Almost finished with the B90 and its been really awesome! I have been really having a difficult time zipping through the new testament! I Highly recommend that Every Christian take the time to read the New Testament, at least the letters, in the Message. It just makes it all so Relevant to Today! Not that I am saying, that is your source for Study or whatever, but just as Reading! Far better, more inspirational than any little devotional book or whatever!
My plan at this point is to read the New Testament again, hmmm NT90? I found the schedule for that, and I would like to have the chance to spend more time.
Honestly, I wish I could persuade just a few people, just spend a little time reading Romans or Corinthians, or Any of the letters, in the Message... its Fun!!!! And because its not in the usual, heard-it-a-million-times language, its Fresh!
Ok, enough of my unpaid ad for Message! I will be doing the NT90 in various versions... hehehe I feel the obsessive need to cross reference Everything!
This has been a wonderful experience for me, but I really don't think I'm going to be going back over Chronicles or Kings on a regular basis, reference and study purposes, but certainly not for the joy of reading!!!!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
more Romans
Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it's God's order. So live responsibly as a citizen. If you're irresponsible to the state, then you're irresponsible with God, and God will hold you accountable. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you're trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear.
3-5 Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you'll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage. But if you're breaking the rules right and left, watch out. The police aren't there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it. That's why you must live responsibly—not just to avoid punishment but also because it's the right way to live.
6-7 That's also why you pay taxes—so that an orderly way of life can be maintained. Fulfill your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, pay your bills, respect your leaders.
Any of the Bible "don't" you can think of—finally adds up to this: Love other people as well as you do yourself. You can't go wrong when you love others. When you add up everything in the law code, the sum total is Love.
Cultivating Good Relationships
1 Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don't see things the way you do. And don't jump all over them every time they do or say something you don't agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.
If there are corrections to be made or manners to be learned, God can handle that without your help. It's God we are answerable to—all the way from life to death and everything in between—not each other. That's why Jesus lived and died and then lived again: so that he could be our Master across the entire range of life and death, and free us from the petty tyrannies of each other. Forget about deciding what's right for each other. Here's what you need to be concerned about: that you don't get in the way of someone else, making life more difficult than it already is. These, remember, are persons for whom Christ died. So let's agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don't drag them down by finding fault. Don't eat or say or do things that might interfere with the free exchange of love. Cultivate your own relationship with God, but don't impose it on others. You're fortunate if your behavior and your belief are coherent. But if you're not sure, if you notice that you are acting in ways inconsistent with what you believe—some days trying to impose your opinions on others, other days just trying to please them—then you know that you're out of line.
Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, "How can I help?"
May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we'll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus!
May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we'll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Jesus in John b90
I have to admit, I skipped ahead and read Revelation. I didn't want to end on all the doom and gloom... glad its done! On to John...Wow!
Some things that really spoke to me. Throughout John, Jesus says over and over, Look at the Evidence. If you don't believe what I am saying, look at what I have done, look at my Actions, the evidence of what I am saying is right there, in everything I have Done! He doesn't get into debates, just says, look at the evidence, my actions prove what I am saying! This is Exactly where We all should be!!!
He also repeatedly states that the proof of His truthfulness is that he is not out to lift himself up, not bringing honor or notoriety to Himself, but to God. Again another proof of where We should be following His example!
John 8:14-18 I Love this! The Message puts it in a cool way
You decide according to what you can see and touch. I don't make judgments like that. But even if I did, my judgment would be true because I wouldn't make it out of the narrowness of my experience but in the largeness of the One who sent me, the Father.
We decide according to the narrow point of view of our own experience and understanding, but God sees the Whole picture and makes His judgement based on His Love and Mercy. We need to at least Attempt to see it His way before we judge others!
You decide according to what you can see and touch. I don't make judgments like that. But even if I did, my judgment would be true because I wouldn't make it out of the narrowness of my experience but in the largeness of the One who sent me, the Father.
We decide according to the narrow point of view of our own experience and understanding, but God sees the Whole picture and makes His judgement based on His Love and Mercy. We need to at least Attempt to see it His way before we judge others!
* 9:41 "If you were really blind, you would be blameless, but since you claim to see everything so well, you're accountable for every fault and failure." Since you claim to see everything so well, you are accountable! Interesting, if we are ignorant, we aren't accountable, but as soon as we think we know it all, we are Accountable to Obey!
After Judas leaves to do his thing, Jesus is speaking to those who are closest and who are with him, a private moment with them, the last Important message he has for them, summing up of everything they should have learned up to now! He Says...34-35"Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other."
I liked the feeling that Jesus was talking with his closest friends, giving them the secret for how to deal with what was going to happen next, seems like an intimate little discussion. He says that others are going to know who you are by the love you have for each other!
I have been studying apologetics lately and I just Love how Jesus addresses the questions of who or what He is ~ just look at the Evidence~ no argument, just look at the Evidence!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Ezekiel is Finished! Whew
Gonna be a While before I want to read Ezekiel again! Whew long and gory. LOL and Obviously some people just Never listen! Have to wonder where Our Zeke is... we Need one for sure! No, I do Not want the job... did you read that part where he had to lay on his side for over a year, just looking at and praying for a model of Israel? That's just weird... but you would sure focus I bet. No, I won't be trying it... just a month for Judah tho... smaller I guess.
As is usually the reaction, people were less than pleased with him. Makes me wonder if the public reaction is not part of the reason there is no Doom and Gloom Prophet today. Don't see any of those tv preachers actually getting their hands dirty, or smudging their reputations... nothing that would interrupt the flow of funds... I guess I do understand a little of why there are no prophets today! LOL Every time I Try to be a good prophet I get shot down! LOL That forth-telling thing... letting people know where they are screwing up.. no one appreciates that! I don't understand! LOL
As is usually the reaction, people were less than pleased with him. Makes me wonder if the public reaction is not part of the reason there is no Doom and Gloom Prophet today. Don't see any of those tv preachers actually getting their hands dirty, or smudging their reputations... nothing that would interrupt the flow of funds... I guess I do understand a little of why there are no prophets today! LOL Every time I Try to be a good prophet I get shot down! LOL That forth-telling thing... letting people know where they are screwing up.. no one appreciates that! I don't understand! LOL
Thursday, November 25, 2010
The potter B90
Jer. 23 is a very strong admonishment for false prophets! Talks all about preachers getting their sermons from each other, thinking they are telling God's truth but are not asking God what to preach! "Prophets" telling everyone how it's all going to be alright! Feel good messages for a very lost and sinful people. Hmm sounds like today! This chapter could have been written for Today!
I love that God took Jeremiah to the potter. Everyone at that time would have understood the comparison, but unless one is familiar with clay and pottery today, So much of the message is lost. The steps for working up a pot are interesting comparisons!
Before the clay is even usable, all the impurities must be removed, then it is set aside to age. Then the work begins. First one has to "wedge" the clay... meaning you beat it and knead it to remove all the air bubbles and actually work the clay particles into the same direction. After you beat the crud out of the clay, it is Slammed onto the wheel.
Shaping begins. This totally changes the clay from a useless lump into a vessel Shape. As it is being "thrown" on the wheel, any unevenness in the clay will cause the shape to wobble and warp. When that happens? It goes back to a Lump, wedged again, aged again, wedged again and then back to the wheel. Even after all the shaping is done, there is scraping to be done, then its set aside again.
After firming up, back on the wheel for more scraping and trimming. Set aside.
Back to the wheel, smoothing and possible engraving decorations.
Set aside.
Firmed up good, it is removed from the "bat" (support plate). More trimming, smoothing, scraping.
Then into the Fire!
Inspected for places needing sanding...remember now it's ceramic, so sanding is difficult (now days we use mechanical grinders), stain or glaze is applied (unfired glaze is not the final color. It looks chalky and bland)
Set aside again. Fired again.
Now if it hasn't cracked, exploded, or warped, it is useful.
This is a long process, time consuming and the most work is in the trimming, sanding, and finishing. If the clay was not pure enough, or wasn't wedged well enough in the beginning, it will crack or explode in the first firing. If the glaze isn't right, the vessel will not hold liquid.
Each step is meticulous and time consuming. The setting aside is Necessary to allow the clay to cure properly. Again, if not done right, not long enough etc. the vessel will warp, crack or even explode in the firing.
Put yourself in the place of the original raw clay. The Potter will work us through each step, carefully and completely. Each phase of the process requires time.. Some of the steps are painful even. The initial shaping changes us into a New form, the scraping and sanding removes imperfections, sharp edges, flaws.
Sitting on a shelf may not seem like a Useful time, for the one doing the sitting, but it is Vital for a completed, usable vessel. Only after all the hard work is done is the vessel close to useful. Even after the glaze is applied, it's ugly and bland looking, until it goes through the Hottest firing. Only the firing brings out the beauty of the glaze, turning the colors from muted and blah into brilliant glass.
Then... Finally ... it's ready to use, It will be strong, sturdy, and beautiful.
Everyone should watch the whole process once with this comparison to God shaping us in mind!!!
I love that God took Jeremiah to the potter. Everyone at that time would have understood the comparison, but unless one is familiar with clay and pottery today, So much of the message is lost. The steps for working up a pot are interesting comparisons!
Before the clay is even usable, all the impurities must be removed, then it is set aside to age. Then the work begins. First one has to "wedge" the clay... meaning you beat it and knead it to remove all the air bubbles and actually work the clay particles into the same direction. After you beat the crud out of the clay, it is Slammed onto the wheel.
