Hosea 1-14 I'm after love that lasts, not more religion. I want you to know God, not go to more prayer meetings.
If you want to live well, make sure your understand all of this. If you know what's good for you, you'll learn this inside and out. God's paths get you where you want to go. Right-living people walk them easily; wrong-living people are always tripping and stumbling. Everything you need to know is found in God.
Joel Each soldier does what he is told--so disciplined, so determined. Each one knows his job--and does it! What is my job? Am I doing it? When I am following hard after God, He is my safe hiding place, no matter what goes on all around.
Amos God, the Master, does nothing without first telling His prophets the whole story. Seek God and live! You don't want to end up with nothing to show for your life.
Obediah-Nahum Jonah didn't turn to God until he was sure he was so deep in trouble he saw no way out. Not until his life 'was slipping away' did he remember God. My prayer, Lord, is that I always run to You, no matter what & never try to hide and fix my own problems.
God has made it plain how to live and what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love. And don't take yourself too seriously--take God seriously!
From the Nathan Intro: God's characteristic way of working is in quietness and through prayer. If we are conditioned to respond to noise and size, we will miss God's work and action.
God is serious business. He won't be trifled with. No one gets by with anything.
God is good, a hiding place in tough times. He recognizes and welcomes anyone looking for help, no matter how desperate the trouble.
Habakkuk No matter what, I'm singing joyful praise to God. I'm turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God. Counting on God's rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer. I feel like I'm king of the mountain!
Zephaniah Seek God, all you quietly disciplined people who live by God's justice. Seek God's right ways. Seek a quiet and disciplined life.
Haggai A vivid reminder: God is living and breathing among us right now. Don't be timid. Don't hold back---think ahead. From now on, we can count on a blessing!
Zechariah God's charge to Joshua, the priest: If you live the way I tell you and remain obedient in my service, then you'll make the decisions around here & oversee my affairs. And all my attendants standing here will be at your service. This is my directive and warning as we head back home. This is our day of 'small beginnings'. All of this will follow as we put our minds to a life of responsive obedience to the voice of God.
Malachi I honor and worship God when I bring the very best of me to Him, as a daily, living sacrifice.
Matthew 1-14 Every day I wake up in the middle of something that is already going on, and has been going on for a long time. Why should I be concerned about the outcome of a single day, since I walk with God, & He already knows what will happen? Remember, just like the Wise Men, my life is a pilgrimage to worship Him!
Jesus was prepared for His test by fasting. Should fasting become a more regular part of my walk with Jesus?
The way to life--to God!--is vigorous and requires total attention. What is required is serious obedience--doing what my Father wills.
A command of Jesus--Become what you believe!
I have Chapter 10 marked in my Bible as the Disciples' Manual for Ministry. Here is what I am taking away from that today:
1) Go to the lost and confused right in my neighborhood.
2) When you start, you don't need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment.
3) Stay alert. This is hazardous work I'm assigning you.
4) People will turn on you, but don't quit!
5) Don't be intimidated.
6) Don't think the life of a disciple is cozy.
7) If you first concern is to look after yourself, you'll NEVER find yourself. If you forget
yourself, and look to Jesus, you'll find both yourself and Jesus.
8) We are intimately linked in this harvest work. Accepting someone's help is as good as giving
someone help.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
In Constant Prayer, by Robert Benson
"In Constant Prayer" by Robert Benson was a delightful introduction to the ancient practice of the daily office. I had not heard of this practice, which consists of praying specific prayers three times daily at set times. I did not grow up in a liturgical church, and it appears I may have missed some meaningful traditions.
The author uses his experiences with this ancient practice to examine the command to pray without ceasing. He says that since the beginning of the Jewish nation, these types of prayers have been offered to God. They continued on through the Gentile Christians of the first century, through the Reformation and into the 20th century. He believes our post-modern generation is the first to break this tradition, and we have lost because of it.
I thoroughly enjoyed his story of the impact of praying the office on his life. His self-deprecating honesty touched my heart and made me want to incorporate this into my life. I strongly agree with him when he said that communion with God is several things--and predictable is not one of them.
Disclaimer: I have been given a free copy of this book by BookSneeze to review. I am not obligated to give a positive review to fulfill this obligation.
The author uses his experiences with this ancient practice to examine the command to pray without ceasing. He says that since the beginning of the Jewish nation, these types of prayers have been offered to God. They continued on through the Gentile Christians of the first century, through the Reformation and into the 20th century. He believes our post-modern generation is the first to break this tradition, and we have lost because of it.
