God is light -- darkness can't exist in His presence - the only way I can exist is to put on Jesus Robe of Righteousness -- my filthy rags would consume me. - - and living in God's light; His love will result in me having fellowship with others -- always looking for the good in others, the positive (just like God does for me) John wants us to experience this fellowship -- He reminds us of the command (not suggestion) that we love one another -- and this command is for all God's children -- he emphasizes twice "God's children" "mature in the faith" "young in the faith" Doesn't matter if your a seasoned Christian or a new-bee; our gaze tends to shift to naval-gazing unless we refocus on Him and on others around us.
He really nailed the love of the world in 2:16. The world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions - - but these are not from the Father" Thank you John -- so so so true.
There's a lot more to comment on, but I appreciated that John realizes that we are chained in guilty feelings sometimes -- When he said in 3:20 "Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and He knows everything." Again -- God looks for the very best in us, puts the best spin on our attempts to connect and understand this journey we're on. Thank you God -- for loving me as your daughter and having the mercy of a heavenly Father.
Read 1 John this a.m. since I missed it yesterday. I noticed that he kept bringing out the difference between people who bragged about their spiritual abilities and spiritual accomplishments vs those who just lived it. Not discouraging testimony or sharing about Jesus being victorious in our lives, but there is a difference between saying I am this or I have that ability or spiritual gift. People can tell when we are sincere and when we are promoting ourselves, just by our lives. It either contradicts or confirms.
For some reason, I never made the connection in 2:9-11 that it referred to spiritual family as well as physical. Maybe that was because I didn't like my actual family for so long & I was guilty on that first level so I never even clued in on the 2nd. Makes sense though. How can I praise God & create conflict or hatred in either family. I can't control their reaction to me, but God can give me a heart to love them & see them through His eyes & not my selfish human ones.
The Voice version draws a distinct difference between those living in persistent sin & those living in an intimate relationship with God. They can't coexist.
I also noticed Linda, about 3:19-21, God being greater than what satan presents to our minds. I remember MSG saying it as feelings & The Voice presents it as "...Even though our inner thoughts may condemn us with storms of guilt and constant reminders of our failures..." I've had a couple experiences recently where God helped me see it wasn't Him giving me the thoughts or feelings I had, it was satan & once I chose to ask God to fight for me & rebuked those feelings/thoughts, He did completely take them away.
Just another showing of His extravagant love that He lavishes on me!
That is really welll-said; the Voice in chpt 3; can hardly wait to start my journey with the Voice in a couple of weeks!!
1 John gave me a lot more yesterday than Deut today! But I did have a couple of thoughts.
Chapter 20:3 is such a great declaration. It's talking about physical war, but I think it works well for our spiritual and emotional battles too. "Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today! Do not lose heart or panic or tremble before them. For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies and he will give you victory! YAHOOOOOOO!
But it's quite interesting in verses 5 - 8. First of all, the army officers are letting their troops know that even though the big picture is victory, they may die in the battle. Then anyone that has any other first priorities over the battle need to go home. Anyone who is afraid needs to go home. Sooooo -- stepping back to the emotional/spriritual battles we face -- it is to be a top priority to face our battles without fear . . . hmmmmmm
Chapter 21 had me saying "What about . . . " all the time. Verses 10-14 had me saying What about Ezra telling all the men to send their wives back home Verses 15-17 had me saying What about Jacob and Esau? Verses 18-21 had me saying What about Samson? I guess there are exceptions to every rule - - and maybe I just don't understand all the circumstances! God is God and he is able to make the rules knowing the heart and reason of the rule, which opens rules up to exceptions.
Deut 22:13 on seems to put men and women on even footing when it comes to sexual sin. I appreciate that, as so much of the Bible seems to be slanted to the men's favor.
Verses 21 explains why Joseph was so confused and concerned for Mary -- He could have had her put to death, instead he married her and assumed the guilty possibility appearance that he had committed adultery with her -- and saved her (an illustration of God assuming our guilt, and saving us)
Oh nice illustration & bringing out the similarities of Joseph & Jesus. I like it! Once again, you amaze me that you can get stuff out of those books! Once is enough for me.
