But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers,[i] what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? [Matthew 5:44-47]
Loving someone who is loveable is quite easy. Loving someone who hates you can also be justified through godly love, but how do you love someone who doesn’t want to be loved? Would patience be enough? Would understanding be sufficient?
In these circumstances I find it easy to justify my own selfish love. To love someone more until they receive my form of love. However, we can’t possibly inundate them with our own selfish love, a love that seems right in our own eyes. That would limit ourselves to the old saying of, “do onto others as you would have them do onto you.” But there’s something egregious in that statement alone. That axiom would only result in people treating others as they would want to be treated. Their own limited form of love. Their own limited expression of empathy. A self actualized love rather than an other intentional love. What if...we were to “do onto other as others would want to be treated”. Then we’d be able to go a bit further into empathizing and loving our neighbor and meeting their hearts where they are. But something still seems to be a bit skewed in this expression of love.
I’ve become more aware that each person seems to have their own rhythm of love depending on their season of life. There is a desperate need to be dependent upon patience, understanding, and empathizing with each person in their season of love. However, this love is meant to be filled and covered by God’s common love for all of his people. This godly love is the love that leads us to “do onto others as God would have intended”. In this moment, we begin to realize that our love is not limited to ourselves, our love is not limited to the capabilities of another, but our love is unlimited in an infinite God who covers our own gaps in our ability to love.
Godly love has no self seeking value, but a full embracing of an infinite love for another. God’s intentional love over our inattentive love.
God help me close the chasm of love through an understanding of you. Thank you for already establishing and destroying this chasm through your generous love poured out through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
1.grass and the surface layer of earth held together by its roots."they walked across the springy turf"synonyms:grass, lawn, sod"they walked over a patch of turf"
“...accident made me the impossible. To the outside world, I'm just an ordinary forensic scientist, but secretly with the help of my friends I use my speed to fight crime and find others like me...”, the voices began to trail off into the lively sound of kids quoting the intro to “The Flash”. I could hear them to my left, but my focus was towards something that was above me.
I laid there on the turf of alpine summit feeling my body tingle and burn from playing with the children all day. I could feel myself being pulled towards the ground as my head rested on my bag and my eyes looked up to the unfiltered night sky. And a thought came to me, “Where are you John?”. I couldn’t quite find the answer but I couldn’t shrug off the question either. To me it seemed like my head couldn’t wrap around the question itself. After a few more minutes the children went back to their cabins and I was left in silence with the lingering question of, “Where are you John?”.
There was significance in where I was because of who I was in God. But I didn’t quite realize it. The thought that floored me and brought me to awe was that I was laying on the turf at 12AM as a youth pastor stewarding and leading a youth retreat. How did I get here? Why did I get here? Why was I here? I couldn’t help but thank God and realize the enormous amount of grace that had enveloped my life. The ability to pour into the Jr. High School students in their season of life. The ability to be within my season of life. I’ll have to admit that I’ve taken for granted the journey ahead of me with my own ideas and dreams. I’ve taken for granted the journey I am in by only searching for a way out. But, when the joy of my calling allows me to realize the grace to which I live in...there is only one response I can give. I am in my Father’s plan. So, I say yes and amen.
For the past six months I've been struggling with the idea of developing character. My understanding was often limited to killing bad habits and forceable transforming myself, preparing myself, and grooming myself for what was next. Yet, in pursuing what was next I lost sight of the "new joys" that come each morning in the presence of the Father.
To be honest, I thought the best way to approach God was to better prepare myself. That, somehow, coming with a bigger cup that I made for myself would better allow me to enjoy God. The fear was that if I overflowed I’d miss out on the completeness of what he was doing. Little did I truly understand that the best way to approach God was to see him always approaching me.
It’s so much more than creating my appearance to love God. It’s the beautiful unfailing fact of seeing how a gracious Father continues cultivating my affections for him.
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Deuteronomy 6:5
And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27
Once Eli tells her that her prayer is answered she went away and ate and was no longer saddened. And even the next day rather than continuing to petition she merely worshipped God. And even though the baby didn't come instantly, because it says that the child came in due time. She didn't doubt for a second that God wouldn't answer. So many times we start worrying and panicking when we wait. Instead of being calm and knowing God will answer in due time. That's awesome.
1 Samuel 2 [2.21.2012]
It's quite a scary thought being rejected by the Lord. But luckily for us we have the hope and joy Hannah had, since the Lord brings life and raises the dead. And in Jesus Christ we have that hope and assurance. But in the end it's quite true that God will reject us if we reject him our whole lives.
1 Samuel 3 [2.22.2012]
For me, what stands out is two things. One is Samuel acknowledging himself to be a servant. So many times we want a position a title. For me personally it took a toll on me when I wasn't made a soonjang sophomore year, or asked to be on e-board for KCCC sophomore year. Then it took another toll when I wasn't asked to be a family group leader this year. Yes, my pride runs that deep. But in the end out of countless times of being humbled, I really don't want a title or a position. I was asked to be on the e-board of KCCC this year, but instead I stepped down completely from any and all rolls. Yet, I still whole-heartedly support them and pray for them and am made available. In the end, we have to be servants. Because honestly, I'm not qualified to be a leader or master. Only he is.
The second thing for me was Eli's heart. It breaks my heart. But it's the truth of God versus familial blood. Because Eli couldn't rebuke his own son, his whole family was destined to be destroyed. I can't stand by and watch my brothers and sisters wait to be destroyed by sin, and I wouldn't want you guys to watch as sin ate me up. But Eli, out of Love, Human love, said nothing and in the end God left him. How much longer can I hide behind a mask of pleasing people first? I'm so sorry that I have for so long. Yet, more than that Eli ends with "it is the Lord, let him do what seems good to him." That is what knowing God will make of us. To still be obedient and faithful and know that God is God.
I'm here to serve ya'll sorry, if it seemed like anything else.
1 Samuel 4 [2.23.2012]
I'm sure we've all heard the saying put your money where your mouth is. But so many times we invest in other things. Honestly, a few years back when I started witnessing and someone would say something like "How Can God Allow Suffering?" My faith was shaken. I didn't know how to answer and I couldn't respond. Like the Israelities I put my faith in something physical that doesn't last that long, for the Israelities it was an ark for me it was my intellect. But sometimes, we need to place our money solely on the creator of the universe. Remember, God is for us and not against us and hope never fails. I hope I'm not investing my life into my talents, but instead I'm able to see that it's a life that was given to me by God, so I pray I would invest it in him
1 Samuel 5 [2.24.2012]
1 Samuel 6 [2.25.2012]
Anyone else find it strange that the philistines don't bow and worship this God. Rather, they acknowledge how great this Israelite God is and believer that he may be the cause of their suffering. They even believer that he is the God that hardened the hearts of the Egyptians, but still they put one final test on him to see whether the Oxen take the high road or low road back home. And even when the oxen take the high road, they simply acknowledge that this God is real but don't adopt him.