Shaping begins. This totally changes the clay from a useless lump into a vessel Shape. As it is being "thrown" on the wheel, any unevenness in the clay will cause the shape to wobble and warp. When that happens? It goes back to a Lump, wedged again, aged again, wedged again and then back to the wheel. Even after all the shaping is done, there is scraping to be done, then its set aside again.
After firming up, back on the wheel for more scraping and trimming. Set aside.
Back to the wheel, smoothing and possible engraving decorations.
Set aside.
Firmed up good, it is removed from the "bat" (support plate). More trimming, smoothing, scraping.
Then into the Fire!
Inspected for places needing sanding...remember now it's ceramic, so sanding is difficult (now days we use mechanical grinders), stain or glaze is applied (unfired glaze is not the final color. It looks chalky and bland)
Set aside again. Fired again.
Now if it hasn't cracked, exploded, or warped, it is useful.
This is a long process, time consuming and the most work is in the trimming, sanding, and finishing. If the clay was not pure enough, or wasn't wedged well enough in the beginning, it will crack or explode in the first firing. If the glaze isn't right, the vessel will not hold liquid.
Each step is meticulous and time consuming. The setting aside is Necessary to allow the clay to cure properly. Again, if not done right, not long enough etc. the vessel will warp, crack or even explode in the firing.
Put yourself in the place of the original raw clay. The Potter will work us through each step, carefully and completely. Each phase of the process requires time.. Some of the steps are painful even. The initial shaping changes us into a New form, the scraping and sanding removes imperfections, sharp edges, flaws.
Sitting on a shelf may not seem like a Useful time, for the one doing the sitting, but it is Vital for a completed, usable vessel. Only after all the hard work is done is the vessel close to useful. Even after the glaze is applied, it's ugly and bland looking, until it goes through the Hottest firing. Only the firing brings out the beauty of the glaze, turning the colors from muted and blah into brilliant glass.
Then... Finally ... it's ready to use, It will be strong, sturdy, and beautiful.
Everyone should watch the whole process once with this comparison to God shaping us in mind!!!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
I don't get it Isaiah B90
I may have to go back and re-read this in a bible with footnotes, helps, commentary etc... cause, frankly, I just don't get it! I realize that he is telling all the doom and gloom from not following God. and there are cool verses that jump out once in a while, but, overall, I think I am missing the point. I know some of the passages are foretelling about Jesus, and since we all have heard them a billion times, I knew that part, but I sure would have missed it if I hadn't already known.
Feeling dumb!
Feeling dumb!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Proverbs and the Message bible
Psalms, I want to go back and study more, but Proverbs and Ecclesiastes!!! Wow!!
I read some of Prov. in KJV and some in NKJV and some in Message.
The Message cracks me up!!
Prov 10:1 Wise son, glad father; stupid son, sad mother.
Prov 18:13 Answering before listening is both stupid and rude. (need to make my dear daughter memorize that!!)
Prov 19:22 Its only human to want to make a buck, but its better to be poor than a liar.
Prov 21:23 Watch your words and hold your toungue; you'll save yourself a lot of grief.
Prov 24:26 An honest answer is like a warm hug.
Prov 26:17 You grab a mad dog by the ears when you butt into a quarrel that's none of your business.
*** Proverbs 27:14 If you wake your friend in the early morning by shouting "Rise and shine!" It will sound to him (Her) more like a curse than a blessing.
Prov 30:13 Don't be stuck-up and think you're better than everyone else.
and my favorite for the day....
Prov 30:18-19 The Four Mysteries : Three things amaze me, no, four things I'll never understand - how an eagle flies so high in the sky, how a snake glides over a rock, how a ship navigates the ocean, why adolescents act the way they do.
I laughed out loud there!! Most other translations say something along the lines of a man loving a woman (virgin) or how people fall in love, Young's literal says a man in youth. I guess I should break out the KJV with strong's and do some research!
But its still funny in the message!
Ecclesiastes... that is a whole other thing. Not sure how to take all of it together, but I had a few things jump out. Again, they are kinda funny in the Message, so irreverent for deep meaningful wise statements!
Ecc. 7:14 On a good day, enjoy yourself; On a bad day, examine your conscience.
God arranges for both kinds of days So that we won't take anything for granted.
Now Song of Solomon... whew... I feel a cavity coming on...diabetic shock! I do like that he calls her a dove, that's really sweet, and she is all "come to me my wild stag, leaping on ?delectable? mountains" and I don't get how her hair is like a flock of goats. Have you ever smelled goats? and breasts are fawns... that is just weird and later they turn into figs... anyway... its all good mushy love story stuff and I really just don't get it.
On to Isaiah. I am a day behind right now. Its day 48 I think.
I read some of Prov. in KJV and some in NKJV and some in Message.
The Message cracks me up!!
Prov 10:1 Wise son, glad father; stupid son, sad mother.
Prov 18:13 Answering before listening is both stupid and rude. (need to make my dear daughter memorize that!!)
Prov 19:22 Its only human to want to make a buck, but its better to be poor than a liar.
Prov 21:23 Watch your words and hold your toungue; you'll save yourself a lot of grief.
Prov 24:26 An honest answer is like a warm hug.
Prov 26:17 You grab a mad dog by the ears when you butt into a quarrel that's none of your business.
*** Proverbs 27:14 If you wake your friend in the early morning by shouting "Rise and shine!" It will sound to him (Her) more like a curse than a blessing.
Prov 30:13 Don't be stuck-up and think you're better than everyone else.
and my favorite for the day....
Prov 30:18-19 The Four Mysteries : Three things amaze me, no, four things I'll never understand - how an eagle flies so high in the sky, how a snake glides over a rock, how a ship navigates the ocean, why adolescents act the way they do.
I laughed out loud there!! Most other translations say something along the lines of a man loving a woman (virgin) or how people fall in love, Young's literal says a man in youth. I guess I should break out the KJV with strong's and do some research!
But its still funny in the message!
Ecclesiastes... that is a whole other thing. Not sure how to take all of it together, but I had a few things jump out. Again, they are kinda funny in the Message, so irreverent for deep meaningful wise statements!
Ecc. 7:14 On a good day, enjoy yourself; On a bad day, examine your conscience.
God arranges for both kinds of days So that we won't take anything for granted.
Now Song of Solomon... whew... I feel a cavity coming on...diabetic shock! I do like that he calls her a dove, that's really sweet, and she is all "come to me my wild stag, leaping on ?delectable? mountains" and I don't get how her hair is like a flock of goats. Have you ever smelled goats? and breasts are fawns... that is just weird and later they turn into figs... anyway... its all good mushy love story stuff and I really just don't get it.
On to Isaiah. I am a day behind right now. Its day 48 I think.
Friday, November 12, 2010
1/2 Way through!
I'm half way through the whole Bible! Whew... what an adventure! A couple of neat things in today's reading; Psalm 115:14-15 is a nice prayer. I want to memorize it. I looked it up in several versions and this is my favorite, New Living
May the Lord richly bless both you and your children. 15 May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
According to some sources, the middle of the Bible is Ps. 117 which is only 2 verses..
.1O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
May the Lord richly bless both you and your children. 15 May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
According to some sources, the middle of the Bible is Ps. 117 which is only 2 verses..
.1O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
2For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.
I liked that it is to All people, not just the Jews, but All nations, all people...
I liked that it is to All people, not just the Jews, but All nations, all people...
Don't know for absolute sure that its the Exact middle. It's a significant milestone that I am half way through. And I Made it through all the Kings and Chronicles..Woo Hoo!! I do miss the actual Study part, and find myself going back and researching anyway!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Psalms B90
Going back and forth between NKJV and Message.... Love the poetry but Message is interesting... There is just so much to each of these chapters! Interesting how David goes from ranting and raving that God has left him to praising Him for all the help! David is Bi-Polar! Actually I think he was just Enthusiastic. Everything was worth saying; his doubts, worries, complaints, self-pity and all his enthusiastic praise for the Lord. He has a freedom to express his heart and he didn't seem to feel that he needed to say what he was Supposed to say, just let it all hang out. Of course, I think that being a poet/singer etc. helped him to express himself.
Since there is No Poetry in me, I find myself thinking that I am supposed to pray and talk to the Lord in all the fancy words like David, or the great preachers, as though God listens better if the words are beautiful and flowing. Only when I'm not really Thinking about it, I just talk to Him. But I don't ever let anyone Hear me. I wonder if my kids are learning that they need special words too. Hmmm Gotta work on that!
Almost to the middle of the bible.... Psalm 117 if you go by chapters.... think I will just look at page numbers and figure it from there! hehehe
Since there is No Poetry in me, I find myself thinking that I am supposed to pray and talk to the Lord in all the fancy words like David, or the great preachers, as though God listens better if the words are beautiful and flowing. Only when I'm not really Thinking about it, I just talk to Him. But I don't ever let anyone Hear me. I wonder if my kids are learning that they need special words too. Hmmm Gotta work on that!
Almost to the middle of the bible.... Psalm 117 if you go by chapters.... think I will just look at page numbers and figure it from there! hehehe
Monday, November 8, 2010
Psalms
Reading in the New KJV... much better than the Message! It's hard to read this quickly because there are just So many awesome passages! I think it's interesting that all the songs/choruses I remember from as a kid are from Psalms. I wish I could sing/play so I could teach all these to my kids! So many verses that I recall were songs! My next reading plan is going to have to include reading some of Psalms every day.
David spends a lot of time repenting and praising the Lord, but I noticed also that he keeps asking God for justice for those who have wronged him. I always thought it was wrong to ask the Lord to stick it to the bad guys but David did it. Not that That makes it right, but it shows the human side. We want those who have done us wrong to get what they Deserve, yet we are pretty quick to ask God Not to give Us what We deserve.
