1 Tim 4: 8 says Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come . . . This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people"
I think the key to working hard and struggling is found later in 6:11 Run from all these evil things (longing to be rich, debating & quibbling, jealousy, division, slander, evil suspicions) pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. . . hold tightly to the eternal life. Yup -- that IS work, because Satan is always on our tail, trying to pull us down, toward his evil-ness. We DO need to fight, to work to stay connected to the One that can offer us salvation, to keep focused on what is really important.
It reminds me of what we read yesterday -- the people were so focused on the physical bread, and Jesus had spiritual bread that He wanted to feed them. They missed it; I don't want to miss it.
Gonna take some time to ponder Ps 19 some more. I really am blessed by how nature speaks volumes about God & His character. Even without a Bible & church, you have to admit that there is a God bigger & better than you. I like that. It makes me feel safe because I know He's on my side.
v7 "The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul." Also reminds me of the Ps that says, "the entrance of Your words give light". I think that's in 119 but not sure.
God speaks & there is life. He gives life to those who receive Him. Listening to what He tells me for MY life (no one else's) makes me WANT to live. Gives me joy, makes it worthwhile. It's not a waste of time following His instructions. Though I'm impatient & it can seem like it.
v8 "The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple." A person might be described as such by the world, but as the man in John 5 said. "the Man who made me well, told me to..." Then we'll label them as stubborn, but since the Lord is trustworthy & they are just following what they were told by the Master, they will succeed. Simple as that!
v13 in MSG "Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over Your work". The more I think about this, the more I realize the only time I want to take over God's work is when it's not going MY way. It's a very selfish motive. And really, when I whine & complain, it's based on my selfish motives. All about me. I know I'm not Jewish, but in that state, I'm every bit an Israelite wandering in the desert. Whining, complaining, looking down, pointing fingers, wanting it easy.
Give me a heart that is pleasing to You Lord, that accepts Your will inspite of my discomfort. You are my Shepherd, I have ALL that I need.
Chronicles today was for men. All about testosterone & fights.
I'm just trying to surrender to what God gives me each day & let go of my whining & selfishness. I want to be grateful for everything He has given me. I don't want to miss the small blessings that can be so easily overlooked when I complain. I want to have an open heart & so that I don't overlook the people that He brings into my path.
I want them to know my Shepherd is really all that I need & all that they need.
LOL! Yeah that's for sure Chris -- a lot of hormones flyin' around in this passage! People always talk about women's hormones, but men have their share as well!
10:7 "When all the Israelites . . . saw that their army had fled" That little passage reminds me of the civil war, when the people in the nearby towns would go out and watch the war from the surrounding hillsides, like a sporting event. War today is so far removed from hand to hand combat, I can't even comprehend that.
And finally we hear about David having a sister! Zeruiah, Joab,s wife.
I always get a sense that David was SO relational, with his mighty 3 (I just imagine the 4 of them were tight and found their bonding in overcoming the enemy) and then the 30 -- I wonder if David had to deal with the jealousies that Jesus dealt with - with His disciples.
Pretty impressive about the warriors from Gad; the weakest among them could take on a hundred regular troops, and the strongest could take on a thousand! If that means one individual -- how in the world could THAT happen?
At this point in his kingship, David left it all to God -- totally surrendered; 12:17 "if you've come to betray me . . may the God of our ancestors see it and punish you" that's leaving loyalty in God's hands -- not something kings of his day often did!
But -- apparently David hadn't read God's strict orders on moving the ark. Interesting that David was "afraid" of God - - even though David communicated regularly with God, he had great respect and awe for him, and realized he'd done something wrong. I think fear and frustration often happens when we don't know what we've done to offend.
Booo -- David married more wives; wish all those kings would stick with the good woman they got first:(
I love God's directions for David on fighting the Phils -- especially the 2nd battle where God was heard in the trees; that is amazing. and David was SO quick to give God the glory "God did it!" That is team work at it's finest!
