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... :)
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
I had a moment...
So I was getting caught up on some of the Bible reading, and when I finished I was browsing the OneYearBibleBlog and I went through and watched the worship videos that Mike had posted.
I had a beautiful moment while watching the January 16th video. They were singing Alpha and Omega. For a brief moment, I felt as though I understood exactly what Heaven would be like. I remember as a kid hearing that in heaven we would sing praise songs to the Lord for days. At the time, I thought that sounded like the most BORING thing ever! I imagined terrible droning on and on. But I had the strangest epiphany tonight watching that video. I have no idea why this hasn't occurred to me before or why I have never felt this quite in this way before. But anyway, you know when you have moments at church during worship, when a song is just so moving that tears start to flow. Well that just happened, and I realized how wonderful it would be to sing like that, and feel like that for eternity! And the thing is, in this song, they are singing the same words over and over and over again, just like I imagined as a kid, but SO NOT like I had imagined as a kid. It was such a clear moment! And I'm just so grateful for that moment! Its really nice to get little glimpses of God's glory... helps us get through our time on earth!
BEAUTIFUL!
Here is the song... Watch it, and just think, all those people there are Christians who LOVE and are WORSHIPING GOD... It will be like that times infinity when we are heaven. Just amazing. I just can't wait to feel that way, and praise that way every moment!
PS, I just realized that I might start becoming the blubbering idiot at church now, crying every time we worship. I'm turning into my mother.
I had a beautiful moment while watching the January 16th video. They were singing Alpha and Omega. For a brief moment, I felt as though I understood exactly what Heaven would be like. I remember as a kid hearing that in heaven we would sing praise songs to the Lord for days. At the time, I thought that sounded like the most BORING thing ever! I imagined terrible droning on and on. But I had the strangest epiphany tonight watching that video. I have no idea why this hasn't occurred to me before or why I have never felt this quite in this way before. But anyway, you know when you have moments at church during worship, when a song is just so moving that tears start to flow. Well that just happened, and I realized how wonderful it would be to sing like that, and feel like that for eternity! And the thing is, in this song, they are singing the same words over and over and over again, just like I imagined as a kid, but SO NOT like I had imagined as a kid. It was such a clear moment! And I'm just so grateful for that moment! Its really nice to get little glimpses of God's glory... helps us get through our time on earth!
BEAUTIFUL!
Here is the song... Watch it, and just think, all those people there are Christians who LOVE and are WORSHIPING GOD... It will be like that times infinity when we are heaven. Just amazing. I just can't wait to feel that way, and praise that way every moment!
PS, I just realized that I might start becoming the blubbering idiot at church now, crying every time we worship. I'm turning into my mother.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Roller Coaster
Josephs story is a great example of how God gives and takes away. God blesses him and makes him the head of Potiphar's house. Then the poor guy is falsely accused trying to rape that horrible woman, and they throw him in dungeon for over 2 years! Joseph's life is like a roller coaster ride, and he seems to handle the low parts of his life pretty well. He is humble before God, trusting Him, giving God the glory for everything. God blesses him even in the Prison, making him in charge.
Stefani and I are doing a study of the Psalms, and I think it is a blessing that we have we have that book to teach us to worship. There are so many ways you can worship God, and expressing to God how you feel about the difficulties you are faceing is one of them. I think Joseph worked it out with God, and God blessed him for his faith and humility.
The Lord has blessed my life greatly, especially since Mike and I got married. I havent been through many valleys yet. I lost my Papa in sixth grade, that was a really hard time, but I was still pretty young, it was harder on my brother and parents. I know that I will have to go through the pain of loss again some day, and I am not looking forward to it. Who does! I guess what Im getting at is... sometimes wonder how I'm gonna handle grief. I would like to think that I will glorify God through the pain and grow more in him through the healing process.
I am thankful that we have these people like Joseph, David, Job, ect.. to learn from. And I am so excited to be doing the "Psalms of Ascent" study with Stefani, I think we will both grow and become prepared for God to take us on our roller coaster journey through life!
Stefani and I are doing a study of the Psalms, and I think it is a blessing that we have we have that book to teach us to worship. There are so many ways you can worship God, and expressing to God how you feel about the difficulties you are faceing is one of them. I think Joseph worked it out with God, and God blessed him for his faith and humility.
