Ok, I'm just going to be honest here but I have trouble reading some of the books of the prophets. Page after page of God's verbal warnings and judgments. But.... every once in a while interposed among the chapters there are wonderful passages such as the prophecy given in Isaiah 27. My Bible titles it as "A Spiritual Awakening".
This is a passage about God restoring his vineyard. The vineyard represents his church and how he cares for it. He watches over it day and night. He waters it continually. He protects it from harm. He isn't angry. It would be easier if He had something to fight against for them but what is needed is for them to make peace with Him. It isn't a foreign enemy He has to contend against but He needs his people to seek refuge in Him and make peace.
In Isaiah 29 :24 it reads "Those who are wayward in spirit will gain understanding; those who complain will accept instruction." Wow, what a mouth full in that verse. But in Isaiah 29:11, it reads "For this is a people without understanding; so their Maker has no compassion on them, and their Creator shows them no favor." Some translations say discernment instead of understanding.
I wish more of us had both spiritual understanding and discernment. I think those attributes are paramount if we are to be mature and Christlike. Understanding to me is knowledge and how to apply the knowledge. Discernment to me is the next step forward in understanding. How many times have I walked into a situation or talked with someone and God, through the Holy Spirit has provided me with insight beyond the natural but supernatural. We always taught our children as they grew to know the Word so that they could be a workman, not ashamed rightly dividing the Word of Truth. We also taught them where ever they went to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to them so that God could either protect them or bless them depending on the situation. I can remember that as teenagers they may be leaving to go hang out with friends and we always advised them that as soon as they got there to turn on their spiritual receivers and to allow the Holy Spirit give them discernment.
We are more than halfway through reading the Bible. We are reading Isaiah right now. Some of my favorite passages are found in Isaiah.
Well, until next time,
Bon Apetit
Jackie
Let's read the Bible through in 2013
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Two Officers on whose Arms Kings Leaned
Naaman was commander of the king of Aram's army. So important was Naaman that his master, the king, leaned on his arm when entering the temple of Rimmon. Yet even with all of Naaman's success and importance, he had some type of skin disease. The "leprosy" must have caused him some degree of distress to the point that a young slave girl from Israel told her mistress about Elisha and how he could cure Naaman.
So one thing leads to another. Naaman, a military man, follows the chain of command. He first requests permission from the king of Aram to go see "the prophet", and a letter is sent to the king of Israel requesting that the king of Israel heal Naaman. (This is totally odd to me since Aram and Israel were at war off and on.) Now to me the kings involved knew exactly who the prophet was. The kings themselves and/or their father's had had dealing with Elijah and Elisha for years. Elijah and Elisha were constant sources of irritation to the kings of Israel and Aram. The king of Israel, definitely knew who Elisha was and where he was but he did not request for Elisha to come. Why??? Because he was Ahab's son and the nut doesn't fall far from the tree. Instead, the king of Israel tore his robes and threw a hissy fit complaining that his enemy was trying to pick a quarrel with him.
Can you imagine Elisha's face when he heard the account of Israel's king tearing his robes and carry on so? If I were Elisha, I would likely have to have a little laugh while I sent my message to the king. Remember Elisha's message to the king of Israel "Why have you torn your robes? Have the man come to me and he will see that there is a prophet in Israel?" I just see the king of Israel turn red in the face and fume when reading the message. Oh to be a fly on the wall.
We have heard the account of Naaman many times. After all, Elisha didn't even come out to talk to him but had his servant tell Naaman what to do which was to dip seven times in that nasty dirty river Jordan. So he headed home the same way as he arrived only he was in a rage on the way home. His servants finally talk some sense to him after they chip gently away at this ego. So Naaman finally followed Elisha's instruction and dipped seven times in the river Jordan and was healed. I agree with those who think that he wasn't healed until after that seventh dip. Naaman returns to thank Elisha and give him gifts. Elisha wants nothing to do with any of the gifts. Naaman vows to only sacrifice to Elisha's God, even to the point requesting as much dirt as two donkeys can carry so he can have a piece of land not defiled by all of Aram's idolatry. This shows Naaman has an idea of understanding of God's requirements of true holy offerings and relationship. Naaman also requests God's forgiveness ahead of time for assisting his master the king into the temple of Rimmon and bowing since his master leans on his arm. Elisha tells him to go in peace.
In 2 Kings 6:32-7:2 we read an account of a second officer on whose arm a king leaned but this time it is the king of Israel. We read how the king of Israel is furious at Elisha because of the famine God sent because of Israel's sin. The king sends a messenger. Elisha tells them that the famine in the city of Samaria will be totally the opposite in about 24 hrs; from famine to feast plus more. The officer on whose arm the king was leaning states" Look, even if the Lord should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?" Elisha tells him that he will see it with his own eyes but he will not eat any of it.
2 Kings 7:3-8 tells of the lepers findings the Aramean camp where they had fled and left everything behind. After enjoying themselves and taking what they wanted they decided that maybe they should share the good news to keep themselves out of trouble. So they headed for the palace but only got as far as the city gate and shouted the news to the gatekeepers. After a short investigation proved them right all of Samaria wanted a part of the pie. 2 Kings 7:17-20 tells us that the officer arm the king leaned was in charge of the gate and the prophecy regarding him seeing the abundance but not any of it came true as he was trampled by his own people as they rushed to get their share.
The first account shows God's mercy to an Aramean (basically a non believer and a non Jew). It shows how a young girl made a big difference in a leaders life. It shows that God doesn't care who we think we are or what "appearances" we like to maintain. God deals with Naaman directly in his heart.
The second account shows God's expectation of an Israelite. True, Israel had practiced idolatry for years but that officer was still one of Abraham's offspring. The officer's lack of belief in God's abilities cost him his life. The officer may not have seen God's blessings but he definitely had heard the accounts of the miracles of Elijah and Elisha.
When I read these events I pray that I will rightly discern what God is trying to teach me through His Word and through preaching. That I will rightly discern what He is trying to teach me through events that occur directly and indirectly in my life. I pray that I will have a heart like David.
God bless and Bon appetit
Jackie
So one thing leads to another. Naaman, a military man, follows the chain of command. He first requests permission from the king of Aram to go see "the prophet", and a letter is sent to the king of Israel requesting that the king of Israel heal Naaman. (This is totally odd to me since Aram and Israel were at war off and on.) Now to me the kings involved knew exactly who the prophet was. The kings themselves and/or their father's had had dealing with Elijah and Elisha for years. Elijah and Elisha were constant sources of irritation to the kings of Israel and Aram. The king of Israel, definitely knew who Elisha was and where he was but he did not request for Elisha to come. Why??? Because he was Ahab's son and the nut doesn't fall far from the tree. Instead, the king of Israel tore his robes and threw a hissy fit complaining that his enemy was trying to pick a quarrel with him.
Can you imagine Elisha's face when he heard the account of Israel's king tearing his robes and carry on so? If I were Elisha, I would likely have to have a little laugh while I sent my message to the king. Remember Elisha's message to the king of Israel "Why have you torn your robes? Have the man come to me and he will see that there is a prophet in Israel?" I just see the king of Israel turn red in the face and fume when reading the message. Oh to be a fly on the wall.
We have heard the account of Naaman many times. After all, Elisha didn't even come out to talk to him but had his servant tell Naaman what to do which was to dip seven times in that nasty dirty river Jordan. So he headed home the same way as he arrived only he was in a rage on the way home. His servants finally talk some sense to him after they chip gently away at this ego. So Naaman finally followed Elisha's instruction and dipped seven times in the river Jordan and was healed. I agree with those who think that he wasn't healed until after that seventh dip. Naaman returns to thank Elisha and give him gifts. Elisha wants nothing to do with any of the gifts. Naaman vows to only sacrifice to Elisha's God, even to the point requesting as much dirt as two donkeys can carry so he can have a piece of land not defiled by all of Aram's idolatry. This shows Naaman has an idea of understanding of God's requirements of true holy offerings and relationship. Naaman also requests God's forgiveness ahead of time for assisting his master the king into the temple of Rimmon and bowing since his master leans on his arm. Elisha tells him to go in peace.
