faith; when we reach out to God - surrendering our will, clinging to His hope: an internal energy that keeps us clinging to Him love: the results of how God can change us. Self-less love is only possible through His Spirit working in us.
The greatest is love - being used by Christ to touch a hurting world
Love IS. Not was or will be, it is. It's like when God told Moses to say I Am has sent you. It's a present tense, active word. You're right Linda, only the HS working in us makes this a present act. A working love that people not only see, but feel and know. There has to be something different about us as we spend more and more time with Jesus, because love IS.
Usually it gets worse before it gets better. When God says He has heard and He will deliver, I'm like the Israelites, grateful and I worship/praise Him. I'm expecting it to happen immediately. Therein lies my problem. My expectations. What makes sense to me, in my own little world, doesn't pan out because God sees a much bigger drama playing out. Over and over in my life I see my timing and God's are not in sync.
I don't remember if there's a time frame mentioned between Moses/Aaron talking to the Israelites and when they actually leave Egypt for good. I would have been packing right after the meeting! The delay would have been extremely trying. Like PM has said, do I worship and love God for what He does for me or for Who He is? The waiting period helps me sift through my misconceptions of Him. It opens up dialogue between us that didn't exist before. There's always a purpose to what God does.
Moses is still pretty unsure of God's requests -- "he has done more harm to them than ever before. And YOu have done absolutely nothing to rescue Your people"
God's response: Now you will see -- I wish I knew what God was thinking. Maybe he allowed the extra trouble so the Israelites would realize how used they were - - how Pharaoh and the Egyptians hated them - - and thinking of us today; when we experience death, disease, evil -- it turns us from thinking the world is a pretty fine place to where our focus should be, where our builder and maker is GOD!
Moses faith was being tested and honed for the journey as well. Think how he felt when he told the Eternal's plans to the Israelites and they turned a deaf ear to him -- embarrassing; discouraging; humiliating - - no wonder he didn't want to go to Pharaoh; I would have had those same Jonah feelings.
Interesting that the genealogy takes off on Aaron's lineage - - wonder why? At first I thought maybe it had to do with the fact that Moses ends up translated, but he still has Ziporah's children to carry on his name . . . interesting.
Speaking of Moses faith . . . I wonder what he thought when the magicians could imitate the miracles at first? But as the commentator points out -- those magicians couldn't make the plagues go away - - little by little God pours his faith miracles out on the people. LEt's see, what did PM say? Miracles don't produce faith; but faith produces miracles. Hmmm, maybe He was willing to give more as their trust increased.
Very reassuring this morning to read about God being in control of things even if it doesn't seem to go the way David thought it might.
I know I've mentioned this before but I really love how David didn't take matters into his own hand to change his circumstances when Saul was in the cave. Was David consulting God on this? It doesn't say specifically. What it does show is that David waited for God to take care of Saul and remove him without trying to manipulate things to get him out of the picture. It shows his heart was humble, still a servant. I can't say I have that yet. God is still working with me though and I'm grateful for His patience.
David's "group" chpt 22, were kindof the down-and-outers; exactly the kind of people God loves to use (in debt, unhappy, in trouble) Pretty exciting to see how David's acceptance inspired a loyalty that followed him through his leadership.
Also -- never realized that he sent Ruth's grand-daughter back to her homeland for security -- awesome to watch how God uses all the little pieces of our lives and history. and David stay's in His will; making the best decision possible "until I can see what it is that the True God has in store for me" Everyone seemed to know that he was destined to be king (more on this later), yet he waited to see how God would go about unfolding it -- as you mentioned Chris)
btw -- did anyone else find it strange in chpt 21 that David would head off to Gath (home of Goliath) for protection? I thought that was an odd choice -- apparently, it didn't work out:):)
It must have been horrifying for the servants of Saul to hear they were to slaughter the priests -- I'm glad they had the guts to draw the boundary -- and apparently Saul realized deep down that it was very wrong or he would have had them executed on the spot.
