Hosea 2
14“Therefore I am now going to allure her;
I will lead her into the wilderness
and speak tenderly to her.
15There I will give her back her vineyards,
and will make the Valley of Achor[a] a door of hope.
There she will respond[b] as in the days of her youth,
as in the day she came up out of Egypt.
16“In that day,” declares the Lord,
“you will call me ‘my husband’;
you will no longer call me ‘my master.[c] ’
17I will remove the names of the Baals from her lips;
no longer will their names be invoked.
18In that day I will make a covenant for them
with the beasts of the field, the birds in the sky
and the creatures that move along the ground.
Bow and sword and battle
I will abolish from the land,
so that all may lie down in safety.
19I will betroth you to me forever;
I will betroth you in[d] righteousness and justice,
in[e] love and compassion.
20I will betroth you in faithfulness,
and you will acknowledge the Lord.
21“In that day I will respond,”
declares the Lord—
“I will respond to the skies,
and they will respond to the earth;
22and the earth will respond to the grain,
the new wine and the olive oil,
and they will respond to Jezreel.[f]
23I will plant her for myself in the land;
I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.[g] ’
I will say to those called ‘Not my people,[h] ’ ‘You are my people’;
and they will say, ‘You are my God.’ ”
In Hosea 2, we see God forgiving Israel for going after false gods (fake gods, money, sex, fame, power, self satisfaction, greed). After everything God has done for them by freeing them from their captivity in Egypt, parting the waters for them to cross over, making water from a rock, defeating their enemies, always going ahead of them to protect them...after all this, the Israelites still wandered from God.
Yet God says in Hosea 2, He will forgive them. He does allow them to wallow in their sin first, to realize what they are missing by not staying in God's grace and mercy. He then forgives them unconditionally, and grants them mercy...and the cycle starts all over again! In fact, it continues today. Jesus had to die on the cross to forgive our sins, because we keep sinning just like the Israelites! We beg for forgiveness, are given it freely, then mess up all over again, ask for forgiveness, receive it, and start all over again.
We are not any different from those pathetic Israelites that God loved so much that He forgave them over and over again. Not only did He forgive them, but He promised them a Messiah!
I regularly make the same mistakes over and over and over! I think I have learned from them, and I think I will do better. Then, I make a similar mistake or lapse in judgment. Call it what you want!
I always have something to say about everything, and many times I say it before I think it through! Then I am in the same situation I was in before regretting my words, paying for my mistake as people are now mad at me. I deserve that. I made the mistake. Yet, even if these people hold on to their anger over what I said after I ask then for forgiveness, God tells me I am forgiven if I ask Him for forgiveness! GOD FORGIVES ME! Everything is right with this crazy mixed up world when I fully realize that I am forgiven of my mistakes!
My Lord and Savior, thank you for always forgiving, always pursuing, always setting out a plan to bring me back! In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Hungry for love
Hosea 3
1THE LORD SAID TO ME, “GO, SHOW YOUR LOVE TO YOUR WIFE AGAIN, THOUGH SHE IS LOVED BY ANOTHER MAN AND IS AN ADULTERESS. LOVE HER AS THE Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.” 2So I bought her for fifteen shekels[a] of silver and about a homer and a lethek[b] of barley. 3Then I told her, “You are to live with me many days; you must not be a prostitute or be intimate with any man, and I will behave the same way toward you.” 4For the Israelites will live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred stones, without ephod or household gods. 5AFTERWARD THE ISRAELITES WILL RETURN AND SEEK THE LORD THEIR GOD AND DAVID THEIR KING. THEY WILL COME TREMBLING TO THE Lord and to his blessings in the last days.
Hungry for love! Homer, Hosea's adultress wife, was looking for love. She had it already with Hosea, but she ignored that and went looking everywhere else.
This is, according to Hosea, just like the Israelites. They had been rescued from Egypt miraculously, sustained in the wilderness for 40 years, and then given land already developed by other people. All from God. All a free gift.
What did the Israelites do? They took it all for granted and went looking for more love, more power, more money. You're thinking...that was pretty stupid! Right?
Yet, everyday, I do the same thing. I have God's love already. I should be happy. I should choose to be happy. Am I? No! I worry about a difficult relationship...I shouldn't because God is already working on a plan...It will all work out. I worry about relationships at work. Should I? No! Again, I forgot that God has a plan for me, for everyone, for everything. So, daily, what should I worry about...what should be my goal? Pleasing God should be my goal!
Father forgive me for focusing on things other than you. Please help me to remember your love every second of every hour of every day. Please help me to treat others with your never ending, unjustified love and grace. In Jesus name I pray! Amen.
1THE LORD SAID TO ME, “GO, SHOW YOUR LOVE TO YOUR WIFE AGAIN, THOUGH SHE IS LOVED BY ANOTHER MAN AND IS AN ADULTERESS. LOVE HER AS THE Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.” 2So I bought her for fifteen shekels[a] of silver and about a homer and a lethek[b] of barley. 3Then I told her, “You are to live with me many days; you must not be a prostitute or be intimate with any man, and I will behave the same way toward you.” 4For the Israelites will live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred stones, without ephod or household gods. 5AFTERWARD THE ISRAELITES WILL RETURN AND SEEK THE LORD THEIR GOD AND DAVID THEIR KING. THEY WILL COME TREMBLING TO THE Lord and to his blessings in the last days.
Hungry for love! Homer, Hosea's adultress wife, was looking for love. She had it already with Hosea, but she ignored that and went looking everywhere else.
This is, according to Hosea, just like the Israelites. They had been rescued from Egypt miraculously, sustained in the wilderness for 40 years, and then given land already developed by other people. All from God. All a free gift.
What did the Israelites do? They took it all for granted and went looking for more love, more power, more money. You're thinking...that was pretty stupid! Right?
Yet, everyday, I do the same thing. I have God's love already. I should be happy. I should choose to be happy. Am I? No! I worry about a difficult relationship...I shouldn't because God is already working on a plan...It will all work out. I worry about relationships at work. Should I? No! Again, I forgot that God has a plan for me, for everyone, for everything. So, daily, what should I worry about...what should be my goal? Pleasing God should be my goal!
Father forgive me for focusing on things other than you. Please help me to remember your love every second of every hour of every day. Please help me to treat others with your never ending, unjustified love and grace. In Jesus name I pray! Amen.
Are you keeping yourself from God?
Hoses 5
1“Hear this, you priests! Pay attention, you Israelites! Listen, royal house! This judgment is against you: You have been a snare at Mizpah, a net spread out on Tabor. 2The rebels are knee-deep in slaughter. I will discipline all of them. 3I know all about Ephraim; Israel is not hidden from me. Ephraim, you have now turned to prostitution; Israel is corrupt. 4“Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God.
