Lord, I'm running to Your arms, I'm running to Your arms
The riches of Your love will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign!
Couple things jumped out at me relating to our John class yesterday: 1:3/4 "we've been reborn into a living hope - reborn for an eternal inheritance" reminds me of the bigger picture - reborn into a whole new way of thinking; not just the temporal earthly rule -- but an eternal heavenly picture. rebirth - paradigm shift
and then the author's comments at the end of 3 "The water through which the ark safely passed symbolizes now the ceremonial washing through baptism that initiates you into salvation" WOW - never thought of THAT before -- but that boat did have to pass through the water to make it to the salvation of the land - love that symbolism! Maybe the boat is like centering ourselves in God's presence?
1:20 "God determined to send Him before the world began" He had a plan for our fall and salvation - it is confusing, amazing, humbling that he would even take such pain on for the sake of love.
Yes, I thought back to a few things discussed yesterday as well when I read. But what stood out to me the most was how much Peter focused on submitting, or trusting really, God when things are unfair. It happened back then, it happens now. Will I fight for my supposed or even legitimate rights or will I trust God to defend me. It all happens in His beautiful time that I would not change when I look back on things.
God increase my faith to trust You when I'm in the middle of these things. I need Your patient endurance.
I also like the beginning of 2 when he talks about us being newborn babies, needing spiritual milk. We need to let go of what we've learned growing up IF it hinders us walking and being led by the HS. Drop the fake and flake of looking good and appearing good and being swirled around in a circle by the opinions of people. When I cater to people more than caring what God thinks of me, I'm putting them in God's place. A baby is dependent on it's parent for sustenance. Who am I depending on? A mere human or the Creator of the human?
"Someday you will dance lightfooted on the high peaks; but for now, your walk is often plodding and heavy. All I require of you is to take the next step, clinging to My hand for strength and direction. Though the path is difficult and the scenery dull at the moment, there are sparkling surprises just around the bend. Stay on the path I have selected for you. It is truly the path of life."
Reminded me of Hinds Feet on High Places. It also is a great description of my life right now. How long it is until the bend with "sparkling surprises" I don't have a clue. I also don't know how long it will take to get around the bend once I get there! But if He's holding my hand and I only have to take the next step, I trust You Jesus. With you, I know I can make it. Thank you for never leaving me.
I was thinking of those 2 stone tablets as our hard hearts, and God writes his ways on our hard hearts. Maybe it was an illustration - God is big into illustrations.
He wants us to serve Him with every part of you, heart and soul! EVERYTHING already belongs to the Eternal your God -- reminds me of the last DR DVD on giving:):)
Follow his ways and you'll be totally satisfied! 11:15
I wonder what it was like to have the 2 groups shouting at each other 11:29 -- I bet the little kids really got into it; but it was just one more way God wanted to seal the blessing/curse choice in their minds -- choose today who you will serve:)
A lot of commands to celebrate in 12! We don't celebrate enough:) I think it's because life happens and saps us -- but that's why He gave us the Sabbath!
Manassah is a person I would have written off; early and fast. I think that story is in there 1) for the seekers - as it's only in Chronicles which is usually a perusal or non read and 2) for the critical and judgmental peeps like me. I guess we all are to some extent.
I don't know how many times (even during 1 day!) that I have to remind myself that God is the only Judge - He has not delegated this job to me. When I accept that and then plead with Him to look at the person I'm judging through His eyes instead of mine - it's a radical change in my attitude toward that person (whether I'm with them or not). Manassah proved it was a sincere change as well with all his reforms. Pretty neat that God gave him the longest reign of any king because of it as well. Since God knew that Josiah would not kick back and coast when he was told that the punishment would not come in his lifetime, He told him. Once again proving that God really does know what we're all about. Imagine that! I wonder why Josiah didn't consult God about Egypt. It says that God was going to use Neco to judge Josiah. Some vagueness there BUT a very good reminder that consequences DO come. I can't presume upon God's mercy for my sins that I'm arrogant about. I need the humble, teachable heart at all times.
