Matthew 6:5-7:29
I don't know how to write on this part 2. It is long enough and has enough to think about for two more days of pondering. I don't want to say...what more is there, because I think there is more I can say-not add to what is said but to what I think about what is said. What I think I should do about what is said. Perhaps you will ponder these things as well.
I see the beginning is like where we left off yesterday; don't do things for appearance sake, but rather do them for the sake of your love-relationship with the Lord and with others. And I think it is good news to know that we don't have to be trained orators (talkers) or super-educated to pray. God knows what we need, so just ask for that. If we are hungry-well He knows that, and we can pray simply to be fed, or filled with the Word as we saw Jesus talk about the other day. It is a relief to know that I don't need to be specific, and even sometimes a relief because I know there are times when I think I don't know what I want or what I need or what to say...so this lets me know I don't have to...God already knows. So all I have to say is "You take care of it, will you please?" Your will be done, here, as it is where you are.
Yesterday we read about this paying of debts and holding grudges-today we see that forgiveness is conditional...on us. Do WE forgive, are we generous to others? This is OUR standard, and WE set it. This is what we tell God by our actions how we wish to be treated, and what we think is fair. SO...treat people as we wish to be treated, because that is exactly how we will be treated.
Treasure in heaven and anxiousness.
If I spend my time worrying about my nieces and nephews, and I spend my time worrying about what to look like, what to wear, how to do my hair, how fat/thin/wrinkled... I am this suggests that these things are important to me; they are what I treasure. Alright I do treasure these young people. I also can be anxious about having things and paying for things...this says they too are my treasure. Do I want my worries to be my treasure? I don't want them to be. So what does this say? It says God is in charge of the worry department, and He has the ability and the willingness to take care of the worries. I think He probably has the ability to treat us better than we can treat ourselves; with more love and compassion, and with the knowledge of what we need. SO...why do I make worries my treasure?
Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. I can believe that. I can just stay in this day. I don't have to waste my time with yesterday or tomorrow. Today IS. God IS.
The second chapter has an expansion on what we were reading, and these in turn are expansions on what the Law was that Moses gave to the Israelites. These are the WHY for the law. We always ask, "but why?" Today these are some answers to why.
In judging others, remember that you are like these others as well. Just as capable of making the wrong choice, and doing/saying the wrong thing-pay attention to your own issues and let God worry about the other things.
And remember to ask. Asking is not the same as telling, is it? These askings sound like tellings, and above we see that asking is enough. God already knows. Just ask.
Matthew 7:21-23 captured my attention today. This starts by saying "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'
Not everyone who says to ME, "Lord Lord " hmmm this Jesus says not everyone who says to ME, "Lord, Lord"
"Lord, Lord did we not"... what is that the royal 'we'? Is this the we of people we knew or heard about? I notice next Jesus says "I." Jesus says "I never knew you." The things going on here are interesting, subtle and not so subtle. First thing I notice is that the "Lord, Lord" is what we call God and Jesus is using it about himself. Jesus says doing the 'will of his father in heaven' so we see we are still reading about the same God as we see elsewhere, but now we have Jesus speaking for Him as well. These generic 'we' speakers who know of God and want a coat-tail ride into heaven get a response from the first person of Jesus. Jesus says "I never knew you."
So next we see that we need to build on a strong foundation. All these readings are a strong foundation. This foundation we are reading about is in the middle of these other things we are reading about. The building on the rock is a visual aid. Yesterday where I live there was a LOT of flooding (maybe not Mississippi flooding, but flooding of towns and lost bridges and houses flooding.) and one report showed a house that had been 50 feet away from the water under normal circumstance, and now it was under water instead. People on these sandy places found little left when the water left...Building on foundations that are sturdier and solid, these are ways to anchor a building, these are ways in which we can anchor our lives.
The reading today ends with the people being astonished at the authority with which Jesus spoke. No kidding.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Sermon on the Mount - part 1
Matthew 5:1-6:4
There is a lot to digest in one sitting...Jesus saw the crowds, sat down and taught them...like any teacher, Jesus responded to the questions that the people had. His disciples (learners) sat around to listen. Listen to what?
Some of these things are not what we usually hear, like blessed are the poor...usually we feel pity for them or worse look down on them, but this says they are blessed. Why? Because theirs is the kingdom of heaven. They don't have anything else, is this a consolation prize? Blessed are the meek, because they will inherit the earth. Well, the earth is pretty big...and God's, since He made it...can He do with it what He wishes? If we do not grab, (or covet) or steal or dis-honor others, perhaps this is what meekness means, to be doing what the Lord laid down for the Israelites all those years ago...HEY! That is what the Israelites were supposed to be doing, and it is what they were supposed to get-their inheritance...Maybe I do get this a little.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of their righteousness, because they too have the kingdom of heaven...I see it says that so too the prophets were persecuted falsely, and they have a great reward in heaven. What is this kingdom of heaven, what is this reward. If it isn't riches or good-will or high status here and now, what does it mean?
I can see this, maybe; you are blessed when you grieve because it is only then that you can be comforted. It is when you are open to others, and express your sorrow that you allow another person to be there emotionally for you.
If you seek righteousness you can find it and be satisfied, if you are merciful toward others you are open to receive mercy yourself.
OK now I'm getting somewhere. Blessed are the pure in heart...they shall see God..."Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God." (Genesis 6:9)
In the middle of these teachings Jesus says he came to fulfill the law-not abolish it. The things God has been saying are not being ignored, or replaced, they are what God said. What Jesus says is 'here, if you didn't get it before, maybe I can show you how it's done, what God meant; maybe I can call you into a closer walk.'
Here there is a distinction being made about the obeying. Is it strictly by the book-are we looking for loopholes as WC Fields was reported to have said, or are we trying to be in this relationship with the Lord and with others out of love and in hopes of drawing closer, so that we can be like Noah, and walk with God? These last 4 verses today I think agree with that thought. If you give for recognition-so what - you get that. Meaning what more do you gain? But if you give out of love, you might not get recognition but what do you get? You get in right relationship with the Lord, because it is out of love for Him and for those others that you give...that is so much more. That is the kingdom of heaven.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
There is a lot to digest in one sitting...Jesus saw the crowds, sat down and taught them...like any teacher, Jesus responded to the questions that the people had. His disciples (learners) sat around to listen. Listen to what?
Some of these things are not what we usually hear, like blessed are the poor...usually we feel pity for them or worse look down on them, but this says they are blessed. Why? Because theirs is the kingdom of heaven. They don't have anything else, is this a consolation prize? Blessed are the meek, because they will inherit the earth. Well, the earth is pretty big...and God's, since He made it...can He do with it what He wishes? If we do not grab, (or covet) or steal or dis-honor others, perhaps this is what meekness means, to be doing what the Lord laid down for the Israelites all those years ago...HEY! That is what the Israelites were supposed to be doing, and it is what they were supposed to get-their inheritance...Maybe I do get this a little.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of their righteousness, because they too have the kingdom of heaven...I see it says that so too the prophets were persecuted falsely, and they have a great reward in heaven. What is this kingdom of heaven, what is this reward. If it isn't riches or good-will or high status here and now, what does it mean?
I can see this, maybe; you are blessed when you grieve because it is only then that you can be comforted. It is when you are open to others, and express your sorrow that you allow another person to be there emotionally for you.
If you seek righteousness you can find it and be satisfied, if you are merciful toward others you are open to receive mercy yourself.
OK now I'm getting somewhere. Blessed are the pure in heart...they shall see God..."Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God." (Genesis 6:9)
In the middle of these teachings Jesus says he came to fulfill the law-not abolish it. The things God has been saying are not being ignored, or replaced, they are what God said. What Jesus says is 'here, if you didn't get it before, maybe I can show you how it's done, what God meant; maybe I can call you into a closer walk.'
Here there is a distinction being made about the obeying. Is it strictly by the book-are we looking for loopholes as WC Fields was reported to have said, or are we trying to be in this relationship with the Lord and with others out of love and in hopes of drawing closer, so that we can be like Noah, and walk with God? These last 4 verses today I think agree with that thought. If you give for recognition-so what - you get that. Meaning what more do you gain? But if you give out of love, you might not get recognition but what do you get? You get in right relationship with the Lord, because it is out of love for Him and for those others that you give...that is so much more. That is the kingdom of heaven.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Baptism & Temptation
Matthew 3:13-4:17
Jesus comes to John to be baptized and John thinks it isn't quite right...interesting that the one who has the right to power does not act out of that position. Jesus says to John that it is the correct order of things for me to be baptized just as you have been preaching and doing for everyone else. 'You, John have been following the directions of the Lord, and I will do the same.' (Unspoken but implied-I'd say.) What happens? The heavens open and the Spirit of the Lord descends and the Lord says I am well pleased with my beloved Son.
After all this time, we have seen instances when the voice of the Lord speaks aloud like this, and messengers are heard/seen, and this is similar and yet different. The Lord calls Jesus, my beloved Son. This we have not heard.
Next Jesus is 'led by the Spirit' to be tempted. Most of the time, I think the temptation comes from my own mind. I think it is something for me to overcome by some power of my own...this is a different idea, and maybe I should examine it further. After fasting forty days, Jesus was hungry. I'll say! I get hungry a lot sooner than that. And my husband will tell you I get cranky too! Going to the store when I am hungry is a bad idea, all I see are opportunities for instant gratification and that usually means nothing of real substance-but just junk food. So-called food that will appease my hunger pangs but not nourish my body and give me the nutrients I need.
This almost sounds the same. The tempter came (hmmm, maybe this tempter has a voice inside my head?) and suggests an outrageous response to hunger; one that is over the top and not directly in response to solving the issue of being hungry. Command these stones to become bread...what like baking it or going to get some isn't sufficient? He's waited forty days and a few more minutes will make a difference? This is how I think when I am hungry, I think I 'need' something when really it is just that I want something, and I am not being rational. Jesus, on the other hand cuts right through all that and says 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes from the mouth of God.' Seems after forty days he'd have a good idea about living on the Word that comes from God. Plus we should remember the times when God fed the people - literally in the dessert when they were leaving Egypt.
These temptations are all ways in which Jesus can respond over the top, and use power, yet in the beginning today we see that instead of using power, Jesus accepts the order that has been determined; he goes to John to be Baptized even though he could do this-or perhaps doesn't even need it of himself, but it is for others to see how it is done. The same could be a lesson for us; do we seek power or do we do things as God has put them in order? Do we seek to walk with righteousness and walk with God-not ahead or apart but in keeping with God's word?
Interesting that this tempter cannot refute the truth, he is just silent in response. do we say no to these temptations, and do we wait for the silence that comes next? Sometimes I think I don't wait but plunge ahead too quickly. (And in the case of when I am hungry...it could be that the temptation to eat that junk would pass and I would be even more satisfied with something that is both tasty and good for me.)
This reading says that the tempter left him and angels came and were ministering to him. The tense here is intriguing to me (I wonder what the words are in the original language?) it almost sounds as if the angels were already ministering, as if they could have been there all along and Jesus was able to be ministered to by them because he resisted the temptation. I don't know but I just wonder about that.
What we do see clearly is that when John is arrested Jesus takes up the same proclamation "Repent for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand." This tells that John was right when he said Jesus had the power to do this himself, and I wasn't far off when I thought Jesus was acting out of obedience not out of power. We could certainly learn a lesson here.
Are we willing to act out of obedience in order that the Lord might be well pleased with us? Can we resist the tempter knowing there are angels waiting to minister to us? I think I am willing to do so.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Jesus comes to John to be baptized and John thinks it isn't quite right...interesting that the one who has the right to power does not act out of that position. Jesus says to John that it is the correct order of things for me to be baptized just as you have been preaching and doing for everyone else. 'You, John have been following the directions of the Lord, and I will do the same.' (Unspoken but implied-I'd say.) What happens? The heavens open and the Spirit of the Lord descends and the Lord says I am well pleased with my beloved Son.
After all this time, we have seen instances when the voice of the Lord speaks aloud like this, and messengers are heard/seen, and this is similar and yet different. The Lord calls Jesus, my beloved Son. This we have not heard.
