Saturday, May 4, 2013

Week 19

That's why we praise Him and that's why we sing -- that's why we offer Him our everything!

13 comments:

  1. Paul points out in vs 9, 10 that the world cannot supply the things humans are longing for: life, happiness, emotional riches -- though we have nothing, we possess all things.

    Unless you become as children is echoed again in vs 13 "open yoursleves up as children; share your hearts with us as we have done for you" I can think of many times that children have opened up to me - with total abandon, no thought of wearing a mask.

    "we house the temple of the living God within us" reminds me of part of PM sermon this week.

    and here's what I want, 7:4 "even in all this turbulence I am at peace -- I am overflowing with JOY!" remindes me of the song forever reign:)

    and as much as we find ourselves wanting to hoard our blessings or good fortune when amazing things happen at the local church - we are part of a much much bigger church as mentioned by the commentator:)

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  2. I also noticed the opening up of hearts verse. Such a need for us to do that with each other. But, it only comes as we trust ourselves with God. And we all have trust issues.

    7:10 "Now this type of deep sorrow, godly sorrow, is not so much about regret; but it is about producing a change of mind and behavior that ultimately leads to salvation. But the other type of sorrow, worldly sorrow, often is fleeting and only brings death."

    This is what truly should be our goal in disciplining people. Like Paul says in v11. It brings about authentic and diligent change in people. Ties in with the book I'm reading now about honoring people. Sometimes we're more concerned with what people will think than what's going on in people's hearts. Delicate balance that requires the HS to guide and direct. But it is a different approach then what is usually used. This approach can take some time to manifest itself and let the HS work. More than naught, we have the stones in our hands and are just waiting for "throw" command. Show me balance Lord. Give me Your eyes, Your heart for the people You bring into my life.

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  3. 22:28 It would be nice if Christians would remember this when people they don't vote for are elected into office. Unfortunately, they are the most unChrist-like people I have ever met in this situation. Just astounding.

    23:20,21 What a promise given to Israel. They would be protected. How often did they forget that? I am protected as well. How often do I forget that? Same as them, whenever it doesn't go my way. I need to remember when I give God my heart, I give Him my will, my way. I only need Him. Everything else is a bonus. I have no "my way" to complain about because it ceases to exist in a heart truly surrendered. I can practice the presence of problems or practice being in the only Presence that matters.

    I like the promise in v22 as well. He will be an enemy to any one that opposes His way with me. Help me to trust you Jesus and to believe that my Father is really protecting me.

    Still amazing that people saw the feet of God and feasted in His Presence...and lived to tell about it. Nadab and Abihu are forerunners of Judas. Even though they choose to turn their back on God, He didn't exclude them from every opportunity to show them His love and favor. Freedom of choice. God gives it to us more than we do to each other.

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  4. Today's prayer: DJ 86 "I'm often subject to a slumbering soul: taking for granted my life with all its blessings, being overly focused on negative things, buying into the world's version of the good life. Help me break free from these worldly weights, so my soul can SOAR in the heights with YOU!"

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  5. It does seem, as the commentators point out, that God rewards/punishes based on moral behavior in the OT at least. If we still had a theocracy today, I wonder how it'd be? At least it'd be fair.

    Not too much more out of here than the last couple of years. Turning to JC again this a.m.

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  6. So Chris - you inspired me to hit up DJ first thing!!

    "Worship Me as King of kings while walking hand in hand with Me down the path of life. . . When you remember My majestic Presence and return to Me repentantly, I rush to meet you and enfold you in My embrace."

    What beautiful work pictures for this day

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  7. the Lord is my valiant supporter -- that just puts such a word pic of a noble, capable God in my mind.

    I can't help but think that when Jesus read some of the passages of 55, he applied them to the people around him (specifically Judas - and maybe the Israelite leaders) vs 13, 14 - and especially 20 "My friend has become a foe, breaking faith, tearing down peace. He's betrayed our covenant."

    Once again - this reminds me that Jesus didn't put his trust in any man; so why should I be disappointed if the humans around me fail me in some way? I need to follow David/Jesus' example in vs. 17 "Evening, morning, and noon I will plead" and vs 22 "Cast your troubles upon the Eternal; His care is unceasing!"

