"When you feel some lack, it is because you are not connecting with Me at a deep level. I offer abundant Life; your part is to trust Me, refusing to worry about anything. It is not so much adverse events that make you anxious as it is your thoughts about those events. Your mind engages in efforts to take control of a situation, to bring about the result you desire. Your thoughts close in on the problem like ravenous wolves. Determined to make things go your way, you forget that I am in charge of your life. The only remedy is to switch your focus from the problem to My Presence. Stop all your striving, and watch to see what I will do. I am the Lord!" JC 148
Exactly what I need as well. I keep circling back to this verse Is 55:8 "My intentions are not always yours, and I do not go about things as you do..." And I also keep looking for what He IS doing in my life and thank Him for it. Changes my perspective.
I love the sound of ocean waves crashing on rocks or coming into shore. They sound so powerful and God is stronger than them. Nature is very powerful, so glad to know the God who created that kind of power.
As a side note, it's never mentioned in the wanderings of David that he was by the ocean, wonder if Moses or someone else wrote this.
Nice wording in 94:8 "think, brainless people, stupid people, when will you get it?" I am so in that category sometimes. I'm so grateful God has a ton more patience with me than I do.
v18,19: When I feel out of control, feel like my grip on God is slipping, like I'm going to fall, I need to remember Who's holding whom. It's like struggling against the current and then realizing that you can stand up, it's shallow. I struggle and worry about things I have no control over and wasn't meant to have control over. His comfort do lighten my soul when I accept the FACT that it's His "problem" not mine. I just need to follow and obey - surrender.
Appreciate the call to worship in 95. Can't wait until heaven to learn the heavenly way of worship!
I picked up on that personal comment too Chris -- "Think, brainless Linda, stupid Linda, when will you get it? That sounds kindof harsh, but oh so true -- I've made SO many stupid mistakes, biggest is choosing my path and power over waiting on His path and power.
"The Eternal knows the highest thoughts of the wise, and they are worthless. Not only is my goodness as filthy rags -- my wisest thoughts are worthless -- again I say, When will I get it??
I love the picture of me climbing a rock face (which will never happen unless at gunpoint), but I am sweating it out and saying, "My foot is slipping" and then I realize that He is holding me up. Then the next thought -- When anxiety overtakes me and worries are many (unfortunately - this does not wait to show up for the gunpoint; it's a daily occurance) "Your comfort lightens my soul." I'm reminded how Jesus understands us, and doesn't guilt us for all these worries and anxiety days - he comforts us, he Shepherds us on the journey to dependance
Love the verbs in 95 Come! Worship! Shout! Give Thanks! Praise! I'm thinking that would be a good cure for the above of worry and anxiety:0
Love the word pic of God playing in the dirt: the sea - He scooped and filled it, with His hands He made the dry land - every valley and mountain.
So when He speaks, when He calls -- why do I tend to harden my heart or not listen? I'm guessing it has a lot to do with the following: worry, anxiety, distractions -- and most of all; I'm talking. Slow me down Lord, help me to be in listening mode.
Oh yes, I experienced that yesterday, actually all this week. It is so very true.
v3 is a what Paul was quoting in the NT: do every thing for God and His glory, not my own.
v4: encouraging to know that even people who do wrong fit into God's plan - no surprises for Him; He is never alarmed, unlike me.
v7 is nice and I'm experiencing that with some people. Very important for me not to think anything has changed though. Be like Jesus, don't by swayed by people's approbation or when they are upset because I know how fickle people can be.
v23 I so want to be the wise heart that utters careful words. Too often I spout off when I should keep things inside and in check or surrendered to God, not surrendered to my emotions.
Only had time to read 2 chpt today in Dan; but I was thinking how those 4 guys probably had a hope one day of returning to their homeland; and that never happened - they never saw their families again - they were caught up in the Babylon politics and then the Persian politics - - they had totally submitted to His plan over their own plans - seems to me.
