2 Samuel 17:1-29; John 19:23-42; Psalm 119:129-152; Proverbs 16:12-13 (English Standard Version)
Praise be to God for all these passages speak to the joy and anguish of being a mother. The responsibility, the sacrifice, the loyalty the steadfast love that endures all things for these precious little ones that seem to grow up right before our eyes. what we wouldn't do for them. This psalm speaks ever so mightily to my heart as the Word is my delight.
8 Hushai said, “You know that your father and his men are mighty men, and that they are enraged,[b] (D)like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field.
25 (D)but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and (E)the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, (F)“Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to (G)his own home.
Psalm
Trouble and anguish have found me out,
but your commandments are my (W)delight.
144 Your testimonies are righteous forever;
(X)give me understanding that I may (Y)live.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
May 30, 2012
The Lord is good. Fully of favor and grace. The Lord is my light and my salvation. The lifter of my head. The Lord is my strong tower in times of trouble. I will forever praise him for His constant love never dies and never changes. He is my rock. I will raise to worship him and His words will fill my heart and burn within me till His gladness over shadows every dark place in my heart. He will bring light to my path and cut off every wayward way in me. I need not worry about the trials and foes in my life for the Lord will go before me this day and make straight my path and lead me away from trouble. He will show me the words to speak aloud and the ones to speak in prayer. I am forever grateful for my maker that he has chosen to be an ever present help in times of trouble and brings me to the still waters for rest and repentance. For the Lords presence is ever around me like the noon day sun. Warming me clear to my bones. Lord forgive me when I find your presence to be to hot to bear. Forgetting that you will take me by the cool water. Lord all that I have to be thankful for and all that I have to cry over dimly compare to the surpassing greatness of being with you. For you are a jealous God desiring that my 1st affections be shared with no one but you. That the love and attention that I lavish on others be only at the direction your hand. For any other way creates an idol our of them as a God before you. Lord forgive me for loving myself more than you. For putting my own happiness above yours. Lord forgive me for not believing firm that it is you and you alone that restores my souls and brings joy to my heart. Any other way to happiness will not last.
2 Sam 15:22-16:23, John 18:25-19:22, Ps 119:113-128, Pr 16:10-11
John
36 Jesus answered, (P)“My kingdom (Q)is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, (R)my servants would have been fighting, that (S)I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” 37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, (T)“You say that I am a king. (U)For this purpose I was born and for this purpose (V)I have come into the world—(W)to bear witness to the truth. (X)Everyone who is (Y)of the truth (Z)listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”
10 So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, (AR)“You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore (AS)he who delivered me over to you (AT)has the greater sin.”
Lord please show me full well this Kingdom you have gone to prepare for us. Lord let me see and hear of all that is yet to come. Not that I may boast in what my eyes have seen but that I may preach of what your word has made alive in me. For your word is more than words on a page it is your love letter to us. Living and active. Father my heart, my passion, is for all that call on your name to meet you in the pages of your word. For the person of Christ, God the Father and the Holy Spirit to leap out of this book and to embrace every man, women, boy and girl. Lord let your word go down like a warm cup of coffee stirring folks at their very core. Lord help us that have seen the light of life found within to pass it on. Father let no one that hears my testimony of your grace feel condemned by my words. Lord discipline is but our only responsibility. Lord wipe away every misconception that to know you is hard.
2 Sam 15:22-16:23, John 18:25-19:22, Ps 119:113-128, Pr 16:10-11
John
36 Jesus answered, (P)“My kingdom (Q)is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, (R)my servants would have been fighting, that (S)I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” 37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, (T)“You say that I am a king. (U)For this purpose I was born and for this purpose (V)I have come into the world—(W)to bear witness to the truth. (X)Everyone who is (Y)of the truth (Z)listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”
10 So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, (AR)“You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore (AS)he who delivered me over to you (AT)has the greater sin.”
Lord please show me full well this Kingdom you have gone to prepare for us. Lord let me see and hear of all that is yet to come. Not that I may boast in what my eyes have seen but that I may preach of what your word has made alive in me. For your word is more than words on a page it is your love letter to us. Living and active. Father my heart, my passion, is for all that call on your name to meet you in the pages of your word. For the person of Christ, God the Father and the Holy Spirit to leap out of this book and to embrace every man, women, boy and girl. Lord let your word go down like a warm cup of coffee stirring folks at their very core. Lord help us that have seen the light of life found within to pass it on. Father let no one that hears my testimony of your grace feel condemned by my words. Lord discipline is but our only responsibility. Lord wipe away every misconception that to know you is hard.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Wk 4 - 1 Sam 15-16, Psalm 19,23,39,61
Week 4
1 Samuel 15
1 Samuel 16
Psalms 19
Psalms 23
Psalms 39
Psalms 61
1 Samuel 15
1 Samuel 16
Psalms 19
Psalms 23
Psalms 39
Psalms 61
Friday, May 25, 2012
Wk 3 - 1 Sam 10-13, ! Chron 14, 8-9
Week 3
1 Samuel 10
1 Samuel 11
1 Samuel 12
1 Samuel 13
1 Samuel 14
1 Chronicles 8, 9
1 Samuel 10
1 Samuel 11
1 Samuel 12
1 Samuel 13
1 Samuel 14
1 Chronicles 8, 9
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Week 1 - 1 Chronicles 1
1 Chronicles 1
Genealogy from Adam to Abraham; Abraham's Descendants
With stress upon God's longstanding relationship to his people, the chronicler prepares his readers to understand the narrative and the call to those who are part of this heritage to be obedient to God's Word. Asbury Bible Commentary
Study
1. What names stick out as important to you? Any names that have become part of the modern lexicon?
2. Why did the Israelites list the names of the descendants of non-Israelites?
3. Why would the new nation of Israel need old roots?
Application
1. Why do we keep genealogies today? What purpose do they serve?
2. As Christians, where do we root ourselves?
Genealogy from Adam to Abraham; Abraham's Descendants
With stress upon God's longstanding relationship to his people, the chronicler prepares his readers to understand the narrative and the call to those who are part of this heritage to be obedient to God's Word. Asbury Bible Commentary
Study
1. What names stick out as important to you? Any names that have become part of the modern lexicon?
2. Why did the Israelites list the names of the descendants of non-Israelites?
3. Why would the new nation of Israel need old roots?
Application
1. Why do we keep genealogies today? What purpose do they serve?
2. As Christians, where do we root ourselves?
Week 1 - 1 Samuel 5
1 Samuel 5
Philistines Smitten while Possessing the Ark
And when the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, behold, Dagon had fallen face downward on the ground before the ark of the LORD. So they took Dagon and put him back in his place. 1 Samuel 5:3 (ESV)
ASHDOD Part of the land of Judah, standing on the highroad between Egypt and Palestine, it was a strong hold of the Philistines and one of the chief places of worship of Dagon.
DAGON The national god of the Philistines, usually shown with the face and hands of a man and the tail of a fish, representing fruitfulness to the seafaring tribes.