In 2 Kings 6:32-7:2 we read an account of a second officer on whose arm a king leaned but this time it is the king of Israel. We read how the king of Israel is furious at Elisha because of the famine God sent because of Israel's sin. The king sends a messenger. Elisha tells them that the famine in the city of Samaria will be totally the opposite in about 24 hrs; from famine to feast plus more. The officer on whose arm the king was leaning states" Look, even if the Lord should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?" Elisha tells him that he will see it with his own eyes but he will not eat any of it.
2 Kings 7:3-8 tells of the lepers findings the Aramean camp where they had fled and left everything behind. After enjoying themselves and taking what they wanted they decided that maybe they should share the good news to keep themselves out of trouble. So they headed for the palace but only got as far as the city gate and shouted the news to the gatekeepers. After a short investigation proved them right all of Samaria wanted a part of the pie. 2 Kings 7:17-20 tells us that the officer arm the king leaned was in charge of the gate and the prophecy regarding him seeing the abundance but not any of it came true as he was trampled by his own people as they rushed to get their share.
The first account shows God's mercy to an Aramean (basically a non believer and a non Jew). It shows how a young girl made a big difference in a leaders life. It shows that God doesn't care who we think we are or what "appearances" we like to maintain. God deals with Naaman directly in his heart.
The second account shows God's expectation of an Israelite. True, Israel had practiced idolatry for years but that officer was still one of Abraham's offspring. The officer's lack of belief in God's abilities cost him his life. The officer may not have seen God's blessings but he definitely had heard the accounts of the miracles of Elijah and Elisha.
When I read these events I pray that I will rightly discern what God is trying to teach me through His Word and through preaching. That I will rightly discern what He is trying to teach me through events that occur directly and indirectly in my life. I pray that I will have a heart like David.
God bless and Bon appetit
Jackie
David's grief and God's plan.
I have to comment on the lives of David and Solomon before going forward.
First of all about David, a shepherd boy, who became king after a lengthy and dangerous transition period. David, a worshipper and a servant of God, who knew what true praise and worship could do. David, a man after God's own heart, who was acquainted with personal sin and God's forgiveness. David, a husband, who knew about adultery and disrespect from a wife. David, a friend, who knew about how to be a real friend. David, a king, who was a defender of the faith and God's people. David, a father, who knew about grief and estrangement regarding a child.
David loved Absalom perhaps to the fault of spoiling him or not providing the guidance Absalom obviously needed. Nothing can break the heart of a parent like a child. David's and Absalom's relationship was bumpy at best. Can you imagine, your son rising against you to the point that he has people willing to kill you. A son who has so little respect that he sleeps with David's wives and concubines. David had many reasons to grieve about Absalom. The event recorded in 2 Samuel 18 is the outcome of a son filled with arrogance and selfishness. There David waited for word of the battle between his men and Absalom's army. The outcome for all to hear was David's heart breaking cry "O my son Absalom! My son, my son, Absalom! If only I had died instead of you - O Absalom my son, my son!" Yes, David knew the joy and the heartbreak of being a parent. His hopes dashed for his son's future as king of Israel. Absalom just wasn't willing to sumbit to God's plan and timetable. Absalom just wanted things done his way. Yet, God had a promise to keep to David. God had promised that someone from David's lineage would always sit on the throne. It makes me wonder if God knew that Absalom was not the right person for the job and that this was God's way and plan for David's and Israel's future. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord. One thing is for sure, Absalom did not fulfill the commandment that held a promise. Honor your father and mother fournd in Exodus 20:12 holds the blessing of a long life.
Then there is the account of David's and Bathsheba's first born child's death. Here is David desperately seeking God for the child's life. Psalm 51 records David's earnest petition for forgiveness of his sin which he knew could hold the penalty of death even by David's own estimation. Then Nathan shows up again in 2 Samuel 12:13 ("Nathan replied: The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the Lord show utter contempt, the son born to you will die.") Why was the son going to die?? It wasn't because of the sin of adultery and murder directly but because David had caused God's enemies reason to mock Him. Just goes to show that to whom much is given much is required. When God blesses us and the world sees that we are blessed of God, God holds us responsible to live our lives as holy as possible so that the world doesn't have reason to mock God because of our actions. I can hear him praying and sobbing, begging God not to hold the child accountable for his sin. He knows what Nathan has said but as long as the child is alive there is hope. Can't you hear him saying " Please oh God, I have asked you forgiveness for my actions with Bathsheba and having Uri killed. I know it was wrong and I have sinned against you. Please, oh please dear God, don't hold my child responsible for my sins. Oh God I know his illness is my fault due to my sin and actions but if there is some other way oh Lord....." There was not another way. After about 7 days of fasting and prayer, the boy dies. David gets up washes and eats then goes to Bathsheba to comfort her. His hope now is that he will see his son again in eternity. Here is the most interesting outcome of the union between David and Bathsheba. God choses their son Solomon as the next king. God choses the son of two people who committed adultery and one of them murder.
If this isn't an example of God's grace and mercy, I don't know what would be. If you ever are in a position where you doubt that God can forgive you; read this account. If you are ever in a position of condemnation over a past sin: read this account. If you ever doubt God's grace and mercy; just try to follow David's example of admission of sin, servanthood and worship.
In a couple of days, I'll post on Naaman. I'll get caught up. I promise. LOL
Bon Apetit and God Bless
Jackie
First of all about David, a shepherd boy, who became king after a lengthy and dangerous transition period. David, a worshipper and a servant of God, who knew what true praise and worship could do. David, a man after God's own heart, who was acquainted with personal sin and God's forgiveness. David, a husband, who knew about adultery and disrespect from a wife. David, a friend, who knew about how to be a real friend. David, a king, who was a defender of the faith and God's people. David, a father, who knew about grief and estrangement regarding a child.
David loved Absalom perhaps to the fault of spoiling him or not providing the guidance Absalom obviously needed. Nothing can break the heart of a parent like a child. David's and Absalom's relationship was bumpy at best. Can you imagine, your son rising against you to the point that he has people willing to kill you. A son who has so little respect that he sleeps with David's wives and concubines. David had many reasons to grieve about Absalom. The event recorded in 2 Samuel 18 is the outcome of a son filled with arrogance and selfishness. There David waited for word of the battle between his men and Absalom's army. The outcome for all to hear was David's heart breaking cry "O my son Absalom! My son, my son, Absalom! If only I had died instead of you - O Absalom my son, my son!" Yes, David knew the joy and the heartbreak of being a parent. His hopes dashed for his son's future as king of Israel. Absalom just wasn't willing to sumbit to God's plan and timetable. Absalom just wanted things done his way. Yet, God had a promise to keep to David. God had promised that someone from David's lineage would always sit on the throne. It makes me wonder if God knew that Absalom was not the right person for the job and that this was God's way and plan for David's and Israel's future. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord. One thing is for sure, Absalom did not fulfill the commandment that held a promise. Honor your father and mother fournd in Exodus 20:12 holds the blessing of a long life.
Then there is the account of David's and Bathsheba's first born child's death. Here is David desperately seeking God for the child's life. Psalm 51 records David's earnest petition for forgiveness of his sin which he knew could hold the penalty of death even by David's own estimation. Then Nathan shows up again in 2 Samuel 12:13 ("Nathan replied: The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the Lord show utter contempt, the son born to you will die.") Why was the son going to die?? It wasn't because of the sin of adultery and murder directly but because David had caused God's enemies reason to mock Him. Just goes to show that to whom much is given much is required. When God blesses us and the world sees that we are blessed of God, God holds us responsible to live our lives as holy as possible so that the world doesn't have reason to mock God because of our actions. I can hear him praying and sobbing, begging God not to hold the child accountable for his sin. He knows what Nathan has said but as long as the child is alive there is hope. Can't you hear him saying " Please oh God, I have asked you forgiveness for my actions with Bathsheba and having Uri killed. I know it was wrong and I have sinned against you. Please, oh please dear God, don't hold my child responsible for my sins. Oh God I know his illness is my fault due to my sin and actions but if there is some other way oh Lord....." There was not another way. After about 7 days of fasting and prayer, the boy dies. David gets up washes and eats then goes to Bathsheba to comfort her. His hope now is that he will see his son again in eternity. Here is the most interesting outcome of the union between David and Bathsheba. God choses their son Solomon as the next king. God choses the son of two people who committed adultery and one of them murder.
If this isn't an example of God's grace and mercy, I don't know what would be. If you ever are in a position where you doubt that God can forgive you; read this account. If you are ever in a position of condemnation over a past sin: read this account. If you ever doubt God's grace and mercy; just try to follow David's example of admission of sin, servanthood and worship.
