adopted as sons and daughters -- that became a real illustration for me when I read "The road of Lost Innocence" a real-life story of a family who opened their home and their lives to a little abused orphan girl. What a gift, an opportunity I have been given from God; and yet -- I take it for granted, sometimes ignoring it; Lord, forgive me -- help me to grasp what You have done, what You offer.
Abba - a term of intimacy and respect (again, it overwhelms me right now that you would offer that term of what to call You - - to me
Hagar - had a birth through human manipulation, plotting and planning; it was surrounded by pain and tension
Abraham - had a miracle birth - - it is what God had in store for the childless couple to bring them JOY (even though they messed it up with trying to accomplish the birth a different way)
"What makes a difference is faith energized by love" Doncha love it when your path crosses someone like that? God loves it too!
"Walk in the Spirit, and let the Spirit bring order to your life" Jesus was the perfect example of this -- it's what I want to do -- and it makes sense that when the Spirit is ordering your life, you really don't need to worry about the law, as the Spirit won't let you stray outside the law:) It's like bumpers in a bowling alley!
"unconditional love" does the world even know that? It seems like all of our human love is saddled with expectations - -
"set aside our self-interests and work together to create true community instead of a culture consumed by provocation, pride, and envy" What every heart longs for - true community
"May I never put anything above the cross of our Lord Jesus" lots of tradition that throws a cloth over the cross -- I want that cloth torn aside and the gift Jesus gave front and center -- that's where true gratitude and passion comes from.
and just soaked in the last words "infuse your spirit with His"
i was hoping that a bit of time after reading this morning would solidify my thoughts so I could share them. Not the case however. I will just say we need more of walking in the Spirit. More submission than MY mission.
Yes, Linda, I noticed that about the 2 words as well. I think you will agree that our submission to Him makes our mission, His mission, which is when true progress is made.
Perused the end of Exodus. The comments on how the Israelites would be trained through worship and obedience made me think a bit. Also how sometimes, we say it'd be nice to have a Cloud that lifted up when we are supposed to go somewhere and stay when we're to stay.
Except, that would be like we read yesterday in Galatians - our schoolmaster - teaching us. God had to show them how close He wanted to be with them. They had to be retrained for sure after being in Egypt all those years.
I don't want to go backward in my relationship with God. He wants us to think, use the mental capabilities He's given us in developing our relationship. If you carry a baby around all the time, it will never learn to walk on it's own. You're limited what you can do together. But as soon as it grows and develops, you can do so many more things together. Same thing in the spiritual realm.
I never want to be content where I am spiritually. There so much more out there for God and I to do together!
Ok, impressive building chapters. What actually jumped out at me was during Solomon's prayer. He was talking about when they are captives in a foreign land, make them people of compassion so their captors will have compassion on them. Follows the reap what you sow principle. He could have just prayed for compassion on the part of the captors.
He shares the same principal again in proverbs saying if you want friends, be friendly. Great principles to bring into our modern life.
Solomon's leadership is evident from the get-go; telling Hiram that he had the best timber cutters around and asking for his help; also, sending his workers in cycles - 1 month on, 2 months off -- always good to be generous with people's time.
I love how the commentator pointed out that the building was the full cycle of the exodus event -- now God would permanently live with them, as they permanently settled down - sweet!
Also loved the comment on "Solomon is putting his devotion to God over his desire for more power" More power seems to be a man-tendency which I don't understand (as evidenced by powerful cars and airplanes etc!!) anyway - it is a real human tendency and had to have been a huge temptation to the king - glad Solomon stayed focused in the early years!
Also - love the quite beauty of the construction - no hammer, hatchet, iron tool in that place:) and constructed with the aspects of creation - you CAN'T improve on what God has created!
The Eternal One put the shot over the bow -- If you don't follow my instructions, I'm not staying around. So many times I hear "how could God . . . " well -- look at how our world has abandoned His instructions; and I'm not immune - - it is a spiritual discipline to stay surrendered . . . still very high on my learning curve!
Doncha wish you could have seen those winged creatures -- and I looked up all the texts cited about God flying on them - I LOVE that word pic!
