we do not pollute God's Word with any other agenda - - o my; how many times am I worried more about my agenda as opposed to His. I love the call to integrity - - knowing that God sees/knows all -- just stay open and honest.
cracked pots -- it's when the pot is cracked that God's glory can seep out -- the perfect pots hold that glory in - not so perfect
suffer for others - - 3 words that I don't do well with -- I can maybe justify suffering so my character will grow -- but suffering for others with no benefit for myself is something I am very weak at - - yet He set the example.
Outside -- gray hairs, wrinkles, falling apart; inside -- His work is blossoms as I realize how very mortal I am - - and in that mortal; my only hope is in Him.
"So we do not set our sights on the things we can see with our eyes. All of that is fleeting; it will eventually fade away. Instead, we focus on the things we cannot see, which live on and on"
our purpose: to please Him! How simple, how profound, how complicated, how focused.
Love the way Paul has stepped away from trying to impress anyone -- if they choose to connect - wonderful, but He is not going to force them
verse 16 again shows how we humans try to box God in to our human way of thinking and dealing with life -- He has so much more for us outside of that box:) AND - he pursues us; restores us
I didn't read yesterday so I will comment on that one first. Like you said Linda, it is quite the contrast between Mary pouring out & giving everything vs Judas' selfishness. She was so in love with Him, she didn't care what people thought. Her love had gone over the edge, out of the box and definitely made people uncomfortable. They didn't have the same love and it made them feel better to judge and criticize her then to look inside their own dark, hard hearts. I want my love for Him to be in that same way - totally abandoned to whatever He asks of me and willing to be vulnerable enough that it makes people uncomfortable. We all have responded to her story of abandonment to Christ. It's just in the way that we've responded that matters.
I was thinking of how times have changed. Jesus prophesied to His disciples about what they would find in the city & what they should do. It happened just as He said & STILL they did not believe in Him. Today if someone did that, they'd get a HUGE following! People were accustomed to hearing the voice of God a lot more than we are now. They took it for granted back then, now it's supernatural...but should it be? I don't think so.
I had some similar thoughts about agendas and cracked pots. Some of this reading reinforced what I heard the last couple of days so that was good.
Since I read Mark also today, 5:6 jumped out at me again because it ties into Mary dumping her life savings at and ON Jesus' feet. "...we live with a daring passion..." Jesus, please help me live like that!
The joy of connecting with people and talking about God is a joy that can be felt and seen. It is invigorating, peaceful, loud and full of the Love of our lives. Paul just wants to connect with people and connect them to that JOY. Don't be impressed with the messenger, but be fully impressed with the true Message of Hope and Love. He is the Healer, He is the Restorer and He is deeply in love with us.
Like I heard yesterday, I want God to get all He paid for. However You want to use me Lord, I'm in.
So your comments on Mary sound are echoed in today's reading; the difference between the people and Moses at the God's Mountain (Moses special place - where he first came face to face with his Friend). Moses walks to the mountain - eager to meet again with God -- the people cower away from the mountain -- not wanting anything to do with Him -- preferring Moses (both to complain to and to learn from) Where am I in all this? It is also such a mini-picture of the 2nd coming; complete with horn blast, clouds, fire, smoke, God's presence . . . I want to be a Moses and walk toward my Maker . . .
I'm thinking this is probably in EGW, but I can see where Jesus was struck once for our sins (the rock for water) and His water of grace washed over us (like in baptism); after that grace defeated evil, we only need to speak, to cry out -- since He won that battle, He has earned the right in the eyes of the entire universe to fight for us, in us
I love the generational support that is shown in these chapters -- the 3 older men inteceding with God for the battle the younger must fight -- and later, Jethro and Moses - advising and listening; such generational support - no complaining or critisizing - - I'm sure the 3 older, from their vantage point could see things they'd do differently, yet they simply kept inteceding - - and Moses could have refused to take advice, but he listened carefully
Good parallel between Moses and Mary, I didn't catch that. Moses knew the God that was in the cloud, fire and smoke so He was afraid. The people didn't know Him so they were. That also applies today. A lot of people approach their "relationship" with God in fear, not awe or respect, but true fear because they don't know Him. And maybe, they don't know how to get over that either.