Wow - good thoughts from Chron Chris! I went to JC today: They (people) "rarely question this correlation between their circumstances and feelings. Yet it is possible to be content in any and every situation. Put more energy into trusting Me and enjoying My Presence" That's where I want to be today -- in His Presence and content with whatever life throws at me:) I think that's my work (remember when Paul, I think, says to work out your own salvation?) I think the work is to stay centered in His presence.
I agree with our work. It is work to stay focused on Him instead of me.
As I read Ps 128 the 1st 2 verses were what stuck with me. Seems like they were written in a prosperous time. And yet, immediately people who lived for God but suffered came to mind. How do these verses apply to them?
More and more, I'm seeing that God's blessings aren't akin to the world's. His peace is deeper and longer lasting. His love is ardent and pursuing. His provision is just what I need when I don't even know what it is that I need or that I am in need. A changed heart and eyes to see people differently is what allowed Stephen to see Jesus before God and to intercede for his murderers. It's what put people in the hall of faith. They see the unseen so the earthly is blah and nothing to hold onto. They are just following, no worshipping their Creator and Savior. He is the most important. These are blessings that worldly minded people can't understand. So I am just seeing a two-fold meaning in a lot of what I'm reading these days. Yes, I may have blessings that people here can see and understand, but the blessings to covet are the ones the world can't take away and a lot of people just don't comprehend. I just need to stay focused on God and worship Him. Everything else then falls into place because my perspective has changed.
Well said Chris -- those are the exact 2 verses I highlighted; before I read your post -- but I just want to simmer in the thought of the blessings to covent; the ones the world can't take away - - - thank you once again for your perceptive spirit; it always gets me to thinking!
went back and read 1 and 2 in the light of your post; I think the food it provides us with are others grasping what He has to offer, that respond to the love and hope that we (working with and through Him) can hold out to them! Reminds me of Jesus saying to the disciples at the well that He had food they didn't understand yet!!
I went back and read my post from yesterday and got a little confused, but then realized it was a typo in there. Ah well, good to have reminders that I'm human. :D
Read Ecc today and then JC. The teacher is sure melancholy! I have to agree with him that I gain more from keeping my mouth shut and observing than I do from speaking. That goes for when I'm worshipping God as well and not just limited to interactions with people. Then I went to JC to read a few pages. Such good thoughts and verses it pointed me to. Ended with first few verses of Phil 2 and just thought of how selfish I am. Paul says to secure my neighbor's interests first. I definitely don't do that. So much growing yet to do. Have to share some of the lines from JC though as they were soooo good!
"Ask Me to open your eyes so you can find Me everywhere. The more aware you are of My Presence, the safer you feel." That is so true!
Do not be afraid to be different from other people. The path I have called you to travel is equisitely right for you. The more closely you follow My leading, the more fully I can develop your gifts. To follow Me wholeheartedly, you must relinquish your desire to please other people. However, your closeness to Me will bless others by enabling you to shine brightly in this dark world."
Yup - loved the part about being quiet; observing -- liked the commenter's take that "words and actions are not always necessary." Why do I often feel I have to DO something or SAY something -- sometimes, silence and inaction is much more appreciated and the right move. When I'm not sure - do nothing; keep watching.
"a king who cultivates the fields" to me that means leadership is better if you have a servant-leader. Someone that has experienced and doesn't mind hard work.
Isn't this a paradigm shift from what the world tells us? "Sweet sleep comes to those who work hard, regardless of how much or how little they've eaten. But the abundance of the rich keeps them awake at night"
Basically -- be content and enjoy whatever you have:) Good counsel!
JC followed similar lines with: "Your sense of security must not rest in your possessions or in things going your way . . . be satisfied with much or with little"
rough terrain; darkness -- stumbling; that's the way some days feel -- then words from JC: "As you journey through rough terrain with Me, gain confidence from your knowledge that together we can handle anything" It is always comforting to have a friend to travel the rough terrain with. He is with us He is with us . . . always, always; our God is with us!
Hey! we're really close close close to the weekend!!!!
