I've heard someone say "but I'm a good person" when they talk the merits of Christianity -- Paul says "even though they may look or act like godly people, they're not. They deny His power" I guess that's true -- they are being "good" by their own determination and not relying on His power to mold them into deep down, Godly no strings attached good. Seems like every worldly good has some ulterior motive - - only God reads the heart, mind and motive - - (not sure where I'm going with this -- just rambling!)
Yuck - the last days sound pretty bleak, it's like reading Fox News!
"stick to what you know is certain" and that certainty looks like it is based on scripture. Always makes me pause to realize that these guys didn't have the NT --
Do your correcting with patience; it takes time to turn a battleship
stay focused and be alert -- I gotta remember this is a spiritual battle -- there's stuff going on I'm not even aware of; I appreciate your reminder, Chris that I need to rebuke the negative feelings that assault me
Nice that amends were made with Paul and Mark, and Mark was one of the people Paul wanted around him in his last days
Good finishing thought; "the Lord will continue to rescue me from every trip, trap, snare, and pitfall of evil and carry me safely to His heavenly kingdom"
I did read Timothy today but nothing to add to your comments. Read a few pages in JC.
Good reminder that I'm a on journey with the Eternal, don't need to plan and know every detail of my future. Some days I want to and others I have no desire. But I ignore or forget Who is by my side when I'm straining to gaze so far ahead. "as you gaze anxiously (key word I think) into the distance, you don't even feel the strong grip of My hand holding yours. How foolish you are, My child!"...Never lose sight of My Presence with you. This will keep you resting in Me all day, every day." pg 169
Sounds like Moses knew early on that Joshua would succeed him; maybe he thought they would both go into Canaan and he would die there; maybe that was the original plan. Anyway, always good to mentor a younger person to carry on --
I love Caleb's assurance - - We should go straight in; no debating, let's go now! and l84, "if we do what is right in the eyes of God, the Eternal will bring us into the lad and make it ours" not so totally different from heaven
But also similar to our heavenly journey, we whine "it's too hard" my problems are "giants" - - and when we fail to trust God and he disciplines, then we try to do it on our own without him - I am SO human, Lord save me from myself; help me to have the faith of Caleb, knowing YOU can do it!
Seems like God was so miffed with the peeps because they had seen His power -- they had such evidence that He was stronger than the strongest worldly power.
Interesting comment on the constant theme of remember or to have a memorial -- guess that's the Sabbath; remembering Who He Is; the Creator!
Who are the Korah Dathan and Abirim's in your life that challenge you (me) to trust my wisdom over God's? Am I ever a K, D or A for someone else -- very sobering thoughts
Ok, your comments made me realize that it was back to the story part of Numbers so I read it.
I am just awestruck by the holiness of God. I am too presumptuous in His Presence at times forgetting how holy and pure He is. I cringe at the audacity of K, D & A and yet, how many times I question God and His leading of my life. Comes back to my choice of surrender or fight. If I chose to fight, I need to make sure I'm not fighting against God because that's pretty stupid - a major FAIL! I am so grateful that He hasn't wiped me from the face of the earth though He's had every right to do so from day 1. Very good thought Linda about being a K, D or A to someone else's walk.
1 Chron -- not much today -- In the spring (the time when kings wage wars because the spring harvest was over) So -- as long as harvest was going -- everyone laid low; so different from today where we have so much insta-food -- everything took more planning to survive.
I love David's willingness for the plague to fall and him and his family and to spare his kindgom, the ones who were innocent. This is very different from most kings who refused to be held accountable for their mistakes. I appreciate David's humility even though he was in the seat of power -- a man after God's own heart.
Also -- that he wanted to sacrifice something for this offering; he wanted a sacrifice to be just that
The commentator pointed out that everyone in the region participated in building the Lord's Jerusalem temple; that's a very amazing thought! It really was designed to belong to the community, not just the Israelites.
Also -- in 23, the commentator was talking about building the temple; how those that participated may not see it come to completion, but the whole goal was to advance His kingdom - not to simply enjoy the nice structure, sit back, and think the work was done -- something to think about in present day as well.
