1 Samuel 4-7
There are really only two things you can do with someone else's mistakes:
1. Learn from them.
2. Repeat them.
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This is what the Daily Walk Bible has to say about Samuel's parenting skills:
"Samuel should have learned the necessity of proper parental discipline from his observance of Eli's failure with his sons. But apparently he did not because his owns sons were equally undisciplined. They were covetous, took bribes and perverted justice. How could such a tragic turn of events repeat itself? How could any generation not learn from it's predecessors?"
Exactly. That's what I want to to know! I mean, Samuel aside...What in the world was Israel thinking?
I just want to yell into the pages of my bible and knock on their heads! "Hello?....McFly!" (Remember the old Back to the Future Movie?)
Really though...it's getting old. I understand each generation has to learn to trust God for themselves, I do. They cant just ride on the coat tails of their ancestors faith. At some point they have to decide for themselves that God is who He says He is and He does what He says He'll do.
In saying that, though, you would think they would at least use their parents, or in some cases, grandparents' faith as a step stool to reach their own level of trust. Obviously, history was recorded. I'm sure they heard the stories of God's provision and protection - in fact I know they did - at least once a year during passover.
So, what's the deal? Why do they always have to get to the point where they're being defeated before they turn back to God? I mean, we're not talking a few years, here. We're talking 40-80 years in some cases! Hello? Anyone home??
So, off we go. History repeating itself...again. Israel's being defeated, this time by the Philistines. For 20 years Israel mourns because "it seemed" God abandoned them.
Yeah. It has nothing to do with the foreign gods and images in your homes, people, I'm sure of it.
Samuel urges them, "Obey the Lord! Get rid of your gods! He'll rescue you!"
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to predict what happens next.
They confess.
God shows up.
He speaks a mighty voice of thunder - it confuses the Philistines and Israel wins the battle!!
How many times does God need to show up before we'll trust Him once and for all?
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Good things DO come to those who wait!
1 Samuel Chapter 1 & 2
You know, I think it's kind of human nature to bargain with God. At least once in your life. I've done it. Especially back in the day when I was still trying to win God's love.
"God, if you make these tests come back negative, I'll quit smoking for sure this time."
"I promise, God, if I get this job, I'm going to to start giving more to others."
"God, I promise, if you heal my mother I will start going to church on a regular basis."
Don't act like you've never done it, too!
After reading the story of Hannah I thought about it for a bit. "I wonder if God made Hannah wait for a son, not to draw her closer to Him, or cause her to lean on Him - but so that she would make Him a promise?"
Every year, Hannah would go to Shiloh to worship and offer sacrifices to God and every year she'd pray for a son, something she wanted more than anything else in the world.
She couldn't eat, she cried - she was teased and taunted for her barrenness. The bible says she was in deep anguish. Deep. Right down to the pit of her stomach.
Year after year.
..after year.
Finally, out of desperation she cried out to God, "PLEASE, God! Give me a son! I'll do anything! I'll even give him back to you if that's what you want! His very life will be yours!"
Wowzers. Not sure if THAT'S the promise I would have given. I may have said, "Sure, I'll quit my job and be a stay at home mom", or, "I want a son so bad, I'm willing to (gulp) home school him...I promise to teach him all your ways", I might even go so very far as to say, "God, if you give me a child I will bring him to church every single day!"
But, give him back to God? Let another man raise him? I often wonder if Hannah found regret in the hidden corners of her heart.
Even her husband knew how difficult it would be saying, "May the Lord help you keep your promise." (1:23)
Bringing that boy to the temple and handing him over to a stranger was probably the most difficult thing Hannah had ever done, and would ever do.
But, Hannah, in the midst of her pain, instead of allowing her feelings and emotions rule her actions - worshiped her God instead.
Did I hear that correctly? Worshipped? She didn't fall down and cry? Admit to the Holy of Holies that she was didn't understand what she was committing to only a few short years ago? Beg Him to grant mercy on his lowly servant and change his mind?
Nope. She prayed an absolutely beautiful prayer. I grabbed a few of my favorite verses from the passage I wrote my own version of her prayer:
"My heart rejoices in the Lord, how He has blessed me! No one is holy like the Lord, there is no rock like our God! He lifts the poor from a pile of ashes, placing them in seats of honour. No one will succeed in strength alone, those who fight against the Lord will be broken. He gives mighty strength to his anointed ones."
Imagine! Her heart rejoices in the Lord, as she hands over her son to a priest named Eli.
God used Hannah because He knew her heart. He knew she had a spirit of obedience and loyalty to Him. He also knew that she would pass a firm foundation on to her boy in the few short years that it took to wean him.