Sometimes we can grow so jaded, that when God slaps us straight in the face all we do is say thank you and leave him. Or instead, we don't seek God and simply let him go. Or perhaps, some of us evidently see what God is doing in other people but since he's not doing anything in our lives we let him go.
Let's not be like the philistines and let the moments pass as coincidences. I don't want to miss a glimpse of God's true glory :].
1 Samuel 7 [2.26.2012]
When I think about the Israelities there's many ways I can learn from their faults. Yet, there is one thing that inspired me today. When they put away all their idols and everything that they could depend on away, they were left with only God to depend on. So Samuel prayed to God. I think many times I'm not completely naked before God and I always have many back up plans. I still think it's foolish not to plan accordingly, but perhaps that prevents me from being humble before God and really only depending on him. What parts of my life am I compromising?
1 Samuel 8 [2.27.2012]
In chapter 7, the Israelities removed all their idols. I think that's similar to us, or me when we confess our sins and want to change. We're so good at erasing mistakes and deciding not to do it again, but instead of fully committing we stop there. Basically we repent and create a void in our hearts. Or remove idols and leave an empty space. Like the Israelities, if I don't cling on to God each day and set him within my void, I find myself faltering and needing physical things. Instantly the Israelities filled the void only God could fill with another Idol. A Human Idol.
Why do we so desire to please people. It's because we like getting things, whether its attention, respect of gifts. And what we do is we take our human relationship and try to make it the same with God. We like God when we get attention, "feel" loved, or get gifts from him. But what we fail to recognize is the consistency of God and his greatness beyond just giving.
It gets me to think Do I see God as King simply because he is God. Or do I see God as king because he gives me gifts? Because he gives me peace? Because he loves me. Am I being conditional with an unconditional being? I find myself foolish.
1 Samuel 9 [2.28.2012]
Isn't it tragic? To those who know the fate of Saul...how far he drifts away from God. But looking at his election it looks so promising and even in chapter 10 it becomes even more amazing. But what do I take from chapter 9? I begin to see that we have to let go of our donkeys. These small worldly things that God has already taken care of, we don't have to worry where they might be but rather ask the greater question, "What can I do to glorify God and live out his will?" So many times we ask, where's the next job? whose the guy or girl? how can I study better? But we never think of asking the creator of all things what is my purpose in life. I'm sure he knows and I'm quite sure he'll answer. But what's more amazing that it's always in due time.
You would think, well I would think, If I were Samuel and I saw Saul I would run to him and instantly exclaim, "It's YOU!, You're going to be KING, GOD TOLD ME." But rather, he asks him to share a meal, and even then he doesn't directly say he'll be king. Rather he says "And for whom is all that is desirable in Israel? Is it not for you and for all your father's house?." He speaks to Saul in questioning statements telling Saul to see what is more true. Sometimes God has a plan for us and we don't know it, and it takes time to clear up our vision. Maybe it's time to clear up our vision and begin asking the questions we have in the right direction. Why ask who God is to wikipedia, friends, newspapers, or media when we've been given the opportunity to ask God himself? True Story.
1 Samuel 10 [2.29.2012]
v.9 "When he turned his back to leave Samuel, God gave him another heart. And all these signs came to pass that day."
I LOVE IT!!! I LOVE IT!!! I LOVE iT!!!
The very beginning of a christian life begins with a new heart. It doesn't say God rebuilt his heart or God changed his heart. But it's a completely new heart. There's no way the spirit can rush upon him and there's no way he can do anything for God without his heart being made completely new.
You wouldn't run bad gasoline in a new car, and you wouldn't transfuse type A blood into a type B body. There must be a totally new transformation. And the best part is, only God can give it. And it never says he won't give it to those who ask. Justification + Sanctification come together as a whole. Do we want a heart for God?
1 Samuel 11 [3.1.2012]
1 Samuel 12 [3.2.2012]
I think what Danny said above is great for hope. God's innate character is to deliver his children who cry for help.
Yet, what is on the flip side is just as important. In v.15 and v. 25 the rebellious heart is deciphered and like chaff in the wind they will be swept away. It's easy to be swept away and sulk in our own desires but there's two things that keep us grounded. 1. Keeping his commandments, following his word and reading the bible to know him. I'm not talking about legalism, doing this for that. But those who love someone and those who are eager to have a relationship with someone stay close to them. So why do we so often ditch the bible? 2. Fearing God. What is this fear? There's a lot I could say, and I could share, but if you don't question, seek, and find out for yourself you won't know it. This thing, fearing God, is much more weighty than simply being scared. It's more than that.
So what do I understand? What is my joy and hope that I hold onto from reading today's scripture?
Ch.12 v.2 "...my sons are with you." Samuel's sons are with God. Doesn't that make you scream? WHAT? HOW? NONSENSE...That doesn't make sense!!" If it doesn't make you scream these questions let me share another verse.
chapter 8. v.3 "Yet his [Samuel's] sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. they took bribes and perverted justice."
How is it that his son's who were wicked and perverse are now with God? How is Samuel so sure? What happened to Joel and Abijah?In fact there not even mentioned in Samuel's historical report starting with Moses to King Saul. And never are they ever brought up again. But somehow in the end, they ended up with God. I can't fully justify my claim and this QT is already a bit too long but I'll say this Romans 8:28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according his purpose." Samuel was called, and he loved God. And bad or good worked out for good and for God's glory. Why am I so sure? Samuel called upon God as his witness for his life and the people, his life was a leaving testament to the existence of God and glorifying him. I can't help, but assume that God heard Samuel's prayer for his children. For Samuel would never cease to pray. v.23.
1 Samuel 13 [3.3.2012]
Honestly, what are we relying on? why do we do anything we do? what do you really want in life? Are we merely performing religious tasks? Or is God really abundant. Take a look at Saul, Israel didn't even have a blacksmith - -;;. They went down to the philistines to sharpen pitchforks and axes, so weak. Are we going to the enemy to get our utilities sharpened? Or are we waiting for God?
1 Samuel 14 [3.4.2012]
It seems like we're not even reading the bible anymore, where did all the accounts of the "Lord says, or the Lord will" go? So many of the decisions that Saul makes is "whatever seems good to him." Never inquiring God. But Jonathan? Oh man how I love Jonathan.
