Why is it that when I'm told I can't do something -- I want to prove that I can! I think that's the struggle our human-ness faces under the old law - -
7:17,18 "sin has taken up residence in me and is wreaking havoc . . . I can will myself to do something good (yikes -- this is how I operate most of the time!), but that does not help me carry it out . . . (22, 24)) "deep down I am in happy agreement with God's law, but the rest of me does not concur ... I am absolutely miserable"
So chapter 7 presents the problem -- but praise God for solutions in chapter 8!!
8:5 "if you live your life animated by the Spirit - namely, God's indwelling presence - then your focus is on the work of the Spirit" So hallelujah -- what I can't accomplish by gritting my teeth, God can accomplish through the Spirit - - if I surrender to His leading (vs 10) "the Spirit is infusing (love that word) you with life now that you are right with God"
So much good stuff this am, but I'll end with this prayer for myself - - - "If you have invited the Spirit to destroy these selfish desires, you will experience life. If the Spirit of God is leading you, then take comfort in KNOWING you are His children!!" Spirit, Abba! Father! -- please destroy and lead on.
What a freeing thought for me! "...you owe the flesh nothing!...you don't need to live by it's ways, so abandon it's oppressive regime." 8:12 It's always so scary to accept something from people because you never know when & how they will collect. This is exactly how sin works. It sucks the joy of living out of you because you're always trying to be self sufficient and never needing anything. You become an island that God never created.
God created an "interactional" need if you will, in us. It's why He created us also. He wanted interaction. There is joy in giving & He intended joy in receiving as well. Every true relationship is give AND take but it is not based solely on one's own selfish needs. Jesus showed us true giving. Without hope of complete acknowledgement or gratitude, without desire of recognition & even without hope of recompense. Totally selfless. When we let Him live in us, this is manifest in our lives as well & for me, also is helping me learn to accept, learn to trust that it has been given in the same spirit that Jesus gave.
I also thoroughly reading the part about my heavenly Father, my real Dad. This last week I was listening to a song that I've heard many times & it was sort of in the background. But when the words "...Almighty God, YOUR Father" were sung, those last 2 jumped out of the radio & hugged me. That's the only way I can describe it. There was a peace & calm that came over me. I had a similar experience yesterday & again this morning as I read those words.
You are truly marvelous, wonderful & glorious, You, my Father God, are enough for me. Thank You for Your unconditional love.
God promised Abraham that he would "become a blessing and example to others" As the voice put it -- God's plan to rescue the world from sin and destruction began with one man - - and we see the beginning of that as Abraham kindly returns everything to the king of Sodom - - but apparently, the king and Sodom didn't follow the example - as later they had to be destroyed; yet it is clear that they were given an example from Abraham and probably the life of Lot could also have been a witness.
Maybe this Sodom history is an example of how God deals with evil --
Abraham had to do something daring to prove his trust -- leave everything he knew. Good to know that trusting Abraham had moments of non-trust, protecting his own skin after entering Egypt -- ahhhh the patience of God! But it was probably a small test to help Abraham grow
Y'know -- maybe Lot's friends heard about the Egyptian skin disease -- maybe that's why they thought that Job had done something to displease God??
I like this example that sometimes families need some space to get along:) Abe was supportive of Lot -- but realized they couldn't be in the same town!!
God actually told Abram that He would protect him & bless him & yet he still had the doubt, like you said Linda. Sometimes, I think I wouldn't fail God as much if He'd just tell me what's coming or a bit of my future. Here, I'm given the example that it's not necessarily the case. We are human & lack faith. It's only the tests, the trials, that develop the character, not letting me read the map for what's ahead.
God asked Abram to leave his comfort zone. Once he did this, he was blessed. This wkend, I thought I had picked out a nice spot by the river to spend some time alone with God. But I had to move because some other people found it as well. So then, I had to rely on God to show me where He wanted me to go, since I had no clue. When I finally arrived at the spot, it was waaaaay better than what I had originally picked out.
All our planning doesn't bring us into peaceful pastures. It's when we totally rely upon God & seek His direction that we find true peace and blessing. Man, I hope I can remember this. Or at least that I listen when He tries to remind me.
