How great is our God, sing with me; how great is our God, and all will see - how great, how great is our God! Name above all names; Worthy of all praise - how great, how great is our God!
The simple phrase "Live a life that is pleasing to God" makes sense to me: all the does and don'ts can maybe be accomplished somewhat if I try hard -- but it's a heart change I want, and that only comes from loving who He is and wanting to please Him -- like Joseph said, How can I do this think and sin against God.
God will come -- it'll be quick and amazing, but He has not destined us, His chosen to face His wrath but to be heirs. SOOO - we may face the wrath of the world, but not our God -- stay focused on Him!
Love the "support one another. Keep building each other up . . . show appreciation to those who are working hard, your leaders -- they are priceless! (good reminder)
AND Celebrate always! WOOT! pray constantly, and give thanks to God no matter what -- I love being around people like that, don't you??
Don't suppress the Spirit -- what do those words mean to you? How do you suppress Him - in your own life, or worse, in the life of someone else? need to think on this one
I do like the comment of Paul encouraging them to move on from spoon fed to their own relationship with God, mentored by the HS. There can be a lot of different things happening in the lives of church members and people at different points in their walk. The HS knows, we don't. Judging each other in this area would be one manner of suppressing the HS. I think there are several. Our (my) unbelief would be a huge one as well.
If we all truly set out to please God with our thoughts, decisions and choices, then it would make life a bit easier in the church. We let our selfish motives get in the way too much. It becomes about people and agendas instead of God's Plan.
So nothing that moved me this am in Leviticus - but some interesting 'stuff' So many times in the NT it talks about not offering food to idols. I never realized before, but there was food offered to God as well 22:2 and a whole bunch of other places -- I just never thought about it b4.
Another indication that 'evening and morning were the first day' comes in verse 7 "When evening arrives it is a new day' We always think of the new day starting in the morning - wonder why? Maybe stemming from the worship of the sun?
God definitely has an emphasis on rest and celebration - - he programmed it into the plan for us:) Thanks God - those are 2 things that put a smile on my face and promote relationships and community
Finally -- if we really took seriously the "anyone who kills another person must be put to death" and Whatever a person does to harm another must be done to him in return' - - - seems like a LOT of cruelty would be stopped. I think there are exceptions to this - as in accidents, but that was why God planned the cities of refuge - - -
The only thing Leviticus does for me is make me grateful I live on this side of the cross. :)
Nothing we haven't discussed before in Kings for me this a.m. People definitely followed their leadership - the majority anyway. Just confirms how flaky people are and not to waste energy trying to get people on your "side". You'd think there would have been a revolution against the king if they wanted to keep worshiping God or idols, but nope - they just rolled with it. The only thing you can count on with people, is that they will save their own skin. Rare and pleasant when it doesn't occur
So many good thoughts/wisdom flowing from Prov today; "only the heart can know its own resentment; likewise no stranger can experience its joy." THat is because we are SO good at masking how we feel (at least to strangers) it even talks about that masking in verse 13 - - to be real with people is scary, wonder why?
clever people know to question every step -- wow, that's true, evaluate, watch, listen
patient and slow to anger = great understanding . . . a tender answer turns away rage
a serene heart can add years to one's life; but jealous passion rots the bones. I don't think we understand how critically our emotions are tied to our life.
"the right-living find hope's sanctuary even in their death" Death has no fear for the peeps who are focused on God's plan - - living in God's hands; I still find myself tho - fighting for air
"A word of encouragement heals the one who receives it" I received a word or encouragement today from someone -- and yes, it was very very healing.
"Those who learn from the lessons of life will join the others who are wise . . . those who are open to correction gain understanding . . . Reverence for the Eternal is the first lesson of wisdom, and humility always precedes honor" I wish I could drink these words and the liquid would seep into my pores!
We noticed some of the same verses today. I'm a bit distracted from this reading plan this week. It's not speaking into my life right now, but that's the nice thing about the Bible, when one part doesn't - another part does!
I skimmed a good part of Ezekiel; looking for something to sink my teeth into -- 47 and 48 have amazing similarities to the New Jerusalem described in Rev 21 and 22 . . . and there seems to be something very important about measuring cities -- I don't understand why, but it was done here in Ez and it's in Rev 21 as well.
Some of the similarities are the water that came out of the temple (the River of the water of life in 22)
orchards along both sides of the river (the tree of life in 22) and by the way, I love how the river from the temple where God is freshens up everything it touches (vs 8-9)
The leaves of healing and the fruit with new crops every month in verse 12 are also decribed in 22
The city gates named after the tribes of Israel - that's in Rev 21
I'm not sure what the meaning of it all is -- why all the similarities, but maybe there is some significance.
I'm going back to catch up on Wednesday's Psalms - didn't do that last Wed, and I always feel better after Psalmizing!
