The reading in Romans reminded me of the sermon last week. Seems like Paul is having to remind the church not to compare spiritual experiences and judge each other. Since it's inception, the church has struggled with this as we are human. Another reminder for me to stop looking at people through my eyes & ask God to give me His eyes to see their hearts.
I like 11:6 "Grace is central in God's action here" that pretty much sums up God! He's all about grace, but sometimes the grace maze takes strange turns -- causing us to hang on for all our might with the fingernails of faith.
verse 20 "stand in awe of God's mercy" I think this comes from a deep sense of how unworthy I am, we are - - once we figure we're entitled; we loose the awe, we loose the worship - sitting at His feet, leaning on Him . . . that's where hope and awe come from.
Rom 12 has always jumped out at me as "this one's for you Linda" so much good good advice here. "Transformed from the inside" that sure reminds me of the sermon yesterday -- out of the heart the mouth talks! Just like faith is a higher calling than works; transformed on the inside is a higher calling than transforming the outside. One is doable, temporary, shallow -- the other changes everything about us.
vs 9 "Love others well, and don't hide behind a mask -- to me this is saying "don't love others for what they can do for you -- selfish love is no love at all -- hmmmm, is that true? Or is there any benefit in selfish love? Anyway -- I know I prefer to be loved by someone who doesn't have an agenda, but simply wants to share life, relationship -- the good - the bad - the ugly.
Certainly God loved ME with the agenda of me loving Him back - - but, other than relationship - there really was NOTHING in it for Him (except living here on this messy earth and the cross)
oh, after reading your comments I see I read next weeks! I remember reading in JC that a renewed mind is Presence centered instead of problem centered. I really liked that I am trying to remember to stay, just stay in His Presence and surrender my thoughts to Him second by second. I'll have to read this weeks either later today or next Sunday. Thanks for your comments though. Really good thoughts about the selfish love vs no agenda. Friendship with no agenda is a lot less stressful for sure. And you actually WANT to spend time with those type of friends!
The part that sticks out to me in Genesis today was what God said about Abraham even when he had screwed up. God still claimed him as His prophet. He even told the king that this erring human would intercede for him and then it would be okay for him and his household.
That's just pretty amazing to me - and encouraging at the same time. I know I deserve to be punished or ostracized or condemned because I screw up all the time. And yet, God still calls tells me He is especially fond of me. Very humbling.
God is all about dispensing hope when I feel the most hopeless. I want to be able to pass that on to people I meet.
I remember commenting on this last year; it is so foreign to me how men back then would sacrifice their wives/daughters for their own skin -- I just don't get that. Anyway -- I was wondering if Abraham's lack of God-trust to take care of him and his family had anything to do with the sacrifice of Isaac later on. (I was thinking how Jesus asked Peter to declare his love 3 times to counteract his 3 denials)
There are just a lot of examples of humans taking matters into their own hands -- I struggle with that a lot; and I appreciate the overall view of God's patience, along with how our plans typically mess life up! Wait and Watch.
I appreciate Abe's willingness to pack up and go - as the commentator puts it "Just an unwavering trust that God will lead him where he needs to go" That is something I want to develop.
I also noticed that Isaac (along with Christ) carried the wood for the personal sacrifice. I wonder if God ever calls us to carry the wood that supports our sacrifices - - hmmmm, not sure where I'm going there. Maybe that we have to take the steps - - do the hard work to haul our sacrifice up the mountain -- dump the baggage down on the hill (in other words -- sacrificing something precious to us - - is not always easy)
What spoke to me the most today was how God used/uses things outside of our expectations. He constantly crosses cultures, the social political norms of the day. He is not politically correct. I really like that. The Voice really brought that out as well.
God used a left handed person, 2 women, the youngest son of a priest of Baal or at least a very high ranking person in the worship as he had his own altar.
Actually, I think these are ordinary people. They were just willing to listen and obey God. Like Othniel, Caleb, Joshua, etc.
