Paul's actually tactful here in 15. He doesn't degrade them, but shows them the fallacy of their thinking. Pretty nice for someone I picture as more of a take no prisoners kinda speaker.
Always nice to read the assurance we have of more than this life!
I was blown away by the comments in 15 which clearly states that the theory that your soul goes up to heaven when you die is bogus! Somebody else in the Christian world agrees!
"The crux of it all is that "the Anointed One, the Liberating King, died for our sins and was buried and raised from the dead on the third day" Yea -- that IS the crux; that's why we do what we do -- it's my hope, thank you God for making life with You possible!
1 Corinthians 15 was the chapter that brought me so so much comfort when my mom died -- it gave me understanding and weight to what I'd heard all my life - it's just good to know it's in the Bible:)
Today's reading states a couple of times why God worked the way he did with Pharaoh - - "to show you My greater power and to see that My name and reputation spread through all the earth" 9:16 and 10:2 "so that you can tell your children and grandchildren stories . . . so that you may believe I am the Eternal" I thought it was interesting (commentator) that Pharaoh was considered a God -- makes me thing of that first commandment . . . and then I wonder about the Pope, I believe he claims to be god on earth . . . I'd think twice about that claim after today's reading!
Interesting how God orchestrated the way out of a famine through Joseph; and now a famine again takes them down (but they did have the key to being spared, Pharaoh just didn't have the guts to cave)
Moses was highly regarded by Pharaoh's servants -- I bet! I bet they cringed every time he showed up on the front porch!
I love the symbolism of the chosen lamb kept safe until the time it was to be killed; the thought that Jesus was safe in His Father's keeping until just the right time. and the symbol of the blood on the doorpost -- surrounding us -- trusting the blood of the innocent so we can escape the Egypt we live in now.
"Eat whatever you can" reminds me of -- this is my body broken for you
Wondering why we don't celebrate passover today? sounds like it was an eternal covenant-type of ceremony?
God allowed the Israelites to go through the first few plagues. I think it was to remind them that there was One All Powerful God and He had chosen them. Then He distinguishes them by protecting them during the remaining plagues.
I bet that was a special feeling and knowledge. To know that you were protected while His anger burned toward your enemies. You were being defended!
You'd think that would equip you to trust Him no matter what happened from that point on. Unfortunately, we know the rest of the story. But it's the same with us today. God shows me in a powerful way that I am His and He's got my back, I'm chosen and loved deeply by the most Powerful Being in the universe. And then I crumble at the slightest "problem"; forgetting there are no problems to the Almighty God.
He saves and we forget. I am just amazed and grateful that He doesn't give up on us when it seems to be our story through out history. I just want to thank You Lord.
I was amazed that David could spout such faith in God to Saul and then in the next thought give in to fear that Saul would succeed someday. As if God's strength was only good for that one instance, but couldn't hold on forever. I was amazed until I had a brief tour of my own history doing the exact same thing.
I think God lets us see all the weaknesses of humans in the Bible so we'd realize that He won't give up on us. He didn't back then, He won't now either. He is constantly pursuing us and showing us that He won't quit. It's us who quit the relationship, refuse to grow through the pain, reject the help, etc. I think because it involves change and I just would rather have it easy & comfortable thank you! The easy life doesn't do me any favors though. I see it in the physical world and I see it in the spiritual world as well.
Now where was Abner when Saul and his sons were being slaughtered. It says all of his men died...but we know that Abner shows up later when David's king. So where was he?
I love David setting down revenge and leaving the downfall of Saul in the Eternal's hands: "his time will come" I also love how God teamed with David in his exploits (causing the deep sleep with Saul's men while David grabbed the spear and jug) One word for Abner: BUSTED! I bet he was more than humiliated.
When Achish said to David "you have been honest with me" really -- David had not been honest . . . hmmmm
It was a God thing that not only was David spared from figuring out the fighting loyalties, but he was able to return and take care of business for his own families. Just from the reaction of the stoners; I'm guessing they had voted "no" in the first place for joining forces with the Philistines - but I'm glad it all worked out with the Egyptian servant (that was, no doubt, all in God's plan)
David's generosity is another reason he was loved, both by men and God.
I thought it was neat that the people of Jabesh-gilead had a change to thank the man that had saved them years before -- it was a very brave and kind tribute to Saul.
Psalms 46 just reminds me so much of the Angel Armies song --
No fear, no pacing, no biting fingernails - - when everything we know as solid or normal implodes - we are sure and fearless - - wow! even ME? that's a GREAT miracle on God's part - only He could put peace in place of pacing!
we are "close to His heart" that is beautiful and humbling
"Fix your eyes on what the Eternal can do, Amazing!"
"Be still (seems like I read that command a lot), be calm, see, and understand" Slow me down to see all that you have for me this day Lord
I loved 46 too! Those same words and verses caused a peace to come over me as I meditated on them. I just pictured a battlefield of my enemies totally annihilated as God fought for me. I stood and there was no one against me because God was for me. Great visual.