At the beginning of Nehemiah it is fall & he is praying for God to work, to show him favor through the king. It isn't until spring that it happens. Once again I'm shown patience and waiting for God to work on our behalf. I often think that if I pray, then I should naturally have when I think I need it. But God knows when I really need it and sees a way bigger picture than I do. Such an important lesson & yet one I struggle with constantly.
Just because God answered his prayer with the king, he didn't get all whiny (like me) when he met opposition in Jerusalem. He didn't expect smooth sailing all the way through, hence the armed guards that accompanied him. I always want the easy, smooth road & wonder if God is still leading me if I met with problems. Why do I think I'm better than Jesus? He met tons of problems and opposition and He was perfect!
Just because they knew there was a chance of fighting, they didn't stop their work, they just were prepared for either. They multi-tasked. Not a strong suit for me either. When God equips you for something though, He does it completely, either in you or by supplying others that have that talent to help you.
Oh nice illustration & bringing out the similarities of Joseph & Jesus. I like it! Once again, you amaze me that you can get stuff out of those books! Once is enough for me.
At the beginning of Nehemiah it is fall & he is praying for God to work, to show him favor through the king. It isn't until spring that it happens. Once again I'm shown patience and waiting for God to work on our behalf. I often think that if I pray, then I should naturally have when I think I need it. But God knows when I really need it and sees a way bigger picture than I do. Such an important lesson & yet one I struggle with constantly.
Just because God answered his prayer with the king, he didn't get all whiny (like me) when he met opposition in Jerusalem. He didn't expect smooth sailing all the way through, hence the armed guards that accompanied him. I always want the easy, smooth road & wonder if God is still leading me if I met with problems. Why do I think I'm better than Jesus? He met tons of problems and opposition and He was perfect!
Just because they knew there was a chance of fighting, they didn't stop their work, they just were prepared for either. They multi-tasked. Not a strong suit for me either. When God equips you for something though, He does it completely, either in you or by supplying others that have that talent to help you.
How come your post yesterday is a copy of my post? Weird.
I wonder who wrote Ps 137. Must have been a warrior from that last verse. Interesting that the Babylonians came & asked them to sing Jewish songs to them. Shows that they were searching. I can understand why it would depress the captives, but what a chance to witness. I often miss chances too because I get caught up in me. Another call to step back & see the bigger picture.
139:9 made me think of a song I haven't heard in years. Ride the Morning Winds.
v12 I have always liked to sit in darkness and be unobserved. I have always felt safer in the dark, where no one can see me to pick on me or make fun of me. I think that comes from never fitting in anywhere completely. The closer my relationship with Jesus has gotten the less that is an issue. I'm more content now because I know I am always in His Presence and He accepts me. I'm not trying to be someone I'm not to get approval from the people around me. God always saw me for who I was regardless. Awesome night vision!
After going through the minutia of how God was involved in my creation, how could I not end with v23,24? It's out of a grateful heart that David writes this. Nice that a man used the words anxious thoughts. Usually we just think it's a woman thing.
How many times do I cognizantly ask God, "is there anything I do that offends You? Tell me please." I might ask my earthly friends more & though that's not bad, I need to be that considerate of God as well. Especially if I consider Him my Best Friend!
O bother -- what happened yesterday was I read your post on my email and responded to that post (which is pointless -- it's a noreply) and then I copied and pasted to the blog; obviously I copied the wrong section!! and I really enjoyed some pieces of NEHEMIAH!!! Wish I could reonstruct it -- well maybe I can some pieces; I'll go back briefly:
I too noticed the time lag from late fall to early spring for the answer. N said grant me success today -- and the success came 4-6 months later; but maybe their weather is kindof like ours in some ways -- in which case, I'd rather start building in spring fall too!
I like how N stepped in boldly with more requests; not just going back, but letters of protection and then the kings trees. The king blessed him with that plus an armored guard -- when we see God moving, go for broke!!
I like how N assessed the situation before spreading his plan out b4 the leaders -- taking the night ride, seeing what was ahead of them. If unsure, it's a good thing to get as many facts as possible.
The people started out all enthusiastic - but then weariness and fear took over. N response: "Don't be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord who is great and glorious!" Not a bad philosophy for me!!
