P.S. I think the curtains should be blue... anyone else?
August 4th Bible in a Year Readings
1 year ago
COME HOME!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Confession
I have a confession to make. I read all of Exodus and was bored stiff through a rather large portion of it.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Delighting in the Law
As we have been reading about the Ten Commandments, a part of the Bible we all know really well, I found myself a little bored with it. But I had a moment of thankfulness recently for this blessing from God. All of His laws are so precious to us, and His Word guides us how on how to live our lives. Praise God for his Word! Where would I be be without it? I don't even wanna go there!
It is so sad that so many people push these laws aside and write them all off as rules and restrictions for living a "full and exciting life". These people are miserable. The movie I saw last night made me sick, I was really bothered by it, and I'v watched plenty of trash on the "idiot box". I think God is working in my life, because I am getting more and more uncomfortable with the stuff I see. This movie really had me squirming with all the cheating and disregard for what God wants for each of us, and later I couldn't get all the bad stuff out of my head! But seeing this made me thankful that I know His Commandments, and strive to live by them. I was also thankful that those who are dear to me also share this goal: To live for God, and to obey His commands.
All this reminded me of a song that they would sing at SLO Baptist church. Its really simple, and it just repeats. I always liked this song. Now I know why.
We delight in the law of your Word;
We delight in the Son who was perfect from birth.
We delight in the day he's returning to earth!
Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
It is so sad that so many people push these laws aside and write them all off as rules and restrictions for living a "full and exciting life". These people are miserable. The movie I saw last night made me sick, I was really bothered by it, and I'v watched plenty of trash on the "idiot box". I think God is working in my life, because I am getting more and more uncomfortable with the stuff I see. This movie really had me squirming with all the cheating and disregard for what God wants for each of us, and later I couldn't get all the bad stuff out of my head! But seeing this made me thankful that I know His Commandments, and strive to live by them. I was also thankful that those who are dear to me also share this goal: To live for God, and to obey His commands.
All this reminded me of a song that they would sing at SLO Baptist church. Its really simple, and it just repeats. I always liked this song. Now I know why.
We delight in the law of your Word;
We delight in the Son who was perfect from birth.
We delight in the day he's returning to earth!
Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Mouths of Babes
As we have been reading through Matthew, the reference to children has been standing out to me more than ever...child like faith especially.
I was reading Matt. 21:14-16 the KJ version says:
14)And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them. 15) and when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased, 16) And said to unto Him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea: have ye never read, out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou has perfect praise.
Perfect Praise... Perfect. So I Googled this verse because my study bible didn't have anything to say about this. I found that Jesus was referring to Psalms 8:2 KJV- Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies , that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
Well, I love the KJV...I was raised with it, but the NLT hits home for me. Ps 8 starts as a familiar hymn...
1)Oh Lord, our Lord you majestic name fills the earth!
Your glory is higher than the heavens.
2)You have taught the children and infants
to tell of your strength,
silencing your enemies
and all who oppose you.....
As you read the rest of the Psalm you can see how the greatness of God is praised...I don't wanna type it all...you should check it out, very cool. But what I think is so amazing is that amidst all the greatness, God gets the praise from children who are so young and naive, but their praise silences the enemies. No one is laughing at them...but silent. Imagine that praise.
As I compare the two translations, I get the idea that these children were ordained strength because of thine enemies...or taught to love Jesus despite a sinful world. He values them so much, and he seems to set them on a pedestal to teach us to be like them. And for us to teach them about Him.
I have heard many times from friends that being brought up in a Christian school was brain washing. I always argued that I was not brainwashed. Now I truly understand why. Jesus has a love for the children that is so strong that he calls us to take heed...and imitate them. I strongly believe that He loves us all, but the children, they are his priority...and it should be ours when it comes to teaching them about Christ and His word. It is not brainwashing, it is LOVE.
This all reminds me of a documentary I saw called "Jesus Camp"...and I have heard even some of my Christian friends say that it is brain washing, but I disagree...the film maker hints in that direction, but I never felt that way. The way the film is made will make you think at times that these people are weird, but if you watch the movie knowing what Jesus said.... you will see out of the mouths of babes comes praise that will put us adults to shame. It is kinda controversial (some might think it is phony and the kids are just imitating their parents), but personally it brought me to tears, and I hoped my kids would have that fire for God.
Dont get me wrong... It doesn't matter how you find Jesus. Whether you lived your whole life without Him until the end, or grew up with Him. I think Jesus values us when we accept him like a child, regardless of our age.
Seriously see the movie if you haven't. It is a great thing to discuss or argue. Our friend Andy disagrees with me... he thinks it is brain washing, and his parents were missionaries to Africa. He came back around to Jesus in his own way, so maybe that is why he thinks people should just do whatever and see what happens in the end.