When God asked Gideon "do you understand that I am the One sending you?" I see a compassionate God. He knows Gideon has a muddled view of God and is unsure of his standing before Him. God also shows that compassion in waiting for the meal to be prepared. This was before butchers, prepackaged foods and microwaves, so it took a while, probably hours to make. When Gideon still seeks for a sign, he once again is seeking confirmation - "You really want ME????"
Acceptance obviously didn't come to Gideon by his earthly father so it was slow in sinking into his heart that his Father God would want him either. Pretty cool to see God deal with his heart in this way.
I picked up on the left-handed person too -- it almost makes it sound like being lh is a weakness; nothing I've every considered -- but there is a lot in the Bible about the "right hand of favor" etc -- maybe it was a bigger deal back then! But yeah -- as you say Chris - God's about using the right person for the job, no matter how we humans judge and evaluate!
Gideon almost sounds a bit sarcastic at first - like; if the Lord is with us then why . . .? And when the townspeople come for him, it's his dad that says let Baal fight for himself -- so it's really really good that God can read the heart, cuz he's not the man I would have chosen!!
I think it was back in the 1800s when being left handed was considered a bad omen & almost a demonic thing. Even when I was a kid they were still making people switch to their right hand.
Wow I have always enjoyed Ps 16 but in The Voice it was really awesome! Right off the bat in v1 I related. v3 talks about the wonderful fellowship I enjoy with people that are honest and not living behind a facade that hides who they really are. I am very comfortable around people like that. Unfortunately, they are in limited supply. 7 & 8 are so good & just cement what's been happening in my life lately. Relying on God to teach me every moment & protect my thoughts/dreams at night. Not living in fear or abandon my calling from God. Team that up with 17:6, 7 to put His love on display for all to see. To watch Him liberate people as they turn to Him for help. And I am now on His path. Let His voice and ways guide my journey - not what others, especially family thinks about me, my abilities or my future. What an ending too! "when I awake, the longing of my soul will be satisfied in the glow of Your presence" - WOW!
Wednesday is my favorite scripture day of the week! Can hardly wait for it! Go David - you're so honest, wearing your emotions on your sleeve!
15 -- the person of integrity; you can trust them with who you are, what you say -- knowing they will always put the best spin on what you're trying to do -- they keep their promises; sometimes you get caught in an impossible situation -- but you know that they will be as honest and above board as possible. I want to be that kind of person, I LOVE being around that kind of person -- so, if I'm not that kind of person (it does happen!) I don't even like being around me!!
I love this little line in 16 "the beauty of faith-filled people encompasses me" I also love being around people that are faith-filled -- they lift me up on wings of encouragement!
BUT my favorite part of today is 16:11 "You direct me on the path that leads to a beautiful life. As I walk with YOU, the pleasures are never-ending, and I know true JOY and CONTENTMENT!" That is rich -- it's where I want to be today - walking with Him, experiencing joy and contentment!
(I also liked the thought that he wouldn't abandon me in death and the grave -- kindof a scary time of life - so good to know I won't be alone when that happens - but I don't want to dwell on this!)
AND YES Chris -- I highlighted that last verse too! "My hope is to see Your face" WOW - what a day! "The longing of my soul will be satisfied" seems like we are always trying to find some way to be satisfied -- and David spells out here what satisfied looks like! It's walking with Him -- and then one day, seeing His face!
Yep, it was so good that after Job, I went back to Psalms and read it again!
Zophar reminds me of people who just repeat what they are told by people in authority, especially in religious organizations. He doesn't think for himself or even dare to experience for himself. He just repeats the company line. He's not alive - he's a skeleton with no individualism and therefore, no substance.
The thing I got out of Job was how He put it back in God's court. In 12, he puts all the wisdom in God's hands and he sees with heavenly eyes behind the scenes. He realizes it's God that gives and takes away. He is in control when it seems hopeless, He always has a way, no matter what men plot and scheme. Very encouraging.