The conversation between the descendants of Joseph & Joshua remind me of conversations between God & I. I want easy & try stating all the obstacles that make it NOT easy. God says do it anyway & reminds me I am not alone unless I choose to be. "...all things possible...my God is strong & mighty, my God is faithful, my hope is in the Lord, for He is able."
GREAT SONG!! A lot of skimming today -- I'm not much for the survey report of borders!!
I thought Joshua showed his strength of leadership in his replay to E and M. He found where he could agree (there are many of you) he found where he could encourage them in the task ahead (you are powerful) and then he restated how they would solve it -- the hill country.
He didn't put up with their whining about forests and iron chariots -- he just told them take it or leave it.
Sounds like poor Joshua also had to encourage the last 7 tribes to get moving as well (18:3) "How much more time do you intend to waste before going" sounds like some parental advice!!
Cities of refuge sound a lot like today's prisons; a holding tank until the case can be tried. But with the thought that if the high priest died, the slayer could return home -- I wonder high priest was ever in danger?
Ps 9:1 -- when our heart overflows; it will be natural, not forced to talk about it - to tell others about HIM! to CELEBRATE; nothing forced - no guilt trips - it's who we are!
10:5 His (the arrogant wicked) seem to be successful -- the best thing (although I keep looking sideways) is to keep focused on Jesus and not be wishing to be someone else - - I really like Phil 4:7 because it says that God's peace will keep my mind on Jesus. That brings peace, and the peace brings focus on Him, which brings more peace -- like an infinite loop:)
The Voice pointed out that David had plenty of struggle -- both in his own family (Saul and Absalom) and the surrounding peeps -- no wonder we relate so much to Psalms.
I was thinking the other day -- even when life seems perfect -- like on a vacation or a perfect day -- there still seems to be fears, sadness, insecurities or hurts that try to implode into our hearts and minds -- gotta keep the focus. Again -- that wonderful Phil 4 (this time vs 6) Don't worry so much about every thing. When you pray, ask God for what you need -- BUT always do so with a grateful heart -- it's hard to be grateful through my tears and fears -- like I'm pushing hard, barring the door with furniture against the implode.
Love these words 11:1 "the soft embrace of the Eternal" Daddy, Abba, Father
and I love vs 4 "the Eternal has not moved" it's me that's shifting around -- He's solid, unmovable
vs 6 "He will rain hot lava over your head" at first I drew back from that (even tho it's talking about those that can't get enough of perversion and violence" but then I looked up Prov. 25: 21,22 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.
soooooo -- maybe God is pouring out blessings of hot lava as a drawing more than a punishment -- hmmm food for thought
Good point. I too loved the words being in the soft embrace of my Father God. Reminded me of the last couple of days. I want to stay there. I am choosing to believe I am safe there. I have nothing to prove. Besides, He's told me I can stay there. Like it said in v 4, I'm the one who chooses to leave.
I have so much trouble wading through the poetry of Job -- glad the Voice translated Bildad's response today -- shame on him for attacking not only Job, but his kids:(
Job's view of death 7:7-10 fit well with Paul's view of death in 1 Thes 4.
I appreciate Job's honesty, his passion of why? It's almost like in verses 19-21 Job is not even able to say God's name -- he is so disgusted with how unfair the situation is - - I can imagine Satan rubbing his hands -- figuring Job is about ready to (as Job's wife puts it) curse God and die.
7:11 Job says, "Like Eliphaz, I will not keep silent..." I know The Voice added those 2 words, but it's kinda funny. It is a lot to wade through, probably why I don't care for poetry. I would have saved the words & punched Bildad in the nose. Then I would feel like I deserved what I was going through. Definitely not God's way however, He knows Job isn't as hot tempered as I am.
Not up to Isaiah today. Read in JC a bit though. It's interesting that the last few I've read have been exactly what I've been needing. I like how God does that.
Great reminders to focus on staying in His Presence, which gives me peace & keeps my mind off my problems. I can't solve them anyway. They just keep circling in my mind & take me away from His Peace, His Presence.
When I stay with Him, I let Him fight for me. This develops my trust in Him as well. A very big deal for me.
