conversations, meditations, reflections
Posts tagged word of God
Uploading photos… and reflections on some reading…
Nov 9th
Nov 8, 2009 …
Yesterday I stayed home all day! I basically did two things: finished catching up typing (since June 16th!) my journaling (PenAndPaperMama and MyChurchJourney) and uploaded them to the blog sites. And in the evening I talked to my sister on the phone for almost 2 hours!
I got up this morning at 4:45 and boiled 2 dozen eggs. Then I went to church-in-the-park/ basement! Got home about 10:30ish… Since then I’ve finally downloaded all the pictures from the camera (since Sept 24), went through them, and picked out the good ones (232 out of over 400!) – now I’m uploading them to Dropbox by turns – and then chose the bestest-of-the-best (100 exactly!) and upload them to my fb! Well, while they are uploading, I will have lots of time to talk about the gathering of Your church this morning that I went to. Because it was so neat! And I learned some amazing things! Thank You, Papa! (Readers: you can check it out at http://normajhill.blogspot.com/ )
…. 8:28 pm Well, all the photos are uploaded … and I made supper, visited with hubby until he went to work, and have been doing lots of laundry. I have also been reading in Your Word.
I’ve been reading in Revelation… it seems to me that some people are generally far more interested in “decoding” the “prophetic” parts of the book, than paying attention to the early chapters to “hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches” … and yet those messages are so incredibly relevant today – just as they were then! (Another awesome thing about the book of Revelation is the passages giving praise and glory to God!). Well, the “future events” are interesting and worth considering, of course.. but we don’t in most cases, know exactly which “historical events” the “prophecies” are referring to… though of course lots of people have their ideas, and are sure they are right (which unfortunately has caused a lot of disunity among believers…).
I’ve also been reading in Judges. There are some stories in there which are pretty strange, at least to our modern way of thinking. Like in chapters 19 to 21, there’s a story about some “worthless men” who committed a terrible act of gang rape (not to mention that she was sent out to them in place of her husband, who they really wanted to molest… seems women were not very highly valued…) and when the rest of the nation of Israel called for the tribe of Benjamin to give up those “worthless fellows” from their tribe, so they could be punished (capitally so, I expect), the tribe refused. This led to civil war, and the tribe of Benjamin was nearly wiped out… Well, I understand that sin had to be punished… but to us at least, the whole story seems to barbaric… and so final… of course they had made a choice, and the law was clear… On the other hand, in one way at least they really weren’t that much different than most of humanity through most of history: as the final verse says (repeated often in Judges), “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” Hmmm…
And then I was reading in Romans: 3:23 “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” … The “new covenant” sure (potentially – IF it is accepted) changes everything. No wonder people often really feel a “disconnect” between the Old Testament and the New Testament…
Well, now that I’ve finished Judges, I’ll be going on to Ruth. That’s definitely a Bible story that’s been “novelized” quite a few times! I’m still not started on my NaNoWriMo, and ¼ of the month is already gone! Just 22 days left… that’s 2,272 words a day to reach 50,000 … better get at it if I’m actually going to do it. Maybe my own novelization of the Ruth story is a place to start (I’d really like to do a bunch of Biblical-women-stories novelizations!).
Finances… and OT/NT disconnect?
Nov 7th
July 16, 2009
Neighbor party woke me up about 4:30 or 4:45 am. Part of it was an argument, and I started praying for them… and when I did, the arguing ended! But the party carried on until about 5:20 or 5:30. Meanwhile, after praying, You suddenly gave me a “revelation” (at least it was a revelation to me!).
I’ve been thinking about “studying finances from a biblical viewpoint,” … I’ve always felt there was kind of a “disconnect” between OT and NT writings on “wealth” although many similar principles, such as giving generously to the poor. But in the OT, over and over we read of God promising, basically, “health, wealth and prosperity” to His people (so long as they obey His commandments and laws – and fear/ revere Him.. and even, most of all, “do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with your God” (Micah 5:8, s/a Jer 22:3 and 13f). While in the NT we read of “storing up treasure in heaven” while being warned (and seeing experienced in the lives of Jesus and His followers) of poverty, suffering, etc (and also of “one another” love, kindness, full sharing of our goods, etc).