I thoroughly enjoyed his story of the impact of praying the office on his life. His self-deprecating honesty touched my heart and made me want to incorporate this into my life. I strongly agree with him when he said that communion with God is several things--and predictable is not one of them.
Disclaimer: I have been given a free copy of this book by BookSneeze to review. I am not obligated to give a positive review to fulfill this obligation.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Major Prophets-DONE
Jeremiah 37-47 There is a theme running through these chapters--God's prophet is hardly ever listened to, even by those who should know better. Also, God is very long suffering towards His people, who are greedy, selfish, stubborn & evil. He gives them so much warning & chance to repent, but they are so busy living in the NOW, they don't care about the future. Like a T-shirt I saw the other day, Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now. God has great promises for His children who want to do the 'hard work' of Kingdom building. Most often, tho, we don't see it nearly as quick as we want.
Jeremiah 48- Lamentations 2 A picture of how my sins can be woven into a rope that harnesses me into captivity. I am especially mindful of Pastor Ralph's statement that 'what I starve dies, but what I feed grows'. Thank You, Lord, for a pastor that doesn't court his church with sweet talk, but helps us face our sin, so we can repent.
Lamentations 3- Ezekiel 12 God proves to be good...to the woman who diligently seeks. Don't be afraid of living among the people to whom we are sent. Our job is to speak to them, whether they listen is not our concern. Just like Ezekiel, we must 'eat the Book & make a full meal of it. Don't dabble, and immerse ourselves in it. Get all the words that God is giving inside of us. Listen obediently. Make them your own. And then, go. Ezekiel didn't want to go where God was taking--like I didn't want to go at first.
Ezekiel 13-23 God acts out of who He is, not how He feels. He acts in a way that evokes honor.
Ezekiel 24-35 Always remember that we are watchmen, waiting to proclaim God's word to our dying generation.
Ezekiel 36-48 I finished Ezekiel, reminded of the 'river of life' in 47, where the Lord had shown me almost 15 years ago, that He wanted me to jump in over my head, not just dabble around the edges, like I had for so long. This week, changes in my life have felt like a tsunami, and I am carried along. But I have felt that this is the will of God & it's right where I want to be! Thank You, Lord, for this reminder today. Your will for me, whatever it may be, is my 'River of Life".
Daniel The three in the furnace KNEW that God could do whatever He wanted. But even if He didn't save them from the fire, they would still worship Him. Like the quote from JK Dean that has helped me see faith more clearly. "My faith is not in an outcome: it is in a Person--no matter the outcome."
This is what Gabriel said about Daniel's fast: 'from the moment you decided to humble yourself to receive understanding...your prayer was heard.' Persistence in prayer is so important. And sometimes so hard.
Jeremiah 48- Lamentations 2 A picture of how my sins can be woven into a rope that harnesses me into captivity. I am especially mindful of Pastor Ralph's statement that 'what I starve dies, but what I feed grows'. Thank You, Lord, for a pastor that doesn't court his church with sweet talk, but helps us face our sin, so we can repent.
Lamentations 3- Ezekiel 12 God proves to be good...to the woman who diligently seeks. Don't be afraid of living among the people to whom we are sent. Our job is to speak to them, whether they listen is not our concern. Just like Ezekiel, we must 'eat the Book & make a full meal of it. Don't dabble, and immerse ourselves in it. Get all the words that God is giving inside of us. Listen obediently. Make them your own. And then, go. Ezekiel didn't want to go where God was taking--like I didn't want to go at first.
Ezekiel 13-23 God acts out of who He is, not how He feels. He acts in a way that evokes honor.
Ezekiel 24-35 Always remember that we are watchmen, waiting to proclaim God's word to our dying generation.
Ezekiel 36-48 I finished Ezekiel, reminded of the 'river of life' in 47, where the Lord had shown me almost 15 years ago, that He wanted me to jump in over my head, not just dabble around the edges, like I had for so long. This week, changes in my life have felt like a tsunami, and I am carried along. But I have felt that this is the will of God & it's right where I want to be! Thank You, Lord, for this reminder today. Your will for me, whatever it may be, is my 'River of Life".
Daniel The three in the furnace KNEW that God could do whatever He wanted. But even if He didn't save them from the fire, they would still worship Him. Like the quote from JK Dean that has helped me see faith more clearly. "My faith is not in an outcome: it is in a Person--no matter the outcome."
This is what Gabriel said about Daniel's fast: 'from the moment you decided to humble yourself to receive understanding...your prayer was heard.' Persistence in prayer is so important. And sometimes so hard.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Great Words from the Prophets
Isaiah 14-29 People with their minds set on You, You keep completely whole, steady on their feet, because they keep at it, and don’t quit. Depend on God & keep at it, because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.
