"All the people answered, 'His blood be on us and on our children!'" (HCSB)
What Satan intends for bad, God will use for good.
His people were begging for His covering..
God, WE were begging for Your covering. We knew we could no longer stand alone. We needed to be washed in Your blood - covered with Your blood...and somewhere deep inside we knew that. It was brutal, but we called out for You...and You answered.
Proof that our hearts long for You.
Proof that You use all things for Your glory.
Proof that Your sheep know Your voice.
What kind of love..
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
17 September 2011
10 March 2010
hopelessness and helplessness
"When believers are totally outnumbered and no one stands with us in godliness, few are strong enough to resist lowering the standard to relativity. Proverbs 21:10 warns us not to 'move an ancient boundary stone.'" - Beth Moore.
keep checking back..this is going to get longer after dinner.
--
Okay.
First of all, I should be writing an essay, but that's beside the point.
I can't explain how many times in the past twenty-four hours that I have simply ran into God's clothes-lining throat karate chop.
Make plans: HIS plan prevails.
Think you've got it all under control..think again. it's not yours to control in the first place.
pretty sure you let go and let God handle all your relationships: might want to take your little white knuckles off of them first.
One cannot stand alone. A friend once told me that you'll see trees thriving together...TOGETHER...and those standing alone are more prone to falling at the mercies of the elements or any number of other things.
This is true in us..we, as followers of Christ, m.u.s.t. stand united. Division...division does nothing but divide.
Now, listen. I know you're thinking that was the dumbest statement you've ever seen or heard, but hear me out. Since when does God divide His people? Yes, there were 12 tribes, but they were united together as the children of Israel. He surely parted the Red Sea AND the Jordan River, but ALL HIS PEOPLE, TOGETHER, walked across on dry land. Amen?
Then why do we stand divided? Oh, that's right - we don't stand! The body has need of its every part - that is why we, together, as individual pieces of the body of Christ with specific duties (let me add - YOU ARE NOT THE SAME!),
MUST
BE
UNITED.
Dividing ourselves only hurts ourselves. One part cannot say to the other that it is better and the other is worthless because with out BOTH, NEITHER would function correctly.
Who are we that we think we can let petty, insignificant, arrogant, prideful lusts of the flesh divide us? WE ARE ALL SPECIAL - I know you heard that in elementary school! So STOP saying to your brothers and sisters that they aren't worth it. If it has been created by God, it has been created WITH SPECIFIC PURPOSE FOR THE GLORY OF GOD.
Now, stand united.
keep checking back..this is going to get longer after dinner.
--
Okay.
First of all, I should be writing an essay, but that's beside the point.
I can't explain how many times in the past twenty-four hours that I have simply ran into God's clothes-lining throat karate chop.
Make plans: HIS plan prevails.
Think you've got it all under control..think again. it's not yours to control in the first place.
pretty sure you let go and let God handle all your relationships: might want to take your little white knuckles off of them first.
One cannot stand alone. A friend once told me that you'll see trees thriving together...TOGETHER...and those standing alone are more prone to falling at the mercies of the elements or any number of other things.
This is true in us..we, as followers of Christ, m.u.s.t. stand united. Division...division does nothing but divide.
Now, listen. I know you're thinking that was the dumbest statement you've ever seen or heard, but hear me out. Since when does God divide His people? Yes, there were 12 tribes, but they were united together as the children of Israel. He surely parted the Red Sea AND the Jordan River, but ALL HIS PEOPLE, TOGETHER, walked across on dry land. Amen?
Then why do we stand divided? Oh, that's right - we don't stand! The body has need of its every part - that is why we, together, as individual pieces of the body of Christ with specific duties (let me add - YOU ARE NOT THE SAME!),
MUST
BE
UNITED.
Dividing ourselves only hurts ourselves. One part cannot say to the other that it is better and the other is worthless because with out BOTH, NEITHER would function correctly.
Who are we that we think we can let petty, insignificant, arrogant, prideful lusts of the flesh divide us? WE ARE ALL SPECIAL - I know you heard that in elementary school! So STOP saying to your brothers and sisters that they aren't worth it. If it has been created by God, it has been created WITH SPECIFIC PURPOSE FOR THE GLORY OF GOD.
Now, stand united.
03 March 2010
Hakuna Matata and glow-in-the-dark paint
Today's a normal Tuesday, right? Well, if you leave out the random snow this morning and the ambulance outside my dorm earlier in the evening.
I'm beginning to realize that there is no such thing as a 'normal day' with the Lord. I should've learned that a while back; I know, I know.