In a couple of days, I'll post on Naaman. I'll get caught up. I promise. LOL
Bon Apetit and God Bless
Jackie
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
God I need to see you.....
I first want to apologize for my lack of maintaining this blog. I asked God's forgiveness first since I believe it was He who told me to do this. Most of you know my excuses; all having to do with illness and family. Primarily, I have been pre-occuppied about our little Hudson.
Today's entry is more about what has been going on in my life. A testimony. After all, we are overcomers by the word of our testimony.
In the weeks prior to Hudson's birth, my petition to God was "God I need to see you active in MY LIFE, not someone else, not through prayers I pray for someone else. I need to see you working actively in my life. I want first hand experience". And then Hudson was born. My first reaction was an attitude of "Thanks a lot God. I ask for you to show yourself active and real in my life and what you give us is a handicapped child." I bet you can guess what God said.
This journey with Hudson is surreal right now. All the literature that we read and the literature that has been given to us to read paints a fairly bleak picture. He has been diagnosed with Cry of the Cat or 5minusP. Worse case scenario is a child that harms himself, wears a helmet, has no verbal skills, unable to walk or feed himself, no emotional connection, or knowledge of the world around him or ability to recognize the people who love him or even to recognize love. In saying the above, that is what I felt was the worse case scenario. The fact that over half of these children do not live through infancy was not the worse that could happen in my eyes. I'm just being real here.
Last week, Hudson was examined by the geneticist who said he didn't see anything wrong with him and that he is doing remarkably well and he didn't need to see him for a year. PTL!!! Please understand, Hudson still has Cry of the Cat. His chromosomes aren't going to change short of a miracle. Hudson, right now is defying the disease. He's not suppose to be able to suck or swallow or have an appetite BUT he's eating baby cereal from a spoon. He's not suppose to have any muscle tone BUT he's rolling over and is very vigorous and strong. He's suppose to have heart and kidney conditions which he doesn't. He's suppose to eye problems which is doesn't. He's a baby that loves to cuddle and very definitely is in love with his Mommy. Every day is a reason to praise the Lord for Hudson's progress.
Has God told me that Hudson is healed? No, He hasn't. What God has told me is that this is going to be a faith walk.... this is going to be a journey and I don't know the destination yet. I guess that's a little like Abraham starting out for the Promised Land. I am sure that there will be tests and hurdles to over come along the way just like Abraham did. BUT, I definitely see God working actively in Hudson's life and body. Not exactly what I wanted from God when I asked Him to show himself real to me but I know that God knows best.
Thank you for letting me share this. I know it isn't about our Bible reading directly. I'll have another post this week about what we've read and then one about what we are reading currently.
PS THANK YOU GENE AND RICK FOR YOUR COMMENTS..... I appreciate it more than you know.
Bon Apetit
Jackie
Today's entry is more about what has been going on in my life. A testimony. After all, we are overcomers by the word of our testimony.
In the weeks prior to Hudson's birth, my petition to God was "God I need to see you active in MY LIFE, not someone else, not through prayers I pray for someone else. I need to see you working actively in my life. I want first hand experience". And then Hudson was born. My first reaction was an attitude of "Thanks a lot God. I ask for you to show yourself active and real in my life and what you give us is a handicapped child." I bet you can guess what God said.
This journey with Hudson is surreal right now. All the literature that we read and the literature that has been given to us to read paints a fairly bleak picture. He has been diagnosed with Cry of the Cat or 5minusP. Worse case scenario is a child that harms himself, wears a helmet, has no verbal skills, unable to walk or feed himself, no emotional connection, or knowledge of the world around him or ability to recognize the people who love him or even to recognize love. In saying the above, that is what I felt was the worse case scenario. The fact that over half of these children do not live through infancy was not the worse that could happen in my eyes. I'm just being real here.
Last week, Hudson was examined by the geneticist who said he didn't see anything wrong with him and that he is doing remarkably well and he didn't need to see him for a year. PTL!!! Please understand, Hudson still has Cry of the Cat. His chromosomes aren't going to change short of a miracle. Hudson, right now is defying the disease. He's not suppose to be able to suck or swallow or have an appetite BUT he's eating baby cereal from a spoon. He's not suppose to have any muscle tone BUT he's rolling over and is very vigorous and strong. He's suppose to have heart and kidney conditions which he doesn't. He's suppose to eye problems which is doesn't. He's a baby that loves to cuddle and very definitely is in love with his Mommy. Every day is a reason to praise the Lord for Hudson's progress.
Has God told me that Hudson is healed? No, He hasn't. What God has told me is that this is going to be a faith walk.... this is going to be a journey and I don't know the destination yet. I guess that's a little like Abraham starting out for the Promised Land. I am sure that there will be tests and hurdles to over come along the way just like Abraham did. BUT, I definitely see God working actively in Hudson's life and body. Not exactly what I wanted from God when I asked Him to show himself real to me but I know that God knows best.
Thank you for letting me share this. I know it isn't about our Bible reading directly. I'll have another post this week about what we've read and then one about what we are reading currently.
PS THANK YOU GENE AND RICK FOR YOUR COMMENTS..... I appreciate it more than you know.
Bon Apetit
Jackie
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Theocracy to a Monarchy
In these next chapters, we read of Saul's rise and fall and David's rise to power. I find it curious that Saul raised a son named Jonathon who seemed to be a Godly man. Yet because of Saul's sin, God's promise held the retribution that Saul's lineage would not be king. Jonathon would not be the next king. God then dispatches Samuel to anoint and install David as king. We will read of David who was a man after God's own heart, yet he raised Absalom who was prideful and rebellious. I wonder if the outcome of their sons were due to the type or lack of parenting in the son's early years. Perhaps it was due to the influences exerted by their mothers. The Daily Bible disperses Psalms in the passages so that the particular Psalm is read at the time of it's penning. This adds a lot to understanding what David was experiencing and how he was relating to God.
Not a lot is said about spiritual authority any more in or out of the church. Believe me when I say that God does care about spiritual authority and our willingness to submit to God's will whether it is to Him or to the person God places in leadership over us. Spiritual authority speaks to us in every aspect of our life. As you read the accounts of Saul, David, Jonathon and Absalom, you are going to see great examples of spiritual authority in practice and also ignored.
I recommend you read a book entitiled, The Tale of Three Kings, authored by Gene Edwards. Is is a small book and easily read in a day or two. Gene Edwards is a pastor and he wrote this book as if he were telling a story. You will enjoy it! It helped me understand and practice spiritual authority in my life. If you want some deeper study in to spritual authority then read Spiritual Authority, authored by Watchman Nee.
There is a passage of scripture that records a heartbreaking account. They are found in I Samuel 15: 22-35. In I Samuel 15: 24,25 Saul begs Samuel for forgiveness and to accompany him back home so that Saul can "save face" in front of the people. Picture this, Saul begging Samuel to return with him and when Samuel turns to leave Saul grabs Samuel's robe and tears it. I picture Saul down on his knees begging Samuel. What a pitiful picture. In verse I Samuel 15:30 Saul replies, "I have sinned. But please honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel; come back with me, so that I may worship the Lord YOUR God. At this point Saul does not even claim the Lord as his God. Verses 34 and 35 tells us that Samuel grieved over Saul. God also grieved that He had ever made Saul king. What a sharp contrast to Saul's beginnings. He began a young man in search of his father's livestock and was searching for Samuel to assist him in where to look for the animals.
There is so much to learn in the accounts of the lives of Saul, Jonathon, David and Absalom. We see examples of how God responds to someone who tries his best to obey God, to the one who rejects God's instructions. In later chapters we will have examples how David responds when two of his sons dies, how he has to ask God for forgiveness and why God won't let him be used to build the temple.
I would love to hear from you and see what passages speak to you... We are now a quarter of the way through the Bible. It seems to me to have flown by.
Bon Apetit <3
Not a lot is said about spiritual authority any more in or out of the church. Believe me when I say that God does care about spiritual authority and our willingness to submit to God's will whether it is to Him or to the person God places in leadership over us. Spiritual authority speaks to us in every aspect of our life. As you read the accounts of Saul, David, Jonathon and Absalom, you are going to see great examples of spiritual authority in practice and also ignored.