Next Jesus is 'led by the Spirit' to be tempted. Most of the time, I think the temptation comes from my own mind. I think it is something for me to overcome by some power of my own...this is a different idea, and maybe I should examine it further. After fasting forty days, Jesus was hungry. I'll say! I get hungry a lot sooner than that. And my husband will tell you I get cranky too! Going to the store when I am hungry is a bad idea, all I see are opportunities for instant gratification and that usually means nothing of real substance-but just junk food. So-called food that will appease my hunger pangs but not nourish my body and give me the nutrients I need.
This almost sounds the same. The tempter came (hmmm, maybe this tempter has a voice inside my head?) and suggests an outrageous response to hunger; one that is over the top and not directly in response to solving the issue of being hungry. Command these stones to become bread...what like baking it or going to get some isn't sufficient? He's waited forty days and a few more minutes will make a difference? This is how I think when I am hungry, I think I 'need' something when really it is just that I want something, and I am not being rational. Jesus, on the other hand cuts right through all that and says 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes from the mouth of God.' Seems after forty days he'd have a good idea about living on the Word that comes from God. Plus we should remember the times when God fed the people - literally in the dessert when they were leaving Egypt.
These temptations are all ways in which Jesus can respond over the top, and use power, yet in the beginning today we see that instead of using power, Jesus accepts the order that has been determined; he goes to John to be Baptized even though he could do this-or perhaps doesn't even need it of himself, but it is for others to see how it is done. The same could be a lesson for us; do we seek power or do we do things as God has put them in order? Do we seek to walk with righteousness and walk with God-not ahead or apart but in keeping with God's word?
Interesting that this tempter cannot refute the truth, he is just silent in response. do we say no to these temptations, and do we wait for the silence that comes next? Sometimes I think I don't wait but plunge ahead too quickly. (And in the case of when I am hungry...it could be that the temptation to eat that junk would pass and I would be even more satisfied with something that is both tasty and good for me.)
This reading says that the tempter left him and angels came and were ministering to him. The tense here is intriguing to me (I wonder what the words are in the original language?) it almost sounds as if the angels were already ministering, as if they could have been there all along and Jesus was able to be ministered to by them because he resisted the temptation. I don't know but I just wonder about that.
What we do see clearly is that when John is arrested Jesus takes up the same proclamation "Repent for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand." This tells that John was right when he said Jesus had the power to do this himself, and I wasn't far off when I thought Jesus was acting out of obedience not out of power. We could certainly learn a lesson here.
Are we willing to act out of obedience in order that the Lord might be well pleased with us? Can we resist the tempter knowing there are angels waiting to minister to us? I think I am willing to do so.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
John the Baptist
Luke 3:1-20
First thing I did was figure out what a Tetrarch is. Two days ago when we read about Zechariah, it said that Herod was king of Judea, now today we have Herod as Tetrarch. It seems if a kingdom is split into four parts there are little kings-or princes that rule over them and these are called Tetrarch; that is what Herod was.
Now we see Zechariah's son John hearing the word of the Lord and bringing a message to the people who would listen. He did not start out by being nice: "You brood of vipers!" is what he says to people. But interestingly they ask, well if that's the case what can I do to change my status? I think that we are still likely to ask that question: "what must I do to be saved?" How do I get out of trouble or get a better reputation?
In this case they ask how can I get in a better relationship with the Lord? And do you know what you're talking about? (They wondered if he was the Christ that they had heard about so long ago.) He tells them no-(he is not the Christ) but do what the Lord asks of you: bear fruits of repentance-don't rely on your past good deeds, keep doing what God says. Don't rely on the fact that someone in your family used to go to church...this is something you are called to participate in; we can't say our grandparents went to church, our grandparents knew God-like Isaiah we have to get to know God ourselves and walk with him like those people in our past. Like Abram, and Noah and Moses, like our grandparents, WE have to walk with God and act with right-ness.
Poor Herod, everyone listened to this John the Baptiser, but Herod wanted to do whatever he wished, he didn't want to follow these directions. (Remembering that these directions were the same ones that Israel has been given from God in the beginning of their walk with the Lord-it wasn't new news-and neither was Herod's response a new response either. It seems that Herod wished to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord...we've heard that before.)
Will I see God turn the stones themselves into the children of Abraham? Or, am I ready to prepare the way of the Lord? How about you?
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
First thing I did was figure out what a Tetrarch is. Two days ago when we read about Zechariah, it said that Herod was king of Judea, now today we have Herod as Tetrarch. It seems if a kingdom is split into four parts there are little kings-or princes that rule over them and these are called Tetrarch; that is what Herod was.
Now we see Zechariah's son John hearing the word of the Lord and bringing a message to the people who would listen. He did not start out by being nice: "You brood of vipers!" is what he says to people. But interestingly they ask, well if that's the case what can I do to change my status? I think that we are still likely to ask that question: "what must I do to be saved?" How do I get out of trouble or get a better reputation?
In this case they ask how can I get in a better relationship with the Lord? And do you know what you're talking about? (They wondered if he was the Christ that they had heard about so long ago.) He tells them no-(he is not the Christ) but do what the Lord asks of you: bear fruits of repentance-don't rely on your past good deeds, keep doing what God says. Don't rely on the fact that someone in your family used to go to church...this is something you are called to participate in; we can't say our grandparents went to church, our grandparents knew God-like Isaiah we have to get to know God ourselves and walk with him like those people in our past. Like Abram, and Noah and Moses, like our grandparents, WE have to walk with God and act with right-ness.
Poor Herod, everyone listened to this John the Baptiser, but Herod wanted to do whatever he wished, he didn't want to follow these directions. (Remembering that these directions were the same ones that Israel has been given from God in the beginning of their walk with the Lord-it wasn't new news-and neither was Herod's response a new response either. It seems that Herod wished to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord...we've heard that before.)
Will I see God turn the stones themselves into the children of Abraham? Or, am I ready to prepare the way of the Lord? How about you?
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The Birth of Jesus
Luke 2:1-40
This census the passage starts out with. We read about these countings in our earlier readings, how everyone 'by tribe' was counted. This seems to me to be the same thing. So we see why Joseph and Mary had to go to a certain place at this particular time. They would have no way to refuse this summons. Today we'd say "what are you crazy-we're pregnant here-forget it, we'll come later." But not so with Joseph and Mary, they couldn't tell the ruler no. This too is like what God had said, they were not free with this ruler, and it was not a king of Israel that called them, they were again bound to this foreign ruler.
Next we hear about shepherds watching their flocks. This is very likely, we read about these shepherds plenty of times so far. And of course they would watch at night-that's when the wolves or thieves would be out to steal their sheep. What happens when the Angel of the Lord shows up? We could have guessed at this one right? They are afraid. Me, I'm right there with them, this would be a scary unusual occurrence, although as we've been reading it seems to happen regularly. Don't be afraid the angel says. They always say that. I guess if they didn't it would be time to turn and run-like you could get far enough away. (Jonah couldn't.)
These shepherds went to find the family and see the baby. They show up like strangers, but have something to tell them, and it says that everyone who heard it wondered. You know how babies are, they attract people. There must have been people who heard the baby or since it was Joseph's home town people who knew them, so people heard this that the shepherds said. No wonder the shepherds told people. I know I would...can you see it now, 'we were just standing there minding our own business and an angel of the Lord showed up. The angel said not to be afraid but we were pretty nervous anyway.' This passage says the shepherds went back glorifying God and praising him for all they had seen. I am thankful they did. Luke wasn't there so how had he heard? Word must have gotten out.
It says Mary pondered these things in her heart, and that at the end of eight days the baby was circumcised and named Jesus according to what an angel told them before he was conceived in the womb. We read about this happening with John two days ago, but not about this baby, we have some of the narrative missing, it will be good to read about this angel sometime. For now we know that Mary (-or Joseph or both) already had met with angel's and they are doing according to the word that was given them. I am thankful they did.
When the baby is eight days old they bring him to the Temple to make the appropriate sacrifice. They weren't rich, they only had two turtle doves (not rams or bulls or any of the bigger sacrificial animals) and we read that the priest in the Temple was a righteous man who was waiting for the Lord to redeem Israel. This must have been one of those who did walk according to the word of the Lord. He prays out loud and give thanks, saying words that sound a lot like what we read in Isaiah. This Temple wasn't empty, and Anna overheard and had also been waiting for the redemption of the Lord. They both tell everyone who listens about what is happening. I am thankful they did.
This census the passage starts out with. We read about these countings in our earlier readings, how everyone 'by tribe' was counted. This seems to me to be the same thing. So we see why Joseph and Mary had to go to a certain place at this particular time. They would have no way to refuse this summons. Today we'd say "what are you crazy-we're pregnant here-forget it, we'll come later." But not so with Joseph and Mary, they couldn't tell the ruler no. This too is like what God had said, they were not free with this ruler, and it was not a king of Israel that called them, they were again bound to this foreign ruler.
Next we hear about shepherds watching their flocks. This is very likely, we read about these shepherds plenty of times so far. And of course they would watch at night-that's when the wolves or thieves would be out to steal their sheep. What happens when the Angel of the Lord shows up? We could have guessed at this one right? They are afraid. Me, I'm right there with them, this would be a scary unusual occurrence, although as we've been reading it seems to happen regularly. Don't be afraid the angel says. They always say that. I guess if they didn't it would be time to turn and run-like you could get far enough away. (Jonah couldn't.)
These shepherds went to find the family and see the baby. They show up like strangers, but have something to tell them, and it says that everyone who heard it wondered. You know how babies are, they attract people. There must have been people who heard the baby or since it was Joseph's home town people who knew them, so people heard this that the shepherds said. No wonder the shepherds told people. I know I would...can you see it now, 'we were just standing there minding our own business and an angel of the Lord showed up. The angel said not to be afraid but we were pretty nervous anyway.' This passage says the shepherds went back glorifying God and praising him for all they had seen. I am thankful they did. Luke wasn't there so how had he heard? Word must have gotten out.
It says Mary pondered these things in her heart, and that at the end of eight days the baby was circumcised and named Jesus according to what an angel told them before he was conceived in the womb. We read about this happening with John two days ago, but not about this baby, we have some of the narrative missing, it will be good to read about this angel sometime. For now we know that Mary (-or Joseph or both) already had met with angel's and they are doing according to the word that was given them. I am thankful they did.
When the baby is eight days old they bring him to the Temple to make the appropriate sacrifice. They weren't rich, they only had two turtle doves (not rams or bulls or any of the bigger sacrificial animals) and we read that the priest in the Temple was a righteous man who was waiting for the Lord to redeem Israel. This must have been one of those who did walk according to the word of the Lord. He prays out loud and give thanks, saying words that sound a lot like what we read in Isaiah. This Temple wasn't empty, and Anna overheard and had also been waiting for the redemption of the Lord. They both tell everyone who listens about what is happening. I am thankful they did.
And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.
I am thankful for these who do what is in accordance with the law of the Lord, who see the signs and wonders and pass that on to those who come after them. I am thankful they did.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Monday, April 25, 2011
Gabriel's Message
Luke 1:1-80
Dedicated to the friend of God or the those who love God. That sounds like us. We see a priest of the Lord in the Temple, Zechariah. Zechariah is alone in the Holy of Holies (remember how scary this was for those who didn't belong there; they sent Aaron or his sons so they wouldn't have to go-and because they couldn't go.)
What happens to Zechariah? He sees someone and is afraid. No wonder, given the circumstances. No one should be there but him. But this 'person' says do not be afraid. We heard the Lord say this to Joshua-do not be afraid, only be courageous and do what I give you to do, neither adding to it or taking away from it.