DJ today -- soaking in the dew, be still -- gain rejuvenation from His presence
Those points stuck out to me as well. Actually, those were the only parts that weren't logistics. :) Got interrupted by a phone call for work and then turned to JC which said you can go through this day with Me and be at peace OR you can whine and moan. You'll still make it through the day but not in a good way. The verse it referred to was 1Cor 10:10 which says "stop moaning and whining" in The Voice translation. Pretty apropro to the start of my day as I just got another work call. Guess what I'll be thinking about all day! Ha ha
I was thinking of the words in a song this morning and then when I started reading Ps 105 it tied in with it too! The words were "...I'm gonna fix my eyes on all that You are, til every doubt I have deep in my heart grows strangely dim..." I've been doing that a lot lately and the things that were once big and disappointing in my life have gotten smaller and less heavy. I'm not bearing them on my own.
Then v4-5 of 105 says "Seek the Eternal and His power; look to His face constantly. Remember the wonderful things He has done, His miracles and the wise decisions He has made..." The harder it has been for me, the more I am talking to God and remembering what He has done for me so far. It's been His power and mercy I've been feeding off of am that's why I've been making it. Seems trite to say it but my motto and my mental position has been one of surrender. Face down, in front of Him, with my hands open. I can actually praise Him from there because everything else is dim in comparison to Him and His glory. I enjoyed the walk down memory lane of what Israel went through, what He did for them, how they forgot and whined and how He worked in spite of them. It's a direct parallel to what He's doing (how I whine) and what He's doing in spite of me. It's good to remember His blessings so I can praise Him no matter where I'm at. Gratefulness is a great way to combat satan's discouragements. "I'm gonna fix my eyes on all that You are..." not what You do for me but who You are. I remember Pastor Mike preaching about that. Good reminder in that song.
105 and 106 are David's song of what I read in Chronicles yesterday; and a call to remember, to think back on the miracles He has and does perform - at all times, good or bad. Remember . . . and gain strength
"When the time was right" verse 44 -- this kind of phrase is all over Christ's ministry, it's simply who God is, the One who is patient and knowing - - the God who knows no time limits is very careful to bring about events and miracles when the time is right
Psalms 106:2 reminds me of your post Chris of surrender and awe -- "Who could find words to tell of the Eternal's mighty deeds or give Him all the praise He deserves"
Sad sad sad -- this is my story too, and pretty much everyone I know "it didn't take long for them to forget what He had done" That's why we need to constantly remember -- to encourage each other with what He has done, because we forget and Satan drags us down like a big cat grabbing the throat of the gazelle
"They traded the glory of God for the likeness of an ox that eats grass" What do I trade the glory of God for . . .
"At the edge of the beautiful land God had promised them, they didn't trust His words, so they refused to enter" Again - another warning to me -- I feel like I'm on the edge of His beautiful land, on the very edge! How in the world could I quit trusting now? Yet, I do ---
BUT - "He saw their great struggle, took pity on them and heard their prayers" Thank you God for understanding this ugly struggle inside of me
Proverbs had some things I really agreed on and then others not so much.
Right off the bat it talks about the approval of others being better than money. Hmmm, not so sure. Both are a pitfall in my opinion. I can't say one is better than the other.
I like the spin this translation puts on v6. Train the child HOW to stay in the right way. Not this is the right way, the only way to do it, etc. We all have to find our own way in life, to find our own relationship with God and what it looks like for ourselves. It may not be the same path my parents walked, but does that mean it's not the right one, if I'm always seeking His face. To me, that's the how. I am genuinely blessed and I don't even feel generous. I think it works in reverse here though too. If I know I'm am genuinely blessed, I will be generous. I know my Papa has so much more to give, both to me and through me. I need to keep the valve open to pass on to others and not let all His blessing stop at me. I want to be a clear river, not a stagnant pond. There's others, but I'm out of time. I'll leave the rest for you Linda!
HA! I had to laugh at 22:1 I used to say this to my students all the time "A good reputation is a priceless possession!" What a kick -- but so true; your reputation follows you
Did some thinking on this: "A humble person who fears the Eternal can expect to receive wealth, honor and life" so I was thinking if someone wanted those 3, they might think the way to achieve them is to fear the Eternal -- but that is a wrong motive, because you are after the perks, which takes away the humility of the act -- so it is an infinite loop of futility! Seems like surrender leads to other kinds of wealth; a wealth of peace, a wealth of who God is, and the honor comes from being comfortable with who you are and having God find you as a friend; finally the LIFE -- that comes from having a heart a peace and feeling contentment!! I'd trade in the worlds view of wealth, honor and life for God's big 3 any day!
vs 24 (anger and hot-head) people that have those characteristics make me so up-tight -- I get a knot in my stomach when anger flares up, just makes me want to hide.
