Jude was all excited about sharing good stuff with his people -- but instead had to send a warning; that's a bummer for him.
people that say God's marvelous grace allows them to live immoral lives - - not so terribly unusual today; but immorality can take many forms, and this message is for me as well as the next person.
The warning is stern, reminding us that even angels need to live in the limits of God's loving authority. And if you have dreams that take you out of God's boundaries - - beware beware
And here is another thing to consider; these people are grumblers and complainers; living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want; along with creating divisions among the believers - - my question is, do we ever step in to say you need to leave, or do we let God handle this in his own time (when coming across these people -- I know quite a few people who spend their waking moments grumbling and complaining - - I just try to ignore them)
To me -- here is where I need to put my energies: But you must build each other up, pray in the power of the HOly Spirit and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus (so this indicates I need to leave it in the Lord's hands and not become involved - - whew! glad for that)
Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering and rescue others - - mercy mercy mercy is his cry. What does mercy look like to you?
And thanks to God who is able to keep me from falling away (because I tend to swerve off the road at every turn) and will bring me with great joy intho his glorious presence WITHOUT A SINGLE FAULT - - - now THAT is mercy, because I am filled to the brim with faults. Lord Thank you thank you! Help me to be that merciful to the people next to me!
I read it in TV again. I was thinking of when Paul rebuked people, like the magician's girl (I think it was her). It says that he endured it for a while but then when he did rebuke, he was full of the HS. Sometimes, letting God take care of it means He uses people in authority to deal with it. But always be led by the HS. Again, shows me the importance of knowing God's voice to me so I don't just deal with them because of my irritation.
22 says to keep being kind to those that waver in this faith. I know I tend to grow impatient with myself & others, but God's mercy never gives up on me. How can I so easily give up on others if I'm connect to the Vine?
v23 "...despising every garment defiled by the weakness of human flesh" The only garment I could think of was our righteousness vs God's. In our humanness we tend to try & create our own righteousness - totally impossible.
The songs of Moses is all about the love and faithfulness of God - - the writers of the Bible cannot stress that enough -- something I think they want us to soak in.
As we, the twisted people -- realize our weakness and where our strength really comes from - He is able to work -- in 33:29 it says "He is your protecting sheild and your triumphant sword" in other words, He is our our defense and our offense. We simply need to stick with Him -- trust Him.
The song of Moses ends with "He will avenge the blood of His servants . . He will repay those who hate Him and cleanse the land for His people" Thinking now of Revelation and the "How Long" question -- it really WILL be a song we sing. No more school shootings, no more 911, no more terrorist threats -- He will cleanse the land; a new heaven and a new earth -- what a Song of triumph; nothing we have done, all about what He has done!
It is a very tender story, Moses last day on earth. The Lord showed Him; I picture God sitting next to Moses on a rock up on the mountain, pointing out the different areas where the people would settle, pointing out some of the major rivers, the forests, the pasturelands, the vineyards, and then Moses (33:27) feeling His everlasting arms under you -- as Moses leaned into those arms and died. I wonder if God cried as He buried Moses -- even though He knew what the outcome would be, no doubt it was hard for him to experience Moses disappointment. I think Moses disappointment over not entering the land was not as great as his disappointment that he had not remained faithful to God at Meribah - -
I'm glad we know the end of Moses -- and what HOPE that gives us, even tho we have not always remained faithful. God HAS shown us a better land, He DOES carry us, we CAN lean on Him, He WILL fight for us -- as He did for Moses body, even once Moses was dead! Our God IS faithful -- what a message of encouragement on this last day of the year.
Enjoyed that picture of Moses in God's arms. And I needed, really I always need, the reminder of God fighting for me. And the rest of that verse says to remain calm, hold your peace, be still. Don't respond with emotion or because you are provoked into fear. Good, good reminders.