I was thinking how much Moses had changed. From taking charge and pushing through in his own strength to taking counsel. It doesn't say, but I think Moses asked God what to do with the Amelakites and God told him to use Joshua. Again, it doesn't say, but Moses didn't seem to be bothered that God had him use someone else. He could have said, "I'm the leader so I should lead them to fight, after all, if Joshua wins, then the people might want to follow him." There's no power struggle. Moses just does what God asks him to do. I like that. He's humble and teachable even though he's leading a nation. Seeking God's glory, not his own.
Great lessons in there for me. Not my agenda, just surrender, lay down and wait for God to move.
Wow, this is 3 or 4 days in a row where we see total abandonment to God no matter what people may think. Going against the norm, the politically correct or socially acceptable, all to honor God. David's dancing before the ark in total joy of His God and what God has done for him is the same spirit that motivated Mary to pour out her life savings on Jesus; filled Paul with such passion that he gave up a high profile job, human praise and power; and caused Moses to give up a peaceful shepherd life to herd a million whining, critical people into the desert without a map. God has a lot more work to do in my heart, but please keep it up Lord, don't give up on me.
I am always amazed at Paul writings. Most books I read are for pure enjoyment, but Paul makes me think. I wish he would have written Novels! Being out of our minds is exactly what makes us in our right minds. I love this. Believing in the unseen makes us see. This is not our home -it is only temporary. We are Jars of Clay, we are hard pressed but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair. It all has valuable meaning, meaning that can get you through this life and all of it's day to day challenges. Knowing that there is a greater existence if we believe and follow Him with our hearts. Then in Exodus, you see the people doing exactly what most of us do everyday - grumble - about things that God can and will take care of. We just try to handle it ourselves instead of doing what Paul makes sound so easy. Why can't we just let go, and give all to Him. When we do finally let go, it really really works - God is that amazing. I was on mile 14 of my long run, I was dead - I didn't want to finish but I knew I needed to pass that mark or be forever wondering if I could do a marathon. So, I remembered Paul and his teachings, I took off my headphones and just prayed (right on top of the Allen St bridge). I prayed for the next two miles, only talking to God. I made it home. So, it works. Trusting that he can do all things is hard, but when you do everything is possible.
51:17 What sacrifice I can offer YOu is my broken spirit; and again in 52:9 Because of all You have done, I will humble myself and thank You forever - -
A broken spirit; humility -- is the rich soil that God can actually make headway in -- but I am so bull-headed, thinking I can plan, evaluate and direct a great path --
In DJ it talked about that so clearly on page 95:
"if you drift even slightly from following My lead, you are at risk. For a while you will still be able to see Me, as you go your own way "just a bit." Eventually, however, you will lose sight of Me altogether. Veering even a few degrees off course will ultimately take you far from Me. With your feet no longer on the path of Peace, you will find yourself becoming increasingly anxious. The most important thing at this point is to realize you have lost your way. IF you are humble enough, you can call out to Me for help. I am near to all who call on Me"
Lord -- humility, a broken spirit, a submissive heart -- fill me with THAT - - keep me from filling me with me -- instead, give me a passion to follow
Yes, that humility is so needed in my life too. Not defensiveness, but humility.
51:12 - give me back the deep delight of being saved by You. I love that. It is pure joy and very peaceful when you fall back into His arms. Especially when you realize you've screwed it up so bad.
All David wanted was peace with God. He doesn't mention in here about peace with men. The Voice does put in v1 to wipe out the consequences. And I think all of us do want those to go away. But later in the chapter, he says that though he'd give up everything that he prized as a sacrifice, he realizes it's his heart God is after. That true turning from sin.
Give me that spirit Lord, create that fresh, clean heart in me, don't take your HS from me, restore me. Thank You for that amazing, healing work you do in me.
