You are on a roll with song headers! Except I keep hearing "exhausted..."... ha ha ha.
Finished reading 1 Jn this a.m. He definitely has a lot of emphasis on love. Seems they were having a hard time like we do now with loving the unlovable. There are people who just rub us the wrong way everywhere. It's hard to love them, yet it is once again perspective.
Looking at them thru Christ's eye's gives me a different vantage point. I see hurting, scared and damaged people just trying to survive in this world & interacting with each other out of their pain. Reminds me of what I read last night of how most of what I need to forgive others for is the ignorance that damages. They don't realize the hurt they cause through their actions/words most of them time. They are just trying to survive. Most of it is reactionary to their past hurts. An unfortunate, thin veneer to cover their wounds. But it has worked in the past so it must be good.
To love with God's heart is to see past that front, past that abruptness to the heart that is crying out for love and healing. Not an easy call because we're dealing with our own hurts as well. I think surrendering & trusting that God has us in that place at that time just to show that obstinate person God's unconditional love for them is what needs to happen. My problem is that I don't always surrender to Him.
Yes Chris -- that's MY problem too -- constant constant surrender -- I'm thankful for the tough tough situations that cause me to realize I can't find a way out on my own. Surrender; hard and precious all wrapped up together.
So when someone comes with a Message from God -- a good eval is test them. I'm thinking "faith, hope, and love" faith - does it line up with the Bible; hope -- do they encourage you or discourage you; love -- are they loving in their actions, their words -- even to people who disagree with them, do they show love. Good tests -- also; listen listen to what God is saying to you about this person.
Thank you Lord 4:4 "The Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world" -- combine that with 5:18 "God's Son holds you securely, and the evil one cannot touch you"
4:7 love comes from God -- it's not something we can generate on our own, it's as we experience love that we are filled and can give love to others.
I chewed a bit on the Spirit / water / blood. Seems like the water showed God's commitment to us, the blood showed His sacrifice for us, His Spirit shows His continual support of us.
5:1,2 I think many people find the "keeping the commandments" easier that loving His children!!
and the final thought from Jon "Dear Children (I like that endearing term) keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts" a time to stop and think carefully what might take God's place in my heart -- that could be an emotion as in worry or fear, it could be a temptation such as addictions, fame, or money -- it could be an easy life - leisure. So many many traps Satan buffets us with -- we need to keep looking up.
Not too terribly inspired by Deut this am (how was the workout??) Here are a few things:
In 23, 2 lines caught my attention: vs 5: He turned the intended curse into a blessing. vs 14: The Lord your God moves around in your camp to protect you. both verses show God's active involvement in what happens to us; He's not just up there observing, He's present - He's involved; sometimes that's hard for me to remember.
in 24 - - there seems in vs 17 on to be an emphasis on widows, orphans, foreigners -- those that have very little chance at making a descent living. It's good to know that He is worried about the foreigners -- I wonder if today that applies to illegal aliens? or legal aliens? or whom?
25:4 You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain. Thinking of this in human terms; if someone works hard, they should enjoy some of the benefit of their hard work. Now not all the grain went to the ox; most of it went to his master; same for us:)
God loves kindness and integrity -- again, themes you see coming out in these chapters; seems to me to be at the heart of these rules -- so as cultural and modern rules might change - - the heart of the matter does not.
Read in the What Women Fear book this a.m. & it provoked a lot of thoughts but I'd rather share what I read in the Jesus Calling book a few days ago. God was saying that once we've prayed & asked Him for something, rest in that. When the concerns come again to our mind, instead of asking Him again for them, thank Him for providing them or taking care of them. This way we have a sense of gratitude and it builds trust. The other way makes us wonder if He's heard & gets us a bit impatient that it hasn't happened yet.
That's not a quote but my paraphrase & how I took it. It's letting go of control & resting in His Presence & His promises. It's page 12 if you want to read it for yourself.
Nehemiah must have had some $ of his own that he didn't require any or food from the people. Sounds like he was a fair governor also. Interested in the people & not just the power position. Very rare in a leader.
The people must have realized that he was after their best interest because they listened & obeyed when he corrected them. That also is rare in a mass of people.