Another point that sticks out to me is that David isn't just asking for God to take care of him, personally, but for his people. He intercedes for his people. We all need to be doing that too!
I'm having a real hard time just reading through Psalms, cause I want to stop and Study, focus, memorize...
David spends a lot of time repenting and praising the Lord, but I noticed also that he keeps asking God for justice for those who have wronged him. I always thought it was wrong to ask the Lord to stick it to the bad guys but David did it. Not that That makes it right, but it shows the human side. We want those who have done us wrong to get what they Deserve, yet we are pretty quick to ask God Not to give Us what We deserve.
Another point that sticks out to me is that David isn't just asking for God to take care of him, personally, but for his people. He intercedes for his people. We all need to be doing that too!
I'm having a real hard time just reading through Psalms, cause I want to stop and Study, focus, memorize...
Job and Psalms
Job~ We need to read God's answer to Job, over and over! Remind us Who He is! I had to ask, What's the point of Job? He learned the hard way that suffering is not only for those who "deserve" it, but for everyone, maybe more for the righteous (we Do have an enemy that Hates us).
The issue is really Not about how to alleviate the suffering, or figure out the reason for it, or find the greater purpose in it. The issue is ~ Do we choose to find God within the pain? There may be no rescue or restoration, there may never be an explanation, we may never see how the tragedy fits into God's plan, but we Can still stand fast in the knowledge that our God is right there with us. He sustains us through the pain, and will comfort us, lead us and bless us. He may not cure the disease, shower us with financial blessings, heal our children, or remove the cause of the pain, but He doesn't leave us to face it alone.
I always try to find the Reason behind the situation; what God is trying to teach me here, but sometimes it's just that there is Sin in the world. There is pain, suffering and loss. That's just the way of the world. It's hard for me to accept that there might not be a purpose, a point to the whole thing!
It takes an adjustment of perspective, from "What's the point? What is God trying to teach me?" ~ Instead~ "How do I respond to this pain? How do I act and feel? How do I continue to praise the Lord, and seek Him and Accept that the "rain falls on the just and the unjust."
Oh, and Psalms in the message...Lame! All the poetry and beauty is lost somehow... I will be reading it in KJV...back to message for proverbs maybe.
The issue is really Not about how to alleviate the suffering, or figure out the reason for it, or find the greater purpose in it. The issue is ~ Do we choose to find God within the pain? There may be no rescue or restoration, there may never be an explanation, we may never see how the tragedy fits into God's plan, but we Can still stand fast in the knowledge that our God is right there with us. He sustains us through the pain, and will comfort us, lead us and bless us. He may not cure the disease, shower us with financial blessings, heal our children, or remove the cause of the pain, but He doesn't leave us to face it alone.
I always try to find the Reason behind the situation; what God is trying to teach me here, but sometimes it's just that there is Sin in the world. There is pain, suffering and loss. That's just the way of the world. It's hard for me to accept that there might not be a purpose, a point to the whole thing!
It takes an adjustment of perspective, from "What's the point? What is God trying to teach me?" ~ Instead~ "How do I respond to this pain? How do I act and feel? How do I continue to praise the Lord, and seek Him and Accept that the "rain falls on the just and the unjust."
Oh, and Psalms in the message...Lame! All the poetry and beauty is lost somehow... I will be reading it in KJV...back to message for proverbs maybe.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Job
Job is Much more fun in the Message version. It's so much easier to follow the long diatribes by everyone!
Job is one stubborn guy! Even after his friends come to "help" him, he sticks with his story that he didn't sin to cause all the trouble! On top of all the loss and sickness, his friends, and, obviously, the rest of the town, believe he is hiding some secret sin in his life.
Job mentions his Reputation over and over. I found that pretty interesting, he was Very concerned with his reputation. He was very worried about what other people thought. It was a Big deal to him. It's really not so different with us today! What will people think, what will everyone at church say?
I loved when he tells his friends even If he were to stand before God "Not Guilty", God still has the Right to judge him! And then he asks for someone to Intercede for him, someone to be his advocate, his attorney, so to speak. Which brings us to the new testament telling us that Jesus is Our advocate!! Woo Hoo! That is some awesome news when you think about it!
I can't wait to get into Psalms and Proverbs!!!
Job is one stubborn guy! Even after his friends come to "help" him, he sticks with his story that he didn't sin to cause all the trouble! On top of all the loss and sickness, his friends, and, obviously, the rest of the town, believe he is hiding some secret sin in his life.
Job mentions his Reputation over and over. I found that pretty interesting, he was Very concerned with his reputation. He was very worried about what other people thought. It was a Big deal to him. It's really not so different with us today! What will people think, what will everyone at church say?
I loved when he tells his friends even If he were to stand before God "Not Guilty", God still has the Right to judge him! And then he asks for someone to Intercede for him, someone to be his advocate, his attorney, so to speak. Which brings us to the new testament telling us that Jesus is Our advocate!! Woo Hoo! That is some awesome news when you think about it!
I can't wait to get into Psalms and Proverbs!!!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Politics
Reading Chronicles~ bleh! Not the most fascinating for me, to put it mildly. However, the timing is ironic. Voting day~ the reading for the last few days has been about the leaders of the countries and how Their choices influenced the people, how the leadership of a country, whether for or Against God, very clearly directs the choices of the people.
Time after time, when the king was all excited about God, the Whole nation repented and were enthusiastic about following Him, yet as soon as the king was replaced by a liberal king, everything Very quickly returned to paganism and idolatry. Even if the king were not Evil, per say, just liberal ~allowing the local neighborhoods to maintain the shrines etc ~ the people fell right back into the practices that they had previously rejected.
I found this to be especially relevant at this particular time in our country! We haven't Yet experienced such a Rapid descent into paganism and occultism as the Israelite countries did at the time, but once it starts, it's an incredibly quick slide into the ugliest slime. Sadly, America is Not the chosen people of God to start with, so I can't think that this country would be afforded the grace and mercy He continually showed to the Israelites. Looks to me like we are headed for Big trouble!
Time after time, when the king was all excited about God, the Whole nation repented and were enthusiastic about following Him, yet as soon as the king was replaced by a liberal king, everything Very quickly returned to paganism and idolatry. Even if the king were not Evil, per say, just liberal ~allowing the local neighborhoods to maintain the shrines etc ~ the people fell right back into the practices that they had previously rejected.
I found this to be especially relevant at this particular time in our country! We haven't Yet experienced such a Rapid descent into paganism and occultism as the Israelite countries did at the time, but once it starts, it's an incredibly quick slide into the ugliest slime. Sadly, America is Not the chosen people of God to start with, so I can't think that this country would be afforded the grace and mercy He continually showed to the Israelites. Looks to me like we are headed for Big trouble!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
B90 thru 2 Chron.10
Things of interest in the last few days of reading...
2 Kings 21 Lists a whole bunch of the Exact practices that God is Against: worship of "cosmic powers", fortune telling, seances, consulting spirits, black magic, powers of the constellations. Thought this list was pretty relevant this weekend (halloween). So many people think that astrology is just a fun little game, no big deal, but that is NOT what God says! Of course, I could rant, on and on, about the whole halloween deal and how so many Christians think it's just fun and games. Bleh! It is Quite Interesting to me; If it's not a big deal, then Why does it have to be Capitalized? (spellcheck points it out Every time!) Ok, I'm babbling..
There is a lot going on thru Kings and Chronicles but it's mostly everyone running around disobeying God and messing up. It was kinda depressing.
I did think Solomon's prayer in 2 Chron. 6 was very interesting. It was prophetic!
Ok, that's it, that's all I can think of to say for this chunk of reading. I Do have a better idea of how things went, and am amazed at just how Tolerant, forgiving and merciful our God truly is! Wow... good thing its not up to me, cause I think I would have had to wipe them out totally about the 50th time they rejected my rules!
2 Kings 21 Lists a whole bunch of the Exact practices that God is Against: worship of "cosmic powers", fortune telling, seances, consulting spirits, black magic, powers of the constellations. Thought this list was pretty relevant this weekend (halloween). So many people think that astrology is just a fun little game, no big deal, but that is NOT what God says! Of course, I could rant, on and on, about the whole halloween deal and how so many Christians think it's just fun and games. Bleh! It is Quite Interesting to me; If it's not a big deal, then Why does it have to be Capitalized? (spellcheck points it out Every time!) Ok, I'm babbling..
There is a lot going on thru Kings and Chronicles but it's mostly everyone running around disobeying God and messing up. It was kinda depressing.
I did think Solomon's prayer in 2 Chron. 6 was very interesting. It was prophetic!
Ok, that's it, that's all I can think of to say for this chunk of reading. I Do have a better idea of how things went, and am amazed at just how Tolerant, forgiving and merciful our God truly is! Wow... good thing its not up to me, cause I think I would have had to wipe them out totally about the 50th time they rejected my rules!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
1 Sam.-1Kings 16
Finishing up with David.
Michal; I've always have been down on her, but reading it again, I can see why she would have been a little cranky. She was married to a guy when she got sent to David. Her hubby followed after her weeping! So she gets to be one of a dozen wives to David, leaving the husband that LOVED her. I imagine she was a little resentful of David from the start, and seeing him out there dancing and having a blast just stirred up that anger and bitterness. "How can he be all happy, having a good time, dancing like a fool out in the street! Here he is, supposed to be the King, and he looks like a commoner, a Naked commoner! I get dragged off to be His wife, I mean, ONE of his wives... bleh, he is just a common Jerk!"