Maybe the people in Haggai's time were thinking "God can't be contained in a building so why bother" or "He didn't protect His own temple so must not be that important". Stuff I'd think today. I'm pretty skeptical and my selfishness is well established so I'd be doing the same thing the rest of them were doing.
Then God spoke. And they listened. That's the key - the listening part. Because when I truly listen, I realize I always have a choice to make afterwards. Especially when God speaks.
I really see the church in this setting. We're all going our own ways and have our own schedules to run and keep up with. If God gave us this same message today, what would be our response? Would we pull together and seek Him deeper or would we justify our schedules? Then again, He has given us this message in His Word and we (I) tend to downplay it's importance. We (I) do justify the "crowd Him out schedule".
Makes me think. What is putting His interests before mine look like? Guess it starts with me asking Him to open my eyes and ears spiritually. And also Micah 6:8 comes to mind. Am I putting that into practice in my every day life or am I more about me? Obviously a rhetorical question - sadly.
I do so like the little 4 word sentence of power that Haggai gave to the leaders. Man, what it must have felt like to them to get that message. I can see them dejected, confused, majorly frustrated with people problems and getting everyone organized. Just stressssssed out. And the most powerful Leader ever gives them a personal message: "I am with you". Wow!!! To have that blessing after all their feeble attempts and the discouragement the enemy was throwing at them. Had to buoy their spirits a ton! I'm so thankful God remembers how frail we are and doesn't hold it against us. He encourages us in spite of it.
And then the icing on the cake was for Z to get the personal message of "I have chosen you!" Just blows me away how tenderly God deals with us and our weakness. Z must have been feeling very insecure at the moment. Maybe there were even people gathering petitions to have him recalled. Who knows. But for God to give him that message tells me there was something going on and He needed to know he belonged to Someone and nobody could change that, not even circumstances. What incredible love!
and I like the words, "For I, the Eternal, Commander of heavenly armies, am with you . . My Spirit remains with you, living among you. Do not be afraid"
Couple things jumped out at me relating to our John class yesterday: 1:3/4 "we've been reborn into a living hope - reborn for an eternal inheritance" reminds me of the bigger picture - reborn into a whole new way of thinking; not just the temporal earthly rule -- but an eternal heavenly picture. rebirth - paradigm shift
ReplyDeleteand then the author's comments at the end of 3 "The water through which the ark safely passed symbolizes now the ceremonial washing through baptism that initiates you into salvation" WOW - never thought of THAT before -- but that boat did have to pass through the water to make it to the salvation of the land - love that symbolism! Maybe the boat is like centering ourselves in God's presence?
1:20 "God determined to send Him before the world began" He had a plan for our fall and salvation - it is confusing, amazing, humbling that he would even take such pain on for the sake of love.
Yes, I thought back to a few things discussed yesterday as well when I read. But what stood out to me the most was how much Peter focused on submitting, or trusting really, God when things are unfair. It happened back then, it happens now. Will I fight for my supposed or even legitimate rights or will I trust God to defend me. It all happens in His beautiful time that I would not change when I look back on things.
ReplyDeleteGod increase my faith to trust You when I'm in the middle of these things. I need Your patient endurance.
I also like the beginning of 2 when he talks about us being newborn babies, needing spiritual milk. We need to let go of what we've learned growing up IF it hinders us walking and being led by the HS. Drop the fake and flake of looking good and appearing good and being swirled around in a circle by the opinions of people. When I cater to people more than caring what God thinks of me, I'm putting them in God's place. A baby is dependent on it's parent for sustenance. Who am I depending on? A mere human or the Creator of the human?
JC morning for me.
ReplyDelete"Someday you will dance lightfooted on the high peaks; but for now, your walk is often plodding and heavy. All I require of you is to take the next step, clinging to My hand for strength and direction. Though the path is difficult and the scenery dull at the moment, there are sparkling surprises just around the bend. Stay on the path I have selected for you. It is truly the path of life."
Reminded me of Hinds Feet on High Places. It also is a great description of my life right now. How long it is until the bend with "sparkling surprises" I don't have a clue. I also don't know how long it will take to get around the bend once I get there! But if He's holding my hand and I only have to take the next step, I trust You Jesus. With you, I know I can make it. Thank you for never leaving me.