Study
1. What was God showing to the Philistines? What was God teaching the Israelites?
2. The Philistines tried to get rid of the Yahweh by moving the ark. Did this work?
Application
1. How does God correct our behavior today?
2. What happens when we try to hide from God?
Philistines Smitten while Possessing the Ark
And when the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, behold, Dagon had fallen face downward on the ground before the ark of the LORD. So they took Dagon and put him back in his place. 1 Samuel 5:3 (ESV)
ASHDOD Part of the land of Judah, standing on the highroad between Egypt and Palestine, it was a strong hold of the Philistines and one of the chief places of worship of Dagon.
DAGON The national god of the Philistines, usually shown with the face and hands of a man and the tail of a fish, representing fruitfulness to the seafaring tribes.
Study
1. What was God showing to the Philistines? What was God teaching the Israelites?
2. The Philistines tried to get rid of the Yahweh by moving the ark. Did this work?
Application
1. How does God correct our behavior today?
2. What happens when we try to hide from God?
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Wk 2, 1 Samuel 6-9, 1 Chron 4-7
Week 2
1 Samuel 6
1 Samuel 7
1 Samuel 8
1 Samuel 9
1 Chronicles 4, 5
1 Chronicles 6, 7
1 Samuel 6
1 Samuel 7
1 Samuel 8
1 Samuel 9
1 Chronicles 4, 5
1 Chronicles 6, 7
Week 1 - 1 Samuel 4
1 Samuel 4
Philistines Take the Ark; Death of Eli
And when the people came to the camp, the elders of Israel said, “Why has the LORD defeated us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD here from Shiloh, that it may come among us and save us from the power of our enemies.” 1 Samuel 4:3 (ESV)
Study
1. Why did God allow the Israelites to be defeated?
2. Did God leave Israel when the ark was taken by the Philistines?
Application
1. Do we ever try to control God and make Him do our will? What is the result?
2. Have you ever felt that God had deserted you? What was really happening? (Think about the ‘Footprints’ poem.)
Philistines Take the Ark; Death of Eli
And when the people came to the camp, the elders of Israel said, “Why has the LORD defeated us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD here from Shiloh, that it may come among us and save us from the power of our enemies.” 1 Samuel 4:3 (ESV)
Study
1. Why did God allow the Israelites to be defeated?
2. Did God leave Israel when the ark was taken by the Philistines?
Application
1. Do we ever try to control God and make Him do our will? What is the result?
2. Have you ever felt that God had deserted you? What was really happening? (Think about the ‘Footprints’ poem.)
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Week 1 - 1 Samuel 3
1 Samuel 3
Samuel's Vision of the fall of Eli's House
And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” 1 Samuel 3:10 (ESV)
Study
1. What were Eli and Samuel doing when God called Samuel?
Sleeping. What's the point of a question with just a one word answer?
2. How many times did God call Samuel before he could recognize His voice? Why did it take Samuel so long to recognize the Lord?
3. Did what God tell Samuel come to pass? (1 Samuel 3:13-14, 1 Samuel 4: 10-18)
Application
1. How does Samuel's openness to hear from God compare with yours? I
2. When are you most tempted to hide God's word from others?
3. What is the greatest obstacle that prevents you from hearing God's voice?
Samuel's Vision of the fall of Eli's House
And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” 1 Samuel 3:10 (ESV)
Study
1. What were Eli and Samuel doing when God called Samuel?
Sleeping. What's the point of a question with just a one word answer?
2. How many times did God call Samuel before he could recognize His voice? Why did it take Samuel so long to recognize the Lord?
3. Did what God tell Samuel come to pass? (1 Samuel 3:13-14, 1 Samuel 4: 10-18)
Application
1. How does Samuel's openness to hear from God compare with yours? I
2. When are you most tempted to hide God's word from others?
3. What is the greatest obstacle that prevents you from hearing God's voice?
DAVID - Week 1 - 1 Samuel 2
1 Samuel 2
Hannah's Prayer; Eli's Sons; Samuel's Childhood
[T]he LORD declares: ‘Far be it from me, for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed.’ 1 Samuel 2:30b (ESV)
Study
1. How did Hannah express her gratitude to God for her child?
2. What evil deeds did the son's of Eli get up too?
3. What was the result of Hannah's faithfulness to God? (1 Samuel 2:20)
4. What was the consequence of Eli's disobedient and rebellious children? (1 Samuel 2:27-36, 1 Samuel 4:5-22)
Application
1. In what practical ways can we express our gratitude to God?
2. Is it possible for someone to attend Church regularly and not know the Lord?
3. How can we prevent our children, and indeed ourselves, from getting corrupt?
4. How can we as Christian develop physically and spiritually today?
Hannah's Prayer; Eli's Sons; Samuel's Childhood
[T]he LORD declares: ‘Far be it from me, for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed.’ 1 Samuel 2:30b (ESV)
Study
1. How did Hannah express her gratitude to God for her child?
2. What evil deeds did the son's of Eli get up too?
3. What was the result of Hannah's faithfulness to God? (1 Samuel 2:20)
4. What was the consequence of Eli's disobedient and rebellious children? (1 Samuel 2:27-36, 1 Samuel 4:5-22)
Application
1. In what practical ways can we express our gratitude to God?
2. Is it possible for someone to attend Church regularly and not know the Lord?
3. How can we prevent our children, and indeed ourselves, from getting corrupt?
4. How can we as Christian develop physically and spiritually today?
Monday, May 21, 2012
Day 1 - 1 Samuel 1-3
1
4 On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, (G)he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb.[a] 6 And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb.
These verses touch me of the love her husband had for her. Yet even those that are dearly loved may still have a thorn in their side or a burden to carry.
8 And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? (H)Am I not more to you than ten sons?”
Yet again the love of this man for his wife.
16 Do not regard your servant as (P)a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation.”
Praise be to God that he hears our prayers, yes even ones full of anxiety and vexation. Lord hear mine of my life. For I know that I receive a double portion from you Lord. You are more than enough for me. Yet I pray for the comforts of this life be upon me like a kind blanket. Letting me drink in your goodness in what and who you have placed around me that I may share in your love with them.
23 (Y)Elkanah her husband said to her, “Do what seems best to you; wait until you have weaned him; (Z)only, may the Lord establish his word.”
Such kindness and support this man has for his wife. One of great respect for what she sees to be right. Lord I pray that all husbands would find such a love and respect for their wives as this Elkanah.
2
2 And Hannah prayed and said,
(AF)“My heart exults in the Lord;
(AG)my horn is exalted in the Lord.
My mouth derides my enemies,
because (AH)I rejoice in your salvation.
(I could have copied the whole prayer. What beautiful words. Lord I prayed it along with Hannah this day. Lord let me remember this prayer and where it is found that I may pray it again. For the prayers fo a righteous women are powerful and mighty in your sight.)
11 Then Elkanah went home (AY)to Ramah. (AZ)And the boy[e] was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli the priest.
(The boy ministered to him. Lord what an amazing thing that a boy could bring hope to this man.)
17 Thus the sin of the young men was very great (BD)in the sight of the Lord, (BE)for the men treated the offering of the Lord with contempt.
22 Now Eli was very old, and he kept hearing all that his sons were doing to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who (BL)were serving at the entrance to the tent of meeting.