Wondering why the leaders were standing behind the workers during the building -- they should have been right in the front lines putting bricks in place:):)
137 sounds like a prophecy; had Jerusalem been captured by that point? I'm a bit shaky on the Jerusalem timeline. I wondered who wrote it as well. I was thinking Babylon came after Solomon's temple - - if so, this sounds like prophecy (didn't I just say that?)
I wonder what Jesus thought when he read 138:6 "Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud." It sounds like the way Jesus conducted his life on earth; hanging out with the very humble people on earth when he was here.
"The Lord will work out his plans for my life" Thanks Lord -- as I don't seem to be able to work them out. Nice to put that on your shoulders!!
You know what I am going to say even b4 I say it -- sorry Lord; my mouth gets me into SO much trouble -- you must cringe as you hear coming out of my mouth what you already know. On the flip side; when it's gratitude and praise, you get the joy of knowing that before hand too!!!
I can never escape from your Spirit! (I'm claiming that text for myself and my family today.
How precious are your thoughts about me. That would mean that you love me. Thank you dear Lord.
YES! I caught the word anxious too -- but I hadn't thought of that coming from a man; good catch!!
I remember reading that & I didn't read Ecc yesterday. That illustration must have been really important for Solomon to repeat it.
You know, some define adventure as risky, that's a big step for you if you're asking God to give you risks today! What would happen if you prayed for God to give you risks? There's power in words & how they hit our souls isn't there? :)
Malachi - I like the question answer format. God asks great questions to our hearts. I realize here He is speaking to a nation, but I have to believe He was asking these questions to hearts more directly as well. People just weren't responding or listening.
I smiled at how God opens this prophecy by saying I love you so much I fight for you! I have to step back often and get a better perspective to see how much God fights for me and protects me. To start thanking Him for things in my life is how I start taking steps backward, out of the "me" zone and into the "Your" zone. Then it truly starts to become all about Him and I get easily overwhelmed by His majesty and wisdom. It enables me to once again bow at His feet and surrender my heart and my plans; to be the contented sheep at His feet in this pasture He has chosen for me.
All the disfigured, diseased, etc., sacrifices made me think of all my half-hearted service I offer God. Just throw something together or just show up (with attitude of course). There's always things I don't want to do, but I need to remember Who I'm doing them for. Once again a shift of my perspective.
In 2:10+ where God is talking about marrying non-believers, do you think there is a spiritual application as well? It just is on the edge of my brain but I can't quite make it out.
I'm thankful He ends it with a call for a heart change & returning to God. He is all about redeeming us. The change that He does in our hearts is radical at times, but we do serve a radical God. I think that scares us so much sometimes that we try to put Him in a box and control what we can't understand. God doesn't always make sense. Abraham sacrificing Isaac? But if I know His voice to me, then I know I must obey. He will make it plainer as I walk it out by faith. So much more to say there, but I'm already long-winded.
Hee hee! Perhaps it's too risky to ask God to bring risks into my life! Ahhhh -- no doubt that's the depth of what He's hoping to from me!
I love how God's questions are aimed at us bring Him our best; our very best. There were two words put together in the synopsis at the beginning of Malachi that I circled: "insincere worship" -- that plays out in so many aspects of our lives; from noncommittal and non-engaged church attendance to our offerings to time spent to not giving our best at our jobs or home life -- it all reflects on Him.
2:5 -- I know this is talking to the Levites; but I believe it's what he wants for all of us "life and peace"
I appreciate 2:12 for those that say it's all about God's mercy. There is a balance of mercy and justice "You havea wearied him by saying that all who do evil are good in the Lord's sight, and He is pleased with them. You have wearied Him by asking, "Where is the God of justice?"
interesting in 3:5 that adulterers and liars are lumped with sorcerers; the world today figures liars and adulterers are the norm -- pretty sad.
3:6 "I am the Lord, and I do not change" so these words really are for us:)
3:16 "the scroll of remembrance" don't we hear about that in God's second coming somewhere?
Yeah good thought about the spiritual marriages -- marrying what the Bible says with what man says? is that what you mean?
Hmmm, maybe that was it, I like how you put it - the spiritual marriages explanation. I guess we think we can make God more palatable to people.
I bet it was hard for Paul to not take charge of the situation in Ephesus when the people rioted. It's good that he took the counsel of others. When we've been used by God so powerfully, it's a temptation to think that we should handle every situation that comes up if it is related to what we've just been doing.