David must have really grieved, thinking of the murder caused by his actions (the priests) Being the leader has huge responsibilities - and every human leader makes mistakes - it's a tough calling.
I didn't realize David and Jonathan met again after the archery experience -- seems like everyone was able to find David -- except Saul -- that's explained in verse 14 "the True God did not allow Saul to capture or kill David" That's the God of angel armies!
OK -- why doesn't someone make a movie of this amazing event -- when David is on one side of the mountain and Saul on the other side?? With suspenseful music; it'd have me on the edge of my seat!!
OK -- Nabal MUST have known that David would be king someday (Abigail knew it in vs 30) yet he said "who is David . . .)
Even tho it alludes to the fact that the Abigail marriage may have been a political move from the commentator), I can only imagine that David was happy with a smart, beautiful and servant-heart wife; and Abby must have been tickled pink with David after married to drunken, sullen rich and greedy Nabal!!
Here's what I love to do, sing with joy, shout thanksgiving with abandon! (vs4); yet the worship leader here is struggling; despite all my emotions, I will believe and praise the One who saves me and is my life. It sounds like he is pushing back his emotions of defeat and choosing to praise -- I like that; pushing Satan back, rebuking him.
Love the word pic in vs 8; in the light of day, the Eternal shows me hi love. When night settles in and all is dark, He keeps me company -- how many times have I experienced this? But this word pic says He's sitting on the side of my bed, holding my hand -- smoothing my brow -- He LOVES me!!
43:4 "unloading my cares, unleashing my joys, to You, God, my God" that is a very freeing thing - to admit, to say out loud (right Chris?) and knowing that admitting out loud is all for us; because (44:21) He can see the hidden places of our hearts"
Nabal knew David, since he said he was the son of Jesse. He was just a jerk...but I think you established that fact too. :)
Psalms today said exactly what keeps me back from 100% commitment to God. The what if factor. What if You desert me, just when I need You? I stand for You and You don't show and everyone says "Where's your God you trust in, that wouldn't let you down? It's the rotten floorboard God and I have dug down to through all my layers of defense.
I have to say with David, who obviously struggled with the same thing since he verbally says 3 times in 1 chapter - I will believe and praise You despite my emotions, despite my fears, despite what I'm feeling and experiencing. You are God alone that can see everything.
I also went and read Heb 12. The Voice puts it in such great terms. Jesus focused on what was to come, He ignored the shame and the present circumstances. I need to focus on my Deliverer, my Protector. It's my character He's protecting, not necessarily my physical life. But if I focus and choose despite what I feel, then I am trusting the Only One that truly can help me.
Again, it's not what God does for me (and He does a LOT), it's Who He is. David's honesty once again resonates with people thousands of years later.
So God and I will continue to tear up that rotten floorboard and put in a solid foundation based on trust and knowledge of the One I'm in relationship with.
I loved today's reading. I love how David talked to God - asking why....It took a long time for me to realize that we can question him. He wants us to come to him when we are angry, upset, sad, happy - at all times learn to trust in him. He can take the heat and calm us down, or put our minds at ease.
Me too Sheri -- it took me a long time to understand that God wants the honest me, not the pretend me (still working on that) What great examples we have in David with the Whys? and Moses with the Not Me! and Job with "I didn't do anything wrong that I can think of!
yeah Sheri - it is definitely a revelation when we realize we can be real with God. Just wish more of us did.
I did read Job today & it made me think of yesterdays reading. Job was in the same place as David. Why God, are You allowing this to happen. It made me think of how David said, despite my emotions, my circumstances; I will trust, believe and even praise You God.
Then I turned to JC. I'm loving these reminders to wait on God to turn things instead of manipulating circumstances myself. And it's true, waiting on God does renew my strength. I've endured things in the last few weeks that I haven't been able to before, all because I turned to God and didn't focus on my circumstances. He took me above them.