Loved your comments on the prayer of compassion Chris -- there seems to be an emphasis on turning back (once we have sinned) and then God's forgiveness -- a lot about the direction we face - - and I love Solomon blessing with "a booming voice" sometimes, I view Solomon as a soft-spoken, gentle, peaceful (although wise) sit on the throne kind of guy as opposed to his "back-in-the-saddle go get 'em" father. Takes all kinds!
Thanks for reminding me of some good thoughts in there.
67:1 was put so perfectly - "May God pour His grace and blessings INTO us..." Normally, we ask for them to fall upon us. But really, pouring into us is more of a blessing because that's when we are truly changed and are able to consistently bless others. I want to be poured into by God. I just want to be a pass through for others to see Him.
JC today "Walk with Me in holy trust, responding to My initiatives rather than trying to make things fit your plans. I died to set you free, and that includes freedom from compulsive planning. When your mind spins with a multitude of thoughts, you cannot hear My voice. A mind preoccupied with planning pays homage to the idol of control. Turn from this idolatry back to Me. Listen to Me and live abundantly!"
OOO! I like that - trying to make things fit into your plans; the thought of being an empty container, being filled up by HIM! What a privilege to be the container for God!! It's what He wants -- to purify me - to pull out the weeds (guess what chapter we finished yesterday in The Shack!!)
What an adventure to walk with God.
David is longing for the entire earth to bow down and worship God -- and if you won't listen to what I tell you, he continues "come and witness the True God's endless works" reminds me of Philip (I think) who said to Nathaniel - Come and See!
It's really what our mission needs to be -- a great longing for others (and ourselves) to know Him, and then simply - - to invite them to Come and See!
But some will reject that invitation and it blows my mind. I have to remember to honor people's choice to say no, just as if they aren't able to come to some event I invite them to. It's not me they are shunning. It's just mind blowing that people would even say no though. Fear is a powerful thing. It's what controls us the most I think.
Did you finish the garden chapter? That's what came to mind. Good stuff.
So many things in Proverbs and I get focused on 1 and I still have 1 1/2 chapters to go! LOL.
I claimed the promise of 2:9-11 for me today. I need constant discernment and God's wisdom, not mine. And the discernment He gives me is not for me to judge people, it's for salvation, mine and theirs (if they choose it).
I also enjoyed the phrasing of the familiar verses in 3:5,6. Another call to trust Him completely. I was reminded so much yesterday as things were coming at me, that He sees it, He is in control, no matter the appearance and I chose every time to trust Him. I had peace in stress and chaos. But really, what day doesn't have that? God is in control - Thank you Jesus!
You you can't buy wisdom or win it -you have to discover it - digging deep, it's hard work - seems like everything I can think of is obtained through hard work and surrender!
Love that wisdom leads to peace and a sweet sleep - that comes from listening for his voice and letting him guide. And I also like the call to give God the glory for any accomplishments we achieve- He's God - we're not! So much more relaxing to direct the glory to Him!
There are so many aspects in these two chats about loving God and the people around you; pure love with no kickbacks.
When Jesus sends them out (the 12 and the 70) they take nothing along - total dependence on their fellow man and God. Maybe that's part of pure love - being willing to accept from others without guilt or having to pay back. We like to give to others but do we feel comfortable with others to receive from them? Are we ok with who we are to accept and be filled with gratitude instead of obligation?
I was just thinking about the text this week when Jesus says don't stop others preaching in my name - how often do I have competitive feelings toward other churches succeeding instead of realizing that we're on the same team - bother; I'm so human! Lord, give me a heart of love and acceptance - I want to love You and others with a pure love!
Jesus gives the disciples opportunity to confess publically who He is to each other. All because He asked them a question about people's opinion. Before whom does He give me that opportunity?
How did the 12 know it was Moses and Elijah? Just wondered that today as I read. They didn't have pictures back then I'm thinking.
When Jesus sends them out Voice says it was with the power of vulnerability. They were truly vulnerable. Can't you hear people - especially today - "you mean you serve the True God and He doesn't provide clothes or food money? You have to wait to see if someone will respond to the HS in order to stay warm and eat"? Hmmm.
I think we under estimate vulnerability. Jesus was vulnerable and that's why people sat at His feet. They saw His spirit, they trusted Him, They could tell He was out for their good, not their goods themselves.
adopted as sons and daughters -- that became a real illustration for me when I read "The road of Lost Innocence" a real-life story of a family who opened their home and their lives to a little abused orphan girl. What a gift, an opportunity I have been given from God; and yet -- I take it for granted, sometimes ignoring it; Lord, forgive me -- help me to grasp what You have done, what You offer.