That jived really well with 15:1,2 of Psalms where David says that the only time I am safe is when I seek You God. You Lord, are definitely the only good thing in this world (v2). Really good reminder for me today.
I don't have "friends" like Job had, but satan sure tries to plant a lot of fear and doubt in my mind. But I choose to stay with God and let Him fight for me. I choose to give my mind over to trust, not fear; to have hope, not despair.
I was really glad that at the end of 11, the authors consolidated what the 3 friends were actually trying to say. Gotta admit this last guy was brutal -- I keep think of Job loosing his children -- and the guy just says "you will forget all of these troubles of yours" what kind of friend is THAT? I hope God gave Job new friends along with sheep, goats, and kids!
But I too was inspired by Job simply spurning the wisdom of the people around him, and instead looking to God. Even tho Job didn't understand what had happened, his trust in Who God is was as strong as every. "As for me, the one who called upon God - who God answered" This made me think that perhaps Job had a very real relationship with God before this silent time. I wonder if Job kept thinking back to the Voice he had heard earlier - hanging on to those earlier experiences. Jesus had to do that on the cross -- no doubt we'll be through some silent times ourselves where we have to think back, hold on, and trust completely.
I hope he got new friends too! I definitely believe Job had a real relationship with God. That's why he wasn't afraid to be so honest about what he was feeling and he wasn't shocked when God answered him. I agree with you too on the silent time and the strength that comes from remembering what He's done for me in the past.
I read several JC pages today. Really good, but I will only share a small part. "Give yourself fully to the adventure of today...You have every reason to be confident, because My Presence accompanies you all the days of your life...Do not give in to fear or worry, those robbers of abundant living. Trust Me enough to face problems as they come, rather than trying to anticipate them...Nothing can separate you from My Presence!"
And I was just trying to anticipate my day and it's trials right before I read that! Sometimes a smack upside the head is a good thing! LOL
I'm going to skip over the obvious text of Isaiah - because every year I comment on it "These people think they can draw near to Me by saying the right things. . ." It's always a moment to pause and look inwardly. I don't think this is a time to point fingers at others or institutions or movements -- but rather to simply look inside for what needs to be different.
29:15 "Do they really think that God cannot know what they have hidden . . . " it's always amazing to me that I think there are things I can hide from God -- I might as well lay it all out honestly and ask Him for the answers.
vs 20 "cruelty and mean-spiritedness will come to an end" I know that we've all experienced different forms of this -- maybe even dolled some of it out ourselves -- I'm looking forward to when that is not a tendency of humans any more.
in chpt 30 it talks about how humans are dependent on strong countries to save them. I think we're guilty of that, relying on the "strength" of the US for answers -- according to Chapter 30 -- "you will be disappointed and ashamed" That is a calming thing to me -- people get really riled up over elections and leaders -- but Linda, keep your eyes up (a good example of this is Daniel who calmly lived through several dynasties)
And in 30:10,11 the people are saying to the prophets, "tell us only what we'd like to hear; save your truth-telling pessimism for someone else. We anat to hear flattery. And for goodness' sake, stop talking about the Holy One" we humans are so arrogant -- God calls for trust and surrender, we want the easy life -- the good news. Last night a watched "The Impossilbe" a true story movie about a family torn apart by a tsunami. The mom almost died and lost her leg - but in the end "the real life mom" said it was the best thing that ever happened, as now they appreciate each other and life so much more. It seems it's our tough moments that bring out something lasting in us. Phil 5:4-7 would agree.
I'm going to end with 30:15 "In returning and rest, you will be saved. In quietness and trust you will find strength" I simply like this - - returning and rest; quietness and trust -- hmmm, sounds like I'm back in the pastures of Psalms 23!!
