Yesterday when I was hiking, the trail was the worst I've ever been on. Overgrown with brush, taken over by carpeting foliage & easily 100 down trees that I had to go over, under or around. When I was walking I was trying to keep mg bead up to be alert to any dangers like cougars or bears that might be near since it was obvious that human traffic was not prevalent. Each time I did this however, I would twist an ankle, stumble or slide off the trail. God told me to keep my eyes on The Way because if I had Him, I had all that I needed. I had protection because I had Him. Sheep don't look around for the enemy when they are with the True Shepherd because they trust Him. They just keep focused on Him & go where He leads. This part of trust is a new thought for me but I see a lot of applications. I don't have to think about what anyone else is doing, just keep my eyes on Jesus. But the dangers part, wow! I think that's what Jesus did here on earth. He knew He would die but only when His Father allowed it. Got a lot from my obstacle course/puzzle solving/hike yesterday.
You're amazing -- hiking with the cougars and bears! I have a looooong way to go when it comes to bravery and trust in the forest!
So today I back-tracked to Timothy 3 & 4
3:9 "Someday everyone will recognize . . ." that's really true -- in the end, the truth always comes out - - we don't have to worry about some else's weaknesses - - we have plenty of our own weaknesses - - the truth about our character, about someone else's character becomes evident with time. That's why it's so great to rely on God's plan, God's timing -- time is not an issue with god "in the right time . . . " and in 4:1 -- it all becomes clear that it's not our business to do ANY judging:) YEAH!
3:12 explains why a Christian life may not be a life of pleasure that we heard about in the previous chapters.
I love the reminder of the wisdom found in Scripture found in the end of 3:)
I love the alliteration found in chapter 4!! Paul fought, he finished, and he's been faithful! I want to be able to say that in the end:)
4:16 Everyone abandoned me -- I wonder if Paul ever thought back to the life of Jesus and how everyone abandoned Him! The Lord stood with me and gave me strength - - - God is like that:)
and . . . everything that happens in this world is: "all glory to God forever and ever!"
I'm still in PS 23. I'm typing this on mg phone so I won't say everything but was looking at v5(I think). Where it says You prepare a feast for me in the midst of my enemies. I thought, You bless me in spite of mg enemies all around me. A feast doesn't have to mean food. The next verse says I overflow with blessings. All this in front of my enemies. Drives them crazy I'm sure! And just think, Jesus does all this for us even though His "feast" is delayed until the end of the world. He won't truly have this in front of His enemies until every knee bows & confesses He is Lord!!
Araunah wanted to give everything to David for the offering even though it possibly cost him his whole livelihood. He needed the oxen to plow & he needed the threshing floor to get his wheat. We aren't told his material state of things. But he willingly gave it all to God. Or at least wanted it too. He didn't know at that time that he'd be reimbursed.
I wonder, since he saw the angel too, if that played a part in it. When you are convicted of your sin, even if in this case it was David's, you're willing to give whatever it takes to make it right with God. Did the people know what was happening was a result of David's sin in the census? We aren't told. So many "what if's in this story but I still like his giving spirit.
Like you brought out earlier when we read in Kings about this, David said he wasn't going to give to the Lord something that cost him nothing. It did cost him in the trust of the people I'm betting as well. Leadership is a huge responsibility. I think most people just see the power that they get & we selfishly want the power. We don't realize all the rest that comes with it. I'm thinking, if it was only accountability, we wouldn't want it, seek it or kill for it.
In the very last verse of the reading it said that the Levites were assigned by sacred lot without regard to rank or age. I found that interesting. Responsibility was placed upon the young as well as the old. Good training.
I enjoy the reminder through history, of God's workings on behalf of His people. The first 2 psalms today walk through God's dealings with His children. Gives me a big picture view & makes me rethink where He has me. Lord, I want my eyes to be open to the big picture, Your will, not my own desires or comforts. The last verse of the reading says it very well. "Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the Lord."