Isaiah 30-41 ...I’ve been behind this all along. This is a long-standing plan of mine, and I’m just now making it happen.
Hezekiah was one of the good kings, and when he became sick, God heard his prayer for healing & added 15 years to his life. But, sometime later, he became prideful & tried to impress other rulers, not giving God the glory. Note to self: ALWAYS give God the glory!
God doesn’t come and go. God LASTS! I’ll give you strength and I‘ll help you. I’ll hold you steady and keep a firm grip on you…I’m telling you, “Don’t panic I’m right here to help you.”
Isaiah 42-54 (God’s servant) won’t tire out and quit. He won’t be stopped until he’s finished his work—-to set things right on earth.
God says He’ll take the hand of those who don’t know the way, who can’t see where they’re going. He’ll be a personal guide to (me), directing (me) in unknown country. He’ll show me what roads to take, always being right with me, making sure I don’t fall into a ditch. He’s sticking with me, not leaving me for a minute! When I’m in rough waters, I won’t go down. When I’m between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end! God paid a huge price for me. So I should never be afraid, God is with me!
Remember, God can build a road right through an ocean & carve a path through pounding waves. So…
…forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out, don’t you see it? God backs up the word of His servant & confirms the counsel of His messengers. No one who hopes in God ever regrets it.
Isaiah 55-55 If you…quit gossiping about other peoples’ sins, if you are generous with the hungry & start giving yourselves to the down and out, I will always show you where to go. I’ll give you a full life in the emptiest of places. You’ll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew.
Look ahead with joy! Anticipate what I’m creating. –Before they call out, I will answer. Before they’ve finished speaking, I’ll have heard.
Here is something God is looking for: a person simple and plain, and reverently responsive to what He says.
Jeremiah 1-10 Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you. I’ve put my words in your mouth. I’ve given you a job to do….to pull up & tear down, take apart and demolish, and then start over, building and planting.
Circumcise your lives for God’s sake. What do I need to cut away from my life, Lord? This takes me to Hebrews 12:1-3 where it tells me to get on with it. Strip down, start running--& never quit! No extra spiritual fat; no parasitic sins. I need to always remember to keep the main thing the main thing.
“If you brag, brag of this and this alone: That you understand and know Me. I’m God & I act in loyal love. I do what’s right & set things right and fair, and delight in those who do the same things. These are my trademarks.” God’s Decree.
I know, God, that mere mortals can’t run their own lives. That men and women don’t have what it takes to take charge of life. So, correct us, Lord, as You see best.
Jeremiah 11-23 To Jeremiah, from God: Obey what I tell you. Do exactly what I command you. Your obedience will close the deal. You’ll be mine and I’ll be yours. I, God, search the heart & examine the mind. I get to the heart of the human. I get to the root of things. I treat them as they really are, not as they pretend to be.
Jeremiah 24-33 While in exile, God told His people to thrive where they were & not waste away. That has been my goal as I have waited these three years for the house to sell. Most of the time, it worked, but there were times when I longed forhome. God has the plans to give me the future I hope for. I have watched Him change the plan I hoped for over this time. And I know that has happened only because I “got serious about finding (Him) & wanted that more than anything else.” His Word says He’ll make sure I won’t be disappointed! PTL!
Jeremiah bought land even though he was in exile. I am packing, even thought we have a contingency. And God says, “Call to me & I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous & wondrous things you could never figure out on your own.” I’m calling out, Lord….
Isaiah 30-41 ...I’ve been behind this all along. This is a long-standing plan of mine, and I’m just now making it happen.
Hezekiah was one of the good kings, and when he became sick, God heard his prayer for healing & added 15 years to his life. But, sometime later, he became prideful & tried to impress other rulers, not giving God the glory. Note to self: ALWAYS give God the glory!
God doesn’t come and go. God LASTS! I’ll give you strength and I‘ll help you. I’ll hold you steady and keep a firm grip on you…I’m telling you, “Don’t panic I’m right here to help you.”
Isaiah 42-54 (God’s servant) won’t tire out and quit. He won’t be stopped until he’s finished his work—-to set things right on earth.
God says He’ll take the hand of those who don’t know the way, who can’t see where they’re going. He’ll be a personal guide to (me), directing (me) in unknown country. He’ll show me what roads to take, always being right with me, making sure I don’t fall into a ditch. He’s sticking with me, not leaving me for a minute! When I’m in rough waters, I won’t go down. When I’m between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end! God paid a huge price for me. So I should never be afraid, God is with me!