Matt 14:31 where Jesus says "why did you doubt and dance back and forth between following Me and heeding fear?" reminds me of Ps 16:8 where David says "I will not live in fear or abandon my calling." It's one of the greatest ways that satan keeps us from fulfilling God's plan for us - fear. I'm thinking, spending time in the pasture, quietly gaining strength, helps us battle fear and instead trust our Shepherd
In 15 the Canaanite woman called Jesus the Son of David. Obviously, the word had spread and even non "Christians" believed Him to be the Messiah. It's just the "Christians" that had a hard time with Him. Stuff to ponder for sure!
Jesus' calling Peter satan really shows us how He loves the sinner but hates the sin. We need to look at each other with the same eyes. Don't get too high or too low with the words of people, even our friends. Just take in what Jesus says to our hearts.
I wonder if Salome was caught in the middle of a wicked Herodius plot - sounds like it to me - ugh.
14:14 -- though Jesus wanted solitude; even JESUS needed solitude down here -- and then He was interupted, He served and served -- but still found the solitude after the crowd had gone. The solitude of prayer has way more strength and refreshment than the draining praise or plans of man.
Yes - I loved the way the dance was worded -- and your comments on that too Chris - Jesus never showed fear of anything while here on the earth -- and we are so quick to crumble to it -- as you say, Satan's roadblock.
I liked the counsel of Jesus concerning those not speaking the truth - "let them be" We have nothing to prove; arguing only weakens the focus.
I think Jesus must have been discouraged that on round 2 of "you feed them" they still looked at the daunting task and said it's impossible. He references it again when they misunderstood about the bread -- "Don't you remember?" How many times do my fears and dull ears discourage Him -- no doubt He's saying the same thing to me "Don't you remember??"
But He does give a chance for them to say their faith - - as he later gave Peter the chance to say 3 times that He loved the Lord. Redemption -- He's all about restoring us.
The reading in Romans reminded me of the sermon last week.
ReplyDeleteSeems like Paul is having to remind the church not to compare spiritual experiences and judge each other. Since it's inception, the church has struggled with this as we are human.
Another reminder for me to stop looking at people through my eyes & ask God to give me His eyes to see their hearts.
I like 11:6 "Grace is central in God's action here" that pretty much sums up God! He's all about grace, but sometimes the grace maze takes strange turns -- causing us to hang on for all our might with the fingernails of faith.
ReplyDeleteverse 20 "stand in awe of God's mercy" I think this comes from a deep sense of how unworthy I am, we are - - once we figure we're entitled; we loose the awe, we loose the worship - sitting at His feet, leaning on Him . . . that's where hope and awe come from.
Rom 12 has always jumped out at me as "this one's for you Linda" so much good good advice here. "Transformed from the inside" that sure reminds me of the sermon yesterday -- out of the heart the mouth talks! Just like faith is a higher calling than works; transformed on the inside is a higher calling than transforming the outside. One is doable, temporary, shallow -- the other changes everything about us.
vs 9 "Love others well, and don't hide behind a mask -- to me this is saying "don't love others for what they can do for you -- selfish love is no love at all -- hmmmm, is that true? Or is there any benefit in selfish love? Anyway -- I know I prefer to be loved by someone who doesn't have an agenda, but simply wants to share life, relationship -- the good - the bad - the ugly.
Certainly God loved ME with the agenda of me loving Him back - - but, other than relationship - there really was NOTHING in it for Him (except living here on this messy earth and the cross)
oh, after reading your comments I see I read next weeks! I remember reading in JC that a renewed mind is Presence centered instead of problem centered. I really liked that I am trying to remember to stay, just stay in His Presence and surrender my thoughts to Him second by second.
DeleteI'll have to read this weeks either later today or next Sunday. Thanks for your comments though. Really good thoughts about the selfish love vs no agenda.
Friendship with no agenda is a lot less stressful for sure. And you actually WANT to spend time with those type of friends!
The part that sticks out to me in Genesis today was what God said about Abraham even when he had screwed up. God still claimed him as His prophet. He even told the king that this erring human would intercede for him and then it would be okay for him and his household.
