7:20" It is important for people to live out faith in the circumstances they know" -- God's salvation is big enough to cover every situation - slave, freeman, certainly society's underdog (He spent a lot of time with the under dogs while on earth) He is enough.
23 "don't devalue God's investment by becoming a slave to people. I think this is more than a physical slave -- it can also be an emotional slave; being influenced by others -- seems like Jesus' example was to simply be influenced by God.
32 "My primary desire is for you to be free from the worries that plague humanity" yeah, that does sound pretty good!
Well this is definitely a God-way, not a world-way of thinking! 8:1 "Knowledge can be risky. Knowledge promotes overconfidence and worse arrogance, but charity of the heart (love, that is) looks to build up others." I remember hearing (and even saying ) Knowledge is power -- but really, Love is way more powerful than knowledge. I would much rather talk to and process with someone that loves me that a know-it-all. Of course, if you have knowledge combined with love (devoid of overconfidence and arrogance), someone that has the fear of the Lord (which is the beginning of . . . ) then you have magnitudes of potential!!
I like how the translators brought out that Judah's transformation had taken years. So had Joseph's. Both came through tragic events. I think Joseph's was harder but it definitely cements that only through fire are we purified.
It's just not natural however to welcome fire into my "shack". By it's very nature, fire destroys stubble (the ugly part), and yet, I hold onto my stubble with all I've got. It's true that after fire burns through an area it isn't that pretty but we just read how Jesus gives us "beauty for ashes". What grows back after the fire is purer and more importantly, less hampered in its growth.
I guess I get more encouragement to "let go" from today's story.
It just would have been a bit fun to see the look on the brother's faces when Joseph spilled the beans - -
"Don't argue along the way" I was thinking this correlated pretty well with all the admonitions we, as Christians have, concerning the post-Christ-on-earth era. "love one another" "don't consider yourself better than others" We are headed on a journey to see "the beloved Son" and I know that Son wants us to get along, to work with each other until we see Him again. He knows us too well -- He knows what our natural inclinations are; so the advice is for us -- "Don't argue along the way"
Jacob got the word from God -- he must have been confused as he was living in the "promised land" and now he was being asked to leave the "promised land" didn't make sense; but God's assurance was all he needed -- don't be afraid to leave and one day "I" will bring you back --- his response was immediate "Jacob got up and continued on" Jacob -- now no longer second guessing or manipulating; but surrendered
Great point about Jacob, I love the transformation God makes in our lives. Even today, reading about Saul we see it. We also see the power/freedom of choice God gives us. He can perform miracles in us, but it is our choice to receive them.
Saul obviously let jealousy take control instead of submission. But the beginning is so promising. Very good warning here for us. We must constantly choose to surrender to God. Our daily lives, the ministry He gives us, must be all about Him and not us(me).
Seems like EVERYBODY knew about the Egyptians God-plagues 6:6 "Why would you be as stubborn as the Egyptians and their Pharoah were? You've heard the stories haven't you? When this God had taught them a lesson" Our God knows how to make a name for Himself:)
The wagon-burning-ox-sacrifice reminded me of Elijah's response to God's intervention. and the struck 75 men for looking in the cart reminded me of Uzzah -- apparently no one in David's day had read about Beth-shemesh Ark-sacredness.
I appreciate the response of the Israelites (for once) when the Philistines were coming. As opposed to the in-wilderness crowd who shouted at Moses, "why have you brought us here to die" this crowd turned to Samuel with "Don't stop calling out to the Eternal our God for us. Ask Him to save us" SCORE!
I had a person ask me once, what does "Ebenezer" mean -- as in Come Thou Fount. Rock of Help -- that is truly an important concept to remember -- really meaningful that they named the stone that -- and that it actually happened that the people DID turn to the Rock for their help instead of wringing their hands or looking to human wisdom for help. Today, I want to remember my Ebenezer.
I wonder if Samuel ever tired of 40 miles of solving problems? One church board is enough for me! He must have really loved the people.
A lot of tenths going out to the king. I wonder if they paid the king tithe and God tithe - or if the king-tithe replaced the God-tithe for them; and then I was thinking about the closest thing we have to this is the government and taxes - - no further thoughts - just comparing.