So much of the teaching I have heard has tended to be of the “tithe faithfully and God will financially bless you” variety (esp from Malachi 3) (or, on the other extreme, the “evils” of having money, though that seems to have been mostly a thing of the past… at least in our materialistic society… in which the “free enterprise” system is held up as being the “Christian” way, with each person supposedly encouraged to get out there and get rich…). Anyway, I’ve wondered at the OT/NT disconnect …
And then You suddenly spoke so clearly, enlightened the eyes of my heart (and mind!). You reminded me that the OT Jewish/Israelite experience, as “God’s people, under His special law and covenant” was one of an earth-based kingdom (even with its theocratic nature/ basis), that was a type/ picture/ shadow of the greater, full kingdom of God that Jesus would make available to mankind through His sacrifice on the cross. (Those in the OT really didn’t even have a clear concept of an after-life (Psa 88:10-12)… so earthly wealth passed down the generations of a family was important… it was their “hope” … it was a very earth-bound view of existence, even with their belief in Almighty God!). So in the NT we are promised riches – but the emphasis is on spiritual riches (both now, and “treasure in heaven” to come), and we are constantly reminded that this world is not our home, and that the physical/ temporal riches we may encounter here are fleeting at best, and are to be shared with others, as we fulfill the great commandment of Jesus to love God and others.
Even tithing is an OT concept, limited in its scope. As believers, we are called to, basically, give 100%, all we have, right to our very lives, for the sake of the Kingdom and our love of God and our neighbor. (As Pastor A used to say, Time, Talents, Treasure… 100%… our whole BEING dedicated to, dwelling in, and being part of, in all aspects of our lives, God’s kingdom).
And sometimes God does give us times of material “prosperity” and sometimes times of great “poverty, need, suffering” during our journey through this world. And when we have those times of prosperity, we are to share it with great generosity and love with our brothers and sisters who are in need (2 Corinthians 8). (And note, not 10% or some such set number, but overflowing in joy and liberality – even when we are “poor” – giving ourselves to the Lord and to others by the will of God, abounding in sharing our goods/ wealth with others just as we abound in faith/ knowledge/ earnestness, on the bases of love and of the example of Jesus’ grace (as He became [physically] poor to make us [spiritually!] rich… giving according to what we have [so people who are rich in the wealth of this world will give abundantly, overflowing, maybe 90% or more of their income, willing to give away all that is beyond their very basic survival needs, eh?? Just as 10% of income may be too much for those living on the edge of survival… and recognizing that we are to give from ALL our “riches” (to our very lives), not just our income/ money… (in fact, of course, OT tithing being mainly crops, livestock, etc.. money generally being given as “offerings” more often, it seems, from my reading…)].
Anyway, the key is what we mean by riches – treasures on earth or those “stored up” in heaven – and our use of them – for ourselves or for the kingdom of God (with the love of God and neighbor). And remembering that every good thing we have comes from God and belongs to Him, and that includes every aspect of our lives!
Yes, God blesses us, God gives us wealth, as His people… but spiritual wealth, eternal wealth is that which is of greatest value, and therefore is what we long for!
(And we also need to be very aware of the dangers of “worldly wealth,” the temptations the enemy lays upon it, the very temporary nature of it, the danger of the “love of money which is a root of all kinds of evil” See Jer 22!)
Note: Even in the OT, there are frequent “hints” toward the teaching Jesus would bring. For example: Proverbs 20:15 “There is gold, and an abundance of jewels; but the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing.” And of course, even in the OT, the source of wealth is important. It SHOULD come by the blessing of God for fearing Him, loving Him, obeying Him. If it is not a result of righteousness (a right relationship with God) then it is a result of evil, and the outcome of it will also be evil, in the long run. Proverbs 20:17 “Bread obtained by falsehood is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.” 21. “An inheritance gained hurriedly at the beginning will not be blessed in the end… 23. Differing weights are an abomination to the LORD, and a false scale is not good.” Etc!