Jonathan never personally heard that God was giving the Philistines to Israel, it was secondhand information. And he believed it so whole-heartedly. He trusted God and went out with just one armor bearer (kind of like Lord of the Ring??) except he's not as sinful as Frodo. But two people brought down a nation. Having faith in God. He was just obedient. Where is our trust?
1 Samuel 15 [3.5.2012]
1 Samuel 16 [3.6.2012]
Mmmm, Why would God send a harmful spirit? And the Spirit of God departed from Saul? Peculiar...what do we do when situations seem bleak? When we're tormented or just becoming complacent with where we are at? So many times we look for physical solutions to a spiritual problem. Just as much as God exists so does Satan (although he's infinitely weaker), but as humans we're continually torn between. And rather than recognizing the spiritual problem we always point out a physical problem first.
What's our spiritual problem? And are we seeking God to fix it? Because he's like the Bob the Builder, can he fix it? Yes he CAN!
1 Samuel 17 [3.7.2012]
Here's just a few points that stand out to me about spiritual warfare (it's not comprehensive).
The Enemy:
Tactics Used Against Us:
Openly Discourages Us (v.11)
Utilizing physical appearances (v.6)
Verbally (v.8-9)
Internally Causes Strife Among Us (v. 28)
Has experience and acknowledges the fight at hand (v.10,v.33)
Fails:
Under estimates our God (v.43)
Disperses (v.51)
Our Shield, Our Victory:
Acknowledge the battle at hand (v.26)
As a spiritual battle (v.45)
Trust his plan for us in where we are (v.34-35)
He will change our circumstances (v.33 compared to v.37)
He has already shown us glimpses of his love and plan (v.39)
Not physical things but spiritual things (v.39-40; v.45)
Destroying Sin
Complete destruction(v.51)
Causes a rise in faith (v.52)
1 Samuel 18 [3.8.2012]
David continually seeks for God's kingdom and his righetousness. So that no matter what, whether he's given only 1000 men, or demanded to retrieve 100 philistines foreskins he gains victory. In the face of every physical problem his answer was God and God prevailed. Yet what did Saul do. Time and time again he tried to destroy David, God's will, through physical means. Whether it's through marriage, through battle, or hurling a spear at him. And each time he failed he grew more and more bitter and angrier at David.
So where does that lead me? What is our motive in our hearts. Because if we continually try to use God simply as a tool to fix our lives, when it doesn't work out we're only going to get angrier and angrier with God and eventually just be filled with bitterness. Why? Because God isn't doing what we want him to do. But does that even make sense? Can we possible control God? If God exists, he is far beyond human comprehension and control. So instead, let's begin to ask God centered questions. And let God control us.
Ya digg?
Keep Fighting the Good Fight.
1 Samuel 19 [3.9.2012]
How often do we think about Jesus' death on the cross? How often do we think about the grace we have received and the mercy that clothed us? Why am I talking about this?
Grace: getting something we don't deserve
Mercy: not getting something we deserve
These two words are deeply embedded into the love of God and his awe-inspiring power, through the death and resurrection of Christ.
As I read today's word from God what struck me was how easily we, how I, can relate to Saul. So many times we blame God and condemn him. We throw our hate and anger at him. We throw our confusion at him and we disown God. Well, if you don't, I'll tell you the truth I have many times.
"God why couldn't you give me the strength or mind or desire to study diligently and stick with Pre-Med? God why would you put this person in my life who continuously hurts me. God why are you taking so long to reveal your love and magnificence to my brother or sister? Why aren't you allowing them to see you as father now? God, what are you doing...do you exist...?"
I've said these questions not so long ago and so many times I am against God. Yet, God has done nothing wrong. He is blameless and good. And he sent his own son to die for us. Like David, Christ was a servant. Like David, Christ was blameless and innocent. Like David, Christ never sinned against us and his deeds have only brought us good. Yet, so many times we remain forgetful. And like Saul we persecute and condemn him who wants to love us.
How many times have we spat in Jesus' face? Or turned our backs from God or rejected him.
Yet, what is so amazing is his love and his spirit that comes upon us. The fact that God never rejected our existence. And like Saul, we can once again grow so intimate with him. Yet, if we lose those moments, if we still lose sight of him...what becomes of us?
God loves you. God grieves for you. God regrets seeing you pain or turning from him...God loves you. Do you understand?...Can you feel it? He loves you so much.
1 Samuel 20 [3.10.2012]
1 Samuel 20: [God Is More Adhesive than Super Glue or Gorilla Tape, more true than Will Power or a Heartfelt Vow]
It starts with 1 Samuel 18:1 :"...the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David." This connection wasn't just some makeshift knitting or something that connects the two like magnets with nothing in between. The reason this knitting was so effective was because it utilized, metaphorically, the thread of the God. God didn't just mesh the two souls together so that Jonathan and David were directly connected, but God remained between them and became the bond that pulled them together.
1 Samuel 20:23, 42 "the Lord is between you and me forever, the Lord shall be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring forever."
This bond goes beyond our single lifetime and goes into the next generation. This bond deals with forever (eternity). But the enormity of this bond isn't limited to commitment but it is the driving force for the reason in which David and Jonathan love one another and give themselves to each other so selflessly.
See this is the same bond that Jesus made for us between God. God fulfilled his promise and kept his commitment to us with Jesus which allows us to be boned to him. And it's not just a commitment of promise but one filled with love and power. It allows us to pray and read the word and to know the creator of the universe and really seek his supernatural peace, power, grace, mercy, love, and hope. And it even goes beyond into strength and physical healings and much more.
What if the reason we did anything was because of the bond of God? What if we were bound to our academics because of the Lord, what if we were bound to friends because of the Lord, what if we were bound to knowing God because of the Lord. You see, if God is what is between you and everything in this world you make God first and God is a far better bond than will power, motivation, human conviction and anything physical; because God doesn't fade away or die eventually like all physical things, but he goes on into eternity like godly things. Just like this friendship between David and Jonathan becomes something we can't imagine everything we do, once we do it with the Lord between us, with him as our focus, becomes supernatural.
So what's bonding you to your commitments. Are you still relying on yourself because it's been pretty good so far? Yea, you can end up content and complacent but , ultimately, you'll forsake a far greater bond, love, joy, peace, hope, and relationship that is found in God. And then in eternity you may not get the chance to see this God.
1 Samuel 21 [3.11.2012]
How committed am I to God? And how far am I willing to go?
Because without a doubt, God is 100% committed to me only by incomprehensible grace.
:[...it doesn't make sense...I'm so thankful.
1 Samuel 22 [3.12.2012]
"Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life. With me you shall be in safekeeping."