What does Zechariah say? What-who-me? How do I know this is true? (Like someone appearing before him in the Holy of Holies, wasn't a clue?) The angel of the Lord does not reckon this as righteousness to Zechariah, as it was reckoned to Abram, or Noah. So even though Zechariah had been walking in righteousness he didn't know when the messenger of the Lord came to visit him. He forgot the lesson of Samuel who said 'speak, for your servant listens.' He forgot the lesson of Sarah who had a son at an advanced age; Sarah who had been barren. Sarah who questioned God, but hadn't any lesson to know the possibilities. Zechariah, a priest of the Lord had these lessons-but he forgot to pay attention. Do we think they don't apply to us? Do we, like Zechariah, think they happened to other people and wouldn't be possible for us?
This son will be filled with the Holy Spirit-the Spirit of the Lord, and many will rejoice at his birth. He will draw many to remember the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared. Seems he started with Zechariah.
When the people who had been waiting for Zechariah saw his face, they could see that he had had a vision in the Temple...like the face of Moses, was Zechariah's face shining? Did he look dazed and confused? Oh wait, he couldn't even speak. Zechariah went home to wait, speechless. His wife Elizabeth conceived, and waited.
How did she know what was going to happen? Zechariah couldn't tell her, but Elizabeth knew this was a gift from the Lord. She waited, I can only guess at her joy. New life brings joy. This son would be filled with the Spirit of the Lord from inside the womb. I read about that in Jeremiah; "before the Lord formed you in the womb, he knew you," said Jeremiah. This is like that.
Will we be like Elizabeth, and Abram? Will we believe the Lord? Will we be a people prepared? Or will we be like Zechariah and Sarah who need to have proof before they follow? I pray the lessons will remain with us, and we are ready when the messenger of the Lord shows up and says do not be afraid.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Dedicated to the friend of God or the those who love God. That sounds like us. We see a priest of the Lord in the Temple, Zechariah. Zechariah is alone in the Holy of Holies (remember how scary this was for those who didn't belong there; they sent Aaron or his sons so they wouldn't have to go-and because they couldn't go.)
What happens to Zechariah? He sees someone and is afraid. No wonder, given the circumstances. No one should be there but him. But this 'person' says do not be afraid. We heard the Lord say this to Joshua-do not be afraid, only be courageous and do what I give you to do, neither adding to it or taking away from it.
What does Zechariah say? What-who-me? How do I know this is true? (Like someone appearing before him in the Holy of Holies, wasn't a clue?) The angel of the Lord does not reckon this as righteousness to Zechariah, as it was reckoned to Abram, or Noah. So even though Zechariah had been walking in righteousness he didn't know when the messenger of the Lord came to visit him. He forgot the lesson of Samuel who said 'speak, for your servant listens.' He forgot the lesson of Sarah who had a son at an advanced age; Sarah who had been barren. Sarah who questioned God, but hadn't any lesson to know the possibilities. Zechariah, a priest of the Lord had these lessons-but he forgot to pay attention. Do we think they don't apply to us? Do we, like Zechariah, think they happened to other people and wouldn't be possible for us?
This son will be filled with the Holy Spirit-the Spirit of the Lord, and many will rejoice at his birth. He will draw many to remember the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared. Seems he started with Zechariah.
When the people who had been waiting for Zechariah saw his face, they could see that he had had a vision in the Temple...like the face of Moses, was Zechariah's face shining? Did he look dazed and confused? Oh wait, he couldn't even speak. Zechariah went home to wait, speechless. His wife Elizabeth conceived, and waited.
How did she know what was going to happen? Zechariah couldn't tell her, but Elizabeth knew this was a gift from the Lord. She waited, I can only guess at her joy. New life brings joy. This son would be filled with the Spirit of the Lord from inside the womb. I read about that in Jeremiah; "before the Lord formed you in the womb, he knew you," said Jeremiah. This is like that.
Will we be like Elizabeth, and Abram? Will we believe the Lord? Will we be a people prepared? Or will we be like Zechariah and Sarah who need to have proof before they follow? I pray the lessons will remain with us, and we are ready when the messenger of the Lord shows up and says do not be afraid.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Sunday, April 24, 2011
The Word Became Flesh
John 1:1-18
We have been reading about the word of the Lord, and how we must heed it, listen and obey, and all this for our sake. What is this word that is now flesh and dwells among us? This word is not a thing seen on a page, this is the life that God is. When God speaks there is reality, when God breathes there is life, when God said let there be light there was. It is this word, alive, and of God. The writer here says the Word was God.
In talking about the one who bears witness, we have seen some of these witnesses, already; those like Daniel and Jonah, because of whom others came to know the Lord of the whole world. Now we hear of another messenger, one called John. This John-this witness seems to be spreading the story of God, and this writer (also John) speaks as a witness to the story he is telling.
What is this story? The living glory and grace of the Father. This reading ends by saying that no one has ever seen God and we remember that even when Moses asked to see God, God in his mercy said no one can see me and live, but I will pass by and protect you so that you can see the retreating of my back. Now we read that this glory of God is the Son of God and living on earth among us.
We have read about the mercy and grace of God, and now we read that grace is come to us through Jesus Christ, who is the living Son of God, who is the living Word of God, and we read this from one who saw Him in person-in the flesh.
What will this mean to us? I expect this can be great good news. For those who care to listen. Like Samuel, I say, "speak, for your servant is listening."
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
(Blessed Easter)
We have been reading about the word of the Lord, and how we must heed it, listen and obey, and all this for our sake. What is this word that is now flesh and dwells among us? This word is not a thing seen on a page, this is the life that God is. When God speaks there is reality, when God breathes there is life, when God said let there be light there was. It is this word, alive, and of God. The writer here says the Word was God.
In talking about the one who bears witness, we have seen some of these witnesses, already; those like Daniel and Jonah, because of whom others came to know the Lord of the whole world. Now we hear of another messenger, one called John. This John-this witness seems to be spreading the story of God, and this writer (also John) speaks as a witness to the story he is telling.
What is this story? The living glory and grace of the Father. This reading ends by saying that no one has ever seen God and we remember that even when Moses asked to see God, God in his mercy said no one can see me and live, but I will pass by and protect you so that you can see the retreating of my back. Now we read that this glory of God is the Son of God and living on earth among us.
We have read about the mercy and grace of God, and now we read that grace is come to us through Jesus Christ, who is the living Son of God, who is the living Word of God, and we read this from one who saw Him in person-in the flesh.
What will this mean to us? I expect this can be great good news. For those who care to listen. Like Samuel, I say, "speak, for your servant is listening."
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
(Blessed Easter)
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Malachi: Messenger
Malachi 1:1-4:6
The Lord says I have loved you, and we say how have you loved us? That now sounds familiar, both of the Israelites and of us today.
God says "A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? "
God still asks these questions of us. How do we honor him? Or DO we honor him? God says we dishonor him in our offerings, he says we give cast-offs and blemished offerings. Have you ever seen the 'refrigerator' that is a 'donation'? or the $2.00 left over from a week's spending that is our 'gift' to God? I guess we still dishonor God. He said to give first fruits, unblemished, and he would provide our needs. But apparently we don't believe him or believe our wants are more important than our needs.
Priests should guard knowledge and give instruction, and men should not discard the wife of their youth.
We aren't to ignore the sound council of our priests, nor are we to trade our spouse for someone younger and prettier (or more handsome or richer, smarter...). These things the Lord says to Israel, but he could just as much say them today.
Those who honor the Lord are written in his book of remembrance. I would like to be written in that book. What must I do to honor the Lord? It seems he has said much of what I need to know already, am I willing to listen?
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
The Lord says I have loved you, and we say how have you loved us? That now sounds familiar, both of the Israelites and of us today.
God says "A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? "
God still asks these questions of us. How do we honor him? Or DO we honor him? God says we dishonor him in our offerings, he says we give cast-offs and blemished offerings. Have you ever seen the 'refrigerator' that is a 'donation'? or the $2.00 left over from a week's spending that is our 'gift' to God? I guess we still dishonor God. He said to give first fruits, unblemished, and he would provide our needs. But apparently we don't believe him or believe our wants are more important than our needs.
Priests should guard knowledge and give instruction, and men should not discard the wife of their youth.
We aren't to ignore the sound council of our priests, nor are we to trade our spouse for someone younger and prettier (or more handsome or richer, smarter...). These things the Lord says to Israel, but he could just as much say them today.
Those who honor the Lord are written in his book of remembrance. I would like to be written in that book. What must I do to honor the Lord? It seems he has said much of what I need to know already, am I willing to listen?
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Friday, April 22, 2011
Jonah
Jonah 1:1-4:11
I love Veggie Tales, and I love the story of Jonah. I love this lesson and remind myself that I don't want to end up in the belly of the whale. Deciding I know better than God is not wise.
Jonah decides to go somewhere that God isn't. Yeah like that'll work. Even in running, Jonah is a witness. These mariners, who were just praying to run of the mill household gods, knew the God of heaven who made the dry land and the sea was more terrifying than all their little gods together. Even though they didn't want to harm Jonah, in the end they had no choice but to heave him overboard. They pray "O Lord, let us not perish for this man's life, and lay not on us innocent blood, for you, O Lord, have done as it pleased you."
They seem to know better than Jonah at this point. A big fish was appointed to swallow Jonah for three days and three nights. Really? Smelly! Yuk. Hmmm, better than drowning. I think. What does Jonah think?
The waters closed over his head and the Lord brought him up out of the deep. When "my life was fainting away, I remembered the Lord." Why do we wait till our life is fading away to pray? Oh after all this, now Jonah goes to where the Lord asked him to go. No wonder it was reckoned to Abram as righteousness; he went where the Lord asked without even knowing where he was going. Perhaps it is a blessing not to know where we are going? Was Jonah afraid of Nineveh? (Were there fish slappers?-Veggie tale lovers know that answer.)
Now Nineveh hears the word of the Lord and repents. Good, right? Why is Jonah mad?
When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it.
Didn't God just do this for Jonah? Why is Jonah mad?
Chapter 4
But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. And he prayed to the Lord and said, "O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live." And the Lord said, "Do you do well to be angry?"
What is this? Does Jonah think his reputation is harmed because he preached doom and it didn't come? Are we angry because God is merciful? What the heck!
Jonah went out of the city and sat to the east of the city and made a booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, till he should see what would become of the city. Now the Lord God appointed a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort. So Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the plant. But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered. When the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint. And he asked that he might die and said, "It is better for me to die than to live." But God said to Jonah, "Do you do well to be angry for the plant?" And he said, "Yes, I do well to be angry, angry enough to die." And the Lord said, "You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night. And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?"
Do we get angry over things we have no control? Are we less than gracious? Those who do not know their left hand from their right, are obviously young or child like, the Lord cares for them along with their beasts. The Lord does not kill indiscriminately and He hears the prayers of those who call upon the name of the Lord . I love this lesson. I do not want to end up in the belly of the whale. I also pray that we are open to the Lord's work in the world around us. Do we worry over things we have not labored do we want ownership of things we haven't made? Or can we let God be God?
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
I love Veggie Tales, and I love the story of Jonah. I love this lesson and remind myself that I don't want to end up in the belly of the whale. Deciding I know better than God is not wise.
Jonah decides to go somewhere that God isn't. Yeah like that'll work. Even in running, Jonah is a witness. These mariners, who were just praying to run of the mill household gods, knew the God of heaven who made the dry land and the sea was more terrifying than all their little gods together. Even though they didn't want to harm Jonah, in the end they had no choice but to heave him overboard. They pray "O Lord, let us not perish for this man's life, and lay not on us innocent blood, for you, O Lord, have done as it pleased you."
They seem to know better than Jonah at this point. A big fish was appointed to swallow Jonah for three days and three nights. Really? Smelly! Yuk. Hmmm, better than drowning. I think. What does Jonah think?
The waters closed over his head and the Lord brought him up out of the deep. When "my life was fainting away, I remembered the Lord." Why do we wait till our life is fading away to pray? Oh after all this, now Jonah goes to where the Lord asked him to go. No wonder it was reckoned to Abram as righteousness; he went where the Lord asked without even knowing where he was going. Perhaps it is a blessing not to know where we are going? Was Jonah afraid of Nineveh? (Were there fish slappers?-Veggie tale lovers know that answer.)
