I love reading the Bible, especially the parts that make you feel good. Like the Love Chapter found in Corinthians, the Psalms for worship , Proverbs for wisdom and of course stories of the old Testament that we learn when we were kids. I tend to avoid prophetic books that are hard to understand, like Daniel and Revelations. Rev 1:3 says, " Blessed is the one who reads these words of prophecy.
Then there's Job. I am back in Job following my chart and Sunday School lesson. It seems like Job has become my summer reading.
I think that one of the things that bothered me about Job, is, it looks like Satan has manipulated God to hurt one of his children. But the more I read, the more I realize that God really is in control. Maybe it takes something this disturbing and powerful to break age old traditions that are deeply rooted and learn truth.
For generation these people believed with all their hearts that God always punishes evil and always blesses good. This gives us a nice fuzzy feeling, until some thing happens that we can not understand. Today we tend to believe the same thing. Remember the people of the bible are real people and we meet people just like them today. There are fair weather friends, those who "always knew things were to good to be true. We all know those who " know it all " and some who are just glad that it is not them.
Even Job believed this and that he would always be blessed and live out his life doing good, surrounded by family. That is one reason that this( fall from grace) rocked his world so badly. He really wanted answers and all he got was more abuse from every one around and seemly God too. What did I do wrong? God know everything, He knows my integrity. He longed to go back to before all this happened to him. He needed answers. Please tell me. If what I believe is true, then......then.... then what? This caused a conflict of belief in Job and often in us and may be the only way to grow and learn truth.
Even a young man who though he had all the answers presume to speak for God. What a fiasco that was. Be careful, never presume to have all the answers. At 19, I thought I had all the answers and that any one older just did not understand. Now that I am older , I realize that I will never have all the answers. I do know that I do not want what I deserve. I choose mercy over justice every time.
Why do bad things happen to good people? The truth is, we just do not know., and we may never know on this side of Heaven. But we do know that God is love and He is control.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Moses's Mom
A man from the house of Levi married a daughter of a Levi and they had a son during a very bad time to have a son. All of the baby boys were to be thrown into the Nile river by order of the new King of Egypt.
Joseph, all of his brothers and the king that invited them to live in the choice land of Egypt had all died.
The Israel people were very fruitful and had increased so much that they numbered greater than their host nation. The new King got nervous and appointed taskmasters over them and afflicted them greatly. The more he afflicted them, the stronger they became as a nation inside a nation. They even tried to get the midwives to kill baby boys, but they feared God and would not do it. SO, this is why this horrible law was passed down about the time Moses was born.
When Moses's mother saw her new infant child, she saw how beautiful he was. (Imagine that, a Mom thinking her baby was beautiful.) She was able to hide him for three months. That had to be a very tough time. First, she could not share her joy with others who had lost their babies and she had to be gripped in fear every time the baby boy cried out loud.
She made the hardest decision of her life to save her precious boy. She took a papyrus basket and covered with with tar and pitch to make it water proof and safe. She placed the basket among the reeds by the banks of the Nile river and sent his big sister to watch and see what would happen to him. Talk about a a babysitting job, She proved her self to be a quick thinker and up to the task at hand. The Pharaoh's daughter and her maidens found the basket, saw the baby boy, knew he must be a Hebrew child and took pity on the beautiful baby boy.
Big sister quickly stepped forward and offered to find a nurse maid to take care of the baby. The Princess agreed. This is how the mother of Moses got paid to be her own child's, nursemaid until he was weaned and taken back to the palace to be raise as the son of the Princess. This special Mother had to give her son up twice to save his life.
Later, God used this baby called Moses, because he was drawn from the water, to free his entire nation from bondage.
A Mother's love is a powerful thing and they will do whatever it takes, even if it breaks their heart.
Joseph, all of his brothers and the king that invited them to live in the choice land of Egypt had all died.
The Israel people were very fruitful and had increased so much that they numbered greater than their host nation. The new King got nervous and appointed taskmasters over them and afflicted them greatly. The more he afflicted them, the stronger they became as a nation inside a nation. They even tried to get the midwives to kill baby boys, but they feared God and would not do it. SO, this is why this horrible law was passed down about the time Moses was born.