Remember, God can build a road right through an ocean & carve a path through pounding waves. So…
…forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out, don’t you see it? God backs up the word of His servant & confirms the counsel of His messengers. No one who hopes in God ever regrets it.
Isaiah 55-55 If you…quit gossiping about other peoples’ sins, if you are generous with the hungry & start giving yourselves to the down and out, I will always show you where to go. I’ll give you a full life in the emptiest of places. You’ll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew.
Look ahead with joy! Anticipate what I’m creating. –Before they call out, I will answer. Before they’ve finished speaking, I’ll have heard.
Here is something God is looking for: a person simple and plain, and reverently responsive to what He says.
Jeremiah 1-10 Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you. I’ve put my words in your mouth. I’ve given you a job to do….to pull up & tear down, take apart and demolish, and then start over, building and planting.
Circumcise your lives for God’s sake. What do I need to cut away from my life, Lord? This takes me to Hebrews 12:1-3 where it tells me to get on with it. Strip down, start running--& never quit! No extra spiritual fat; no parasitic sins. I need to always remember to keep the main thing the main thing.
“If you brag, brag of this and this alone: That you understand and know Me. I’m God & I act in loyal love. I do what’s right & set things right and fair, and delight in those who do the same things. These are my trademarks.” God’s Decree.
I know, God, that mere mortals can’t run their own lives. That men and women don’t have what it takes to take charge of life. So, correct us, Lord, as You see best.
Jeremiah 11-23 To Jeremiah, from God: Obey what I tell you. Do exactly what I command you. Your obedience will close the deal. You’ll be mine and I’ll be yours. I, God, search the heart & examine the mind. I get to the heart of the human. I get to the root of things. I treat them as they really are, not as they pretend to be.
Jeremiah 24-33 While in exile, God told His people to thrive where they were & not waste away. That has been my goal as I have waited these three years for the house to sell. Most of the time, it worked, but there were times when I longed forhome. God has the plans to give me the future I hope for. I have watched Him change the plan I hoped for over this time. And I know that has happened only because I “got serious about finding (Him) & wanted that more than anything else.” His Word says He’ll make sure I won’t be disappointed! PTL!
Jeremiah bought land even though he was in exile. I am packing, even thought we have a contingency. And God says, “Call to me & I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous & wondrous things you could never figure out on your own.” I’m calling out, Lord….
Monday, February 21, 2011
"Couples Who Pray" SQuire Rushnell, Louise DuArt
“Couples Who Pray” includes a 40-day challenge that promises to infuse your marriage with a deeper intimacy. It uses episodes from the lives of celebrity couples as examples of how prayer has enriched their relationships. The book includes a survey for each spouse to take before the “Challenge”, and then again at completion to gauge their success.
Although the book was very readable and gave biblical advice on principles to improve marital relationships, I was somewhat disappointed. Prayer is communication with God, and its purpose is to come to know Him better, not have a better marriage. I almost felt like this was a kind of gimmick for having a better marriage, not learning more about the Lord and how He wants to communicate with us.
Prayer is the subject of many books, and lots of us want to know what the “secret” to a good prayer life is. I have read many of them, and they have enriched my understanding of this most important communication. One important truth I have gleaned from all this reading is that prayer is not about a form, or a pattern, or a “right” way to pray. One author said that you can hardly do it wrong, and that has opened up my dialogue with God more than any book I have read about prayer, outside of the Bible.
I was able to read this book at no cost, thanks to BookSneeze, and I like that. However, I will not recommend it to anyone who is looking for study on prayer.
Although the book was very readable and gave biblical advice on principles to improve marital relationships, I was somewhat disappointed. Prayer is communication with God, and its purpose is to come to know Him better, not have a better marriage. I almost felt like this was a kind of gimmick for having a better marriage, not learning more about the Lord and how He wants to communicate with us.
Prayer is the subject of many books, and lots of us want to know what the “secret” to a good prayer life is. I have read many of them, and they have enriched my understanding of this most important communication. One important truth I have gleaned from all this reading is that prayer is not about a form, or a pattern, or a “right” way to pray. One author said that you can hardly do it wrong, and that has opened up my dialogue with God more than any book I have read about prayer, outside of the Bible.
I was able to read this book at no cost, thanks to BookSneeze, and I like that. However, I will not recommend it to anyone who is looking for study on prayer.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Seven
Psalms 91-108 All of you, set free by God, tell the world! Tell how He freed you from oppression. He led you out of your dark, dark cell, broke open the jail and led you out. So, thank God for His marvelous love!