Now Nineveh hears the word of the Lord and repents. Good, right? Why is Jonah mad?
When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it.
Didn't God just do this for Jonah? Why is Jonah mad?
Chapter 4
But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. And he prayed to the Lord and said, "O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live." And the Lord said, "Do you do well to be angry?"
What is this? Does Jonah think his reputation is harmed because he preached doom and it didn't come? Are we angry because God is merciful? What the heck!
Jonah went out of the city and sat to the east of the city and made a booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, till he should see what would become of the city. Now the Lord God appointed a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort. So Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the plant. But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered. When the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint. And he asked that he might die and said, "It is better for me to die than to live." But God said to Jonah, "Do you do well to be angry for the plant?" And he said, "Yes, I do well to be angry, angry enough to die." And the Lord said, "You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night. And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?"
Do we get angry over things we have no control? Are we less than gracious? Those who do not know their left hand from their right, are obviously young or child like, the Lord cares for them along with their beasts. The Lord does not kill indiscriminately and He hears the prayers of those who call upon the name of the Lord . I love this lesson. I do not want to end up in the belly of the whale. I also pray that we are open to the Lord's work in the world around us. Do we worry over things we have not labored do we want ownership of things we haven't made? Or can we let God be God?
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Daniel and King Darius
Daniel 6:1-28
Daniel, even though he was an Israelite in exile, he was honorable. That reminds me of Joseph. If God meant the exile of Joseph for good, what is God doing here?
King Darius trusted Daniel because he was honorable and faithful. Daniel was not liked by the other rulers because he was honorable and faithful. This says something about them I think.
Darius, took counsel from these men-whom he didn't trust as much as he trusted Daniel, and yet he didn't think why are they asking this thing. It became apparent, and yet Darius was bound by the oath he made. Be careful by whom we swear, and to whom we listen and from whom we take counsel.
It says that when Daniel knew the document was signed...had he been waiting, was this to mean he did it anyway-or because of the document? Poor Darius, his most trusted advisor must be put to death; a horrible death being devoured by lions. Darius, king of a large empire witnessed the strength of Daniel's convictions, and fasted on his behalf. Not even knowing this God of Daniel, but knowing Daniel.
Daniel is not harmed, and the King decrees that all people must recognize the living God of Daniel-with fear and trembling they must acknowledge the one God. He says: "He delivers and rescues;
he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, he who has saved Daniel from the power of the lions."
Our lives can be like that of Daniel; a witness to those around us. Do we recognize and remark upon the signs and wonders in our midst?
I think we might wish to.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Daniel, even though he was an Israelite in exile, he was honorable. That reminds me of Joseph. If God meant the exile of Joseph for good, what is God doing here?
King Darius trusted Daniel because he was honorable and faithful. Daniel was not liked by the other rulers because he was honorable and faithful. This says something about them I think.
Darius, took counsel from these men-whom he didn't trust as much as he trusted Daniel, and yet he didn't think why are they asking this thing. It became apparent, and yet Darius was bound by the oath he made. Be careful by whom we swear, and to whom we listen and from whom we take counsel.
It says that when Daniel knew the document was signed...had he been waiting, was this to mean he did it anyway-or because of the document? Poor Darius, his most trusted advisor must be put to death; a horrible death being devoured by lions. Darius, king of a large empire witnessed the strength of Daniel's convictions, and fasted on his behalf. Not even knowing this God of Daniel, but knowing Daniel.
Daniel is not harmed, and the King decrees that all people must recognize the living God of Daniel-with fear and trembling they must acknowledge the one God. He says: "He delivers and rescues;
he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, he who has saved Daniel from the power of the lions."
Our lives can be like that of Daniel; a witness to those around us. Do we recognize and remark upon the signs and wonders in our midst?
I think we might wish to.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Jeremiah's Call and Message
Jeremiah 1:1-3:5
What would happen if we were Jeremiah; a young person, called to speak for God?
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations."
This stops me in my thoughts, and makes me wonder at the intimate love and knowledge of God. How loved we are, that before we were even formed in the womb the Lord loved us. I sit with this for a while.
Do not say to God, I am only...I am not...I can't...The Lord can. The Lord is...the Lord will...the Lord does. These things we have seen, these things we should remember. No wonder God gets angry, how angry do we get when we are ignored or forgotten, how hurt are we when our love is rejected or abused?
Thus says the Lord, "I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride,
how you followed me in the wilderness...
We are this people.
Thus says the Lord: "What wrong did your fathers find in me that they went far from me,
and went after worthlessness, and became worthless?
We are this people. Why?
"As a thief is shamed when caught, so the house of Israel shall be shamed:
they, their kings, their officials, their priests, and their prophets,
who say to a tree, 'You are my father,' and to a stone, 'You gave me birth.'
For they have turned their back to me, and not their face.
But in the time of their trouble they say, 'Arise and save us!'
Why do we do this?
But where are your gods that you made for yourself?
Let them arise, if they can save you, in your time of trouble;
for as many as your cities are your gods, O Judah.
Do we make things to be for ourselves little gods? Do we make little people gods instead of seeking the knowledge of God?
Have you not just now called to me, 'My father, you are the friend of my youth—will he be angry forever, will he be indignant to the end?'
Behold, you have spoken, but you have done all the evil that you could."
*sigh*
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
What would happen if we were Jeremiah; a young person, called to speak for God?
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations."
This stops me in my thoughts, and makes me wonder at the intimate love and knowledge of God. How loved we are, that before we were even formed in the womb the Lord loved us. I sit with this for a while.
Do not say to God, I am only...I am not...I can't...The Lord can. The Lord is...the Lord will...the Lord does. These things we have seen, these things we should remember. No wonder God gets angry, how angry do we get when we are ignored or forgotten, how hurt are we when our love is rejected or abused?
Thus says the Lord, "I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride,
how you followed me in the wilderness...
We are this people.
Thus says the Lord: "What wrong did your fathers find in me that they went far from me,
and went after worthlessness, and became worthless?
We are this people. Why?
"As a thief is shamed when caught, so the house of Israel shall be shamed:
they, their kings, their officials, their priests, and their prophets,
who say to a tree, 'You are my father,' and to a stone, 'You gave me birth.'
For they have turned their back to me, and not their face.
But in the time of their trouble they say, 'Arise and save us!'
Why do we do this?
But where are your gods that you made for yourself?
Let them arise, if they can save you, in your time of trouble;
for as many as your cities are your gods, O Judah.
Do we make things to be for ourselves little gods? Do we make little people gods instead of seeking the knowledge of God?
Have you not just now called to me, 'My father, you are the friend of my youth—will he be angry forever, will he be indignant to the end?'
Behold, you have spoken, but you have done all the evil that you could."
*sigh*
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
The Suffering Servant
Isaiah 51:1-53:12
Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the Lord. Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug.
Huh? Where did I come from? Oh, who are my ancestors. I see, the lesson of Abraham and Sarah; they left the place they knew and went to a place unnamed and became a great nation. The Lord, comforts Zion, and makes it to bloom, like a garden. The Lord sets his justice like a light to the peoples...as witness to the rest of the world. Is it evident in me?
Look toward the heavens; they disappear like smoke, and the earth like a worn out garment. (All things pass-even me who will die like a gnat-very small and short-lived I guess) BUT the righteousness of the Lord is forever, and righteousness will never be dismayed.
Awake, awake, put on strength, remember all the times the Lord was with you; the Lord is your strength, your protector and your comforter.
The Lord will redeem us from the pit, and good news is coming; listen.
The Lord reveals himself to us, he sends a redeemer, who we didn't notice or pay attention to, he was not flashy, yet he acted on our behalf; he bore the sin of many and makes intercession for transgressors. (Us.)
Who would pour out this kind of love? He makes many to be accounted righteous, and he bears the punishment of them - for me.
Oh how beautiful our the feet of him who brings good news. This is good news indeed.
Amen. See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the Lord. Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug.
Huh? Where did I come from? Oh, who are my ancestors. I see, the lesson of Abraham and Sarah; they left the place they knew and went to a place unnamed and became a great nation. The Lord, comforts Zion, and makes it to bloom, like a garden. The Lord sets his justice like a light to the peoples...as witness to the rest of the world. Is it evident in me?
Look toward the heavens; they disappear like smoke, and the earth like a worn out garment. (All things pass-even me who will die like a gnat-very small and short-lived I guess) BUT the righteousness of the Lord is forever, and righteousness will never be dismayed.
Awake, awake, put on strength, remember all the times the Lord was with you; the Lord is your strength, your protector and your comforter.
The Lord will redeem us from the pit, and good news is coming; listen.
The Lord reveals himself to us, he sends a redeemer, who we didn't notice or pay attention to, he was not flashy, yet he acted on our behalf; he bore the sin of many and makes intercession for transgressors. (Us.)
Who would pour out this kind of love? He makes many to be accounted righteous, and he bears the punishment of them - for me.
Oh how beautiful our the feet of him who brings good news. This is good news indeed.
Amen. See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Monday, April 18, 2011
Proverbs of Solomon
Proverbs 16:1-18:24
Solomon asked the Lord for wisdom and what is he known for; a wise and discerning spirit. What do we ask the Lord for?
Solomon goes on in these proverbs about what is dear to him and what he has learned to value. What is dear to us? What do we spend our time studying and developing in ourselves and our lives?
Here Solomon talks about what is good in our own eyes is not necessarily so in the Lords. Do we attend to what we think is right, or what we want, or do we, like Solomon seek the Lord's will and the Lord's words?
What is wise in our eyes? What do we desire?
Guard your actions:
A dishonest man spreads strife,
and a whisperer separates close friends.
Do not be a party to injustice:
It is not good to be partial tot the wicked
or to deprive the righteous of justice.
Guard your tongue:
A fool's lips walk into a fight,
and his mouth invites a beating.A fool's mouth is his ruin,
and his lips are a snare to his soul.
Keep from Gossip:
The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
they go down into the inner parts of the body.
Laziness is does not create:
Whoever is slack in his work
is a brother to him who destroys.
Know where is true safety:
The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
Don't trust in false gods:
A rich man's wealth is his strong city,
and like a high wall in his imagination.
What do we study, and what is dear to our hearts? In whom do we trust?
I will pay attention today, to the Lord.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Solomon asked the Lord for wisdom and what is he known for; a wise and discerning spirit. What do we ask the Lord for?
Solomon goes on in these proverbs about what is dear to him and what he has learned to value. What is dear to us? What do we spend our time studying and developing in ourselves and our lives?
Here Solomon talks about what is good in our own eyes is not necessarily so in the Lords. Do we attend to what we think is right, or what we want, or do we, like Solomon seek the Lord's will and the Lord's words?
What is wise in our eyes? What do we desire?
Guard your actions:
A dishonest man spreads strife,
and a whisperer separates close friends.
Do not be a party to injustice:
It is not good to be partial tot the wicked
or to deprive the righteous of justice.
Guard your tongue:
A fool's lips walk into a fight,
and his mouth invites a beating.A fool's mouth is his ruin,
and his lips are a snare to his soul.
Keep from Gossip:
The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
they go down into the inner parts of the body.
Laziness is does not create:
Whoever is slack in his work
is a brother to him who destroys.
Know where is true safety:
The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
Don't trust in false gods:
A rich man's wealth is his strong city,
and like a high wall in his imagination.
What do we study, and what is dear to our hearts? In whom do we trust?
I will pay attention today, to the Lord.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Sunday, April 17, 2011
The beginning of Knowledge, and the Value of Wisdom
Proverbs 1:1 - 4:27
The folly of pursuing our own ways over those of the Lord. Solomon's advice to his sons; this advice is gained through experience, and from the prayer that Solomon made when he was first King. We have seen what happened when David didn't follow this advice and how it went wrong, and in Proverb 4 when speaking of the advice of his father we know that David gave this advice to Solomon, and it gives us insight into how and why Solomon did not ask for his own gains, and knew not to travel with worthless or evil men.
