3 John shows that there are many many ways to serve. For Gaius, it was simply hosting the traveling teachers and opening up his home. I appreciate how God loves it when we use what He's given us - -
Other than that, I was touched by John's statement "I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth" Truer words for a parent were never spoken. Dear old John never had any bio children; I know people like that -- but he (and they) had many adopted children; his heart and mind and prayers were constantly surrounding them I'm very sure! It's the way parents work:)
Read 2 John since I messed up last week. The Voice translation comments that maybe the lady & her children are symbolic for being a church and it's members. That makes sense to me as in v6 he just addresses the "lady" to walk in love. To show her love of God by obedience & love each other.
We always want people to treat us with mercy and grace for weaknesses but it's so hard to hand that to others. Why? I think it's because we're so insecure & if we divert the attention to other's failures & short comings then there's less attention on us & ours.
The more I concentrate on my own relationship with Jesus, the more He tells me when I'm doing this & need to change. Then it falls on me & my freedom to chose to listen/obey to Him or listen to the snake that tells me to protect/defend myself.
Started reading in John 15 this morning & decided to look up the definition of "abide". Did you know that one way to define "abide" is "to accept without objection". Takes me back to another level of surrender. Surrender my plans for today, just stay with Jesus. Accept even the difficulties as the reading in JC said today. Accept without objection, without whining (so me), complaining (busted again) or suggesting other "better" ideas (3 strikes!). Really, as God reminded me again this morning, I have no control over what the next minute will bring me. I only control my choice to trust Him completely, right now, right here. This is the moment I am given. And I have the choice in the next as well. This is all I truly control. It is amazing how I keep trying to control what's around the corner when I can't even see it. God is very wise to not give me control over my future. It would all be about me and easy street. I would never develop the abilities He gave me. Never discover anything about myself or others around me. These things are only uncovered through difficulties and trials.
Let me just stay behind you Lord, letting you fight for me, following only where You clear the path.
Accept without objection -- Abide; that is very very thought provoking -- and from "I have no control" on -- it felt like you were talking about me!!! Thanks Chris
OK -- Deut; here we go . . . Moses last ditch effort to get through to these people (and me!) He says that the promises and curses aren't just for these peeps -- but (vs 15) also the future generations who are not standing here today - - that's pretty all inclusive.
vs 19 Those who hear the warnings should not congratulate themselves, thinking I am safe, even though I am following the desires of my own stubborn heart . . . that really seems to be the philosophy of the world today - - and creeps into my own heart all the time.
vs 29 The Lord our God has secrets known to no one (glad for that -- and another element to trust) We are not accountable fore them (thank you!) BUT we and our children are accountable forever for all that he HAS revealed to us!
Kindof interesting that in 30:15 Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster - - - yet in 16 it says I command you to keep his commands, decrees and regulations (sounds like Moses is desperate for them to make the right choice!) and in verse 19 you can hear the tears in his voice "Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!"
I appreciate the definite hand off of the baton; Moses to Joshua -- no room for other strong leaders to push their way in.
Moses must have been so so discouraged when God told him how the people would rebel after his death (31: 16-18) Soo - the song of Moses was to stand as evidence against them (vs 21) I am wondering now -- we will sing the "song of Moses" somewhere at the end of time if I am remembering Revelation correctly -- that must be the song of evidence that God is just in His warnings, His wooings, and His incredible sacrifice -- this song will be the evidence against all evil.
That is an interesting thought about the song of Moses. A good rehearsal in heaven.
Esther is a refreshing read. Submission where it does not conflict with the Word of God and standing where it does. I'm sure many of the Jews realized, especially with Jeremiah's prophesying, that their captivity was because of their disobedience.
Mordecai thinks it's pretty obvious why Esther has been chosen queen. And yet, he still gives her freedom to choose. It's like he realizes that what he sees as the obvious may not be the way that God will deliver. But he KNOWS that God will deliver.
This is the point God keeps bringing back to me a lot lately. In so many different ways, He is emphasizing that I am not in control. But, I can choose to trust the One really in control. Mordecai did this. He did everything he could within in his power & then rested in the One with the true Power to make a difference.