We can't always see our enemies but we feel them. The amazing thing is that God sees all of them. Even the ones lining up. I can imagine Him saying to me - quit making up your own battles - there's enough of them already! :) It's really true that we can be our own worst enemy at times. You are soooo patient with me Lord - Thank You!
"Be still, be calm, be still and understand" that I am close to His heart. v10 He surrounds me and protects me. I love that feeling of His arms around me, holding me close. It's so comforting!
Job has searched his heart and can think of nothing he has done wrong. He has surrendered his heart to God to be used by Him and it seems he has been used by him. I wonder if that is why God told satan that he was a just man. I do believe that is why God allowed satan to do what he did to him.
It makes a little more sense to me now why God answers Job like He does in 38. But for now, I guess Elihu is going to try and defend God. We'll see. On to JC.
ok, I cheated and read part of the last chapter of Job. I thought God only mentioned the 3 friends and He did. He says He's angry at the Eliphaz and his 2 friends. So based on the commentary about the younger Elihu and what I remember reading about what he says. He isn't as far off as his older friends. But he comes across as hothead. God doesn't specifically say anything against what he said or even mention him. Interesting.
Read in JC today. "your greatest need is that of My Peace". Exactly!
I really appreciated the commentator; 2 things he said opened up the scriptures a bit more to me today:
"The leaders are stunned to learn they will face judgment themselves" I never thought about that before -- that they felt they were immune to judgment and it was reserved for the 'sinners' it makes me stop and realize how damaging it is for us (me) to judge other people -- in a way, it puts me in a position to think that God's judgment is for others and not me; He wants me to view others through love, not judgment
I got a humorous word-picture of the pharisees huddling together to come up with the right word solution -- kindof like the old TV program college bowl:)
and -- the other comment that opened my eyes is that the 2 teachings (love God/ love others) cannot be separated. I've always thought of them as 2 separate concepts -- but that loving God apart from loving His people is impossible - - - it makes me realize that my loving God heart - still has a long ways to go; it is still tainted with selfishness.
and - the loving God/loving people heart is SO much more important to Him than getting our religious laws and traditions right -- hmmmm we can "make" the law-tradition side look ok, but the heart business is a whole new level.
I appreciated those comments as well Linda. I was reminded again yesterday how wrong it is of me to so quickly judge someone who cost Jesus His life. He deemed them invaluable, just like me. So really, how can loving God and loving my fellow man be separated?
Paul's actually tactful here in 15. He doesn't degrade them, but shows them the fallacy of their thinking. Pretty nice for someone I picture as more of a take no prisoners kinda speaker.
ReplyDeleteAlways nice to read the assurance we have of more than this life!
I was blown away by the comments in 15 which clearly states that the theory that your soul goes up to heaven when you die is bogus! Somebody else in the Christian world agrees!
ReplyDelete"The crux of it all is that "the Anointed One, the Liberating King, died for our sins and was buried and raised from the dead on the third day" Yea -- that IS the crux; that's why we do what we do -- it's my hope, thank you God for making life with You possible!
1 Corinthians 15 was the chapter that brought me so so much comfort when my mom died -- it gave me understanding and weight to what I'd heard all my life - it's just good to know it's in the Bible:)
Today's reading states a couple of times why God worked the way he did with Pharaoh - - "to show you My greater power and to see that My name and reputation spread through all the earth" 9:16 and 10:2 "so that you can tell your children and grandchildren stories . . . so that you may believe I am the Eternal" I thought it was interesting (commentator) that Pharaoh was considered a God -- makes me thing of that first commandment . . . and then I wonder about the Pope, I believe he claims to be god on earth . . . I'd think twice about that claim after today's reading!
ReplyDeleteInteresting how God orchestrated the way out of a famine through Joseph; and now a famine again takes them down (but they did have the key to being spared, Pharaoh just didn't have the guts to cave)
Moses was highly regarded by Pharaoh's servants -- I bet! I bet they cringed every time he showed up on the front porch!
I love the symbolism of the chosen lamb kept safe until the time it was to be killed; the thought that Jesus was safe in His Father's keeping until just the right time. and the symbol of the blood on the doorpost -- surrounding us -- trusting the blood of the innocent so we can escape the Egypt we live in now.
"Eat whatever you can" reminds me of -- this is my body broken for you
Wondering why we don't celebrate passover today? sounds like it was an eternal covenant-type of ceremony?
God allowed the Israelites to go through the first few plagues. I think it was to remind them that there was One All Powerful God and He had chosen them. Then He distinguishes them by protecting them during the remaining plagues.
ReplyDeleteI bet that was a special feeling and knowledge. To know that you were protected while His anger burned toward your enemies. You were being defended!
You'd think that would equip you to trust Him no matter what happened from that point on. Unfortunately, we know the rest of the story. But it's the same with us today. God shows me in a powerful way that I am His and He's got my back, I'm chosen and loved deeply by the most Powerful Being in the universe. And then I crumble at the slightest "problem"; forgetting there are no problems to the Almighty God.
He saves and we forget. I am just amazed and grateful that He doesn't give up on us when it seems to be our story through out history. I just want to thank You Lord.