The Lord has blessed my life greatly, especially since Mike and I got married. I havent been through many valleys yet. I lost my Papa in sixth grade, that was a really hard time, but I was still pretty young, it was harder on my brother and parents. I know that I will have to go through the pain of loss again some day, and I am not looking forward to it. Who does! I guess what Im getting at is... sometimes wonder how I'm gonna handle grief. I would like to think that I will glorify God through the pain and grow more in him through the healing process.
I am thankful that we have these people like Joseph, David, Job, ect.. to learn from. And I am so excited to be doing the "Psalms of Ascent" study with Stefani, I think we will both grow and become prepared for God to take us on our roller coaster journey through life!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Rant
This verse reminds me of the Israel Gaza "conflict"
Psalm 12
8 The wicked freely strut about
when what is vile is honored among men.
Our media, Hollywood... our govt. and US citizens are condemning Israel... and HONORING, practically praising the Hamas terrorists in Gaza.
Its has become almost POPULAR to side against Israel. Today I did a little Facebook search for groups that were praying or siding with Israel. Instead I found page after page condemning Israel.
I won't really get into the details of the conflict, but just wanted to share that verse..
The good news is...in the two verses prior to verse 8:
6 And the words of the LORD are flawless,
like silver refined in a furnace of clay,
purified seven times.
Scary SCARY thing to side against God's blessed nation... He will protect Israel and His people.
Psalm 12
8 The wicked freely strut about
when what is vile is honored among men.
Our media, Hollywood... our govt. and US citizens are condemning Israel... and HONORING, practically praising the Hamas terrorists in Gaza.
Its has become almost POPULAR to side against Israel. Today I did a little Facebook search for groups that were praying or siding with Israel. Instead I found page after page condemning Israel.
I won't really get into the details of the conflict, but just wanted to share that verse..
The good news is...in the two verses prior to verse 8:
6 And the words of the LORD are flawless,
like silver refined in a furnace of clay,
purified seven times.
7 O LORD, you will keep us safe
and protect us from such people forever.
Scary SCARY thing to side against God's blessed nation... He will protect Israel and His people.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Treasure in Heaven
Okay, so Traci's post wins best post of the month award. Hahahahaah, we should start that. A "best post of the month". hehe, also, I invited Ryan and Mom to be authors on this blog. So whenever you feel compelled, please write something. It would just be nice to hear what others are getting out of the verses. And also, maybe you could win best post. ?? eh??
Anyway, I enjoyed these verses today: Matthew 6:19-21
19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
But anyway, lately I have been trying to clean up our house and finish moving all our things in from the garage, plus put away all the Christmas presents. Its just SO much STUFF! The kids closet is like busting out the seems... I feel so ridiculous! We don't need these things!
I remember when I was pregnant, and I had this image of how my kids would be. I didn't want them to have too many toys and clothes because I didn't want to place an emphasis on material things. But it hasn't really been going this way. WE have so much stuff, and the KIDS have even more!
This last weekend I was trying to clean up our house and finish moving all our things in from the garage, plus put away all the Christmas presents. It was just SO much STUFF! The kids closet is like busting out the seems... I feel so ridiculous! We don't need these things!
I dunno, I've just been thinking about this a lot. I'm thinking about asking friends and family to stop buying us things for holidays and birthdays. Maybe we could do a charity drive or something. We just don't need these THINGS. I know its especially hard for me because my family was really big on this growing up because we didn't really have much. WE DIDN'T EVEN HAVE A FLOOR! We always had handmedowns, and LOVED them. Our house was small, but its was HOME! and I loved growing up there. I loved that you couldn't escape to a different part of the house when you were mad. The house was so small, you had to confront each other and deal with things. I remember when I was really mad, I would take a shower. That way you could cry it out, or just get away and not have to hear or see anyone else. haha...
So, anyway, I need to weed all this stuff out, and get rid of it. I need to start simplifying my life and all the STUFF we accumulate. At this moment, I feel like I'm swimming in it, and that it is hindering my life and my walk with God. But I'm working on it, and I think Mom and I are going to have a garage sale, and then what doesnt get sold, I'm giving it away. I wish Traci were here, she is good at this stuff.
Once that is done, I am going to resolve to live the way the verse describes, and just learn to give up all this material stuff so I can focus more on storing up treasures in heaven. :)
This was kind of a lame post. But something that has been on my mind. Eh...
