The gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as the great Teacher. The author presents the teachings of Jesus by subject matter in 5 collections: (1) the Sermon on the Mount, which concerns the character, duties, privileges, and destiny of the citizens of the Kingdom of heaven (chapters 5-7; (2) instructions to the twelve disciples for their mission (chapter 10); (3) parables about the Kingdom of heaven (chapter 13); (4) teaching on the meaning of discipleship (chapter 18); and (5) teaching about the end of the present age and the coming of the Kingdom of God (chapters 24-25) (From the Introduction to Matthew in the Good News Bible)
As you read this Gospel, be alert to familiar teachings. I found myself on first reading to almost skim the material because I felt like I knew these scriptures. When I went back, I slowed down and allowed my mind to really focus on what Jesus was saying to me...Jana, living in Van Wert, raising children, trying to live a life worthy of God's calling...needless to say, the scriptures spoke much louder.
Please slow down with these scriptures. Take away the "I have to keep up" mentality and let Jesus have some time with your soul.
Consider these questions:
1. Matthew 6:19 - 21 Another scipture about what we treasure. How does this scripture speak to you? Where/what is your treasure? If I look at your calendar, what do I see? Where we spend our time is a clear indicator of what we value.
2. Matthew 7:1-5 "Do not judge...." We really have no idea what is happening in people's lives. We make assumptions and judgments as matter of course. We gossip with self righteousness and pride. We justify our behavior as "okay." The more we grow and live in God's grace, the less likely we are to judge others. As we see ourselves through God's eyes, we are less likely to judge others. Who in your family needs more love and less judgment? Who in your workplace needs more love and less judgment? What sin in your own heart needs confession and repentance?
3. Matthew 7-24-29 I like the commentary on this passage from the Renovare Spiritual Transformation Bible: ......Jesus has been offering the disciples a solid foundation of teaching on which to build their lives and ministry. But it is up to them to put his words into practice. Otherwise, they are like the fool described so often in Proverbs, who is not the intellectually challenged person, but rather the person who lacks good moral judgment. It is not common sense that Jesus' wisdom calls us to, rather a Christian sense, which only makes sense in the context of a Christian vision of the world, a belief system attested to by ethical commitments and behavior. (Page 24 in the book of Matthew)
4. Matthew 8 & 9- So often Jesus' asks those he heals if they want to be healed or if they really believe he can heal them? Do you want to be healed of the sins and attitudes that keep you from a full relationship with Jesus? Do you believe Jesus is who He says He is?
5. Matthew 9 - Eating with the tax collectors, et al. "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." Why does God want mercy over sacrifice? How does this speak to the condition of our hearts? Is it possible to give a sacrifice while our heart remains hard to God's love? How is your heart?
6. Matthew 10 - How do you interpret these directions for the 21st century? Are we living in an age hostile to Jesus and his teachings? How are we like "sheep in the midst of wolves?" Have you been publically persecuted for your faith?
As always there is soooo much here to discuss and ponder. What struck you from these chapters? What did you learn about your Christian walk? Love your comments.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Proverbs - Week 8
I love the wisdom of Proverbs. As I read these chapters I am reminded of my child hood when my parents would quote some of these verses to me. Proverbs provides every day wisdom of a godly life. It is in the every day we really learn to walk with God. It's how we treat our children, how we treat a neighbor, how we work for our employers and how we care for those in need that reveal what we really believe. As you read this week ask God to reveal His wisdom to you in your every day actions. What do your actions tell the world about your relationship with God?
Here are some thoughts for you to consider:
1. Record some of your favorite Proverbs from these chapters. Refer to them throughout the week. Here are some of mine: Proverbs 10:4, 10:8-9, 11:12-13, 11:24-25, 12:1-3, 12:14-16, 15:1.