Wow! Someone Who keeps their word! These types of growth in our relationship will help me if times like David/Job experienced. Thank You Lord for basic training! :D
You are amazing! Forever my God, you're more than enough.
So as I was reading Job today and noting how people respected, listened to, and were encouraged by this Godly man -- only to totally turn against him and make his name a slang word; I was wondering if Jesus thought this through as he read scripture.
I wonder if He could see that it would also happen to Him - - and maybe encouraged Him not to put his trust in any man.
I found great encouragement in JC today too! "The best way to handle unwanted situations is to thank Me for them. This act of faith frees you from resentment and frees Me to work My ways into the situation, so that good emerges from it" Whooo-hoooo! FREEDOM!
JC "When things go wrong, your trust-flow slows down and solidifies. You are forced to choose between trusting Me intentionally or rebelling: resenting My ways with you. This choice constitutes a for in the road. Stay on the path of Life with Me, enjoying My Presence. Choose to trust Me in all circumstances" Easy to read, easy to type in - - not as natural and easy to do!!
And Jer 12:5 is God talking, "If you stumble on the easy terrain, how will you manage in the thick brush" He is actually talking to Jeremiah whose trust is flagging - - and me when my trust flags. Trusting Him with the little annoyances and disappointments prepares me for deeper calming trust through significant dips in my dreams.
But God also promises strength: 15:11 "I will make you strong in those trying times to accomplish My good"
Tough times ahead for God's people -- but His plan is clear, "Behold, I will teach these people" Even in the trials -- it is God trying to bring them back to the underwear clinging attitude - - -
So much to digest when the story swirls around Jesus!
One thing I really appreciated that the author said regarding the failed healing: "They are spiritually unprepared for the depth of evil residing in the world. They need to be saturated in the presence of God to face the challenge." That is how I feel right now - unprepared, and a great need to saturate.
Pretty sad that Jesus is trying to tell them of the horror He will soon be going through - but they can only think about themselves and their situation -- but then -- the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree; how many times do I do that? He's trying to tell me about His plan for saving others -- and I can't see past my own nose:(
Never thought b4 that the rich youth was the only other person Jesus invited to follow -- and he said no - he went back to his riches
What a contrast with Bart -- who threw away everything that had brought him comfort and security and followed Jesus from that time on - YEAH BART! I liked the comment "The discouragement from everyone around him only makes him should louder - determined" He knows that "once he meets Jesus, he will not need to be a beggar anymore" that is not any different from me - but will I cave to the peer pressure, or will I shout all the louder?
I had similar thoughts as I read it. The servant heart is what always gets me in this passage as well. I don't know the balance of being a doormat vs fighting for what I want to do. I don't know if I'll ever stumble upon that balance. I am learning to ask God first when I want to push. Maybe that's the only way to learn balance.
Great point about Bart. He threw away his comfort zone. He welcomed change. I was thinking of the contrast I saw this week with that.
Change makes one re-evaluate - mostly themselves. We don't like to do it because it takes effort and we might not like the outcome. It's way easier to stay and complain. And yet, surrender to Jesus is a life of constant change, constant evaluation. Which brought to my mind Steady My Heart by Kari Jobe. It's all good, but here's what specifically came to mind about change.
"...even when it hurts, even when it's hard, even when it all just falls apart. I will run to You, cause I know that You Are, Lover of my soul, Healer of my scars. You steady my heart.
Really, we need to welcome change. I've learned so much and been blessed by some incredible experiences because of it. It's risky, but if God's with you in it - is it really? The only thing you risk losing is yourself; but gaining more of the HS, more of Jesus. Who doesn't want that? I could stand to lose a LOT of myself!
faith hope love
ReplyDeletefaith; when we reach out to God - surrendering our will, clinging to His
hope: an internal energy that keeps us clinging to Him
love: the results of how God can change us. Self-less love is only possible through His Spirit working in us.