OK - so apparently Saul is tall, dark and handsome -- and not used to being in front of a crowd! I love how God changed his heart - - and "when they returned to the city from eating at the high place, Samuel spoke with Saul on the roof" I just wonder what they talked about -- if Sam revealed to Saul at that point what the future held, along with as much instruction as he could hold. And maybe changing his heart had to do with teachability and ability to retain wisdom and compassion and discression (like staying silent when someone puts you down. Hmmmm Change my heart O God.
Psalms 33 was joyful praise of a delivering God. Do it in any way and any fashion it seems like. Pure unadulterated praise can come in many forms as there are many joyful hearts. And it is all sweet music to the ears of God. Can't wait til heaven!
33:22 - drench us with Your endless love. Please do that to me. Then it can not help but pass on through to those I meet. I want others to see how much God loves them.
34:10 - when we truly worship God as He deserves to be worshiped, we have all we need. I think that is because we've put Him in His rightful place - first and foremost. Our eyes are always upon Him so He is all that we (I) truly need.
34 reminded me of a thought I had last night. Even when we die in Jesus it shows that we are approved by Him. We are safe enough to rest until He comes. It was a very comforting thought - made me smile.
34 talks about God delivering everyone who cries out to Him. We know that doesn't mean free and no problems ever again in this life - obviously. But there is a definite freedom and peace when He is the center of my storm. I was trying to figure something out last night and He told me it wasn't my problem. He is responsible to figure it out. I am just to move forward and rest. Very reassuring!
I just want to let go and walk through this day with Him. He will instruct me and teach me what I am to do and say. Living in responsive mode....not to circumstances, but to the One above the circumstances.
As I was reading Ps. 35 this morning I thought, Wow! God will vindicate me from my enemies. I found myself thinking about certain people and what God may do to them according to this scripture (not good thoughts). Then it struck me that I may be someone else's enemy and the same "heap of burning coals" may be dropped on my head! AHHHH! Guess I need to think differently about my enemies, and try harder to Love them. I have taught my kids to love others and to show Christ through thier actions even to thier enemies. I really need to follow that path myself and let God be the judge.
Good thoughts ladies; wow Sheri -- I've never turned it around b4 and thought about "what if I'm the enemy" Really good call to love; and it was easy to see David's struggle that he HAD loved the enemy vs 12 - 14; and that didn't seem to work - so his human-ness kicked in overtime andhe wanted complete retribution. I love how real David shows us his (our) struggles.
Chris - here's the line you wrote that hit me between the eyes; I was trying to figure something out last night and He told me it wasn't my problem. He is responsible to figure it out. I am just to move forward and rest. Very reassuring! Thank you for that - can't tell you how much I needed that today:)
So for me - i Loved 33:3 "don't be afraid to be BOLD with your joyful feelings! WHOO-HOOOO!
love the poetry with "the breath of His mouth whispered the sea of stars into existence"
vs 8 "Let all people stand in awe of the Eternal" that would solve a lot of our (my) problems.
along with being drenched with His love, I also liked "our hearts erupt with joy in Him because we trust HIs holy name"
and then - here's one that rings Philipeanish: "I will praise the Eternal in every moment through every situation" Kindof Jobian too
3 more places that jumped out at me - they speak for themselves:
"look to Him and shine" "Anyone who puts trust in HIm will be blessed and comforted" "When someone is hurting or brokenhearted, the Eternal moves in close and revives him in his pain"
Yeah Sheri, I like that thought. We tend to want everyone to like us. We (I) just assume they do, how then, could I be the enemy? :)
Yep Linda, can't tell you how many times He repeated that to me yesterday as well. I did enjoy all the joyful praising and encouragement to be loud and expressive with it.
Your final comments are a good segue into Job today. I was thinking that Job was used to daily, no, actually, I think it was more like an on-going conversation with God.
Ever since all the stuff happened, God has been silent. That's really a long time when you're used to talking all the time. Think about how we are when we get separated from close friends for a week or so. When we get back together it's just non-stop dialogue to catch up! We miss the constant communiques back and forth. I think Job is going through withdrawals here. That has to be more miserable than listening to his "comforters". It's been more than a week with nothing from God. Job keeps saying He's silent.
