Paul has one focus -- salvation of people vs 22 "whatever is needed for all kinds of people so that in the end I can use every means at my disposal to offer them salvation" I like this, because it says -- think out of the box; what is the present generation after, how can I make this work in the business of salvation??
When you run the race, run for the prize -- not half hearted, put every fiber into it! and "don't let your eyes drift off the finish line" that's passion!
Love the temptation promise of 10:13 -- but it doesn't say you won't be tempted and there won't be moments you have to endure. But, if we wait for it, the moment of escape will come - He'll provide.
It's a matter of how my attitude and actions affect others -- way different then the worlds view of "it's all about me" 10:29
Paul might seem like he doesn't stand for any principles from these chapters. To me, he's talking about the most important principle, the second greatest commandment Jesus called it. Love for others. I can only accomplish this if I obey the greatest commandment of all - to love God supremely and be focused solely on Him and what He wants. He is my Enabler, and a good one!
God comes inside of us and gets us to look outside of ourselves. To see the bigger picture; to look and love with His eyes and heart. It only comes as I surrender my will and that only comes by trusting Him enough to surrender. Which in turn comes by spending time with Him, developing our relationship, just like I do the ones important to me here on earth.
I wonder if Jacob was remembering his own deception, when he blessed Ephrahim and Manassah. Wondering "what if..."
The shame of their sin with Joseph caused the brothers to worry unnecessarily. It doesn't say how long they waited before approaching Joseph, but how much peace and joy was robbed from them? Who knows which one was being eaten up by fear as they saw Jacob dying. Which one spread that fear to the others? It's all one of satan's ploys to rob us of peace and rest in the Only One who holds our future. Shame, fear and worry. How he uses those tools efficiently!
They still might have talked with Joseph about the situation, just to feel him out, but without the extra baggage. Once the seed is planted though, it's a wild weed that grows fast and out of control. Just speaking from experience here.
Fortunately, God is so much stronger than all the fear and shame that satan can get us to muster up. It can not stand before Him. Powerful peace and rest vs quaking fear and nagging worry. What a great trade off! Another glimpse of God's grace to us (me). The question is whether or not we accept and keep these gifts.
I love the true conversion shown in Joseph's response to his brothers. Such a grievous thing what was done to him but he has given judgment to God. He is completely trusting and surrendered to the One who really is in control. Just awesome!
Yes - I love the heart conversion too; he wasn't just being nice to impress others around him; seems like he must have done a lot of thinking and surrendering in the prison and again, I'm reminded that God is more concerned about our character than our comfort.
I love the word pic of Israel hugging his grandkids warmly!! And the blessings he gave (from the grandkids through the kids) all seem to me to be God-driven. Some of those words are not what I would expect a father to say right before dying - - but again, Jacob had moved to a life of surrender to God.
"the God who has been my shepherd all of my life and still to this day" only a shepherd would really understand totally the dependance a sheep had on the shepherd - -
Wow - what a procession to bury an old shepherd -- pretty impressive. I'm just thinking that these Egyptians really loved and respected Joseph. and who wouldn't? he obviously had a kind, forgiving heart - - and loved the people around him (only Joseph is recorded as throwing himself on his father when he died), and took care of those around him -- his brothers; but also his great-grandchildren - -
I can't help but compare (as I know many have) the Israelites experience to our experience here on earth "Their future is in another land, a land of promise, a land most of them have never seen"
Unfortunately, I see a lot of myself in Saul. Running ahead without proper instructions, rash decisions, not taking responsibilities for my actions, comparing my actions to others to justify myself, pride, etc. It's a wonder God still works in me and seeks what's best for me. I'm so naturally selfish.
There's just nothing I can do to better myself except to own up to all this garbage in me and plead for God to change me. I love the power of choice He gives me, He wants willing obedience. The more time I spend with Him, just waiting on Him, listening (instead of talking) for Him to speak to me is the only way for my heart to change to the unnatural. I know He's forgiven me, now I just want to be like Him. Saul didn't see his need until he was caught. I pray I am not as stubborn.
Have you ever thought that the Spirit can move you to being furious? Never thought of that before (11:6) Must have been the same passion we see in Jesus cleansing the temple.