According to Hosea, people who are going the wrong direction, doing bad things, etc. are running from God. God let's them be in their sin. He turns His back on them. ..."Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God." Does that mean they are forever lost then? Is God turning His back on them as if He is keeping them from changing. That is kind of scary, don't you think? Their deeds do NOT PERMIT them to return to God. That sounds...final, doesn't it?
But then, we have to remember 1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. God is a merciful God and He will forgive us if we acknowledge our sins and ask Him to forgive us. After all, He sent His only Son as a sacrifice for all sin. So, He keeps pursuing us. He might let us have our way in our sins, as in Hosea, so that we can come to realize how messed up we are and turn back towards Him, but He really doesn't want us to spend eternity in Hell.
So, Hosea 5:4 isn't stating that we can NOT get back to God. It is stating that God is giving us over to our sin in order for us to realize we are sinning, because until we realize we are sinning and ask for forgiveness, we have shut ourselves off from God...we cannot commune with a sinless God. God wants us to be with Him. He doesn't turn us over to our sins as if He is giving up on us. He turns us over to our sins, so that we will eventually seek Him instead of our sinful desires.
So, are you keeping yourself from God? Is there something you know you shouldn't do but stubbornly keep doing it? Has God let you sit in your stubbornness? Are you ready, yet, to stop sinning and look to God instead?
Father, please help us see our sin. We are so used to sinning that we don't even see it most of the time. In fact, we don't even see You most of the time. Please, Holy Spirit, don't stop convicting us of our sins. Father, forgive us of our sins. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
1“Hear this, you priests! Pay attention, you Israelites! Listen, royal house! This judgment is against you: You have been a snare at Mizpah, a net spread out on Tabor. 2The rebels are knee-deep in slaughter. I will discipline all of them. 3I know all about Ephraim; Israel is not hidden from me. Ephraim, you have now turned to prostitution; Israel is corrupt. 4“Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God.
According to Hosea, people who are going the wrong direction, doing bad things, etc. are running from God. God let's them be in their sin. He turns His back on them. ..."Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God." Does that mean they are forever lost then? Is God turning His back on them as if He is keeping them from changing. That is kind of scary, don't you think? Their deeds do NOT PERMIT them to return to God. That sounds...final, doesn't it?
But then, we have to remember 1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. God is a merciful God and He will forgive us if we acknowledge our sins and ask Him to forgive us. After all, He sent His only Son as a sacrifice for all sin. So, He keeps pursuing us. He might let us have our way in our sins, as in Hosea, so that we can come to realize how messed up we are and turn back towards Him, but He really doesn't want us to spend eternity in Hell.
So, Hosea 5:4 isn't stating that we can NOT get back to God. It is stating that God is giving us over to our sin in order for us to realize we are sinning, because until we realize we are sinning and ask for forgiveness, we have shut ourselves off from God...we cannot commune with a sinless God. God wants us to be with Him. He doesn't turn us over to our sins as if He is giving up on us. He turns us over to our sins, so that we will eventually seek Him instead of our sinful desires.
So, are you keeping yourself from God? Is there something you know you shouldn't do but stubbornly keep doing it? Has God let you sit in your stubbornness? Are you ready, yet, to stop sinning and look to God instead?
Father, please help us see our sin. We are so used to sinning that we don't even see it most of the time. In fact, we don't even see You most of the time. Please, Holy Spirit, don't stop convicting us of our sins. Father, forgive us of our sins. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Where is God?
Isaiah 63
11Then his people recalled [a]the days of old, the days of Moses and his people— where is he who brought them through the sea, with the shepherd of his flock? Where is he who set his Holy Spirit among them, 12who sent his glorious arm of power to be at Moses’ right hand, who divided the waters before them, to gain for himself everlasting renown, 13who led them through the depths? Like a horse in open country, they did not stumble; 14like cattle that go down to the plain, they were given rest by the Spirit of the Lord. This is how you guided your people to make for yourself a glorious name.
Families are messy. Brothers and sisters don't get along. One wants to be more important than the other. One thinks they really are more important than the others. Another thinks you have offended them, but you don't know how. People feel they need to protect themselves. People don't communicate so no one knows what is really going on and feel hurt.
Friendships are messy. One day everything is fine, the next you don't know what happened. Unless the friend communicates, you won't know. You don't think you did anything, but how will know if they don't talk to you?
Work is messy. Today, these are the rules. Tomorrow decisions are based on rules you didn't even know existed! Groups have their own cliques and leave others out intentionally because they want to protect their clique...thinking that is a good thing! Gossip! Wow! Work is a hot bed for gossip, but it is always done "just to keep you informed!"
Churches are messy. You walk in and see people you think you know are not living for God. People have their feelings hurt over something said by someone else or what the pastor preached on last Sunday or last month or last year. Someone is hurt because no one spoke to them today. We feel isolated because everyone has their own "Christian friends" and we are not included in that group.
Messy! Messy! Messy! Messy!
Where is God in all of this? Exactly where He was for the Israelites, for our families, for our work place relationships, for our friendships, for our church. Right here! In Isaiah 63, it starts with the Israelites asking where is the God who did all these great things for us. Where is He? Look at the great things He has done for them and you will see where He was. He parted the sea to rescue them. He gave them the Holy Spirit so they would know what to do at all times if they followed Him. He gave Moses wisdom to guide them. He protected them. He gave them rest.
He did all that to show them His glory...His love for them. He was there the whole time! He was there when they rebelled and made the golden calf. He was there for them when they were whining and complaining about being rescued from being slaves to the Egyptians because the way back home wasn't easy. He was there!
So, where is God in your family, your friends, your work relationships, your church relationships? He is there! He has always been there! You just have to seek Him. You have to view others through His eyes instead of yours. Then you will see He has been there protecting you, pursuing you, pursuing others, too, protecting others, too.
Instead of seeing the whining, see the hurt...see them through God's eyes. Instead of seeing the selfishness, see the insecurity. Instead of seeing the rude behavior, see their history. Instead of waiting for someone to talk to you, to do something for you, talk to them, do something for them. The second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself...we must do that. However, the first greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. If we practice that, how can we not put into practice the second greatest commandment which God Himself demonstrates for us every single day?
11Then his people recalled [a]the days of old, the days of Moses and his people— where is he who brought them through the sea, with the shepherd of his flock? Where is he who set his Holy Spirit among them, 12who sent his glorious arm of power to be at Moses’ right hand, who divided the waters before them, to gain for himself everlasting renown, 13who led them through the depths? Like a horse in open country, they did not stumble; 14like cattle that go down to the plain, they were given rest by the Spirit of the Lord. This is how you guided your people to make for yourself a glorious name.
