Last week, I didn't connect with Romans, but this week -- it said a lot to me. Really enjoyed the fresh look through the Voice translation.
mad right through grace gives us the opportunity to experience TRUE and LASTING peace -- who doesn't want THAT?
So I thought it was interesting that Phil had an upgrading of how to relate to suffering. In Phil it says when sufferings come your way, try to face them joyfully -- but here Paul says "we also celebrate in seasons of suffering because we know that when we suffer we develops endurance which shapes your characters. Bot texts talk about suffering being good for our characters -- PM has said God is more concerned about our characters than our comfort -- but celebrating? I think it's easier to "try to be joyful"!!
vs 5 "the HOly Spirit that was given to us has flooded our hearts with God's love" I need more and constant flooding -- so many times I find myself judging or critical; I'd much rather be flooded with love.
I put myself in a courtroom on death row as I read this verse, and tried to imagine the relief that would pour over me: "the judgement that fell because of one false step brought condemnation (you are guilty - death), but the free gift following countless offenses results in a favorable verdict (the courtroom finds you . . . . not guilty)
2 words really show the difference between the worlds way and God's way: defiant and willing "Just as through one man's defiant disobedience every one of us were made sinners, so through the willing obedience of the one man many of us will be made right". And then I stop and think about me --- do I find myself defiant? or willing?
This reminded me of the Lazarus story (2:5) we, too, might walk confidently out of the grave into a new life.
Here's a "choose you this day whom you will serve" moment in 2:16 "What will be your master? Will it be sin - which will lead to certain death - or obedience"
Verse 20 reminded me of my daughter years ago when she said, "I'm so tired of being good" "when you live as slaves to sin, you had no obligation to do the right thing -- In that regard, you were free" - - so the path of least resistance has no strings attached, no obligations - - but choices have consequences - are the consequences worth it . . . maybe you really are a slave to the choices - - can't help but think of exercising
This makes me think of Cole. I pray everyday that God will help him understand his choices. I really don't think Cole has the ability "choose you this day whom you will serve". He steals something, and when you get upset he looks right through you. He is wondering why he is in trouble (or is he) because to him if he has it in his hands, it is his. His idea of right and wrong are way different than reality. How will God judge the Cole's of this world. Similar to that young man involved in the Newtown shootings - I cried for him too that day and several since. What are the consequences for these kids?
Hey Sheri -- here's an interesting text -- still processing what it means, but I "think" it could mean that God judges us to the right and wrong that lies within each individual heart -- that'd be different for each one of us, because we all have different growing up experiences, different baggage -- and He's FOR us, so I don't think we're all based the same. His written law and His heart law is the ideal for us -- but we're all on a journey walking and crawling - sometimes running toward His ideal. If God is FOR us, then who in the world can be against us??
Romans 2:15 They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right.
I also thought of the celebrating when I suffer. I don't think I've ever looked past the suffering to see the benefit on the other side of it when it's emotional suffering. I can when it's physical though. Unfortunately, it's the emotional that really shapes our characters. I think it's because it affects us from the inside out. Outside, physical changes are easily forgotten. It's what's inside of us that really defines who we are.
I like your reflection of being the accused in a courtroom, knowing what you really deserve & then the relief of what you actually hear. Great illustration of grace.
I was thinking of how the translation says "radical grace". That term makes me think of something that actively affects change in my heart. Grace is not passive or it would not be efficient. It has to be constantly touching our hearts, thoughts and making adjustments in how we think & act. As it says in 6:18 - I'm free to serve a different master - God's redeeming justice.
What stood out to me was the time element in today's reading. Why didn't God just recreate the earth by speaking, like He did at Creation?
8:1 "When it was time" God started drying the earth.
Noah opened the window a couple months after the rain had stopped & sent out a bird. I have to think he was getting tired of being couped up. I know I would have been going crazy!
When the dove didn't come back I would have thought, "surely God is going to open the door soon". But He didn't! And then, when Noah checked to see what the state of things was, he could clearly see that the land was almost dry. So once again I'd think, "can't be long now". But it was almost 2 more months!
They were in that ark for like a year, with no KOAs, rest areas, Thousand Trails or anything! Can you imagine being in a motor home with just say 3 other people, 2 dogs & 2 cats for a year with no breaks? I'm thinking only 1 person would come out alive. And they'd definitely be classified as "socially awkward" too!
Though it doesn't record any conversations or trials that Noah went through during that time, I have to think this tried his patience & his walk with God. This was his Mt Moriah.
So what I take away from all this is "when it was time..., when it was time..." Sigh. What can I say but "I trust You, Jesus. You are my Shepherd, You give me all that I need".
I agree, Noah probably shared a few choice words with God, during this time. I wish I shared the same trust in Jesus that Noah and Job both had. I think these stories are in the Bible to show us that God uses normal everyday people with families, jobs, dilemas, and troubles. Each of us could, feasibly, be Job or Noah - we just need to put all our faith in Him.