While working on an essay rough draft - which I still haven't finished, by the way - I decided to switch up my playlist. I remembered a few key Disney songs that had been given me and I've been in the mood to watch Aladdin for the past few weeks - it all fit perfectly. One of these most important Disney songs was "Hakuna Matata." It means no worries for the rest of your...okay, I'm sure you know it. Anyone in the United States over the age of 4 should have seen that movie. If you know of someone who has not, please get them in touch with me. I will gladly find a copy for them to borrow (I don't own it myself, unfortunately).
Think about that though: Hakuna Matata -- no.worries.
How often does God call us to that? James 1:2 says we should be joyful in our trials and temptations. Isaiah 51 and 52 tell us not to be discouraged by the words others would speak against us. Paul says numerous times that as Christians we WILL be persecuted and Matthew says those who disliked Yeshua would dislike us, surely. David cries out countless times in the Psalms: If God is for us, who can stop us? If God is with us, what can stand against us? What do we have to fear? GREATER is He who is in us that he who is in the world.
Isn't that true?!
In Romans 8, Paul tells us that there is NOTHING that can separate us from God's love - we should be PERSISTENT in prayer and PATIENT in our afflictions..because by Yeshua, enshrouded in the Shekhinah of Adonai, we are MOOOOOORE than conquerors!!
Then why don't we go around shouting, "GLORY TO GOD, HAKUNA MATATA," because our Savior has rescued us from the pits of hell and has risen again....so that we have no more worries for the rest of our days. It IS a problem free philosophy - it is unfailing, unshakable!!
-
I painted a picture for Mr. Keith last week and gave it to him last Saturday after service. It was gray with black and white swirls all over. On top of that in glow in the dark paint were ninjas...fighting ones...and Hebrews 4:12 (modified) :: "God's Word is quick, powerful, and sharper than a (Samari) sword." This is significant to Mr. Keith..because he's a ninja, but that's a different story for a different time - it may already be in one of my Passion2010 posts from January sometime.
There was a big to-do about the glow-in-the-dark paint and how cool it was that Michaels had it and the way it made the ninjas glow - it was just great. I was thinking about it tonight for some reason - there was really no prompting - and realized this:
If the paint is not in the light for a little while to "charge," it will not glow. You have to let it sit in the light or put it close to the light bulb for a few minutes for it to be extra bright as soon as you turn the light off.
The paint glows the brightest immediately after the darkest darkness surrounds it and soon the glow fades.
WE ARE LIKE THAT PAINT!! If we don't spend time in the Word, soaking up the rays of the S-O-N, we fade and our light is no longer able to shine. Matthew 5 tells us we are the light of the world...we are to take the Word to the farthest reaches of this planet and tell everyone, but if we don't spend time walking with Yeshua, just existing in the presence of Adonai, we fade.
After conferences like Passion or camp we are positively glowing - people commented about it when the 10 of us from NA returned from Passion2010. We are excited to share the Word, we are pumped, we are full of energy and the strength of the Lord. But over time - let's say a month or two as it's now been - we lose it. We become weary. I've noticed that it's harder for me to wake up and get in the Word..it's harder for me to set time aside during the day. BUT, it's also harder for me to fight back. it's harder for me to sit in New Testament class with a discerning spirit, knowing that the subjects we are speaking on are imperative - much more so than a literature class or math class, though God has a hand in those as well and can teach you some of the coolest lessons if you'll pay attention in those classes.
Another scientific truth is this: if we don't spend time in the sunshine - the big bright light in the sky - we end up with a vitamin d deficiency and will get sick. Sure, we can take pills for that, but it's not as healthy or as beneficial to us as being in the very presence of the sunshine.
Similarly, if those little ninjas on Sensei Keith's picture don't spend time under a light bulb, but are constantly surrounded by darkness, they will get sick...they will lose their strength to shine.
MUCH the same, as I'm sure you have gathered, WE as Messianic believers, will lose our light if we "put it under a bushel" of darkness and do not spend time in the presence of the Shekhinah. Our witness will be lost, God's strength in us to control our flesh and our tongue will be lost. Everything will fall apart.
And let me tell you, you will see it if you just look.
It is IMPERATIVE that we spend time walking with the Lord EVERYDAY! Not just once or twice a week and service our youth or Bible study.
You have to eat!!! You have to feed on the Word or you starve spiritually!
be a fighting glowing ninja that sings Hakuna Matata! =)
I'm beginning to realize that there is no such thing as a 'normal day' with the Lord. I should've learned that a while back; I know, I know.
While working on an essay rough draft - which I still haven't finished, by the way - I decided to switch up my playlist. I remembered a few key Disney songs that had been given me and I've been in the mood to watch Aladdin for the past few weeks - it all fit perfectly. One of these most important Disney songs was "Hakuna Matata." It means no worries for the rest of your...okay, I'm sure you know it. Anyone in the United States over the age of 4 should have seen that movie. If you know of someone who has not, please get them in touch with me. I will gladly find a copy for them to borrow (I don't own it myself, unfortunately).