We all need this advice from our fathers and mothers. Notice that having a godly spouse is important, or how else could we recommend that advice to our children? Where do we get this sound advice if it is beyond our own knowledge? There must be somewhere to look for examples of Godly living-and examples of terrible mistakes and the consequences...
Solomon says this about evil doers: "Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain;
it takes away the life of its possessors." It takes away the life of its possessors...To have what is not ours to have, to take what is not ours to take, to do what is evil in the sight of the Lord ROBS us. Of what we may ask-of God's presence and of God's blessing-this knowledge, this wisdom ought to be enough to make us flee from these dealings.
My son, do not forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commandments,for length of days and years of life
and peace they will add to you...
Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the firstfruits of all your produce...
My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline
or be weary of his reproof,for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,
as a father the son in whom he delights...
incline your ear to my sayings.Let them not escape from your sight;
keep them within your heart.For they are life to those who find them
Watch where you are going, pay attention and do not swerve to the right or to the left...these are words to live by.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
The folly of pursuing our own ways over those of the Lord. Solomon's advice to his sons; this advice is gained through experience, and from the prayer that Solomon made when he was first King. We have seen what happened when David didn't follow this advice and how it went wrong, and in Proverb 4 when speaking of the advice of his father we know that David gave this advice to Solomon, and it gives us insight into how and why Solomon did not ask for his own gains, and knew not to travel with worthless or evil men.
We all need this advice from our fathers and mothers. Notice that having a godly spouse is important, or how else could we recommend that advice to our children? Where do we get this sound advice if it is beyond our own knowledge? There must be somewhere to look for examples of Godly living-and examples of terrible mistakes and the consequences...
Solomon says this about evil doers: "Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain;
it takes away the life of its possessors." It takes away the life of its possessors...To have what is not ours to have, to take what is not ours to take, to do what is evil in the sight of the Lord ROBS us. Of what we may ask-of God's presence and of God's blessing-this knowledge, this wisdom ought to be enough to make us flee from these dealings.
My son, do not forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commandments,for length of days and years of life
and peace they will add to you...
Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the firstfruits of all your produce...
My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline
or be weary of his reproof,for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,
as a father the son in whom he delights...
incline your ear to my sayings.Let them not escape from your sight;
keep them within your heart.For they are life to those who find them
Watch where you are going, pay attention and do not swerve to the right or to the left...these are words to live by.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Bless the Lord, Oh My Soul
Psalm 103:1-103:22
Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name.
The first commandment is this Oh Israel: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind...
ALL that is within me, ALL your heart, ALL your soul and ALL your mind.
Stop right there. Do I do this? HOW do I do this?
The second is like unto it: Love your neighbor as yourself.
Wait. There is something here. How do we give away all of something and have more left to give away?
David prays this song and it is a retelling of much of Israel's history. The Lord blesses and forgives, heals and redeems; he crowns us with steadfast love and mercy. Yes we have seen this. He does not stay angry forever; he brings us out of the pit (like Joseph?) he brings us out of slavery (like Moses and the Israelites?). He knows of what we are made: The earth is the Lords for he made it.
Angels and warriors-followers of his word, ministers and all the world...these are all his and I am thankful. I'm thinking that if we give love away to the Lord and according to his commands, He gives it right back and more than we had to begin with with. All that is within me, bless His holy name.
See you tomorrow
-love maggie
Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name.
The first commandment is this Oh Israel: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind...
ALL that is within me, ALL your heart, ALL your soul and ALL your mind.
Stop right there. Do I do this? HOW do I do this?
The second is like unto it: Love your neighbor as yourself.
Wait. There is something here. How do we give away all of something and have more left to give away?
David prays this song and it is a retelling of much of Israel's history. The Lord blesses and forgives, heals and redeems; he crowns us with steadfast love and mercy. Yes we have seen this. He does not stay angry forever; he brings us out of the pit (like Joseph?) he brings us out of slavery (like Moses and the Israelites?). He knows of what we are made: The earth is the Lords for he made it.
Bless the Lord, O you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!
Bless the Lord, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!
Bless the Lord, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!
Bless the Lord, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!
Bless the Lord, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
Angels and warriors-followers of his word, ministers and all the world...these are all his and I am thankful. I'm thinking that if we give love away to the Lord and according to his commands, He gives it right back and more than we had to begin with with. All that is within me, bless His holy name.
See you tomorrow
-love maggie
Friday, April 15, 2011
Create in Me a Clean Heart
Psalm 51
Have mercy on me according to your love - not according to what I deserve in my sin.
I spoke with a mother once (who had a very large family) and asked her if she had trouble with her children complaining about things "Not being fair." I hear that a lot especially among children, but it isn't only children, we all have this sense of things not being fair or a desire for things to go as we want without regard for what other people might think or even what the truth is or reality dictates.
This mother said something in response to my question that I think we all need to remember - especially me when I think things are not fair-for whatever reason. She said that her kids know that God is gracious and they are blessed that He doesn't treat them fairly. We have all read these passages and see where God calls us to holiness and to love him first, and others as we would ourselves, but we all know how far we fall short of that command. If God treated us as we 'deserve' according to the law, we would be ruined; wretched as we are, we would deserve death.
David in this prayer acknowledges his own shortcomings and, if we remember the incidents we know they are great! He caused a man to be killed just because he lusted after the man's wife! What wretchedness and treachery. And yet...the Lord hears his cry of repentance, sees David's turning from that villainy and making a new start - again - according to God's law.
This is good news. God does NOT treat us fairly; He treats us out of love. We should do this ourselves, I think.
See you tomorrow.
-love maggie
Have mercy on me according to your love - not according to what I deserve in my sin.
I spoke with a mother once (who had a very large family) and asked her if she had trouble with her children complaining about things "Not being fair." I hear that a lot especially among children, but it isn't only children, we all have this sense of things not being fair or a desire for things to go as we want without regard for what other people might think or even what the truth is or reality dictates.
This mother said something in response to my question that I think we all need to remember - especially me when I think things are not fair-for whatever reason. She said that her kids know that God is gracious and they are blessed that He doesn't treat them fairly. We have all read these passages and see where God calls us to holiness and to love him first, and others as we would ourselves, but we all know how far we fall short of that command. If God treated us as we 'deserve' according to the law, we would be ruined; wretched as we are, we would deserve death.
David in this prayer acknowledges his own shortcomings and, if we remember the incidents we know they are great! He caused a man to be killed just because he lusted after the man's wife! What wretchedness and treachery. And yet...the Lord hears his cry of repentance, sees David's turning from that villainy and making a new start - again - according to God's law.
This is good news. God does NOT treat us fairly; He treats us out of love. We should do this ourselves, I think.
See you tomorrow.
-love maggie
Thursday, April 14, 2011
The Lord is my Shepherd
Psalm 23:1-6
Sitting quietly. I can see why this message is here, and what the Lord would like us to understand. After yesterday's bitterness and anguish; today we have a message of peace. Are we ready to hear?
All the times when the warnings were clear and the promises of faithfulness so full of hope, and yet we turn away. I do not use the past tense, we do this still, but do we have to? Is there an alternative? Today we see David's prayer, and it is one we can sit with again and again.
The Lord told Israel do not be afraid, only follow me and I will be your champion.
The Lord will protect you: The Lord is my shepherd.
Sheep aren't very bright: He makes me lie down in green pastures-not in brambles or quicksand that will kill me and consume me.
When I am thirsty he will bring me to places where I can be refreshed, where there is not danger of being swept away: He leads me beside still waters.
Ahh, rest, my spirit is at peace and I am in a right relationship with the Lord my God: He restores my soul.
Now I see His plan: He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. And for my own.
I can be courageous and live unafraid: I will fear no evil for You are with me.
Your strong arm and outstretched hand will guide and direct and protect me: Your rod and your staff they comfort me.
No one can come between me and my rest, You will provide for me and I will not be in need: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Come and be nourished, come and be at peace, come and be loved: Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Amen.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Sitting quietly. I can see why this message is here, and what the Lord would like us to understand. After yesterday's bitterness and anguish; today we have a message of peace. Are we ready to hear?
All the times when the warnings were clear and the promises of faithfulness so full of hope, and yet we turn away. I do not use the past tense, we do this still, but do we have to? Is there an alternative? Today we see David's prayer, and it is one we can sit with again and again.
The Lord told Israel do not be afraid, only follow me and I will be your champion.
The Lord will protect you: The Lord is my shepherd.
Sheep aren't very bright: He makes me lie down in green pastures-not in brambles or quicksand that will kill me and consume me.
When I am thirsty he will bring me to places where I can be refreshed, where there is not danger of being swept away: He leads me beside still waters.
Ahh, rest, my spirit is at peace and I am in a right relationship with the Lord my God: He restores my soul.
Now I see His plan: He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. And for my own.
I can be courageous and live unafraid: I will fear no evil for You are with me.
Your strong arm and outstretched hand will guide and direct and protect me: Your rod and your staff they comfort me.
No one can come between me and my rest, You will provide for me and I will not be in need: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Come and be nourished, come and be at peace, come and be loved: Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Amen.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The Fall of Jerusalem
2 Kings 25:1-25:30
Oh Weeping. when will Jerusalem listen to the Lord and to His prophets? Why must we continue to do what is evil in his sight? Look at the hardships this brings on the people. what will be the outcome of this captivity? Israel-Judah scattered and killed. The people and the king in exile.
How then can Israel be a light to the nations? That is our call, and how can we do it when all around us is death and darkness? What does this mean that Jehoiachin is released from prison and put off his prison garments? Is he to be kept as a pet? This sounds more like house arrest than freedom. To be given an allowance and to dine with the king; this is not to be king or to live as one of the chosen people of God.
Do I look for comfort when I should look to be a witness? Do I follow the Lord's commands?
This is what I will ponder today.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Oh Weeping. when will Jerusalem listen to the Lord and to His prophets? Why must we continue to do what is evil in his sight? Look at the hardships this brings on the people. what will be the outcome of this captivity? Israel-Judah scattered and killed. The people and the king in exile.
How then can Israel be a light to the nations? That is our call, and how can we do it when all around us is death and darkness? What does this mean that Jehoiachin is released from prison and put off his prison garments? Is he to be kept as a pet? This sounds more like house arrest than freedom. To be given an allowance and to dine with the king; this is not to be king or to live as one of the chosen people of God.
Do I look for comfort when I should look to be a witness? Do I follow the Lord's commands?
This is what I will ponder today.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Elijah and the Prophets of Baal
1 Kings 16:29-19:18
Oh Yuk! What happened to Solomon's warning from yesterday's reading? Why would it be "a light thing" for Ahab to go so out of his way to anger and provoke the Lord? Starting right off with the first commandment? No other God's; no, that wouldn't apply to Ahab, would it? He did his own thing at the expense of his own children. That is just not good.
Poor Elijah. Now he gets to be the one to go and tell this king what God has to say. Famine in the land. Obedience, faith and the gift of new life against odds. Elijah stays with the widow and her son, and the Lord watches over them.
Oh Yuk! What happened to Solomon's warning from yesterday's reading? Why would it be "a light thing" for Ahab to go so out of his way to anger and provoke the Lord? Starting right off with the first commandment? No other God's; no, that wouldn't apply to Ahab, would it? He did his own thing at the expense of his own children. That is just not good.
Poor Elijah. Now he gets to be the one to go and tell this king what God has to say. Famine in the land. Obedience, faith and the gift of new life against odds. Elijah stays with the widow and her son, and the Lord watches over them.
And Elijah said, "See, your son lives." And the woman said to Elijah, "Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth."
Now I know that you are a man of God, and the Word of the Lord in your mouth is true...
Now I think, poor Obadiah. Here he is barely keeping his own skin, and Elijah says -go tell Ahab Elijah is here. Nope. Not me-not going-you go. Oh ok I will if I must. Obadiah does tell Ahab and Elijah is there waiting for Ahab. What does Ahab say? Oh you troubler of Israel-and Elijah returns nope not me-but you. You Ahab have forsaken the commandments of the Lord.
