1 Samuel is such a rich book; take your time in it and enjoy it!
Every time I read the account of Hannah, I am humbled by her attitude and unwillingness to lash back at her rival. Can you imagine having to share your husband with another woman? How about with one who hates you and takes every opportunity to be nasty to you - not just behind your back, but to your face? And this didn't just happen once. Notice verse 7 (chapter 1): "It happened year after year..." (NASB)
Year after year! Can you imagine enduring that? Would you endure that?
There is no evidence that Hannah ever lashed back at Peninnah. Instead there is evidence she ran to the LORD - verse 10, "She was deeply distressed and prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly."
Like I said, I'm humbled by her attitude and unwillingness to lash back. I have to admit that I don't think I would put up with the verbal abuse year after year. I am amazed and challenged by Hannah. What an example for us as women! Run to the LORD instead of running off at the mouth (to put it bluntly!).
Let's make that one of our resolutions for the year.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Ruth 1-4
Ruth 1-4
I'm a little late in posting this, but if you have never done a study on the concept of 'kinsman redeemer', I HIGHLY encourage you to do one. Precept Ministries (precept.org) has an excellent kinsman redeemer study and it is only 3 lessons! So you can do it!!
Here's a promo on the study from their website:
If you were a slave, who would buy your freedom? If you had an enemy, who would come to your defense? In the Old Testament, this buyer-defender known as a "kinsman - redeemer" was usually a close relative. If you're a believer, you already have one -- Jesus Christ! This rich study shows how Jesus both bought us (redeemer) and advocates (defends) for us, offering us an opportunity to rebuild our broken lives.
I did this study a couple years ago and it was fantastic!
I'm a little late in posting this, but if you have never done a study on the concept of 'kinsman redeemer', I HIGHLY encourage you to do one. Precept Ministries (precept.org) has an excellent kinsman redeemer study and it is only 3 lessons! So you can do it!!
Here's a promo on the study from their website:
If you were a slave, who would buy your freedom? If you had an enemy, who would come to your defense? In the Old Testament, this buyer-defender known as a "kinsman - redeemer" was usually a close relative. If you're a believer, you already have one -- Jesus Christ! This rich study shows how Jesus both bought us (redeemer) and advocates (defends) for us, offering us an opportunity to rebuild our broken lives.
I did this study a couple years ago and it was fantastic!
Sunday, March 25, 2012
The Real and The Unreal
A friend of mine shared this with me and gave me permission to post it on our blog. Hope you enjoy her insights as much as I did!
I have been very blessed this week as I prepared for our Ladies Bible study on Acts 12 about Peter's release from prison. I was interested in all the ways the real did not seem real, the unreal seemed to be so important.
Examples
Peter thinks he is seeing a vision as the angel walks him out of the prison when in fact, it was a very real experience.
Peter thinks he is seeing a vision as the angel walks him out of the prison when in fact, it was a very real experience.
The believers accuse Rhoda, the servant girl, as being "mad" or crazy, when in fact, she is reporting the truth
The believers were praying for Peter, but when he showed up, they said it wasn't really Peter, it was his angel!
Herod believes the soldiers are at fault for Peter's release, so he orders their death.
Herod believes the people when they say that his voice is the voice of a god -- and he dies for not giving God the glory.
It's a whole chapter with "unreal" situations; but in v.24, we are told that the Word of God grew and multiplied.
So, that brings me to my reading in Joshua 9 where what appears real is not true. The princes of Israel believe that the dry and moldy bread of the Gibeonites is truly from their long journey - pure deception. They believe the word of the Gibeonites that they came from a far country, when in fact, they were neighbors. They claimed their sandals and garments had become worn from the long journey. They were liars and were acting out of fear - the fear of being conquered by Israel. They ended up being slaves - losers of freedom. V.14 says that Joshua and his leaders asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord.
Challenge for me is to be careful -- most of the time things are not as they appear. I can't let myself be ruled by emotions, reactions to what I see.
Just as Israel should have sought the counsel of the LORD before covenanting with the Gibeonites, so we, too, need to seek God's counsel, advice, direction in all we do lest we be deceived by the enemy of our souls.
How are y'all doing?
I apologize for how long it has been since I last posted about our reading. To be honest, I got behind in the reading, but I'm caught up now, so I hope to get back to posting.
How are you all doing with reading through the Bible? I hope you are hanging in there! The last few books we have been through can seem long, boring, dry, and perhaps even irrelevant to us today, but let me assure you God's Word is never irrelevant!
If you have gotten behind in your reading, like I did, hang in there! Don't give up and quit. Maybe some days you can read a little more and catch up, maybe it will take you longer than a year to read through the Bible. That's okay! Remember: the point is to be in God's Word and let it conform you more and more to the image of Christ.
So how about dropping me a message and letting me know where you are at with your reading. And let me know how I can pray for you and encourage you as you persevere in reading.
How are you all doing with reading through the Bible? I hope you are hanging in there! The last few books we have been through can seem long, boring, dry, and perhaps even irrelevant to us today, but let me assure you God's Word is never irrelevant!
If you have gotten behind in your reading, like I did, hang in there! Don't give up and quit. Maybe some days you can read a little more and catch up, maybe it will take you longer than a year to read through the Bible. That's okay! Remember: the point is to be in God's Word and let it conform you more and more to the image of Christ.
So how about dropping me a message and letting me know where you are at with your reading. And let me know how I can pray for you and encourage you as you persevere in reading.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
A Different Spirit
"But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it." - Numbers 14:24
You are all very familiar with this historical account - God instructs Moses to send spies throughout Canaan to see what the land is like. I think God is desiring to 'rev up' the people about the land He is about to give them. Numbers 13 tells us it was the season of the first ripe grapes. They cut down a single cluster of grapes and carried it on a pole between two of them. Seriously?! A single cluster of grapes has to be carried on a pole between two of them! I don't know about you, but that would get me a little more than exicted and 'revved up' for what the rest of the land must be like! Plus, God had promised to give the land to them!
And yet, as you know the rest of the story, 2 say 'go', 10 say 'no'. And the whole congregation of Israel aligns with the 10 negative voices; they grumble against Moses and decide it would be better if they returned to Egypt (slavery and starvation versus freedom and mammoth grapes - you'd think that decision would be a no-brainer).
This isn't the first time the nation of Israel has been grumbling, complaining, unhappy, dissatisfied, and whining since leaving Egypt. They just can't seem to keep their eyes focused on God - who He is, what He has done for them, what He promises to do for them, etc. Their vision is short-sighted, on the 'here and now'.
"But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it."
There is someone who had his eyes fixed in the right place! He has a different spirit! He follows God fully! He isn't consumed and controlled by a spirit of dissatisfaction, a spirit of complaining & grumbling, a self-centered spirit. He keeps his eyes on God - who He is, what He has done for them, and what He promises to do for them, and follows God fully.
Oh, that I would have that different spirit and follow God fully! But, to be honest, too often I am controlled by a spirit of dissatisfaction, a spirit of grumbling & complaining, and a self-centered spirit. I forget who God is, what He has done for me, and what He promises to do for me, and I don't follow Him fully.
Numbers 14:24 has really convicted me, challenged me, and 'revved me up' to follow hard after God into the good land that He has promised to me...maybe not physical land like Canaan, but He has promised me good land spiritually, with incredible fruit...it's mine for the taking!
How about you? What kind of spirit do you have?