I recommend you read a book entitiled, The Tale of Three Kings, authored by Gene Edwards. Is is a small book and easily read in a day or two. Gene Edwards is a pastor and he wrote this book as if he were telling a story. You will enjoy it! It helped me understand and practice spiritual authority in my life. If you want some deeper study in to spritual authority then read Spiritual Authority, authored by Watchman Nee.
There is a passage of scripture that records a heartbreaking account. They are found in I Samuel 15: 22-35. In I Samuel 15: 24,25 Saul begs Samuel for forgiveness and to accompany him back home so that Saul can "save face" in front of the people. Picture this, Saul begging Samuel to return with him and when Samuel turns to leave Saul grabs Samuel's robe and tears it. I picture Saul down on his knees begging Samuel. What a pitiful picture. In verse I Samuel 15:30 Saul replies, "I have sinned. But please honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel; come back with me, so that I may worship the Lord YOUR God. At this point Saul does not even claim the Lord as his God. Verses 34 and 35 tells us that Samuel grieved over Saul. God also grieved that He had ever made Saul king. What a sharp contrast to Saul's beginnings. He began a young man in search of his father's livestock and was searching for Samuel to assist him in where to look for the animals.
There is so much to learn in the accounts of the lives of Saul, Jonathon, David and Absalom. We see examples of how God responds to someone who tries his best to obey God, to the one who rejects God's instructions. In later chapters we will have examples how David responds when two of his sons dies, how he has to ask God for forgiveness and why God won't let him be used to build the temple.
I would love to hear from you and see what passages speak to you... We are now a quarter of the way through the Bible. It seems to me to have flown by.
Bon Apetit <3
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
The Period of Judges
Our reading this week took us through the period where the Israelites were ruled by Judges to their first King. There are many wonderful events written about in these chapters. We read about Deborah and Ruth. It is in these chapters we read about Jael, the Kenite. (This is where my daughter-in-law gets her name.) We read of the almost annihilation of the Benjamites due to their sin of homosexuality which lead to the rape of the Levite's wife which caused the Levite to chop her up in to 12 parts and send her to the 12 tribes of Israel which led to Israelites going out to destroy the Benjamites which caused misguided oaths to God.....etc etc etc.
These chapters told us about Sampson, the Nazarite, and how he used/missued his annointing as the last Judge. The end of the Levites as leaders with the death of Eli and his sons when the Ark of the Covenant was captured. Next we have Samuel who is used to bridge the people from the leadership coming from Judges and the Levites to transitioning to Saul as their first King. God always wanted a theocracy but knew that eventually the people would ask for a King to rule over them "like the other nations". God made provision in his laws and rules to the people about how a king and the people were to interact. He wanted a closer long term relationship (theocracy) but in his wisdom and love gave guidelines to Moses about how to set up the rule of a King (monarchy).
Over and over again in these verses, you read of individuals and groups of people making oaths and promises to God or acting upon a "belief" that causes them to go down a road of disobedience. Whether its a promise to sacrifice the first person walking out of their home if a victory in war is won; to promising God that none of Israelites daughters will be allowed to marry a Benjamite and so forth. Reading these chapters we see evidence of great sin and its counterpart, great devotion and obedience to God. It's not possible to obey God fully without devotion to Him which includes wanting to know about Him. Another way to put it is, to know what makes God tick. It is impossible to really know about God without knowing what his word says and spending time with Him in meditation and prayer. Otherwise the decisions you make will eventually not follow God's word. That's where the rubber meets the road. That's where we end up following the wrong "thinking", all the time thinking that we are all right. "There is a way that seemeth right to a man but the end thereof is destruction." (Proverbs 16:25) We end up deceived if we do not have a relational knowledge of God and his word. If you have a good Bible concordance, I want you to take time and look up the words destruction, deceive, and way. Many of the scriptures listed will or should be familiar to you. All throughout the Bible, human beings were constantly reminded to know, love and follow after God or else sin that leads to death and destruction follows.
When reading these events, we need to ask God to show us where we may have set up idols that take precedence over God or attitudes and "beliefs" that are not in line with who God is and his word. Is it our families as with Eli? Is it our own lust or desires as with Sampson? Is it making our own "religion" as with Micah and not recognizing that it is counterfeit? The scripture that stands out to me in all the chapters and verses is in Judges 21:25. It summarizes the spiritual health of the Israelites and reads "In those days Israel had no king, everyone did as he saw fit." It was in those days that God was suppose to have been their King. Take time today to see who or what is ruling you life. Don't generalize. Be specific in your review. Who do you spend time with? Where do you spend your time? What do you do with your time? Is God included first of all in the Who, Where and What of your life? Don't forget!... Always remember!...how wonderful it is to know that when we want to learn about, love and follow God what wonderful blessings are ours. Just think about Jesus' gifts to us on the cross: salvation, healing, peace, mercy, and grace just to name a few.
Keep reading and Bon Apettit
These chapters told us about Sampson, the Nazarite, and how he used/missued his annointing as the last Judge. The end of the Levites as leaders with the death of Eli and his sons when the Ark of the Covenant was captured. Next we have Samuel who is used to bridge the people from the leadership coming from Judges and the Levites to transitioning to Saul as their first King. God always wanted a theocracy but knew that eventually the people would ask for a King to rule over them "like the other nations". God made provision in his laws and rules to the people about how a king and the people were to interact. He wanted a closer long term relationship (theocracy) but in his wisdom and love gave guidelines to Moses about how to set up the rule of a King (monarchy).
Over and over again in these verses, you read of individuals and groups of people making oaths and promises to God or acting upon a "belief" that causes them to go down a road of disobedience. Whether its a promise to sacrifice the first person walking out of their home if a victory in war is won; to promising God that none of Israelites daughters will be allowed to marry a Benjamite and so forth. Reading these chapters we see evidence of great sin and its counterpart, great devotion and obedience to God. It's not possible to obey God fully without devotion to Him which includes wanting to know about Him. Another way to put it is, to know what makes God tick. It is impossible to really know about God without knowing what his word says and spending time with Him in meditation and prayer. Otherwise the decisions you make will eventually not follow God's word. That's where the rubber meets the road. That's where we end up following the wrong "thinking", all the time thinking that we are all right. "There is a way that seemeth right to a man but the end thereof is destruction." (Proverbs 16:25) We end up deceived if we do not have a relational knowledge of God and his word. If you have a good Bible concordance, I want you to take time and look up the words destruction, deceive, and way. Many of the scriptures listed will or should be familiar to you. All throughout the Bible, human beings were constantly reminded to know, love and follow after God or else sin that leads to death and destruction follows.
When reading these events, we need to ask God to show us where we may have set up idols that take precedence over God or attitudes and "beliefs" that are not in line with who God is and his word. Is it our families as with Eli? Is it our own lust or desires as with Sampson? Is it making our own "religion" as with Micah and not recognizing that it is counterfeit? The scripture that stands out to me in all the chapters and verses is in Judges 21:25. It summarizes the spiritual health of the Israelites and reads "In those days Israel had no king, everyone did as he saw fit." It was in those days that God was suppose to have been their King. Take time today to see who or what is ruling you life. Don't generalize. Be specific in your review. Who do you spend time with? Where do you spend your time? What do you do with your time? Is God included first of all in the Who, Where and What of your life? Don't forget!... Always remember!...how wonderful it is to know that when we want to learn about, love and follow God what wonderful blessings are ours. Just think about Jesus' gifts to us on the cross: salvation, healing, peace, mercy, and grace just to name a few.
Keep reading and Bon Apettit
Sunday, March 20, 2011
A Time of Warfare
It is amazing to me the changes the Israelites went through in a short period of time. It is estimated that they began their exodus from Egypt in 1446 B.C. headed toward Mount Sinai. We don't know exactly how long it took them to get to Kadesh Barnea, where the first spies were sent out to survey the land and its inhabitants. We know that only Caleb and Joshua brought back God's report while the others gave reports that caused the people's hearts to "melt with fear." Caleb says in Joshua 14, beginning at verse 6, that he went as a spy when he was 40 years old, returned with his report to Moses when he was 45 years old and that at the time he was to inhabit "his promised land" he was 85 years old. So doing the math shows that the 40 years only covers the space of time that they wandered in the wildnerness and not the length of their jouney prior to reaching Kadesh Barnes when the first survey was done.