The final summary: the Lord caused all the nations to fear David.
btw -- those Phils were sure a fly in the ointment, from the very beginning of David appearing on the scene to his first battles as king - - interesting.
99:4 talks about the fairness & justice of God. Then the following verse says to bow & worship God.
I was thinking about how at the very end, before the wicked are destroyed forever, they will bow & acknowledge God & His fairness & justice.
Just because I acknowledge something or someone is fair, doesn't mean I like them or the situation. Especially since I'm still selfish in nature.
I like the reminder in 100 of God's unfailing love & faithfulness. Again, it doesn't have to be in circumstances I'm happy with, but it's always there regardless.
Good thoughts on justice Chris -- and the nlt says our Mighty King is a lover of justice; not just being just because it's the right thing to do -- but pursuing justice, loving the atmosphere of justice; hmmmmmm -- what does it mean to love justice?
Two ways to come b4 the Lord in 99 and 100. The first way is to bow low before His feet (I like that picture -- total gratitude and awe) The second way in 100 is to come before him singing with JOY -- that way doesn't sound bowing but again a picture of gratitude and awe!
and the simple statement of "we are His" reminds me that He is especially fond of me today!
The thought that He is especially fond of me is like the "unforeseen kiss" in "How He loves". Catches me off guard but makes me smile.
Today I was enumerating to God all that I needed. They were all good things. I need to have Him take over my thought processes because mine are flawed, I am flawed. I need to accept others & not judge, I need to be better organized, I need to smile more, I need to figure out for sure the small group idea, I need to not be so afraid, etc.
Then in the middle of talking to Him, it was like when the sun shines in your eyes & obliterates everything else, I heard Him say: "If you have Me, you have all that you need. I am all that you need, just accept Me & rest in Me. Trust Me in all those things".
Duh! I get so caught up in all the changes that I realize I need to make in my life & then I tell the Person who already knows & is working at it. How aggravating is that? And yet, He doesn't get an attitude with me, He just responds with love & patience.
I need You, Jesus, I trust You, Jesus. Help me to truly rest in that thought today. You've got this. Ps 23:1 "The Lord is my Shepherd, I have all that I need."
Well said Chris -- I relate; fits with Ps 19:21 You can make many plans (all the needs that you need to fix or work toward), but the Lord's purpose will prevail.
I've always thought of this text in the context of a job or a move or a choice -- I kindof like it in the context of our perceived needs:)
19:15 "Lazy people sleep soundly" why is that? I think they don't even realize they're lazy -- the totally don't care; maybe it's entitlement or something. BUT -- I have a problem on the other side of lazy, if I think something's amiss with my finances, I fret and worry -- that's not good either!! The devil gets us both ways.
19:3 "People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord" I guess people didn't want accountability back in Solomon's day either -- we're always looking for someone to blame - - but don't you think it's pretty arrogant to blame Him?
19:2 (I'm going backwards today) "Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes" How many times I've experienced THIS proverb!!! Time is our friend, rarely is it ever advantageous to jump into a quick decision. If I'm not sure -- I should wait, watch, and pray for wisdom -- easier said than done for me!
I really hope that Hosea explained to his kids why they were named what they were named. If they felt like they were helping understand God's message to his people, maybe they were drawn into God's love. I'm just hoping Hosea did that.
Hosea 2:7 sounds like people warn out chasing after earthly dreams of fame, fortune, and leisure.
The Lord's love and desire for His people really comes out in verses 2:14-16.
3:1,2 sounds a bit like a kinsman redeemer; and reminds me that Jesus bought me back from evil.
6:3 Oh that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know Him!!
6:6 a good reminder that God simply wants to know us, and us Him. Reminds me of Micah 6:8
I sure hope Hosea told his kids why they had those names. I'm also hoping he told them why he kept chasing their mother, even when it didn't seem like the love was reciprocated. Great pic of God always chasing & wooing us in Hosea.