You are all very familiar with this historical account - God instructs Moses to send spies throughout Canaan to see what the land is like. I think God is desiring to 'rev up' the people about the land He is about to give them. Numbers 13 tells us it was the season of the first ripe grapes. They cut down a single cluster of grapes and carried it on a pole between two of them. Seriously?! A single cluster of grapes has to be carried on a pole between two of them! I don't know about you, but that would get me a little more than exicted and 'revved up' for what the rest of the land must be like! Plus, God had promised to give the land to them!
And yet, as you know the rest of the story, 2 say 'go', 10 say 'no'. And the whole congregation of Israel aligns with the 10 negative voices; they grumble against Moses and decide it would be better if they returned to Egypt (slavery and starvation versus freedom and mammoth grapes - you'd think that decision would be a no-brainer).
This isn't the first time the nation of Israel has been grumbling, complaining, unhappy, dissatisfied, and whining since leaving Egypt. They just can't seem to keep their eyes focused on God - who He is, what He has done for them, what He promises to do for them, etc. Their vision is short-sighted, on the 'here and now'.
"But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it."
There is someone who had his eyes fixed in the right place! He has a different spirit! He follows God fully! He isn't consumed and controlled by a spirit of dissatisfaction, a spirit of complaining & grumbling, a self-centered spirit. He keeps his eyes on God - who He is, what He has done for them, and what He promises to do for them, and follows God fully.
Oh, that I would have that different spirit and follow God fully! But, to be honest, too often I am controlled by a spirit of dissatisfaction, a spirit of grumbling & complaining, and a self-centered spirit. I forget who God is, what He has done for me, and what He promises to do for me, and I don't follow Him fully.
Numbers 14:24 has really convicted me, challenged me, and 'revved me up' to follow hard after God into the good land that He has promised to me...maybe not physical land like Canaan, but He has promised me good land spiritually, with incredible fruit...it's mine for the taking!
How about you? What kind of spirit do you have?
Friday, February 17, 2012
Consider Listening Instead of Reading
As we work our way through Leviticus, I know it can be tough to read and stay focused! If this is true for you, feel free to consider listening to Leviticus, instead of reading it!
If you don't have an audio Bible, go to Biblegateway.com. On the left hand side, click on the audio Bibles link. Then you can choose which version you want to listen to. I like the NIV for listening (although I read New American Standard, or English Standard!).
Then you need to choose a 'reader'. I like the Flash Player Read by Dramatized.
This is a fantastic way to still be in God's Word! When I'm working in the kitchen, I like to set my laptop on the counter while baking, doing dishes, etc. and listen to God's Word. It is a good way to redeem your time and make the most of it!
So whether you are reading or listening, enjoy your time in God's Word!
If you don't have an audio Bible, go to Biblegateway.com. On the left hand side, click on the audio Bibles link. Then you can choose which version you want to listen to. I like the NIV for listening (although I read New American Standard, or English Standard!).
Then you need to choose a 'reader'. I like the Flash Player Read by Dramatized.
This is a fantastic way to still be in God's Word! When I'm working in the kitchen, I like to set my laptop on the counter while baking, doing dishes, etc. and listen to God's Word. It is a good way to redeem your time and make the most of it!
So whether you are reading or listening, enjoy your time in God's Word!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
We are moving into a portion of the OT that can be a bit 'dry' to read! This is oftentimes where people give up on reading through the Bible. Hang in there! Stick with it! God still has important things to say to us through His Word.
Again, don't feel like you have to stick with the reading schedule. If it works better for you to finish reading Exodus all at one time, then finish reading Exodus all at one time! That is actually how I will probably read Leviticus - I'll take a part of a Saturday or a Sunday and read the whole book in one sitting. The key is to be reading God's word and become more Christ-like as a result; you don't want to fall into a rut where you are merely reading to stick with a schedule and be able to mark it off your 'to do' list.
As I've been reading this portion of Exodus, I am so thankful, and grateful to Christ for His freeing work on the cross, that we no longer live under the Law. I don't think I could have done it! And isn't that the whole point of the Law! (Galatians 3:23-26)To show us that we can't live that way, we need a Savior, One who will redeem us from our futile way of life.
That said, I believe there are still aspects of the Law we need to take very seriously. One of them is from Exodus 22:18 - you shall not permit a sorceress to live. God is very clear many places in His Word that we are to have no other gods before Him, that we are not to look for guidance and direction from any other source than from Him.
For those of you who are familiar with The Steps to Freedom in Christ, this is the first step - Counterfeit vs. Real. Any time we seek guidance from a source other than God Himself, we are opening a door, giving a foothold in our life, to Satan. Many of us have read our horoscopes at one time or another, some have played with Ouija boards, magic eight balls, or tarot cards, etc. All of these are examples of counterfeit forms of guidance which have their source in Satan and the occult, and which need to be renounced as false. Even if you participated in these things as a game or a joke, they need to be renounced. If you would like more information on this, please feel free to contact me.
Exodus 23:1 - six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest...
The older I get, the more I realize how important this is for my life. For one thing, I don't have the endless energy I used to have and I need a 'down' day to be ready for the other 6 days! But this is a principle that God Himself modeled for us when He created six days and rested on the seventh. "The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath" by Mark Buchanan is an excellent book. Mr. Buchanan says, "Most of us feel utterly ransacked. We are waylaid by endless demands and stifling routines. Even our vacations have a panicky, task-like edge to them. 'If I only had more time,' is the mantra of our age. But is this the real problem? What we've really lost is the 'rest of God - the rest God bestows and, with it, that part of Himself we can know only through stillness.'"
If you aren't already practicing a Sabbath day, let me encourage you to give it a try! I don't think you'll want to give it up once you get into the habit!
Again, don't feel like you have to stick with the reading schedule. If it works better for you to finish reading Exodus all at one time, then finish reading Exodus all at one time! That is actually how I will probably read Leviticus - I'll take a part of a Saturday or a Sunday and read the whole book in one sitting. The key is to be reading God's word and become more Christ-like as a result; you don't want to fall into a rut where you are merely reading to stick with a schedule and be able to mark it off your 'to do' list.
As I've been reading this portion of Exodus, I am so thankful, and grateful to Christ for His freeing work on the cross, that we no longer live under the Law. I don't think I could have done it! And isn't that the whole point of the Law! (Galatians 3:23-26)To show us that we can't live that way, we need a Savior, One who will redeem us from our futile way of life.
That said, I believe there are still aspects of the Law we need to take very seriously. One of them is from Exodus 22:18 - you shall not permit a sorceress to live. God is very clear many places in His Word that we are to have no other gods before Him, that we are not to look for guidance and direction from any other source than from Him.
For those of you who are familiar with The Steps to Freedom in Christ, this is the first step - Counterfeit vs. Real. Any time we seek guidance from a source other than God Himself, we are opening a door, giving a foothold in our life, to Satan. Many of us have read our horoscopes at one time or another, some have played with Ouija boards, magic eight balls, or tarot cards, etc. All of these are examples of counterfeit forms of guidance which have their source in Satan and the occult, and which need to be renounced as false. Even if you participated in these things as a game or a joke, they need to be renounced. If you would like more information on this, please feel free to contact me.
Exodus 23:1 - six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest...
The older I get, the more I realize how important this is for my life. For one thing, I don't have the endless energy I used to have and I need a 'down' day to be ready for the other 6 days! But this is a principle that God Himself modeled for us when He created six days and rested on the seventh. "The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath" by Mark Buchanan is an excellent book. Mr. Buchanan says, "Most of us feel utterly ransacked. We are waylaid by endless demands and stifling routines. Even our vacations have a panicky, task-like edge to them. 'If I only had more time,' is the mantra of our age. But is this the real problem? What we've really lost is the 'rest of God - the rest God bestows and, with it, that part of Himself we can know only through stillness.'"