2. Proverbs 9:7-12 Wisdom starts with a healthy fear/awe of God. Do you fear God? Do you stand in awe of his majesty? Do you relate to the Psalmist when he says "who is man that you are mindful of him?" (Psalm 8:4) Who is God really to you?
3. Proverbs provides some good advice for parents. If you are a parent, record what you learn about parenting.
4. Choose one verse out of each chapter - since you're reading a chapter a day - and meditate on it all day. Write it on a 3 x 5 card and refer to it throughout the day. What do you learn?
5. Would you call yourself a wise person? Why or why not?
6. The proverbs also talk a lot about money. Are you generous? Do you trust in your wealth more than you trust in God?
7. Are you a good employee based on these chapters? Do you steal from your company - you know - office supplies, time talking on the phone, surfing the net on company time, gossiping about your co-workers? Do your co-workers see you living a life of faith?
May you know the joy of wisdom this week....Comments always welcome.
Here are some thoughts for you to consider:
1. Record some of your favorite Proverbs from these chapters. Refer to them throughout the week. Here are some of mine: Proverbs 10:4, 10:8-9, 11:12-13, 11:24-25, 12:1-3, 12:14-16, 15:1.
2. Proverbs 9:7-12 Wisdom starts with a healthy fear/awe of God. Do you fear God? Do you stand in awe of his majesty? Do you relate to the Psalmist when he says "who is man that you are mindful of him?" (Psalm 8:4) Who is God really to you?
3. Proverbs provides some good advice for parents. If you are a parent, record what you learn about parenting.
4. Choose one verse out of each chapter - since you're reading a chapter a day - and meditate on it all day. Write it on a 3 x 5 card and refer to it throughout the day. What do you learn?
5. Would you call yourself a wise person? Why or why not?
6. The proverbs also talk a lot about money. Are you generous? Do you trust in your wealth more than you trust in God?
7. Are you a good employee based on these chapters? Do you steal from your company - you know - office supplies, time talking on the phone, surfing the net on company time, gossiping about your co-workers? Do your co-workers see you living a life of faith?
May you know the joy of wisdom this week....Comments always welcome.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Please check back
Hello all...I'm a little behind this week. Please check Sunday, February 22 for Week 8 reflections. I'm sorry if this has inconvenienced you!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Week 7 - Proverbs
You can have lots of knowledge, but no wisdom. As you read these chapters, keep some notes on how this author defines wisdom. What do you learn? Is your life an example of wisdom? Or are you a work in progress?
I had someone tell me once I was a wise woman. I laughed. I've become wise over the years because I ignored most of what Proverbs teaches in my youth!
Write that definition!
I had someone tell me once I was a wise woman. I laughed. I've become wise over the years because I ignored most of what Proverbs teaches in my youth!
Write that definition!
Week 7 - Exodus
Well I don't know about you, but as I read these chapters - the Prince of Egypt music kept singing in my head. Funny how a movie adaptation can change your perception of the scripture. As you read this week, consider these questions.
1. Pharaoh's hard heart...Sometimes we make really unwise choices. We know they are unwise, but we do it anyway. Sometimes the consequences of these choices is a disastrous path for ourselves that is impossible to escape. The result of unwise choices. We have, in essence, hardened our heart to God's wisdom by our insistence of doing what we know is unwise. I wonder if Pharaoh was this way? Have you made choices that have hardened your heart? Choices that have consumed your life and you feel you have no way out? (For more insight on this see page 110 of the Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible).
2. Have you given God the hard spots of your heart? What hardens your heart to God's presence?
3. My 21st century mind struggles with God killing all the firstborn. I remember my sister saying to me at a young age "Don't put your God in a tidy, little box." While our conversation was not about this scripture, I am reminded that God is not easy, nor is He always understood. We like to believe what we like about Christianity and ignore the pieces we don't understand. God is mysterious. God is Holy. We are not in control. We see things dimly (I Cor 13:12). We cannot take Him for granted. How do you respond to these thoughts?