"Accept yourself and your circumstances just as they are, remembering that I am sovereign over everything. Do not wear yourself out with analyzing and planning." p 37 Just rest in the yoke He has me in because I am not in it alone. He designed it for me too. Especially for me. It has been a different week with this perspective.
Here are a few thoughts on Isaiah -- then on to DJ for what really carried me today!
1:3&4 When trumpets sound the alarm (these are the alarms that go off in my head -- panic, panic, panic or worry worry worry) . . . the Eternal one tells me "I am in control -- calm and serene.
Isaiah 19:22-24 is more confirmation that God has no favorites -- He wants to save everyone! "the Egyptians will turn to Him, and He will hear and heal them . . . both nations (Egypt and Assyria) will travel it to worship together, side-by-side"
I'm glad I wasn't Isaiah walking around naked and barefoot for 3 years (20:3) a prophets life is a hard and thankless job -- I think a prophet, more than anyone, would have to keep the focus on God pure and strong - minute by minute
AND DJ today Psalms 46:10 "Cease striving and know that I am God." another way to put that was "Be still, let go, and relax in My Presence, while I commune with you in holy whispers" THAT was my mantra today - - -
A lot of people kneeling before Jesus -- and a lot of different ranks of people:
The leper (destitute) and the military officer (strong) The official (important) and the sick woman (outcast)
Our need puts us on the same plain.
In fact Jesus talks about how alike we all are in vs 12 "those who recognize Me, regardless of their lineage, will sit with Me".
A lot of other people also came wanting to belong --
I was thinking of how Jesus strips away our crutches and has us lean totally on him:
the Scribe -- strip away your home -- your bed -- your physical security the Disciple - - strip away your family dependance the Storm & the Demons - - strip away our physical well-being
and I guess that's what Jesus said later to his disciples when he was sending them out -- don't depend on ANYTHING -- money, clothing, your families - - the focus stays on ME, the dependance on ME
I like that the paralytic held up their friend both physically and spiritually -- sometimes when I am down, I feel that faith circling me; I'm helpless -- and hopeless; yet they carry me closer to Him.
new wine / old wine skins -- this makes me pause . . .
Jesus touches the ceremonial unclean cast-off woman - - He has time for her in the midst of the "important" man's plea -- apparently ALL are important to Him.
O -- and did I mention that He went to the blind man's house? Very cool -- he could have just touched them, but He went to their house . . hmmm and hmmmm -- wonder what wonderful words those seeing men heard after the healing? I bet we find them (along with Mary and the demoniacs) sitting at His feet.
How does 10:23 "you will not be able to witness to every town in Israel before the Son of Man comes" fit with "this gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in all the world, and then . . ."
Stay on the narrow path -- it is the sacrifice, mold the character path
Just gonna end with the knowing stuff: 10 30-32 "You, beloved, are worth so much more . . . God knows everything about you . . . Whoever knows Me here on earth, I will know him in heaven."
Thinking about the "be still and know" verse in relation to the above thought:)
Man, you had so many comments that I want to comment on! Really good thoughts. I love the be still & know. The part from DJ about Jesus talking to us in holy whispers reminded me of the part today where Jesus says in 10:27 about proclaiming in the light everything I have whispered to you in the dark.
This just speaks to me of intimate moments with God. I had that today with my Father God & it was so cool! Hadn't experienced that before with Him, only Jesus. I realized they are One, but I was always afraid of Father God, only approaching Him through Jesus. Now, I'm learning that He loves me unconditionally & I don't have to prove myself to Him.
So many more thoughts. I just don't have time to type them all. I enjoyed seeing the way Jesus ministered to each person as if, like you said Linda, they were the most important person on earth. And they were right then & there. He came to minister to our hearts. Even though it seems like He was dealing with mostly physical issues, the way in which He did that made each person feel like He really loved them & it made them willing to risk more with Him. This is the same way He approaches us. What are you willing to lay at His feet today? At the end of the day, the valley, the trial, I know I've been able to say, "I was scared, but He carried me all the way, I don't feel like I'm risking anymore".