I really, really like the healings in 5 & 9 of John & how Jesus tried to break down the prejudices by miracles. It just shows how stubborn pride really is though & that is very sad.
The blind man expounding eloquently on his healing & the simple truth of God working in his life reminds me of Ps 19:7 that says in NLT "...The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple". This simple beggar was wiser than all the religious leaders. Jesus knew that & revealed Himself as the Messiah to this open, searching heart.
8:33 shows again, how stubborn & scary pride can be to our hearts & future. The people said that since they were descendants of Abraham, they weren't slaves & had no need of being set free. Forget the spiritual application for a moment. They were under Roman rule! They were physically under the control of another power & refused to admit that even. Blind in both eyes & can't see out of the other!
Again, more blindness & prejudice when they bring just 1 party out to be stoned for adultery. They only wanted Jesus to be caught in their trap, they didn't even set the trap correctly. And trying to trap God? Wow! Very blind.
I was very encouraged by all the references to God protecting Jesus every time the leaders tried to kill Him. It wasn't His time yet. Reminds me of Ps 23:1. I have all that I need, when I need it. He will take care of me in His timing, for His glory. Jesus was totally surrendered to that, His Father's glory & it's what I need to be surrendered to as well. Not my future, not my plans, just surrendered in my present condition & waiting on my Shepherd.
Thank you Chris! I read this passage yesterday and got some of the same thoughts -- how blind they were; and it's almost as if God put a blind man in their path as an illustration that God can heal ALL blindness.
I was struck with how quickly Jesus was by the blind man's side once he had been "cast out" of the religion of the day. Jesus didn't trust any man, we shouldn't either -- keep looking up.
Also -- right after restoring the precious woman who felt alone, ashamed, afraid -- he talked about how He was the light of the world. Certainly she felt like she was in the dark, spriitually - physically. I think those words were said especially for her! "you will have the light that leads to life!"
1 Tim 4: 8 says Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come . . . This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people"
ReplyDeleteI think the key to working hard and struggling is found later in 6:11 Run from all these evil things (longing to be rich, debating & quibbling, jealousy, division, slander, evil suspicions) pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. . . hold tightly to the eternal life. Yup -- that IS work, because Satan is always on our tail, trying to pull us down, toward his evil-ness. We DO need to fight, to work to stay connected to the One that can offer us salvation, to keep focused on what is really important.
It reminds me of what we read yesterday -- the people were so focused on the physical bread, and Jesus had spiritual bread that He wanted to feed them. They missed it; I don't want to miss it.
Gonna take some time to ponder Ps 19 some more. I really am blessed by how nature speaks volumes about God & His character. Even without a Bible & church, you have to admit that there is a God bigger & better than you. I like that. It makes me feel safe because I know He's on my side.
ReplyDeletev7 "The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul." Also reminds me of the Ps that says, "the entrance of Your words give light". I think that's in 119 but not sure.
God speaks & there is life. He gives life to those who receive Him. Listening to what He tells me for MY life (no one else's) makes me WANT to live. Gives me joy, makes it worthwhile. It's not a waste of time following His instructions. Though I'm impatient & it can seem like it.
v8 "The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple." A person might be described as such by the world, but as the man in John 5 said. "the Man who made me well, told me to..." Then we'll label them as stubborn, but since the Lord is trustworthy & they are just following what they were told by the Master, they will succeed. Simple as that!
v13 in MSG "Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over Your work". The more I think about this, the more I realize the only time I want to take over God's work is when it's not going MY way. It's a very selfish motive. And really, when I whine & complain, it's based on my selfish motives. All about me. I know I'm not Jewish, but in that state, I'm every bit an Israelite wandering in the desert. Whining, complaining, looking down, pointing fingers, wanting it easy.
Give me a heart that is pleasing to You Lord, that accepts Your will inspite of my discomfort. You are my Shepherd, I have ALL that I need.
Chronicles today was for men. All about testosterone & fights.