Anyway, I enjoyed these verses today: Matthew 6:19-21
19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
But anyway, lately I have been trying to clean up our house and finish moving all our things in from the garage, plus put away all the Christmas presents. Its just SO much STUFF! The kids closet is like busting out the seems... I feel so ridiculous! We don't need these things!
I remember when I was pregnant, and I had this image of how my kids would be. I didn't want them to have too many toys and clothes because I didn't want to place an emphasis on material things. But it hasn't really been going this way. WE have so much stuff, and the KIDS have even more!
This last weekend I was trying to clean up our house and finish moving all our things in from the garage, plus put away all the Christmas presents. It was just SO much STUFF! The kids closet is like busting out the seems... I feel so ridiculous! We don't need these things!
I dunno, I've just been thinking about this a lot. I'm thinking about asking friends and family to stop buying us things for holidays and birthdays. Maybe we could do a charity drive or something. We just don't need these THINGS. I know its especially hard for me because my family was really big on this growing up because we didn't really have much. WE DIDN'T EVEN HAVE A FLOOR! We always had handmedowns, and LOVED them. Our house was small, but its was HOME! and I loved growing up there. I loved that you couldn't escape to a different part of the house when you were mad. The house was so small, you had to confront each other and deal with things. I remember when I was really mad, I would take a shower. That way you could cry it out, or just get away and not have to hear or see anyone else. haha...
So, anyway, I need to weed all this stuff out, and get rid of it. I need to start simplifying my life and all the STUFF we accumulate. At this moment, I feel like I'm swimming in it, and that it is hindering my life and my walk with God. But I'm working on it, and I think Mom and I are going to have a garage sale, and then what doesnt get sold, I'm giving it away. I wish Traci were here, she is good at this stuff.
Once that is done, I am going to resolve to live the way the verse describes, and just learn to give up all this material stuff so I can focus more on storing up treasures in heaven. :)
This was kind of a lame post. But something that has been on my mind. Eh...
He's not Santa! He's not!
So, I read the Message version of the bible readings today... I am going to get side tracked for a second and post a verse that made me laugh.
Psalm 7:14
"Look at that guy!
He had sex with sin,
he's pregnant with evil.
Oh, look! He's having
the baby—a Lie-Baby!"
really? a Lie-baby? I honestly imagined the movie Elf... "You sit on a throne of lies! You don't smell like santa... you smell like beef and cheese!" Okay, but looking at the NIV version, you get this...
Psalm 7:14
"He who is pregnant with evil
and conceives trouble gives birth to disillusionment."
Quite different, eh? Reading different versions is important when you can't figure out what a verse means or when a verse sends you to the ground laughing. There's an important message in this verse, but I totally missed it when I read the Message version. This also applies to the Melchizedek ordeal. Stef and I read different versions of the Bible to check out what people were saying. Jesus having a pre-incarnate? Sounds weird... so we started reading and noticed that there was clearly a comparison going on. Anywho... Melchizedek probably smelled like beef and cheese.
Today's readings helped me realize my lack of immediate obedience. I constantly put things off that I know God wants me to do because I either fear what will happen in my life because of it or I think it's too difficult. Abraham (Abram) immediately obeys God and the convenant without hesitation. OH, and side note: Why don't we see God talking to Sarai (Sarah) when she's abusing her slave...
I also love this part of the New Testament... it always set things back in the right light for me. Growing up, I was always afraid to pray in front of people because I always thought people would judge me on "how well" I prayed. I used to struggle with praying and would always hide it from others. Thankfully, I've matured (at least a little) and I realize that God just wants us to talk to him... whether someone is standing there watching you or not... just need to be true to God!
Psalm 7:14
"Look at that guy!
He had sex with sin,
he's pregnant with evil.
Oh, look! He's having
the baby—a Lie-Baby!"
really? a Lie-baby? I honestly imagined the movie Elf... "You sit on a throne of lies! You don't smell like santa... you smell like beef and cheese!" Okay, but looking at the NIV version, you get this...
Psalm 7:14
"He who is pregnant with evil
and conceives trouble gives birth to disillusionment."
Quite different, eh? Reading different versions is important when you can't figure out what a verse means or when a verse sends you to the ground laughing. There's an important message in this verse, but I totally missed it when I read the Message version. This also applies to the Melchizedek ordeal. Stef and I read different versions of the Bible to check out what people were saying. Jesus having a pre-incarnate? Sounds weird... so we started reading and noticed that there was clearly a comparison going on. Anywho... Melchizedek probably smelled like beef and cheese.