Eli failed to discipline his sons and as a result they lived a life of disgrace before the Lord. In the very same house, the bible says that, "Meanwhile, Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord." (2:21)
God had a plan, Samuel was destined to be the last judge of Israel, and that plan was fulfilled through an ordinary women of extraordinary faith.
Even though the bible dedicates two entire books to the the life of Samuel with little else said about his mother, the story was far from over for Hannah.
It turns out that some stories do have happy endings. That good things do come to those who wait....and to those who keep their word. Because Hannah was faithful and honoured her promise - God gave her five more children!
And although it doesn't say, I like to think Hannah was given one child for every year that she waited for Samuel.
...cause God's just like that.
You know, I think it's kind of human nature to bargain with God. At least once in your life. I've done it. Especially back in the day when I was still trying to win God's love.
"God, if you make these tests come back negative, I'll quit smoking for sure this time."
"I promise, God, if I get this job, I'm going to to start giving more to others."
"God, I promise, if you heal my mother I will start going to church on a regular basis."
Don't act like you've never done it, too!
After reading the story of Hannah I thought about it for a bit. "I wonder if God made Hannah wait for a son, not to draw her closer to Him, or cause her to lean on Him - but so that she would make Him a promise?"
Every year, Hannah would go to Shiloh to worship and offer sacrifices to God and every year she'd pray for a son, something she wanted more than anything else in the world.
She couldn't eat, she cried - she was teased and taunted for her barrenness. The bible says she was in deep anguish. Deep. Right down to the pit of her stomach.
Year after year.
..after year.
Finally, out of desperation she cried out to God, "PLEASE, God! Give me a son! I'll do anything! I'll even give him back to you if that's what you want! His very life will be yours!"
Wowzers. Not sure if THAT'S the promise I would have given. I may have said, "Sure, I'll quit my job and be a stay at home mom", or, "I want a son so bad, I'm willing to (gulp) home school him...I promise to teach him all your ways", I might even go so very far as to say, "God, if you give me a child I will bring him to church every single day!"
But, give him back to God? Let another man raise him? I often wonder if Hannah found regret in the hidden corners of her heart.
Even her husband knew how difficult it would be saying, "May the Lord help you keep your promise." (1:23)
Bringing that boy to the temple and handing him over to a stranger was probably the most difficult thing Hannah had ever done, and would ever do.
But, Hannah, in the midst of her pain, instead of allowing her feelings and emotions rule her actions - worshiped her God instead.
Did I hear that correctly? Worshipped? She didn't fall down and cry? Admit to the Holy of Holies that she was didn't understand what she was committing to only a few short years ago? Beg Him to grant mercy on his lowly servant and change his mind?
Nope. She prayed an absolutely beautiful prayer. I grabbed a few of my favorite verses from the passage I wrote my own version of her prayer:
"My heart rejoices in the Lord, how He has blessed me! No one is holy like the Lord, there is no rock like our God! He lifts the poor from a pile of ashes, placing them in seats of honour. No one will succeed in strength alone, those who fight against the Lord will be broken. He gives mighty strength to his anointed ones."
Imagine! Her heart rejoices in the Lord, as she hands over her son to a priest named Eli.
God used Hannah because He knew her heart. He knew she had a spirit of obedience and loyalty to Him. He also knew that she would pass a firm foundation on to her boy in the few short years that it took to wean him.
Eli failed to discipline his sons and as a result they lived a life of disgrace before the Lord. In the very same house, the bible says that, "Meanwhile, Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord." (2:21)
God had a plan, Samuel was destined to be the last judge of Israel, and that plan was fulfilled through an ordinary women of extraordinary faith.
Even though the bible dedicates two entire books to the the life of Samuel with little else said about his mother, the story was far from over for Hannah.
It turns out that some stories do have happy endings. That good things do come to those who wait....and to those who keep their word. Because Hannah was faithful and honoured her promise - God gave her five more children!
And although it doesn't say, I like to think Hannah was given one child for every year that she waited for Samuel.
...cause God's just like that.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Good things DO come in small packages!
Ruth - 1 - 4
Whoever said that good things come in small packages was right! The book of Ruth, only four brief chapters, was jammed full of love, loyalty, faithfulness, courage, and promise.
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When I pulled my journal out to where I had written my thoughts on Ruth (back in Nov 2010) this is what I read:
"Ruth is a story about a lady that walked with God, shows kindness to others and is greatly rewarded."
I then quoted a verse:
"May the Lord, the God of Israel under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully." (2:12)
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Wow. I had really out done myself on that one! I mean, did I even read the book? I don't exactly remember that morning, it was 6 whole months ago, but it looks as though I read the book, wrote my thoughts, hit "snooze" and went back to sleep!
It happens.
Needless to say, I decided yesterday to go back and read the book of Ruth again and, this time, listen to what God wanted to teach me through her story.
