Our hope is real, our faith is sealed
Come what may - I'm not afraid
(thinking of Peter and the Apostles heading out to preach after being released from prison!)
ok, I read Acts this a.m. and like you Linda, I hadn't thought about all the apostles being put in jail at the same time. guess I had just skimmed over that part. I agree with your comments on that chapter. Can't care about people and their actions to the message. If God says to give the message, just give it.
Also 1 thing about An/Sap in Chapter 5. When he dropped over dead it says a great fear came on all those who heard of the incident. She didn't hear of it in the 3 hrs that elapsed between it and her coming in to see Peter? A lot of suppositions as to what she was doing in the time frame but one thought that crossed my mind was this: was she not spending time with the believers? Was she just putting the show on of "coming to church" but not interacting with them during the week? I think of it because we tend to do that a lot. We talk about God 1 day a week, but don't include Him the rest of the week and even choose to interact with people that would draw us away from Him. I realize sometimes we have to, but when we see a consistent influence that is not good on our relationship with God, we need to limit the interaction or stop it. Just a thought I had on that story.
Good point about Saf -- maybe she was even out spending the $.
Faith . . . the absolute conviction that there are realities you've never seen - - man alive; it will be something to see what Heaven is like - - John grappled with what he knew here on earth to describe it in Rev. But I keep having this thought -- and it comes out in 11:13 - like Moses, keeping the faith alive but dying without entering the "land" a lot of others are in the same boat. I very well may die without having experienced the 2nd coming -- BUT, that's what faith is all about - and this kind of faith, holding on to the very end - pleases God. It also relaxes us, knowing we don't have to experience the "reward" but are content living today in His presence.
12:1 "Let's drop every extra weight, every sin that clings to us and slackens our pace" ew-yuck; what a thought - sin clinging to us, like some kind of a blackberry vine or a leech. And we run around carrying extra weight -- no wonder we're so sluggish. - -
Love these 4 words: stay focused on Jesus.
I also (because Rev talks so much about "He who is seated on the throne" or "the voice from the throne") liked this in verse 2 "He is seated beside God on the throne" Then I thought -- sounds like there's one throne and they're sitting together on it - like on a love seat. That's pretty appropriate -- they share the honor and the worship equally - reminds me of stuff from the Shack.
Bitterness (verse 15) springs up trouble for you -- but also -- throws many others off the path. Bitterness affects the person and much more -- it's evil; and ew-yuck, I hate it when it fastens on to me.
12:15 "our own sacrifice, the praise of lips that confess His name without ceasing" That's a pretty small sacrifice -- except for those 2 words, without ceasing -- that means we apply trust in the good AND the bad times -- even when we're angry, bitter, resentful, mistreated - - we confess His name.
Didn't realize it was the faith chapter. I have thought that about dying before entering heaven and still being faithful like they were. Some of them were shown it was a long way off before heaven would be a reality and they still pressed on. True heart condition revealed there for sure!
I read Heb 11 and 12 this morning. Might be a day behind on paper BUT it's right on time for my heart. The translation says that "faith is the assurance of things you have hoped for..." Faith in the face of perceived failure so that God can do in my heart what He needs to so I can be with Him forever. So is that what I'm really hoping for? I have to say it is or has been a secondary thought or maybe even an assumption. The here and now is what I'm normally interested in, which of course is all about me, short term and a very small piece of the puzzle. God's way of making it all about me and mine are vastly different as Is 55:11 says very well. In 12, the disciplines talked about made me think that God has to make up for the mistakes of the authority figures in my life. His discipline is perfect and does teach. Human discipline tends to be reactionary and emotional. This can bring about change or teaching by fear instead of seeing a better way of doing things. It doesn't say there is a small drop of bitterness, it says there is a well. Makes me think it's pretty deep. There is usually a very deep reason why someone is bitter and it bubbles out sometimes in the oddest places. Can't be hidden though, it definitely affects everyone who comes in contact with it.
A lot to chew on in those 2 chapters for me. Thank you for commenting yesterday and getting me thinking some more.
Very good point about the bitterness being a well and existing down deep in our souls - - that's why it's soooo hard to get rid of it -- we have to fill the well in with God's love; but often we want to hang on to the bitterness. Hanging on to the bitterness seems to give us the right to be angry with someone - and the more we become angry, the more bitter we become - - vicious sin cycle:(
I was thinking today how wise God is. He was with them to conquer the cities before Jordan to give them courage that the could do it across the Jordan (when they were basically trapped by the water) This was for the people, but for Joshua too - who probably felt very responsible for these people. It's kindof like the debt snowball -- conquer the little debts, and that gives you the excitement and courage to know that you can continue successfully. With God ALL things are possible!