ReplyDeleteThat's just pretty amazing to me - and encouraging at the same time. I know I deserve to be punished or ostracized or condemned because I screw up all the time. And yet, God still calls tells me He is especially fond of me. Very humbling.
God is all about dispensing hope when I feel the most hopeless. I want to be able to pass that on to people I meet.
I remember commenting on this last year; it is so foreign to me how men back then would sacrifice their wives/daughters for their own skin -- I just don't get that. Anyway -- I was wondering if Abraham's lack of God-trust to take care of him and his family had anything to do with the sacrifice of Isaac later on. (I was thinking how Jesus asked Peter to declare his love 3 times to counteract his 3 denials)
ReplyDeleteThere are just a lot of examples of humans taking matters into their own hands -- I struggle with that a lot; and I appreciate the overall view of God's patience, along with how our plans typically mess life up! Wait and Watch.
I appreciate Abe's willingness to pack up and go - as the commentator puts it "Just an unwavering trust that God will lead him where he needs to go" That is something I want to develop.
I also noticed that Isaac (along with Christ) carried the wood for the personal sacrifice. I wonder if God ever calls us to carry the wood that supports our sacrifices - - hmmmm, not sure where I'm going there. Maybe that we have to take the steps - - do the hard work to haul our sacrifice up the mountain -- dump the baggage down on the hill (in other words -- sacrificing something precious to us - - is not always easy)
ooh, man, I really like that last thought! Deep!
ReplyDeleteWhat spoke to me the most today was how God used/uses things outside of our expectations. He constantly crosses cultures, the social political norms of the day. He is not politically correct. I really like that. The Voice really brought that out as well.
ReplyDeleteGod used a left handed person, 2 women, the youngest son of a priest of Baal or at least a very high ranking person in the worship as he had his own altar.
Actually, I think these are ordinary people. They were just willing to listen and obey God. Like Othniel, Caleb, Joshua, etc.
When God asked Gideon "do you understand that I am the One sending you?" I see a compassionate God. He knows Gideon has a muddled view of God and is unsure of his standing before Him. God also shows that compassion in waiting for the meal to be prepared. This was before butchers, prepackaged foods and microwaves, so it took a while, probably hours to make. When Gideon still seeks for a sign, he once again is seeking confirmation - "You really want ME????"
Acceptance obviously didn't come to Gideon by his earthly father so it was slow in sinking into his heart that his Father God would want him either. Pretty cool to see God deal with his heart in this way.
I picked up on the left-handed person too -- it almost makes it sound like being lh is a weakness; nothing I've every considered -- but there is a lot in the Bible about the "right hand of favor" etc -- maybe it was a bigger deal back then! But yeah -- as you say Chris - God's about using the right person for the job, no matter how we humans judge and evaluate!
ReplyDeleteGideon almost sounds a bit sarcastic at first - like; if the Lord is with us then why . . .? And when the townspeople come for him, it's his dad that says let Baal fight for himself -- so it's really really good that God can read the heart, cuz he's not the man I would have chosen!!
I think it was back in the 1800s when being left handed was considered a bad omen & almost a demonic thing. Even when I was a kid they were still making people switch to their right hand.
ReplyDeleteWow I have always enjoyed Ps 16 but in The Voice it was really awesome! Right off the bat in v1 I related.
v3 talks about the wonderful fellowship I enjoy with people that are honest and not living behind a facade that hides who they really are. I am very comfortable around people like that. Unfortunately, they are in limited supply.
7 & 8 are so good & just cement what's been happening in my life lately. Relying on God to teach me every moment & protect my thoughts/dreams at night. Not living in fear or abandon my calling from God. Team that up with 17:6, 7 to put His love on display for all to see. To watch Him liberate people as they turn to Him for help.
And I am now on His path. Let His voice and ways guide my journey - not what others, especially family thinks about me, my abilities or my future.