Psalms 109-135 O God, here I am; Your servant, Your faithful servant: set me free for Your service! …..I’ll complete what I promised God I’d do.
Psalm 119 You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You’re blessed when you follow His directions, doing your best to find Him. That’s right, you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road He set.---I’m single-minded in pursuit of You; don’t let me miss the road signs You’ve posted. I’ll run the course You lay out for me if You’ll just show me how!—God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course. Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets, invigorate me on the pilgrim way! You’re my place of quiet retreat; I wait for Your Word to renew me. I’m Your servant—help me understand what that means, the inner meaning of Your instructions.
I’ve kept my feet on the ground, I’ve cultivated a quiet heart. He does as He pleases----however, wherever, whenever.
Psalms 136 – Proverbs 6 Thank the miracle-working God, His love never changes. Finish what You started in me, God. Your love is eternal—don’t quit on me now! The days of my life are all prepared before I’d ever lived one day.
Teach me how to live to please You, because You’re my God. Lead me by Your blessed Spirit into the cleared & level pastureland. Lord, I believe You are leading us to “cleared and level pastureland” as You go before us to PA & prepare the people and site for Your ministry.From the Proverbs Intro: Wisdom is the art of living skillfully in whatever actual conditions we find ourselves.
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen to God’s voice in EVERYTHING you do, EVERYWHERE you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track.
Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all the sideshow distractions. Watch your step & the road will stretch out smooth before you.
Proverbs 7-20 Mark a life of discipline & live wisely; don’t squander your precious life! Are you confused about life, don’t know what’s going on? Leave your impoverished confusion and live!
…..love pulls a quilt over bickering.
The world of the generous gets larger and larger, the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.
….the prudent quietly shrug off insults.
A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life.
Put God in charge of your work, then what you’ve planned will take place. This is another way of saying that if I daily surrender everything to the Lord, His plan will be advanced.
Proverbs 21- Ecclesiastes 2 Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind.
Simpletons only learn the hard way, but the wise learn by listening.—While experience (both mine and others) is a teacher, if I am wise, I don’t have to make all the mistakes of others.
Give yourselves to disciplined instruction; open your ears to tested knowledge. If you fall to pieces in a crisis, there wasn’t much to you in the first place.
God has no use for the prayers of the people who won’t listen to Him.
A good woman…always faces tomorrow (& today) with a smile. When she speaks, she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.
Ecclesiastes 3- Song of Songs 8 Wisdom energizes its owner. A person who fears God deals responsibly with all of reality, not just a piece of it.
God made us plain and simple, but we have made ourselves very complicated.
Remember: The duller the ax, the harder the work. (When I rush and begin my day without quality time with the Lord, I am a dull ax, and make my own life harder than God intends.)
The Final Word: Fear God. Do what He tells you.
Isaiah 1-13 From the Intro: Everyone more or less believes in God. But most of us do our best to keep God on the margins of our lives, or we refashion Him to suit our convenience. Prophets insist that God is the sovereign center, not off in the wings, awaiting our beck and call. And prophets insist that we deal with God as He reveals Himself, not as we imagine Him to be.
This reminds me of JI Packer teaching about our immutable God, whom we should come to know not as we ‘like to think of Him as_____(fill in the blank)' but as He truly is, as revealed in the Bible.
If you don’t take your stand in faith, you won’t have a leg to stand on. Without a growing, vibrant faith in God, I won’t have the foundation required of me to do what God has called me to do.
Psalms 109-135 O God, here I am; Your servant, Your faithful servant: set me free for Your service! …..I’ll complete what I promised God I’d do.
Psalm 119 You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You’re blessed when you follow His directions, doing your best to find Him. That’s right, you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road He set.---I’m single-minded in pursuit of You; don’t let me miss the road signs You’ve posted. I’ll run the course You lay out for me if You’ll just show me how!—God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course. Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets, invigorate me on the pilgrim way! You’re my place of quiet retreat; I wait for Your Word to renew me. I’m Your servant—help me understand what that means, the inner meaning of Your instructions.
I’ve kept my feet on the ground, I’ve cultivated a quiet heart. He does as He pleases----however, wherever, whenever.
Psalms 136 – Proverbs 6 Thank the miracle-working God, His love never changes. Finish what You started in me, God. Your love is eternal—don’t quit on me now! The days of my life are all prepared before I’d ever lived one day.