4. The pillar of cloud & fire - God leads constantly. Are you allowing Him to lead your life?
5. The parting of the Red Sea. If the people of Israel had known this was coming, would they have followed Moses? Sometimes we want life all laid out. God demands faith and obedience. Sometimes we have to step out in faith knowing that God will part our personal Red Seas. Why are you hesitating? He is waiting to part your personal sea.
6. Manna - In Hebrew "manna" means "What is it?" Sometimes God feeds us in unexpected ways. "We must be careful not to turn away from something because it appears odd and unfamiliar. Many times God does something and we say, "What is it?" - only to find out it is the very thing we need." (Quote from Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible notes on page 121) Sound familiar? It certainly does to me.
7. Exodus 18:18 "You will surely wear yourself out, both you and these people with you. For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone." In the previous chapter Aaron and Hur hold up Moses' weary arms. Moses appoints judges to assist with the governing of all these people. As we grow spiritually, we must admit to our limitations. Going it alone is never a good idea. Today allow sometime to hold up your arms. Today allow someone to walk beside you. Personally, I find this difficult. In my head I know it's right. I'd still rather go it alone. Dumb.
Many of the thoughts and questions this week have been inspired or taken from the notes in the Renovare Spiritual Transformation Bible. I highly recommend this Bible as a reference for those of you who want to read scripture with a spiritual formation angle. There will be one in the church library in a couple weeks for your reference if you want to check it out.
1. Pharaoh's hard heart...Sometimes we make really unwise choices. We know they are unwise, but we do it anyway. Sometimes the consequences of these choices is a disastrous path for ourselves that is impossible to escape. The result of unwise choices. We have, in essence, hardened our heart to God's wisdom by our insistence of doing what we know is unwise. I wonder if Pharaoh was this way? Have you made choices that have hardened your heart? Choices that have consumed your life and you feel you have no way out? (For more insight on this see page 110 of the Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible).
2. Have you given God the hard spots of your heart? What hardens your heart to God's presence?
3. My 21st century mind struggles with God killing all the firstborn. I remember my sister saying to me at a young age "Don't put your God in a tidy, little box." While our conversation was not about this scripture, I am reminded that God is not easy, nor is He always understood. We like to believe what we like about Christianity and ignore the pieces we don't understand. God is mysterious. God is Holy. We are not in control. We see things dimly (I Cor 13:12). We cannot take Him for granted. How do you respond to these thoughts?
4. The pillar of cloud & fire - God leads constantly. Are you allowing Him to lead your life?
5. The parting of the Red Sea. If the people of Israel had known this was coming, would they have followed Moses? Sometimes we want life all laid out. God demands faith and obedience. Sometimes we have to step out in faith knowing that God will part our personal Red Seas. Why are you hesitating? He is waiting to part your personal sea.
6. Manna - In Hebrew "manna" means "What is it?" Sometimes God feeds us in unexpected ways. "We must be careful not to turn away from something because it appears odd and unfamiliar. Many times God does something and we say, "What is it?" - only to find out it is the very thing we need." (Quote from Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible notes on page 121) Sound familiar? It certainly does to me.
7. Exodus 18:18 "You will surely wear yourself out, both you and these people with you. For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone." In the previous chapter Aaron and Hur hold up Moses' weary arms. Moses appoints judges to assist with the governing of all these people. As we grow spiritually, we must admit to our limitations. Going it alone is never a good idea. Today allow sometime to hold up your arms. Today allow someone to walk beside you. Personally, I find this difficult. In my head I know it's right. I'd still rather go it alone. Dumb.
Many of the thoughts and questions this week have been inspired or taken from the notes in the Renovare Spiritual Transformation Bible. I highly recommend this Bible as a reference for those of you who want to read scripture with a spiritual formation angle. There will be one in the church library in a couple weeks for your reference if you want to check it out.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Psalms 37
Just wanted to share an insight...most you of who read this blog know my husband is looking for new job and has been for some time. This morning I got a case of the "what ifs." You know the feeling - what if he doesn't get a job soon? what if we have to move? what if he gets a job, but the salary isn't enough? The list could be endless.