What an ending too! "when I awake, the longing of my soul will be satisfied in the glow of Your presence" - WOW!
Wednesday is my favorite scripture day of the week! Can hardly wait for it! Go David - you're so honest, wearing your emotions on your sleeve!
ReplyDelete15 -- the person of integrity; you can trust them with who you are, what you say -- knowing they will always put the best spin on what you're trying to do -- they keep their promises; sometimes you get caught in an impossible situation -- but you know that they will be as honest and above board as possible. I want to be that kind of person, I LOVE being around that kind of person -- so, if I'm not that kind of person (it does happen!) I don't even like being around me!!
I love this little line in 16 "the beauty of faith-filled people encompasses me" I also love being around people that are faith-filled -- they lift me up on wings of encouragement!
BUT my favorite part of today is 16:11 "You direct me on the path that leads to a beautiful life. As I walk with YOU, the pleasures are never-ending, and I know true JOY and CONTENTMENT!" That is rich -- it's where I want to be today - walking with Him, experiencing joy and contentment!
(I also liked the thought that he wouldn't abandon me in death and the grave -- kindof a scary time of life - so good to know I won't be alone when that happens - but I don't want to dwell on this!)
AND YES Chris -- I highlighted that last verse too! "My hope is to see Your face" WOW - what a day! "The longing of my soul will be satisfied" seems like we are always trying to find some way to be satisfied -- and David spells out here what satisfied looks like! It's walking with Him -- and then one day, seeing His face!
Yep, it was so good that after Job, I went back to Psalms and read it again!
ReplyDeleteZophar reminds me of people who just repeat what they are told by people in authority, especially in religious organizations. He doesn't think for himself or even dare to experience for himself. He just repeats the company line. He's not alive - he's a skeleton with no individualism and therefore, no substance.
The thing I got out of Job was how He put it back in God's court. In 12, he puts all the wisdom in God's hands and he sees with heavenly eyes behind the scenes. He realizes it's God that gives and takes away. He is in control when it seems hopeless, He always has a way, no matter what men plot and scheme. Very encouraging.
That jived really well with 15:1,2 of Psalms where David says that the only time I am safe is when I seek You God. You Lord, are definitely the only good thing in this world (v2). Really good reminder for me today.
I don't have "friends" like Job had, but satan sure tries to plant a lot of fear and doubt in my mind. But I choose to stay with God and let Him fight for me. I choose to give my mind over to trust, not fear; to have hope, not despair.
I was really glad that at the end of 11, the authors consolidated what the 3 friends were actually trying to say. Gotta admit this last guy was brutal -- I keep think of Job loosing his children -- and the guy just says "you will forget all of these troubles of yours" what kind of friend is THAT? I hope God gave Job new friends along with sheep, goats, and kids!
ReplyDeleteBut I too was inspired by Job simply spurning the wisdom of the people around him, and instead looking to God. Even tho Job didn't understand what had happened, his trust in Who God is was as strong as every. "As for me, the one who called upon God - who God answered" This made me think that perhaps Job had a very real relationship with God before this silent time. I wonder if Job kept thinking back to the Voice he had heard earlier - hanging on to those earlier experiences. Jesus had to do that on the cross -- no doubt we'll be through some silent times ourselves where we have to think back, hold on, and trust completely.
I hope he got new friends too! I definitely believe Job had a real relationship with God. That's why he wasn't afraid to be so honest about what he was feeling and he wasn't shocked when God answered him. I agree with you too on the silent time and the strength that comes from remembering what He's done for me in the past.
ReplyDeleteI read several JC pages today. Really good, but I will only share a small part.
"Give yourself fully to the adventure of today...You have every reason to be confident, because My Presence accompanies you all the days of your life...Do not give in to fear or worry, those robbers of abundant living. Trust Me enough to face problems as they come, rather than trying to anticipate them...Nothing can separate you from My Presence!"
