skipped back a day to see what John had to say to Gaius: "even when they are stranger to you, you treat them as family" THAT sounds like a man I would like to meet. I've met a few people that remind me of this description; they are people I feel safe and accepted around - and that is really what God wants us to extend to people around us -- safety, acceptance, love, concern - - why is that so hard for us? (and by us I mean me)
So when John ends with "May you experience true peace" I wonder if there is a connection with the Gaius way of life -- true peace coming from being more concerned about others than yourself -- it really takes the pressure off:)
I really enjoy Esther because of being able to see all sides of the story. That's what I like about all Bible stories. This one has a lot of twists and turns though and really holds your attention. No matter how many times I read it, I always want to read it straight through, even though I know the ending. It's that good! God is always at work in our lives, even when it doesn't seem like it. I can't take Him for granted. There really is no such thing as coasting in our spiritual lives. We always need to be fully engaged with God in our journey.
I appreciated the family love that is shown between Esther and Mordecai -- in a culture where women are toys and tools, but not cared about -- Mordecai shows loving care for Esther. Adopting her, worried about her and pacing back and forth when she was taken to the palace.
Anyway -- I also like the sweet influence that Esther spreads around the palace as well --
It sounds like Mordecai gave Esther such a loving, strong background - that she was able to trust God in a most unlikely position - -
I also appreciated that in the face of disaster; Esther pours into prayer before making her move - - and, she encourages others to pray as well.
oh yeah, hadn't put words on that relationship between Esther and Mordecai, good points.
What spoke to me in Psalms today was 147:10-11. God isn't impressed or delighted by our skill or intelligence. He gave those qualities to us so it's a no brainer that we have them and use them. What He does delight in is when we spend time with Him. True worship. Because of all the talents and abilities that He's given us, time is one of the things we all have regardless of where we were born and into what social status. I have to make a conscious choice to spend my time with someone. Usually, it's giving up doing something else. Sometimes it can be a great sacrifice. If I'm going to sacrifice my time to do something with someone, why wouldn't I want to listen to them and enjoy their company? Why would I want to rush through it? So is my time spent with God a mere obligation or is it something i really want and enjoy? Mary sitting at Jesus' feet just brought such joy to His heart. He didn't dismiss her to go work with Martha. She gave Him true worship. She risked censor, misunderstand of her motives and a possible argument later with family. She didn't care, she knew what her heart needed and she responded to Him. True worship. It's certainly more than singing and preaching. That's why God "takes pleasure in those who worship him, those who invest hope in his unfailing love." I love investing time with people, why should I hold out on my investment with God?
ooooo - that was a good post Chris; really made me pause to re-evaluate my life and motives; thanks!
I noticed that same area of Psalms -- man, taking pleasure in power (horses, sprinting -- today that would be muscle cars, football, the olympics - all those "things" that say, I'm powerful, I'm better, I'm faster) poooh, it's nothing to the God who puts stars in place, controls the elements - - THAT's a power we don't even understand (although when a disaster happens, they do call it an act of God in a very accusatory way - sigh)
So - yes, He takes pleasure in those that worship and invest hope in Him and His love -- I really appreciated you talking about the worship aspect Chris - - pushing closer from desire not obligation (pushing closer out of obligation is nothing but annoying)
Earlier in that chapter it talked about the hope that is centered in Him -- if I can keep my center in Him, it calms me.
So the stars are within His hands -- does that give you any indication how BIG God might be? Maybe this is a poetic form of His bigness.
I love the thought of all creation joining together for praise -- when I'm in a venue where everyone is God-focused and praising with all their hearts, it is humbling and filled with JOY -- think of that plus all the heavens, the animals, the elements -- it's going to be some kind of JOY when everything that has breath and doesn't have breath praises HIM!!!