Teach me how to live to please You, because You’re my God. Lead me by Your blessed Spirit into the cleared & level pastureland. Lord, I believe You are leading us to “cleared and level pastureland” as You go before us to PA & prepare the people and site for Your ministry.From the Proverbs Intro: Wisdom is the art of living skillfully in whatever actual conditions we find ourselves.
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen to God’s voice in EVERYTHING you do, EVERYWHERE you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track.
Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all the sideshow distractions. Watch your step & the road will stretch out smooth before you.
Proverbs 7-20 Mark a life of discipline & live wisely; don’t squander your precious life! Are you confused about life, don’t know what’s going on? Leave your impoverished confusion and live!
…..love pulls a quilt over bickering.
The world of the generous gets larger and larger, the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.
….the prudent quietly shrug off insults.
A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life.
Put God in charge of your work, then what you’ve planned will take place. This is another way of saying that if I daily surrender everything to the Lord, His plan will be advanced.
Proverbs 21- Ecclesiastes 2 Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind.
Simpletons only learn the hard way, but the wise learn by listening.—While experience (both mine and others) is a teacher, if I am wise, I don’t have to make all the mistakes of others.
Give yourselves to disciplined instruction; open your ears to tested knowledge. If you fall to pieces in a crisis, there wasn’t much to you in the first place.
God has no use for the prayers of the people who won’t listen to Him.
A good woman…always faces tomorrow (& today) with a smile. When she speaks, she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.
Ecclesiastes 3- Song of Songs 8 Wisdom energizes its owner. A person who fears God deals responsibly with all of reality, not just a piece of it.
God made us plain and simple, but we have made ourselves very complicated.
Remember: The duller the ax, the harder the work. (When I rush and begin my day without quality time with the Lord, I am a dull ax, and make my own life harder than God intends.)
The Final Word: Fear God. Do what He tells you.
Isaiah 1-13 From the Intro: Everyone more or less believes in God. But most of us do our best to keep God on the margins of our lives, or we refashion Him to suit our convenience. Prophets insist that God is the sovereign center, not off in the wings, awaiting our beck and call. And prophets insist that we deal with God as He reveals Himself, not as we imagine Him to be.
This reminds me of JI Packer teaching about our immutable God, whom we should come to know not as we ‘like to think of Him as_____(fill in the blank)' but as He truly is, as revealed in the Bible.
If you don’t take your stand in faith, you won’t have a leg to stand on. Without a growing, vibrant faith in God, I won’t have the foundation required of me to do what God has called me to do.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Halfway Home...
Esther-Job 7 Esther lived a life so much different than she could have ever planned or dreamed, yet she took courage in unthinkable circumstances & lived in a manner that brought glory and honor to God.
Job said, “God gives. God takes. God’s name be ever blessed. We take the good days from God-why not also the bad days? He raises up the down and out, He gives firm footing to those sinking in grief.” Then, amid all his pain & suffering, Job says, “What future do I have to keep me going?”
My days come and go swifter than the click of knitting needles & then the yarn runs out—an unfinished life! This ties in with Jan Silvious’ new book, Same Life, New Story, about remembering every day is a page on the story of my life, & I don’t want to have any blank pages. So, what’s the answer when I feel overwhelmed by life? I think it’s found in what JI Packer says.
What am I made for? To know God.
What aim should I set meyself in life? To know God.
What is the eternal life Jesus gives? Knowledge of God.
What is the best thing in life? To know God.
What in man gives God most pleasure? Knowledge of Himself.
So, while I might have lofty God-Dreams, & I do, the most important thing I can do in any and every day is to know God.
Job 8-25 God, unlike us, You’re not working against a deadline; You have all eternity to work things out. God is not concerned about my circumstances, He’s concerned about my character.
Job 26-42 I’m holding fast to my integrity, and not loosening my grip---& believe me, I’ll never regret it! God alone knows the way to Wisdom, He knows the exact place to find it. This is it-—Fear-Of-The-Lord—-that’s wisdom, and insight means shunning evil.
God’s answer to Job---Why do you talk without knowing what you’re talking about? God answered Job when he was in the eye of a violent storm. (Even in the storms of life, we must be still and listen for God’s voice.)
Job’s Answer—I’m convinced You can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset Your plans. (Even tho Job never knew why all this happened.) I admit, I once lived by rumors of You; now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears!
After all this, God called Job His friend, and had Job pray & intercede for the 3 that gave him bad advice. When Job did this (prayed for his tormentors), God restored and doubled his fortune!
Psalms 1-24 …thrill to God’s Word, chew on Scripture day and night. This is the secret to being blessed. And not with nice things and a well ordered life, but with a deep and intimate friendship with the King of Kings!