If you aren't already practicing a Sabbath day, let me encourage you to give it a try! I don't think you'll want to give it up once you get into the habit!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
"Who is as mighty as You are, O LORD?"
As I've been reading in Exodus, I have been noticing over and over the many displays of God's power and might.
Something that caught my attention this time in my reading, which I haven't noticed before when reading Exodus, is that while the Egyptian magicians could duplicate several of the plagues (Nile turning to blood, and frogs) - Pharoah always had to call on Moses to remove the plagues! The magicians apparently couldn't undo what they had done! Only God had the power and might to remove the plagues; only God is all powerful; there is none like Him! Wooohooo!!
If you have time today, read Psalm 89 (especially verses 5-8). This is a Psalm I keep coming back to for praising God and worshipping Him as the One True God.
"O LORD God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O LORD, with your faithfulness all around you?" (Ps 89:8)
Something that caught my attention this time in my reading, which I haven't noticed before when reading Exodus, is that while the Egyptian magicians could duplicate several of the plagues (Nile turning to blood, and frogs) - Pharoah always had to call on Moses to remove the plagues! The magicians apparently couldn't undo what they had done! Only God had the power and might to remove the plagues; only God is all powerful; there is none like Him! Wooohooo!!
If you have time today, read Psalm 89 (especially verses 5-8). This is a Psalm I keep coming back to for praising God and worshipping Him as the One True God.
"O LORD God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O LORD, with your faithfulness all around you?" (Ps 89:8)
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Keeping An Eye on His Hand
It has been awhile since I lasted published a post! The flu hit Ken hard, and got me a bit lighter; then we were gone for EMI Board of Director meetings in Minneapolis two days; and when I got home, that nasty little flu bug bit me big time! I am still recovering, still not at 100% strength, but am enjoying being alert enough to be back in God’s Word!
This morning while others were in church, I read Exodus 1-9. And as usual, my reading leaves me with lots of questions!
1:16 – the Hebrew midwives are to kill the baby boys, but let the baby girls live. What was Pharoah thinking? I understand that he is afraid of the numbers of Hebrews that they might join with Egypt’s enemies, but where does he think his future slave labor will come from if he kills off all the males?
2:6 – how does Pharoah’s daughter not only get away with defying her dad’s order to cast the baby boy into the Nile (1:22), but why is she allowed to raise a Hebrew as her son?
2:15 – Pharoah’s second death penalty issued against Moses. Did Pharoah suddenly realize he hadn’t ‘educated the Hebrew out of Moses’ and is he afraid Moses might one day rule Egypt with a heart of compassion for the Hebrews?
3:11-4:17 – Moses has all kinds of arguments for God regarding why he shouldn’t be the one to go back to Egypt. I understand Moses’ fears in returning to Egypt, and I understand feelings of inadequacy for a job one doesn’t feel qualified for, but how does Moses miss all that God has been doing for him? Rescuing him from the Nile and a death decree; allowing Moses to be raised in Pharoah’s home – no one else was better qualified than someone raised in ‘the system’ who knew it, understood it, and who could go back and appeal to it.
And on this note, I wonder how many times have I pulled “a Moses”. How many times have I argued with God that I am not the one qualified for what He is asking of me; that there must be someone else more eloquent, more gifted, more skilled for the job? How many times have I allowed fear and feelings of inadequacy or inferiority to blind me to the obvious Hand of God on my life preparing me for such a time as this?
And I wonder if Moses missed out on blessings (and have I, too?) by insisting God send someone else (Ex 4:13-17).
As a result of our time in the book of Job, I have started keeping a Praise journal. The last post of Job (from one of my friend’s) really made me realize how ‘unnatural’ praise/gratitude is in my life. It is hard work for me to live with an attitude of gratitude – and it shouldn’t be! So I have determined to change that by recording praises throughout the day. I don’t want to get caught in focusing on the negatives in life or on fears or failures. I don’t want to miss seeing God’s Hand in my life, nor the many blessings He so graciously bestows. I am hoping that by changing my focus I will realize that when God gives me a Kingdom Assignment, I am the most qualified for the job and He has my back.
If you aren’t already journaling praises and things to be grateful for, why not start today?
How have you seen God's hand on your life? How have you seen Him prepare you for an assignment that only you were qualified for?
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Thoughts from another friend
Another friend sent me some thoughts on Job as she has been reading. She, too, has given me permission to share:
I read your blog and the thoughts from a friend on Job. I have the following notes in my Bible from a sermon I heard on the radio by David Jeremiah back in 1997! I referred to these thoughts as I read through Job. I'm using my old Scofield, but following the schedule (loosely) from my husband's Chronological Bible. Use these thoughts if you think they would be helpful to someone else - but credit should be given to the authors.
I read your blog and the thoughts from a friend on Job. I have the following notes in my Bible from a sermon I heard on the radio by David Jeremiah back in 1997! I referred to these thoughts as I read through Job. I'm using my old Scofield, but following the schedule (loosely) from my husband's Chronological Bible. Use these thoughts if you think they would be helpful to someone else - but credit should be given to the authors.
The problems with Job's friends:
1) They responded to his words but failed to regard his pain.
2) They refused to recognize his suffering as part of God's plan.
3) They related all of Job's suffering to sin. (All suffering is due to sin -- Adam's sin -- but not all particular suffering is due to some particular sin.)
4) They rejected the uniqueness of Job's suffering.
And the following thoughts are from Rick Warren's PURPPOSE-DRIVEN LIFE, p.111
When Job's life fell apart and God was silent, Job still found things for which to praise God.
God is good/loving 10:12
God is all powerful 42:2, 37:5,23
God notices every detail of my life 23:10 and 31:4
God is in control 34:13
God has a plan for my life 23:14
God will save me 19:25
This was very timely for me! I have been struggling more this past week with health issues and I needed to be reminded that even when life falls apart and God seems silent, there are many, many things I can praise Him for. What are you praising God for today?
Monday, January 30, 2012
Job Musings
A friend sent me her Job Musings this morning; I asked permission to post, and she agreed, under the condition of anonymity! :)
Paying attention to the content of the conversations (between Job and his friends) is like listening to my own heart; if I just do better, be better, everything will get better. Repent and ask forgiveness and life will be good; but that isn't really what is promised.
With Job's words comes an insight into the future beyond what I expected at that time in history. As someone said at church Sunday morning, Job is looking for an arbitrator, a mediator between him and God. "If only there were someone to arbitrate between us, to lay his hand upon us both, someone to remove God's rod from me, so that his terror would frighten me no more." Job 9:33-34 The answer, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men..." 1Timothy 2:5
Wow, Job is looking for Jesus, seeking relief from God's punishment. And though Job may not know his name, he certainly believes there is such a one. "Even now my witness is in heaven, my advocate is on high. My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as a man pleads for his friend." Job 16:19-21 "Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." Hebrews 7:25
Job is aware, somehow, that he has a redeemer and that he will come to earth at the end; "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth." Job 19:25. "On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, ..." Zehariah 13:8
How did Job know all that? Was there some ancient revelation given concerning the Messiah and the end times. I always thought that up until Jesus became flesh, it was the righteousness of man evidenced by obedience and sacrifices that gave man an assurance of forgiveness. Obviously, Job believed in that program; he offered sacrifices on behalf of his children in case they sinned. Why then did he acknowledge an advocate, a Redeemer?
Aren't we supposed to be getting questions answered in our Bible reading, not finding more questions? Job is far more intriguing than I have previously thought.