Yes, I liked that analogy of Him holding the stars in His hand. He is very capable. And, He names each one of them. That is amazing too. They are individualized enough that He really knows them. Gives me confidence that He knows me and doesn't throw me in with the masses. Read S of S today, but nothing really jumped out at me so I went to JC. "when you walk through a day with childlike delight, savoring every blessing, you proclaim your trust in Me, your ever-present Shepherd. The more you focus on My Presence with you, the more fully you can enjoy life." p236
I really enjoy this reminder. To take joy in the little things He gives me daily. Like the moon last night as it was rising. So simple and so beautiful. Gratitude brings me closer to Him. This is my calling in life. Simply to stay close to my Shepherd. And as Ps 16 says, "I will not live in fear or abandon my calling". Thank You Jesus for keeping me close to Your side, no matter what.
So I went to DJ today -- and it fits perfectly with JC! "Instead of approaching the day as a blank page you need to fill up, try living it in a responsive mode: being on the lookout for all that I am doing"
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
DJ was about as perfect for me today as can be. I found myself at war toward a relative in these parts -- that's another story; and here comes DJ with words to calm my heart -- to remind me to be at peace. Here's what I read:
Loving responsively is a matter of aligning yourself with ultimate realty: My sovereignty over the universe. So - I stopped and asked God to be sovereign of aspects of my life: as a step-daughter, as a daughter, as a mother-in-law, as a mother, as a wife. Then I read these words:
"The art of living responsively rests upon a foundation of trust - in My absolute goodness, My infinite wisdom, My loving Presence. So then I thought to myself -- I need to surrender my desire to control and retaliate to my desire to live responsively. I guess the only time I really need to take charge is when I am responding to His move on my heart -- not my selfish move on my heart. I like how the responding is built on trust. I want to live in a responsive attitude -- attune to my Father.
"To build on this trust foundation, you need to be perceptive, seeing things from My perspective as well as yours" Yikes -- I'm always SO focused on my perspective:( "Living this way requires concentration, because the world is rigged to distract you from Me" I never thought of that before -- the world really does promote, if it feels good - do it. Concentrating on responsiveness is a life discipline.
So here's the parting shot, "You will feel fully alive and richly connected with Me at such times. This is a foretaste of what awaits you in heaven, where you will respond to Me perfectly - throughout eternity!"
So it's interesting to me that the governor would ask Paul - the prisioner, would you like to have your trial in Jerusalem? Why would a prisoner be given the option, unless it was because Paul was a Roman citizen. -- Seems like everyone is very careful to listen to Paul's advice:)
I like the honesty of Festus when he says - I can't send a man to our emperor without a letter logically detailing the charges against him, but I have no idea what to write. (I wonder what his letter finally said -- since it was clear to all that Paul was innocent after his defense!) Anyway -- I think Paul capitalized on that plea a bit - Paul emphasized what he was accused of - hope. And how in the world could Festus do anything with that in his letter!!
I love Paul's appeal to outsiders -- I love how he extends hope to everyone around him -- it's really what keeps us all going.
And Paul also shows that the reason he's in captivity has nothing to do with Roman power, rather "God has helped me right up to this very moment, so I can stand here telling my story to both the humble and the powerful alike" There is no victim mentality for Paul -- he's thrilled to have another opportunity to extend hope - - totally centered in God's will.
Can you imagine the intensity and focus of Paul as he looked at Festus and said ever so seriously "No, most excellent Festus, I am not insane. I am telling the sane and sober truth"
His appeal to Agrippa is not lost on him. Agrippa realizes that the "defense" of Paul is all about extending hope to him. I think both Agrippa and Festus could tell that Paul cared about them as people and did not view them as authority or opposition - - that makes such a difference whenever we deal with people - we gotta take off our shoes and view them as people.