JC was a reminder to always be searching for God, to go deeper. Ps 27:8 in NLT says My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”
God always wants to be involved, yet I so easily push Him into the background when I get caught up in things. I'm learning how to just listen to Him in the commotion, the bustle, the attitudes around me & be at Peace. Because truly, if He is with me, I always have Peace as that is His very Presence. Acceptance is my part.
Yes - having peace in His presence fits right in with remain calm, hold your peace, be still -- I think I detect a theme; His will for us has that foundation of peace.
Are you going to do the read through again next year? I'm going to do it with my new version; would love to have you on the journey again - but no worries if you want something new:) I'm thinking of putting the invitation out there on facebook - but I don't expect a big response; although you never know -- maybe it could be just one person that needs the journey!!
Finished Esther today; if you'll remember -- I assigned different people as illustrations of the controversy between good and evil. Xerxes is humanity, Mordecai is Father God, Esther is Jesus, Haman is Satan
So we pick up the story in 6 with the unrest of the world (Xerxes can't sleep) Satan is right there to suggest evil, but instead of Satan's evil plans happening, God is revealed through his book of history (Bible) -- God is honored!
Jesus (Esther) pleads for his us (jews) and Satan is finally destroyed. The land that Satan had occupied, was given to Jesus.
8:1 Then Mordecai was brought before the king, for Esther had told the king how they were related" (My Father and I are one!)
Evil is totally destroyed -- Haman (Satan) and his 10 sons (Satan's angels and followers) and then there is a celebration (heaven) where all is peace and security (9:30) God wins, Satan is foiled - - forever (9:28 "This Festival of Purim would never cease to be celebrated . . . nor would the memory of what happened ever die out)
I can see some of the symbolism you assigned. Where do you figure Haman honoring Mordecai fits in though? Bowing the knee at the end of the world? Doesn't fit chronologically, but sometimes symbolism isn't always perfect, but there are some parallel themes that you brought out that are good.
I think it's interesting that Haman's family realizes that God is fighting for His people & THEN finally have the courage to tell him, ah - your plan's no good. Don't do it! Yes "men" for sure!
Another great look into how God does work in our behalf, even though we don't always see it happening before our eyes & right when we want it. I always am surprised when God opens my eyes to the fact that I've once again honed into my little world & need to see the big picture again. Must be that selfish part that such a part of our fallen nature.
As for next year, I believe I will do the plan again, sorta like I did this year. I will be using The Voice translation as well (just got it yesterday). Always good to be in the Word. When I need something else (like on Mondays after Genesis is done), then I will read something else.
I really enjoy seeing what God is sharing with other's as well, the more the merrier! It's neat to see the HS guide those that seek with teachable hearts.
Does it say praise the Lord with a new song because His mercies are new every morning? If we have a true relationship with Him, aren't we going to be continually growing? So there's always something He & I are working on & I can praise Him as I overcome different things & grow in different areas. Honestly though, sometimes I feel like I'm going over the same ground again, but at a deeper level.
It's like hiking a familiar trail & discovering something new each time. Whether a different bird or a flower in spot I hadn't seen before; a different view/peak.
The last verses of 149 don't seem to be very happy. I don't really want to be involved with meting out punishment on people. Humans just like me. To me it doesn't seem a privilege. I think I'll let the Type A people do that.
150 is a big Praise concert! Can't wait to be in a real worship service in heaven. I won't have to close my eyes to see Him & sing to Him.
149:2 Rejoice in your Maker! I do a lot of rejoicing over "stuff" but that is soo shallow -- the real JOY comes in the one who made me, knows me, wants to spend time with me, talk to me, listen to me. Real JOY comes from relationships that are deep and meaningful, that have stood the test of time, that are give and take and take and give; and THAT is why I can find JOY in and REJOICE in my Maker!
Hmmm -- I don't often lie on my bed and sing for joy (vs 5) maybe I'll have to give that a try tonight! Maybe that also refers to when you are sick along with resting?
Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! That's pretty much everything that's alive! I love hearing the birds sing out for no reason at all, other than life! I love watching Toby play in the snow with a big doggy grin; I think nature gets it so much easier than us "intelligent" beings -- bother; maybe we'd do a lot better if we simply praised instead of trying to figure every little detail of life out!!!
You're on your own with SoS today. I am still mulling over what I'm reading in Hinds Feet as I go over that again. Very good to read that now. It is pretty amazing how Self-Pity, Bitterness & Resentment pop their ugly heads up when you're in a valley. Or when you're in the foggy rains of winter in Longview. I am grateful that it has been less than the last 2 years though.
Also read a bit in DJ - more about resting (read waiting) in Jesus & the HS. Not forging out on my own trail or "saving" anyone. Just listening, resting, waiting & learning.
Ha ha! Thanks a lot Chris!!! OK - not much for me in SOS today; but I did notice that the lover seemed to look his lovee down and up -- piece by piece. Do I take that much notice of my God? Does He take that much notice of me -- or do I just take Him for granted.
Also -- 8:1 no one would criticize me for loving my God -- how often does that happen these days. Remember there are 2 things you never bring up; politics and religion. How sad that religion / God-topics have become taboo.
Finally -- very funny that the last verse fits with where you are right now Chris: "Be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices!! sounds very Hinds feety to me!
So I too jumped over to DJ -- loved it; read it outside in the misty sunshine.
:Marvel at the awesome wonder of being able to commune with the King of the universe any time, any place. Never take this amazing privilege for granted!"
"I confess that often I do take this awesome prayer-privilege for granted. Even worse, at times I act as if I'm doing You a favor by spending time talking with You."
Those words hit home to me -- and another reason I believe God sent the Lincoln Brewster song to me through you today Chris -- Marvelous, Amazing - that HE would be interested in ME. That I wouldn't consider it a privilege to spend time with HIM - - I have such a long long way to go on this love path to my Creator, my King, my Shepherd.
Well you know very well that SoS is quoted through out Hinds Feet. I find that I skip over it though. It's from the KJV & I don't like the Shakespearian English.
Was reading the chapter of the Valley of Loss this a.m. You get to wrap up Rev by yourself too. But it is a happy ending! :D
I was thinking that what we lose, as we surrender to Jesus, is what we don't need & won't be accepted into heaven. We always think of loss as a negative thing, something to be mourned. But really, the only people who mourn the loss are those that aren't tuned to heaven, to spiritual things. That's why sometimes, change is good. In friends, family and work.
The other thing brought out in this chapter is the determination of Jesus to purify every defect from us. Love is determined to recreate us in His image. Not covering up what the world has made us, but destroying that & restoring us to His original plan.
Also, the major victories in our lives are between us & God alone, no other human witnesses. We can share them with each other & it definitely encourages us as we do share BUT no one can really, truly, emphasize perfectly with what it has done in our heart but God Himself.
As Much Afraid discovered, I also realize that what I really desire is to be always in the Presence of my Shepherd, my Defender. If I lose Him, I've lost everything worth living for.
What really caught my attention was your thought "we always think of loss as a negative thing, something to be mourned . . ." That's true! That's how I think of it -- but so many times it's actually a gain! Even something as eliminating "stuff" is a gain -- you gain space and freedom - - I started thinking about all of my loses -- seems like there's always a way to find a gain in the light of heaven's plan -- thanks again Chris for getting me thinking!
I think sometimes I don't realize or pause on how powerful heavenly beings are -- I guess most of the time I view them as angelic; meek and mild -- but not so! They are busy hurling huge boulders and mill stones, flying around with heavy chains -- these wonderful beings that God has ordered to protect me are POWERFUL. But, as opposed to how power affects worldlings, angels are also humble -- refusing the worship of man, reminding us that ALL worship goes straight to God; and -- incredibly, these angels claim us (19:10, 22:8) They are just like us -- not better, not worse; there is no one deserving of more than God -- the angels have it straight!