Does anyone else have insights you would like to share? Email me and I'll post them! I'd love to have more involved!
Paying attention to the content of the conversations (between Job and his friends) is like listening to my own heart; if I just do better, be better, everything will get better. Repent and ask forgiveness and life will be good; but that isn't really what is promised.
With Job's words comes an insight into the future beyond what I expected at that time in history. As someone said at church Sunday morning, Job is looking for an arbitrator, a mediator between him and God. "If only there were someone to arbitrate between us, to lay his hand upon us both, someone to remove God's rod from me, so that his terror would frighten me no more." Job 9:33-34 The answer, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men..." 1Timothy 2:5
Wow, Job is looking for Jesus, seeking relief from God's punishment. And though Job may not know his name, he certainly believes there is such a one. "Even now my witness is in heaven, my advocate is on high. My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as a man pleads for his friend." Job 16:19-21 "Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." Hebrews 7:25
Job is aware, somehow, that he has a redeemer and that he will come to earth at the end; "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth." Job 19:25. "On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, ..." Zehariah 13:8
How did Job know all that? Was there some ancient revelation given concerning the Messiah and the end times. I always thought that up until Jesus became flesh, it was the righteousness of man evidenced by obedience and sacrifices that gave man an assurance of forgiveness. Obviously, Job believed in that program; he offered sacrifices on behalf of his children in case they sinned. Why then did he acknowledge an advocate, a Redeemer?
Aren't we supposed to be getting questions answered in our Bible reading, not finding more questions? Job is far more intriguing than I have previously thought.
Does anyone else have insights you would like to share? Email me and I'll post them! I'd love to have more involved!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Temporal Vs Eternal
Job's friends have been trying to comfort Job with the hope that his life will return to the way it was: riches, wealth, etc. But Job reveals the true and wise way to comfort the afflicted: with that which will not fail; the promise of God, his love and grace, and a well-grounded hope of eternal life (Matthew Henry’s commentary).
This is so true! Too often I’ve tried to bring comfort to others through the false hope that life will return to what it once was. But what if it doesn't? What if health doesn't return? What if their loved one dies? What if....? True and lasting comfort comes from God, His Word, His character and attributes, the knowledge that this world isn’t our home, etc. That is where the focus should be in times of distress, affliction, loss and sorrow. We need to point others to what is eternal, rather than what is temporal. Lasting peace and comfort comes on those wings.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
As I read through Job, I am intrigued by Job’s friends. I wish I could know more about them.
They have jumped to the conclusion that Job’s troubles must be due to sin in his life, and they proceed to chastise him and challenge him to confess the sin and let the suffering be done.
And I wonder: how many times have I done this as a friend to someone? How many times have I jumped to the wrong conclusion and proceeded to give advice to a friend based on that wrong conclusion? How many times have I challenged/advised others based on wrong or incomplete facts, or on wrong or incomplete knowledge of God and His character?
God is using this book to challenge me to make sure the counsel I give is filled with wisdom – God’s wisdom, and that it is not based on my personal bias, preferences, or opinions. If I am not diligent to advise based on God’s wisdom, then I become part of the problem rather than part of the solution.
The flip side of this is: what type of friends are giving us advice? Do they know God’s Word, God’s character and attributes and do they counsel based from that wisdom? Or are they speaking from what seems right in their eyes? When life is tough, unfair, and there just don’t seem to be any answers, what kind of counsel are you receiving from your friends? Eliphaz’ counsel to Job has truth in it, but it’s not all truth; there is error mixed in. This is a challenge for us to examine the counsel we are receive from others and make sure it lines up 100% with the counsel of God’s Word.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Job 7 Set to "Rap"
Today's post is a bit on the different side! A friend's husband has set Job chapter 7 to rap music, with accompanying pictures. Now, I am not a big fan of rap music by any means, but I have to admit I did find this interesting. So even if rap isn't on the top of your list of music genres to listen to, give it a chance!
Here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6vEYX0riJk
Here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6vEYX0riJk
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Job 1:5
As I read the beginning portion of Job 1, my heart resonated with Job’s. Job was continually concerned for his children and their spiritual condition (Job 1:5). Even though they were adult children, his heart was still very much that of a father’s heart. As the years go by and my children are almost all grown into adulthood (I can’t believe my baby will be 18 in March – where have the years gone?!), I understand more and more Job’s care and concern.
For Christmas, my husband gave me a copy of Stormie Omartian’s book, The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children. In it she says, “Although there are different stages and seasons of parenting responsibilities, your heart and mind will always be with each one of your children for the rest of your life. And this is no easy task, for no matter where they go or what they do, a part of you goes with them.“
You never quit being a parent, nor being concerned about your kids, their decisions, choices, etc. Stormie goes on to say in her book “We parents of adult children may have many concerns, but not necessarily the opening to do anything about them, or even the opportunity to voice all of our thoughts, suggestions, and opinions. At least not to our adult children. But we do have a grand opening to be able to express those concerns to God and invite Him to do something about them. And the greatest thing about that is, when we take our concerns to the Lord – trusting that God hears our prayers and answers them on behalf of our adult children – it means our prayers have power to affect change in their lives. And that gives us a peace we can find no other way.”
More and more, I am realizing that my greatest influence and impact on my kids comes not so much through me teaching and training them anymore, but from the time spent on my knees on their behalf. No matter what the ages of your children, I would highly recommend you pick up a copy of The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children. I wish I had read it when my kids were younger to help prepare me for their adult years.
Friday, January 20, 2012
"Odd" things pop out at me when I read! Did you notice that Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years? (Genesis 47:28) I find it interesting that Joseph lived the first 17 years of his life with his dad; and he got to live the last 17 years of his dad's life with him. That just strikes me as interesting!
As Joseph's story draws to a conclusion, I am amazed again by his faith and trust in God to work all things for good, and to trust God to 'settle the score' with his brothers if it needs to be settled.
Take time today to read Romans 12:9-21. Those verses are a good reminder to me on how I need to act in tough times, and a good reminder that they are commands from God - what He expects of me.
We all have people in our lives who treat us poorly - sometimes it is unintentional, sometimes they mean to hurt us. But either way, the response God expects from us is the same: trust Him, honor Him through our actions and words, let Him settle the score. It's hard, but it is not impossible (or God wouldn't have told us that all things are possible through Christ Jesus who strengthens us!)
If I can pray for you regarding a difficult person or situation, please feel free to email me.
As Joseph's story draws to a conclusion, I am amazed again by his faith and trust in God to work all things for good, and to trust God to 'settle the score' with his brothers if it needs to be settled.
Take time today to read Romans 12:9-21. Those verses are a good reminder to me on how I need to act in tough times, and a good reminder that they are commands from God - what He expects of me.
We all have people in our lives who treat us poorly - sometimes it is unintentional, sometimes they mean to hurt us. But either way, the response God expects from us is the same: trust Him, honor Him through our actions and words, let Him settle the score. It's hard, but it is not impossible (or God wouldn't have told us that all things are possible through Christ Jesus who strengthens us!)
If I can pray for you regarding a difficult person or situation, please feel free to email me.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Do the math!
Genesis 41:46 - "Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of
Egypt."
Genesis 37:2 - "Joseph, being seventeen years old...."
Do the math! Joseph spent 23 years (wrongfully) in slavery and prison. Twenty-three years!
Genesis 31:41 - "These twenty years I (Jacob) have been in your house. I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your flock, and you have changed my wages ten times." Twenty years!
I don't know about you, but I want "instant maturity!" I don't want to spend 20-23 years learning and re-learning lessons that God has for me. And I'm not so keen on any of that time being spent in difficulty and hardship! I want spiritual maturity now, and I want it to be easy!