I never thought b4 that one of the offensive parts of the food test was that the food had been offered to idols. Offering food to a God was a form of worship; even the God of heaven required that from his peeps back then. I guess we kindof do the same thing by having a blessing -- is that a watered down form of offering food? Never thought of this - not sure it holds water; I was thinking a blessing was a gratitude thing, but maybe it could be a form of worship:)
I love how Dan sets up the food test and then leaves the decision in God's hands; if he blessed with health - good to go; if not, they'd go ahead and eat the food; I wonder if there are times I could use this technique? They used the same technique to a greater degree (in more ways than one) in the fiery furnace decision - -
Love how the 'wise men' set the king up for what would happen next "only the gods can reveal it to the king"
Daniel and the 3 prayed prayed prayed for the wisdom, they didn't take it for granted.
What a difference between Arioch sucking up "Mighty king, I have found" and Daniel's humility "Good king, I am here today not because I have greater wisdom"
I was surprised the commentators didn't see the iron as Rome and the Stone as the second coming -- wondering why? Is this national dominance the world's view?
I was just amazed as I read the story of the fiery furnace again. God is in control of the nature He created. They didn't even smell of fire! The ropes were affected and burned off so that they could walk around but this is an incredible miracle! The 3 Hebrews didn't demand it from God, they just knew He was able to do it. As you brought out Linda, they made their choice and surrendered the results to God. Just amazing faith. In this case, there was no fasting and praying (maybe it happened when they got the "invite" to show up though). Just an amazing story.
Chapter after chapter of God's power on display and of what can be accomplished when His people turn their lives and agendas over to Him. We desperately need this in our day.
I thought it was interesting the way this is worded: "The Father is spirit, and He is seeking followers whose worship is sourced in truth and deeply spiritual as well. Regardless of whether you are in Jerusalem or on this mountain, if you do not seek the Father, then you do not worship."
Jesus is all about reconciling us to His Father. True worship on our part is seeking that relationship as well according to this translation. Interesting.
I very much like how Jesus broke accepted traditions and customs. Not to make personal statements or in a rebellious way, but to reach a seeking soul. It was never His personal agenda, it was always for the Father's. I'm very sure there were people who misinterpreted His motives and actions. Those people always exist since satan exists.
Reminds me of this quote I heard, can't remember who said it, but I like it. "Never explain. Your friends don't need it and your enemies won't believe you anyway." Wish I could apply that. Still getting to the point of not totally caring what people think of me. Some are easier than others.
"only someone who experiences birth for a second time can hope" I was thinking about the birth process; it's not pretty - it's messy and painful -- even the first contact with light is painful - - and we all need to go through that Spirit birth.
Whatever is born from flesh is flesh. I've heard a lot of people say, "but I'm a good person" That's probably true -- but like from like; you are flesh. We NEED the Spirit birth - - why are we so stubborn?? (and by we I mean me)
There are responsibilities (for Nic it was to instruct Israel in matters of faith) and there are necessities (for all of us - it's life in the Spirit)
Love the wording in the voice: "He is here to rescue a world headed toward certain destruction" and "no one who believes in Him has to fear condemnation"
Also -- that the Light . . . pierced through the world's darkness to expose . . some of humankind hated the light. They scampered hurriedely back into the darkness" reminds me of mice scurrying back under the stove.
The point: stay connected to Him - - something available to all; the easiest, hardest thing we can ever work toward.
Love the humility of John -- and it needs to be my heart as well. Jesus in the groom and must take center stage. I am the best man, by his side - celebrating, supporting.
John's words about "The One sent from God in verse 34 echos what Jesus said to Nic earlier in 3:13; both of them attest that Jesus has been there -- HEAVEN; He knows what He is talking about. We are so quick to judge God, to question God -- and we don't even know what we're talking about!
I love the picture of Jesus watching the Samaritan woman coming to the well. He was, no doubt talking over with the Spirit how best to work with her - to win her heart.
Through one woman, a whole village; through one dad, a whole family.