Today's readings helped me realize my lack of immediate obedience. I constantly put things off that I know God wants me to do because I either fear what will happen in my life because of it or I think it's too difficult. Abraham (Abram) immediately obeys God and the convenant without hesitation. OH, and side note: Why don't we see God talking to Sarai (Sarah) when she's abusing her slave...
I also love this part of the New Testament... it always set things back in the right light for me. Growing up, I was always afraid to pray in front of people because I always thought people would judge me on "how well" I prayed. I used to struggle with praying and would always hide it from others. Thankfully, I've matured (at least a little) and I realize that God just wants us to talk to him... whether someone is standing there watching you or not... just need to be true to God!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Ramblings
I really enjoyed the Matthew readings today. Its always nice to hear Jesus' words. I always like to imagine him in modern day. Sometimes I reread the scripture using "The Message" version. (You can do this by going to the top of the BibleGateway.com screen and selecting the Bible version : Enlish/ The Message, then click update.) This version uses a more modern language that makes it a little easier to understand for modern times. Its neat to imagine what it would have been like to hear Jesus speak in person. I like to imagine what He would have worn and where and how he would have spoken if he had come during my lifetime.
In todays world, many people think that just by doing the right things they are good people, who will go to heaven. But these verses really challenge people. Most people in this world live "good" lives... they love their children, they go to work, they may donate to charity. They do the "right" things... but the standards of living are of this world. When we live by the standards of Christ, its so much more! Im not sure if I'm making things clear. Im just thinking about how Jesus says, Don't just not cheat, don't even look at someone in that manner. Don't just say yes, MEAN yes. Don't just do what you have to do, want to do it, and go beyond what you have to. God is not looking at how we appear to live, like how we as humans look at our neighbor. He isn't like pearing through a window saying, Oh look! Its looks as though the Jones' are going to Church today. What good people. I think they should go to heaven. He is looking in our hearts saying, Do they love me? Are they going to church because desire to know me and worship me?
Sometimes it seems so simple, but I think most of the time we just don't get it. Sometimes we cower in a corner thinking and desiring things that we think we can hide from God. But he sees it all. Its like with kids. Mason and Aubri are always doing thing they arent suppose to do when they think I'm not looking. Now, Im NOT God, so I'm sure they get away with some things. But its always funny to me, when I standing right there. Its like they are thinking, Maybe if I just turn my back a little bit this way, they won't notice! HA! But I do notice, and so does God.
So anyway good verses.... and a good thing God forgives!
And last point... What is with Melchizedek in Genesis? Did you guys read Hebrews 7 that Mike put in his blog? I had never seen that connection before and really would like to read more about it. Definetly something I am going to ask God when I get to heaven. Could Jesus have had a relationship with Old Testament people? INTERESTING
In todays world, many people think that just by doing the right things they are good people, who will go to heaven. But these verses really challenge people. Most people in this world live "good" lives... they love their children, they go to work, they may donate to charity. They do the "right" things... but the standards of living are of this world. When we live by the standards of Christ, its so much more! Im not sure if I'm making things clear. Im just thinking about how Jesus says, Don't just not cheat, don't even look at someone in that manner. Don't just say yes, MEAN yes. Don't just do what you have to do, want to do it, and go beyond what you have to. God is not looking at how we appear to live, like how we as humans look at our neighbor. He isn't like pearing through a window saying, Oh look! Its looks as though the Jones' are going to Church today. What good people. I think they should go to heaven. He is looking in our hearts saying, Do they love me? Are they going to church because desire to know me and worship me?
Sometimes it seems so simple, but I think most of the time we just don't get it. Sometimes we cower in a corner thinking and desiring things that we think we can hide from God. But he sees it all. Its like with kids. Mason and Aubri are always doing thing they arent suppose to do when they think I'm not looking. Now, Im NOT God, so I'm sure they get away with some things. But its always funny to me, when I standing right there. Its like they are thinking, Maybe if I just turn my back a little bit this way, they won't notice! HA! But I do notice, and so does God.
So anyway good verses.... and a good thing God forgives!