Some good money advice, but DR has pounded those concepts in pretty solidly:)
The TIME had come; Jesus was keenly aware. So many times he had said "My time has not yet come" but no more -- the time is now.
Jesus' days were marked by His love for His people" I wish that that could be said about me - - and Jesus wants that to be said about me too -- in fact, that was his wish "Love each other deeply and fully . . . the ways that I have loved you and demonstrate your love for others in those same ways" Lord, help me -- only your Spirit can clean me from the inside out.
It always amazed me that when Jesus so clearly pointed out who would betray him (the dipping bread) the disciples still didn't grasp it.
I was thinking about him washing the dirty feet. Then I was thinking about the days I worked in a nursing home; when we had to, with respect and care, wipe dirty bottoms -- but Jesus went way past that, He did it with love. It wasn't a job to Him, it was a passion to bring cleansing. (The commenter did a good job on this concept)
Loved John 14: 2,3 in this version: "I am going to make arrangements for your arrival. I will be there to greet you personally and welcome you home, where we will be together" THAT puts such a beautiful word picture for me.
also - another word pic in verse 23: We will draw close to him and make a dwelling place within him.
And the promise of the Holy Spirit -- a gift I don't appreciate and take advantage of enough, so I'm asking God to open that concept for me too.
A universe idea in verse 31 "to demonstrate to the cosmos My love for the Father, I will do just as HE commands" Jesus mission here on earth is so much bigger than just "us" we often think everything is about "us"
He doesn't call us servants, but friends; and beyond that -- Children!! Awesome
I was impressed with Jesus last words to them. He tried in every way He could word it that things were not going to be pretty or easy -- that people would hate them (but it would be because of Him) He eased them into the next step - - based on faith and trust; not a whole lot different from where we are today folks!
I've heard someone say "but I'm a good person" when they talk the merits of Christianity -- Paul says "even though they may look or act like godly people, they're not. They deny His power" I guess that's true -- they are being "good" by their own determination and not relying on His power to mold them into deep down, Godly no strings attached good. Seems like every worldly good has some ulterior motive - - only God reads the heart, mind and motive - - (not sure where I'm going with this -- just rambling!)
ReplyDeleteYuck - the last days sound pretty bleak, it's like reading Fox News!
"stick to what you know is certain" and that certainty looks like it is based on scripture. Always makes me pause to realize that these guys didn't have the NT --
Do your correcting with patience; it takes time to turn a battleship
stay focused and be alert -- I gotta remember this is a spiritual battle -- there's stuff going on I'm not even aware of; I appreciate your reminder, Chris that I need to rebuke the negative feelings that assault me
Nice that amends were made with Paul and Mark, and Mark was one of the people Paul wanted around him in his last days
Good finishing thought; "the Lord will continue to rescue me from every trip, trap, snare, and pitfall of evil and carry me safely to His heavenly kingdom"
I did read Timothy today but nothing to add to your comments. Read a few pages in JC.
ReplyDeleteGood reminder that I'm a on journey with the Eternal, don't need to plan and know every detail of my future. Some days I want to and others I have no desire. But I ignore or forget Who is by my side when I'm straining to gaze so far ahead.
"as you gaze anxiously (key word I think) into the distance, you don't even feel the strong grip of My hand holding yours. How foolish you are, My child!"...Never lose sight of My Presence with you. This will keep you resting in Me all day, every day." pg 169
Sounds like Moses knew early on that Joshua would succeed him; maybe he thought they would both go into Canaan and he would die there; maybe that was the original plan. Anyway, always good to mentor a younger person to carry on --
ReplyDeleteI love Caleb's assurance - - We should go straight in; no debating, let's go now! and l84, "if we do what is right in the eyes of God, the Eternal will bring us into the lad and make it ours" not so totally different from heaven
But also similar to our heavenly journey, we whine "it's too hard" my problems are "giants" - - and when we fail to trust God and he disciplines, then we try to do it on our own without him - I am SO human, Lord save me from myself; help me to have the faith of Caleb, knowing YOU can do it!