Then he remembers their relationship, what it's based on - God's character, not Job's. I think that's why he can say, when He's done trying me, He will find me purer than gold. He knows who his real Friend is and that's why he can listen to these blowhards who don't know the One they supposedly are expounding on! He trying to show them God's real character! He wants them to fall in love with Him as well. I know God was high-fiving every and anyone around Him as he saw Job persevere in this trial. He was probably saying "that's My friend Job! He's smoking 'em!"
Nice to know God was and is rooting for us as well as strengthening us to endure the stuff that comes our way. Especially when it seems like He's so far away.
I just get the sense that Job is not arguing with God -- he just wants to understand what God wants and the bigger picture vs 5 "I would finally learn how He would answer me, and I would understand what He tells me"
A surrendered heart -- a seekers heart; two things God's on the lookout for . . . now, off to JC
Every motive and thought comes to light eventually since God is a God of Justice. That's an encouraging thought. I just want it to happen now instead of later. It'd be so easier (I think anyway) to make decisions. Fortunately, God is wiser than me and let's things play out. Like He said "I know what and why they do what they do..." It's not my problem. I just need to focus on our relationship, not other's.
Isaiah 62:7 "Tirelessly pester God" interesting thought -- how does this fit with surrender?
I love the word pic in 63:1 of God coming with long, strong strides, marching in strength -- like a parent running to rescue their child. vs 4 "It was time for Me to act" Always - God has this special timing
64:1 If only You would rip oven the heavens and come down to earth - - boy howdy, how many times have I thought that -- anytime I read the headlines and realize how very evil this world/nation has become -- it seems like there is simply no hope in human plans (vs 7 "You left us to away in the acrid power of our sins" ; only God can restore; THAT is our only hope.
I love God's response in chpt 65 to the "where is God" question -- He was ready and willing to help, He showed His face, He kept extending Himself" but we simply didn't care.
vs 17 -- "I am creating new heavens and a new earth. The weary and painful past will be as if it never happened" HALLELUJAH
I stopped and thought again about the integrity God is after in 66:3 -- He is looking for worshipers, followers who are humble, broken, in awe of Him, obedient. Without the heart -- the outward is just a sham.
Jesus knows Who He is and to Whom He belongs. So when the church authorities try to tie Him in with the enemy, He doesn't take personal offense, He is secure in His relationship with His Father. Instead, He tries to get them to see that their reasoning is faulty. This is where we need to be as His followers. We are secure in our relationship so we don't take things personally, but are more concerned with His kingdom than our own (which is a pitiful one at best anyway!) I'm still growing in this area.
The publishers brought out that in the storm on the sea, since the disciples were in danger, they had a hard time trusting that God's power was greater than their situation. Man, do I relate to that! BUT, I just had a situation this morning where I cried out to God for help and BAM! instant deliverance by my powerful Father God! I believe that's what Jesus was trying to tell His disciples. He was totally resting in His relationship with His Father. He completely trusted the One He loved and knew He was loved by His Father, so why not have trust? That's where I need to be also.
Keep growing me God! And thanks for even caring about this world, when we have such stubborn and selfish hearts!
I read Matt 3 & 4 by mistake first -- and actually - your first paragraph about Jesus knowing who he is was echoed in Matt -- that was where the devil tried to cause him to doubt -- the "ifs" but Jesus held firm to his mission -- not swayed by peer pressure, fear, or pride.
Here's what I liked that the publishers brought out -- this Lake miracle was for THEM. They'd watched, they'd helped, they'd even done some of their own healing (3:14) but here is where the rubber meets the road; when you are the one in the center of desperate need -- and they were. They failed in faith -- but it was a life lesson for them, I think. When we fail, we realize how very weak we are, how we need to persevere in our dependance on Him.
Lots today (typical of Jesus stories) but here is what jumped out at me: 4:24 "So consider carefully the things you're hearing. If you put it to use, you'll be given more to wrestle with - much more" The parables were filled with deep wisdom, but you had to dig. You could 1) listened and enjoyed -- no more than that, 2) wondered if there was something more, or 3) spend some time quietly thinking - digging deep. This is God-honoring; studying what he has given - taking time to think of all the possibilities and THEN -- he will give you MORE! Pretty exciting!
7:20" It is important for people to live out faith in the circumstances they know" -- God's salvation is big enough to cover every situation - slave, freeman, certainly society's underdog (He spent a lot of time with the under dogs while on earth) He is enough.