Mordecai was not a perfect parent, since those do not exist, but I can tell that he did not lord his authority over Esther as he raised her. It seemed he educated, presented the options and let her choose. I'm sure the choices became bigger as she matured. But her response seems to indicate this type of parenting. She responded with respect, presented the opposition, but after he replied, she basically said she was willing to think about it and talk it over with God. That was all he needed to know. He was going to let God take care of the rest. I'm sure there was the great fear of the unknown in Esther's mind as she prepared. Satan loves to suggest that to our minds. But again, it's the submitting to God, who really is in control. She had to know Him to do this. And it seems she had been given a good example of Him from Mordecai. Haman is a symbol to me. Since we can see behind the scenes & know the whole story, it's like God is letting us know that though the wicked plot, scheme and seem to succeed - they lose. God thwarts their plans occasionally so that the just can be encouraged that God still is involved. Very thankful for this insight.
I read the story this am, but didn't have time to post until now . . .
I got so excited about Haman being a symbol, that I started working with the whole story as being an illustration of the battle of good an evil. Even shared it at staff meeting; but I don't think they were convinced. Here's the lineup:
Xerxes = humanity Mordicai = Father God Esther = Jesus Vashti = John the Baptist Haman = Satan Haman's Friends = evil angels Hagai = Holy Spirit
OK -- I know it's a stretch, but I read the story subbing all those illustrations and seeing how it worked! Try it:)
Let all that I am praise the Lord - - not just my emotions, not just the intellect - not just physically -- everything all rolled up into one!!
Don't put your confidence in powerful people - - really true; they're here one day, gone the next -- fleeting; thinking church leadership, work leadership, political leadership, family leadership -- it's all fleeting; God is there throughout.
I love this one "The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down" that can mean so many different things for different people - but we're all weighed down with this world; the worries, the sin, the circumstances -- yet HE lifts us up; I've felt that!
"The Lord's delight is in those who fear him those who put their hope in His unfailing love" I was thinking about how absolutely anyone can delight the Lord -- you don't have to be famous, rich, intelligent, beautiful, live in a certain place, talented -- nope; all anyone has to do to bring JOY to Him is to respect Him and put your hope in Him!!
The creation praise chapter of 148: verse 7-9 Praise the Lord . . . all cedars. This windy morning, I'm sitting here listening to the wind sing through the cedars as the branches in their low tones accompany the wind's higher shrieks. Praise the Lord all you cedars!
I was thinking about the powerful people that I can get stressed about & how silly that is. Who knows how long they will be here. I don't have to please them. God is the One I should seek to please, He'll take care of the rest.
The end of Psalms is full of praises. It's good to end conversations with God with a thankful heart. It puts all the petitions back into perspective again. Submission to His wisdom and will.
I was thinking in 146:7-9 how God frees the spiritual prisoners; opens the eyes of the spiritually blind; lifts up the spiritually oppressed (breaks the power of satan); protects non believers as they seek Him amongst merely professed believers; He cares for those who have no spiritual guardians or spouses.
This gives me a deeper pic of God. He is interested in every bit of our lives. To think about these verses in a mere physical sense makes Him more of a superficial God to me. Then 147 goes into the "mundane" care He takes of all His creatures. Their every need He supplies, why do I doubt He will do it in my life? Why do I try to fend for myself?
Everything in nature points me back to God. This is praise to Him. Everything in me needs to point back to God as well.
148:14 He makes His people strong. Again, not just in the physical sense that this word initially implies but spiritually strong. That is the true strength of character He is forming in those that spend time with Him, that delight in His Presence; that love Him and whose greatest joy is to serve (obey) Him.
ok, I was directed to SoS this a.m. Maybe I said this last year, but obviously, I needed the reminder.
Instead of taking the initial sexual connotation of the 1st verse of 5, the HS had me see this as Jesus entering & dwelling within His bride, His people, because He delights in us, in me. He sees me as perfect (v2). He sees me with eyes of what He created me to be, not as I am. He sees me restored.
v2 I may physically sleep, but my heart is awake spiritually to what my Lover says to me, what He tells me about myself. And yet, sometimes, as in v3, I may not give my full attention or make excuses not to spend time with Him, He is still at my door. He may try the door to see if it is latched or shut, but He doesn't break it down. He does not force me to spend time with Him.