Elihu in 35 is really sad to me: this statement in 6 tells all: "how high up and far away is God?" What a difference from David's psalm that describes God as very present no matter if we are in the very depths. and vs 14 "How much less must He hear you" this sounds like Satan talking to me -- throwing out doubt, making us feel unworthy of His love.
So Chapter 36 - Elihu seems a little more sane in his comments -- I had to look up 'felicity' in vs 11 - it means intense happiness. vs 21 "in short, (finally -- he cuts to the chase) be careful! Do not turn your life toward evil ways - - which you have preferred to hearing God's correcting voice in the midst of your suffering" It is good the E recognizes that God uses trials to correct - - where he (and I) need to be careful is judging God's motives
DJ - - so so refreshing!! "I've discovered that nothing is more satisfying than the Joy of your Presence" another Toby lesson . . .
"As you delight in Me, I am free to bless you with many things that please you. If you keep Me first in your life, My good gifts will not become idols" I never thought about this b4 - but I've certainly done this -- made God's gifts 'idols' it can be things, it can be relationships, it can be leisure time - - I need to stay focused focused at remaining centered in His presence . . . it's the safest and most joyful place to be! Felicity!
Still adjusting to the time change eh? :) It's hard to tell with all this flowery poetry of the time how this would have been taken back then, but today 36:4 is so arrogant in today's vernacular that it cracks me up. I can see him sticking his nose in the air and saying "...perfect knowledge has graced your presence." Hahaha. Again, that's just my interpretation of it. Back then it was probably considered colloquially correct.
He's young (by his own words) so I can see him still growing in his understanding of God. Trying to make his own connection and determination of who God is and how he should relate to such majesty. He pulls a lot of similar thoughts that the other 3 shared. If you're good = God blesses you; if you're bad = God punishes you.
Gotta tap into JC today. DJ was good, thanks for sharing that!
"Many problems vanish instantly in the Light of My Love, because you realize you are never alone. Other problems may remain, but they become secondary to knowing Me and rejoicing in the relationship I so freely offer you. Each moment you can choose to practice my Presence or to practice the presence of problems."
God declares His awesome-ness: "By My great power and with My outstretched arm, I made the earth . . . I AM the ruler of all creation, and I give it to anyone I choose" Lord, help me bend the knee; surrender to You - - shame on me for ever taking You for granted.
and as long as we're talking surrender to God's will -- that's what the first few today's chapter is: "put your neck under the yoke of Bab's king. Serve him and his people . . . not a very easy assignment of surrender for a proud people (o wait - that's me; a proud people -- again Lord, create in me humility and an awareness of Who You are.
and whoever made it to Bab was to be content there; content in the place God planned for them -- again, Lord -- keep me open to You instead of trying to plan and plot my own future. "pursue the peace and welfare of the city where I sent you into excile" so, not only are you to be content in your land of servitude - you are to do all in your power to make it prosper (brings to mind the story of Joseph)
key commentator phrase: "trust God and His timing"
I love the final verses of promise "I will bring you home" and I'm applying that to Heaven
When I read 29:21, I always wonder if Jesus pondered and poured over these words -- trying to comprehend Who He was and the Plan"
"I have loved you with an everlasting love" on that precious note -- I will start my day!!
Pretty hard times for God's people. Which prophet do they listen to? It's so much easier to listen to the one telling you what you want to hear. I've found out so many times that those people are not my real friends. God is the same way. He doesn't tell me what I want to hear all the time, but He does tell me the truth. The way He tells me is important as well. My friends who hold me accountable may seem to cross me, but I know they love them. I know God loves me. So I accept the abrupt interruption of my desires or dreams.
Yes, Linda, I did notice about being content where God has you, even in exile and to pray for the success of your conqueror. Submitting to God's discipline. You never know what or whom God will use to discipline and instruction. Don't look on appearances, God's sending a heart, not looks.