Opposition is always present when God's work is moving forward. I keep expecting Him to just make it easy and smooth but it just doesn't happen. You'd think I'd get it by now & with all the Bible stories that attest to that fact, but I'm still in shock or surprised sometimes when the enemy attacks me. I need to remember that not only are the attacks guaranteed but so is the victory!
It seems like people really didn't have a clue what the "law" said. The business about interest for fellow Jews; we just read about that in Deut 23:19 -- you simply weren't to charge it.
and they had no idea about the Festival of Booths; they were so hungry to hear the "law" that they stood for 3 hours (that's a long time!)
Nehemiah wouldn't be distracted or intimidated; his focus was amazing and, as you say Chris -- great leadership; even when his peeps were recommending Tobias; he stayed focus to God's mission for him.
Since the "prayer" is a history of God's dealings, I envision each of the people that prayed 9:5 as taking a paragraph; wondering if they choreographed it ahead of time, or they just busted out with the correct timeline prayer!
I like some of the soul prayers more than the historical prayers better; but always the theme is God's amazing love and His faithfulness; not a bad thought to end on!
Hey, I didn't even get that was a prayer! I was skimming. Yes, I prefer soul prayers but I can see that rehearsing the history, especially for these returning captives was important. Hmmm, what about soul captives that are returned/redeemed by God. It's is important to nurture them in how God has lead & what the "law" is as well.
141:2 Oh yeah! "Take control of what I say, O Lord. and guard my lips" boy howdy, do I need THAT! I daily need the reminder that I can learn more by being quiet and listening.
"Don't let me drift toward evil" I like this illustration -- if I do nothing to cut off the avenues or possibilities of evil -- I will drift that way; downstream - - I never drift upstream, that takes effort on my part -- pulling toward the God I love against the current of evil.
vo 5 - - I don't pray constantly against the wicked; then I got to thinking -- I'm wicked! I'm the filthy rag; do I pray against myself? I know I pray against my sins.
142:5 "When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn. Good to remember that God has the answers, when confused -- wait wait wait on Him for direction.
142:7 "Bring me out of prison" (I think of this as emotional/spiritual prison) "so I can thank you!!" Gratitude -- so powerful. "The godly will crowd around me" (beautiful picture of Christian support) for YOU are good to ME!
Just saw my "lead vs led" typo above. ha ha. I should probably wait until morning to reply.
For some reason I thought it was Thursday & wasn't willing to face S of S. But fortunately, it's Wed & I can handle Psalms.
David was feeling pretty overwhelmed & vulnerable when he wrote 140 it seems. But I like how, in the middle, he reminds himself that God is sovereign & has rescued & fought for him before. I was doing that this morning as well. It really helps me trust God & not start fighting & defending myself. I don't need anymore subconscious plans for protection than I already have!
It seems pretty natural when you feel vulnerable to "hatch" something to cover up your supposedly exposed flanks from a counter attack. Seems opposite of common sense to surrender to God & ask Him to defend you since you can't see anything and most importantly, you're not in control. Independence vs dependence. Reminds me of The Shack. And my heart feels pretty shackish right now! :)
v13 ends with a confident note, even if maybe David didn't feel like it. Good strategy, knees maybe knocking but I KNOW, I TRUST You got me in this. I will praise you in the storm. Had to surrender to Him yesterday on a roof when everything was going wrong & the skies opened on me. I can't say I was praising Him, BUT I did not throw everything off the roof in a temper tantrum! I did have a good laugh at the thought of it however.
141:5 "Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If they correct me, it is soothing medicine. Don’t let me refuse it." Interesting way to end this verse, don't let me be stubborn & full of pride, caused maybe, oh, let's say an insecurity? Hmmm
I thought v8 ending was opposite of the way I think "...You are my refuge; don’t let them kill me." I always think death would be a welcome rest from all the stress & people being on my case all the time.
142:3 "When I am overwhelmed, You alone know the way I should turn." Man do I like this! It's so true for me. He always calms me down (if I listen) & shows me where the right path is or even if I need to just stay put. "Sometimes He calms the storm & other times He holds His child".
May v5 be my heart cry today "...You are all I really want in life." Amen & amen!