I think it's Jeremiah that says He will be found by us when we search for Him with all of our hearts. It doesn't mean that when we've turned away or spurned an invitation for intimate time with Him that it will easy to re-connect. And there are always fake "watchmen" (spiritual leaders, people) who claim to be connected to Him but take advantage of us and wound our souls so we put up more boundaries & make reconnecting even harder.
But recounting His provisions, His blessings, the sweet communions we have had together as the woman does in 10-16 help us keep pursuing. We remember His true character and we look even more, our hearts are void without Him. So true. Just keep me willing to spend the time with You when You are at my door. And if I foolishly do not answer because I am being swept off my feet by a pretender, please don't stop pursuing my heart.
Tried to enrich with SOS this am; just couldn't find the spiritual lessons today -- so DJ it is!!
Here we go:
"You need to accept not only yourself but also the choices you have made. Fantasizing about having done things differently is a time wasting trap. It is impossible to live close to Me while you're indulging in such unreality. the more you fantasize, the further from Me you wander. When you realize this has happened, turn around and run back to Me! Take time to talk with Me and relax in My Presence. Your perfectionist tendencies will dissolve as you soak in My transforming grace."
His transforming grace; first of all -- in my own little mind, I would think He'd want me to be perfectionistic; but He knows that when I am that way, I'm relying on me to make me perfect instead of Him to make me perfect; a dead-end, no-win street.
His grace; I'm so amazed that He would even want to work with me, to transform me, to see possibilities in me with all the flaws caused by my poor choices - - it is the trust of looking ahead to what He can do, instead of the futility of looking back to what I did do. This is amazing grace to me; thank you Lord, thank you for not giving up on me.
There was an illusion to Hind's Feet in it, talking about our walk being not only ascents but descents (always my least favorite part of hiking). To trust Him when things seem to go "wrong". This is the abiding, the trusting, surrendering control when I want to take a shortcut that will keep taking me up.
"Trusting acceptance of trials brings blessings that far outweigh them all...Trust does not falter when the path becomes rocky and steep. Breathe deep draughts of My Presence and hold tightly to My hand." p19
One of the verses she uses is 2Cor 4:17. and as I read that in NLT, MSG and Amp, I thought of something.
This says that it works for us a far surpassing glory. Sometimes in the Bible when glory is used to describe God it is referring to His character (Ex 33 for example). So could this be referring to our character?
It is for certain that trials form our character. Depending on our reaction to them is if they form it for good or bad. NLT says it outweighs them & lasts forever. The only thing we take to heaven is our character.
MSG says in the preceding verse that "Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace." Reminds me of your grace paragraph yesterday Linda.
People are going to ask how we can trust God when things aren't looking like they are working out for us externally. But wow! The work God does internally is what is really important & it's only by His grace that it is obtained. Grace is Power, it's a Force.
Keep it coming Lord, even though I whine & complain, I have my moments when I realize you're really healing me & I will be better for it in the end.
So I went through the Rev chapters -- what a war goes on around us. Why do you suppose Satan is so bent on achieving our worship? Why would he care? We're just humans. Maybe he's more determined to turn our worship away from God. It's hard to say.
The message that came out twice to me are in 13:10 and 14:12 "God's holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful" and THAT is only achieved through trusting Him, focusing on Him, letting His grace make us stronger than we ever dreamed we'd be able to be - -
the song of Moses -- I know we haven't read it yet in Deut -- but I think it's a recount of God's deliverance. That would make great sense; if we ARE patient and we DO remain faithful -- He WILL deliver! It'll be worth it.
16:15 "Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a theif! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed" The clothing is HIS righteousness; nothing that I do -- other than to be patient, to watch, to trust.
So who was this King Agrippa? He apparently knew all about Jewish customs and controversies (26:3) and was very aware of the claims of the Way (26:27) Hmmmmm
I love how Paul looks for areas that he is the same with the Jewish faith (26:7) before stating the differences - finding common ground.
And his question in vs 8 is almost humorous: "Why does it seem incredible to any of you that GOD can raise the dead?" It's almost like he's saying -- do you believe He's God or not? Well -- how many times can that question be posed to me with all the many circumstances I try to put my own spin on or my own answers and solutions to? "Why does it seem incredible to you Linda, that God can . . ."