ReplyDeleteI'm just trying to surrender to what God gives me each day & let go of my whining & selfishness. I want to be grateful for everything He has given me. I don't want to miss the small blessings that can be so easily overlooked when I complain.
I want to have an open heart & so that I don't overlook the people that He brings into my path.
I want them to know my Shepherd is really all that I need & all that they need.
LOL! Yeah that's for sure Chris -- a lot of hormones flyin' around in this passage! People always talk about women's hormones, but men have their share as well!
ReplyDelete10:7 "When all the Israelites . . . saw that their army had fled" That little passage reminds me of the civil war, when the people in the nearby towns would go out and watch the war from the surrounding hillsides, like a sporting event. War today is so far removed from hand to hand combat, I can't even comprehend that.
And finally we hear about David having a sister! Zeruiah, Joab,s wife.
I always get a sense that David was SO relational, with his mighty 3 (I just imagine the 4 of them were tight and found their bonding in overcoming the enemy) and then the 30 -- I wonder if David had to deal with the jealousies that Jesus dealt with - with His disciples.
Pretty impressive about the warriors from Gad; the weakest among them could take on a hundred regular troops, and the strongest could take on a thousand! If that means one individual -- how in the world could THAT happen?
At this point in his kingship, David left it all to God -- totally surrendered; 12:17 "if you've come to betray me . . may the God of our ancestors see it and punish you" that's leaving loyalty in God's hands -- not something kings of his day often did!
But -- apparently David hadn't read God's strict orders on moving the ark. Interesting that David was "afraid" of God - - even though David communicated regularly with God, he had great respect and awe for him, and realized he'd done something wrong. I think fear and frustration often happens when we don't know what we've done to offend.
Booo -- David married more wives; wish all those kings would stick with the good woman they got first:(
I love God's directions for David on fighting the Phils -- especially the 2nd battle where God was heard in the trees; that is amazing. and David was SO quick to give God the glory "God did it!" That is team work at it's finest!
The final summary: the Lord caused all the nations to fear David.
btw -- those Phils were sure a fly in the ointment, from the very beginning of David appearing on the scene to his first battles as king - - interesting.
99:4 talks about the fairness & justice of God. Then the following verse says to bow & worship God.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about how at the very end, before the wicked are destroyed forever, they will bow & acknowledge God & His fairness & justice.
Just because I acknowledge something or someone is fair, doesn't mean I like them or the situation. Especially since I'm still selfish in nature.
I like the reminder in 100 of God's unfailing love & faithfulness. Again, it doesn't have to be in circumstances I'm happy with, but it's always there regardless.
Good thoughts on justice Chris -- and the nlt says our Mighty King is a lover of justice; not just being just because it's the right thing to do -- but pursuing justice, loving the atmosphere of justice; hmmmmmm -- what does it mean to love justice?
ReplyDeleteTwo ways to come b4 the Lord in 99 and 100. The first way is to bow low before His feet (I like that picture -- total gratitude and awe) The second way in 100 is to come before him singing with JOY -- that way doesn't sound bowing but again a picture of gratitude and awe!
and the simple statement of "we are His" reminds me that He is especially fond of me today!
The thought that He is especially fond of me is like the "unforeseen kiss" in "How He loves". Catches me off guard but makes me smile.
ReplyDeleteToday I was enumerating to God all that I needed. They were all good things. I need to have Him take over my thought processes because mine are flawed, I am flawed. I need to accept others & not judge, I need to be better organized, I need to smile more, I need to figure out for sure the small group idea, I need to not be so afraid, etc.
Then in the middle of talking to Him, it was like when the sun shines in your eyes & obliterates everything else, I heard Him say: "If you have Me, you have all that you need. I am all that you need, just accept Me & rest in Me. Trust Me in all those things".
Duh! I get so caught up in all the changes that I realize I need to make in my life & then I tell the Person who already knows & is working at it. How aggravating is that? And yet, He doesn't get an attitude with me, He just responds with love & patience.