107:2 "Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies." It gives hope to others who are struggling when you share what God has done for you. I was reminder 3 fold of this on Sunday. It was great confirmation to me for my small group.
v10-16 makes me think of people in chains but not physical ones. They can take hope of those whose chains have been broken by God that He can do the same for them.
v11-12 of that section talk about why we struggle & have it hard sometimes. We're stubborn & we rebel against God's clear counsel! I sow what I reap. I don't know why I complain then. When I really seek God's forgiveness, then I admit my errors easier & accept my consequences. It's when I try to justify my actions & motives that I am adding to my rebelling & making my situation harder.
His mercy endures forever & His love is faithful. Makes me think of part of a song that says "You see the depths of my heart & You love me the same, You are amazing God!"
107:2 is custom written for your small group Chris -- that was very neat to see!
105:4 Search for the Lord and for His strength -- sometimes, I don't have the strength to battle my selfishness or temptations -- that's the time to be "continually seeking Him"
105:18 -- poor Joseph; this isn't the picture from the Uncle Arthur's books of him sitting on a camel and looking back to his dad's tents: "They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. I always admired Joseph's decision to do his best and remain true -- but this little insight shows what conditions he made that decision.
I love the picture of the Lord as Israel's (my) protector - spreading a could, giving a fire, feeding when hungry, splitting a rock open for water -- just a beautiful reminder.
106:2 Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord or praise Him enough? not me -- sadly, I tend to forget those miracles, just like Israel did 106:13 -- we humans forget sooo easily.
107:10 Some sat in darkness and deepest gloom, imprisoned in iron chains of misery. How many times do I find myself here -- notice, in this illustration, the "some" don't even try to escape -- they just sit there, not plotting escape, just sit there in gloom. So -- in verse 12, God gives them something to think about:) hard labor -- even in His "hard labor" dealings, he brings the blessing of finding Him
Yes, I liked that illustration too of God as my Protector! Thanks for bringing that out. AND I like what you said about some people just sitting in gloom, not looking or trying to heal or escape. It's like being stuck in the "I'm a victim" mentality. Sometimes we don't even realize we are in prison & gloom until something or Someone smacks us on the head! Good stuff!
You know it's a good song when it makes you smile while straining against heavy weights! LOL That's exactly what God did this a.m. when He popped certain lyrics out at me though.
I'm really looking deeper into the idea of "resting IN God". Leaning back on Him, following Him, not pressing ahead & striving against obstacles. Jesus had such an atmosphere of peace around Him & He was surrounded by stress, envy, judgmental & temperamental people/leaders.
God just took me back to that this morning. And I mediated a bit on Matt 11:28-30 in the NLT. I love His plea "...let Me teach You...and you will find rest for your souls."
Love the word pic of leaning back on Him - thnx Chris; good thought for today.
22:3 Hee hee! Maybe I'm prudent (as opposed to scared!)
22:4 True humility and fear of the Lord leads to riches, honor, and long life. I'm thinking these 3 may be spiritual; as in spiritual riches, honor and long life.
22:10 SUCH good advice; and yet hard to do, as you know that mocker will be turning all mockism back on you -- but so very very true that quarrels and insults will disappear.
I love how vs 19 says: "yes you" don't just read these sayings lightly -- take them to heart; there is amazing truth for YOU in them!
Don't befriend angry people -- what you hang with, you become
Don't guarantee another person's debt -- that does seem pretty dumb, doesn't it? There's probably a reason their in debt.
Don't cheat your neighbor -- integrity before honor; integrity and trustworthiness in all things is important -- so worth striving for - -
Jesus knew that his hour had come. All along He'd been saying, my time has not yet come. Not anymore. Jesus "knew" -- He knew the hour, he knew of his authority -- there were no surprises for Him; still aren't. I'm constantly surprised by twists and turns in my life "didn't see that coming" I say -- but that wasn't the case with Jesus.
Vs 10 A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet. We wash, we clean, we scour -- trying to stay physically and spiritually clean -- guarding against the dirt. But, independent us still need help -- we still need those "feet" washed, the foundation of our "dirt" and that has to be washed by some Body else.