Saul starts so strong "No - no man will be executed because GOD has given a great victory" and ends so weak "The people made me do it" What in the world happened? Even to the point of erecting a monument to himself? Hmmmm -- do I ever try to do that; leave a "monument" in people's minds of something I've done? Yeah Chris -- all those traits we see -- I see them in myself too; seems like He is after a daily surrender from us, the question is -- am I also after that daily surrender.
I was wondering as I read this (and admiring the traits of faith and courage in Jonathan) what kind of king he would have made. He also later shows signs of surrender in his allegiance to David.
I do love Samuel's parting words to the Israelites as he was laying down the leader mantel: "never stop following the Eternal One. Serve Him completely, and do not follow empty things that do not have the power to benefit or save you. They are worthless . . . Before you ever chose Him the Eternal One chose you as His own because it pleased Him . . . Make this your one purpose: to revere Him and serve Him faithfully with complete devotion because He has done great things for you" Enough said
thanks for the reminder of some great verses yesterday. And daily surrender, I thinking also has to do with listening in the heat of the moment and knowing which voice to surrender to. I'm so thankful that God gives us a "time lapse", if you will. It's like He pauses everything and speaks to our hearts in the moment we (I) need Him most. Will we (I) listen? What's my choice going to be? Easy to say now, in the quiet.
Psalms 36 and 37 was like a plunge in a glacier lake after a sweaty, arduous hike. Invigorating, reviving and so needed. I loved just meditating on God's character. The praise was so good to remind myself of just Who is my Dad and what He thinks of me. He is aware of what's happening in my life and is actually involved in planning it.
So refreshing that He cares! Makes me want to roam and rest in His faithfulness - in what He provides for me.
But I was thinking as I was reading this how easy it is to think this way when things are well or going the way I want them to. When they turn from what I want, will I still feel free to roam? While I still rest in His faithfulness. I'm thinking a lot of this is the peace that comes from knowing just Who I belong to, like Jesus did. He was able to have peace even while He was being beaten because He knew who He was and Who His Father was.
It's more of a spiritual freedom than an actual physical one. I don't know if I'm explaining it right, but I guess it's basically living above your physical circumstances. I know my future because I know my Father and I trust Him. Like PM was saying we need to love God for Who He is - not what He does for me.
Yeah! Great plunge in the 36 and 37 (38 sounded like it was written by Job - not so plungey)
36:5-7 just brought out the 3rd Day song; and I want to 2nd verse 10 "may Your love continue to grow deeply in the lives of all who know You" what a great thought -- grow deeeeeeply - rooted!
37:3 to raom and rest in God's faithfulness. I often think of resting, but love the active roaming thought as well!
7 be still. Be patient. Expect . . .
verse 8 puts worry right up there with rage and anger (O Lord, do Your mighty work in ME! -- I'm kindof worried about this verse!)
Finishing with the one that jumped out the highest: 37:23,24
"If you are right with God, He strengthens you for the journey; the Eternal will be pleased with your life. And even though you trip up, you will not fall on your face because - - - He holds you by the hand" Hold my hand today Holy Spirit -- I trip a lot!
I like Job today...because it was short. Read a bunch in JC as Job didn't inspire me.
Here are a couple lines that stood out to me and actually brought Job's situation to mind as well.
pg 79 "Abundant life is not necessarily health and wealth; it is living in continual dependence on Me."
pg 81 "Exert your will to trust Me in all circumstances. Don't let your need to understand distract you from My Presence."
Choosing to let go and trust God opens my eyes to a different realm of possibilities. There's no panic when those possibilities don't seem to apply to this life. They may or may not, I have no clue, but I'm learning to trust the only One truly in control of each situation. The only One with the real power to do anything about it. The power I have is choice.
JC - yesterday's "Be still in My presence . . . nothing is as important as spending time with Me. While you wait in my Presence, I do My best work within you: transforming you by the renewing of your mind"
Lord - I'm waiting on You - - please transform me.
That was a good page I remember it! Read more in JC today as I wasn't up for Jeremiah.
JC took me to some neat promises of the HS indwelling us as a promise of what is to come.
Also reminded me to be thankful.
Ps 50:14 "Set out a sacrifice I can accept; your thankfulness. Be true to your word to the Most High. When you are in trouble, call for Me. I will come and rescue you and you will honor Me."