It must have drove the Jews nut to hear their "enemy" treated with such respect. Demons definitely throw temper tantrums. I think the way Paul treated those around him, wasn't intimidated and wasn't snobbish, was why he was treated with respect. People can tell if you care about them no matter what your words say. There's an atmosphere that we give off to people. Will mine be one that God is involved in or will it all be about me? I need God's help to make it the former all of the time and not just sporadically.
skipped back a day to see what John had to say to Gaius: "even when they are stranger to you, you treat them as family" THAT sounds like a man I would like to meet. I've met a few people that remind me of this description; they are people I feel safe and accepted around - and that is really what God wants us to extend to people around us -- safety, acceptance, love, concern - - why is that so hard for us? (and by us I mean me)
ReplyDeleteSo when John ends with "May you experience true peace" I wonder if there is a connection with the Gaius way of life -- true peace coming from being more concerned about others than yourself -- it really takes the pressure off:)
I really enjoy Esther because of being able to see all sides of the story. That's what I like about all Bible stories. This one has a lot of twists and turns though and really holds your attention. No matter how many times I read it, I always want to read it straight through, even though I know the ending. It's that good!
ReplyDeleteGod is always at work in our lives, even when it doesn't seem like it. I can't take Him for granted. There really is no such thing as coasting in our spiritual lives. We always need to be fully engaged with God in our journey.
I appreciated the family love that is shown between Esther and Mordecai -- in a culture where women are toys and tools, but not cared about -- Mordecai shows loving care for Esther. Adopting her, worried about her and pacing back and forth when she was taken to the palace.
ReplyDeleteAnyway -- I also like the sweet influence that Esther spreads around the palace as well --
It sounds like Mordecai gave Esther such a loving, strong background - that she was able to trust God in a most unlikely position - -
I also appreciated that in the face of disaster; Esther pours into prayer before making her move - - and, she encourages others to pray as well.
oh yeah, hadn't put words on that relationship between Esther and Mordecai, good points.
ReplyDeleteWhat spoke to me in Psalms today was 147:10-11. God isn't impressed or delighted by our skill or intelligence. He gave those qualities to us so it's a no brainer that we have them and use them. What He does delight in is when we spend time with Him. True worship. Because of all the talents and abilities that He's given us, time is one of the things we all have regardless of where we were born and into what social status.
I have to make a conscious choice to spend my time with someone. Usually, it's giving up doing something else. Sometimes it can be a great sacrifice. If I'm going to sacrifice my time to do something with someone, why wouldn't I want to listen to them and enjoy their company? Why would I want to rush through it? So is my time spent with God a mere obligation or is it something i really want and enjoy?
Mary sitting at Jesus' feet just brought such joy to His heart. He didn't dismiss her to go work with Martha. She gave Him true worship. She risked censor, misunderstand of her motives and a possible argument later with family. She didn't care, she knew what her heart needed and she responded to Him.
True worship. It's certainly more than singing and preaching. That's why God "takes pleasure in those who worship him, those who invest hope in his unfailing love." I love investing time with people, why should I hold out on my investment with God?
ooooo - that was a good post Chris; really made me pause to re-evaluate my life and motives; thanks!
ReplyDeleteI noticed that same area of Psalms -- man, taking pleasure in power (horses, sprinting -- today that would be muscle cars, football, the olympics - all those "things" that say, I'm powerful, I'm better, I'm faster) poooh, it's nothing to the God who puts stars in place, controls the elements - - THAT's a power we don't even understand (although when a disaster happens, they do call it an act of God in a very accusatory way - sigh)
So - yes, He takes pleasure in those that worship and invest hope in Him and His love -- I really appreciated you talking about the worship aspect Chris - - pushing closer from desire not obligation (pushing closer out of obligation is nothing but annoying)
Earlier in that chapter it talked about the hope that is centered in Him -- if I can keep my center in Him, it calms me.
So the stars are within His hands -- does that give you any indication how BIG God might be? Maybe this is a poetic form of His bigness.
I love the thought of all creation joining together for praise -- when I'm in a venue where everyone is God-focused and praising with all their hearts, it is humbling and filled with JOY -- think of that plus all the heavens, the animals, the elements -- it's going to be some kind of JOY when everything that has breath and doesn't have breath praises HIM!!!
Yes, I liked that analogy of Him holding the stars in His hand. He is very capable. And, He names each one of them. That is amazing too. They are individualized enough that He really knows them. Gives me confidence that He knows me and doesn't throw me in with the masses.
ReplyDeleteRead S of S today, but nothing really jumped out at me so I went to JC.