It's truly is a beautiful book! To make along short story even shorter, I've summarized in point form:
Ruth's decision to go with Naomi was literally a conversion. Her "speech" was a strong statement to her faith in "Israel's God."
"Where you will go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die and there I will be buried..."
It's very clear that Naomi put the needs of others before her own when she urges her daughters in law to stay behind for their own good. She even asks God to bless them with another marriage.
It's written that Naomi lived with her sons (and daughters in law) about 10 years before they died. I truly believe that in that time Naomi's example of love and compassion drew Ruth into a yearning to serve the one true God. Perhaps Ruth saw in Naomi, an overflow of God's love - a god that didn't "belong" to Ruth, but one that she was willing to abandon her own people for.
The book of Ruth holds many truths for us to hear. God often has more than one lesson for us to learn in a single verse, let alone a whole book!
I wasn't sure if I should focus in on the loyalty shown by Ruth to her mother in law or by Boaz in marring Ruth, as he was a kinsman-redeemer. (A close relative obligated to help when a family line or possessions were in danger)
I even thought of writing about courage - the courage it took for Ruth to step out in faith, not only to move away from her family but to go and lay at the feet of Boaz. (You REALLY must read this story to get all the details!)
But in the end, it was the less obvious choice - a lesson of testimony - that touched my heart. A message that could easily be lost in the book of Ruth.
To me, that is what it is all about - living your life so people see the lovingkindness of a God, under whose wings, they will come to take refuge.
A God they will very much want to call their own.
Whoever said that good things come in small packages was right! The book of Ruth, only four brief chapters, was jammed full of love, loyalty, faithfulness, courage, and promise.
*************************************************
When I pulled my journal out to where I had written my thoughts on Ruth (back in Nov 2010) this is what I read:
"Ruth is a story about a lady that walked with God, shows kindness to others and is greatly rewarded."
I then quoted a verse:
"May the Lord, the God of Israel under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully." (2:12)
*************************************************
Wow. I had really out done myself on that one! I mean, did I even read the book? I don't exactly remember that morning, it was 6 whole months ago, but it looks as though I read the book, wrote my thoughts, hit "snooze" and went back to sleep!
It happens.
Needless to say, I decided yesterday to go back and read the book of Ruth again and, this time, listen to what God wanted to teach me through her story.
It's truly is a beautiful book! To make a
- A man, along with his wife Naomi, and their two sons, move from Judah to Moab.
- The man dies and the two sons marry Moabite women, one named Orpah, the other, Ruth.
- The two sons also die.
- Having lost both husband and her sons, Naomi decides to return to her homeland, Judah.
- Orpah decides to stay in Moab. Ruth goes to Judah with Naomi, knowing she'll be considered an outsider.
- Poor and hungry, Ruth goes to pick up leftover grain in the fields of a man named Boaz.
- Boaz marries Ruth and they give birth to Obed, the grandfather of Kind David.
Ruth's decision to go with Naomi was literally a conversion. Her "speech" was a strong statement to her faith in "Israel's God."
"Where you will go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die and there I will be buried..."
It's very clear that Naomi put the needs of others before her own when she urges her daughters in law to stay behind for their own good. She even asks God to bless them with another marriage.
It's written that Naomi lived with her sons (and daughters in law) about 10 years before they died. I truly believe that in that time Naomi's example of love and compassion drew Ruth into a yearning to serve the one true God. Perhaps Ruth saw in Naomi, an overflow of God's love - a god that didn't "belong" to Ruth, but one that she was willing to abandon her own people for.
The book of Ruth holds many truths for us to hear. God often has more than one lesson for us to learn in a single verse, let alone a whole book!
I wasn't sure if I should focus in on the loyalty shown by Ruth to her mother in law or by Boaz in marring Ruth, as he was a kinsman-redeemer. (A close relative obligated to help when a family line or possessions were in danger)
I even thought of writing about courage - the courage it took for Ruth to step out in faith, not only to move away from her family but to go and lay at the feet of Boaz. (You REALLY must read this story to get all the details!)
But in the end, it was the less obvious choice - a lesson of testimony - that touched my heart. A message that could easily be lost in the book of Ruth.
To me, that is what it is all about - living your life so people see the lovingkindness of a God, under whose wings, they will come to take refuge.
A God they will very much want to call their own.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Mighty hero? Me?
Judges 6 - 13
True to it's name, I encountered many deliverers in this book. Deliverers that God called, "judges". I won't write about all of them but there were a few that stood out, mostly because their stories were fun to read!
Ehud - This guy was left handed, like me! He delivered tax money to King Eglon and one day he brought the king a secret message - a dagger to the belly! I especially found it amusing that God felt the need to mention that the king was so fat that Ehus lost his dagger!