13:19 I AM the Messiah -- that's pretty plain. I wonder if they ever thought back to that statement after His crucifixion. I wonder if they repeated it to each other in that upper room.
13:31 The time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory -- crucifixion was anything but glorious -- but it was the door Jesus had to walk through to get to the other side.
The new commandment was pretty simple "Love each other" but oh man, is that a struggle sometimes -- and that's where I need my feet washed daily -- hourly -- minutely.
14:27 I am leaving you with a gift -- peace of mind and heart. This reminds me, Chris, of your thought about leaning back into His arms. How we ALL want peace. Another way of leaning back is to Remain in Me. 15:4
15:9 I have loved you even as the Father has loved me -- now THAT is an amazing unselfish family kind of love that I don't deserve.
15:15 "I chose you" I'm going to stop there -- and just soak in that for awhile.
Yeah, I liked that "peace of mind & heart" verse too.
I was thinking of redeeming moments a lot yesterday & how they aren't all that great while you're in them.
Today, like you commented about 13:31 - Jesus had the biggest, grandest, most important redeeming moment - for all mankind - and it was anything but glorious. No warm fuzzys there either.
14:30-31 seems to talk about that too. Satan had no power over Jesus, Jesus willingly laid down His life. But it looked to everyone else as if satan had won. Sometimes, hmmm, most of the time, it seems like submitting to God's way (surrendering) is failure.
Jesus said He would do what His Father required of Him so that the whole world would know how much He loved the Father. It wasn't about how much the Father loved Him at the moment. Jesus was totally selfless & wanted to show how much He loved His Father.
That's a twist! My surrendering, giving up my rights, my desires, my way, I show how much I love my Father. Brain overload!
really good thoughts Chris -- you gave me a lot to chew on. I especially liked the thought that in our worldly eyes (crucifixion) Satan won; but, as with most things when looking at a situation through the world's views -- it ain't so. Jesus was in total control of the situation the whole time -- God wins!
Yesterday when I was hiking, the trail was the worst I've ever been on. Overgrown with brush, taken over by carpeting foliage & easily 100 down trees that I had to go over, under or around. When I was walking I was trying to keep mg bead up to be alert to any dangers like cougars or bears that might be near since it was obvious that human traffic was not prevalent. Each time I did this however, I would twist an ankle, stumble or slide off the trail.
ReplyDeleteGod told me to keep my eyes on The Way because if I had Him, I had all that I needed. I had protection because I had Him. Sheep don't look around for the enemy when they are with the True Shepherd because they trust Him. They just keep focused on Him & go where He leads.
This part of trust is a new thought for me but I see a lot of applications. I don't have to think about what anyone else is doing, just keep my eyes on Jesus. But the dangers part, wow! I think that's what Jesus did here on earth. He knew He would die but only when His Father allowed it.
Got a lot from my obstacle course/puzzle solving/hike yesterday.
You're amazing -- hiking with the cougars and bears! I have a looooong way to go when it comes to bravery and trust in the forest!
ReplyDeleteSo today I back-tracked to Timothy 3 & 4
3:9 "Someday everyone will recognize . . ." that's really true -- in the end, the truth always comes out - - we don't have to worry about some else's weaknesses - - we have plenty of our own weaknesses - - the truth about our character, about someone else's character becomes evident with time. That's why it's so great to rely on God's plan, God's timing -- time is not an issue with god "in the right time . . . " and in 4:1 -- it all becomes clear that it's not our business to do ANY judging:) YEAH!
3:12 explains why a Christian life may not be a life of pleasure that we heard about in the previous chapters.
I love the reminder of the wisdom found in Scripture found in the end of 3:)
I love the alliteration found in chapter 4!! Paul fought, he finished, and he's been faithful! I want to be able to say that in the end:)
4:16 Everyone abandoned me -- I wonder if Paul ever thought back to the life of Jesus and how everyone abandoned Him! The Lord stood with me and gave me strength - - - God is like that:)
and . . . everything that happens in this world is: "all glory to God forever and ever!"