I tend to be more open to gratitude after I'm rescued. But I think when God calls it a sacrifice, that means it's not easy or normal to give in my current circumstances. If I really believe that He's always with me, then really, I should always be thankful - since I have the most Powerful Father in the Universe always by my side.
I think the fallen angels thought they could intimidate Jesus by calling themselves Legion. He probably knew the name of each one and they didn't want to face Him, knowing where their choices had led them.
Pretty neat to see the heart of Jesus here. He came for one man and yet, thru that one changed man - He reached the whole town. It might have looked like failure by the numbers, but not by the bigger picture. He didn't defend Himself when asked to leave, He simply left. Very humble. Only one person, the healed man, saw value in Him. Jesus had to get His cudos from His Father - not humans. They(we...I) constantly misunderstand Him.
I so love the story of the woman who reaches out to touch Jesus. Reminded me of the One Touch song by Nicole C Mullin. She was healed because she dared to believe - love how the Voice put that.
A miracle had happened and yet the crowd did not even notice. I see her stopped in amazement, reveling in the feeling of being "made whole", as the crowd keeps going. That's why she had to press her way back through the crowd to Jesus when He stopped. So hmmm, how many times during the day do I pass by a miracle? And worse yet, how many times do I miss being the channel of that healing touch? It may be just be a smile a hug, a word of encouragement, even a call to accountability. We have no way of knowing what a heart needs in each moment. Jesus does. Today, we are the fringes of His robe to be reached out to or to be brushed against. We are His hands, voice and heart...if we're willing.
JC today -- feel like I should post the whole reading, but we'll go with the first paragraph - - these are heart words
"I am taking care of you. Trust Me at all times. Trust Me in all circumstances. Trust Me with all your heart. When you are weary and everything seems to be going wrong, you can still utter these four words: I trust You, Jesus" By doing so, you release matters into My control, and you fall back into the security of My everlasting arms."
It's more than leaning on the everlasting arms -- it's falling into them; thank You God . . .
Paul has one focus -- salvation of people vs 22 "whatever is needed for all kinds of people so that in the end I can use every means at my disposal to offer them salvation" I like this, because it says -- think out of the box; what is the present generation after, how can I make this work in the business of salvation??
ReplyDeleteWhen you run the race, run for the prize -- not half hearted, put every fiber into it! and "don't let your eyes drift off the finish line" that's passion!
Love the temptation promise of 10:13 -- but it doesn't say you won't be tempted and there won't be moments you have to endure. But, if we wait for it, the moment of escape will come - He'll provide.
It's a matter of how my attitude and actions affect others -- way different then the worlds view of "it's all about me" 10:29
Paul might seem like he doesn't stand for any principles from these chapters. To me, he's talking about the most important principle, the second greatest commandment Jesus called it. Love for others. I can only accomplish this if I obey the greatest commandment of all - to love God supremely and be focused solely on Him and what He wants. He is my Enabler, and a good one!
ReplyDeleteGod comes inside of us and gets us to look outside of ourselves. To see the bigger picture; to look and love with His eyes and heart. It only comes as I surrender my will and that only comes by trusting Him enough to surrender. Which in turn comes by spending time with Him, developing our relationship, just like I do the ones important to me here on earth.
I wonder if Jacob was remembering his own deception, when he blessed Ephrahim and Manassah. Wondering "what if..."
ReplyDeleteThe shame of their sin with Joseph caused the brothers to worry unnecessarily. It doesn't say how long they waited before approaching Joseph, but how much peace and joy was robbed from them? Who knows which one was being eaten up by fear as they saw Jacob dying. Which one spread that fear to the others? It's all one of satan's ploys to rob us of peace and rest in the Only One who holds our future. Shame, fear and worry. How he uses those tools efficiently!
They still might have talked with Joseph about the situation, just to feel him out, but without the extra baggage. Once the seed is planted though, it's a wild weed that grows fast and out of control. Just speaking from experience here.
Fortunately, God is so much stronger than all the fear and shame that satan can get us to muster up. It can not stand before Him. Powerful peace and rest vs quaking fear and nagging worry. What a great trade off! Another glimpse of God's grace to us (me). The question is whether or not we accept and keep these gifts.