When Paul recounts his persecution and passion; it's pretty amazing how God get's his attention! Not only the light, and getting knocked off his horse -- but the simple statement "I am Jesus" (busted!) Talk about making a major mistake in the passion department! But God doesn't retaliate -- not even for the martyrs that Saul was key in condemning; God wanted to USE him! To use his passion, his debating and convincing skills, his knowledge of scripture and traditions, and even use his past life as a powerful testimony. BUT -- it had to be in God's timing, God's way; so many stories in the Bible are like that! Moses, Joseph . . . goes on and on; so when Jesus tells us to watch and pray, it certainly can be so we don't enter into the temptation of forcing OUR way, but rather to see the path HE's laid out for us and not loosing sight of the Shepherd leading the way.
Paul is setting the stage for Festus and Agrippa. He doesn't care a hoot about their pomp and power -- he's after their hearts; which I believe is why in the chpt 26 dialogue he stresses the Gentiles (vs 17) all must repent (vs 20) Jews and Gentiles (23) and then Festus SHOUTS! and Paul appeals --
Both powerful leaders agree -- this man is harmless, this man cares about people, this man hasn't done anything to deserve death. Score God! Both men hope for the peace and assurance Paul has -- but it appears they are not ready to trade what the world offers to what God offers -- at lease not that we're aware of (they stood and left) BUT God's seed was planted; would be interesting to know if it sprouted!
Enjoyed your comments, especially the question "Is anything to hard for God"? Great job putting it in modern context. The Voice version has Paul saying he's on trial for hope. A hope rooted in God's promise to the patriarchs. A hope that was rewarded in Jesus rising from the dead. A hope for our future as well. This isn't it! This life is almost like the purgatory some preach. Might be a stretch, but it's what came to mind.
On another note, if Paul had not appealed to Rome & just said, no, I don't want to go to Jerusalem & will be judged here, would Festus have let him go? I kinda doubt it as he was looking to please the Jews. Another wishy-washy ruler!
3 John shows that there are many many ways to serve. For Gaius, it was simply hosting the traveling teachers and opening up his home. I appreciate how God loves it when we use what He's given us - -
ReplyDeleteOther than that, I was touched by John's statement "I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth" Truer words for a parent were never spoken. Dear old John never had any bio children; I know people like that -- but he (and they) had many adopted children; his heart and mind and prayers were constantly surrounding them I'm very sure! It's the way parents work:)
Read 2 John since I messed up last week. The Voice translation comments that maybe the lady & her children are symbolic for being a church and it's members. That makes sense to me as in v6 he just addresses the "lady" to walk in love. To show her love of God by obedience & love each other.
ReplyDeleteWe always want people to treat us with mercy and grace for weaknesses but it's so hard to hand that to others. Why? I think it's because we're so insecure & if we divert the attention to other's failures & short comings then there's less attention on us & ours.
The more I concentrate on my own relationship with Jesus, the more He tells me when I'm doing this & need to change. Then it falls on me & my freedom to chose to listen/obey to Him or listen to the snake that tells me to protect/defend myself.
Started reading in John 15 this morning & decided to look up the definition of "abide".
ReplyDeleteDid you know that one way to define "abide" is "to accept without objection". Takes me back to another level of surrender. Surrender my plans for today, just stay with Jesus. Accept even the difficulties as the reading in JC said today. Accept without objection, without whining (so me), complaining (busted again) or suggesting other "better" ideas (3 strikes!).
Really, as God reminded me again this morning, I have no control over what the next minute will bring me. I only control my choice to trust Him completely, right now, right here. This is the moment I am given. And I have the choice in the next as well. This is all I truly control.
It is amazing how I keep trying to control what's around the corner when I can't even see it. God is very wise to not give me control over my future. It would all be about me and easy street. I would never develop the abilities He gave me. Never discover anything about myself or others around me. These things are only uncovered through difficulties and trials.
Let me just stay behind you Lord, letting you fight for me, following only where You clear the path.