The greatest is love - being used by Christ to touch a hurting world
Love IS. Not was or will be, it is. It's like when God told Moses to say I Am has sent you. It's a present tense, active word.
ReplyDeleteYou're right Linda, only the HS working in us makes this a present act. A working love that people not only see, but feel and know. There has to be something different about us as we spend more and more time with Jesus, because love IS.
well said -- had never realized the emphasis on present:) loveit
ReplyDeleteUsually it gets worse before it gets better. When God says He has heard and He will deliver, I'm like the Israelites, grateful and I worship/praise Him. I'm expecting it to happen immediately. Therein lies my problem. My expectations. What makes sense to me, in my own little world, doesn't pan out because God sees a much bigger drama playing out. Over and over in my life I see my timing and God's are not in sync.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember if there's a time frame mentioned between Moses/Aaron talking to the Israelites and when they actually leave Egypt for good. I would have been packing right after the meeting! The delay would have been extremely trying. Like PM has said, do I worship and love God for what He does for me or for Who He is? The waiting period helps me sift through my misconceptions of Him. It opens up dialogue between us that didn't exist before. There's always a purpose to what God does.
Moses is still pretty unsure of God's requests -- "he has done more harm to them than ever before. And YOu have done absolutely nothing to rescue Your people"
ReplyDeleteGod's response: Now you will see -- I wish I knew what God was thinking. Maybe he allowed the extra trouble so the Israelites would realize how used they were - - how Pharaoh and the Egyptians hated them - - and thinking of us today; when we experience death, disease, evil -- it turns us from thinking the world is a pretty fine place to where our focus should be, where our builder and maker is GOD!
Moses faith was being tested and honed for the journey as well. Think how he felt when he told the Eternal's plans to the Israelites and they turned a deaf ear to him -- embarrassing; discouraging; humiliating - - no wonder he didn't want to go to Pharaoh; I would have had those same Jonah feelings.
Interesting that the genealogy takes off on Aaron's lineage - - wonder why? At first I thought maybe it had to do with the fact that Moses ends up translated, but he still has Ziporah's children to carry on his name . . . interesting.
Speaking of Moses faith . . . I wonder what he thought when the magicians could imitate the miracles at first? But as the commentator points out -- those magicians couldn't make the plagues go away - - little by little God pours his faith miracles out on the people. LEt's see, what did PM say? Miracles don't produce faith; but faith produces miracles. Hmmm, maybe He was willing to give more as their trust increased.
Very reassuring this morning to read about God being in control of things even if it doesn't seem to go the way David thought it might.
ReplyDeleteI know I've mentioned this before but I really love how David didn't take matters into his own hand to change his circumstances when Saul was in the cave. Was David consulting God on this? It doesn't say specifically. What it does show is that David waited for God to take care of Saul and remove him without trying to manipulate things to get him out of the picture. It shows his heart was humble, still a servant. I can't say I have that yet. God is still working with me though and I'm grateful for His patience.
David's "group" chpt 22, were kindof the down-and-outers; exactly the kind of people God loves to use (in debt, unhappy, in trouble) Pretty exciting to see how David's acceptance inspired a loyalty that followed him through his leadership.
ReplyDeleteAlso -- never realized that he sent Ruth's grand-daughter back to her homeland for security -- awesome to watch how God uses all the little pieces of our lives and history. and David stay's in His will; making the best decision possible "until I can see what it is that the True God has in store for me" Everyone seemed to know that he was destined to be king (more on this later), yet he waited to see how God would go about unfolding it -- as you mentioned Chris)
btw -- did anyone else find it strange in chpt 21 that David would head off to Gath (home of Goliath) for protection? I thought that was an odd choice -- apparently, it didn't work out:):)
It must have been horrifying for the servants of Saul to hear they were to slaughter the priests -- I'm glad they had the guts to draw the boundary -- and apparently Saul realized deep down that it was very wrong or he would have had them executed on the spot.