Walks… and wisdom…
Nov 7th
July 15, 2009
This morning I got up, did my back/ core exercises, then had a high protein and whole grains breakfast (wanting to bust my belly fat, lol!). Then went for a long walk, about 4 to 5 miles, I think. Up and down along the hillside back of our place. Sure love these walks… I don’t get tired any more… just feel better and better! Thank You, Lord!
Now I’m sitting on the front porch, reading from Your Word, in Proverbs 19. So much wisdom about: wisdom, honesty, discretion, wives, laziness, good conduct, kindness to the poor, the value of discipline and reproof and counsel, and fear of the Lord! These seem to be recurring themes in my life these days!
Baking and Bibles and Baptisms
Nov 7th
June 20, 2009
Up about 6:30 am. Laundry, breakfast, wash floors, vacuum. Walkabout with my son. Go to farmer’s market with hubby, get lots of greens, and fresh garden strawberries (so much tastier than the store-bought ones!). Still trying to get my Bible reading done.
My son-in-law brought my grandson over about 11:00. I played with him, then took him for a good long walkabout. My daughter came about 4 pm. I made supper and we all visited. Then went for a few groceries with hubby. And then, starting at 8 pm, I baked! Chocolate chip cookies, puffed wheat squares, Johnny cake, Eskimo bannock with Saskatoon berries, and deep dish brownies which I will add whip cream and cherry pie filling on top in the morning for __ and __ ‘s anniversary!
Oh yes, when I was going walkabout with my grandson, I ran into __ and __ , which is when I found out it is their anniversary tomorrow. Then I ran into the guy who likes to pray, and he was offering to get me a good Bible, but I told him I have some. We talked about favorite versions – mine being the NASB. Then he showed me where Pastor P will do the baptism in August; they choose that place because lots of people go past there, so it is a good witness to the community. And I told him about my baptism in Pure Lake and all the people who were there, all my old drinking/ party buddies… and how them seeing me get baptized really motivated me to stand firm!
I’m just waiting for the last of the stuff to come out of the oven, so maybe I’ll have time (finally) to finish yesterday’s reading. Guess I’ll have to do today’s reading tomorrow
Notes from Nov 18: zealous wrongs
Nov 20th
Hard time waking up… just wanted to go back to sleep! Maybe partly to finish my dream… but also guess I’m just “unwinding.” I feel like I’ve been running on adrenaline… and yes, on sugar and caffeine! Today I change my diet back to healthy! Yikes! I was eating terribly! Must restart exercises too! And get out for fresh air, walking, visiting… Being energetic is good… but I was running on hyperactive, nervous energy at that job… which is NOT good!
Reading from 2 Samuel 22… Interesting thing. Saul tried to eliminate the Gibeonites (whom the Israelites had sworn safety to when they entered the land under Joshua… tricked because they didn’t first check with the LORD. Still… and oath before God stands… Careful!!) - Anyway, Saul did it in his “zeal for the LORD” – but it was still wrong!
What have we zealously done in the past that was wrong? (Even if it wasn’t done under our leadership, and we, personally, perhaps weren’t directly involved, but our ancestors or former leaders were?) (Do we have responsibility to set these old wrongs right?) (And how much more so if we ourselves were involved!).
But – we can’t just draw up a list and zealously go out to take care of it… we must come before God’s presence and seek His direction.
And even after that, we still need to come before Him in prayer, and repent and beg His forgiveness and mercy.
I was thinking… maybe this is a message for the church… but then I thought… maybe it’s a message for me! Yikes! I’d rather just let the past alone… but (beyond the need for obedience to God, and repentence, etc, even) can the past really be just left alone… there are consequences for sin.. and they do pass down through time and generations!
Oct 30 notes: multiplied words, humility… and holiness!
Nov 20th
I do not want it said of me, “She multiplies words without knowledge” (Job 35:6).
I also never want to think of myself thus: “One who is perfect in knowledge is with you.” (Job 36:4)
That is scary! Only God is perfect in knowledge, and any person who thinks that he/she is thus, is seriously delusional! (And dangerous – there are so many people desperately looking for “definitive/ absolute” answers in a world filled with chaos and relativity! They are easily attracted to those who boldly and confidently offer “perfect knowledge” – wasn’t that the “gnosis” case back in New Testament times, too?)