I love the true conversion shown in Joseph's response to his brothers. Such a grievous thing what was done to him but he has given judgment to God. He is completely trusting and surrendered to the One who really is in control. Just awesome!
ReplyDeleteYes - I love the heart conversion too; he wasn't just being nice to impress others around him; seems like he must have done a lot of thinking and surrendering in the prison and again, I'm reminded that God is more concerned about our character than our comfort.
ReplyDeleteI love the word pic of Israel hugging his grandkids warmly!! And the blessings he gave (from the grandkids through the kids) all seem to me to be God-driven. Some of those words are not what I would expect a father to say right before dying - - but again, Jacob had moved to a life of surrender to God.
"the God who has been my shepherd all of my life and still to this day" only a shepherd would really understand totally the dependance a sheep had on the shepherd - -
Wow - what a procession to bury an old shepherd -- pretty impressive. I'm just thinking that these Egyptians really loved and respected Joseph. and who wouldn't? he obviously had a kind, forgiving heart - - and loved the people around him (only Joseph is recorded as throwing himself on his father when he died), and took care of those around him -- his brothers; but also his great-grandchildren - -
I can't help but compare (as I know many have) the Israelites experience to our experience here on earth "Their future is in another land, a land of promise, a land most of them have never seen"
Unfortunately, I see a lot of myself in Saul. Running ahead without proper instructions, rash decisions, not taking responsibilities for my actions, comparing my actions to others to justify myself, pride, etc. It's a wonder God still works in me and seeks what's best for me. I'm so naturally selfish.
ReplyDeleteThere's just nothing I can do to better myself except to own up to all this garbage in me and plead for God to change me. I love the power of choice He gives me, He wants willing obedience. The more time I spend with Him, just waiting on Him, listening (instead of talking) for Him to speak to me is the only way for my heart to change to the unnatural. I know He's forgiven me, now I just want to be like Him. Saul didn't see his need until he was caught. I pray I am not as stubborn.
Have you ever thought that the Spirit can move you to being furious? Never thought of that before (11:6) Must have been the same passion we see in Jesus cleansing the temple.
ReplyDeleteSaul starts so strong "No - no man will be executed because GOD has given a great victory" and ends so weak "The people made me do it" What in the world happened? Even to the point of erecting a monument to himself? Hmmmm -- do I ever try to do that; leave a "monument" in people's minds of something I've done? Yeah Chris -- all those traits we see -- I see them in myself too; seems like He is after a daily surrender from us, the question is -- am I also after that daily surrender.
I was wondering as I read this (and admiring the traits of faith and courage in Jonathan) what kind of king he would have made. He also later shows signs of surrender in his allegiance to David.
I do love Samuel's parting words to the Israelites as he was laying down the leader mantel: "never stop following the Eternal One. Serve Him completely, and do not follow empty things that do not have the power to benefit or save you. They are worthless . . . Before you ever chose Him the Eternal One chose you as His own because it pleased Him . . . Make this your one purpose: to revere Him and serve Him faithfully with complete devotion because He has done great things for you" Enough said
thanks for the reminder of some great verses yesterday. And daily surrender, I thinking also has to do with listening in the heat of the moment and knowing which voice to surrender to. I'm so thankful that God gives us a "time lapse", if you will. It's like He pauses everything and speaks to our hearts in the moment we (I) need Him most. Will we (I) listen? What's my choice going to be? Easy to say now, in the quiet.
ReplyDeletePsalms 36 and 37 was like a plunge in a glacier lake after a sweaty, arduous hike. Invigorating, reviving and so needed. I loved just meditating on God's character. The praise was so good to remind myself of just Who is my Dad and what He thinks of me. He is aware of what's happening in my life and is actually involved in planning it.
So refreshing that He cares! Makes me want to roam and rest in His faithfulness - in what He provides for me.
But I was thinking as I was reading this how easy it is to think this way when things are well or going the way I want them to. When they turn from what I want, will I still feel free to roam? While I still rest in His faithfulness. I'm thinking a lot of this is the peace that comes from knowing just Who I belong to, like Jesus did. He was able to have peace even while He was being beaten because He knew who He was and Who His Father was.
It's more of a spiritual freedom than an actual physical one. I don't know if I'm explaining it right, but I guess it's basically living above your physical circumstances. I know my future because I know my Father and I trust Him. Like PM was saying we need to love God for Who He is - not what He does for me.
