Mark 4-5
Jesus is so facinating to me as a person, and like the disciples felt sometimes, a little confusing. I've gone through a few miracles already, but with the ones I have remaining I am going to kind of outline them. The reactions of the people and to Jesus are all unique.
Miracle: Calming the Sea
Who: The Disciples
Where: Sea (not sure of exact sea in this account)
What Happened: Jesus and the disciples got into a ship before leaving Jesus said "Let us pass over unto the other side." Jesus is asleep in the back on a ship on a pillow and a great storm arises with a surety of shipwreck. The disciples awake him and say "carest not that we perish?" Jesus wakes us and rebukes the wind with "Peace, be still". The wind ceases.
Faith factor: None/ Jesus says to them, "Why ar ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?"
Disciples' Response: Feared exceedingly that the winds and sea obey him.
Jesus' Response: none
Friday, November 13, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Prayer and Faith
Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3
I admit...I am not great at praying, in fact, to be honest, probably my greatest sin is prayerlessness. I don't know why I struggle with it so much. Is it laziness to put the time aside? Is it that I don't believe my prayers will get answered? It is because I don't want to really do it? I don't know. But I am constantly searching for truths about prayer. To me, prayer is such a fine balance of acceptance of God's will and boldness of faith that it will happen. I don't know if I can quite put it into words, but what I mean is, that I know God answers prayer; I know He can answer prayer, but I also know that sometimes my requests are not His will, so He will not answer it the way that I want---not because I don't have faith, but because His will is perfect. So, I guess, sometimes I hesitate to ask or beseech Him because I know He will ultimately do what is best. But maybe that is my job....to seek Him, ask Him, and then His will is done.
I see an example of prayer here in Mark 1 when a leper comes to him...
1:40 And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.
What if that leper would have never kneeled down and asked? He may have never been healed, even though Jesus was fully able to. I am sure there were other lepers that were never healed because they never asked.
I see the leper's sense of prayer...he kneeled down; he was humble. Beseeching him. To me that is different than just asking...it's an urgent plea.
His words are so important "If thou WILST, thou CANST make me clean." If it's Your will, I know You can, Jesus.
So things, I've learned from this leper about prayer...
1. I need to ask (pray).
2. I need to be humble.
3. I need to be urgent about it.
4. I need to acknowledge His will is best.
5. I need to have faith that He can!
Thank You, Abba, for teaching me this since it was just yesterday that I was discussing the struggle I was having with prayer and faith.
I admit...I am not great at praying, in fact, to be honest, probably my greatest sin is prayerlessness. I don't know why I struggle with it so much. Is it laziness to put the time aside? Is it that I don't believe my prayers will get answered? It is because I don't want to really do it? I don't know. But I am constantly searching for truths about prayer. To me, prayer is such a fine balance of acceptance of God's will and boldness of faith that it will happen. I don't know if I can quite put it into words, but what I mean is, that I know God answers prayer; I know He can answer prayer, but I also know that sometimes my requests are not His will, so He will not answer it the way that I want---not because I don't have faith, but because His will is perfect. So, I guess, sometimes I hesitate to ask or beseech Him because I know He will ultimately do what is best. But maybe that is my job....to seek Him, ask Him, and then His will is done.
I see an example of prayer here in Mark 1 when a leper comes to him...
1:40 And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.
What if that leper would have never kneeled down and asked? He may have never been healed, even though Jesus was fully able to. I am sure there were other lepers that were never healed because they never asked.
I see the leper's sense of prayer...he kneeled down; he was humble. Beseeching him. To me that is different than just asking...it's an urgent plea.
His words are so important "If thou WILST, thou CANST make me clean." If it's Your will, I know You can, Jesus.
So things, I've learned from this leper about prayer...
1. I need to ask (pray).
2. I need to be humble.
3. I need to be urgent about it.
4. I need to acknowledge His will is best.
5. I need to have faith that He can!
Thank You, Abba, for teaching me this since it was just yesterday that I was discussing the struggle I was having with prayer and faith.
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Right Time
Matthew 2
I just read about how the wise men came to see Jesus after his birth. Through the wise men, King Herod heard about Jesus and sought to destroy him, so an angel told Joseph to take his family and go to Egypt until Herod's death, so that Jesus' life would be spared from Herod's destruction.
Holy Spirit, You called to my attention of wondering why didn't God let Jesus die then? He was still perfect at that time...a seeming satisfying perfect, undeserving sacrifice to pay for our sins as was required. A few reasons came to mind...
1. There were still prophesies to be fulfilled. The pieces of the puzzle had to all be put together about who the Messiah was that God talked about so often in the Old Testament.
2. Even Jesus was chosen to go through trials to make Your will done...then it should be no surprise when my life is the same.
3. All the miracles would have never been done...He wouldn't have touched the lives He did. While I enjoy the journey and sometimes endure what life has in store for me, I may be here to help someone along the way.
4. The fellowship of His suffering wouldn't be real if He would have never endured the things He did. Because He went through a lot, I know He understands when I go through things too.
Abba your timing is always so perfect...always right on time...and to EVERYTHING there is a purpose...a plan. Thank You. I love You, Abba!
I just read about how the wise men came to see Jesus after his birth. Through the wise men, King Herod heard about Jesus and sought to destroy him, so an angel told Joseph to take his family and go to Egypt until Herod's death, so that Jesus' life would be spared from Herod's destruction.
Holy Spirit, You called to my attention of wondering why didn't God let Jesus die then? He was still perfect at that time...a seeming satisfying perfect, undeserving sacrifice to pay for our sins as was required. A few reasons came to mind...
1. There were still prophesies to be fulfilled. The pieces of the puzzle had to all be put together about who the Messiah was that God talked about so often in the Old Testament.
2. Even Jesus was chosen to go through trials to make Your will done...then it should be no surprise when my life is the same.
3. All the miracles would have never been done...He wouldn't have touched the lives He did. While I enjoy the journey and sometimes endure what life has in store for me, I may be here to help someone along the way.
4. The fellowship of His suffering wouldn't be real if He would have never endured the things He did. Because He went through a lot, I know He understands when I go through things too.
Abba your timing is always so perfect...always right on time...and to EVERYTHING there is a purpose...a plan. Thank You. I love You, Abba!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
How To Face Critics
Nehemiah 1-7
Poor Nehemiah, he was just trying to do right by rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and helping to solve the injustice that was happening inside those gates. You would think that everyone would be praising him for his good deeds, but instead from some he faced criticism. Those fools Sanballat and Tobiah tried everything they could to get him to stop working.
1. First, they mocked him to his face.
2:19 But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?
Nehemiah's reaction: Boldness of God's Presence and His Enemies Worth
2:20 Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will rise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.
Hahahaha, I love it! Nehemiah put those fools in their place! "God's with us, his servants, and not you...now leave me alone!"
2. They mocked him behind his back.
4:1-3 But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. And the spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make and end in a day? will they revive the stones out of heaps of the rubbish which are burned? Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.
Nehemiah's reaction: Prayer that God Would Take Care of Them
4:4 Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity: And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders.
He just took it to God and asked Him to take care of them.
3. They planned physical attack.
4:8 And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it.
Nehemiah's reaction: Prayed again, prepared to defend themselves, and encouraged his followers.
4:9 Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night because of them.
Nehemiah was prepared for a fight, and even had to stop for a little bit to defend themselves against these people. He reminded the Jews who was fighting for them and who they were fighting for.
4:14 "Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.
The enemies found out that their plans were known, so they couldn't surprise attack them like they planned, but Nehemiah and the builders continued the work...a hammer in one hand and a weapon in the other...always ready for a fight.
4. They tried the "buddy" approach.
6:2 ...let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.
Nehemiah's reaction: Remembered they were the enemies and continued working
6:3 And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you? Yet they sent unto me four times after his sort; and I answered them after the same manner.
Nehemiah still continued working away and wouldn't be fooled by their antics.
5. They made up lies about him.
6:6 It is reported among the heathen....that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.
Nehemiah's reaction: He called him out.
6:8 There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart
I think what I learn the most out of all this is that critics....are constant and they will constantly try to play on my emotions. But my work and mission (whatever it may be) is not decided on emotion, so therefore it cannot be swayed by emotion (fear, anger, jealousy, etc.). Nehemiah wouldn't have been able to stand against his critics if he wasn't sure that God had sent him to do the work. So actually it wasn't Nehemiah's reaction that was so important (other than I see that he never had an emotional reaction); it was his providence. He knew what God wanted him to do, and no matter what challenges he faced or critics he had to stand against; it did not waiver him.
Critics are sure to come when I try to do something for the Lord. Whether it's principles in which I have in raising children, how I dress, how I spend my time, etc. I must not let my critics play into my emotions. Emotions didn't cause me to believe what I believe so therefore emotions should not cause me to stop!
Poor Nehemiah, he was just trying to do right by rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and helping to solve the injustice that was happening inside those gates. You would think that everyone would be praising him for his good deeds, but instead from some he faced criticism. Those fools Sanballat and Tobiah tried everything they could to get him to stop working.
1. First, they mocked him to his face.
2:19 But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?
Nehemiah's reaction: Boldness of God's Presence and His Enemies Worth
2:20 Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will rise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.
Hahahaha, I love it! Nehemiah put those fools in their place! "God's with us, his servants, and not you...now leave me alone!"
2. They mocked him behind his back.
4:1-3 But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. And the spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make and end in a day? will they revive the stones out of heaps of the rubbish which are burned? Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.
Nehemiah's reaction: Prayer that God Would Take Care of Them
4:4 Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity: And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders.
He just took it to God and asked Him to take care of them.
3. They planned physical attack.
4:8 And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it.
Nehemiah's reaction: Prayed again, prepared to defend themselves, and encouraged his followers.
4:9 Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night because of them.
Nehemiah was prepared for a fight, and even had to stop for a little bit to defend themselves against these people. He reminded the Jews who was fighting for them and who they were fighting for.
4:14 "Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.
The enemies found out that their plans were known, so they couldn't surprise attack them like they planned, but Nehemiah and the builders continued the work...a hammer in one hand and a weapon in the other...always ready for a fight.
4. They tried the "buddy" approach.
6:2 ...let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.
Nehemiah's reaction: Remembered they were the enemies and continued working
6:3 And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you? Yet they sent unto me four times after his sort; and I answered them after the same manner.
Nehemiah still continued working away and wouldn't be fooled by their antics.
5. They made up lies about him.
6:6 It is reported among the heathen....that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.
Nehemiah's reaction: He called him out.
6:8 There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart
I think what I learn the most out of all this is that critics....are constant and they will constantly try to play on my emotions. But my work and mission (whatever it may be) is not decided on emotion, so therefore it cannot be swayed by emotion (fear, anger, jealousy, etc.). Nehemiah wouldn't have been able to stand against his critics if he wasn't sure that God had sent him to do the work. So actually it wasn't Nehemiah's reaction that was so important (other than I see that he never had an emotional reaction); it was his providence. He knew what God wanted him to do, and no matter what challenges he faced or critics he had to stand against; it did not waiver him.
Critics are sure to come when I try to do something for the Lord. Whether it's principles in which I have in raising children, how I dress, how I spend my time, etc. I must not let my critics play into my emotions. Emotions didn't cause me to believe what I believe so therefore emotions should not cause me to stop!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Bunch of Dimwits!
Haggai
The prophet Haggai is talking to the governor of Judah, and to Joshua, the son of the high priest. The temple of the Lord had been destroyed by the Babylonians. Now it was time to rebuild it. I guess the people of Judah were saying, "It's not time to build the Lord's house."
Haggai reminds them of the low estate they have put themselves into...
1:5-6 Now therefore thus said the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages [to put in] into a bag with holes.
In other words, "Hey you, Dimwits! The path you're headed down isn't working for you! Why not try obeying the Lord and quit putting it off!"
The spirits of these men that Haggai spoke with were stirred up and all the people, so they decided to build the house of the Lord.
At the end God reminds them of where they were before...the trials they endured and the troubles because of their disobedience. But He also promises that He with be with them and will conquer the kingdoms of the heathen if they continue to obey.
At first, I must admit, I get out my pointer finger and think of all THOSE PEOPLE who are SO stupid and keep bucking against the Lord and keep putting off doing right. I look at them and see their lives in ruin and waste and common sense wants to scream at them and say, "You Dimwit! Obviously the direction you are taking isn't working out so well! Why not live for the LORD!!" (Whew! That felt kinda good to get that off my chest!)
But I have really tried to not so much focus on what other people's faults are as I read the Bible this year, but to look inside myself. What sort of "dimwit" things am I doing? The people of Judah were "waiting" to obey, probably wanting for things to be convenient before they obeyed. Never gonna happen! I think of the times that I thought, "If I had my own little quiet spot and a nice comfy chair, I would pray more." Let me testify, that's not true. (I've played that game.) If I won't obey and do the things I know to do when it's not convenient; I won't do it when it is. "Oh, if I had lots of money, I could save it and get ahead." Nope! (I have since learned from that last one, and doing so much better thanks to the principles on money in Your Word.)
Excuse me while I stir myself up, "Bridgett, quit making excuses and do those things you know to do! Obey God. You know when you do it, it always makes things a lot easier! Pray more consistently, Bridgett. Obey the Holy Spirit right away when He prompts you to witness to someone. Shut your mouth when you have a negative thought in your head. Let encouraging words flow freely from your lips and quit being stingy with them."
Ahh... that felt good. The best part of it all, that when I obey Him---I get to enjoy His presence and blessing. And that feels soooooo much better than going my way and being on my own.
The prophet Haggai is talking to the governor of Judah, and to Joshua, the son of the high priest. The temple of the Lord had been destroyed by the Babylonians. Now it was time to rebuild it. I guess the people of Judah were saying, "It's not time to build the Lord's house."
Haggai reminds them of the low estate they have put themselves into...
1:5-6 Now therefore thus said the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages [to put in] into a bag with holes.
In other words, "Hey you, Dimwits! The path you're headed down isn't working for you! Why not try obeying the Lord and quit putting it off!"
The spirits of these men that Haggai spoke with were stirred up and all the people, so they decided to build the house of the Lord.
At the end God reminds them of where they were before...the trials they endured and the troubles because of their disobedience. But He also promises that He with be with them and will conquer the kingdoms of the heathen if they continue to obey.
At first, I must admit, I get out my pointer finger and think of all THOSE PEOPLE who are SO stupid and keep bucking against the Lord and keep putting off doing right. I look at them and see their lives in ruin and waste and common sense wants to scream at them and say, "You Dimwit! Obviously the direction you are taking isn't working out so well! Why not live for the LORD!!" (Whew! That felt kinda good to get that off my chest!)
But I have really tried to not so much focus on what other people's faults are as I read the Bible this year, but to look inside myself. What sort of "dimwit" things am I doing? The people of Judah were "waiting" to obey, probably wanting for things to be convenient before they obeyed. Never gonna happen! I think of the times that I thought, "If I had my own little quiet spot and a nice comfy chair, I would pray more." Let me testify, that's not true. (I've played that game.) If I won't obey and do the things I know to do when it's not convenient; I won't do it when it is. "Oh, if I had lots of money, I could save it and get ahead." Nope! (I have since learned from that last one, and doing so much better thanks to the principles on money in Your Word.)