Deborah - a great story! She believed God, NEVER doubting. She brought Israel to victory over Sisra, who had 900 chariots! Deborah, like Moses wrote a song for the Israelites so they would never forget all that God has done for them.
Those are just a two of the many judges that God used, but there is another man, one whose story reminds me that God always sees what we can become, not what we really are.
Gideon.
The angel refers to him as, "Mighty hero", when he first calls on him. He sure didn't think of himself that way. In fact, I think the last thing Gideon felt like was a mighty hero!
He reminded the Lord "my clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!" (6:15)
Now, I don't don't know if "least" means youngest, or smallest or even weakest but one thing is for sure...Gideon did not have the confidence to be "a mighty hero."
And isn't it just like God to use him anyway?
God's response to him was, "I will be with you." (vs 16)
The treasure I loved in this story was -- Gideon was not the obvious choice.
...or sincere if you will. Raw. Sometimes we need to tell God exactly how we feel. I think God appreciates that. I believe it brings us to a deeper level with Him. Gideon had NO problem doing that, "if God's with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? The Lord has abandoned us." (6:13) Sarcasm much?
Finally believing that God is behind him, Gideon watches as God removes all of the props in which he might have trusted. His army was reduced from 32,000 to 300! His weapons were reduced to pitches, torches and trumpets and his strategy was but a single command, "Stand still!"
God's a pretty awesome multi-tasker. He was increasing Gideon's faith but at the same time, He also wanted to be sure that the Israelites couldn't boast, saying they saved themselves, by their own strength.
God saw the ending. He knew that Gideon would be a mighty hero. He also knew that Gideon would give all the glory to God.
Israel asked him to be their ruler. His response?
"The Lord will rule over you!" (8:23)
There was peace for 40 years - during the rest of Gideon's life.
I'm so glad that God loves us for who we are...but sees us for what we can be!
True to it's name, I encountered many deliverers in this book. Deliverers that God called, "judges". I won't write about all of them but there were a few that stood out, mostly because their stories were fun to read!
Ehud - This guy was left handed, like me! He delivered tax money to King Eglon and one day he brought the king a secret message - a dagger to the belly! I especially found it amusing that God felt the need to mention that the king was so fat that Ehus lost his dagger!
Deborah - a great story! She believed God, NEVER doubting. She brought Israel to victory over Sisra, who had 900 chariots! Deborah, like Moses wrote a song for the Israelites so they would never forget all that God has done for them.
Those are just a two of the many judges that God used, but there is another man, one whose story reminds me that God always sees what we can become, not what we really are.
Gideon.
The angel refers to him as, "Mighty hero", when he first calls on him. He sure didn't think of himself that way. In fact, I think the last thing Gideon felt like was a mighty hero!
He reminded the Lord "my clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!" (6:15)
Now, I don't don't know if "least" means youngest, or smallest or even weakest but one thing is for sure...Gideon did not have the confidence to be "a mighty hero."
And isn't it just like God to use him anyway?
God's response to him was, "I will be with you." (vs 16)
The treasure I loved in this story was -- Gideon was not the obvious choice.
He was cynical
...or sincere if you will. Raw. Sometimes we need to tell God exactly how we feel. I think God appreciates that. I believe it brings us to a deeper level with Him. Gideon had NO problem doing that, "if God's with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? The Lord has abandoned us." (6:13) Sarcasm much?
He was skeptic
He needed a sign from God - not just once - but three times! He asked God, "please don't be angry with me but if you are truly going to use me...I need proof". (6:39) Fighting against the Midians could possibly mean life or death! He wanted to be absolutely sure that THIS WAS GOD!
He was scared
God asked him to tear down his father's alter that he had build for Baal, an idol. Although Gideon obeyed....he did it at night because "he was afraid of the other members of his father's household and the people of the town." (6:27)
Finally believing that God is behind him, Gideon watches as God removes all of the props in which he might have trusted. His army was reduced from 32,000 to 300! His weapons were reduced to pitches, torches and trumpets and his strategy was but a single command, "Stand still!"
God's a pretty awesome multi-tasker. He was increasing Gideon's faith but at the same time, He also wanted to be sure that the Israelites couldn't boast, saying they saved themselves, by their own strength.
God saw the ending. He knew that Gideon would be a mighty hero. He also knew that Gideon would give all the glory to God.
Israel asked him to be their ruler. His response?
"The Lord will rule over you!" (8:23)
There was peace for 40 years - during the rest of Gideon's life.
I'm so glad that God loves us for who we are...but sees us for what we can be!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Manna vs honey. No brainer?