I see God reminding Paul here that He is in control and uses others as well. It's a subtle reminder to surrender, to be still and know that He is God. Watch what He will do for me.
A bit weird that after raising Eutychus they just went back to their meeting, but I guess what else are you going to do if the funeral has been postponed!
Interesting that John's baptism wasn't the correct baptism -- I wonder if all John's batizees had to be rebaptized. One, according to Paul was a public proclamation that you repented of your sins; the other was that you believed in Jesus - - wasn't John's dealing with belief in God? hmmmmm not sure; guess it doesn't matter.
Paul left the synagogue when there was opposition and preached in a public place; maybe not a bad plan -- a public place puts you in the middle of your target audience as opposed to the audience that already believes in God -- but might be locked in insincere worship.
Awesome how God used the 7 sons to bring a solemn fear on the city of the power of God:) burnt their books -- that's active belief!
Really -- 19:25 -- it was all about the money
and how like us humans 18:32 "In fact, most of them didn't even know why they were there" follow the crowd -- listen up Linda -- understand WHY you agree or disagree with a viewpoint.
10:36 "an undeniable fact" hmmmm -- maybe not so different from the evolution theory today. Wish they'd get their "facts" straight! The One thing you needed to hear (20:21) the necessity of repenting fro sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus Christ" There's the gospel in a nutshell!
I really love Paul's passion in 20 -- his life was worth nothing to him -- he had one passion, one goal; to point everyone to Jesus.
and I like his words in vs 52 "Now I entrust you to God and the message of His grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those He has set apart for Himself" Many times someone "moves on" either through a physical move, or death, or a change of life -- but when that happens, they simply have to trust the ones they leave behind to God -- knowing that His message and His Spirit will be the best guide and friend they every have or had:)
God is light -- darkness can't exist in His presence - the only way I can exist is to put on Jesus Robe of Righteousness -- my filthy rags would consume me. - - and living in God's light; His love will result in me having fellowship with others -- always looking for the good in others, the positive (just like God does for me) John wants us to experience this fellowship -- He reminds us of the command (not suggestion) that we love one another -- and this command is for all God's children -- he emphasizes twice "God's children" "mature in the faith" "young in the faith" Doesn't matter if your a seasoned Christian or a new-bee; our gaze tends to shift to naval-gazing unless we refocus on Him and on others around us.
ReplyDeleteHe really nailed the love of the world in 2:16. The world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions - - but these are not from the Father" Thank you John -- so so so true.
There's a lot more to comment on, but I appreciated that John realizes that we are chained in guilty feelings sometimes -- When he said in 3:20 "Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and He knows everything." Again -- God looks for the very best in us, puts the best spin on our attempts to connect and understand this journey we're on. Thank you God -- for loving me as your daughter and having the mercy of a heavenly Father.
Read 1 John this a.m. since I missed it yesterday. I noticed that he kept bringing out the difference between people who bragged about their spiritual abilities and spiritual accomplishments vs those who just lived it. Not discouraging testimony or sharing about Jesus being victorious in our lives, but there is a difference between saying I am this or I have that ability or spiritual gift. People can tell when we are sincere and when we are promoting ourselves, just by our lives. It either contradicts or confirms.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason, I never made the connection in 2:9-11 that it referred to spiritual family as well as physical. Maybe that was because I didn't like my actual family for so long & I was guilty on that first level so I never even clued in on the 2nd. Makes sense though. How can I praise God & create conflict or hatred in either family. I can't control their reaction to me, but God can give me a heart to love them & see them through His eyes & not my selfish human ones.
The Voice version draws a distinct difference between those living in persistent sin & those living in an intimate relationship with God. They can't coexist.
I also noticed Linda, about 3:19-21, God being greater than what satan presents to our minds. I remember MSG saying it as feelings & The Voice presents it as "...Even though our inner thoughts may condemn us with storms of guilt and constant reminders of our failures..." I've had a couple experiences recently where God helped me see it wasn't Him giving me the thoughts or feelings I had, it was satan & once I chose to ask God to fight for me & rebuked those feelings/thoughts, He did completely take them away.
Just another showing of His extravagant love that He lavishes on me!