So when I find myself in situations where I seem to be needing to re-learn a lesson, or God is pushing me deeper into faith in Himself through difficulties, it helps a lot to come back to these historical accounts and do the math!
God has a plan and a purpose for everything in our lives. His time-frame is not our time frame. He will accomplish His will and plan in His perfect time - even if it takes 20-23 years!
Egypt."
Genesis 37:2 - "Joseph, being seventeen years old...."
Do the math! Joseph spent 23 years (wrongfully) in slavery and prison. Twenty-three years!
Genesis 31:41 - "These twenty years I (Jacob) have been in your house. I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your flock, and you have changed my wages ten times." Twenty years!
I don't know about you, but I want "instant maturity!" I don't want to spend 20-23 years learning and re-learning lessons that God has for me. And I'm not so keen on any of that time being spent in difficulty and hardship! I want spiritual maturity now, and I want it to be easy!
So when I find myself in situations where I seem to be needing to re-learn a lesson, or God is pushing me deeper into faith in Himself through difficulties, it helps a lot to come back to these historical accounts and do the math!
God has a plan and a purpose for everything in our lives. His time-frame is not our time frame. He will accomplish His will and plan in His perfect time - even if it takes 20-23 years!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Bitterness vs Forgiveness
We've moved into one of my favorite historical accounts in Genesis - Joseph's story. I never cease to be amazed at his unwavering faith and trust in God.
I cannot imagine being ripped away at the age of 17 from my family, friends, and all that is familiar and sold into slavery - especially by my siblings. I would guess that the trip to Egypt in the company of the Midianite traders was no picnic for Joseph. I would imagine he was treated very poorly, and probably wasn't given much to eat. If anyone had a 'right' to become bitter and angry, Joseph certainly did, didn't he?
Fast forward to life in Potiphar's house. It seems like life may be getting better for Joseph when Potiphar trusts him to the extent of leaving Joseph in charge of everything. Joseph has kept his eyes focused on God. I'm guessing that all the times Joseph witnessed God providing for and delivering his father, Jacob, from trouble did not escape Joseph's notice, and as a result Joseph's faith and trust in God deepened. So Joseph is honest, trustworthy, and living a life above reproach. When all of a sudden Potiphar's wife doesn't get what she wants so she lies about Joseph and he's thrown into prison - all because he was honest, trustworthy, and living a life above reproach. If anyone had a 'right' to become bitter and angry, Joseph certainly did, didn't he?
In prison, life got as good as it probably could for Joseph. Once again God was with Joseph and gave Joseph favor in the sight of the prison keeper so Joseph was put in charge of all the prisoners. When Joseph accurately interprets the cupbearer's and baker's dreams, he asks the cupbearer to remember him once he is released from prison, but the cupbearer doesn't keep his promise to Joseph - and two more long years go by with Joseph stuck in prison. If anyone had a 'right' to become bitter and angry, Joseph certainly did, didn't he?
I am convinced that through all of the wrongs done to Joseph, he chose to forgive - over and over, again and again. Forgiveness is the only way Joseph could remain honest and trustworthy. Forgiveness is the only way Joseph could keep his eyes focused on the LORD. Forgiveness is the only way Joseph could continue to trust the LORD to deliver him, as He had delivered Jacob. And at the end of the story, forgiveness is the only way Joseph could say to his brothers "You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good."
For Christians, forgiveness is the only answer, it is the only option. It is something God commands us to do. It is something Jesus models for us time and time again.
But someone may say, "You don't know what he/she did to me. You don't have a clue how much he/she hurt me." You are right, I don't. But God does, and He is asking you to trust Him and to forgive the other person. You see, God knows that the anger and bitterness is damaging you more than anyone else. Neil T. Anderson (founder of Freedom in Christ Ministries) says that to NOT forgive is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies.
God is asking you to forgive so you can be healthy, whole, strong, and balanced...something that is just not possible when you are dealing with the open wound of bitterness.
If there is someone in your life who has hurt you, and you would like someone safe to talk to about it, please feel free to contact me. I would be honored to walk you through the process of forgiveness so you can experience the freedom and joy in life that Christ died to give you.
I cannot imagine being ripped away at the age of 17 from my family, friends, and all that is familiar and sold into slavery - especially by my siblings. I would guess that the trip to Egypt in the company of the Midianite traders was no picnic for Joseph. I would imagine he was treated very poorly, and probably wasn't given much to eat. If anyone had a 'right' to become bitter and angry, Joseph certainly did, didn't he?
Fast forward to life in Potiphar's house. It seems like life may be getting better for Joseph when Potiphar trusts him to the extent of leaving Joseph in charge of everything. Joseph has kept his eyes focused on God. I'm guessing that all the times Joseph witnessed God providing for and delivering his father, Jacob, from trouble did not escape Joseph's notice, and as a result Joseph's faith and trust in God deepened. So Joseph is honest, trustworthy, and living a life above reproach. When all of a sudden Potiphar's wife doesn't get what she wants so she lies about Joseph and he's thrown into prison - all because he was honest, trustworthy, and living a life above reproach. If anyone had a 'right' to become bitter and angry, Joseph certainly did, didn't he?
In prison, life got as good as it probably could for Joseph. Once again God was with Joseph and gave Joseph favor in the sight of the prison keeper so Joseph was put in charge of all the prisoners. When Joseph accurately interprets the cupbearer's and baker's dreams, he asks the cupbearer to remember him once he is released from prison, but the cupbearer doesn't keep his promise to Joseph - and two more long years go by with Joseph stuck in prison. If anyone had a 'right' to become bitter and angry, Joseph certainly did, didn't he?
I am convinced that through all of the wrongs done to Joseph, he chose to forgive - over and over, again and again. Forgiveness is the only way Joseph could remain honest and trustworthy. Forgiveness is the only way Joseph could keep his eyes focused on the LORD. Forgiveness is the only way Joseph could continue to trust the LORD to deliver him, as He had delivered Jacob. And at the end of the story, forgiveness is the only way Joseph could say to his brothers "You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good."
For Christians, forgiveness is the only answer, it is the only option. It is something God commands us to do. It is something Jesus models for us time and time again.
But someone may say, "You don't know what he/she did to me. You don't have a clue how much he/she hurt me." You are right, I don't. But God does, and He is asking you to trust Him and to forgive the other person. You see, God knows that the anger and bitterness is damaging you more than anyone else. Neil T. Anderson (founder of Freedom in Christ Ministries) says that to NOT forgive is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies.
God is asking you to forgive so you can be healthy, whole, strong, and balanced...something that is just not possible when you are dealing with the open wound of bitterness.
If there is someone in your life who has hurt you, and you would like someone safe to talk to about it, please feel free to contact me. I would be honored to walk you through the process of forgiveness so you can experience the freedom and joy in life that Christ died to give you.
Monday, January 16, 2012
"What's the big deal?"
As I read the account of Dinah, I've almost been tempted to wonder, 'So what's the big deal? The son of Hamor loved her.' Can't you envision Hollywood making a movie of this story? The movie producers would have us cheering for Dinah and the son of Hamor to "live happily ever after", and Dinah's brothers would be portrayed as the bad guys.
Now I am not condoning Simeon and Levi's actions; their scheming, deception, and murder is definitely wrong and not part of God's plan. But my initial reaction causes me to realize how polluted I am by our culture and the world, and by Hollywood who would have us believe that anything is okay if it is for love.
But God called His people to be separate; they were not to intermarry with the Caananites because God knew how easily they would become polluted by people who have no relationship with the One True God.