So go get those prophets of Baal and lets see whose God is real-eh? Wow. This is sad-and funny. The Lord is faithful when Elijah is faithful. What will happen next to Ahab? What will happen to Israel? I remember what the Lord said to Solomon-it seems like yesterday-and what Ahab has done was not according to God's plan or in fulfillment of Solomon's promises. I'm afraid that it is too soon forgotten. Do we do this still? Yes.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Now I know that you are a man of God, and the Word of the Lord in your mouth is true...
Now I think, poor Obadiah. Here he is barely keeping his own skin, and Elijah says -go tell Ahab Elijah is here. Nope. Not me-not going-you go. Oh ok I will if I must. Obadiah does tell Ahab and Elijah is there waiting for Ahab. What does Ahab say? Oh you troubler of Israel-and Elijah returns nope not me-but you. You Ahab have forsaken the commandments of the Lord.
So go get those prophets of Baal and lets see whose God is real-eh? Wow. This is sad-and funny. The Lord is faithful when Elijah is faithful. What will happen next to Ahab? What will happen to Israel? I remember what the Lord said to Solomon-it seems like yesterday-and what Ahab has done was not according to God's plan or in fulfillment of Solomon's promises. I'm afraid that it is too soon forgotten. Do we do this still? Yes.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Monday, April 11, 2011
Solomon's Temple
1 Kings 8:1-9:9
The Ark of the Lord is brought into the Temple and Solomon prays this incredible prayer of dedication and benediction. This is where I need to focus for a while. It is certainly for me to attend to.
Who we are: we are the Lord's people, Why we are: we are to be a light to the nations. What we are: we are to be a people of prayer and of obedience. Why are we to do these things: because through these actions we will be a blessing and receive mercy and grace from God.
Will the Lord God dwell here on earth? The maker of the heavens and the whole earth? No it is too small a place to contain him. BUT He will place His name here. He will cause His mercy to dwell there, and He will hear the prayers of the people who call upon His name and keep His commands.
This seems to me to have captured all of the essence of what has gone before-and includes the explanation of the consequences of not following these commands-death and separation.
How beautiful to see that this news is not just for Israel, but for the foreigner who dwells among them as well. This good news, this blessing, extends beyond the chosen people if they call upon the name of the Lord.
Why? "...in order that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your people Israel, and that they may know that this house that I have built is called by your name."
This is the message for us today. Let us write this on the tablet of our hearts.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
The Ark of the Lord is brought into the Temple and Solomon prays this incredible prayer of dedication and benediction. This is where I need to focus for a while. It is certainly for me to attend to.
Who we are: we are the Lord's people, Why we are: we are to be a light to the nations. What we are: we are to be a people of prayer and of obedience. Why are we to do these things: because through these actions we will be a blessing and receive mercy and grace from God.
Will the Lord God dwell here on earth? The maker of the heavens and the whole earth? No it is too small a place to contain him. BUT He will place His name here. He will cause His mercy to dwell there, and He will hear the prayers of the people who call upon His name and keep His commands.
This seems to me to have captured all of the essence of what has gone before-and includes the explanation of the consequences of not following these commands-death and separation.
How beautiful to see that this news is not just for Israel, but for the foreigner who dwells among them as well. This good news, this blessing, extends beyond the chosen people if they call upon the name of the Lord.
Why? "...in order that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your people Israel, and that they may know that this house that I have built is called by your name."
This is the message for us today. Let us write this on the tablet of our hearts.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Sunday, April 10, 2011
King Solomon
1 Kings 2:1-3:28
King David says: "I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, ...that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, 'If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.'"
Be strong, and show yourself a man, and walk in the way of the your Lord God. David gives good advice-and reminds his son of his relationship with the Lord. It is Solomon's Lord as well as David's. How funny it is after so many of these fathers and sons did not walk together in the way of the Lord. We even get a hint of family issues in the rest of David's talk about Solomon's brothers, and those who tried to scheme against the King. Solomon is the same son we read about at the end of yesterday's reading-the second son after David's failure to follow the Lord according to how he had done previously.
Next we can see a way to pray that pleases God - when we don't pray for our own sake, and when we pray for wisdom to follow the Lord's directions and to do His will. This prayer of Solomon's, we read prompts God to say: "Because you have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. ... I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you....And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days."
Not asking for ourselves, but rather that we might do the Lord's will; this is something to emulate.
It was a dream. Or was it? The story of two children; one alive and one dead, and two mother's one lamenting her loss, one loving a living child, one jealous of a mother who has something she does not...who is whom in this story? King Solomon is called to arbitrate. And in dealing shrewdly with the two women he finds one cares more about the child and one cares only that she not be alone in her loss. The King does discern the difference and the truth, and in the end we find a child restored to its loving mother, safe. It was a dream? Perhaps not.
Pray for the sons and daughters in our lives; that they may follow the way of the Lord. Pray for a discerning mind, that we might follow the Lord all our days, and act according to His ways-and by doing so, bring about new life in our lives and the lives of those around us.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
King David says: "I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, ...that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, 'If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.'"
Be strong, and show yourself a man, and walk in the way of the your Lord God. David gives good advice-and reminds his son of his relationship with the Lord. It is Solomon's Lord as well as David's. How funny it is after so many of these fathers and sons did not walk together in the way of the Lord. We even get a hint of family issues in the rest of David's talk about Solomon's brothers, and those who tried to scheme against the King. Solomon is the same son we read about at the end of yesterday's reading-the second son after David's failure to follow the Lord according to how he had done previously.
Next we can see a way to pray that pleases God - when we don't pray for our own sake, and when we pray for wisdom to follow the Lord's directions and to do His will. This prayer of Solomon's, we read prompts God to say: "Because you have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. ... I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you....And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days."
Not asking for ourselves, but rather that we might do the Lord's will; this is something to emulate.
It was a dream. Or was it? The story of two children; one alive and one dead, and two mother's one lamenting her loss, one loving a living child, one jealous of a mother who has something she does not...who is whom in this story? King Solomon is called to arbitrate. And in dealing shrewdly with the two women he finds one cares more about the child and one cares only that she not be alone in her loss. The King does discern the difference and the truth, and in the end we find a child restored to its loving mother, safe. It was a dream? Perhaps not.
Pray for the sons and daughters in our lives; that they may follow the way of the Lord. Pray for a discerning mind, that we might follow the Lord all our days, and act according to His ways-and by doing so, bring about new life in our lives and the lives of those around us.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Saturday, April 9, 2011
David & Bathsheba
2 Samuel 11:1-12:25
I ask myself why did King David remain at home when the verses say that in the Spring of the year-kings go out to war? I wonder why there is a season for this? But I also wonder why up until this time we had read that David went out before the people and came back before the people so that the Lord was with them, and yet now he stayed at home to let others fight for him and his people? How did this come about?
When David should have been elsewhere doing what the Lord directed-this time he was idle. What has happened between yesterday's reading and today's that David isn't asking before he does anything whether the Lord wills it?
We see that good does not come of it-but rather death. When we seek to do our own will over the Lord's in comes death. Uriah the Hittite, though he was a righteous man, was killed; the child that was born, died. All of this from willful disobedience.
David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the Lord." And Nathan said to David, "The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.
David recognizes his sin and the Lord "put away his sin." What is this, and what does it mean that the Lord puts away his sin, and he shall not die? David spoke truly when he said he deserved to die-when he didn't know he was speaking of himself, and yet it is still true, his actions were deserving of death: he sent a man to his death. And yet, the Lord does not kill him as he deserves. What shall be David's life in this new gift?
I wonder.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
I ask myself why did King David remain at home when the verses say that in the Spring of the year-kings go out to war? I wonder why there is a season for this? But I also wonder why up until this time we had read that David went out before the people and came back before the people so that the Lord was with them, and yet now he stayed at home to let others fight for him and his people? How did this come about?
When David should have been elsewhere doing what the Lord directed-this time he was idle. What has happened between yesterday's reading and today's that David isn't asking before he does anything whether the Lord wills it?
We see that good does not come of it-but rather death. When we seek to do our own will over the Lord's in comes death. Uriah the Hittite, though he was a righteous man, was killed; the child that was born, died. All of this from willful disobedience.
David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the Lord." And Nathan said to David, "The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.
David recognizes his sin and the Lord "put away his sin." What is this, and what does it mean that the Lord puts away his sin, and he shall not die? David spoke truly when he said he deserved to die-when he didn't know he was speaking of himself, and yet it is still true, his actions were deserving of death: he sent a man to his death. And yet, the Lord does not kill him as he deserves. What shall be David's life in this new gift?
I wonder.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Friday, April 8, 2011
King David
2 Samuel 5:1-7:29
David is anointed King over Israel, and we see that in each instance he asks the Lord what he should do-before doing it-and he listens to the Lord. That would work for us today. Ask. Listen. Act. One other thing David does that we can do; he thanks the Lord-for all that happens. In fact, Saul's daughter Michal is beside herself to see David's wholehearted enthusiasm for the Lord. Poor Michal, who never lets go of her grievances and it says she never has a child all her days. I think that bitterness can prevent happiness and keep us away from others. This is something to think about; it is a short interlude in the overall story of David but it is there and I would think there is a reason for us to consider.
When David feels he has more blessing than he deserves; David has a house but the ark of God resides in a tent, David presumes to build the Lord a house-interesting that the Lord says wait; I'd ask for one if I wanted one. What does David do in response to Nathan's words? David is thankful from the bottom of his heart, He thanks the Lord for graciously letting him know of the blessings to come. This can be our response. We can thank the Lord for the blessings, instead of feeling uncomfortable for them, or that we earned them or merited them somehow. They are a gift. It is right that we are thankful.
There is one other thing for us here as we read the story of this relationship between God and His people, and that is that the Lord says he will establish the house of David and David's offspring shall be heir and King over Israel. We read the list of David's children. We need to keep this saying in mind as we read further.
Today: give thanks.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
David is anointed King over Israel, and we see that in each instance he asks the Lord what he should do-before doing it-and he listens to the Lord. That would work for us today. Ask. Listen. Act. One other thing David does that we can do; he thanks the Lord-for all that happens. In fact, Saul's daughter Michal is beside herself to see David's wholehearted enthusiasm for the Lord. Poor Michal, who never lets go of her grievances and it says she never has a child all her days. I think that bitterness can prevent happiness and keep us away from others. This is something to think about; it is a short interlude in the overall story of David but it is there and I would think there is a reason for us to consider.
When David feels he has more blessing than he deserves; David has a house but the ark of God resides in a tent, David presumes to build the Lord a house-interesting that the Lord says wait; I'd ask for one if I wanted one. What does David do in response to Nathan's words? David is thankful from the bottom of his heart, He thanks the Lord for graciously letting him know of the blessings to come. This can be our response. We can thank the Lord for the blessings, instead of feeling uncomfortable for them, or that we earned them or merited them somehow. They are a gift. It is right that we are thankful.
There is one other thing for us here as we read the story of this relationship between God and His people, and that is that the Lord says he will establish the house of David and David's offspring shall be heir and King over Israel. We read the list of David's children. We need to keep this saying in mind as we read further.
Today: give thanks.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Thursday, April 7, 2011
David and Saul
1 Samuel 23:7-24:22
There is a contrast between these two men and these two chapters. In the first we have King Saul seeking to kill young David, and his men. David, it says has 600 men. When David hears of it, he asks the Lord what is going to happen and flees with his men to prevent them all being killed. As King Saul pursues David, it is ironic - or something - that God uses the Philistines to distract Saul and deliver David from the King's hand.
The next chapter we have Saul seeking after David again, and just 'happens' into the very cave where David and his men are. David's response is much different. He proves his ability to have taken Saul's life - but prays against that action. He refuses to do harm to the Lord's anointed one.
Do we pray against harming the Lord's anointed? When we have just cause, when someone has wronged us and we have proof - do we instead do them good?
David says: "I have not sinned against you, though you hunt my life to take it. May the Lord judge between me and you, may the Lord avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you."
That certainly causes me to pause. Look at the response from Saul. It certainly gives him pause too.
[Saul] said to David, "You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you evil. And you have declared this day how you have dealt well with me, in that you did not kill me when the Lord put me into your hands. For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away safe? So may the Lord reward you with good for what you have done to me this day.