Excuse me while I stir myself up, "Bridgett, quit making excuses and do those things you know to do! Obey God. You know when you do it, it always makes things a lot easier! Pray more consistently, Bridgett. Obey the Holy Spirit right away when He prompts you to witness to someone. Shut your mouth when you have a negative thought in your head. Let encouraging words flow freely from your lips and quit being stingy with them."
Ahh... that felt good. The best part of it all, that when I obey Him---I get to enjoy His presence and blessing. And that feels soooooo much better than going my way and being on my own.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Prov 8:36 "But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death."
Self-inflicting wounds...that's what I think of when I read this verse. Self-bondage...masochistic (had to look up how to spell that one. :) ) christians.
It seems silly to choose to do wrong, I am not just hurting my heavenly Father and rgose around me, but truly I am hurting myself.
Self-inflicting wounds...that's what I think of when I read this verse. Self-bondage...masochistic (had to look up how to spell that one. :) ) christians.
It seems silly to choose to do wrong, I am not just hurting my heavenly Father and rgose around me, but truly I am hurting myself.
Ezek 41-46
Lots of proof in these scriptures that God believes in order and having a plan. Every measurement of the temple was exact and the requirements for the holiness of the priests were exact too. Why? I figure because everything stood for something. The sacrifices were pictures of Jesus and his perfection...a bad picture would mar the true meaning.
I think of that in my own life...I am supposed to be a little picture of Jesus...ouch! Sometimes I don't do so well. My lack of compassion, my prayerlessness certainly don't represent Him well. Abba, forgive me for falling behind so bad this month on my Bible meditating. Even though the reading of Ezekiel can seem boring an uninspiring at times...if I just think and meditate like today, I can certainly get something challenging from Your word. I love You, Abba!
Lots of proof in these scriptures that God believes in order and having a plan. Every measurement of the temple was exact and the requirements for the holiness of the priests were exact too. Why? I figure because everything stood for something. The sacrifices were pictures of Jesus and his perfection...a bad picture would mar the true meaning.
I think of that in my own life...I am supposed to be a little picture of Jesus...ouch! Sometimes I don't do so well. My lack of compassion, my prayerlessness certainly don't represent Him well. Abba, forgive me for falling behind so bad this month on my Bible meditating. Even though the reading of Ezekiel can seem boring an uninspiring at times...if I just think and meditate like today, I can certainly get something challenging from Your word. I love You, Abba!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Ezekiel 21-22
It's obvious God, that with You things are black and white. So often we try to grey the lonesd lines of right and wrong. This is so against Your character. The priests of Israel were being destroyed because they put no difference between the holy and profane...the clean and the unclean. I was just thinking that it didn't explain their reasons for doing that, so I guess truth be told that it matters not that if I am trying to "reach out" to someone by being like them...there should be a distinct difference between a saved and unsaved person. Not just in my dress, but also in my attitude (ouch need that conviction) and in my spirit. Abba thats what I am going to focus on today. Help me to have an obvious difference in my attitude as a saved person today. The joy of the LORD is my strength!
It's obvious God, that with You things are black and white. So often we try to grey the lonesd lines of right and wrong. This is so against Your character. The priests of Israel were being destroyed because they put no difference between the holy and profane...the clean and the unclean. I was just thinking that it didn't explain their reasons for doing that, so I guess truth be told that it matters not that if I am trying to "reach out" to someone by being like them...there should be a distinct difference between a saved and unsaved person. Not just in my dress, but also in my attitude (ouch need that conviction) and in my spirit. Abba thats what I am going to focus on today. Help me to have an obvious difference in my attitude as a saved person today. The joy of the LORD is my strength!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Jer 51-52
The destruction of judah by babylon. Gret detail was given on how they destroyed the temple. I think of all the labor and riches that went into it. How sad it must have been to see it torn to pieces! Sadly though they were warned..they had long forsaken, you whom the temple was built for. I think of how it relates to our body the temple. Its no wonder our bodies are destroyed when we forsake you who keeps us clean and from destruction.
By the same token i was encouraged by this telling of history. I am so glad you weren't destroyed when the temple was. You are still alive and reign. You are some lifeless statue or building--you are a real living saviour! And when i do find my temple in need of repairs, you can help me.
The destruction of judah by babylon. Gret detail was given on how they destroyed the temple. I think of all the labor and riches that went into it. How sad it must have been to see it torn to pieces! Sadly though they were warned..they had long forsaken, you whom the temple was built for. I think of how it relates to our body the temple. Its no wonder our bodies are destroyed when we forsake you who keeps us clean and from destruction.
By the same token i was encouraged by this telling of history. I am so glad you weren't destroyed when the temple was. You are still alive and reign. You are some lifeless statue or building--you are a real living saviour! And when i do find my temple in need of repairs, you can help me.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Jer 6-9
Abba You are the King of metaphors...literally. LOL I noticed some great ones tonight while reading. "Break up your fallow gorund" Whata perfect pictire of our hearts. I think of my garden (actually it's more of a weed bed) it's pretty dispicable. It's so overgrown with weeds...it really needs an overhaul of the ground broken up. It's a breeding ground for weeds due to the root system its lavished underneath the soil. If I tried to plant something nre to grow, I'm sure the weeds would choke it out. So true with my christian life. I can try to implement something good, but if my heart is not prepared to "grow" it--little cahnce there will be of it taking root. Abba help me to weed out and clean up to put good things in.
Another metaphor kinda similar "circumcize the foreskin of your heart". I understand now why circumcision was important in the life of the Jew. It was a picture to say he was open and clean. Foreskin I think of as a barrier...a coating that keeps things out, but it should not be that way with my heart and the Lord. Abba, here is my heart...take it help it to be open and receptive of whatever You want.
Abba You are the King of metaphors...literally. LOL I noticed some great ones tonight while reading. "Break up your fallow gorund" Whata perfect pictire of our hearts. I think of my garden (actually it's more of a weed bed) it's pretty dispicable. It's so overgrown with weeds...it really needs an overhaul of the ground broken up. It's a breeding ground for weeds due to the root system its lavished underneath the soil. If I tried to plant something nre to grow, I'm sure the weeds would choke it out. So true with my christian life. I can try to implement something good, but if my heart is not prepared to "grow" it--little cahnce there will be of it taking root. Abba help me to weed out and clean up to put good things in.
Another metaphor kinda similar "circumcize the foreskin of your heart". I understand now why circumcision was important in the life of the Jew. It was a picture to say he was open and clean. Foreskin I think of as a barrier...a coating that keeps things out, but it should not be that way with my heart and the Lord. Abba, here is my heart...take it help it to be open and receptive of whatever You want.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
I Have Seen Thy Tears
Oh man! I have so much that I have learned in the last few days from Bible reading and circumstances that I feel like my cup is so full that I must spill it out before I can gather more to fill it. :)
Yesterday, a friend was relaying her excitement about the LORD opening up and unexpected door after it seemingly seemed that all doors were closed. She was content and at peace with the doors being shut, though, if that was God's will. It so reminded me of the many times You did that for me, LORD. I was searching, searching, and searching trying to find Your will (well actually Your will than conveniently coincided with what I wanted to be Your will). I would always have a "worst door" situation that I didn't want to go through, but it wasn't until I had completely surrendered to going through that "worst door" that You then showed me what You wanted and often it ended up being what I wanted in the first place. It reminds me of the story of Abraham surrendering Issac. He was willing to do the "worst" to show his obedience and love for You, but it wasn't Issac that You wanted. You wanted to see in action Abraham's heart of obedience and strong devotion. I was trying to remember all the times I was put in the "worst door" dilemma...when I was deciding to stay or go after graduation, when I decided to come home after being in Indiana, when You showed me who I was going to marry. Abba, help m ealways to be open to the "worst door" situation to show that I still love You and that I still believe that You are in control.
Next overflowing...Hezekiah...I was so impressed when I was reading about him last night. It's amazing how he had Your ear God. He was told he was going to die by Isaiah the prophet. After he left the room it says that Hezekiah cried and prayed to You and before Isaiah could even leave the house You tell Isaiah
2 Kings 20:5
Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee:..
Wow! What a quick answer to prayer, but I also love the way this shows how personal You are. "I have seen thy tears." God, that's comforting to know that You see me cry. To know some one has tears down their face, You have to stare at them. You have to watch them for some time to even notice. Abba, thank You for not only seeing my tears like Hezekiah but also "hearing" and responding to my tears. You are so gentle and so kind. I love You so much!!
Yesterday, a friend was relaying her excitement about the LORD opening up and unexpected door after it seemingly seemed that all doors were closed. She was content and at peace with the doors being shut, though, if that was God's will. It so reminded me of the many times You did that for me, LORD. I was searching, searching, and searching trying to find Your will (well actually Your will than conveniently coincided with what I wanted to be Your will). I would always have a "worst door" situation that I didn't want to go through, but it wasn't until I had completely surrendered to going through that "worst door" that You then showed me what You wanted and often it ended up being what I wanted in the first place. It reminds me of the story of Abraham surrendering Issac. He was willing to do the "worst" to show his obedience and love for You, but it wasn't Issac that You wanted. You wanted to see in action Abraham's heart of obedience and strong devotion. I was trying to remember all the times I was put in the "worst door" dilemma...when I was deciding to stay or go after graduation, when I decided to come home after being in Indiana, when You showed me who I was going to marry. Abba, help m ealways to be open to the "worst door" situation to show that I still love You and that I still believe that You are in control.
Next overflowing...Hezekiah...I was so impressed when I was reading about him last night. It's amazing how he had Your ear God. He was told he was going to die by Isaiah the prophet. After he left the room it says that Hezekiah cried and prayed to You and before Isaiah could even leave the house You tell Isaiah
2 Kings 20:5
Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee:..
Wow! What a quick answer to prayer, but I also love the way this shows how personal You are. "I have seen thy tears." God, that's comforting to know that You see me cry. To know some one has tears down their face, You have to stare at them. You have to watch them for some time to even notice. Abba, thank You for not only seeing my tears like Hezekiah but also "hearing" and responding to my tears. You are so gentle and so kind. I love You so much!!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Isaiah 54-58
Ouch this was a convicting one today. Really made me look at myself and wonder what my real motives are. God spoke of the children of Israel and the fact that they fasted--they even "seeked Him daily and his ordinances" the Bible says, but God knew their motives. It was for "their pleasure". It was a fast to get what they wanted...not a fast of repentance or a fast doing good will to others. Even their works on the sabbath...not for others but just to fulfill their own desires.
Abba, forgive me for so often being guilty of the same thing. I am so used to "the routine of doing good" that often my motives aren't pure and my heart is caught seeking my own desires. Help me to change. Help me to have a conscious awareness of my motives for all I do--even if it is part of a routine.
Ouch this was a convicting one today. Really made me look at myself and wonder what my real motives are. God spoke of the children of Israel and the fact that they fasted--they even "seeked Him daily and his ordinances" the Bible says, but God knew their motives. It was for "their pleasure". It was a fast to get what they wanted...not a fast of repentance or a fast doing good will to others. Even their works on the sabbath...not for others but just to fulfill their own desires.
Abba, forgive me for so often being guilty of the same thing. I am so used to "the routine of doing good" that often my motives aren't pure and my heart is caught seeking my own desires. Help me to change. Help me to have a conscious awareness of my motives for all I do--even if it is part of a routine.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Ok....I changed my mind. I love reading the book of Isaiah, atleast the latter chapters for sure. First of all I love all the references that prove how God formed me and made me even before I was in the womb. I know that God created me for a specific purpose. Secondly I am reminded of how much He cares for me...He's not just my creator, Father but He's my Daddy..my Abba. He holds me, He leads me, He "has graven me upon the palm of his hand". Wow! He loves me. Thirdly, Iam reminded of the awesomeness of his sacrifice...He bore the iniquities of all, chastised for our peace. I had to dwell on that for awhile...iniquities of all...i can think of some pretty vile sins that men have committed and been put in prison or killed for and then theres all those "little sins" of everyone throughout time. What a weight! What a burden! But You did it Lord and I am so thankful. Help me LORD today to show my gratitude by sharing that gift with someone else. I love You, Abba!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Are You Thirsty?
Isaiah 44-48
44:3 For I will pour my spirit upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:
I heard this verse in college often. I am reminded of how there must be someone that is thirsty to receive the spirit or a dry ground for there to be refreshment. Sometimes I get so full of the world or other things that honestly I'm not really that thirsty. I'm not dry and longing for refreshment. I think that's a hard balance in the Christian life...learning to constantly weed out the distractions so that your life can be empty long enough for Jesus to fill it.
Abba help me to be really thirsty. I know that sometimes means bringing trials into my life to where I find myself thirsty, but I would much rather have a trial and Your spirit rather than an empty, dry barren life that shows no reflection of You.
45:10-11 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? Woe unto him that saith unto his father, What begettest thou? or the to the woman, What hast though brought forth?
Acceptance. I have no control over the way I was born, the family I was born into, but what I can do is accept it. Abba, thank You for teaching me this early on in life and not living with the "victim" syndrome all my life. You designed everything for a reason and for a purpose. Thank You.
48:21 And they thirsted not when he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them: he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out. There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.
Funny how this verse says what I was thinking earlier...You bring us through trials to make us thirsty. Sad though how the children of Israel were brought through the trial but yet it still didn't make them thirsty. I've seen that in people's lives sometimes. Trials make them bitter instead of better. Instead of turning to God they turn against God. Oh LORD, help me never to do that. Strike me dead before I hurt Your precious name. I don't want to leave a legacy like that. As You said, there is no peace to the wicked.
To sum today's reading up....Help me to be thirsty by accepting what You have brought into my life and turn to You the quench that thirst. I love You, Abba.
44:3 For I will pour my spirit upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:
I heard this verse in college often. I am reminded of how there must be someone that is thirsty to receive the spirit or a dry ground for there to be refreshment. Sometimes I get so full of the world or other things that honestly I'm not really that thirsty. I'm not dry and longing for refreshment. I think that's a hard balance in the Christian life...learning to constantly weed out the distractions so that your life can be empty long enough for Jesus to fill it.
Abba help me to be really thirsty. I know that sometimes means bringing trials into my life to where I find myself thirsty, but I would much rather have a trial and Your spirit rather than an empty, dry barren life that shows no reflection of You.
45:10-11 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? Woe unto him that saith unto his father, What begettest thou? or the to the woman, What hast though brought forth?
Acceptance. I have no control over the way I was born, the family I was born into, but what I can do is accept it. Abba, thank You for teaching me this early on in life and not living with the "victim" syndrome all my life. You designed everything for a reason and for a purpose. Thank You.
48:21 And they thirsted not when he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them: he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out. There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.
Funny how this verse says what I was thinking earlier...You bring us through trials to make us thirsty. Sad though how the children of Israel were brought through the trial but yet it still didn't make them thirsty. I've seen that in people's lives sometimes. Trials make them bitter instead of better. Instead of turning to God they turn against God. Oh LORD, help me never to do that. Strike me dead before I hurt Your precious name. I don't want to leave a legacy like that. As You said, there is no peace to the wicked.