Why is it that when I'm told I can't do something -- I want to prove that I can! I think that's the struggle our human-ness faces under the old law - -
ReplyDelete7:17,18 "sin has taken up residence in me and is wreaking havoc . . . I can will myself to do something good (yikes -- this is how I operate most of the time!), but that does not help me carry it out . . . (22, 24)) "deep down I am in happy agreement with God's law, but the rest of me does not concur ... I am absolutely miserable"
So chapter 7 presents the problem -- but praise God for solutions in chapter 8!!
8:5 "if you live your life animated by the Spirit - namely, God's indwelling presence - then your focus is on the work of the Spirit" So hallelujah -- what I can't accomplish by gritting my teeth, God can accomplish through the Spirit - - if I surrender to His leading (vs 10) "the Spirit is infusing (love that word) you with life now that you are right with God"
So much good stuff this am, but I'll end with this prayer for myself - - -
"If you have invited the Spirit to destroy these selfish desires, you will experience life. If the Spirit of God is leading you, then take comfort in KNOWING you are His children!!" Spirit, Abba! Father! -- please destroy and lead on.
What a freeing thought for me! "...you owe the flesh nothing!...you don't need to live by it's ways, so abandon it's oppressive regime." 8:12 It's always so scary to accept something from people because you never know when & how they will collect. This is exactly how sin works. It sucks the joy of living out of you because you're always trying to be self sufficient and never needing anything. You become an island that God never created.
ReplyDeleteGod created an "interactional" need if you will, in us. It's why He created us also. He wanted interaction. There is joy in giving & He intended joy in receiving as well. Every true relationship is give AND take but it is not based solely on one's own selfish needs. Jesus showed us true giving. Without hope of complete acknowledgement or gratitude, without desire of recognition & even without hope of recompense. Totally selfless. When we let Him live in us, this is manifest in our lives as well & for me, also is helping me learn to accept, learn to trust that it has been given in the same spirit that Jesus gave.
I also thoroughly reading the part about my heavenly Father, my real Dad. This last week I was listening to a song that I've heard many times & it was sort of in the background. But when the words "...Almighty God, YOUR Father" were sung, those last 2 jumped out of the radio & hugged me. That's the only way I can describe it. There was a peace & calm that came over me. I had a similar experience yesterday & again this morning as I read those words.
You are truly marvelous, wonderful & glorious, You, my Father God, are enough for me. Thank You for Your unconditional love.
whoops, meant to put "thoroughly enjoyed reading" up there.
DeleteGod promised Abraham that he would "become a blessing and example to others" As the voice put it -- God's plan to rescue the world from sin and destruction began with one man - - and we see the beginning of that as Abraham kindly returns everything to the king of Sodom - - but apparently, the king and Sodom didn't follow the example - as later they had to be destroyed; yet it is clear that they were given an example from Abraham and probably the life of Lot could also have been a witness.
ReplyDeleteMaybe this Sodom history is an example of how God deals with evil --
Abraham had to do something daring to prove his trust -- leave everything he knew. Good to know that trusting Abraham had moments of non-trust, protecting his own skin after entering Egypt -- ahhhh the patience of God! But it was probably a small test to help Abraham grow
Y'know -- maybe Lot's friends heard about the Egyptian skin disease -- maybe that's why they thought that Job had done something to displease God??
I like this example that sometimes families need some space to get along:) Abe was supportive of Lot -- but realized they couldn't be in the same town!!
God actually told Abram that He would protect him & bless him & yet he still had the doubt, like you said Linda. Sometimes, I think I wouldn't fail God as much if He'd just tell me what's coming or a bit of my future. Here, I'm given the example that it's not necessarily the case. We are human & lack faith. It's only the tests, the trials, that develop the character, not letting me read the map for what's ahead.
ReplyDeleteGod asked Abram to leave his comfort zone. Once he did this, he was blessed. This wkend, I thought I had picked out a nice spot by the river to spend some time alone with God. But I had to move because some other people found it as well. So then, I had to rely on God to show me where He wanted me to go, since I had no clue. When I finally arrived at the spot, it was waaaaay better than what I had originally picked out.
All our planning doesn't bring us into peaceful pastures. It's when we totally rely upon God & seek His direction that we find true peace and blessing. Man, I hope I can remember this. Or at least that I listen when He tries to remind me.
Thank You for being so patient with our failings.
