Such a description of life without God -- pretty bleak: waterless clouds carried away; barren trees, twice dead - uprooted; violent waves foaming with shame; lost and wandering stars destined to live forever in gloomy darkness; I don't think we realize how very bleak and hopeless our lives veer when we step out of his presence . . . I'm not sure how Jude could have made it more clear than with his word pics.
I never really thought of Enoch as a prophet before -- I always thought of him as the man who walked with God; apparently he also had plenty to say about the end time. It seems like the root of the wicked is in living for self, exalting self (isn't that similar to Satan?) finding faults of others, led by lustful desires (it's all about me) and liars who want only to get ahead.
Interesting that the Christians are told to be kind and pursue those who are singed by the flames of God's wrath (according to vs 7 -- the wicked); so we are not to ignore them, avoid them; rather stand firm in the faith and pursue them - - showing mercy. A very different command from Come out of her my people. To "come out of her" maybe moves us closer into His presence - giving us the strength we need to pursue? Just thinking again about Paul before Festus and Felix -- talk about pursuing them!!
Yes, when given the opportunity, we need to pursue. In order to know my opportunities, I need to pursue His Presence. Which, is just what JC reminded me of again today. It's where He promises to "renew your [my] strength and saturate you [me] with Peace". I am in desperate need of that saturation! It's so true though, when I spend time with Him, it is so peaceful and calming. I think that's why men and women of God and Jesus, when He was on earth sought so much time of repose with their Father. It's one of the things the world seeks, but wow, the things it seeks it in don't even come close.
I read Jude today and thank you Linda, for tying v7 in with v23. I was wondering just who are these people? Maybe fringe elements, trying to straddle the fence, can't decide to give all to God.
I also liked the exhortation in v22 to "keep being kind to those who waver in this faith". Great reminder as I waver at times and God has never given up on me. No matter how many times I'm like the dog returning to his vomit as Solomon said in Proverbs. Ugly analogy that I only like to apply to others but I'm human as well. How can I give up on people who struggle with something different than I just because I can't identify with the struggle? Very judgmental and easily done way too often. But if I'm spending time in His Presence, it won't seem like a burden because I'd realize I'm not carrying it alone. He is helping me reach out, to have patience, to trust again. Like Jamie Grace sings You lead, I'll follow, Your hands hold my tomorrow, Your grip, Your grace, You know the way, You guide me tenderly, When you lead, I'll follow, Just light the way and I'll go, Cause I know what you got for me is more than I can see, So lead me on
Oh hey, it rhymes! Catchy tunes so I didn't realize it! hee hee
Yeah! I was noticing the rhyming myself. Duane and I are going through the Anatomy of Peace - about 3/4 done now -- and really -- this being kind to others and it not seeming like a burden is all through that book -- it's the deeper level of peace and love and it's what God completely extends to us; so -- that's Him leading and us following; seeing others through His eyes of grace not our worldly way eyes.
I skimmed most of Duet today, but I always love the tenderness of God in Moses final moments on the earth. It says in vs 10 that "The Eternal knew him face to face!" So when it says in vs 5 "He buried him" I've always thought that once Moses died, God showed up to bury him. But I like the thought of combining those 2 verses and thinking of God sitting next to Moses on the mountaintop and them looking at the Promised land together -- Moses admitting his fear of death face to face with God, God having his arms around Moses and tenderly reassuring him it is like a peaceful sleep -- the 2 of them spending Moses last earthly moments together. I really love that picture.
Then in DJ today, another thought of the peaceful life of trust in Him -- something Moses must have had: "I have not left you to handle by yourself the trouble and distress of this life. I have poured My very Being into you, in the Person of the HOly Spirit. Make plenty of space in your heart for this glorious One. Let Him empower you to live above your circumstances. I am telling you these things so that you can experience My Peace in the midst of a problem-filled life)
I love the name DJ gave the Holy Spirit - the glorious One. Sometimes I think that name is more reserved for Jesus; and of course, that's not true as the HOly Spirit is also God - I just need to readjust my thinking. When I sit up on the mountaintop and look at my unfulfilled plans or dreams, I can know that God is sitting right their beside me or in me - just as in the case of Moses.
Man, I really liked that description of God sitting near Moses and them checking things out, Him holding Moses as he breathed his last. Brought tears to my eyes. It's a very gentle, snuggling pic of our Papa.