Joshua 21
A chapter of victory! Although most of the chapter is designated for "who got what land" there were a few concluding verses that could possibly be the most important verses of the first six books of the bible.
Verses 43-45 (in my words)
The Lord gave to Israel ALL the land He had promised their ancestors and they conquered and settled there. God gave them rest on every side, non of their enemies could stand against them. The Lord helped them conquer their enemies. ALL of the good promises CAME TRUE!
While I read these verses with my eyes - this is what I was reading with my heart:
The Lord gave to me ALL of the desires of my heart - love, acceptance, security, faith, grace, self-control, etc. God gave me rest, peace, and no matter what situation I found myself in -my enemies could not stand against me. The Lord helped me conquer my enemies - temptation, guilt, selfishness, shame, insecurity, laziness, the list goes on. ALL of the good promises CAME TRUE!
I, too, can live as victorious as the Israelites! I am saved, by the blood of Christ, that much is true. However, God wants me to live a life of victory! I can either stay back in the desert and eat manna (yuck) for the rest of my life or I can take a step of faith - cross over to the Jordan and eat *milk and honey! (*translation: cheesecake)
I am a child of the most high God and he's going to take care of me right where I am, every day. He's promised me that.
BUT:
I can stay comfortable, sporting my "never aging" sandals, enjoying the daily cloud of shade and warming fire at night. Yes, safe and sound in my own camp, with my own people, continually blocking the sound of God's voice telling me it's time to move on.
OR:
I can stand at the edge, expecting God to part the Jordan for me every day, so I can faithfully cross over on dry land and enjoy a feast! And not to forget, while I'm feasting there's rest on everyside! Life at it's best! Everything God intended for me! What an adventure!
Why would I want to "camp out" everynight when I can board a luxury cruise line?
That's what God wants to know....
A chapter of victory! Although most of the chapter is designated for "who got what land" there were a few concluding verses that could possibly be the most important verses of the first six books of the bible.
Verses 43-45 (in my words)
The Lord gave to Israel ALL the land He had promised their ancestors and they conquered and settled there. God gave them rest on every side, non of their enemies could stand against them. The Lord helped them conquer their enemies. ALL of the good promises CAME TRUE!
While I read these verses with my eyes - this is what I was reading with my heart:
The Lord gave to me ALL of the desires of my heart - love, acceptance, security, faith, grace, self-control, etc. God gave me rest, peace, and no matter what situation I found myself in -my enemies could not stand against me. The Lord helped me conquer my enemies - temptation, guilt, selfishness, shame, insecurity, laziness, the list goes on. ALL of the good promises CAME TRUE!
I, too, can live as victorious as the Israelites! I am saved, by the blood of Christ, that much is true. However, God wants me to live a life of victory! I can either stay back in the desert and eat manna (yuck) for the rest of my life or I can take a step of faith - cross over to the Jordan and eat *milk and honey! (*translation: cheesecake)
I am a child of the most high God and he's going to take care of me right where I am, every day. He's promised me that.
BUT:
I can stay comfortable, sporting my "never aging" sandals, enjoying the daily cloud of shade and warming fire at night. Yes, safe and sound in my own camp, with my own people, continually blocking the sound of God's voice telling me it's time to move on.
OR:
I can stand at the edge, expecting God to part the Jordan for me every day, so I can faithfully cross over on dry land and enjoy a feast! And not to forget, while I'm feasting there's rest on everyside! Life at it's best! Everything God intended for me! What an adventure!
Why would I want to "camp out" everynight when I can board a luxury cruise line?
That's what God wants to know....
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Grasshoppers vs. Giants
Numbers 13-16
Whoa! God is MAD! Moses sends twelve guys to go and check out the land God is giving them and they come back and say, "No way are we going to conquer them! They are giants! We are like little grasshoppers compared to them!"
There are just 2 out of the 12 that try to encourage the people to move on into the land that God is handing over to them - Joshua and Caleb.
What surprises me is that these ten guys were able to convince 600,000 soldiers that they will be swallowed up if they go there! God has already promised them!!! It's their word versus God's! ....and yet they believed the men.
How often do I listen to my friends advise or lies from the enemy over God's promises? Imagine the victory I would have conquering the "giants" in my life if I would just learn to turn to God and trust what He has to say.
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Like Joyce Meyer says, "Instead of turning to the phone, we need to turn to the throne." *smile* I like that one.
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But, really now...how many more miracles do they need to witness first hand before they will finally trust that what God says is truth?
So, they start weeping and wailing, complaining and making rash decisions - like going back to Egypt!
...and God was MAD! He asked Moses, "How long will they reject me? I've done so many miracles for them!"
Imagine how God must have felt. When I read statements like that - God feeling regected, or God is grieved, or He's please -it makes me feel that much closer to knowing who He is.