Please keep me humble, Lord – and please keep me open too, and learning from you, from Your Holy Spirit, more and more of Your “perfect knowledge”! Thank You! Amen
Leviticus 5 Unintentional sins: As soon as a person realizes they have sinned unintentionally, they must confess immediately and bring the appropriate sacrifice to the priest for atonment and forgiveness of their guilt!
Some kinds of sins require different sacrifices, depending on one’s ability to pay – but others are “non-negotiable” – sins against the holy things or against the “Thou shalt not” commands require a ram [and a 1/5th extra value in silver restitution for sins against the holy things] … these, I’m supposing, are sins which everyone knows about and should be avoiding at all times!
HOLINESS!
(The expense of the sacrifice would – you’d think – be a deterrent against sinning! Wow, if we had laws like that, we’d – you’d think – have a really great – good! – society… but even among the Israelites, this “forced deterrent” system doesn’t seem to have held up very long or very well…
I guess if people are going to break the law, they are also going to “break” the consequences… and those “in charge” would have to be:
- very “righteous” themselves – role models
- very strong, and powerful enough, to put the consequences into action
- not willing to take bribes
- etc!! Oh! and totally willing to make all the sacrifices for their own guilt, too, even unintentional sins
But how many human leaders are able to do that? “Power corrupts” ….
We cannot, ourselves, even with “:deterrent consequences,” live up to God’s demands for holiness!
We must be filled with the Holy Spirit – and determined to folow, trust, obey Him always… (and even then our old sin nature, flesh, habits, the enemy, temptations, etc keep trying to rise up again…)
Oh God, please help me to learn to live holy – by the power of Your Holy Spirit! Thank You! Amen!
Notes from Oct 20: God’s way vs our way… pride before a fall
Nov 20th
Just “reading through” in Exodus – the crossing of the Red Sea, the manna… and the expectation of God for His people of holiness, righteoushess, obedience – they had the cloud (and fire) to guide them: and the word of God through Moses: Moses was God’s friend: close, intimate relationship!
We have a “friend who sticks closer than a brother” … or sister… or mom or dad even! We have His Spirit – the Spirit of Christ – the Spirit of God Himself – living within us. It is He would guides us and provides for us. Not of works, lest we should boast. Yes, we are not to be lazy. We are to work to provide food and other basic needs for our families. But even that is a providence of God.
But we’ve – I’ve! – been trying so hard to figure out my talents, experiences, training, skills, (and spiritual gifts) and then think, “What job am I suited for? What ministry/service has God prepared me for?” Then I either jump into some “program” that others have started, or I even (oh dear) “dream up” some “vision” (which I assume, even believe, is from God, because it’s based on my talents and gifts etc which God has given me… and you know, it might even be His vision!) and then I “step out, into the Jordan/ into the Red Sea,” take “faith,” take action, and do whatever – perferably something big, important, successful, admirable – I think or “see” as “the way” to “fulfill my (God’s?) vision.”
In Exodus, over and over, God says, “Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you today… The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent.” (Ex 14:13-14). So yes, the people took part in the “work”: in this case they had to be obedient and walk into and through the sea (interesting: the way was already clear! … and at the Jordan, the people already knew God was going to make dry ground to cross on… and it was only the priests carrying the ark who actually stepped into the water: the ark was the “seat” of God’s Presence – and it was God who parted the waters: the people did not cross till the land was dry!
And here’s another thing… over and over the people were told to “consecrate themselves” before stepping out in obedience to God and taking part in His plan.. and look what happened when they tried to do things their way, when they were already in disobedience – UNconsecrated… sometimes they would do the “rites” but even then God knew their hearts!
Looking back… our leaders have preached wonderful truth… but somehow so much of man’s ways have gotten mixed into it: it wasn’t just individuals of course: they were just passing on what they’d read and learned from others – the whole “North American church” it seems to me was so into big buildings, big programs, “success”… not to mention individualism, drawing potential converts by offering them what they wanted, etc…
NOT the way of the cross!