These are the words of David to one of Ahimelech's sons (Abiathar) after 85 of his relatives, brothers, friends, priest, and his own father died to the hand of Doeg the Edomite. See after you hear about the story of the 400 who were dissatisfied with this world, you hear the story of the 85 who were killed due to their dissatisfaction with this world and their love for the Lord. They obeyed God till the end, even when it cost them their life.
No one, I know personally and including myself would die for God. Straight up people can easily talk and say they will, but would you really die for God? Because if you would, why are you still pursuing the treasures of this world...I ask myself that everyday.
How much more selfish can I get...God make me selfless to see what the priest saw and what the 400 hundred saw. But most of all, humble me to see what David saw. For he knew that with you there would always be safekeeping.
1 Samuel 23 [3.13.2012]
You know those lines in TV shows or movies, when they proclaim, "It's my word versus yours." And in that moment we know for sure that the person who said the line has the upper-hand in the conflict? Like a traffic cop going against a drunk driver in court, no matter how many excuses the drunk driver gives the court will most of the time rule in favor of the traffic cop.
So many times, we ask how do we hear God. When we should be asking how does God speak. And when we realize God speaks through his word, we begin to see concrete things that God has spoken to us. That God has many promises. Just like David, God has called us to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:18-22). He has promised us that if we ask, seek, or knock, he will give, show, and open (Luke 11: 9-12). He told us that his word is truth and our light (2 Peter 1:19-22). And he has promised us many other things, but we don't trust him. Nope. David, inquires God and when he asks again and gets the same answer he obeys. But when we inquire God and get an answer we don't like we brush it off as, "Oh, it unclear...or But I want him to give me a stronger sign...That's to vague God mustn't be saying that...No, the bible is just a book not God speaking."
In order to grow in faith, worship, and trust. In order to grow our relationship with God we're going to need to trust his promises and really begin to obey. We can't be like kids anymore being fed by our parents the medicine that we need. If we have a headache we're going to take ibuprofene (motrin, tyneol, advil). So why aren't we listening to God when we have questions about him? Why aren't we obeying?
It's time to be selfless, and ask for his strength. And find rest in his support. Like a boss, I mean come on, David's pretty boss...right?
1 Samuel 24 [3.14.2012]
1 Samuel 24 [Killing our Neighbor]
In verse 6, it says that "The LORD forbid that I should do thing thing...to put out my hand against him."
Yet how often do we kill our friends, peers, family, and outsiders within our hearts. How many times do we carry bitterness and see from our single perspective and disown/reject those around us. Often time we take the matter into our own hand and kill God's children. The people God had restored. The people that Jesus died for.
God says he loves us and he let his Son die for us. And we look at those whom Jesus died for and spit on the cross and claim our place as "God" and reject people.
Yet, what does david realize? v.12-14 "May the LOR D judge between me and you...But my hands shall not be against you....whom do you puruse? After a dead dog! After a flea."
It's time to recognize that God called everyone and wants everyone to know him. Don't argue about predestination because we, as humans, don't even know (nor can we determine) who will be saved in the end. So rather than killing our Saul's everyday, we must humble ourselves to the point of David, referring to ourselves as a dead dog! a flea! And begin to see the sovereignty of God and how he saved us, and how he can save them.
1 Samuel 25 [3.15.2012]
"God Saves/Avenges"
v.26 "...the Lord has restrained you from bloodguilt and from saving with your own hand."
v.33 "blessed be your discretion, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodguilt and from avenging myself with my own hand."
This is a radically different way of looking at my life. Why? Because my characteristic is filled with pride, arrogance, and insecurities which leads to criticism, distaste, indifference, and perfectionism. Every time I face an issue or a struggle, whether it's financial and my bank account says [Checking: $0.02], or when it's academic and my report card says [Organic Chemistry C-], or when it's personal and I hear that someone has been bad mouthing me or people are growing a bias towards me [John is mean, John is weird, John is a hypocrite, Can you believe John did...], or even when it's my own heart [I need to love that person...(1 second later) I'm grilling them or snickering at their comments].
My first solution is will-power. My first solution is I need to get a better job or save money. My first solution is I need to stop doing this and study more. My first solution is, "I'll show them I'm awesome." My first solution is, "I will prove to myself I can control my heart." My first solution is me.
So many times I try to save myself from these problems. And even though I pray everyday I find myself sleeping or being distracted by my thoughts saying, "John just do this and it will get better, John you don't have to love everyone, John it's okay your a sinner, John you're better than that person, John just compromise yourself."
I continually try to save myself, and even when I know I have to change my mentality or my focus I can't seem to let go. So I pray and simply ask for him. For he will stop me from saving myself. And I know he will. Because so many times in my life he already has. So I come back to him for restoration. I come back to him who redeems.
Yet, I don't want to be saved/avenged for my sake. David doesn't say, "I KNEW IT, I knew God was going to kill Nabal for messing with me." I would argue that David wasn't expecting Nabal to die, but instead he just thanking God and is satisfied with what God does. Why? Because David tells Abigail to go in peace v.35. You don't see David cursing Nabal or his Household. And even in v.39 David thanks God for stopping him. See, God removed all bitterness, ulterior motive, and deceit in David's heart. Like David when I really let go of something, I have to let it go completely.
I can't expect something for my sake. But instead I trust in him. I do. I trust in God. There is so much hope to the one who saved a sinner like me. To the one who chose to love me. Man, I suck but dang I'm awesome because of him who saves me. And I know you're all awesome because of him. My hope/trust/faith rests in him.
1 Samuel 26 [3.16.2012]
[Abner vs Abishai]
It's crazy how two different people treat their friend/Lord. Abner remained content with the 3000 men protecting him that he fell alseep. He trusted his own efforts and the circumstances enough to simply let Saul be vulnerable. Obviously, that's something anyone would do. I myself would easily have gone asleep since it seemed like, lysol, 99.9% effective in what they were doing. However, even in that .1% circumstances can radical change.
So often we bank like on a 99.9% guarantee especially when we get good grades, good relationships, or a good job. And we never think it will fail us.
On the flip side is Abishai, who was in the 0.1% and submitted to David and was faithful enough to go into the camp of Saul. Now, that seems like a 99.9% guarantee to death. Yet, Abishai trusted David, who trusted the Lord and obeyed and followed. And even then he came out alive and obedient. Instead of eliminating his threat with David he trusted God. So even though the cirucumstances didn't add up for Abishai he was given 100% success in the LORD. For that is God's will.
So what are we banking on?
1 Samuel 27 [3.17.2012]
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."
Do we love God as David did? Are we called as David was?