In years past I might have just put the "what ifs" out of my mind. Today, I asked God for some help. In my mind I remembered the recents stories we've read about Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. All of them believed God would provide. All of them took matters back into their own hands. All of them returned matters back to God. I found myself in the same place today. Today I gave the "what ifs" back to God. I accepted His consistent promises of provision throughout scripture as truth. Then I read Psalm 37.
Verse 7a..."Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him...." Verse 23: "If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand." Verse 39 & 40: "The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him."
Remember last week when I said the Psalms are personal? Today this Psalm was my answer to the "What If" disease. For this moment, I rest in His assurance. Amen.
In years past I might have just put the "what ifs" out of my mind. Today, I asked God for some help. In my mind I remembered the recents stories we've read about Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. All of them believed God would provide. All of them took matters back into their own hands. All of them returned matters back to God. I found myself in the same place today. Today I gave the "what ifs" back to God. I accepted His consistent promises of provision throughout scripture as truth. Then I read Psalm 37.
Verse 7a..."Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him...." Verse 23: "If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand." Verse 39 & 40: "The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him."
Remember last week when I said the Psalms are personal? Today this Psalm was my answer to the "What If" disease. For this moment, I rest in His assurance. Amen.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Hebrews 1- 8, Week 6
Do you remember when you first became a Christian? Do you remember the enthusiasm and the zeal you felt toward your faith? Do you remember the fire in your soul? How is it today? Do you find yourself yearning for the fire? Maybe you've never experienced the fire and you just want to feel something besides indifference regarding your faith. Enter Hebrews.
Some of you may find Hebrews slow reading. Be patient with it. Take your time and try to follow this passionate writer's argument. This writer wants to make sure we understand Jesus is complete. We don't need other religous stuff....we need only Jesus. It seems appropriate we read Hebrews as we complete Genesis and begin Exodus since Hebrews references the Faith Fathers (Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) frequently.
As always, stop a moment and ask God to reveal His word to you.
1. The Hebrew writer describes Jesus right away in verses 1-4. When did Jesus become more than a name to you? How do you respond to the description in these verses?
2. Hebrews 4:12 "Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword...." Spend some time with this verse. What passages of scripture are special to you? When I was in my 20's, I was in a house fire where many of my personal belongings were lost. One item was my Bible from my high school years. I felt like I had lost a huge part of my history. In that Bible were verses underlined and highlighted. The verses and notes in the margins told my young faith journey. The worn pages were reminders of God's presence. Look at your Bible....what does it tell about your faith journey?
3. The latter part of chapter 5 and into chapter 6 speak to our need to grow in the faith. Are you growing? If so, why? If not, why not?
Finally, there is much to write about in these chapters. What questions would you ask?
Peace.
Some of you may find Hebrews slow reading. Be patient with it. Take your time and try to follow this passionate writer's argument. This writer wants to make sure we understand Jesus is complete. We don't need other religous stuff....we need only Jesus. It seems appropriate we read Hebrews as we complete Genesis and begin Exodus since Hebrews references the Faith Fathers (Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) frequently.
As always, stop a moment and ask God to reveal His word to you.
1. The Hebrew writer describes Jesus right away in verses 1-4. When did Jesus become more than a name to you? How do you respond to the description in these verses?
2. Hebrews 4:12 "Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword...." Spend some time with this verse. What passages of scripture are special to you? When I was in my 20's, I was in a house fire where many of my personal belongings were lost. One item was my Bible from my high school years. I felt like I had lost a huge part of my history. In that Bible were verses underlined and highlighted. The verses and notes in the margins told my young faith journey. The worn pages were reminders of God's presence. Look at your Bible....what does it tell about your faith journey?