"when you walk through a day with childlike delight, savoring every blessing, you proclaim your trust in Me, your ever-present Shepherd. The more you focus on My Presence with you, the more fully you can enjoy life." p236
I really enjoy this reminder. To take joy in the little things He gives me daily. Like the moon last night as it was rising. So simple and so beautiful. Gratitude brings me closer to Him. This is my calling in life. Simply to stay close to my Shepherd. And as Ps 16 says, "I will not live in fear or abandon my calling".
Thank You Jesus for keeping me close to Your side, no matter what.
So I went to DJ today -- and it fits perfectly with JC! "Instead of approaching the day as a blank page you need to fill up, try living it in a responsive mode: being on the lookout for all that I am doing"
ReplyDelete"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
great fit!
ReplyDeleteDJ was about as perfect for me today as can be. I found myself at war toward a relative in these parts -- that's another story; and here comes DJ with words to calm my heart -- to remind me to be at peace. Here's what I read:
ReplyDeleteLoving responsively is a matter of aligning yourself with ultimate realty: My sovereignty over the universe. So - I stopped and asked God to be sovereign of aspects of my life: as a step-daughter, as a daughter, as a mother-in-law, as a mother, as a wife. Then I read these words:
"The art of living responsively rests upon a foundation of trust - in My absolute goodness, My infinite wisdom, My loving Presence. So then I thought to myself -- I need to surrender my desire to control and retaliate to my desire to live responsively. I guess the only time I really need to take charge is when I am responding to His move on my heart -- not my selfish move on my heart. I like how the responding is built on trust. I want to live in a responsive attitude -- attune to my Father.
"To build on this trust foundation, you need to be perceptive, seeing things from My perspective as well as yours" Yikes -- I'm always SO focused on my perspective:( "Living this way requires concentration, because the world is rigged to distract you from Me" I never thought of that before -- the world really does promote, if it feels good - do it. Concentrating on responsiveness is a life discipline.
So here's the parting shot, "You will feel fully alive and richly connected with Me at such times. This is a foretaste of what awaits you in heaven, where you will respond to Me perfectly - throughout eternity!"
O - that first quote should be "living responsively" not loving responsively
ReplyDeleteSo it's interesting to me that the governor would ask Paul - the prisioner, would you like to have your trial in Jerusalem? Why would a prisoner be given the option, unless it was because Paul was a Roman citizen. -- Seems like everyone is very careful to listen to Paul's advice:)
ReplyDeleteI like the honesty of Festus when he says - I can't send a man to our emperor without a letter logically detailing the charges against him, but I have no idea what to write. (I wonder what his letter finally said -- since it was clear to all that Paul was innocent after his defense!) Anyway -- I think Paul capitalized on that plea a bit - Paul emphasized what he was accused of - hope. And how in the world could Festus do anything with that in his letter!!
I love Paul's appeal to outsiders -- I love how he extends hope to everyone around him -- it's really what keeps us all going.
And Paul also shows that the reason he's in captivity has nothing to do with Roman power, rather "God has helped me right up to this very moment, so I can stand here telling my story to both the humble and the powerful alike" There is no victim mentality for Paul -- he's thrilled to have another opportunity to extend hope - - totally centered in God's will.
Can you imagine the intensity and focus of Paul as he looked at Festus and said ever so seriously "No, most excellent Festus, I am not insane. I am telling the sane and sober truth"
His appeal to Agrippa is not lost on him. Agrippa realizes that the "defense" of Paul is all about extending hope to him. I think both Agrippa and Festus could tell that Paul cared about them as people and did not view them as authority or opposition - - that makes such a difference whenever we deal with people - we gotta take off our shoes and view them as people.
It must have drove the Jews nut to hear their "enemy" treated with such respect. Demons definitely throw temper tantrums. I think the way Paul treated those around him, wasn't intimidated and wasn't snobbish, was why he was treated with respect. People can tell if you care about them no matter what your words say. There's an atmosphere that we give off to people. Will mine be one that God is involved in or will it all be about me? I need God's help to make it the former all of the time and not just sporadically.
ReplyDelete