Thank you Chris -- a good thought to keep in front of me today "when it was time" and His time is definitely not my time.
I was thinking about your questions -- why not just speak the new creation? Then I was thinking how God is more concerned about our character than our comfort. Maybe he was hoping to develop a patient new generation -- one that would stay totally dependent on Him and His timing through the lessons learned in the ark. It's sufferings and temptations that develop our character -- no doubt there was plenty of that on the ark (wonder if there is a similar feeling in a submarine?
I gotta think that when Noah removed the covering of the ark -- it was like tearing it off - - unless they had high tec hinges or something (and maybe they did) Anyway -- I bet it was wonderful to have the fresh air come pouring in and the light washing over them!
Once Noah got out -- it was still all about God; he didn't spend time looking things over for the flatest spot to pitch the tent and the best spot for the outhouse -- it was all about God; gratefulness, thankfulness (even after all that time in the boat) His focus stayed on gratitude -- maybe that's what pulled him through?
I was also wondering if He talked to God on the boat -- used that down time to increase his faith. There are always 2 routes we can go - - look up, look down
The only thing I wondered about as I read (skimmed alot) was in C 13 is said that Moses beat the leaders of Midian. Wasn't Jethro, his father n law a priest of Midian? Doesn't say what happened, but was thinking it was maybe the first civil war. Well, technically, I guess that was Cain & Abel.
I read JC also. A couple of them actually. A lot of stuff jumping out to me lately about trusting God deeper. Going deeper into abandonment & being reckless (as Jeremy Camp sings) for God. I'm definitely not there yet.
It's easier for me to to choose to jump out of a plane or hang glide than to do an emotional or spiritual jump. But that's because, physically, I rely on me mostly. I can see & feel that, I can make choices as I go along. I can control that (at least I think I can control myself - but not really).
To abandon myself to God, the only choice I continually make is one of surrender. I don't see everything that's coming at me. I have to trust Him, that He's really driving. That He hasn't put me on auto pilot & walked away to drive a better, shinier car.
I'm grateful that the music I've been hearing lately addresses these very issues and refocuses my fearing mind. God meets me where I am, only to take me higher and deeper than I ever thought I'd go.
I love your comments. It is much easier for me to choose on my own. I don't always like God's answer and think mine will work better. Then I do something crazy, that was in hindsight - stupid. However, if you would like to jump out of a plane with me, I would so chose too.
Josh 11:5 -- "All the kings pooled their forces"; reminds me of how sometimes we feel surrounded by more than one trial or suffering -- we feel ganged-up-on; but God says, "Don't be afraid of them"
OK -- I relate a little more to this each year Josh 13:1 "You have grown old and there is still work to do . . ." YIKES! Give me energy Lord and fill me up with passion for YOU!
I love the update on Caleb -- he is NOT to be forgotten in the shadow of Joshua's leadership. We get a glimpse into his earlier life in 14:9 "The others who were sent as spies only discouraged the people and melted their hearts (boy howdy -- isn't that how we humans work, on both sides of the discouragement), but I obeyed the Eternal One, my God, completely."
AND -- speaking of old age vs 10-11 "Here I am today, 85 years old, still as strong today as I was when Moses sent me into this country, able to fight and able to work . . . Because the Eternal goes with me, I will drive them out, just as He has said" and WHO do you suppose he picked to drive out???? Anek and his sons -- the very ones that cause all of Israel to get weak-kneed! It's like he was saying, bring 'em on -- with God on our side -- we have NOTHING to fear . . . it had to have made God smile.
I like that Caleb's daughter knew how to handle her situation with water, but what a bummer she had to marry her uncle:( not what I picture when I think of marriage.
The other thing I don't understand is the horses hamstrings. I can understand quickly killing them -- but the hamstrings? This is definitely something I don't understand -- any ideas??
15:73 "the people of Judah could not conquer the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem" I wonder if God counseled them in this -- maybe it wasn't the "right time" for that special piece of property? or was it lack of faith or passion?
I think in either Kings or Chronicles, God tells one of the kings to hamstring the horses so that the Israelites won't be confident in the fact that they have all these fast horses at their disposal for war & will depend upon God. It was a common practice to hamstring your enemies horse so they couldn't chase you. They were only good for some types of work after that, not battle.
I wonder how they decided the order in Psalms. It sometimes makes David seem bipolar. One psalm of high praise followed by a low lament, pleading for his life.
No matter the order though, it does my heart good to see his focus is always God in good or bad. As I was reminded last night many times, He is enough, through good and bad. He is my Shepherd, I am just a stupid sheep that needs protection & guidance. I thought it was very interesting that Max Lucado wove that between the artists who sang.