That is really welll-said; the Voice in chpt 3; can hardly wait to start my journey with the Voice in a couple of weeks!!
ReplyDelete1 John gave me a lot more yesterday than Deut today! But I did have a couple of thoughts.
Chapter 20:3 is such a great declaration. It's talking about physical war, but I think it works well for our spiritual and emotional battles too. "Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today! Do not lose heart or panic or tremble before them. For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies and he will give you victory! YAHOOOOOOO!
But it's quite interesting in verses 5 - 8. First of all, the army officers are letting their troops know that even though the big picture is victory, they may die in the battle. Then anyone that has any other first priorities over the battle need to go home. Anyone who is afraid needs to go home. Sooooo -- stepping back to the emotional/spriritual battles we face -- it is to be a top priority to face our battles without fear . . . hmmmmmm
Chapter 21 had me saying "What about . . . " all the time. Verses 10-14 had me saying What about Ezra telling all the men to send their wives back home
Verses 15-17 had me saying What about Jacob and Esau?
Verses 18-21 had me saying What about Samson?
I guess there are exceptions to every rule - - and maybe I just don't understand all the circumstances! God is God and he is able to make the rules knowing the heart and reason of the rule, which opens rules up to exceptions.
Deut 22:13 on seems to put men and women on even footing when it comes to sexual sin. I appreciate that, as so much of the Bible seems to be slanted to the men's favor.
Verses 21 explains why Joseph was so confused and concerned for Mary -- He could have had her put to death, instead he married her and assumed the guilty possibility appearance that he had committed adultery with her -- and saved her (an illustration of God assuming our guilt, and saving us)
Oh nice illustration & bringing out the similarities of Joseph & Jesus. I like it! Once again, you amaze me that you can get stuff out of those books! Once is enough for me.
ReplyDeleteAt the beginning of Nehemiah it is fall & he is praying for God to work, to show him favor through the king. It isn't until spring that it happens. Once again I'm shown patience and waiting for God to work on our behalf. I often think that if I pray, then I should naturally have when I think I need it. But God knows when I really need it and sees a way bigger picture than I do. Such an important lesson & yet one I struggle with constantly.
Just because God answered his prayer with the king, he didn't get all whiny (like me) when he met opposition in Jerusalem. He didn't expect smooth sailing all the way through, hence the armed guards that accompanied him. I always want the easy, smooth road & wonder if God is still leading me if I met with problems. Why do I think I'm better than Jesus? He met tons of problems and opposition and He was perfect!
Just because they knew there was a chance of fighting, they didn't stop their work, they just were prepared for either. They multi-tasked. Not a strong suit for me either. When God equips you for something though, He does it completely, either in you or by supplying others that have that talent to help you.
Oh nice illustration & bringing out the similarities of Joseph & Jesus. I like it! Once again, you amaze me that you can get stuff out of those books! Once is enough for me.
ReplyDeleteAt the beginning of Nehemiah it is fall & he is praying for God to work, to show him favor through the king. It isn't until spring that it happens. Once again I'm shown patience and waiting for God to work on our behalf. I often think that if I pray, then I should naturally have when I think I need it. But God knows when I really need it and sees a way bigger picture than I do. Such an important lesson & yet one I struggle with constantly.
Just because God answered his prayer with the king, he didn't get all whiny (like me) when he met opposition in Jerusalem. He didn't expect smooth sailing all the way through, hence the armed guards that accompanied him. I always want the easy, smooth road & wonder if God is still leading me if I met with problems. Why do I think I'm better than Jesus? He met tons of problems and opposition and He was perfect!
Just because they knew there was a chance of fighting, they didn't stop their work, they just were prepared for either. They multi-tasked. Not a strong suit for me either. When God equips you for something though, He does it completely, either in you or by supplying others that have that talent to help you.
How come your post yesterday is a copy of my post? Weird.
ReplyDeleteI wonder who wrote Ps 137. Must have been a warrior from that last verse. Interesting that the Babylonians came & asked them to sing Jewish songs to them. Shows that they were searching. I can understand why it would depress the captives, but what a chance to witness. I often miss chances too because I get caught up in me. Another call to step back & see the bigger picture.