I love the word picture God uses in 31:4. The people who have strayed from Him and served other Gods, turned their backs again and again, He calls a virgin. That shows you how complete His healing is. He makes all things new. Such a beautiful promise to me this morning.
Jesus quietly surrendered to His Father and His Father's plan. He didn't accept the temptation to pride that satan threw at Him that He as God was surrendering to mere men. He had laid His will at the feet of a Higher Being. I really like that. If I accept I am protected by God, nothing can harm me except what His will decrees and even then I am ultimately protected, forever I will reign with Him even if I die here on earth. Very comforting.
I like the commentators view of the 2 revolutions. I believe that is also today in many forms. Spiritual Israel vs literal Israel. Militant church vs spiritual church. To me this ties in with the promise at the end of Mark that God's people will do things supernaturally. It can only be explained by God's power. Let Him work, don't judge, it will all come out in the end. I have no clue what work He is doing in another person's life and how that will manifest on the outside. I just have to accept where He takes me and who He brings to me. It's His agenda, not mine. He's got this, He's got me. I don't have to worry about it.
So many emotions that swirl around Jesus' death and resurrection -- that curtain being torn - - certainly that had to have struck fear to the leaders; didn't they even pause to think they were fighting against God? Just amazes me how blinded they were, and then I need to stop and think, am I blinded too - -
The other thing is the fact that Jesus first went to the women and the non-11 disciples. I bet they were muttering, "if Jesus had shown up, he would have come to us first - we're his closest friends" so this was really a humbling teaching moment for them -- and for me as well. I need to keep putting myself in the places of the ones He was trying to teach -- there are lessons for me all through this too.
And Chris -- yeah -- what we talked about last night, would I be comfortable with those manifestations -- then I read 17 and 18 about the signs of those who believe -- this is a learning/growing part for me; as you know -- it's totally flip flop of what I grew up learning.
we do not pollute God's Word with any other agenda - - o my; how many times am I worried more about my agenda as opposed to His. I love the call to integrity - - knowing that God sees/knows all -- just stay open and honest.
ReplyDeletecracked pots -- it's when the pot is cracked that God's glory can seep out -- the perfect pots hold that glory in - not so perfect
suffer for others - - 3 words that I don't do well with -- I can maybe justify suffering so my character will grow -- but suffering for others with no benefit for myself is something I am very weak at - - yet He set the example.
Outside -- gray hairs, wrinkles, falling apart; inside -- His work is blossoms as I realize how very mortal I am - - and in that mortal; my only hope is in Him.
"So we do not set our sights on the things we can see with our eyes. All of that is fleeting; it will eventually fade away. Instead, we focus on the things we cannot see, which live on and on"
our purpose: to please Him! How simple, how profound, how complicated, how focused.
Love the way Paul has stepped away from trying to impress anyone -- if they choose to connect - wonderful, but He is not going to force them
verse 16 again shows how we humans try to box God in to our human way of thinking and dealing with life -- He has so much more for us outside of that box:) AND - he pursues us; restores us
I didn't read yesterday so I will comment on that one first. Like you said Linda, it is quite the contrast between Mary pouring out & giving everything vs Judas' selfishness. She was so in love with Him, she didn't care what people thought. Her love had gone over the edge, out of the box and definitely made people uncomfortable. They didn't have the same love and it made them feel better to judge and criticize her then to look inside their own dark, hard hearts. I want my love for Him to be in that same way - totally abandoned to whatever He asks of me and willing to be vulnerable enough that it makes people uncomfortable. We all have responded to her story of abandonment to Christ. It's just in the way that we've responded that matters.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of how times have changed. Jesus prophesied to His disciples about what they would find in the city & what they should do. It happened just as He said & STILL they did not believe in Him. Today if someone did that, they'd get a HUGE following! People were accustomed to hearing the voice of God a lot more than we are now. They took it for granted back then, now it's supernatural...but should it be? I don't think so.
Now on to today's reading....
I had some similar thoughts about agendas and cracked pots. Some of this reading reinforced what I heard the last couple of days so that was good.