To sum today's reading up....Help me to be thirsty by accepting what You have brought into my life and turn to You the quench that thirst. I love You, Abba.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
God's Hands
Isaiah 41-43
41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
To me, the right hand is always a picture of the strongest side---the best side. God upholding me with His right hand tells me that He is right there (literally...LOL) and is giving His best side to me to hold me up.
He assures me again...
41:13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
Obviously if He is holding my right hand, I am now on His left side meaning to me that God is all around me. His right hand holding me...Him holding my right hand.
This verse cracked me up...
41:13 Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
I don't know what spiritual application I am supposed to get from that, but it makes me laugh that You, Lord, called them a worm and then promised to help them. Makes me think of a mom saying, "Quit whining you, brat, here's your lunch." Maybe it helps me to know that sometimes God gets "fed up" too. Well, maybe there is a more spiritual word for "fed up" but I can't think of one. :)
43:2 When thou passest through the water, I will be with thee; and through the river, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flames kindle upon thee.
In this verse, God doesn't promise me that I won't go through the waters and fires, but that when I do, they shall not overwhelm me or destroy me. Trials are sure to come, problems, burdens inevitably come, but they are only to make God's presence more real to me.
I think also of Psalm 13 where it says "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou are with me"
Sure, I feel close to my husband when we are walking side by side on a breezy beautiful day, but it's when we are in the midst of trouble and he holds me and assures me that everything will be okay that I feel the closest to him. Such is the same with my wonderful Saviour.
43:7 Even everyone that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
Wow!! To really think about that...I wasn't just a mass production from God. He formed me. Every little detail He decided. Like piece of clay wielded in the potter's hand. All for His glory. I've never been one of those that hates this or that about my body, I guess, I'm pretty content with the way that I was made, but when I do despise those moles :) I can remember they are God's thumbprint on me. :)
All these verses beautifully tie together in helping me to understand the work of Your hands, LORD. They hold me, they help me, and they form me. What a reassuring thought to know that Your hands continue to hold and guide me even today. LORD, help me to be aware of Your hand and willing to hold it to lead me today. I love You, Abba.
41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
To me, the right hand is always a picture of the strongest side---the best side. God upholding me with His right hand tells me that He is right there (literally...LOL) and is giving His best side to me to hold me up.
He assures me again...
41:13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
Obviously if He is holding my right hand, I am now on His left side meaning to me that God is all around me. His right hand holding me...Him holding my right hand.
This verse cracked me up...
41:13 Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
I don't know what spiritual application I am supposed to get from that, but it makes me laugh that You, Lord, called them a worm and then promised to help them. Makes me think of a mom saying, "Quit whining you, brat, here's your lunch." Maybe it helps me to know that sometimes God gets "fed up" too. Well, maybe there is a more spiritual word for "fed up" but I can't think of one. :)
43:2 When thou passest through the water, I will be with thee; and through the river, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flames kindle upon thee.
In this verse, God doesn't promise me that I won't go through the waters and fires, but that when I do, they shall not overwhelm me or destroy me. Trials are sure to come, problems, burdens inevitably come, but they are only to make God's presence more real to me.
I think also of Psalm 13 where it says "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou are with me"
Sure, I feel close to my husband when we are walking side by side on a breezy beautiful day, but it's when we are in the midst of trouble and he holds me and assures me that everything will be okay that I feel the closest to him. Such is the same with my wonderful Saviour.
43:7 Even everyone that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
Wow!! To really think about that...I wasn't just a mass production from God. He formed me. Every little detail He decided. Like piece of clay wielded in the potter's hand. All for His glory. I've never been one of those that hates this or that about my body, I guess, I'm pretty content with the way that I was made, but when I do despise those moles :) I can remember they are God's thumbprint on me. :)
All these verses beautifully tie together in helping me to understand the work of Your hands, LORD. They hold me, they help me, and they form me. What a reassuring thought to know that Your hands continue to hold and guide me even today. LORD, help me to be aware of Your hand and willing to hold it to lead me today. I love You, Abba.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Steady Words, Sweet Embraces & Unwaivering Strength
Isaiah 40-43
40:7 "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever."
I've memorized and have heard that verse a thousand times, as I read it, though, I am extremely thankful for the unchangingness of Your word, LORD. In this world that changes its opinion and standard constantly---a society that allows time to erode away principles, I am so thankful for a Bible that is constant. A standard that I can always turn to that NEVER changes. Maybe I appreciate that more and more the older I get as I see people and society constantly changing.
40:11 "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lanmbs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young."
I love the picture that this gives me of You. LORD--Your gentle embrace and loving hand to guide. "Carry them in his bosom" that's the most personal and intimate embraces anyone can give--the ultimate display of love and protection. Thank you, Abba.
40:28-31 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, niether is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
You, LORD, are the ultimate source of strength. Trying to get my mind to comprehend all that You do just tires me to even think about it, but yet You don't tire--You don't faint. God help me to remember the times that when I am weary and tired whether it be physically, emotionally or mentally that You are strength that if I trust in You and Your power, I can run again.
40:7 "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever."
I've memorized and have heard that verse a thousand times, as I read it, though, I am extremely thankful for the unchangingness of Your word, LORD. In this world that changes its opinion and standard constantly---a society that allows time to erode away principles, I am so thankful for a Bible that is constant. A standard that I can always turn to that NEVER changes. Maybe I appreciate that more and more the older I get as I see people and society constantly changing.
40:11 "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lanmbs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young."
I love the picture that this gives me of You. LORD--Your gentle embrace and loving hand to guide. "Carry them in his bosom" that's the most personal and intimate embraces anyone can give--the ultimate display of love and protection. Thank you, Abba.
40:28-31 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, niether is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
You, LORD, are the ultimate source of strength. Trying to get my mind to comprehend all that You do just tires me to even think about it, but yet You don't tire--You don't faint. God help me to remember the times that when I am weary and tired whether it be physically, emotionally or mentally that You are strength that if I trust in You and Your power, I can run again.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Playing the Harlot
Hosea
I get so mad at Israel for making the LORD so sad and angry! How could they turn their back on God and play the harlot by worshipping other gods instead of Him? How could they not fail to see the goodness of God and choose Him after all the miracles He had done for them.
They tried to cover up their sin with good works, burnt sacrifices, and such but God knew their hearts--it was all a facade. He knew the truth. In fact, it made Him sick that they would act like nothing was wrong with their lifestyles.
I see America as an adulterous Israel nowadays. We forget what You have done. We forget the Biblical foundation that was laid in creating this nation. We love our gods of materialism, humanism, & entertainment. We're self-centered and vain. Our number one priority is ourselves. Adultery is commonplace and a mockery. We no longer see our sin as sin. We go on doing our "good works" while You're up in heaven puking at the repulsiveness of its phoniness.
This verse stood out to me...
6:6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Why would God desire mercy? What does He need to be forgiven of? Nothing. He desires to see me show mercy to others. Mercy is a sign that I care about others; it's not about me. Sacrifice can be an outward show of what I'm willing to "give up" and sometimes can cause the focus to be on me. That's why I think He says the same about the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. Sacrifices/ offerings are outward displays. Mercy/ knowledge of God are inward.
Abba, I know I probably sound redundant at times, but please help me to keep the inward clean. Keep it real. I know You despise fakes--I don't want to be that. Forgive me, Lord. Help me to constantly be focused on You throughout the ENTIRE day not just for my morning devotion time but continually. I want to know You. I want You to be a part of every aspect and decision of my life. Help me to notice and acknowlege Your convinction and to be willing to change. I love you, Abba. Thank You for always being so patient with me.
I get so mad at Israel for making the LORD so sad and angry! How could they turn their back on God and play the harlot by worshipping other gods instead of Him? How could they not fail to see the goodness of God and choose Him after all the miracles He had done for them.
They tried to cover up their sin with good works, burnt sacrifices, and such but God knew their hearts--it was all a facade. He knew the truth. In fact, it made Him sick that they would act like nothing was wrong with their lifestyles.
I see America as an adulterous Israel nowadays. We forget what You have done. We forget the Biblical foundation that was laid in creating this nation. We love our gods of materialism, humanism, & entertainment. We're self-centered and vain. Our number one priority is ourselves. Adultery is commonplace and a mockery. We no longer see our sin as sin. We go on doing our "good works" while You're up in heaven puking at the repulsiveness of its phoniness.
This verse stood out to me...
6:6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Why would God desire mercy? What does He need to be forgiven of? Nothing. He desires to see me show mercy to others. Mercy is a sign that I care about others; it's not about me. Sacrifice can be an outward show of what I'm willing to "give up" and sometimes can cause the focus to be on me. That's why I think He says the same about the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. Sacrifices/ offerings are outward displays. Mercy/ knowledge of God are inward.
Abba, I know I probably sound redundant at times, but please help me to keep the inward clean. Keep it real. I know You despise fakes--I don't want to be that. Forgive me, Lord. Help me to constantly be focused on You throughout the ENTIRE day not just for my morning devotion time but continually. I want to know You. I want You to be a part of every aspect and decision of my life. Help me to notice and acknowlege Your convinction and to be willing to change. I love you, Abba. Thank You for always being so patient with me.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Are You a Just a Piece of China?
2 Kings 18, 2 Chron 29-31, Psalms 48
Hezekiah is now king and what a great testimony he had:
18:5-6 He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments...
Clave...such a descriptive word. Makes me picture someone clinging onto someone and refusing to let go. Almost like when someone is clutching onto someone when their life is danger.
When Hezekiah began to reign he knew it was time to "clean house."
29:5 And he said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, santify now yourselves and santify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place. For our fathers have trespassed, and on that which was evil in othe eyes of the LORD our God and have forsaken him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the LORD, and turned their backs.
Our bodies are the temple of the LORD and this pictures what I should always be doing to my temple---cleaning house and carrying out the "filthiness". I think I would be more sober about sinning if I would look at my sin as rotten, putrified filth. I think of some of the houses we treat in our pest control business--eck! pure filthiness. How did they get that way? Neglect over time. Ignoring a mess here and there--becoming oblivious to the mess around them that they "adapt" to it. It really is quite disgusting. Abba, help me to cleanse every little "dirty" sin before my temple becomes overrun with "filthiness".
As I was reading, I realize the importance of cleansing the temple. Santification--set apart for another purpose. It wasn't made clean just for the sake of being clean--it was cleaned so it could be used for the LORD. A clean living Christian is of no use if he's not doing for the LORD. It's like the china in my cabinet. Sure it's clean (well there might be some dust on them now) but it's usefulness is not as great as my normal dinnerware. The china is nice to look at, but my normal dinnerware is sanctified! Help me not to just cross my t's, dot my i's and look the part, but also to be USED for the part. Help me to be more of a soul winner and a help to people.
God used Hezekiah to see a great revival wrought in Judah---even in Jerusalem too. They sang in Psalms...
48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.
Hezekiah is now king and what a great testimony he had:
18:5-6 He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments...
Clave...such a descriptive word. Makes me picture someone clinging onto someone and refusing to let go. Almost like when someone is clutching onto someone when their life is danger.
When Hezekiah began to reign he knew it was time to "clean house."
29:5 And he said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, santify now yourselves and santify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place. For our fathers have trespassed, and on that which was evil in othe eyes of the LORD our God and have forsaken him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the LORD, and turned their backs.
Our bodies are the temple of the LORD and this pictures what I should always be doing to my temple---cleaning house and carrying out the "filthiness". I think I would be more sober about sinning if I would look at my sin as rotten, putrified filth. I think of some of the houses we treat in our pest control business--eck! pure filthiness. How did they get that way? Neglect over time. Ignoring a mess here and there--becoming oblivious to the mess around them that they "adapt" to it. It really is quite disgusting. Abba, help me to cleanse every little "dirty" sin before my temple becomes overrun with "filthiness".
As I was reading, I realize the importance of cleansing the temple. Santification--set apart for another purpose. It wasn't made clean just for the sake of being clean--it was cleaned so it could be used for the LORD. A clean living Christian is of no use if he's not doing for the LORD. It's like the china in my cabinet. Sure it's clean (well there might be some dust on them now) but it's usefulness is not as great as my normal dinnerware. The china is nice to look at, but my normal dinnerware is sanctified! Help me not to just cross my t's, dot my i's and look the part, but also to be USED for the part. Help me to be more of a soul winner and a help to people.
God used Hezekiah to see a great revival wrought in Judah---even in Jerusalem too. They sang in Psalms...
48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.
Monday, August 17, 2009
The Bible & Vegetables...Worrying
Isaiah 13-27
Hmmmm...I am confessing my sinfulness; oh how I find little interest in the majority of the book of Isaiah. It's so over my head. Honestly, I am reading through it semi-searching for something, but also just wanting to get through it. It's like that helping of vegetables on your plate. It's not the tastiest thing on the plate, but you know it's good for you and you need it.
So maybe that's part of my lesson. The task of "tasting" all the Bible. But I am grateful that there are a few nuggets here and there that are bursting with "flavor".
Isaiah 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.
I've memorized verse 3 in the past. How true and good it is. When I get overwhelmed with doubts and worry about this or that, I have to chant this verse to myself. My worry is only proof that I am not trusting in God.
I've never much paid attention to the following verse. Trust in the LORD FOREVER. For ever...that's a long time. :) But how it shows how much I trust in You, LORD. You are everlasting strength. I must be willing to admit myself weak, though, before I can submit and benefit from Your strength.
So, Lord, I cast my burdens upon You today. You know exactly what we should do about the financial matter I was worrying about last night. You have taken care of us already in the past; it seems foolish not to continue to trust in You. Help us to do the right thing, make the right decisions based on Your truth and not our convenience. I love You, Abba, forgive me for worrying and not taking advantage of Your perfect peace by keeping my mind stayed on You.
Hmmmm...I am confessing my sinfulness; oh how I find little interest in the majority of the book of Isaiah. It's so over my head. Honestly, I am reading through it semi-searching for something, but also just wanting to get through it. It's like that helping of vegetables on your plate. It's not the tastiest thing on the plate, but you know it's good for you and you need it.
So maybe that's part of my lesson. The task of "tasting" all the Bible. But I am grateful that there are a few nuggets here and there that are bursting with "flavor".
Isaiah 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.
I've memorized verse 3 in the past. How true and good it is. When I get overwhelmed with doubts and worry about this or that, I have to chant this verse to myself. My worry is only proof that I am not trusting in God.
I've never much paid attention to the following verse. Trust in the LORD FOREVER. For ever...that's a long time. :) But how it shows how much I trust in You, LORD. You are everlasting strength. I must be willing to admit myself weak, though, before I can submit and benefit from Your strength.
So, Lord, I cast my burdens upon You today. You know exactly what we should do about the financial matter I was worrying about last night. You have taken care of us already in the past; it seems foolish not to continue to trust in You. Help us to do the right thing, make the right decisions based on Your truth and not our convenience. I love You, Abba, forgive me for worrying and not taking advantage of Your perfect peace by keeping my mind stayed on You.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
What Doth the Lord Require of Thee?