7 reminded me of Job too. David searches his heart & can't find anything obvious to him as to why he deserves how he's being treated. Maybe this is where Saul is hunting him. Again, like Job, I don't think this had as much to do with David as it holds great lessons for us today.
Things will happen to us that are totally unfair & undeserved on our part. The Bible is filled with stories of that. It allows what's on the inside to come out. Will I run to God or will I run away from Him. Like was said at the concert, those are my 2 choices.
Whether v15-17 happen for me to see or after I'm gone or at the 2nd Coming, I still have the same choice to make. Surrender to God or fight God's will for me. Submission or defiance.
8 reminds me of 19. Both are praises of God in Creation. It's hard not to think about God when in nature. It speaks clearly of a Divine authorship, whether people acknowledge it or not.
Commenting first, then reading what you posted to see if there is any cross-over!! "lead me to YOur saving light -- the Shepherd, leading -- but I have to be content to follow or I will veer once again into a dark tunnel.
Rescue me; why? Why do I deserve THAT when I constantly veer?? because You are truly compassionate. Not just compassionate because you have to be -- but because it's simply Who you Are.
And why am I alive?? for one reason -- to worship YOU. Well that's not what the world says -- they say I'm alive to make it. To make a name for myself, to raise my esteem in someone else's eyes, to make it financially, to cultivate my skills and talents. Really? Not what David has in mind (even tho he had accomplished all of those things) I'm alive for a reason -- to worship. Makes me so grateful that I can be a part of singing to God with a group of people every week -- but also, that I can pray to Him under the stars or under the covers or while doing what I do during the day. Worship -- hmmmmm, good word; continual worship -- even in my struggles, my trials, the unfairness of the world - not as easy, but . . . that's why I'm alive!
vs 9 "The Eternal God hears my simple prayers" now isn't THAT a miracle?? HE's the Eternal GOD! Why would HE care? must be that compassion:)
2:9 "You examine our hearts and minds" so much deeper that what our family, friends, and peers see -- He goes right to the source; what we think, what we feel -- nothing is hidden from Him, so admitting my weaknesses are way more for me than for Him -- He loves me through them, because of them.
Ahhhh - love that Ps 8:3,4 When I gaze to the skies and meditate on Your creation . . . on the moon, stars, and all You have made, I can't help but wonder why You care about mortals" but even more amazing -- zooming in on why you care about me! You are Eternal God . . . thank you dear Lord, thank You.
Can you take off your waffle boots when you're stomping all over my toes in your 3rd paragraph! I don't like the pattern they're leaving! LOL. Actually God was doing a pretty good job of stomping on them today even before I read your response. So it was a "good" reminder. :D
Hamstringing -- I also did a wikipedia search; it appears that the horses could still walk, but they could not run - - so I guess it wasn't life threatening.
Yes -- I see why God would do that -- so they wouldn't depend on themselves, so they would stay put in their culture (not ride away into the sunset) and also -- to keep them from trading fast horses with pagan cultures, betting on fast horse races -- and who knows what else God had in mind. He's God, I'm not!! Glad for that!
Eliphaz doesn't remember his history that well. In 5:6 he says that sorrow is not a natural product of the soil. Didn't God tell Adam that he would work the soil in hardship? It wouldn't be easy? That sounds sorrowful to me!
Then he goes on about how God protects the righteous. But haven't righteous people suffered? I realized they lived before the patriarchs, but there must have been some people that suffered wrongfully before Job. Maybe this is where it all began, so people could see the bigger picture & not just be caught up in their own little world (like I do EVERY day!)
I do however like what he says in 16 about God cutting, but it's for ultimate healing. Again, I'm reminded that God is my Shepherd & gives me what I need. What I need is a stronger character, totally surrendered to Him, not blazing my own trail to meet my supposed needs all the time. What I really need, isn't always what I want, but God is concerned with what I need to spend forever with Him. He's always thinking long term, while I'm usually focused on short term.
I like Job's request in 6 to be honest with him. They pretty much skirt around that subject & just answer him with their religious knowledge. He's asking them to be real with him & they can't handle it. I wonder if they were ever real with themselves? Hiding behind religion is a lot easier than having an active relationship with God. I've done it, maybe I will do it again, but I really like the relationship part better now.
Thank you Chris for that little sentence; hiding behind religion is a lot easier than having an active relationship with God -- so so so true -- and I fight it all the time - - - it must make Him so very sad that I'd trade in such a rich experience as time in His presence for such a shallow experience as showing up in the right place at the right time to do the right thing . . .
I have never soaked much in poetry and museums - - so learning to creep quietly through Job with an open mind is tough for me. I wish they'd just say it. But here goes;
I am sickened that Eliphaz would try to "help" by bringing up how God rescues and protects in the 7 perils - - that is so not true, as you say Chris; He's after our character and the big picture He has to work with -- the Bible and our history is full of Christian martyrs; and I appreciate the illustration in "The Voice" of the warp and woof of fabric - - how when one thread is poked up and down creating the whole picture -- when one thread is cut, the whole fabric is affected -- only He knows when He needs to replace a thread. Anyhow - - God has the ability to rescue, but He's got the big picture in mind.