"Haven't you seen the Eternal, your True God, carrying you the way a parent carries a child? love this word pic.
It brought courage to me to hear that Moses pleaded too! But once God said,"that's enough" he quit and finished strong -- but a good reminder that God has more in store for us than our perceived promised land.
That is a great word pic! I was praying last night and this morning that God would remind me of how He has taken care of me in the little things so I would trust Him in whatever comes at me today. Just rest, He's got this just like (fill in the blank) type of thing. You'd think it was a no brainer, but alas, it's not. The soap opera that takes place in power when God is not your Source of power is sad. Good warning for me to turn first to God instead of men. Just like mentioned above. Rest in the One who brought me this far. I have mixed feelings about Joash. Seems pretty good except for only following God when it's convenient or the person with influence in his life is for him. So I guess he had a wishy washy personality. Maybe a modern day politician. I guess I see a lot of warnings for me in this reading today. Though I have no desire to be in power, administration or be a politician!
Very brief reading in Ps and yet very powerful and comforting picture of God keeping His eyes on me and arms around me. I really liked 122. Just made me think though about the real protection and comfort God gives. Like we've commented so many times before, it's not always physical relief that He brings. Again, the song says "sometimes He calms the storm and other times He holds His child". While I pray for a physical change, I might over look the internal strength to endure, the patience developing, the calmness of His Presence with me through the trial. My salvation is what He's after, not necessarily the preservation of my physical life. As we read in Heb 11, many died without seeing their faith come to fruition, but they will see it eventually and their lives give us hope and many lessons to learn and be encouraged with. Who knows what future generations will learn from us? I'd like Jesus to come soon, but since I'm only responsible for my choice today, here and now, I trust You, Jesus.
I'm just resting in the thought that He will never take His eyes off me - - and sometimes I know that what He sees isn't pretty; but I believe that He will guide me like the good Shepherd; He is more concerned about my character than my comfort - - and yet, He is quick to comfort when it is for my good. Thanks God, thanks for Who you are and Whose I am.
I was struck with the importance this woman put on making sure her son was kind to the poor and those overlooked -- and that his wife had the same focus. This isn't typically what kings are remembered for -- but it was on this mother's heart:)
Not much in Naham today - - except to say that I would not want to be Ninevah. I wonder if Naham had to hand deliver his message, or pop in unannounced to proclaim God's displeasure. Either way -- not a very popular way to go! And yet, from the story of Johah; God is all about 2nd chances and forgiveness! He LOVES to forgive, to reclaim, to welcome back!! Guess that's what I want to focus on!!
Ok, I did read Nahum, but on the wrong day and Prov 31 has never been a favorite of mine as I will never measure up to it, so didn't read it. Besides, I was having trouble measuring up to anything godly for a couple of days. But as you said Linda, God is a God of 2nd (and 1,000) chances and I'm grateful. Acts today was really good especially in The Voice. The wording just popped out modern day examples to me as Stephen was relaying Abraham's story. God asked Abraham to leave his country which would be his comfort zone, so he would realize God is His True Comfort. His family, the people that influenced him, so that God would be his only influence. His inheritance, which would be his 401k and retirement savings, so he would realize that God is His Provider in everything. It took Abraham's relationship with God to another level. One that those he left behind called rash I'm sure. Maybe even those traveling with him thought this. What if we were all at this level? That Abraham was asking God to go deeper I have no doubt because he heard and recognized God's voice to him and obeyed. "...take me to the ocean, I want to go deeper, no I'm not afraid. I'm a believer..." Not an easy trail to hike spiritually, but it definitely takes you deeper and makes you stronger. I can say that I realized something stronger in my relationship with God through the last week. It really is true "He is with us, He is with us - always, always". The disciples were at a different level, their experience had gone deeper. Just as Stephen did not defend himself, but spoke about God, spoke what the HS gave him to say, so the apostles were not abut themselves anymore. They were surrender to the HS and that's why He could use them as He did. That's why Phillip was directed as he was. It's what needs to happen in our lives today. We need to go deeper. Stop being afraid. Be a believer.
ok, I read Acts this a.m. and like you Linda, I hadn't thought about all the apostles being put in jail at the same time. guess I had just skimmed over that part. I agree with your comments on that chapter. Can't care about people and their actions to the message. If God says to give the message, just give it.