We were taught about character and integrity etc – good things – but somewhere along the line it became about US more than (almost completely…) about YOU.
Thinking about it makes me feel more SAD than angry… because our leaders did mean well, and they even did believe in what they were saying and preaching… but at some point the ideas of man got way mixed up with the word of God…
Oh Father, I’m so afraid of that happening (already? still?) with me! I don’t want to be a “leader”! Because – what if I am wrong and lead others astray? How way too easy it is to get drawn astray and not even see it.
But I know YOU can and will prevent it – if we are really, really, really trusting and obeying You -living, totally, truly, IN THE VINE – in unbroken relationship…
That’s Your PLAN and PURPOSE…
But oh, our old fleshly nature (and the enemy, and the world!) sure doesn’t want that for us…
But YOU are ALL-POWERFUL! You are the way, the truth, the light and life!
You are my strength, my solid rock, my guide, my shepherd (unfailing!), my Savior (I’m washed clean – forever – in Your blood!)…
It is possible! totally! to walk with You… if You are allowed (if I allow You) to be 100% in charge….
I SEE! When the church seems to move from YOUR WORD to embrace the world’s ideas of “success”… PRIDE is taking hold! We boast of being things like the biggest church in town, the most baptisms, best worship team, fantastic entertaining preacher, large leadership team, so loving…
But “PRIDE GOES BEFORE A FALL!”
Oh Lord! Please keep me humble… A lot if not most/all of my “falls” have PRIDE at their root. I know… and I’m so sorry…
Learning to wait patiently… and honor others… and being holy!
Oct 15th
October 14, 2008 (again!)
Today’s reading was from 1 Samuel 21 to 25. Saul was chasing David around the desert, trying to kill him… but David was refusing to attack him back or hill him, because Saul was the LORD’s anointed. Even though David was the newly anointed one, and knew that someday he would be king, he refused to take revenge or judgment of Saul into his own hands, but waited for the LORD to deal with Saul in His own way and time.
David, did, however, become angry and planned bloody revenge on Nabel… but in the end he listened to the advice of Nabel’s wise wife and left Nabel’s fate up to God. (Which turned out to be a very good decision in the long run!)
David was hiding in the harsh wilderness for a long time, isolated and exiled from his home, his people, and even from the opportunity to worship the LORD at the tabernacle. His wife was even taken away and given to another man. He faced the threat of death constantly. It had to be discouraing and frustrating. His followers urged him to take advantage of opportunities to destroy Saul. But David reverenced God, and honored Saul, God’s anointed, even though Saul through disobedience had fallen away from God’s favor.
I wonder what valuable lessons God was teaching David all that time? How would things have turned out differently if David had “helped” to hurry the king-replacement process along? Would David have ever truly become “a friend of God?” Or would he have suffered the fate of Saul, who early on decided to take things into his own hands, instead of waiting and trusting God?
Oh Lord, help me to wait patiently for Your perfect timing and plans. I want Your purposes fulfilled – in Your way and time! I don’t want to meddle and try to do things “my way.
“You alone are God, and I surrender to Your will.
Thank You for this reminder, today, Lord – when I am thinking about “what to do?” about jobs, moving, housing, etc etc etc.
Teach me to wait patiently, Lord, and honor You – and Your ways and timing -
And honor Your servants, too! Sometimes I think – oh dear! – that they are somehow lacking in Your wisdom, and in spiritual maturity, or whatever – which of course also means that I am being prideful, not humble before You – or them! Forgive me, dear LORD. Help me to love and honor all Your children – even those who have chosen not to be Your children, yet still sit in the seats of power and authority where You have allowed – even ordained! – that they be! [Help me vote with honor, today, dear Lord]
Help me be patient as You work out Your purposes in Your children, in Your church, in the world (and in me, too… oh I, above all others, so need YOUR purposes worked out – not mine!)
Thank You! In Jesus’ name!