THEN E goes on to talk about kids (knife me in the heart - poor Job has just lost all of his children) "Your children and their children will be abundant" What is this guy thinking - -
Job's comment on his anguish in 6:1-3 - - I can't even imagine how alone, how empty he must have felt; yet - pay attention Linda - - most of the Bible heroes went through emptying themselves, their alone time, their faith-building time.
6:9 "That God would be willing to crush me, to kill me" the Voice pointed out that Job was not suicidal, realizing that only God had the right to begin and end life.
What does this mean? 6:21 "You see my terror (Job talking to friends) and are afraid for yourselves" Are they seeing their mortality through Job's life?
Job is anxious for honest words (vs 25) constructive help -- but not chiding and criticism -- boy howdy, really true. Nothing worse than having a problem and hearing people complain about the problem without coming up with a solution -- what good does complaining do? Just weighs the problem down mooooooooore (ok Linda -- quit complaining, start coming up with solutions like Daniel did with the diet!!)
Hey Chris, yes she did.. Just got your message..So you have to sign into the blog to get messages? or see the "blogging'. Ok I will check Job and see where you guys are for the 18th.
No more complaining!! It doesn't do any one any good!
Isaiah 12 was rich with ideas for me: (vs 1) a Thank you to the Eternal God for "taking me back with kindness, and comforting me" what a beautiful picture of Father God and me as the child.
vs 2 "my very own God has rescued me"
vs 3 "With joy in each step, you will drink deeply from the springs of salvation" I was thinking that the opposite of Joy is anxiety -- God gives us both PEACE and JOY -- who doesn't long for that each step of the day?
BUT -- even though HE is my very own God, He protects me, give me peace and joy -- I don't hold and hoard this special treasure to my self -- I become like God -- wanting to share all the blessings -- vs 4 "spread the news"
I was thinking about the darkness (13:10) that happens with Babylons evil (the stars, sun, moon all become dark) and comparing it to Matt 6:23 "So if the light within you is darkness--how deep is that darkness!" Evil shuts out the light of hope.
The end of 13 "Babylon's time of destruction is coming; her days are numbered" boy howdy does dovetail with Rev "Babylon is fallen" I guess I view Babylon as not only the physical power that ruled long ago, but the evil that exists when man sets himself up as the ultimate - - that mindset is described in Is 14:13 on -- I've always heard this as a description of Satan -- but I think it has bigger applications.
Finally -- as we ultimately face the end of the world -- what HOPE there is and COMFORT there is in 14:24 and 27 "Things will happen as I plan. Things will be as I determine. . . And who can argue with that or stand in God's way? The Eternal, Commander of heavenly armies, has determined that this is how it should be. And so it will be."
5:16 "You are like that illuminating light. Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illuminate me." I was thinking about a flashlight (since I was outside last night in the dark with one) When that flashlight beam turns on and pools on the target -- my eyes, everyone's eyes around focus on that target. That's God's goal -- not that the light will be seen, but that the target of the light will be illuminated. It's all about Him!!
And then -- more about light -- the person looking toward the target in 6:22 on -- your eye can either be well and fill you with the light, or clouded and keep the light out; "that is the deepest, darkest darkness there is" is how my version puts it - - yet the hope comes later letting us know that if we pursue truth with a passion (knock seek) we WILL find the target of the light -- the hope of our lives.
Jesus spends a lot of time in the beatitudes encouraging us through the tough times - the persecution; it is bound to come -- we get another glimpse of it in the wide path vs the narrow path -- so he never promises an easy road; but once again -- He's more concerned about our character than our comfort, and when I walk through those tough times staying focused on Him, the target - - my faith, my trust will grow . . .
I enjoyed that part as well. Just the different way this whole section read today.
There's one part that I will comment on. 6:34 "Living faithfully is a large enough task for today." So don't worry about other stuff is what the verses before say. Focus on Jesus, surrender to Him & His plan for me today. Just right here, right now, this is what I have from Him. He is so thoughtful to only give me this moment to "control". Or at least think I can :).
Last week, I didn't connect with Romans, but this week -- it said a lot to me. Really enjoyed the fresh look through the Voice translation.
ReplyDeletemad right through grace gives us the opportunity to experience TRUE and LASTING peace -- who doesn't want THAT?
So I thought it was interesting that Phil had an upgrading of how to relate to suffering. In Phil it says when sufferings come your way, try to face them joyfully -- but here Paul says "we also celebrate in seasons of suffering because we know that when we suffer we develops endurance which shapes your characters. Bot texts talk about suffering being good for our characters -- PM has said God is more concerned about our characters than our comfort -- but celebrating? I think it's easier to "try to be joyful"!!
vs 5 "the HOly Spirit that was given to us has flooded our hearts with God's love" I need more and constant flooding -- so many times I find myself judging or critical; I'd much rather be flooded with love.