21:7 ALL who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children! 3 times in 22:17 it invites us to come. Actually -- there is a lot of comes in that chapter 22! God is coming -- He says it three times, John invites Jesus to come -- everyone is inviting humanity and the thirsty to come; it's all about drawing close, being together, relationship -- and boy howdy -- we will see his face! 22:4 Can you imagine THAT? Seeing the face of God -- I can only imagine those eyes of His filled with compassion, JOY, and love:) Even so, Lord Jesus -- come
PS -- I'm kindof thrilled with how the story in the end of Rev all comes together. Years ago I heard that if you read it, realizing the book is filled with "repeat and enlarge" you will understand it so much better -- when I do that, it feels very clear to me!
It's pretty obvious that God wants us to spend forever with Him from all His invitations in Revelation. I can't wait to see His face & yes, I think it's the eyes of compassion & joy that will catch our hearts first. Very nice wrap up.
We end the year with Paul & yet his end is unclear except for what we know from history. Reminds me of what we were reading last night about stepping out with God even when we don't have a definite road map. Just let Him be our map, our GPS. It means we have to listen, to pay attention, communicate. It's dynamic (characterized by constant change, activity, or progress), not static (lacking in movement, action, or change).
Paul's practical, you need to eat if you're going to have strength to fight, work against the storm. I can get so focused that I forgot practical things like eating, drinking, sleeping, etc. I just want the project or "fight", done & over with so I think if I just press thru it then I can be finished & relax. That just isn't practical. There's never really a time to relax spiritually. I'm always having to stay behind my Defender God. I always have to take time to eat His flesh & drink His blood so I can stand in the power of the HS & not my own weak self.
Again, the people of Malta remind me of how judgmental we humans are based on outward appearance. "Oh he's a bad person because bad things are happening to him" & then "oh, must be a god because good things are happening to him". We (I) do the exact same thing with people. I have to ask God to give me His eyes to see people. The very one I may judge harshly could be the one God needs me to go & encourage. If that's the case & I'm judging, then I will be like Jonah & run the other way & who knows how much harder it will be for the next person to reach them.
Like Brandon Heath sings "give me Your eyes...give me Your heart for humanity..."
Really true -- the GPS does no good if you have the mute on; listening -- hmmmm; maybe that will be my word for 2013 - - -
I like the thought Chris of eating and drinking His flesh and blood -- hadn't made that connection; and I like BH song about give me your heart; even when Jonah did go to Ninevah; his heart still was not the heart of God; it's like he did it with his teeth gritted (is that a word?) as opposed to Paul - - welcoming and inviting people to the truth up to the very very end; Paul had such a passion for others to know the truth and turn.
So I enjoyed the storm this morning; thinking about the storms I have gone through and comparing the two. The sailers were afraid, so they did everything possible in their strength to solve the problem; they bound their vessel with ropes - - trying to hold together everything they had; all their personal possessions, talents, skills, knowledge - - but that's not how God works; for His mighty power to be displayed, we have to loose our "stuff" (ahhhh - shades of yesterday, our lose is His gain!) and shades of last night -- burning the plow.
So - the sailors start -- they threw out their cargo -- they threw out the ships gear -- and finally, they cut the very last piece of human hope; the lifeboat. THEN God could work -- and it was then that they slowed down enough to eat and drink (taking me back to your post Chris) OK Linda -- listen up; think clearly about what you just posted, it will definitely come in to play again and again.
Jude was all excited about sharing good stuff with his people -- but instead had to send a warning; that's a bummer for him.
ReplyDeletepeople that say God's marvelous grace allows them to live immoral lives - - not so terribly unusual today; but immorality can take many forms, and this message is for me as well as the next person.