David's actions keep Saul from committing this crime and bringing this terrible sin of murder on himself. David gives a gift to Saul that is bigger than Saul's life, and more than Saul deserves. But David also keeps himself from being involved in this crime-even in self defence. This killing does not take place and David won't have nightmares over spilling the King's blood - even though we see that Saul wished to kill him. That is a very great gift. This gift of undeserved grace-that is grace-it is undeserved.
Thank the Lord.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
There is a contrast between these two men and these two chapters. In the first we have King Saul seeking to kill young David, and his men. David, it says has 600 men. When David hears of it, he asks the Lord what is going to happen and flees with his men to prevent them all being killed. As King Saul pursues David, it is ironic - or something - that God uses the Philistines to distract Saul and deliver David from the King's hand.
The next chapter we have Saul seeking after David again, and just 'happens' into the very cave where David and his men are. David's response is much different. He proves his ability to have taken Saul's life - but prays against that action. He refuses to do harm to the Lord's anointed one.
Do we pray against harming the Lord's anointed? When we have just cause, when someone has wronged us and we have proof - do we instead do them good?
David says: "I have not sinned against you, though you hunt my life to take it. May the Lord judge between me and you, may the Lord avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you."
That certainly causes me to pause. Look at the response from Saul. It certainly gives him pause too.
[Saul] said to David, "You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you evil. And you have declared this day how you have dealt well with me, in that you did not kill me when the Lord put me into your hands. For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away safe? So may the Lord reward you with good for what you have done to me this day.
David's actions keep Saul from committing this crime and bringing this terrible sin of murder on himself. David gives a gift to Saul that is bigger than Saul's life, and more than Saul deserves. But David also keeps himself from being involved in this crime-even in self defence. This killing does not take place and David won't have nightmares over spilling the King's blood - even though we see that Saul wished to kill him. That is a very great gift. This gift of undeserved grace-that is grace-it is undeserved.
Thank the Lord.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
David and Goliath
1 Samuel 16:1-18:16
Something happened between yesterday and today! What happened that King Saul would now seek after Samuel's life? Samuel was already old-we read that yesterday and so he must be a little older today-but why is Saul-this humble considerate King now thinking of killing Samuel-the Lord's prophet? Boy being a prophet isn't easy is it?
Samuel comes "peaceably" to Bethlehem, looking for Jesse. -WAIT! We read about this-remember 'Obed fathers Jesse,' is this that Jesse? Let's see.
Samuel sees beautiful young men-and thinks these must be the one-as Saul was beautiful and head and shoulders above the rest-literally and yet none of these beautiful young men are what the Lord seeks. He is seeking something within that makes them different. We already read yesterday that God gave Saul another heart-perhaps the one Samuel seeks this time already has this new heart? Let's see.
This one God seeks is the youngest-and of the smallest tribe-one who wouldn't normally be King material-certainly not of noble birth-and yet we remember that he has been awaited. Samuel anointed him and "The Spirit of the Lord rushed upon him from that day forward." WOW. That sounds like something!
The Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul-is there only one Spirit? Can it be on David and not on Saul? Or has Saul turned away from the Spirit of the Lord? Saul, tormented sends for this young talented David, this shepherd. As the youngest, and the Kings servant, he must do his King's bidding. Didn't we just read this about Kings in Samuel's warning?
David's presence refreshed Saul and the harmful spirit departed from Saul. Where the presence of the Lord is, there is peace? David's Spirit-filled presence brought the tormented king peace.
Today's titled reading: David and Goliath is quite something. Jesse's three eldest sons are on the field of battle under command of King Saul, and Jesse wants word of them, so he sends his youngest son off to give them a bite to eat and find out how it goes with them and at the battle. David hears Goliath boasting and taunting the Israelites, and wonders why does this giant defy the armies of 'the Living God'?
This is indeed a good question? Does Israel forget Jericho? Does Israel forget Egypt? David knows the Lord, and says "The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
Do we remember the Lord's work in our lives and trust Him in this way? David is too young, David is not a soldier, surely he cannot fight for the Lord...Well Saul can't find anyone else willing-either in valor or stupidity I'm sure they are thinking, so they let David go for them. Why send a man when you can send a boy? Such men of valor, who forget the Lord! (NOT.)
What happens?
And when the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was but a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. And the Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. The Philistine said to David, "Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field." Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hand."
That is something. David was paying attention. Today's reading ends in another cliff hanger-what will tomorrow bring?
Saul was afraid of David because the Lord was with him but had departed from Saul. So Saul removed him from his presence and made him a commander of a thousand. And he went out and came in before the people. And David had success in all his undertakings, for the Lord was with him. And when Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in fearful awe of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he went out and came in before them.
Today, let us remember whom we serve. And whose business we should be about, and remember the work of the Lord in our lives.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Something happened between yesterday and today! What happened that King Saul would now seek after Samuel's life? Samuel was already old-we read that yesterday and so he must be a little older today-but why is Saul-this humble considerate King now thinking of killing Samuel-the Lord's prophet? Boy being a prophet isn't easy is it?
Samuel comes "peaceably" to Bethlehem, looking for Jesse. -WAIT! We read about this-remember 'Obed fathers Jesse,' is this that Jesse? Let's see.
Samuel sees beautiful young men-and thinks these must be the one-as Saul was beautiful and head and shoulders above the rest-literally and yet none of these beautiful young men are what the Lord seeks. He is seeking something within that makes them different. We already read yesterday that God gave Saul another heart-perhaps the one Samuel seeks this time already has this new heart? Let's see.
This one God seeks is the youngest-and of the smallest tribe-one who wouldn't normally be King material-certainly not of noble birth-and yet we remember that he has been awaited. Samuel anointed him and "The Spirit of the Lord rushed upon him from that day forward." WOW. That sounds like something!
The Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul-is there only one Spirit? Can it be on David and not on Saul? Or has Saul turned away from the Spirit of the Lord? Saul, tormented sends for this young talented David, this shepherd. As the youngest, and the Kings servant, he must do his King's bidding. Didn't we just read this about Kings in Samuel's warning?
David's presence refreshed Saul and the harmful spirit departed from Saul. Where the presence of the Lord is, there is peace? David's Spirit-filled presence brought the tormented king peace.
Today's titled reading: David and Goliath is quite something. Jesse's three eldest sons are on the field of battle under command of King Saul, and Jesse wants word of them, so he sends his youngest son off to give them a bite to eat and find out how it goes with them and at the battle. David hears Goliath boasting and taunting the Israelites, and wonders why does this giant defy the armies of 'the Living God'?
This is indeed a good question? Does Israel forget Jericho? Does Israel forget Egypt? David knows the Lord, and says "The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
Do we remember the Lord's work in our lives and trust Him in this way? David is too young, David is not a soldier, surely he cannot fight for the Lord...Well Saul can't find anyone else willing-either in valor or stupidity I'm sure they are thinking, so they let David go for them. Why send a man when you can send a boy? Such men of valor, who forget the Lord! (NOT.)
What happens?
And when the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was but a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. And the Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. The Philistine said to David, "Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field." Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hand."
That is something. David was paying attention. Today's reading ends in another cliff hanger-what will tomorrow bring?
Saul was afraid of David because the Lord was with him but had departed from Saul. So Saul removed him from his presence and made him a commander of a thousand. And he went out and came in before the people. And David had success in all his undertakings, for the Lord was with him. And when Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in fearful awe of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he went out and came in before them.
Today, let us remember whom we serve. And whose business we should be about, and remember the work of the Lord in our lives.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
King Saul
1 Samuel 8:1-10:27
Samuel's sons did not follow the Lord; they turned aside after gain. What is it to gain that is not from God? Why do any of us look for things that are not of God? How is it that our sons and daughters turn aside from following the Lord?
Samuel is unhappy for himself and for the Lord-why do the people ask for a king?
And the Lord said to Samuel, "Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. According to all the deeds that they have done, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are also doing to you. Now then, obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them."
Samuel warns Israel of all the demands the King will make of them-the list includes things and amounts that should go as a thank offering to the Lord. He will take the best of your fields, he will take a tenth of your grain...the best of your young men, your cattle your donkeys...a tenth of your flocks and you will be his slaves.
Does Israel say oops sorry we made a mistake? NO, they say oh yes give us this King! WHY? So we shall be like other nations.
Now I've been reading this story all along, and Israel was not supposed to be like other nations; Israel was supposed to be a light to other nations. Israel was supposed to be free to live in the land the Lord gave them, and now they wish to give these freedoms back and to become slaves again to a king. Again, I wonder why?
And even in this tragic selfishness the Lord doesn't abandon them. This is what he says: Tomorrow about this time I will send to you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over my people Israel. He shall save my people from the hand of the Philistines. For I have seen [the anguish of] my people, because their cry has come to me."
This story of Saul unfolds slowly for us, Saul is a beautiful young man, and humble. Considerate of his father.
...and when he turned his back on Samuel, to go home, God gave him another heart.
Saul is anointed king and heads home to his own house. Along with some men of valor whose hearts God had touched.
I pray that God might touch my heart. That he might give me another heart; one that seeks to do His will and not my own; to follow His commands and not my own whims.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Samuel's sons did not follow the Lord; they turned aside after gain. What is it to gain that is not from God? Why do any of us look for things that are not of God? How is it that our sons and daughters turn aside from following the Lord?
Samuel is unhappy for himself and for the Lord-why do the people ask for a king?
And the Lord said to Samuel, "Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. According to all the deeds that they have done, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are also doing to you. Now then, obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them."
Samuel warns Israel of all the demands the King will make of them-the list includes things and amounts that should go as a thank offering to the Lord. He will take the best of your fields, he will take a tenth of your grain...the best of your young men, your cattle your donkeys...a tenth of your flocks and you will be his slaves.
Does Israel say oops sorry we made a mistake? NO, they say oh yes give us this King! WHY? So we shall be like other nations.
Now I've been reading this story all along, and Israel was not supposed to be like other nations; Israel was supposed to be a light to other nations. Israel was supposed to be free to live in the land the Lord gave them, and now they wish to give these freedoms back and to become slaves again to a king. Again, I wonder why?
And even in this tragic selfishness the Lord doesn't abandon them. This is what he says: Tomorrow about this time I will send to you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over my people Israel. He shall save my people from the hand of the Philistines. For I have seen [the anguish of] my people, because their cry has come to me."
This story of Saul unfolds slowly for us, Saul is a beautiful young man, and humble. Considerate of his father.
...and when he turned his back on Samuel, to go home, God gave him another heart.
Saul is anointed king and heads home to his own house. Along with some men of valor whose hearts God had touched.
I pray that God might touch my heart. That he might give me another heart; one that seeks to do His will and not my own; to follow His commands and not my own whims.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Monday, April 4, 2011
Samuel listens to God
1 Samuel 1:1-3:21
I can relate to Hannah who cries to the Lord in her distress. Hannah, who feels left out and without her hearts desire. There have been times when the only thing I felt like doing was crying out to God. Here Hannah finds herself with an audience, but she isn't embarrassed instead she says to the priest Eli, I was pouring out my anguish.
Eli changes his response because of her sorrow. He thought she was drunk and blaspheming, but instead she is troubled and just crying out for mercy from God. Eli tells her to go in peace and may the God of Israel grant you your petition. We see that her prayer is answered, and I wonder was it because of her hearts anguish, or her honest response when confronted by the priest or the priest's blessing...or all of that or none of that?
Interesting that Hannah's song expresses both her joy and her understanding that God is responsible for all things - both sought and unlooked for. Now the state of Eli's family is very sorry indeed, and after having read what God said to the Priests, it is a wonder that Eli's sons haven't been burned alive already for how they are treating God and His people.
I have to admire Eli even though he doesn't stop his sons, he doesn't stop Samuel from telling him what God says either. Maybe it speaks to a lack of character on his part, but it seems to me that he really does wish for God's servants to honor the Lord.