I put myself in a courtroom on death row as I read this verse, and tried to imagine the relief that would pour over me: "the judgement that fell because of one false step brought condemnation (you are guilty - death), but the free gift following countless offenses results in a favorable verdict (the courtroom finds you . . . . not guilty)
2 words really show the difference between the worlds way and God's way: defiant and willing "Just as through one man's defiant disobedience every one of us were made sinners, so through the willing obedience of the one man many of us will be made right". And then I stop and think about me --- do I find myself defiant? or willing?
This reminded me of the Lazarus story (2:5) we, too, might walk confidently out of the grave into a new life.
Here's a "choose you this day whom you will serve" moment in 2:16 "What will be your master? Will it be sin - which will lead to certain death - or obedience"
Verse 20 reminded me of my daughter years ago when she said, "I'm so tired of being good" "when you live as slaves to sin, you had no obligation to do the right thing -- In that regard, you were free" - - so the path of least resistance has no strings attached, no obligations - - but choices have consequences - are the consequences worth it . . . maybe you really are a slave to the choices - - can't help but think of exercising
This makes me think of Cole. I pray everyday that God will help him understand his choices. I really don't think Cole has the ability "choose you this day whom you will serve". He steals something, and when you get upset he looks right through you. He is wondering why he is in trouble (or is he) because to him if he has it in his hands, it is his. His idea of right and wrong are way different than reality. How will God judge the Cole's of this world. Similar to that young man involved in the Newtown shootings - I cried for him too that day and several since. What are the consequences for these kids?
DeleteHey Sheri -- here's an interesting text -- still processing what it means, but I "think" it could mean that God judges us to the right and wrong that lies within each individual heart -- that'd be different for each one of us, because we all have different growing up experiences, different baggage -- and He's FOR us, so I don't think we're all based the same. His written law and His heart law is the ideal for us -- but we're all on a journey walking and crawling - sometimes running toward His ideal. If God is FOR us, then who in the world can be against us??
DeleteRomans 2:15 They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right.
I also thought of the celebrating when I suffer. I don't think I've ever looked past the suffering to see the benefit on the other side of it when it's emotional suffering. I can when it's physical though. Unfortunately, it's the emotional that really shapes our characters. I think it's because it affects us from the inside out. Outside, physical changes are easily forgotten. It's what's inside of us that really defines who we are.
ReplyDeleteI like your reflection of being the accused in a courtroom, knowing what you really deserve & then the relief of what you actually hear. Great illustration of grace.
I was thinking of how the translation says "radical grace". That term makes me think of something that actively affects change in my heart. Grace is not passive or it would not be efficient. It has to be constantly touching our hearts, thoughts and making adjustments in how we think & act. As it says in 6:18 - I'm free to serve a different master - God's redeeming justice.
What stood out to me was the time element in today's reading. Why didn't God just recreate the earth by speaking, like He did at Creation?
ReplyDelete8:1 "When it was time" God started drying the earth.
Noah opened the window a couple months after the rain had stopped & sent out a bird. I have to think he was getting tired of being couped up. I know I would have been going crazy!
When the dove didn't come back I would have thought, "surely God is going to open the door soon". But He didn't! And then, when Noah checked to see what the state of things was, he could clearly see that the land was almost dry. So once again I'd think, "can't be long now". But it was almost 2 more months!
They were in that ark for like a year, with no KOAs, rest areas, Thousand Trails or anything! Can you imagine being in a motor home with just say 3 other people, 2 dogs & 2 cats for a year with no breaks? I'm thinking only 1 person would come out alive. And they'd definitely be classified as "socially awkward" too!
Though it doesn't record any conversations or trials that Noah went through during that time, I have to think this tried his patience & his walk with God. This was his Mt Moriah.
So what I take away from all this is "when it was time..., when it was time..." Sigh. What can I say but "I trust You, Jesus. You are my Shepherd, You give me all that I need".
I agree, Noah probably shared a few choice words with God, during this time. I wish I shared the same trust in Jesus that Noah and Job both had. I think these stories are in the Bible to show us that God uses normal everyday people with families, jobs, dilemas, and troubles. Each of us could, feasibly, be Job or Noah - we just need to put all our faith in Him.
DeleteThank you Chris -- a good thought to keep in front of me today "when it was time" and His time is definitely not my time.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about your questions -- why not just speak the new creation? Then I was thinking how God is more concerned about our character than our comfort. Maybe he was hoping to develop a patient new generation -- one that would stay totally dependent on Him and His timing through the lessons learned in the ark. It's sufferings and temptations that develop our character -- no doubt there was plenty of that on the ark (wonder if there is a similar feeling in a submarine?