Think about that though: Hakuna Matata -- no.worries.
How often does God call us to that? James 1:2 says we should be joyful in our trials and temptations. Isaiah 51 and 52 tell us not to be discouraged by the words others would speak against us. Paul says numerous times that as Christians we WILL be persecuted and Matthew says those who disliked Yeshua would dislike us, surely. David cries out countless times in the Psalms: If God is for us, who can stop us? If God is with us, what can stand against us? What do we have to fear? GREATER is He who is in us that he who is in the world.
Isn't that true?!
In Romans 8, Paul tells us that there is NOTHING that can separate us from God's love - we should be PERSISTENT in prayer and PATIENT in our afflictions..because by Yeshua, enshrouded in the Shekhinah of Adonai, we are MOOOOOORE than conquerors!!
Then why don't we go around shouting, "GLORY TO GOD, HAKUNA MATATA," because our Savior has rescued us from the pits of hell and has risen again....so that we have no more worries for the rest of our days. It IS a problem free philosophy - it is unfailing, unshakable!!
-
I painted a picture for Mr. Keith last week and gave it to him last Saturday after service. It was gray with black and white swirls all over. On top of that in glow in the dark paint were ninjas...fighting ones...and Hebrews 4:12 (modified) :: "God's Word is quick, powerful, and sharper than a (Samari) sword." This is significant to Mr. Keith..because he's a ninja, but that's a different story for a different time - it may already be in one of my Passion2010 posts from January sometime.
There was a big to-do about the glow-in-the-dark paint and how cool it was that Michaels had it and the way it made the ninjas glow - it was just great. I was thinking about it tonight for some reason - there was really no prompting - and realized this:
If the paint is not in the light for a little while to "charge," it will not glow. You have to let it sit in the light or put it close to the light bulb for a few minutes for it to be extra bright as soon as you turn the light off.
The paint glows the brightest immediately after the darkest darkness surrounds it and soon the glow fades.
WE ARE LIKE THAT PAINT!! If we don't spend time in the Word, soaking up the rays of the S-O-N, we fade and our light is no longer able to shine. Matthew 5 tells us we are the light of the world...we are to take the Word to the farthest reaches of this planet and tell everyone, but if we don't spend time walking with Yeshua, just existing in the presence of Adonai, we fade.
After conferences like Passion or camp we are positively glowing - people commented about it when the 10 of us from NA returned from Passion2010. We are excited to share the Word, we are pumped, we are full of energy and the strength of the Lord. But over time - let's say a month or two as it's now been - we lose it. We become weary. I've noticed that it's harder for me to wake up and get in the Word..it's harder for me to set time aside during the day. BUT, it's also harder for me to fight back. it's harder for me to sit in New Testament class with a discerning spirit, knowing that the subjects we are speaking on are imperative - much more so than a literature class or math class, though God has a hand in those as well and can teach you some of the coolest lessons if you'll pay attention in those classes.
Another scientific truth is this: if we don't spend time in the sunshine - the big bright light in the sky - we end up with a vitamin d deficiency and will get sick. Sure, we can take pills for that, but it's not as healthy or as beneficial to us as being in the very presence of the sunshine.
Similarly, if those little ninjas on Sensei Keith's picture don't spend time under a light bulb, but are constantly surrounded by darkness, they will get sick...they will lose their strength to shine.
MUCH the same, as I'm sure you have gathered, WE as Messianic believers, will lose our light if we "put it under a bushel" of darkness and do not spend time in the presence of the Shekhinah. Our witness will be lost, God's strength in us to control our flesh and our tongue will be lost. Everything will fall apart.
And let me tell you, you will see it if you just look.
It is IMPERATIVE that we spend time walking with the Lord EVERYDAY! Not just once or twice a week and service our youth or Bible study.
You have to eat!!! You have to feed on the Word or you starve spiritually!
be a fighting glowing ninja that sings Hakuna Matata! =)
02 March 2010
I didn't finish my homework tonight-
school or otherwise.
My head can't concentrate.
Isaiah 51 & 52
"LISTEN TO ME, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the Lord: LOOK TO THE ROCK from which you were cut, and to the quarry from which you were DUG. Look to Abraham, your father, and to Sarah who gave birth to you in pain. WHEN I CALLED HIM, HE WAS ONLY ONE; I BLESSED HIM AND MADE HIM MANY. For the Lord will comfort Zion; He will comfort ALL her waste places, and He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord. JOY AND GLADNESS will be found in her, thanksgiving and melodious song. PAY ATTENTION TO ME, My people, and LISTEN TO ME, My nation; FOR INSTRUCTION WILL COME FROM ME, and MY JUSTICE for a light to the nations. I will bring it about quickly. My righteousness is NEAR, My salvation APPEARS, and my arms will bring justice to the nations. The coastlands will put their hope in Me, and they will look to MY STRENGTH. LOOK UP TO THE HEAVENS, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and its inhabitants will die in like manner. BUT MY SALVATION WILL LAST FOREVER, AND MY RIGHTEOUSNESS WILL NEVER BE SHATTERED. LISTEN TO ME, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is My instruction: DO NOT FEAR DISGRACE BY MEN, AND DO NOT BE SHATTERED BY THEIR TAUNTS. For the moth will devour them like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool. BUT MY RIGHTEOUSNESS WILL LAST FOREVER, AND MY SALVATION FOR ALL GENERATIONS.