2 Chron 27
27:2 And he (Jotham) did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the LORD. And the people did yet corruptly.
This verse makes me think of how often as a Christian I'm guilty of not doing things ALL the way.
27:6 So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God.
Goodness! God is so patient with us. Even if we are willing to put God first in only one area of our life, He is willing to bless us.
Isaiah 9-11?, Micah 1-7
I must admit...I get a little lost and confused in the books of prophesy sometimes, but I did find this nugget..
Micah is asking...what shall I bring before a high God...huge offerings? rivers of oil? give my firstborn or the fruit of my body for sin?
6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
To do justly---not fairly. I think that our country has forgotten this principle. Everyone deserves the consequence or the reward of his own personal action---fairness says everyone gets the same thing no matter what. Everyone gets a trophy or everyone gets punished in the class because one person did wrong.
To love mercy---ouch! That's a hard one! Oh, it's easy to love the mercy that others extend to me, but to love mercy so much that I extend it to others?
To walk humbly with thy God---With--that's an important word. I think You love it, God, when I walk WITH You. I think of how friends walk together, side by side. Even a father and child, side by side. Humbly beside You realizing how great You truly are, but enjoying Your presence throughout the day.
27:2 And he (Jotham) did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the LORD. And the people did yet corruptly.
This verse makes me think of how often as a Christian I'm guilty of not doing things ALL the way.
27:6 So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God.
Goodness! God is so patient with us. Even if we are willing to put God first in only one area of our life, He is willing to bless us.
Isaiah 9-11?, Micah 1-7
I must admit...I get a little lost and confused in the books of prophesy sometimes, but I did find this nugget..
Micah is asking...what shall I bring before a high God...huge offerings? rivers of oil? give my firstborn or the fruit of my body for sin?
6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
To do justly---not fairly. I think that our country has forgotten this principle. Everyone deserves the consequence or the reward of his own personal action---fairness says everyone gets the same thing no matter what. Everyone gets a trophy or everyone gets punished in the class because one person did wrong.
To love mercy---ouch! That's a hard one! Oh, it's easy to love the mercy that others extend to me, but to love mercy so much that I extend it to others?
To walk humbly with thy God---With--that's an important word. I think You love it, God, when I walk WITH You. I think of how friends walk together, side by side. Even a father and child, side by side. Humbly beside You realizing how great You truly are, but enjoying Your presence throughout the day.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
God's Emotions
Amos 6-9
The entire book of Amos is about the prophesy of Israel's destruction. As I read through the verses, I see the variety of God's emotions about His children, Israel. He is so grieved by them. Grieved that they turn from Him continually--that they trust in things/men rather than Him. I also find God angry--angry at their two-facedness. He abhors their songs, their offerings, their oblations. It's all vanity---an outward show but no substance inside. He's had it! It wasn't that they weren't "religious" enough. They were doing all the usual traditions, the motions of religion, but their heart was turned away from Him. He prophesies through Amos that He will destroy all of Israel save a remnant as He promised to build the land again.
This time in history makes me reflect on a few things...
1. I am made in Your image. I have and go through the same emotions You do. Having emotions is not wrong, but being controlled by them is. It was not Your anger or grief that made You decide to destroy Israel, but their actions.
2. You despise fakes. Abba, I feel Your pain. LOL It's bad enough someone does wrong, but it's even worse when they try to cover it up with "good" and act as though they've never done anything wrong at all. I think of that verse...
Proverbs 28:13 "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso that confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."
When I've done wrong, I need to admit it, forsake it, and not try to "cover it up" with ritualistic religious practices.
Abba, I think the worse thing would be for You to turn Your back from me---for You to refuse to even hear my prayers. Create in me a clean heart, O God. When my heart is clean and pure before You, I know that pleases You more than anything! I love You, Abba! Thank You for saving me 16 years ago today!!! I am so blessed!!
The entire book of Amos is about the prophesy of Israel's destruction. As I read through the verses, I see the variety of God's emotions about His children, Israel. He is so grieved by them. Grieved that they turn from Him continually--that they trust in things/men rather than Him. I also find God angry--angry at their two-facedness. He abhors their songs, their offerings, their oblations. It's all vanity---an outward show but no substance inside. He's had it! It wasn't that they weren't "religious" enough. They were doing all the usual traditions, the motions of religion, but their heart was turned away from Him. He prophesies through Amos that He will destroy all of Israel save a remnant as He promised to build the land again.
This time in history makes me reflect on a few things...
1. I am made in Your image. I have and go through the same emotions You do. Having emotions is not wrong, but being controlled by them is. It was not Your anger or grief that made You decide to destroy Israel, but their actions.
2. You despise fakes. Abba, I feel Your pain. LOL It's bad enough someone does wrong, but it's even worse when they try to cover it up with "good" and act as though they've never done anything wrong at all. I think of that verse...
Proverbs 28:13 "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso that confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."
When I've done wrong, I need to admit it, forsake it, and not try to "cover it up" with ritualistic religious practices.
Abba, I think the worse thing would be for You to turn Your back from me---for You to refuse to even hear my prayers. Create in me a clean heart, O God. When my heart is clean and pure before You, I know that pleases You more than anything! I love You, Abba! Thank You for saving me 16 years ago today!!! I am so blessed!!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Signs of Bitterness
Jonah (Part 2)
This second phase of Jonah's story about going to Ninevah made me see how aptly applies to bittnerness in the Christian life---how we respond when others hurt us.
Jonah did not want to go and preach to Ninevah because this was the very country that had long been an enemy of the Israelittes. I don't know what sort of personal history Jonah had with it, but he obviously had no desire to go and tell them about God's judgment and mercy.
1. My personal feelings toward that person override my obedience to God.
Jonah wanted to run the other direction instead of preach to them.
I think of how this happens with church members sometimes. We would rather disobey God and miss church than be around a person that hurt us.
2. I become angry at God's mercy toward those that have hurt me.
The Bible says that Nineveh repented, so God repented the judgment He was going to bring. Jonah's reaction is
4:1"But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry."
He wasn't just upset, but VERY ANGRY. He even tells God,
4:2 And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before Tarshish: for I knew that thou are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of evil.
In other words, I knew You'd forgive them God--that's why I didn't want to come and tell them the Truth!
When I have this attitude it's almost like I am tellling God that I deserve the mercy He gave me, but they don't! I must look at my sin to be just as disgusting as theirs. Thou they have hurt me, I have hurt You just as much. You're willing to forgive me for hurting You, so I can accept that You are willing to forgive them too.
3. I throw a pity party.
Jonah whines...
4:3 Therefore, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than live.
I don't think Jonah really wanted to die---He just wanted God to feel sorry for him.
4. Anger consumes me and I want to seclude myself.
4:4-5 Then said the LORD, Doest thou well to be angry? So Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made him a booth, and sat under it in the shadow, till he might see what would become of the city.
5. I am unwilling to move on.
Jonah wanted to be alone, and he wanted to sit, soak, and sour about the circumstances. He didn't want to move on, but instead wanted to dwell on it and see what would happen.
6. Things become a temporary distraction to my grief.
God prepared a gourd to grow and shadow Jonah's head. The Bible said he was "exceeding glad of the gourd"
7. I shift my security that was in people to things instead of untimately having security in God.
God used a worm to kill the gourd that Jonah had grown to love and find security in. When it dies, Jonah ends up in the same state he was in before...angry and wishing he would die.
8. My perception of love is totally skewed.
God reprimands Jonah for this. Jonah loved and cared for a gourd that he had nothing to do with..didn't work to make it grow, etc, but yet Jonah expects God not to care for the people of Nineveh whom He had created.
The sad part of this story is that we never see if Jonah turned from his bitterness. I'd like to think that he did. Abba, thank You so much that You have kept me from letting the seed of bitterness grow in my heart. Help me to keep it that way. Help me to see the signs before it overwhelms me and consumes me like it did Jonah.
This second phase of Jonah's story about going to Ninevah made me see how aptly applies to bittnerness in the Christian life---how we respond when others hurt us.
Jonah did not want to go and preach to Ninevah because this was the very country that had long been an enemy of the Israelittes. I don't know what sort of personal history Jonah had with it, but he obviously had no desire to go and tell them about God's judgment and mercy.
1. My personal feelings toward that person override my obedience to God.
Jonah wanted to run the other direction instead of preach to them.
I think of how this happens with church members sometimes. We would rather disobey God and miss church than be around a person that hurt us.
2. I become angry at God's mercy toward those that have hurt me.
The Bible says that Nineveh repented, so God repented the judgment He was going to bring. Jonah's reaction is
4:1"But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry."
He wasn't just upset, but VERY ANGRY. He even tells God,
4:2 And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before Tarshish: for I knew that thou are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of evil.
In other words, I knew You'd forgive them God--that's why I didn't want to come and tell them the Truth!
When I have this attitude it's almost like I am tellling God that I deserve the mercy He gave me, but they don't! I must look at my sin to be just as disgusting as theirs. Thou they have hurt me, I have hurt You just as much. You're willing to forgive me for hurting You, so I can accept that You are willing to forgive them too.
3. I throw a pity party.
Jonah whines...
4:3 Therefore, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than live.
I don't think Jonah really wanted to die---He just wanted God to feel sorry for him.
4. Anger consumes me and I want to seclude myself.
4:4-5 Then said the LORD, Doest thou well to be angry? So Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made him a booth, and sat under it in the shadow, till he might see what would become of the city.
5. I am unwilling to move on.
Jonah wanted to be alone, and he wanted to sit, soak, and sour about the circumstances. He didn't want to move on, but instead wanted to dwell on it and see what would happen.
6. Things become a temporary distraction to my grief.
God prepared a gourd to grow and shadow Jonah's head. The Bible said he was "exceeding glad of the gourd"
7. I shift my security that was in people to things instead of untimately having security in God.
God used a worm to kill the gourd that Jonah had grown to love and find security in. When it dies, Jonah ends up in the same state he was in before...angry and wishing he would die.
8. My perception of love is totally skewed.
God reprimands Jonah for this. Jonah loved and cared for a gourd that he had nothing to do with..didn't work to make it grow, etc, but yet Jonah expects God not to care for the people of Nineveh whom He had created.
The sad part of this story is that we never see if Jonah turned from his bitterness. I'd like to think that he did. Abba, thank You so much that You have kept me from letting the seed of bitterness grow in my heart. Help me to keep it that way. Help me to see the signs before it overwhelms me and consumes me like it did Jonah.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
What Happns When I Backslide?
Jonah (Part 1)
I won't go into explaining the whole story of Jonah, but I did observe some interesting things...
What Happens When I Backslide?
1. I put others in danger, and they are aware of the problem before I am.
Jonah was as it said fleeing "from the presence of the Lord"--backslidding. God had clearly told him what to do, and he had no intention of following that plan, in fact, he tried to go the exact opposite direction. I find it interesting that during in a severe storm "so that the ship was like to be broken" Jonah is fast asleep---completely oblivious to God's wrath and power.
I think that happens when we backslide sometimes...those around us realized the danger and destruction before we do. They don't understand the cause of it, but they notice something's definitely wrong. But here we are content in our own little world even uncaring that others are in danger because of our wrong choices.
2. I have to admit I have fled from God to others--revealing my stupidity even to the unsaved.
Jonah lets the other sailors know why the storm is happening. I can imagine as he's telling this to them the storm raging as he talking. Waves pounding the ship, the ship rocking to and fro. These sailors are then absolutely amazed that Jonah would flee from God's presence--the one Jonah claimed made the sea and the dry land. Even unsaved people find it very stupid for a Christian to be backslidden.
3. I have to be willing to suffer the consequences of my actions.
The sailors tried every which way to fix the problem logically. Less weight, etc, but Jonah knew the only thing that could calm the storm--he must yield to the consequence. I don't see anywhere in the Bible that shows that he knew he was going to be swallowed by a fish. Perhaps he thought he was just going to die. He probably hoped that was going to be so---better than having to go back to Ninevah.
**Side note: The Bible says of the sailors "Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly..." I think of that verse in Proverbs "Smite the scorner and the simple will beware..." God didn't just punish Jonah for his sake, but for the sailors, too. He took something bad--Jonah's disobedience--and used it for good in these sailors lives.
4. When I'm willing to be truthful, God provides another path--sometimes quite unexpected.
It wasn't until after Jonah was cast in that "the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah". I never noticed before that Jonah said.."the weeds were wrapped about my head", so obviously Jonah was struggling in the water for a while. And until he said "When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came into thee." It's wasn't until he was literally at the rock bottom he remembered God.
This verse jumped out at me too...
2:8 They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.
When I am so wrapped in believing the lies of my own backslidding life, I forfeit mercy. I can never be forgiven if I never admit the truth. I think of that verse "Let not mercy and truth forsake thee" God cannot forgive until the truth comes out.
I won't go into explaining the whole story of Jonah, but I did observe some interesting things...
What Happens When I Backslide?
1. I put others in danger, and they are aware of the problem before I am.
Jonah was as it said fleeing "from the presence of the Lord"--backslidding. God had clearly told him what to do, and he had no intention of following that plan, in fact, he tried to go the exact opposite direction. I find it interesting that during in a severe storm "so that the ship was like to be broken" Jonah is fast asleep---completely oblivious to God's wrath and power.
I think that happens when we backslide sometimes...those around us realized the danger and destruction before we do. They don't understand the cause of it, but they notice something's definitely wrong. But here we are content in our own little world even uncaring that others are in danger because of our wrong choices.
2. I have to admit I have fled from God to others--revealing my stupidity even to the unsaved.
Jonah lets the other sailors know why the storm is happening. I can imagine as he's telling this to them the storm raging as he talking. Waves pounding the ship, the ship rocking to and fro. These sailors are then absolutely amazed that Jonah would flee from God's presence--the one Jonah claimed made the sea and the dry land. Even unsaved people find it very stupid for a Christian to be backslidden.
3. I have to be willing to suffer the consequences of my actions.
The sailors tried every which way to fix the problem logically. Less weight, etc, but Jonah knew the only thing that could calm the storm--he must yield to the consequence. I don't see anywhere in the Bible that shows that he knew he was going to be swallowed by a fish. Perhaps he thought he was just going to die. He probably hoped that was going to be so---better than having to go back to Ninevah.
**Side note: The Bible says of the sailors "Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly..." I think of that verse in Proverbs "Smite the scorner and the simple will beware..." God didn't just punish Jonah for his sake, but for the sailors, too. He took something bad--Jonah's disobedience--and used it for good in these sailors lives.
4. When I'm willing to be truthful, God provides another path--sometimes quite unexpected.
It wasn't until after Jonah was cast in that "the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah". I never noticed before that Jonah said.."the weeds were wrapped about my head", so obviously Jonah was struggling in the water for a while. And until he said "When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came into thee." It's wasn't until he was literally at the rock bottom he remembered God.
This verse jumped out at me too...
2:8 They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.