I love it. Although, it makes me sad that Hefelt feels rejection from those He loves sooo much.
I can relate. I'm the mother of a teenager.
At any rate, He's had enough and so He decides to destroy them...
...and Moses changed His mind.
Moses reminded God that he made a promise. He pleads with God to show His power once again so that generations to come will not be able to say, "The Lord was not able to bring them into the land He swore to give them." (14:16)
He even went so far as to quote God's very own words, saying, "Remember God?? You even said, 'The Lord is slow to anger and rich in unfailing love, forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion.'"(14:18)
However, he also recognized that He does not leave sin unpunished and told God as much.
So, God pardons them. But...(as a result of their rejection), He goes on to say, "Those living today, will NEVER see the promised land." It is the next generation that He will lead into the promised land.
He declares the people of Israel, 20 years or older, will wander in the wilderness for 40 years and die there. He also strikes dead the ten leaders that didn't have faith in the first place and convinced Israel to feel the same.
Another lesson in this passage - My actions shouldn't be based on my feelings! I need to learn, understand and live by God's promises and not my feelings! Because my feelings and emotions change every minute of every day - as opposed to God's promises. They stand true. Day after day.
You know, this is is the 3rd time I recall someone convincing God to change His mind which brings me to my third lesson in this passage of scripture - prayer.
I think I have a lot to learn about my prayer life, and the manner in which I can and should approach God, from Moses in chapter 14: 5:19)
Whoa! God is MAD! Moses sends twelve guys to go and check out the land God is giving them and they come back and say, "No way are we going to conquer them! They are giants! We are like little grasshoppers compared to them!"
There are just 2 out of the 12 that try to encourage the people to move on into the land that God is handing over to them - Joshua and Caleb.
What surprises me is that these ten guys were able to convince 600,000 soldiers that they will be swallowed up if they go there! God has already promised them!!! It's their word versus God's! ....and yet they believed the men.
How often do I listen to my friends advise or lies from the enemy over God's promises? Imagine the victory I would have conquering the "giants" in my life if I would just learn to turn to God and trust what He has to say.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Like Joyce Meyer says, "Instead of turning to the phone, we need to turn to the throne." *smile* I like that one.
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But, really now...how many more miracles do they need to witness first hand before they will finally trust that what God says is truth?
So, they start weeping and wailing, complaining and making rash decisions - like going back to Egypt!
...and God was MAD! He asked Moses, "How long will they reject me? I've done so many miracles for them!"
Imagine how God must have felt. When I read statements like that - God feeling regected, or God is grieved, or He's please -it makes me feel that much closer to knowing who He is.
I love it. Although, it makes me sad that He
I can relate. I'm the mother of a teenager.
At any rate, He's had enough and so He decides to destroy them...
...and Moses changed His mind.
Moses reminded God that he made a promise. He pleads with God to show His power once again so that generations to come will not be able to say, "The Lord was not able to bring them into the land He swore to give them." (14:16)
He even went so far as to quote God's very own words, saying, "Remember God?? You even said, 'The Lord is slow to anger and rich in unfailing love, forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion.'"(14:18)
However, he also recognized that He does not leave sin unpunished and told God as much.
So, God pardons them. But...(as a result of their rejection), He goes on to say, "Those living today, will NEVER see the promised land." It is the next generation that He will lead into the promised land.
He declares the people of Israel, 20 years or older, will wander in the wilderness for 40 years and die there. He also strikes dead the ten leaders that didn't have faith in the first place and convinced Israel to feel the same.
Another lesson in this passage - My actions shouldn't be based on my feelings! I need to learn, understand and live by God's promises and not my feelings! Because my feelings and emotions change every minute of every day - as opposed to God's promises. They stand true. Day after day.
You know, this is is the 3rd time I recall someone convincing God to change His mind which brings me to my third lesson in this passage of scripture - prayer.
I think I have a lot to learn about my prayer life, and the manner in which I can and should approach God, from Moses in chapter 14: 5:19)
- Have faith - "...he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us! ...They (the giants) have no protection, but the Lord is with US! Don't be afraid of them!"
- Obey - "Do not rebel against the Lord..."
- Know His promises and what He's already done - "...the power you displayed in rescuing these people from Egypt."
- Acknowledge His power - "Please, Lord prove that you power is as great as you have claimed it to be."
- Quote scripture - "For you have said...".
Thursday, January 27, 2011
A good friend, indeed!
Exodus 31 - 40
These closing chapters taught me even more about God's character and His relationship to me.
First, in Chapter 31 - I love how He talks about the gifts He's given people. It says, "I have...given him great wisdom and skill in all kinds of crafts." (vs 3) and "I have given special skill to all naturally talented craftsmen."