The warning is stern, reminding us that even angels need to live in the limits of God's loving authority. And if you have dreams that take you out of God's boundaries - - beware beware
And here is another thing to consider; these people are grumblers and complainers; living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want; along with creating divisions among the believers - - my question is, do we ever step in to say you need to leave, or do we let God handle this in his own time (when coming across these people -- I know quite a few people who spend their waking moments grumbling and complaining - - I just try to ignore them)
To me -- here is where I need to put my energies: But you must build each other up, pray in the power of the HOly Spirit and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus (so this indicates I need to leave it in the Lord's hands and not become involved - - whew! glad for that)
Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering and rescue others - - mercy mercy mercy is his cry. What does mercy look like to you?
And thanks to God who is able to keep me from falling away (because I tend to swerve off the road at every turn) and will bring me with great joy intho his glorious presence WITHOUT A SINGLE FAULT - - - now THAT is mercy, because I am filled to the brim with faults. Lord Thank you thank you! Help me to be that merciful to the people next to me!
I read it in TV again. I was thinking of when Paul rebuked people, like the magician's girl (I think it was her). It says that he endured it for a while but then when he did rebuke, he was full of the HS. Sometimes, letting God take care of it means He uses people in authority to deal with it. But always be led by the HS. Again, shows me the importance of knowing God's voice to me so I don't just deal with them because of my irritation.
ReplyDelete22 says to keep being kind to those that waver in this faith. I know I tend to grow impatient with myself & others, but God's mercy never gives up on me. How can I so easily give up on others if I'm connect to the Vine?
v23 "...despising every garment defiled by the weakness of human flesh" The only garment I could think of was our righteousness vs God's. In our humanness we tend to try & create our own righteousness - totally impossible.
I'm with you on your last paragraph!
The songs of Moses is all about the love and faithfulness of God - - the writers of the Bible cannot stress that enough -- something I think they want us to soak in.
ReplyDeleteAs we, the twisted people -- realize our weakness and where our strength really comes from - He is able to work -- in 33:29 it says "He is your protecting sheild and your triumphant sword" in other words, He is our our defense and our offense. We simply need to stick with Him -- trust Him.
The song of Moses ends with "He will avenge the blood of His servants . . He will repay those who hate Him and cleanse the land for His people" Thinking now of Revelation and the "How Long" question -- it really WILL be a song we sing. No more school shootings, no more 911, no more terrorist threats -- He will cleanse the land; a new heaven and a new earth -- what a Song of triumph; nothing we have done, all about what He has done!
It is a very tender story, Moses last day on earth. The Lord showed Him; I picture God sitting next to Moses on a rock up on the mountain, pointing out the different areas where the people would settle, pointing out some of the major rivers, the forests, the pasturelands, the vineyards, and then Moses (33:27) feeling His everlasting arms under you -- as Moses leaned into those arms and died. I wonder if God cried as He buried Moses -- even though He knew what the outcome would be, no doubt it was hard for him to experience Moses disappointment. I think Moses disappointment over not entering the land was not as great as his disappointment that he had not remained faithful to God at Meribah - -
I'm glad we know the end of Moses -- and what HOPE that gives us, even tho we have not always remained faithful. God HAS shown us a better land, He DOES carry us, we CAN lean on Him, He WILL fight for us -- as He did for Moses body, even once Moses was dead! Our God IS faithful -- what a message of encouragement on this last day of the year.
Enjoyed that picture of Moses in God's arms. And I needed, really I always need, the reminder of God fighting for me. And the rest of that verse says to remain calm, hold your peace, be still. Don't respond with emotion or because you are provoked into fear. Good, good reminders.
ReplyDeleteJC was a reminder to always be searching for God, to go deeper. Ps 27:8 in NLT says My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”
God always wants to be involved, yet I so easily push Him into the background when I get caught up in things. I'm learning how to just listen to Him in the commotion, the bustle, the attitudes around me & be at Peace. Because truly, if He is with me, I always have Peace as that is His very Presence. Acceptance is my part.