Accept without objection -- Abide; that is very very thought provoking -- and from "I have no control" on -- it felt like you were talking about me!!! Thanks Chris
ReplyDeleteOK -- Deut; here we go . . . Moses last ditch effort to get through to these people (and me!) He says that the promises and curses aren't just for these peeps -- but (vs 15) also the future generations who are not standing here today - - that's pretty all inclusive.
vs 19 Those who hear the warnings should not congratulate themselves, thinking I am safe, even though I am following the desires of my own stubborn heart . . . that really seems to be the philosophy of the world today - - and creeps into my own heart all the time.
vs 29 The Lord our God has secrets known to no one (glad for that -- and another element to trust) We are not accountable fore them (thank you!) BUT we and our children are accountable forever for all that he HAS revealed to us!
Kindof interesting that in 30:15 Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster - - - yet in 16 it says I command you to keep his commands, decrees and regulations (sounds like Moses is desperate for them to make the right choice!) and in verse 19 you can hear the tears in his voice "Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!"
I appreciate the definite hand off of the baton; Moses to Joshua -- no room for other strong leaders to push their way in.
Moses must have been so so discouraged when God told him how the people would rebel after his death (31: 16-18) Soo - the song of Moses was to stand as evidence against them (vs 21) I am wondering now -- we will sing the "song of Moses" somewhere at the end of time if I am remembering Revelation correctly -- that must be the song of evidence that God is just in His warnings, His wooings, and His incredible sacrifice -- this song will be the evidence against all evil.
That is an interesting thought about the song of Moses. A good rehearsal in heaven.
ReplyDeleteEsther is a refreshing read. Submission where it does not conflict with the Word of God and standing where it does. I'm sure many of the Jews realized, especially with Jeremiah's prophesying, that their captivity was because of their disobedience.
Mordecai thinks it's pretty obvious why Esther has been chosen queen. And yet, he still gives her freedom to choose. It's like he realizes that what he sees as the obvious may not be the way that God will deliver. But he KNOWS that God will deliver.
This is the point God keeps bringing back to me a lot lately. In so many different ways, He is emphasizing that I am not in control. But, I can choose to trust the One really in control. Mordecai did this. He did everything he could within in his power & then rested in the One with the true Power to make a difference.
Mordecai was not a perfect parent, since those do not exist, but I can tell that he did not lord his authority over Esther as he raised her. It seemed he educated, presented the options and let her choose. I'm sure the choices became bigger as she matured. But her response seems to indicate this type of parenting. She responded with respect, presented the opposition, but after he replied, she basically said she was willing to think about it and talk it over with God. That was all he needed to know. He was going to let God take care of the rest.
I'm sure there was the great fear of the unknown in Esther's mind as she prepared. Satan loves to suggest that to our minds. But again, it's the submitting to God, who really is in control. She had to know Him to do this. And it seems she had been given a good example of Him from Mordecai.
Haman is a symbol to me. Since we can see behind the scenes & know the whole story, it's like God is letting us know that though the wicked plot, scheme and seem to succeed - they lose. God thwarts their plans occasionally so that the just can be encouraged that God still is involved. Very thankful for this insight.
I read the story this am, but didn't have time to post until now . . .
ReplyDeleteI got so excited about Haman being a symbol, that I started working with the whole story as being an illustration of the battle of good an evil. Even shared it at staff meeting; but I don't think they were convinced. Here's the lineup:
Xerxes = humanity
Mordicai = Father God
Esther = Jesus
Vashti = John the Baptist
Haman = Satan
Haman's Friends = evil angels
Hagai = Holy Spirit
OK -- I know it's a stretch, but I read the story subbing all those illustrations and seeing how it worked! Try it:)
Let all that I am praise the Lord - - not just my emotions, not just the intellect - not just physically -- everything all rolled up into one!!
ReplyDeleteDon't put your confidence in powerful people - - really true; they're here one day, gone the next -- fleeting; thinking church leadership, work leadership, political leadership, family leadership -- it's all fleeting; God is there throughout.
I love this one "The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down" that can mean so many different things for different people - but we're all weighed down with this world; the worries, the sin, the circumstances -- yet HE lifts us up; I've felt that!
"The Lord's delight is in those who fear him those who put their hope in His unfailing love" I was thinking about how absolutely anyone can delight the Lord -- you don't have to be famous, rich, intelligent, beautiful, live in a certain place, talented -- nope; all anyone has to do to bring JOY to Him is to respect Him and put your hope in Him!!