And last point... What is with Melchizedek in Genesis? Did you guys read Hebrews 7 that Mike put in his blog? I had never seen that connection before and really would like to read more about it. Definetly something I am going to ask God when I get to heaven. Could Jesus have had a relationship with Old Testament people? INTERESTING
Monday, January 5, 2009
Psalm, Matthew, Proverbs, and Abram
January 5th readings:
Psalm 5:3
In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait in expectation.
Mr Mike asked what we do in the morning to set our hearts and minds on God?
Every morning is a new day in Africa... and if I don't lay my requests before the Lord, I know I will suffer. This verse is a great verse to post on my bathroom mirror as a reminder that God is waiting for me to say Goodmorning! With the Jackson family, we do morning devotions... it's like coffee-- starts the day off right! Morning devotions get your heart beating in the right rhythm earlier rather than later.
I think Psalm 5:3 along with:
Matthew 5:14,16 NIV
"You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
are a good reminder to me that my attitude when I wake up in the morning and go about my daily business should reflect godly character. Being away from home for so long sometimes makes days difficult to reflect the right attitude... but by first going to the Lord in the morning, I am refreshed and ready to do my best to shine!
January 6th readings:
Genesis 13:8-9
So Abram said to Lot, "Let's not have any quarreling between you and me, or between
your herdsmen and mine, for we are brothers. Is not the whole land before you?
Let's part company. If you go to the left, I'll go to the right; if you go to the right,
I'll go to the left."
I absolutely love Abram's attitude in this verse. He not only chooses to solve an argument peacefully, but also gives up first choice of the land. When dividing or choosing things, it is important for me to give my friend first choice. As Mikey says in his blog, Abram was okay with 2nd choice because of his relationship with God. So, whether I get second best or tenth best, it's actually THE best because the Lord is with me. What's even better about Abram's character? Even after parting ways and getting second best, he rescues Lot without thinking twice about it! So, say I get into an unending quarrel with a friend... step 1: End the argument peacefully and possibly part ways. Don't fight to the death... and don't be bitter about getting 2nd choice. 2nd choice is 1st. step 2: if this person comes back in need of help, don't refuse. Help him without hesitation.
Another good bathroom mirror verse!
Proverbs 1:31
"they will eat the fruit of their ways
and be filled with the fruit of their schemes."
The path I choose each day and in each situation is important. I will fully experience that path I choose... that can either be extremely good or extremely bad.
Psalm 5:3
In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait in expectation.
Mr Mike asked what we do in the morning to set our hearts and minds on God?
Every morning is a new day in Africa... and if I don't lay my requests before the Lord, I know I will suffer. This verse is a great verse to post on my bathroom mirror as a reminder that God is waiting for me to say Goodmorning! With the Jackson family, we do morning devotions... it's like coffee-- starts the day off right! Morning devotions get your heart beating in the right rhythm earlier rather than later.
I think Psalm 5:3 along with:
Matthew 5:14,16 NIV
"You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
are a good reminder to me that my attitude when I wake up in the morning and go about my daily business should reflect godly character. Being away from home for so long sometimes makes days difficult to reflect the right attitude... but by first going to the Lord in the morning, I am refreshed and ready to do my best to shine!
January 6th readings:
Genesis 13:8-9
So Abram said to Lot, "Let's not have any quarreling between you and me, or between
your herdsmen and mine, for we are brothers. Is not the whole land before you?
Let's part company. If you go to the left, I'll go to the right; if you go to the right,
I'll go to the left."
I absolutely love Abram's attitude in this verse. He not only chooses to solve an argument peacefully, but also gives up first choice of the land. When dividing or choosing things, it is important for me to give my friend first choice. As Mikey says in his blog, Abram was okay with 2nd choice because of his relationship with God. So, whether I get second best or tenth best, it's actually THE best because the Lord is with me. What's even better about Abram's character? Even after parting ways and getting second best, he rescues Lot without thinking twice about it! So, say I get into an unending quarrel with a friend... step 1: End the argument peacefully and possibly part ways. Don't fight to the death... and don't be bitter about getting 2nd choice. 2nd choice is 1st. step 2: if this person comes back in need of help, don't refuse. Help him without hesitation.
Another good bathroom mirror verse!
Proverbs 1:31
"they will eat the fruit of their ways
and be filled with the fruit of their schemes."
The path I choose each day and in each situation is important. I will fully experience that path I choose... that can either be extremely good or extremely bad.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Give Me Your Eyes
Some good readings today! Just wanted to write down a few things I got out of today's reading.