I find myself challenged by this...to be in the world, but not of the world; to not let our culture, Hollywood, etc, pollute me, or change my 'moral compass', and thereby, water down (or nullify) my witness to those around me who do not have a relationship with the One True God.
Where are you at in this never-ending battle? How do you keep yourself from being polluted? I'd love to hear what works for you, and if you are willing to share, what hasn't worked for you.
Now I am not condoning Simeon and Levi's actions; their scheming, deception, and murder is definitely wrong and not part of God's plan. But my initial reaction causes me to realize how polluted I am by our culture and the world, and by Hollywood who would have us believe that anything is okay if it is for love.
But God called His people to be separate; they were not to intermarry with the Caananites because God knew how easily they would become polluted by people who have no relationship with the One True God.
I find myself challenged by this...to be in the world, but not of the world; to not let our culture, Hollywood, etc, pollute me, or change my 'moral compass', and thereby, water down (or nullify) my witness to those around me who do not have a relationship with the One True God.
Where are you at in this never-ending battle? How do you keep yourself from being polluted? I'd love to hear what works for you, and if you are willing to share, what hasn't worked for you.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Power
There is so much going on in today's reading; so many lessons we can learn from!
One thing that has caught my attention as we've been reading in Genesis is the power that we, as wives, have to sway and influence the men in our lives.
Sarah grows impatient waiting for God to give them the son He promised so she tells Abraham to sleep with Hagar - and relational messes are created from that poor use of her power to influence (which the nation of Israel is still experiencing today).
Rebekah wants her favorite son to receive Isaac's blessing so she persuades Jacob to scheme with her and deceive his father...a very poor use of her power to influence.
In today's reading, Rachel envies Leah because of Leah's ability to have children, while Rachel remains barren. So she, too, poorly uses her power to influence Jacob and gives him Bilhah as a wife. (I've got to wonder why he agreed. Did he learn nothing from the relational messes that were created when his grandfather - Abraham - did that very same thing?)
Genesis 31: 14-16 records a positive example of our power to influence when Rachel and Leah agree with Jacob that it is time to leave Laban and return to Jacob's home.
Through all these examples, positive, as well as negative, we need to be aware of how great is our power to influence our husbands, sons, etc. The old - and not very flattering - saying, "When Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy" sums up our ability to turn the mood of our whole home. I have noticed over the years that how I start my day determines the course for my whole family. If I start my day in a good mood, focused on God, so will my whole family. If I start crabby and snapping at everyone, well, let's just say it would be better if I would just go back to bed and try again later!!
We have great power and we need to make sure that we are continually yielding to God's will so that our power of influence is always under His control and influence. We need to make certain that we are walking with the Lord, following His ways (not our preferences), and listening closely to His Voice, so that our power is merely an extension of God's Great Power in our lives.
One thing that has caught my attention as we've been reading in Genesis is the power that we, as wives, have to sway and influence the men in our lives.
Sarah grows impatient waiting for God to give them the son He promised so she tells Abraham to sleep with Hagar - and relational messes are created from that poor use of her power to influence (which the nation of Israel is still experiencing today).
Rebekah wants her favorite son to receive Isaac's blessing so she persuades Jacob to scheme with her and deceive his father...a very poor use of her power to influence.
In today's reading, Rachel envies Leah because of Leah's ability to have children, while Rachel remains barren. So she, too, poorly uses her power to influence Jacob and gives him Bilhah as a wife. (I've got to wonder why he agreed. Did he learn nothing from the relational messes that were created when his grandfather - Abraham - did that very same thing?)
Genesis 31: 14-16 records a positive example of our power to influence when Rachel and Leah agree with Jacob that it is time to leave Laban and return to Jacob's home.
Through all these examples, positive, as well as negative, we need to be aware of how great is our power to influence our husbands, sons, etc. The old - and not very flattering - saying, "When Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy" sums up our ability to turn the mood of our whole home. I have noticed over the years that how I start my day determines the course for my whole family. If I start my day in a good mood, focused on God, so will my whole family. If I start crabby and snapping at everyone, well, let's just say it would be better if I would just go back to bed and try again later!!
We have great power and we need to make sure that we are continually yielding to God's will so that our power of influence is always under His control and influence. We need to make certain that we are walking with the Lord, following His ways (not our preferences), and listening closely to His Voice, so that our power is merely an extension of God's Great Power in our lives.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Summary Day
Today is a Summary Day - take time to review what you have read this week and spend time in prayer asking God how you can apply it to your life.
Let me encourage you to find an accountability partner - someone you can trust with your deep secrets and who will pray for you and ask how you are doing with making godly changes in your life. We all need someone like that in our life! And we all need to be making changes as we encounter God's Word. I know from personal experience that it is easy to let a Bible reading schedule take control so I end up reading just to check it off my 'to do' list. But the key, as we spend time in God's Word, is to become more Christ-like.
Enjoy your time in God's Presence today!
Let me encourage you to find an accountability partner - someone you can trust with your deep secrets and who will pray for you and ask how you are doing with making godly changes in your life. We all need someone like that in our life! And we all need to be making changes as we encounter God's Word. I know from personal experience that it is easy to let a Bible reading schedule take control so I end up reading just to check it off my 'to do' list. But the key, as we spend time in God's Word, is to become more Christ-like.
Enjoy your time in God's Presence today!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Double Standards
Abraham lied about Sarah being his sister; Isaac lied about Rebekah being his sister; Jacob lied about being his brother. The sin transferred from one generation to the next.
But what I find interesting in today's reading is how upset Jacob gets when he is the one who is lied to (by Laban and ends up with Leah as a wife instead of Rachel). Wouldn't that be called a double standard?!
It prompts me to take a look at my own life, for the inconsistencies and double standards that I have, and work to get rid of them. If it isn't okay for someone to do something to me, it shouldn't be okay for me to do that same thing to them. "Do unto others as I would have others do unto me."
Do you have double standards in your life? You don't have to admit to them here on this blog! But I do hope that you will make the time (and the courage) to admit them to your Heavenly Father, then seek His help and direction in getting rid of them.
But what I find interesting in today's reading is how upset Jacob gets when he is the one who is lied to (by Laban and ends up with Leah as a wife instead of Rachel). Wouldn't that be called a double standard?!
It prompts me to take a look at my own life, for the inconsistencies and double standards that I have, and work to get rid of them. If it isn't okay for someone to do something to me, it shouldn't be okay for me to do that same thing to them. "Do unto others as I would have others do unto me."
Do you have double standards in your life? You don't have to admit to them here on this blog! But I do hope that you will make the time (and the courage) to admit them to your Heavenly Father, then seek His help and direction in getting rid of them.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Generational Sin
Did you notice in today's reading that Isaac repeats the same sin his dad committed twice? Lying about his wife - saying she was his sister because he feared for his life. (Genesis 26:6 and following)
I work extensively with the Freedom in Christ resources (ficm.org) and in today's language what Isaac did would be called generational sin...sin that is passed down, or repeated from one generation to the next. Satan seems to be a very good record-keeper. He knows what sins caught one person and will use those very same temptations (maybe packaged a bit differently, but ultimately the same) with their children, grandchildren, etc.
Let me encourage you to spend time looking back at your parents' lives (and grandparents and great-grandparents if you knew them). Do you see sin, bad habits, etc in their lives that are showing up in your life or the lives of your kids?
