I love the roles that 1:2 laid out for us of the trinity: God chose us, the Spirit made us holy, Jesus cleansed us -- 3 parts, yet in the last phrase it puts their roles all together: may GOD give you more and more grace and peace.
I also love the reminder to keep our focus up and away from what happens here on this earth. "we live with great expectation and we have a priceless inheritance . . . kept in heaven. and 6: "Be truly glad. There is a wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while."
I'm thinking those trials Peter was talking about were physical trials, torture, being in prison, chased down -- at this point, we have trials as well -- but I think ours are more emotional trials (at least presently in the US) - mind games, distractions - - there are so many ways Satan can work.
Interesting little phrase that gives us insight into the angels in 12 "even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen"
Well -- maybe they had those emotional trials along with physical back then too; when you read 2:1 -- the evil behavior Peter cautions against isn't murder, adultery, stealing -- the obvious evils, rather it's the more subtle - hard to pin down evils that we are SO familiar with: deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, unkind speech.
It occurred to me that Jesus came face to face with the above evils in his life, especially in His trial -- He gave us an amazing example of God's way to deal with this evil.
There seems to be a big push by Peter to accept the authority that you are under; whether you're a citizen, a slave, a wife (btw, I appreciate 3:7 that says she is your equal partner, so maybe as with slavery, Peter had a better view of marriage, but he had to work with the culture) - - maybe this is all part of keeping your eyes up; learning to live, to find peace, to find surrender in your current situation - - I don't do well at this, yet He asks me to.
We get Peter's 3-liner gospel-in-a-nutshell in 3:18. Love it, but Chris or anybody else -- can you shed some light for me on what verse 19 & 20 is all about? Where did that come from? I "get it" from vs 21 on, but 19 and 20 don't seem to fit, I don't understand what happened there theologically -- do you have any light for me here??
The part that hit me as I read is what always does when I read this part of Peter. I think you should always get what you deserved. If you do well = praise/reward. If you do bad = discipline/punishment. Obviously, it doesn't always work like that. Peter steps on my toes every time, putting Christ before me as One who was never really treated as He deserved. Yet He didn't complain or quit or get mad or any of the reactions I tend to have. I've got a long way to go to be like Jesus, that's for sure!
Those verses are hard & depending on the version, it can be even harder. I know people take them out of context a lot & forget all the other Scripture that counters what they are trying to propose with those ones. I can't say I fully understand it myself, what Peter's trying to say here. Will have to spend some more time pondering it, praying & reading the context to get the idea.
So last night I got my early Christmas present from P & K (THE VOICE!!) Looked up the Peter text - still confusing, so Chris - let's process that some next time we're sitting down at the house and do some brainstorming with Him:)
In 10:4 the word Commandment had an astric and it said the translation was "word" then I was thinking how the Word became flesh -- and was thinking how the 10 Commandments embody what God is all about; love for each element of God (thinking of the shack) and love fore each element He creates - pure, unselfish, good love.
10:12-13 is another look at what the Lord requires from us, similar to Micah 6:8 - - I can find the part about doing justly and walking humbly with God -- but hard to squeeze out where the loving mercy comes - - although a few verses later it talks about God's mercy.
in the first part of 11 it seems like witnessing God's miracles and care raises the bar on faith and obedience. Since the children hadn't experienced it, Moses wasn't talking to them -- however, it was the parents duty then to pass on what they could; it would be only words instead of experience - - hmmm.
I simply get the impression that Moses is serious, passionate about his peeps and their choice 11:26. He says obey and live in so many ways from so many directions -- he'd do the same for us I'm sure; maybe he does -- no doubt he is rooting for us from up above.
Apparently most of the OT kings did not read 12:2,3 -- a few did, but most of them failed to read the ways of success.
I love the call the rest in 12:9 & 10 -- I see that same call that we have not yet arrived as an illustration of the rest we will enter in Heaven, and a rest we can weekly enter as we experience Sabbath. Sweet!
Very nice present! I read it in TV as well yesterday & it was less than enlightening. I'll take your comments on Duet today as I'm going to read in the fear book. :)
Amazing that a little 8 year old boy, that knew nothing of Godly leadership, would change the course of a whole nation by taking God seriously. I would like to meet his mother someday; she must have been very focused and careful in the way she raised him. It will be wonderful, when we get to heaven to sit down and hear Josiah's story.