26 Now the boy Samuel (BN)continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and also with man.
35 (CB)And I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who shall do according to what is in my heart and in my mind. (CC)And I will build him a sure house, and he shall go in and out before (CD)my anointed forever.
3
7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.
DAVID - Wk 1, 1 Samuel 1-5, 1 Chor 1
Week 1
1 Samuel 1
1 Samuel 2
1 Samuel 3
1 Samuel 4
1 Samuel 5
1 Chronicles 1
1 Samuel 1
1 Samuel 2
1 Samuel 3
1 Samuel 4
1 Samuel 5
1 Chronicles 1
DAVID - Wk 1 - 1 Samuel 1
1 Samuel 1
Samuel Is Born to Hannah and Elkanah
Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” 1 Samuel 1:17 (ESV)
NAZARITE One who is separated from others and consecrated to God. The vow of a Nazarite involved these three things, (1) abstinence from wine and strong drink, (2) refraining from cutting the hair off the head during the whole period of the continuance of the vow, and (3) the avoidance of contact with the dead. (Numbers 6:2-21)
Study
1. How would you describe Elkanah? Was he a Godly man?
2. Hannah turns to God in desperation. What does her prayer reveal about her (1:10-11)? Was she trying to bargain with God
3. Why did Eli think Hannah was drunk? (Samuel 1:12-14, 1 Samuel 1:9)
Application
1. What practical steps can we take to encourage our families or household to serve God in this day and age?
2. When do you find it convenient to pray silently and when do you find it convenient to pray loudly?
3. Hannah gave her child to the Lord. This must have been a very difficult thing. How can we commit our children to the Lord? How can we give back to God the things he has blessed us with?
Samuel Is Born to Hannah and Elkanah
Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” 1 Samuel 1:17 (ESV)
NAZARITE One who is separated from others and consecrated to God. The vow of a Nazarite involved these three things, (1) abstinence from wine and strong drink, (2) refraining from cutting the hair off the head during the whole period of the continuance of the vow, and (3) the avoidance of contact with the dead. (Numbers 6:2-21)
Study
1. How would you describe Elkanah? Was he a Godly man?
2. Hannah turns to God in desperation. What does her prayer reveal about her (1:10-11)? Was she trying to bargain with God
3. Why did Eli think Hannah was drunk? (Samuel 1:12-14, 1 Samuel 1:9)
Application
1. What practical steps can we take to encourage our families or household to serve God in this day and age?
2. When do you find it convenient to pray silently and when do you find it convenient to pray loudly?
3. Hannah gave her child to the Lord. This must have been a very difficult thing. How can we commit our children to the Lord? How can we give back to God the things he has blessed us with?
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
May 15, 2012
1 Sam 17:1-18:4, John 8:21-30, Ps 111:1-10, Pr 15:11
45-47 David answered, "You come at me with sword and spear and battle-ax. I come at you in the name of God-of-the-Angel-Armies, the God of Israel's troops, whom you curse and mock. This very day God is handing you over to me. I'm about to kill you, cut off your head, and serve up your body and the bodies of your Philistine buddies to the crows and coyotes. The whole earth will know that there's an extraordinary God in Israel. And everyone gathered here will learn that God doesn't save by means of sword or spear. The battle belongs to God—he's handing you to us on a platter!"
3-4 Jonathan, out of his deep love for David, made a covenant with him. He formalized it with solemn gifts: his own royal robe and weapons—armor, sword, bow, and belt.
45-47 David answered, "You come at me with sword and spear and battle-ax. I come at you in the name of God-of-the-Angel-Armies, the God of Israel's troops, whom you curse and mock. This very day God is handing you over to me. I'm about to kill you, cut off your head, and serve up your body and the bodies of your Philistine buddies to the crows and coyotes. The whole earth will know that there's an extraordinary God in Israel. And everyone gathered here will learn that God doesn't save by means of sword or spear. The battle belongs to God—he's handing you to us on a platter!"
3-4 Jonathan, out of his deep love for David, made a covenant with him. He formalized it with solemn gifts: his own royal robe and weapons—armor, sword, bow, and belt.
May 14, 2012
1 Sam 15:1-16:23, John 8:1-20, Ps 110:1-7, Pr 15:8-10
22 But Samuel replied:
“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
as much as in obeying the Lord?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination,
and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,
he has rejected you as king.”
23 Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.
John
4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery.
10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
11 “No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
22 But Samuel replied:
“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
as much as in obeying the Lord?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination,
and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,
he has rejected you as king.”
23 Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.
John
4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery.
10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
11 “No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
Sunday, May 13, 2012
May 13, 2012
1 Sam 14:1-52, John 7:30-53, Ps 109:1-31, Pr 15:5-7
6 Jonathan said to his armor bearer, "Come on now, let's go across to these uncircumcised pagans. Maybe God will work for us. There's no rule that says God can only deliver by using a big army. No one can stop God from saving when he sets his mind to it."
(I love the faith that is shown here..................................................................................
45 The soldiers rose up: "Jonathan—die? Never! He's just carried out this stunning salvation victory for Israel. As surely as God lives, not a hair on his head is going to be harmed. Why, he's been working hand-in-hand with God all day!" The soldiers rescued Jonathan and he didn't die.
John
47-49The Pharisees said, "Are you carried away like the rest of the rabble? You don't see any of the leaders believing in him, do you? Or any from the Pharisees? It's only this crowd, ignorant of God's Law, that is taken in by him—and damned."
50-51Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus earlier and was both a ruler and a Pharisee, spoke up. "Does our Law decide about a man's guilt without first listening to him and finding out what he is doing?
Psalm
30-31 My mouth's full of great praise for God,
I'm singing his hallelujahs surrounded by crowds,
For he's always at hand to take the side of the needy,
to rescue a life from the unjust judge.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
May 12, 2012
May 12, 2012
1 Sam 12:1-13:23, John 7:1-29, Ps 108:1-13, Pr 15:4
(My body is very achy this morning. I pray that the Lord will guide me how to take care of my body. Continuous use of allergy meds has me jittery.)
22 For the sake of his great name the Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own. 23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.
(Lord help up to life up those around us that do not see that they are in sin. Lord let someone stand in the gap for my poor choices as well. for the things i do not relive I am doing.)
12 I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the Lord’s favor. ’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.”
(Lord even though he had the right heart he did not act in faith in the system you had set before him. Please write your law on my heart that I might not sin against you.)
John
18 Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.
(Lord I am nothing without you. Lord I thank you that I can take no pride in my situation. That anything that is good in my life has been sent from you.)
1 Sam 12:1-13:23, John 7:1-29, Ps 108:1-13, Pr 15:4
(My body is very achy this morning. I pray that the Lord will guide me how to take care of my body. Continuous use of allergy meds has me jittery.)
22 For the sake of his great name the Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own. 23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.
(Lord help up to life up those around us that do not see that they are in sin. Lord let someone stand in the gap for my poor choices as well. for the things i do not relive I am doing.)
12 I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the Lord’s favor. ’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.”
(Lord even though he had the right heart he did not act in faith in the system you had set before him. Please write your law on my heart that I might not sin against you.)
John
18 Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.
(Lord I am nothing without you. Lord I thank you that I can take no pride in my situation. That anything that is good in my life has been sent from you.)