The creation praise chapter of 148: verse 7-9 Praise the Lord . . . all cedars. This windy morning, I'm sitting here listening to the wind sing through the cedars as the branches in their low tones accompany the wind's higher shrieks. Praise the Lord all you cedars!
I was thinking about the powerful people that I can get stressed about & how silly that is. Who knows how long they will be here. I don't have to please them. God is the One I should seek to please, He'll take care of the rest.
DeleteHmmm, I'll have to give it a go later.
ReplyDeleteThe end of Psalms is full of praises. It's good to end conversations with God with a thankful heart. It puts all the petitions back into perspective again. Submission to His wisdom and will.
I was thinking in 146:7-9 how God frees the spiritual prisoners; opens the eyes of the spiritually blind; lifts up the spiritually oppressed (breaks the power of satan); protects non believers as they seek Him amongst merely professed believers; He cares for those who have no spiritual guardians or spouses.
This gives me a deeper pic of God. He is interested in every bit of our lives. To think about these verses in a mere physical sense makes Him more of a superficial God to me. Then 147 goes into the "mundane" care He takes of all His creatures. Their every need He supplies, why do I doubt He will do it in my life? Why do I try to fend for myself?
Everything in nature points me back to God. This is praise to Him. Everything in me needs to point back to God as well.
148:14 He makes His people strong. Again, not just in the physical sense that this word initially implies but spiritually strong. That is the true strength of character He is forming in those that spend time with Him, that delight in His Presence; that love Him and whose greatest joy is to serve (obey) Him.
ok, I was directed to SoS this a.m. Maybe I said this last year, but obviously, I needed the reminder.
ReplyDeleteInstead of taking the initial sexual connotation of the 1st verse of 5, the HS had me see this as Jesus entering & dwelling within His bride, His people, because He delights in us, in me. He sees me as perfect (v2). He sees me with eyes of what He created me to be, not as I am. He sees me restored.
v2 I may physically sleep, but my heart is awake spiritually to what my Lover says to me, what He tells me about myself. And yet, sometimes, as in v3, I may not give my full attention or make excuses not to spend time with Him, He is still at my door. He may try the door to see if it is latched or shut, but He doesn't break it down. He does not force me to spend time with Him.
I think it's Jeremiah that says He will be found by us when we search for Him with all of our hearts. It doesn't mean that when we've turned away or spurned an invitation for intimate time with Him that it will easy to re-connect. And there are always fake "watchmen" (spiritual leaders, people) who claim to be connected to Him but take advantage of us and wound our souls so we put up more boundaries & make reconnecting even harder.
But recounting His provisions, His blessings, the sweet communions we have had together as the woman does in 10-16 help us keep pursuing. We remember His true character and we look even more, our hearts are void without Him. So true. Just keep me willing to spend the time with You when You are at my door. And if I foolishly do not answer because I am being swept off my feet by a pretender, please don't stop pursuing my heart.
Tried to enrich with SOS this am; just couldn't find the spiritual lessons today -- so DJ it is!!
ReplyDeleteHere we go:
"You need to accept not only yourself but also the choices you have made. Fantasizing about having done things differently is a time wasting trap. It is impossible to live close to Me while you're indulging in such unreality. the more you fantasize, the further from Me you wander. When you realize this has happened, turn around and run back to Me! Take time to talk with Me and relax in My Presence. Your perfectionist tendencies will dissolve as you soak in My transforming grace."
His transforming grace; first of all -- in my own little mind, I would think He'd want me to be perfectionistic; but He knows that when I am that way, I'm relying on me to make me perfect instead of Him to make me perfect; a dead-end, no-win street.
His grace; I'm so amazed that He would even want to work with me, to transform me, to see possibilities in me with all the flaws caused by my poor choices - - it is the trust of looking ahead to what He can do, instead of the futility of looking back to what I did do. This is amazing grace to me; thank you Lord, thank you for not giving up on me.
I had a revelation...in JC this a.m. :)
ReplyDeleteThere was an illusion to Hind's Feet in it, talking about our walk being not only ascents but descents (always my least favorite part of hiking). To trust Him when things seem to go "wrong". This is the abiding, the trusting, surrendering control when I want to take a shortcut that will keep taking me up.