I was thinking of those 2 stone tablets as our hard hearts, and God writes his ways on our hard hearts. Maybe it was an illustration - God is big into illustrations.
ReplyDeleteHe wants us to serve Him with every part of you, heart and soul! EVERYTHING already belongs to the Eternal your God -- reminds me of the last DR DVD on giving:):)
Follow his ways and you'll be totally satisfied! 11:15
I wonder what it was like to have the 2 groups shouting at each other 11:29 -- I bet the little kids really got into it; but it was just one more way God wanted to seal the blessing/curse choice in their minds -- choose today who you will serve:)
A lot of commands to celebrate in 12! We don't celebrate enough:) I think it's because life happens and saps us -- but that's why He gave us the Sabbath!
Manassah is a person I would have written off; early and fast. I think that story is in there 1) for the seekers - as it's only in Chronicles which is usually a perusal or non read and 2) for the critical and judgmental peeps like me. I guess we all are to some extent.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how many times (even during 1 day!) that I have to remind myself that God is the only Judge - He has not delegated this job to me. When I accept that and then plead with Him to look at the person I'm judging through His eyes instead of mine - it's a radical change in my attitude toward that person (whether I'm with them or not).
Manassah proved it was a sincere change as well with all his reforms. Pretty neat that God gave him the longest reign of any king because of it as well.
Since God knew that Josiah would not kick back and coast when he was told that the punishment would not come in his lifetime, He told him. Once again proving that God really does know what we're all about. Imagine that!
I wonder why Josiah didn't consult God about Egypt. It says that God was going to use Neco to judge Josiah. Some vagueness there BUT a very good reminder that consequences DO come. I can't presume upon God's mercy for my sins that I'm arrogant about. I need the humble, teachable heart at all times.
Wow - good thoughts from Chron Chris! I went to JC today: They (people) "rarely question this correlation between their circumstances and feelings. Yet it is possible to be content in any and every situation. Put more energy into trusting Me and enjoying My Presence" That's where I want to be today -- in His Presence and content with whatever life throws at me:) I think that's my work (remember when Paul, I think, says to work out your own salvation?) I think the work is to stay centered in His presence.
ReplyDeleteI agree with our work. It is work to stay focused on Him instead of me.
ReplyDeleteAs I read Ps 128 the 1st 2 verses were what stuck with me. Seems like they were written in a prosperous time. And yet, immediately people who lived for God but suffered came to mind. How do these verses apply to them?
More and more, I'm seeing that God's blessings aren't akin to the world's. His peace is deeper and longer lasting. His love is ardent and pursuing. His provision is just what I need when I don't even know what it is that I need or that I am in need.
A changed heart and eyes to see people differently is what allowed Stephen to see Jesus before God and to intercede for his murderers. It's what put people in the hall of faith. They see the unseen so the earthly is blah and nothing to hold onto. They are just following, no worshipping their Creator and Savior. He is the most important. These are blessings that worldly minded people can't understand.
So I am just seeing a two-fold meaning in a lot of what I'm reading these days. Yes, I may have blessings that people here can see and understand, but the blessings to covet are the ones the world can't take away and a lot of people just don't comprehend.
I just need to stay focused on God and worship Him. Everything else then falls into place because my perspective has changed.
Well said Chris -- those are the exact 2 verses I highlighted; before I read your post -- but I just want to simmer in the thought of the blessings to covent; the ones the world can't take away - - - thank you once again for your perceptive spirit; it always gets me to thinking!
ReplyDeletewent back and read 1 and 2 in the light of your post; I think the food it provides us with are others grasping what He has to offer, that respond to the love and hope that we (working with and through Him) can hold out to them! Reminds me of Jesus saying to the disciples at the well that He had food they didn't understand yet!!
ReplyDeleteI went back and read my post from yesterday and got a little confused, but then realized it was a typo in there. Ah well, good to have reminders that I'm human. :D
ReplyDeleteRead Ecc today and then JC. The teacher is sure melancholy! I have to agree with him that I gain more from keeping my mouth shut and observing than I do from speaking. That goes for when I'm worshipping God as well and not just limited to interactions with people.