WAKE UP!
WAKE UP!
Put on the strength of the Lord's power. WAKE UP as in days past, as in generations of long ago. Wasn't it You who hacked Rahab to pieces, who pierced he sea monster? Wasn't it You who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made teh sea-bed into a road for the redeemed to pass over? AND THE RANSOMED OF THE LORD WILL RETURN AND COME TO ZION WITH SINGING, crowned with UNENDING JOY. JOY and GLADNESS will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will FLEE.
I--I am the One who comforts you. Who are you that you should fear man who dies, or a son of man who is given up like grass? But you have forgotten THE LORD, YOUR MAKER, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth. You are in constant dread all day long because of the fury of the oppressor, who has set himself to destroy. BUT WHERE IS THE FURY OF THE OPPRESSOR? The prisoner is soon to be set free; he will not die and go to the Pit, and his food will not be lacking. FOR I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD WHO STIRS UP THE SEA SO THAT ITS WAVES ROAR--His name is Lord of Hosts. I HAVE PUT MY WORDS IN YOUR MOUTH, and covered you in the shadow of My hand, in order to plant the heavens, to found the earth, and to say to Zion, "YOU ARE MY PEOPLE."
WAKE YOURSELF,
WAKE YOURSELF UP!
STAND UP, Jerusalem, you who have drunk the cup of His fury from the hand of the Lord; you who have drunk the goblet to the dregs--the cup that causes people to stagger. There is no one to guide her among all the children she has raised; there is no one to take hold of her hand among all the offspring she has brought up. These two things have happened to you: devastation and destruction, famine and sword. Who will grieve for you? ow can I comfort you? Your children have fainted; they lie at the head of every street like an antelope in a net. They are full of the lord's fury, the rebuke of your God. So LISTEN TO THIS, afflicted and drunken one--but not with wine. This is what your Lord says--even your God, who defends His people--"Look, I have removed teh cup of staggering from your hand; that goblet, the cup of My fury. You will never drink it again. I will put it into the hands of your tormenters, who said to you: Lie down so we can walk over you. You made your back like the ground, and like a street for those who walk on it.
WAKE UP!
WAKE UP!
Put on your STRENGTH, Zion!
Put on your beautiful garments, Jerusalem, the Hly City! For the uncircumcised and the unclean will no longer enter you. STAND UP, SHAKE THE DUST OFF YOURSELF!@ Take your seat, Jerusalem. Remove the bonds from your neck, captive Daughter Zion." For this is what the Lord says: "You were sold for nothing, and you will be redeemed without silver." For this is what the Lord God says: "At first My people went down to Egypt to live there, then Assyria oppressed them without cause. So now what I have I here" -- The Lord's declaration -- "that My people are taken away for nothing? Its rulers wail" -- The Lord's declaration-"and MY NAME is continually blsphemed all day long. Therefore MY PEOPLE WILL KNOW MY NAME; there fore they will know on that day that I am He who says: HERE I AM (HINENI)." How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the herald, WHO PROCLAIMS PEACE, who brings news of good things, who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, "YOUR GOD REIGNS!" The voices of your watchmen--they lift up their voices, shouting for JOY together, you ruins of Jerusalem! FOR THE LORD HAS COMFORTED HIS PEOPLE: He has redeemed Jerusalem. The lord has displayed His holy arm in the sight of all the nations; ALL THE ENDS OF THE EARTH WILL SEE THE SALVATION OF OUR GOD.
Leave, leave, go out from there! Do not touch anything unclean; go out from her, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the Lord. For you will not leave in a hurry, and you will not have to take flight; because THE LORD IS GOING BEFORE YOU, and GOD OF ISRAEL IS YOUR REAR GUARD. See, My servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and greatly exalted. Just as many were appalled at You--his appearance was so disfigured that He did not look like a man, and His form did not resemble a human being--so he will sprinkle many nations. KINGS WILL SHUT THEIR MOUTHS BECAUSE OF HIM, FOR THEY WILL SEE WHAT HAD NOT BEEN TOLD THEM, AND THEY WILL UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY HAD NOT HEARD."