"Trusting acceptance of trials brings blessings that far outweigh them all...Trust does not falter when the path becomes rocky and steep. Breathe deep draughts of My Presence and hold tightly to My hand." p19
One of the verses she uses is 2Cor 4:17. and as I read that in NLT, MSG and Amp, I thought of something.
This says that it works for us a far surpassing glory. Sometimes in the Bible when glory is used to describe God it is referring to His character (Ex 33 for example). So could this be referring to our character?
It is for certain that trials form our character. Depending on our reaction to them is if they form it for good or bad. NLT says it outweighs them & lasts forever. The only thing we take to heaven is our character.
MSG says in the preceding verse that "Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace." Reminds me of your grace paragraph yesterday Linda.
People are going to ask how we can trust God when things aren't looking like they are working out for us externally. But wow! The work God does internally is what is really important & it's only by His grace that it is obtained. Grace is Power, it's a Force.
Keep it coming Lord, even though I whine & complain, I have my moments when I realize you're really healing me & I will be better for it in the end.
So I went through the Rev chapters -- what a war goes on around us. Why do you suppose Satan is so bent on achieving our worship? Why would he care? We're just humans. Maybe he's more determined to turn our worship away from God. It's hard to say.
ReplyDeleteThe message that came out twice to me are in 13:10 and 14:12 "God's holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful" and THAT is only achieved through trusting Him, focusing on Him, letting His grace make us stronger than we ever dreamed we'd be able to be - -
the song of Moses -- I know we haven't read it yet in Deut -- but I think it's a recount of God's deliverance. That would make great sense; if we ARE patient and we DO remain faithful -- He WILL deliver! It'll be worth it.
16:15 "Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a theif! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed" The clothing is HIS righteousness; nothing that I do -- other than to be patient, to watch, to trust.
So who was this King Agrippa? He apparently knew all about Jewish customs and controversies (26:3) and was very aware of the claims of the Way (26:27) Hmmmmm
ReplyDeleteI love how Paul looks for areas that he is the same with the Jewish faith (26:7) before stating the differences - finding common ground.
And his question in vs 8 is almost humorous: "Why does it seem incredible to any of you that GOD can raise the dead?" It's almost like he's saying -- do you believe He's God or not? Well -- how many times can that question be posed to me with all the many circumstances I try to put my own spin on or my own answers and solutions to? "Why does it seem incredible to you Linda, that God can . . ."
When Paul recounts his persecution and passion; it's pretty amazing how God get's his attention! Not only the light, and getting knocked off his horse -- but the simple statement "I am Jesus" (busted!) Talk about making a major mistake in the passion department! But God doesn't retaliate -- not even for the martyrs that Saul was key in condemning; God wanted to USE him! To use his passion, his debating and convincing skills, his knowledge of scripture and traditions, and even use his past life as a powerful testimony. BUT -- it had to be in God's timing, God's way; so many stories in the Bible are like that! Moses, Joseph . . . goes on and on; so when Jesus tells us to watch and pray, it certainly can be so we don't enter into the temptation of forcing OUR way, but rather to see the path HE's laid out for us and not loosing sight of the Shepherd leading the way.
Paul is setting the stage for Festus and Agrippa. He doesn't care a hoot about their pomp and power -- he's after their hearts; which I believe is why in the chpt 26 dialogue he stresses the Gentiles (vs 17) all must repent (vs 20) Jews and Gentiles (23) and then Festus SHOUTS! and Paul appeals --
Both powerful leaders agree -- this man is harmless, this man cares about people, this man hasn't done anything to deserve death. Score God! Both men hope for the peace and assurance Paul has -- but it appears they are not ready to trade what the world offers to what God offers -- at lease not that we're aware of (they stood and left) BUT God's seed was planted; would be interesting to know if it sprouted!
Enjoyed your comments, especially the question "Is anything to hard for God"? Great job putting it in modern context.
ReplyDeleteThe Voice version has Paul saying he's on trial for hope. A hope rooted in God's promise to the patriarchs. A hope that was rewarded in Jesus rising from the dead. A hope for our future as well. This isn't it! This life is almost like the purgatory some preach. Might be a stretch, but it's what came to mind.
On another note, if Paul had not appealed to Rome & just said, no, I don't want to go to Jerusalem & will be judged here, would Festus have let him go? I kinda doubt it as he was looking to please the Jews. Another wishy-washy ruler!