Friday, May 11, 2012
May 11, 2012
1 Sam 10:1-11:15, John 6:43-71, Ps 107:1-43, Pr 15:1-3
I come today out of obedience as my body is weary. Lord please restore me in your presence.
6 The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person. 7 Once these signs are fulfilled, do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you.
( I long to hear you voice flowing through mine to bring you word to those that need it.)
John
65 He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”
(Lord i thank you for every soul you have enabled. Lord let the words of my mouth and my action bring people closer to you.)
66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
(Lord how disheartening that people can be so close to the living God yet not really know him. Give us a discerning heart to help reap the harvest that is within the church.)
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he brought them out of their distress.
29 He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea were hushed.
(Thank you Lord for all my trouble for it is in the storm that I get to see you work.)
The upright see and rejoice,
but all the wicked shut their mouths.
(Lord let my eyes be open and bitterness never come in to choke out my praise before you.)
I praise you Lord for I have made it through my quiet time. My eyes still tired, my body weak and sickness upon me. Yet i will rejoice in you and pray that you healing presence will bring me out of this that I may serve you and my family even this day.)
I come today out of obedience as my body is weary. Lord please restore me in your presence.
6 The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person. 7 Once these signs are fulfilled, do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you.
( I long to hear you voice flowing through mine to bring you word to those that need it.)
John
65 He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”
(Lord i thank you for every soul you have enabled. Lord let the words of my mouth and my action bring people closer to you.)
66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
(Lord how disheartening that people can be so close to the living God yet not really know him. Give us a discerning heart to help reap the harvest that is within the church.)
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he brought them out of their distress.
29 He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea were hushed.
(Thank you Lord for all my trouble for it is in the storm that I get to see you work.)
The upright see and rejoice,
but all the wicked shut their mouths.
(Lord let my eyes be open and bitterness never come in to choke out my praise before you.)
I praise you Lord for I have made it through my quiet time. My eyes still tired, my body weak and sickness upon me. Yet i will rejoice in you and pray that you healing presence will bring me out of this that I may serve you and my family even this day.)
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
May 9, 2012
May 9, 2012
1 Sam 5:1-7:17, John 6:1-21, Ps 106:13-31, Pr 14:32-33
(My heart pains this day. My heart is heavy yet this is my time to enter into the holy of hollies and be in the presence of my God. Will I bring my trouble into the temple? Will I ponder it so loudly that I hear not the comfort of the heavenly Father's voice? Will I miss the joy of being with the one that will loves me perfectly and already knows all that troubles me? No Lord. I will walk into your chamber with rejoicing for I will meet my savior there. Lord I thank you that this day I will see you the living God. That your embrace will sustain me and bring me peace. That your word will speak to my Spirit man and raise him up to know full well how to react to what pains my heart. Not that I speak out of my pain or understanding but that I walk as one that has walked with the Lord. Lord prepare my heart, bind it up that I may sit at your feet now, a student of your word.)
4 The Philistines asked, “What guilt offering should we send to him?”
6 Why do you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh did?
9 but keep watching it. If it goes up to its own territory, toward Beth Shemesh, then the Lord has brought this great disaster on us.
20 And the people of Beth Shemesh asked, “Who can stand in the presence of the Lord, this holy God? To whom will the ark go up from here?”
(Lord I thank you and praise you that you have permitted me to enter into your holy place. That you have purchased my sin with the atoning sacrifice of my savior that I may walk boldly into your presence fearing not death for wickedness still lies in the heart of man. So it is from this place that I petition you.)
6 When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the Lord. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the Lord.” Now Samuel was serving as leader of Israel at Mizpah.
Psalm
30 But Phinehas stood up and intervened,
and the plague was checked.
31 This was credited to him as righteousness
for endless generations to come.
(Lord your words seem to speak so clearly this morning to what pains my heart. That the righteous must stand up and and make atonement in way of a guilt offering and fasting for the sins of those that have yet to have eyes to repent. For they are bound by the lies that they have believed in their hearts to be true. Lord even to the detail of my prayer for a sign was spoken of in your word today. Yet Lord this word is but a sounding board for my conversation with you. Lord just as you made it clear to this people that yes YOU had brought this people low. I pray that you would make it clear to those that need to hear your voice. That those that are walking blindly in disobedience would see and hear plainly the path of destruction you are allowing into their lives. Lord that they would see that your hand of protection has moved from their heads. Lord as I ask for you hand on my family I also ask that you do as needed to bring about true repentance. For I know you will keep up.)
Proverbs 14
32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,
but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.
33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning
and even among fools she lets herself be known.
(Wow how telling your proverb is for this day. For I will forever seek refuge in your tent, with my children at my side. Lord let wisdom be my voice. Let no other words fall from my lips in response to what has crossed my path yet again.)
(So here I am Lord rejoicing at your temple. Praising you for you are the lifter of my head. For you know me full well and speak so clearly of my own life among the pages of your word. Amazed beyond all things that you knew I would need this word on this day. I praise you that you ordained all the days of my life and know me full well. Lord let no unwholesome thing depart form my lips. Lord guard my thoughts and actions for the enemy is seeking to kill, steel and destroy what this thorn in my side is designed for good. For it is only out of death that life can grow. So Lord I surrender all that is in my heart that needs to die this day that you may birth in me your vision, hope and truth. I could go on forever for I leap for joy in the presence of the Lord. The enemy has not stolen what is precious to me. For man is not what I worship. Lord I am forever grateful for the love you are welling up in me for those that are in the darkness. Groping around for someone to lead them to the light. Yet they do not know they need or even desire a savior. Lord show me your compassion that will lead them to repentance this day.)
1 Sam 5:1-7:17, John 6:1-21, Ps 106:13-31, Pr 14:32-33
(My heart pains this day. My heart is heavy yet this is my time to enter into the holy of hollies and be in the presence of my God. Will I bring my trouble into the temple? Will I ponder it so loudly that I hear not the comfort of the heavenly Father's voice? Will I miss the joy of being with the one that will loves me perfectly and already knows all that troubles me? No Lord. I will walk into your chamber with rejoicing for I will meet my savior there. Lord I thank you that this day I will see you the living God. That your embrace will sustain me and bring me peace. That your word will speak to my Spirit man and raise him up to know full well how to react to what pains my heart. Not that I speak out of my pain or understanding but that I walk as one that has walked with the Lord. Lord prepare my heart, bind it up that I may sit at your feet now, a student of your word.)
4 The Philistines asked, “What guilt offering should we send to him?”
6 Why do you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh did?
9 but keep watching it. If it goes up to its own territory, toward Beth Shemesh, then the Lord has brought this great disaster on us.
20 And the people of Beth Shemesh asked, “Who can stand in the presence of the Lord, this holy God? To whom will the ark go up from here?”
(Lord I thank you and praise you that you have permitted me to enter into your holy place. That you have purchased my sin with the atoning sacrifice of my savior that I may walk boldly into your presence fearing not death for wickedness still lies in the heart of man. So it is from this place that I petition you.)
6 When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the Lord. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the Lord.” Now Samuel was serving as leader of Israel at Mizpah.
Psalm
30 But Phinehas stood up and intervened,
and the plague was checked.