When Moses's mother saw her new infant child, she saw how beautiful he was. (Imagine that, a Mom thinking her baby was beautiful.) She was able to hide him for three months. That had to be a very tough time. First, she could not share her joy with others who had lost their babies and she had to be gripped in fear every time the baby boy cried out loud.
She made the hardest decision of her life to save her precious boy. She took a papyrus basket and covered with with tar and pitch to make it water proof and safe. She placed the basket among the reeds by the banks of the Nile river and sent his big sister to watch and see what would happen to him. Talk about a a babysitting job, She proved her self to be a quick thinker and up to the task at hand. The Pharaoh's daughter and her maidens found the basket, saw the baby boy, knew he must be a Hebrew child and took pity on the beautiful baby boy.
Big sister quickly stepped forward and offered to find a nurse maid to take care of the baby. The Princess agreed. This is how the mother of Moses got paid to be her own child's, nursemaid until he was weaned and taken back to the palace to be raise as the son of the Princess. This special Mother had to give her son up twice to save his life.
Later, God used this baby called Moses, because he was drawn from the water, to free his entire nation from bondage.
A Mother's love is a powerful thing and they will do whatever it takes, even if it breaks their heart.
Samuel's Mom
The book of Samuel begins with a woman's prayer asking God to allow her to become a mother and a promise to dedicate this child to God. Her prayers are answered with a precious baby boy that she loves. Her husband understands and tells her to do what she thinks is best and prays that the Lord will give her the strength to fulfill her promise. Hannah prays and thanks got for this blessing and dedicates this child to Him. She checks on him and brings clothes to him as he grows up in the temple. God blesses her with more children and she continues to pray for this special child....Samuel ,The child that she asked God for.
"The boy Samuel continues to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with man". Samuel 2:26
This verse reminds be of another Son. Luke 2:52 describes most of the childhood of Jesus in this one verse,"And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man." Not a bad life to be compared..
Samuel was to parents who were willing to pray for and dedicate him to God and God used him to fulfill His purpose and plan. Chapter 3 begins with this sad statement. For , in the days , when Samuel was a boy serving the Lord by ministering to Eli the priest, messages from the LORD were very rare and there almost no visions.
The rest of this chapter tells us that God spoke (awesome words). God spoke to this child. By verse 19,this child has turn into a man of God. "As he grew, the Lord was with him and everything he said was wise and helpful." Chapter 21 gives of the results of a praying Mom willing to dedicate her child to God. "And the Lord appeared again in Shiloh and continue to appear, because He revealed himself to Samuel with messages (the word of the lord) and the word went out to all his people"
Apply the word
As moms today, we are not usually asked to leave our child at the temple to be raised by a priest. But we are asked to take them to church and to dedicate them to the Lord, and to pray for them daily. Hopefully, they too will grow, "in favor with God and man". Give them to the Lord and stop trying to control everything in their lives and they will grow to depend on God. Then, God can use them for His plan and purpose. Maybe even to bring His word back to the people.........................Pray for your kids
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
My Bible Chart
If any one reads my blog, I may have them confused about my Bible chart. I have read tried to read Bible straight through, but that is hard because you can get bogged down in Leviticus and give up completely. Reading it through chronologically is interesting, but you need the right bible or a chart and bounce around a lot. I have tried reading a little old, a little new and a Psalms and a Proverbs everyday. It is kind of hard to keep up with. I have even read it through alphabetically, from Acts to Zephaniah. I wanted to try something different.
I was talking to my brother Glenn and he said that he reads three chapters from each section of the Bible..The Law, The history, poetry, major and minor prophets. Not sure what he is doing with the New Testament. Any way, I took his ideal and tweaked it a little and made it my own. I have seven sections.
Genesis-Deuteronomy
Joshua-2 Chronicles
Ezra-Song of Solomon
Isaiah-Daniel
Hosea-Malachi
Matthew-Acts
Romans-Revelations
I left Psalms and Proverbs out of their section
I read Psalms when I feel like worshiping God and Proverbs when I need a little wisdom.
I try to read 3-5 chapters from each section and Mark it off with llll/llll/ sort of, the slash is suppose to go through the four to make five.When I finish a book from a section, I check it off and go to the next book of that section.
If I get stuck somewhere, I stay as long as I want to. I am not legalistic about how many chapters I read a day. I have no idea when I will finish or if it will come out even. I am just enjoying studying every day and seeing what God has in store for me that I can apply to my life.