The intro to SOS says that "may scholars believe this poem should also be understood as an illustration of Christ's love for the church" that is how I'm traveling through it -- and maybe even more personalized; Christ's love for me.
1:6 follow the trail of my flock - - following, learning from others that have developed a relationship with Him.
2:4 "it's obvious how much He loves me. Strengthens me . . . refreshes me . . . for I am weak.
2:7 "not to awaken love until the time is right" both parties have to be ready. We know that God is always ready to extend His love -- it is myself (and others) that cannot be forced.
Tho I consider myself dark (1:5) filled with evil; yet twice in chapter 2 (10, 13), He calls me fair -- He sees me as beautiful and doesn't see my shameful evil -- what a Lover.
Oh derr & I was gonna put what I read today & it wasn't Revelation.
JC pg 14 had this gem for me. "Resist your tendency to search for the easiest route through the day." This is exactly how I function - always looking for easy street. But it gets me fighting or stressing against His yoke at times. I'm not walking in step with Him anymore.
The realization that it's easier for me to hear His voice when it's quiet around me hit me again this morning. I really need to develop that ability that moms have to distinguish their kids voice from all the other voices on the playground. Only I need to know my Shepherd's voice & respond accordingly.
I have really enjoyed the insight of the intro to each book in NLT. For Rev it says that the church was facing intense persecution and the one thing that got them through it was hope. When the world around them was crashing in, they knew the end of the story - - a good lesson for me.
People who read, listen, obey the lessons of Revelation will be blessed:) Worth reading through again for His messages. vs 3
I think the greeting (the One who is, who always was, and who is still to come) is another message of hope in the midst of the persecution -- keep remembering that He is faithful -- look back at all He has done.
1: 6 He has made us a Kingdom of priests (this comes out again in 5:10. It was His death that established our right to go directly to the throne -- He is the Jacob's ladder that connects us with God, earth with Heaven.
What a JOY it must have been to John to turn and see Jesus; his friend again! What hope and encouragement it must have been to him for the final push of the last days of his life. and when he felt his Master's touch (1:17) and heard the old familiar words "Don't be afraid" (like on the stormy sea and in the upper room) what a thrill it must have been! No WONDER he wrote the about the One who was, who is, who is to come!
The church that spoke to me the most this morning was Sarids 3:1 "reputation for being alive - but you are dead . . . strengthen what little remains" I guess in the midst of Journey, this seems appropriate. In our community, because of the Journeys, we have the reputation of being alive . . . but are we? am I?
Laodicea: gold tried in the fire. I think the reason they were being lukewarm is that they were not willing to stand up for what they believed to, this avoiding the "fire"
Why is the Lamb worthy? Maybe because HE was willing to step into the fire -- to show a love that took whatever was required. To stand up for us - - even when we didn't/don't even seem to care or notice sometimes. (who can deliver me from this body of death -- the Lamb)
Chapter 6 seems to describe the slow demise of the earth -- I think we are actually in the middle of it!
A lot of prophecying going on concerning Paul -- but I think it was a way to let ease Paul's friends and followers into the realization that he was going to die. Paul was not fazed, ready to die for the cause he held so precious. Finally his friends put his life in God's will.
Paul went the extra mile to clear his name. He could have said, he was innocent - - let the chips fall where they may, but he made sure to give every evidence that he was not devisive.
God used that gift of languages; when the Roman commander her Greek, he became interested in Paul. When the people heard their language - they listened carefully. There is no more powerful and interesting witness than a personal story. But -- prejudice and jealousy took over their hearts and they weren't able to listen to God's plea to them.
Paul's citizenship is used twice in Luke in crises situations. I couldn't figure out where his Roman by birth heritage stemmed from. He claims to be the son of a Pharisee -- so maybe he had a Pharisee dad, nothing much about his mom is said. Guess I'll never know!
Paul was born when Jerusalem was under Roman rule, it was part of their empire. I'm a little fuzzy as to if the parents had to choose/could buy citizenship in that case or what, but then the kids born to them were Romans by birth.
I like what you got out of Rev & the churches. Am I alive? Great question!