Seems like God was so miffed with the peeps because they had seen His power -- they had such evidence that He was stronger than the strongest worldly power.
Interesting comment on the constant theme of remember or to have a memorial -- guess that's the Sabbath; remembering Who He Is; the Creator!
Who are the Korah Dathan and Abirim's in your life that challenge you (me) to trust my wisdom over God's? Am I ever a K, D or A for someone else -- very sobering thoughts
Ok, your comments made me realize that it was back to the story part of Numbers so I read it.
ReplyDeleteI am just awestruck by the holiness of God. I am too presumptuous in His Presence at times forgetting how holy and pure He is. I cringe at the audacity of K, D & A and yet, how many times I question God and His leading of my life. Comes back to my choice of surrender or fight. If I chose to fight, I need to make sure I'm not fighting against God because that's pretty stupid - a major FAIL!
I am so grateful that He hasn't wiped me from the face of the earth though He's had every right to do so from day 1.
Very good thought Linda about being a K, D or A to someone else's walk.
1 Chron -- not much today -- In the spring (the time when kings wage wars because the spring harvest was over) So -- as long as harvest was going -- everyone laid low; so different from today where we have so much insta-food -- everything took more planning to survive.
ReplyDeleteI love David's willingness for the plague to fall and him and his family and to spare his kindgom, the ones who were innocent. This is very different from most kings who refused to be held accountable for their mistakes. I appreciate David's humility even though he was in the seat of power -- a man after God's own heart.
Also -- that he wanted to sacrifice something for this offering; he wanted a sacrifice to be just that
The commentator pointed out that everyone in the region participated in building the Lord's Jerusalem temple; that's a very amazing thought! It really was designed to belong to the community, not just the Israelites.
Also -- in 23, the commentator was talking about building the temple; how those that participated may not see it come to completion, but the whole goal was to advance His kingdom - not to simply enjoy the nice structure, sit back, and think the work was done -- something to think about in present day as well.
DJ today -- soaking in the dew, be still -- gain rejuvenation from His presence
Those points stuck out to me as well. Actually, those were the only parts that weren't logistics. :)
ReplyDeleteGot interrupted by a phone call for work and then turned to JC which said you can go through this day with Me and be at peace OR you can whine and moan. You'll still make it through the day but not in a good way. The verse it referred to was 1Cor 10:10 which says "stop moaning and whining" in The Voice translation.
Pretty apropro to the start of my day as I just got another work call. Guess what I'll be thinking about all day! Ha ha
I was thinking of the words in a song this morning and then when I started reading Ps 105 it tied in with it too! The words were "...I'm gonna fix my eyes on all that You are, til every doubt I have deep in my heart grows strangely dim..." I've been doing that a lot lately and the things that were once big and disappointing in my life have gotten smaller and less heavy. I'm not bearing them on my own.
ReplyDeleteThen v4-5 of 105 says "Seek the Eternal and His power; look to His face constantly. Remember the wonderful things He has done, His miracles and the wise decisions He has made..." The harder it has been for me, the more I am talking to God and remembering what He has done for me so far. It's been His power and mercy I've been feeding off of am that's why I've been making it.
Seems trite to say it but my motto and my mental position has been one of surrender. Face down, in front of Him, with my hands open.
I can actually praise Him from there because everything else is dim in comparison to Him and His glory. I enjoyed the walk down memory lane of what Israel went through, what He did for them, how they forgot and whined and how He worked in spite of them. It's a direct parallel to what He's doing (how I whine) and what He's doing in spite of me.
It's good to remember His blessings so I can praise Him no matter where I'm at. Gratefulness is a great way to combat satan's discouragements. "I'm gonna fix my eyes on all that You are..." not what You do for me but who You are. I remember Pastor Mike preaching about that. Good reminder in that song.
105 and 106 are David's song of what I read in Chronicles yesterday; and a call to remember, to think back on the miracles He has and does perform - at all times, good or bad. Remember . . . and gain strength
ReplyDelete"When the time was right" verse 44 -- this kind of phrase is all over Christ's ministry, it's simply who God is, the One who is patient and knowing - - the God who knows no time limits is very careful to bring about events and miracles when the time is right
Psalms 106:2 reminds me of your post Chris of surrender and awe -- "Who could find words to tell of the Eternal's mighty deeds or give Him all the praise He deserves"
Sad sad sad -- this is my story too, and pretty much everyone I know "it didn't take long for them to forget what He had done" That's why we need to constantly remember -- to encourage each other with what He has done, because we forget and Satan drags us down like a big cat grabbing the throat of the gazelle
"They traded the glory of God for the likeness of an ox that eats grass" What do I trade the glory of God for . . .