Yes - having peace in His presence fits right in with remain calm, hold your peace, be still -- I think I detect a theme; His will for us has that foundation of peace.
ReplyDeleteAre you going to do the read through again next year? I'm going to do it with my new version; would love to have you on the journey again - but no worries if you want something new:) I'm thinking of putting the invitation out there on facebook - but I don't expect a big response; although you never know -- maybe it could be just one person that needs the journey!!
Finished Esther today; if you'll remember -- I assigned different people as illustrations of the controversy between good and evil. Xerxes is humanity, Mordecai is Father God, Esther is Jesus, Haman is Satan
ReplyDeleteSo we pick up the story in 6 with the unrest of the world (Xerxes can't sleep) Satan is right there to suggest evil, but instead of Satan's evil plans happening, God is revealed through his book of history (Bible) -- God is honored!
Jesus (Esther) pleads for his us (jews) and Satan is finally destroyed. The land that Satan had occupied, was given to Jesus.
8:1 Then Mordecai was brought before the king, for Esther had told the king how they were related" (My Father and I are one!)
Evil is totally destroyed -- Haman (Satan) and his 10 sons (Satan's angels and followers) and then there is a celebration (heaven) where all is peace and security (9:30) God wins, Satan is foiled - - forever (9:28 "This Festival of Purim would never cease to be celebrated . . . nor would the memory of what happened ever die out)
What do you think??
I can see some of the symbolism you assigned. Where do you figure Haman honoring Mordecai fits in though? Bowing the knee at the end of the world? Doesn't fit chronologically, but sometimes symbolism isn't always perfect, but there are some parallel themes that you brought out that are good.
ReplyDeleteI think it's interesting that Haman's family realizes that God is fighting for His people & THEN finally have the courage to tell him, ah - your plan's no good. Don't do it! Yes "men" for sure!
Another great look into how God does work in our behalf, even though we don't always see it happening before our eyes & right when we want it. I always am surprised when God opens my eyes to the fact that I've once again honed into my little world & need to see the big picture again. Must be that selfish part that such a part of our fallen nature.
As for next year, I believe I will do the plan again, sorta like I did this year. I will be using The Voice translation as well (just got it yesterday). Always good to be in the Word. When I need something else (like on Mondays after Genesis is done), then I will read something else.
I really enjoy seeing what God is sharing with other's as well, the more the merrier! It's neat to see the HS guide those that seek with teachable hearts.
Does it say praise the Lord with a new song because His mercies are new every morning? If we have a true relationship with Him, aren't we going to be continually growing? So there's always something He & I are working on & I can praise Him as I overcome different things & grow in different areas. Honestly though, sometimes I feel like I'm going over the same ground again, but at a deeper level.
ReplyDeleteIt's like hiking a familiar trail & discovering something new each time. Whether a different bird or a flower in spot I hadn't seen before; a different view/peak.
The last verses of 149 don't seem to be very happy. I don't really want to be involved with meting out punishment on people. Humans just like me. To me it doesn't seem a privilege. I think I'll let the Type A people do that.
150 is a big Praise concert! Can't wait to be in a real worship service in heaven. I won't have to close my eyes to see Him & sing to Him.
149:2 Rejoice in your Maker! I do a lot of rejoicing over "stuff" but that is soo shallow -- the real JOY comes in the one who made me, knows me, wants to spend time with me, talk to me, listen to me. Real JOY comes from relationships that are deep and meaningful, that have stood the test of time, that are give and take and take and give; and THAT is why I can find JOY in and REJOICE in my Maker!
ReplyDeleteHmmm -- I don't often lie on my bed and sing for joy (vs 5) maybe I'll have to give that a try tonight! Maybe that also refers to when you are sick along with resting?
Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! That's pretty much everything that's alive! I love hearing the birds sing out for no reason at all, other than life! I love watching Toby play in the snow with a big doggy grin; I think nature gets it so much easier than us "intelligent" beings -- bother; maybe we'd do a lot better if we simply praised instead of trying to figure every little detail of life out!!!