1 Samuel 28 [3.18.2012]
[Crippling Pride]
Not once has Saul ever truly repented and grieved woefully within his heart. Ever since God turned away from him, Saul has continually sought to solve his physical problem in order to gain "eternal rewards". His focus was always the "me", I can't hear God, I won't have a kingdom, I am angry, I need this, I need that. And even his pursuit of eternity was for his own comfort and sake. He didn't want to hear or know God because of who God was. But merely wanted to "attempt" (and fail tremendously) in trying to use God for his own glory. Even in this chapter, he immediately uses a necromancer and a psychic medium channeler. Then when he is physical weak he restores himself with bread rather than repentance/fasting/prayer.
No matter how many times he confessed outloud he had sin, his heart was of ill-contempt and pure self-motive. It's kind of terribly to see Saul like this. And it kind of worries me, if I could ever be so stubborn. That's why we have to pray and obey like David, seeking God's righteousness and strength and his power. But,oh, how hard that is...
1 Samuel 29 [3.19.2012]
[Mattthew 10:16]
"Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be as wise as serpents and innocent as doves."
I recommend y'all who have the heart to read v. 16-24 in Matthew 10 and really meditate on it.
But as a precautionary statement: It's not as discouraging as it may seem, and it's not about you vs. the world.
So hopefully you don't grow cynical or jaded or bitter or angry by it.
1 Samuel 30 [3.20.2012]
[My Biggest Struggle/Confessions]
Personally, I've always been somewhat of a perfectionist, which built in me a great desire to be effective, disciplined, and controlled in everything I do. But this lead me to grow in cynicism towards people and laziness, people not working to potential, superficial people, lukewarm people, or "weak" people. And that always disgusted me. Especially when it turned out that I was one of those people.
Yet, my biggest struggle now is loving Christians, once again. Lukewarm Christians who constantly speak in gossip, grow "dry", lose hope, grow in selfishness, and care more about this world than the God of the universe. Christians who confess with their mouths but don't acknowledge the deceit which natural flows in our hearts and continue to live for their glory. Christians who tell people to read their bible and pray for God speaks, but they themselves won't truly meditate on the word. Christians who say worship in spirit and truth and are constantly tossing and turning like the waves in the sea by their "problems". These are the people that talk about "stoning" people and grow "bitter in their souls" v. 6. Not for wrong reasons (their children were taken and they lost everything), but reasons that show their lack of faith in God and just how selfish they can be.
And, honestly, what am I? I'm only one of those "wicked and worthless fellows" v.22. Who grow in self-righteousness, justification, with constant bickering and complaining. I'm one of those people that continue to grow in hatred of people (trying to ban people from existence); I'm one of those people that dissociate from other christians and maintain superficial relationships; I'm one of those people that hate/bad-mouth first so that they can bad-mouth back without me caring; I'm one of those people that want to play the wicked and worthless fellow, because it's easier than being like David (a servant and a lover of God). Once again, not for wrong reasons (they marched into battle in faith, while others rested and stayed back), but reasons that show their lack of faith in God. So where does that leave me?
Other than God saying the usual, "Let go of your Pride, Lean on Me." And I remember when PU preached this saying we must do it for God and obey when other stand in our way. But, what sticks out to me is God saying, "Do you really think you did anything? I'm your strength. You need to love people? Ask me. You need to know what to do? Ask me." God is the one that gives us anything in life, v. 23 "...the LORD has given us. He has preserved us..." God gives and he preserves so, I trust in him. And no matter what people may say or do, from now on I'll be like David and not a wicked/worthless fellow anymore. And when all looks bleak I will strengthen myself in the LORD my God. v.6. Because that's the only way I can be like David, otherwise I'd be disgusted by people and lose hope.
I can easily be critical of people and cynical of this world, but it doesn't make sense for me to be critical and cynical of the creator of all things. If that logic holds, it no longer makes sense to be critical of people and cynical of this world. And so, my heart will be made true by the strength of the LORD my God.
1 Samuel 31 [3.21.2012]
[Pride]
In the last moments of Saul's life all he wanted was a dignified death. A valiant death. A warriors death.
You know? Like the captain in the movie titanic. Or all those war movies (I won't name specific ones so that I spoil the ending), but they fight till they all die. Because dying in battle is the most noble thing to do...right?
What are we holding on to these days? For warriors like Saul it was proper death in battle. For us it's a 4.0 G.P.A. or a big time job. We'd rather make 7 digit figures before we settle down and look at our own lives ( I mean really look at our own lives). We'd rather find a girlfriend or boyfriend, so that they can help us "find who we truly are" (like all those fairytales/dramas/rom-coms). Or maybe its a bitter/unforgiving heart, that seeks vengeance upon the world or a need to declare themselves perfect before moving on (like all those movies when people train in the woods for 20 years and come back, or those other movies where a poor person studies hard and becomes rich to change the world). What will we hold onto till death?
In the end Saul is mutilated and dismembered and disgraced. Still, all he wanted was a proper death.
Peculiar...I don't want any of that....right? maybe...
“oh, there are pictures.. I keep them where I need the most cheering up.”
For those who don’t know the story behind this:
Before Maggie was born, Homer Simpson worked at the Nuclear Plant because he needed the money to pay for all the debt. Once Homer Simpson finally payed the debt, he quit his job to work at his dream job at the bowling alley. When Homer Simpson found out that Marge was pregnant with Maggie, he became depressed that he had to quit his job at the bowling alley because the salary couldn’t support them. When Homer Simpson begged Mr. Burns for his old life back, he put a plaque that reads “Don’t Forget: You’re Here Forever.” When Maggie was born, Homer instantly fell in love with her. When Lisa asked Homer where did all Maggie’s baby pictures went, Homer explains that he keeps it where he needs it the most.
v.1 "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God'."
When is the last time a christian was bold enough to say that to a nonbeliever? By saying "fool", I don't mean belittling them or judging them and calling them stupid. But when's the last time we would say "Oh My Goodness it's absurd that you say there is no God. I'm not the crazy one, you're the crazy one."
Let's really take sometime to think about that. It hit home with me today as I read that. Usually I would support that it's more logical to doubt the existence of God. However the more I pray and pursue him he reveals that he is alive and well.
I'm thinking that it's more logical to believe the existence of God. In fact God is more real then gravity.
I've shared this before but to me God is no longer a matter of faith or belief or will power, it's just a fact, and it's absurd to say there is no God. Especially when this God is for us and not against us, he died and saved us all. It's just foolish not to see this grace.