139:9 made me think of a song I haven't heard in years. Ride the Morning Winds.
v12 I have always liked to sit in darkness and be unobserved. I have always felt safer in the dark, where no one can see me to pick on me or make fun of me. I think that comes from never fitting in anywhere completely. The closer my relationship with Jesus has gotten the less that is an issue. I'm more content now because I know I am always in His Presence and He accepts me. I'm not trying to be someone I'm not to get approval from the people around me. God always saw me for who I was regardless. Awesome night vision!
After going through the minutia of how God was involved in my creation, how could I not end with v23,24? It's out of a grateful heart that David writes this. Nice that a man used the words anxious thoughts. Usually we just think it's a woman thing.
How many times do I cognizantly ask God, "is there anything I do that offends You? Tell me please." I might ask my earthly friends more & though that's not bad, I need to be that considerate of God as well. Especially if I consider Him my Best Friend!
O bother -- what happened yesterday was I read your post on my email and responded to that post (which is pointless -- it's a noreply) and then I copied and pasted to the blog; obviously I copied the wrong section!! and I really enjoyed some pieces of NEHEMIAH!!! Wish I could reonstruct it -- well maybe I can some pieces; I'll go back briefly:
ReplyDeleteI too noticed the time lag from late fall to early spring for the answer. N said grant me success today -- and the success came 4-6 months later; but maybe their weather is kindof like ours in some ways -- in which case, I'd rather start building in spring fall too!
I like how N stepped in boldly with more requests; not just going back, but letters of protection and then the kings trees. The king blessed him with that plus an armored guard -- when we see God moving, go for broke!!
I like how N assessed the situation before spreading his plan out b4 the leaders -- taking the night ride, seeing what was ahead of them. If unsure, it's a good thing to get as many facts as possible.
The people started out all enthusiastic - but then weariness and fear took over. N response: "Don't be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord who is great and glorious!" Not a bad philosophy for me!!
Wondering why the leaders were standing behind the workers during the building -- they should have been right in the front lines putting bricks in place:):)
and on to Psalms:
ReplyDelete137 sounds like a prophecy; had Jerusalem been captured by that point? I'm a bit shaky on the Jerusalem timeline. I wondered who wrote it as well. I was thinking Babylon came after Solomon's temple - - if so, this sounds like prophecy (didn't I just say that?)
I wonder what Jesus thought when he read 138:6 "Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud." It sounds like the way Jesus conducted his life on earth; hanging out with the very humble people on earth when he was here.
"The Lord will work out his plans for my life" Thanks Lord -- as I don't seem to be able to work them out. Nice to put that on your shoulders!!
You know what I am going to say even b4 I say it -- sorry Lord; my mouth gets me into SO much trouble -- you must cringe as you hear coming out of my mouth what you already know. On the flip side; when it's gratitude and praise, you get the joy of knowing that before hand too!!!
I can never escape from your Spirit! (I'm claiming that text for myself and my family today.
How precious are your thoughts about me. That would mean that you love me. Thank you dear Lord.
YES! I caught the word anxious too -- but I hadn't thought of that coming from a man; good catch!!
didn't we read about the tree staying where it falls somewhere else? or did I read the same thing twice?
ReplyDelete11:4 Take some risk -- I'm not real good at that!
Since chapter 12's advice on old age makes me weary -- I'll just finish with 11:1 "Light is sweet; how pleasant to see a new day dawning!"
Watch out day -- here I come! Lord open up the adventures for today!!
I remember reading that & I didn't read Ecc yesterday. That illustration must have been really important for Solomon to repeat it.
ReplyDeleteYou know, some define adventure as risky, that's a big step for you if you're asking God to give you risks today! What would happen if you prayed for God to give you risks? There's power in words & how they hit our souls isn't there? :)
Malachi - I like the question answer format. God asks great questions to our hearts. I realize here He is speaking to a nation, but I have to believe He was asking these questions to hearts more directly as well. People just weren't responding or listening.
I smiled at how God opens this prophecy by saying I love you so much I fight for you! I have to step back often and get a better perspective to see how much God fights for me and protects me. To start thanking Him for things in my life is how I start taking steps backward, out of the "me" zone and into the "Your" zone. Then it truly starts to become all about Him and I get easily overwhelmed by His majesty and wisdom. It enables me to once again bow at His feet and surrender my heart and my plans; to be the contented sheep at His feet in this pasture He has chosen for me.