He was 16 when he began to seek God -- amazing, after 8 years of powerful kingship. It seems power corrupts quickly - but it was different for Josiah. He trusted his people (with money) he sacrificed gladly to God with his own money, he took God's word seriously, not only choosing to follow it himself -- but requiring (and that's an interesting concept of church and state) people to follow God.
I wonder where they had been keeping the ark up until this point (35:3)
What a time of recommitment and joy it must have been at that Passover - - back to their roots - back to remembering His care for their ancestors, coming out of Egypt. It must have been a sweet sorrow for God, as He knew it wouldn't last -- but sweet for the moment.
It is obvious that Josiah was loved. The people took such good care of him when he was wounded and were so sad when He died. I wonder if Jeremiah's Book of Laments is our Lamentations?
Things sure went downhill from there -- only 3 kings left before the Babylonians made their final statement. God warned, the people ignored and did what they wanted to do; sounds strangely familiar to our present day.
Twice in the last 2 chapters of this book, foreign kings talk about how God has spoken to or used them (both Neco and Cyrus) He is the God of the world - - He will work with anyone who respects and honors Him.
36:21 The land finally enjoyed its Sabbath rest, lying desolate until the seventy years were fulfilled". I find this statement interesting, as I'm reading a book on Sabbath right now - - and how it means sooo much more than "church" God is the God of the earth -- everything in it, even the earth.
I get the 2 boy kings mixed up a lot but it seems like they both had a heart for God when they started. Josiah seems pretty even throughout his reign BUT he seems to think that God is only with him. At least that's what I get from the reading. He doesn't listen when Neco tells him to go home. He has no quarrel with Josiah.
I don't know what counsel J listened to, we're not told here, but it wasn't good counsel! I see that temptation a lot. To think that God is only speaking to a select few or even to myself. I have to constantly remind myself that God has children everywhere that He is talking to. The missionary book I just finished is a perfect example. God spoke to her, just like He speaks to me. He wants to be & is intimately connected with His children everywhere - if we let Him. If we seek Him, He promises to be found by us, not just me or a specific church.
Sometimes, as you pointed out, He even speaks to those outside of church as we know it, to accomplish His purpose. So important to know His voice to me, so I recognize when He says to stop or to go. However, that being said, I do think that sometimes He is silent because if we knew what was coming, we'd lose heart. At times, more has been accomplished by a person's death than his/her life. And deep down inside of us is always the will to live, to struggle, to do it the best way for me.
Help me surrender Lord. To whatever Your will is for me.
Learning to ENJOY the fruits of your labor instead of feeling guilty for the blessings God has given us is an interesting thought -- and one that needs balance for sure. Part of enjoying them is in sharing them; in being generous -- in fact, I think that's the key to enjoying them! Any experience is more rich when shared.
It's true in 13:3 -- who could survive if He kept a list of our wrongs; especially since He can see right to the heart where nothing is hidden! It's only because He offers forgiveness that we can count on him. When He looks at our list, it is totally wiped clean by the blood of the One that took the hit for my sins. Not only does David count on the Lord, but he LONGS for the Lord -- there is no entitlement involved here -- it is a total love / faithfulness relationship.
Enjoy vs guilt. Very well put. Sometimes I know I have thought God was waiting, to see if I would enjoy something before He whipped it out from underneath me to watch my disappointed reaction. Now I know, that's what satan likes/wants to do, not God.
129:1,2 repeats twice that he's been persecuted by enemies BUT v2 ends with they've never defeated me! v3 says he's covered in wounds, painful ones but God set him free from ungodly people. Sometimes, ending bad relationships is painful & we get hurt, maybe even physically as we pull away, BUT freedom from the wrong is worth it. And it helps us remember the pain enough, not to go back....hopefully anyway. Sometimes we/I can be pretty stupid.
I too was thankful as I read 130:3. No way I'd survive. I want to substitute the word "grateful" for fear at the end of this verse. We need to learn true gratefulness. We such a selfish people. I know I am.
Love the promise in 8 of redeeming us from every sin. There is nothing His grace can not forgive. No one His blood has not bought. It was a complete & efficient sacrifice once & for all. Thank Jesus, thank you my Father, thank you Holy Spirit for always reminding me of Your complete & total love for me.