Most of my thought will be related back to parenting.. haha, because well, that's what I'm doing these days.
Reading about Cain and Abel today, I found it interesting that after leaving the Garden of Eden the next sin mentioned (obviously a pretty big one- murder) was committed by the child of Adam and Eve. Not that I think that there was not any other sin between the apple and Cain, I just found it interesting that it was the next one mentioned. I think it tells us a lot about sin, and how it is passed down from generation to generation. It was like God was making a point. (haha, I just reread this statement... really? God made a point?) He was showing us the effect of our sins as parents on our children... and it was HUGE! Their son murdered his brother! I think that it can give us a focus as parents. Not that I can completely eliminate sin in my life, and not that I can keep my children from sinning. I just think that what they witness in the home will have a huge effect on how much they sin, and what struggles they will have with it. Generational sin. Interesting...
Also.. I really liked this verse: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline." Proverbs 1:7
I like it because I think fear is SO misunderstood anymore. Fear is necessary to healthy living. I remember having a conversation with a friend about how Christians fear the Lord, yet love Him. He couldn't understand this concept. I remember comparing it to the relationship I had with my parents. I loved my father, but I was also scared to death to cross him. I knew that if I broke the rules there would be punishment. But I also knew that he would be punishing me because he loved me. I know, you are thinking yeah, right. Well, I would say at least after the punishment, with the lecture and hug and kiss, I knew. And I never felt during the punishment that my Dad hated me. I think that as Christians it is SO important to FEAR God. If we don't fear punishment, then why would we desire to stop sinning. As a kid, if you knew your parents would just give you a hug and tell you they loved you when you hit your sister, would you stop? Pretty simple concept, but unfortunately I think it gets lost on a lot of people. Just look to the Old Testament if you are unsure of what God is capable of! :)
Lastly, on the one year Bible blog, Mike (the guy who write it) posted this video. SOOO good. Whether you are a Christian or not, I think this song could speak volumes to you. (Not that I really think anyone at all is reading this... but I like to pretend) Its a good prayer for everyday. I especially want to see my kids through God's eyes! I mean, if I think they are great, imagine what He thinks! :)
Here are the lyrics: (scroll down for the video)
Looked down from a broken sky
Traced out by the city lights
My world from a mile high
Best seat in the house tonight
Touched down on the cold black tile
Hold on for the sudden stop
Breath in the familiar shock
Of confusion and chaos
All those people going somewhere?
Why have I never cared?
Most of my thought will be related back to parenting.. haha, because well, that's what I'm doing these days.
Reading about Cain and Abel today, I found it interesting that after leaving the Garden of Eden the next sin mentioned (obviously a pretty big one- murder) was committed by the child of Adam and Eve. Not that I think that there was not any other sin between the apple and Cain, I just found it interesting that it was the next one mentioned. I think it tells us a lot about sin, and how it is passed down from generation to generation. It was like God was making a point. (haha, I just reread this statement... really? God made a point?) He was showing us the effect of our sins as parents on our children... and it was HUGE! Their son murdered his brother! I think that it can give us a focus as parents. Not that I can completely eliminate sin in my life, and not that I can keep my children from sinning. I just think that what they witness in the home will have a huge effect on how much they sin, and what struggles they will have with it. Generational sin. Interesting...
Also.. I really liked this verse: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline." Proverbs 1:7
I like it because I think fear is SO misunderstood anymore. Fear is necessary to healthy living. I remember having a conversation with a friend about how Christians fear the Lord, yet love Him. He couldn't understand this concept. I remember comparing it to the relationship I had with my parents. I loved my father, but I was also scared to death to cross him. I knew that if I broke the rules there would be punishment. But I also knew that he would be punishing me because he loved me. I know, you are thinking yeah, right. Well, I would say at least after the punishment, with the lecture and hug and kiss, I knew. And I never felt during the punishment that my Dad hated me. I think that as Christians it is SO important to FEAR God. If we don't fear punishment, then why would we desire to stop sinning. As a kid, if you knew your parents would just give you a hug and tell you they loved you when you hit your sister, would you stop? Pretty simple concept, but unfortunately I think it gets lost on a lot of people. Just look to the Old Testament if you are unsure of what God is capable of! :)
Lastly, on the one year Bible blog, Mike (the guy who write it) posted this video. SOOO good. Whether you are a Christian or not, I think this song could speak volumes to you. (Not that I really think anyone at all is reading this... but I like to pretend) Its a good prayer for everyday. I especially want to see my kids through God's eyes! I mean, if I think they are great, imagine what He thinks! :)
Here are the lyrics: (scroll down for the video)
Looked down from a broken sky
Traced out by the city lights
My world from a mile high
Best seat in the house tonight
Touched down on the cold black tile
Hold on for the sudden stop
Breath in the familiar shock
Of confusion and chaos
All those people going somewhere?