We also read in Joshua about the circumcision of the males eight days old and older (which had not been a top priority while being nomadic), Rahab and the fall of Jericho, Israel's learning a lesson again through the mistakes of Achan, the deception of the Gibeonites, battle after battle, the sun standing still, and the doling out of the land. There's just too much to write about in these chapters.
Joshua 10:6-11 relates that God didn't rain down large hailstones...He HURLED down large hailstones. How would you like being stoned to death with one of these. The item on the left is a huge hailstone and the object on the right is an egg.
We also read Joshua's prayer of "O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon, and the ensuing miracle of the day time stood still. Also mentioned in the following verse is the reference to, “the book of Jashar”. In my search to read or find a copy of The book of Jashar, I found that there is a copy that has been circulated but that it was found to be a counterfeit. Most Bible scholars believe the book of Jashar no longer exists. The "book of Jashar," translates two Hebrew words that signify “book of the upright” or “book of the righteous one." The Syriac translation of the text in Joshua calls it the “book of praises,” or “book of hymns." Apparently it was an ancient Hebrew hymnbook containing nationalistic songs. The references in the books of Joshua and 2 Samuel would suggest that this collection of songs were compositions designed to celebrate great battles and notable characters in Israel’s illustrative history, as the nation prepared for the coming of the Messiah.
One more thing I'd like to point out is the Bible's repeated reference to Balaam, son of Beor. We read a lot about him in Numbers chapters 21 through 25, and being killed in Numbers 31. Did you notice that he was mentioned again in Joshua 13:22 and Joshua 24:10? I decided to see if there were any other references to his name and found some in Jude 1:11 and Revelation 2:14, 17. In Job 3:8 and other verses, there is an indirect reference to him pertaining to persons who practice divinations and issuing curses. Remember, he was the one who in Numbers 22:17 said, "I could not do anything great or small to go beyond the command of the Lord my God". Hmmmm, sounds like Balaam was very confused.
Well thanks for reading (if anyone is lol)
Bon Apetit
We also read in Joshua about the circumcision of the males eight days old and older (which had not been a top priority while being nomadic), Rahab and the fall of Jericho, Israel's learning a lesson again through the mistakes of Achan, the deception of the Gibeonites, battle after battle, the sun standing still, and the doling out of the land. There's just too much to write about in these chapters.
We also read Joshua's prayer of "O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon, and the ensuing miracle of the day time stood still. Also mentioned in the following verse is the reference to, “the book of Jashar”. In my search to read or find a copy of The book of Jashar, I found that there is a copy that has been circulated but that it was found to be a counterfeit. Most Bible scholars believe the book of Jashar no longer exists. The "book of Jashar," translates two Hebrew words that signify “book of the upright” or “book of the righteous one." The Syriac translation of the text in Joshua calls it the “book of praises,” or “book of hymns." Apparently it was an ancient Hebrew hymnbook containing nationalistic songs. The references in the books of Joshua and 2 Samuel would suggest that this collection of songs were compositions designed to celebrate great battles and notable characters in Israel’s illustrative history, as the nation prepared for the coming of the Messiah.
One more thing I'd like to point out is the Bible's repeated reference to Balaam, son of Beor. We read a lot about him in Numbers chapters 21 through 25, and being killed in Numbers 31. Did you notice that he was mentioned again in Joshua 13:22 and Joshua 24:10? I decided to see if there were any other references to his name and found some in Jude 1:11 and Revelation 2:14, 17. In Job 3:8 and other verses, there is an indirect reference to him pertaining to persons who practice divinations and issuing curses. Remember, he was the one who in Numbers 22:17 said, "I could not do anything great or small to go beyond the command of the Lord my God". Hmmmm, sounds like Balaam was very confused.
Well thanks for reading (if anyone is lol)
Bon Apetit
Sunday, March 13, 2011
A New Era
Hello all,
You are almost a quarter of the way through reading the Bible. This next account is one of my very favorites. I love the accounts of Joseph and Joshua and of Ruth and Esther.
You have made it through and the do's and don'ts of the Jewish Law. One of the regulations that I try to picture is the one regarding levirate marriage where if brothers lived together and the one brother dies without children, the other brother is to marry his "sister-in -law" to provide a son to carry on his brother's family line. We read about this practice when we read about Tamar and Onan. I try to imagine having to marry a brother-in-law in order to have a home and a family. (No offense meant Bob Dodd in case your reading this lol) What if the future "mate" was mean or difficult... ? What if the brother's wife didn't like the sister-in -law and was extremely jealous? What if the brother was poor and was barely managing taking care of his own family....? At any sorts IF he chose not to marry his sister-in-law then she was to bring him before the elders, spit at him and loose his sandal and his FAMILY...was to be known as "The family of the unsandaled." This was a supreme disgrace. Its one of the rare instances in the Bible where I read of a women having a course of action she could take in her own defense. I did some research regarding the significance of the curse The family of the unsandaled. I found a website that explains the Torah and ties in the New Testament. If you want to read more and the curse's significance go to: http://www.torahclass.com/ and go to Deuteronomy 25. I have added it as a link under Jewish websites. It is very interesting but a little too much to explain and go into on my blog.
I try to imagine what it must of been like to live during that time. It was a time of hard work but also a time of God's glory and power. When the people stood at the Jordan watching the priests begin to carry the ark into the water, I can imagine them standing there and a hush comes over the people as the priests wade out into the river. The priests in front going deeper and deeper until all the priests feet were in the water. They had heard the stories of the Red Sea parting but except for Joshua and Caleb they had not seen a miracle of such magnitude. I'm sure that for many, the daily miracle of the pheasant and the manna had became a matter of routine and taken for granted. Some were likely bored with the fact that they wore the same shoes and clothes for the last 30 years. Some of the women were ready to shoe shop at DSW. But then once all the priests feet were in the Jordan, it happened, the waters parted and they crossed onto dry land. The scripture relates that this occurred during flood season.
Each tribe was to have a man shoulder a stone for a memorial to be built reminding the Israelites of their crossing. The priests stood in the middle of the Jordan with the ark until all had passed by. The men were instructed to get a stone near where the priests stood. That's where the BIG rocks were. The flow of water, force of gravity and the weight of the rocks gradually will move the larger rocks to the lowest point. God wanted a big memorial so that they would have a big memory of what he had done for them. Do you think that when each tribe picked their person that they picked the strongest man in their tribe. That's what I would have wanted to do. I would have wanted my tribe's rock to be the biggest of all to show God and everyone of my love and dedication.
I'm hope you are enjoying reading the Bible as much as I am. I pray for you often asking God to help you take the time to read and asking him to open his word to you in a fresh and fulfilling way.
Keep reading
Bon Apetit
You are almost a quarter of the way through reading the Bible. This next account is one of my very favorites. I love the accounts of Joseph and Joshua and of Ruth and Esther.
You have made it through and the do's and don'ts of the Jewish Law. One of the regulations that I try to picture is the one regarding levirate marriage where if brothers lived together and the one brother dies without children, the other brother is to marry his "sister-in -law" to provide a son to carry on his brother's family line. We read about this practice when we read about Tamar and Onan. I try to imagine having to marry a brother-in-law in order to have a home and a family. (No offense meant Bob Dodd in case your reading this lol) What if the future "mate" was mean or difficult... ? What if the brother's wife didn't like the sister-in -law and was extremely jealous? What if the brother was poor and was barely managing taking care of his own family....? At any sorts IF he chose not to marry his sister-in-law then she was to bring him before the elders, spit at him and loose his sandal and his FAMILY...was to be known as "The family of the unsandaled." This was a supreme disgrace. Its one of the rare instances in the Bible where I read of a women having a course of action she could take in her own defense. I did some research regarding the significance of the curse The family of the unsandaled. I found a website that explains the Torah and ties in the New Testament. If you want to read more and the curse's significance go to: http://www.torahclass.com/ and go to Deuteronomy 25. I have added it as a link under Jewish websites. It is very interesting but a little too much to explain and go into on my blog.