It's as if someone is trying to give us a $300.00 amazon giftcard for free and we're still arguing it's a scam or that we don't deserve it because we didn't enter a raffle or it's not our birthday. I'd argue, it's more logical for us to take the prize and facebook status it and share it with the world. Especially if everyone could get the same gift. The foolish one selfishly holds onto a limitless blessing.
The core issue is that we believe we are foolish Christians trying to live in the world and forget the authority that God has given us. Never be ashamed for God, but in God show undignified compassion.
오늘 하루 행복하길
언제나 아침에 눈 뜨면
기도를 하게 돼
달아날까
두려운 행복앞에
널 만난건 행운이야
휴일에 해야 할 일들이
내게도 생겼어
약속하고
만나고 헤어지고
조금씩 집 앞에서
널 들여 보내기가
힘겨워지는 나를 어떡해
처음이야 내가~
드디어 내가 사랑에
난 빠져 버렸어
혼자인게 좋아
나를 사랑했던 나에게
또 다른 내가 온거야
아름다운 구속인걸
사랑은 얼마나
사람을 변하게 하는지
살아있는
오늘이 아름다워
조금씩 집 앞에서
널 들여보내기가
힘겨워지는
나를 어떡해
처음이야 내가~
드디어 내가 사랑에
난 빠져 버렸어
혼자인게 좋아
나를 사랑했던 나에게
또 다른 내가 온거야
처음이야 내가~
드디어 내가 사랑에
난 빠져 버렸어
혼자인게 좋아
나를 사랑했던 나에게
또 다른 내가 온거야
또 다른
내가 온거야
오~ 내 앞에
니가 온거야
When we see Jesus calling his disciples from v. 35-50, I notice one commonality among them all. Andrew and Peter in v.41 "We have found the Messiah." Philip in v.45 "We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote..." And Nathaniel v.49 "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!". In Christian life many of us are stuck in limbo. We see Jesus as a teacher. We see the bible as a moral handbook or the Christian handbook to live life, but we rarely begin to see God as God. God as fully and completely God. Not just a choice but a definite answer. To simply break it down, it's as if (when talking to a christian), they know the answer is A on a test. They say they know that God exists. But for the time being they will choose choices B-Z even though they "know" that its the wrong answer. We won't be able to fully experience God and follow him and pursue him unless we begin to really see him for who he is. Let's pursue this together. Like Jay said, this is the God who is a greater gift then we can fathom. Let's accept the invitation of the one who died for us and rose again. The one who will graciously reveal himself if we just asked.
John 2 [10.1.2012]
[Jesus Knows Us]
In v.23-24 we see that people begin to notice Jesus and believed in him. However, Jesus himself didn't entrust himself to them because he knew them and needed no one to bear witness about man. What does that mean? It means people wanted to follow Jesus, but he realized that people were going to follow him for the wrong reasons. Just to boast in a man who can do miracles rather than seeing God. I feel like many people have the same dilemma when it comes to Jesus. He's either just our handy man or a genie and rarely is he seen as God. But I think that leaves us at two points. The fact is that Jesus knows us. He knows our intentions and our hearts. So either we can keep trying to play the "holy act" or we can repent. Or, we can ask Jesus for guidance and really see him as God and take joy in the fact that he will still answer us despite our imperfections. God's grace. Always amazing.
John 3 [10.2.2012]
[Freedom and Totality]
Do you feel as free as the wind? Or filled with the spirit to see God for God? Nicodemus only saw Jesus as a teacher and his view was so finite. It's kind of ridiculous to look at an infinite thing and try to make it finite. Yet, many of us carry around our Compact Sized Jesus. One who does whatever we wish. And only loves us. But that's the totality of scripture. Everyone's heard of John 3:16, but do you know what comes after? I dare you to read the bible in context today. Read chapter 3. Or at least John 3:16-21. There's a totality in scripture that will bring freedom and hope.
John 4 [10.3.2012]
[Believe the Word]
It's funny how Jesus continually takes about the Spirit, living water, and signs and wonders. But when it comes down to it it was his words that initially started making people believe. v.41 "...many more believed because of his word..." v.50...the man believed the word that Jesus spoke..." Often times we don't even believe the word. Which is why many of us disregard the scripture. We'd rather have someone else tell us what to think or believe, because we find it too complicated. Almost like the presidential debates, half the time we get our political information from satires, friends, youtube videos, or SNL sketches. But never do we just go to the source. Let's go to the source of God's word and look at scripture today. Believe in his word. And see the signs and wonders that only God can do.
John 5 [10.4.2012]
[Why is the OT God and NT God so Different?]
He's not and this is one clear example of how he is not. From v.19-47 it goes into the authority that Jesus has and that he is given all authority in Judgement. Isn't that weird? At the end it'll be Jesus saying was my grace enough? was my death enough? And he will be the one judging us. We have this weird complex thinking, God is evil and Jesus is nice. But they are one. The trinity is one. And God is constant. And in here, we see Jesus having that judgement. We will be judged that's not a question. But where's the hope, I think it comes in v.44 "How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?" Did you ever stop to think that God wants to give you glory...odd. Think about it. :]
John 6 [10.5.2012]
[Seeing the Invisible God]
I would say this is an extremely dense passage. But to break it down as simple as possible I'll look at v.22-68.
Without going into too much detail the issue was "why are the disciples choosing to follow Jesus". Jesus had many followers, beside the 12, who are mentioned as disciples. Yet, when Jesus attempts to explain the eternal and spiritual with the physical they misunderstand everything. Many times we misunderstand what God has called us to do. And that it is only through the father that we are given access to God (which is noted many times in this passage). But in the end, Jesus simply says believe and take part with him. And in v.63 Jesus clarifies that he is talking about the spirit. Yet, in v. 66 many disciples turned and walked away. The truth is, people will turn and walk away. You may turn and walk away. But that doesn't change the fact that God exists. Wrestle with God today, so that you may not walk away.
John 7 [10.6.2012]
[God + Jesus + Holy Spirit=Single Minded one person]
v.28 "...You know me, and you know where I come from? But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. I know him, for I come from, and he sent me."
Many times we misperceive God and Jesus. We see God as this wrathful father who has to punish us and Jesus as the lamb who steps in our stead to save us. But many times in scripture Jesus notes that God is the one who had sent him. And that because he was sent he came, trusting in God. See God is for us and not against us, which makes sense that Jesus, who is the son of God (being fully man and fully God), would do likewise and obey God. Because you can't go against yourself...it doesn't make sense. In the end God wanted to send his son and Jesus willingly came and God's plan was fullfilled. Which is why, God so love the world he gave his one and only son. But to look at the large scheme of it all it's like this.