ReplyDelete23 "don't devalue God's investment by becoming a slave to people. I think this is more than a physical slave -- it can also be an emotional slave; being influenced by others -- seems like Jesus' example was to simply be influenced by God.
32 "My primary desire is for you to be free from the worries that plague humanity" yeah, that does sound pretty good!
Well this is definitely a God-way, not a world-way of thinking!
8:1 "Knowledge can be risky. Knowledge promotes overconfidence and worse arrogance, but charity of the heart (love, that is) looks to build up others." I remember hearing (and even saying ) Knowledge is power -- but really, Love is way more powerful than knowledge. I would much rather talk to and process with someone that loves me that a know-it-all. Of course, if you have knowledge combined with love (devoid of overconfidence and arrogance), someone that has the fear of the Lord (which is the beginning of . . . ) then you have magnitudes of potential!!
I just love how you can glean such pearls when all I see is an administrative nightmare!
ReplyDeleteI like how the translators brought out that Judah's transformation had taken years. So had Joseph's. Both came through tragic events. I think Joseph's was harder but it definitely cements that only through fire are we purified.
ReplyDeleteIt's just not natural however to welcome fire into my "shack". By it's very nature, fire destroys stubble (the ugly part), and yet, I hold onto my stubble with all I've got. It's true that after fire burns through an area it isn't that pretty but we just read how Jesus gives us "beauty for ashes". What grows back after the fire is purer and more importantly, less hampered in its growth.
I guess I get more encouragement to "let go" from today's story.
It just would have been a bit fun to see the look on the brother's faces when Joseph spilled the beans - -
ReplyDelete"Don't argue along the way" I was thinking this correlated pretty well with all the admonitions we, as Christians have, concerning the post-Christ-on-earth era. "love one another" "don't consider yourself better than others" We are headed on a journey to see "the beloved Son" and I know that Son wants us to get along, to work with each other until we see Him again. He knows us too well -- He knows what our natural inclinations are; so the advice is for us -- "Don't argue along the way"
Jacob got the word from God -- he must have been confused as he was living in the "promised land" and now he was being asked to leave the "promised land" didn't make sense; but God's assurance was all he needed -- don't be afraid to leave and one day "I" will bring you back --- his response was immediate "Jacob got up and continued on" Jacob -- now no longer second guessing or manipulating; but surrendered
Great point about Jacob, I love the transformation God makes in our lives. Even today, reading about Saul we see it. We also see the power/freedom of choice God gives us. He can perform miracles in us, but it is our choice to receive them.
ReplyDeleteSaul obviously let jealousy take control instead of submission. But the beginning is so promising. Very good warning here for us. We must constantly choose to surrender to God. Our daily lives, the ministry He gives us, must be all about Him and not us(me).
Seems like EVERYBODY knew about the Egyptians God-plagues 6:6 "Why would you be as stubborn as the Egyptians and their Pharoah were? You've heard the stories haven't you? When this God had taught them a lesson" Our God knows how to make a name for Himself:)
ReplyDeleteThe wagon-burning-ox-sacrifice reminded me of Elijah's response to God's intervention. and the struck 75 men for looking in the cart reminded me of Uzzah -- apparently no one in David's day had read about Beth-shemesh Ark-sacredness.
I appreciate the response of the Israelites (for once) when the Philistines were coming. As opposed to the in-wilderness crowd who shouted at Moses, "why have you brought us here to die" this crowd turned to Samuel with "Don't stop calling out to the Eternal our God for us. Ask Him to save us" SCORE!
I had a person ask me once, what does "Ebenezer" mean -- as in Come Thou Fount. Rock of Help -- that is truly an important concept to remember -- really meaningful that they named the stone that -- and that it actually happened that the people DID turn to the Rock for their help instead of wringing their hands or looking to human wisdom for help. Today, I want to remember my Ebenezer.
I wonder if Samuel ever tired of 40 miles of solving problems? One church board is enough for me! He must have really loved the people.
A lot of tenths going out to the king. I wonder if they paid the king tithe and God tithe - or if the king-tithe replaced the God-tithe for them; and then I was thinking about the closest thing we have to this is the government and taxes - - no further thoughts - just comparing.