3. The latter part of chapter 5 and into chapter 6 speak to our need to grow in the faith. Are you growing? If so, why? If not, why not?
Finally, there is much to write about in these chapters. What questions would you ask?
Peace.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Exodus 1-6, Week 6
Moses - What images of this man live in your mind - The Ten Commandments movie version with Charlton Heston or Prince of Egypt animated hero? You are about to encounter the real man. The man who ultimately became a very good friend of God's. The man who though initially did not want to do what God asks, travels the journey courageously. We have much to learn from this man....so let's begin.
1. The Israelites have been in Egypt for 400+ years as we start Exodus. Once welcomed as honored guests in the best land Egypt had to offer, they are now viewed as a major population problem. This Pharaoh has no knowledge of Joseph and who he was. He sees a population of trouble. His answer is slavery and oppression. Think of a time when your life has taken a dramatic turn with long term consequences. Why did it happen? Could you/Can you see God in the midst of the change?
2. Examine the heros in these first few chapters - the midwives, Moses' mother and sister, Pharaoh's daughter, Aaron, Moses' wife. What do you learn from each of them? Again, God reveals He will use us for His ultimate purpose, even when we aren't aware or resistant.
3. The burning bush. Spend some time with God's conversation with Moses. Ultimately Moses simply says, "Send someone else." Don't you relate to this? What is God asking of you today? What is your reply to God..."send someone else?"
4. Moses pulls back and forth with God throughout these chapters. In your conversations with God what do you talk about? Are you real with God? Do you ask for Him to transform your heart into His heart? Who is Yahweh in your life - a moderator, a friend, a casual acquaintance, business associate, the man in charge?
5. Pharaoh asks Moses and Aaron: "Who is the Lord that I should heed him and let Israel go?" Indeed. This question abounds in our society today...Who is God that I should do what He wants? Are you prepared with an answer?
6. Chapter 6:9..."they would not listen to Moses, because of their broken spirit." The Renovare Spiritual Transformation Bible has this note ..."When we are most helpless, we are in a position to receive the most help. God does not chastise us when we become heartsick. He acts in ways we were too strong and self-reliant to experience before." (page 107) Personally, I know this truth. How about you?
1. The Israelites have been in Egypt for 400+ years as we start Exodus. Once welcomed as honored guests in the best land Egypt had to offer, they are now viewed as a major population problem. This Pharaoh has no knowledge of Joseph and who he was. He sees a population of trouble. His answer is slavery and oppression. Think of a time when your life has taken a dramatic turn with long term consequences. Why did it happen? Could you/Can you see God in the midst of the change?
2. Examine the heros in these first few chapters - the midwives, Moses' mother and sister, Pharaoh's daughter, Aaron, Moses' wife. What do you learn from each of them? Again, God reveals He will use us for His ultimate purpose, even when we aren't aware or resistant.
3. The burning bush. Spend some time with God's conversation with Moses. Ultimately Moses simply says, "Send someone else." Don't you relate to this? What is God asking of you today? What is your reply to God..."send someone else?"
4. Moses pulls back and forth with God throughout these chapters. In your conversations with God what do you talk about? Are you real with God? Do you ask for Him to transform your heart into His heart? Who is Yahweh in your life - a moderator, a friend, a casual acquaintance, business associate, the man in charge?
5. Pharaoh asks Moses and Aaron: "Who is the Lord that I should heed him and let Israel go?" Indeed. This question abounds in our society today...Who is God that I should do what He wants? Are you prepared with an answer?
6. Chapter 6:9..."they would not listen to Moses, because of their broken spirit." The Renovare Spiritual Transformation Bible has this note ..."When we are most helpless, we are in a position to receive the most help. God does not chastise us when we become heartsick. He acts in ways we were too strong and self-reliant to experience before." (page 107) Personally, I know this truth. How about you?