"When you feel some lack, it is because you are not connecting with Me at a deep level. I offer abundant Life; your part is to trust Me, refusing to worry about anything. It is not so much adverse events that make you anxious as it is your thoughts about those events. Your mind engages in efforts to take control of a situation, to bring about the result you desire. Your thoughts close in on the problem like ravenous wolves. Determined to make things go your way, you forget that I am in charge of your life. The only remedy is to switch your focus from the problem to My Presence. Stop all your striving, and watch to see what I will do. I am the Lord!" JC 148
ReplyDelete"Determined to make things go your way, you forget that I am in charge of your life" Thanks Chris -- very very good words for me to soak in
ReplyDeleteExactly what I need as well. I keep circling back to this verse Is 55:8 "My intentions are not always yours, and I do not go about things as you do..."
ReplyDeleteAnd I also keep looking for what He IS doing in my life and thank Him for it. Changes my perspective.
I love the sound of ocean waves crashing on rocks or coming into shore. They sound so powerful and God is stronger than them. Nature is very powerful, so glad to know the God who created that kind of power.
ReplyDeleteAs a side note, it's never mentioned in the wanderings of David that he was by the ocean, wonder if Moses or someone else wrote this.
Nice wording in 94:8 "think, brainless people, stupid people, when will you get it?" I am so in that category sometimes. I'm so grateful God has a ton more patience with me than I do.
v18,19: When I feel out of control, feel like my grip on God is slipping, like I'm going to fall, I need to remember Who's holding whom. It's like struggling against the current and then realizing that you can stand up, it's shallow. I struggle and worry about things I have no control over and wasn't meant to have control over. His comfort do lighten my soul when I accept the FACT that it's His "problem" not mine. I just need to follow and obey - surrender.
Appreciate the call to worship in 95. Can't wait until heaven to learn the heavenly way of worship!
I picked up on that personal comment too Chris -- "Think, brainless Linda, stupid Linda, when will you get it? That sounds kindof harsh, but oh so true -- I've made SO many stupid mistakes, biggest is choosing my path and power over waiting on His path and power.
ReplyDelete"The Eternal knows the highest thoughts of the wise, and they are worthless. Not only is my goodness as filthy rags -- my wisest thoughts are worthless -- again I say, When will I get it??
I love the picture of me climbing a rock face (which will never happen unless at gunpoint), but I am sweating it out and saying, "My foot is slipping" and then I realize that He is holding me up. Then the next thought -- When anxiety overtakes me and worries are many (unfortunately - this does not wait to show up for the gunpoint; it's a daily occurance) "Your comfort lightens my soul." I'm reminded how Jesus understands us, and doesn't guilt us for all these worries and anxiety days - he comforts us, he Shepherds us on the journey to dependance
Love the verbs in 95 Come! Worship! Shout! Give Thanks! Praise! I'm thinking that would be a good cure for the above of worry and anxiety:0
Love the word pic of God playing in the dirt: the sea - He scooped and filled it, with His hands He made the dry land - every valley and mountain.
So when He speaks, when He calls -- why do I tend to harden my heart or not listen? I'm guessing it has a lot to do with the following: worry, anxiety, distractions -- and most of all; I'm talking. Slow me down Lord, help me to be in listening mode.
Prov 16 began and ended (and actually it popped up in the middle as well)
ReplyDeleteYou can try and plan out your life, you can take risks and gambles with your life -- BUT the Eternal has the final word.
I'm saying, learn to relax (I'm talkin' to me here) in His leading.
Oh yes, I experienced that yesterday, actually all this week. It is so very true.
ReplyDeletev3 is a what Paul was quoting in the NT: do every thing for God and His glory, not my own.
v4: encouraging to know that even people who do wrong fit into God's plan - no surprises for Him; He is never alarmed, unlike me.
v7 is nice and I'm experiencing that with some people. Very important for me not to think anything has changed though. Be like Jesus, don't by swayed by people's approbation or when they are upset because I know how fickle people can be.
v23 I so want to be the wise heart that utters careful words. Too often I spout off when I should keep things inside and in check or surrendered to God, not surrendered to my emotions.
Only had time to read 2 chpt today in Dan; but I was thinking how those 4 guys probably had a hope one day of returning to their homeland; and that never happened - they never saw their families again - they were caught up in the Babylon politics and then the Persian politics - - they had totally submitted to His plan over their own plans - seems to me.