Poor Samuel, it says he doesn't know the Lord and "the word of the Lord hadn't been revealed to him." How does he serve at the altar of the Lord in the Lord's Temple and not know the Lord? Samuel, Samuel? Here I am your servant hears. When the Lord calls do we know Him, do we hear? Are we able, like Eli, to say "It is the Lord, let him do what seems good to him"?
Prayers asked and answered, selfish response and godly response-these are examples and choices for us.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
I can relate to Hannah who cries to the Lord in her distress. Hannah, who feels left out and without her hearts desire. There have been times when the only thing I felt like doing was crying out to God. Here Hannah finds herself with an audience, but she isn't embarrassed instead she says to the priest Eli, I was pouring out my anguish.
Eli changes his response because of her sorrow. He thought she was drunk and blaspheming, but instead she is troubled and just crying out for mercy from God. Eli tells her to go in peace and may the God of Israel grant you your petition. We see that her prayer is answered, and I wonder was it because of her hearts anguish, or her honest response when confronted by the priest or the priest's blessing...or all of that or none of that?
Interesting that Hannah's song expresses both her joy and her understanding that God is responsible for all things - both sought and unlooked for. Now the state of Eli's family is very sorry indeed, and after having read what God said to the Priests, it is a wonder that Eli's sons haven't been burned alive already for how they are treating God and His people.
I have to admire Eli even though he doesn't stop his sons, he doesn't stop Samuel from telling him what God says either. Maybe it speaks to a lack of character on his part, but it seems to me that he really does wish for God's servants to honor the Lord.
Poor Samuel, it says he doesn't know the Lord and "the word of the Lord hadn't been revealed to him." How does he serve at the altar of the Lord in the Lord's Temple and not know the Lord? Samuel, Samuel? Here I am your servant hears. When the Lord calls do we know Him, do we hear? Are we able, like Eli, to say "It is the Lord, let him do what seems good to him"?
Prayers asked and answered, selfish response and godly response-these are examples and choices for us.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Ruth, Naomi and Boaz
Ruth 1:1-4:22
This relationship that is not broken by death, how does it come to be written for us to ponder? This is called the book of Ruth, and yet it is also the story of Naomi-whose name means pleasant, but who changes her name to Mara which means bitter. We see that after all her kin have died and she is left without resources, her daughter-in-law does not abandon her-though by all rights she should return to her own kin. We get this lovely quote, and perhaps it gives us a glimpse of why this is called the book of Ruth.
But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you."
Death is about all they had to look forward to. There was a famine in the land, and they had no legal means of support...and yet there is this promise, there is a place where they can go and they can be redeemed. What is this redeeming that they look for? The Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Joseph, he gives directions to say that no one in Israel is left without an inheritance, and no family is left without a future. This redemption is what Naomi/Mara is hoping for, even in the midst of her bitterness.
And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, "May he be blessed by the Lord, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!" Naomi also said to her, "The man is a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers."
Boaz has acted honorably, and in doing so he has set the stage for the redemption of Ruth and of Naomi. Look what comes of it! We see that Elimelech's name continues, his widow in her widowhood is given a child to nurse-no longer is she bitter, and Ruth, who was also a widow gives this gift to her mother-in-law; she too gets a new love in her life and we see that there are more generations to come, for we leave today hearing that Obed fathers Jesse and Jesse fathers David. What shall we see happen because of this relationship, this love and this obedience? I pray that we all can do everything as Ruth did by going to a place we do not know in order to take refuge under the shelter of His wings.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
This relationship that is not broken by death, how does it come to be written for us to ponder? This is called the book of Ruth, and yet it is also the story of Naomi-whose name means pleasant, but who changes her name to Mara which means bitter. We see that after all her kin have died and she is left without resources, her daughter-in-law does not abandon her-though by all rights she should return to her own kin. We get this lovely quote, and perhaps it gives us a glimpse of why this is called the book of Ruth.
But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you."
Death is about all they had to look forward to. There was a famine in the land, and they had no legal means of support...and yet there is this promise, there is a place where they can go and they can be redeemed. What is this redeeming that they look for? The Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Joseph, he gives directions to say that no one in Israel is left without an inheritance, and no family is left without a future. This redemption is what Naomi/Mara is hoping for, even in the midst of her bitterness.
And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, "May he be blessed by the Lord, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!" Naomi also said to her, "The man is a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers."
Boaz has acted honorably, and in doing so he has set the stage for the redemption of Ruth and of Naomi. Look what comes of it! We see that Elimelech's name continues, his widow in her widowhood is given a child to nurse-no longer is she bitter, and Ruth, who was also a widow gives this gift to her mother-in-law; she too gets a new love in her life and we see that there are more generations to come, for we leave today hearing that Obed fathers Jesse and Jesse fathers David. What shall we see happen because of this relationship, this love and this obedience? I pray that we all can do everything as Ruth did by going to a place we do not know in order to take refuge under the shelter of His wings.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Samson Defeats the Philistines
Judges 13:1-16:31
Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and they suffered 40 years. Why must we lose an entire generation to evil? What is it that we can not learn? How smart of Manoah to know he didn't know! He prayed to the Lord and said, "O Lord, please let the man of God whom you sent come again to us and teach us what we are to do with the child who will be born."
Now we know how to pray. Pray for the man of God to come and teach us how to raise the children. This telling, is it how we can bring the wonder and knowledge of the Lord to each generation?
The he said: "Now when your words come true, what is to be the child's manner of life, and what is his mission?"
When your words come true - this is the way of faith-When-not if. Prepare ourselves ahead of time. Ask how shall we do what we must do?
This story of Sampson comes to a sorry end. Forty years the Philistines oppressed Israel, twenty years Sampson judges Israel-led them safely, but Sampson continued when the Lord was not with him. He does not ask what shall I do-what would the Lord have me do.
Why do the women he meets have such a hold on him? Why do we let ourselves be drawn away? Reading the story it seems to us from the outside that Sampson should see the deceit and free himself from such distractions, and yet how often do we stay where it is not best for us, and do things that don't work for us or for God? Not just once as a mistake but again and again?
I pray I learn to ask what the Lord would have me do, and learn to listen to Him and not to my own whims.
See you tomorrow,
-maggie
Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and they suffered 40 years. Why must we lose an entire generation to evil? What is it that we can not learn? How smart of Manoah to know he didn't know! He prayed to the Lord and said, "O Lord, please let the man of God whom you sent come again to us and teach us what we are to do with the child who will be born."
Now we know how to pray. Pray for the man of God to come and teach us how to raise the children. This telling, is it how we can bring the wonder and knowledge of the Lord to each generation?
The he said: "Now when your words come true, what is to be the child's manner of life, and what is his mission?"
When your words come true - this is the way of faith-When-not if. Prepare ourselves ahead of time. Ask how shall we do what we must do?
This story of Sampson comes to a sorry end. Forty years the Philistines oppressed Israel, twenty years Sampson judges Israel-led them safely, but Sampson continued when the Lord was not with him. He does not ask what shall I do-what would the Lord have me do.
Why do the women he meets have such a hold on him? Why do we let ourselves be drawn away? Reading the story it seems to us from the outside that Sampson should see the deceit and free himself from such distractions, and yet how often do we stay where it is not best for us, and do things that don't work for us or for God? Not just once as a mistake but again and again?
I pray I learn to ask what the Lord would have me do, and learn to listen to Him and not to my own whims.
See you tomorrow,
-maggie
Friday, April 1, 2011
Gideon and the Midianites
Judges 6:1-7:25
Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord...and Israel was brought very low because of Midian, and the people of Israel cried out for help to the Lord.
That seems sadly, very familiar. How often do we do whatever we want without regard for whether it is in God's plan for us and for those around us. How often do we wish to do it ourselves? Then when we find ourselves not where we wished to be or with the outcome we intended, then we lament; then we cry to God for help? I wonder what could happen if we disregarded steps one and two and skipped directly to step three, and cried out to the Lord for help?
Look at what happens next:
When the people of Israel cried out to the Lord on account of the Midianites, the Lord sent a prophet to the people of Israel. And he said to them, "Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: I led you up from Egypt and brought you out of the house of bondage. And I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all who oppressed you, and drove them out before you and gave you their land. And I said to you, 'I am the Lord your God; you shall not fear the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell.' But you have not obeyed my voice."
The Lord refreshes their memory, he reacquaints them with their own history, and gives them hope for a future in relationship with him.
Poor Gideon, first he says how can I do this? This knee-jerk response to rely on our own strength and find ourselves lacking. It will be the case. We will not be strong enough or good enough or whatever enough-on our own. But God's angel says I will be with you, do not be afraid. Now we do see Gideon has heard of the Lord and asks good questions, why are we so oppressed if you are with us, how can I tell you are who you say you are? Gideon has heard of but doesn't know the Lord personally, he doesn't know the voice of the Lord. When Gideon asks for the angel to remain and sees that this is indeed an angel of the Lord he is afraid. I know I would be. No wonder the first words from the angel of the Lord are don't be afraid. And Gideon said, "Alas, O Lord God! For now I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face."But the Lord said to him, "Peace be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die." Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and called it, The Lord Is Peace.
The Lord is Peace. Ahh. This is good.
Gideon breaks the altar of Baal and Baal's followers are mad. But Gideon's dad says: Is Baal a god? Let him stick up for himself if he is. Funny thing that. Baal didn't stick up for himself; he was not a god.
Now this back and forth between Gideon and God is interesting, Gideon says show me a sign, and God says there are too many of you, for you might think you did this under your own strength. This ought to mean something to us. When we doubt we have the ability to do something, we are right in doubting ourselves, but we make a mistake when we doubt God. How wonderful to say-you are too many-you need to know ME and know that I AM with you...hmmm.
I will keep these three things...The Lord is Peace, The Lord is able, and the Lord wishes to be with us.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord...and Israel was brought very low because of Midian, and the people of Israel cried out for help to the Lord.
That seems sadly, very familiar. How often do we do whatever we want without regard for whether it is in God's plan for us and for those around us. How often do we wish to do it ourselves? Then when we find ourselves not where we wished to be or with the outcome we intended, then we lament; then we cry to God for help? I wonder what could happen if we disregarded steps one and two and skipped directly to step three, and cried out to the Lord for help?
Look at what happens next:
When the people of Israel cried out to the Lord on account of the Midianites, the Lord sent a prophet to the people of Israel. And he said to them, "Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: I led you up from Egypt and brought you out of the house of bondage. And I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all who oppressed you, and drove them out before you and gave you their land. And I said to you, 'I am the Lord your God; you shall not fear the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell.' But you have not obeyed my voice."
The Lord refreshes their memory, he reacquaints them with their own history, and gives them hope for a future in relationship with him.
Poor Gideon, first he says how can I do this? This knee-jerk response to rely on our own strength and find ourselves lacking. It will be the case. We will not be strong enough or good enough or whatever enough-on our own. But God's angel says I will be with you, do not be afraid. Now we do see Gideon has heard of the Lord and asks good questions, why are we so oppressed if you are with us, how can I tell you are who you say you are? Gideon has heard of but doesn't know the Lord personally, he doesn't know the voice of the Lord. When Gideon asks for the angel to remain and sees that this is indeed an angel of the Lord he is afraid. I know I would be. No wonder the first words from the angel of the Lord are don't be afraid. And Gideon said, "Alas, O Lord God! For now I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face."But the Lord said to him, "Peace be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die." Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and called it, The Lord Is Peace.
The Lord is Peace. Ahh. This is good.
Gideon breaks the altar of Baal and Baal's followers are mad. But Gideon's dad says: Is Baal a god? Let him stick up for himself if he is. Funny thing that. Baal didn't stick up for himself; he was not a god.
Now this back and forth between Gideon and God is interesting, Gideon says show me a sign, and God says there are too many of you, for you might think you did this under your own strength. This ought to mean something to us. When we doubt we have the ability to do something, we are right in doubting ourselves, but we make a mistake when we doubt God. How wonderful to say-you are too many-you need to know ME and know that I AM with you...hmmm.
I will keep these three things...The Lord is Peace, The Lord is able, and the Lord wishes to be with us.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
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