You do not have to wait until Monday to start, or the first of the Month or even January the first.
There is not just one way
there is no special time
to study the word
Just find your way
and start today.
I was talking to my brother Glenn and he said that he reads three chapters from each section of the Bible..The Law, The history, poetry, major and minor prophets. Not sure what he is doing with the New Testament. Any way, I took his ideal and tweaked it a little and made it my own. I have seven sections.
Genesis-Deuteronomy
Joshua-2 Chronicles
Ezra-Song of Solomon
Isaiah-Daniel
Hosea-Malachi
Matthew-Acts
Romans-Revelations
I left Psalms and Proverbs out of their section
I read Psalms when I feel like worshiping God and Proverbs when I need a little wisdom.
I try to read 3-5 chapters from each section and Mark it off with llll/llll/ sort of, the slash is suppose to go through the four to make five.When I finish a book from a section, I check it off and go to the next book of that section.
If I get stuck somewhere, I stay as long as I want to. I am not legalistic about how many chapters I read a day. I have no idea when I will finish or if it will come out even. I am just enjoying studying every day and seeing what God has in store for me that I can apply to my life.
You do not have to wait until Monday to start, or the first of the Month or even January the first.
There is not just one way
there is no special time
to study the word
Just find your way
and start today.
Back to Job for wisdom
The book of Job has always bothered me because the what -if's and why questions are impossible for us to answer or understand. Chapter 28 helps.
Job is able to move from asking "why me" to,"where can wisdom be found". His friends, (who think that they are so wise) find their wisdom in legalism and cold tradition. There is worldly wisdom and Godly wisdom.
They are both described in James 3: 14-17. Worldly wisdom comes from below and is bitter , jealous, arrogant, with selfish ambitions and lies against the truth.. It is earthly, sensual, unspiritual , of the devil and the cause of confusion and all sorts of evil.
Wisdom which is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, loving, reasonable, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruit. unwavering, without hypocrisy.
His friends showed none of the characteristics of wisdom, but instead were being used by the devil to use their "wisdom" to persecuted Job. What Job needed and was looking for were answers and all he got was abuse. He was searching for wisdom and understanding and declared it more precious than jewels;priceless.
Man's treasures are made precious by their being rare and hard to find. They have to dig deep and work hard to find it. And when they find it, it brings joy to them for awhile.
God's treasure is wisdom and understanding that begins with the humble reverent fear of our good and Holy God and turning from evil to God in all situations. It brings joy and life
Where can this treasure be found........Dig deep and search for it diligently in the word and through prayer
Study
Pray
Obey
Apply the Word
Job is able to move from asking "why me" to,"where can wisdom be found". His friends, (who think that they are so wise) find their wisdom in legalism and cold tradition. There is worldly wisdom and Godly wisdom.
They are both described in James 3: 14-17. Worldly wisdom comes from below and is bitter , jealous, arrogant, with selfish ambitions and lies against the truth.. It is earthly, sensual, unspiritual , of the devil and the cause of confusion and all sorts of evil.
Wisdom which is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, loving, reasonable, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruit. unwavering, without hypocrisy.
His friends showed none of the characteristics of wisdom, but instead were being used by the devil to use their "wisdom" to persecuted Job. What Job needed and was looking for were answers and all he got was abuse. He was searching for wisdom and understanding and declared it more precious than jewels;priceless.
Man's treasures are made precious by their being rare and hard to find. They have to dig deep and work hard to find it. And when they find it, it brings joy to them for awhile.
God's treasure is wisdom and understanding that begins with the humble reverent fear of our good and Holy God and turning from evil to God in all situations. It brings joy and life
Where can this treasure be found........Dig deep and search for it diligently in the word and through prayer
Study
Pray
Obey
Apply the Word
Thursday, June 20, 2013
A little proverbs
Today between shopping and riding, I read a little proverbs. Three verses caught my eye today.
Proverbs 19:22
"What is desired in a man? Kindness, steadfast love and loyalty"
Living bible simply states,"Kindness makes a man attractive"
Lord , Thank you for my Mark. The first quality that I noticed in him was his kindness. I tell young people to find someone who treats them with kindness and gentleness. Watch how they treat their Mama and other senior ladies. Because, one day , you will be that senior lady. Well, that is where we are today. And Mark is still the one who melts my heart with his kind gentle spirit.