The minute Eve ate the fruit and Adam didn't stop her and even before that moment. God knowing we would sin, looked at Jesus and said (my own words), "Son, we're going to have to do something to bring our children back, I'm going to have to show them my justice and goodness while still maintaining the love I want to give." And Jesus looked back at God and said, "Yes, years from now we will take upon the sins that man can never atone for so that we may have a relationship and love them."
John 8 [10.7.2012]
[Do you Know God?]
It seems as though the on going debate is who is Jesus? And who is God? Even back then when Jesus appeared everyone didn't understand what he was saying and who he really was. And even today many of us shy away from reading the bible because it's too hard to "understand". Or we don't give it time. But to be honest, it's often hard to see God for God. And it's mostly because what we know. In the end, we're nothing more than Pharisees who know too much and experience too little. In the end, all we have is knowledge which allows us so easily to walk away from God. So the question in the end is...do you, really, know God?
John 9 [10.8.2012]
[What We See]
When I see the journey of the Blind Man it's so similar to my own. My initial reason for following Jesus was for my own vendetta. I saw christianity to be the most agreeable religion so why not give it a try. I followed the moral rules for good conduct and saw that it was a "nice" religion. So I pursued. Like the blind man who told the Pharisees that Jesus was a prophet and a teacher I had not idea otherwise. Even when his parents don't defend him he still followed Jesus. Yet, when Jesus comes back. In v.35 it says that Jesus heard that he was cast out and found him (the blind man). I think Jesus found me again. Realizing I was not really seeing who he was and seeing that I was discouraged. I'm sure the blind man was tremendously discouraged at this point. Yet, when Jesus finally, truly, opened his eyes it says that he (the blind man) worshipped him. If it's hard to worship God or see him. It's because we're still blind. Sometimes we need to just linger in his presence and wait. Not for the knowledge. Not too be a good person. Not to be self-dignified. Not to cure ourselves. But simply to see God. Radical? or Basic?
John 10 [10.9.2012]
10 “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.
7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 11 [10.10.2012]
[On Emotions]
I think many of us in Christian life have been told to neglect our emotions. Many times we're told time and time again be joyful. Forget about it. God will overcome. But, the truth is we are still human. And we're not angels. We're not fully spiritual we're still physical. And when it comes to things in lift it gets hard. Christian faith gets hard. Tests get hard. A death gets hard. But I think that's the grand point that we've missed thus far. That God was emotional. He had emotions.
v.35 (the shortest bible verse in the bible) "Jesus Wept"
Jesus continually states numerous times that Lazarus will be raised again. That God will be glorified. And in the end Lazarus is raised from the death. Jesus knew the outcome but still cried then. Why? Because he was moved in his spirit and troubled by the pain he saw in those around him. He had compassion. He felt pain. He understood sorrow. God understands our pains and weeps for us. And even in seeing the hope that is to come there are just times we have to cry. It's okay to cry. It's okay to have emotions. But don't forget the hope. As God doesn't forget your pain.
John 12 [10.11.2012]
[Misdirection]
When you hear that Lazarus is raised from the dead. You think...what the crap? Not possible. How is that even real that's probably made up. But when you read on in John 12, when the pharisees hear the Lazarus was raised from the dead they think, "Let's kill him again, too many people believe Jesus now because of this miracle." So many times we see God do something unimaginable in our lives. So many times we have moment where we think God is real. But what we tend to do is kill the miracle. Instead of thinking, OMGOODNESS look at what God has done. We think, "Let's debunk this one, let's get rid of this miracle." So why are we misdirecting ourselves? What are some miracles that we have overlooked?
John 13 [10.12.2012]
[Misunderstood]
Ironically, Jesus vividly pointed out who will betray him. He literally said whoever I give this bread to. Yet, no one at the meal understood why Jesus said what he said to Judas. His own disciples couldn't see the obvious fact.
22 His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. 23 One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. 24 Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.”
25 Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?”
26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.
So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” 28 But no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him.
John 14 [10.14.2012]
[RISE]
"Let not your heart be troubled. Believe in God..."
I think we have to access ourselves what are we dependent on. At the end of the day what/who do you credit for your actions? Weird question right? Wouldn't you credit yourself? But what if we went beyond the scope of ourselves. What if the problems that we had weren't the life ending problems that we perceived them to be. And the priorities would shift to one that looks to God. It's okay to be dependent on a God who is unending in all things. In fact, it would be logical. We need the spirit of God to start work within us. And in order to really encounter God. But the fact remains...what are we dependent on?
John 15 [10.15.2012]
[Chosen]
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you"
I think we have this selfish "Me" attitude when it comes to christianity. Sorry if that's a bit too direct. But let's get down to real talk :]. When many people read this verse they focus on asked whatever to God and it will be given. We always want to bear fruit and have a good life. We'll do the christian thing as long as it doesn't affect my social life or academia or the extra curriculars I want to do. But the truth is that the focus is the chosen part. If God chose you and if you are in christ you are from the same tree and have the same xylum and phlolem in you (sorry if I spelt that wrong it's the veins in a tree). But what is our focus for being Christian. I tell you the truth the God of the universe exists. It's just do you want him for him. Or do you want him for you? Chosen?? or Not?? Pray. Because God will come because he loves
John 16 [10.16.2012]
v.1 "I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away."
v. 16 "A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me."
I think we need a constant reminder in our life. It's just how we function. When we need that motivation to study we either remember our parents who work so hard for our education, or we remember our dream to become successful. When we need a desire to really help out we remember that homeless family we once saw, or that video that compelled us to be charitable. And God knowing this sent Jesus in order to remind us. I think we should take some time to remember now. Think of the enormity of God. Read the bible. :] Pray~
John 17 [10.17.2012]
Everytime I read this chapter I shed a gangster tear now. I won't taint it with my feelings or emotions but I'll leave this one pure. I highly highly highly suggest that you simply read this prayer.
This is the prayer that is prayed at Gethsemane when he is sweating blood.
This is something that you must read!!!
John 18 [10.18.2012]
[Abandoning God]
Abandoning God is the easiest thing you can do. Let's be honest. Less social pressure. Less moral conduct. No need to think in the abstract. About 5 hours of your life a week given back. The idea of just the world turning as is and doing what you want. But then let's also be honest.
Abandoning God isn't your innermost desire. What then comes of the suffering in this world? Where does the hope go? What happens after we die? Can people really become perfect? What becomes of those I love? What's the point of living today? Why do I feel so depressed today?
For Peter abandoning God was a cover to hide and eventually became a habit covered in complacency. You could easily abandon God now. If Peter, a disciple who saw so many miracles and knew that Jesus was God can do, I'm definitely sure you can do it as well. But what we miss, in doing so, is the grandeur of God. Luckily for Peter, Jesus did come back and later encouraged him. And luckily for us Jesus died on the cross years ago and rose again. Simply saying, come back. Come as you are.