Families are messy. Brothers and sisters don't get along. One wants to be more important than the other. One thinks they really are more important than the others. Another thinks you have offended them, but you don't know how. People feel they need to protect themselves. People don't communicate so no one knows what is really going on and feel hurt.
Friendships are messy. One day everything is fine, the next you don't know what happened. Unless the friend communicates, you won't know. You don't think you did anything, but how will know if they don't talk to you?
Work is messy. Today, these are the rules. Tomorrow decisions are based on rules you didn't even know existed! Groups have their own cliques and leave others out intentionally because they want to protect their clique...thinking that is a good thing! Gossip! Wow! Work is a hot bed for gossip, but it is always done "just to keep you informed!"
Churches are messy. You walk in and see people you think you know are not living for God. People have their feelings hurt over something said by someone else or what the pastor preached on last Sunday or last month or last year. Someone is hurt because no one spoke to them today. We feel isolated because everyone has their own "Christian friends" and we are not included in that group.
Messy! Messy! Messy! Messy!
Where is God in all of this? Exactly where He was for the Israelites, for our families, for our work place relationships, for our friendships, for our church. Right here! In Isaiah 63, it starts with the Israelites asking where is the God who did all these great things for us. Where is He? Look at the great things He has done for them and you will see where He was. He parted the sea to rescue them. He gave them the Holy Spirit so they would know what to do at all times if they followed Him. He gave Moses wisdom to guide them. He protected them. He gave them rest.
He did all that to show them His glory...His love for them. He was there the whole time! He was there when they rebelled and made the golden calf. He was there for them when they were whining and complaining about being rescued from being slaves to the Egyptians because the way back home wasn't easy. He was there!
So, where is God in your family, your friends, your work relationships, your church relationships? He is there! He has always been there! You just have to seek Him. You have to view others through His eyes instead of yours. Then you will see He has been there protecting you, pursuing you, pursuing others, too, protecting others, too.
Instead of seeing the whining, see the hurt...see them through God's eyes. Instead of seeing the selfishness, see the insecurity. Instead of seeing the rude behavior, see their history. Instead of waiting for someone to talk to you, to do something for you, talk to them, do something for them. The second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself...we must do that. However, the first greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. If we practice that, how can we not put into practice the second greatest commandment which God Himself demonstrates for us every single day?
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Fractured families
Hosea 11
1“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. 2But the more they were called, the more they went away from me.[a] They sacrificed to the Baals and they burned incense to images. 3It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them. 4I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them. 5“Will they not return to Egypt and will not Assyria rule over them because they refuse to repent?
John 6
35Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”
A fractured family is painful and difficult to understand. Israel was God's chosen people, and yet they continually chose other Gods no matter how many miracles God performed to show His love for them. So, God let them dwell in their sin hoping they would return to Him when things got too tough for them. They usually did, but not before some pretty painful events.
Our lives here are so imperfect, just like the Israelites. We are just like the Israelites, turning from God and doing what we want. They could have beeb so much more if they had done everything through God's love, but they did not. Today, we are no different. We could be so much more if we did everything through God's love, but we are not able to do that because of the sin in our hearts. We can only keep trying and keep asking for forgiveness from Him.
Then there is our family. How fractured it is. Some days it seems like I can see the love. Some days, I wonder how anything will ever be okay between us. Family is difficult, but we are God's family, too. We are difficult to Him. Fortunately, John 6 shows, God loves us so much, He keeps trying. Sometimes, He tries by letting us get into trouble and reap the punishment so we will turn to Him. He keeps pursuing as it shows in Hosea 11, but sometimes He has to let us have our own sad, hurtful, even dangerous way, so we can see His way is better. He does the same for our family members, and we should do the same also.
Our family...the sleepless night's I have spent worrying, fuming, praying, crying over the hurtful things said and done and over the loved ones who still have not accepted Christ as their Savior. The good news is God is pursuing them, and me, also. He wants us all to come to Him...to wait on His guidance so we can stop hurting each other, and ourselves...or at least less often!
I need to ask for forgiveness and my family members need God to forgive them. That is so hard when the heartache comes from their words and behavior, but our reaction and actions speak volumes in return. My fractured family hurts, but I know God is always pursuing all of us. I pray He continues to pursue until my whole family is His. I pray all my family members open their hearts to Him. I pray for healing.
1“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. 2But the more they were called, the more they went away from me.[a] They sacrificed to the Baals and they burned incense to images. 3It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them. 4I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them. 5“Will they not return to Egypt and will not Assyria rule over them because they refuse to repent?
John 6
35Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”
A fractured family is painful and difficult to understand. Israel was God's chosen people, and yet they continually chose other Gods no matter how many miracles God performed to show His love for them. So, God let them dwell in their sin hoping they would return to Him when things got too tough for them. They usually did, but not before some pretty painful events.
Our lives here are so imperfect, just like the Israelites. We are just like the Israelites, turning from God and doing what we want. They could have beeb so much more if they had done everything through God's love, but they did not. Today, we are no different. We could be so much more if we did everything through God's love, but we are not able to do that because of the sin in our hearts. We can only keep trying and keep asking for forgiveness from Him.
Then there is our family. How fractured it is. Some days it seems like I can see the love. Some days, I wonder how anything will ever be okay between us. Family is difficult, but we are God's family, too. We are difficult to Him. Fortunately, John 6 shows, God loves us so much, He keeps trying. Sometimes, He tries by letting us get into trouble and reap the punishment so we will turn to Him. He keeps pursuing as it shows in Hosea 11, but sometimes He has to let us have our own sad, hurtful, even dangerous way, so we can see His way is better. He does the same for our family members, and we should do the same also.
Our family...the sleepless night's I have spent worrying, fuming, praying, crying over the hurtful things said and done and over the loved ones who still have not accepted Christ as their Savior. The good news is God is pursuing them, and me, also. He wants us all to come to Him...to wait on His guidance so we can stop hurting each other, and ourselves...or at least less often!
I need to ask for forgiveness and my family members need God to forgive them. That is so hard when the heartache comes from their words and behavior, but our reaction and actions speak volumes in return. My fractured family hurts, but I know God is always pursuing all of us. I pray He continues to pursue until my whole family is His. I pray all my family members open their hearts to Him. I pray for healing.