As you enter the house of God (I think of that as His presence -- way larger concept than church) keep your ears open and your mouth shut. This is such good advice for me.
Too much activity gives you restless dreams; I experienced that this week with the constant barrage of activity in FL -- I'd much rather have a quiet evening at home!
Some really good advice on the futility of wealth and chasing dreams. I love the way he wraps it up in 6:9 "Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don't have." I don't think that means you shouldn't work for and try out new experiences, but to live in a state of contentment - - that's true joy, takes all stress out of life, allows me to lay down in the pasture, soak up the sun and listen to the stream burblin' by! My Shepherd is near - watching out for me!
I just noticed this last night but you spelled He Reigns without the "g". Yesterday & today I've been meditating on the verses of John 10, Ps 23 & Matt 11:28-30. These verses talk about how much God is in control and remind me not to choose to be independent from Him. To take His yoke on me as it's not stressful like the world's.
Meditating on that again, when I saw the "reins", it hit me, if I let Him, He does "rein" also. I want to give Him the reins of my life so He can rain His HS on me & I can surrender more deeply that He will truly reign in my whole heart. He is complete.
Started Jesus Calling as well & yesterday it was telling me to rest in His Presence & not hurry my time with Him. So I didn't go to work as early as I wanted to & it was better that I didn't.
Today it was on His Peace & Presence, they are inseparable. And not to be weighed down by problems & unresolved issues. I have a ton of those staring me in the face today. But I prayed & surrendered them before I even opened the book. I asked God to give me wisdom & understanding & most of all trust that He is in control. And then I read that. AND then He resolved one of them for me. I love it!
He is an Awesome God, no matter what happens today, He's already seen it & been there AND is willing to go there again with me as I walk through it. He's not bored with repeats.
He invited me to be refreshed in His Presence today. I accept. You renew me Lord, You restore me, You truly complete me. Thank You!
First things first; or -- seek ye first the Kingdom of God. That's the message I get from Haggai.
Seems like the people decided to build up their own homes first, and leave whatever energy, funds, and enthusiasm was left for God's temple.
It was wonderful to hear how, with Haggai's message, the "whole remnant of God's people began to obey the message from the Lord" the LISTENED! AWESOME! It was also exciting to read how the Lord "sparked the enthusiams of Zerubbabel (the leader) and the whole remnant of God's people" Pretty exciting, that when we obey -- he can even tweak our emotions! Thank you thank you Lord -- it's so GREAT to have you in control (that would be the reins!!) PS -- loved how my wonderful spelling skills gave you food for thought this am!LOL
2:9 The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory. The past glory was beautiful in man's eyes -- but the present glory would surpass the past, because of the physical presence of Jesus. I've met people like that -- beautiful on the outside, but empty. I've met other people that may not be as gorgeous on the outside, but their beauty surpasses anything I've known before -- and with them, I feel at peace (compare vs 9) that is because of the physical presence of God in their lives.
What struck me in Chap 1 of Haggai was that it was because of the "Christians" in the land not living their faith that God said the disasters where happening on the earth.
We think it's all the bad stuff happening & while that does play into it, think of it if we all lived what we say we believe. The world would be turned on it's ear AND, AAANNNDDD, we'd hear from God "...I am with you"! Just like the people got the message when they turned back to God. What a revival!
Has to start with me first. Surrender to win! And like you said, God can change our emotions, we just have to give them to Him to change. Make the choice, God supplies the power, the miracles.
All the promises of God pouring out on them/us when they/we obey! Like Malachi says in Chap 4 to test God's word, His promise to dump on us when we give all of ourselves to Him.
And what a neat thing for Z to hear...from God Himself, "I have chosen you" Wow & WOW! I love to hear God's voice to me when He says things like that!
Again in Acts we see how the HS doesn't just speak to a selected few. Otherwise, we would put those people on a pedestal or if it was us, we would get proud. Saul/Barnabas are set apart after the HS speaks to a group of leaders. Wisdom in counsel. It's good to get other's input. I realize there are times when the counsel we get is contrary to the explicit Word of God & then we can ignore it, but it is good to seek counsel from godly people. Not just people in power positions.
Paul didn't speak to Elymas until after the HS instructed him to do so. Very important to be led by the true Spirit & not the spirit of frustration, which is what I follow a lot of times.