There's so much we don't know. And so much were complacent with. But the question is...was it worth it?
John 19 [10.19.2012]
[Finished]
v.30 "When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."
The final action before Jesus' death was him giving his spirit for us all. There's a tremendous reason why God had to come down as man and die. The fact was that people, being human, would always sin. Even now people continue to sin. So in this way an eternal God had to die. So that we would be eternally forgiven. His spirit was not taken away from him and it wasn't bartered or marketed. Rather, he came down willingly and gave up his spirit for the sake of us all. So that we may be eternally forgiven. It is finished.
John 20 [10.20.2012]
[A Reason]
What is our reason for believing God? Do we believe God because we have seen? Or because we have heard? Or because we have experienced? I think we believe God ultimately because at one moment in our lives everything within our being cried out this is God. There is a God who died for me. And it had nothing to do with what we heard or saw. But at that moment the holy spirit moved within us. So what is our reason for believing God today. And how clear is the belief we once had? I pray that we would come back to the heart of worship.
John 21 [10.21.2012]
"Love Jesus Feed Sheep"
So many times we can read this and focus on the human nature. Or possible the whole full circle that the gospel takes on. Or we see the doubt in ourselves and how Jesus asking. Or the enormity of God's love for us despite it all. Or even the enormity of God knowing yet still asking. But let's go over the simple fact. If you love Jesus, he said feed my lambs, tend my sheep, feed my sheep...how many of us are doing that at all? It's something radical to really think about.
Whenever a christian complains, such as Job, the first thing we say is..."don't do that" or we consider it a sin. Yet, what I realize now is the direction of the complaint. This world is riddled with sin and suffering and, in fact, Satan is walking to and fro on the earth, just as alive as God, who is the living God, is on the earth. I don't think anyone is going to live a life without suffering of some kind. And to lament over that suffering isn't a sin. It's being real. It's seeking desperation in an answer from God and waiting despite how hard it gets. To hate the day you were born and wish you were dead is a radical point to get to. But we can't discard our emotions and say they don't exist at the same time. We're humans after-all and desperately need God.
It's amazing to see how the spirit compels people to move. Sometimes when I'm stagnant or just don't know where to go in faith, I ask the spirit to fill me up. We need the spirits power to compel us.
EZRA 2 [8.7.2012]
[The Exiles Return]
Often times we forget God and lose sight of him. Yet, what I find unfathomable always, is that God always has a plan and he redeems us. And even in the end he calls for our return to seek him and find him. See, when we understand God, God isn't the one who causes us to suffer and wishes suffering upon us. Rather, in this world, filled with sin, where suffering exists God redeems the evil and turns it into good. He takes our relentless efforts and gives us peace. And he is the one that assures us that although it seems as though we lose control of the world around us that he is the one that is fully in control of it all.
EZRA 3 [8.8.2012]
EZRA 4 [8.9.2012]
Do I have the boldness and faith to look past discouragement and ridicule? If God is my rock then he would provide a way against adversaries of any kind, just like the passage here.
EZRA 5 [8.10.2012]
[Seeing God]
We often stop fighting because we no longer see the battle in front of us. And we often stop worshipping because we begin to lose sight of the enormity of God. It's something within us that has to keep fighting to seek out God because the absolute truth is that when we stop fighting we can slowly slip away. And in the end we forget the convictions of our youth and remain complacent. What I see here is a remembrance of God's plan and the king's decree. Sometimes it takes us a long time to start what we left behind, but we always have to go back to the start. What happened to that moment when we thought, "God you're worthy, you saved me, thank you so much for the blood of your son." Are we going to write it off as...that was just me being young and dreaming fantasties. Or will we pursue to see even greater things that this God can do?
EZRA 6 [8.11.2012]
EZRA 7 [8.13.2012]
[Seek First His Kingdom and His Righteousness]
Often times when we read the verse in Matthew 6:33 we think all I have to do is pray, read the bible, go to church, and "act" good and God will give me an A and allow me to have a good job and have a great relationship and be an awesome person. But then that begs the question of are you seeking his kingdom and his righteousness first or your well being. I'll be honest I often seek my well being. I pamper myself with the food/clothes i buy. And often times I think what will that person think of me if I do this. But what if our motive for seeking his kingdom and righetouesness was simply that. Simply to see his face and really see God not so we can be assured or blessed. Now that's a deeper motive also. Are we seeking God simply to assure our own salvation? Because then we cripple our faith in a matter of years, why? Because if God doesn't appear in the time frame i give him then I decide that he doesn't exist. If God doesn't show up when I do this and this then I will give up on him. But God never gives up one us....Odd. I state all of this because I feel like this is what Ezra goes through in chapter 7. God's hand is upon him and King gives him so many things...SO that he can worship God. It's not like Ezra is given money, authority, power, or a cute girlfriend. No he's given the means to worship God and lead other people to God. But is that enough? It seemed more than enough for Ezra and it allowed him to see God's sovereign hand. Maybe the question that has to be asked is God really God and is he worth it? I believe undoubtedly so, regardless of how many times we fall or forget or fall into the monotony of life. It's never too late to come back. It's never too late to check our hearts. It's never too late to be completely vulnerable before God. Although one thing is for sure. It get's a lot harder as time goes on.
EZRA 8 [8.14.2012]
[Reasonable Doubt]
When I read verse 21-23 I not only see the importance of fasting and prayer but the normality of doubt. It's not a question that we will doubt God. In fact, Ezra after experiencing so much and knowing full well that God's hand was upon him had doubt. So much resides in this doubt. But what happens when we doubt is the key. Often times, doubt leads us to either distrust, distaste, or even disdain. And so many times we forget what God has done before the doubt (since we are temporal/circumstantial people). But how many of us really pray and fast and surrender to God even when we doubt? How many times do we remember what we so often forget? Doubt isn't a problem unless you make it a problem.
EZRA 9 [8.15.2012]
[Relational Beings]
Ezra see's the great problem in intermarriage because of the difference in faith. Not a matter of ethnic difference but a major difference in the God that we worship. Often times we overlook the influence of the people around us, whether they're our friends, parents, or boyfriend/girlfriend. Yet, we can't deny the influence they have us. And I guess the question begs...what kind of influence do we have on them? There isn't a black and white rule that can be derived from this (that would be legalistic and hypocritical) but there is a question that needs to be asked. What impact are these people having on my relationship with God? And what impact am I having on their relationship with God?