I meditated on Ps 46. Be still & know... The first verses talk about elements of nature being chaotic & unnatural in their actions. I took it as an illustration like prophecy sometimes uses mountains, rivers, earth, etc to represent people & nations.
Don't get caught up in what your eyes are seeing - all the chaos. Or don't get depressed or angry with what your ears are hearing - all the negativity, the anger, the rejection. It's really not directed at you (at me).
Be still, be still & know that God is in control. Be still, trust that He knows I'm down here getting scared or torn apart by people. Be still, He will surround me with peace and a calm that enables me to rest IN the storm.
Ooo, here's a thought that just came to me. Since sleep is an illustration of death - what if Jesus sleeping thru the storm on the boat that night was an illustration of how we need to "sleep" or die to self, in the midst of the storm. It's the only way I get His peace - to stop & let it be, let it go, lay it down.
And here's another thought I've been mulling for a couple of days. He says His yoke is not harsh, hard or sharp but easy, PLEASANT and COMFORTABLE (amplified version). Not exactly the words that come to mind when I picture a yoke. So then, does that mean His yoke is also His embrace? Hmmm & hmmmmm.
Yeah -- 2 good thoughts; Jesus showing us how we should face the storms - - and wooot on the dying to self = sleep = death! keep it comin' Chris
and the Yoke -- once the ox (that would be us!) allows the yoke to encircle it -- the yoke is a comfort; a guidance which direction is next - - doesn't mean that it'll be an easy life -- there is work involved; but great things are accomplished when the ox (me) doesn't fight the yoke, but trusts the yoke and Who I'm yoked up with -- hmmmm; who would you suggest is the driver? or is this a single yoke? I like to think of it as a double yoke, as God wants to be that close to me.
You are on a roll with song headers! Except I keep hearing "exhausted..."... ha ha ha.
ReplyDeleteFinished reading 1 Jn this a.m. He definitely has a lot of emphasis on love. Seems they were having a hard time like we do now with loving the unlovable. There are people who just rub us the wrong way everywhere. It's hard to love them, yet it is once again perspective.
Looking at them thru Christ's eye's gives me a different vantage point. I see hurting, scared and damaged people just trying to survive in this world & interacting with each other out of their pain. Reminds me of what I read last night of how most of what I need to forgive others for is the ignorance that damages. They don't realize the hurt they cause through their actions/words most of them time. They are just trying to survive. Most of it is reactionary to their past hurts. An unfortunate, thin veneer to cover their wounds. But it has worked in the past so it must be good.
To love with God's heart is to see past that front, past that abruptness to the heart that is crying out for love and healing. Not an easy call because we're dealing with our own hurts as well. I think surrendering & trusting that God has us in that place at that time just to show that obstinate person God's unconditional love for them is what needs to happen. My problem is that I don't always surrender to Him.
Yes Chris -- that's MY problem too -- constant constant surrender -- I'm thankful for the tough tough situations that cause me to realize I can't find a way out on my own. Surrender; hard and precious all wrapped up together.
DeleteSo when someone comes with a Message from God -- a good eval is test them. I'm thinking "faith, hope, and love" faith - does it line up with the Bible; hope -- do they encourage you or discourage you; love -- are they loving in their actions, their words -- even to people who disagree with them, do they show love. Good tests -- also; listen listen to what God is saying to you about this person.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lord 4:4 "The Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world" -- combine that with 5:18 "God's Son holds you securely, and the evil one cannot touch you"
4:7 love comes from God -- it's not something we can generate on our own, it's as we experience love that we are filled and can give love to others.
I chewed a bit on the Spirit / water / blood. Seems like the water showed God's commitment to us, the blood showed His sacrifice for us, His Spirit shows His continual support of us.
5:1,2 I think many people find the "keeping the commandments" easier that loving His children!!
and the final thought from Jon "Dear Children (I like that endearing term) keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts" a time to stop and think carefully what might take God's place in my heart -- that could be an emotion as in worry or fear, it could be a temptation such as addictions, fame, or money -- it could be an easy life - leisure. So many many traps Satan buffets us with -- we need to keep looking up.
Thank you for those thoughts. I was thinking the same things about the last verse! He doesn't care how, he just wants to trip us up.