You're on your own with SoS today. I am still mulling over what I'm reading in Hinds Feet as I go over that again. Very good to read that now. It is pretty amazing how Self-Pity, Bitterness & Resentment pop their ugly heads up when you're in a valley. Or when you're in the foggy rains of winter in Longview. I am grateful that it has been less than the last 2 years though.
ReplyDeleteAlso read a bit in DJ - more about resting (read waiting) in Jesus & the HS. Not forging out on my own trail or "saving" anyone. Just listening, resting, waiting & learning.
Ha ha! Thanks a lot Chris!!! OK - not much for me in SOS today; but I did notice that the lover seemed to look his lovee down and up -- piece by piece. Do I take that much notice of my God? Does He take that much notice of me -- or do I just take Him for granted.
ReplyDeleteAlso -- 8:1 no one would criticize me for loving my God -- how often does that happen these days. Remember there are 2 things you never bring up; politics and religion. How sad that religion / God-topics have become taboo.
Finally -- very funny that the last verse fits with where you are right now Chris: "Be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices!! sounds very Hinds feety to me!
So I too jumped over to DJ -- loved it; read it outside in the misty sunshine.
:Marvel at the awesome wonder of being able to commune with the King of the universe any time, any place. Never take this amazing privilege for granted!"
"I confess that often I do take this awesome prayer-privilege for granted. Even worse, at times I act as if I'm doing You a favor by spending time talking with You."
Those words hit home to me -- and another reason I believe God sent the Lincoln Brewster song to me through you today Chris -- Marvelous, Amazing - that HE would be interested in ME. That I wouldn't consider it a privilege to spend time with HIM - - I have such a long long way to go on this love path to my Creator, my King, my Shepherd.
Well you know very well that SoS is quoted through out Hinds Feet. I find that I skip over it though. It's from the KJV & I don't like the Shakespearian English.
ReplyDeleteWas reading the chapter of the Valley of Loss this a.m. You get to wrap up Rev by yourself too. But it is a happy ending! :D
I was thinking that what we lose, as we surrender to Jesus, is what we don't need & won't be accepted into heaven. We always think of loss as a negative thing, something to be mourned. But really, the only people who mourn the loss are those that aren't tuned to heaven, to spiritual things. That's why sometimes, change is good. In friends, family and work.
The other thing brought out in this chapter is the determination of Jesus to purify every defect from us. Love is determined to recreate us in His image. Not covering up what the world has made us, but destroying that & restoring us to His original plan.
Also, the major victories in our lives are between us & God alone, no other human witnesses. We can share them with each other & it definitely encourages us as we do share BUT no one can really, truly, emphasize perfectly with what it has done in our heart but God Himself.
As Much Afraid discovered, I also realize that what I really desire is to be always in the Presence of my Shepherd, my Defender. If I lose Him, I've lost everything worth living for.
What really caught my attention was your thought "we always think of loss as a negative thing, something to be mourned . . ." That's true! That's how I think of it -- but so many times it's actually a gain! Even something as eliminating "stuff" is a gain -- you gain space and freedom - - I started thinking about all of my loses -- seems like there's always a way to find a gain in the light of heaven's plan -- thanks again Chris for getting me thinking!
ReplyDeleteI think sometimes I don't realize or pause on how powerful heavenly beings are -- I guess most of the time I view them as angelic; meek and mild -- but not so! They are busy hurling huge boulders and mill stones, flying around with heavy chains -- these wonderful beings that God has ordered to protect me are POWERFUL. But, as opposed to how power affects worldlings, angels are also humble -- refusing the worship of man, reminding us that ALL worship goes straight to God; and -- incredibly, these angels claim us (19:10, 22:8) They are just like us -- not better, not worse; there is no one deserving of more than God -- the angels have it straight!