Pride rising up, always a danger when we get hit close to home. So important for me to stay surrendered to God so I don't defend myself. I let God do that.
Satan tried flattery & then persecution to try and discourage P n B. They were so surrendered to the HS though, that they were only joyful. Satan has no scruples so he tries anything & every angle to get us to fall. Only God's saving & protecting grace keeps us.
I also see the wisdom in the HS speaking to a group of leaders at the beginning when P n B were sent out as when the reports came back they could praise God instead of pride/jealously being tempted to rise up. Since this wasn't done in Jerusalem but in Antioch, the leaders in Jerusalem do get a bit put out & cause some trouble as we'll see next week. :D
I think there is nothing that gets up God's hackles up as much as when someone tries to prevent the Holy Spirit from doing His job. It seems that is what happened to Elymas! I bet old E wishes he could have a redo!!
I was also thinking about sourcerers. It seems like someone possessed has a weird look in their eyes -- Saul, filled with the H.S. looked the sorcerer in the eye -- it was as if he was speaking right to the devil.
When Paul preached in Antioch -- he mentioned that the Israelite story up until Cannan took on 450 years; man - thats twice as long as the life of the U.S.
Paul was a master at weaving in the big names of heritage; David, John the Baptist, Abraham -- he really pulled out all the stops. But very exciting that the people begged them to come back next week -- and the entire city showed; soo -- the good old Devil worked with the big J word; blah -- jealousy, it just stinks.
And the Lystra crowd shows why Jesus could not put his trust in man -- we are SO fickle; one minute worshiping, the next minute cursing -- what a motley crew humanity is. It really shows that Paul and Barnabus have focused on the One thing -- that their whole goal is so totally to promote Jesus, they take no thought for themselves, as you said Chris -- there is HOPE if we ask for the Holy Spirit to take control.
P And B didn't promise the new believers a bed of roses; "we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God" But you know what -- seems like life where we struggle is more precious to us than life handed to us.
I love the roles that 1:2 laid out for us of the trinity: God chose us, the Spirit made us holy, Jesus cleansed us -- 3 parts, yet in the last phrase it puts their roles all together: may GOD give you more and more grace and peace.
ReplyDeleteI also love the reminder to keep our focus up and away from what happens here on this earth. "we live with great expectation and we have a priceless inheritance . . . kept in heaven. and 6: "Be truly glad. There is a wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while."
I'm thinking those trials Peter was talking about were physical trials, torture, being in prison, chased down -- at this point, we have trials as well -- but I think ours are more emotional trials (at least presently in the US) - mind games, distractions - - there are so many ways Satan can work.
Interesting little phrase that gives us insight into the angels in 12 "even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen"
Well -- maybe they had those emotional trials along with physical back then too; when you read 2:1 -- the evil behavior Peter cautions against isn't murder, adultery, stealing -- the obvious evils, rather it's the more subtle - hard to pin down evils that we are SO familiar with: deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, unkind speech.
It occurred to me that Jesus came face to face with the above evils in his life, especially in His trial -- He gave us an amazing example of God's way to deal with this evil.
There seems to be a big push by Peter to accept the authority that you are under; whether you're a citizen, a slave, a wife (btw, I appreciate 3:7 that says she is your equal partner, so maybe as with slavery, Peter had a better view of marriage, but he had to work with the culture) - - maybe this is all part of keeping your eyes up; learning to live, to find peace, to find surrender in your current situation - - I don't do well at this, yet He asks me to.
We get Peter's 3-liner gospel-in-a-nutshell in 3:18. Love it, but Chris or anybody else -- can you shed some light for me on what verse 19 & 20 is all about? Where did that come from? I "get it" from vs 21 on, but 19 and 20 don't seem to fit, I don't understand what happened there theologically -- do you have any light for me here??
The part that hit me as I read is what always does when I read this part of Peter. I think you should always get what you deserved. If you do well = praise/reward. If you do bad = discipline/punishment. Obviously, it doesn't always work like that. Peter steps on my toes every time, putting Christ before me as One who was never really treated as He deserved. Yet He didn't complain or quit or get mad or any of the reactions I tend to have. I've got a long way to go to be like Jesus, that's for sure!