The conversation between the descendants of Joseph & Joshua remind me of conversations between God & I. I want easy & try stating all the obstacles that make it NOT easy. God says do it anyway & reminds me I am not alone unless I choose to be. "...all things possible...my God is strong & mighty, my God is faithful, my hope is in the Lord, for He is able."
ReplyDeleteGREAT SONG!! A lot of skimming today -- I'm not much for the survey report of borders!!
ReplyDeleteI thought Joshua showed his strength of leadership in his replay to E and M. He found where he could agree (there are many of you) he found where he could encourage them in the task ahead (you are powerful) and then he restated how they would solve it -- the hill country.
He didn't put up with their whining about forests and iron chariots -- he just told them take it or leave it.
Sounds like poor Joshua also had to encourage the last 7 tribes to get moving as well (18:3) "How much more time do you intend to waste before going" sounds like some parental advice!!
Cities of refuge sound a lot like today's prisons; a holding tank until the case can be tried. But with the thought that if the high priest died, the slayer could return home -- I wonder high priest was ever in danger?
Off to DJ before work!
Ps 9:1 -- when our heart overflows; it will be natural, not forced to talk about it - to tell others about HIM! to CELEBRATE; nothing forced - no guilt trips - it's who we are!
ReplyDelete10:5 His (the arrogant wicked) seem to be successful -- the best thing (although I keep looking sideways) is to keep focused on Jesus and not be wishing to be someone else - - I really like Phil 4:7 because it says that God's peace will keep my mind on Jesus. That brings peace, and the peace brings focus on Him, which brings more peace -- like an infinite loop:)
The Voice pointed out that David had plenty of struggle -- both in his own family (Saul and Absalom) and the surrounding peeps -- no wonder we relate so much to Psalms.
I was thinking the other day -- even when life seems perfect -- like on a vacation or a perfect day -- there still seems to be fears, sadness, insecurities or hurts that try to implode into our hearts and minds -- gotta keep the focus. Again -- that wonderful Phil 4 (this time vs 6) Don't worry so much about every thing. When you pray, ask God for what you need -- BUT always do so with a grateful heart -- it's hard to be grateful through my tears and fears -- like I'm pushing hard, barring the door with furniture against the implode.
Love these words 11:1 "the soft embrace of the Eternal" Daddy, Abba, Father
and I love vs 4 "the Eternal has not moved" it's me that's shifting around -- He's solid, unmovable
vs 6 "He will rain hot lava over your head" at first I drew back from that (even tho it's talking about those that can't get enough of perversion and violence" but then I looked up Prov. 25: 21,22 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the Lord will reward you.
soooooo -- maybe God is pouring out blessings of hot lava as a drawing more than a punishment -- hmmm food for thought
Good point. I too loved the words being in the soft embrace of my Father God. Reminded me of the last couple of days. I want to stay there. I am choosing to believe I am safe there. I have nothing to prove. Besides, He's told me I can stay there. Like it said in v 4, I'm the one who chooses to leave.
ReplyDeleteI have so much trouble wading through the poetry of Job -- glad the Voice translated Bildad's response today -- shame on him for attacking not only Job, but his kids:(
ReplyDeleteJob's view of death 7:7-10 fit well with Paul's view of death in 1 Thes 4.
I appreciate Job's honesty, his passion of why? It's almost like in verses 19-21 Job is not even able to say God's name -- he is so disgusted with how unfair the situation is - - I can imagine Satan rubbing his hands -- figuring Job is about ready to (as Job's wife puts it) curse God and die.
7:11 Job says, "Like Eliphaz, I will not keep silent..." I know The Voice added those 2 words, but it's kinda funny.
ReplyDeleteIt is a lot to wade through, probably why I don't care for poetry. I would have saved the words & punched Bildad in the nose. Then I would feel like I deserved what I was going through. Definitely not God's way however, He knows Job isn't as hot tempered as I am.
Not up to Isaiah today. Read in JC a bit though. It's interesting that the last few I've read have been exactly what I've been needing. I like how God does that.
ReplyDeleteGreat reminders to focus on staying in His Presence, which gives me peace & keeps my mind off my problems. I can't solve them anyway. They just keep circling in my mind & take me away from His Peace, His Presence.