Proverbs 20:7
"The man who walks righteously in his integrity- His children are blessed ( happy) after him."
Living Bible simple states," It is a wonderful heritage to have an honest Father"
Lord, Thank you that the Father of my children is a man of integrity. A man that they can look up to and emulate in life and in business. When Mark was Agency Manager at Farm Bureau, there was never any question about his ethics. He believes in doing the right things. He was so honest that he never had to worry about any thing that he did at work and could sleep like a baby at night. I am very proud to be married all of these years to a man that I can trust with my life and my future. The kids know that they can always come to him and they will receive an honest answer, even if it is not what they want to hear. Our kids are truly blessed.
The last verse made me smile
Proverbs 20:29
The glory of young men is their strength, but the beauty and attractiveness of old men are their gray hair and experience.
I love this verse. Although, Mark is still strong and has very strong character, I love the part about the gray hair
Recently, Mark let his hair grow long. It was soft, white and curly. But I had a feeling when summer came, that would change. The good thing about retirement is, all you have to please in grooming is your self. So, now it. is a very short buzz and I love it that way too. Unfortunately, our Daddies did not lived long enough to even have gray hair. So, I know that I am blessed to still have him here to go, work, play and enjoy our life and family together.
Thank You Lord.
Proverbs 19:22
"What is desired in a man? Kindness, steadfast love and loyalty"
Living bible simply states,"Kindness makes a man attractive"
Lord , Thank you for my Mark. The first quality that I noticed in him was his kindness. I tell young people to find someone who treats them with kindness and gentleness. Watch how they treat their Mama and other senior ladies. Because, one day , you will be that senior lady. Well, that is where we are today. And Mark is still the one who melts my heart with his kind gentle spirit.
Proverbs 20:7
"The man who walks righteously in his integrity- His children are blessed ( happy) after him."
Living Bible simple states," It is a wonderful heritage to have an honest Father"
Lord, Thank you that the Father of my children is a man of integrity. A man that they can look up to and emulate in life and in business. When Mark was Agency Manager at Farm Bureau, there was never any question about his ethics. He believes in doing the right things. He was so honest that he never had to worry about any thing that he did at work and could sleep like a baby at night. I am very proud to be married all of these years to a man that I can trust with my life and my future. The kids know that they can always come to him and they will receive an honest answer, even if it is not what they want to hear. Our kids are truly blessed.
The last verse made me smile
Proverbs 20:29
The glory of young men is their strength, but the beauty and attractiveness of old men are their gray hair and experience.
I love this verse. Although, Mark is still strong and has very strong character, I love the part about the gray hair
Recently, Mark let his hair grow long. It was soft, white and curly. But I had a feeling when summer came, that would change. The good thing about retirement is, all you have to please in grooming is your self. So, now it. is a very short buzz and I love it that way too. Unfortunately, our Daddies did not lived long enough to even have gray hair. So, I know that I am blessed to still have him here to go, work, play and enjoy our life and family together.
Thank You Lord.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Helen Keller lesson
I am reading a 1974 book about women for women.
Helen Keller is quoted saying that it would be a blessing for everyone to be stricken blind and deaf for a few days. The darkness would help sighted people appreciate sight and the silence would help those who hear to recognize the joy of sound.
She asked a friend coming back from a long walk in the woods what she noticed. The answer was nothing in particular. Helen said that she could not believe that she found nothing notable. Helen, who could not see or hear, found hundreds of things in the woods to enjoy with her other senses.
Open your eyes and really see. Open your ears and really listen. Open your heart to all of the wonders in this beautiful world that God created. Fully engage every day to have the abundant life that Jesus died on the cross to offer to those who will receive.
Helen Keller is quoted saying that it would be a blessing for everyone to be stricken blind and deaf for a few days. The darkness would help sighted people appreciate sight and the silence would help those who hear to recognize the joy of sound.
She asked a friend coming back from a long walk in the woods what she noticed. The answer was nothing in particular. Helen said that she could not believe that she found nothing notable. Helen, who could not see or hear, found hundreds of things in the woods to enjoy with her other senses.
Open your eyes and really see. Open your ears and really listen. Open your heart to all of the wonders in this beautiful world that God created. Fully engage every day to have the abundant life that Jesus died on the cross to offer to those who will receive.
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