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Following the culture
Hosea 8
4They set up kings without my consent; they choose princes without my approval. With their silver and gold they make idols for themselves to their own destruction. 5Samaria, throw out your calf-idol! My anger burns against them. How long will they be incapable of purity? 6They are from Israel! This calf—a metalworker has made it; it is not God. It will be broken in pieces, that calf of Samaria. 7“They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind. The stalk has no head; it will produce no flour. Were it to yield grain, foreigners would swallow it up. 8Israel is swallowed up; now she is among the nations like something no one wants.
12I wrote for them the many things of my law, but they regarded them as something foreign. 13Though they offer sacrifices as gifts to me, and though they eat the meat, the Lord is not pleased with them. Now he will remember their wickedness and punish their sins: They will return to Egypt. 14Israel has forgotten their Maker and built palaces; Judah has fortified many towns. But I will send fire on their cities that will consume their fortresses.”
1John 3
1See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
In Hosea 8, Isreal is trying really hard to fit in with the rest of the culture/society.
That culture knows Israel is God's chosen people. They have seen the miracles: the Red Sea parting, water from a rock, Isreal conquering mighty nations and cities with but a few hundred men over and over again. The people in that day KNEW the Israelites were God's chosen people.
Knowing the Israelites were chosen, that society expected great things from them since God had done great things for them. Instead, the Israelites chose to emulate society: golden calves, kings, palaces. They did this over and over again. God brought them back through some sort of severity and then they recommitted themselves to God. Then they fall apart again and emulated society, sinned against God, and God gave them over to their sin so they could see it. They repented, God took them back (1John 3). The cycle starts again.
You are thinking, as am I, "really"? How do they not see what they are doing? Why does God have to allow them to wallow in their sin before they figure this out? Then I stop and think about my days. I start off with a devotion and feel real good about things. I hit my day running and run right into a problem. Do I stop and pray for God's divine guidance or do I take charge and solve it myself. I solve it myself...my first mistake. Then I move on and hit another problem. Do I follow the culture and solve it myself or seek God's guidance? I follow culture...I solve it myself. Another mistake. By the end of the day, I wonder why other people are so crazy and why I am so frustrated and why I am so tired.
I am just like the Israelites. I started out with God. Then I followed the culture and solved my own problems. God knows I am weak. He knows I need His strength and guidance. He offers it all the time. He withdraws it when when I ignore Him so I will turn back to Him. I realize what I have done and ask forgiveness. I start all over again.
Father, I thank you for your persistence. For always pursuing me (us). Please forgive me when I go astray and trust this world's judgment, or mine, instead of yours. Help me to seek you all the time in everything I do. I can't do that through my own will. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
4They set up kings without my consent; they choose princes without my approval. With their silver and gold they make idols for themselves to their own destruction. 5Samaria, throw out your calf-idol! My anger burns against them. How long will they be incapable of purity? 6They are from Israel! This calf—a metalworker has made it; it is not God. It will be broken in pieces, that calf of Samaria. 7“They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind. The stalk has no head; it will produce no flour. Were it to yield grain, foreigners would swallow it up. 8Israel is swallowed up; now she is among the nations like something no one wants.
12I wrote for them the many things of my law, but they regarded them as something foreign. 13Though they offer sacrifices as gifts to me, and though they eat the meat, the Lord is not pleased with them. Now he will remember their wickedness and punish their sins: They will return to Egypt. 14Israel has forgotten their Maker and built palaces; Judah has fortified many towns. But I will send fire on their cities that will consume their fortresses.”
1John 3
1See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
In Hosea 8, Isreal is trying really hard to fit in with the rest of the culture/society.
That culture knows Israel is God's chosen people. They have seen the miracles: the Red Sea parting, water from a rock, Isreal conquering mighty nations and cities with but a few hundred men over and over again. The people in that day KNEW the Israelites were God's chosen people.
Knowing the Israelites were chosen, that society expected great things from them since God had done great things for them. Instead, the Israelites chose to emulate society: golden calves, kings, palaces. They did this over and over again. God brought them back through some sort of severity and then they recommitted themselves to God. Then they fall apart again and emulated society, sinned against God, and God gave them over to their sin so they could see it. They repented, God took them back (1John 3). The cycle starts again.
You are thinking, as am I, "really"? How do they not see what they are doing? Why does God have to allow them to wallow in their sin before they figure this out? Then I stop and think about my days. I start off with a devotion and feel real good about things. I hit my day running and run right into a problem. Do I stop and pray for God's divine guidance or do I take charge and solve it myself. I solve it myself...my first mistake. Then I move on and hit another problem. Do I follow the culture and solve it myself or seek God's guidance? I follow culture...I solve it myself. Another mistake. By the end of the day, I wonder why other people are so crazy and why I am so frustrated and why I am so tired.
I am just like the Israelites. I started out with God. Then I followed the culture and solved my own problems. God knows I am weak. He knows I need His strength and guidance. He offers it all the time. He withdraws it when when I ignore Him so I will turn back to Him. I realize what I have done and ask forgiveness. I start all over again.
Father, I thank you for your persistence. For always pursuing me (us). Please forgive me when I go astray and trust this world's judgment, or mine, instead of yours. Help me to seek you all the time in everything I do. I can't do that through my own will. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
God loves us no matter what we do...or don't do!
Hosea 7
I long to redeem them but they speak about me falsely. 14They do not cry out to me from their hearts but wail on their beds. They slash themselves,[a] appealing to their gods for grain and new wine, but they turn away from me. 15I trained them and strengthened their arms, but they plot evil against me. 16They do not turn to the Most High; they are like a faulty bow. Their leaders will fall by the sword because of their insolent words. For this they will be ridiculed in the land of Egypt.
Galatians 6
7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
Romans 9
22What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? 23What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory— 24even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?
Hosea 7 talks about how we all do what we want whether it is what God wants us to do or not...and don't do what we should. Galatians 6 is stating the same thing and adding that we get what we deserve.
If we continue to sin, God let's us stay in our sin and suffer the repercussions. Not because He enjoys seeing us suffer. It is the opposite. He suffers watching us, so He lets us suffer from our sin in order to cause us to change...to want to change. He wants us to turn back to Him and the good things He has in store for us.
I had a bad day yesterday. I said some things I shouldn't have and hurt someone's feelings. I could choose to be prideful and pretend like nothing happened yesterday. I could go on and on like that and be a poor example of a Christian. Or I could apologize and acknowledge that I had done wrong by what I said (and skip the part about how the other person brought it all on). Then I will feel the weight of the burden of doing wrong being lifted off of me. I will be able to move on confidently, but not prideful. If the other person forgives me, great! If not, I will be okay because I apologized honestly. I will try not to say things impulsively again in order to prevent this situation from happening and being a stumbling block to others.