I'm still in PS 23. I'm typing this on mg phone so I won't say everything but was looking at v5(I think). Where it says You prepare a feast for me in the midst of my enemies. I thought, You bless me in spite of mg enemies all around me. A feast doesn't have to mean food. The next verse says I overflow with blessings. All this in front of my enemies. Drives them crazy I'm sure!
ReplyDeleteAnd just think, Jesus does all this for us even though His "feast" is delayed until the end of the world. He won't truly have this in front of His enemies until every knee bows & confesses He is Lord!!
Araunah wanted to give everything to David for the offering even though it possibly cost him his whole livelihood. He needed the oxen to plow & he needed the threshing floor to get his wheat. We aren't told his material state of things. But he willingly gave it all to God. Or at least wanted it too. He didn't know at that time that he'd be reimbursed.
ReplyDeleteI wonder, since he saw the angel too, if that played a part in it. When you are convicted of your sin, even if in this case it was David's, you're willing to give whatever it takes to make it right with God. Did the people know what was happening was a result of David's sin in the census? We aren't told. So many "what if's in this story but I still like his giving spirit.
Like you brought out earlier when we read in Kings about this, David said he wasn't going to give to the Lord something that cost him nothing. It did cost him in the trust of the people I'm betting as well. Leadership is a huge responsibility. I think most people just see the power that they get & we selfishly want the power. We don't realize all the rest that comes with it. I'm thinking, if it was only accountability, we wouldn't want it, seek it or kill for it.
In the very last verse of the reading it said that the Levites were assigned by sacred lot without regard to rank or age. I found that interesting. Responsibility was placed upon the young as well as the old. Good training.
I enjoy the reminder through history, of God's workings on behalf of His people. The first 2 psalms today walk through God's dealings with His children. Gives me a big picture view & makes me rethink where He has me. Lord, I want my eyes to be open to the big picture, Your will, not my own desires or comforts.
ReplyDeleteThe last verse of the reading says it very well. "Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the Lord."
107:2 "Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies." It gives hope to others who are struggling when you share what God has done for you. I was reminder 3 fold of this on Sunday. It was great confirmation to me for my small group.
v10-16 makes me think of people in chains but not physical ones. They can take hope of those whose chains have been broken by God that He can do the same for them.
v11-12 of that section talk about why we struggle & have it hard sometimes. We're stubborn & we rebel against God's clear counsel! I sow what I reap. I don't know why I complain then. When I really seek God's forgiveness, then I admit my errors easier & accept my consequences. It's when I try to justify my actions & motives that I am adding to my rebelling & making my situation harder.
His mercy endures forever & His love is faithful. Makes me think of part of a song that says "You see the depths of my heart & You love me the same, You are amazing God!"
107:2 is custom written for your small group Chris -- that was very neat to see!
ReplyDelete105:4 Search for the Lord and for His strength -- sometimes, I don't have the strength to battle my selfishness or temptations -- that's the time to be "continually seeking Him"
105:18 -- poor Joseph; this isn't the picture from the Uncle Arthur's books of him sitting on a camel and looking back to his dad's tents: "They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. I always admired Joseph's decision to do his best and remain true -- but this little insight shows what conditions he made that decision.
I love the picture of the Lord as Israel's (my) protector - spreading a could, giving a fire, feeding when hungry, splitting a rock open for water -- just a beautiful reminder.
106:2 Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord or praise Him enough? not me -- sadly, I tend to forget those miracles, just like Israel did 106:13 -- we humans forget sooo easily.
107:10 Some sat in darkness and deepest gloom, imprisoned in iron chains of misery. How many times do I find myself here -- notice, in this illustration, the "some" don't even try to escape -- they just sit there, not plotting escape, just sit there in gloom. So -- in verse 12, God gives them something to think about:) hard labor -- even in His "hard labor" dealings, he brings the blessing of finding Him
Yes, I liked that illustration too of God as my Protector! Thanks for bringing that out. AND I like what you said about some people just sitting in gloom, not looking or trying to heal or escape. It's like being stuck in the "I'm a victim" mentality. Sometimes we don't even realize we are in prison & gloom until something or Someone smacks us on the head! Good stuff!