When I am so wrapped in believing the lies of my own backslidding life, I forfeit mercy. I can never be forgiven if I never admit the truth. I think of that verse "Let not mercy and truth forsake thee" God cannot forgive until the truth comes out.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
I just read about hoe jehu became king. It seems that he was mainly used by god to fulfill the prophesy of what was to happen to the house of ahab and jezebel. All of his sons 70 of them-- their heads chopped off and delivered to Jehu. I can just picture the heaps of heads...quite disgusting and brutal. Jehu also destroys the prophets of Baal by tricking them into coming to a big sacrifice time. He hads his armies kill every last bit of them. But yet the Bible says...that he chose not to put away the sins of
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
A Mother's Testimony
1 Chronicles 19-23
After Jehoshaphat was considered a decent king, but later in his life he did join unto them that did wickedly. He dies and his son Jehoram becomes king. I guess, fearing his brethren would try to dethrone him, he "slew them" all. Talk about sincere greed and insecurity! Because of his wicked ways, God promises that a great plague would smite his people, and thy children, and thy wives, and all thy goods. The end of his life is horrible...
21:20 And it came to pass, that in process of time, after the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness: so he died of sore diseases. and his people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers.
Doesn't sound like a pleasant way to die if you ask me! Ahaziah now becomes king. I see a sad testament of his mother.
22:3 He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab: for his mother was his counsellor to do wickedly.
What a horrible mother! Far different from what the Bible instructs to "train them up in the nuture and admonish of the Lord". It wasn't that she just allowed him to do wickedly, but she taught him to do so. Sadly, I see this in my generation. Mothers that train their kids to drink, to lie, to commit fornication. Abba, I know my job as even a step-mom is important. Help my actions, my words to train to do good and not evil.
After Jehoshaphat was considered a decent king, but later in his life he did join unto them that did wickedly. He dies and his son Jehoram becomes king. I guess, fearing his brethren would try to dethrone him, he "slew them" all. Talk about sincere greed and insecurity! Because of his wicked ways, God promises that a great plague would smite his people, and thy children, and thy wives, and all thy goods. The end of his life is horrible...
21:20 And it came to pass, that in process of time, after the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness: so he died of sore diseases. and his people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers.
Doesn't sound like a pleasant way to die if you ask me! Ahaziah now becomes king. I see a sad testament of his mother.
22:3 He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab: for his mother was his counsellor to do wickedly.
What a horrible mother! Far different from what the Bible instructs to "train them up in the nuture and admonish of the Lord". It wasn't that she just allowed him to do wickedly, but she taught him to do so. Sadly, I see this in my generation. Mothers that train their kids to drink, to lie, to commit fornication. Abba, I know my job as even a step-mom is important. Help my actions, my words to train to do good and not evil.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Not for Sale
1 Kings 21
Naboth's Vineyard...King Ahab comes to Naboth demanding that he sell his vineyard to him or be willing to trade it for another one better. Naboth refuses because it's a vineyard that was passed down from his family. Ahab mopes like a jealous spoiled child at home to his wife, Jezebel. Jezebel arranges to have Naboth stoned and killed so Ahab can have the vineyard. Because of this Elijah comes to Ahab with a message from God; here's the conversation:
21:20-23 And Ahab said unto Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found theee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD. Behold I will bring evil upon thee, and will take away thy posterity, and will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel...and of Jezebel also spake the LORD, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel."
I love that..."O mine enemy"...that shows that Elijah wasn't afraid to tell the truth to anyone, even the king.
As I read this story, I am reminded of a sermon from Bro. Hyles. I call recall him chanting "You can't have it; my father gave it to me! You can't have it! My father gave it to me!" His sermon related to how there are those who are trying to take our Bible, the King James Version, away from us. Trying to give us a "better" version. But just as Naboth was determined not to sell out; so should we have the same stance toward our precious KJV.
Of course, I can relate this to anything that is not for sale---my LORD, my values, my morals, my principles, my family, etc. Though Naboth died for his stance, he went out a hero in my eyes. He believed and stood for something. Help me to do the same, Abba.
After Elijah's declaration, we find Ahab actually humbled himself and God promises...
21:29 Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: but in his son's days will I bring the evil upon his house.
This reminds me, God, of how You are no respector of persons. All you require after we sin or even do evil in this case is that we humble ourselves. You could have refused Ahab humilty seeing what a wicked king he was, but you still extended the same mercy.
Naboth's Vineyard...King Ahab comes to Naboth demanding that he sell his vineyard to him or be willing to trade it for another one better. Naboth refuses because it's a vineyard that was passed down from his family. Ahab mopes like a jealous spoiled child at home to his wife, Jezebel. Jezebel arranges to have Naboth stoned and killed so Ahab can have the vineyard. Because of this Elijah comes to Ahab with a message from God; here's the conversation:
21:20-23 And Ahab said unto Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found theee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD. Behold I will bring evil upon thee, and will take away thy posterity, and will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel...and of Jezebel also spake the LORD, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel."
I love that..."O mine enemy"...that shows that Elijah wasn't afraid to tell the truth to anyone, even the king.
As I read this story, I am reminded of a sermon from Bro. Hyles. I call recall him chanting "You can't have it; my father gave it to me! You can't have it! My father gave it to me!" His sermon related to how there are those who are trying to take our Bible, the King James Version, away from us. Trying to give us a "better" version. But just as Naboth was determined not to sell out; so should we have the same stance toward our precious KJV.
Of course, I can relate this to anything that is not for sale---my LORD, my values, my morals, my principles, my family, etc. Though Naboth died for his stance, he went out a hero in my eyes. He believed and stood for something. Help me to do the same, Abba.
After Elijah's declaration, we find Ahab actually humbled himself and God promises...
21:29 Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: but in his son's days will I bring the evil upon his house.
This reminds me, God, of how You are no respector of persons. All you require after we sin or even do evil in this case is that we humble ourselves. You could have refused Ahab humilty seeing what a wicked king he was, but you still extended the same mercy.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Thyself Hast Decided It
1 Kings 20
Benhadad, king of Syria, has come up against Ahab, king of Israel. He take the best of what Ahab has---silver, gold, wives and children. Then Benhadad comes back and demands that he be allowed to come in and take whatever else he wants. Ahab refuses that and a war ensues. A prophet tells Ahab that he will deliver them into his hand "and thou shalt know that I am the LORD." They do defeat the army, but not Benhadad. He escapes and a year later Benhadad tries to defeat Israel again. Again Israel wins, but Benhadad escapes and hides.
An interesting turn to the story...the servant's of Benhadad say to him
20:31 "And his servants said unto him, Behold, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are mericul kings: let us, I pray the, put sackcloth on our loins, and ropes upon our heads, and go out to the king of Israel: peradventure he will save thy life."
As expected, Ahab does extends mercy to Benhadad and makes a covenant with him and sends him away.
In the next verse it describes a son of the prophets asking neighbors to smite him "in the word of the Lord". One disobeys, and a lion kills him for not obeying God's word. Another obeys and smites him to wound him. This wounded prophet disguised waits for king Ahab and tells him a story about how he was commanded to keep a man and not let him go missing and if he did his life would be required for his. The prophet explains that he was busy here and there, and the man went missing. Ahab responds,
20:40 " so shall thy judgment be; thyself hast decided it."
Of course this was all a story to symbolize what Ahab had done. The prophet says..
20:42 And he said unto him, Thus said the LORD, because thous hast let go out of thy hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction therefore thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people.
Observations from this story..
1. God was still willing to fight for Israel, in fact He was still wanting to show Himself to King Ahab although he was a wicked king.
2. Being merciful isn't admirable if it requires me being disobedient.
3. Allowing a small percentage of a battle unwon sometimes causes the whole war to be lost. Abba, what one little area in my life do I keep "letting go out of my hand" that could lead to my destruction? It's often those "pesky" little sins that lead to major destruction later. Help me, as that one song says to "Nip it in the bud." I especially pray for this in my marriage. I know little seeds of bitterness, dishonesty, unfaithfulness can lead to great destruction. Help me to be careful of the relationships/ conversations I have with other men. Help me to forgive quickly and love often. Those words Ahab said really describe it when I choose not to obey completely "so thy judgment be; thyself hast decided it."
Benhadad, king of Syria, has come up against Ahab, king of Israel. He take the best of what Ahab has---silver, gold, wives and children. Then Benhadad comes back and demands that he be allowed to come in and take whatever else he wants. Ahab refuses that and a war ensues. A prophet tells Ahab that he will deliver them into his hand "and thou shalt know that I am the LORD." They do defeat the army, but not Benhadad. He escapes and a year later Benhadad tries to defeat Israel again. Again Israel wins, but Benhadad escapes and hides.
An interesting turn to the story...the servant's of Benhadad say to him
20:31 "And his servants said unto him, Behold, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are mericul kings: let us, I pray the, put sackcloth on our loins, and ropes upon our heads, and go out to the king of Israel: peradventure he will save thy life."
As expected, Ahab does extends mercy to Benhadad and makes a covenant with him and sends him away.
In the next verse it describes a son of the prophets asking neighbors to smite him "in the word of the Lord". One disobeys, and a lion kills him for not obeying God's word. Another obeys and smites him to wound him. This wounded prophet disguised waits for king Ahab and tells him a story about how he was commanded to keep a man and not let him go missing and if he did his life would be required for his. The prophet explains that he was busy here and there, and the man went missing. Ahab responds,
20:40 " so shall thy judgment be; thyself hast decided it."
Of course this was all a story to symbolize what Ahab had done. The prophet says..
20:42 And he said unto him, Thus said the LORD, because thous hast let go out of thy hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction therefore thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people.
Observations from this story..
1. God was still willing to fight for Israel, in fact He was still wanting to show Himself to King Ahab although he was a wicked king.
2. Being merciful isn't admirable if it requires me being disobedient.
3. Allowing a small percentage of a battle unwon sometimes causes the whole war to be lost. Abba, what one little area in my life do I keep "letting go out of my hand" that could lead to my destruction? It's often those "pesky" little sins that lead to major destruction later. Help me, as that one song says to "Nip it in the bud." I especially pray for this in my marriage. I know little seeds of bitterness, dishonesty, unfaithfulness can lead to great destruction. Help me to be careful of the relationships/ conversations I have with other men. Help me to forgive quickly and love often. Those words Ahab said really describe it when I choose not to obey completely "so thy judgment be; thyself hast decided it."
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
What If?
1 Kings 15, 2 Chron 13-16
Asa is made king over Judah. He drives out the wickedness in his land and turns to the Lord (unlike his father did) He even had a wicked mother, in fact, he removes her from being queen because she built an idol. Asa seeks the Lord's help to deliver them from their enemies. The prophet Azariah tells Asa that God will indeed be with them because they have turned to Him. After hearing this, Asa makes a covenant with his nation to God...
15:12-13 And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul; that whosoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman.
What if there was a convenant made like that in our nation? Yikes! "All their heart...all their soul"...Would I be one of those put to death? So much for half-hearted Christianity. These verses, though, give me hope for America. Judah was wicked! Sodomites were rapant; idolatry was overwhelming; the rulers were vile, but God used Asa as a king to bring revival to this nation. This same nation was later declaring..
15:15 And all Judah rejoiced a tthe oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with thier whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about.
What a strong stand! Asa's life sadly, doesn't end on the best note. Later Baasha, king of Israel comes up against Asa. Asa calls on the king of Syria to help him. Asa is later repuked by a seer, Hanani, saying..
16:7-9 And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the kind of Syria escaped out of thine hand. Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand. For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therfore from henceforth thou shalt have wars."
In other words, "You depended on God before when the battle was tougher, and now you don't. So continue on with wars without God's help."
I wish Asa would have repented and changed his way after the rebuke but instead...
16:10 "Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time....And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians."
Abba, what in my life am I relying on others, instead of relying on You? Lord, I want to show Yourself strong on my behalf. Do a work in my life in our specific situation. I must admit, LORD, sometimes this is hard. We seek....well truthfully we just casually ask...You to help us, but then we go to others that we feel You've put in our path to help us. But LORD perhaps the problem is the truly SEEKING part. Help me to do a lot better at that. I love You, Abba.
Asa is made king over Judah. He drives out the wickedness in his land and turns to the Lord (unlike his father did) He even had a wicked mother, in fact, he removes her from being queen because she built an idol. Asa seeks the Lord's help to deliver them from their enemies. The prophet Azariah tells Asa that God will indeed be with them because they have turned to Him. After hearing this, Asa makes a covenant with his nation to God...
15:12-13 And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul; that whosoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman.
What if there was a convenant made like that in our nation? Yikes! "All their heart...all their soul"...Would I be one of those put to death? So much for half-hearted Christianity. These verses, though, give me hope for America. Judah was wicked! Sodomites were rapant; idolatry was overwhelming; the rulers were vile, but God used Asa as a king to bring revival to this nation. This same nation was later declaring..
15:15 And all Judah rejoiced a tthe oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with thier whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about.
What a strong stand! Asa's life sadly, doesn't end on the best note. Later Baasha, king of Israel comes up against Asa. Asa calls on the king of Syria to help him. Asa is later repuked by a seer, Hanani, saying..
16:7-9 And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the kind of Syria escaped out of thine hand. Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand. For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therfore from henceforth thou shalt have wars."
In other words, "You depended on God before when the battle was tougher, and now you don't. So continue on with wars without God's help."
I wish Asa would have repented and changed his way after the rebuke but instead...
16:10 "Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time....And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians."
Abba, what in my life am I relying on others, instead of relying on You? Lord, I want to show Yourself strong on my behalf. Do a work in my life in our specific situation. I must admit, LORD, sometimes this is hard. We seek....well truthfully we just casually ask...You to help us, but then we go to others that we feel You've put in our path to help us. But LORD perhaps the problem is the truly SEEKING part. Help me to do a lot better at that. I love You, Abba.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Knowing What You Believe
1 Kings 13
Wow! How did I miss this story before? I guess I've skimmed over it before, but I never really paid attention to it, and I don't think I've heard a sermon from it.
A man of God is sent to Jeroboam to let him know that God said Josiah was going to be born and the priests of Jeroboam would be burnt upon the altars Jeroboam built. The man of God says it will be proven with a sign: that altar will be torn apart and ashes will pour from it. Jeroboam is outraged; he lays his hand on the altar basically cursing this man of God. The hand he put on the altar dries up, so that he can not pull in again to him. (Not sure what that exactly entails, but it does sound painfully and freaky.) Then the altar does tear apart and ashes come out. Obviously Jeroboam now sees that this was no joke. He begs the man of God to plead for his hand to be restored. God restores it, and Jeroboam asks the man of God to come home with him and "refresh thyself" and he will give him a reward.
I love this man's answer...
13:8-9"And the man of God said unto the king, If thou wilt give me half of thine house, I will not go in with thee, neither will I eat bread nor drink water in this place: For so was it charged me by the word of the LORD, saying, Eat no bread, nor drink water, nor turn again by the same way that thou camest."
He was confident in what God had told him and despite the bribe--he's wasn't going against that.