So, when things seem all messed up, turn to God. Tell Him what is going on. Ask Him to help you. As it states in Romans 9, He is waiting for an opportunity to be merciful to us, to let us change. We just have to take it!
Father, thank you for never changing. Thank you for waiting for us to change. Thank you for allowing us to suffer the consequences of our sins in order for us to realize we are wrong and need to change. Thank you for loving us unconditionally. In Jesus Christ's name I pray. Amen.
I long to redeem them but they speak about me falsely. 14They do not cry out to me from their hearts but wail on their beds. They slash themselves,[a] appealing to their gods for grain and new wine, but they turn away from me. 15I trained them and strengthened their arms, but they plot evil against me. 16They do not turn to the Most High; they are like a faulty bow. Their leaders will fall by the sword because of their insolent words. For this they will be ridiculed in the land of Egypt.
Galatians 6
7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
Romans 9
22What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? 23What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory— 24even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?
Hosea 7 talks about how we all do what we want whether it is what God wants us to do or not...and don't do what we should. Galatians 6 is stating the same thing and adding that we get what we deserve.
If we continue to sin, God let's us stay in our sin and suffer the repercussions. Not because He enjoys seeing us suffer. It is the opposite. He suffers watching us, so He lets us suffer from our sin in order to cause us to change...to want to change. He wants us to turn back to Him and the good things He has in store for us.
I had a bad day yesterday. I said some things I shouldn't have and hurt someone's feelings. I could choose to be prideful and pretend like nothing happened yesterday. I could go on and on like that and be a poor example of a Christian. Or I could apologize and acknowledge that I had done wrong by what I said (and skip the part about how the other person brought it all on). Then I will feel the weight of the burden of doing wrong being lifted off of me. I will be able to move on confidently, but not prideful. If the other person forgives me, great! If not, I will be okay because I apologized honestly. I will try not to say things impulsively again in order to prevent this situation from happening and being a stumbling block to others.
So, when things seem all messed up, turn to God. Tell Him what is going on. Ask Him to help you. As it states in Romans 9, He is waiting for an opportunity to be merciful to us, to let us change. We just have to take it!
Father, thank you for never changing. Thank you for waiting for us to change. Thank you for allowing us to suffer the consequences of our sins in order for us to realize we are wrong and need to change. Thank you for loving us unconditionally. In Jesus Christ's name I pray. Amen.
Monday, September 5, 2016
I did everything like I should. Why is everything going wrong?
Mark 2
1A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7“Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, 11“I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” 13Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. 14As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.
In this passage, two things are happening. First, Jesus is healing people; physically and spiritually. Miracles are occurring all around and He is the reason!
But, the people who are jealous of Him, who are suspicious of Him, who don't want to change, who ignore what the scripture said about Jesus, these people are mad! Jesus angers them more and more with every good thing He does and the truth that he speaks. So the second thing happening is His opposition, because of the good works He is doing, because He is proclaiming Himself to be God, because He is healing people spiritually and physically. The current leaders are angry!
The religious leaders are doing everything in their power to make Him look bad, to make people doubt Him. Eventually they find a way to kill Him, although that was a part of God's plan!
Do you ever feel like you have done everything like you should only to be faced with people growling and hissing at you? Well, Jesus already knows how you feel. Granted, Jesus was perfect, and I, we, are not, but if we are doing what is right, what is God's will, we will see and receive opposition. We will feel the hate of the devil through other people.
Yesterday, I looked around me and wondered what was going on, there was so much hate. I didn't understand it, and it hurt my feelings. At first, I started to lash out verbally. I then realized that was wrong, so I backed off and started asking questions. I don't believe they were really any nicer, but I was.
In these situations, I need to remember that although Satan is currently reigning on earth, Jesus has already won the battle and will return to restore the earth to goodness and love. For now though, I need to trust God will see me through these hateful situations. It isn't easy, and I failed at first yesterday, for which I need to apologize today. That doesn't mean these people will be any nicer, but I need to be, because I have a hope that they probably do not have!
Father, please help me be strong for your message of love to be passed on. In Jesus name I pray! Amen.
1A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7“Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, 11“I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” 13Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. 14As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.
In this passage, two things are happening. First, Jesus is healing people; physically and spiritually. Miracles are occurring all around and He is the reason!
But, the people who are jealous of Him, who are suspicious of Him, who don't want to change, who ignore what the scripture said about Jesus, these people are mad! Jesus angers them more and more with every good thing He does and the truth that he speaks. So the second thing happening is His opposition, because of the good works He is doing, because He is proclaiming Himself to be God, because He is healing people spiritually and physically. The current leaders are angry!
The religious leaders are doing everything in their power to make Him look bad, to make people doubt Him. Eventually they find a way to kill Him, although that was a part of God's plan!
Do you ever feel like you have done everything like you should only to be faced with people growling and hissing at you? Well, Jesus already knows how you feel. Granted, Jesus was perfect, and I, we, are not, but if we are doing what is right, what is God's will, we will see and receive opposition. We will feel the hate of the devil through other people.
Yesterday, I looked around me and wondered what was going on, there was so much hate. I didn't understand it, and it hurt my feelings. At first, I started to lash out verbally. I then realized that was wrong, so I backed off and started asking questions. I don't believe they were really any nicer, but I was.
In these situations, I need to remember that although Satan is currently reigning on earth, Jesus has already won the battle and will return to restore the earth to goodness and love. For now though, I need to trust God will see me through these hateful situations. It isn't easy, and I failed at first yesterday, for which I need to apologize today. That doesn't mean these people will be any nicer, but I need to be, because I have a hope that they probably do not have!
Father, please help me be strong for your message of love to be passed on. In Jesus name I pray! Amen.
How great is our God????
Mark 5
1They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes.[a] 2When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. 6When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” 9Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. 11A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. 14Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. 18As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis[b] how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
I have read this passage many many times. Today what really stood out was the onlookers. The crowd. Can you imagine being there. Seeing this demon possessed man? Hearing the demons ask Jesus for mercy? Hearing Jesus give then permission to enter in the pigs from the man? Hearing that even the demons acknowledge Jesus's rule over everything by their request? Then seeing a herd of pigs, thousands, run into the water only to drown?
Wow! If I were the town's people I would have been afraid also. There was no doubt who is in charge of the universe or how powerful He really is. I would have been stunned! Speechless! Scared! Bewildered! In awe!
What about you? Do you understand the awesome power of God? Are you stunned by it? Do you see his care for the man afterwards? He didn't just perform a miracle, He then took time to tell the man to go back to his people and tell them what happened. He commissioned him to tell the Gospel...Jesus saves! Jesus saves eternally!
