldn't believe they could open their little mouths so wide unless you saw it. Am I as quick to sense God's presence & do I totally open myself up to Him & expect Him to fill me? Do I wait for it or try to fill myself? I didn't see the babies doing any pecking around the nest. They always had their open mouths up.
God sounds like a parent in the following verses. There are times you just have to let your kids make their own decisions & reap their own consequences in order to learn. I can tell it makes God sad when I don't listen. He wants to offer so much more & I'm satisfied with a dollar store existence.
Wow Chris -- you really made me stop and think today; and I think you are right on. I think fear IS a god -- coming between us and what our God has planned out for us. We cradle it in our arms, using it as an excuse or letting it shut us down. As you say -- it's all about me. Thank you for that thought/warning.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love the picture of the little birds. If you change the illustration from them being demanding to them being opened up to the "gift" of nourishment; with their eyes closed they open upward -- wow! thank you -- going to carry that with me today -- opening up with all I am, wider than I thought possible.
What a beautiful word picture in 81:6 "Now I will take the load from shoulders. Thinking of backpacking days of old when someone would help you off with your pack -- you felt free; with springing light steps when you walked without that heavy load on your back. That's what God wants for us -- free from that heavy load.
ReplyDelete"I will free your hands from their heavy tasks" When I've got my "to do" list done -- I can do things I love, enjoy! I am free to reach out and help someone else, put my dog, stop and touch something delightful! God wants to put that joy of giving and receiving back in our hands.
I didn't realize when I read your post Chris, that you'd quoted vs 10 "Open your mouth WIDE, and I will fill it with good things" It's the perfect verse for that clip!!
The first 2 sections of 82 seem to dovetail nicely with Christ's admonition to "Do justly" and to "Love Mercy"
I think it's only by walking humbly with your God that the first 2 come as a natural bi-product. Isn't it a nice word pic that He has us walking WITH Him?
Twice this chapter talks about "babbling fools" vs 14 and vs 8 -- really wise advice in verse 19 "Too much talk leads to sin, be sensible and keep your mouth shut!
ReplyDeleteBut -- when you DO talk, godly people encourage:) I LOVE being around people like that!
Here's a tough one for me -- a bold reproof promotes peace (I'm more of a winker at trouble -- hate to rock the boat) I think of the many bold reproofs Jesus made; they didn't always promote peace at the time -- but that is when pride fought for "rights" in the mind of the person being rebuked. I think, as Jesus showed -- speak the truth in love. They might not like it, but if they are wise; they'll process.
Lot's of ideas on the stuff that comes out of our mouth today!
hey cool! My reading in Matt made me think of how my pride can trap my into sin, especially when it's crossed & I think I should defend myself. I become a babbling fool for sure!
ReplyDeleteI was reading in Matt 22 & the religious leaders all took different approaches to trying to trap Jesus. One was with taxes, the other was the resurrection & marriage & then what is the greatest commandment.
I especially like how the last guy is described "an expert in religious law"! Ha & HA! A human is an expert & he's gonna do battle with the Law Incarnate? REALLY???? Pride can make a person think they are above God even.
It's also a very good illustration that no matter what I may believe it doesn't change the Truth. The rel. leaders did not believe Jesus was the Messiah & it led to all the scenarios in C 22. It didn't change the fact that He was God & He was their Savior.
So when it comes to interpreting the Bible, very important to compare Bible verses with each other to see if they all line up. Not just pick & choose ones that will support my belief system. Because what I believe, won't change the Truth in anyway. If I don't remain teachable & keep searching the Bible to deepen my relationship with God, I will end up just like the people in Jesus' day.
Jesus really tries to get the people to understand the inside out concept in Matt 23. We're the same way today. We praise outward looks & critique every supposed flaw in the way God created us.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, the inside is hidden, shoved under the bed & not developed. It therefore is shallow & easily manipulated by the enemy for his purposes. No wonder we have such low esteem.
Developing our character by following obediently behind our Shepherd, we develop the beauty of who He made us to be & it can't help but flow out. We are beautiful only as we allow Him to live through us. We are ugly & injured when we hold onto sin & selfishness.
The religious leaders Jesus was talking to were all about the outside & didn't realize the inside mattered. Now here's the funny part...they were all MEN! In today's society, it's the women who do this.
Okay, religiously speaking, we all do it but it is a funny thought with how much time they spent on their wardrobe (v5) & wanted people to notice them (v6). Sounds like a woman to me! And yes, I'm stereotyping.
So spiritually, I just want to surrender on the inside & let Him take care of the outside.
I'm so thankful that Jesus didn't care what people thought about Him. He was just looking for 1 searching soul. He was confident that He was greatly loved by His Father & it enabled Him to walk unaffected by the derogatory comments & misconceptions of people around Him.
ReplyDeleteI wonder why the people in the story didn't want they guy to be their king? It almost sounds like it's a majority if not all of the people, until the end of the story. I guess that is a good comparison though of salvation. Because the gates wide for destruction & narrow for salvation.
Stark comparison between John the Baptist & the religious leaders. When John saw people leaving him to follow Jesus, he said "He must increase, but I must decrease". The leaders were desperately trying any plot to keep their power & influence over the people. They were totally blind to their pride & lost condition. Very scary.
How slowly & subtly the cloth can be pulled over our eyes. We can convince ourselves so easily that we are right & we can be dead wrong.
Good comparison Chris -- J the B and the leaders -- never thought of that. And so many little comments show how weak and insecure they were: 19:19 (rebuke your followers -- they didn't want to make the waves) 20:19 (they were afraid) 20:14 (no one dared to ask him any more questions)
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about Zac. He was wealthy -- in that respect people maybe thought he was blessed by God, he was a tax collector -- in that respect people thought he was a sinner. But the cool part about Zac was, even though he was wealthy, he was empty -- looking for more, and he did whatever it took to see Jesus. No haughty pride, just did whatever he could. When Jesus went to his house -- there's a genuine gratitude that Jesus would notice him, and gives his heart - - along with his wealth. No one can serve 2 masters. It says nothing about Jesus telling him he needed to give his wealth away, he just seemed happy to give out of his joy and gratitude. Thanks Zac -- you are an inspiration, and no doubt your joy brought great JOY to Jesus and all of heaven!!