Today’s study chapter: Exodus 30: Instruction for the HOLY (set apart for God alone!) items of the tent of meeting:
- the incense altar of atonement – to wash away sin and make HOLY
- the half shekel numbering offering of atonement – to wash away sin and make HOLY
- the bronze laver for washing the priest’s hands and feet – to make them clean and HOLY
- the HOLY anointing oil – to consecrate and make HOLY
- the HOLY incense – to make HOLY
HOLY! Holy! Holy! – OR DEATH!
There is no choice, no “kind of holy.”
That is our life in Christ!
Thank You for Your amazing Word and Spirit – and for being freed from “compulsion to get involved”
Oct 15th
October 13, 2008
I have been really convicted to get back into real study and meditation in God’s Word. I had finished my study of God’s attribute and our responses, from the Psalms, and have still been doing my current “read-through-the-Bible” (though I occasionally get behind)… and I had planned to pick up a study of Exodus that I had left off earlier… But I wasn’t very enthusiastic about that. Still, I felt like a should, so decided to start there this morning.
And guess what? First – my “read-through” chapters this morning (unexpectedly) were from the early chapters of Exodus, where God was laying the plagues on Pharaoh and Egypt -setting the stage, so to speak, for where my Exodus study picks up with the consecration of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood.
Second – when I was doing this study a long time ago (years ago, actually!) I used a green pen to mark time and place references. But I had used up all my current supply of colored pens earlier this summer… Then I was “tidying up” the kitchen table this morning – and found a package of new pens my husband had bought for work a couple days ago… and it actually included one green pen, along with the black and red pens he likes to use. I knew he was not thrilled about the green pen – so I took one my own black pens and traded it for the green.
Third – so I restarted my Exodus study (years later! – though of course I’ve done lots of other studying inbetween…) with chapter 20 on the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. At first as I read it, it was more or less just the same story I’ve read and heard over and over – but then You made my mind – and heart/ spirit! – so clear… and I began to see how everything in that chapter is a “type,” a fore-telling of Jesus’ sacrifice for our atonement, that we might be sanctified (made holy), and “ordained” (the word means “filled”!) and consecrated as a royal priesthood!
It was awesome! Thank You, Lord! Thank You for Jesus and His sacrifice for our sins! But also thank You for Your amazing Word – and Your amazing Spirit who enlightens it to our spirits/hearts!
It felt like such a long time since I have just really been knowing You, having pure relationship with You through Your Word and Your Spirit… I’ve felt like I got “side-tracked” with “issues” and “church” and stuff… but maybe that was necessary, too, to free me from some “shackles” in that area…. I really was “shackled” by the push, push, push to be “involved” in “ministry,” to be a “successful Christian,” to volunteer for lots of stuff at church, school, groups, etc. Yes, even to be noticed and acclaimed by mankind…
Because, really, for the first time I feel like I can just sit back and relax, and spend time with my Lord, just to be “in relationship” (not necessarily to be “getting prepared” to become a “mature Christian leader,” teacher, etc). If God sends along something He wants me to do, fine, I’m here, and He’s welcome to work through me and use me (to HIS glory!)… but I’m not going to be “under pressure” …
I was thinking about “church” again… I do like to go now – without feeling like I’m under “compulsion” to “get involved” …. I’ve been feeling, the past couple days, like I’d like to maybe be involved in a Bible Study again… but only if You clearly “open a door” … whatever YOU want.
Yesterday at church, a man read a little tongue-in-cheek kind of article about a church bemoaning the loss of a member by the name of “Someone Else.” Apparently, this member had always been available for any and every church job and activity. “Oh, I can’t do that. Surely Someone Else would be happy to do it.” “I don’t need to give more money to the church. Someone Else will.”
I just don’t even want to look through the list of “help wanted” items in the church bulletin… I’d rather just step in and participate and help as things happen by Your plan, purpose, timing…
I do think that really getting back into more active relationship with You will just result in You using me however – for legitimate needs: needs that are in YOUR plans and purposes and timing! Needs of YOUR church!
Thank You! Wow! Amen!
Boast
Oct 15th
October 10, 2008
Jeremiah 9:23-24 “Thus says the LORD, ‘Let not a wise man boast of his wosdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;
but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,’ declares the LORD.