Why have I never cared?
Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me your heart for the once forgotten
Step out on a busy street
See a girl and our eyes meet
Does her best to smile at me
To hide whats underneath
There's a man just to her right
Black suit and a bright red tie
Too ashamed to tell his wife
Hes out of work
Hes buying time
all those people going somewhere?
Why have I never cared?
Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me your heart for the once forgotten
Ive Been there a million times
A couple of million eyes
just move and pass me by
I swear I never thought that I was wrong
Well I want a second glance
So give me a second chance
To see the way you see the people all alone
Thursday, January 1, 2009
In the Beginning....
I am going to be reading through the Bible this year, and have signed up with OneYearBibleBlog.com where I get a weekly email that has questions regarding each weeks reading. I plan to read and post my answers on here, as a way to journal and also share with others what I have learned. So far, my Mom and Ryan have decided to do this with me! If you would like to join me, its really easy thanks to technology! If you go to OneYearBibleBlog.com they have links to the scripture to read online, or have it on audio. How easy is that? You could do it at work, or while cooking dinner! Anyway... check it out if you would like, or you can just read what I have to say! :) I would also like to hear what you have to say, so comment me! :)
Questions for this week:
"1. This week we will read in Genesis chapter 1 verse 27: "So God created people in his own image; God patterned them after himself; male and female he created them." Do you believe that you are made in the image of God? Is this a powerful thing to reflect upon? What might this mean for your life in 2009, knowing that you are made in the image of God? Does this give you a sense of possibility for your life? A sense that you are made for a great purpose in this life?
Questions for this week:
"1. This week we will read in Genesis chapter 1 verse 27: "So God created people in his own image; God patterned them after himself; male and female he created them." Do you believe that you are made in the image of God? Is this a powerful thing to reflect upon? What might this mean for your life in 2009, knowing that you are made in the image of God? Does this give you a sense of possibility for your life? A sense that you are made for a great purpose in this life?
2. This week in Matthew chapter 4 we are introduced to John the Baptist! I don't know exactly what it is about John the Baptist - but I love reading about him and his life. He is just on fire for God and Jesus and he is encouraging others to get on fire too! I guess I like that in a person. J Another thing about John is that he is so focused on his mission to call others to repentance and to baptize them, that he really does not care about worldly things - like how he looks or what he wears or what he eats. None of that really matters to him. It is the message of the coming of Jesus that matters to him. Maybe it is verse 4 that really stands out to me about John: "John's clothes were woven from camel hair, and he wore a leather belt; his food was locusts and wild honey." I think this is really saying that John lived a simple life. He did not "major in minor things" - he "majored in the major thing" - Jesus! Is there something we can learn from John the Baptist in our lives today? Are we perhaps focusing too much on things of this world and not enough on God and Jesus? Are we truly loving God and loving people like John did? Or are we spending our life "majoring in minor things"? Will we instead "major on the major thing" that John is calling us to even today - complete passion and love for God, Jesus, and other people?
3. This week we will read this reflection on the godly in Psalm 1 verse 2: "But they delight in doing everything the LORD wants; day and night they think about his law." How well does this verse ring true with your life today? Do you delight in being obedient to God? Do you think about God's Word, the Bible, day and night? Should you? In 2009, will you?
4. This week we will read in Proverbs chapter 1 verses 2 through 4 a great overview of why we should read and study the Proverbs: "The purpose of these proverbs is to teach people wisdom and discipline, and to help them understand wise sayings. Through these proverbs, people will receive instruction in discipline, good conduct, and doing what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will make the simpleminded clever. They will give knowledge and purpose to young people." Do you want wisdom? Do you want discipline in your life? Do you want to do what is right, just and fair? Do you want purpose for your life? Do you believe this journey through the Bible in 2009 will move you forward in these areas?"
I'll be answering these questions at the end of the week when I finish the reading. Enjoy!
I'll be answering these questions at the end of the week when I finish the reading. Enjoy!
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