Rage/anger is a generational sin that I have struggled to kill in my life. It was in my brother, mother, and grandfather (and while I didn't personally know generations beyond that, I wouldn't be surprised to learn it went back farther). When one of my kids was a lot younger, I was grieved to realize the rage/anger had transferred to the next generation. But through the painful battle God was taking me through to victory in my life, He was also training my hands for war to do battle for my young child. I talked often with my child about the generational sin so it could be recognized for what it was, but also explained to my child that ultimately the responsibility for dealing with the rage/anger was his/hers.
Don't brush sin, bad habits, etc off as "well that's just the way my family is." And please, please, please do not sit passively by and watch it be passed to your kids or grandkids. Victory can be yours! Christ died to set you free! "If you know the Truth, the Truth will set you free!"
If you would like to interact with me more about this, feel free to email me. I would be very happy to point you to resources that would be helpful.
I work extensively with the Freedom in Christ resources (ficm.org) and in today's language what Isaac did would be called generational sin...sin that is passed down, or repeated from one generation to the next. Satan seems to be a very good record-keeper. He knows what sins caught one person and will use those very same temptations (maybe packaged a bit differently, but ultimately the same) with their children, grandchildren, etc.
Let me encourage you to spend time looking back at your parents' lives (and grandparents and great-grandparents if you knew them). Do you see sin, bad habits, etc in their lives that are showing up in your life or the lives of your kids?
Rage/anger is a generational sin that I have struggled to kill in my life. It was in my brother, mother, and grandfather (and while I didn't personally know generations beyond that, I wouldn't be surprised to learn it went back farther). When one of my kids was a lot younger, I was grieved to realize the rage/anger had transferred to the next generation. But through the painful battle God was taking me through to victory in my life, He was also training my hands for war to do battle for my young child. I talked often with my child about the generational sin so it could be recognized for what it was, but also explained to my child that ultimately the responsibility for dealing with the rage/anger was his/hers.
Don't brush sin, bad habits, etc off as "well that's just the way my family is." And please, please, please do not sit passively by and watch it be passed to your kids or grandkids. Victory can be yours! Christ died to set you free! "If you know the Truth, the Truth will set you free!"
If you would like to interact with me more about this, feel free to email me. I would be very happy to point you to resources that would be helpful.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
"The LORD will provide."
I love the book of Genesis! There are so many amazing and profound truths about God, His love for us, and His pursuit of relationship with us in Genesis; and there are so many wonderful stories of 'real' people in Genesis. By real, I mean sometimes they failed in their obedience to God, and sometimes they succeeded in their obedience to God. I can relate to them! Can't you?!
I read Genesis in December, and as I've been reading through it again now, what has impacted me most is the question from yesterday's reading "Is anything too difficult for God?" and from today's reading after God sees that Abraham will not withhold his only son from God, God provides the ram for the sacrifice and Abraham names the place "God will provide."
As I've struggled with health issues since this past summer, these two truths from God's Word have been a huge source of peace of mind and comfort for me. Nothing is too difficult for God, including my health issues; and God will provide - everything I need, when I need it. When I keep my focus on these truths, peace floods through me. When my focus wavers and the pity party begins, it's a whole 'nother story!!
How about you? Where have you seen God provide for you and how has it helped your faith?
I read Genesis in December, and as I've been reading through it again now, what has impacted me most is the question from yesterday's reading "Is anything too difficult for God?" and from today's reading after God sees that Abraham will not withhold his only son from God, God provides the ram for the sacrifice and Abraham names the place "God will provide."
As I've struggled with health issues since this past summer, these two truths from God's Word have been a huge source of peace of mind and comfort for me. Nothing is too difficult for God, including my health issues; and God will provide - everything I need, when I need it. When I keep my focus on these truths, peace floods through me. When my focus wavers and the pity party begins, it's a whole 'nother story!!
How about you? Where have you seen God provide for you and how has it helped your faith?
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
"Is anything too difficult for the LORD?"
Did you catch that short question in today's reading?! "Is anything too difficult for the LORD?" (Gen. 18:14)
Just a few words, but what impact; what ability to refocus our perspective when in the midst of a seemingly difficult or impossible situation.
"Is anything too difficult for the LORD?" We all know the answer is "no"! But yet how easy it is to forget that when life is hard, when finances are tight, when relationships are strained or severed, when evil appears to be winning - and the list could go on and on.
But NOTHING is too difficult for the LORD. That is where our focus needs to be, and it needs to be an unwavering focus in the midst of life's difficulties and life's curve balls. We need to remind ourselves of this over and over. NOTHING is too difficult for the LORD! Then let the peace and security of that truth flood your very core.
Just a few words, but what impact; what ability to refocus our perspective when in the midst of a seemingly difficult or impossible situation.
"Is anything too difficult for the LORD?" We all know the answer is "no"! But yet how easy it is to forget that when life is hard, when finances are tight, when relationships are strained or severed, when evil appears to be winning - and the list could go on and on.
But NOTHING is too difficult for the LORD. That is where our focus needs to be, and it needs to be an unwavering focus in the midst of life's difficulties and life's curve balls. We need to remind ourselves of this over and over. NOTHING is too difficult for the LORD! Then let the peace and security of that truth flood your very core.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Encumbrances
I had hoped to post something over the weekend, but life quickly got out of control for me, and nothing got posted!
For those of you who aren't reading in the Holman Chronological Bible, but are using the reading schedule I sent you, every 7th day is a 'summary' - the first one being Saturday, Jan 7. This is a day to reflect on what you read the previous 6 days and prayerfully seek God's face in what He want you to apply to your life from your time in His Word.
I have just finished up Pam Gillaspie's (free!) online study called Ignite - excellent study, and her video posts are still available through vimeo.com if you have interest in checking it out.
Anyway, as we finished the study which was about the when, where, why, what, who, and how of being in God's Word, Pam's last session (on how to be in God's Word) included Hebrews 12:1-2.
The 'how' of being in God's Word on a regular, consistent basis includes laying aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us. It includes running with endurance - not giving up!! It includes fixing our eyes on Jesus - and keeping them there, not letting them drift to the many distractions of life.
So back to encumbrances and sin which so easily entangles us....
I think most of us, if we are walking with Christ, know when sin is present in our lives. The Holy Spirit is faithful to let us know about it - then we have a choice to ignore Him or deal with the sin.
Encumbrances are a little more tricky!! They are not necessarily bad things or sin. They can be good things in our life which are out of balance or are being given more priority in our time than they should be given.
This has been very challenging for me to 'chew over' the past week - and especially over the weekend as it became apparent to me that several things in my life are out of balance. On Sunday I spent time in God's presence asking Him to show me how to take control of my time and get Him back as the center point. Now I know part of this is due to the Holidays and schedules getting wacky because of family being home and more guests being over, so I don't want to be too hard on myself. But a big part of it is wrong priorities and things in my life that have no eternal value. So those are things that I need to prayerfully take a long, hard look at and either remove from my life or get into the right place in my priorities and time schedule.
Why am I posting this? Because I know I'm not the only one who struggles with enough time in the day, priorities, juggling family, work, friends, etc. There are millions of things screaming for out attention each day, but we need to examine our lives, our schedules, our use of money, etc and make sure God is at the center of it all. If we don't do this on a regular basis, God will get pushed aside for the 'tyranny of the urgent', time in His Word will get pushed aside and we will end up being part of the 93% of people who claim to be Christians, yet don't spend time in God's Word on a regular basis. (statistic from Brian Hardy, creator of Daily Audio Bible).
So while we are new into 2012, let me encourage and challenge you to ask God what encumbrances exist in your life - make a list and keep in close by. Then begin the hard work of removing the encumbrances, or getting them into their proper priority place. Run with endurance! Fix your eyes on Jesus!