I try to imagine what it must of been like to live during that time. It was a time of hard work but also a time of God's glory and power. When the people stood at the Jordan watching the priests begin to carry the ark into the water, I can imagine them standing there and a hush comes over the people as the priests wade out into the river. The priests in front going deeper and deeper until all the priests feet were in the water. They had heard the stories of the Red Sea parting but except for Joshua and Caleb they had not seen a miracle of such magnitude. I'm sure that for many, the daily miracle of the pheasant and the manna had became a matter of routine and taken for granted. Some were likely bored with the fact that they wore the same shoes and clothes for the last 30 years. Some of the women were ready to shoe shop at DSW. But then once all the priests feet were in the Jordan, it happened, the waters parted and they crossed onto dry land. The scripture relates that this occurred during flood season.
Each tribe was to have a man shoulder a stone for a memorial to be built reminding the Israelites of their crossing. The priests stood in the middle of the Jordan with the ark until all had passed by. The men were instructed to get a stone near where the priests stood. That's where the BIG rocks were. The flow of water, force of gravity and the weight of the rocks gradually will move the larger rocks to the lowest point. God wanted a big memorial so that they would have a big memory of what he had done for them. Do you think that when each tribe picked their person that they picked the strongest man in their tribe. That's what I would have wanted to do. I would have wanted my tribe's rock to be the biggest of all to show God and everyone of my love and dedication.
I'm hope you are enjoying reading the Bible as much as I am. I pray for you often asking God to help you take the time to read and asking him to open his word to you in a fresh and fulfilling way.
Keep reading
Bon Apetit
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Obtaining Our Jewish Law Degree 101
Are you hanging in there??? I know reading about all the sacrifices and rules and regulations and laws can seem tedious. The one that talks about if someone finds a person dead in a field and no one knows who committed the murder is especially curious to me. The priests had to play private investigator in many disputes or questions concerning breaking the "law." In this instance, they had to measure the distance from the dead body to the nearest town. The elders from the nearest town had to bring a heifer to a valley that had not been cultivated and the valley had to have a running stream. The priests and elders then broke the heifer's neck and the elders washed their hands over the heifer's neck proclaiming themselves and their town innocent or not guilty of bloodshed.
I have added Jewish links in case you would want to read more and have more insight into all the rules and regulations. When I read this section, I wish I had a rabbi across the table from me so that I could ask him all my questions. The website Judaism 101 is set up that way and is written by a Jew. Most of his questions regarding the Levitical law and sacrifices comes from non-Jews. The links are just for information purposes. PRAISE THE LORD, Jesus came not to destroy the law but to fulfill the law. Moses's Law has been improved and amended.
The Jewish people have not been able to sacrifice to God since the temple's destruction around 70 AD. Remember reading about how once the temple was established that people were no longer to sacrifice just any where or at any time but they were required to present their sacrifice to a place God would designate...the temple where the priests would present their offering to God. Deuteronomy 12:1-15. So what are the Jews suppose to do to at this time to obtain forgiveness of sin? Hosea 14:1,2 (NIV) reads Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God. Your sins have been your downfall! Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to him: Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips. The portion reading "the fruit of our lips" is interpreted as "offer our lips as sacrifices of bulls". The KJV reads: Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously; so will we render the calves of our lips.
I can't imagine the smell and mess there must have been at the temple with the constant slaughter and bleeding of animals. And animals being animals, I am sure there were animals screaming as their throats were cut and lets face it, none of them were house trained. It must have been a constant offensive reminder of their sinful nature. What a wonderful thing the grace of God is. How blessed we are to have Jesus Christ as our High Priest! And don't forget, the Holy Spirit, who wants to help you discern truth and righteous living. The Holy Spirit is a very real deity and is there to guide you and to let you know when you have grieved him. A big difference from the slaughtering of animals.
The more you understand how Moses's law parallels the New Testament the more interesting and meaningful it will be to you. There are links added to the blog if you would like to learn more about that also. You'll find the links under the Jewish Website header.
Please feel free to post comments, questions etc.... I would love to hear your thoughts too!
Bon apetit
I have added Jewish links in case you would want to read more and have more insight into all the rules and regulations. When I read this section, I wish I had a rabbi across the table from me so that I could ask him all my questions. The website Judaism 101 is set up that way and is written by a Jew. Most of his questions regarding the Levitical law and sacrifices comes from non-Jews. The links are just for information purposes. PRAISE THE LORD, Jesus came not to destroy the law but to fulfill the law. Moses's Law has been improved and amended.
The Jewish people have not been able to sacrifice to God since the temple's destruction around 70 AD. Remember reading about how once the temple was established that people were no longer to sacrifice just any where or at any time but they were required to present their sacrifice to a place God would designate...the temple where the priests would present their offering to God. Deuteronomy 12:1-15. So what are the Jews suppose to do to at this time to obtain forgiveness of sin? Hosea 14:1,2 (NIV) reads Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God. Your sins have been your downfall! Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to him: Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips. The portion reading "the fruit of our lips" is interpreted as "offer our lips as sacrifices of bulls". The KJV reads: Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously; so will we render the calves of our lips.
I can't imagine the smell and mess there must have been at the temple with the constant slaughter and bleeding of animals. And animals being animals, I am sure there were animals screaming as their throats were cut and lets face it, none of them were house trained. It must have been a constant offensive reminder of their sinful nature. What a wonderful thing the grace of God is. How blessed we are to have Jesus Christ as our High Priest! And don't forget, the Holy Spirit, who wants to help you discern truth and righteous living. The Holy Spirit is a very real deity and is there to guide you and to let you know when you have grieved him. A big difference from the slaughtering of animals.
The more you understand how Moses's law parallels the New Testament the more interesting and meaningful it will be to you. There are links added to the blog if you would like to learn more about that also. You'll find the links under the Jewish Website header.
Please feel free to post comments, questions etc.... I would love to hear your thoughts too!
Bon apetit
Thursday, February 24, 2011
A Time of Transition
Hello all. This post was suppose to post on 02/14/11 but it didn't so you'll have two slightly close together.
In these chapters we can get a little bogged down reading about the census taking again and Moses review of the Israelites exodus from Egypt. But there are also little nuggets that stand out as some of the most thought provoking things God has ever done. There is the account of Balaam and Balak. The Israelite's transition into a fighting nation. The death of Miriam and Aaron. Eleazar fulfilling the role his father, Aaron, vacated. Phinehas' stand against sin. The investure of Joshua as Moses' replacement. A lot is happening in these chapters.
Balaam stands out to me as one of the most interesting accounts in the last 5 days. God uses a spiritualist to proclaim his blessings over the Israelite people on three separate occasions. At one point, Balaam even states in Numbers 22:18 "the Lord MY God". Was Balaam arrogant enough to believe that just because God spoke to him that he and God were in a convenant relationship? No matter how hard King Balak wants Balaam to curse the Israelite people, God fills Balaam's mouth with blessings and even has him prophecy about the Messiah in Numbers 24: 10-13. Why God used Balaam this way is not entirely clear to me other than God uses who and what he wants when he wants.... Afterall, he is God. : ) God even used Balaam's donkey to speak to Balaam.
So here is Balaam son of Beor, who must see himself now as a mouthpiece of God. His perception of his relationship with God is so clouded that he helps devise a plan to circumvent God's blessings by having the Midianite women seduce the Israelite men not just in sexual immorality but it spiritual immorality with their idol. Balaam knew this would bring judgement on the Israelite's. Did Balaam think that God would not hold him accountable for his part in leading God's people into sin. What was Balaam thinking? Maybe he thought that saying what God wanted him to say was enough but that he didn't have to back it up with his actions. Maybe he was thinking that there was still a way for him to get all that money that Balak offered. How arrogant!! Balaam didn't have long to enjoy his new found status or wealth since in Numbers 37, Balaam, son of Beor, is killed with the sword along with every Midianite man, boy and non-virgin woman. God wants more than lip service from anyone claiming to be in a relationship with him. That's something I think we all should keep in mind.
Bon apetit.....
In these chapters we can get a little bogged down reading about the census taking again and Moses review of the Israelites exodus from Egypt. But there are also little nuggets that stand out as some of the most thought provoking things God has ever done. There is the account of Balaam and Balak. The Israelite's transition into a fighting nation. The death of Miriam and Aaron. Eleazar fulfilling the role his father, Aaron, vacated. Phinehas' stand against sin. The investure of Joshua as Moses' replacement. A lot is happening in these chapters.