My head can't concentrate.
Isaiah 51 & 52
"LISTEN TO ME, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the Lord: LOOK TO THE ROCK from which you were cut, and to the quarry from which you were DUG. Look to Abraham, your father, and to Sarah who gave birth to you in pain. WHEN I CALLED HIM, HE WAS ONLY ONE; I BLESSED HIM AND MADE HIM MANY. For the Lord will comfort Zion; He will comfort ALL her waste places, and He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord. JOY AND GLADNESS will be found in her, thanksgiving and melodious song. PAY ATTENTION TO ME, My people, and LISTEN TO ME, My nation; FOR INSTRUCTION WILL COME FROM ME, and MY JUSTICE for a light to the nations. I will bring it about quickly. My righteousness is NEAR, My salvation APPEARS, and my arms will bring justice to the nations. The coastlands will put their hope in Me, and they will look to MY STRENGTH. LOOK UP TO THE HEAVENS, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and its inhabitants will die in like manner. BUT MY SALVATION WILL LAST FOREVER, AND MY RIGHTEOUSNESS WILL NEVER BE SHATTERED. LISTEN TO ME, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is My instruction: DO NOT FEAR DISGRACE BY MEN, AND DO NOT BE SHATTERED BY THEIR TAUNTS. For the moth will devour them like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool. BUT MY RIGHTEOUSNESS WILL LAST FOREVER, AND MY SALVATION FOR ALL GENERATIONS.
WAKE UP!
WAKE UP!
Put on the strength of the Lord's power. WAKE UP as in days past, as in generations of long ago. Wasn't it You who hacked Rahab to pieces, who pierced he sea monster? Wasn't it You who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made teh sea-bed into a road for the redeemed to pass over? AND THE RANSOMED OF THE LORD WILL RETURN AND COME TO ZION WITH SINGING, crowned with UNENDING JOY. JOY and GLADNESS will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will FLEE.
I--I am the One who comforts you. Who are you that you should fear man who dies, or a son of man who is given up like grass? But you have forgotten THE LORD, YOUR MAKER, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth. You are in constant dread all day long because of the fury of the oppressor, who has set himself to destroy. BUT WHERE IS THE FURY OF THE OPPRESSOR? The prisoner is soon to be set free; he will not die and go to the Pit, and his food will not be lacking. FOR I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD WHO STIRS UP THE SEA SO THAT ITS WAVES ROAR--His name is Lord of Hosts. I HAVE PUT MY WORDS IN YOUR MOUTH, and covered you in the shadow of My hand, in order to plant the heavens, to found the earth, and to say to Zion, "YOU ARE MY PEOPLE."
WAKE YOURSELF,
WAKE YOURSELF UP!
STAND UP, Jerusalem, you who have drunk the cup of His fury from the hand of the Lord; you who have drunk the goblet to the dregs--the cup that causes people to stagger. There is no one to guide her among all the children she has raised; there is no one to take hold of her hand among all the offspring she has brought up. These two things have happened to you: devastation and destruction, famine and sword. Who will grieve for you? ow can I comfort you? Your children have fainted; they lie at the head of every street like an antelope in a net. They are full of the lord's fury, the rebuke of your God. So LISTEN TO THIS, afflicted and drunken one--but not with wine. This is what your Lord says--even your God, who defends His people--"Look, I have removed teh cup of staggering from your hand; that goblet, the cup of My fury. You will never drink it again. I will put it into the hands of your tormenters, who said to you: Lie down so we can walk over you. You made your back like the ground, and like a street for those who walk on it.
WAKE UP!
WAKE UP!
Put on your STRENGTH, Zion!
Put on your beautiful garments, Jerusalem, the Hly City! For the uncircumcised and the unclean will no longer enter you. STAND UP, SHAKE THE DUST OFF YOURSELF!@ Take your seat, Jerusalem. Remove the bonds from your neck, captive Daughter Zion." For this is what the Lord says: "You were sold for nothing, and you will be redeemed without silver." For this is what the Lord God says: "At first My people went down to Egypt to live there, then Assyria oppressed them without cause. So now what I have I here" -- The Lord's declaration -- "that My people are taken away for nothing? Its rulers wail" -- The Lord's declaration-"and MY NAME is continually blsphemed all day long. Therefore MY PEOPLE WILL KNOW MY NAME; there fore they will know on that day that I am He who says: HERE I AM (HINENI)." How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the herald, WHO PROCLAIMS PEACE, who brings news of good things, who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, "YOUR GOD REIGNS!" The voices of your watchmen--they lift up their voices, shouting for JOY together, you ruins of Jerusalem! FOR THE LORD HAS COMFORTED HIS PEOPLE: He has redeemed Jerusalem. The lord has displayed His holy arm in the sight of all the nations; ALL THE ENDS OF THE EARTH WILL SEE THE SALVATION OF OUR GOD.