I gotta think that when Noah removed the covering of the ark -- it was like tearing it off - - unless they had high tec hinges or something (and maybe they did) Anyway -- I bet it was wonderful to have the fresh air come pouring in and the light washing over them!
Once Noah got out -- it was still all about God; he didn't spend time looking things over for the flatest spot to pitch the tent and the best spot for the outhouse -- it was all about God; gratefulness, thankfulness (even after all that time in the boat) His focus stayed on gratitude -- maybe that's what pulled him through?
I was also wondering if He talked to God on the boat -- used that down time to increase his faith. There are always 2 routes we can go - - look up, look down
You're so right, that gratitude attitude really does make a difference when it comes to timing. Thank you for the reminder!
DeleteThe only thing I wondered about as I read (skimmed alot) was in C 13 is said that Moses beat the leaders of Midian. Wasn't Jethro, his father n law a priest of Midian? Doesn't say what happened, but was thinking it was maybe the first civil war. Well, technically, I guess that was Cain & Abel.
ReplyDeleteI read JC also. A couple of them actually. A lot of stuff jumping out to me lately about trusting God deeper. Going deeper into abandonment & being reckless (as Jeremy Camp sings) for God. I'm definitely not there yet.
It's easier for me to to choose to jump out of a plane or hang glide than to do an emotional or spiritual jump. But that's because, physically, I rely on me mostly. I can see & feel that, I can make choices as I go along. I can control that (at least I think I can control myself - but not really).
To abandon myself to God, the only choice I continually make is one of surrender. I don't see everything that's coming at me. I have to trust Him, that He's really driving. That He hasn't put me on auto pilot & walked away to drive a better, shinier car.
I'm grateful that the music I've been hearing lately addresses these very issues and refocuses my fearing mind. God meets me where I am, only to take me higher and deeper than I ever thought I'd go.
I love your comments. It is much easier for me to choose on my own. I don't always like God's answer and think mine will work better. Then I do something crazy, that was in hindsight - stupid. However, if you would like to jump out of a plane with me, I would so chose too.
DeleteJosh 11:5 -- "All the kings pooled their forces"; reminds me of how sometimes we feel surrounded by more than one trial or suffering -- we feel ganged-up-on; but God says, "Don't be afraid of them"
ReplyDeleteOK -- I relate a little more to this each year Josh 13:1 "You have grown old and there is still work to do . . ." YIKES! Give me energy Lord and fill me up with passion for YOU!
I love the update on Caleb -- he is NOT to be forgotten in the shadow of Joshua's leadership. We get a glimpse into his earlier life in 14:9 "The others who were sent as spies only discouraged the people and melted their hearts (boy howdy -- isn't that how we humans work, on both sides of the discouragement), but I obeyed the Eternal One, my God, completely."
AND -- speaking of old age vs 10-11 "Here I am today, 85 years old, still as strong today as I was when Moses sent me into this country, able to fight and able to work . . . Because the Eternal goes with me, I will drive them out, just as He has said" and WHO do you suppose he picked to drive out???? Anek and his sons -- the very ones that cause all of Israel to get weak-kneed! It's like he was saying, bring 'em on -- with God on our side -- we have NOTHING to fear . . . it had to have made God smile.
I like that Caleb's daughter knew how to handle her situation with water, but what a bummer she had to marry her uncle:( not what I picture when I think of marriage.
The other thing I don't understand is the horses hamstrings. I can understand quickly killing them -- but the hamstrings? This is definitely something I don't understand -- any ideas??
15:73 "the people of Judah could not conquer the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem" I wonder if God counseled them in this -- maybe it wasn't the "right time" for that special piece of property? or was it lack of faith or passion?
I think in either Kings or Chronicles, God tells one of the kings to hamstring the horses so that the Israelites won't be confident in the fact that they have all these fast horses at their disposal for war & will depend upon God. It was a common practice to hamstring your enemies horse so they couldn't chase you. They were only good for some types of work after that, not battle.
DeleteI wonder how they decided the order in Psalms. It sometimes makes David seem bipolar. One psalm of high praise followed by a low lament, pleading for his life.
ReplyDeleteNo matter the order though, it does my heart good to see his focus is always God in good or bad. As I was reminded last night many times, He is enough, through good and bad. He is my Shepherd, I am just a stupid sheep that needs protection & guidance. I thought it was very interesting that Max Lucado wove that between the artists who sang.
7 reminded me of Job too. David searches his heart & can't find anything obvious to him as to why he deserves how he's being treated. Maybe this is where Saul is hunting him. Again, like Job, I don't think this had as much to do with David as it holds great lessons for us today.
Things will happen to us that are totally unfair & undeserved on our part. The Bible is filled with stories of that. It allows what's on the inside to come out. Will I run to God or will I run away from Him. Like was said at the concert, those are my 2 choices.