ReplyDeleteSince I read Mark also today, 5:6 jumped out at me again because it ties into Mary dumping her life savings at and ON Jesus' feet. "...we live with a daring passion..." Jesus, please help me live like that!
The joy of connecting with people and talking about God is a joy that can be felt and seen. It is invigorating, peaceful, loud and full of the Love of our lives. Paul just wants to connect with people and connect them to that JOY. Don't be impressed with the messenger, but be fully impressed with the true Message of Hope and Love. He is the Healer, He is the Restorer and He is deeply in love with us.
Like I heard yesterday, I want God to get all He paid for. However You want to use me Lord, I'm in.
So your comments on Mary sound are echoed in today's reading; the difference between the people and Moses at the God's Mountain (Moses special place - where he first came face to face with his Friend). Moses walks to the mountain - eager to meet again with God -- the people cower away from the mountain -- not wanting anything to do with Him -- preferring Moses (both to complain to and to learn from) Where am I in all this? It is also such a mini-picture of the 2nd coming; complete with horn blast, clouds, fire, smoke, God's presence . . . I want to be a Moses and walk toward my Maker . . .
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking this is probably in EGW, but I can see where Jesus was struck once for our sins (the rock for water) and His water of grace washed over us (like in baptism); after that grace defeated evil, we only need to speak, to cry out -- since He won that battle, He has earned the right in the eyes of the entire universe to fight for us, in us
I love the generational support that is shown in these chapters -- the 3 older men inteceding with God for the battle the younger must fight -- and later, Jethro and Moses - advising and listening; such generational support - no complaining or critisizing - - I'm sure the 3 older, from their vantage point could see things they'd do differently, yet they simply kept inteceding - - and Moses could have refused to take advice, but he listened carefully
Good parallel between Moses and Mary, I didn't catch that. Moses knew the God that was in the cloud, fire and smoke so He was afraid. The people didn't know Him so they were. That also applies today. A lot of people approach their "relationship" with God in fear, not awe or respect, but true fear because they don't know Him. And maybe, they don't know how to get over that either.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking how much Moses had changed. From taking charge and pushing through in his own strength to taking counsel. It doesn't say, but I think Moses asked God what to do with the Amelakites and God told him to use Joshua. Again, it doesn't say, but Moses didn't seem to be bothered that God had him use someone else. He could have said, "I'm the leader so I should lead them to fight, after all, if Joshua wins, then the people might want to follow him." There's no power struggle. Moses just does what God asks him to do. I like that. He's humble and teachable even though he's leading a nation. Seeking God's glory, not his own.
Great lessons in there for me. Not my agenda, just surrender, lay down and wait for God to move.
Wow, this is 3 or 4 days in a row where we see total abandonment to God no matter what people may think. Going against the norm, the politically correct or socially acceptable, all to honor God. David's dancing before the ark in total joy of His God and what God has done for him is the same spirit that motivated Mary to pour out her life savings on Jesus; filled Paul with such passion that he gave up a high profile job, human praise and power; and caused Moses to give up a peaceful shepherd life to herd a million whining, critical people into the desert without a map. God has a lot more work to do in my heart, but please keep it up Lord, don't give up on me.