ReplyDeleteAlso 1 thing about An/Sap in Chapter 5. When he dropped over dead it says a great fear came on all those who heard of the incident. She didn't hear of it in the 3 hrs that elapsed between it and her coming in to see Peter? A lot of suppositions as to what she was doing in the time frame but one thought that crossed my mind was this: was she not spending time with the believers? Was she just putting the show on of "coming to church" but not interacting with them during the week?
I think of it because we tend to do that a lot. We talk about God 1 day a week, but don't include Him the rest of the week and even choose to interact with people that would draw us away from Him. I realize sometimes we have to, but when we see a consistent influence that is not good on our relationship with God, we need to limit the interaction or stop it.
Just a thought I had on that story.
Good point about Saf -- maybe she was even out spending the $.
ReplyDeleteFaith . . . the absolute conviction that there are realities you've never seen - - man alive; it will be something to see what Heaven is like - - John grappled with what he knew here on earth to describe it in Rev. But I keep having this thought -- and it comes out in 11:13 - like Moses, keeping the faith alive but dying without entering the "land" a lot of others are in the same boat. I very well may die without having experienced the 2nd coming -- BUT, that's what faith is all about - and this kind of faith, holding on to the very end - pleases God. It also relaxes us, knowing we don't have to experience the "reward" but are content living today in His presence.
12:1 "Let's drop every extra weight, every sin that clings to us and slackens our pace" ew-yuck; what a thought - sin clinging to us, like some kind of a blackberry vine or a leech. And we run around carrying extra weight -- no wonder we're so sluggish. - -
Love these 4 words: stay focused on Jesus.
I also (because Rev talks so much about "He who is seated on the throne" or "the voice from the throne") liked this in verse 2 "He is seated beside God on the throne" Then I thought -- sounds like there's one throne and they're sitting together on it - like on a love seat. That's pretty appropriate -- they share the honor and the worship equally - reminds me of stuff from the Shack.
Bitterness (verse 15) springs up trouble for you -- but also -- throws many others off the path. Bitterness affects the person and much more -- it's evil; and ew-yuck, I hate it when it fastens on to me.
12:15 "our own sacrifice, the praise of lips that confess His name without ceasing" That's a pretty small sacrifice -- except for those 2 words, without ceasing -- that means we apply trust in the good AND the bad times -- even when we're angry, bitter, resentful, mistreated - - we confess His name.
Didn't realize it was the faith chapter. I have thought that about dying before entering heaven and still being faithful like they were. Some of them were shown it was a long way off before heaven would be a reality and they still pressed on. True heart condition revealed there for sure!
ReplyDeleteI read Heb 11 and 12 this morning. Might be a day behind on paper BUT it's right on time for my heart.
ReplyDeleteThe translation says that "faith is the assurance of things you have hoped for..." Faith in the face of perceived failure so that God can do in my heart what He needs to so I can be with Him forever. So is that what I'm really hoping for? I have to say it is or has been a secondary thought or maybe even an assumption. The here and now is what I'm normally interested in, which of course is all about me, short term and a very small piece of the puzzle.
God's way of making it all about me and mine are vastly different as Is 55:11 says very well.
In 12, the disciplines talked about made me think that God has to make up for the mistakes of the authority figures in my life. His discipline is perfect and does teach. Human discipline tends to be reactionary and emotional. This can bring about change or teaching by fear instead of seeing a better way of doing things.
It doesn't say there is a small drop of bitterness, it says there is a well. Makes me think it's pretty deep. There is usually a very deep reason why someone is bitter and it bubbles out sometimes in the oddest places. Can't be hidden though, it definitely affects everyone who comes in contact with it.
A lot to chew on in those 2 chapters for me. Thank you for commenting yesterday and getting me thinking some more.
Very good point about the bitterness being a well and existing down deep in our souls - - that's why it's soooo hard to get rid of it -- we have to fill the well in with God's love; but often we want to hang on to the bitterness. Hanging on to the bitterness seems to give us the right to be angry with someone - and the more we become angry, the more bitter we become - - vicious sin cycle:(
ReplyDeleteI was thinking today how wise God is. He was with them to conquer the cities before Jordan to give them courage that the could do it across the Jordan (when they were basically trapped by the water) This was for the people, but for Joshua too - who probably felt very responsible for these people. It's kindof like the debt snowball -- conquer the little debts, and that gives you the excitement and courage to know that you can continue successfully. With God ALL things are possible!