There are so many beautiful wordings in John today -- made me stop several times to chew some more; I appreciated the fresh approach.
"May we remain at Your side today? (words God longs to hear from me every day) "Follow Me, and we will camp together" What a beautiful thought -- camping with Jesus; putting aside all the 'conveniences' of this world and heading out with the bare necessesities - depending on Him to provide.
"They remained with Him the rest of the day and followed Him for the rest of their lives" a very intimate view of the Christian walk -- one I want to experience.
"Before our journey is complete, you will see the heavens standing open" I love the thought that my camping with Jesus is a journey -- He has a lot to teach me.
I wonder what changed Jesus' attitude toward miracle working from "My time has not arrived" to participating in the miracle. I wonder if it is an example of how God works with the impatience we bring to the table -- the "do something NOW attitude" it had an affect "their faith blossomed" but I wonder what it would have looked like if His perfect timing had arrived, and it was done in God's timing -- not Mary's (or Linda's)
"The true temple was His body" The temple was a place for man to meet with God -- and through Jesus body, He was able to show us what God was like -- His body was also a way for us to meet with God; I really like that. In Revelation it says "I saw no temple in the city, because the Lord God almighty and the Lamb are its temple"
Finally -- a good reminder that "He knew what man was made of" When we put our trust, our hope, our desire to to impress in humankind - we fail, because they fail. We are all damaged goods.
I really liked the new wording as well. The Voice was and IS God. We need to wake up to the fact that God is still speaking and wants us to listen. It's not all done and said in the Bible. The relationships in there, He wants to continue with us. It must really break His heart to have less friends each generation that gets farther away from Creation.
Your comment regarding heading out with the bare necessities reminded me of the song Reckless by Jeremy Camp. What would living recklessly with Jesus look like for you? For me? Jesus lived that way. God and I are working on it, I want to but that means letting go. Surprising how many little things I hold onto and aren't even aware of it. As if I liked stress!
As for the "change of heart" in the wedding miracle. I'm thinking it was Mary's faith/persistence in spite of Jesus' first refusal. She progressed anyway, knowing He could do it. She did all in her power and then left it with Him to do the rest. "Do whatever He tells you to do" is proof of that. If He said nothing or go back to work, then she was okay with that as well. She didn't hover or tap her foot in impatience. That's my 2 cents.
I'm glad we're finally in John, I've been reading parts already in this translation and it's very good.
The simple phrase "Live a life that is pleasing to God" makes sense to me: all the does and don'ts can maybe be accomplished somewhat if I try hard -- but it's a heart change I want, and that only comes from loving who He is and wanting to please Him -- like Joseph said, How can I do this think and sin against God.
ReplyDeleteGod will come -- it'll be quick and amazing, but He has not destined us, His chosen to face His wrath but to be heirs. SOOO - we may face the wrath of the world, but not our God -- stay focused on Him!
Love the "support one another. Keep building each other up . . . show appreciation to those who are working hard, your leaders -- they are priceless! (good reminder)
AND Celebrate always! WOOT! pray constantly, and give thanks to God no matter what -- I love being around people like that, don't you??
Don't suppress the Spirit -- what do those words mean to you? How do you suppress Him - in your own life, or worse, in the life of someone else? need to think on this one
Test everything . . .
Lotta good counsel:)
I do like the comment of Paul encouraging them to move on from spoon fed to their own relationship with God, mentored by the HS. There can be a lot of different things happening in the lives of church members and people at different points in their walk. The HS knows, we don't. Judging each other in this area would be one manner of suppressing the HS. I think there are several. Our (my) unbelief would be a huge one as well.
ReplyDeleteIf we all truly set out to please God with our thoughts, decisions and choices, then it would make life a bit easier in the church. We let our selfish motives get in the way too much. It becomes about people and agendas instead of God's Plan.
So nothing that moved me this am in Leviticus - but some interesting 'stuff' So many times in the NT it talks about not offering food to idols. I never realized before, but there was food offered to God as well 22:2 and a whole bunch of other places -- I just never thought about it b4.
ReplyDeleteAnother indication that 'evening and morning were the first day' comes in verse 7 "When evening arrives it is a new day' We always think of the new day starting in the morning - wonder why? Maybe stemming from the worship of the sun?
God definitely has an emphasis on rest and celebration - - he programmed it into the plan for us:) Thanks God - those are 2 things that put a smile on my face and promote relationships and community
Finally -- if we really took seriously the "anyone who kills another person must be put to death" and Whatever a person does to harm another must be done to him in return' - - - seems like a LOT of cruelty would be stopped. I think there are exceptions to this - as in accidents, but that was why God planned the cities of refuge - - -
The only thing Leviticus does for me is make me grateful I live on this side of the cross. :)
ReplyDeleteNothing we haven't discussed before in Kings for me this a.m. People definitely followed their leadership - the majority anyway. Just confirms how flaky people are and not to waste energy trying to get people on your "side". You'd think there would have been a revolution against the king if they wanted to keep worshiping God or idols, but nope - they just rolled with it. The only thing you can count on with people, is that they will save their own skin. Rare and pleasant when it doesn't occur
So many good thoughts/wisdom flowing from Prov today; "only the heart can know its own resentment; likewise no stranger can experience its joy." THat is because we are SO good at masking how we feel (at least to strangers) it even talks about that masking in verse 13 - - to be real with people is scary, wonder why?