ReplyDeleteThose verses are hard & depending on the version, it can be even harder. I know people take them out of context a lot & forget all the other Scripture that counters what they are trying to propose with those ones. I can't say I fully understand it myself, what Peter's trying to say here. Will have to spend some more time pondering it, praying & reading the context to get the idea.
So last night I got my early Christmas present from P & K (THE VOICE!!) Looked up the Peter text - still confusing, so Chris - let's process that some next time we're sitting down at the house and do some brainstorming with Him:)
ReplyDeleteIn 10:4 the word Commandment had an astric and it said the translation was "word" then I was thinking how the Word became flesh -- and was thinking how the 10 Commandments embody what God is all about; love for each element of God (thinking of the shack) and love fore each element He creates - pure, unselfish, good love.
10:12-13 is another look at what the Lord requires from us, similar to Micah 6:8 - - I can find the part about doing justly and walking humbly with God -- but hard to squeeze out where the loving mercy comes - - although a few verses later it talks about God's mercy.
in the first part of 11 it seems like witnessing God's miracles and care raises the bar on faith and obedience. Since the children hadn't experienced it, Moses wasn't talking to them -- however, it was the parents duty then to pass on what they could; it would be only words instead of experience - - hmmm.
I simply get the impression that Moses is serious, passionate about his peeps and their choice 11:26. He says obey and live in so many ways from so many directions -- he'd do the same for us I'm sure; maybe he does -- no doubt he is rooting for us from up above.
Apparently most of the OT kings did not read 12:2,3 -- a few did, but most of them failed to read the ways of success.
I love the call the rest in 12:9 & 10 -- I see that same call that we have not yet arrived as an illustration of the rest we will enter in Heaven, and a rest we can weekly enter as we experience Sabbath. Sweet!
Very nice present! I read it in TV as well yesterday & it was less than enlightening. I'll take your comments on Duet today as I'm going to read in the fear book. :)
ReplyDeleteAmazing that a little 8 year old boy, that knew nothing of Godly leadership, would change the course of a whole nation by taking God seriously. I would like to meet his mother someday; she must have been very focused and careful in the way she raised him. It will be wonderful, when we get to heaven to sit down and hear Josiah's story.
ReplyDeleteHe was 16 when he began to seek God -- amazing, after 8 years of powerful kingship. It seems power corrupts quickly - but it was different for Josiah. He trusted his people (with money) he sacrificed gladly to God with his own money, he took God's word seriously, not only choosing to follow it himself -- but requiring (and that's an interesting concept of church and state) people to follow God.
I wonder where they had been keeping the ark up until this point (35:3)
What a time of recommitment and joy it must have been at that Passover - - back to their roots - back to remembering His care for their ancestors, coming out of Egypt. It must have been a sweet sorrow for God, as He knew it wouldn't last -- but sweet for the moment.
It is obvious that Josiah was loved. The people took such good care of him when he was wounded and were so sad when He died. I wonder if Jeremiah's Book of Laments is our Lamentations?
Things sure went downhill from there -- only 3 kings left before the Babylonians made their final statement. God warned, the people ignored and did what they wanted to do; sounds strangely familiar to our present day.
Twice in the last 2 chapters of this book, foreign kings talk about how God has spoken to or used them (both Neco and Cyrus) He is the God of the world - - He will work with anyone who respects and honors Him.
36:21 The land finally enjoyed its Sabbath rest, lying desolate until the seventy years were fulfilled". I find this statement interesting, as I'm reading a book on Sabbath right now - - and how it means sooo much more than "church" God is the God of the earth -- everything in it, even the earth.
I get the 2 boy kings mixed up a lot but it seems like they both had a heart for God when they started. Josiah seems pretty even throughout his reign BUT he seems to think that God is only with him. At least that's what I get from the reading. He doesn't listen when Neco tells him to go home. He has no quarrel with Josiah.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what counsel J listened to, we're not told here, but it wasn't good counsel! I see that temptation a lot. To think that God is only speaking to a select few or even to myself. I have to constantly remind myself that God has children everywhere that He is talking to. The missionary book I just finished is a perfect example. God spoke to her, just like He speaks to me. He wants to be & is intimately connected with His children everywhere - if we let Him. If we seek Him, He promises to be found by us, not just me or a specific church.