Leave, leave, go out from there! Do not touch anything unclean; go out from her, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the Lord. For you will not leave in a hurry, and you will not have to take flight; because THE LORD IS GOING BEFORE YOU, and GOD OF ISRAEL IS YOUR REAR GUARD. See, My servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and greatly exalted. Just as many were appalled at You--his appearance was so disfigured that He did not look like a man, and His form did not resemble a human being--so he will sprinkle many nations. KINGS WILL SHUT THEIR MOUTHS BECAUSE OF HIM, FOR THEY WILL SEE WHAT HAD NOT BEEN TOLD THEM, AND THEY WILL UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY HAD NOT HEARD."
01 March 2010
"And if our God is for us..."
What a weekend.
traffic to Macon was ridiculous - a 2 hour drive took 4. My back was aching, my toes cramping, and my tummy rumbling. After finally dropping Jorg with Sierra and meeting Nan, we shopped for what seemed like an eternity though it wasn't long at all. Food came later as did decorating for Purim with Seth and Zach. My head started to explode so I slept while they figured out the logistics of it all. After lots of "fluffing" from Seth, we left. Bev drove us to Bentley who we dropped off at the Butlers. Then Nan and I were on our way home. Sleep didn't come until around 2 and the sun rose at 6am for us. We were out of the house Saturday morning by 7:30 and had visited two walmarts, target, party city, and mcdonalds by 9:30. The rest of the morning was a tizzy. We were setting up, gathering food, arranging table clothes, and making puppy chow. Ashley was there. The beloved Butlers were also running around with us- how grand to see their faces! We, unfortunately, didn't do Liturgy - basically my favorite thing ever - and the boys did not play because Ted Pearce came to speak/lead worship. He was grand, but not as grand as CoH. It was still a blessing to see God move...to see the joy that He brings. I couldn't stop smiling the entire time! I gave Sensei his picture - "Ninja Convention" - and he loved it. It glows in the dark. my Hannah was the recipient of the rope picture - "A three chorded strand is not easily broken" - because it so very specifically describes our friendship from its very beginning five years ago! The Purim feast for the children was grand. Nan's decorations were fantastic. The food was grand, except for the famine of chicken nuggets due to a slight annoyance. However, my Hannah showed her heart to those people. They cannot question her motives. Seth was even complimented by Scott Bombard for his impeccable fluffing abilities. I shared a few chicken nuggets with him. ZachE and I took turns carrying Hosanna, Hannah's lamb, around. She's a presh lamb.
We finally finished around 3 and went home to nap. Our presence had been requested at the Butlers for a movie night starting at 8. Of course we didn't wake up until after 7. Jonathan was being loud and obnoxious, not heeding cries for a bit of quiet, which only led to my foul mood for part of the evening. When we arrived, I was surprised and incredibly joyful to find that Cheryl had bought me a Bible!! How cool!! I've needed one - the one I've had for five years (the entirety of my friendship with Nan) has been falling apart for some time. It's beautiful and holds so much, but sometimes change is needed. It has the most beautiful cover - brown and maroon with a cool design! Leather, of course, and just grand. My first Bible NOT in KJV. New start? yes. Now, I am the proud owner of a beautiful journal given to me by my beautiful Diana and a Bible from dear Cheryl! I am so blessed. Literally...my heart is gushing.
Saturday night's movie selection included One Night With The King and some pizza - n.o.m. It didn't make me sick. :) I love watching movies with friends. To most it seems like a pointless event where you learn nothing about your friends and aren't able to talk to them, therefore making it the least amount of fun. I disagree. The not talking is only leaving room for your hearts to talk. I'm convinced they do while we are simply sitting. It is good to just be in the presence of such great people - to know that they love you - to sit beside them and close your eyes and still know they are there. Maybe it's just a pat on the back or a smile, but it's more important than the words you could speak. We ended up staying to watch videos Seth had made - hilarious if I do say so myself - and just talking. It was beautiful fun. Quality time at its greatest. "Those Nights" by Skillet does a good job of emphasizing their importance. :) Finally we were on our way home. We slept well into the afternoon - 1pm! Our intentions were to be back in Macon at NA around 5 for the "college & singles" ice cream social. Somehow we ran late. Hannah needed to be there at 4, but I'm sure we didn't leave the house until well after 4. After grabbing my car, topped by Gary (Seth's cat), we booked it to NA and made it in the nick of time where Seth threw erasers at me (that started Friday night). The boys played some pretty incredible worship. Two of my favorite songs - Our God is Greater and How He Loves - were in the mix. What a joy to hear them in person instead of on the phone this time!! We watched Louie Giglio's "Fruitcake and Ice cream" and I just cried. There were so many references to places and people in my life. I was, and still am, struggling with school. I know there is purpose right now, but for how long? Yet to ask God to put a time frame on something is ridiculous. Waiting is key - see John Waller's "While I'm Waiting."