Deleteclever people know to question every step -- wow, that's true, evaluate, watch, listen
patient and slow to anger = great understanding . . . a tender answer turns away rage
a serene heart can add years to one's life; but jealous passion rots the bones. I don't think we understand how critically our emotions are tied to our life.
"the right-living find hope's sanctuary even in their death" Death has no fear for the peeps who are focused on God's plan - - living in God's hands; I still find myself tho - fighting for air
"A word of encouragement heals the one who receives it" I received a word or encouragement today from someone -- and yes, it was very very healing.
"Those who learn from the lessons of life will join the others who are wise . . . those who are open to correction gain understanding . . . Reverence for the Eternal is the first lesson of wisdom, and humility always precedes honor" I wish I could drink these words and the liquid would seep into my pores!
We noticed some of the same verses today. I'm a bit distracted from this reading plan this week. It's not speaking into my life right now, but that's the nice thing about the Bible, when one part doesn't - another part does!
ReplyDeleteI skimmed a good part of Ezekiel; looking for something to sink my teeth into -- 47 and 48 have amazing similarities to the New Jerusalem described in Rev 21 and 22 . . . and there seems to be something very important about measuring cities -- I don't understand why, but it was done here in Ez and it's in Rev 21 as well.
ReplyDeleteSome of the similarities are the water that came out of the temple (the River of the water of life in 22)
orchards along both sides of the river (the tree of life in 22) and by the way, I love how the river from the temple where God is freshens up everything it touches (vs 8-9)
The leaves of healing and the fruit with new crops every month in verse 12 are also
decribed in 22
The city gates named after the tribes of Israel - that's in Rev 21
I'm not sure what the meaning of it all is -- why all the similarities, but maybe there is some significance.
I'm going back to catch up on Wednesday's Psalms - didn't do that last Wed, and I always feel better after Psalmizing!
There are so many beautiful wordings in John today -- made me stop several times to chew some more; I appreciated the fresh approach.
ReplyDelete"May we remain at Your side today? (words God longs to hear from me every day)
"Follow Me, and we will camp together" What a beautiful thought -- camping with Jesus; putting aside all the 'conveniences' of this world and heading out with the bare necessesities - depending on Him to provide.
"They remained with Him the rest of the day and followed Him for the rest of their lives" a very intimate view of the Christian walk -- one I want to experience.
"Before our journey is complete, you will see the heavens standing open" I love the thought that my camping with Jesus is a journey -- He has a lot to teach me.
I wonder what changed Jesus' attitude toward miracle working from "My time has not arrived" to participating in the miracle. I wonder if it is an example of how God works with the impatience we bring to the table -- the "do something NOW attitude" it had an affect "their faith blossomed" but I wonder what it would have looked like if His perfect timing had arrived, and it was done in God's timing -- not Mary's (or Linda's)
"The true temple was His body" The temple was a place for man to meet with God -- and through Jesus body, He was able to show us what God was like -- His body was also a way for us to meet with God; I really like that. In Revelation it says "I saw no temple in the city, because the Lord God almighty and the Lamb are its temple"
Finally -- a good reminder that "He knew what man was made of" When we put our trust, our hope, our desire to to impress in humankind - we fail, because they fail. We are all damaged goods.
I really liked the new wording as well. The Voice was and IS God. We need to wake up to the fact that God is still speaking and wants us to listen. It's not all done and said in the Bible. The relationships in there, He wants to continue with us. It must really break His heart to have less friends each generation that gets farther away from Creation.
ReplyDeleteYour comment regarding heading out with the bare necessities reminded me of the song Reckless by Jeremy Camp. What would living recklessly with Jesus look like for you? For me? Jesus lived that way. God and I are working on it, I want to but that means letting go. Surprising how many little things I hold onto and aren't even aware of it. As if I liked stress!
As for the "change of heart" in the wedding miracle. I'm thinking it was Mary's faith/persistence in spite of Jesus' first refusal. She progressed anyway, knowing He could do it. She did all in her power and then left it with Him to do the rest. "Do whatever He tells you to do" is proof of that. If He said nothing or go back to work, then she was okay with that as well. She didn't hover or tap her foot in impatience. That's my 2 cents.
I'm glad we're finally in John, I've been reading parts already in this translation and it's very good.