Genesis 45-50, Week 6, Part 2
Our journey with Joseph concludes in these final chapters of Genesis. Here are some thoughts as you read this week.
1. Genesis 45 - "Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all those who stood by him..." Finally, after all his tests, tricks, observations, listening to his brothers while they are unaware Joseph stops the charade. "I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?" The brothers can't respond. Please put yourself in this story for a moment. Imagine the shock. Imagine the fear. Imagine the joy. Imagine the party. Imagine the talk in Pharoah's house among the servants. Imagine explaining this to Jacob. Whew....who says the Bible is boring?
2. Look closely at 45:4-8 and 50:15-21 - Joseph sees beyond revenge and bitterness. Even with all of Joseph's success and power, he could have chosen to hold on to the injustice. He forgives. With the forgiveness comes a new family story. Reconciliation. What personal pain have you not released to God? Are you living in bitterness when God's grace waits for you?
3. Chapters 46 - 47. A big move for the family of Jacob. Have you ever moved to a "strange land"? Sometimes we move in our lives for all the right reasons, but we remain a foreigner in the new land. Hospitality to others is important in our community. Is there someone in your daily life who needs some hospitality from you?
4. Chapter 48 - 49 - Jacob's blessings. You might be tempted to skim these chapters, I encourage you to slow down and read them carefully. What do you learn about Jacob's perceptions of his sons through his blessings? The twelve tribes of Israel are established with these pronouncements. What blessings have you received from your father - material or otherwise? What perceptions did your family give you about yourself? Were they right or were they wrong? Do they affect your relationship with God?
5. A further thought on chapter 49...the power of a father's words. My dad was a quiet man. While our relationship was not a bad one, it was not a close one. In my senior year of high school, I received a state award and my dad was very proud. I will never forget him asking if it was ok for him to take the newspaper write up to work and share it. The look in his eyes still moves me (I am now 53!). If you are a parent or grandparent reading this, please remember the power of your words to your child or grandchild. Choose them carefully.
6. Chapter 50 - Jacob dies. Your hometown. Your roots. What is it that draws us back to our beginnings? Obviously for Jacob he wants to be buried with his ancestors because of God's original promise. Interestingly, Joseph dies and remains in Egypt. As you reflect on the death of Jacob and Joseph, what do you think about your own family roots? About your family's faith? About famly traits that are passed from generation to generation? What traits do you want to pass on to your children and what traits need to end?
You've completed a whole book! Congrats. Now on to Moses!
1. Genesis 45 - "Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all those who stood by him..." Finally, after all his tests, tricks, observations, listening to his brothers while they are unaware Joseph stops the charade. "I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?" The brothers can't respond. Please put yourself in this story for a moment. Imagine the shock. Imagine the fear. Imagine the joy. Imagine the party. Imagine the talk in Pharoah's house among the servants. Imagine explaining this to Jacob. Whew....who says the Bible is boring?
2. Look closely at 45:4-8 and 50:15-21 - Joseph sees beyond revenge and bitterness. Even with all of Joseph's success and power, he could have chosen to hold on to the injustice. He forgives. With the forgiveness comes a new family story. Reconciliation. What personal pain have you not released to God? Are you living in bitterness when God's grace waits for you?
3. Chapters 46 - 47. A big move for the family of Jacob. Have you ever moved to a "strange land"? Sometimes we move in our lives for all the right reasons, but we remain a foreigner in the new land. Hospitality to others is important in our community. Is there someone in your daily life who needs some hospitality from you?
4. Chapter 48 - 49 - Jacob's blessings. You might be tempted to skim these chapters, I encourage you to slow down and read them carefully. What do you learn about Jacob's perceptions of his sons through his blessings? The twelve tribes of Israel are established with these pronouncements. What blessings have you received from your father - material or otherwise? What perceptions did your family give you about yourself? Were they right or were they wrong? Do they affect your relationship with God?