And I was just trying to anticipate my day and it's trials right before I read that! Sometimes a smack upside the head is a good thing! LOL
I'm going to skip over the obvious text of Isaiah - because every year I comment on it "These people think they can draw near to Me by saying the right things. . ." It's always a moment to pause and look inwardly. I don't think this is a time to point fingers at others or institutions or movements -- but rather to simply look inside for what needs to be different.
ReplyDelete29:15 "Do they really think that God cannot know what they have hidden . . . " it's always amazing to me that I think there are things I can hide from God -- I might as well lay it all out honestly and ask Him for the answers.
vs 20 "cruelty and mean-spiritedness will come to an end" I know that we've all experienced different forms of this -- maybe even dolled some of it out ourselves -- I'm looking forward to when that is not a tendency of humans any more.
in chpt 30 it talks about how humans are dependent on strong countries to save them. I think we're guilty of that, relying on the "strength" of the US for answers -- according to Chapter 30 -- "you will be disappointed and ashamed" That is a calming thing to me -- people get really riled up over elections and leaders -- but Linda, keep your eyes up (a good example of this is Daniel who calmly lived through several dynasties)
And in 30:10,11 the people are saying to the prophets, "tell us only what we'd like to hear; save your truth-telling pessimism for someone else. We anat to hear flattery. And for goodness' sake, stop talking about the Holy One" we humans are so arrogant -- God calls for trust and surrender, we want the easy life -- the good news. Last night a watched "The Impossilbe" a true story movie about a family torn apart by a tsunami. The mom almost died and lost her leg - but in the end "the real life mom" said it was the best thing that ever happened, as now they appreciate each other and life so much more. It seems it's our tough moments that bring out something lasting in us. Phil 5:4-7 would agree.
I'm going to end with 30:15 "In returning and rest, you will be saved. In quietness and trust you will find strength" I simply like this - - returning and rest; quietness and trust -- hmmm, sounds like I'm back in the pastures of Psalms 23!!
I've always liked 30:15 for just what you shared.
ReplyDeleteMatt 14:31 where Jesus says "why did you doubt and dance back and forth between following Me and heeding fear?" reminds me of Ps 16:8 where David says "I will not live in fear or abandon my calling." It's one of the greatest ways that satan keeps us from fulfilling God's plan for us - fear. I'm thinking, spending time in the pasture, quietly gaining strength, helps us battle fear and instead trust our Shepherd
In 15 the Canaanite woman called Jesus the Son of David. Obviously, the word had spread and even non "Christians" believed Him to be the Messiah. It's just the "Christians" that had a hard time with Him. Stuff to ponder for sure!
Jesus' calling Peter satan really shows us how He loves the sinner but hates the sin. We need to look at each other with the same eyes. Don't get too high or too low with the words of people, even our friends. Just take in what Jesus says to our hearts.
I wonder if Salome was caught in the middle of a wicked Herodius plot - sounds like it to me - ugh.
ReplyDelete14:14 -- though Jesus wanted solitude; even JESUS needed solitude down here -- and then He was interupted, He served and served -- but still found the solitude after the crowd had gone. The solitude of prayer has way more strength and refreshment than the draining praise or plans of man.
Yes - I loved the way the dance was worded -- and your comments on that too Chris - Jesus never showed fear of anything while here on the earth -- and we are so quick to crumble to it -- as you say, Satan's roadblock.
I liked the counsel of Jesus concerning those not speaking the truth - "let them be" We have nothing to prove; arguing only weakens the focus.
I think Jesus must have been discouraged that on round 2 of "you feed them" they still looked at the daunting task and said it's impossible. He references it again when they misunderstood about the bread -- "Don't you remember?" How many times do my fears and dull ears discourage Him -- no doubt He's saying the same thing to me "Don't you remember??"
But He does give a chance for them to say their faith - - as he later gave Peter the chance to say 3 times that He loved the Lord. Redemption -- He's all about restoring us.