One theme that kept coming up: Impatience! I think I wrote about it already, but here it is again. The people keep running off, doing what They think is good, Helping God deal with the situation, not waiting for God to work it, just rush in and kill the opposition, handle it ourselves and then thinking, "Look, won't God be pleased with me!"
Need to research but I liked this passage in the message... 2 Sam. 7:16 (approx.) I'll be a father to him, and he'll be a son to me. When he does wrong, I'll discipline him in the usual ways, the pitfalls and obstacles of this mortal life. But I'll never remove my gracious love from him .
Another one that really struck me...the last sentence especially~
ch22:17-20 But me he caught—reached all the way
from sky to sea; he pulled me out
Of that ocean of hate, that enemy chaos,
the void in which I was drowning.
They hit me when I was down,
but God stuck by me.
He stood me up on a wide-open field;
I stood there saved—surprised to be loved!
Also need to do some research on the harvest celebration! Seems that I have foolishly recognized that the pagan religions had a big celebration and forgot that the Hebrews did it First... duh. So, the present celebrations (helloween) really did start with God's people, was totally perverted by the pagans, tried to be rescued by the "Harvest Party" idea. Still, it's just not working for me, but it did shed some light on the origins of the harvest celebrations. Originally, in late Sept. or early Oct. but then harvest time in the middle east is probably different than in the northern hemisphere. So... Bleh! Don't know if Harvest party at church is ok, probably, but trick-or-treat? Arrgghhh
Moving on...
1 Kings 13 prophet says what's gonna happen.. but the old "God changed His mind" ploy works again.
What I am learning is that there is nothing new in the world. We still fall for all the same stupid tricks the devil has been using for the last 6000 years.
Michal; I've always have been down on her, but reading it again, I can see why she would have been a little cranky. She was married to a guy when she got sent to David. Her hubby followed after her weeping! So she gets to be one of a dozen wives to David, leaving the husband that LOVED her. I imagine she was a little resentful of David from the start, and seeing him out there dancing and having a blast just stirred up that anger and bitterness. "How can he be all happy, having a good time, dancing like a fool out in the street! Here he is, supposed to be the King, and he looks like a commoner, a Naked commoner! I get dragged off to be His wife, I mean, ONE of his wives... bleh, he is just a common Jerk!"
One theme that kept coming up: Impatience! I think I wrote about it already, but here it is again. The people keep running off, doing what They think is good, Helping God deal with the situation, not waiting for God to work it, just rush in and kill the opposition, handle it ourselves and then thinking, "Look, won't God be pleased with me!"
Need to research but I liked this passage in the message... 2 Sam. 7:16 (approx.) I'll be a father to him, and he'll be a son to me. When he does wrong, I'll discipline him in the usual ways, the pitfalls and obstacles of this mortal life. But I'll never remove my gracious love from him .
Another one that really struck me...the last sentence especially~
ch22:17-20 But me he caught—reached all the way
from sky to sea; he pulled me out
Of that ocean of hate, that enemy chaos,
the void in which I was drowning.
They hit me when I was down,
but God stuck by me.
He stood me up on a wide-open field;
I stood there saved—surprised to be loved!
Also need to do some research on the harvest celebration! Seems that I have foolishly recognized that the pagan religions had a big celebration and forgot that the Hebrews did it First... duh. So, the present celebrations (helloween) really did start with God's people, was totally perverted by the pagans, tried to be rescued by the "Harvest Party" idea. Still, it's just not working for me, but it did shed some light on the origins of the harvest celebrations. Originally, in late Sept. or early Oct. but then harvest time in the middle east is probably different than in the northern hemisphere. So... Bleh! Don't know if Harvest party at church is ok, probably, but trick-or-treat? Arrgghhh
Moving on...
1 Kings 13 prophet says what's gonna happen.. but the old "God changed His mind" ploy works again.
What I am learning is that there is nothing new in the world. We still fall for all the same stupid tricks the devil has been using for the last 6000 years.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Samson, Dagon, Saul and David
Judges 13:6 refers to the angel of the Lord as looking like "terror laced with glory" I Loved that! Then in verse 18 they asked his name and he said "you wouldn't understand,it. It's sheer wonder." Then, the really cool part, they lit up the sacrifice and he ascended in the altar flames... hmmm so was that just an ordinary angel? I don't think so (smacks of foreshadowing to me)
Samson was such a goose! I think that if my wife intentionally did Everything I'd told her would hurt me, "just checking", I'd be a Little suspicious. I think he felt he was untouchable, was playing with living on the edge, because he was so sure it wasn't going to catch up to him. I love the line where he says that they wouldn't have known if they hadn't been "plowing with my heifer" not sure I would have liked being called that! I had forgotten that they Killed his wife!
Ruth is so coo,l but there has been so much said, written about that book, I don't feel that I have anything to add.
On to Samuel. In ch 3 I noticed the Philistines Knew the stories about God and Egypt and were worried. Why would the Philistines put so much stock in the old stories about the Israelite God, but the Israelites Didn't?
Ch 5 always cracks me up. They steal the Ark, go and put it by their god Dagon, and in the morning Dagon had tumbled from his pedestal! They put him back, and the next morning, not only did he fall over, but he broke into pieces. Looks like a Pretty clear sign there!
Saul ... what to say... He was going along just fine, but he got impatient (ch 13) All he had to do was Wait for Sam to show up, but he thought he was just as capable of making the sacrifice. Besides, everyone was waiting, and well, he just didn't know that Sam was gonna show, so he thought he better go on ahead and take care of it. "Yeah, yeah, I know I'm not a priest, and I'm not supposed to do it, but I'm the King! So it will be ok. We can't wait around all day for the old man to show. What will everyone think if I just hang out and Wait? Yeah I better just go ahead..." Poof...fire starts.. Oops, here's Sam now. "Well, I didn't know if you were coming, so I just went ahead..."
I can totally see how that could happen. God isn't taking care of business on OUR time, so we will just go ahead. "Maybe that's what He would want me to do. I'll just take care of this part, God won't mind if I don't wait for Him." "He won't mind if I just go ahead and do whatever I can to help this situation along." "It's not like I'm really Trying to do His job or anything, I'm just in a hurry here!"
Ch 15:22-23 one of my favorite passages. God isn't really so concerned about the rituals and sacrifices, He just wants us to Obey! And 16:7 I didn't realize the part about God looking on the Heart, not the outside, was way back here in the OT!
The story moves on about David. I'm really enjoying reading about him, but again, so much has been said before I don't think I have much to add.
It was interesting to watch Saul, after he messed up, it wasn't like God cursed him with boils or leprosy or anything, just said he wasn't gonna stay King. He got more and more upset as he focused on that, more angry and bitter and Sick. This version uses the work Fixated (on killing David). Got paranoid, self absorbed and sicker and angrier. I can't help but wonder, what would have happened if he had just confessed, accepted the fact that he wasn't gonna stay king, and worked on furthering God's people by working With and training David? He and his family would have been blessed, And, bonus, he wouldn't have had to be so Ticked off all the time!
So David takes off and becomes Robin Hood! His band of misfits, outcasts etc. Funny, cause I could picture him, (we have the whole OLD black and white series of Robin Hood) hiding and doing sneaky stuff and fighting the philistines. He cuts off the edge of the robe while Saul is going potty! But then says..."Look, I could have killed you, but I just want to be friends!" I bet Saul about came Unglued! But he did see, for the moment, that he was wrong and left Dave alone.
My favorite part of everything so far this week has been Jon and David.
Samson was such a goose! I think that if my wife intentionally did Everything I'd told her would hurt me, "just checking", I'd be a Little suspicious. I think he felt he was untouchable, was playing with living on the edge, because he was so sure it wasn't going to catch up to him. I love the line where he says that they wouldn't have known if they hadn't been "plowing with my heifer" not sure I would have liked being called that! I had forgotten that they Killed his wife!
Ruth is so coo,l but there has been so much said, written about that book, I don't feel that I have anything to add.
On to Samuel. In ch 3 I noticed the Philistines Knew the stories about God and Egypt and were worried. Why would the Philistines put so much stock in the old stories about the Israelite God, but the Israelites Didn't?
Ch 5 always cracks me up. They steal the Ark, go and put it by their god Dagon, and in the morning Dagon had tumbled from his pedestal! They put him back, and the next morning, not only did he fall over, but he broke into pieces. Looks like a Pretty clear sign there!
Saul ... what to say... He was going along just fine, but he got impatient (ch 13) All he had to do was Wait for Sam to show up, but he thought he was just as capable of making the sacrifice. Besides, everyone was waiting, and well, he just didn't know that Sam was gonna show, so he thought he better go on ahead and take care of it. "Yeah, yeah, I know I'm not a priest, and I'm not supposed to do it, but I'm the King! So it will be ok. We can't wait around all day for the old man to show. What will everyone think if I just hang out and Wait? Yeah I better just go ahead..." Poof...fire starts.. Oops, here's Sam now. "Well, I didn't know if you were coming, so I just went ahead..."
I can totally see how that could happen. God isn't taking care of business on OUR time, so we will just go ahead. "Maybe that's what He would want me to do. I'll just take care of this part, God won't mind if I don't wait for Him." "He won't mind if I just go ahead and do whatever I can to help this situation along." "It's not like I'm really Trying to do His job or anything, I'm just in a hurry here!"
Ch 15:22-23 one of my favorite passages. God isn't really so concerned about the rituals and sacrifices, He just wants us to Obey! And 16:7 I didn't realize the part about God looking on the Heart, not the outside, was way back here in the OT!