ReplyDeleteI never thought b4 that one of the offensive parts of the food test was that the food had been offered to idols. Offering food to a God was a form of worship; even the God of heaven required that from his peeps back then. I guess we kindof do the same thing by having a blessing -- is that a watered down form of offering food? Never thought of this - not sure it holds water; I was thinking a blessing was a gratitude thing, but maybe it could be a form of worship:)
I love how Dan sets up the food test and then leaves the decision in God's hands; if he blessed with health - good to go; if not, they'd go ahead and eat the food; I wonder if there are times I could use this technique? They used the same technique to a greater degree (in more ways than one) in the fiery furnace decision - -
Love how the 'wise men' set the king up for what would happen next "only the gods can reveal it to the king"
Daniel and the 3 prayed prayed prayed for the wisdom, they didn't take it for granted.
What a difference between Arioch sucking up "Mighty king, I have found" and Daniel's humility "Good king, I am here today not because I have greater wisdom"
I was surprised the commentators didn't see the iron as Rome and the Stone as the second coming -- wondering why? Is this national dominance the world's view?
I was just amazed as I read the story of the fiery furnace again. God is in control of the nature He created. They didn't even smell of fire! The ropes were affected and burned off so that they could walk around but this is an incredible miracle! The 3 Hebrews didn't demand it from God, they just knew He was able to do it. As you brought out Linda, they made their choice and surrendered the results to God. Just amazing faith. In this case, there was no fasting and praying (maybe it happened when they got the "invite" to show up though). Just an amazing story.
ReplyDeleteChapter after chapter of God's power on display and of what can be accomplished when His people turn their lives and agendas over to Him. We desperately need this in our day.
I thought it was interesting the way this is worded: "The Father is spirit, and He is seeking followers whose worship is sourced in truth and deeply spiritual as well. Regardless of whether you are in Jerusalem or on this mountain, if you do not seek the Father, then you do not worship."
ReplyDeleteJesus is all about reconciling us to His Father. True worship on our part is seeking that relationship as well according to this translation. Interesting.
I very much like how Jesus broke accepted traditions and customs. Not to make personal statements or in a rebellious way, but to reach a seeking soul. It was never His personal agenda, it was always for the Father's. I'm very sure there were people who misinterpreted His motives and actions. Those people always exist since satan exists.
Reminds me of this quote I heard, can't remember who said it, but I like it. "Never explain. Your friends don't need it and your enemies won't believe you anyway." Wish I could apply that. Still getting to the point of not totally caring what people think of me. Some are easier than others.
"only someone who experiences birth for a second time can hope" I was thinking about the birth process; it's not pretty - it's messy and painful -- even the first contact with light is painful - - and we all need to go through that Spirit birth.
ReplyDeleteWhatever is born from flesh is flesh. I've heard a lot of people say, "but I'm a good person" That's probably true -- but like from like; you are flesh. We NEED the Spirit birth - - why are we so stubborn?? (and by we I mean me)
There are responsibilities (for Nic it was to instruct Israel in matters of faith) and there are necessities (for all of us - it's life in the Spirit)
Love the wording in the voice: "He is here to rescue a world headed toward certain destruction" and "no one who believes in Him has to fear condemnation"
Also -- that the Light . . . pierced through the world's darkness to expose . . some of humankind hated the light. They scampered hurriedely back into the darkness" reminds me of mice scurrying back under the stove.
The point: stay connected to Him - - something available to all; the easiest, hardest thing we can ever work toward.
Love the humility of John -- and it needs to be my heart as well. Jesus in the groom and must take center stage. I am the best man, by his side - celebrating, supporting.
John's words about "The One sent from God in verse 34 echos what Jesus said to Nic earlier in 3:13; both of them attest that Jesus has been there -- HEAVEN; He knows what He is talking about. We are so quick to judge God, to question God -- and we don't even know what we're talking about!
I love the picture of Jesus watching the Samaritan woman coming to the well. He was, no doubt talking over with the Spirit how best to work with her - to win her heart.
Through one woman, a whole village; through one dad, a whole family.