OK - so apparently Saul is tall, dark and handsome -- and not used to being in front of a crowd! I love how God changed his heart - - and "when they returned to the city from eating at the high place, Samuel spoke with Saul on the roof" I just wonder what they talked about -- if Sam revealed to Saul at that point what the future held, along with as much instruction as he could hold. And maybe changing his heart had to do with teachability and ability to retain wisdom and compassion and discression (like staying silent when someone puts you down. Hmmmm Change my heart O God.
Psalms 33 was joyful praise of a delivering God. Do it in any way and any fashion it seems like. Pure unadulterated praise can come in many forms as there are many joyful hearts. And it is all sweet music to the ears of God. Can't wait til heaven!
ReplyDelete33:22 - drench us with Your endless love. Please do that to me. Then it can not help but pass on through to those I meet. I want others to see how much God loves them.
34:10 - when we truly worship God as He deserves to be worshiped, we have all we need. I think that is because we've put Him in His rightful place - first and foremost. Our eyes are always upon Him so He is all that we (I) truly need.
34 reminded me of a thought I had last night. Even when we die in Jesus it shows that we are approved by Him. We are safe enough to rest until He comes. It was a very comforting thought - made me smile.
34 talks about God delivering everyone who cries out to Him. We know that doesn't mean free and no problems ever again in this life - obviously. But there is a definite freedom and peace when He is the center of my storm. I was trying to figure something out last night and He told me it wasn't my problem. He is responsible to figure it out. I am just to move forward and rest. Very reassuring!
I just want to let go and walk through this day with Him. He will instruct me and teach me what I am to do and say. Living in responsive mode....not to circumstances, but to the One above the circumstances.
As I was reading Ps. 35 this morning I thought, Wow! God will vindicate me from my enemies. I found myself thinking about certain people and what God may do to them according to this scripture (not good thoughts). Then it struck me that I may be someone else's enemy and the same "heap of burning coals" may be dropped on my head! AHHHH! Guess I need to think differently about my enemies, and try harder to Love them. I have taught my kids to love others and to show Christ through thier actions even to thier enemies. I really need to follow that path myself and let God be the judge.
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts ladies; wow Sheri -- I've never turned it around b4 and thought about "what if I'm the enemy" Really good call to love; and it was easy to see David's struggle that he HAD loved the enemy vs 12 - 14; and that didn't seem to work - so his human-ness kicked in overtime andhe wanted complete retribution. I love how real David shows us his (our) struggles.
ReplyDeleteChris - here's the line you wrote that hit me between the eyes; I was trying to figure something out last night and He told me it wasn't my problem. He is responsible to figure it out. I am just to move forward and rest. Very reassuring! Thank you for that - can't tell you how much I needed that today:)
So for me - i Loved 33:3 "don't be afraid to be BOLD with your joyful feelings! WHOO-HOOOO!
love the poetry with "the breath of His mouth whispered the sea of stars into existence"
vs 8 "Let all people stand in awe of the Eternal" that would solve a lot of our (my) problems.
along with being drenched with His love, I also liked "our hearts erupt with joy in Him because we trust HIs holy name"
and then - here's one that rings Philipeanish: "I will praise the Eternal in every moment through every situation" Kindof Jobian too
3 more places that jumped out at me - they speak for themselves:
"look to Him and shine"
"Anyone who puts trust in HIm will be blessed and comforted"
"When someone is hurting or brokenhearted, the Eternal moves in close and revives him in his pain"
Yeah Sheri, I like that thought. We tend to want everyone to like us. We (I) just assume they do, how then, could I be the enemy? :)
ReplyDeleteYep Linda, can't tell you how many times He repeated that to me yesterday as well. I did enjoy all the joyful praising and encouragement to be loud and expressive with it.
Your final comments are a good segue into Job today. I was thinking that Job was used to daily, no, actually, I think it was more like an on-going conversation with God.
Ever since all the stuff happened, God has been silent. That's really a long time when you're used to talking all the time. Think about how we are when we get separated from close friends for a week or so. When we get back together it's just non-stop dialogue to catch up! We miss the constant communiques back and forth. I think Job is going through withdrawals here. That has to be more miserable than listening to his "comforters". It's been more than a week with nothing from God. Job keeps saying He's silent.