Balaam stands out to me as one of the most interesting accounts in the last 5 days. God uses a spiritualist to proclaim his blessings over the Israelite people on three separate occasions. At one point, Balaam even states in Numbers 22:18 "the Lord MY God". Was Balaam arrogant enough to believe that just because God spoke to him that he and God were in a convenant relationship? No matter how hard King Balak wants Balaam to curse the Israelite people, God fills Balaam's mouth with blessings and even has him prophecy about the Messiah in Numbers 24: 10-13. Why God used Balaam this way is not entirely clear to me other than God uses who and what he wants when he wants.... Afterall, he is God. : ) God even used Balaam's donkey to speak to Balaam.
So here is Balaam son of Beor, who must see himself now as a mouthpiece of God. His perception of his relationship with God is so clouded that he helps devise a plan to circumvent God's blessings by having the Midianite women seduce the Israelite men not just in sexual immorality but it spiritual immorality with their idol. Balaam knew this would bring judgement on the Israelite's. Did Balaam think that God would not hold him accountable for his part in leading God's people into sin. What was Balaam thinking? Maybe he thought that saying what God wanted him to say was enough but that he didn't have to back it up with his actions. Maybe he was thinking that there was still a way for him to get all that money that Balak offered. How arrogant!! Balaam didn't have long to enjoy his new found status or wealth since in Numbers 37, Balaam, son of Beor, is killed with the sword along with every Midianite man, boy and non-virgin woman. God wants more than lip service from anyone claiming to be in a relationship with him. That's something I think we all should keep in mind.
Bon apetit.....
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Getting ready to go to Canaan
We've read how the Israelites built and created a dwelling place for God. God planned every step. Even how the tabernacle was to be dismantled and transported to the next camp site. By the way, God didn't ask the people if they wanted to or to pray about it to see if they felt led to fill those positions. He just told them. PERIOD. God doesn't let any adult off the hook. You have a God specified work to do in his kingdom.
The Israelites have celebrated their second Passover according to God's rules and regulations. Then God organized the census. The census laid the foundation for which tribe went where and who was responsible for what and so forth and so on. Even when he created the whole universe, he did it systematically and with great organization. How can anyone reading these books of the Bible not see that God really is the originator of the first "planner" or PDA?
I wondered when I read in Numbers 10: 29-32 why Moses recruited Horab, his brother-in-law, to be a guide through the desert. God was leading the people with the cloud situated over the tabernacle. I am sure that God had better eyesight and knew the lay of the land better than Horab. Afterall, he created the land and Horab. There isn't anything recorded that God had told Moses or rebuked him for recruiting a guide. I wondered if this little act of recruiting a guide without God's instructions was the first sign of Moses acting without God's guidance. I know Moses made many day to day decisions etc without God directly speaking to him. This seemed like Moses replacing God's way with Moses' way. Was this act the first sign of Moses leaning on his own abilities or understandings instead of God's? Was this act the sign of self-reliance regarding Moses' future behavior? In Numbers 20, Moses plainly disobeys God's instructions and did so in front of the Israelites. Moses states: "Listen you rebels, must WE bring you water out of this rock?" and then he hits the rock twice instead of speaking to it. God punishes Moses and Aaron. Their punishment, they would not make the journey into the promised land. The land that had consumed Moses' life, Moses would not go into Canaan land. God still cared for Moses. Deut 34:5-7 describes Moses' death. It reads that Moses was just as strong as he was when he had began this exodus with God's chosen people. God was with him when he died and it was God who buried him.
Was Moses doing what many of us do? WE become proficient in an area of God's calling and fall into the habit of doing what had worked in the past instead of asking God if there is a different way he wants it done. If we are very proficient by doing what has always worked, how are people going to see the grace and the supernatural abilities that God has. Lets face it, that would take honor and glory from God.
Lets take time today and every day to search our lives and see if we have gotten into a rut with God and his work. Always remember he loves you and wants you to succeed.
The Israelites have celebrated their second Passover according to God's rules and regulations. Then God organized the census. The census laid the foundation for which tribe went where and who was responsible for what and so forth and so on. Even when he created the whole universe, he did it systematically and with great organization. How can anyone reading these books of the Bible not see that God really is the originator of the first "planner" or PDA?
I wondered when I read in Numbers 10: 29-32 why Moses recruited Horab, his brother-in-law, to be a guide through the desert. God was leading the people with the cloud situated over the tabernacle. I am sure that God had better eyesight and knew the lay of the land better than Horab. Afterall, he created the land and Horab. There isn't anything recorded that God had told Moses or rebuked him for recruiting a guide. I wondered if this little act of recruiting a guide without God's instructions was the first sign of Moses acting without God's guidance. I know Moses made many day to day decisions etc without God directly speaking to him. This seemed like Moses replacing God's way with Moses' way. Was this act the first sign of Moses leaning on his own abilities or understandings instead of God's? Was this act the sign of self-reliance regarding Moses' future behavior? In Numbers 20, Moses plainly disobeys God's instructions and did so in front of the Israelites. Moses states: "Listen you rebels, must WE bring you water out of this rock?" and then he hits the rock twice instead of speaking to it. God punishes Moses and Aaron. Their punishment, they would not make the journey into the promised land. The land that had consumed Moses' life, Moses would not go into Canaan land. God still cared for Moses. Deut 34:5-7 describes Moses' death. It reads that Moses was just as strong as he was when he had began this exodus with God's chosen people. God was with him when he died and it was God who buried him.
Was Moses doing what many of us do? WE become proficient in an area of God's calling and fall into the habit of doing what had worked in the past instead of asking God if there is a different way he wants it done. If we are very proficient by doing what has always worked, how are people going to see the grace and the supernatural abilities that God has. Lets face it, that would take honor and glory from God.
Lets take time today and every day to search our lives and see if we have gotten into a rut with God and his work. Always remember he loves you and wants you to succeed.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
It amazes me how Moses remembered all of God's instructions to the "T". Every "i" dotted and every "T" was crossed. He must have been very intelligent and maybe had something like a photographic memory. I know sometimes reading some of the next passages may seem repetitive and boring. Try to read it as God's first instructions to a body of believers of how they were to prepare and present themselves to God. It shows us how God wanted all the same offerings from all the tribes no matter how large or small the tribe was and no matter how rich or poor. These passages recount how two of Aaron's sons where killed by offering "strange fire". In the next chapters, you will read of God's geographic placement of the tribes around the tabernacle.
As I read these passages it tells me that God wants us all to approach him with the very best we have. These passages speak to me of how God wants me to interact with him. How he wants me to worship him. How he provides for me. I realize that we all have are own comfort zones when it comes to worshiping God whether it is with our mouth or material possessions. These passages speak to me that God wants our best given to him CHEERFULLY. It shows how giving is a real part of worship. It shows how God wants us all to participate in his work (the church). After all, God placed the tabernacle in the very center of them wherever they traveled. It reads of how the priests and the Levites had to prepare themselves. The Levites who were working in the tabernacle were shaved of all their hair and washed by Moses. To be being totally shaved and then washed by the "leader" would have been humbling and maybe even embarrassing. Now that would have definitely been out of my comfort zone.
Next time you come to church or you are at home getting ready to pray, stop and contemplate whether you are presenting yourself to God in the fashion that HE wants you too. Are you living your life according to his will and plan?? Are you continually preparing yourselves to be in God's presence? He may speak to you about things you listen to or where you go. After all, the Holy Spirit is with you continually so you are in God's presence. Just read these passages and see what God speaks to you personally. He may speak to you about your giving and your involvement or lack of it. He may want you to get involved somehow in the church. He may speak to you about how prepared you are when you come to church to present yourselves to him. Whatever he speaks to you, I know you will be blessed if you obey him.
As I read these passages it tells me that God wants us all to approach him with the very best we have. These passages speak to me of how God wants me to interact with him. How he wants me to worship him. How he provides for me. I realize that we all have are own comfort zones when it comes to worshiping God whether it is with our mouth or material possessions. These passages speak to me that God wants our best given to him CHEERFULLY. It shows how giving is a real part of worship. It shows how God wants us all to participate in his work (the church). After all, God placed the tabernacle in the very center of them wherever they traveled. It reads of how the priests and the Levites had to prepare themselves. The Levites who were working in the tabernacle were shaved of all their hair and washed by Moses. To be being totally shaved and then washed by the "leader" would have been humbling and maybe even embarrassing. Now that would have definitely been out of my comfort zone.