DeleteNot too terribly inspired by Deut this am (how was the workout??) Here are a few things:
ReplyDeleteIn 23, 2 lines caught my attention:
vs 5: He turned the intended curse into a blessing.
vs 14: The Lord your God moves around in your camp to protect you. both verses show God's active involvement in what happens to us; He's not just up there observing, He's present - He's involved; sometimes that's hard for me to remember.
in 24 - - there seems in vs 17 on to be an emphasis on widows, orphans, foreigners -- those that have very little chance at making a descent living. It's good to know that He is worried about the foreigners -- I wonder if today that applies to illegal aliens? or legal aliens? or whom?
25:4 You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain. Thinking of this in human terms; if someone works hard, they should enjoy some of the benefit of their hard work. Now not all the grain went to the ox; most of it went to his master; same for us:)
God loves kindness and integrity -- again, themes you see coming out in these chapters; seems to me to be at the heart of these rules -- so as cultural and modern rules might change - - the heart of the matter does not.
your 23:5 verse is along the lines of what struck me in the chapter I read in the fear book this a.m. Cool!
DeleteWorkout is this evening.
Read in the What Women Fear book this a.m. & it provoked a lot of thoughts but I'd rather share what I read in the Jesus Calling book a few days ago. God was saying that once we've prayed & asked Him for something, rest in that. When the concerns come again to our mind, instead of asking Him again for them, thank Him for providing them or taking care of them. This way we have a sense of gratitude and it builds trust. The other way makes us wonder if He's heard & gets us a bit impatient that it hasn't happened yet.
ReplyDeleteThat's not a quote but my paraphrase & how I took it. It's letting go of control & resting in His Presence & His promises. It's page 12 if you want to read it for yourself.
Nehemiah must have had some $ of his own that he didn't require any or food from the people. Sounds like he was a fair governor also. Interested in the people & not just the power position. Very rare in a leader.
ReplyDeleteThe people must have realized that he was after their best interest because they listened & obeyed when he corrected them. That also is rare in a mass of people.
Opposition is always present when God's work is moving forward. I keep expecting Him to just make it easy and smooth but it just doesn't happen. You'd think I'd get it by now & with all the Bible stories that attest to that fact, but I'm still in shock or surprised sometimes when the enemy attacks me. I need to remember that not only are the attacks guaranteed but so is the victory!
It seems like people really didn't have a clue what the "law" said. The business about interest for fellow Jews; we just read about that in Deut 23:19 -- you simply weren't to charge it.
ReplyDeleteand they had no idea about the Festival of Booths; they were so hungry to hear the "law" that they stood for 3 hours (that's a long time!)
Nehemiah wouldn't be distracted or intimidated; his focus was amazing and, as you say Chris -- great leadership; even when his peeps were recommending Tobias; he stayed focus to God's mission for him.
Since the "prayer" is a history of God's dealings, I envision each of the people that prayed 9:5 as taking a paragraph; wondering if they choreographed it ahead of time, or they just busted out with the correct timeline prayer!
I like some of the soul prayers more than the historical prayers better; but always the theme is God's amazing love and His faithfulness; not a bad thought to end on!
Hey, I didn't even get that was a prayer! I was skimming. Yes, I prefer soul prayers but I can see that rehearsing the history, especially for these returning captives was important.
DeleteHmmm, what about soul captives that are returned/redeemed by God. It's is important to nurture them in how God has lead & what the "law" is as well.
141:2 Oh yeah! "Take control of what I say, O Lord. and guard my lips" boy howdy, do I need THAT! I daily need the reminder that I can learn more by being quiet and listening.
ReplyDelete"Don't let me drift toward evil" I like this illustration -- if I do nothing to cut off the avenues or possibilities of evil -- I will drift that way; downstream - - I never drift upstream, that takes effort on my part -- pulling toward the God I love against the current of evil.
vo 5 - - I don't pray constantly against the wicked; then I got to thinking -- I'm wicked! I'm the filthy rag; do I pray against myself? I know I pray against my sins.
142:5 "When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn. Good to remember that God has the answers, when confused -- wait wait wait on Him for direction.