Esther is a great reminder to me of how quickly circumstances can change. I guess all the Bible stories are like that. God is above circumstances so I need to learn, like Paul, to be content in whatever kind I find myself in. All because of my trust in the One who controls them. For me, and probably most of us, it's true that I learn this faster and deeper through adverse circumstances. JC had a great line for this and then Phillipians 4:11-13 sealed it. "Accept each day just as it comes to you. Do not waste your time and energy wishing for a different set of circumstances. Instead, trust Me enough to yield to My design and purpose. Remember that nothing can separate you from My loving Presence; you are Mine." p240 The yielding part is what's hard for me and I know, only the tough times bring me to a point of knowing I have to yield or I'll lose everything. The funny thing is that peace comes with yielding. It's like welcoming Jesus into your heart instead of trying to barricade the door to keep Him out. One way is very stressful and the other is stress-free. Funny how I tend to choose the stressful way more. I profess much more intelligence, but my actions reveal my ignorance. The commentators in Phil 4 bring out that Paul said true contentment is learned. Very true. Application is where education is best acquired. I'm a stubborn student, but I'm so glad God is more stubborn about my salvation.
What a WONDERFUL call to praise on this special day! If we would praise like this every day; then EVERY day would be special!!
I loved verse 4 "For the Eternal is listening, and nothing pleases Him more than His people" it's exciting to know that our praises to God are for HIM! Not just for us, for the people we praise with -- but for HIM and HE's listening!
"Let His faithful followers erupt in praise, singing triumphantly" put that together with with the line "God has won, Christ prevailed" we have a LOT to praise once we stop naval-gazing and focus on Him.
and I love it in 150 when it says, "No one should be left out; Let every man and every beast (Toby) - - every creature that has the breath of the Lord -- praise the Eternal" Awesome!!
and finally, I appreciated the commenter saying, "Praise is what God created us to do; it is one of our highest purposes in life" Now that made me stop and readjust. It isn't making money, fame, a nice shelter, enough food -- it's simply PRAISE (thinking right now of Paul and Silas in the prison!)
I liked the question about worship. Is ours too reserved or quiet? Guess it depends which ditch you are currently residing. Balance is a lifelong quest for me that only works when I keep focused on Jesus. Like trying to walk a log, balance is affected so easily and so quickly that one can land on either side at any given time. When there are railings, you tend to walk quicker and more confidently. There is really no problem with balance per se. Without the railing, it's pretty slow going and a lot more focus is required to stay on the log. I can see great spiritual applications with all those examples but the trick for me is staying focused and connected with Jesus. I caught up with Ps and then read S of S. Then turned to JC. Just some really good stuff for me right now in numerous pages. But here's some excerpts.
"Expect to encounter adversity...stop trying to find a way that circumvents difficulties. The main problem with an easy life is that it masks your need for Me...Allow Me to fight for you." p241 "I want you to view trials as exercises designed to develop your trust muscles. You live in the midst of fierce spiritual battles and fear is one of Satan's favorite weapons."
Well - these last few weeks have been pretty spotty when it comes to reading/posting - so thought I would finish strong in Acts:)
I remember posting last year how impressed Julius seemed with Paul -- allowing Paul to gather the men, saving him once the ship had broken up. And -- everyone on the boat found courage from Paul - he must have been very calm through this storm, and they wanted what he had. (I remember in younger years being afraid of commercial flying - but I kept watching the stewardess/steward; I figured if they were calm - I was all right) So, my thinking is - all eyes were on Paul, and when he spoke they WANTED to hear what he had to say, wanted to know why he was so calm. "A fresh surge of courage seems to fill their hearts"
The Maltese were blessed in their kindness, that's for sure - - and Publius hosted 276 people for 3 days! I'm thinking of all the food he must have prepared! But here's what REALLY caught my eye -- "We stayed on Malta for the next three months.
So Paul had a captive audience for 3 months. Knowing what we do about Paul -- he used that time to build friendships, build confidence and to teach teach teach. He had a heart for people and I bet many people were convinced that Jesus was their only hope. I've never thought before of this storm being God's way to save the sailers, the prisoners, the Maltese - - but it would not surprise em at all:)
My storms might be God's way to reach someone else - so Lord - keep me from whining! Help me instead to see the possibilities!
There is no fear between the Romans and Paul. They treat each other with respect. Julius even letting Paul go and visit friends on the way to Rome. It's the religious leaders who reject Paul and they rejected Jesus, but both of their captors wanted to release them and realized they were innocent. Very interesting how hatred and anger blinds us to the truth. Since Paul had been told by an angel that he would appear before the emperor, when the snake bit him, Paul didn't panic. He just brushed it off and trusted God. The Maltese people show just how we are today. If we see it, we believe it. No faith. Just like in Jesus' day..."if you show us a sign, it will help us believe..." Very true portrayal of our fickleness that hasn't changed for centuries. Another year done. Good lessons learned. Now it's up to me to listen to the HS as He reminds me of them and how to apply them. Happy New Year!
You're too funny. I can handle funny stuff, it's mostly in songs or romantic pose that I get nauseous! LOL
ReplyDeleteSuch a description of life without God -- pretty bleak: waterless clouds carried away; barren trees, twice dead - uprooted; violent waves foaming with shame; lost and wandering stars destined to live forever in gloomy darkness; I don't think we realize how very bleak and hopeless our lives veer when we step out of his presence . . . I'm not sure how Jude could have made it more clear than with his word pics.