Leaving was hard - it gets harder every time. Thankfully I cried enough during Louie's talk that my tears were gone by the time I left...or at least far enough back in there that I could hold on to them. Mrs Cheryl hugged me tons before I left, which was the perfect medicine for a heart with so many pieces in so many places. She's just beautiful! If you don't know her, you're missing out. I promise. So I hugged all the boys, Laila (new frann!-Hannah has talked so much about her) and my Diana one last time....and jumped in Ben and ran away to Riverside to grab Jorg. It only took us 2 hours to get home- a record considering Friday's trek to Macon took so long.
And here I sit....unable to concentrate on an essay rough draft because thoughts from this weekend are running through my head like three or four different rivers.
Maybe I will do it in the morning.
I will sleep tonight...peacefully. Yeshua and I have so much to talk about - my family is so incredible. What a blessing to finally be part of a family who wants nothing more than to follow hard after the Lord.
What a blessing to have a Diana...MY Diana!
traffic to Macon was ridiculous - a 2 hour drive took 4. My back was aching, my toes cramping, and my tummy rumbling. After finally dropping Jorg with Sierra and meeting Nan, we shopped for what seemed like an eternity though it wasn't long at all. Food came later as did decorating for Purim with Seth and Zach. My head started to explode so I slept while they figured out the logistics of it all. After lots of "fluffing" from Seth, we left. Bev drove us to Bentley who we dropped off at the Butlers. Then Nan and I were on our way home. Sleep didn't come until around 2 and the sun rose at 6am for us. We were out of the house Saturday morning by 7:30 and had visited two walmarts, target, party city, and mcdonalds by 9:30. The rest of the morning was a tizzy. We were setting up, gathering food, arranging table clothes, and making puppy chow. Ashley was there. The beloved Butlers were also running around with us- how grand to see their faces! We, unfortunately, didn't do Liturgy - basically my favorite thing ever - and the boys did not play because Ted Pearce came to speak/lead worship. He was grand, but not as grand as CoH. It was still a blessing to see God move...to see the joy that He brings. I couldn't stop smiling the entire time! I gave Sensei his picture - "Ninja Convention" - and he loved it. It glows in the dark. my Hannah was the recipient of the rope picture - "A three chorded strand is not easily broken" - because it so very specifically describes our friendship from its very beginning five years ago! The Purim feast for the children was grand. Nan's decorations were fantastic. The food was grand, except for the famine of chicken nuggets due to a slight annoyance. However, my Hannah showed her heart to those people. They cannot question her motives. Seth was even complimented by Scott Bombard for his impeccable fluffing abilities. I shared a few chicken nuggets with him. ZachE and I took turns carrying Hosanna, Hannah's lamb, around. She's a presh lamb.
We finally finished around 3 and went home to nap. Our presence had been requested at the Butlers for a movie night starting at 8. Of course we didn't wake up until after 7. Jonathan was being loud and obnoxious, not heeding cries for a bit of quiet, which only led to my foul mood for part of the evening. When we arrived, I was surprised and incredibly joyful to find that Cheryl had bought me a Bible!! How cool!! I've needed one - the one I've had for five years (the entirety of my friendship with Nan) has been falling apart for some time. It's beautiful and holds so much, but sometimes change is needed. It has the most beautiful cover - brown and maroon with a cool design! Leather, of course, and just grand. My first Bible NOT in KJV. New start? yes. Now, I am the proud owner of a beautiful journal given to me by my beautiful Diana and a Bible from dear Cheryl! I am so blessed. Literally...my heart is gushing.
Saturday night's movie selection included One Night With The King and some pizza - n.o.m. It didn't make me sick. :) I love watching movies with friends. To most it seems like a pointless event where you learn nothing about your friends and aren't able to talk to them, therefore making it the least amount of fun. I disagree. The not talking is only leaving room for your hearts to talk. I'm convinced they do while we are simply sitting. It is good to just be in the presence of such great people - to know that they love you - to sit beside them and close your eyes and still know they are there. Maybe it's just a pat on the back or a smile, but it's more important than the words you could speak. We ended up staying to watch videos Seth had made - hilarious if I do say so myself - and just talking. It was beautiful fun. Quality time at its greatest. "Those Nights" by Skillet does a good job of emphasizing their importance. :) Finally we were on our way home. We slept well into the afternoon - 1pm! Our intentions were to be back in Macon at NA around 5 for the "college & singles" ice cream social. Somehow we ran late. Hannah needed to be there at 4, but I'm sure we didn't leave the house until well after 4. After grabbing my car, topped by Gary (Seth's cat), we booked it to NA and made it in the nick of time where Seth threw erasers at me (that started Friday night). The boys played some pretty incredible worship. Two of my favorite songs - Our God is Greater and How He Loves - were in the mix. What a joy to hear them in person instead of on the phone this time!! We watched Louie Giglio's "Fruitcake and Ice cream" and I just cried. There were so many references to places and people in my life. I was, and still am, struggling with school. I know there is purpose right now, but for how long? Yet to ask God to put a time frame on something is ridiculous. Waiting is key - see John Waller's "While I'm Waiting."