All the disfigured, diseased, etc., sacrifices made me think of all my half-hearted service I offer God. Just throw something together or just show up (with attitude of course). There's always things I don't want to do, but I need to remember Who I'm doing them for. Once again a shift of my perspective.
In 2:10+ where God is talking about marrying non-believers, do you think there is a spiritual application as well? It just is on the edge of my brain but I can't quite make it out.
I'm thankful He ends it with a call for a heart change & returning to God. He is all about redeeming us. The change that He does in our hearts is radical at times, but we do serve a radical God. I think that scares us so much sometimes that we try to put Him in a box and control what we can't understand. God doesn't always make sense. Abraham sacrificing Isaac? But if I know His voice to me, then I know I must obey. He will make it plainer as I walk it out by faith. So much more to say there, but I'm already long-winded.
Hee hee! Perhaps it's too risky to ask God to bring risks into my life! Ahhhh -- no doubt that's the depth of what He's hoping to from me!
ReplyDeleteI love how God's questions are aimed at us bring Him our best; our very best. There were two words put together in the synopsis at the beginning of Malachi that I circled: "insincere worship" -- that plays out in so many aspects of our lives; from noncommittal and non-engaged church attendance to our offerings to time spent to not giving our best at our jobs or home life -- it all reflects on Him.
2:5 -- I know this is talking to the Levites; but I believe it's what he wants for all of us "life and peace"
I appreciate 2:12 for those that say it's all about God's mercy. There is a balance of mercy and justice "You havea wearied him by saying that all who do evil are good in the Lord's sight, and He is pleased with them. You have wearied Him by asking, "Where is the God of justice?"
interesting in 3:5 that adulterers and liars are lumped with sorcerers; the world today figures liars and adulterers are the norm -- pretty sad.
3:6 "I am the Lord, and I do not change" so these words really are for us:)
3:16 "the scroll of remembrance" don't we hear about that in God's second coming somewhere?
Yeah good thought about the spiritual marriages -- marrying what the Bible says with what man says? is that what you mean?
Hmmm, maybe that was it, I like how you put it - the spiritual marriages explanation. I guess we think we can make God more palatable to people.
ReplyDeleteI bet it was hard for Paul to not take charge of the situation in Ephesus when the people rioted. It's good that he took the counsel of others. When we've been used by God so powerfully, it's a temptation to think that we should handle every situation that comes up if it is related to what we've just been doing.
I see God reminding Paul here that He is in control and uses others as well. It's a subtle reminder to surrender, to be still and know that He is God. Watch what He will do for me.
A bit weird that after raising Eutychus they just went back to their meeting, but I guess what else are you going to do if the funeral has been postponed!
Interesting that John's baptism wasn't the correct baptism -- I wonder if all John's batizees had to be rebaptized. One, according to Paul was a public proclamation that you repented of your sins; the other was that you believed in Jesus - - wasn't John's dealing with belief in God? hmmmmm not sure; guess it doesn't matter.
ReplyDeletePaul left the synagogue when there was opposition and preached in a public place; maybe not a bad plan -- a public place puts you in the middle of your target audience as opposed to the audience that already believes in God -- but might be locked in insincere worship.
Awesome how God used the 7 sons to bring a solemn fear on the city of the power of God:) burnt their books -- that's active belief!
Really -- 19:25 -- it was all about the money
and how like us humans 18:32 "In fact, most of them didn't even know why they were there" follow the crowd -- listen up Linda -- understand WHY you agree or disagree with a viewpoint.
10:36 "an undeniable fact" hmmmm -- maybe not so different from the evolution theory today. Wish they'd get their "facts" straight!
The One thing you needed to hear (20:21) the necessity of repenting fro sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus Christ" There's the gospel in a nutshell!
I really love Paul's passion in 20 -- his life was worth nothing to him -- he had one passion, one goal; to point everyone to Jesus.
and I like his words in vs 52 "Now I entrust you to God and the message of His grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those He has set apart for Himself" Many times someone "moves on" either through a physical move, or death, or a change of life -- but when that happens, they simply have to trust the ones they leave behind to God -- knowing that His message and His Spirit will be the best guide and friend they every have or had:)