Can you imagine being able to give someone a skill? I've been pretty excited to give people gifts, to the point that I can hardly wait for them to open them! Especially when I make a homemade gift. But really, we're talking scrapbooks and hand wash from Bath and Body Works, here. I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to point at someone and say..."I hear by give you the gift to sing songs like angels!" Bam! What power!!
I just think it's awesome, and it shows how big God is. He has a plan and He created and gifted everyone of us in a certain way to carry out His plan. I just think that is so cool.
Another thing about God. He changes His mind. Moses asked Him to change His mind about His plans and God did! (32:12-14) Good to know.
Later in that same chapter, He gets the Levites to kill those who "didn't go on the Lord's side." What the heck? Must say, having a hard time with that one. I don't understand why God would do that. I know He wants us to love Him above all else but I've always understood that there will be a time and place for judgement. And making brother kill brother? Father turn against son? Ugh. Three thousand were killed that day. I know I may never understand why, I just have to trust that God had a reason.
And really, when it comes right down it - He's God, and I'm not. He doesn't have to explain anything to me. That's where faith comes in, and trusting that God never gives us second best.
Ok, this next verse is so funny to me. I'm sure it wasn't funny to God, but it shows me a side of Him that sounds just like a parent.
"...but I will not travel along with you. If I did, I would be tempted to destroy you along the way."
- Exodus 33:3
Ha! Actually, I quite enjoy travelling with my kids but I have had the "pleasure" of travelling with other families and I quite understand God's frustration with them. I'm sure he feels the same way with His children today...and with me.
He was faithful with them time and time again. They complained, doubted, sinned and even made a new "god" to worship! ...and yet He still wanted to keep His promise - to give them this wonderful land - flowing with milk and honey.
He just couldn't bring Himself to travel along with them, or He might kill them! Totally understandable.
A few other verses that gave me more "peaks" into God's heart and how He feels about me.
33:14 - "I will personally go with you, I will give give you rest - everything will be fine for you."
33:17 - "....you are my friend."
34:14 - "for He is a God who is passionate about His relationship with you."
I always knew God loved me but it really feels awesome to hear Him say, "you are my friend and I am passionate about you."
Not only that but He has the power to "give me rest and make everything fine!"
Now THAT'S a good friend to have!!
These closing chapters taught me even more about God's character and His relationship to me.
First, in Chapter 31 - I love how He talks about the gifts He's given people. It says, "I have...given him great wisdom and skill in all kinds of crafts." (vs 3) and "I have given special skill to all naturally talented craftsmen."
Can you imagine being able to give someone a skill? I've been pretty excited to give people gifts, to the point that I can hardly wait for them to open them! Especially when I make a homemade gift. But really, we're talking scrapbooks and hand wash from Bath and Body Works, here. I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to point at someone and say..."I hear by give you the gift to sing songs like angels!" Bam! What power!!
I just think it's awesome, and it shows how big God is. He has a plan and He created and gifted everyone of us in a certain way to carry out His plan. I just think that is so cool.
Another thing about God. He changes His mind. Moses asked Him to change His mind about His plans and God did! (32:12-14) Good to know.
Later in that same chapter, He gets the Levites to kill those who "didn't go on the Lord's side." What the heck? Must say, having a hard time with that one. I don't understand why God would do that. I know He wants us to love Him above all else but I've always understood that there will be a time and place for judgement. And making brother kill brother? Father turn against son? Ugh. Three thousand were killed that day. I know I may never understand why, I just have to trust that God had a reason.
And really, when it comes right down it - He's God, and I'm not. He doesn't have to explain anything to me. That's where faith comes in, and trusting that God never gives us second best.
Ok, this next verse is so funny to me. I'm sure it wasn't funny to God, but it shows me a side of Him that sounds just like a parent.
"...but I will not travel along with you. If I did, I would be tempted to destroy you along the way."
- Exodus 33:3
Ha! Actually, I quite enjoy travelling with my kids but I have had the "pleasure" of travelling with other families and I quite understand God's frustration with them. I'm sure he feels the same way with His children today...and with me.
He was faithful with them time and time again. They complained, doubted, sinned and even made a new "god" to worship! ...and yet He still wanted to keep His promise - to give them this wonderful land - flowing with milk and honey.
He just couldn't bring Himself to travel along with them, or He might kill them! Totally understandable.
A few other verses that gave me more "peaks" into God's heart and how He feels about me.
33:14 - "I will personally go with you, I will give give you rest - everything will be fine for you."
33:17 - "....you are my friend."
34:14 - "for He is a God who is passionate about His relationship with you."
I always knew God loved me but it really feels awesome to hear Him say, "you are my friend and I am passionate about you."
Not only that but He has the power to "give me rest and make everything fine!"