David must have really grieved, thinking of the murder caused by his actions (the priests) Being the leader has huge responsibilities - and every human leader makes mistakes - it's a tough calling.
I didn't realize David and Jonathan met again after the archery experience -- seems like everyone was able to find David -- except Saul -- that's explained in verse 14 "the True God did not allow Saul to capture or kill David" That's the God of angel armies!
OK -- why doesn't someone make a movie of this amazing event -- when David is on one side of the mountain and Saul on the other side?? With suspenseful music; it'd have me on the edge of my seat!!
OK -- Nabal MUST have known that David would be king someday (Abigail knew it in vs 30) yet he said "who is David . . .)
Even tho it alludes to the fact that the Abigail marriage may have been a political move from the commentator), I can only imagine that David was happy with a smart, beautiful and servant-heart wife; and Abby must have been tickled pink with David after married to drunken, sullen rich and greedy Nabal!!
Here's what I love to do, sing with joy, shout thanksgiving with abandon! (vs4); yet the worship leader here is struggling; despite all my emotions, I will believe and praise the One who saves me and is my life. It sounds like he is pushing back his emotions of defeat and choosing to praise -- I like that; pushing Satan back, rebuking him.
ReplyDeleteLove the word pic in vs 8; in the light of day, the Eternal shows me hi love. When night settles in and all is dark, He keeps me company -- how many times have I experienced this? But this word pic says He's sitting on the side of my bed, holding my hand -- smoothing my brow -- He LOVES me!!
43:4 "unloading my cares, unleashing my joys, to You, God, my God" that is a very freeing thing - to admit, to say out loud (right Chris?) and knowing that admitting out loud is all for us; because (44:21) He can see the hidden places of our hearts"
Nabal knew David, since he said he was the son of Jesse. He was just a jerk...but I think you established that fact too. :)
ReplyDeletePsalms today said exactly what keeps me back from 100% commitment to God. The what if factor. What if You desert me, just when I need You? I stand for You and You don't show and everyone says "Where's your God you trust in, that wouldn't let you down? It's the rotten floorboard God and I have dug down to through all my layers of defense.
I have to say with David, who obviously struggled with the same thing since he verbally says 3 times in 1 chapter - I will believe and praise You despite my emotions, despite my fears, despite what I'm feeling and experiencing. You are God alone that can see everything.
I also went and read Heb 12. The Voice puts it in such great terms. Jesus focused on what was to come, He ignored the shame and the present circumstances. I need to focus on my Deliverer, my Protector. It's my character He's protecting, not necessarily my physical life. But if I focus and choose despite what I feel, then I am trusting the Only One that truly can help me.
Again, it's not what God does for me (and He does a LOT), it's Who He is. David's honesty once again resonates with people thousands of years later.
So God and I will continue to tear up that rotten floorboard and put in a solid foundation based on trust and knowledge of the One I'm in relationship with.
I loved today's reading. I love how David talked to God - asking why....It took a long time for me to realize that we can question him. He wants us to come to him when we are angry, upset, sad, happy - at all times learn to trust in him. He can take the heat and calm us down, or put our minds at ease.
ReplyDeleteMe too Sheri -- it took me a long time to understand that God wants the honest me, not the pretend me (still working on that) What great examples we have in David with the Whys? and Moses with the Not Me! and Job with "I didn't do anything wrong that I can think of!
ReplyDeleteThese men really did feel safe with Him!
yeah Sheri - it is definitely a revelation when we realize we can be real with God. Just wish more of us did.
ReplyDeleteI did read Job today & it made me think of yesterdays reading. Job was in the same place as David. Why God, are You allowing this to happen. It made me think of how David said, despite my emotions, my circumstances; I will trust, believe and even praise You God.