ReplyDeleteI never really thought of Enoch as a prophet before -- I always thought of him as the man who walked with God; apparently he also had plenty to say about the end time. It seems like the root of the wicked is in living for self, exalting self (isn't that similar to Satan?) finding faults of others, led by lustful desires (it's all about me) and liars who want only to get ahead.
Interesting that the Christians are told to be kind and pursue those who are singed by the flames of God's wrath (according to vs 7 -- the wicked); so we are not to ignore them, avoid them; rather stand firm in the faith and pursue them - - showing mercy. A very different command from Come out of her my people. To "come out of her" maybe moves us closer into His presence - giving us the strength we need to pursue? Just thinking again about Paul before Festus and Felix -- talk about pursuing them!!
Yes, when given the opportunity, we need to pursue. In order to know my opportunities, I need to pursue His Presence. Which, is just what JC reminded me of again today. It's where He promises to "renew your [my] strength and saturate you [me] with Peace". I am in desperate need of that saturation! It's so true though, when I spend time with Him, it is so peaceful and calming. I think that's why men and women of God and Jesus, when He was on earth sought so much time of repose with their Father. It's one of the things the world seeks, but wow, the things it seeks it in don't even come close.
ReplyDeleteI read Jude today and thank you Linda, for tying v7 in with v23. I was wondering just who are these people? Maybe fringe elements, trying to straddle the fence, can't decide to give all to God.
I also liked the exhortation in v22 to "keep being kind to those who waver in this faith". Great reminder as I waver at times and God has never given up on me. No matter how many times I'm like the dog returning to his vomit as Solomon said in Proverbs. Ugly analogy that I only like to apply to others but I'm human as well. How can I give up on people who struggle with something different than I just because I can't identify with the struggle? Very judgmental and easily done way too often. But if I'm spending time in His Presence, it won't seem like a burden because I'd realize I'm not carrying it alone. He is helping me reach out, to have patience, to trust again. Like Jamie Grace sings You lead, I'll follow, Your hands hold my tomorrow,
Your grip, Your grace, You know the way,
You guide me tenderly,
When you lead, I'll follow,
Just light the way and I'll go,
Cause I know what you got for me is more than I can see,
So lead me on
Oh hey, it rhymes! Catchy tunes so I didn't realize it! hee hee
Yeah! I was noticing the rhyming myself. Duane and I are going through the Anatomy of Peace - about 3/4 done now -- and really -- this being kind to others and it not seeming like a burden is all through that book -- it's the deeper level of peace and love and it's what God completely extends to us; so -- that's Him leading and us following; seeing others through His eyes of grace not our worldly way eyes.
ReplyDeleteI skimmed most of Duet today, but I always love the tenderness of God in Moses final moments on the earth. It says in vs 10 that "The Eternal knew him face to face!" So when it says in vs 5 "He buried him" I've always thought that once Moses died, God showed up to bury him. But I like the thought of combining those 2 verses and thinking of God sitting next to Moses on the mountaintop and them looking at the Promised land together -- Moses admitting his fear of death face to face with God, God having his arms around Moses and tenderly reassuring him it is like a peaceful sleep -- the 2 of them spending Moses last earthly moments together. I really love that picture.
Then in DJ today, another thought of the peaceful life of trust in Him -- something Moses must have had: "I have not left you to handle by yourself the trouble and distress of this life. I have poured My very Being into you, in the Person of the HOly Spirit. Make plenty of space in your heart for this glorious One. Let Him empower you to live above your circumstances. I am telling you these things so that you can experience My Peace in the midst of a problem-filled life)
I love the name DJ gave the Holy Spirit - the glorious One. Sometimes I think that name is more reserved for Jesus; and of course, that's not true as the HOly Spirit is also God - I just need to readjust my thinking. When I sit up on the mountaintop and look at my unfulfilled plans or dreams, I can know that God is sitting right their beside me or in me - just as in the case of Moses.
Man, I really liked that description of God sitting near Moses and them checking things out, Him holding Moses as he breathed his last. Brought tears to my eyes. It's a very gentle, snuggling pic of our Papa.
ReplyDeleteEsther is a great reminder to me of how quickly circumstances can change. I guess all the Bible stories are like that. God is above circumstances so I need to learn, like Paul, to be content in whatever kind I find myself in. All because of my trust in the One who controls them.
ReplyDeleteFor me, and probably most of us, it's true that I learn this faster and deeper through adverse circumstances. JC had a great line for this and then Phillipians 4:11-13 sealed it.