31 This was credited to him as righteousness
for endless generations to come.
(Lord your words seem to speak so clearly this morning to what pains my heart. That the righteous must stand up and and make atonement in way of a guilt offering and fasting for the sins of those that have yet to have eyes to repent. For they are bound by the lies that they have believed in their hearts to be true. Lord even to the detail of my prayer for a sign was spoken of in your word today. Yet Lord this word is but a sounding board for my conversation with you. Lord just as you made it clear to this people that yes YOU had brought this people low. I pray that you would make it clear to those that need to hear your voice. That those that are walking blindly in disobedience would see and hear plainly the path of destruction you are allowing into their lives. Lord that they would see that your hand of protection has moved from their heads. Lord as I ask for you hand on my family I also ask that you do as needed to bring about true repentance. For I know you will keep up.)
Proverbs 14
32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,
but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.
33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning
and even among fools she lets herself be known.
(Wow how telling your proverb is for this day. For I will forever seek refuge in your tent, with my children at my side. Lord let wisdom be my voice. Let no other words fall from my lips in response to what has crossed my path yet again.)
(So here I am Lord rejoicing at your temple. Praising you for you are the lifter of my head. For you know me full well and speak so clearly of my own life among the pages of your word. Amazed beyond all things that you knew I would need this word on this day. I praise you that you ordained all the days of my life and know me full well. Lord let no unwholesome thing depart form my lips. Lord guard my thoughts and actions for the enemy is seeking to kill, steel and destroy what this thorn in my side is designed for good. For it is only out of death that life can grow. So Lord I surrender all that is in my heart that needs to die this day that you may birth in me your vision, hope and truth. I could go on forever for I leap for joy in the presence of the Lord. The enemy has not stolen what is precious to me. For man is not what I worship. Lord I am forever grateful for the love you are welling up in me for those that are in the darkness. Groping around for someone to lead them to the light. Yet they do not know they need or even desire a savior. Lord show me your compassion that will lead them to repentance this day.)
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
May 8, 2012
1 Sam 2:22-4:22, John 5:24-47, Ps 106:1-12, Pr 14:30-31
22 Now Eli, who was very old, heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they slept with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting.
(Did you just read that? Crazy evil. So flagrantly defiant. Reminds me of the day before my salvation at age 15, When on a mission trip in Spain the whole youth group drank on the steps of the Catholic Church. We were angry and mad, wanting to be heard. It was the reaction of our leader that brought me to repentance and salvation. Yet these son's of his were not brought to repentance.)
7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.
(This is amazing and hopeful to me. Samuel while being trained up in the things of God did not know God. How many in church today are trained up but do not know the Father. Lord let all that seek after your teaching encounter the living God. Let each of us hear your voice.)
9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
(This is so beautiful as it shows just how important it is for those that have heard God's voice to train up those that will hear his voice. Lord please rise up believer that will train up the young ones looking for the day that they will hear your voice.)
21 She named the boy Ichabod, saying, “The Glory has departed from Israel”
(The sadness of this wife before she dies. Naming her son after this horrible ordeal.)
John
24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.
(Thank you Lord for this amazing promise. That as believer we need not fear our daily shortcomings condemning us to hell in the last day. Lord it is with a sad heart that I admit that my thoughts and action at times are still far from what you would have of me. Yet I am forever grateful that you have not given up on me nor will you condemn me for it. I pray each day that the words of my mouth will be gentle and loving. Yet the need for discipline among my children muddies the waters for me. Lord cover them when I speak hastily.)
31 “If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. 32 There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is true.
44 How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
(Lord help me with this. Lord that I seek not the approval of man.)
Proverbs
30 A heart at peace gives life to the body,
but envy rots the bones.
(Lord I am so amazed at how you have taught me this lesson in times of poverty rather than in plenty. I am richer today with little, than I ever was with plenty. For I finally see that you are my provider. The weight of this world is not on my shoulders.)
22 Now Eli, who was very old, heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they slept with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting.
(Did you just read that? Crazy evil. So flagrantly defiant. Reminds me of the day before my salvation at age 15, When on a mission trip in Spain the whole youth group drank on the steps of the Catholic Church. We were angry and mad, wanting to be heard. It was the reaction of our leader that brought me to repentance and salvation. Yet these son's of his were not brought to repentance.)
7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.
(This is amazing and hopeful to me. Samuel while being trained up in the things of God did not know God. How many in church today are trained up but do not know the Father. Lord let all that seek after your teaching encounter the living God. Let each of us hear your voice.)
9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
(This is so beautiful as it shows just how important it is for those that have heard God's voice to train up those that will hear his voice. Lord please rise up believer that will train up the young ones looking for the day that they will hear your voice.)
21 She named the boy Ichabod, saying, “The Glory has departed from Israel”
(The sadness of this wife before she dies. Naming her son after this horrible ordeal.)
John
24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.
(Thank you Lord for this amazing promise. That as believer we need not fear our daily shortcomings condemning us to hell in the last day. Lord it is with a sad heart that I admit that my thoughts and action at times are still far from what you would have of me. Yet I am forever grateful that you have not given up on me nor will you condemn me for it. I pray each day that the words of my mouth will be gentle and loving. Yet the need for discipline among my children muddies the waters for me. Lord cover them when I speak hastily.)
31 “If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. 32 There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is true.
44 How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
(Lord help me with this. Lord that I seek not the approval of man.)
Proverbs
30 A heart at peace gives life to the body,
but envy rots the bones.
(Lord I am so amazed at how you have taught me this lesson in times of poverty rather than in plenty. I am richer today with little, than I ever was with plenty. For I finally see that you are my provider. The weight of this world is not on my shoulders.)
Monday, May 7, 2012
May 7, 2012
10 In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. 11 And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty , if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”
(Lord I thank you that even bitterly wept prayers are heard by you. The torment this women felt was redeemed.)
“It is not by strength that one prevails;
10 those who oppose the Lord will be broken.
The Most High will thunder from heaven;
the Lord will judge the ends of the earth.
(What an amazing and profound statement. The Lord breaks those that we have victory over. For it is not our cunning or strength, no it is the Lord's intervention. When will we stop boasting and give God the glory. Lord let me eyes see all that you have done to protect and root out in my path. That it is perfectly clear that I was just part of the victory.)
12 Eli’s sons were scoundrels; they had no regard for the Lord.
21...Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord.
(What a blessing for this priest to be given this women's son. For he must have prayed for a son that would be a servant of God.)
John
14 Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went away and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had made him well.
(Is it possible that this man made well of an affliction of 38 years gave Jesus over to the religious leader because he could not give up his sin. Lord forgive us that when you have shown us the path of righteousness and healed our wounds that we not return to our sinful ways for comfort. I see in my own life how the word of God has rescued me from many a foe. Yet in my futility of thinking I still question the time investment when my plate is full. When will I stop doubting God's ability to redeem the remaining hours of my day.)
19 Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.
(I have always been perplexed by this verse. Jesus only does what he SEES the father doing. Lord When I am walking in your will and doing as you have called me to in my heart are you actually doing it with me? Are your heads serving along with mine? Are your words speaking in concert with mine? Am I copying your moves like a shadow dance? Oh Lord that one day I will see you working as Jesus did. Lord what a day that would be.)