I was amazed that David could spout such faith in God to Saul and then in the next thought give in to fear that Saul would succeed someday. As if God's strength was only good for that one instance, but couldn't hold on forever. I was amazed until I had a brief tour of my own history doing the exact same thing.
ReplyDeleteI think God lets us see all the weaknesses of humans in the Bible so we'd realize that He won't give up on us. He didn't back then, He won't now either. He is constantly pursuing us and showing us that He won't quit. It's us who quit the relationship, refuse to grow through the pain, reject the help, etc. I think because it involves change and I just would rather have it easy & comfortable thank you! The easy life doesn't do me any favors though. I see it in the physical world and I see it in the spiritual world as well.
Now where was Abner when Saul and his sons were being slaughtered. It says all of his men died...but we know that Abner shows up later when David's king. So where was he?
I love David setting down revenge and leaving the downfall of Saul in the Eternal's hands: "his time will come" I also love how God teamed with David in his exploits (causing the deep sleep with Saul's men while David grabbed the spear and jug) One word for Abner: BUSTED! I bet he was more than humiliated.
ReplyDeleteWhen Achish said to David "you have been honest with me" really -- David had not been honest . . . hmmmm
It was a God thing that not only was David spared from figuring out the fighting loyalties, but he was able to return and take care of business for his own families. Just from the reaction of the stoners; I'm guessing they had voted "no" in the first place for joining forces with the Philistines - but I'm glad it all worked out with the Egyptian servant (that was, no doubt, all in God's plan)
David's generosity is another reason he was loved, both by men and God.
I thought it was neat that the people of Jabesh-gilead had a change to thank the man that had saved them years before -- it was a very brave and kind tribute to Saul.
Psalms 46 just reminds me so much of the Angel Armies song --
ReplyDeleteNo fear, no pacing, no biting fingernails - - when everything we know as solid or normal implodes - we are sure and fearless - - wow! even ME? that's a GREAT miracle on God's part - only He could put peace in place of pacing!
we are "close to His heart" that is beautiful and humbling
"Fix your eyes on what the Eternal can do, Amazing!"
"Be still (seems like I read that command a lot), be calm, see, and understand" Slow me down to see all that you have for me this day Lord
I loved 46 too! Those same words and verses caused a peace to come over me as I meditated on them. I just pictured a battlefield of my enemies totally annihilated as God fought for me. I stood and there was no one against me because God was for me. Great visual.
ReplyDeleteWe can't always see our enemies but we feel them. The amazing thing is that God sees all of them. Even the ones lining up. I can imagine Him saying to me - quit making up your own battles - there's enough of them already! :) It's really true that we can be our own worst enemy at times. You are soooo patient with me Lord - Thank You!
"Be still, be calm, be still and understand" that I am close to His heart. v10 He surrounds me and protects me. I love that feeling of His arms around me, holding me close. It's so comforting!
Job has searched his heart and can think of nothing he has done wrong. He has surrendered his heart to God to be used by Him and it seems he has been used by him. I wonder if that is why God told satan that he was a just man. I do believe that is why God allowed satan to do what he did to him.
ReplyDeleteIt makes a little more sense to me now why God answers Job like He does in 38. But for now, I guess Elihu is going to try and defend God. We'll see. On to JC.
Elihu just reminds me of a young upstart - - of course I'm biased as I know how the story ends -- but he seems to be quite a self-promoter.
ReplyDeleteNot a bad example to all of us - to search our hearts, to look for anything that would come between us and God.
ok, I cheated and read part of the last chapter of Job. I thought God only mentioned the 3 friends and He did. He says He's angry at the Eliphaz and his 2 friends. So based on the commentary about the younger Elihu and what I remember reading about what he says. He isn't as far off as his older friends. But he comes across as hothead. God doesn't specifically say anything against what he said or even mention him. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteRead in JC today. "your greatest need is that of My Peace". Exactly!
I really appreciated the commentator; 2 things he said opened up the scriptures a bit more to me today:
ReplyDelete"The leaders are stunned to learn they will face judgment themselves" I never thought about that before -- that they felt they were immune to judgment and it was reserved for the 'sinners' it makes me stop and realize how damaging it is for us (me) to judge other people -- in a way, it puts me in a position to think that God's judgment is for others and not me; He wants me to view others through love, not judgment
I got a humorous word-picture of the pharisees huddling together to come up with the right word solution -- kindof like the old TV program college bowl:)
and -- the other comment that opened my eyes is that the 2 teachings (love God/ love others) cannot be separated. I've always thought of them as 2 separate concepts -- but that loving God apart from loving His people is impossible - - - it makes me realize that my loving God heart - still has a long ways to go; it is still tainted with selfishness.
and - the loving God/loving people heart is SO much more important to Him than getting our religious laws and traditions right -- hmmmm we can "make" the law-tradition side look ok, but the heart business is a whole new level.
I appreciated those comments as well Linda. I was reminded again yesterday how wrong it is of me to so quickly judge someone who cost Jesus His life. He deemed them invaluable, just like me. So really, how can loving God and loving my fellow man be separated?
ReplyDelete