Sometimes, as you pointed out, He even speaks to those outside of church as we know it, to accomplish His purpose. So important to know His voice to me, so I recognize when He says to stop or to go. However, that being said, I do think that sometimes He is silent because if we knew what was coming, we'd lose heart. At times, more has been accomplished by a person's death than his/her life. And deep down inside of us is always the will to live, to struggle, to do it the best way for me.
Help me surrender Lord. To whatever Your will is for me.
Learning to ENJOY the fruits of your labor instead of feeling guilty for the blessings God has given us is an interesting thought -- and one that needs balance for sure. Part of enjoying them is in sharing them; in being generous -- in fact, I think that's the key to enjoying them! Any experience is more rich when shared.
ReplyDeleteIt's true in 13:3 -- who could survive if He kept a list of our wrongs; especially since He can see right to the heart where nothing is hidden! It's only because He offers forgiveness that we can count on him. When He looks at our list, it is totally wiped clean by the blood of the One that took the hit for my sins. Not only does David count on the Lord, but he LONGS for the Lord -- there is no entitlement involved here -- it is a total love / faithfulness relationship.
Enjoy vs guilt. Very well put. Sometimes I know I have thought God was waiting, to see if I would enjoy something before He whipped it out from underneath me to watch my disappointed reaction. Now I know, that's what satan likes/wants to do, not God.
ReplyDelete129:1,2 repeats twice that he's been persecuted by enemies BUT v2 ends with they've never defeated me! v3 says he's covered in wounds, painful ones but God set him free from ungodly people. Sometimes, ending bad relationships is painful & we get hurt, maybe even physically as we pull away, BUT freedom from the wrong is worth it. And it helps us remember the pain enough, not to go back....hopefully anyway. Sometimes we/I can be pretty stupid.
I too was thankful as I read 130:3. No way I'd survive. I want to substitute the word "grateful" for fear at the end of this verse. We need to learn true gratefulness. We such a selfish people. I know I am.
Love the promise in 8 of redeeming us from every sin. There is nothing His grace can not forgive. No one His blood has not bought. It was a complete & efficient sacrifice once & for all. Thank Jesus, thank you my Father, thank you Holy Spirit for always reminding me of Your complete & total love for me.
As you enter the house of God (I think of that as His presence -- way larger concept than church) keep your ears open and your mouth shut. This is such good advice for me.
ReplyDeleteToo much activity gives you restless dreams; I experienced that this week with the constant barrage of activity in FL -- I'd much rather have a quiet evening at home!
Some really good advice on the futility of wealth and chasing dreams. I love the way he wraps it up in 6:9 "Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don't have." I don't think that means you shouldn't work for and try out new experiences, but to live in a state of contentment - - that's true joy, takes all stress out of life, allows me to lay down in the pasture, soak up the sun and listen to the stream burblin' by! My Shepherd is near - watching out for me!
I just noticed this last night but you spelled He Reigns without the "g". Yesterday & today I've been meditating on the verses of John 10, Ps 23 & Matt 11:28-30. These verses talk about how much God is in control and remind me not to choose to be independent from Him. To take His yoke on me as it's not stressful like the world's.
ReplyDeleteMeditating on that again, when I saw the "reins", it hit me, if I let Him, He does "rein" also. I want to give Him the reins of my life so He can rain His HS on me & I can surrender more deeply that He will truly reign in my whole heart. He is complete.
Started Jesus Calling as well & yesterday it was telling me to rest in His Presence & not hurry my time with Him. So I didn't go to work as early as I wanted to & it was better that I didn't.
Today it was on His Peace & Presence, they are inseparable. And not to be weighed down by problems & unresolved issues. I have a ton of those staring me in the face today. But I prayed & surrendered them before I even opened the book. I asked God to give me wisdom & understanding & most of all trust that He is in control. And then I read that. AND then He resolved one of them for me. I love it!
He is an Awesome God, no matter what happens today, He's already seen it & been there AND is willing to go there again with me as I walk through it. He's not bored with repeats.
He invited me to be refreshed in His Presence today. I accept. You renew me Lord, You restore me, You truly complete me. Thank You!
First things first; or -- seek ye first the Kingdom of God. That's the message I get from Haggai.
ReplyDeleteSeems like the people decided to build up their own homes first, and leave whatever energy, funds, and enthusiasm was left for God's temple.