ReplyDeleteI am always amazed at Paul writings. Most books I read are for pure enjoyment, but Paul makes me think. I wish he would have written Novels! Being out of our minds is exactly what makes us in our right minds. I love this. Believing in the unseen makes us see. This is not our home -it is only temporary. We are Jars of Clay, we are hard pressed but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair. It all has valuable meaning, meaning that can get you through this life and all of it's day to day challenges. Knowing that there is a greater existence if we believe and follow Him with our hearts. Then in Exodus, you see the people doing exactly what most of us do everyday - grumble - about things that God can and will take care of. We just try to handle it ourselves instead of doing what Paul makes sound so easy. Why can't we just let go, and give all to Him. When we do finally let go, it really really works - God is that amazing. I was on mile 14 of my long run, I was dead - I didn't want to finish but I knew I needed to pass that mark or be forever wondering if I could do a marathon. So, I remembered Paul and his teachings, I took off my headphones and just prayed (right on top of the Allen St bridge). I prayed for the next two miles, only talking to God. I made it home. So, it works. Trusting that he can do all things is hard, but when you do everything is possible.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, praying is the only way I make it through long runs! And ditto on everything you said! :D
Delete51:17 What sacrifice I can offer YOu is my broken spirit; and again in 52:9 Because of all You have done, I will humble myself and thank You forever - -
ReplyDeleteA broken spirit; humility -- is the rich soil that God can actually make headway in -- but I am so bull-headed, thinking I can plan, evaluate and direct a great path --
In DJ it talked about that so clearly on page 95:
"if you drift even slightly from following My lead, you are at risk. For a while you will still be able to see Me, as you go your own way "just a bit." Eventually, however, you will lose sight of Me altogether. Veering even a few degrees off course will ultimately take you far from Me. With your feet no longer on the path of Peace, you will find yourself becoming increasingly anxious. The most important thing at this point is to realize you have lost your way. IF you are humble enough, you can call out to Me for help. I am near to all who call on Me"
Lord -- humility, a broken spirit, a submissive heart -- fill me with THAT - - keep me from filling me with me -- instead, give me a passion to follow
Yes, that humility is so needed in my life too. Not defensiveness, but humility.
ReplyDelete51:12 - give me back the deep delight of being saved by You. I love that. It is pure joy and very peaceful when you fall back into His arms. Especially when you realize you've screwed it up so bad.
All David wanted was peace with God. He doesn't mention in here about peace with men. The Voice does put in v1 to wipe out the consequences. And I think all of us do want those to go away. But later in the chapter, he says that though he'd give up everything that he prized as a sacrifice, he realizes it's his heart God is after. That true turning from sin.
Give me that spirit Lord, create that fresh, clean heart in me, don't take your HS from me, restore me. Thank You for that amazing, healing work you do in me.
Elihu in 35 is really sad to me: this statement in 6 tells all: "how high up and far away is God?" What a difference from David's psalm that describes God as very present no matter if we are in the very depths. and vs 14 "How much less must He hear you" this sounds like Satan talking to me -- throwing out doubt, making us feel unworthy of His love.
ReplyDeleteSo Chapter 36 - Elihu seems a little more sane in his comments -- I had to look up 'felicity' in vs 11 - it means intense happiness. vs 21 "in short, (finally -- he cuts to the chase) be careful! Do not turn your life toward evil ways - - which you have preferred to hearing God's correcting voice in the midst of your suffering" It is good the E recognizes that God uses trials to correct - - where he (and I) need to be careful is judging God's motives
DJ - - so so refreshing!! "I've discovered that nothing is more satisfying than the Joy of your Presence" another Toby lesson . . .
"As you delight in Me, I am free to bless you with many things that please you. If you keep Me first in your life, My good gifts will not become idols" I never thought about this b4 - but I've certainly done this -- made God's gifts 'idols' it can be things, it can be relationships, it can be leisure time - - I need to stay focused focused at remaining centered in His presence . . . it's the safest and most joyful place to be! Felicity!
Still adjusting to the time change eh? :) It's hard to tell with all this flowery poetry of the time how this would have been taken back then, but today 36:4 is so arrogant in today's vernacular that it cracks me up. I can see him sticking his nose in the air and saying "...perfect knowledge has graced your presence." Hahaha. Again, that's just my interpretation of it. Back then it was probably considered colloquially correct.
ReplyDeleteHe's young (by his own words) so I can see him still growing in his understanding of God. Trying to make his own connection and determination of who God is and how he should relate to such majesty. He pulls a lot of similar thoughts that the other 3 shared. If you're good = God blesses you; if you're bad = God punishes you.
Gotta tap into JC today. DJ was good, thanks for sharing that!
Had to share JC too!