Whether v15-17 happen for me to see or after I'm gone or at the 2nd Coming, I still have the same choice to make. Surrender to God or fight God's will for me. Submission or defiance.
8 reminds me of 19. Both are praises of God in Creation. It's hard not to think about God when in nature. It speaks clearly of a Divine authorship, whether people acknowledge it or not.
Commenting first, then reading what you posted to see if there is any cross-over!! "lead me to YOur saving light -- the Shepherd, leading -- but I have to be content to follow or I will veer once again into a dark tunnel.
ReplyDeleteRescue me; why? Why do I deserve THAT when I constantly veer?? because You are truly compassionate. Not just compassionate because you have to be -- but because it's simply Who you Are.
And why am I alive?? for one reason -- to worship YOU. Well that's not what the world says -- they say I'm alive to make it. To make a name for myself, to raise my esteem in someone else's eyes, to make it financially, to cultivate my skills and talents. Really? Not what David has in mind (even tho he had accomplished all of those things) I'm alive for a reason -- to worship. Makes me so grateful that I can be a part of singing to God with a group of people every week -- but also, that I can pray to Him under the stars or under the covers or while doing what I do during the day. Worship -- hmmmmm, good word; continual worship -- even in my struggles, my trials, the unfairness of the world - not as easy, but . . . that's why I'm alive!
vs 9 "The Eternal God hears my simple prayers" now isn't THAT a miracle?? HE's the Eternal GOD! Why would HE care? must be that compassion:)
2:9 "You examine our hearts and minds" so much deeper that what our family, friends, and peers see -- He goes right to the source; what we think, what we feel -- nothing is hidden from Him, so admitting my weaknesses are way more for me than for Him -- He loves me through them, because of them.
Ahhhh - love that Ps 8:3,4 When I gaze to the skies and meditate on Your creation . . . on the moon, stars, and all You have made, I can't help but wonder why You care about mortals" but even more amazing -- zooming in on why you care about me! You are Eternal God . . . thank you dear Lord, thank You.
Can you take off your waffle boots when you're stomping all over my toes in your 3rd paragraph! I don't like the pattern they're leaving! LOL. Actually God was doing a pretty good job of stomping on them today even before I read your response. So it was a "good" reminder. :D
DeleteWait -- I wasn't wearing waffle boots, it was my soccer shoes!! Hee hee
DeleteYes - it does sound like Job in that part of Psalms - - humanity crying out for justice in an unfair world.
ReplyDeleteWish I could have seen the concert last night . . . can hardly wait to hear snatches of it.
Hamstringing -- I also did a wikipedia search; it appears that the horses could still walk, but they could not run - - so I guess it wasn't life threatening.
ReplyDeleteYes -- I see why God would do that -- so they wouldn't depend on themselves, so they would stay put in their culture (not ride away into the sunset) and also -- to keep them from trading fast horses with pagan cultures, betting on fast horse races -- and who knows what else God had in mind. He's God, I'm not!! Glad for that!
interesting
Hey Chris,
ReplyDeleteBarb just showed me your link! So I hope to keep up with the Bible plan, Where are you reading this week?
Sally
Cool Sally! We're on week 3. Did she send you the plan too? I included that in my email to her. I think tomorrow is Job & his windbag friends.
DeleteEliphaz doesn't remember his history that well. In 5:6 he says that sorrow is not a natural product of the soil. Didn't God tell Adam that he would work the soil in hardship? It wouldn't be easy? That sounds sorrowful to me!
ReplyDeleteThen he goes on about how God protects the righteous. But haven't righteous people suffered? I realized they lived before the patriarchs, but there must have been some people that suffered wrongfully before Job. Maybe this is where it all began, so people could see the bigger picture & not just be caught up in their own little world (like I do EVERY day!)
I do however like what he says in 16 about God cutting, but it's for ultimate healing. Again, I'm reminded that God is my Shepherd & gives me what I need. What I need is a stronger character, totally surrendered to Him, not blazing my own trail to meet my supposed needs all the time. What I really need, isn't always what I want, but God is concerned with what I need to spend forever with Him. He's always thinking long term, while I'm usually focused on short term.
I like Job's request in 6 to be honest with him. They pretty much skirt around that subject & just answer him with their religious knowledge. He's asking them to be real with him & they can't handle it. I wonder if they were ever real with themselves? Hiding behind religion is a lot easier than having an active relationship with God. I've done it, maybe I will do it again, but I really like the relationship part better now.
Thank you Chris for that little sentence; hiding behind religion is a lot easier than having an active relationship with God -- so so so true -- and I fight it all the time - - - it must make Him so very sad that I'd trade in such a rich experience as time in His presence for such a shallow experience as showing up in the right place at the right time to do the right thing . . .