I need You, Jesus, I trust You, Jesus. Help me to truly rest in that thought today. You've got this. Ps 23:1 "The Lord is my Shepherd, I have all that I need."
Well said Chris -- I relate; fits with Ps 19:21 You can make many plans (all the needs that you need to fix or work toward), but the Lord's purpose will prevail.
ReplyDeleteI've always thought of this text in the context of a job or a move or a choice -- I kindof like it in the context of our perceived needs:)
19:15 "Lazy people sleep soundly" why is that? I think they don't even realize they're lazy -- the totally don't care; maybe it's entitlement or something. BUT -- I have a problem on the other side of lazy, if I think something's amiss with my finances, I fret and worry -- that's not good either!! The devil gets us both ways.
19:3 "People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord" I guess people didn't want accountability back in Solomon's day either -- we're always looking for someone to blame - - but don't you think it's pretty arrogant to blame Him?
19:2 (I'm going backwards today) "Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes" How many times I've experienced THIS proverb!!! Time is our friend, rarely is it ever advantageous to jump into a quick decision. If I'm not sure -- I should wait, watch, and pray for wisdom -- easier said than done for me!
I sleep very soundly! hee hee.
ReplyDelete19:3 is so true! People do that all the time! That's not fair at all!
I really hope that Hosea explained to his kids why they were named what they were named. If they felt like they were helping understand God's message to his people, maybe they were drawn into God's love. I'm just hoping Hosea did that.
ReplyDeleteHosea 2:7 sounds like people warn out chasing after earthly dreams of fame, fortune, and leisure.
The Lord's love and desire for His people really comes out in verses 2:14-16.
3:1,2 sounds a bit like a kinsman redeemer; and reminds me that Jesus bought me back from evil.
6:3 Oh that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know Him!!
6:6 a good reminder that God simply wants to know us, and us Him. Reminds me of Micah 6:8
I sure hope Hosea told his kids why they had those names. I'm also hoping he told them why he kept chasing their mother, even when it didn't seem like the love was reciprocated. Great pic of God always chasing & wooing us in Hosea.
ReplyDeleteI really, really like the healings in 5 & 9 of John & how Jesus tried to break down the prejudices by miracles. It just shows how stubborn pride really is though & that is very sad.
The blind man expounding eloquently on his healing & the simple truth of God working in his life reminds me of Ps 19:7 that says in NLT "...The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple". This simple beggar was wiser than all the religious leaders. Jesus knew that & revealed Himself as the Messiah to this open, searching heart.
8:33 shows again, how stubborn & scary pride can be to our hearts & future. The people said that since they were descendants of Abraham, they weren't slaves & had no need of being set free. Forget the spiritual application for a moment. They were under Roman rule! They were physically under the control of another power & refused to admit that even. Blind in both eyes & can't see out of the other!
Again, more blindness & prejudice when they bring just 1 party out to be stoned for adultery. They only wanted Jesus to be caught in their trap, they didn't even set the trap correctly. And trying to trap God? Wow! Very blind.
I was very encouraged by all the references to God protecting Jesus every time the leaders tried to kill Him. It wasn't His time yet. Reminds me of Ps 23:1. I have all that I need, when I need it. He will take care of me in His timing, for His glory. Jesus was totally surrendered to that, His Father's glory & it's what I need to be surrendered to as well. Not my future, not my plans, just surrendered in my present condition & waiting on my Shepherd.
Thank you Chris! I read this passage yesterday and got some of the same thoughts -- how blind they were; and it's almost as if God put a blind man in their path as an illustration that God can heal ALL blindness.
ReplyDeleteI was struck with how quickly Jesus was by the blind man's side once he had been "cast out" of the religion of the day. Jesus didn't trust any man, we shouldn't either -- keep looking up.
Also -- right after restoring the precious woman who felt alone, ashamed, afraid -- he talked about how He was the light of the world. Certainly she felt like she was in the dark, spriitually - physically. I think those words were said especially for her! "you will have the light that leads to life!"