If you don't understand what I am getting at please tell me...cause that is common. I am like my dad.
I was reading Matt. 21:14-16 the KJ version says:
14)And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them. 15) and when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased, 16) And said to unto Him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea: have ye never read, out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou has perfect praise.
Perfect Praise... Perfect. So I Googled this verse because my study bible didn't have anything to say about this. I found that Jesus was referring to Psalms 8:2 KJV- Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies , that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
Well, I love the KJV...I was raised with it, but the NLT hits home for me. Ps 8 starts as a familiar hymn...
1)Oh Lord, our Lord you majestic name fills the earth!
Your glory is higher than the heavens.
2)You have taught the children and infants
to tell of your strength,
silencing your enemies
and all who oppose you.....
As you read the rest of the Psalm you can see how the greatness of God is praised...I don't wanna type it all...you should check it out, very cool. But what I think is so amazing is that amidst all the greatness, God gets the praise from children who are so young and naive, but their praise silences the enemies. No one is laughing at them...but silent. Imagine that praise.
As I compare the two translations, I get the idea that these children were ordained strength because of thine enemies...or taught to love Jesus despite a sinful world. He values them so much, and he seems to set them on a pedestal to teach us to be like them. And for us to teach them about Him.
I have heard many times from friends that being brought up in a Christian school was brain washing. I always argued that I was not brainwashed. Now I truly understand why. Jesus has a love for the children that is so strong that he calls us to take heed...and imitate them. I strongly believe that He loves us all, but the children, they are his priority...and it should be ours when it comes to teaching them about Christ and His word. It is not brainwashing, it is LOVE.
This all reminds me of a documentary I saw called "Jesus Camp"...and I have heard even some of my Christian friends say that it is brain washing, but I disagree...the film maker hints in that direction, but I never felt that way. The way the film is made will make you think at times that these people are weird, but if you watch the movie knowing what Jesus said.... you will see out of the mouths of babes comes praise that will put us adults to shame. It is kinda controversial (some might think it is phony and the kids are just imitating their parents), but personally it brought me to tears, and I hoped my kids would have that fire for God.
Dont get me wrong... It doesn't matter how you find Jesus. Whether you lived your whole life without Him until the end, or grew up with Him. I think Jesus values us when we accept him like a child, regardless of our age.
Seriously see the movie if you haven't. It is a great thing to discuss or argue. Our friend Andy disagrees with me... he thinks it is brain washing, and his parents were missionaries to Africa. He came back around to Jesus in his own way, so maybe that is why he thinks people should just do whatever and see what happens in the end.
If you don't understand what I am getting at please tell me...cause that is common. I am like my dad.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
What God Allows...
This really caught my attention today (I'm a day behind in readings... so technically it was Jan 28th reading)
Exodus 7:3-5
3 But I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and though I multiply my miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt, 4 he will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and with mighty acts of judgment I will bring out my divisions, my people the Israelites. 5 And the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it."
Did you catch that? I reread this, and reread... and then checked other versions just to be sure. "But I will harden Pharaoh's heart" God was the one that hardened Pharaoh's heart!
After contemplating this... I realized there is such a HUGE life lesson in that statement. Can you imagine how the story would have gone if Pharaoh was like, "You know, these Hebrews are just getting on my nerves anyway, lets just let them go... Life will be easier without them." ? Pharaoh would have never witnessed God's power. He would never question who God was... So God hardened his heart... so that he could test Pharaoh and show him His glory.
Its just so powerful to think about because, while Pharaoh is dilly dallying around, the Hebrew people were suffering! I love this, because to me at least... I questioned God! WHY would God allow so many to suffer just to show some powerful snob that God is the one and only God? BECAUSE HE LOVES HIM, he loves Pharaoh! Its really a good thing I'm not God.. I would have said screw Pharaoh...
What a powerful lesson in that little statement! So when we suffer as Christians, we have to remember that God is allowing these trials so that in the end He will be glorified! Actually, He may not even be glorified! Its more that He could potentially be glorified. We know that in the story of Moses, Pharaoh gets it for a second maybe...
27 Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron. "This time I have sinned," he said to them. "The LORD is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong. 28 Pray to the LORD, for we have had enough thunder and hail. I will let you go; you don't have to stay any longer."
but then oh, nevermind...
34 When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had stopped, he sinned again: He and his officials hardened their hearts. 35 So Pharaoh's heart was hard and he would not let the Israelites go
and it goes on and on. But God continues to allow his people to suffer so that maybe Pharaoh might truly see God.