Father, you always amaze me! I think I know the stories, but then you show me more depth of understanding about you and your love and protection for all of us. Thank you! Love, your daughter!
1They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes.[a] 2When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. 6When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” 9Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. 11A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. 14Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. 18As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis[b] how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
I have read this passage many many times. Today what really stood out was the onlookers. The crowd. Can you imagine being there. Seeing this demon possessed man? Hearing the demons ask Jesus for mercy? Hearing Jesus give then permission to enter in the pigs from the man? Hearing that even the demons acknowledge Jesus's rule over everything by their request? Then seeing a herd of pigs, thousands, run into the water only to drown?
Wow! If I were the town's people I would have been afraid also. There was no doubt who is in charge of the universe or how powerful He really is. I would have been stunned! Speechless! Scared! Bewildered! In awe!
What about you? Do you understand the awesome power of God? Are you stunned by it? Do you see his care for the man afterwards? He didn't just perform a miracle, He then took time to tell the man to go back to his people and tell them what happened. He commissioned him to tell the Gospel...Jesus saves! Jesus saves eternally!
Father, you always amaze me! I think I know the stories, but then you show me more depth of understanding about you and your love and protection for all of us. Thank you! Love, your daughter!
Do you think you have messed up so bad it can't be fixed?
Mark 6
31Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” 32So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. 33But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. 35By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. 36Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages[e] ! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” 38“How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.” 39Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42They all ate and were satisfied, 43and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand. 45Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. 47Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. 48He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, 49but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, 50because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 51Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, 52for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.
Mark 9
21Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22“It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23“ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” 25When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.
I saw on Facebook yesterday a post that said:
"You are incomparably made, uniquely loved, and powerfully purposed. God's promises for your life are without rival, and his plans for you are beyond compare. Perhaps you've felt like you've veered off course, but God's pursuit of us is greater than our ability to wander. If you think you've blown God's plan for your life, rest in this. You, my beautiful friend, are not that powerful. He is a God of restoration and redemption, and He makes all things new." Lisa Bevere
If you think you've blown God's plan for your life, rest in this. You, my beautiful friend, are not that powerful. Insightful! So, three disciples in the Mark passage above can't figure out how to feed 5,000 people and they can't figure out how Jesus walks on water either. In fact, they are afraid when they see Jesus walking on the water even though they are His disciples and have seen his miracles over and over and over again.
I think if these disciples can have moments of doubt, then when I have moments of doubt, I shouldn't dwell on the moment afterwards, but what God accomplished in that moment instead. After all, the disciples were right there standing next to Jesus. They saw and heard everything He said. Yet they still had doubts. Jesus still showed them great miracles!
So, that indicates to me, that I should just work through my moments of doubt and fear, knowing God, who is all powerful, will guide me through it! As Lisa Bevere said, I am NOT that powerful, but God isl! He will get me through it! And as the "boy's father" in Mark 9 said, "I believe, help me overcome my unbelief"!
Thank you, God, for your love and mercy and grace and power and constant care! Thank you for being all powerful and in control of everything. Thank you that when things look the worst, you are still there. The situation may not turn out as I had planned, but it will turn out for your glory! To You be the glory! In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
31Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” 32So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. 33But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. 35By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. 36Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages[e] ! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” 38“How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.” 39Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42They all ate and were satisfied, 43and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand. 45Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. 47Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. 48He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, 49but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, 50because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 51Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, 52for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.
Mark 9
21Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22“It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23“ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” 25When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.
I saw on Facebook yesterday a post that said:
"You are incomparably made, uniquely loved, and powerfully purposed. God's promises for your life are without rival, and his plans for you are beyond compare. Perhaps you've felt like you've veered off course, but God's pursuit of us is greater than our ability to wander. If you think you've blown God's plan for your life, rest in this. You, my beautiful friend, are not that powerful. He is a God of restoration and redemption, and He makes all things new." Lisa Bevere
If you think you've blown God's plan for your life, rest in this. You, my beautiful friend, are not that powerful. Insightful! So, three disciples in the Mark passage above can't figure out how to feed 5,000 people and they can't figure out how Jesus walks on water either. In fact, they are afraid when they see Jesus walking on the water even though they are His disciples and have seen his miracles over and over and over again.
I think if these disciples can have moments of doubt, then when I have moments of doubt, I shouldn't dwell on the moment afterwards, but what God accomplished in that moment instead. After all, the disciples were right there standing next to Jesus. They saw and heard everything He said. Yet they still had doubts. Jesus still showed them great miracles!
So, that indicates to me, that I should just work through my moments of doubt and fear, knowing God, who is all powerful, will guide me through it! As Lisa Bevere said, I am NOT that powerful, but God isl! He will get me through it! And as the "boy's father" in Mark 9 said, "I believe, help me overcome my unbelief"!
Thank you, God, for your love and mercy and grace and power and constant care! Thank you for being all powerful and in control of everything. Thank you that when things look the worst, you are still there. The situation may not turn out as I had planned, but it will turn out for your glory! To You be the glory! In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Religious institutions - are they ALL good enough since they are "religious" institutions?
Mark 14
55The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. 56Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree. 57Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: 58“We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.’ ” 59Yet even then their testimony did not agree. 60Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” 61But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” 62“I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 63The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. 64“You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” They all condemned him as worthy of death. 65Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him.
John 8:19
They said to him therefore, "Where is your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also."
I always thought Jesus was spit upon and ridiculed by the Romans. That the Jews instigated the trial, but the Romans carried it all out. However, in Mark 14, I see that Jesus was already blindfolded and spit on and slapped by the Sanhedrin...and convicted of any crime they could come up with because Jesus made then look bad. Jesus disagreed with them. He made them look bad in front of the crowds because he could explain the scriptures and they couldn't. They didn't even stand up for what the scriptures meant even though they had learned the scriptures more than anyone.
The Sanhedrin were part of the religious institution in Jesus day. I find it very interesting that they were the ones who initiated/instigated Christ's death. The Romans did crucify him, but only because the Sanhedrin insisted and then coaxed the Jews into following their lead. Even so, Jesus did not fight back. His own people betrayed Him and He still bore their scorn in order to give them a chance to be reconciled to God!
So, the next time you rely directly on a human religious institution to direct your life, think about Jesus. Test your institution. Do they know the scriptures...and follow the scriptures? Do they believe and practice John 8:19? If they believe in God, then they should believe in Jesus. If they believe in Jesus, then they should believe in God. If they miss just one part of that, Jesus or God, then they are just an institution, not a body of believers. If that is the case...Run! Run to the nearest body of believers that believe in the scriptures, practice the scriptures, and believe John 8:19. Associate with them. The other religious institutions will bring about your downfall!