An old prophet that lives in Bethel hears about this whole incident and seeks the man of God out and extends the same invitation as Jeroboam did: to stay and eat in his house. Still confident in what God has said, the man of God refuses and tells him what the LORD said. The prophet replies:
13:18 "He said unto him, I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him."
Obviously believing him, the man of God follows him to his house. He eats and drinks and there the prophet rebukes him for not obeying the LORD and says "thy carcase shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers." The man of God leaves and during his travels he is attacked by a lion and killed; his carcase left on the side of the road. The old prophet hears of the news and brings the prophet back and buries his body in his own sepulchre and asks his sons to bury him beside the man of God when he dies, too. The prophet realizes what the man of God said to Jeroboam is indeed true. And the Bible says...
13:33-34 "After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again the lowest of the poeple priests of the hight places: whosoever would, he consecrated him, and he became on of the priests of the high places. And this thing became sine unt the house of Jereboam, even to cut it off, and to destroy it from off the face of the earth."
So many thoughts...
1. Have courage and be strong in what God tells you like this man of God was initially.
2. Though he had courage, sadly, the devil used confusion to side-track him. Satan knew he couldn't be bribed, but he knew he could confuse him with a seemingly trusted source. I'm not sure why the Bible makes sure to tell us he was an "old prophet". Maybe he used to preach and had backslidden; obviously he wasn't living completely right because he lied.
I think Satan still tries this trick on sincere Christians today. So often we take "God's word" from someone else instead of knowing it ourselves. Or we know God's word suredly, but when a seemingly sincere Christian offers a suggestion that is against what we know to be God's word and appeases us, we follow their words instead. I'm sure this man of God was hungry and thirsty and maybe even longed for some fellowship with another "man of God". Abba, help me to KNOW Your commandments and STICK to them even when others I respect may tell me otherwise. I think of what Paul warned the early Christians...
Gal 1:6-8 "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel form heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed."
I've got to KNOW what the BIBLE says, and not waiver from it despite what even good Christians may otherwise say.
3. God is not a respector of persons. He brings judgment on the just and unjust. The word of GOD was fulfilled just as surely for the good Christian who disobeys as it is for the ungodly man that disobeys.
4. Perhaps this whole incident from the man of God was for the "old prophet". Maybe he doubted God's true judgment and decided he would "try" God out. He certainly found that God's word is true and sure judgment would come. I look forward to meeting him in heaven one day to see how his life changed after that. So, sometimes God uses good Christians, to help doubting Christians to believe again.
Wow! How did I miss this story before? I guess I've skimmed over it before, but I never really paid attention to it, and I don't think I've heard a sermon from it.
A man of God is sent to Jeroboam to let him know that God said Josiah was going to be born and the priests of Jeroboam would be burnt upon the altars Jeroboam built. The man of God says it will be proven with a sign: that altar will be torn apart and ashes will pour from it. Jeroboam is outraged; he lays his hand on the altar basically cursing this man of God. The hand he put on the altar dries up, so that he can not pull in again to him. (Not sure what that exactly entails, but it does sound painfully and freaky.) Then the altar does tear apart and ashes come out. Obviously Jeroboam now sees that this was no joke. He begs the man of God to plead for his hand to be restored. God restores it, and Jeroboam asks the man of God to come home with him and "refresh thyself" and he will give him a reward.
I love this man's answer...
13:8-9"And the man of God said unto the king, If thou wilt give me half of thine house, I will not go in with thee, neither will I eat bread nor drink water in this place: For so was it charged me by the word of the LORD, saying, Eat no bread, nor drink water, nor turn again by the same way that thou camest."
He was confident in what God had told him and despite the bribe--he's wasn't going against that.
An old prophet that lives in Bethel hears about this whole incident and seeks the man of God out and extends the same invitation as Jeroboam did: to stay and eat in his house. Still confident in what God has said, the man of God refuses and tells him what the LORD said. The prophet replies:
13:18 "He said unto him, I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him."
Obviously believing him, the man of God follows him to his house. He eats and drinks and there the prophet rebukes him for not obeying the LORD and says "thy carcase shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers." The man of God leaves and during his travels he is attacked by a lion and killed; his carcase left on the side of the road. The old prophet hears of the news and brings the prophet back and buries his body in his own sepulchre and asks his sons to bury him beside the man of God when he dies, too. The prophet realizes what the man of God said to Jeroboam is indeed true. And the Bible says...
13:33-34 "After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again the lowest of the poeple priests of the hight places: whosoever would, he consecrated him, and he became on of the priests of the high places. And this thing became sine unt the house of Jereboam, even to cut it off, and to destroy it from off the face of the earth."
So many thoughts...
1. Have courage and be strong in what God tells you like this man of God was initially.
2. Though he had courage, sadly, the devil used confusion to side-track him. Satan knew he couldn't be bribed, but he knew he could confuse him with a seemingly trusted source. I'm not sure why the Bible makes sure to tell us he was an "old prophet". Maybe he used to preach and had backslidden; obviously he wasn't living completely right because he lied.
I think Satan still tries this trick on sincere Christians today. So often we take "God's word" from someone else instead of knowing it ourselves. Or we know God's word suredly, but when a seemingly sincere Christian offers a suggestion that is against what we know to be God's word and appeases us, we follow their words instead. I'm sure this man of God was hungry and thirsty and maybe even longed for some fellowship with another "man of God". Abba, help me to KNOW Your commandments and STICK to them even when others I respect may tell me otherwise. I think of what Paul warned the early Christians...
Gal 1:6-8 "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel form heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed."
I've got to KNOW what the BIBLE says, and not waiver from it despite what even good Christians may otherwise say.
3. God is not a respector of persons. He brings judgment on the just and unjust. The word of GOD was fulfilled just as surely for the good Christian who disobeys as it is for the ungodly man that disobeys.
4. Perhaps this whole incident from the man of God was for the "old prophet". Maybe he doubted God's true judgment and decided he would "try" God out. He certainly found that God's word is true and sure judgment would come. I look forward to meeting him in heaven one day to see how his life changed after that. So, sometimes God uses good Christians, to help doubting Christians to believe again.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Leadership, God's Cause, and Traditions
1 Kings 12-14
Rehoboam is now king. Jeroboam and the congregation of Israel request that he make the yoke lighter than what Solomon made it on the people.
Just thinking...I wonder what Solomon did to make things so grievous for them. Maybe it was the building of the temple that wearied them? Back to the story...
Rehoboam, wisely, first consults the old men, and they tell Rehoboam...
12:7 "If thou wilt be a servant unto this poeple this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they wil be thy servants for ever."
So true, in leadership...the way to be a great leader is to be a great servant. Obviously, Rehoboam didn't like that answer. He wanted to feel powerful and to be mighty king, not a lowly servant, so the counsel of his friends catered more along of what he was thinking...
12:10-11 "And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thous speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins. And no whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions."
Whoa! That's pretty severe! That declaration is filled with so much hatred and oppression. Rehoboam forgot where he came from. He forgot that his job was to serve His people as king. Abba, help me to realize my greatest influence is gained as a leader when I love people and serve them---not oppress them.
Lord, though, this was prophesied. Oppression was sure to come to Israel because Solomon followed those strange women and their gods. His sin brought punishment onto more than just himself.
12:15 "Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the Lord..."
The kingdoms now become divided. Only the tribe of Judah remains with Rehoboam. The rest follow Jereboam as a king. Rehoboam plots to fight against Jeroboam, but the man of God with counsel from God stops them.
The time of sacrifice is coming near when the Israelittes travel to Jerusalem, Jeroboam fears that his followers will go back to the house of David, Jerusalem, and not follow him any more, but go back to Rehoboam and kill Jeroboam. His fear makes him decide to make two golden calves for them to worship in Shechem instead of returning to worship God in Jerusalem. Another example of pride and desire for power of a king.
This also is a good example of the verse
Mark 7:13 "Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered; and many such like things do ye."
The people were wrapped up in the tradition of sacrifice, but forgot the purpose, the meaning of the sacrifice-a picture of the Saviour to come.
So much good stuff just from Chapter 12. I think I will stop there for today.
1. Lead with an attitude of servitude.
2. You often ordain oppression from leaders because of the sins of the previous generation.
3. Know why I do what I do--to make the word of God effective. Don't fall into the trap of doing things just for the sake of tradition, otherwise, it will eventually lose it's purpose.
Rehoboam is now king. Jeroboam and the congregation of Israel request that he make the yoke lighter than what Solomon made it on the people.
Just thinking...I wonder what Solomon did to make things so grievous for them. Maybe it was the building of the temple that wearied them? Back to the story...
Rehoboam, wisely, first consults the old men, and they tell Rehoboam...
12:7 "If thou wilt be a servant unto this poeple this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they wil be thy servants for ever."
So true, in leadership...the way to be a great leader is to be a great servant. Obviously, Rehoboam didn't like that answer. He wanted to feel powerful and to be mighty king, not a lowly servant, so the counsel of his friends catered more along of what he was thinking...
12:10-11 "And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thous speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins. And no whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions."
Whoa! That's pretty severe! That declaration is filled with so much hatred and oppression. Rehoboam forgot where he came from. He forgot that his job was to serve His people as king. Abba, help me to realize my greatest influence is gained as a leader when I love people and serve them---not oppress them.
Lord, though, this was prophesied. Oppression was sure to come to Israel because Solomon followed those strange women and their gods. His sin brought punishment onto more than just himself.
12:15 "Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the Lord..."
The kingdoms now become divided. Only the tribe of Judah remains with Rehoboam. The rest follow Jereboam as a king. Rehoboam plots to fight against Jeroboam, but the man of God with counsel from God stops them.
The time of sacrifice is coming near when the Israelittes travel to Jerusalem, Jeroboam fears that his followers will go back to the house of David, Jerusalem, and not follow him any more, but go back to Rehoboam and kill Jeroboam. His fear makes him decide to make two golden calves for them to worship in Shechem instead of returning to worship God in Jerusalem. Another example of pride and desire for power of a king.
This also is a good example of the verse
Mark 7:13 "Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered; and many such like things do ye."
The people were wrapped up in the tradition of sacrifice, but forgot the purpose, the meaning of the sacrifice-a picture of the Saviour to come.
So much good stuff just from Chapter 12. I think I will stop there for today.
1. Lead with an attitude of servitude.
2. You often ordain oppression from leaders because of the sins of the previous generation.
3. Know why I do what I do--to make the word of God effective. Don't fall into the trap of doing things just for the sake of tradition, otherwise, it will eventually lose it's purpose.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
God's Longsuffering
A lot is on my mind today with one of my family members. It's really difficult to see someone struggle when they don't have to. You see the bad choices they continually make...continuing to go down that path of destruction. Then when almost destruction comes they come to you asking for help---not "Help, I've made some bad choices; I need to make some changes." But rather "Help me just temporarily, I'll make it somehow." I want to teach them. I want to help them understand what they are doing wrong, but they don't want to hear. They don't want to hear that the way they've been doing it all this time isn't right.
Abba, how incredibly frustrated You must get with me sometimes. How often am I guilty of the same thing. I'm doing things my own way and then I ask You to "bail me out." How many times do I continually make poor choices, especially with my time, and You know that if I would just follow my schedule of spending time with You and doing the work I am supposed to do...the day would go so much better, and I wouldn't have that feeling of remorse. Or how many times I fail to pray...You know, REALLY pray and instead I chose to watch TV. Abba, You have made me understand more and more how much I grieve Your heart as Your child when I feel the grief my family can cause me. Things seem so obvious to me of things they need to "fix." I think it must be that way with You. You see so many things I should just "fix" and things would certainly go a lot smoother.
On that note....You gave me a great verse today...
Proverbs 31:27-28 "She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."
God, I want that to be my testimony. But that means that often I will have to do "What I don't want to do." I will have to live by principle and schedule and not by my emotions. Lord, help me to remember that in ever small choice I make each day. I love You. I need You today. You are wonderful!
Abba, how incredibly frustrated You must get with me sometimes. How often am I guilty of the same thing. I'm doing things my own way and then I ask You to "bail me out." How many times do I continually make poor choices, especially with my time, and You know that if I would just follow my schedule of spending time with You and doing the work I am supposed to do...the day would go so much better, and I wouldn't have that feeling of remorse. Or how many times I fail to pray...You know, REALLY pray and instead I chose to watch TV. Abba, You have made me understand more and more how much I grieve Your heart as Your child when I feel the grief my family can cause me. Things seem so obvious to me of things they need to "fix." I think it must be that way with You. You see so many things I should just "fix" and things would certainly go a lot smoother.
On that note....You gave me a great verse today...
Proverbs 31:27-28 "She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."
God, I want that to be my testimony. But that means that often I will have to do "What I don't want to do." I will have to live by principle and schedule and not by my emotions. Lord, help me to remember that in ever small choice I make each day. I love You. I need You today. You are wonderful!
Monday, July 13, 2009
1 Kings 10-11, 2 Chron 9
The queen of Sheba comes to Solomon's temple to see the greatness of the temple and to hear of Solomon's wisdom. She is greatly awed; Solomon doesn't hide anything from her, and he gave her all her desire. Perhaps this is the transition point that makes Solomon turn to strange women. His ego was stroked by the admiration of the queen of Sheba. Many other kings come to see his greatness and the things God bestowed to Solomon. Maybe he did, but I see no mention of Solomon giving glory to God. Not much longer he turns to the strange women and as the Bible says...
1 Kings 11:4
"For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father."
So sad...materialism can get the best of us. If I ever become blessed by God with riches...well I am blessed by God, but if it were to be monetarily--I would have to be careful that it doesn't become a curse. In fact, I must be careful of that now without great riches. I can get too comfortable in my "blessedness" that before I know it I've gradually made turns in the wrong direction that by the time I am old..."my heart is not perfect" God, I don't want that to be my testimony...the end of my life. That I had a good start, but my end meant getting Your blessing taken away from me.
Because of God's promise to David, He didn't take the kingdom away from Solomon, but He promised to take it from his Son. Perhaps that's the worst punishment. When our children have to reap what we have sown. Abba, please help me to be ever aware of when I stray. I don't want to lose out on not just Your blessing in my life, but Your favor...Your guidance.
The queen of Sheba comes to Solomon's temple to see the greatness of the temple and to hear of Solomon's wisdom. She is greatly awed; Solomon doesn't hide anything from her, and he gave her all her desire. Perhaps this is the transition point that makes Solomon turn to strange women. His ego was stroked by the admiration of the queen of Sheba. Many other kings come to see his greatness and the things God bestowed to Solomon. Maybe he did, but I see no mention of Solomon giving glory to God. Not much longer he turns to the strange women and as the Bible says...
1 Kings 11:4
"For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father."
So sad...materialism can get the best of us. If I ever become blessed by God with riches...well I am blessed by God, but if it were to be monetarily--I would have to be careful that it doesn't become a curse. In fact, I must be careful of that now without great riches. I can get too comfortable in my "blessedness" that before I know it I've gradually made turns in the wrong direction that by the time I am old..."my heart is not perfect" God, I don't want that to be my testimony...the end of my life. That I had a good start, but my end meant getting Your blessing taken away from me.