142:7 "Bring me out of prison" (I think of this as emotional/spiritual prison) "so I can thank you!!" Gratitude -- so powerful. "The godly will crowd around me" (beautiful picture of Christian support) for YOU are good to ME!
Oh yeah, I liked the drifting verse as well & thought the exact same thing!
DeleteWoohoo great point on the prison. Didn't think of that but it's so true & I like the support interpretation as well.
Thanks!
Just saw my "lead vs led" typo above. ha ha. I should probably wait until morning to reply.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason I thought it was Thursday & wasn't willing to face S of S. But fortunately, it's Wed & I can handle Psalms.
David was feeling pretty overwhelmed & vulnerable when he wrote 140 it seems. But I like how, in the middle, he reminds himself that God is sovereign & has rescued & fought for him before. I was doing that this morning as well. It really helps me trust God & not start fighting & defending myself. I don't need anymore subconscious plans for protection than I already have!
It seems pretty natural when you feel vulnerable to "hatch" something to cover up your supposedly exposed flanks from a counter attack. Seems opposite of common sense to surrender to God & ask Him to defend you since you can't see anything and most importantly, you're not in control. Independence vs dependence. Reminds me of The Shack. And my heart feels pretty shackish right now! :)
v13 ends with a confident note, even if maybe David didn't feel like it. Good strategy, knees maybe knocking but I KNOW, I TRUST You got me in this. I will praise you in the storm. Had to surrender to Him yesterday on a roof when everything was going wrong & the skies opened on me. I can't say I was praising Him, BUT I did not throw everything off the roof in a temper tantrum! I did have a good laugh at the thought of it however.
141:5 "Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If they correct me, it is soothing medicine. Don’t let me refuse it." Interesting way to end this verse, don't let me be stubborn & full of pride, caused maybe, oh, let's say an insecurity? Hmmm
I thought v8 ending was opposite of the way I think "...You are my refuge; don’t let them kill me." I always think death would be a welcome rest from all the stress & people being on my case all the time.
142:3 "When I am overwhelmed, You alone know the way I should turn." Man do I like this! It's so true for me. He always calms me down (if I listen) & shows me where the right path is or even if I need to just stay put. "Sometimes He calms the storm & other times He holds His child".
May v5 be my heart cry today "...You are all I really want in life." Amen & amen!
The intro to SOS says that "may scholars believe this poem should also be understood as an illustration of Christ's love for the church" that is how I'm traveling through it -- and maybe even more personalized; Christ's love for me.
ReplyDelete1:6 follow the trail of my flock - - following, learning from others that have developed a relationship with Him.
2:4 "it's obvious how much He loves me. Strengthens me . . . refreshes me . . . for I am weak.
2:7 "not to awaken love until the time is right" both parties have to be ready. We know that God is always ready to extend His love -- it is myself (and others) that cannot be forced.
Tho I consider myself dark (1:5) filled with evil; yet twice in chapter 2 (10, 13), He calls me fair -- He sees me as beautiful and doesn't see my shameful evil -- what a Lover.
I like your identifying the darkness with sin & how Christ sees us vs how we see ourselves. Very thought provoking!
ReplyDeleteOh derr & I was gonna put what I read today & it wasn't Revelation.
ReplyDeleteJC pg 14 had this gem for me. "Resist your tendency to search for the easiest route through the day." This is exactly how I function - always looking for easy street. But it gets me fighting or stressing against His yoke at times. I'm not walking in step with Him anymore.
The realization that it's easier for me to hear His voice when it's quiet around me hit me again this morning. I really need to develop that ability that moms have to distinguish their kids voice from all the other voices on the playground. Only I need to know my Shepherd's voice & respond accordingly.
I have really enjoyed the insight of the intro to each book in NLT. For Rev it says that the church was facing intense persecution and the one thing that got them through it was hope. When the world around them was crashing in, they knew the end of the story - - a good lesson for me.
ReplyDeletePeople who read, listen, obey the lessons of Revelation will be blessed:) Worth reading through again for His messages. vs 3
I think the greeting (the One who is, who always was, and who is still to come) is another message of hope in the midst of the persecution -- keep remembering that He is faithful -- look back at all He has done.