When I stay with Him, I let Him fight for me. This develops my trust in Him as well. A very big deal for me.
"Accept yourself and your circumstances just as they are, remembering that I am sovereign over everything. Do not wear yourself out with analyzing and planning." p 37 Just rest in the yoke He has me in because I am not in it alone. He designed it for me too. Especially for me. It has been a different week with this perspective.
Here are a few thoughts on Isaiah -- then on to DJ for what really carried me today!
ReplyDelete1:3&4 When trumpets sound the alarm (these are the alarms that go off in my head -- panic, panic, panic or worry worry worry) . . . the Eternal one tells me "I am in control -- calm and serene.
Isaiah 19:22-24 is more confirmation that God has no favorites -- He wants to save everyone! "the Egyptians will turn to Him, and He will hear and heal them . . . both nations (Egypt and Assyria) will travel it to worship together, side-by-side"
I'm glad I wasn't Isaiah walking around naked and barefoot for 3 years (20:3) a prophets life is a hard and thankless job -- I think a prophet, more than anyone, would have to keep the focus on God pure and strong - minute by minute
AND DJ today Psalms 46:10 "Cease striving and know that I am God." another way to put that was "Be still, let go, and relax in My Presence, while I commune with you in holy whispers" THAT was my mantra today - - -
A lot of people kneeling before Jesus -- and a lot of different ranks of people:
ReplyDeleteThe leper (destitute) and the military officer (strong)
The official (important) and the sick woman (outcast)
Our need puts us on the same plain.
In fact Jesus talks about how alike we all are in vs 12 "those who recognize Me, regardless of their lineage, will sit with Me".
A lot of other people also came wanting to belong --
I was thinking of how Jesus strips away our crutches and has us lean totally on him:
the Scribe -- strip away your home -- your bed -- your physical security
the Disciple - - strip away your family dependance
the Storm & the Demons - - strip away our physical well-being
and I guess that's what Jesus said later to his disciples when he was sending them out -- don't depend on ANYTHING -- money, clothing, your families - - the focus stays on ME, the dependance on ME
I like that the paralytic held up their friend both physically and spiritually -- sometimes when I am down, I feel that faith circling me; I'm helpless -- and hopeless; yet they carry me closer to Him.
new wine / old wine skins -- this makes me pause . . .
Jesus touches the ceremonial unclean cast-off woman - - He has time for her in the midst of the "important" man's plea -- apparently ALL are important to Him.
O -- and did I mention that He went to the blind man's house? Very cool -- he could have just touched them, but He went to their house . . hmmm and hmmmm -- wonder what wonderful words those seeing men heard after the healing? I bet we find them (along with Mary and the demoniacs) sitting at His feet.
How does 10:23 "you will not be able to witness to every town in Israel before the Son of Man comes" fit with "this gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in all the world, and then . . ."
Stay on the narrow path -- it is the sacrifice, mold the character path
Just gonna end with the knowing stuff: 10 30-32 "You, beloved, are worth so much more . . . God knows everything about you . . . Whoever knows Me here on earth, I will know him in heaven."
Thinking about the "be still and know" verse in relation to the above thought:)
Man, you had so many comments that I want to comment on! Really good thoughts. I love the be still & know. The part from DJ about Jesus talking to us in holy whispers reminded me of the part today where Jesus says in 10:27 about proclaiming in the light everything I have whispered to you in the dark.
ReplyDeleteThis just speaks to me of intimate moments with God. I had that today with my Father God & it was so cool! Hadn't experienced that before with Him, only Jesus. I realized they are One, but I was always afraid of Father God, only approaching Him through Jesus. Now, I'm learning that He loves me unconditionally & I don't have to prove myself to Him.
So many more thoughts. I just don't have time to type them all. I enjoyed seeing the way Jesus ministered to each person as if, like you said Linda, they were the most important person on earth. And they were right then & there. He came to minister to our hearts. Even though it seems like He was dealing with mostly physical issues, the way in which He did that made each person feel like He really loved them & it made them willing to risk more with Him. This is the same way He approaches us. What are you willing to lay at His feet today? At the end of the day, the valley, the trial, I know I've been able to say, "I was scared, but He carried me all the way, I don't feel like I'm risking anymore".