Yeah! Great plunge in the 36 and 37 (38 sounded like it was written by Job - not so plungey)
ReplyDelete36:5-7 just brought out the 3rd Day song; and I want to 2nd verse 10 "may Your love continue to grow deeply in the lives of all who know You" what a great thought -- grow deeeeeeply - rooted!
37:3 to raom and rest in God's faithfulness. I often think of resting, but love the active roaming thought as well!
7 be still. Be patient. Expect . . .
verse 8 puts worry right up there with rage and anger (O Lord, do Your mighty work in ME! -- I'm kindof worried about this verse!)
Finishing with the one that jumped out the highest: 37:23,24
"If you are right with God, He strengthens you for the journey; the Eternal will be pleased with your life. And even though you trip up, you will not fall on your face because - - - He holds you by the hand" Hold my hand today Holy Spirit -- I trip a lot!
I like Job today...because it was short. Read a bunch in JC as Job didn't inspire me.
ReplyDeleteHere are a couple lines that stood out to me and actually brought Job's situation to mind as well.
pg 79 "Abundant life is not necessarily health and wealth; it is living in continual dependence on Me."
pg 81 "Exert your will to trust Me in all circumstances. Don't let your need to understand distract you from My Presence."
Choosing to let go and trust God opens my eyes to a different realm of possibilities. There's no panic when those possibilities don't seem to apply to this life. They may or may not, I have no clue, but I'm learning to trust the only One truly in control of each situation. The only One with the real power to do anything about it. The power I have is choice.
JC - yesterday's "Be still in My presence . . . nothing is as important as spending time with Me. While you wait in my Presence, I do My best work within you: transforming you by the renewing of your mind"
ReplyDeleteLord - I'm waiting on You - - please transform me.
That was a good page I remember it! Read more in JC today as I wasn't up for Jeremiah.
ReplyDeleteJC took me to some neat promises of the HS indwelling us as a promise of what is to come.
Also reminded me to be thankful.
Ps 50:14 "Set out a sacrifice I can accept; your thankfulness. Be true to your word to the Most High. When you are in trouble, call for Me. I will come and rescue you and you will honor Me."
I tend to be more open to gratitude after I'm rescued. But I think when God calls it a sacrifice, that means it's not easy or normal to give in my current circumstances. If I really believe that He's always with me, then really, I should always be thankful - since I have the most Powerful Father in the Universe always by my side.
I think the fallen angels thought they could intimidate Jesus by calling themselves Legion. He probably knew the name of each one and they didn't want to face Him, knowing where their choices had led them.
ReplyDeletePretty neat to see the heart of Jesus here. He came for one man and yet, thru that one changed man - He reached the whole town. It might have looked like failure by the numbers, but not by the bigger picture. He didn't defend Himself when asked to leave, He simply left. Very humble. Only one person, the healed man, saw value in Him. Jesus had to get His cudos from His Father - not humans. They(we...I) constantly misunderstand Him.
I so love the story of the woman who reaches out to touch Jesus. Reminded me of the One Touch song by Nicole C Mullin. She was healed because she dared to believe - love how the Voice put that.
A miracle had happened and yet the crowd did not even notice. I see her stopped in amazement, reveling in the feeling of being "made whole", as the crowd keeps going. That's why she had to press her way back through the crowd to Jesus when He stopped. So hmmm, how many times during the day do I pass by a miracle? And worse yet, how many times do I miss being the channel of that healing touch? It may be just be a smile a hug, a word of encouragement, even a call to accountability. We have no way of knowing what a heart needs in each moment. Jesus does. Today, we are the fringes of His robe to be reached out to or to be brushed against. We are His hands, voice and heart...if we're willing.
JC today -- feel like I should post the whole reading, but we'll go with the first paragraph - - these are heart words
ReplyDelete"I am taking care of you. Trust Me at all times. Trust Me in all circumstances. Trust Me with all your heart. When you are weary and everything seems to be going wrong, you can still utter these four words: I trust You, Jesus" By doing so, you release matters into My control, and you fall back into the security of My everlasting arms."
It's more than leaning on the everlasting arms -- it's falling into them; thank You God . . .