The story moves on about David. I'm really enjoying reading about him, but again, so much has been said before I don't think I have much to add.
It was interesting to watch Saul, after he messed up, it wasn't like God cursed him with boils or leprosy or anything, just said he wasn't gonna stay King. He got more and more upset as he focused on that, more angry and bitter and Sick. This version uses the work Fixated (on killing David). Got paranoid, self absorbed and sicker and angrier. I can't help but wonder, what would have happened if he had just confessed, accepted the fact that he wasn't gonna stay king, and worked on furthering God's people by working With and training David? He and his family would have been blessed, And, bonus, he wouldn't have had to be so Ticked off all the time!
So David takes off and becomes Robin Hood! His band of misfits, outcasts etc. Funny, cause I could picture him, (we have the whole OLD black and white series of Robin Hood) hiding and doing sneaky stuff and fighting the philistines. He cuts off the edge of the robe while Saul is going potty! But then says..."Look, I could have killed you, but I just want to be friends!" I bet Saul about came Unglued! But he did see, for the moment, that he was wrong and left Dave alone.
My favorite part of everything so far this week has been Jon and David.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Joshua 1-21 I think
I was having a little trouble with the wholesale killing of everyone and everything in the land but there was a passage that stated the reason. Guess I wasn't paying attention the first time... God wanted to clean it all out. These people were totally completely Sinful... had been getting worse and worse since the time of Sodom! So every time they come to a place and Obey what God tells them to do, they win. Mess up and the bad guys chase 'em off..running for the hills and whipped bad!
The parts about who got what land..boring. Seriously boring! I have no idea about the geography, so it was way out of my realm of interest.
There, how is that for interesting insights? Sorry! Although I don't really have any wise words of spiritual wisdom for this blog, I have to say that just sitting and reading what God was doing, how Forgiving He is... its uplifting and encouraging!!
The parts about who got what land..boring. Seriously boring! I have no idea about the geography, so it was way out of my realm of interest.
There, how is that for interesting insights? Sorry! Although I don't really have any wise words of spiritual wisdom for this blog, I have to say that just sitting and reading what God was doing, how Forgiving He is... its uplifting and encouraging!!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Deut 8 to the end
Done! Whew! I think I have the rules memorized too! No sleeping with your mother or the sheep... don't kill anyone on purpose... all the basics... over and over Mo tells the people that God, Your God will bless you if you obey! Hmmm not much new there. Not as easy as it sounds, Obviously!! Points I found interesting: Actually there were a lot, but this is the Condensed version!!
This version very clearly says we should be Republicans. ch 16:20 "The right! The right! Pursue only what's right! It's the only way you can really live and possess the land that God, your God, is giving you." (Ok, I thought it was funny!)
Thought it interesting in 17:17 talking about future kings, no harem, no storing up treasures. Hmmm Solomon forgot this part? ch 18:20-22 talks about prophets and how to tell if they are really from God.The rule is pretty easy, if it doesn't come true, can't be from God. I guess that leaves the leaders of LDS, JW etc kinda hanging.
Another favorite was ch 29:29 God, our God, will take care of the hidden things but the revealed things are our business.
And the all time Favorite verse in this whole book!!!! hehehe ch 24:5
instructions for newly married men. :D "He gets one year off simply to be at home making his wife happy." Love it! So, if he still has to go to work that year, how long would it take to work off that year of "making his wife Happy"??
Ok, it was close but that really wasn't my favorite, the best part is ch 31:6
"Be strong. Take courage. Don't be intimidated. Don't give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you down; he won't leave you."
I need to memorize that!
This version very clearly says we should be Republicans. ch 16:20 "The right! The right! Pursue only what's right! It's the only way you can really live and possess the land that God, your God, is giving you." (Ok, I thought it was funny!)
Thought it interesting in 17:17 talking about future kings, no harem, no storing up treasures. Hmmm Solomon forgot this part? ch 18:20-22 talks about prophets and how to tell if they are really from God.The rule is pretty easy, if it doesn't come true, can't be from God. I guess that leaves the leaders of LDS, JW etc kinda hanging.
Another favorite was ch 29:29 God, our God, will take care of the hidden things but the revealed things are our business.
And the all time Favorite verse in this whole book!!!! hehehe ch 24:5
instructions for newly married men. :D "He gets one year off simply to be at home making his wife happy." Love it! So, if he still has to go to work that year, how long would it take to work off that year of "making his wife Happy"??
Ok, it was close but that really wasn't my favorite, the best part is ch 31:6
"Be strong. Take courage. Don't be intimidated. Don't give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you down; he won't leave you."
I need to memorize that!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Deut. 1-8
The intro to Deut. says its the longest sermon in the bible...I am Pretty sure its the longest sermon EVER!
They are finally ready to head into the promised land, all the original adults that left Egypt are now gone. Moses calls them all together and starts preaching.
He reminds them of each time God led, provided, protected etc, and also reminded them of the sins, rejection of God, rebellion that occurred Over and over. I Love this statement from 4:31 "God, your God, is above all a compassionate God." Moses explained that everything God did for them was because He loved them.
7:7-10 God wasn't attracted to you and didn't choose you because you were big and important, -the fact is, there was almost nothing to you. He did it out of sheer love.
God didn't choose me cause I was going to do or be something great, He didn't pick me cause of my abilities, talents, wisdom, ...nothing... I was next to nothing. He did it out of sheer love. Each of us is chosen to be His dearly loved child...not because we are good for anything, but just because He Loves us. That is a humbling thought. It means that God didn't decide, hmmm.. think I need someone to go do this or that...oh I know... I need Stephenie for that! Nope... didn't need me, doesn't need me to do His work... He is perfectly capable of using a Donkey!!! Anything we have the opportunity to do is a blessing to us in that He allows us to help out! Hehehe Just thinking of letting the little ones "help" with projects.... we love them so we let them "help" us with a chore (and try Really hard not to get Too impatient when its messed up and takes 10 times as long to finish). I can see God watching us as we are down here, busy "doing the Lord's work", with the attitude or idea that we are really helpin' out the Lord. He's trying to tell us what and how, and trying Not to thump us on the head when we say "I know what I'm doing".
Yep that's the thought for the day. Feeling pretty small and humble...and loved!
They are finally ready to head into the promised land, all the original adults that left Egypt are now gone. Moses calls them all together and starts preaching.
He reminds them of each time God led, provided, protected etc, and also reminded them of the sins, rejection of God, rebellion that occurred Over and over. I Love this statement from 4:31 "God, your God, is above all a compassionate God." Moses explained that everything God did for them was because He loved them.
7:7-10 God wasn't attracted to you and didn't choose you because you were big and important, -the fact is, there was almost nothing to you. He did it out of sheer love.
God didn't choose me cause I was going to do or be something great, He didn't pick me cause of my abilities, talents, wisdom, ...nothing... I was next to nothing. He did it out of sheer love. Each of us is chosen to be His dearly loved child...not because we are good for anything, but just because He Loves us. That is a humbling thought. It means that God didn't decide, hmmm.. think I need someone to go do this or that...oh I know... I need Stephenie for that! Nope... didn't need me, doesn't need me to do His work... He is perfectly capable of using a Donkey!!! Anything we have the opportunity to do is a blessing to us in that He allows us to help out! Hehehe Just thinking of letting the little ones "help" with projects.... we love them so we let them "help" us with a chore (and try Really hard not to get Too impatient when its messed up and takes 10 times as long to finish). I can see God watching us as we are down here, busy "doing the Lord's work", with the attitude or idea that we are really helpin' out the Lord. He's trying to tell us what and how, and trying Not to thump us on the head when we say "I know what I'm doing".
Yep that's the thought for the day. Feeling pretty small and humble...and loved!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Numbers
After giving all the rules and rituals, it was time to get things organized. The people needed to have Assigned Seating or they would fight, they had to have leaders and everyone had to have specific jobs, or they would fight. Needed bugles to be blown, a cloud to lead them and tell them when to go. And still they grumbled.
They must have really thought being a slave in Egypt was a good deal! In Ch. 11 Mo finally says, God, why don't you just kill me now! I can't lead these people! I really liked (ch 12) when it says that Moses was a quietly humble man, more humble than anyone on earth.
So, Aaron and Miriam are chatting and griping and questioning Moses' authority (cause of his Wife) Interesting thing is that God zapped Miriam (not Aaron) with leprosy. I was wondering why it was just Miriam, then I got to thinking about how the conversation probably went. I'm thinking Aaron might have kinda gotten led into that. He doesn't seem to be one that is big on standing up for what is right (ie. gold calf). So ole Miriam starts in about Mo's wife, Aaron doesn't argue, so she just keeps talking, making it bigger and bigger. Yep, thinking the woman talked herself into leprosy. I'm also thinking that I am Sure Glad leprosy isn't really a problem around here!!!!
Ch 14 is where they finally fixed themselves pretty good. None of the people rescued from Egypt gets to go into the promised land. Why? After seeing all that God had done, and all He had promised; there they were, right There, on the border, ready to walk on in. God had already done a ridiculous number of miracles, reiterated His promises about the land, fed and watered the people and all their animals, and then, when they are Just about to walk in, they stopped and decided that they couldn't Trust God any further.