Now THAT'S a good friend to have!!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Trying not to sleep with Hagar!
Genesis 10 - 32
I read more than usual this morning. I couldn't help it, I felt like I had picked up this novel that I just couldn't put down! As I was reading, I couldn't help but think of something I heard a few days ago that seems to just "fit" with my passage today.
God has a way of doing that. :)
Someone asked me, "Do you feel like you are learning lessons today, that will help you handle tests God has for you tomorrow?"
I shared with that person that I have felt for quite some time that God is preparing my heart for something big. I've felt it even more so in the last two weeks.
It's like I'm cramming for some huge exam and I just can't get enough moments with God, soaking in all of His wisdom!
Abraham had many faith stretching experiences before "the big one". When it came time, he was faithful to God and chose to obey, even if it cost him his son.
I pray for faith like Abraham...
...and I especially pray God never asks me to sacrifice my son!
Chapter 15 verse 6:
"Abraham believed and the Lord declared him righteous because of his faith."
I am a firm believer that that verse is for me too. God says I'm righteous simply because I believe! Once again I've been let go of STRIVING for perfection!
Looking back though, Abraham didn't always trust God. In fact, he ran ahead of God and decided to fulfill a promise that God was responsible to fulfill. God told him that he would be a father of a great nation! When it didn't happen in the time frame that Abraham thought it should happen, he went so far as to sleep with Hagar (NOT his wife) to ensure he became a father!
I'm not sure if he didn't believe God, or perhaps thought God was taking His good ol' time, but whatever the reason, he took it upon himself to do God's work. ...and ended up causing more problems, which often happens when we try to jump ahead of God. (whenever I read this story, I always end up feeling bad for Hagar!)
I'm so thankful for Abraham's story because I'm able to see how much his faith grew. He went from not believing God will do what He says, to trusting God so much that he was willing to sacrifice his son. No questions asked!
I'm encouraged to know that God never gave up on him! God is faithful even when we're not.
God know's we won't have "the faith of Abraham" right from the get go. Heck, Abraham didn't start out with "the faith of Abraham"!
Baby steps. It's about learning to trust him in the little things, so that when the "big one" comes along - it's a no brainer! "Of course I will trust that God will work this out. I don't know how, but I know it's no problem for God!"
I am so thankful for what He's teaching me and how He is changing me. I know I have far to go, but I can't believe how far I have already come.
...and I know He's is pleased with me. :)
I read more than usual this morning. I couldn't help it, I felt like I had picked up this novel that I just couldn't put down! As I was reading, I couldn't help but think of something I heard a few days ago that seems to just "fit" with my passage today.
God has a way of doing that. :)
Someone asked me, "Do you feel like you are learning lessons today, that will help you handle tests God has for you tomorrow?"
I shared with that person that I have felt for quite some time that God is preparing my heart for something big. I've felt it even more so in the last two weeks.
It's like I'm cramming for some huge exam and I just can't get enough moments with God, soaking in all of His wisdom!
Abraham had many faith stretching experiences before "the big one". When it came time, he was faithful to God and chose to obey, even if it cost him his son.
I pray for faith like Abraham...
...and I especially pray God never asks me to sacrifice my son!
Chapter 15 verse 6:
"Abraham believed and the Lord declared him righteous because of his faith."
I am a firm believer that that verse is for me too. God says I'm righteous simply because I believe! Once again I've been let go of STRIVING for perfection!
Looking back though, Abraham didn't always trust God. In fact, he ran ahead of God and decided to fulfill a promise that God was responsible to fulfill. God told him that he would be a father of a great nation! When it didn't happen in the time frame that Abraham thought it should happen, he went so far as to sleep with Hagar (NOT his wife) to ensure he became a father!
I'm not sure if he didn't believe God, or perhaps thought God was taking His good ol' time, but whatever the reason, he took it upon himself to do God's work. ...and ended up causing more problems, which often happens when we try to jump ahead of God. (whenever I read this story, I always end up feeling bad for Hagar!)
I'm so thankful for Abraham's story because I'm able to see how much his faith grew. He went from not believing God will do what He says, to trusting God so much that he was willing to sacrifice his son. No questions asked!
I'm encouraged to know that God never gave up on him! God is faithful even when we're not.
God know's we won't have "the faith of Abraham" right from the get go. Heck, Abraham didn't start out with "the faith of Abraham"!
Baby steps. It's about learning to trust him in the little things, so that when the "big one" comes along - it's a no brainer! "Of course I will trust that God will work this out. I don't know how, but I know it's no problem for God!"
I am so thankful for what He's teaching me and how He is changing me. I know I have far to go, but I can't believe how far I have already come.
...and I know He's is pleased with me. :)
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