5. A further thought on chapter 49...the power of a father's words. My dad was a quiet man. While our relationship was not a bad one, it was not a close one. In my senior year of high school, I received a state award and my dad was very proud. I will never forget him asking if it was ok for him to take the newspaper write up to work and share it. The look in his eyes still moves me (I am now 53!). If you are a parent or grandparent reading this, please remember the power of your words to your child or grandchild. Choose them carefully.
6. Chapter 50 - Jacob dies. Your hometown. Your roots. What is it that draws us back to our beginnings? Obviously for Jacob he wants to be buried with his ancestors because of God's original promise. Interestingly, Joseph dies and remains in Egypt. As you reflect on the death of Jacob and Joseph, what do you think about your own family roots? About your family's faith? About famly traits that are passed from generation to generation? What traits do you want to pass on to your children and what traits need to end?
You've completed a whole book! Congrats. Now on to Moses!
Genesis 45-50, Week 6, Part 1
This week we finish Genesis. As you reflect upon the readings for the last 6 weeks, what stands out to you about Genesis? What did you learn you didn't know before? As a Christian, what did you learn about the God you serve? Any surprises? Any "Aha!" moments? Take a few moments to reflect on these questions. Record your observations in a notebook.
For me, I was reminded of God's provision in spite of myself. As a child I remember these Bible characters as the perfect followers of God. As an adult, I discovered they were human like me and God uses them anyway. I'm not sure where the myth we have to be perfect for God to use us started, but what a myth! Truth is God just wants to us to respond to his extended hand. He will lead. He will provide. He will pick us up when we let go. So simple. So hard.
Take a moment and pray about your walk with God. Where are you? Where do you want to be? Pray with the honesty of Abraham, Issac, Jacob and Joseph.
As always, your comments and thoughts are appreciated.
For me, I was reminded of God's provision in spite of myself. As a child I remember these Bible characters as the perfect followers of God. As an adult, I discovered they were human like me and God uses them anyway. I'm not sure where the myth we have to be perfect for God to use us started, but what a myth! Truth is God just wants to us to respond to his extended hand. He will lead. He will provide. He will pick us up when we let go. So simple. So hard.
Take a moment and pray about your walk with God. Where are you? Where do you want to be? Pray with the honesty of Abraham, Issac, Jacob and Joseph.
As always, your comments and thoughts are appreciated.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Week 5 Psalms
As I have said before, I struggle with Psalms. Last week I found the Psalms quite comforting as we buried my father-in-law. The Psalms certainly cover alot of emotional ground...praise, pain, confusion, anger, remorse, hope, faith....the list goes on. In my own spiritual journey I find all these emotions present. The Psalms keep me grounded. They take me back to God. They lead my focus where it should be...on God.
Here is the other thought about Psalms...they are very personal. Take Psalm 32 in this week's readings. Here is David sharing about a time when he sinned and kept silent. How often do we do this? How often do I do this? Yet, it is only in confession that reconciliation takes place. Think Joseph and his brothers. Think Jesus and the thief on the cross. As you read this Psalm take it apart verse by verse and allow David's journey to speak to yours.
The Psalms speak to our personal experience with God. Of course, we have to allow God in our personal space. It's quite easy to keep God in our mind. It's a whole different journey when we ask God to transform us from within. May you walk personally and completely with the Father. He's waiting.
Here is the other thought about Psalms...they are very personal. Take Psalm 32 in this week's readings. Here is David sharing about a time when he sinned and kept silent. How often do we do this? How often do I do this? Yet, it is only in confession that reconciliation takes place. Think Joseph and his brothers. Think Jesus and the thief on the cross. As you read this Psalm take it apart verse by verse and allow David's journey to speak to yours.
The Psalms speak to our personal experience with God. Of course, we have to allow God in our personal space. It's quite easy to keep God in our mind. It's a whole different journey when we ask God to transform us from within. May you walk personally and completely with the Father. He's waiting.
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