ReplyDeleteAbba - a term of intimacy and respect (again, it overwhelms me right now that you would offer that term of what to call You - - to me
Hagar - had a birth through human manipulation, plotting and planning; it was surrounded by pain and tension
Abraham - had a miracle birth - - it is what God had in store for the childless couple to bring them JOY (even though they messed it up with trying to accomplish the birth a different way)
"What makes a difference is faith energized by love" Doncha love it when your path crosses someone like that? God loves it too!
"Walk in the Spirit, and let the Spirit bring order to your life" Jesus was the perfect example of this -- it's what I want to do -- and it makes sense that when the Spirit is ordering your life, you really don't need to worry about the law, as the Spirit won't let you stray outside the law:) It's like bumpers in a bowling alley!
"unconditional love" does the world even know that? It seems like all of our human love is saddled with expectations - -
"set aside our self-interests and work together to create true community instead of a culture consumed by provocation, pride, and envy" What every heart longs for - true community
"May I never put anything above the cross of our Lord Jesus" lots of tradition that throws a cloth over the cross -- I want that cloth torn aside and the gift Jesus gave front and center -- that's where true gratitude and passion comes from.
and just soaked in the last words "infuse your spirit with His"
i was hoping that a bit of time after reading this morning would solidify my thoughts so I could share them. Not the case however. I will just say we need more of walking in the Spirit. More submission than MY mission.
ReplyDeleteYes, Linda, I noticed that about the 2 words as well. I think you will agree that our submission to Him makes our mission, His mission, which is when true progress is made.
Perused the end of Exodus. The comments on how the Israelites would be trained through worship and obedience made me think a bit. Also how sometimes, we say it'd be nice to have a Cloud that lifted up when we are supposed to go somewhere and stay when we're to stay.
ReplyDeleteExcept, that would be like we read yesterday in Galatians - our schoolmaster - teaching us. God had to show them how close He wanted to be with them. They had to be retrained for sure after being in Egypt all those years.
I don't want to go backward in my relationship with God. He wants us to think, use the mental capabilities He's given us in developing our relationship. If you carry a baby around all the time, it will never learn to walk on it's own. You're limited what you can do together. But as soon as it grows and develops, you can do so many more things together. Same thing in the spiritual realm.
I never want to be content where I am spiritually. There so much more out there for God and I to do together!
Ok, impressive building chapters. What actually jumped out at me was during Solomon's prayer. He was talking about when they are captives in a foreign land, make them people of compassion so their captors will have compassion on them. Follows the reap what you sow principle. He could have just prayed for compassion on the part of the captors.
ReplyDeleteHe shares the same principal again in proverbs saying if you want friends, be friendly. Great principles to bring into our modern life.
Solomon's leadership is evident from the get-go; telling Hiram that he had the best timber cutters around and asking for his help; also, sending his workers in cycles - 1 month on, 2 months off -- always good to be generous with people's time.
ReplyDeleteI love how the commentator pointed out that the building was the full cycle of the exodus event -- now God would permanently live with them, as they permanently settled down - sweet!
Also loved the comment on "Solomon is putting his devotion to God over his desire for more power" More power seems to be a man-tendency which I don't understand (as evidenced by powerful cars and airplanes etc!!) anyway - it is a real human tendency and had to have been a huge temptation to the king - glad Solomon stayed focused in the early years!
Also - love the quite beauty of the construction - no hammer, hatchet, iron tool in that place:) and constructed with the aspects of creation - you CAN'T improve on what God has created!
The Eternal One put the shot over the bow -- If you don't follow my instructions, I'm not staying around. So many times I hear "how could God . . . " well -- look at how our world has abandoned His instructions; and I'm not immune - - it is a spiritual discipline to stay surrendered . . . still very high on my learning curve!
Doncha wish you could have seen those winged creatures -- and I looked up all the texts cited about God flying on them - I LOVE that word pic!