"At the edge of the beautiful land God had promised them, they didn't trust His words, so they refused to enter" Again - another warning to me -- I feel like I'm on the edge of His beautiful land, on the very edge! How in the world could I quit trusting now? Yet, I do ---
BUT - "He saw their great struggle, took pity on them and heard their prayers" Thank you God for understanding this ugly struggle inside of me
What does your eruption of thanks look like?
Proverbs had some things I really agreed on and then others not so much.
ReplyDeleteRight off the bat it talks about the approval of others being better than money. Hmmm, not so sure. Both are a pitfall in my opinion. I can't say one is better than the other.
I like the spin this translation puts on v6. Train the child HOW to stay in the right way. Not this is the right way, the only way to do it, etc. We all have to find our own way in life, to find our own relationship with God and what it looks like for ourselves. It may not be the same path my parents walked, but does that mean it's not the right one, if I'm always seeking His face. To me, that's the how.
I am genuinely blessed and I don't even feel generous. I think it works in reverse here though too. If I know I'm am genuinely blessed, I will be generous. I know my Papa has so much more to give, both to me and through me. I need to keep the valve open to pass on to others and not let all His blessing stop at me. I want to be a clear river, not a stagnant pond.
There's others, but I'm out of time. I'll leave the rest for you Linda!
HA! I had to laugh at 22:1 I used to say this to my students all the time "A good reputation is a priceless possession!" What a kick -- but so true; your reputation follows you
ReplyDeleteDid some thinking on this: "A humble person who fears the Eternal can expect to receive wealth, honor and life" so I was thinking if someone wanted those 3, they might think the way to achieve them is to fear the Eternal -- but that is a wrong motive, because you are after the perks, which takes away the humility of the act -- so it is an infinite loop of futility! Seems like surrender leads to other kinds of wealth; a wealth of peace, a wealth of who God is, and the honor comes from being comfortable with who you are and having God find you as a friend; finally the LIFE -- that comes from having a heart a peace and feeling contentment!! I'd trade in the worlds view of wealth, honor and life for God's big 3 any day!
vs 24 (anger and hot-head) people that have those characteristics make me so up-tight -- I get a knot in my stomach when anger flares up, just makes me want to hide.
Some good money advice, but DR has pounded those concepts in pretty solidly:)
The TIME had come; Jesus was keenly aware. So many times he had said "My time has not yet come" but no more -- the time is now.
ReplyDeleteJesus' days were marked by His love for His people" I wish that that could be said about me - - and Jesus wants that to be said about me too -- in fact, that was his wish "Love each other deeply and fully . . . the ways that I have loved you and demonstrate your love for others in those same ways" Lord, help me -- only your Spirit can clean me from the inside out.
It always amazed me that when Jesus so clearly pointed out who would betray him (the dipping bread) the disciples still didn't grasp it.
I was thinking about him washing the dirty feet. Then I was thinking about the days I worked in a nursing home; when we had to, with respect and care, wipe dirty bottoms -- but Jesus went way past that, He did it with love. It wasn't a job to Him, it was a passion to bring cleansing. (The commenter did a good job on this concept)
Loved John 14: 2,3 in this version: "I am going to make arrangements for your arrival. I will be there to greet you personally and welcome you home, where we will be together" THAT puts such a beautiful word picture for me.
also - another word pic in verse 23: We will draw close to him and make a dwelling place within him.
And the promise of the Holy Spirit -- a gift I don't appreciate and take advantage of enough, so I'm asking God to open that concept for me too.
A universe idea in verse 31 "to demonstrate to the cosmos My love for the Father, I will do just as HE commands" Jesus mission here on earth is so much bigger than just "us" we often think everything is about "us"
He doesn't call us servants, but friends; and beyond that -- Children!! Awesome
I was impressed with Jesus last words to them. He tried in every way He could word it that things were not going to be pretty or easy -- that people would hate them (but it would be because of Him) He eased them into the next step - - based on faith and trust; not a whole lot different from where we are today folks!