55The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. 56Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree. 57Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: 58“We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.’ ” 59Yet even then their testimony did not agree. 60Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” 61But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” 62“I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 63The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. 64“You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” They all condemned him as worthy of death. 65Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him.
John 8:19
They said to him therefore, "Where is your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also."
I always thought Jesus was spit upon and ridiculed by the Romans. That the Jews instigated the trial, but the Romans carried it all out. However, in Mark 14, I see that Jesus was already blindfolded and spit on and slapped by the Sanhedrin...and convicted of any crime they could come up with because Jesus made then look bad. Jesus disagreed with them. He made them look bad in front of the crowds because he could explain the scriptures and they couldn't. They didn't even stand up for what the scriptures meant even though they had learned the scriptures more than anyone.
The Sanhedrin were part of the religious institution in Jesus day. I find it very interesting that they were the ones who initiated/instigated Christ's death. The Romans did crucify him, but only because the Sanhedrin insisted and then coaxed the Jews into following their lead. Even so, Jesus did not fight back. His own people betrayed Him and He still bore their scorn in order to give them a chance to be reconciled to God!
So, the next time you rely directly on a human religious institution to direct your life, think about Jesus. Test your institution. Do they know the scriptures...and follow the scriptures? Do they believe and practice John 8:19? If they believe in God, then they should believe in Jesus. If they believe in Jesus, then they should believe in God. If they miss just one part of that, Jesus or God, then they are just an institution, not a body of believers. If that is the case...Run! Run to the nearest body of believers that believe in the scriptures, practice the scriptures, and believe John 8:19. Associate with them. The other religious institutions will bring about your downfall!
Mark 9 - How easily we do wrong things...
Mark 9
2After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6(He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) 7Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” 8Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. 9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant. 11And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” 12Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? 13But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.”
30They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, 31because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” 32But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it. 33They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” 36He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
Human nature is so naturally sinful. In the first part of Mark 9, we see Jesus with Moses (I think Moses represents the law) and Elijah (representing the prophets). These two represent all of Israel's past with God. Jesus is with them and then God speaks and glorifies Jesus. The disciples are in awe enough to want to build a shelter for them, but they totally missed that they were seeing Jesus transfigured and God reconcile the law and the prophets in Jesus.
Later, they argue about who is the greatest among them. That is incredible in that they have just seen Jesus transfigured...shining with glory...with Moses and Elijah who have been dead for a long time. I am amazed that they can turn to thinking about themselves so quickly and easily, but Jesus brings them back to reality quickly.
Then I think about myself. How quickly I go from concern about others to concern about myself. Why do people say and do such rude, mean, disrespectful things...whether on purpose, carelessly, or just not thinking about others. I want to say something back to let them know how it makes me feel to hear those things...and then I realize I am thinking/doing the exact same thing as the person who hurt me...and it happened so quickly and so easily!
I observe some people who seem to be able to let every rude/mean/disrespectful comment go and still be considerate. I really don't know how they do that! I struggle with that all the time. It is not easy for me to do, but I am trying! I will keep trying! Just as the disciples went completely off track right after seeing Jesus transfigured, I know I will go off track quickly also! I also know, and trust, that Jesus/the Holy Spirit/God will bring me back very quickly also!
Thank you, Holy Spirit, for always working on me! I need your help!
2After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6(He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) 7Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” 8Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. 9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant. 11And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” 12Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? 13But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.”
30They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, 31because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” 32But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it. 33They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” 36He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
Human nature is so naturally sinful. In the first part of Mark 9, we see Jesus with Moses (I think Moses represents the law) and Elijah (representing the prophets). These two represent all of Israel's past with God. Jesus is with them and then God speaks and glorifies Jesus. The disciples are in awe enough to want to build a shelter for them, but they totally missed that they were seeing Jesus transfigured and God reconcile the law and the prophets in Jesus.
Later, they argue about who is the greatest among them. That is incredible in that they have just seen Jesus transfigured...shining with glory...with Moses and Elijah who have been dead for a long time. I am amazed that they can turn to thinking about themselves so quickly and easily, but Jesus brings them back to reality quickly.
Then I think about myself. How quickly I go from concern about others to concern about myself. Why do people say and do such rude, mean, disrespectful things...whether on purpose, carelessly, or just not thinking about others. I want to say something back to let them know how it makes me feel to hear those things...and then I realize I am thinking/doing the exact same thing as the person who hurt me...and it happened so quickly and so easily!
I observe some people who seem to be able to let every rude/mean/disrespectful comment go and still be considerate. I really don't know how they do that! I struggle with that all the time. It is not easy for me to do, but I am trying! I will keep trying! Just as the disciples went completely off track right after seeing Jesus transfigured, I know I will go off track quickly also! I also know, and trust, that Jesus/the Holy Spirit/God will bring me back very quickly also!
Thank you, Holy Spirit, for always working on me! I need your help!
It is the little things that count! What about a new car?
Mark 12
The large crowd listened to him with delight. 38As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” 41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
The big things we do for others are important, don't get me wrong, but the little things...they show our true heart, I think.
In the scripture above, Jesus demonstrated how the widow gave so much more than the others, because she gave everything she had. To others it was a little bit! To Jesus? He knew she had given everything she had.
I find it amazing that Jesus sat and watched people put money in the temple treasury. On Sunday morning, I would never dream of watching how much everyone puts in the offering plate as it passes...although I have accidentally noticed some. I briefly wonder what people think of us, since we give online! Perhaps they are judging us as we pass the plate and put nothing in it. To others, we have given nothing. To us, we have given our best. We are so used to tithing that we sometimes forget that our giving our tithe is part of what sets us apart from the rest of the crowd here on earth. God knows what we do and don't give. He sits right there and watches every Sunday (online or in person).
By this world's standards, my husband and I are living at a much lower level than we could, because we tithe. We could afford two new cars if we didn't tithe (...as little as that amount may be in comparison to others), as it is we cannot afford even one new car! However, God has provided in return for our faithfulness and sacrifice. We do have two cars. They are old. They have been paid off for years ,and they have not required much more than routine maintenance. We have done nicely financially and feel blessed that these cars have lasted as long as they have and as reliably as they have!
We can see that the cars are getting old and will need to be replaced, and occasionally I think about the money I tithe and a new car. I am kind of jealous of all those who buy/lease a new car every two years...for just a moment. Then the Holy Spirit brings me back. We are following what God wants us to do. It doesn't match up with this world's standards, but this world's standards aren't here forever. God is. Heaven is. We are storing up treasures in heaven with our tithes. We don't need a new car. We will have a new body someday! We will have eternity with God! A new car? That is nothing compared to heaven!