Loved your comments on the prayer of compassion Chris -- there seems to be an emphasis on turning back (once we have sinned) and then God's forgiveness -- a lot about the direction we face - - and I love Solomon blessing with "a booming voice" sometimes, I view Solomon as a soft-spoken, gentle, peaceful (although wise) sit on the throne kind of guy as opposed to his "back-in-the-saddle go get 'em" father. Takes all kinds!
Thanks for reminding me of some good thoughts in there.
ReplyDelete67:1 was put so perfectly - "May God pour His grace and blessings INTO us..." Normally, we ask for them to fall upon us. But really, pouring into us is more of a blessing because that's when we are truly changed and are able to consistently bless others. I want to be poured into by God. I just want to be a pass through for others to see Him.
JC today "Walk with Me in holy trust, responding to My initiatives rather than trying to make things fit your plans. I died to set you free, and that includes freedom from compulsive planning. When your mind spins with a multitude of thoughts, you cannot hear My voice. A mind preoccupied with planning pays homage to the idol of control. Turn from this idolatry back to Me. Listen to Me and live abundantly!"
OOO! I like that - trying to make things fit into your plans; the thought of being an empty container, being filled up by HIM! What a privilege to be the container for God!! It's what He wants -- to purify me - to pull out the weeds (guess what chapter we finished yesterday in The Shack!!)
ReplyDeleteWhat an adventure to walk with God.
David is longing for the entire earth to bow down and worship God -- and if you won't listen to what I tell you, he continues "come and witness the True God's endless works" reminds me of Philip (I think) who said to Nathaniel - Come and See!
It's really what our mission needs to be -- a great longing for others (and ourselves) to know Him, and then simply - - to invite them to Come and See!
But some will reject that invitation and it blows my mind. I have to remember to honor people's choice to say no, just as if they aren't able to come to some event I invite them to. It's not me they are shunning. It's just mind blowing that people would even say no though. Fear is a powerful thing. It's what controls us the most I think.
ReplyDeleteDid you finish the garden chapter? That's what came to mind. Good stuff.
So many things in Proverbs and I get focused on 1 and I still have 1 1/2 chapters to go! LOL.
I claimed the promise of 2:9-11 for me today. I need constant discernment and God's wisdom, not mine. And the discernment He gives me is not for me to judge people, it's for salvation, mine and theirs (if they choose it).
I also enjoyed the phrasing of the familiar verses in 3:5,6. Another call to trust Him completely. I was reminded so much yesterday as things were coming at me, that He sees it, He is in control, no matter the appearance and I chose every time to trust Him. I had peace in stress and chaos. But really, what day doesn't have that? God is in control - Thank you Jesus!
You you can't buy wisdom or win it -you have to discover it - digging deep, it's hard work - seems like everything I can think of is obtained through hard work and surrender!
ReplyDeleteLove that wisdom leads to peace and a sweet sleep - that comes from listening for his voice and letting him guide. And I also like the call to give God the glory for any accomplishments we achieve- He's God - we're not! So much more relaxing to direct the glory to Him!
There are so many aspects in these two chats about loving God and the people around you; pure love with no kickbacks.
ReplyDeleteWhen Jesus sends them out (the 12 and the 70) they take nothing along - total dependence on their fellow man and God. Maybe that's part of pure love - being willing to accept from others without guilt or having to pay back. We like to give to others but do we feel comfortable with others to receive from them? Are we ok with who we are to accept and be filled with gratitude instead of obligation?
I was just thinking about the text this week when Jesus says don't stop others preaching in my name - how often do I have competitive feelings toward other churches succeeding instead of realizing that we're on the same team - bother; I'm so human! Lord, give me a heart of love and acceptance - I want to love You and others with a pure love!
Jesus gives the disciples opportunity to confess publically who He is to each other. All because He asked them a question about people's opinion. Before whom does He give me that opportunity?
ReplyDeleteHow did the 12 know it was Moses and Elijah? Just wondered that today as I read. They didn't have pictures back then I'm thinking.
When Jesus sends them out Voice says it was with the power of vulnerability. They were truly vulnerable. Can't you hear people - especially today - "you mean you serve the True God and He doesn't provide clothes or food money? You have to wait to see if someone will respond to the HS in order to stay warm and eat"? Hmmm.
I think we under estimate vulnerability. Jesus was vulnerable and that's why people sat at His feet. They saw His spirit, they trusted Him, They could tell He was out for their good, not their goods themselves.