Worship God in adoring embrace. If you make a run for God, you won’t regret it! You, God, have put my life back together.
Early in the morning, I lay out the pieces of my life on Your altar & watch for fire to descend. Here I am, waiting for directions to get me safely through enemy lines.
God’s business is putting things right; He loves getting the lines straight, setting us straight! God takes the side of victims.
Psalm 15 Walk straight, act right, tell the truth. Don’t hurt your friend, don’t blame your neighbor; despise the despicable. Keep your word even when it costs you, make an honest living, never take a bribe. You’ll never get black listed if you live like this. My choice is You, God! First and only.
Psalm 18 God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before Him. When I got my act together, He gave me a fresh start. Now I’m alert to God’s ways; I don’t take God for granted. Every day I review the way He works; I try not to miss a trick. I feel put back together & I’m watching my step. God re-wrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to His eyes.
What a God! His road stretches straight and smooth. Every God-direction is road-tested. Everyone who runs toward Him makes it! Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work.
Psalms 25-45 I’m looking to You, God; show me how You work. School me in Your ways. If I keep my eyes on You, God, I won’t trip over my own feet!
I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing: to live with Him in His house my whole life long. I’ll contemplate His beauty; I’ll study at His feet. That’s the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world. The perfect getaway far from the buzz of traffic.
Yesterday, we signed a contract on the sale of our house—contingent on the sale of the buyers’ home. After almost 3 years, it seems we are taking another step back to PA. More uncertainly & mixed feelings, but as I read Psalms today, I am again reminded of God’s grace & love, and my daily determination to put my faith & trust in Him. Not in the outcome of this contract, but in Him. My reading today concluded in Psalm 45, which has 2 verses the Lord used in my journey greatly three years ago when this whole walk started. “Listen to Me, O royal daughter, and take to heart what I say—forget your people and your family far away, for your Royal Husband delights in you. Honor Him, for He is your King.” What a comforting, confirming reminder of how to keep the first thing—my personal relationship with Jesus—first.
Psalms 46-70 Spread for Me a banner of praise. Serve High God a feast of kept promises (obedience). And call fro help when you’re in trouble. I’ll help you and you’ll honor Me. (Again, radical, extravagant, praise & thanksgiving in all that is going on.)
It’s the praising life that honors Me. As soon as you set your foot on the Way, I’ll show you My salvation.
Give me a job teaching rebels Your ways so the lost can find their way home. (WATW of Western PA)
I’ve worked up such a hunger and thirst for God, traveling across dry and weary deserts. It’s the dry times & the hard times that have made me truly understand that God, and God alone, is my everything.
Psalms 71-90 Still, when I tried to figure it out, all I got was a splitting headache….Until I entered the Sanctuary of God. Then I saw the whole picture. Lord, always remind me that trying to figure You out gives me a splitting headache. When the questsions & obstacles come, remind me to enter Your sanctuary with praise & thanksgiving, no matter what I may see around me.
The beginning of a journey 3 years ago started with this—“What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.” (Ps. 84:5 NLT) Today, when the journey is pecking up momentum , this—“And how blessed all those in whom You live, whose lives become roads You travel” Ps. 84:5 MSG. Lord, I want my life to always be a road You travel.
Train me God, to walk straight…put me together, one heart, one mind. Lord, thank you for letting my heart and mind come together in the pursuit of this plan of Yours that You have given me.
Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well! …And the loveliness of our Lord, our God, rest on us, confirming the work that we do. Oh yes, affirm the work that we do! Hallelujah! Praise Your Name, Lord!
Job said, “God gives. God takes. God’s name be ever blessed. We take the good days from God-why not also the bad days? He raises up the down and out, He gives firm footing to those sinking in grief.” Then, amid all his pain & suffering, Job says, “What future do I have to keep me going?”
My days come and go swifter than the click of knitting needles & then the yarn runs out—an unfinished life! This ties in with Jan Silvious’ new book, Same Life, New Story, about remembering every day is a page on the story of my life, & I don’t want to have any blank pages. So, what’s the answer when I feel overwhelmed by life? I think it’s found in what JI Packer says.
What am I made for? To know God.
What aim should I set meyself in life? To know God.
What is the eternal life Jesus gives? Knowledge of God.
What is the best thing in life? To know God.
What in man gives God most pleasure? Knowledge of Himself.
So, while I might have lofty God-Dreams, & I do, the most important thing I can do in any and every day is to know God.
Job 8-25 God, unlike us, You’re not working against a deadline; You have all eternity to work things out. God is not concerned about my circumstances, He’s concerned about my character.