21:7 ALL who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children! 3 times in 22:17 it invites us to come. Actually -- there is a lot of comes in that chapter 22! God is coming -- He says it three times, John invites Jesus to come -- everyone is inviting humanity and the thirsty to come; it's all about drawing close, being together, relationship -- and boy howdy -- we will see his face! 22:4 Can you imagine THAT? Seeing the face of God -- I can only imagine those eyes of His filled with compassion, JOY, and love:) Even so, Lord Jesus -- come
PS -- I'm kindof thrilled with how the story in the end of Rev all comes together. Years ago I heard that if you read it, realizing the book is filled with "repeat and enlarge" you will understand it so much better -- when I do that, it feels very clear to me!
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ReplyDeleteIt's pretty obvious that God wants us to spend forever with Him from all His invitations in Revelation. I can't wait to see His face & yes, I think it's the eyes of compassion & joy that will catch our hearts first. Very nice wrap up.
ReplyDeleteWe end the year with Paul & yet his end is unclear except for what we know from history. Reminds me of what we were reading last night about stepping out with God even when we don't have a definite road map. Just let Him be our map, our GPS. It means we have to listen, to pay attention, communicate. It's dynamic (characterized by constant change, activity, or progress), not static (lacking in movement, action, or change).
Paul's practical, you need to eat if you're going to have strength to fight, work against the storm. I can get so focused that I forgot practical things like eating, drinking, sleeping, etc. I just want the project or "fight", done & over with so I think if I just press thru it then I can be finished & relax. That just isn't practical. There's never really a time to relax spiritually. I'm always having to stay behind my Defender God. I always have to take time to eat His flesh & drink His blood so I can stand in the power of the HS & not my own weak self.
Again, the people of Malta remind me of how judgmental we humans are based on outward appearance. "Oh he's a bad person because bad things are happening to him" & then "oh, must be a god because good things are happening to him". We (I) do the exact same thing with people. I have to ask God to give me His eyes to see people. The very one I may judge harshly could be the one God needs me to go & encourage. If that's the case & I'm judging, then I will be like Jonah & run the other way & who knows how much harder it will be for the next person to reach them.
Like Brandon Heath sings "give me Your eyes...give me Your heart for humanity..."
Really true -- the GPS does no good if you have the mute on; listening -- hmmmm; maybe that will be my word for 2013 - - -
ReplyDeleteI like the thought Chris of eating and drinking His flesh and blood -- hadn't made that connection; and I like BH song about give me your heart; even when Jonah did go to Ninevah; his heart still was not the heart of God; it's like he did it with his teeth gritted (is that a word?) as opposed to Paul - - welcoming and inviting people to the truth up to the very very end; Paul had such a passion for others to know the truth and turn.
So I enjoyed the storm this morning; thinking about the storms I have gone through and comparing the two. The sailers were afraid, so they did everything possible in their strength to solve the problem; they bound their vessel with ropes - - trying to hold together everything they had; all their personal possessions, talents, skills, knowledge - - but that's not how God works; for His mighty power to be displayed, we have to loose our "stuff" (ahhhh - shades of yesterday, our lose is His gain!) and shades of last night -- burning the plow.
So - the sailors start -- they threw out their cargo -- they threw out the ships gear -- and finally, they cut the very last piece of human hope; the lifeboat. THEN God could work -- and it was then that they slowed down enough to eat and drink (taking me back to your post Chris) OK Linda -- listen up; think clearly about what you just posted, it will definitely come in to play again and again.
Howdy
ReplyDeleteYeah, it worked, it was painless & you're still alive, cause I caught a glimpse of you at church! :D
DeleteSheri Melton? Is that the Howdy Sheri? If so -- hey! So GREAT to hear from you! or is this another Sheri? than good to hear from you too:):)
ReplyDeleteWait -- I'm thinking this is Sheri Loveland!!! Hey then! So GOOD to hear from YOU!
ReplyDeleteThere are so many wonderful Sheri's in this world:):)