Because of God's promise to David, He didn't take the kingdom away from Solomon, but He promised to take it from his Son. Perhaps that's the worst punishment. When our children have to reap what we have sown. Abba, please help me to be ever aware of when I stray. I don't want to lose out on not just Your blessing in my life, but Your favor...Your guidance.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Proverbs 27-29
27:1 You're not promised tomorrow--make the best of today
2 Don't brag about yourself--let others
3 Foolish wrath is a burden.
4 Envy is worse than wrath or anger.
5 If you love someone, make sure they know it.
6 Friends tell you what you don't want to hear sometimes to help you, but enemies are deceitful and tell you things you want to hear.
7 When you're full not even good things are appetizing. But when you're hungry you'll eat anything. Don't get full on the world that there's no room for God.
8 Stay where you're supposed to be.
9 When giving advice to friends, do it sweetly.
10 Be a friend to your friends. Don't bother family during your times of trouble?
11 A wise some makes a happy father.
12 Have a plan--be wise enough to know there are things you should avoid.
13 ?
14 Be quiet in the morning. :)
15-16 Women who stir up problems are soooooooooo annoying. They are impossible to get away from, too.
17 Good friends make you a better person.
18 Whoever does the work deserves the reward.--hint hint...American government
19 My heart reveal who I really am.
20 Men's eyes can never be satified.
21 If I want to refine or make someone shine, praise them.
22 Foolish people never learn.
23-27 Know your finances--be a good steward of them. Prepare for the uncertain future for your household.
28:1 Wicked people are weinies---always running from things even when there isn't a problem.
Okay, I'm going to stop right there, God. I feel like this is a verse You want me to pay special attention to in our circumstance. Lord, I will share this one with my husband, and if it's from You help him to be able to accept it and feel the same way too.
27:1 You're not promised tomorrow--make the best of today
2 Don't brag about yourself--let others
3 Foolish wrath is a burden.
4 Envy is worse than wrath or anger.
5 If you love someone, make sure they know it.
6 Friends tell you what you don't want to hear sometimes to help you, but enemies are deceitful and tell you things you want to hear.
7 When you're full not even good things are appetizing. But when you're hungry you'll eat anything. Don't get full on the world that there's no room for God.
8 Stay where you're supposed to be.
9 When giving advice to friends, do it sweetly.
10 Be a friend to your friends. Don't bother family during your times of trouble?
11 A wise some makes a happy father.
12 Have a plan--be wise enough to know there are things you should avoid.
13 ?
14 Be quiet in the morning. :)
15-16 Women who stir up problems are soooooooooo annoying. They are impossible to get away from, too.
17 Good friends make you a better person.
18 Whoever does the work deserves the reward.--hint hint...American government
19 My heart reveal who I really am.
20 Men's eyes can never be satified.
21 If I want to refine or make someone shine, praise them.
22 Foolish people never learn.
23-27 Know your finances--be a good steward of them. Prepare for the uncertain future for your household.
28:1 Wicked people are weinies---always running from things even when there isn't a problem.
Okay, I'm going to stop right there, God. I feel like this is a verse You want me to pay special attention to in our circumstance. Lord, I will share this one with my husband, and if it's from You help him to be able to accept it and feel the same way too.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
He Knows Everything--Even the Smallest Details
Ps 147-4 "He telleth the number of stars; he calleth them all by [their] names."
I love that verse. There are BILLIONS of stars---He know all of their names! If He knows all their names, I'm sure He has no problem remembering mine. God for some reason is thinks that stars are important enough to have names, so it reminds me that God is a personal God that cares about the smallest details. Not only is He that caring...He's that smart. I think about some people that are so smart--could wow you with book knowledge, but they know very little about detailed little things. Abba, I praise You for Your omniscience and Your infinite attention to details.
147:5 Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.
What a reassuring verse. So true. God, You know it all. You can do it all! I claim Your understanding and power in our situation. Lord, show us Your power and help us to know Your understanding as well.
147:9-11 He giveth the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry. He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.
Ravens are considered the most despicable of birds, yet, You care for them, too, God. What the world looks at as great and pleasurable--You don't. You are absolutely pleased with those that worship and fear You, the Creator, not Your creation.
I love that verse. There are BILLIONS of stars---He know all of their names! If He knows all their names, I'm sure He has no problem remembering mine. God for some reason is thinks that stars are important enough to have names, so it reminds me that God is a personal God that cares about the smallest details. Not only is He that caring...He's that smart. I think about some people that are so smart--could wow you with book knowledge, but they know very little about detailed little things. Abba, I praise You for Your omniscience and Your infinite attention to details.
147:5 Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.
What a reassuring verse. So true. God, You know it all. You can do it all! I claim Your understanding and power in our situation. Lord, show us Your power and help us to know Your understanding as well.
147:9-11 He giveth the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry. He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.
Ravens are considered the most despicable of birds, yet, You care for them, too, God. What the world looks at as great and pleasurable--You don't. You are absolutely pleased with those that worship and fear You, the Creator, not Your creation.
Monday, July 6, 2009
God's Judgment Before His Mercy
Ever feel like you are doing great in one area of your life and then another area seems to fall by the wayside? I am have fallen in that cycle. I have recently gotten back into the routine of exercising faithfully; it cut into my blogging time, though, and here I am trying to get back on track on that area. I have been reading still, but not blogging or meditating on what I have read as much. I can surely tell a difference in my Bible reading. It's not looked forward to with as much anticipation and I am doing it more as a duty of a checked list. I don't like that feeling, and I know my Bible holds so much more potential than that. Routine...it's something that the Christian constantly has to work at, but at the same time work against. The irony. :)
2 Chron 6-7, Psalm 136
Here Solomon is dedicating the temple to God and asking for Your divine judgment on Your children---punishment or reward--whatever they were deserving of.
6:30-31 --"Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:) That they may fear thee, to walk in thy ways, so long as they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers."
Solomon understood Your balance of justice---reward for the upright and punishment for the forward. But he also understood Your mercy. He pleaded that when after deserved punishment was come, if the people repented and turned back to You that You would accept them and hear their prayers. You confirmed You will do this...
7:12-15 "And the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, and if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer [that is made] in this place."
Wow! I have read and heard that verse so many times, but now I see that Your mercy cannot come until Your judgment has fell and it makes the people repentant. Abba, I pray that for our America. May Your people see Your judgment on our land. May we all be willing to humble ourselves---not depending on our strong economy or government leaders, but You and be willing to turn from our wicked ways, so You can then heal our land. Forgive my sin, Abba. Help me to change whatever little area You chose in my life that keeps revival from happening in my own life and then in America.
2 Chron 6-7, Psalm 136
Here Solomon is dedicating the temple to God and asking for Your divine judgment on Your children---punishment or reward--whatever they were deserving of.
6:30-31 --"Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:) That they may fear thee, to walk in thy ways, so long as they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers."
Solomon understood Your balance of justice---reward for the upright and punishment for the forward. But he also understood Your mercy. He pleaded that when after deserved punishment was come, if the people repented and turned back to You that You would accept them and hear their prayers. You confirmed You will do this...
7:12-15 "And the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, and if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer [that is made] in this place."
Wow! I have read and heard that verse so many times, but now I see that Your mercy cannot come until Your judgment has fell and it makes the people repentant. Abba, I pray that for our America. May Your people see Your judgment on our land. May we all be willing to humble ourselves---not depending on our strong economy or government leaders, but You and be willing to turn from our wicked ways, so You can then heal our land. Forgive my sin, Abba. Help me to change whatever little area You chose in my life that keeps revival from happening in my own life and then in America.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Prov 16-18
So much meet in those proverbs...like a buffet hard for me to get it all the first go around. Two meats I couldn't pass up...reproof entereth more into awise than a hundred stripes a fool...i believe the Bible teaches me that how I respond to reproof shows my true spirituality...do i scorn and despise the reprover or do i take the repoof and turn as the bible says?
I read a few verses also remarking about the impotance of a merry heart and the spirit as a part of good health. Its a proven fact that those who smile and are optomistic are healthier and often live longer lives. Today was Nancy Moore's funeral. She was only 52 but so much was said about her sweet spirit, though it didn't heal her...I think it healed those around her. Abba, I would rather like a short life and have great influence than live a long life with no influence for good. Abba, may my life be worth each breath that you invest into it.
So much meet in those proverbs...like a buffet hard for me to get it all the first go around. Two meats I couldn't pass up...reproof entereth more into awise than a hundred stripes a fool...i believe the Bible teaches me that how I respond to reproof shows my true spirituality...do i scorn and despise the reprover or do i take the repoof and turn as the bible says?
I read a few verses also remarking about the impotance of a merry heart and the spirit as a part of good health. Its a proven fact that those who smile and are optomistic are healthier and often live longer lives. Today was Nancy Moore's funeral. She was only 52 but so much was said about her sweet spirit, though it didn't heal her...I think it healed those around her. Abba, I would rather like a short life and have great influence than live a long life with no influence for good. Abba, may my life be worth each breath that you invest into it.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
The strange woman is a crafty lady...well not a lady...woman. She is subtle in trapping her prey. Her victims are oblivious to her schemes. Wisdom, though, displays similar tactics. The difference is motives. Strange woman's are for evil and her gain. Wisdom's is for righteousness and blessing. It seems foolish that anyone would even choose the strange woman over wisdom. As I read about that harlots tricks, I think of how I should try those same things and apply them to wisdom for good. I should make wisdom and righteous just as if not more attractive than evil.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Proverbs 1-3
God, i love how you work in an unhumanistic way...you said.."the fear of the lord is the beginning of knowledge." in other word i must realize you know it all and i don't before i can know it all. :) then there's the verse..."let not mercy and truth forsake thee." it struck at how you can't give mercy until you know the truth. In other words i must admit my guilt before i can be cleared of my guilt. I cant receive pardon if i dont think i need forgiveness. Perhaps thats what u want me to remember tonight...the truth and the mercy that followed when you saved me. I love u abba!
God, i love how you work in an unhumanistic way...you said.."the fear of the lord is the beginning of knowledge." in other word i must realize you know it all and i don't before i can know it all. :) then there's the verse..."let not mercy and truth forsake thee." it struck at how you can't give mercy until you know the truth. In other words i must admit my guilt before i can be cleared of my guilt. I cant receive pardon if i dont think i need forgiveness. Perhaps thats what u want me to remember tonight...the truth and the mercy that followed when you saved me. I love u abba!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Song of solomon
I must confess that if it weren't for a sermon explaining it when I was a teenager, I would be completely lost in this story. It certainly is hatd to piece toghether...
Two obsevations...1 I'm glad we use different similies to describe beauty these days. :) Don't think my breasts being described as roes (deer) is too flattering. 2. Love the verse "I AM MY BELOVED'S AND HIS DESIRE IS TOWARD ME." I guess you could take that verse 2 ways...God is mine and His desires are always toward my best interest. Or I am God's and He is absolutely nuts about me. I lile both thoughts actually. I kniw everything You do, Abba, is for my own good, and that's because You're crazy about me. You enjoy my presence. You like to walk with me . Man am I a lucky girl! I love You too, Lord!
I must confess that if it weren't for a sermon explaining it when I was a teenager, I would be completely lost in this story. It certainly is hatd to piece toghether...
Two obsevations...1 I'm glad we use different similies to describe beauty these days. :) Don't think my breasts being described as roes (deer) is too flattering. 2. Love the verse "I AM MY BELOVED'S AND HIS DESIRE IS TOWARD ME." I guess you could take that verse 2 ways...God is mine and His desires are always toward my best interest. Or I am God's and He is absolutely nuts about me. I lile both thoughts actually. I kniw everything You do, Abba, is for my own good, and that's because You're crazy about me. You enjoy my presence. You like to walk with me . Man am I a lucky girl! I love You too, Lord!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Psalms 119....the largest chapter in the Bible, and nearly every verse talks about the law, statues, testimonies, or judgments. All the same of course. Proves how important Your word is, Lord. Your law provides: wisdom, comfort, direction, strength, protection, purpose, defense, happiness....just to name a few.
The verse..."I thoghts on my ways and turned my feet unto thy testimonies." caught my spirit. I continue to ask, Lord, for Your direction in every little path I take throughout the day. Abba, I know I am so horrible at making and thinking about this request in the morning, but help it to be "my meditation all the day." Help me be bold to witness and quick to give You praise all the time. Help me to REALLY think on all my ways and if they are pleasing to You. I love You, Abba. I need You today...everyday!!!
The verse..."I thoghts on my ways and turned my feet unto thy testimonies." caught my spirit. I continue to ask, Lord, for Your direction in every little path I take throughout the day. Abba, I know I am so horrible at making and thinking about this request in the morning, but help it to be "my meditation all the day." Help me be bold to witness and quick to give You praise all the time. Help me to REALLY think on all my ways and if they are pleasing to You. I love You, Abba. I need You today...everyday!!!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Purpose
Today is my birthday!! Yeah, I'm 30!! So hard to believe. I still feel so young. I never get depressed about birthdays, in fact, I look forward to them, but this one just seems surreal. Anyway, this morning as I was driving I was talking to the Lord and thanking Him for the 30 years I've been alive and healthy to boot! I also thought about the great blessing of having a purpose, a reason to live. I have met many that feel like they are going through the motions of life and in the end it's all over. Thank you that the years I have had so far have had purpose, and I pray that years to come will continue to have purpose. I thought it so fitting when I came across these verses in my Bible reading from Psalms 115
115:3-8
But our God [is] in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
Their idols [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:
They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.
They that make them are like unto them; [so is] every one that trusteth in them.
How does that relate to what I just said...well the last verse ties it all together. Those worthless idols were just that, worthless, no purpose. They had all the likeness of something purposeful, but they weren't and God said that those who make them and worship them are just the same. I know I don't bow down, create or make any of those silver and gold idols--though I am guilty of putting other things before You sometimes, Lord, and things put ahead of You are idols, but, Abba, I don't want that empty feeling of being useless ever in my life. Help my hands, my heart, my eyes, my ears, my feet, everything to be fulfilling the exact purpose You have for me in my life. You deserve it, and to top it off, it sure makes me feel good too!
115:3-8
But our God [is] in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
Their idols [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:
They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.
They that make them are like unto them; [so is] every one that trusteth in them.
How does that relate to what I just said...well the last verse ties it all together. Those worthless idols were just that, worthless, no purpose. They had all the likeness of something purposeful, but they weren't and God said that those who make them and worship them are just the same. I know I don't bow down, create or make any of those silver and gold idols--though I am guilty of putting other things before You sometimes, Lord, and things put ahead of You are idols, but, Abba, I don't want that empty feeling of being useless ever in my life. Help my hands, my heart, my eyes, my ears, my feet, everything to be fulfilling the exact purpose You have for me in my life. You deserve it, and to top it off, it sure makes me feel good too!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Serving Him & Giving
I Chron. 28
28:9
And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.