Then I went to JC to read a few pages. Such good thoughts and verses it pointed me to. Ended with first few verses of Phil 2 and just thought of how selfish I am. Paul says to secure my neighbor's interests first. I definitely don't do that. So much growing yet to do.
Have to share some of the lines from JC though as they were soooo good!
"Ask Me to open your eyes so you can find Me everywhere. The more aware you are of My Presence, the safer you feel." That is so true!
Do not be afraid to be different from other people. The path I have called you to travel is equisitely right for you. The more closely you follow My leading, the more fully I can develop your gifts. To follow Me wholeheartedly, you must relinquish your desire to please other people. However, your closeness to Me will bless others by enabling you to shine brightly in this dark world."
Really like that paragraph. So encouraging!
Yup - loved the part about being quiet; observing -- liked the commenter's take that "words and actions are not always necessary." Why do I often feel I have to DO something or SAY something -- sometimes, silence and inaction is much more appreciated and the right move. When I'm not sure - do nothing; keep watching.
ReplyDelete"a king who cultivates the fields" to me that means leadership is better if you have a servant-leader. Someone that has experienced and doesn't mind hard work.
Isn't this a paradigm shift from what the world tells us? "Sweet sleep comes to those who work hard, regardless of how much or how little they've eaten. But the abundance of the rich keeps them awake at night"
Basically -- be content and enjoy whatever you have:) Good counsel!
JC followed similar lines with: "Your sense of security must not rest in your possessions or in things going your way . . . be satisfied with much or with little"
rough terrain; darkness -- stumbling; that's the way some days feel -- then words from JC: "As you journey through rough terrain with Me, gain confidence from your knowledge that together we can handle anything" It is always comforting to have a friend to travel the rough terrain with. He is with us He is with us . . . always, always; our God is with us!
ReplyDeleteHey! we're really close close close to the weekend!!!!
Maybe the people in Haggai's time were thinking "God can't be contained in a building so why bother" or "He didn't protect His own temple so must not be that important". Stuff I'd think today. I'm pretty skeptical and my selfishness is well established so I'd be doing the same thing the rest of them were doing.
ReplyDeleteThen God spoke. And they listened. That's the key - the listening part. Because when I truly listen, I realize I always have a choice to make afterwards. Especially when God speaks.
I really see the church in this setting. We're all going our own ways and have our own schedules to run and keep up with. If God gave us this same message today, what would be our response? Would we pull together and seek Him deeper or would we justify our schedules? Then again, He has given us this message in His Word and we (I) tend to downplay it's importance. We (I) do justify the "crowd Him out schedule".
Makes me think. What is putting His interests before mine look like? Guess it starts with me asking Him to open my eyes and ears spiritually. And also Micah 6:8 comes to mind. Am I putting that into practice in my every day life or am I more about me? Obviously a rhetorical question - sadly.
I do so like the little 4 word sentence of power that Haggai gave to the leaders. Man, what it must have felt like to them to get that message. I can see them dejected, confused, majorly frustrated with people problems and getting everyone organized. Just stressssssed out. And the most powerful Leader ever gives them a personal message: "I am with you". Wow!!! To have that blessing after all their feeble attempts and the discouragement the enemy was throwing at them. Had to buoy their spirits a ton! I'm so thankful God remembers how frail we are and doesn't hold it against us. He encourages us in spite of it.
And then the icing on the cake was for Z to get the personal message of "I have chosen you!" Just blows me away how tenderly God deals with us and our weakness. Z must have been feeling very insecure at the moment. Maybe there were even people gathering petitions to have him recalled. Who knows. But for God to give him that message tells me there was something going on and He needed to know he belonged to Someone and nobody could change that, not even circumstances. What incredible love!
and I like the words, "For I, the Eternal, Commander of heavenly armies, am with you . . My Spirit remains with you, living among you. Do not be afraid"
ReplyDeletehey, I didn't even notice you posted before I did this a.m.!
ReplyDelete