Then he remembers their relationship, what it's based on - God's character, not Job's. I think that's why he can say, when He's done trying me, He will find me purer than gold. He knows who his real Friend is and that's why he can listen to these blowhards who don't know the One they supposedly are expounding on! He trying to show them God's real character! He wants them to fall in love with Him as well. I know God was high-fiving every and anyone around Him as he saw Job persevere in this trial. He was probably saying "that's My friend Job! He's smoking 'em!"
Nice to know God was and is rooting for us as well as strengthening us to endure the stuff that comes our way. Especially when it seems like He's so far away.
I just get the sense that Job is not arguing with God -- he just wants to understand what God wants and the bigger picture vs 5 "I would finally learn how He would answer me, and I would understand what He tells me"
ReplyDeleteA surrendered heart -- a seekers heart; two things God's on the lookout for . . . now, off to JC
Every motive and thought comes to light eventually since God is a God of Justice. That's an encouraging thought. I just want it to happen now instead of later. It'd be so easier (I think anyway) to make decisions. Fortunately, God is wiser than me and let's things play out. Like He said "I know what and why they do what they do..." It's not my problem. I just need to focus on our relationship, not other's.
ReplyDeleteIsaiah 62:7 "Tirelessly pester God" interesting thought -- how does this fit with surrender?
ReplyDeleteI love the word pic in 63:1 of God coming with long, strong strides, marching in strength -- like a parent running to rescue their child. vs 4 "It was time for Me to act" Always - God has this special timing
64:1 If only You would rip oven the heavens and come down to earth - - boy howdy, how many times have I thought that -- anytime I read the headlines and realize how very evil this world/nation has become -- it seems like there is simply no hope in human plans (vs 7 "You left us to away in the acrid power of our sins" ; only God can restore; THAT is our only hope.
I love God's response in chpt 65 to the "where is God" question -- He was ready and willing to help, He showed His face, He kept extending Himself" but we simply didn't care.
vs 17 -- "I am creating new heavens and a new earth. The weary and painful past will be as if it never happened" HALLELUJAH
I stopped and thought again about the integrity God is after in 66:3 -- He is looking for worshipers, followers who are humble, broken, in awe of Him, obedient. Without the heart -- the outward is just a sham.
sweet! Those were most of the texts that jumped out to me as I read and then just as I was going to blog...forgot! Thanks for the reminder tonight!
ReplyDeleteJesus knows Who He is and to Whom He belongs. So when the church authorities try to tie Him in with the enemy, He doesn't take personal offense, He is secure in His relationship with His Father. Instead, He tries to get them to see that their reasoning is faulty. This is where we need to be as His followers. We are secure in our relationship so we don't take things personally, but are more concerned with His kingdom than our own (which is a pitiful one at best anyway!) I'm still growing in this area.
ReplyDeleteThe publishers brought out that in the storm on the sea, since the disciples were in danger, they had a hard time trusting that God's power was greater than their situation. Man, do I relate to that! BUT, I just had a situation this morning where I cried out to God for help and BAM! instant deliverance by my powerful Father God! I believe that's what Jesus was trying to tell His disciples. He was totally resting in His relationship with His Father. He completely trusted the One He loved and knew He was loved by His Father, so why not have trust? That's where I need to be also.
Keep growing me God! And thanks for even caring about this world, when we have such stubborn and selfish hearts!
I read Matt 3 & 4 by mistake first -- and actually - your first paragraph about Jesus knowing who he is was echoed in Matt -- that was where the devil tried to cause him to doubt -- the "ifs" but Jesus held firm to his mission -- not swayed by peer pressure, fear, or pride.
ReplyDeleteHere's what I liked that the publishers brought out -- this Lake miracle was for THEM. They'd watched, they'd helped, they'd even done some of their own healing (3:14) but here is where the rubber meets the road; when you are the one in the center of desperate need -- and they were. They failed in faith -- but it was a life lesson for them, I think. When we fail, we realize how very weak we are, how we need to persevere in our dependance on Him.
Lots today (typical of Jesus stories) but here is what jumped out at me: 4:24 "So consider carefully the things you're hearing. If you put it to use, you'll be given more to wrestle with - much more" The parables were filled with deep wisdom, but you had to dig. You could 1) listened and enjoyed -- no more than that, 2) wondered if there was something more, or 3) spend some time quietly thinking - digging deep. This is God-honoring; studying what he has given - taking time to think of all the possibilities and THEN -- he will give you MORE! Pretty exciting!