ReplyDeleteYou know it's a good song when it makes you smile while straining against heavy weights! LOL That's exactly what God did this a.m. when He popped certain lyrics out at me though.
I'm really looking deeper into the idea of "resting IN God". Leaning back on Him, following Him, not pressing ahead & striving against obstacles. Jesus had such an atmosphere of peace around Him & He was surrounded by stress, envy, judgmental & temperamental people/leaders.
God just took me back to that this morning. And I mediated a bit on Matt 11:28-30 in the NLT. I love His plea "...let Me teach You...and you will find rest for your souls."
Teach me Lord Jesus, teach me.
Love the word pic of leaning back on Him - thnx Chris; good thought for today.
ReplyDelete22:3 Hee hee! Maybe I'm prudent (as opposed to scared!)
22:4 True humility and fear of the Lord leads to riches, honor, and long life. I'm thinking these 3 may be spiritual; as in spiritual riches, honor and long life.
22:10 SUCH good advice; and yet hard to do, as you know that mocker will be turning all mockism back on you -- but so very very true that quarrels and insults will disappear.
I love how vs 19 says: "yes you" don't just read these sayings lightly -- take them to heart; there is amazing truth for YOU in them!
Don't befriend angry people -- what you hang with, you become
Don't guarantee another person's debt -- that does seem pretty dumb, doesn't it? There's probably a reason their in debt.
Don't cheat your neighbor -- integrity before honor; integrity and trustworthiness in all things is important -- so worth striving for - -
Jesus knew that his hour had come. All along He'd been saying, my time has not yet come. Not anymore. Jesus "knew" -- He knew the hour, he knew of his authority -- there were no surprises for Him; still aren't. I'm constantly surprised by twists and turns in my life "didn't see that coming" I say -- but that wasn't the case with Jesus.
ReplyDeleteVs 10 A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet. We wash, we clean, we scour -- trying to stay physically and spiritually clean -- guarding against the dirt. But, independent us still need help -- we still need those "feet" washed, the foundation of our "dirt" and that has to be washed by some Body else.
13:19 I AM the Messiah -- that's pretty plain. I wonder if they ever thought back to that statement after His crucifixion. I wonder if they repeated it to each other in that upper room.
13:31 The time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory -- crucifixion was anything but glorious -- but it was the door Jesus had to walk through to get to the other side.
The new commandment was pretty simple "Love each other" but oh man, is that a struggle sometimes -- and that's where I need my feet washed daily -- hourly -- minutely.
14:27 I am leaving you with a gift -- peace of mind and heart. This reminds me, Chris, of your thought about leaning back into His arms. How we ALL want peace. Another way of leaning back is to Remain in Me. 15:4
15:9 I have loved you even as the Father has loved me -- now THAT is an amazing unselfish family kind of love that I don't deserve.
15:15 "I chose you" I'm going to stop there -- and just soak in that for awhile.
Yeah, I liked that "peace of mind & heart" verse too.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of redeeming moments a lot yesterday & how they aren't all that great while you're in them.
Today, like you commented about 13:31 - Jesus had the biggest, grandest, most important redeeming moment - for all mankind - and it was anything but glorious. No warm fuzzys there either.
14:30-31 seems to talk about that too. Satan had no power over Jesus, Jesus willingly laid down His life. But it looked to everyone else as if satan had won. Sometimes, hmmm, most of the time, it seems like submitting to God's way (surrendering) is failure.
Jesus said He would do what His Father required of Him so that the whole world would know how much He loved the Father. It wasn't about how much the Father loved Him at the moment. Jesus was totally selfless & wanted to show how much He loved His Father.
That's a twist! My surrendering, giving up my rights, my desires, my way, I show how much I love my Father. Brain overload!
really good thoughts Chris -- you gave me a lot to chew on. I especially liked the thought that in our worldly eyes (crucifixion) Satan won; but, as with most things when looking at a situation through the world's views -- it ain't so. Jesus was in total control of the situation the whole time -- God wins!
ReplyDelete