Job 26-42 I’m holding fast to my integrity, and not loosening my grip---& believe me, I’ll never regret it! God alone knows the way to Wisdom, He knows the exact place to find it. This is it-—Fear-Of-The-Lord—-that’s wisdom, and insight means shunning evil.
God’s answer to Job---Why do you talk without knowing what you’re talking about? God answered Job when he was in the eye of a violent storm. (Even in the storms of life, we must be still and listen for God’s voice.)
Job’s Answer—I’m convinced You can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset Your plans. (Even tho Job never knew why all this happened.) I admit, I once lived by rumors of You; now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears!
After all this, God called Job His friend, and had Job pray & intercede for the 3 that gave him bad advice. When Job did this (prayed for his tormentors), God restored and doubled his fortune!
Psalms 1-24 …thrill to God’s Word, chew on Scripture day and night. This is the secret to being blessed. And not with nice things and a well ordered life, but with a deep and intimate friendship with the King of Kings!
Worship God in adoring embrace. If you make a run for God, you won’t regret it! You, God, have put my life back together.
Early in the morning, I lay out the pieces of my life on Your altar & watch for fire to descend. Here I am, waiting for directions to get me safely through enemy lines.
God’s business is putting things right; He loves getting the lines straight, setting us straight! God takes the side of victims.
Psalm 15 Walk straight, act right, tell the truth. Don’t hurt your friend, don’t blame your neighbor; despise the despicable. Keep your word even when it costs you, make an honest living, never take a bribe. You’ll never get black listed if you live like this. My choice is You, God! First and only.
Psalm 18 God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before Him. When I got my act together, He gave me a fresh start. Now I’m alert to God’s ways; I don’t take God for granted. Every day I review the way He works; I try not to miss a trick. I feel put back together & I’m watching my step. God re-wrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to His eyes.
What a God! His road stretches straight and smooth. Every God-direction is road-tested. Everyone who runs toward Him makes it! Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work.
Psalms 25-45 I’m looking to You, God; show me how You work. School me in Your ways. If I keep my eyes on You, God, I won’t trip over my own feet!
I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing: to live with Him in His house my whole life long. I’ll contemplate His beauty; I’ll study at His feet. That’s the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world. The perfect getaway far from the buzz of traffic.
Yesterday, we signed a contract on the sale of our house—contingent on the sale of the buyers’ home. After almost 3 years, it seems we are taking another step back to PA. More uncertainly & mixed feelings, but as I read Psalms today, I am again reminded of God’s grace & love, and my daily determination to put my faith & trust in Him. Not in the outcome of this contract, but in Him. My reading today concluded in Psalm 45, which has 2 verses the Lord used in my journey greatly three years ago when this whole walk started. “Listen to Me, O royal daughter, and take to heart what I say—forget your people and your family far away, for your Royal Husband delights in you. Honor Him, for He is your King.” What a comforting, confirming reminder of how to keep the first thing—my personal relationship with Jesus—first.
Psalms 46-70 Spread for Me a banner of praise. Serve High God a feast of kept promises (obedience). And call fro help when you’re in trouble. I’ll help you and you’ll honor Me. (Again, radical, extravagant, praise & thanksgiving in all that is going on.)
It’s the praising life that honors Me. As soon as you set your foot on the Way, I’ll show you My salvation.
Give me a job teaching rebels Your ways so the lost can find their way home. (WATW of Western PA)
I’ve worked up such a hunger and thirst for God, traveling across dry and weary deserts. It’s the dry times & the hard times that have made me truly understand that God, and God alone, is my everything.
Psalms 71-90 Still, when I tried to figure it out, all I got was a splitting headache….Until I entered the Sanctuary of God. Then I saw the whole picture. Lord, always remind me that trying to figure You out gives me a splitting headache. When the questsions & obstacles come, remind me to enter Your sanctuary with praise & thanksgiving, no matter what I may see around me.
The beginning of a journey 3 years ago started with this—“What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.” (Ps. 84:5 NLT) Today, when the journey is pecking up momentum , this—“And how blessed all those in whom You live, whose lives become roads You travel” Ps. 84:5 MSG. Lord, I want my life to always be a road You travel.
Train me God, to walk straight…put me together, one heart, one mind. Lord, thank you for letting my heart and mind come together in the pursuit of this plan of Yours that You have given me.
Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well! …And the loveliness of our Lord, our God, rest on us, confirming the work that we do. Oh yes, affirm the work that we do! Hallelujah! Praise Your Name, Lord!
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