They were wailing and crying that they were all going to die. .. um... if God said He was gonna give this place to you, then how could it be that they were all going to die? Oh, yeah, God's gonna arrange all this, plagues, miracles, promises and then just leave you hanging at the last minute? Of course, if I am realistic with myself, I can see it. God leads me right to the edge and at the last second I freak out and say... I can't see Any way this can work!!! God!!! What did you Do?? ~I led you here, and will take care of you~ Its toooo hard, its too scary, I don't have enough money, I don't have time, I Can't Do it!!!
Bit of interest.... Tassels... ok, the tent and all the gold, the cloud/fire, the daily manna, all that isn't enough to remind you of ME... tie on a tassel so every time you see it you will think of ME... I am God, your God, a Personal God. I am here with YOU...not just with "the people" but with YOU! You won't get distracted by everything you feel or see that seduces you into sin.
So they go along a little further and start griping again. I don't know, I think if I was Mo I would have just let them Suffer, let whatever plague or problem just spank them all, but good!!! (guess I am not the quietly humble man he was) I can't blame Moses for getting miffed. He was just supposed to speak to the rock, but instead he goes and rounds up all the people and says "Listen, rebels!! Do we have to bring water out of this rock for you?" Like, "look here, I'm proving Myself to you" Slams his staff on the rock a couple of times and water comes out. I bet the people were pretty impressed. God...not so much. hehehe Mo dissed God.
After reading this story, I can't say I would be too anxious to take credit for what God has done. Yet we see it all the time. "I worked hard for this, I invested wisely, I planned ahead, I laid my hands on, I prayed, I counseled, I did this and that..." There are two aspects to the problem, I think. 1. The need to be in control and 2. The need for importance, validation, honor, praise. But no matter how you slice it, We can't claim any part of the things God has done for us. He's giving us our very lives, health, children, spouse, family, homes, clothes, food, freedom, freedom to worship God, freedom to read His word, sunshine, rain, stars, flowers, horses (that was for Caitie), coffee. We couldn't do anything to deserve His allowing us to even Exist! Yep, the Israelites really weren't so different from Us.
I LOVE this! what a wonderful prayer/blessing (ch 6:24-26)
24 “The LORD bless you and keep you;
25 The LORD make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
26 The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”
They must have really thought being a slave in Egypt was a good deal! In Ch. 11 Mo finally says, God, why don't you just kill me now! I can't lead these people! I really liked (ch 12) when it says that Moses was a quietly humble man, more humble than anyone on earth.
So, Aaron and Miriam are chatting and griping and questioning Moses' authority (cause of his Wife) Interesting thing is that God zapped Miriam (not Aaron) with leprosy. I was wondering why it was just Miriam, then I got to thinking about how the conversation probably went. I'm thinking Aaron might have kinda gotten led into that. He doesn't seem to be one that is big on standing up for what is right (ie. gold calf). So ole Miriam starts in about Mo's wife, Aaron doesn't argue, so she just keeps talking, making it bigger and bigger. Yep, thinking the woman talked herself into leprosy. I'm also thinking that I am Sure Glad leprosy isn't really a problem around here!!!!
Ch 14 is where they finally fixed themselves pretty good. None of the people rescued from Egypt gets to go into the promised land. Why? After seeing all that God had done, and all He had promised; there they were, right There, on the border, ready to walk on in. God had already done a ridiculous number of miracles, reiterated His promises about the land, fed and watered the people and all their animals, and then, when they are Just about to walk in, they stopped and decided that they couldn't Trust God any further.
They were wailing and crying that they were all going to die. .. um... if God said He was gonna give this place to you, then how could it be that they were all going to die? Oh, yeah, God's gonna arrange all this, plagues, miracles, promises and then just leave you hanging at the last minute? Of course, if I am realistic with myself, I can see it. God leads me right to the edge and at the last second I freak out and say... I can't see Any way this can work!!! God!!! What did you Do?? ~I led you here, and will take care of you~ Its toooo hard, its too scary, I don't have enough money, I don't have time, I Can't Do it!!!
Bit of interest.... Tassels... ok, the tent and all the gold, the cloud/fire, the daily manna, all that isn't enough to remind you of ME... tie on a tassel so every time you see it you will think of ME... I am God, your God, a Personal God. I am here with YOU...not just with "the people" but with YOU! You won't get distracted by everything you feel or see that seduces you into sin.
So they go along a little further and start griping again. I don't know, I think if I was Mo I would have just let them Suffer, let whatever plague or problem just spank them all, but good!!! (guess I am not the quietly humble man he was) I can't blame Moses for getting miffed. He was just supposed to speak to the rock, but instead he goes and rounds up all the people and says "Listen, rebels!! Do we have to bring water out of this rock for you?" Like, "look here, I'm proving Myself to you" Slams his staff on the rock a couple of times and water comes out. I bet the people were pretty impressed. God...not so much. hehehe Mo dissed God.
After reading this story, I can't say I would be too anxious to take credit for what God has done. Yet we see it all the time. "I worked hard for this, I invested wisely, I planned ahead, I laid my hands on, I prayed, I counseled, I did this and that..." There are two aspects to the problem, I think. 1. The need to be in control and 2. The need for importance, validation, honor, praise. But no matter how you slice it, We can't claim any part of the things God has done for us. He's giving us our very lives, health, children, spouse, family, homes, clothes, food, freedom, freedom to worship God, freedom to read His word, sunshine, rain, stars, flowers, horses (that was for Caitie), coffee. We couldn't do anything to deserve His allowing us to even Exist! Yep, the Israelites really weren't so different from Us.
I LOVE this! what a wonderful prayer/blessing (ch 6:24-26)
24 “The LORD bless you and keep you;
25 The LORD make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
26 The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”
Friday, October 8, 2010
Leviticus 1-26
Finished with Leviticus. Whew.. there are a lot of rules! The intro to Lev. was cool, said this was a Time-out for instruction. I bet it took a While for Mo to outline all this to the people...its all Very very detailed. God laid it all out so there wasn't even a Shadow of doubt exactly what God expected from the people.
Things I found interesting...
Things I found interesting...
- It says over and over that the person guilty of a sin, When they become aware... that's when they are responsible to fix it... LOL it does Not say..When they get Caught!
- Leftovers from the sacrifices were given to the priests. So, if the people are realizing their sins and making their sacrifices, the priests are fat and happy... but if the priests aren't doing their job, teaching and preaching the law, people aren't gonna make as many sacrifices. Also the priests weren't allowed to Store up the food...seems like a pretty good system; do your job and you get to eat.
- The rituals for each sacrifice were very specific. There were no half-way measures. Hmmm couldn't really semi-confess... and it wasn't a Secret just between you and God, it was right out there in the open. Accountability I guess.
- I really like all the details about what animals to eat, what to do about skin diseases, bodily discharges, fungus in the house. It took till what the 1800's before "science" came up with the same ideas!!! Diseases are spread by bodily fluids, fungus in the plaster will make you sick, some animals are more disease and parasite prone. The Israelites got science lessons before there was Science!! That is so cool!! If these rules had been followed, wonder how the whole Black Plague thing would have turned out?
- Several chapters were just laying out the basic list of moral rules. I think it would do every Christian good to go back and read those. Notice which ones God saw as punishable by Death, how Serious He takes some of the sins that are so insignificant by today's standards. (Ch 19)
- Ch 20 is all about sex. Since it gets almost a whole chapter, I'm thinking maybe God sees sexual sin as pretty darn serious.
- Ch 26 starts out saying If you obey me, you are going to really prosper and I will bless you... in case the blessing idea isn't enough to cause you to obey, then Here's all the Bad stuff that will happen if you don't! But if you are not obeying and your life really Stinks, then you can repent and Hey, whatdoya know, back to getting blessed.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Exodus 15-40
It seems as if the rescue from Egypt was not a big deal for the Israelites. It was quickly gone from their memory, or at least looking back, it didn't seem that God had done much. How did these people completely blow off what happened?
God gives the 10 commandments~Makes another Major show of Himself on the mountain. I'm thinking a giant cloud and a pillar of fire might make an impression on me.
Ch 23 God makes a big point of saying that they were not to pay attention to the "gods" of the locals, not even to mention their names. They are not to allow the other gods to stay, "lest they get you to sin by worshiping their gods. Beware! That's a Huge Danger!" After all the rules were explained they said Again..."everything God said, we will do". Mo goes up the mountain, obviously it was pretty serious, the whole cloud/fire thing, no one is allowed to pass the line. God, Personally, engraves the stone tablets, with all the outlines of the tabernacle and everything in it, and all the details, Right down to the kind of Underwear the priests should wear!
Meanwhile, Aaron, 2nd in command of the group, goes in on the whole idea that they all needed a "god"... um...Hello... Burning Mountain here... This was only 4 months into their trip! Aaron's answer was that they all just kinda threw their gold in the fire and ~Poof~ out came this Calf...weird huh?
So far it seems that everyone's First answer to God is that "It wasn't MY fault". Adam started a real trend! Hmm sound familiar?
Moses didn't have the best reaction, getting Irate and throwing down the tablets. This turns out to be a real Bummer for him, because this next time up the mountain, HE gets to do the engraving.
God AGAIN promises all these great things for the Israelites, not changing His original covenant, just saying it over again. He gave them rules to follow regarding the Sabbath and the Passover, to help them Remember just exactly what He wanted, what He promised.
Moses lays out the plan for the tabernacle and people start pitching in their gold and stuff. Total gold 1900 Pounds, silver, 6,437 pounds, 4522 pounds of bronze. Obviously, these people had a bunch of gold and stuff, even After making the gold cow. Where did that all come from? hehehe From the Egyptians! They had robbed the Egyptians Blind! Wow!!!