Then I turned to JC. I'm loving these reminders to wait on God to turn things instead of manipulating circumstances myself. And it's true, waiting on God does renew my strength. I've endured things in the last few weeks that I haven't been able to before, all because I turned to God and didn't focus on my circumstances. He took me above them.
Wow! Someone Who keeps their word! These types of growth in our relationship will help me if times like David/Job experienced. Thank You Lord for basic training! :D
You are amazing! Forever my God, you're more than enough.
So as I was reading Job today and noting how people respected, listened to, and were encouraged by this Godly man -- only to totally turn against him and make his name a slang word; I was wondering if Jesus thought this through as he read scripture.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if He could see that it would also happen to Him - - and maybe encouraged Him not to put his trust in any man.
I found great encouragement in JC today too! "The best way to handle unwanted situations is to thank Me for them. This act of faith frees you from resentment and frees Me to work My ways into the situation, so that good emerges from it" Whooo-hoooo! FREEDOM!
JC "When things go wrong, your trust-flow slows down and solidifies. You are forced to choose between trusting Me intentionally or rebelling: resenting My ways with you. This choice constitutes a for in the road. Stay on the path of Life with Me, enjoying My Presence. Choose to trust Me in all circumstances" Easy to read, easy to type in - - not as natural and easy to do!!
ReplyDeleteAnd Jer 12:5 is God talking, "If you stumble on the easy terrain, how will you manage in the thick brush" He is actually talking to Jeremiah whose trust is flagging - - and me when my trust flags. Trusting Him with the little annoyances and disappointments prepares me for deeper calming trust through significant dips in my dreams.
But God also promises strength: 15:11 "I will make you strong in those trying times to accomplish My good"
Tough times ahead for God's people -- but His plan is clear, "Behold, I will teach these people" Even in the trials -- it is God trying to bring them back to the underwear clinging attitude - - -
So much to digest when the story swirls around Jesus!
ReplyDeleteOne thing I really appreciated that the author said regarding the failed healing: "They are spiritually unprepared for the depth of evil residing in the world. They need to be saturated in the presence of God to face the challenge." That is how I feel right now - unprepared, and a great need to saturate.
Pretty sad that Jesus is trying to tell them of the horror He will soon be going through - but they can only think about themselves and their situation -- but then -- the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree; how many times do I do that? He's trying to tell me about His plan for saving others -- and I can't see past my own nose:(
Never thought b4 that the rich youth was the only other person Jesus invited to follow -- and he said no - he went back to his riches
What a contrast with Bart -- who threw away everything that had brought him comfort and security and followed Jesus from that time on - YEAH BART! I liked the comment "The discouragement from everyone around him only makes him should louder - determined" He knows that "once he meets Jesus, he will not need to be a beggar anymore" that is not any different from me - but will I cave to the peer pressure, or will I shout all the louder?
I had similar thoughts as I read it. The servant heart is what always gets me in this passage as well. I don't know the balance of being a doormat vs fighting for what I want to do. I don't know if I'll ever stumble upon that balance. I am learning to ask God first when I want to push. Maybe that's the only way to learn balance.
ReplyDeleteGreat point about Bart. He threw away his comfort zone. He welcomed change. I was thinking of the contrast I saw this week with that.
Change makes one re-evaluate - mostly themselves. We don't like to do it because it takes effort and we might not like the outcome. It's way easier to stay and complain. And yet, surrender to Jesus is a life of constant change, constant evaluation. Which brought to my mind Steady My Heart by Kari Jobe. It's all good, but here's what specifically came to mind about change.
"...even when it hurts, even when it's hard, even when it all just falls apart. I will run to You, cause I know that You Are, Lover of my soul, Healer of my scars. You steady my heart.
Really, we need to welcome change. I've learned so much and been blessed by some incredible experiences because of it. It's risky, but if God's with you in it - is it really? The only thing you risk losing is yourself; but gaining more of the HS, more of Jesus. Who doesn't want that? I could stand to lose a LOT of myself!