Leaving was hard - it gets harder every time. Thankfully I cried enough during Louie's talk that my tears were gone by the time I left...or at least far enough back in there that I could hold on to them. Mrs Cheryl hugged me tons before I left, which was the perfect medicine for a heart with so many pieces in so many places. She's just beautiful! If you don't know her, you're missing out. I promise. So I hugged all the boys, Laila (new frann!-Hannah has talked so much about her) and my Diana one last time....and jumped in Ben and ran away to Riverside to grab Jorg. It only took us 2 hours to get home- a record considering Friday's trek to Macon took so long.
And here I sit....unable to concentrate on an essay rough draft because thoughts from this weekend are running through my head like three or four different rivers.
Maybe I will do it in the morning.
I will sleep tonight...peacefully. Yeshua and I have so much to talk about - my family is so incredible. What a blessing to finally be part of a family who wants nothing more than to follow hard after the Lord.
What a blessing to have a Diana...MY Diana!
21 February 2010
NT journal
We have to do journals for my New Testament class - simple one page reflections on interpretation and the Scriptures. Because I was sick, I have to do at least two extra credit ones to reconcile the two quizzes I missed in class. This is one of them..
Growing up it was easy to take verses out of context and interpret them to fit one's own desires and still claim to believe "the whole Bible, from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:20." More often than not, those out-of-context interpretations came from the New Testament. Some of those included 1 Corinthians 11:15 ("but a woman who wears her hair long enhances her appearance, because her hair has been given to her as a covering.") and Acts 10:13-15 (Peter's vision) among others. Some came from the Old Testament as well - such as Deuteronomy 22:5 ("a woman is not to wear men's clothing, and a man is not to put on women's clothing, for whoever does these things is detestable to Adonai your God.")
Interpreting the Bible in the context it was written is a fairly new concept for me. At times we would discuss the Israelites or the Jews of the Old Testament, but never what we believed in the way it was meant for the context in which it was said. This separated way of looking at Scripture plagues many church groups today. understanding where our beliefs have come from or what they are grounded in - even if simply in the verses surrounding them - is overlooked.
Taking a verse out of context is like the media piecing together bits and fragments of a quote to have the interviewee say what will get the news channel/organization the most viewers, feedback, or simply a better story. It is not defined as slander, but at its core it truly is.
Like a person watching their interview on the news or reading a quote in the newspaper, I wonder if God ever looks at us and throws His hands in the air saying, "That is NOT what I meant! That's not even what I said! There was something before/after that part that makes it make SENSE.."
Growing up it was easy to take verses out of context and interpret them to fit one's own desires and still claim to believe "the whole Bible, from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:20." More often than not, those out-of-context interpretations came from the New Testament. Some of those included 1 Corinthians 11:15 ("but a woman who wears her hair long enhances her appearance, because her hair has been given to her as a covering.") and Acts 10:13-15 (Peter's vision) among others. Some came from the Old Testament as well - such as Deuteronomy 22:5 ("a woman is not to wear men's clothing, and a man is not to put on women's clothing, for whoever does these things is detestable to Adonai your God.")
Interpreting the Bible in the context it was written is a fairly new concept for me. At times we would discuss the Israelites or the Jews of the Old Testament, but never what we believed in the way it was meant for the context in which it was said. This separated way of looking at Scripture plagues many church groups today. understanding where our beliefs have come from or what they are grounded in - even if simply in the verses surrounding them - is overlooked.
Taking a verse out of context is like the media piecing together bits and fragments of a quote to have the interviewee say what will get the news channel/organization the most viewers, feedback, or simply a better story. It is not defined as slander, but at its core it truly is.
Like a person watching their interview on the news or reading a quote in the newspaper, I wonder if God ever looks at us and throws His hands in the air saying, "That is NOT what I meant! That's not even what I said! There was something before/after that part that makes it make SENSE.."
22 July 2009
::Define Knowledge::
Hebrews 4:13 "Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we [must give account]."
Psalm 139 "O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my ling down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whiter shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. Surely though wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men. For they speak against the wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain. Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Psalm 139 "O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my ling down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whiter shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. Surely though wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men. For they speak against the wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain. Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
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