And feel free to ask me from time to time how I'm doing with encumbrances! I covet your accountability!
For those of you who aren't reading in the Holman Chronological Bible, but are using the reading schedule I sent you, every 7th day is a 'summary' - the first one being Saturday, Jan 7. This is a day to reflect on what you read the previous 6 days and prayerfully seek God's face in what He want you to apply to your life from your time in His Word.
I have just finished up Pam Gillaspie's (free!) online study called Ignite - excellent study, and her video posts are still available through vimeo.com if you have interest in checking it out.
Anyway, as we finished the study which was about the when, where, why, what, who, and how of being in God's Word, Pam's last session (on how to be in God's Word) included Hebrews 12:1-2.
The 'how' of being in God's Word on a regular, consistent basis includes laying aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us. It includes running with endurance - not giving up!! It includes fixing our eyes on Jesus - and keeping them there, not letting them drift to the many distractions of life.
So back to encumbrances and sin which so easily entangles us....
I think most of us, if we are walking with Christ, know when sin is present in our lives. The Holy Spirit is faithful to let us know about it - then we have a choice to ignore Him or deal with the sin.
Encumbrances are a little more tricky!! They are not necessarily bad things or sin. They can be good things in our life which are out of balance or are being given more priority in our time than they should be given.
This has been very challenging for me to 'chew over' the past week - and especially over the weekend as it became apparent to me that several things in my life are out of balance. On Sunday I spent time in God's presence asking Him to show me how to take control of my time and get Him back as the center point. Now I know part of this is due to the Holidays and schedules getting wacky because of family being home and more guests being over, so I don't want to be too hard on myself. But a big part of it is wrong priorities and things in my life that have no eternal value. So those are things that I need to prayerfully take a long, hard look at and either remove from my life or get into the right place in my priorities and time schedule.
Why am I posting this? Because I know I'm not the only one who struggles with enough time in the day, priorities, juggling family, work, friends, etc. There are millions of things screaming for out attention each day, but we need to examine our lives, our schedules, our use of money, etc and make sure God is at the center of it all. If we don't do this on a regular basis, God will get pushed aside for the 'tyranny of the urgent', time in His Word will get pushed aside and we will end up being part of the 93% of people who claim to be Christians, yet don't spend time in God's Word on a regular basis. (statistic from Brian Hardy, creator of Daily Audio Bible).
So while we are new into 2012, let me encourage and challenge you to ask God what encumbrances exist in your life - make a list and keep in close by. Then begin the hard work of removing the encumbrances, or getting them into their proper priority place. Run with endurance! Fix your eyes on Jesus!
And feel free to ask me from time to time how I'm doing with encumbrances! I covet your accountability!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Noah
"The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart." (Genesis 6:5-6)
"But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD." (Genesis 6:8)
"Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God." (Genesis 6:9)
"Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him." (Genesis 6:22)
I cannot even begin to comprehend Noah's faith. Imagine what it took for Noah to 'swim against the tide' of wickedness and evil. It certainly wouldn't have been 'politically correct' for Noah to walk with God and be a righteous man! If Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD, you can bet he did not find favor in the eyes of his neighbors and friends!
"He lived a life of communion with God; it was his constant care to conform himself to the will of God, to please him, and to approve himself to him. Note, God looks down upon those with an eye of favour who sincerely look up to him with an eye of faith." (Matthew Henry)
This text today really challenges me to examine my own life: my tendencies to want to 'people please' versus finding favor in the eyes of the LORD; my tendencies to rush through time with God to get on to others things versus living a life of communion with God, etc.
All in all, it really reveals some crud in my heart that needs to go!!
How about you? What challenged you today as you read? I love to hear from you!
"But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD." (Genesis 6:8)
"Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God." (Genesis 6:9)
"Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him." (Genesis 6:22)
I cannot even begin to comprehend Noah's faith. Imagine what it took for Noah to 'swim against the tide' of wickedness and evil. It certainly wouldn't have been 'politically correct' for Noah to walk with God and be a righteous man! If Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD, you can bet he did not find favor in the eyes of his neighbors and friends!
"He lived a life of communion with God; it was his constant care to conform himself to the will of God, to please him, and to approve himself to him. Note, God looks down upon those with an eye of favour who sincerely look up to him with an eye of faith." (Matthew Henry)
This text today really challenges me to examine my own life: my tendencies to want to 'people please' versus finding favor in the eyes of the LORD; my tendencies to rush through time with God to get on to others things versus living a life of communion with God, etc.
All in all, it really reveals some crud in my heart that needs to go!!
How about you? What challenged you today as you read? I love to hear from you!
Monday, January 2, 2012
In the Beginning....
"In the beginning God created...." (Genesis 1:1)
"In the beginning was the Word...He was in the beginning with God..." (John 1:1-2)
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him." (Ephesians 1:3-4)
There was a lot going on in the beginning!
Did you know you were chosen in Him before the foundation of the world to be His child? Did you realize that? That is how loved and special you are to Him! Before the foundation of the world...you were chosen! Keep that in mind today as you go through your day; keep that huge piece of truth close to your heart - however mundane your tasks may be today - YOU were chosen in Him before the foundation of the world! You are loved by Him! You are special to Him! You are the apple of His eye!
"In the beginning was the Word...He was in the beginning with God..." (John 1:1-2)
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him." (Ephesians 1:3-4)
There was a lot going on in the beginning!
Did you know you were chosen in Him before the foundation of the world to be His child? Did you realize that? That is how loved and special you are to Him! Before the foundation of the world...you were chosen! Keep that in mind today as you go through your day; keep that huge piece of truth close to your heart - however mundane your tasks may be today - YOU were chosen in Him before the foundation of the world! You are loved by Him! You are special to Him! You are the apple of His eye!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Happy New Year! Happy Reading!
Happy New Year, Everyone! And Happy Reading!
January 1st is finally here and it's time to dig into God's Word! I am so excited to read through His Word with you this year!
Whether you are using the Holman Chronological Bible, or the reading schedule I emailed you, you will notice that every 7 days there is a 'summary' - this is a day to reflect on what you read the previous 6 days (or to catch up if you've missed a day!)
And let me suggest that if you are having trouble reading every day - don't give up! Consider reading until the story changes...for example, if you are reading about Noah and the ark, read the whole story (Genesis 6-10) - this will hold your interest better.
OR consider reading a whole book at a time. Leviticus can be a tough book for most people to read through! So consider sitting down and reading the whole book at once.
If following the chronological schedule does not work for you, that's okay! Don't quit reading! Use the blog to find how other people are doing and gain encouragement to stay in God's Word. The key is to be reading God's Word and applying it to your life!
So, come back to the blog often and leave a comment! I look forward to hearing from you!
January 1st is finally here and it's time to dig into God's Word! I am so excited to read through His Word with you this year!
Whether you are using the Holman Chronological Bible, or the reading schedule I emailed you, you will notice that every 7 days there is a 'summary' - this is a day to reflect on what you read the previous 6 days (or to catch up if you've missed a day!)
And let me suggest that if you are having trouble reading every day - don't give up! Consider reading until the story changes...for example, if you are reading about Noah and the ark, read the whole story (Genesis 6-10) - this will hold your interest better.
OR consider reading a whole book at a time. Leviticus can be a tough book for most people to read through! So consider sitting down and reading the whole book at once.
If following the chronological schedule does not work for you, that's okay! Don't quit reading! Use the blog to find how other people are doing and gain encouragement to stay in God's Word. The key is to be reading God's Word and applying it to your life!
So, come back to the blog often and leave a comment! I look forward to hearing from you!
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