"Accept each day just as it comes to you. Do not waste your time and energy wishing for a different set of circumstances. Instead, trust Me enough to yield to My design and purpose. Remember that nothing can separate you from My loving Presence; you are Mine." p240
The yielding part is what's hard for me and I know, only the tough times bring me to a point of knowing I have to yield or I'll lose everything. The funny thing is that peace comes with yielding. It's like welcoming Jesus into your heart instead of trying to barricade the door to keep Him out. One way is very stressful and the other is stress-free. Funny how I tend to choose the stressful way more. I profess much more intelligence, but my actions reveal my ignorance.
The commentators in Phil 4 bring out that Paul said true contentment is learned. Very true. Application is where education is best acquired. I'm a stubborn student, but I'm so glad God is more stubborn about my salvation.
What a WONDERFUL call to praise on this special day! If we would praise like this every day; then EVERY day would be special!!
ReplyDeleteI loved verse 4 "For the Eternal is listening, and nothing pleases Him more than His people" it's exciting to know that our praises to God are for HIM! Not just for us, for the people we praise with -- but for HIM and HE's listening!
"Let His faithful followers erupt in praise, singing triumphantly" put that together with with the line "God has won, Christ prevailed" we have a LOT to praise once we stop naval-gazing and focus on Him.
and I love it in 150 when it says, "No one should be left out; Let every man and every beast (Toby) - - every creature that has the breath of the Lord -- praise the Eternal" Awesome!!
and finally, I appreciated the commenter saying, "Praise is what God created us to do; it is one of our highest purposes in life" Now that made me stop and readjust. It isn't making money, fame, a nice shelter, enough food -- it's simply PRAISE (thinking right now of Paul and Silas in the prison!)
I liked the question about worship. Is ours too reserved or quiet? Guess it depends which ditch you are currently residing. Balance is a lifelong quest for me that only works when I keep focused on Jesus. Like trying to walk a log, balance is affected so easily and so quickly that one can land on either side at any given time. When there are railings, you tend to walk quicker and more confidently. There is really no problem with balance per se. Without the railing, it's pretty slow going and a lot more focus is required to stay on the log. I can see great spiritual applications with all those examples but the trick for me is staying focused and connected with Jesus.
ReplyDeleteI caught up with Ps and then read S of S. Then turned to JC. Just some really good stuff for me right now in numerous pages. But here's some excerpts.
"Expect to encounter adversity...stop trying to find a way that circumvents difficulties. The main problem with an easy life is that it masks your need for Me...Allow Me to fight for you." p241
"I want you to view trials as exercises designed to develop your trust muscles. You live in the midst of fierce spiritual battles and fear is one of Satan's favorite weapons."
Well - these last few weeks have been pretty spotty when it comes to reading/posting - so thought I would finish strong in Acts:)
ReplyDeleteI remember posting last year how impressed Julius seemed with Paul -- allowing Paul to gather the men, saving him once the ship had broken up. And -- everyone on the boat found courage from Paul - he must have been very calm through this storm, and they wanted what he had. (I remember in younger years being afraid of commercial flying - but I kept watching the stewardess/steward; I figured if they were calm - I was all right) So, my thinking is - all eyes were on Paul, and when he spoke they WANTED to hear what he had to say, wanted to know why he was so calm. "A fresh surge of courage seems to fill their hearts"
The Maltese were blessed in their kindness, that's for sure - - and Publius hosted 276 people for 3 days! I'm thinking of all the food he must have prepared! But here's what REALLY caught my eye -- "We stayed on Malta for the next three months.
So Paul had a captive audience for 3 months. Knowing what we do about Paul -- he used that time to build friendships, build confidence and to teach teach teach. He had a heart for people and I bet many people were convinced that Jesus was their only hope. I've never thought before of this storm being God's way to save the sailers, the prisoners, the Maltese - - but it would not surprise em at all:)
My storms might be God's way to reach someone else - so Lord - keep me from whining! Help me instead to see the possibilities!
excellent application there. So true, we never know what and who we affect as we weather our storms in life.
DeleteThere is no fear between the Romans and Paul. They treat each other with respect. Julius even letting Paul go and visit friends on the way to Rome. It's the religious leaders who reject Paul and they rejected Jesus, but both of their captors wanted to release them and realized they were innocent. Very interesting how hatred and anger blinds us to the truth.
ReplyDeleteSince Paul had been told by an angel that he would appear before the emperor, when the snake bit him, Paul didn't panic. He just brushed it off and trusted God. The Maltese people show just how we are today. If we see it, we believe it. No faith. Just like in Jesus' day..."if you show us a sign, it will help us believe..." Very true portrayal of our fickleness that hasn't changed for centuries.
Another year done. Good lessons learned. Now it's up to me to listen to the HS as He reminds me of them and how to apply them.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year as well!! It's been a fun journey:) Funny how we both posted at 6:31!!
ReplyDeleteand replied to each other at 6:33 LOL
ReplyDelete