1: 6 He has made us a Kingdom of priests (this comes out again in 5:10. It was His death that established our right to go directly to the throne -- He is the Jacob's ladder that connects us with God, earth with Heaven.
What a JOY it must have been to John to turn and see Jesus; his friend again! What hope and encouragement it must have been to him for the final push of the last days of his life. and when he felt his Master's touch (1:17) and heard the old familiar words "Don't be afraid" (like on the stormy sea and in the upper room) what a thrill it must have been! No WONDER he wrote the about the One who was, who is, who is to come!
The church that spoke to me the most this morning was Sarids 3:1 "reputation for being alive - but you are dead . . . strengthen what little remains" I guess in the midst of Journey, this seems appropriate. In our community, because of the Journeys, we have the reputation of being alive . . . but are we? am I?
Laodicea: gold tried in the fire. I think the reason they were being lukewarm is that they were not willing to stand up for what they believed to, this avoiding the "fire"
Why is the Lamb worthy? Maybe because HE was willing to step into the fire -- to show a love that took whatever was required. To stand up for us - - even when we didn't/don't even seem to care or notice sometimes. (who can deliver me from this body of death -- the Lamb)
Chapter 6 seems to describe the slow demise of the earth -- I think we are actually in the middle of it!
A lot of prophecying going on concerning Paul -- but I think it was a way to let ease Paul's friends and followers into the realization that he was going to die. Paul was not fazed, ready to die for the cause he held so precious. Finally his friends put his life in God's will.
ReplyDeletePaul went the extra mile to clear his name. He could have said, he was innocent - - let the chips fall where they may, but he made sure to give every evidence that he was not devisive.
God used that gift of languages; when the Roman commander her Greek, he became interested in Paul. When the people heard their language - they listened carefully. There is no more powerful and interesting witness than a personal story. But -- prejudice and jealousy took over their hearts and they weren't able to listen to God's plea to them.
Paul's citizenship is used twice in Luke in crises situations. I couldn't figure out where his Roman by birth heritage stemmed from. He claims to be the son of a Pharisee -- so maybe he had a Pharisee dad, nothing much about his mom is said. Guess I'll never know!
Off to read DJ
Paul was born when Jerusalem was under Roman rule, it was part of their empire. I'm a little fuzzy as to if the parents had to choose/could buy citizenship in that case or what, but then the kids born to them were Romans by birth.
ReplyDeleteI like what you got out of Rev & the churches. Am I alive? Great question!
I meditated on Ps 46. Be still & know... The first verses talk about elements of nature being chaotic & unnatural in their actions. I took it as an illustration like prophecy sometimes uses mountains, rivers, earth, etc to represent people & nations.
Don't get caught up in what your eyes are seeing - all the chaos. Or don't get depressed or angry with what your ears are hearing - all the negativity, the anger, the rejection. It's really not directed at you (at me).
Be still, be still & know that God is in control. Be still, trust that He knows I'm down here getting scared or torn apart by people. Be still, He will surround me with peace and a calm that enables me to rest IN the storm.
Ooo, here's a thought that just came to me. Since sleep is an illustration of death - what if Jesus sleeping thru the storm on the boat that night was an illustration of how we need to "sleep" or die to self, in the midst of the storm. It's the only way I get His peace - to stop & let it be, let it go, lay it down.
And here's another thought I've been mulling for a couple of days. He says His yoke is not harsh, hard or sharp but easy, PLEASANT and COMFORTABLE (amplified version). Not exactly the words that come to mind when I picture a yoke. So then, does that mean His yoke is also His embrace? Hmmm & hmmmmm.
Yeah -- 2 good thoughts; Jesus showing us how we should face the storms - - and wooot on the dying to self = sleep = death! keep it comin' Chris
ReplyDeleteand the Yoke -- once the ox (that would be us!) allows the yoke to encircle it -- the yoke is a comfort; a guidance which direction is next - - doesn't mean that it'll be an easy life -- there is work involved; but great things are accomplished when the ox (me) doesn't fight the yoke, but trusts the yoke and Who I'm yoked up with -- hmmmm; who would you suggest is the driver? or is this a single yoke? I like to think of it as a double yoke, as God wants to be that close to me.