"Haven't you seen the Eternal, your True God, carrying you the way a parent carries a child? love this word pic.
It brought courage to me to hear that Moses pleaded too! But once God said,"that's enough" he quit and finished strong -- but a good reminder that God has more in store for us than our perceived promised land.
That is a great word pic! I was praying last night and this morning that God would remind me of how He has taken care of me in the little things so I would trust Him in whatever comes at me today. Just rest, He's got this just like (fill in the blank) type of thing. You'd think it was a no brainer, but alas, it's not.
ReplyDeleteThe soap opera that takes place in power when God is not your Source of power is sad. Good warning for me to turn first to God instead of men. Just like mentioned above. Rest in the One who brought me this far.
I have mixed feelings about Joash. Seems pretty good except for only following God when it's convenient or the person with influence in his life is for him. So I guess he had a wishy washy personality. Maybe a modern day politician.
I guess I see a lot of warnings for me in this reading today. Though I have no desire to be in power, administration or be a politician!
Very brief reading in Ps and yet very powerful and comforting picture of God keeping His eyes on me and arms around me. I really liked 122.
ReplyDeleteJust made me think though about the real protection and comfort God gives. Like we've commented so many times before, it's not always physical relief that He brings. Again, the song says "sometimes He calms the storm and other times He holds His child".
While I pray for a physical change, I might over look the internal strength to endure, the patience developing, the calmness of His Presence with me through the trial. My salvation is what He's after, not necessarily the preservation of my physical life.
As we read in Heb 11, many died without seeing their faith come to fruition, but they will see it eventually and their lives give us hope and many lessons to learn and be encouraged with.
Who knows what future generations will learn from us? I'd like Jesus to come soon, but since I'm only responsible for my choice today, here and now, I trust You, Jesus.
I'm just resting in the thought that He will never take His eyes off me - - and sometimes I know that what He sees isn't pretty; but I believe that He will guide me like the good Shepherd; He is more concerned about my character than my comfort - - and yet, He is quick to comfort when it is for my good. Thanks God, thanks for Who you are and Whose I am.
ReplyDeleteI was struck with the importance this woman put on making sure her son was kind to the poor and those overlooked -- and that his wife had the same focus. This isn't typically what kings are remembered for -- but it was on this mother's heart:)
ReplyDeleteNot much in Naham today - - except to say that I would not want to be Ninevah. I wonder if Naham had to hand deliver his message, or pop in unannounced to proclaim God's displeasure. Either way -- not a very popular way to go! And yet, from the story of Johah; God is all about 2nd chances and forgiveness! He LOVES to forgive, to reclaim, to welcome back!! Guess that's what I want to focus on!!
ReplyDeleteOk, I did read Nahum, but on the wrong day and Prov 31 has never been a favorite of mine as I will never measure up to it, so didn't read it. Besides, I was having trouble measuring up to anything godly for a couple of days. But as you said Linda, God is a God of 2nd (and 1,000) chances and I'm grateful.
ReplyDeleteActs today was really good especially in The Voice. The wording just popped out modern day examples to me as Stephen was relaying Abraham's story.
God asked Abraham to leave his country which would be his comfort zone, so he would realize God is His True Comfort. His family, the people that influenced him, so that God would be his only influence. His inheritance, which would be his 401k and retirement savings, so he would realize that God is His Provider in everything. It took Abraham's relationship with God to another level. One that those he left behind called rash I'm sure. Maybe even those traveling with him thought this.
What if we were all at this level? That Abraham was asking God to go deeper I have no doubt because he heard and recognized God's voice to him and obeyed. "...take me to the ocean, I want to go deeper, no I'm not afraid. I'm a believer..."
Not an easy trail to hike spiritually, but it definitely takes you deeper and makes you stronger. I can say that I realized something stronger in my relationship with God through the last week. It really is true "He is with us, He is with us - always, always".
The disciples were at a different level, their experience had gone deeper. Just as Stephen did not defend himself, but spoke about God, spoke what the HS gave him to say, so the apostles were not abut themselves anymore. They were surrender to the HS and that's why He could use them as He did. That's why Phillip was directed as he was. It's what needs to happen in our lives today.
We need to go deeper. Stop being afraid. Be a believer.