This makes me think of the all too common question from those who question God: If God exists, and loves us, why would He allow such horrible things to happen, like Katrina, like 911, like WARS to happen? If he loved us, why would he let us suffer? Well, there are SO many many reasons that we don't understand, but I think this is a huge one. There is someone out there He LOVES and He is desperately trying to get their attention!
Good stuff, eh?
Exodus 7:3-5
3 But I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and though I multiply my miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt, 4 he will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and with mighty acts of judgment I will bring out my divisions, my people the Israelites. 5 And the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it."
Did you catch that? I reread this, and reread... and then checked other versions just to be sure. "But I will harden Pharaoh's heart" God was the one that hardened Pharaoh's heart!
After contemplating this... I realized there is such a HUGE life lesson in that statement. Can you imagine how the story would have gone if Pharaoh was like, "You know, these Hebrews are just getting on my nerves anyway, lets just let them go... Life will be easier without them." ? Pharaoh would have never witnessed God's power. He would never question who God was... So God hardened his heart... so that he could test Pharaoh and show him His glory.
Its just so powerful to think about because, while Pharaoh is dilly dallying around, the Hebrew people were suffering! I love this, because to me at least... I questioned God! WHY would God allow so many to suffer just to show some powerful snob that God is the one and only God? BECAUSE HE LOVES HIM, he loves Pharaoh! Its really a good thing I'm not God.. I would have said screw Pharaoh...
What a powerful lesson in that little statement! So when we suffer as Christians, we have to remember that God is allowing these trials so that in the end He will be glorified! Actually, He may not even be glorified! Its more that He could potentially be glorified. We know that in the story of Moses, Pharaoh gets it for a second maybe...
27 Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron. "This time I have sinned," he said to them. "The LORD is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong. 28 Pray to the LORD, for we have had enough thunder and hail. I will let you go; you don't have to stay any longer."
but then oh, nevermind...
34 When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had stopped, he sinned again: He and his officials hardened their hearts. 35 So Pharaoh's heart was hard and he would not let the Israelites go
and it goes on and on. But God continues to allow his people to suffer so that maybe Pharaoh might truly see God.
This makes me think of the all too common question from those who question God: If God exists, and loves us, why would He allow such horrible things to happen, like Katrina, like 911, like WARS to happen? If he loved us, why would he let us suffer? Well, there are SO many many reasons that we don't understand, but I think this is a huge one. There is someone out there He LOVES and He is desperately trying to get their attention!
Good stuff, eh?
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Matthew 18:19
19"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.
What a great encouragement to pray with our fellow Christians! I get such a visual of Jesus standing there where 2 or 3 are gathered. What a wonderful promise! That is why God has brought us together, to fellowship and to pray together. I often forget how beneficial it can be to pray with someone, and I need to do it regularly. Sometimes I don't want to feel awkward, but it can be such a blessing when I get passed that. Personal prayer is not enough sometimes, and I found this to be a reminder to pray regularly with my husband and other Christians I'm close to.
What a great encouragement to pray with our fellow Christians! I get such a visual of Jesus standing there where 2 or 3 are gathered. What a wonderful promise! That is why God has brought us together, to fellowship and to pray together. I often forget how beneficial it can be to pray with someone, and I need to do it regularly. Sometimes I don't want to feel awkward, but it can be such a blessing when I get passed that. Personal prayer is not enough sometimes, and I found this to be a reminder to pray regularly with my husband and other Christians I'm close to.
Friday, January 23, 2009
It was GOD! Duh...
Genesis 45: 8
So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God.
I loved this part of the story. Can you imagine? And to be okay with that too?! Its hard to realize that sometimes God allows bad things in our lives for greater good. Its also difficult to thank God for the bad stuff in our lives even when we can clearly see the good. And to forgive those that may have been the cause of those bad things. Hmmm.. Joseph is such a great example to us... Just like Brenna talked about earlier.
Thats all, I was just really struck by that statement. :)
So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God.
I loved this part of the story. Can you imagine? And to be okay with that too?! Its hard to realize that sometimes God allows bad things in our lives for greater good. Its also difficult to thank God for the bad stuff in our lives even when we can clearly see the good. And to forgive those that may have been the cause of those bad things. Hmmm.. Joseph is such a great example to us... Just like Brenna talked about earlier.
Thats all, I was just really struck by that statement. :)
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Penn
Sorry about these video post, and esp sorry Traci cuz i know you can't always view this stuff in Africa.. but anyway.. I just found them really moving. This next one is a video by Penn, of Penn and Teller. I know very little about him, but have heard some of his rants, and I've always liked what he has to say. So anyway, take a listen, tell me what you think... :)
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