Proverbs
14: 29 Whoever is patient has great understanding,
but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.
(Lord I still have so many fleshly reactions to life. This clearly being a thorn in my side. Like a kettle brought to boil. I may do fine for a time showing patients and perseverance yet then the lid pops off. Lord I pray that you would turn down the heat even when everything around me is chaos. Lord I pray that your words would speak. Yet most of all I long for that patient heart to be birthed in me. Would I not rejoice all day long and sing your praises among all women of the goodness of my Lord? For if under prayer and your word my tongue and temper could be harnessed I would have a gift that every man, women and child would want. Show me Lord what I need do and I will do it. For the joy of being free from my own regret would be worth all the riches of the world.)
(Lord I thank you that even bitterly wept prayers are heard by you. The torment this women felt was redeemed.)
“It is not by strength that one prevails;
10 those who oppose the Lord will be broken.
The Most High will thunder from heaven;
the Lord will judge the ends of the earth.
(What an amazing and profound statement. The Lord breaks those that we have victory over. For it is not our cunning or strength, no it is the Lord's intervention. When will we stop boasting and give God the glory. Lord let me eyes see all that you have done to protect and root out in my path. That it is perfectly clear that I was just part of the victory.)
12 Eli’s sons were scoundrels; they had no regard for the Lord.
21...Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord.
(What a blessing for this priest to be given this women's son. For he must have prayed for a son that would be a servant of God.)
John
14 Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went away and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had made him well.
(Is it possible that this man made well of an affliction of 38 years gave Jesus over to the religious leader because he could not give up his sin. Lord forgive us that when you have shown us the path of righteousness and healed our wounds that we not return to our sinful ways for comfort. I see in my own life how the word of God has rescued me from many a foe. Yet in my futility of thinking I still question the time investment when my plate is full. When will I stop doubting God's ability to redeem the remaining hours of my day.)
19 Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.
(I have always been perplexed by this verse. Jesus only does what he SEES the father doing. Lord When I am walking in your will and doing as you have called me to in my heart are you actually doing it with me? Are your heads serving along with mine? Are your words speaking in concert with mine? Am I copying your moves like a shadow dance? Oh Lord that one day I will see you working as Jesus did. Lord what a day that would be.)
Proverbs
14: 29 Whoever is patient has great understanding,
but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.
(Lord I still have so many fleshly reactions to life. This clearly being a thorn in my side. Like a kettle brought to boil. I may do fine for a time showing patients and perseverance yet then the lid pops off. Lord I pray that you would turn down the heat even when everything around me is chaos. Lord I pray that your words would speak. Yet most of all I long for that patient heart to be birthed in me. Would I not rejoice all day long and sing your praises among all women of the goodness of my Lord? For if under prayer and your word my tongue and temper could be harnessed I would have a gift that every man, women and child would want. Show me Lord what I need do and I will do it. For the joy of being free from my own regret would be worth all the riches of the world.)
Saturday, May 5, 2012
May 5, 2012
Judges 21:1- Ruth 1:22, John 4:5-42, Ps 105:1-15, Pr 14:25
(Please Lord grant me your discernment regarding the day's events. Feeling a bit overwhelmed with all that is on my plate. Flower accounting for April - I am late and disorganized, playing with my kids, hopefully selling my flowers at the park day, chores, exercise, Game Truck leads, and finally to be rested and refreshed for a date night. Lord order the steps of my day that my heart does not fret. Lord let my work be fruitful that much time is left for what is most important. Those I love. May my words be kind and compassion flow from my lips.)
25 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did whatever he wanted.[d]
(I am so glad to be finished with the book of Judges. This last statement sums it up. Rape, followed by battle, excessive death and then trying to rebuild by taking women as wives. As a women these ways are hard to read. Lord I thank you that your hand is upon us despite the wickedness of today. Father you must be looking at us through the lens of the blood of Christ for we as a people are no more deserving of your grace and provision that these people were. Yet you turned them over to their own depravity and they eagerly found that that depravity could never be satisfied. For more and more evil was done. That which would be repulsive to even the must depraved heathen of our day.)
Ruth
13 would you be willing to wait for them to grow up? Would you restrain yourselves from remarrying?[l] No, my daughters, my life is much too bitter for you to share,[m] because the Lord’s hand has turned against me.”
(I like this mother-in -law. she has some good wit. I thank you Lord that humor is found in these pages.)
16 But Ruth replied:
Do not persuade me to leave you
or go back and not follow you.
For wherever you go, I will go,
and wherever you live, I will live;
your people will be my people,
and your God will be my God.
17 Where you die, I will die,
and there I will be buried.
May Yahweh punish me,[o]
and do so severely,
if anything but death separates you and me.
(Lord that I may be a friend such as this to the dear women you have placed in my path. Not for every women for then I would be torn in pieces. Yet for the few that you have called me to walk with.)
20 “Don’t call me Naomi. Call me Mara,”[q] she answered,[r] “for the Almighty has made me very bitter.
(Lord please up root this bitterness that I feel much like Naomi.)
John
11 “Sir,” said the woman, “You don’t even have a bucket, and the well is deep. So where do You get this ‘living water’?
( I love this. She had to have been lol)
14 ...In fact, the water I will give him will become a well[e] of water springing up within him for eternal life.”
(Lord I pray that my own weary heart not choke out this well of mine that it is but a meager meal for me. For I long to be a blessing to those around me. Lord I thank you that you have shown me that in this hard season of my life the portion I need from you Lord is great to heal and restore what the locust has taken. Yet for every morsel that I partake over and above what you have ordained for me will overflow onto those around me. Lord let my heart be glad and my days be long that more of your word may be gathered up into my heart that I may feed all those that enter the the house of my heart. Lord let no one enter into my fellowship walk away hungry. May I feed them from the overflowing abundance that you have fed me. Lord let me never be satisfied to only gather enough for myself.)
25 The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah[h] is coming” (who is called Christ ). “When He comes, He will explain everything to us.”
26 “I am He,” Jesus told her, “the One speaking to you.”
(Oh what a blessed moment that must have been. Her soul rejoicing.)
42...“We no longer believe because of what you said, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this really is the Savior of the world.”[n]
(Lord this is it. Lord that my words and testimony of Christ's work in my heart would draw people to Christ for themselves. Not that they would remember my story but that they would have their own. Lord what a blessing to watch others become excited about Christ because of what they hear in me and find true life that no one can take away.)
(Please Lord grant me your discernment regarding the day's events. Feeling a bit overwhelmed with all that is on my plate. Flower accounting for April - I am late and disorganized, playing with my kids, hopefully selling my flowers at the park day, chores, exercise, Game Truck leads, and finally to be rested and refreshed for a date night. Lord order the steps of my day that my heart does not fret. Lord let my work be fruitful that much time is left for what is most important. Those I love. May my words be kind and compassion flow from my lips.)