I think this is the cry and admonition of all godly parents. "Choose God...know Him...be blessed by Him don't turn from Him." David wanted Solomon to have the same close relationship with God that he did. I pray the same thing for Destiny, my step-daughter. Such benefits that come from serving Him. Yes, there are hard times, but God loves you and wants to go through them WITH you. His arms are opening and willing to embrace you, but if you decide to mock His love and turn it away, his hand of judgment is thrown. God knows your heart. He sees what others cannot. Serve Him.
When I think of how I so want this in those who I influence---Destiny or anyone for that matter, I think of how God so wants this in my own life. Lord, You see my short comings, and I'm sure wish so much that I wouldn't be so stubborn and to instead have that "willing mind." Forgive me, Abba, when I grieve You. Help me to change and desire to serve You more especially by learning to serve my own family more and to have the right attitude as a wife. I want to do better at seeking You for everything, even the small decisions. A constant awareness of You in my day, my life.
29:9
Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.
I noticed this verse because right now our church is going through a difficult time financially. But I see how God is using it to bring revival to our preacher's life and hopefully to many families in our church. But I see the requirement here....with a perfect heart. The greatest giving can come from those whose hearts are perfect before the Lord. So I believe the right process of events is happening in our church right now, and that is an encouragement.
28:9
And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.
I think this is the cry and admonition of all godly parents. "Choose God...know Him...be blessed by Him don't turn from Him." David wanted Solomon to have the same close relationship with God that he did. I pray the same thing for Destiny, my step-daughter. Such benefits that come from serving Him. Yes, there are hard times, but God loves you and wants to go through them WITH you. His arms are opening and willing to embrace you, but if you decide to mock His love and turn it away, his hand of judgment is thrown. God knows your heart. He sees what others cannot. Serve Him.
When I think of how I so want this in those who I influence---Destiny or anyone for that matter, I think of how God so wants this in my own life. Lord, You see my short comings, and I'm sure wish so much that I wouldn't be so stubborn and to instead have that "willing mind." Forgive me, Abba, when I grieve You. Help me to change and desire to serve You more especially by learning to serve my own family more and to have the right attitude as a wife. I want to do better at seeking You for everything, even the small decisions. A constant awareness of You in my day, my life.
29:9
Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.
I noticed this verse because right now our church is going through a difficult time financially. But I see how God is using it to bring revival to our preacher's life and hopefully to many families in our church. But I see the requirement here....with a perfect heart. The greatest giving can come from those whose hearts are perfect before the Lord. So I believe the right process of events is happening in our church right now, and that is an encouragement.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
God's Thoughts and Direction
Wow! It surely is overwhelming when I stop and try to think about how much God thinks about me.
139:17
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
139:18
[If] I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
That certainly is the highest form of flattery. To know that I am a constant awareness in God's mind. He doesn't "misplace" me or forget what's happening in my life. He knows everything I am doing. That's hard to fathom that He does that for me, but harder to fathom that He does for everyone at the same time. My mind hurts thinking about it. :)
143:8
Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.
Every time I read the word "lovingkindness", I think to myself....awww that's so sweet! Thinking about this verse...hear thy lovingkindness. How in the world do I hear that? I think that means to sit still and be quiet....listen for God's still soft voice. When I hear Your lovingkindness like that I am also able to "know the way wherin I should walk." Abba, may my every step today be prefaced with You in mind---desiring Your direction to lead me even as simple as a route to walk or drive, to know that I am in the pathway of someone You have brought my way. Lead me, Lord, lead on.
145:17-19
The LORD [is] righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.
The LORD [is] nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
What a great prayer promise!
139:17
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
139:18
[If] I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
That certainly is the highest form of flattery. To know that I am a constant awareness in God's mind. He doesn't "misplace" me or forget what's happening in my life. He knows everything I am doing. That's hard to fathom that He does that for me, but harder to fathom that He does for everyone at the same time. My mind hurts thinking about it. :)
143:8
Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.
Every time I read the word "lovingkindness", I think to myself....awww that's so sweet! Thinking about this verse...hear thy lovingkindness. How in the world do I hear that? I think that means to sit still and be quiet....listen for God's still soft voice. When I hear Your lovingkindness like that I am also able to "know the way wherin I should walk." Abba, may my every step today be prefaced with You in mind---desiring Your direction to lead me even as simple as a route to walk or drive, to know that I am in the pathway of someone You have brought my way. Lead me, Lord, lead on.
145:17-19
The LORD [is] righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.
The LORD [is] nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
What a great prayer promise!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Permanent Decisions Effects
2 Sam 24, 1 Chron 21
24:1
And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.
21:1
And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.
21:2
And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know [it].
21:3
And Joab answered, The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more as they [be]: but, my lord the king, [are] they not all my lord's servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?
It seems these verses are contradicting themselves in a way. Did Satan provoke him or God...that "he" in 1 Samuel is a little confusing. Anyway, obviously God didn't want him to number Israel, Joab knew this and warned David, too. But whatever the case, David is reacting to his emotions, rather than what he knew was right. The people suffered because of it. The prophet Gad told him he would have to choose between three curses: 7 yrs of famine, 3 months fleeing from enemies, or 3 days of pestilence. David chooses the pestilence. I don't think he realized that 70,000 men would die as a result and more could have died if he had not cried to God and built an altar.
This is another wake up call reminding me that my sins hurt more than just me. When I act out of emotions and do wrong, it may seem good on the temporary but the long term effects hurt me and others badly. Help me, Lord, to stop and think when I am angry, grieved, upset, or whatever emotion is overwhelming me--to not react, but have a plan to do what I know is right.
I remember a quote, "Don't sacrifice the permanent on the altar of the immediate." Good admonition.
1 Chron 22
Here David changes gears. He is now preparing for the permanent. Though he cannot build a temple for God, he makes preparations for his Solomon to do so. This is a mark of greatness...when you prepare for those who come behind you and not just looking out for yourself and what's happening in your lifetime.
So Lord after reading these passages, I realize that every decision should be made with the future in mind. The future of not only myself, but the future of those that follow behind me.
24:1
And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.
21:1
And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.
21:2
And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know [it].
21:3
And Joab answered, The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more as they [be]: but, my lord the king, [are] they not all my lord's servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?
It seems these verses are contradicting themselves in a way. Did Satan provoke him or God...that "he" in 1 Samuel is a little confusing. Anyway, obviously God didn't want him to number Israel, Joab knew this and warned David, too. But whatever the case, David is reacting to his emotions, rather than what he knew was right. The people suffered because of it. The prophet Gad told him he would have to choose between three curses: 7 yrs of famine, 3 months fleeing from enemies, or 3 days of pestilence. David chooses the pestilence. I don't think he realized that 70,000 men would die as a result and more could have died if he had not cried to God and built an altar.
This is another wake up call reminding me that my sins hurt more than just me. When I act out of emotions and do wrong, it may seem good on the temporary but the long term effects hurt me and others badly. Help me, Lord, to stop and think when I am angry, grieved, upset, or whatever emotion is overwhelming me--to not react, but have a plan to do what I know is right.
I remember a quote, "Don't sacrifice the permanent on the altar of the immediate." Good admonition.
1 Chron 22
Here David changes gears. He is now preparing for the permanent. Though he cannot build a temple for God, he makes preparations for his Solomon to do so. This is a mark of greatness...when you prepare for those who come behind you and not just looking out for yourself and what's happening in your lifetime.
So Lord after reading these passages, I realize that every decision should be made with the future in mind. The future of not only myself, but the future of those that follow behind me.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Shortly after god had delivered d avid from the hand of saul, david writes a song...part of it says..."thy gentleness hath made me great." i certainly am not "great", but i completely agree that it is only by your gentleness that i am anything. This reminds me of that potter's wheel. The potter only makes gentle movements to mold the vessel. Yes, sometimes they are cutting and intrusive, but always gentle.
Another part of the song..."thou hast enlarged thy steps under me that I cannot fall." I envision a dad as he lets in tottering daughter step on his feet as he walks. Thats what I picture with You, God. I'm standing on Your feet as You hold me up. You truly have, Lord, kept me from falling and making alot of stupid decisions. You have kept me safe in normally unsafe conditions. Thank you abba for always gently leading me as I stand on Your feet.
Another part of the song..."thou hast enlarged thy steps under me that I cannot fall." I envision a dad as he lets in tottering daughter step on his feet as he walks. Thats what I picture with You, God. I'm standing on Your feet as You hold me up. You truly have, Lord, kept me from falling and making alot of stupid decisions. You have kept me safe in normally unsafe conditions. Thank you abba for always gently leading me as I stand on Your feet.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Justice Not Fairness
1 Samuel 19-21
Absalom has been killed by Joab, and David mourns for him. In my opinion, I think he waited too late to let Absalom know how important he was to him. For over what...20 years, I think. He avoided him. A little too late, David. Joab, one of David's captains, becomes quite upset with David because he's sad that Absalom is dead and is upset that they got the victory. I see here David kinda going through a depression. I see this in others lives often. They become passive about incidents in their lives, as David did, and then when grief comes it overwhelms them--not wanting to deal with problems on the immediate timing, but then lose it when it all falls apart. I don't know maybe I am judging David a little too hard. Not my place to judge, I guess.
After Joab ranting at David, I must confess that I am thoroughly confused at the incidents following....going after king of Sheba, Amasa, and old wise women....I tried to read it slowly and I still didn't understand what was going on.
In Samuel 21, though, it explains about a famine that happened in David's time. God explains that it is because of Saul's disobedience in killing the Gibeonites. David comes to the remaining Gibeonites and asks them what can be done to appease them for what Saul had done. They don't want gold or silver; they want the sons or grandsons of Saul that are living. David promises to send them over. Seven men are killed by the Gibeonites.
I don't know what to think of this....hmmm....when I sin,others often have to pay for my sins, too. The consequences don't just fall to me. I think of the legacy Saul left behind. Sometimes when people pass on their greatness is remembered and continued, instead remorse and punishment is left behind of Saul. What an awful inheritance to gain. "Your dad, grandad disobeyed God and now we're going to kill you." I guess some would think that is unfair. But it's justice. Justice isn't about fairness...it's about equating actions with the consequences. It's a natural law of nature as well. If I chose to poison my garden with harsh chemicals, not only do I lose out on my harvest, but I destroy the potential harvest of those who wish to plant after me. The only way to make it better is to completely tear up the ground and put down fresh dirt. This makes me think of what Jesus did for my salvation. I was ruined. I was fully deserving of justice, but He took the punishment. In His doing so, he ripped up the ruined ground in my heart and put a new start there. Thank you, Jesus. You are sooooooooooooo good to me.
Absalom has been killed by Joab, and David mourns for him. In my opinion, I think he waited too late to let Absalom know how important he was to him. For over what...20 years, I think. He avoided him. A little too late, David. Joab, one of David's captains, becomes quite upset with David because he's sad that Absalom is dead and is upset that they got the victory. I see here David kinda going through a depression. I see this in others lives often. They become passive about incidents in their lives, as David did, and then when grief comes it overwhelms them--not wanting to deal with problems on the immediate timing, but then lose it when it all falls apart. I don't know maybe I am judging David a little too hard. Not my place to judge, I guess.
After Joab ranting at David, I must confess that I am thoroughly confused at the incidents following....going after king of Sheba, Amasa, and old wise women....I tried to read it slowly and I still didn't understand what was going on.
In Samuel 21, though, it explains about a famine that happened in David's time. God explains that it is because of Saul's disobedience in killing the Gibeonites. David comes to the remaining Gibeonites and asks them what can be done to appease them for what Saul had done. They don't want gold or silver; they want the sons or grandsons of Saul that are living. David promises to send them over. Seven men are killed by the Gibeonites.
I don't know what to think of this....hmmm....when I sin,others often have to pay for my sins, too. The consequences don't just fall to me. I think of the legacy Saul left behind. Sometimes when people pass on their greatness is remembered and continued, instead remorse and punishment is left behind of Saul. What an awful inheritance to gain. "Your dad, grandad disobeyed God and now we're going to kill you." I guess some would think that is unfair. But it's justice. Justice isn't about fairness...it's about equating actions with the consequences. It's a natural law of nature as well. If I chose to poison my garden with harsh chemicals, not only do I lose out on my harvest, but I destroy the potential harvest of those who wish to plant after me. The only way to make it better is to completely tear up the ground and put down fresh dirt. This makes me think of what Jesus did for my salvation. I was ruined. I was fully deserving of justice, but He took the punishment. In His doing so, he ripped up the ruined ground in my heart and put a new start there. Thank you, Jesus. You are sooooooooooooo good to me.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
I must admit that David is not my favorite person from the Bible. It seems that in his latter years he lost his boldness and quickness to do right by judging his own family. His daughter Tamar is raped. He is wroth but he chooses to do nothing about it. Absalom is ticked and waits 2 years for justice until he decided to take matters into his own hand and kill amnon. Absalom is gone for 3 years...David doesn't seem to care. He's back in Jerusalem and still David doesn't want to see his face. Absalom has repentant heart but he us ignored until he ultimately decides to rise against David 40 years later.
I see a version torn relationship between david and his children.
I know Absalom is not without fault either. He let bitterness consume him.
Two sides to this story that were both the wrong choice....ignoring justice and taking justice into your own hands.
David had no reaction because if grief. Absalom reacted out of anger and bitterness. Because of this not only did David have a daughter raped but he lost two sons too.
This teaches me to rule those under me by principles not by my emotions. Ignoring a situation only makes things worse too. When its in my authority administer justice and do it quickly according to principles and decided consequences not emotions.
I see a version torn relationship between david and his children.
I know Absalom is not without fault either. He let bitterness consume him.
Two sides to this story that were both the wrong choice....ignoring justice and taking justice into your own hands.
David had no reaction because if grief. Absalom reacted out of anger and bitterness. Because of this not only did David have a daughter raped but he lost two sons too.
This teaches me to rule those under me by principles not by my emotions. Ignoring a situation only makes things worse too. When its in my authority administer justice and do it quickly according to principles and decided consequences not emotions.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
I hate it when you try to do good for someone and they take it as bad intentions. Well I say I hate it, but I can't think of a specific incidence right now where that happened to me. Here David was trying to do something nice for the king of Ammon, but husband servants accuse David's me coming to bear gifts as spies and shave half their beards and rip their clothes to their buttocks. How's that foe appreciation? Not only that put they hire the syrian to go to war against Israel. Wow! So much for trying to do something nice.
After that (still reading chronologically) I read the psalm that David says he I weary of crying. His throat is dry from all the tears. I can relate to that. Perhaps he was so weary of always trying to do the right thing and seeming that so much turmoil came in return. As he wrote "my enemies wrongfully"
What do I get from these passages...hmmm...im certainly not alone in those times I have felt rejected. As David did, it is at those times I need to draw to my Saviour and feel His presence stronger than ever before.
After that (still reading chronologically) I read the psalm that David says he I weary of crying. His throat is dry from all the tears. I can relate to that. Perhaps he was so weary of always trying to do the right thing and seeming that so much turmoil came in return. As he wrote "my enemies wrongfully"
What do I get from these passages...hmmm...im certainly not alone in those times I have felt rejected. As David did, it is at those times I need to draw to my Saviour and feel His presence stronger than ever before.
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