I guess I don't have a lot for interesting insights. Just that God said, over and over, that HE is God, your God. He made the same promises, over and over, even though the people kept messing up. He just keeps on showing His love and mercy, stays with them, continues to reveal Himself, continues to guide them, no matter how stubborn, rebellious and foolish they are. If we can take anything to heart, it's that God is a Constant. We might mess up or walk away, but He is Still there, and still Loving us, and ready to lead, protect and even Bless us. Unworthy is putting it mildly.
God gives the 10 commandments~Makes another Major show of Himself on the mountain. I'm thinking a giant cloud and a pillar of fire might make an impression on me.
Ch 23 God makes a big point of saying that they were not to pay attention to the "gods" of the locals, not even to mention their names. They are not to allow the other gods to stay, "lest they get you to sin by worshiping their gods. Beware! That's a Huge Danger!" After all the rules were explained they said Again..."everything God said, we will do". Mo goes up the mountain, obviously it was pretty serious, the whole cloud/fire thing, no one is allowed to pass the line. God, Personally, engraves the stone tablets, with all the outlines of the tabernacle and everything in it, and all the details, Right down to the kind of Underwear the priests should wear!
Meanwhile, Aaron, 2nd in command of the group, goes in on the whole idea that they all needed a "god"... um...Hello... Burning Mountain here... This was only 4 months into their trip! Aaron's answer was that they all just kinda threw their gold in the fire and ~Poof~ out came this Calf...weird huh?
So far it seems that everyone's First answer to God is that "It wasn't MY fault". Adam started a real trend! Hmm sound familiar?
Moses didn't have the best reaction, getting Irate and throwing down the tablets. This turns out to be a real Bummer for him, because this next time up the mountain, HE gets to do the engraving.
God AGAIN promises all these great things for the Israelites, not changing His original covenant, just saying it over again. He gave them rules to follow regarding the Sabbath and the Passover, to help them Remember just exactly what He wanted, what He promised.
Moses lays out the plan for the tabernacle and people start pitching in their gold and stuff. Total gold 1900 Pounds, silver, 6,437 pounds, 4522 pounds of bronze. Obviously, these people had a bunch of gold and stuff, even After making the gold cow. Where did that all come from? hehehe From the Egyptians! They had robbed the Egyptians Blind! Wow!!!
I guess I don't have a lot for interesting insights. Just that God said, over and over, that HE is God, your God. He made the same promises, over and over, even though the people kept messing up. He just keeps on showing His love and mercy, stays with them, continues to reveal Himself, continues to guide them, no matter how stubborn, rebellious and foolish they are. If we can take anything to heart, it's that God is a Constant. We might mess up or walk away, but He is Still there, and still Loving us, and ready to lead, protect and even Bless us. Unworthy is putting it mildly.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Jaws
Jaws (the movie) How long did it take before you wanted to get in the water after seeing Jaws? If I think about it while I'm in the water, I Still get the heebie-jeebies! I can't imagine what the Israelites must have seen during the plagues! EEEWWW Wonder how long that stuck in their imagination? Every time you see a fly I think you'd Have to remember it! Yuck! All the dead first-born... think it would give me a shiver every time I looked at my first-born and thought about how close Death came! Yet as soon as they were out of sight of Egypt, they were whining and complaining about one thing and another. Only 4 months after Egypt, they were making Idols! Yeah I know, the mountain there is covered with a fire/cloud of God but we want More! Yeah I know, God showed us Himself in a bunch of ways, showed His power, and His mercy! His punishment, and His protection! But Can we Really Trust Him??
Its easy to look at these people and say they were complete Idiots! But then, how different am I? How many times has God shown ME His love, mercy, power, protection, healing, forgiveness..how many times have I said, like the Israelites, Oh I get it and I will do what you say... only to turn around and find something else to complain about. Yes I have a wonderful family, but I don't have enough money! Oh I know you have forgiven me, but so-and-so is mean to me!! I am aware that heaven is ahead, but what am I supposed to do about this ADHD 5th grader?
It seems that we human beings have a built-in Whine mechanism. It's not good enough!!! My personal observation; I guess I don't Truly understand Who God is, how He operates, how He Loves. Because if I was fully able to see Him for who He is, if I allowed myself to actually TRUST Him completely, for more than a Minute, I wouldn't have to worry about Anything. I would see that He knows me, sees me, loves me and He is taking care of Everything, down to the smallest details. I don't always see how it's all going to play out, the Big picture, but His word is a lamp to my feet (which means I can't see the whole trail, just the next step). That should be enough to rest in comfort and peace. Guess I am still working on that!
Its easy to look at these people and say they were complete Idiots! But then, how different am I? How many times has God shown ME His love, mercy, power, protection, healing, forgiveness..how many times have I said, like the Israelites, Oh I get it and I will do what you say... only to turn around and find something else to complain about. Yes I have a wonderful family, but I don't have enough money! Oh I know you have forgiven me, but so-and-so is mean to me!! I am aware that heaven is ahead, but what am I supposed to do about this ADHD 5th grader?
It seems that we human beings have a built-in Whine mechanism. It's not good enough!!! My personal observation; I guess I don't Truly understand Who God is, how He operates, how He Loves. Because if I was fully able to see Him for who He is, if I allowed myself to actually TRUST Him completely, for more than a Minute, I wouldn't have to worry about Anything. I would see that He knows me, sees me, loves me and He is taking care of Everything, down to the smallest details. I don't always see how it's all going to play out, the Big picture, but His word is a lamp to my feet (which means I can't see the whole trail, just the next step). That should be enough to rest in comfort and peace. Guess I am still working on that!
Exodus 1-15 (Day 5 B90)
First thing I noticed today was that these people were Still in Egypt? Why were they there? They knew all about God's promises and the land and all. So why, after the famine, didn't they go home? God had a bigger and better plan anyway! He was going to use His people to make a Huge statement, to them and to Egypt (and to Everyone after that time!)
I love ch 2:24-25 God listened, God remembered, God Saw, God understood. Wow! He hears us, sees us, remembers us, and Understands us! So God shows Moses the burning bush, the staff/snake and the leprosy hand and Moses is Still arguing! First he blames Them... they won't listen, they won't believe etc. then if finally comes down to the real issue...the problem is with Mo...he is Scared and insecure! Hmmm does this hit home or What!
God proves Himself over and over and over! Promises, plagues, signs, pillars of fire, death, rescue, material goods (from the Egyptians) ... over and over He says I am God! I am God! Look what I just did, I Am God! See what I will do next..I Am God! Living through the plagues and everything that happened would seem to instill a Deep abiding trust and faith in God, after the Red Sea, they are all Singing about how Awesome God is, and then... just 3 days into the desert, and they are whining and complaining that God can't really provide, He isn't paying attention, He isn't to be trusted and we were better off in Egypt... I guess freedom is scary. Sometimes its easier to stay in Bondage than to actively place our trust, our lives in God's hands.
I love ch 2:24-25 God listened, God remembered, God Saw, God understood. Wow! He hears us, sees us, remembers us, and Understands us! So God shows Moses the burning bush, the staff/snake and the leprosy hand and Moses is Still arguing! First he blames Them... they won't listen, they won't believe etc. then if finally comes down to the real issue...the problem is with Mo...he is Scared and insecure! Hmmm does this hit home or What!
God proves Himself over and over and over! Promises, plagues, signs, pillars of fire, death, rescue, material goods (from the Egyptians) ... over and over He says I am God! I am God! Look what I just did, I Am God! See what I will do next..I Am God! Living through the plagues and everything that happened would seem to instill a Deep abiding trust and faith in God, after the Red Sea, they are all Singing about how Awesome God is, and then... just 3 days into the desert, and they are whining and complaining that God can't really provide, He isn't paying attention, He isn't to be trusted and we were better off in Egypt... I guess freedom is scary. Sometimes its easier to stay in Bondage than to actively place our trust, our lives in God's hands.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Joseph's story
I have to say, I must be missing something cause I don't know why this story about Joseph goes into such great detail. I kinda get the whole deal with his brothers...cause I'm thinking that running around showing of your pretty coat and telling all your older brothers (who were grown Men) that you were gonna be the Boss of Them might not have been done in the most loving and humble attitude. Yeah so he was dad's favorite, and I don't think that would have gone over too well with the big boys either. So he gets shipped off to Egypt, and gets to be the boss of the whole house and stuff...Ok it probably wasn't so great being in jail for a couple years, but um...he was Running the place! Then he gets to go run the whole country! Bet he was kinda laughing at the boys having to go traipsing all over the countryside but it was kinda mean to do the trick with the cup. Anyway, when they all get it figured out, he says "You planned evil for me but God used those same plans for my good, and for the good of all our people". During the entire famine, Joe set up the pharoah pretty good... first made them buy the grain, then the animals, and finally, everyone ends up selling all thier land and become slaves to pharoah. This version says Joseph reduced the people to slavery from one end of Egypt to the other. Leading us right up to Exodus. Oh, maybe this was so detailed cause it was the lead in to the big Egypt story!
Did my reading but I'm just not feeling the blog tonight! Can't wait to read what my reading buddies have to say!
Love you guys!
Genesis
Genesis 28-40 A couple things struck me as interesting...hehehe well a bunch did but some more than others, so I'm not doing a book report today!
Laban and Jacob. Jacob had been there 20 years and when he packed up and took off, Laban came after him, offended that he was sneaking out. Obviously Laban felt justified in his anger...righteous indignation? Then the boys go and retaliate on the whole town for the rape of their sister... righteous indignation? From a very distant perspective we can see that Maybe they over-reacted... but they had a Reason to be upset or offended right??