25 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did whatever he wanted.[d]
(I am so glad to be finished with the book of Judges. This last statement sums it up. Rape, followed by battle, excessive death and then trying to rebuild by taking women as wives. As a women these ways are hard to read. Lord I thank you that your hand is upon us despite the wickedness of today. Father you must be looking at us through the lens of the blood of Christ for we as a people are no more deserving of your grace and provision that these people were. Yet you turned them over to their own depravity and they eagerly found that that depravity could never be satisfied. For more and more evil was done. That which would be repulsive to even the must depraved heathen of our day.)
Ruth
13 would you be willing to wait for them to grow up? Would you restrain yourselves from remarrying?[l] No, my daughters, my life is much too bitter for you to share,[m] because the Lord’s hand has turned against me.”
(I like this mother-in -law. she has some good wit. I thank you Lord that humor is found in these pages.)
16 But Ruth replied:
Do not persuade me to leave you
or go back and not follow you.
For wherever you go, I will go,
and wherever you live, I will live;
your people will be my people,
and your God will be my God.
17 Where you die, I will die,
and there I will be buried.
May Yahweh punish me,[o]
and do so severely,
if anything but death separates you and me.
(Lord that I may be a friend such as this to the dear women you have placed in my path. Not for every women for then I would be torn in pieces. Yet for the few that you have called me to walk with.)
20 “Don’t call me Naomi. Call me Mara,”[q] she answered,[r] “for the Almighty has made me very bitter.
(Lord please up root this bitterness that I feel much like Naomi.)
John
11 “Sir,” said the woman, “You don’t even have a bucket, and the well is deep. So where do You get this ‘living water’?
( I love this. She had to have been lol)
14 ...In fact, the water I will give him will become a well[e] of water springing up within him for eternal life.”
(Lord I pray that my own weary heart not choke out this well of mine that it is but a meager meal for me. For I long to be a blessing to those around me. Lord I thank you that you have shown me that in this hard season of my life the portion I need from you Lord is great to heal and restore what the locust has taken. Yet for every morsel that I partake over and above what you have ordained for me will overflow onto those around me. Lord let my heart be glad and my days be long that more of your word may be gathered up into my heart that I may feed all those that enter the the house of my heart. Lord let no one enter into my fellowship walk away hungry. May I feed them from the overflowing abundance that you have fed me. Lord let me never be satisfied to only gather enough for myself.)
25 The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah[h] is coming” (who is called Christ ). “When He comes, He will explain everything to us.”
26 “I am He,” Jesus told her, “the One speaking to you.”
(Oh what a blessed moment that must have been. Her soul rejoicing.)
42...“We no longer believe because of what you said, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this really is the Savior of the world.”[n]
(Lord this is it. Lord that my words and testimony of Christ's work in my heart would draw people to Christ for themselves. Not that they would remember my story but that they would have their own. Lord what a blessing to watch others become excited about Christ because of what they hear in me and find true life that no one can take away.)
Friday, May 4, 2012
May 4, 2012
May 4, 2012
Judges 19:1-20:40, John 3:22-4:4, Ps 104:24-35, Pr 14:22-24
Wow. Time just get's by ya when you try and do one more thing. 10am and I am just now getting to my devotional. Yet I am not going to be overwhelmed with guilt or self deprecation analytical mum bo jumbo. The moment I can redeem is now. Praising God for this choice and I asking God to do his mighty work in me.
4 The Levite, the husband of the murdered woman, answered: “I went to Gibeah in Benjamin with my concubine to spend the night. 5 Citizens of Gibeah ganged up on me and surrounded the house at night. They intended to kill me, but they raped my concubine, and she died. 6 Then I took my concubine and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout Israel’s territory, because they committed a horrible shame in Israel. 7 Look, all of you are Israelites. Give your judgment and verdict here and now.”
I am greatly troubled by this story. What is up with these men. Protecting the man over the women. Willing giving a women over to be raped.
24 Here, let me bring out my virgin daughter and the man’s concubine now. Use them and do whatever you want[h] to them. But don’t do this horrible thing to this man.”
Yet I will turn my wrath over to you Lord to heal my heart for the pain this women felt at the hand of these men and the death of the love she felt by being turned over. Yet I praise you Lord for you must have cried over this crazy thing.
John
34 For God sent Him, and He speaks God’s words, since He[d] gives the Spirit without measure. 35 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hands. 36 The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who refuses to believe in the Son will not see life; instead, the wrath of God remains on him.
Yet again Lord I ask what does it really mean to believe? Is the evidence of those that believe that they see live and the wrath of God does not remain on them? Should we approach those that are seeking after God but have yet to believe with these questions?
1) Does Christ Jesus bring something different into how you see and experience life?
2) What are your thoughts on the wrath of God? Do you at times feel it is on you?
Judges 19:1-20:40, John 3:22-4:4, Ps 104:24-35, Pr 14:22-24
Wow. Time just get's by ya when you try and do one more thing. 10am and I am just now getting to my devotional. Yet I am not going to be overwhelmed with guilt or self deprecation analytical mum bo jumbo. The moment I can redeem is now. Praising God for this choice and I asking God to do his mighty work in me.
4 The Levite, the husband of the murdered woman, answered: “I went to Gibeah in Benjamin with my concubine to spend the night. 5 Citizens of Gibeah ganged up on me and surrounded the house at night. They intended to kill me, but they raped my concubine, and she died. 6 Then I took my concubine and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout Israel’s territory, because they committed a horrible shame in Israel. 7 Look, all of you are Israelites. Give your judgment and verdict here and now.”
I am greatly troubled by this story. What is up with these men. Protecting the man over the women. Willing giving a women over to be raped.
24 Here, let me bring out my virgin daughter and the man’s concubine now. Use them and do whatever you want[h] to them. But don’t do this horrible thing to this man.”
Yet I will turn my wrath over to you Lord to heal my heart for the pain this women felt at the hand of these men and the death of the love she felt by being turned over. Yet I praise you Lord for you must have cried over this crazy thing.
John
34 For God sent Him, and He speaks God’s words, since He[d] gives the Spirit without measure. 35 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hands. 36 The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who refuses to believe in the Son will not see life; instead, the wrath of God remains on him.
Yet again Lord I ask what does it really mean to believe? Is the evidence of those that believe that they see live and the wrath of God does not remain on them? Should we approach those that are seeking after God but have yet to believe with these questions?
1) Does Christ Jesus bring something different into how you see and experience life?
2) What are your thoughts on the wrath of God? Do you at times feel it is on you?
Thursday, May 3, 2012
May 3, 2012
Judges 07:1-18:31, John 3:1-21, Ps 104:1-23, Pr 14:20-21
(Today's reading of the old testament still has me a bit confused. Yet I praise God for this for it assures me that I still have so much more to learn and understand about the lover of my soul, my savior and my Lord. He is still a mysterious lover that makes me smile for I have yet to uncover all that he is. Like a giddy school girl trying to peak into a room that has yet to be opened for my eyes. Yet the Lord and I dance this dance of courtship around this still hidden part of Him. For I am but the bride. Still full of giddy anticipation of all I am yet to understand once the marriage is to take place.)
John
18 Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God.
(What does it really mean to believe and not be condemned? Do all that call on on the name of Christ believe? Is belief built on experience and sound understanding? Is belief something that God places in our hearts that we one day awake to understand? I can easily understand that the one that does not believe si already condemned. For the pains and struggles and bad choices of this life will all but swallow us up. Lord I definitely believe yet the words of my own heart often attempted to condemn me. Lord let my self talk be one that supports this claim. For Christ has already died to pay the price for my sin. Let me not hang myself again on the cross. For you have already declared it FINISHED.)