ReplyDeleteI have never soaked much in poetry and museums - - so learning to creep quietly through Job with an open mind is tough for me. I wish they'd just say it. But here goes;
I am sickened that Eliphaz would try to "help" by bringing up how God rescues and protects in the 7 perils - - that is so not true, as you say Chris; He's after our character and the big picture He has to work with -- the Bible and our history is full of Christian martyrs; and I appreciate the illustration in "The Voice" of the warp and woof of fabric - - how when one thread is poked up and down creating the whole picture -- when one thread is cut, the whole fabric is affected -- only He knows when He needs to replace a thread. Anyhow - - God has the ability to rescue, but He's got the big picture in mind.
THEN E goes on to talk about kids (knife me in the heart - poor Job has just lost all of his children) "Your children and their children will be abundant" What is this guy thinking - -
Job's comment on his anguish in 6:1-3 - - I can't even imagine how alone, how empty he must have felt; yet - pay attention Linda - - most of the Bible heroes went through emptying themselves, their alone time, their faith-building time.
6:9 "That God would be willing to crush me, to kill me" the Voice pointed out that Job was not suicidal, realizing that only God had the right to begin and end life.
What does this mean? 6:21 "You see my terror (Job talking to friends) and are afraid for yourselves" Are they seeing their mortality through Job's life?
Job is anxious for honest words (vs 25) constructive help -- but not chiding and criticism -- boy howdy, really true. Nothing worse than having a problem and hearing people complain about the problem without coming up with a solution -- what good does complaining do? Just weighs the problem down mooooooooore (ok Linda -- quit complaining, start coming up with solutions like Daniel did with the diet!!)
Hey Chris, yes she did..
ReplyDeleteJust got your message..So you have to sign into the blog to get messages? or see the "blogging'. Ok I will check Job and see where you guys are for the 18th.
No more complaining!! It doesn't do any one any good!
I think you can choose above to get emails, when someone posts/replies, but I usually just want to log into the site. I just don't always make it.
DeleteLOL Sally! Glad you've joined us!
ReplyDeleteIsaiah 12 was rich with ideas for me: (vs 1) a Thank you to the Eternal God for "taking me back with kindness, and comforting me" what a beautiful picture of Father God and me as the child.
vs 2 "my very own God has rescued me"
vs 3 "With joy in each step, you will drink deeply from the springs of salvation" I was thinking that the opposite of Joy is anxiety -- God gives us both PEACE and JOY -- who doesn't long for that each step of the day?
BUT -- even though HE is my very own God, He protects me, give me peace and joy -- I don't hold and hoard this special treasure to my self -- I become like God -- wanting to share all the blessings -- vs 4 "spread the news"
I was thinking about the darkness (13:10) that happens with Babylons evil (the stars, sun, moon all become dark) and comparing it to Matt 6:23 "So if the light within you is darkness--how deep is that darkness!" Evil shuts out the light of hope.
The end of 13 "Babylon's time of destruction is coming; her days are numbered" boy howdy does dovetail with Rev "Babylon is fallen" I guess I view Babylon as not only the physical power that ruled long ago, but the evil that exists when man sets himself up as the ultimate - - that mindset is described in Is 14:13 on -- I've always heard this as a description of Satan -- but I think it has bigger applications.
Finally -- as we ultimately face the end of the world -- what HOPE there is and COMFORT there is in 14:24 and 27 "Things will happen as I plan. Things will be as I determine. . . And who can argue with that or stand in God's way? The Eternal, Commander of heavenly armies, has determined that this is how it should be. And so it will be."
5:16 "You are like that illuminating light. Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illuminate me." I was thinking about a flashlight (since I was outside last night in the dark with one) When that flashlight beam turns on and pools on the target -- my eyes, everyone's eyes around focus on that target. That's God's goal -- not that the light will be seen, but that the target of the light will be illuminated. It's all about Him!!
ReplyDeleteAnd then -- more about light -- the person looking toward the target in 6:22 on -- your eye can either be well and fill you with the light, or clouded and keep the light out; "that is the deepest, darkest darkness there is" is how my version puts it - - yet the hope comes later letting us know that if we pursue truth with a passion (knock seek) we WILL find the target of the light -- the hope of our lives.
Jesus spends a lot of time in the beatitudes encouraging us through the tough times - the persecution; it is bound to come -- we get another glimpse of it in the wide path vs the narrow path -- so he never promises an easy road; but once again -- He's more concerned about our character than our comfort, and when I walk through those tough times staying focused on Him, the target - - my faith, my trust will grow . . .
I enjoyed that part as well. Just the different way this whole section read today.
ReplyDeleteThere's one part that I will comment on. 6:34 "Living faithfully is a large enough task for today." So don't worry about other stuff is what the verses before say. Focus on Jesus, surrender to Him & His plan for me today. Just right here, right now, this is what I have from Him. He is so thoughtful to only give me this moment to "control". Or at least think I can :).