Father, thank you for always bringing me back to YOUR reality, focusing on the eternal things rather than the earthly things. Please continue to make our cars last until we can afford to replace them with reliable, newer cars with less mileage in your time...if it is your will! In Jesus name I pray. Amen!
The large crowd listened to him with delight. 38As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” 41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
The big things we do for others are important, don't get me wrong, but the little things...they show our true heart, I think.
In the scripture above, Jesus demonstrated how the widow gave so much more than the others, because she gave everything she had. To others it was a little bit! To Jesus? He knew she had given everything she had.
I find it amazing that Jesus sat and watched people put money in the temple treasury. On Sunday morning, I would never dream of watching how much everyone puts in the offering plate as it passes...although I have accidentally noticed some. I briefly wonder what people think of us, since we give online! Perhaps they are judging us as we pass the plate and put nothing in it. To others, we have given nothing. To us, we have given our best. We are so used to tithing that we sometimes forget that our giving our tithe is part of what sets us apart from the rest of the crowd here on earth. God knows what we do and don't give. He sits right there and watches every Sunday (online or in person).
By this world's standards, my husband and I are living at a much lower level than we could, because we tithe. We could afford two new cars if we didn't tithe (...as little as that amount may be in comparison to others), as it is we cannot afford even one new car! However, God has provided in return for our faithfulness and sacrifice. We do have two cars. They are old. They have been paid off for years ,and they have not required much more than routine maintenance. We have done nicely financially and feel blessed that these cars have lasted as long as they have and as reliably as they have!
We can see that the cars are getting old and will need to be replaced, and occasionally I think about the money I tithe and a new car. I am kind of jealous of all those who buy/lease a new car every two years...for just a moment. Then the Holy Spirit brings me back. We are following what God wants us to do. It doesn't match up with this world's standards, but this world's standards aren't here forever. God is. Heaven is. We are storing up treasures in heaven with our tithes. We don't need a new car. We will have a new body someday! We will have eternity with God! A new car? That is nothing compared to heaven!
Father, thank you for always bringing me back to YOUR reality, focusing on the eternal things rather than the earthly things. Please continue to make our cars last until we can afford to replace them with reliable, newer cars with less mileage in your time...if it is your will! In Jesus name I pray. Amen!
If you think you are having a bad day, check this out.
Read Mark 15:1-45.
Wow! I had a bad day this week. The students were rude and disrespectful, things didn't go as planned, I hadn't slept well the night before, I felt like a failure. It was a bad day. I felt sorry for myself.
Now read Mark 15 again. My day was nothing compared to what Christ had ensured. In chapter 14, all the religious leaders of His day, who knew the scriptures backwards and forwards, denied He was the Son of God. They were mad because He caused them to face the truth...that they were not serving God or believing in the scriptures...they were in it for the power and recognition. They didn't like the truth. In fact the truth made then so mad, they, the religious leaders, plotted to have Him killed. Can you imagine that? The people who should have seen who He was, wanted to kill Him instead. So, they spit on Him, they ridiculed Him, then they sent Him to Pilot.
In chapter 15, they force Pilot to do their killing for them. The soldiers mock and beat Jesus. The crowd yells insults. The other two on the cross, at first, mock Him. His followers are silent...they don't want to get crucified. Besides that, Jesus was supposed to be the Messiah, the King. They assumed that would mean He would rescue them from Rome. They were in for a bigger surprise than they could have ever imagined!
So, Jesus gives up His life at 3:00 p.m. in chapter 15. He gave it up so that on our bad days, we could have hope in forgiveness of our sins and an eternal home in Heaven with our heavenly Father.
Christ had a "bad day"" like none we could ever imagine. Christ ensured the rejection and passion and suffering so we could have a great day knowing the hope His death and resurrection gave us with an eternal, fantastic, afterlife! What a sacrifice! What a gift!
Father, please help me not to complain and feel sorry for myself. Holy Spirit, help me to remember the hope and joy I have knowing all my sins are already forgiven and I have a home in Heaven. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Wow! I had a bad day this week. The students were rude and disrespectful, things didn't go as planned, I hadn't slept well the night before, I felt like a failure. It was a bad day. I felt sorry for myself.
Now read Mark 15 again. My day was nothing compared to what Christ had ensured. In chapter 14, all the religious leaders of His day, who knew the scriptures backwards and forwards, denied He was the Son of God. They were mad because He caused them to face the truth...that they were not serving God or believing in the scriptures...they were in it for the power and recognition. They didn't like the truth. In fact the truth made then so mad, they, the religious leaders, plotted to have Him killed. Can you imagine that? The people who should have seen who He was, wanted to kill Him instead. So, they spit on Him, they ridiculed Him, then they sent Him to Pilot.
In chapter 15, they force Pilot to do their killing for them. The soldiers mock and beat Jesus. The crowd yells insults. The other two on the cross, at first, mock Him. His followers are silent...they don't want to get crucified. Besides that, Jesus was supposed to be the Messiah, the King. They assumed that would mean He would rescue them from Rome. They were in for a bigger surprise than they could have ever imagined!
So, Jesus gives up His life at 3:00 p.m. in chapter 15. He gave it up so that on our bad days, we could have hope in forgiveness of our sins and an eternal home in Heaven with our heavenly Father.
Christ had a "bad day"" like none we could ever imagine. Christ ensured the rejection and passion and suffering so we could have a great day knowing the hope His death and resurrection gave us with an eternal, fantastic, afterlife! What a sacrifice! What a gift!
Father, please help me not to complain and feel sorry for myself. Holy Spirit, help me to remember the hope and joy I have knowing all my sins are already forgiven and I have a home in Heaven. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
John 21
By the time John wrote this, Peter was already dead. This was the last gospel written.
Luke 5:11 - Jesus provides a full catch and calls two disciples.
John 21:1 - Jesus has risen. Jesus again provides a full catch. John is the first to recognize the Lord. Peter is first in the water.
V15. Agape love was John to Jesus. When Jesus speaking to Peter, used Greek agapako. Arapaho (agape) is deeper love. Peter responds with love word that is friendship and familiar (phileho). Peter and Jesus are probably speaking in Aramaic which is difficult to interpret love easily. So, Jesus repeats question using agape. Peter uses phileho again. Jesus asks a third time using phileho. Peter responds with phileho again. Jesus goes back to agape. Do you love me the way I want you to love me. Tells Peter how he will die, showing him that he will love Him with agape love. Repeats request that they follow Him.
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