It was wonderful to hear how, with Haggai's message, the "whole remnant of God's people began to obey the message from the Lord" the LISTENED! AWESOME! It was also exciting to read how the Lord "sparked the enthusiams of Zerubbabel (the leader) and the whole remnant of God's people" Pretty exciting, that when we obey -- he can even tweak our emotions! Thank you thank you Lord -- it's so GREAT to have you in control (that would be the reins!!) PS -- loved how my wonderful spelling skills gave you food for thought this am!LOL
2:9 The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory. The past glory was beautiful in man's eyes -- but the present glory would surpass the past, because of the physical presence of Jesus. I've met people like that -- beautiful on the outside, but empty. I've met other people that may not be as gorgeous on the outside, but their beauty surpasses anything I've known before -- and with them, I feel at peace (compare vs 9) that is because of the physical presence of God in their lives.
hmmm, good thoughts on Haggai, perhaps I shall read that tonight as I unwind. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhat struck me in Chap 1 of Haggai was that it was because of the "Christians" in the land not living their faith that God said the disasters where happening on the earth.
ReplyDeleteWe think it's all the bad stuff happening & while that does play into it, think of it if we all lived what we say we believe. The world would be turned on it's ear AND, AAANNNDDD, we'd hear from God "...I am with you"! Just like the people got the message when they turned back to God. What a revival!
Has to start with me first. Surrender to win! And like you said, God can change our emotions, we just have to give them to Him to change. Make the choice, God supplies the power, the miracles.
All the promises of God pouring out on them/us when they/we obey! Like Malachi says in Chap 4 to test God's word, His promise to dump on us when we give all of ourselves to Him.
And what a neat thing for Z to hear...from God Himself, "I have chosen you" Wow & WOW! I love to hear God's voice to me when He says things like that!
Again in Acts we see how the HS doesn't just speak to a selected few. Otherwise, we would put those people on a pedestal or if it was us, we would get proud. Saul/Barnabas are set apart after the HS speaks to a group of leaders. Wisdom in counsel. It's good to get other's input. I realize there are times when the counsel we get is contrary to the explicit Word of God & then we can ignore it, but it is good to seek counsel from godly people. Not just people in power positions.
ReplyDeletePaul didn't speak to Elymas until after the HS instructed him to do so. Very important to be led by the true Spirit & not the spirit of frustration, which is what I follow a lot of times.
Pride rising up, always a danger when we get hit close to home. So important for me to stay surrendered to God so I don't defend myself. I let God do that.
Satan tried flattery & then persecution to try and discourage P n B. They were so surrendered to the HS though, that they were only joyful. Satan has no scruples so he tries anything & every angle to get us to fall. Only God's saving & protecting grace keeps us.
I also see the wisdom in the HS speaking to a group of leaders at the beginning when P n B were sent out as when the reports came back they could praise God instead of pride/jealously being tempted to rise up. Since this wasn't done in Jerusalem but in Antioch, the leaders in Jerusalem do get a bit put out & cause some trouble as we'll see next week. :D
I think there is nothing that gets up God's hackles up as much as when someone tries to prevent the Holy Spirit from doing His job. It seems that is what happened to Elymas! I bet old E wishes he could have a redo!!
ReplyDeleteI was also thinking about sourcerers. It seems like someone possessed has a weird look in their eyes -- Saul, filled with the H.S. looked the sorcerer in the eye -- it was as if he was speaking right to the devil.
When Paul preached in Antioch -- he mentioned that the Israelite story up until Cannan took on 450 years; man - thats twice as long as the life of the U.S.
Paul was a master at weaving in the big names of heritage; David, John the Baptist, Abraham -- he really pulled out all the stops. But very exciting that the people begged them to come back next week -- and the entire city showed; soo -- the good old Devil worked with the big J word; blah -- jealousy, it just stinks.
And the Lystra crowd shows why Jesus could not put his trust in man -- we are SO fickle; one minute worshiping, the next minute cursing -- what a motley crew humanity is. It really shows that Paul and Barnabus have focused on the One thing -- that their whole goal is so totally to promote Jesus, they take no thought for themselves, as you said Chris -- there is HOPE if we ask for the Holy Spirit to take control.
P And B didn't promise the new believers a bed of roses; "we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God" But you know what -- seems like life where we struggle is more precious to us than life handed to us.