19 “This, then, is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it,[k] so that his deeds may not be exposed. 21 But anyone who lives by[l] the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”[m]
(Lord let me decrees that your almighty power and greatness my increase. Lord that in every amazing thing that others see in and through me that it be extremely evident that it is your work not mine. Lord help me to feel no fear of looking stupid. For I am your child.)
Psalm
2 He wraps Himself in light as if it were a robe,
spreading out the sky like a canopy,
3 laying the beams of His palace
on the waters above,
making the clouds His chariot,
walking on the wings of the wind,
4 and making the winds His messengers,[a]
flames of fire His servants.
(What amazing imagery. I long to paint this.)
15 wine that makes man’s heart glad—
making his face shine with oil—
and bread that sustains man’s heart.
(I am still troubled with wine being equated with happiness. Lord please speak to me on this for I have yet to see anyone be filled with joy while drinking that didn't then fall into sin, drunkenness and loss lips.)
(Today's reading of the old testament still has me a bit confused. Yet I praise God for this for it assures me that I still have so much more to learn and understand about the lover of my soul, my savior and my Lord. He is still a mysterious lover that makes me smile for I have yet to uncover all that he is. Like a giddy school girl trying to peak into a room that has yet to be opened for my eyes. Yet the Lord and I dance this dance of courtship around this still hidden part of Him. For I am but the bride. Still full of giddy anticipation of all I am yet to understand once the marriage is to take place.)
John
18 Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God.
(What does it really mean to believe and not be condemned? Do all that call on on the name of Christ believe? Is belief built on experience and sound understanding? Is belief something that God places in our hearts that we one day awake to understand? I can easily understand that the one that does not believe si already condemned. For the pains and struggles and bad choices of this life will all but swallow us up. Lord I definitely believe yet the words of my own heart often attempted to condemn me. Lord let my self talk be one that supports this claim. For Christ has already died to pay the price for my sin. Let me not hang myself again on the cross. For you have already declared it FINISHED.)
19 “This, then, is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it,[k] so that his deeds may not be exposed. 21 But anyone who lives by[l] the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”[m]
(Lord let me decrees that your almighty power and greatness my increase. Lord that in every amazing thing that others see in and through me that it be extremely evident that it is your work not mine. Lord help me to feel no fear of looking stupid. For I am your child.)
Psalm
2 He wraps Himself in light as if it were a robe,
spreading out the sky like a canopy,
3 laying the beams of His palace
on the waters above,
making the clouds His chariot,
walking on the wings of the wind,
4 and making the winds His messengers,[a]
flames of fire His servants.
(What amazing imagery. I long to paint this.)
15 wine that makes man’s heart glad—
making his face shine with oil—
and bread that sustains man’s heart.
(I am still troubled with wine being equated with happiness. Lord please speak to me on this for I have yet to see anyone be filled with joy while drinking that didn't then fall into sin, drunkenness and loss lips.)
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
May 2, 2012
Judges 15-16:31; John 2:1-25; Psalm 103:1-22; Proverbs 14:17-19 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
I must say I have many questions about this story of Samson. Picked out by God to do his bidding to punish a people. The only place of obedience he seems to need to follow is to not cut his hair. The rest of his actions just don't seem to line up with the word. He is prone to rage. He is extremely lustful. He sleeps with prostitutes. Then sleeps with a lover that he does not marry. He lies, he falls prey to speak what needs be kept to himself at the nagging of his lovers. Yet over and over again God's strength comes over him and he slays the wicked.
What is the take home message of this story? It certainly can't be follow after Samson in his life. All I can see is that God will be God. That despite the wickedness of God's chosen servants His prophesies will be fulfilled.
I guess there is comfort in this. Yet it also breaks my heart. For I live my life looking for God's strength in response to my willingness to live a sacrificial life of obedience. Yet this man lives a life of complete indulgence and is still used mightily. I pray that one day I will understand that even my greatest sacrifice will never mount up enough goodness to earn your affection. It is a free gift. Yet somehow for me to see, experience and sense this free gift I must be obedient to your word. Not clouding it out by my actions.
My rational mind is trying feverishly to understand what only God can speak to my heart. Lord write in clearly on my heart.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
May 1, 2012
Judges 13:1-14:20, John 1:29-51, Ps 102:1-28, Pr 14:15-16
12 Then Manoah asked, “When Your words come true, what will the boy’s responsibilities and mission[c] be?”
13 The Angel of the LORD answered Manoah, “Your wife needs to do everything I told her.
18 “Why do you ask My name,” the Angel of the LORD asked him, “since it is wonderful.”
22 “We’re going to die,” he said to his wife, “because we have seen God!”
(I love the humanity found in all of these verses. Manoah appears to be a very practical man, longing for knowledge. You have given us a great gift now please explain it to us. Yet faith is what is required. The Angel quick to only repeat what he was instructed to say. Lord let us learn from both the Angel and the man. Let us have faith to believe that God will supply the answers in due time and let us be careful to only say what God has instructed us to share.)
But Samson told his father, “Get her for me, because I want her.”[g] 4 Now his father and mother did not know this was from the LORD,
(Thank you Lord that even the longings of our flesh can be placed in us by you.)
17 She wept the whole seven days of the feast, and at last, on the seventh day, he explained it to her, because she had nagged him so much.
(As a wife this is both funny and sad to me. How many times has my husband just given in to my nagging voice just to have peace. I thank you Lord that you have shown me that my nagging is best done in prayer before you rather than before him. Even those naggings you have begun to teach me to refrain. For it is your presence not my words that brings about your will. For my heart may have good intentions yet the path to achieve them is much higher than my thoughts. Lord let me seek you for what your word says is your will yet have faith regarding the journey to get their.)
John
29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
(What eyes John had. Seeing both the natural and supernatural at the same time. Lord let me have such eyes.)
50 Jesus responded to him, “Do you believe only because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You[k] will see greater things than this.” 51 Then He said, “I assure you: You[l] will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
(I just love this. we are so easily amazed. Yet praise God that he did not leave him thinking this was all. Lord let me not be content with what i know of you and your majestic ways. For mountains still need be moved and I stand believing that your holiness with reign supreme in my heart and my family.)
Psalm
27 But You are the same,
and Your years will never end.
28 Your servants’ children will dwell securely,
and their offspring will be established before You.”
(thank you Lord. I take comfort in this promise.)
Proverbs
16 A wise man is cautious and turns from evil,
but a fool is easily angered and is careless.[b]
(I may be cautious and turn from evil. Yet my anger has gotten the best of me at times. Lord I thank you that my hard circumstances has given room for me to build an obedient heart, that dare not lash out in anger. Please Lord continue to root out any foolish ways within me that lead me to into careless ways and cause me to lash out in anger. Lord put a guard over my eyes and ears that those things that would aggravate me are passed through your grace and your word. Let me see others the way you do. That in the moment, it can feel as if you have stopped time, that I may sit at your feet and seek you for direction.)
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