    The theme continues in 56:4 "in God I place my trust. I shall not let fear come in, for what can measly men do to me?" It is David's mantra - he repeats it later; great mantra to have

    and you gotta love how God catches our tears in His bottle - - not one tear falls that He is not aware of - - - "This I know for certain: God is on my side" Thank you Lord -- this is so humbling considering all the many times I, fickle human, have failed you. Great Great Great is Your faithfulness and love!

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  8. 54:4 My God comes to rescue me! Awesome picture for me! It doesn't matter that those around me don't respect God or acknowledge Him. It doesn't change the fact that He is. And He, is mine. Nothing can change that.

    55:3-4 we've all been here, letting anxiety (worry) steal our peace and we're fearful of what will be. Maybe even fearful of what is. I'm so glad David is honest here. He's focusing on what he senses and it's not good. We've all wanted to run away from it all because it becomes too much for us to handle. It's only as he turns his attention to God that he starts to come out of the control of fear.

    It's especially brutal when a close friend turns on you. They know all about you, the lowest part and the highs. The lows are what is highlighted and repeated naturally. Like you said Linda, Jesus knows how that feels as well. Even more so, because He knew it before it would happen and He STILL allowed Judas in. He didn't shut Himself off from His betrayer. I definitely would have. That shows you how much He trusted His life to His Father and how far I have to go.

    I do love the reinforcement David says in 56:11 "In God I have placed my trust. I shall not let fear come in,for what can measly men do to me?" I trust You, Jesus.

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  9. I don't know why -- but today I read God's response a bit differently. His voice came out of a mighty storm -- so that's down right impressive, and I see Him as communicating to convince instead of communicating to chastise Job and his friends (that's how I've viewed it b4)

    Job is His friend -- Job has done a good human job of sticking with God through the tough times. Job has questioned and God has remained silent - - until now. And now, God reaffirms the thoughts Job has clung too, yet questioned himself on. God is his friend, and now God is basically saying -- you're right Job, I AM the alpha and omega -- you are, so to speak - - measly man, trust Me -- I DO have all the answers. So that's where I want to be today: measly trusting man, looking up to my all-powerful God . . .

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  10. "When I give you no special guidance, stay where you are. Concentrate on doing your everyday tasks in awareness of My Presence with you...you are richly blessed when you walk trustingly with Me through the routines of your day." JC 108

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  11. I went to DJ today as well . . . seems like 'His presence' is a recurring theme - good theme to have:)

    "Instead of single mindedly pursuing a goal, talk with Me about it. Let the Light of My Presence shine on this pursuit, so you can see it from My perspective . . . if you discern that your goal accords with My will then you can pursue it confidently."

    Now . . . to figure out 'the goal'!!!!

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  12. Commentator at the end of 2: "He knows HIs life will follow a path of working for God" this is at the age of 12. Life back then was short and sweet. We look at 12 year-olds now and they are so immature (generally) and life is filled with un-responsibility. Back then -- 12 was adult, you shouldered the load. Both John and Jesus took their calling seriously - - focused - - mission.

    Also -- "a sword will pierce even your own soul, Mary" I've always thought of this as Mary's heart-hurt at Jesus' death. But since the comment right b4 that is that the secret thoughts of many hearts will be laid bare, I wonder if Simeon is referring more to Mary's secret thoughts of a worldly kingship for her Son. We all have hopes, expectations -- God is trying to teach us to surrender these to Him.

    Mary starts out in a life of surrender, but we see down the road that she becomes swayed by others, trying to control Jesus actions - - we, along with Mary are so prone to veer from daily surrender:(

    Can't imagine what it would have been like in that dark shepherd's field when the light and sound of thousand's of angels filled the night -- awesome awesome; what we know of a light and sound venue is piddly compared to THAT!

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  13. The commentators note how the disadvantaged are the ones Luke brings out and shows the difference between their reactions to heavenly messages vs those with advantages. God just does not look at appearances or heritage. He looks at our hearts. We are shocked when people we think are "something" are passed by God and He bestows a gift on someone else we consider insignificant. No one Jesus died for is insignificant. Give me Your eyes, Lord and ears that hear You and only You, not the world. I am in desperate need of a heart transplant!

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