Interesting that the whole big list of everyone's genealogy, and this was all written down by Moses, a LONG time later. Have heard it said that the Old Testament isn't to be taken literally as it is just the "stories" or traditional tales of the Jews but I can't see that listing all the genealogies would be stories that I would be passing along to the kids. I know that cultures depending on oral histories did carry much of the family lines and all, but this list includes the people of the surrounding area, not just the direct descendants of Abraham.
On to good old Joe. I'm not finished with his story yet but the very first thing that struck me and I may be reading into this but... his brothers hated him, and he went bragging about his dreams (repeatedly!). Why did his brothers hate him? It does say they are jealous, and they were offended that he would dare to say he would rule over them. They all knew he was the favorite. So, they had Reason to be offended ... they were ticked off that he thought he was so much better than them. Hmmmm
Laban and Jacob. Jacob had been there 20 years and when he packed up and took off, Laban came after him, offended that he was sneaking out. Obviously Laban felt justified in his anger...righteous indignation? Then the boys go and retaliate on the whole town for the rape of their sister... righteous indignation? From a very distant perspective we can see that Maybe they over-reacted... but they had a Reason to be upset or offended right??
Interesting that the whole big list of everyone's genealogy, and this was all written down by Moses, a LONG time later. Have heard it said that the Old Testament isn't to be taken literally as it is just the "stories" or traditional tales of the Jews but I can't see that listing all the genealogies would be stories that I would be passing along to the kids. I know that cultures depending on oral histories did carry much of the family lines and all, but this list includes the people of the surrounding area, not just the direct descendants of Abraham.
On to good old Joe. I'm not finished with his story yet but the very first thing that struck me and I may be reading into this but... his brothers hated him, and he went bragging about his dreams (repeatedly!). Why did his brothers hate him? It does say they are jealous, and they were offended that he would dare to say he would rule over them. They all knew he was the favorite. So, they had Reason to be offended ... they were ticked off that he thought he was so much better than them. Hmmmm
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Abe, Lot and Jake
Today has been rough! And not just cause the kids have been home All day!! My heart is so heavy with a burden for a friend and I'm praying for guidance in this situation! So this may have colored my view of what I read today! Gen. 17-28 but I read 17 yesterday and had to keep going to 30 today. Ok, here are my thoughts. God shows up in person to Abe (18:1) and makes more promises, and when he's leaving~ to go destroy Sodom n Gomorrah~Abe says, Hey God, you can't do that! and starts bargaining from 50 down to 10 (wonder how low God would have gone if Abe asked) proving that He is a Merciful judge and that our requests are taken earnestly by the Lord. 19:1 two Angels show up there... who/where is the third man? tee hee Anyway, Lot seems all gracious and welcoming but then turns around and offers his Daughters to the crazy men outside. Nice. The angel protect them all and tell them Run for the Hills! Lot drags his feet??!! Then whines that they might have trouble in the mountains???!! And wife looks back? What were these people Thinking? Have to remember that they were Very wealthy and were having to leave all that wealth behind. Figures that the woman was the one to look back at all the nice things she was leaving. Next the daughters, even though God saved them from DEATH, He obviously couldn't be trusted to find them Husbands! Wow... blow up a couple cities but can't provide a man?
Now its back to Abe. Once again he pulls the "she's my Sister" scam and ends up wealthy Again. And protected by the king. I loved how this version phrased Sarah's words when Isaac was born..."God has blessed me with laughter" It just feels good to Say that! But she sure wasn't laughing about ole Hagar and Ish. She gets ugly and gives them the boot. But God is so good! He didn't forget about Hagar (she calls Him ~God Provides) and Ish. and he ends up with 12 tribes too. I don't think I knew that before! Cool huh?
Now on to Isaac and his family. Rebekkah and Jacob turn into big fat Liars! But its funny that all their trickery and Jake ends up getting tricked into marrying the wrong girl! Then he gets tricked into having to work 7 years to get the right wife. Then when he's leaving, Laban pulls the trick with the sheep and so Jake has to wait around for the animals to have enough young with spots. Bet it chapped his hide that he got tricked twice by the same guy...after tricking ole dad! In the mean time his wives go wild with having babies. Even pushing their maids on Jake to make More babies. It was a big competition to prove who was the best wife! I'm sure it wasn't a very pleasant atmosphere! But they both cry to God about it and He gives them more babies!
So, it seems to me, these people were a bunch of nuts! And God just kept on blessing them and blessing them and promising them a wonderful legacy! It was Obviously not because of all the good behavior, Godly works, righteousness, or honesty. Its sure a good thing that God is patient, even after promise after promise, the people go off and do things Their way, He fixes it and promises again. Looking back at their lives, its easy for Us to see their silliness but we sure don't see it when We are the ones being silly! What love and mercy and patience He has for His foolish children. I'm amazed!!
Now its back to Abe. Once again he pulls the "she's my Sister" scam and ends up wealthy Again. And protected by the king. I loved how this version phrased Sarah's words when Isaac was born..."God has blessed me with laughter" It just feels good to Say that! But she sure wasn't laughing about ole Hagar and Ish. She gets ugly and gives them the boot. But God is so good! He didn't forget about Hagar (she calls Him ~God Provides) and Ish. and he ends up with 12 tribes too. I don't think I knew that before! Cool huh?
Now on to Isaac and his family. Rebekkah and Jacob turn into big fat Liars! But its funny that all their trickery and Jake ends up getting tricked into marrying the wrong girl! Then he gets tricked into having to work 7 years to get the right wife. Then when he's leaving, Laban pulls the trick with the sheep and so Jake has to wait around for the animals to have enough young with spots. Bet it chapped his hide that he got tricked twice by the same guy...after tricking ole dad! In the mean time his wives go wild with having babies. Even pushing their maids on Jake to make More babies. It was a big competition to prove who was the best wife! I'm sure it wasn't a very pleasant atmosphere! But they both cry to God about it and He gives them more babies!
So, it seems to me, these people were a bunch of nuts! And God just kept on blessing them and blessing them and promising them a wonderful legacy! It was Obviously not because of all the good behavior, Godly works, righteousness, or honesty. Its sure a good thing that God is patient, even after promise after promise, the people go off and do things Their way, He fixes it and promises again. Looking back at their lives, its easy for Us to see their silliness but we sure don't see it when We are the ones being silly! What love and mercy and patience He has for His foolish children. I'm amazed!!
Our First Love ~ Jesus
40 Evidences That You May Have Left Your First Love
1. You can go hours or days without having more than a passing thought of Him.2. You don’t have a strong desire to spend time with Him.3. You don’t have a strong hunger for the Word; Bible reading is a “chore” – something to mark off your “to do” list.4. Spending time in prayer is a burden/duty rather than a delight.5. Your worship is formal, dry, lifeless, merely going through the motions.6. Private prayer and worship are almost non-existent . . . cold and dry.7. You are more concerned about physical health, well-being, and comfort than about the well-being and condition of your soul.8. You crave physical food, while having little appetite for spiritual food.9. You crave human companionship more than a relationship with Christ.10. You spend more time and effort on your physical appearance than on cultivating inner spiritual beauty to please Christ.11. Your heart toward Christ is cold and indifferent; not tender as it once was, not easily moved by the Word, talk of spiritual things, etc.12. Christianity is more of a checklist than a relationship with Christ.13. You measure spirituality (yours/others’) by performance rather than the condition of the heart.14. Christianity is defined more what by what you “do” than who you “are” (“doing” vs. “being”).15. Your obedience and service are motivated and fueled by expectations of others or a desire to impress others, more than by passion for Christ.16. You are more concerned about what others think and pleasing them, than about what God knows and pleasing Christ.17. Your service for Christ and others is motivated by a sense of duty or obligation.18. You find yourself becoming resentful over the hardships and demands of serving Christ and others.19. You can talk with others about kids, marriage, weather, and the news, but struggle to talk about the Lord and spiritual matters.20. You have a hard time coming up with something fresh to share in a testimony service at church or when someone asks, “What’s God been doing in your life?”21. You are formal, rigid, and up-tight about spiritual things, rather than joyful and winsome.22. You are critical or harsh toward those who are doctrinally off-base or living in sin.23. You enjoy secular songs, movies, and books more than songs or reading material that point you to Christ.24. You prefer the company of people who don’t love Christ, to the company and fellowship of those who do.25. You are more interested in recreation, entertainment, and having “fun” than in cultivating intimacy with Christ through worship, prayer, the Word, and Christian fellowship.26. You display attitudes or are involved in activities that you know are contrary to Scripture, but you continue in them anyway.27. You justify “small” areas of disobedience or compromise.28. You have been drawn back into sin habits that you put off when you were a young believer.29. “Little” things that used to disturb your conscience, no longer do.30. You are slow to respond to conviction over sin – or you ignore it altogether.31. You enjoy certain sins and want to hang onto them. You are unwilling to give them up for Christ.32. You are not grieved by sin – it’s no big deal to you.33. You are consistently allured by certain sins.34. You are self-righteous--more concerned about sin in others’ lives than in your own.35. You are more concerned about having the right position than the right disposition.36. You tend to hold tightly to money and things, rather than being quick to give to meet the needs of others.37. You rarely give sacrificially to the Lord’s work.38. You rarely have a desire or burden to give, when you hear of legitimate financial needs within the Body, your church, or a ministry.39. Accumulating and maintaining material “things” consumes more time and effort on your part than seeking after and cultivating spiritual riches.40. You have broken relationships with other believers that you are unwilling or have not attempted to reconcile.
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