Next time you come to church or you are at home getting ready to pray, stop and contemplate whether you are presenting yourself to God in the fashion that HE wants you too. Are you living your life according to his will and plan?? Are you continually preparing yourselves to be in God's presence? He may speak to you about things you listen to or where you go. After all, the Holy Spirit is with you continually so you are in God's presence. Just read these passages and see what God speaks to you personally. He may speak to you about your giving and your involvement or lack of it. He may want you to get involved somehow in the church. He may speak to you about how prepared you are when you come to church to present yourselves to him. Whatever he speaks to you, I know you will be blessed if you obey him.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
The building of God's temple
Well we are knee deep into the building of the tent of meeting and the fashioning of all it's implements. We are also reading about the adornment of the priests and their ordination. I have read this account many times and had often wondered why everything was so exact. I had a hard time trying to picture what everything looked like even after reading God's detailed directions. As I grew in the knowledge of the Lord, I realized that this temple was the forerunner of things to come and how God wants us to worship him and relate to him. There is just so much in these verses.
If you are interested in learning more about the building of the tent of meeting, how everything really looked and its significance as a shadow of things to come, I recommend getting a book entitled A Dwelling Place for God, authored by Ruth Specter Lascelle. It is publisted by Rock of Israel, PO Box 9200, Van Nuys, CA 91409. Rock of Israel is an international ministry committed to reaching the Jewish people with the good news of Messiah. The book is a verse by verse description from Exodus 25-30 of the ancient Hebrew Tabernacle with new convenant applications. It includes drawings of the tent, implements and priestly garments. Their website is: www.rockofisrael.org/
If you are interested in learning more about the building of the tent of meeting, how everything really looked and its significance as a shadow of things to come, I recommend getting a book entitled A Dwelling Place for God, authored by Ruth Specter Lascelle. It is publisted by Rock of Israel, PO Box 9200, Van Nuys, CA 91409. Rock of Israel is an international ministry committed to reaching the Jewish people with the good news of Messiah. The book is a verse by verse description from Exodus 25-30 of the ancient Hebrew Tabernacle with new convenant applications. It includes drawings of the tent, implements and priestly garments. Their website is: www.rockofisrael.org/
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
I'm so excited. I have two new comments. : ) By the way.... the account of Job isn't read until September but if your chronological plan has it earlier that's ok....
This week's reading has us experiencing what the Egyptians and Israelites were going through during the plagues and then the Israelites exodus from Egypt. There are just too many examples in there of human nature and how we tend to relate to God. Every time I read of these accounts, I bring something new from them. On Jan 28th, you'll be reading from Exodus 16 and 17. In the account of Exodus 17: 1-7 the Bible reads: "And he called the place Massah (or testing) and Meribah (or quarreling) because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the Lord saying, "Is the Lord among us or not?"" When I read the question, "Is the Lord among us or not?"...it hit home. How many times have I doubted God when things weren't going like I wanted. I've questioned whether God was with me and had basically left me behind. I had to ask him to forgive me and help me to remember that his love was a hands on love and not a long distance relationship.
Thank you Lord for Jeremiah 29:11. You are just awesome!
cindi4christ I will get the reading plan info to you. I don't have the reading plan that I copied for people at church at my fingertips right now. The link above, Bible Study Tools, can provide you with a chronological reading plan. The reading plan doesn't exactly follow along with the My Daily Bible but it is close enough.
Gene: It was your wife Bettie that introduced me to this Bible. You are so right. I know that Word of God is alive but the way this Bible is put together makes it even come more alive to me.
This week's reading has us experiencing what the Egyptians and Israelites were going through during the plagues and then the Israelites exodus from Egypt. There are just too many examples in there of human nature and how we tend to relate to God. Every time I read of these accounts, I bring something new from them. On Jan 28th, you'll be reading from Exodus 16 and 17. In the account of Exodus 17: 1-7 the Bible reads: "And he called the place Massah (or testing) and Meribah (or quarreling) because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the Lord saying, "Is the Lord among us or not?"" When I read the question, "Is the Lord among us or not?"...it hit home. How many times have I doubted God when things weren't going like I wanted. I've questioned whether God was with me and had basically left me behind. I had to ask him to forgive me and help me to remember that his love was a hands on love and not a long distance relationship.
Thank you Lord for Jeremiah 29:11. You are just awesome!
cindi4christ I will get the reading plan info to you. I don't have the reading plan that I copied for people at church at my fingertips right now. The link above, Bible Study Tools, can provide you with a chronological reading plan. The reading plan doesn't exactly follow along with the My Daily Bible but it is close enough.
Gene: It was your wife Bettie that introduced me to this Bible. You are so right. I know that Word of God is alive but the way this Bible is put together makes it even come more alive to me.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Hello Everyone,
Pull your chair up to the table, tuck your napkin under your chin and dig in.
I am excited about all of us reading God's Word this year as He continues to unfold His plan and purpose for us individually and as a church body. God is up to something great this year. I am new to blogging so this is also a learning experience for me. I am sure there will be a few kinks and wrinkles we'll need to work out as we progress. Currently, your posts are being sent to an email account for review. This is not meant in any way to censor your comments or questions but to protect the blog from "others" who would post offensive or inappropriate content that clashed with the purpose of this blog.
We will be reading the Bible chronologically this year. I am using The Daily Bible. It is a New International Version (NIV) and published by Harvest House. This is a great Bible for daily reading. It has daily devotional inserts which give insights and perspectives into that day's reading. There will be links added to this site to aide you in reading or study. Of course, you do not need this particular Bible to participate. There are online reading plans and at the information desk there are handouts for January and February reading. For that matter, if you prefer to use a different Bible reading plan altogether, go for it.
So far we have read in Genesis and Exodus. The theme keeps repeating itself that God uses mortal and flawed man to complete His purpose. So far we've read about Adam and Eve and their fall. Cain and Abel... Noah.... Abraham... Isaac.... Jacob.... Joseph and now Moses. Each experience tells us of the patience and love that God has for us as His creation. I am particularly fond of Joseph's biography. He reminds me of a zealous new convert who speaks before he thinks. Even in-spite of his lack of maturity and wisdom, God continues to speak to and work through him. Joseph's experience speaks to us that just because God has "revealed" some word or insight to us, that we do not necessarily need to tell all etc. Sometimes God just wants us to ponder his "word"in our hearts. We often forget to ask God when or even if He wants us to tell what He has shared with us as an individual.
Please feel free to post your comments and ask questions. If I don't know the answer right away, I'll get it from another source.
Bon apetit as you feed from God's word!
Keep reading,
Jackie Dodd
Pull your chair up to the table, tuck your napkin under your chin and dig in.
I am excited about all of us reading God's Word this year as He continues to unfold His plan and purpose for us individually and as a church body. God is up to something great this year. I am new to blogging so this is also a learning experience for me. I am sure there will be a few kinks and wrinkles we'll need to work out as we progress. Currently, your posts are being sent to an email account for review. This is not meant in any way to censor your comments or questions but to protect the blog from "others" who would post offensive or inappropriate content that clashed with the purpose of this blog.
We will be reading the Bible chronologically this year. I am using The Daily Bible. It is a New International Version (NIV) and published by Harvest House. This is a great Bible for daily reading. It has daily devotional inserts which give insights and perspectives into that day's reading. There will be links added to this site to aide you in reading or study. Of course, you do not need this particular Bible to participate. There are online reading plans and at the information desk there are handouts for January and February reading. For that matter, if you prefer to use a different Bible reading plan altogether, go for it.
So far we have read in Genesis and Exodus. The theme keeps repeating itself that God uses mortal and flawed man to complete His purpose. So far we've read about Adam and Eve and their fall. Cain and Abel... Noah.... Abraham... Isaac.... Jacob.... Joseph and now Moses. Each experience tells us of the patience and love that God has for us as His creation. I am particularly fond of Joseph's biography. He reminds me of a zealous new convert who speaks before he thinks. Even in-spite of his lack of maturity and wisdom, God continues to speak to and work through him. Joseph's experience speaks to us that just because God has "revealed" some word or insight to us, that we do not necessarily need to tell all etc. Sometimes God just wants us to ponder his "word"in our hearts. We often forget to ask God when or even if He wants us to tell what He has shared with us as an individual.
Please feel free to post your comments and ask questions. If I don't know the answer right away, I'll get it from another source.
Bon apetit as you feed from God's word!
Keep reading,
Jackie Dodd
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