ReplyDelete"Many problems vanish instantly in the Light of My Love, because you realize you are never alone. Other problems may remain, but they become secondary to knowing Me and rejoicing in the relationship I so freely offer you. Each moment you can choose to practice my Presence or to practice the presence of problems."
Oh yeah...good stuff!
God declares His awesome-ness: "By My great power and with My outstretched arm, I made the earth . . . I AM the ruler of all creation, and I give it to anyone I choose" Lord, help me bend the knee; surrender to You - - shame on me for ever taking You for granted.
ReplyDeleteand as long as we're talking surrender to God's will -- that's what the first few today's chapter is: "put your neck under the yoke of Bab's king. Serve him and his people . . . not a very easy assignment of surrender for a proud people (o wait - that's me; a proud people -- again Lord, create in me humility and an awareness of Who You are.
and whoever made it to Bab was to be content there; content in the place God planned for them -- again, Lord -- keep me open to You instead of trying to plan and plot my own future. "pursue the peace and welfare of the city where I sent you into excile" so, not only are you to be content in your land of servitude - you are to do all in your power to make it prosper (brings to mind the story of Joseph)
key commentator phrase: "trust God and His timing"
I love the final verses of promise "I will bring you home" and I'm applying that to Heaven
When I read 29:21, I always wonder if Jesus pondered and poured over these words -- trying to comprehend Who He was and the Plan"
"I have loved you with an everlasting love" on that precious note -- I will start my day!!
Pretty hard times for God's people. Which prophet do they listen to? It's so much easier to listen to the one telling you what you want to hear. I've found out so many times that those people are not my real friends. God is the same way. He doesn't tell me what I want to hear all the time, but He does tell me the truth. The way He tells me is important as well. My friends who hold me accountable may seem to cross me, but I know they love them. I know God loves me. So I accept the abrupt interruption of my desires or dreams.
ReplyDeleteYes, Linda, I did notice about being content where God has you, even in exile and to pray for the success of your conqueror. Submitting to God's discipline. You never know what or whom God will use to discipline and instruction. Don't look on appearances, God's sending a heart, not looks.
I love the word picture God uses in 31:4. The people who have strayed from Him and served other Gods, turned their backs again and again, He calls a virgin. That shows you how complete His healing is. He makes all things new. Such a beautiful promise to me this morning.
Jesus quietly surrendered to His Father and His Father's plan. He didn't accept the temptation to pride that satan threw at Him that He as God was surrendering to mere men. He had laid His will at the feet of a Higher Being. I really like that. If I accept I am protected by God, nothing can harm me except what His will decrees and even then I am ultimately protected, forever I will reign with Him even if I die here on earth. Very comforting.
ReplyDeleteI like the commentators view of the 2 revolutions. I believe that is also today in many forms. Spiritual Israel vs literal Israel. Militant church vs spiritual church. To me this ties in with the promise at the end of Mark that God's people will do things supernaturally. It can only be explained by God's power. Let Him work, don't judge, it will all come out in the end. I have no clue what work He is doing in another person's life and how that will manifest on the outside. I just have to accept where He takes me and who He brings to me. It's His agenda, not mine. He's got this, He's got me. I don't have to worry about it.
So many emotions that swirl around Jesus' death and resurrection -- that curtain being torn - - certainly that had to have struck fear to the leaders; didn't they even pause to think they were fighting against God? Just amazes me how blinded they were, and then I need to stop and think, am I blinded too - -
ReplyDeleteThe other thing is the fact that Jesus first went to the women and the non-11 disciples. I bet they were muttering, "if Jesus had shown up, he would have come to us first - we're his closest friends" so this was really a humbling teaching moment for them -- and for me as well. I need to keep putting myself in the places of the ones He was trying to teach -- there are lessons for me all through this too.
And Chris -- yeah -- what we talked about last night, would I be comfortable with those manifestations -- then I read 17 and 18 about the signs of those who believe -- this is a learning/growing part for me; as you know -- it's totally flip flop of what I grew up learning.